Mental Health
Here you can read the latest news and research studies covering mental health. This is also the place to find out about different strategies on how you can reduce stress and boost happiness, and many other ways to look after your mental wellbeing.
The secret to happiness may be a bit of practice
For thousands of years, humans believed that emotions were predetermined hormonal responses out of our control, but in recent years researchers are beginning to shift their understanding. Part of this is due to something called “the predictive brain.” It used to be understood that if, for Read More...
Try these two simple, science-backed tricks to stop procrastinating
While many may think otherwise, procrastination is not a behavior rooted in laziness. Rather, people engage in procrastination in a bid to avoid the “negative feelings associated” with that task, explains Timothy A. Pychyl, Ph.D., a psychology professor at Canada’s Carleton University and a Read More...
Petting therapy dogs can help college students cope with stress
Dogs have been valuable in supporting firefighters during wildfire season and relieving loneliness for seniors, but these aren't their only benefits. Now, a new study finds that petting therapy dogs can provide college students with stress relief benefits that last up to six weeks. Coming from Read More...
The Optimist View: Celebrating Mental Health Week
“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” — Christopher Robin from Winnie the Pooh In the wake of a pandemic which saw increased rates of depression and anxiety, this year’s Mental Health Month feels Read More...
The psychedelic therapy movement is hitting its stride
We’ve shared before on The Optimist Daily how alternative medications like psilocybin and even MDMA could be used to treat depression and PTSD with more permanent results. With promising studies adding to the body of research supporting these therapies, we are beginning to see a monumental shift Read More...
This simple trick can significantly boost your brain health
We have previously shared a few habits you can integrate into your day-to-day life to improve your brain health. Now, we have another simple trick that you can practice to keep your brain sharp. Using your non-dominant hand The trick comes from neuroscientist and author of Biohack Your Brain Read More...
Mental Health Week Thought Leader: Nedra Glover Tawwab
Social media has been criticized for exacerbating mental health struggles, especially for young users. While online comparison certainly can take a toll on one’s mental wellbeing, when used properly, social media can also be an immense resource for those who are struggling. A growing number Read More...
5 research-backed reasons why it’s important to have fun
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Everyone has a slightly different definition for fun, but whether you love hitting the town with friends or going for a long hike, research shows that having fun is good for your health, both mental and physical. Below, you can find five science-based reasons Read More...
8 Ways to kickstart socialization skills after the pandemic
With so much time spent at a distance from others, it goes without saying, our social muscles have atrophied during the pandemic. Now, as the end of isolation seems to be slowly coming into view, many of us may still feel apprehensive about social contact, despite longing for more of it since the Read More...
Psychedelic-like drugs could treat depression without hallucinations
In recent years, scientists have increasingly been investigating psychedelic drugs for their medical benefits — such as treating depression — in controlled environments. While the results have been incredibly promising, there is a catch — these drugs can trigger hallucinations that can be Read More...