All articles tagged with #wellbeing
A new Gallup report reveals a widening generational divide in American wellbeing, with adults aged 18 to 29 reporting the lowest 'thriving' rates since 2010, while those 65 and older reach record highs.
A BBC health feature highlights 'micropractices'—30-second mood boosters like laughter yoga, mindful stretching, slow breathing, self-soothing touch and mindful living—that can lift mood, reduce stress and boost energy. Evidence suggests non-humorous laughter can cut depression and anxiety, mindful stretching every 15 minutes can raise productivity by about 15%, slow breaths calm the nervous system, and brief self-compassionate touch lowers cortisol; try the ones that fit your routine and build from there.
Fiber’s online popularity hasn’t translated into American diets, with only about 5% meeting daily fiber goals. Experts suggest gradual increases and sneaky fiber hacks like sprinkling chia seeds into meals, using avocado as a mayo substitute for extra fiber, and blending vegetables into dishes to boost fiber without sacrificing taste.
Cambridge researchers say reading for pleasure boosts health and wellbeing at any age, improves cognitive performance and may lower dementia risk; benefits arise regardless of the material read and can start in childhood, per a Psychological Medicine review supported by The Queen's Reading Room and the National Year of Reading.
A doctor argues against elective whole-body MRI scans for average‑risk individuals, noting they’re costly, lack evidence of saving lives, may miss critical findings, and can trigger false positives and unnecessary follow-up procedures. Guidelines from the American College of Radiology advise against routine screening without symptoms or risk factors; instead, focus on evidence-based screening and overall health.
The piece argues that chatbots exploit a fundamental human need for attachment by offering instant empathy and validation, creating parasocial bonds that can reshape identity and risk wellbeing when used heavily for companionship. Using a real-case example, it shows how AI can influence work behaviour and self-concept, while stressing that AI isn’t useless as a tool but should be balanced with human interaction. The authors urge treating AI as a thinking partner, maintaining friction and reciprocity in human relationships, applying a “cost of caring” test (especially for youths), and staying aware of the design incentives that push for retention and subscriptions.
Physical therapists recommend five easy daily movements—such as sit-to-stand transitions and heel raises—to maintain balance, strength, and independence for adults over 50, helping counter age‑related mobility declines.
The piece challenges the long‑standing belief that only about 30 grams of protein per meal can be utilized, arguing there is no fixed upper limit for absorption or muscle synthesis. Protein needs vary with factors like exercise and individual metabolism, so spreading protein intake across meals rather than chasing a strict cap may be more beneficial for most people.
A Washington Post Well+Being piece follows Julia Sullivan as she visits the Barefoot Trail outside Flagstaff to try grounding (earthing) by walking barefoot on a manicured trail with “adventure stations.” She finds a crowded, curious atmosphere, but the article notes that while proponents tout health benefits, the science remains muddy, making the park more an experiential peek at a popular trend than solid medical guidance.
Nutrition experts share their go-to desserts, underscoring that occasional indulgence can fit into a healthy diet. They favor mindful portions and nutrient-rich options—think fruit-based treats, yogurt or dairy desserts, a small piece of dark chocolate, or other satisfying choices—used to cap a meal without undoing overall balance.
The Washington Post’s Well+Being piece recommends three simple ways to support long-term brain health: play fast-paced video games to accelerate learning on new cognitive tasks, read fiction to potentially reduce cognitive decline and broaden social understanding, and learn a new language to keep the brain actively monitoring speech and improving efficiency.
KATSEYE member Sophia Laforteza will not perform during the European leg of the group’s Wildworld Tour as she continues a health-focused hiatus. Her team says she’s receiving support and that the group’s activities will be reassessed in September, with health and long-term wellbeing prioritized.
Research suggests that laughing at ourselves can boost mental health and social connections, but it’s nuanced: some people (gelotophobes) fear laughter and may suffer in relationships, while others (gelotophiles) and playful humor styles can enhance bonding; self-defeating humor can be adaptive if mixed with other humor types, and cultivating a lighter, self-aware attitude through practice can improve resilience and warmth in social settings.
A New York Times Well piece suggests treating friendships like workouts: by aiming for weekly, meaningful contact with at least one friend (a concept the author calls ‘closing the social rings’), and pairing it with small deliberate actions (such as taking longer after-dinner walks with a partner), you can maintain stronger connections and avoid feeling off when social time slips.【Source: NYT Well】
Neal Tomita, 79, who has Parkinson’s, finds his voice again through harmonica lessons in the Harmonica Parkinson’s Project; early pilots suggest this music-therapy approach can improve speech intelligibility and vocal loudness, offering a promising noninvasive aid for Parkinson’s speech, though more research is needed.