Category: Articles
-
Gratitude vs. Anxiety
The science of gratitude–and its mental health impact–explored (NYT). Many studies have asked participants to write letters of thanks, or to list the positive things in their lives, and then measured the effects of those acts. The results suggest that performing these types of activities provides mental health benefits — reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety,…
-
Useful Anxiety
Not all anxiety is bad. From The Upside of Anxiety (NYT): [M]anaging stress may be more useful than banishing it. According to the Yerkes-Dodson Law, a theory that originated in the early 20th century from experiments on mice, increasing amounts of cognitive arousal, or stress, can improve performance — but only up to a certain point.…
-
Breathing for Stress Relief
An illustrated menu of breathing options from the NYT: Consciously changing the way you breathe appears to send a signal to the brain to adjust the parasympathetic branch of the nervous system, which can slow heart rate and digestion and promote feelings of calm as well as the sympathetic system, which controls the release of…
-
Managing Anxiety–Some Tips
Have you been finding yourself worrying more than usual? You’re not alone. Here’s a good list–ways to help manage anxiety from the Anxiety and Depression Association of America: Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head. Eat well-balanced…
-
Anxious and Proud
We need anxiety. (We just don’t need too much anxiety.) Along with the very useful emotion of fear, anxiety has been “largely responsible for the survival of the species,” he says. Sensing future dangers and figuring out what to do about them is hugely valuable, survival-wise. The clan with no one worrying about fermenting enough fish…
-
Sleep with Me
Having trouble sleeping? You’re not alone. Here’s an essay from Pagan Kennedy about her insomnia and efforts to overcome it. One possibly valuable tip: tune in to tune out. Listening to something diverting but not terribly interesting can help you let go of being awake. The Sleep with Me Podcast fits the bill, because that’s what it’s…
-
Anxiety and Gender
The NYT asks, why do girls have more anxiety than boys? It may start with how they feel about how they look. Some research has shown that in adolescence, girls tend to become more dissatisfied with their bodies, whereas boys tend to become more satisfied with their bodies. Another factor has to do with differences…
-
Is This You?
Writing about how anxiety can ruin relationships, PsychCentral blogger Peg Streep asks, “Is This You?” Here are four common patterns that amp up both your worry and your reactivity. Learning to recognize these triggers is the first step in getting into the present that’s really the present, unfiltered by the past. Awareness of these underlying…
-
Trump Anxiety
Psychologists and massage therapists are reporting ‘Trump anxiety’ among clients (WaPo): To the catalogue of anxieties her patients explore during therapy — marriage, children and careers — psychologist Alison Howard is now listening to a new source of stress: the political rise of Donald Trump…
-
Excercise v. Smoking
Smoking and exercise are not the greatest match. But it turns out that exercise can help people–especially anxious people–quit smoking more easily: [New] research suggests that exercise can reduce anxiety sensitivity and depressive symptoms, doubling the chances of cessation for these adults. “Exercise can reduce anxiety sensitivity”–that may speak to you, smoker or not. Enjoy…