Drinking more caffeine lately? Here’s how it can affect you over time and advice on making it better for you. An industry survey estimated that 64% of Americans drank a cup of coffee every day. And with good reason: There are tons of health benefits. For example, studies have linked coffee to a decreased risk of Type 2 diabetes and some cancers. But, as with most good things, too much of it may have negative consequences. Coffee ― and we…
Despite aches and pains, the wisdom that comes with age can make you happier. Despite more physical aches and pains as we age—the ‘paradox of aging’ suggests that older people are generally more comfortable in their own skin, feel better about themselves, and grow happier in their lives year after year…decade after decade. Nora Ephron once said, “Looking back, it seems to me that I was clueless until I was about 50 years old.” As someone who just entered my…
Passover, Easter and Ramadan are occasions that typically bring families together to pray, reflect and celebrate – fellowship needed, perhaps, now more than ever – will look different this year as the coronavirus pandemic continues. The loss of those traditions is added to a growing list of losses that North Americans are facing as they endure at least another month of social distancing and with it an extended departure from routines, habits, social circles and normalcy. The protracted disruption to…
Has anyone else been thinking lately about the endless ways that life can challenge us? Because I sure have. Whatever negative events you may have imagined happening in your future, the coronavirus pandemic was probably not one of them. It seems that the current state of our world, replete as it is with quarantines, stay-at-home orders, closed businesses, lost projects, and social distancing leaves probably about 90% or more people feeling alone, uncertain and lost. As a psychologist who specializes…
Music is present in every part of our lives. Our spiritual rituals are framed with songs, children learn the alphabet through song and the malls and cafes we visit during our leisure time are rarely silent. But just how much can this ever-present thing impact us – and the way we act and feel? Research suggests music can influence us a lot. It can impact illness, depression, spending, productivity and our perception of the world. Some research has suggested it…
The coronavirus pandemic is understandably causing panic in many people. Yet, fear doesn’t help anything. So how can you remain calm—and healthy—and help others in the process? How can you be a positive emotional contagion that helps not only yourself but others feel better about the global situation? Buying six months’ worth of toilet paper, paper towels, cleaning goods, and food won’t help. Really. Yes, it might give you a little peace of mind. I know my full pantry, refrigerator,…
Eating late is dangerous as it imbalances fat burning and metabolic hormones, leading to weight gain and heart disease. Having a large meal for breakfast that is rich in protein and carbs is linked to weight loss, research finds. Indeed, studies suggest that it may quadruple weight loss in the long-term. Now a study has shown that eating more calories later has many metabolic consequences, such as preventing fat loss, increasing triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol, which are biomarkers…
Ok, I admit it. I often stay up late on weekends, catching up on TV or seeing friends, then decadently allow myself to slumber for hours past my regular wake-up time the next morning. To a diehard night owl like me, this is delicious freedom, a sort of personal protest against the rigidity of the obnoxious workday alarm. Sound familiar? If so, fellow snooze buddies, it turns out our lack of a regular sleep routine is hurting our health. A…
New research suggests we fail at achieving our goals because we approach them backwards. When we first decide on a goal we are motivated by rewards. But as we put our plans into action, our focus turns to the difficulty of the effort we need to put in to achieve those goals. That dooms us to failure, according to scientists at Queen Mary University of London. They suggest the key to achieving our goals is to consider the effort needed…
There are mood-related signs you’re low on nutrients like vitamin D. Here’s how to tell and what to do about it. You’d be hard-pressed not to stumble on a social media #ad for vitamin packs. Trendy supplement brands like Ritual or Care/Of promise their products will help alleviate a series of vitamin deficiencies, which companies warn can cause health issues ― including problems with your mental health. We know we need proper nutrients in order to function properly. But just…