Evidence Synthesized: Exercise Promotes Mental Health

More than 20 million adults in the U.S. experience depressive episodes each year. Among youth, the incidence of depression and anxiety has increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

The most common forms of treatment for depression are medications and talk therapy. But a large body of evidence demonstrates that exercise is also effective in treating depression. In fact, some data show that regular exercise is just as effective as medications and therapy in reducing the symptoms of depression. [Read more…]

The Benefits of Mindfulness Education In Schools

You have heard by now that teens in the U.S. are struggling with mental health more than ever before. A survey from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted in 2021 found 44% of teens experienced feelings of sadness or hopelessness that prevented them from participating in normal activities. Almost 20% of teens said they had considered suicide, and 9% said they attempted suicide. Research finds these problems are more pronounced among lesbian, gay, and bisexual teens. [Read more…]

Why to Send Out Holiday Cards, and Create Connection in Other Ways

With the holiday season in full swing, most people think about reaching out to friends and family with a holiday card, a plate of cookies, or an invitation to visit.

This year, we may need these connections more than ever. Our social lives are in sharp decline, according to a nationally-representative survey conducted last year by the Survey Center for American Life. According to the survey, Americans say they have fewer close friendships, talk to their friends less often, and rely less on friendships for personal support. [Read more…]

Feeling Stressed at Work? Take Microbreaks!

Workplace burnout is reaching new highs as employees are asked to work more hours while wages do not keep pace with inflation. According to an annual survey by the American Psychological Association, 79% of employees experience work-related stress.  Nearly 60% report negative impacts of that stress including lack of interest, motivation or energy, along with cognitive weariness, emotional exhaustion and physical fatigue. [Read more…]

How To Cope With The End of Daylight Saving Time

In much of North America, it officially feels like fall. Temperatures and leaves are dropping, and the fall rituals of football games, Halloween, and pumpkin spice-flavored everything are in full swing.

All this fall goodness is accompanied by a scheduling shift. On Sunday, Nov. 6, most of North America will “fall back” to standard time, setting clocks back one hour for the end of daylight saving time. [Read more…]

Does Digital Therapy Work As Well As Face-to-Face?

When you think of mental health care, you may imagine a patient seated in a comfortable chair, talking through problems with a therapist. But today, the patient is equally likely to be seated in front of his computer screen working on online exercises. [Read more…]

It Turns Out You May Not Need That Vitamin D Supplement

Vitamin D is one of the most commonly taken supplements in the U.S., consumed by an estimated one-third of people age 60 and older. For decades, doctors have touted the vitamin’s ability to help the body absorb and retain calcium and phosphorus, which help bone growth, reduce cancer cell growth, and control infections. [Read more…]

Evidence-based Mosquito Control

In much of the United States, it’s mosquito season.  It can be disappointing to sit down to dinner on your deck only to find yourself covered in itchy, red welts the next day. But you don’t have to let mosquitos chase you back inside. [Read more…]

Get The Best Psychological Boost Out of Your Vacation

While the COVID-19 pandemic is still simmering this summer, more than 200 million Americans have made travel plans. For many, this summer will mark their first trip in a long time.

Most people think of vacations as a time to relax and unwind. But there’s an inherent amount of stress that comes with traveling, especially during a pandemic. What does science say about how much vacations actually help to reduce stress? And what can you do to get the most out of yours? [Read more…]

To Better Learn, Students Must First Fail

For years, educators have followed a model of explaining a new concept, then letting students practice. Think of a typical math class: the teacher will introduce an idea, do some example problems on the blackboard, and then ask students to practice similar problems on their own. [Read more…]

The Ideals and Realities of Family Dinner with Young Kids

Family dinner is a cultural norm that most families in the U.S. strive for; it’s a goal that has endured for decades. Just think of an episode of “Leave It to Beaver” with June and Ward Cleaver and their two sons sitting around a table set with fine China and a white tablecloth, discussing the day and eating a healthy meal. [Read more…]

A Drink a Day May Not Be So Good for You, After All

After a holiday season full of good cheer—and extra cocktails for many—more Americans than ever participated this year in “Dry January,” a month-long sobriety challenge that began as a public-health campaign in England. Surveys found that between 13 and 15 percent of Americans decided to forgo alcohol that month, an increase from last year.

That’s likely a good thing for their health. [Read more…]

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