Mental Health News
21st February, 2024
| Greg Howard
Walks in Nature May Ease Stress for Heart Disease Patients
Exploring the intersection of climate and health, a new study evaluates how different walking environments impact stress responses in heart disease patients during rehab. By monitoring stress indicators, like cortisol levels, and cardiovascular responses to indoor and outdoor exercise, the research aims to enhance cardiac care in the face of a changing climate.
19th February, 2024
| Jim Crocker
How "WKUP GT" herbal mix boosts focus and thinking post-lunch
A pilot trial explores "WKUP GT," a low-caffeine drink with carob, guarana, green tea, and elderberry, testing its ability to enhance post-lunch cognitive functions. Results suggest improved processing speed and memory, with increased multitasking abilities, sans the blood pressure spike common with caffeine.
17th February, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Contact with Nature Affects Our Emotions and Coping Skills
A study reveals how nature boosts well-being: frequent engagement lessens distress & enhances emotions. It influences how we regulate feelings, suggesting a 'dose' of nature may be enough for emotional benefits, with effects plateauing after a certain point.
5th February, 2024
| David Palenski
Exploring How Ayahuasca Could Enhance Gratefulness and Nature Bonds
Modern seekers find transformative power in ancient Ayahuasca rituals, with studies showing lasting gratitude and connection to nature post-retreat, hinting at potential for deep societal shifts towards empathy and environmental consciousness.
4th February, 2024
| Mary Jones
How Touching Decorative Grass Benefits Women's Health and Mind
Touching real grass for just five minutes can have a relaxing and focusing effect on the brain, lower blood pressure, and reduce stress, according to a study by Tongji University. This contrasts the no-benefit experience of those who touched artificial turf.
3rd February, 2024
| David Palenski
How Feeling Rushed Distorts Our Big Picture Thinking
Time poverty affects our cognitive processes, making us focus on minute details over overarching reasons, especially with 'have-to' tasks. Studies show intrinsic motivation may help retain a focus on the bigger picture amid the chaos of our packed schedules.
3rd February, 2024
| Greg Howard
How Personal Traits Influence the Soothing Power of Nature during Wait Times
Amid the stress of emergency wards, new research shows plants can ease patient anxiety, enhance service quality perceptions, and shorten wait times—yet responses vary depending on cognitive styles.
31st January, 2024
| David Palenski
How Nature Views Affect Hospital Recovery Times
Hospital design is embracing nature's healing effects through 'biophilic design', weaving natural elements into acute care settings. Studies reveal psychological benefits like reduced anxiety and depression, suggesting a dose-dependent relationship with therapeutic nature encounters enhanced by technologies like virtual reality.
25th January, 2024
| Phil Stevens
Nature Outings Can Bridge Happiness Gaps Linked to Income
Delving into the power of nature as a societal equalizer, a study by the University of Vienna reveals that engaging with natural spaces can bridge the well-being gap between socio-economic classes, stressing the importance of accessible green spaces for all.
24th January, 2024
| Greg Howard
Being in Nature Boosts Your Mental Focus
New research using brain scans reveals that 40-minute nature walks can enhance executive control in the brain, rejuvenating mental focus unlike walks in urban settings, offering clues into the brain's response to nature.
