Opinion – the pandemic has dampened our zeal for life
Those of us who somehow avoided falling victim to the mental health crisis induced by years of on-off isolation have found ourselves emotionally coasting, a defence mechanism we developed to protect us from becoming overwhelmed that’s resulted in us feeling very little. In the aftermath of Covid and the mental...
Current in Wellness
How reading can improve our mental health
Warmer weather and longer evenings are finally here. A welcome respite from endless winter days, summer is often seen as a chance to get outside and focus on our mental health. And while it may not involve much physical activity, reading a book in the sun may be just...
How tech is helping people with ‘normative discontent’
New research shows that unreliable body image perception is far more pervasive than initially assumed. Fortunately, state of the art digital therapy to tackle this is in the works. If you criticise your appearance every time you see your reflection – even in the smallest way – or feel...
How ‘Period TikTok’ is normalising menstruation
More and more young people are claiming TikTok – which is rife with tips, tricks, product recommendations, and relatable content about that time of the month – provides better period education than schools. Though the average woman menstruates for 2,535 days of her life (that’s seven years total of pads,...
Are VR ‘trips’ a sober alternative to psychedelic therapy?
Despite the evermore ubiquitous recognition of hallucinogenic drugs’ promising medical potential, they aren’t for everyone. With this in mind, researchers have begun investigating other methods of treating mental illness through altered states of consciousness, with technology at the helm. As I’m sure you’re likely aware, hallucinogenic drugs have been steadily...
Spain to allow menstrual leave in European first
A sweeping reform bill is updating the country’s policies on reproductive health. If passed, it would grant women struggling with their periods paid time off every single month. For those of us who menstruate, it’s not uncommon that we often feel conditioned to accept that debilitating pain is normal,...
How can sleep make us happier?
Our generation has heaps of responsibility on its shoulders – so much so that we might often forget the most important tool to get through the day is high-quality sleep. With the first day of spring, the Hindu festival of colours, Holi, pancake day, and international happiness day, March is always bursting with reasons to celebrate. But one celebration that a lot of people often overlook is World Sleep Day. Every...
The rise of anti-hustle culture
Many of us have emerged from the pandemic questioning why we so eagerly continue to worship at the altar of busyness. Exhausted, overwhelmed, and on the brink of total collapse, the concept of slow living has never seemed more appealing. Is it me or does it feel like there’s a brewing backlash against hustle culture? Triggered by Molly-Mae’s controversial ‘we all have the same...
Loneliness is more pervasive than ever among Gen Z
According to the Prince’s Trust, young people’s overall happiness has reached an all-time low, with 30% reporting they do not know how to make friends and that they’ve never felt more alone. Call me biased, but Gen Z is impressive in every respect. They’re savvy consumers of information who are less prone to traffic in conspiracy theories, they’re on track to be the most well-educated...
Is music as beneficial for mental health as exercise?
New research has empirically confirmed something us melophiles already assumed: that playing, listening, or singing along to our favourite tunes can lead to the same improvements in wellbeing as working out. If you’ve struggled or are currently struggling with mental health issues then I’m sure that, at one point or another, you’ve been advised by family, friends, and medical professionals alike to leave the house and do some exercise. This is...
