All articles tagged with #well being
The Washington Post Mind/Well‑Being column argues that smartphones aren’t inherently good or bad; their impact depends on how you use them. Citing cyberpsychology insights, it presents seven science-backed activities you can do on your phone that are more uplifting than mindless scrolling, encouraging a mindful, purposeful approach to tech use that can boost mood, learning, and overall well‑being.
Don’t rely on catching up on sleep to erase sleep debt; maintain a consistent schedule and consider a short 20-minute nap if you’re short on sleep. Aim for about 6.4–7.8 hours of sleep per night—the “sweet spot” for better brain, heart and immune function. If sleep remains difficult, talk with a doctor about supplements like melatonin or magnesium, noting magnesium has less evidence but may help with muscle relaxation.
Perimenopause and menopause can bring cognitive and emotional symptoms—such as memory lapses, word-finding difficulties, anxiety, and sudden, intense anger—that many doctors don’t routinely discuss, often disrupting daily life and highlighting the need for greater clinician awareness and patient-provider conversation.
Both cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are protein-rich staples, but dietitians note key distinctions: Greek yogurt typically has more protein and a thicker texture, while cottage cheese can be lower in sugar and calories depending on fat content; choosing plain varieties and aligning with goals like satiety and bone/metabolism support is advised.
The piece argues that thriving with age comes from actively renegotiating life's terms rather than passive acceptance. It contrasts disengagement theory with Baltes’ select–optimize–compensate approach, showing how flexible goal adjustment and tenacious pursuit can coexist to sustain purpose and happiness; examples include an elderly badminton player who improves by changing format, and research linking ongoing 'mattering' and optimism to longer, more satisfying lives.
Experts say that a 10-minute drawing activates the brain’s reward system and calms the nervous system, making quick sketching a practical, accessible form of stress relief that’s trending in art therapy and on social media.
A seven-day residential silent retreat sharply reduced connectivity in the brain's default mode network—the self-talk hub—and boosted mystical experiences to levels usually associated with psilocybin, all without any drugs. The finding comes from an observational study and cannot prove causation or medical treatment claims, but suggests that simply removing external inputs and extending quiet can rewire self-talk networks.
Yale psychology professor Dr. Laurie Santos argues happiness is a trainable skill, not a natural outcome, and outlines five habits to rewire the brain: strengthen social connections, be more other-oriented, cultivate gratitude, savor everyday moments, and get consistent exercise. These practices counter intuitive mind traps and diminishing returns on pleasure, offering a practical path to lasting well-being.
Trying to compensate for a week of sleep loss by oversleeping on weekends won’t fully reverse the health effects of sleep deprivation. Experts advise focusing on a stable, consistent weekly sleep schedule, keeping naps short and early if needed, and pairing it with routines like morning light exposure and regular bedtimes to recharge more effectively.
Research summarized by The Washington Post suggests that even low levels of alcohol can harm the brain, but quitting or cutting back can allow the brain to recover to some extent, with potential cognitive improvements and a lower dementia risk over time.
Boost vacation happiness by stacking anticipation, choosing closer getaways, pairing awe with light exercise, and avoiding long transit, oversized luggage, and constant phone use—often making a stay-at-home or nearby trip feel more satisfying and less stressful.
A study of 28 healthy adults found that a single 25 mg dose of psilocybin increased brain entropy within an hour and, one month later, showed denser neural connections on diffusion tensor imaging. Participants who experienced greater insight after dosing reported improved well-being a month later, suggesting the psychedelic experience may help rewire entrenched thought patterns and inform future mental-health therapies.
A Washington Post Well‑Being piece reports that research indicates high‑impact activities—such as running, tennis, hiking, skiing, and ballet—do not damage joints for people with hip or knee arthritis and may even lower hip‑replacement risk, with guidance to progress gradually and listen to your body.
A Minnesota couple who first met while both were being treated for traumatic brain injuries have reconnected years later, got engaged in the hospital where they met, and are now preparing to marry, bonded by their shared experiences and mutual understanding.
An increasing number of mothers over 40 report overlapping postpartum and perimenopausal symptoms—mood swings, brain fog and sleep disruption—as hormonal changes from childbirth intersect with aging, illustrated by a 44-year-old mom’s experience after a 2024 birth.