Do you know the names and order of the planets in our solar system? Do you follow NASA’s every move? Are you excited when space science succeeds, as when asteroid dust was brought to Earth recently? This is World Space Week, so I’m thinking how experiencing outer space could help lift mood and boost wellbeingContinue reading “Under The Stars”
Author Archives: medleyisobel
Sound Of Silence
Do you know the Paul Simon song The Sound Of Silence? That might feel like a contradictory title for a song! Music for wellbeing is now recognised to be very positive. Do you agree? And how do you feel silence compares when it comes to boosting mood, or calming you? Of course most of ourContinue reading “Sound Of Silence”
Learning From Experience
This week marks a milestone for me: 3 years since I set up Medley, my online arts for wellbeing initiative. That time feels like it has flown. I am so happy to have stumbled upon working in arts for wellbeing, and so enjoy all that I do with it. As someone new to the sectorContinue reading “Learning From Experience”
Complexities
In his BBC Radio 4 series, “Is Psychiatry Working?”, Horatio Clare explores very important questions on diagnosis and treatment. He talks with doctors and researchers, compares psychiatry with psychology, and hears from people with lived experience. He himself has lived experience of treatment for mental health issues, and he draws on this to inform andContinue reading “Complexities”
Craft A Way
Creativity comes in so many different forms, and some stand out for us in how they lift mood and wellbeing. Art, drawing and painting, have to come first for me, but I have come to enjoy craft as well. I’m newer to craft, so I enjoy the variety and the stimulus, experimenting to see whatContinue reading “Craft A Way”
Well Climate
With the news that July was globally the hottest on record, the changing climate is once more headline news – for a time. Suddenly expressions like climate emergency feel tangible, particularly with news of fires and floods. These headlines may or may not spur political action, but one impact is clear. Like other news events,Continue reading “Well Climate”
Goal
As the women’s football World Cup starts today, this summer of sport is well underway. And linking sport with wellbeing, the other day I discovered the On Course Foundation, which gathers together former military personnel to play golf. Some may have physical injury or disability, some have mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.Continue reading “Goal”
Health Check
With the NHS turning 75 – a milestone that has set the UK talking once again about the merits of this national institution – it’s as good a time as any to think about how the arts and healthcare overlap, and how they might overlap yet more. The NHS is struggling – still fighting backContinue reading “Health Check”
Moments That Matter
How many photographs do you take in a day, or a month, or a year? Today is National Camera Day. Now that so many people have phone cameras in their pockets or bags 24/7, photography has obviously soared – and this has an impact on how we experience the world around us. It might makeContinue reading “Moments That Matter”
Upbeat Downbeat
This week sees the longest day and midsummer, but also Make Music Day. This is a chance to do just that – to play around with sound and to make music, on your own or with others – but also to think more about music and its role in our lives, whether or not weContinue reading “Upbeat Downbeat”
Medley 