THE GOOD LIFE
couch with a good book. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? As mentioned above, my dear mum gave me the Serenity Prayer when I was a child and this was the best advice/ guidance I’ve ever received. You are holding a series of ‘Overcoming Overwhelm’ events coinciding with the release of the book – what are you hoping to achieve with these? There’s no doubt that stress detracts from our health and our quality of life. I want people to know that they don’t have to push themselves to breaking point, that it is possible to have a full and busy life that is not jam-packed with stress or sending them towards burnout or more
trying to communicate. Your body is your best barometer for your levels of stress and overwhelm – pay attention to what it’s telling you and learn to decipher its messages. Twelve books – you’ll need your own shelf at the library soon? Hahaha, perhaps! It’s always such a thrill for me to see my books on library and bookshop shelves. And for some reason I get extra excited when I see them at airports. Anything on the cards for when you’re in Christchurch? Christchurch is such a beautiful city and very dear to me. I love a big walk through Hagley Park as often as I can, as I love seeing the seasons change in the trees and gardens. One day soon I’ll… Have
‘Your body is your best barometer for your levels of stress and overwhelm – pay attention to what it’s telling you’ serious health complaints. It must be a special moment when you see or hear of people being helped through your work? It touches my heart very deeply. What’s one thing people can do to help lower their stress levels? Listen to your body’s messages. It’s likely that when you suffer with symptoms such as exhaustion, weight gain, digestive complaints like bloating, uncomfortable periods or menopausal transitions, frequent headaches, or even sugar cravings and restless sleep, this is your body’s overwhelm or stress in action (as long as diseases have been ruled out). Yet many people get frustrated with these symptoms instead of bringing their attention to what they might be
chickens in my backyard. If you could invite any three people living or dead to a dinner party, who would they be? Three of my favourite humans (friends!) – I travel so much for work so I really cherish the time I get to spend with my dearest friends. What’s your favourite way to spend a Sunday afternoon? My ultimate Sunday afternoon has no plans. I do whatever spins my tyres at the time. It might involve a game of tennis, pottering in my vege garden, a long, slow cooking session creating something for Sunday dinner, a chat with my mum, or curling up on the couch with my book or journal. Who’s your personal hero? The many people I’ve met who have faced
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immense adversity and transformed it into learnings and care that they then share with others. What’s your favourite guilty pleasure? I love to have my hair blow-dried. I can’t leave the house without … Music for the drive and a book for when I get there. What has been the most surprising moment in your career to date? Being invited to speak on Necker Island for Sir Richard Branson. What advice would you give to your younger self? To always remember that life happens for you, not to you. Dr Libby is a nutritional biochemist, best-selling author, speaker and founder of the plant-based supplement range Bio Blends. She has just released her new book, The Invisible Load: a guide to overcoming stress and overwhelm, and is speaking on the subject throughout New Zealand. Details at drlibby.com.
WIN! Cityscape has two copies of
Dr Libby’s new book, The Invisible Load: a guide to overcoming stress and overwhelm, to give away. To go in the lucky draw, send an email with ‘The Invisible Load’ in the subject line to info@somocreative.co.nz and tell us your favourite way of dealing with stress. Entries close October 31.