Mental Health on Ultrahuman Blog

Low HRV and stress explained: The signal you should never ignore

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 15:58:27 +0000

Everyone has opened their Ultrahuman app and discovered their HRV is low. You might feel a little tired, but nothing out of the ordinary – so what does it mean?

Heart rate variability (HRV) can feel like an abstract score. But low HRV is more than just another stat in your Ultrahuman dashboard – it’s your body’s early-warning system. And when this warning light starts flashing, it’s time to take note.

Neurosound: How sound and binaural beats affect your brainwaves

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 12:34:55 +0000

Mind control is usually the stuff of science fiction and superhero movies, often involving sinister tech or alien influence. But in reality, humans are gradually learning how to influence brainwaves for less dramatic – and far more practical – reasons.

If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed in a stressful moment or struggling to focus under pressure, you may have wished for a way to shift your mental state on command.

Introducing Brain Waste Clearance: A new marker for brain recovery

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 19:33:35 +0000

The brain has its own way of recovering during sleep, and it goes well beyond rest. One of the most important processes that takes place while we sleep is the removal of waste from the brain.

This process, called glymphatic clearance, plays a key role in brain health, recovery, and long-term cognitive function.

Now, with the Ultrahuman Ring AIR, users can access a new signal, Brain Waste Clearance, that estimates how effectively this recovery process is likely taking place.

How To Curate Your Social Circle?

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 17:21:00 +0000

Do the people in your life inspire you to live your best life?

You may have friendships or relationships that feel comfortable because they are familiar, but closeness doesn’t always equate with people who inspire positive growth. The motivational speaker Jim John says, “you are the average of the 5 people you spend most of your time with.” It’s important to consider the influence of the people closest to you, as it turns out – they have a big impact on your well-being.

Unified Mindfulness: In Conversation With Musician Julianna Ray

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:43:00 +0000

When musician Julianna Raye came to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music, she didn’t know her life would take the turn that it did. Even though opportunities presented themselves at her doorstep, she found herself struggling and unhappy on the inside. This feeling of unfulfillment is what led her down the path of becoming a wellness trainer.

She was drawn to mindfulness in the face of crippling anxiety. After attending over 100 silent retreats and clocking in over 10,000 hours in a formal meditation practice, Ray asserts that she managed to rewire her brain. A UCLA examination confirmed that Julianna’s MRI scans in fact revealed these changes in her brain.

The Science Behind ‘Brain Music’

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:31:00 +0000

Various journals and research papers have spoken about the impact of music on the human brain. We, at Ultrahuman, take pride in being a knowledge-first holistic health platform, and when it came to adding music for productivity, relaxation, focus, sleep etc on our platform, we decided to take the route less traveled!

We partnered with Evoked Response to understand the science behind how different kinds of beats impact the human body. So, we created ‘brain music’ - a series of playlists that help listeners relax, focus, increase their productivity, etc. Brain music has been curated using the technique of ‘**Musical Phase Locking’.**Let’s understand it a bit further.

How Mindful Walking Can Be Meditative

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:19:00 +0000

During the day many of us are moving so fast - both mentally and physically. Our neurons are firing at an unbelievable speed with so much to do and so much to pay attention to. We’re all working so hard to get somewhere that we forget to be here.

Do you find yourself rushing to get to work, rushing to pick up the kids, and even rushing home to relax? Now think about that for a minute…” rushing home to relax”?!

Self-Determination Theory: Part Three

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 15:11:00 +0000

Read Self-Determination Theory: Part Two

The “shortcut”

I was fueled with the same nervous anxiety that overwhelmed Brad a few hours before. Something about the dark removes the certainty of a body in space that swells with the shining sun. I could not wait for tired eyes and untied shoes; I had missed my chance to sleep: It was now or never.

This instalment in the speed project x motivation series will explore the grit and determination required to persevere in the face of myriad obstacles. Murphy’s law states, “Anything that can go wrong, will go wrong.” And while I wouldn’t change a thing about the overall experience of our journey, this principle of physics certainly held true.

The Science Behind Nature Soundscapes

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:47:00 +0000

*Press play and enjoy the Sri Lankan Bird Song at Dawn while you understand the science behind nature soundscapes*

Ever taken a walk through nature and felt instantly better? That calm, tranquil feel, accompanied by the melodies of nature, such as the leaves softly rustling with the wind, birds crooning their songs, or the trickling sounds of a gentle stream flowing by. Nature, in all its glory, gives us a sense of clear-headed calm, having a rejuvenating effect on our minds, and restoring our sense of peace. Sounds found in nature have invoked strong reactions in human beings since the dawn of mankind. They inspire poetry and music and also act as a powerful muse. They help us connect to nature in a deeper sense, and offer a more immersive experience. Researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School found that listening to sounds of nature affects our “fight or flight response” which helps us relax better, as they can have a soothing and familiar soundscape to them, thereby relaxing us. Additionally, they also reduce our heart rate and alter connections in our brain. Hence, natural soundscapes also prove to be an extremely helpful aid for meditation purposes.

7 Things Mindful Families Do Differently

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:44:00 +0000

As the world starts whirling faster, it’s more important than ever to build the strength of presence within ourselves and in our families. This yearning to be grounded and tethered to the moment is making its way into our homes as many of us search for experiences to slow down. It’s possible to weave the tenet of mindfulness into the fold of the family. Teaching kids to imbibe mindfulness at an early age can help to mould their attention, self-regulation and curiosity. It can help them cultivate a sense of empathy.

Men’s Health Month: Why We Need to Talk About Depression and Suicide

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 14:19:00 +0000

Trigger Warning: Factual Content on Suicide and Depression

A World Health Organisation (WHO) fact sheet on the topic of suicide estimates that over 700,000 people lose their life to suicide each year. The number of attempted suicides is even higher. Within this startling number, there are variations based on sex, countries and other factors. Over twice as many men (12.6 per 100,000 males) die by suicide as compared to women (5.4 per 100,000 females). The global average suicide rate is 9 per 100,000 people. Suicide rates are skewed higher in men from high-income countries (16.5 per 100,000).

Ways To Boost Your Metabolic Health When Your Lifestyle Is Primarily Sedentary

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 12:07:00 +0000

Metabolism is the process that converts food into energy, according to Mayo clinic. Simply put, metabolism is the rate at which your body burns calories. Gender, genetics, age, medication and general health can all affect metabolism, as can crash dieting, insufficient sleep or not getting enough exercise.

You might not be burning calories quickly or efficiently simply enough because of poor food choices or a sedentary lifestyle. How can a sedentary lifestyle impact your metabolic health? And are there ways to boost the latter even if your job requires you to be at a desk? Here’s breaking it all down.

Ways To Maintain Your Metabolism As You Age

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 12:00:00 +0000

We’ve all been warned that the supple metabolism we enjoy in our youth will eventually slow down as we age, so it’s no surprise that in our mid-thirties, even the least conscious among us are likely to start furiously tracking calories and taking our fitness regimens up a notch. But what is the relationship between ageing and metabolism? What does the research say? And finally, how can we maintain our metabolisms in concurrence with this perfectly natural biological process?

Using Mindfulness For Chronic Pain With 3 Strategies

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 11:53:00 +0000

When we’re in pain, we want it to go away immediately. Chronic pain is frustrating and debilitating. Living with continuing pain can radically affect a person’s quality of life. The last thing we want to do is pay more attention to our pain. Mindfulness, on the other hand, is paying attention to something on purpose and with fresh eyes.

Mindfulness and Chronic Pain

Mindfulness exercises help people concentrate on the present without judging their actions. In times of chronic pain, people may have negative or worrisome thoughts about their condition, due to the fact that they may not have the ability to practice mindfulness every day. In addition to affecting mood and increasing pain, these thoughts are normal

Ikigai: Find Your Reason For Being

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 11:45:00 +0000

When you wake up every morning, do you do it with fervour, or is it a struggle to leave the warm comfort of your bed? Do you find yourself jumping up, ready to tackle the day with renewed enthusiasm every morning, or is it a constant battle to pry yourself away from your snug and cosy sheets? If you belong to the former category, then it’s easy to assume that you just might have found your Ikigai, and if you’re the latter, that means you haven’t found it… yet!

The Pomodoro Technique

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 11:14:00 +0000

Pomodoro Technique: a brief history

A university student in the late 1980s had the same old problem that we all face today, the matter of time management. But, instead of feeling overwhelmed and losing focus, he decided to create a revolutionary system of time management now known as The Pomodoro Technique.

Francesco Cirillo, a University student in the late 1980s, struggled to focus on his studies and submit his assignments on time. Feeling exasperated, he promised himself that he would devote 10 minutes of his time, entirely focused on studying, without any breaks or distractions.

Top 5 Mindfulness Metaphors: In Conversation With Dr. Arnie Kozak

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 10:31:00 +0000

Metaphors are rich tools that make complex phenomena simple and understandable. Mindfulness metaphors are bridges that connect the abstract realm of mindfulness with the tangible, experiential world. Unravelling these vivid metaphors can be the first step in starting a mindfulness practice.

Some of the facets of an instructive metaphor include a representation of the person, a representation of the person’s inner world - thoughts and feelings, a scenario where the person responds to their own inner world, a plausible response leading to something undesirable and another response leading to something pleasant.

Exploring The Relationship Between PCOS, Mental Health, And Glucose Control

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 10:28:00 +0000

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (also known as PCOS ) is a severely underdiagnosed and misdiagnosed condition. Since its emotional and psychological aspects are not visible to the naked eye, they are often overlooked. Depression and anxiety are commonly seen in women with PCOS. Research shows that those with the condition are three times more likely to suffer from these disorders.

PMOS: Why PCOS has a new name – and what it means

A systematic review highlights that women with PCOS might be at an increased risk of suffering from depression, anxiety, OCD, and bipolar disorder. The review also found that the severity of symptoms associated with these disorders is higher in women with PCOS than in women without PCOS. Even though the exact cause for the high prevalence is still unknown to science, screening for psychiatric and mood disorders would facilitate early diagnosis, intervention, and treatment for the women in question.

How To Perform Well Under Pressure

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 09:38:00 +0000

Whether you’re an under-13 player aiming to play a good game for a club academy or an elite athlete playing at the international level, every person will feel the pressure at a certain point in their career.

Highlights

This concept of wavering arousal levels is examined by each person’s individual zone of optimal functioning (IZOF). This is employed to describe how a certain amount of arousal is required to achieve peak performance, as opposed to the state of being completely calm,
The prefrontal cortex functions well but managing expectations under the pressure to perform is not exactly normal. Under the influence of stress, the prefrontal cortex is not able to function as it usually does, due to the inhibiting effects of the hormone cortisol that are being released,
Sticking to a clear action plan goes a long way in knowing how to regulate your perception in times of pressure and anxiety.

Arousal and IZOF (individual’s zone of optimal functioning)

Arousal can be defined as the magnitude of alertness and activated attention that a performer experiences. It is important for athletes and performers to maintain a stable and balanced level of arousal while preparing for and in the midst of an event. An excess amount of arousal has the potential to limit athletes and performers from reaching peak level performance. Interestingly, a lesser amount of arousal can also be disadvantageous, as it can reduce athletes’ motivation to prepare effectively.

Toxic Positivity & Why It’s Okay To Not Be Okay

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 08:01:00 +0000

“This too shall pass!”

“Don’t cry, it will all be fine!”

“Just focus on the bright side!”

Do these phrases sound familiar to you? We’ve heard them numerous times, from friends, family and other well-wishers, whenever we’re going through a difficult time. Although they are well-intentioned, this kind of over-the-top positivity, according to experts, is detrimental to our mental health and is commonly referred to as toxic positivity.

Highlights

Toxic positivity is the belief that we should only focus on positive emotions or the positive aspects of life instead of recognising and acknowledging negative emotions as well,
While negative emotions are hard to process and often unpleasant to deal with, the need for them to be addressed with all honesty is of vital importance,
Some long-term effects of toxic positivity include encouraging a person to stay silent about their problems and troubles, which can lead to physical symptoms like more stress on the body, as well as emotional ones like shame and feelings of isolation.

What is toxic positivity? How does it impact our well-being?

According to Tabitha Kirkland, a psychologist and associate teaching professor at the University of Washington’s Department of Psychology, “Toxic positivity is a way of responding to your own or someone else’s suffering that comes across as a lack of empathy. It dismisses emotions instead of affirming them and could come from a place of discomfort.”

The Scientific Path To Self-Compassion

Fri, 14 Oct 2022 06:42:00 +0000

Introduction

Today I have the pleasure of bringing to you another renowned Psychologist who integrates the practice of mindfulness and psychotherapy, Christopher Germer, PhD. He is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Arlington, Massachusetts and author of the book The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions; a founding member of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy; a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard Medical School, and co-editor of the book, Mindfulness and Psychotherapy. Christopher also conducts workshops internationally on the art and science of mindful self-compassion. Today Christopher is going to talk to us about what compassion is and why our cultures suffer from a prevalence of unworthiness.

Soften & Release: How Relaxation Can Help You Learn More

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 09:24:00 +0000

I haven’t met many people who say they wouldn’t enjoy feeling more relaxed or even being able to relax on demand. The good news is that according to a study published in the journal Nature, learning how to get better at relaxing, not only feels good but increases our brain’s ability to remember new information (including strengths of mindfulness, compassion and joy).

According to the study, ‘Learning from novel experiences is a major task of the central nervous system. In mammals, the medial temporal lobe is crucial for this rapid form of learning. The modification of synapses and neuronal circuits through plasticity is thought to underlie memory formation.’

The Misconceptions surrounding Self-Care

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 06:42:00 +0000

Self-care has been earning a bit of a bad reputation. Popular culture has us believe that self-care is all about bubble baths, massages, and Margaritas on a Friday afternoon.

But that’s a skin-deep idea of the term. While there’s nothing wrong with an occasional treat, self-care could be as simple as learning to say no, choosing to not abandon yourself, prioritising sleep, engaging with a non-work hobby and maintaining work-life boundaries.

Science of Music: Does the Mozart Effect Hold True?

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 14:10:00 +0000

Where language fails, music speaks. An expression of humanity, music is a part of our rituals, routines, celebrations, and healing, and lends the tenor of a cinematic sequence to the most mundane events in our lives.

No matter which tunes of music we waltz to, it holds the possibilities of regulating our emotions, transforming our perception of the world, and even allowing us to access a state of flow (a sense of total absorption and deep focus).

How Do Affirmations Works? Know The Science Behind it

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:56:00 +0000

Imagine you’re in the Stone Age, predators abound, so our brains are hardwired to a bias towards negativity, which helps us survive by keeping us in a state of constant vigilance. It was an important evolutionary trait that we’ve developed that saved us from being eaten by predators.

Now, we’re in the 21st century with fewer predators lurking everywhere, but our brains are still hardwired to notice negative stimuli. Hence, we always tend to remember the negative things more than the positive ones.

How to Unplug to Reconnect

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 10:09:00 +0000

In our hyperconnected world, distractions from devices, social media, notifications and various digital technologies are endless. It’s something that seems to suck up all of our time and leave us unfocused. Particularly in the past decade, the effect of technology on all aspects of our life, including health and workouts, has been pronounced and can have a number of negative effects.

That’s where the idea of unplugging to reconnect comes from. It’s important to be aware of how distractions can impact us: the health implications of being constantly connected to technology or how it can take away from recreational activities. It’s equally important to know how to combat these distractions.

Can Poor Posture Affect Your Mental Health?

Wed, 03 Aug 2022 10:21:00 +0000

When we think of posture, we usually attribute it to the way our upper body looks: the physical straightness of the spine, neck, and shoulders. While there is extensive research on how good posture impacts the body—particularly the spine and spinal health–-other research is being conducted on the effects of posture on mental health. We know that physical ailments deeply impact our mental health and mental ailments manifest in the physical body in the form of pains and diseases.

Somatic therapy: How it works

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:27:00 +0000

More people than ever are facing mental health issues today, with their fast-paced and high-pressure lifestyles acting as key contributors. However, on a more optimistic note, we’re seeing a huge rise in the number of available alternative therapies and treatments that can cater to them. In the deluge of offerings available to us, it often becomes difficult to separate fact from fiction. What works, what doesn’t? Today we will deal with one of these new offerings, known as “somatic therapy”, and learn more about how it works and whom it may benefit.

Body positivity Vs body neutrality: Know the difference

Sat, 21 May 2022 10:28:00 +0000

Scrolling through social media and seeing models with seemingly perfect proportions can have many of us questioning our bodies. It can make us doubt our self-worth and leave us asking ourselves how we can love our bodies when we are not perfect like the people society considers the epitome of beauty.

When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Are you happy with the way you look, and satisfied with the way you feel about your body? If you don’t, then you’re not alone, and that’s alright! The first step is always acceptance and not deception.

The effects of Indian Classical Ragas on creative flow

Wed, 04 May 2022 11:43:00 +0000

Music is a big part of all of our lives. It’s a universal phenomenon, embedded in societies and cultures throughout the world. Every society has its unique take on music, and it’s subjective to the environment, culture and way of life. Even in its variety, the purpose of music remains the same throughout the world, to transcend the mundane, and to decorate time. If art is the process of decorating space, music is the process of decorating time, unique to every society and culture.

Procrastination and How To Think Yourself Into a Productive Mode

Sat, 23 Apr 2022 12:36:00 +0000

Have you encountered days where procrastination has been your best companion? Encouraging you to put off all your tasks away, only to leave you in a tight spot when those deadlines are hounding you and you are scrambling to get the work done.

We have all fallen into the trap of procrastination more often than we would like to admit - and most of the time, moderate procrastination is okay and even encouraged as research says that people who are given a task and then procrastinate while having the task in the back of their minds can approach it with divergent ideas and hence perform the task with greater creativity, history is riddled with such moderate procrastinators who put off work only to have hit a goldmine in the end.

Placebo - The Art of Mind Tuning

Sun, 17 Apr 2022 12:22:00 +0000

During World War 2, wounded American soldiers would lie on the battlefield, patiently waiting in pain for the combat medics and nurses to bring medications to help them get back on their feet, either to get back to the base camp or to go forth and continue fighting the war.

The problem was that the most commonly used drug that would help these soldiers was morphine, due to its painkilling and epinephrine-inducing effects. Morphine was in very short supply at the time, however, largely because the number of soldiers in need of it increased drastically over time as the war carried on.

Resilience and letting go: The highest level of performance

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 10:31:00 +0000

In 1996, Nike custom-made a pair of special running shoes for Michael Johnson, with a US size 10.5 on the left foot and 11 on the right. To mark his place in the Atlanta Olympics, Nike plated Johnson’s shoes in gold.

Having won a combined total of six gold medals during 1991, ’92, ’93, and ’95 World Championships, Johnson went into the men’s 200m finals in 1996 wearing these shoes and was instantly dubbed ‘the man with the golden shoes.

Getting out of the mind trap of Self-blame

Mon, 28 Feb 2022 13:02:00 +0000

Mind traps are ‘thinking errors’. They are inaccurate, negative automatic thoughts that can contribute to depression and anxiety. Some common mindtraps include all-or-nothing thinking, overgeneralization and discounting the positive - for example, “If I fail at math, it means I am a complete failure.” One of the greatest, most unproductive and destructive mind traps many of us face is self-blame. It’s as if the brain doesn’t know what to do with an uncomfortable feeling and it projects it inward. I am yet to see a single example where self-blame is constructive. We all make mistakes in life, some greater than others. But there is a simple truth worth understanding is that we all do the best we can with what we know in any given time.

Gut–Brain Axis

Wed, 23 Feb 2022 11:51:00 +0000

Have you ever felt a ’gut-wrenching’ experience? Do certain situations end up making you ’feel nauseous’? Have you felt “butterflies” in your stomach?

We use these expressions for a reason.

The gastrointestinal tract is sensitive to emotions like anger, anxiety, sadness, and elation all of these feelings (and others) can trigger symptoms in the gut.

Highlights

The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a link between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the body. It includes direct and indirect pathways between cognitive and emotional centres within the brain with peripheral intestinal functions,
Gut-brain studies have revealed a complex communication system that ensures the proper maintenance of gastrointestinal homeostasis, but is also likely to have multiple effects, including motivation and higher cognitive functions,
Exercise may lead to a bidirectional relationship between the gut and brain through alterations in the microbiome. This relationship may explain why exercise can be a therapeutic factor and strategy for both psychological and gastrointestinal disorders.

The Gut-Brain Axis (GBA)

The gut-brain axis (GBA) is a link between the central nervous system (CNS) and the enteric nervous system (ENS) of the body. It includes direct and indirect pathways between cognitive and emotional centers within the brain with peripheral intestinal functions.

The Neuroscience of resistance and how to overcome it

Fri, 21 Jan 2022 07:08:00 +0000

We all experience resistance when we’re trying to do something that matters. Whether you want to start meditating, working on a new project, getting out and exercising, or doing anything else that holds the potential of growth, resistance rears its head.

Highlights

Exploring the neuroscience behind what keeps us stuck in a loop, how to get unstuck,
Resistance is a prominent feature of a depressive spiral, one does not need to experience depression to know resistance,
Understanding where resistance resides in the brain and how to overcome it.

In my book Uncovering Happiness, I explore the neuroscience behind what keeps us stuck in a loop, how to get unstuck, find our natural anti-depressants and thrive. While resistance is a prominent feature of a depressive spiral, one does not need to experience depression to know resistance. It’s a universal experience for all of us.

Gut Health: 7 Red Flags to Watch Out For

Fri, 07 Jan 2022 13:58:00 +0000

The gut is often called the second brain, which isn’t surprising considering all the functions in the body it affects. It also houses the enteric nervous system that maintains contact with the brain and central nervous system and helps regulate processes vital to the human body. Our diet, environment, stress levels, amount of exercise, etc., influence the composition of the gut microbiome. Lack of fibre, hydration and exercise, sugary and processed foods, too many antibiotics and emotional or physical stress can negatively impact the gut microbiota. Gut health refers to the balance of microorganisms that inhabit our digestive tract.

Decoding New Research: Your Gut Can Tell How Lonely You Are

Wed, 05 Jan 2022 12:07:00 +0000

Introduction

The gut is usually associated with eating and digestion. We’ve all heard of the phrase ‘feeling gutted’, but new research suggests that there may be more than just metaphorical truth to this. In recent studies, scientists have found evidence that the gut microbiome is not just important for physical and digestive functioning but also has an important link with loneliness, ‘wisdom’ and mental health. In particular, one study carried out by researchers at the University of California, San Diego, has found evidence to show that both loneliness and wisdom (or compassion), are related to gut microbial diversity and composition (1).

Neuroscience of Habits: Following New Year Resolutions is Not Just About Willpower

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 11:38:00 +0000

Research lends credence to the idea that the area of the brain, largely instrumental for willpower - the prefrontal cortex has many pressing tasks on its plate beyond ensuring our compliance to our New Year resolutions. It is responsible for unravelling abstract problems, maintaining our focus and regulating short-term memory. Little surprise then that the fatigued prefrontal cortex can’t always help us stick to our resolutions. (1) Perhaps the answer is to manage the cognitive load and limit the number of resolutions to one. That also brings us to another question considering the fact that most of our resolutions are tethered to our habits.

Mental Health Gyms: What it really means to be mentally fit

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 07:28:00 +0000

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated a mental health crisis across the world; the WHO stated that 264 million people across the globe are suffering from depression alone, and more from other mental illnesses. People have been afraid of catching the coronavirus. Unemployment, disconnection from enjoyable activities and social interaction have also been major stressors during this time. Research suggests that close to 40% of US adults reported struggling with a form of mental illness, such as anxiety and depression, increased substance abuse, stress-related symptoms, and suicidal tendencies. The Kaiser Family Foundation has stated that 4 in 10 adults reported symptoms of depression or anxiety disorder during the pandemic, up from 1 in 10 in 2019.

The Role of Gratitude in Mental Health

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 11:44:00 +0000

Rewiring the brain: The Role of Gratitude in Mental Health

To most of us, the word ‘gratitude’ may sound empty and wrung out from overuse, thanks to celebrities and self-help gurus who have watered it down to a hashtag. But is there actual science behind the practice of gratitude and its impact on mental health? Let’s refresh our understanding of the word through a psychological lens before we get to the research.

9 Mistakes that's affecting your Metabolic Health

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 05:23:00 +0000

We exercise with the intention of being the healthiest versions of ourselves, but very often we unknowingly cause harm to our metabolic health by committing blunders when it comes to our training and nutrition.

Let’s understand the basics of metabolic health, some of the fitness blunders degrading our metabolic health, and what we can do to optimise it.

Highlights

Macronutrients consist of three categories - Proteins, Fats and Carbohydrates,
Micronutrients are found within the macronutrients. Closely monitor calories. Consuming enough food to uphold maintenance levels is most often recommended to lose excess body fat,
There are 13 essential vitamins. They are vital for your body to work optimally, and without them, you may experience unfavourable side effects.

What is Metabolic Health?

Metabolism is the process by which your body converts what you eat and drink into energy. Metabolic health is described as having ideal levels of blood sugar, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, blood pressure, and waist circumference, without using medications.

The Artists’ Way: Healing powers of creative therapy

Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:01:00 +0000

From a psychological lens, the creative process, cannot be summed up better than by psychoanalyst Carl Jung, when he says that the creation of something new is not accomplished by the intellect but by the play instinct acting from inner necessity.

Creative/Art Therapy

The creative mind plays with the objects it loves. Creative Therapy is the use of creative methods to enhance mental health and address psychological distress and disorders. It encourages self-expression and aims to uncover healthier coping mechanisms.

Self-Determination: A Global Theory To What Drives Us

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 14:34:00 +0000

What drives us? Where do we find the motivation to do anything in life? Is it pleasure? or perhaps success? How do we even standardize the definition of such terms when their meanings vary across the spectrum of people experiencing them.

This is the first of a three-part series on motivation and sport about a race called The Speed Project, a 344-mile relay from Santa Monica, CA to Las Vegas, NV. More specifically, this series will focus on the motivations from members of Team Satisfy Running, a diverse group of 6 runners and 6 crew or support team on their journey up to the start of the race and past the finish line.

High Functioning Anxiety: Effect on Creativity

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 06:05:00 +0000

Anxiety is a natural stress response. We’ve all been in situations that cause us to worry, stress, or fear a particular outcome. That fretful feeling before an exam or a job interview or a big presentation, the jittery sensation before undertaking a risky task or manoeuvre, or the chill down our spines worrying for our safety. Well, these are a few examples of High Functioning Anxiety.

Highlights

What is high functioning anxiety and ways to overcome it,
What are the symptoms and causes of high functioning anxiety?,
Anxiety and its relationship with creativity.

While anxiety is a part and parcel of life, helping us through stressful situations by giving us a jolt of adrenaline , making us cautious or apprehensive, or even preparing the fight or flight response to kick in, prolonged anxiety which is a constant for any situation, and hinders our actions and creativity, are definite signs of anxiety disorder, which is clinical. Anxiety is unpleasant, no doubt about that, but it’s a normal response and may spur us to work harder and smarter when it does not interfere with our daily routine.

How Radical acceptance can help you Heal

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 04:30:00 +0000

Highlights

What is Radical Acceptance and how does it work?,
Why Radical Acceptance offers us a better perspective on life,
Steps to practice and inculcate Radical Acceptance.

As you go through life, with all its ups and downs, how far do you get before you come to the realization that life involves hardships and suffering? Pain is a part and parcel of life, there is no denying that. It might seem bleak, but it definitely isn’t. For every sunset, there is a sunrise, and the sooner we accept this fact of life, the better we are prepared to face reality and not be fazed.

Toxic Positivity and how it affects your mental Health

Wed, 19 May 2021 03:35:00 +0000

“This too shall pass!” “It will all be fine”, “Don’t worry about it!” Do these phrases sound familiar? We’ve heard them numerous times, from friends and family, whenever we’ve gone through a difficult time. Although they are well-intentioned, this kind of over the top positivity, according to mental health experts, is detrimental to mental health.

What is Toxic Positivity?

Toxic Positivity is the belief that we should only focus on positive emotions or the positive aspects of life. While having a positive outlook towards life is good for our mental well-being, life isn’t always positive. Everyone deals with their fair share of painful experiences. While these emotions are hard to process, often unpleasant to deal with, the need for them to be addressed with all honesty is of vital importance. Having a false notion of excessive positivity does not address the situation at hand, but merely ignores it by making light of the situation. Heather Monroe, a clinical social worker at Newport Institute, says that the problem with toxic positivity is that it oversimplifies the human brain, and how we process information, thereby, being detrimental to mental well-being.

Musical Phase Locking: Theory & Practice

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 11:22:00 +0000

Abstract

Music offers unique opportunities for creating a positive impact on the brain–by itself, it can make us smile, cry, march to a beat or lull us to sleep. Listening to music recruits functioning from many parts of the brain, from the brainstem (e.g., Wong et al., 2007), to primary and surrounding auditory cortices (e.g., Bermudez et al., 2009; Schneider et al., 2002), to higher-order areas of the prefrontal cortex (e.g., Lehne et al., 2014).

Want to be more productive? Learn to take a break

Sun, 15 Nov 2020 16:17:00 +0000

Taking a break when you have to get through work and want to perform better can instinctively seem like a bad idea. Shouldn’t you be trying harder, putting in more hours and learning to focus instead? As counter intuitive as it may seem, being a little easy on yourself and incorporating downtime between your work schedule can boost your performance.

More so, during a pandemic, when we’re learning to reinvent our work styles and log in more often from home, it’s crucial to learn how to make the best of our time. Stripped away from the structure of an office, some may find themselves struggling more than others. Distractions, personal responsibilities, chores, limitations on travel and virtual meetings can leave our attention fragmented. If you find yourself in a place where holding on to your focus is a daily challenge, you’re not alone.