Overthinking is a learned habit, and therapists say you can unlearn it
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM "Just stop overthinking" is advice that tells you nothing useful about how to actually follow it. The mind that automatically converts "they haven't texted back" into "they must be furious with me" isn't doing so out of weakness. It's doing its job, badly but Read More...
Why 24 minutes of music may help reduce anxiety, according to research
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When anxiety starts creeping in, many people instinctively reach for music. A calming playlist, a pair of headphones, and a few quiet minutes can make a noticeable difference. Science increasingly backs up that instinct, with new research suggesting that the Read More...
Irish town's Smartphone ban offers blueprint for digital balance and kid's mental health
The daily quandary of when to introduce smartphones to tweens resonates with parents worldwide. Greystones, County Wicklow, in Ireland, however, didn't just grapple with this challenge individually but united to create a town-wide ‘no-smartphone code.’ The collaborative endeavor aims to Read More...
Protecting ourselves and our children from overexposure to images of war and violence
At a time when our media feeds are rife with distressing images and heartbreaking news, it is critical to learn how to shield ourselves and our children from the overwhelming emotional toll. Dr. Arash Javanbakht, a renowned trauma psychiatrist and researcher, has dedicated his career to assisting Read More...
Thrills and chills: how horror films can improve your mental health
The mere mention of legendary horror films such as "The Exorcist" and "Silent Night, Deadly Night" conjures up images of terror and revulsion. But did you know that, despite making spectators squirm and cringe, some films may be beneficial to their mental health? In this investigation, we look into Read More...
On the road to mental health: 3 tips for men who have no idea how to start therapy
When it comes to entering the world of therapy, guys are frequently lost, unsure of where to begin. They may have the desire to become persons who openly disclose their deepest ideas and begin investigating the complexities of human behavior, but they lack the tools and guidance to take the first Read More...
New study shows gardening alleviates depression and anxiety
In a new study from the University of Florida, researchers proved that gardening can improve the mental well-being of even healthy people. “Past studies have shown that gardening can help improve the mental health of people who have existing medical conditions or challenges. Our study shows Read More...
Why keeping your space tidy is great for your well-being
Even if you have little motivation to clean up the space around you, there is every reason to make your environment, both at home and at work, as tidy as possible. Why? Based on a wealth of research, there are four key benefits that come with keeping a clean environment. Let’s check them Read More...
8 strategies to handle back-to-office stress and anxiety
After having endured two years of pandemic restrictions and finally getting accustomed to working from home (which of course, has its own set of challenges), transitioning back to the office may be harder than anticipated. This study by McKinsey reveals that as many as one in three employees Read More...
This study brings us one step closer to conquering fear
Humans experience many powerful emotions: love, anger, excitement, and fear. The question is why do fearful memories stay with us so strongly when others become increasingly difficult to remember? Collaborating teams of researchers from Tulane University and Tufts University have been Read More...