Telomeres - helping me extend my health span.
I constantly seek research and findings that effectively and meaningfully link academia and the real world. Recently an example that sparked my imagination was discovering the works of Elizabeth Blackburn a Nobel prize winning, molecular biologist.
Studying psychology and mental ill health, I have become increasingly and uncomfortably familiar with the negative vocabulary that currently prevails in the literature. “The Telomere Effect“ offers a refreshingly positive vocabulary and vibe as it presents a strong scientific representation of the effects of stress on one’s body and health span. The book powerfully articulates the levels of control we can exert on our own and others health by focusing on our Telomeres.
Quick definition required here, Telomeres are the caps at the end of our DNA strands, they offer a protective sheath often likened to that at the end of a shoe lace. It prevents damage to our DNA strands and protects the chromosome.
Chronic stress and negative thoughts can shorten your Telomeres whilst meditation has been shown to strengthen them. As an advocate of the power of empathy, self-awareness and mindfulness her book has given me a novel scientific narrative to translate research into reality.
An excellent preface, or substitute if time is of the essence, to the book is her
TED talk, it offers an invaluable bite size insight to Telomeres and her work.
You have the power to change your well-being, explore the possibilities. I am!
Neena Speding
MSc Psychology & Neuroscience of Mental Health,
MSc Psychological Sciences
MBPsS
Chartered MCIPD,
First class BSc (Hons) HRM, PGCE
@elizabeth blackburn #wellbeing #The Telomere Effect #coaching #mentalhealth
At epoché I am passionate about well-being and psychology beyond just what I do.
So Friday 4th Feb 2023 is World Cancer Day but for many Cancer day is every day
With a pinch of your passion and an inch of your inspiration ...
could you help young people get an insight to your career pathway?
Among the hustle and bustle of trying to get a socially distanced seat at a recent neuroscience seminar, I overheard a remark:
“We should consider designing learning interventions for the brain and not the learning style”
With two millennials, one teenager and an even bigger kid with a passion for all things hi-fi in the house you can probably imagine the cacophony of sounds that sometimes greets me.
I recently received a communication that was signed ‘Mx’ from a colleague who had previously signed communications as ‘Mr’. This prompted me to ask some questions and do some research; for me it is not about labelling and compartmentalising, it is about being informed, inclusive and respectful.
World Mental Health Day.
A collaboration between Neena Speding (epoché.com) &
Dominic Ciambrone (theshoesurgeon.com)
So, here’s two questions:
Would you frequent a commercial cannabis establishment if you were in a place where it was legalised?
Would you partake in any Cannabis consumption with a client/colleague of that region?
The relationship between mindfulness and stress is well documented. Our awareness of stress and the negative impact it has on ours and other lives is becoming more perceptible. Mindfulness, as a stress reducing therapy, is becoming increasingly used in clinical practice and its impetus in and outside the workplace is gaining steady traction.
I recently watched this insightful workplace perspective from CNN on mental ill-health and wanted to share. The perspective is sadly an increasing reality.