When Ella-Jane, 28, sought help for her anxiety, she stumbled across Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), a relatively new form of therapy that stems from the established form of CBT.
‘Initially, I was sceptical that any form of psychotherapy could help me, let alone one that has such a gentle approach, but I’ve been amazed by the difference it’s made to my life: I’m far calmer and much less anxious, and I’m also much happier.’ This doesn’t surprise Dr Chris Irons (balancedminds.com) who says: ‘Compassion Focused Therapy is guided by growing international research on the science of compassion, which has found that cultivating compassion is associated with changes in brain functioning; improvements in the immune system; reduction of negative emotions and increase in positive emotions; and motivation to engage in things that people find difficult.’
The science of compassion
Denne historien er fra November 2015-utgaven av Women's Fitness.
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Denne historien er fra November 2015-utgaven av Women's Fitness.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'Balance in Body & Mind is Important to the Life I Lead Now' - Paralympic champion swimmer Ellie Simmonds OBE talks about finding balance after retirement, learning to say no' and why she firmly believes that sport is for all
If you thought Ellie Simmonds would be swapping life in the fast lane for a slower pace when she announced her retirement from competitive swimming three years ago, you’d be mistaken. Because, according to the 29-year-old multiple world record breaker – who captured the hearts of the British public back in 2008 after winning her first Paralympic gold at the tender age of 13 – she’s not ready to slow down yet. In fact, she’s just getting started.
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'I used to watch as a fan- now I represent England!"
Aged just 17, cricketer Sophie Ecclestone made her international debut for England Women. By 2020, she became the number one ranked bowler in the world a title she stills holds today. Here, she tells WF about her journey so far and her hopes to inspire the next generation of cricket stars.
IF YOU GO DOWN TO THE WOODS...
Find sanctuary in nature with the Women’s Fitness guide to forest bathing
I'm grateful for the freedom I now feel'
Eve Boggenpoel talks to Alice Liveing about her past abuse, the pressures of being a social media icon and how she turned her life around to find inner peace
FIT TECH
If you exercise without tracking it, did you exercise at all? Don’t take the risk of missing a session: strap the best running watch to your wrist with these top picks
GOLDEN GIRLS
What’s it like to win an Olympic gold medal? And what does it take to stand at the top of the podium? We asked the women who know, and find out their ones to watch’ for Paris 2024
Olympic INSIDER
Olympian-turned-broadcaster Jeanette Kwakye reports on her love of sport, who she’s excited to watch at the Paris Games and why she loves dressage...
5 ways to...LOWER STRESS LEVELS
Got a maxed-out to do’ list? Stay calm and collected with these food and lifestyle tips from nutritionist Rob Hobson
CLOCK UP YOUR SUMMER STEPS!
Creator and founder of The WalkActive App, Joanna Hall is passionate about helping you get more from your walks. Here, she shares her top tips to reap the rewards from your rambles and walk yourself fitter, healthier and happier this summer
