Tag

Wellbeing

All articles tagged with #wellbeing

Small Barriers, Big Impact: Why Quiet Nights In May Undermine Wellbeing
health16 days ago

Small Barriers, Big Impact: Why Quiet Nights In May Undermine Wellbeing

New research indicates many people want more in-person time with friends, but busy schedules and rising costs keep them from socializing, with 31% saying they’re too busy or tired and 38% saying they can’t afford it. Experts urge planning ahead, trying low-cost, community activities, and being open about finances to reduce pressure; changing social habits can feel hard at first, but once new routines form, socializing can become energizing and support both wellbeing and career through stronger networks.

Unexplainable Moments Are More Common—and Often Beneficial—Than We Thought
science18 days ago

Unexplainable Moments Are More Common—and Often Beneficial—Than We Thought

A Brazilian survey of over 5,000 adults finds that nonordinary experiences (hearing voices, sensing a presence, awe) are surprisingly common and often linked to positive long-term effects; about 20% report immediate distress, 25% some suffering, but roughly 51% say the experience improved them in the long run. The study used the Inventory of Nonordinary Experiences to separate raw experiences from spiritual/clinical labels, highlighting that culture shapes interpretation. Most participants were awake, sober, and not under substances. Limitations include single-event reporting and Brazil-only sampling; the findings are published in PLOS One.

Choosing when to leave work shapes long-term happiness, study finds
science23 days ago

Choosing when to leave work shapes long-term happiness, study finds

A 2020 Hungarian study found that retirees who left work voluntarily reported higher life satisfaction than those who were forced out, and the gap persisted for eight to eleven years. Related research suggests that building a new role identity and maintaining multiple active social groups aid long-term adjustment, whereas over-reliance on the old workplace identity can hinder wellbeing. The voluntariness effect may vary by country and context, so it’s not a universal rule, but the findings highlight the lasting impact of control over retirement and social structure on happiness.

Six practical swaps to cut microplastics from your meals
wellbeing26 days ago

Six practical swaps to cut microplastics from your meals

A Washington Post Well+Being piece explains how microplastics and related chemicals can enter everyday foods via plastic packaging and canned goods, and offers six practical swaps—such as avoiding plastic containers and cans, using glass or metal alternatives, and prioritizing fresh, minimally processed foods—to lower exposure and protect health.

5 Simple Ways to Start the Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health and Longevity
wellbeing1 month ago

5 Simple Ways to Start the Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health and Longevity

The Washington Post Well+Being piece highlights decades of research showing the Mediterranean diet—rich in plant-based foods and lean proteins—improves cardiovascular health and may lower cancer and Type 2 diabetes risk, with a large Spanish trial reporting about a 30% reduction in heart attacks and strokes. It also provides five easy ways to adapt the diet to different cuisines and lifestyles.

Science Says Standard Time Is Healthier Than Daylight Saving Time, Year‑Round
wellbeing1 month ago

Science Says Standard Time Is Healthier Than Daylight Saving Time, Year‑Round

A Washington Post Well+Being piece explains that while lawmakers seek to make daylight saving time permanent, science shows standard time better supports our circadian rhythms and overall health. Keeping daylight saving year‑round could cause chronic circadian misalignment linked to sleep loss and higher risks of obesity, Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mood disorders, and some cancers; the Sunshine Protection Act has passed the House and would require Senate approval and a presidential signature to take effect.

UK to impose overnight curfew and auto-off for 16–17-year-olds on social media
technology1 month ago

UK to impose overnight curfew and auto-off for 16–17-year-olds on social media

Britain plans a default overnight curfew for 16–17-year-olds and automatic disabling of addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay, with an opt-out, slated to take effect by Spring 2027. The move follows a trial of 300+ teens and parents that found improvements in sleep, mood, and daytime energy, though some social trade-offs were noted as limited online interaction with peers was affected.

Walk to a stronger heart: pace, hills and short bursts boost cardio benefits
health-and-families1 month ago

Walk to a stronger heart: pace, hills and short bursts boost cardio benefits

Experts say walking counts as cardio when you raise your heart rate into aerobic zones: aim for a brisk pace or hills to reach about 70–90% of your max heart rate (roughly 220 minus age) with a cadence around 100 steps per minute for moderate intensity. For extra benefit, add short bursts of higher intensity (1–4 minutes at ~80% max HR). Even short walks can lower blood pressure and blood glucose and reduce all-cause mortality, while longer easy walks are fine for stress relief. The walk’s quality matters as much as its length.