Sleep and all that happens in the world of sleep have significant effects on our mind, body, and health. However, in the whirlwind of modern existence, we often cut corners on sleep. In a recent study, researchers studied the profound impact of sleep on the effectiveness of vaccines. Understanding that vaccination is a critical strategy […]
By: Vanika Chawla, MD Emerging evidence suggests that beyond its use for pleasure, sauna bathing may be linked to several health benefits including cardiovascular, neurological and metabolic benefits. A recent review by Patrick & Johnson outlines evidence of the benefits of sauna use, potential mechanisms of action, and adverse effects and contraindications. Sauna bathing is […]
What are the healing powers of art? And can art therapy be used to improve mental health? From the animals dancing on the walls of Paleolithic caves to the Harlem Renaissance, the resonance of art in our world is loud and deeply felt. As we continue to carry histories and emotions, our propensity to turn to art has spanned […]
How do you cope during times of stress? And what do you turn to when you’re up against difficulties? In 2022, researchers investigated a possible outlet – physical activity (PA).To study the relationship between physical activity and mental health, the researchers synthesized evidence on the effects of physical activity on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and psychological […]
“Human beings are wired to connect.” Neuroscience suggests that minor neurons in our brains are stimulated when we interact with others. Social isolation during COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of psychosocial determinants of cardiovascular diseases. Is social isolation and loneliness a health pandemic? A wave of new research on the health impact of social […]
Recent research has elucidated the role of these lifestyle factors – diet, sleep, and exercise, on our minds. Upon finding a link between various mental disorders to these factors, Firth et al., conducted a review and analysis of the top-tier evidence to examine how physical activity, sleep, dietary patterns and tobacco smoking can impact the […]
Barbara Waxman is the leading authority on Middlescence and a passionate advocate for aging, wisdom, and thriving in midlife. Her mission is to shift cultural norms around aging by establishing Middlescence as a unique life stage. Barbara is the founder of Odyssey Group Coaching, which aims to help middlescents thrive personally and professionally. She is one […]
Purposeful living is a self-organizing life aim to stimulate goals, promote healthy behaviors and give meaning to life. Many of us are most likely agree that having a sense of purpose in life is associated with overall both physical and mental health quality of life. Needs a scientific proof to this? This article showed a […]
Have you ever thought twice about the way you breath? Properly diaphragmatic breathing results from using our primary respiratory muscles (the diaphragm and external intercostals), causing expansion of the abdomen. However, many rely on accessory respiratory muscles in the upper chest and shoulders rather than the diaphragm – which result in dysfunctional breathing patterns. Dysfunctional […]
A recent study called Treatments for Anxiety: Meditation and Escitalopram (TAME) compared an 8-week standardized evidence-based mindfulness-based intervention (mindfulness-based stress reduction, MBSR) with medication for the treatment of anxiety disorders. The study included over 200 adults with a diagnosed anxiety disorder that were assigned to either 8 weeks of the weekly MBSR course or taking […]