Mind & Mood Archive

Articles

Easily distracted? Try meditation

Attention control is an essential for time management and productivity, but to stay focused on a task, you need to be able to keep distractions from derailing your progress. Mindfulness meditation can calm a wandering mind, and can be used to train your brain to increase attention, focus, and concentration.

Listening to your hunger cues

We've all had times when we have eaten more than our share of some unhealthy food. We know it's bad for us, but resisting feels impossible. The science of food cravings is complex, but often these urges happen not because we are hungry but because of some other emotion that triggers the brain's appetite signals. It's possible to change these patterns, but it's a challenge.

Can flavonoids help fend off forgetfulness?

Eating a broad variety of fruits and vegetables is a good way to get a sufficient intake of flavonoids, chemicals that contribute to many aspects of health. Now, a study suggests that flavonoid-rich foods may also play a role in protecting memory and thinking as people get older.

Can physical or cognitive activity prevent dementia?

The number of people worldwide with Alzheimer's disease is predicted to climb drastically in the coming decades. Is there anything people can do to protect their cognitive health? New evidence from two studies shows that cognitive and physical activities can make a real difference in delaying the onset of cognitive decline.

Pain, anxiety, and depression

Pain, anxiety, and depression often coincide because the parts of the brain and nervous system that handle sensations and touch interact with those that regulate emotions and stress.

Waking up one hour earlier than usual may reduce depression risk

New research suggests that people who wake up an hour earlier than usual, without sleeping less, may reduce their risk of major depression.

Statins have no apparent link to cognitive problems or dementia

For older people, taking cholesterol-lower statins does not appear to affect their risk of developing cognitive problems or dementia.

A blood test may predict increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease

A study published online June 2, 2021, by the journal Brain found that a blood test may help to predict an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Take short breaks to maximize memory and learning

Taking short breaks between practice sessions may help someone master a new skill, according to a study published June 8, 2021, in Cell Reports.

Grieving: A natural process to help heal

At some point, almost everyone experiences the passing of a loved one whether it’s family, a friend, a spouse, or a beloved pet. Grieving is a natural process that is essential to healing. The best way to deal with grief is to look for ways to make the mourning and healing process less challenging. These include acknowledging grief, embracing the lost loved one’s community, and speaking with others who have gone through grieving.

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