Some see gratitude as a way to focus on the positive. Others see gratitude as a path to showing appreciation for what we have in our lives and therefore a way to expand those things. But regardless of how we view the end result in terms of our outlook, many fail to realize that gratitude can improve not just our mental health, but also our physical, and spiritual health. In fact, gratitude is one of...
This pandemic has thrown the entire world for a loop with its broad base of symptoms and unpredictable illness course. The more experts learn about it, the more incentive we all have to avoid catching it. But now we have people who have been struggling with COVID for many months, the so-called "long haulers" and as we work to help these people, we're learning a lot. Recent studies have uncovered a...
How much of an influence over us do our friends really have? In some cases, they might influence our weight (through food choices and even through shared activities), or they might influence our ambition. Maybe you had a friend go do something extraordinary and you think hey, maybe I should go back to school and try to reach a little higher, too. So we already know that our friends have an influence...
Here’s a secret to extending your life: Don’t argue or fight with your spouse, children, or friends. A number of research studies establish that your relationships are as important as your diet and your exercise for extending your life. Every time you argue with your kids, you are traumatizing them and shortening your own life. Researchers found that stresses related to excess demands, conflicts, and...
Difficult relatives may make the holidays more complicated whether the gathering is of the traditional sort with people around a table, or even if it's a virtual affair—difficult people make everything more, well, difficult. But when you know you’re going to be interacting with people who may cause friction or discomfort, being prepared is the first and maybe the most important step. Fortunately, there...
Mental health is connected to physical health in many, sometimes obvious and at other times more hidden ways. But they are connected. Consider: When we get scared, we sweat. When we cry, our blood pressure may change. And these are just the surface, measurable effects. What about being chronically stressed? The long-term effects may be harder to quantify but stress management is one of the first things...
Mental health is connected to physical health in many, sometimes obvious and at other times more hidden ways. But they are connected. Consider: When we get scared, we sweat. When we cry, our blood pressure may change. And these are just the surface, measurable effects. What about being chronically stressed? The long-term effects may be harder to quantify but stress management is one of the first things...
It’s no secret that nutrition is important to our wellbeing. Nor is it a secret that mental health can affect physical health. So, what about blending these two aspects of health together? That’s where nutritional psychiatry comes in, and it just may be our ticket to a higher level of wellness. The Role of Nutrition in Good Health - Researchers have long said that proper nutrition matters when it comes...
For people with bipolar disorder, the stigma of mental health issues can be significant, affecting relationships, friendships, and even work life. New medications and a willingness to speak out about this condition may help people with bipolar disorder live better lives as advocates work to break down barriers and create a pattern of -education instead of shame. Celebrities are helping to remove some...
Difficult times can call for desperate measures—and the pandemic is -definitely a difficult time-, so coping with the pandemic can call for desperate measures. Sometimes it feels like we’ve all slipped through the looking-glass, and while some of us are handling these challenges well, -others are struggling-—and who is which might switch at any time. All that’s missing is the Mad Hatter offering a...