Helen Hawkes

In a world where everything is constantly changing, it’s good to find something that lasts forever. You’ll never see an AGA cooker in landfill because the people who buy them never need to say goodbye. Their renowned longevity and performance…

A generation ago, retirement meant more time to work on your golf game. Today, many retirees want the extra income, social contact and mental stimulation that comes from continuing to be part of the workforce. And why not, because we’re living…

Retirement should be a time to really enjoy life. Jumping into your car or mobile home for a road trip, working on a hobby, or spending more time with your children or grandchildren, can all be things to look forward to when you’re freed of the…

Back to Insights Stress can be a killer, literally. It’s linked to increased risk of heart disease and cancer and, in our everyday lives, anxiety and depression. But did you know that it can also affect your sex drive? “The libido shuts down when we…

Making a decision to downsize your home should mean you have extra cash in your pocket. That means it's always a good idea to try, where possible, to avoid stamp duty, a tax imposed by State government on the purchase or transfer of property.…

Once the Australia's typical retirement scenario was quite simple - people paid off their home mortgage and then around age 60 decided to give up their full-time job and retire from the workforce. While this scenario of course still exists, now a…

You’ve always dreamed of a comfortable retirement. But, as that time gets closer, you’re not sure you’ll have the money to do the things you want. In reality, you may be sitting on a nest egg that could be used to fund a better life. The government’s…

A space to relax or indulge in activities you enjoy, can help you get away from it all and can create a sense of wellbeing. For our health and wellbeing, we need spaces in which we can relax and recharge. Creating a specific spot in your home solely…

If you’ve been feeling blue or stuck in a rut, it is possible to feel happier. These three, easy steps can show you how. In stressful times, many of us can face a variety of different struggles and challenges that are hard not to focus on. We’re not…

While it might be better known for its temples, fortresses and spectacular cliffs and peaks, Bhutan also boasts some unexpected treats for travellers – like craft beer! It's no wonder then that it's considered the happiest place on earth, with the…

Career Helen Hawkes writes on business, career and wellness issues for leading global magazines and digital sites. She is also a UNIFAM-qualified counsellor, life and health coach. We all need confidantes who cheer us on, or provide a listening ear…

Creating a backyard sanctuary not only extends your living space, it improves the quality of your everyday life. Imagine enjoying your first espresso in the morning sun, plunging into a comfortable outdoor chair for an after-work catch-up, or firing…

(Helen Hawkes | Presented by Swissôtel Bangkok) Staying fit and healthy when you travel is tricky for anyone who likes to clock up frequent flyer points. Overwhelmed by new sights and routines, it's easy to bench exercise, eating well, or even…

Career Helen Hawkes writes on business, career and wellness issues for leading global magazines and digital sites. She is also a UNIFAM-qualified counsellor, life and health coach. To build your leadership capability, it’s important to build a…

Perhaps because of our passion for home-renovation shows, last year we spent a record $9.826 billion on renovations, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.1 The problem is, while there’s been a long-held assumption that residential…

In the new, gig economy, it can be tempting to go into business with a friend to take advantage of changing work opportunities. However, although a growing number of jobs now fall outside the structure of formal employment, the risk of a business…

Career Helen writes on business, career and wellness issues for leading global magazines and digital sites. She is also a UNIFAM-qualified counsellor. Being made redundant from your job can come as a shock. But there are ways to bounce back from the…