by Lesley Lyle | March, 2025 | Laughter
In a world that sometimes feels overwhelmed by serious news and challenges, moments of genuine joy and laughter have become more precious than ever. That’s why World Laughter Day on Sunday, May 4th, 2025 takes on special significance this year. This global celebration reminds us that even in difficult times—perhaps especially in difficult times—laughter remains essential for our wellbeing. When daily life gets busier and more stressful, genuine opportunities to laugh become rarer. We find ourselves too occupied and distracted to experience the deep, hearty, sustained laughter that truly benefits our wellbeing. Even when we do laugh, it’s often brief and fleeting rather than the hearty, sustained laughter that offers profound health benefits. Fortunately, there are proven techniques to bring more laughter into our lives, regardless of circumstances or mood. Let’s explore what you can expect from this special workshop. What to Expect at This Workshop This workshop combines several approaches to bring more laughter into your life. While it includes elements of “Laughter Yoga,” it’s important to understand what this actually means. Despite its name, Laughter Yoga doesn’t involve any traditional yoga poses or mats. Rather, it refers to the powerful breathing pattern that occurs during laughter—where you exhale more than you inhale, similar to Pranayama breathing in traditional yoga. This extended exhalation created during hearty laughter provides many of the same respiratory benefits as yogic breathing exercises. The workshop goes well beyond just laughter yoga exercises. You’ll also experience a variety of games, interactive activities, and playful strategies specifically designed to evoke natural, spontaneous laughter. These additional approaches help even the most reserved participants access genuine, heartfelt...
by Lesley Lyle | October, 2024 | Positive Psychology
It is with great sadness to report that Dr. Paul Wong has passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations. Known for his wisdom and compassion, Paul dedicated his life to exploring the human spirit, advocating for the importance of meaning in our lives, and helping people find resilience even in life’s toughest moments. Beyond his impressive career, Paul was, first and foremost, a devoted family man. Paul became a beacon for those searching for purpose, bringing together research and personal insight. From his meaningful work on Meaning-Centered Therapy to his generous mentorship of students and colleagues, Paul helped countless people see their potential, find hope in hardship, and understand that true well-being is so much more than just feeling good. Those who knew him were touched by his warmth and humour. Even during his battles with his own health, he remained a tireless source of support and positivity for others, embodying the very resilience he taught. Paul had a unique gift for making everyone feel seen and heard, always ready with a word of encouragement or a fresh perspective on life’s mysteries. Paul’s influence will live on in the countless lives he touched. His teachings, his kindness, and his unwavering belief in the power of meaning will forever remain in our hearts. He lived a life filled with meaning, purpose and joy and encouraged us all to do the same. ‘We Are The Positive Psychology People’ ...
by Lesley Lyle | May, 2024 | Health, The Challenge Hub
As we age, it makes sense to prioritise our health and longevity. While many factors contribute to living a longer, healthier life, one of the most impactful is regular exercise. Research has revealed that regular physical activity in older adults can have as powerful an effect on life expectancy as giving up smoking. This encouraging finding highlights the importance of staying active as we age. The Benefits of Exercise in Old Age A study conducted with 5,700 elderly men in Norway revealed compelling results: those who exercised just three hours per week lived around five years longer than their sedentary counterparts. This demonstrates the significant impact that regular physical activity can have on longevity, even in the later stages of life. Moreover, the study found that even small amounts of exercise, such as six 30-minute sessions per week, were associated with a 40% lower risk of mortality over an 11-year period. Encouraging Fitness in Older Adults In light of these findings, there is a growing call for campaigns to encourage fitness among older individuals, especially for those over 65 but it’s never too early to start! The benefits of exercise are clear, it’s as beneficial as quitting smoking in terms of reducing mortality rates. Not only will you live longer but you may enjoy these extra years by staying active as you age. The All-in-One Challenge If you’re looking for a fun and effective way to kickstart your fitness journey, consider joining The Challenge Hub’s All in One Challenge. This innovative platform offers a variety of challenges designed to inspire and motivate the over over-55s to lead a healthier...
by Lesley Lyle | May, 2024 | volunteering
Today, we went on a dog walk, but it wasn’t just any stroll through the park! As supporters and volunteers of The Cinnamon Trust, we participated in the “Big Walk,” a nationwide event aimed at raising awareness and funds for this heartfelt cause. That’s me in the photo, in the middle, with my little red dog and another I walk as a volunteer for The Cinnamon Trust. The Cinnamon Trust is a national charity that plays a crucial role by helping elderly and terminally ill pet owners who cannot fully look after for their pets for whatever reason. The charity ensures their beloved pets get the care they need, which includes taking dogs out for daily walks. This is a lifeline for many pet owners who might otherwise face having their precious companions homed elsewhere. But the benefits of volunteering with The Cinnamon Trust extend far beyond the assistance provided to others. Engaging in this volunteer work offers a multitude of rewards that science shows are beneficial for physical, psychological, social and general wellbeing. Here is a brief overview of just some of them. Benefits of Volunteering: Volunteering offers much more than just a chance to help. There is evidence that It greatly improves your and wellbeing, making you happier, more confident, and healthier. Plus, volunteering regularly has even been shown to help you live longer! These benefits show just how rewarding volunteering can be, not only does it help others, but it also enriches your life. Benefits of Walking: Recent research strongly supports the benefits of regular walking for enhancing health, particularly for reducing the risk of heart...
by Lesley Lyle | April, 2024 | Ageing/Aging
Have you ever been to a school reunion and met up with your former classmates who are the same age as you, give or take a few months? If so, you probably noticed the variety in how those people had aged – how they looked physically, how they dressed, how they moved and how they thought. But the real curiosity lies not in the mirror but within: How old do we really feel? When I was a child and my grandmother was several years younger than I am now, she definitely considered herself to be ‘an old lady’. So, is ‘old’ really just a number, or is it a mindset? A recent study from Germany unveils a trend where ‘old age’ is being nudged further away by each generation (Wettstein et al., 2024). It found that those born in 1911, consider 71 to be the starting line for old age whereas the baby boomers of 1956 suggest old age starts at 74. It’s clear that longevity and vitality are reshaping our perspective on ageing, but personal circumstances play a role too. Health, loneliness, and how old we ‘feel’ can prematurely age us. The old saying, “You’re as old as you feel,” couldn’t be more relevant. This is where role models come into play, particularly those who exude positive ageing – they could very well be the secret to our own fountain of youth. As we navigate longer, healthier lives, it’s time to question our benchmarks for old age and welcome its fluidity. Why not redefine these extra years as a time to thrive, to be robust, and to relish...
