Natural Highs: Chill - 25 Ways to Stay Relaxed and Beat Stress

"This book can help you increase energy, help you feel much better and give effective ideas for relaxation and to reduce stress. And all in a natural way.

I like Patrick Holford's ideas on colour and lighting, for instance. It may seem obvious to some but to others they may not have realised that colour influences your mood.

Yellow is a favourite in classrooms for stimulating learning but blue has been shown to calm down hyperactive children. Patrick Holford does not say it in the book but blue and yellow together are psychologically well-balanced. One could be the main colour and the other the supporting colour. Both colours need to be light and clear. A light cream, for instance, is a good colour for walls in a classroom or any room where too strong a yellow would be overpowering.

Everyone knows that music is generally good to listen to but not all realise that you can use music to consciously alter your state. Different types of music - listed by Holford in groups - can act as natural stimulants, relaxants and mood boosters. According to Holford you can actually increase your productivity and creativity, while simultaneously maintaining your energy and uplifting your sense of overall well-being by correct use of music. I use music myself to effectively change my mood.

Also according to Holford, "Meditation is one of the best natural highs of all". Research shows that meditators have lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. He says that meditation for him has been like dipping into a well of rejuvenating tranquility. As a 7 year meditator myself I totally agree with what he says.

Holford says that meditation balances the brain - true. He also say that to reach a deeper level of expertise in meditation eg reach theta waves - deep relaxation (as opposed to beta waves, normal busy mind, and alpha waves, relaxed mind) that you need to follow the instruction of a meditation master.

In an ideal world yes, but for those unable to follow instructions from a meditation master then simply being aware of their breath and noticing the air going into and out of their noses and lungs whilst sitting quietly alone with eyes closed twice per day for about 20 minutes each time is a good breathing meditation and will have good results. Thoughts will come and go when doing this meditation but always return to being aware of the breath when you realise that your mind has wandered.

I like this book by Patrick Holford. His diagrams are simple and easy-to-follow and the text is suitable for your average layman.

There is everything here from Omega-3 fatty acids to EPA and DHA to 5-HTP and St John's wort.

If you are interested in improving your health and mood naturally then this book could be useful to you."
~ Written on 2004-03-17

"A revelation about the stimulant dependant society that we have become and an easy to relate to guide for how to step out of this catch 22. I feel more aware of all aspects in life that can make me feel healthier and happier and which foods and supplements to take to support me in this process. Inspirational and empowering!"
~ Written on 2002-05-14

"Here's a book that proves that you can take charge of your state and enhance your life experience by simply manipulating diet and boosting with supplements and herbals. I was shocked to realise just how dependant we've become on stimulants to get us through our everyday life. What a liberating and empowering concept taking charge of both my physical and mental health is. I've enjoyed putting some of the ideas into practice and am feeling naturally high!"
~ Written on 2002-05-14

"The chill products are great and the book gives a wonderful insight into how to de-stress and relax if you are working in fast moving environments or need to be inspired to use relaxation techniques which really work read this book!!"
~ Written on 2002-02-15

"Having tried the Awake for jet lag (no coffee)and the Brain food I know that they work. I have read the book and although it is a bit chemistry based it proved interesting and is straightforward."
~ Written on 2002-01-11