Sleep is a basic physiological need that all human beings experience. It is such an important and overwhelming need that we spend about one third of our lives asleep. Unsatisfactory sleep results in irritability, increased pain sensitivity, decreased daytime alertness, and apathy (Webb, 1975). Satisfactory sleep enhances our sense of well-being (Shirmer, 1983). The adverseRead more ⟶
Category: Lifestyle
Low-carbohydrate diets for athletes: what evidence?
IntroExercise scientists teach that since muscle glycogen utilisation occurs at high rates (during high-intensity exercise in carbohydrate-adapted athletes), all athletes must be advised to ingest large amounts of carbohydrate before and during exercise. But this does not seem entirely logical. Why, for example, should athletes involved in prolonged submaximal exercise—probably the most common form ofRead more ⟶
Reducing Anxiety to Prevent Depression
AbstractDepression is one of the most prevalent mental disorders. Accordingly, treatment research has flourished; however, prevention efforts have lagged behind. The extant literature is reviewed on the relationship between anxiety and depression and the potential for childhood anxiety interventions to reduce the risks of secondary depression. Additionally, methodological issues and recommendations in the design ofRead more ⟶
Stress, Inflammation, and Yoga Practice
Objective: To address the mechanisms underlying hatha yoga’s potential stress-reduction benefits, we compared inflammatory and endocrine responses of novice and expert yoga practitioners before, during, and after a restorative hatha yoga session, as well as in two control conditions. Stressors before each of the three conditions provided data on the extent to which yoga speeded anRead more ⟶
The Determinants of Parenting Behavior
Explored factors that influence parenting behavior through examination of previously reported and more recently developed models for predicting parenting behavior. Patterson’s behavioral model, Abidin’s initial model of parenting stress, and Belsky’s process model of determinants of parenting are reviewed. A proposed model is presented to improve on previous models by integrating sociological, environmental, and behavioralRead more ⟶
The Health Benefits of Yoga and Exercise: A Review of Comparison Studies
AbstractObjectives: Exercise is considered an acceptable method for improving and maintaining physical and emotional health. A growing body of evidence supports the belief that yoga benefits physical and mental health via down-regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). The purpose of this article is to provide a scholarly review of theRead more ⟶
The hidden wounds of childhood trauma
Although the role of intense psychological distress in psychopathology has been recognized for centuries, the metaphorical use of the word ‘trauma’ to indicate intense psychological distress only became popular in the midst of the industrial revolution. The introduction of the steam engine and the spread of railways led to a sharp increase in train accidents.Read more ⟶
Walking the Dog: The Effect of Pet Ownership on Human Health and Health Behaviors
AbstractThis analysis explores whether pet owners have better physical health outcomes, and if so, whether the positive physical health benefits are explained by better health behaviors that result from having to take care of the pet’s physical needs. Data come from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a representative sample of the non-institutionalized UnitedRead more ⟶
Older people and food: independence, locality and diet
AbstractSelected findings are presented from 152 semi-structured interviews of people aged 75 and over on the theme of dietary beliefs and practices. Participants resided in urban and rural localities in Scotland and were interviewed in their own homes. Data are presented on the perceived importance of food, defining healthy eating, locality and financial constraints. MaintainingRead more ⟶
The Art of Slow Living: Embrace a More Intentional Lifestyle
In a world that glorifies hustle culture and constant productivity, the concept of slow living offers a refreshing alternative. Slow living is about embracing a more intentional, mindful, and balanced approach to life. It’s not about doing everything at a snail’s pace but rather about prioritizing what truly matters and savoring the present moment. In this article,Read more ⟶