Can walking in green, natural spaces (parks, outdoors, natural environments) improve your mental health? Yes! A growing body of research shows that being in nature does in fact lower stress levels, improve memory & enhance affect (mood). But how exactly does it do this? According to a recent study in…
The benefits of intergenerational mixing are numerous. In yesteryear, it was quite common to see generations living together (or near one another) & mingling on a daily basis. Unfortunately, this has become more of an exception than a norm. To combat this, some innovative exchange programs like the Humanitas program…
The ability to think clearly and logically is an asset for humans from all walks of life. This is especially the case for those who are recovering from an addiction. Why? Gut feelings and (oft) irrational beliefs are frequently the “weapon of choice” for addicts and important factors in what…
A healthy amount of doubt and skepticism (in its generic sense) is a good thing. But what happens when skepticism goes radically awry or turns into cynicism? According to George Carlin, “Inside every cynical person, there is a disappointed idealist.” Put in context…yes! However, one could also argue that idealism…
Almost everyone experiences anxiety and depression — some more debilitating in form than others. What do some of the more extreme versions feel like? Can therapy help? Is there some sort of value or existential significance to such conditions? According to Scott Stossel, editor of The Atlantic and author of…
Numerous studies on aging show that the progress of cognitive decline (an inevitable part of aging) can be slowed not only by healthy dietary choices and exercise, but also by introducing critical thinking exercises into our daily routines. According to a Canadian medical journal study, mental exercise showed benefits in…
