All articles tagged with #mental well being
Spending just 20 minutes in nature can significantly improve health by reducing stress hormones, lowering blood pressure, enhancing gut health, and promoting relaxation through sight, smell, and touch, with even small outdoor interactions or visual cues like photos providing benefits.
Dr. Eric Topol shares simple daily strategies for healthier aging, emphasizing regular exercise, sufficient deep sleep, a clean diet with adequate protein, and spending time in nature to improve overall health and longevity.
A US study found that many COVID-19 survivors take up to 9 months to regain their baseline mental well-being, with 1 in 5 still experiencing suboptimal quality of life after a year, highlighting the need for improved care models.
A study in the American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry reveals that older adults experience significant mental well-being improvements from psychedelic retreats, despite milder acute effects compared to younger participants. The sense of community and shared experiences during these retreats emerged as a key factor in their positive outcomes, highlighting the potential of psychedelics in addressing mental health issues in older adults. Further research is needed to explore these effects in diverse settings and populations.
A large genetic analysis suggests that better mental well-being, influenced by lifestyle choices like eating cheese, can lead to longer and healthier lives. The study, using Mendelian randomization, found that cheese consumption positively impacts mental well-being and healthy aging, potentially more than other factors like smoking or fruit consumption. Further research is needed to understand why cheese has such a significant effect.
A study in the International Journal of Sexual Health found that women experiencing higher levels of psychological distress often use masturbation, particularly clitoral stimulation, as a stress relief method. This challenges the stigma around female masturbation and highlights its potential mental health benefits. The research, involving 370 women, showed a significant correlation between psychological distress and masturbation frequency, suggesting it serves as a self-soothing behavior. However, the study's cross-sectional design means causality cannot be established, and further research is needed.
Swimming offers a wide range of health benefits, including muscle toning, reduced inflammation, and improved heart, lung, and mental health. It is a low-impact, high-results exercise that activates numerous systems throughout the body, making it accessible to people of all ages and physical limitations. Swimming promotes heart health, strengthens the musculoskeletal system, and has mental health benefits. It is also a great way to connect with others and is accessible to individuals with various health conditions. Starting with swimming programs or lessons and incorporating rest days can help beginners enjoy the transformative journey of swimming.
The pervasive urgency culture, driven by constant connectivity and immediacy, can lead to heightened stress, reduced productivity, and compromised mental well-being. To combat this, experts recommend pausing before reacting, setting clear boundaries, prioritizing single-tasking, and engaging in mindfulness practices to increase awareness, emotional regulation, and stress tolerance. These strategies can help individuals navigate the demands of a fast-paced, hyperconnected world and mitigate the negative effects of urgency culture on their well-being.
A new study suggests that following a balanced dietary pattern has the best effects on brain health, impacting mental health, cognitive function, metabolic biomarkers, and brain structure. The study examined four dietary patterns and found that a balanced diet containing various food types saw the most overall benefit in brain health. Researchers noted genetic differences among different dietary groups and emphasized the importance of making wise nutritional choices to improve brain function and mental health outcomes. While the study has limitations, it adds to the evidence suggesting that what people eat affects multiple areas of health and highlights the significance of following healthy dietary patterns to support positive outcomes for brain health.
Engaging in regular physical activity not only tones the body but also uplifts mood, enhances self-esteem, improves concentration, and promotes better sleep. Finding joy in movement, especially in nature, can significantly improve mental health by reducing depression, anxiety, and feelings of worthlessness. Despite challenges, everyone can benefit from exercise with proper guidance and adaptations. Setting achievable goals and finding activities that suit individual preferences and abilities is key, as even modest amounts of physical activity can make a significant difference in enhancing mental well-being.
Finland has been ranked as the happiest country for seven years, emphasizing the importance of mental and emotional well-being. Mood-elevating foods like fermented foods, folate-rich foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, complex carbs, bananas, and berries can positively impact neurotransmitters and serotonin levels. Incorporating exercise, such as yoga and meditation, is also recommended to enhance mood and overall wellness. The science of happiness involves balancing physical, mental, and emotional well-being with a positive outlook, healthy lifestyle, and community living.
Professor Claire Steves from King’s College London recommends increasing exercise to improve cognitive health and prevent dementia, suggesting that adding a third more exercise than current levels can be beneficial. She specifically advises walking for 45 minutes at least three times a week as a simple yet effective way to start. Walking not only helps prevent dementia but also offers a wide range of health benefits, including maintaining a healthy weight, improving heart and cardiovascular fitness, reducing stress and anxiety, and enhancing mood and memory.
Four years after the start of the pandemic, the United States continues to grapple with a mental health crisis, with widespread impacts on individuals' well-being. The prolonged stress, isolation, and uncertainty have taken a toll on mental health across the country, highlighting the need for increased support and resources for those struggling with mental health issues.
Samantha Abreu, a 25-year-old nurse from Melbourne, Australia, lost 104 pounds by walking 10,000 steps a day, going to the gym four times a week, and making simple diet tweaks. She struggled with binge eating and a sedentary lifestyle but found that exercise was a "blessing" for her mindset and body. Abreu now views food as fuel and has shared her journey on TikTok to inspire others to make gradual changes for a healthier lifestyle.
Gut health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, impacting everything from digestion and immune system function to mental well-being and even brain health. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a diverse and harmonious ecosystem in the gut through a balanced diet rich in fiber, fermented foods, and nutrients, while reducing intake of sugar and alcohol. The gut-brain axis highlights the strong connection between gut health and mental well-being, with research showing that the gut microbiota can influence brain function and mood. Prioritizing gut health can lead to improved general health, mental well-being, and overall vitality.