Stress Archive

Mind & Mood

Taking control

Published December 1, 2021

Uncertainty and feeling less in control, which has occurred for many during the pandemic, can heighten stress. The human brain has more difficulty assessing risk when elements outside its control are introduced. To make the situation more manageable, pare down, simplify what you can to avoid unnecessary decision making, prioritize your mental health, and don’t get stuck in gathering and analyzing information.

Mind & Mood

Exposure to traffic noise linked to higher dementia risk

Published December 1, 2021

A decade or more of high exposure to traffic noise may increase dementia risk.

Mind & Mood

Take a breather

Published December 1, 2021

Most breathing follows a smooth, steady rhythm, but sometimes normal breathing turns erratic. For example, when people are stressed or panicked, breathing gets shallow, making it feel as if it is hard to take in air. When the fight-or-flight response kicks in to confront perceived danger (real or imagined), breathing pace quickens to prepare the heart and muscles for a quick getaway. One way to manage these types of stressful breathing when they occur is to practice breathing exercises designed to help bring in more oxygen and slow the breathing rhythm.

Mind & Mood

Gifts that promote relaxation and resilience

Published December 1, 2021

An array of products that encourage people to relax can be good holiday gifts for friends and loved ones who need to reduce their stress levels. Suggestions include a year’s subscription to a meditation app; yoga props such as a mat, blocks, and straps; devices that enable self-massage of the upper body; and products that may foster sound sleep, such as a weighted blanket, a noise machine, and scented bath salts.

Mind & Mood

Helpful gadgets for a fuzzy memory

Published December 1, 2021

Many gadgets help support memory. Some—such as calendars, voice recorders, and talking motion-activated sensors—provide basic reminders that can be used to help someone remember appointments, lists, and more. Other tools, such as key hooks and mini shelves, support memory by establishing a reliable storage spot for everyday objects such as keys and eyeglasses. Automatic pill dispensers and pill alarms can help people manage a medication regimen. Wireless trackers can help people find objects when they’re misplaced. Smartphones have many memory-support tools, such as calendars, notepads, voice recorders, and alarms.

Mind & Mood

Harvard finds flavonoids linked to sharper thinking and memory

Published December 1, 2021

People with the highest daily flavonoid intakes were 19% less likely to report trouble with memory and thinking, compared with people who had the lowest daily flavonoid intakes, according to a Harvard study published online July 28, 2021, by Neurology.

Healthy aging and longevity

Holiday health hazards

Published December 1, 2021

The holidays come with health hazards, such as eating rich food, which can lead to weight gain; drinking too much alcohol and triggering a fast, irregular heartbeat; being stressed, which can weaken the immune system; and being exposed to someone with COVID-19 at a holiday gathering. To stay safe, one should pick only a few days to splurge on holiday foods, and limit quantities; drink only in moderation; ward off stress by exercising regularly, get seven hours of sleep nightly, practice relaxation techniques; and follow the latest guidelines to reduce COVID-19 exposure at holiday gatherings.

Diet and nutrition

Anti-inflammatory food superstars for every season

Published November 30, 2021

Inflammation is part of the body's healing process, but chronic inflammation can contribute to a range of health issues. In every season, regularly eating a variety of anti-inflammatory foods can benefit your health.

Mind & Mood

What is neurodiversity?

Published November 23, 2021

The term neurodiversity conveys the idea that there is no single right way of thinking, learning, or behaving, and is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder. A growing self-advocacy movement aims to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences.

Mind & Mood

The effects of marijuana on your memory

Updated November 16, 2021

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Stress Archive

Articles

Taking control

Exposure to traffic noise linked to higher dementia risk

Take a breather

Gifts that promote relaxation and resilience

Helpful gadgets for a fuzzy memory

Harvard finds flavonoids linked to sharper thinking and memory

Holiday health hazards

Anti-inflammatory food superstars for every season

What is neurodiversity?

The effects of marijuana on your memory

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