All articles tagged with #mental wellbeing
A three-year study of nearly 4,000 adults aged 19–94 shows brain health can improve at any age through brief, daily, targeted practices and coaching, with the BrainHealth Index measuring cognitive health, connectedness, and emotional balance; those with lower starting scores improved the most, and consistent micro-training boosted brain health scores, challenging the idea that cognitive decline is inevitable.
A study from Japan suggests that video games can improve mental wellbeing in both children and adults by providing stress relief, mood enhancement, and a sense of accomplishment. The research tracked over 8,000 participants and found that gaming, particularly for up to three hours, positively impacts mental health without negative effects. However, concerns remain about gaming addiction and the potential for games with 'loot boxes' to encourage gambling-like behavior. Experts suggest considering gaming as part of a balanced lifestyle rather than imposing strict time limits.
Increasing numbers of Gen Z and Millennials are abandoning smartphones in favor of "dumb phones" to reclaim their time and improve mental wellbeing, driven by a desire to break free from social media addiction and constant connectivity.
This week's good news includes a significant drop in cancer death rates in the UK, a man surviving brain cancer after participating in an immunotherapy trial, improved air quality in Europe, the positive impact of "mini-Holland" traffic schemes, successful coral reef restoration, progress in rewilding efforts in Scotland, the return of bald eagles to Toronto, and the revelation of the world's "happiest" countries.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have identified eight "happiness hacks" backed by science, including acts of kindness, social connections, savoring experiences, expressing gratitude, sufficient sleep, physical activity, mindfulness, and meditation. Students who participated in a 10-week "Science of Happiness" course reported improved mental wellbeing, but sustained benefits were seen only in those who continued practicing the hacks. The study emphasizes the importance of ongoing effort in maintaining mental health, highlighting the positive impact of diverting attention away from oneself through activities like helping others, gratitude, and socializing.
Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist Dr. Uma Naidoo emphasizes the impact of diet on mental wellbeing, highlighting the connection between food, gut microbiome, and brain health. She recommends four simple dietary changes for better brain health: increasing fiber intake from plant-based foods, consuming foods rich in polyphenols like colorful vegetables and berries, incorporating probiotic-rich fermented foods, and using herbs and spices with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These changes can help reduce inflammation in the gut and alleviate adverse mental health symptoms like anxiety.
Neuroscience consultant Emily McDonald shares three things she avoids to protect her brain health: watching negative TV shows or movies, listening to music with emotions she doesn't want to align with, and being judgmental of herself or others. These habits can impact cortisol levels, neuroplasticity, and mindset, potentially affecting sleep, emotional responses, and mental health. Maintaining positive media consumption, mindful music choices, and fostering self-compassion and positive connections are emphasized for brain health and overall well-being.
Yoga can be a sufficient substitute for weight training depending on the individual's goals and preferences. While yoga can provide mental health benefits and improve strength, weight training is more efficient for gaining muscle mass and strength due to the ability to adjust the load over time. However, yoga can aid in muscle recovery, flexibility, and injury prevention, making it a valuable addition to a balanced fitness program. Ultimately, the key is to do what you love and find consistency in your exercise routine for overall happiness and wellbeing.
Apple's iOS 17 update introduces new features to the Health app, including mood tracking, mental health questionnaires, tools for improving eye health, medication reminders, and the availability of the Health app on iPad. Users can log their mood throughout the day, view mood patterns over time, and identify factors influencing their emotions. The app also includes questionnaires for anxiety and depression screening, tools for maintaining eye health, and reminders for medication tracking. Additionally, the Health app is now accessible on iPad, displaying health data collected from the iPhone and other devices.
A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that bird-feeding has dramatically increased worldwide during the COVID-19 lockdowns, but it may harm the birds we love. While feeding wild birds provides benefits for human well-being and mental health, it can lead to the spread of diseases, poor nutrition, advantaging already abundant species, changing community structure, and altering migration patterns. The study also found a clear association between the level of interest in bird feeding and species diversity, suggesting that countries with more bird species have greater levels of interest in feeding them. To minimize risks, it is recommended to keep feeders clean, avoid excessive food, and provide species-appropriate food from reliable sources.
A scientific review of 57 studies on popular happiness-boosting techniques, including mindfulness and meditation, found that while gratitude and socializing showed some benefits, there was no strong evidence to support the effectiveness of mindfulness in improving happiness. The review suggested that the perceived benefits of mindfulness courses may be attributed to participants feeling less lonely rather than any intrinsic mood-boosting effects. The authors emphasized the need for further testing and support for these practices, cautioning against overselling their benefits without sufficient scientific evidence.
Actor Zac Efron, known for his shredded physique in the movie Baywatch, has opened up about the physical and emotional toll it took on him. Despite not wanting to achieve that level of leanness again, Efron has undergone another dramatic physical transformation for his upcoming film The Iron Claw, where he plays a professional wrestler. Currently on vacation in St. Tropez, Efron has been spotted showing off his ripped six-pack and muscular physique while enjoying water sports. Efron has emphasized the importance of staying in shape for his mental wellbeing, as he feels bogged down and slow when he lets himself go.