Mental Health Archive

Mind & Mood

Exposure to traffic noise linked to higher dementia risk

Published December 1, 2021

A decade or more of high exposure to traffic noise may increase dementia risk.

Mind & Mood

Take a breather

Published December 1, 2021

Most breathing follows a smooth, steady rhythm, but sometimes normal breathing turns erratic. For example, when people are stressed or panicked, breathing gets shallow, making it feel as if it is hard to take in air. When the fight-or-flight response kicks in to confront perceived danger (real or imagined), breathing pace quickens to prepare the heart and muscles for a quick getaway. One way to manage these types of stressful breathing when they occur is to practice breathing exercises designed to help bring in more oxygen and slow the breathing rhythm.

Mind & Mood

Gifts that promote relaxation and resilience

Published December 1, 2021

An array of products that encourage people to relax can be good holiday gifts for friends and loved ones who need to reduce their stress levels. Suggestions include a year’s subscription to a meditation app; yoga props such as a mat, blocks, and straps; devices that enable self-massage of the upper body; and products that may foster sound sleep, such as a weighted blanket, a noise machine, and scented bath salts.

Healthy aging and longevity

Holiday health hazards

Published December 1, 2021

The holidays come with health hazards, such as eating rich food, which can lead to weight gain; drinking too much alcohol and triggering a fast, irregular heartbeat; being stressed, which can weaken the immune system; and being exposed to someone with COVID-19 at a holiday gathering. To stay safe, one should pick only a few days to splurge on holiday foods, and limit quantities; drink only in moderation; ward off stress by exercising regularly, get seven hours of sleep nightly, practice relaxation techniques; and follow the latest guidelines to reduce COVID-19 exposure at holiday gatherings.

Mind & Mood

What is neurodiversity?

Published November 23, 2021

The term neurodiversity conveys the idea that there is no single right way of thinking, learning, or behaving, and is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder. A growing self-advocacy movement aims to increase acceptance and inclusion of all people while embracing neurological differences.

Healthy aging and longevity

Thinking about holiday gatherings? Harvard Health experts weigh in

Published November 22, 2021

If you are gathering with family or friends during this holiday season there is still a lot of uncertainty around how to help keep everyone as safe as possible from COVID-19 illnesses and hospitalizations, particularly when many people will be traveling. Harvard Health Publishing faculty contributors share their own holiday plans and offer advice for safely enjoying the holidays this year.

Mind & Mood

Do weighted blankets help with insomnia?

Published November 15, 2021

Insomnia affects approximately 10% of adults in the United States, and it is common with mental illness. Insomnia is unlikely to get better on its own if not actively treated. Many people are interested in treatment options that do not involve prescription medications, and a study from Sweden investigated the effectiveness of a weighted blanket on insomnia symptoms for people with insomnia and mental health problems.

Anxiety in the time of COVID-19

Published November 11, 2021

Mind & Mood

Navigating holiday pressures in the COVID-19 reality

Updated November 9, 2021

The pandemic makes coping with holiday pressures a little tricky. If one is concerned about COVID-19 exposure at a holiday event, it may help to chat with loved ones to get support for a decision about whether to attend. If one must celebrate the holidays alone, it may help to grieve what is lost, savor past holiday gatherings, watch online religious services, and continue to practice special traditions—such as making holiday foods or putting up holiday decorations.

Mind & Mood

Navigating tricky relationships during the holidays

Updated November 8, 2021

Almost everyone has a challenging relationship with someone in their life, and it may be someone you see only once a year. As we anticipate upcoming holiday gatherings, there are ways to prepare to navigate tricky situations and conversations thoughtfully and calmly.

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Mental Health Archive

Articles

Exposure to traffic noise linked to higher dementia risk

Take a breather

Gifts that promote relaxation and resilience

Holiday health hazards

What is neurodiversity?

Thinking about holiday gatherings? Harvard Health experts weigh in

Do weighted blankets help with insomnia?

Anxiety in the time of COVID-19

Navigating holiday pressures in the COVID-19 reality

Navigating tricky relationships during the holidays

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