It’s something you do (or at least, try to do) every day, and yet is something most of us don’t think too much about. On average, you will spend about one third of your life tucked up in bed sleeping, or at least trying to sleep.

While looking at a screen is often far from the best thing for improving mental wellbeing, screens are an unavoidable part of life. As they say, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. In no particular order, these are 5 free Apps that can help you on the road to mental wellbeing.

Your body’s ability to function well declines if you don’t have enough good-quality sleep. Just because you can “get by” with less sleep, doesn’t mean you wouldn’t feel better and operate optimally with extra hours! Sleep is an essential component for good health and optimal energy.

Multiple Birth Awareness Week is a national campaign designed to raise awareness of “the unique realities of multiple birth families”. As many of us can only imagine, raising twins, triplets or more, comes with very particular challenges that require unique solutions. The aim of this campaign, running from 15th to 22nd March 2020, is to help facilitate positive health outcomes for multiple birth families. Being armed with resources and knowledge can make this undertaking much easier. Here at Bio Concepts’ head office we’re lucky enough to have some first-hand experience in this field. Katey in Technical Support has a set of twinning three-year-old tots, while Bianca in Marketing is one half of a dynamic duo. In light of Multiple Birth Awareness Week, we explore what it’s like to raise twins and what it’s like to be one.

The emotional impact of dealing with a traumatic experience can last long after the event itself. Thoughts, feelings and behaviours that arise as a result of the trauma can be distressing. Some people may struggle to cope with persistent and disruptive stress and overwhelm. It's important to be aware of signs that may indicate that someone needs additional support. These positive actions may help manage trauma.

The vast majority of us will try to avoid pain at all costs. Whether it’s physical or emotional, pain is a very unpleasant, uncomfortable feeling that can be scary, stressful, depressing or even debilitating. When we inevitably experience it, we want it to stop – immediately! But when we continually attempt to avoid this innate part of the human experience, we’re actually perpetuating more pain for ourselves. This is what my experience with Vipassana meditation explored.

A favourite recipe for summer time!

This a great healthy option to keep you cool this summer!

This dairy-free variation of chocolate ice cream is sure to curb those cravings, while providing essential nutrients such as potassium and magnesium. This recipe does require a food processor.

It might surprise you how easy it is to make chocolate at home - without vegetable fats or refined sugars. The following quantities can be adjusted to taste, they’re just a guide to use as a starting point. Cacao powder can be quite bitter for new users, so it’s best to start with a smaller amount, and keep adding small amounts to find your desired taste.

This make-ahead dessert is low in sugar and packed full of antioxidants. Make a couple to keep in the fridge for when the craving strikes!

This chocolate popcorn can be made ahead of time and will keep for several days if stored in an airtight container. This recipe will make 5-7 servings.