Alcohol and other drugs can overpower the reward pathways of the brain... But in recent years, we have learned that brain gene activity can be changed with lifestyle, thereby reducing the risk of dementia. Lifestyle practices can promote physical and mental health. Author: Karla Kaun, Brown University Many people [...]
People may be more likely to experience optimism if they enjoy good health and a good quality of life. But optimism isn’t confined to those who are doing well. Studies suggest that it is a genetically heritable trait and that it can be cultivated through concerted interventions. Author: Judith Graham [...]
Have the benefits of meditation been overhyped in the West? Author: Pierce Salguero, PhD Mindfulness is seemingly everywhere these days. A Google search I conducted in January 2022 for the term “mindfulness” resulted in almost 3 billion hits. The practice is now routinely offered in workplaces, schools, psychologists’ offices and [...]
"The future has become less predictable, which also means that setting long-term goals is much more difficult. It’s hard to imagine an ideal self without knowing what that self will be experiencing." - Katherine Arbuthnott, Professor of Psychology, University of Regina Welcoming the new year may feel a bit [...]
"Recently, COVID-19 has revealed the inequalities that exist when it comes to access to green spaces. There have been many petitions to keep parks and gardens open for public use, with green spaces described as crucial for our well-being." Authors: Wendy Masterton, University of Stirling; Hannah Carver, University of Stirling, [...]
"The paradox — that we happen to think is rather poetic — is that givers may only get these benefits when they’re not seeking them. A study found that giving for self-related reasons did not bring benefits: only when giving was altruistic, driven from compassion towards and connection with others, [...]
"With family together, either in person or by video, the holidays offer an opportunity for deep, personal discussions about the future." - Lindy Grief Davidson, University of South Florida In homes across the U.S., families increasingly know someone who has been sick or hospitalized with COVID-19. With the death [...]
"Structure allows us to gain some control over our lives. It helps prevent a buildup of 'empty' time that could make you very aware of confinement, and cause a growing sense of 'drift.' This can make people feel withdrawn and apathetic, sleep badly and neglect their personal hygiene." - Sarita [...]
When you size something up as a challenge, it’s easier to rise to the occasion. Instead of withdrawing from the problem, you shift to problem-solving. People with this mindset draw on others to help, and they offer their own support to those in need. Research has shown that working collaboratively [...]