Aurora By Dr Lynne Reid

Does More Make Us Happier? Materialism, Minimalism, and the Power of “Enough” This episode examines whether acquiring more actually increases happiness, distinguishing normal consumption from consumerism and defining materialism as prioritizing money, possessions, appearance, and status. It argues minimalism is not aesthetic deprivation or moral judgment but an intention to be deliberate with spac...

At a time when most people set New Year's resolutions but only a few keep them, this episode explains the neurobiology and psychology behind habits—how the striatum, frontal cortex and dopamine create shortcuts that drive behaviour. Learn the habit loop (cue → craving → response → reward) and the four laws for change: make cues obvious, cravings attractive, responses easy and rewards satisfying. P...

This episode explains why joy is not an accident but a learnable skill, blending neuroscience, psychology, and real-life practice. Listen for clear explanations of the brain systems behind happiness, the role of habits, relationships, and purpose, and simple daily steps you can use to increase contentment and resilience.

This episode reviews an umbrella meta-analysis of randomized trials examining popular diets (Mediterranean, DASH, low-carb, low-fat, high-protein, vegetarian/vegan, low-GI, paleo, intermittent fasting and more) and their effects on weight, BMI, lipids, glucose, insulin, HbA1c and blood pressure. Key takeaways: the Mediterranean diet showed the most consistent benefits with no reported harms, DASH...

Join us in welcoming back Dr. Elizabeth Jackson for an illuminating discussion on Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and its distinction from Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). This episode delves into the hormonal dynamics that lead to PMDD and provides valuable insights into how it differs from PMS, highlighting the psychological and physical impacts on women's lives. We explore lifestyle and medi...

This mindful moment meditation is designed to help you reset habits and manage impulses, every day. In this short guided session, we use the power of mindful breathing to create space between impulse and action. Whether you’re tempted to overeat, endlessly scroll, or reach for quick distractions, this practice invites you to pause, reflect, and choose differently. With each breath, you'll strength...

Hello, my name is Dr. Lynn Reid and I want to introduce you to the Aurora Wellness Coaching App. I've created this app really in response to what I was practicing day to day and what I felt patients needed to know, learn and then be able to consolidate. And this is lifestyle medicine. It's about making meaningful change in both small ways and big ways to improve your health, longevity and general...

In this episode, Dr. Lynne Reed explores the surprising benefits of embracing discomfort in our comfort-driven lives. She delves into how our constant chase for pleasure and avoidance of discomfort can lead to mental suffering. By normalizing slight discomfort, such as delaying gratification or digital disconnection, we can build resilience and find a natural state of contentment. Discover practic...

In this enlightening episode of the Aurora podcast, we are joined once again by Dr. Elizabeth Jackson, a renowned expert in women's health. This time, Dr. Jackson tackles the intricate topic of fertility and conception. She offers practical advice for women with both regular and irregular periods, explaining the optimal timing for conception and debunking common myths around fertility. Dr. Jackson...

In this captivating episode, Dr. Liz Jackson, an esteemed obstetrician-gynecologist, joins us to unravel some of the most significant and often misunderstood topics in women's health. From the intricacies of the female menstrual cycle to the challenges of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Dr. Jackson offers a detailed exploration of hormonal interplay and how certain conditions can disrupt the nat...

In this episode, we delve into the pivotal role of discomfort in driving personal growth and transformation. Often, our evolutionary instincts push us towards comfort for survival, but in today’s world, excessive comfort can lead to stagnation. By stepping slightly out of our comfort zones into the growth zone, we engage challenges that enhance our capabilities, build resilience, and foster lastin...

Welcome to today's episode where we delve deep into the profound impact of social influences on our habits and behaviors. Discover how surrounding yourself with supportive individuals can drive positive change and growth. Explore the significance of accountability and the strength of human connections. Learn how to create a thriving social environment that fosters positive reinforcement and mutual...

Use this brief guided meditation daily to build the habit of relaxation and stress reduction into your life. Welcome to a serene moment dedicated to finding calm and clarity in the midst of a busy day. This episode invites you to pause, breathe, and realign through a guided meditation. Whether you're feeling stressed or simply need a brief escape, this session is designed to help you reset and rec...

Join us as we delve into the complexities of metabolism, exploring hormonal regulation, metabolic pathways, and the interplay of insulin and glucagon in maintaining energy balance. Discover how understanding these processes can impact weight management and why conventional dieting methods might not be the answer to achieving long-term wellness. Learn to work with your body's natural mechanisms, em...

Join Dr. Lynne Reid as she sits down with Dr. Alice Chang, a consultant psychiatrist, to dive deep into the often overlooked topic of ADHD diagnosis in women. Explore why ADHD is frequently misdiagnosed, the impact of undiagnosed ADHD on women's lives, and the intersection of ADHD with other mental health issues. Discover the challenges women face in getting the right diagnosis, especially in high...

🎙️ Discover the Power of Exercise on the Aurora Wellness Podcast 🌟 Are you ready to transform your health through movement? In this episode, Dr. Lynne Reid dives deep into the evidence behind exercise and why it’s the ultimate medicine for your body and mind. Here's what you'll learn: ✅ How exercise fits into Dr. Reid's Six Pillars of Wellness – improving social connection, sleep, stress, and ev...

The cult of busy has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, but it’s not too late to challenge these societal norms. By understanding the value of rest, prioritising downtime, cultivating mindfulness, and setting boundaries, we can break free from the constant cycle of overwork. True success and fulfilment come not from being perpetually busy but from aligning our actions with our values, nurturin...

Social connectedness is essential for our mental, physical, and emotional health. It refers to the quality and depth of our relationships with family, friends, colleagues, and the community. Strong social connections enhance happiness, reduce stress, improve health outcomes, and increase longevity. Despite its importance, barriers such as technology overuse, busy lifestyles, and life transitions c...

Stress is a universal human experience, but it is also a key driver of chronic diseases, mental health issues, and diminished quality of life. The stress response, often referred to as "fight or flight," evolved to protect us from immediate threats, but in the modern world, chronic stress has become a pervasive health challenge. Today, we’ll explore the evolutionary roots of the stress response, i...

In this episode, we dive into the critical role sleep plays in our health and wellbeing, emphasizing its status as a pillar of lifestyle medicine. We'll explore the recommended sleep duration as advised by the Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society, highlighting the nuances in sleep quality and the variability among individuals. The discussion takes us through common sleep distur...

In this episode, we explore the optimal exercise approaches for achieving better health. Emphasizing individualized exercise plans, we discuss how diverse activities such as aerobic, anaerobic, strength training, and flexibility exercises can be integrated into everyday life. We delve into the substantial benefits of physical activities, including chronic disease prevention, enhanced bone health,...

The first day of our course delves into the vital role of nutrition in overall health. Today's focus is on integrating evidence-based insights into your diet. Good nutrition is not just the foundation of health; it influences energy, mood, and longevity, and even impacts the environment positively. We begin our journey by emphasizing the importance of fiber in maintaining a healthy gut biome, redu...

Join Dr. Lynne Reid in this enlightening episode as she delves into the intricate world of habit formation, just in time for the festive season and the new year. With her passion for promoting healthier lifestyles, Dr. Reid introduces her project, Aurora, which emphasizes the power of new beginnings and the potential for lasting change. Explore the fascinating neurobiology and behavioral psycholog...

In this episode, we delve into the world of progesterone, exploring its crucial role in balancing the body's hormonal ecosystem. Often overshadowed by its more glamorous counterpart, estrogen, progesterone is the steady force that keeps our systems in harmony. Progesterone is mainly produced by the ovaries, with the adrenal glands and placenta also pitching in during pregnancy. Acting like the sta...

Oestrogen is a powerhouse hormone, often dubbed the "queen bee" of the hormone family, especially when it comes to women’s health. While most people know it as the hormone behind puberty and periods, oestrogen actually has a hand in almost everything – from energy levels and libido to how we age and whether we feel fabulous or fatigued.