Gaia

In this age of mass consumerism, we are "stuffocating"; becoming slaves to our possessions. By freeing ourselves from physical and mental clutter, and better managing our schedules, we can focus on what is truly important and discover more time, space and joy. Grounded in solid science and bursting with invaluable tools, activities and strategies, this little book will empower you to discard what you no longer need, regain control of your surroundings and create a happier and more fulfilling life.

Scientific evidence has proven that kindness changes the brain, impacts the heart and immune system, is an antidote to depression, improves relationships and even slows the ageing process. Yet, more than this, kindness can power real and lasting change in the world. This little guide shows how the practice of kindness can increase our happiness, improve our health, help us to forge stronger connections with others and positively affect the world we live in. In The Little Book of Kindness, kindness expert Dr David R Hamilton reveals the science of kindness and teaches us how, by using easy-to-follow tools, strategies and exercises, we can harness its power to improve all aspects of our lives and the lives of the people around us.

Meditation is an easy way to bring more peace and tranquillity into your life. Packed with practical advice, useful meditations and affirming thoughts, this little book teaches you how to be happier, healthier and more relaxed - without sitting for hours on a meditation cushion. Dr Patrizia Collard, bestselling author of The Little Book of Mindfulness, shows you another way, with these fun and efficient exercises: just 5 to 10 minutes a day is enough to strengthen your immune system, relieve stress and clear your head. Whether you like mindfulness or movement meditations, or simple mantras, everyone will find a meditation to suit them.

Discover the Finnish quality of sisu and how cultivating it can help you lead a life of greater purpose and happiness. This ancient Finnish word describes an attitude of courage, resilience, grit, tenacity and perseverance. This key psychological competence enables extraordinary action in times of adversity. To have sisu confers a further dimension of doing so with honesty, integrity and humility. By cultivating sisu you can: Face life's challenges with courage and determination Enhance your wellbeing and find your focus Communicate confidently and resolve conflicts effectively Cultivate endurance and achieve your fitness goals Raise kind and resilient children Act with integrity and fight for what you believe in Sisu is a universal trait. It may have been bottled and labelled by the Finns, but it is within reach of everyone. It lies within you, and you are very likely to have used it already.

Step aside Hygge. Lagom is the new Scandi lifestyle trend taking the world by storm. This delightfully illustrated book gives you the lowdown on this transformative approach to life and examines how the lagom ethos has helped boost Sweden to the No.10 ranking in 2017's World Happiness Report. Lagom (pronounced 'lah-gom') has no equivalent in the English language but is loosely translated as 'not too little, not too much, just right'. It is widely believed that the word comes from the Viking term 'laget om', for when a mug of mead was passed around a circle and there was just enough for everyone to get a sip. But while the anecdote may hit the nail on the head, the true etymology of the word points to an old form of the word 'lag', which means 'law'. Far from restrictive, lagom is a liberating concept, praising the idea that anything more than 'just enough' is a waste of time. Crucially it also comes with a selflessness and core belief of responsibility and common good. By living lagom you can live a happier and more balanced life, reduce your environmental impact, improve your work-life balance, free your home from clutter, enjoy good food the Swedish way, grow your own and learn to forage, and cherish the relationships with those you love.