We are absolutely spoiled for choice in our backyard when it comes to landscape, views and stunning walks. As the weather really starts to heat up and our long days are ending in BBQ's with friends let's make the most of the daylight and get out and about to explore this backyard of ours.  We have compiled a list of just a few of our favourite places in the North Island to adventure out to that double as exercise along with beauty. Use it as a list to complete before the end of summer or grab a couple of friends one weekend to go somewhere you haven't been yet. We always suggest taking a small cooler bag with some water, juice, fresh fruit and a couple of your favourite snacks.  Okura Track - North Auckland When my colleague Amanda and I were studying we used this track as our mental-health walk. The perfect place to escape the stressful week and escape through the native bush, past a waterfall and out to the East Coast with stunning views. We hardly ever saw more than 1 other person on the track which made it extra special, but I imagine in the weekend you'll have a few...

Read “WEEKEND WALKS FOR THE NORTH ISLAND”

The constant fear of missing out seems to attract us all into forfeiting the scientifically suggested 8 hours, for a restless 4 hour shut-eye and a double-double flat white as we meander into work 10 minutes later than yesterday. What is this doing to our health and wellbeing and how on earth can we fix it? In our bustling lifestyles, where we don’t like to miss the sunrise but struggle to put ourselves to bed at any hour we know is reasonable, and where everything in between is full of high action and intensity, how do we make the most of the sleep we allow ourselves? More importantly though, what are we doing by avoiding the pillow? If your routine has developed into something of a reliance on artificial energy, the constant feeling of being tired and the 3pm sugar binge to make it through your working day, then chances are your goodnight rest is everything but. Lack of sleep wrecks havoc on your cellular system when you don’t allow your body to shut down and rest efficiently. With the rising numbers of immunity related diseases such as cancer and coeliac disease, or just that nagging cold that won’t be...

Read “GET BETTER SLEEP, ACTUALLY!”