From the supernatural to the super-neurotical. Researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University in the UK set out to determine whether paranormal beliefs — be it in religion, witchcraft or new age spirituality — are an indicator of how well people manage stress. They discovered a link between one group of beliefs and a reduced ability to … Read more
On-the-job agita is unavoidable, but a new study suggests that 26% of the adult population could be just a bit more stress-prone at work than others. Researchers at Osaka University found that Highly Sensitive Persons (HSPs) are “more susceptible” to stress and may be experiencing it at higher levels than their colleagues. They said this … Read more
If you’re feeling stressed, some retail therapy could help. And loading up on clothes in a “calming” color might just bring a bit more long-term zen to your day. Studies have shown that green can lower blood pressure and heart rate. Getty Images Different hues can affect your mood, according to Michelle Lewis, a color … Read more
If you’re feeling on edge during this election cycle, you’re far from alone. More than 60% of survey respondents stated that their mental health has either been slightly, moderately or significantly negatively impacted by the upcoming election. In fact, 46% reported feelings of anxiety, 37% felt stress and 31% experienced feelings of fear. Election anxiety … Read more
Sunsets are a beautiful thing to watch, but the feelings that can accompany them? Not so much. Hundreds of people have taken to Reddit revealing that they experience anxiety, panic, and a general sense of emptiness as they watch the sun sink and darkness descend. Though “sunset anxiety” isn’t an official diagnosis, it’s so common … Read more
With holidays looming and a presidential election nigh, autumn could be a season of stress for many. Experts say the food we consume can lessen the effects of stress by nourishing our bodies with vitamins and minerals. Researchers have long emphasized the importance of the gut-brain connection — the idea that the gut and brain constantly communicate through … Read more
The average American experiences the “Sunday scaries” 36 times a year, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 adults found that this feeling is defined as anxiety (32%) or dread (17%) over what to expect for the following week, and shared that it sets in around 3:54 p.m. Nearly a quarter of those surveyed … Read more
The upcoming presidential election could lead to a lot of unwanted – and sometimes unhealthy – snacking. Emotional eating can be a byproduct of stressful times, including political events, sports playoffs and other happenings, according to various studies. Recent research published in the journal Nutrients indicated that emotional eating is considered a “critical risk factor for recurrent weight … Read more
One in four US adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD, a new study finds, but only 13% have shared their concerns with a doctor. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a developmental disorder characterized by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. An estimated 4.4% of adults 18 to 44 have ADHD, according to The Ohio State University researchers who … Read more
Could om take the edge off of ouch? A new study suggests that mindfulness meditation is an effective strategy for pain relief. The research, published in Biological Psychiatry, analyzed pain signatures in MRI scans to determine the relationship between mindfulness and the body’s experience of pain. When asked to rate their pain, participants trained in mindfulness … Read more
No need to rack your brain for a way to stop your racing thoughts. Dr. Daniel Amen, a double board-certified psychiatrist and brain-imaging researcher in California, suggests deep breathing to slow down fast, relentless thinking. “Four seconds in, hold it for a second and a half. Eight seconds out, hold it for a second and … Read more
It’s time to scale up your weight loss journey. Registered dietitian Courtney Kassis is sharing five bad habits to ditch while trying to drop pounds. “I’m not gonna lie, these are going to surprise you,” she teased to her 424,600 TikTok followers in a clip last week. Kassis advises against skipping social events, adopting a … Read more
Is Shilajit legit? The tarlike resin found in the Himalayas has been used in ayurvedic medicine for centuries and is lately making the rounds on TikTok. Known to some as “the Healer of all weaknesses,” die-hard devotees claim the supplement can boost energy, clear skin, reduce anxiety and increase testosterone. Shilajit develops from the slow … Read more
The key to sleeping like a baby could be swaddling yourself like one. Adult swaddling involves laying in the fetal position, being wrapped up in fabric from head to toe like a baby burrito, and being gently rocked by a partner or pal. Adult swaddling provides gentle, even pressure across the body, a sensation known … Read more
There’s a buzzword circulating on social media called “gatexiety,” otherwise known as “gate anxiety.” It’s when travelers continuously check their gate at the airport, even though it’s listed on the airline’s app. This nonclinical action is advisable, experts say, as checking your departure against airport monitors is a smart move since gates can change at … Read more
A perfect 10? British clinical psychologist Kirren Schnack is sharing 10 simple ways to quickly reduce tension and anxiety. Schnack wrote the book “Ten Times Calmer: Beat Anxiety and Change Your Life,” which came out in January. In a June TikTok, she recommended holding yourself tightly, singing, humming or chanting, counting backward from 100, massaging … Read more
Dry eye disease is no laughing matter — or is it? More than 360 million people around the world suffer from chronically red, scratchy or irritated eyes, a condition that can worsen with stress. Researchers in China and the UK believe they may have found an unusual solution that doesn’t involve eye drops — laughter. … Read more
Heart racing, head pounding and dread building? “Hangxiety,” or the “beer blues,” is the one-two punch of anxiety and the physical consequences of alcohol, an awful unease that creeps in alongside the sobering light of day. Neuropsychopharmacologist David Nutt, who specializes in alcohol’s effects on the brain at Imperial College London, recently told National Geographic, “Almost … Read more
Sick days have taken on a whole new meaning. As Generation Z employees enter the workforce, paid sick days — allotted by a majority of companies — are being used more than ever. Approximately 30% of employees took sick leave in the first 10 months of 2023 – up 42% from 2019, according to the HR platform Gusto, … Read more
It will all work out. Jenna Rizzo, a women’s weight loss coach from Georgia, is sharing four simple ways to overcome anxiety about going to the gym. “I know you know you need to go to the gym because that body ain’t gonna build itself,” Rizzo told her 82,500 TikTok followers last week. Picking a … Read more