Mind & Mood Archive

Articles

Gratitude linked to longer life and fewer heart-related deaths

A 2024 study suggests that older women with higher scores on tests to assess gratitude may live longer than those with lower scores. Most of this benefit seems to come from preventing deaths from heart disease.

Chronic loneliness may raise stroke risk

A 2024 study suggests that older adults who are chronically lonely are significantly more likely to have a stroke.

Gratitude may help you live longer

A 2024 study suggests that having an attitude of gratitude may help people live longer.

Depression's cognitive cost

In addition to hallmark symptoms such as persistent sadness and apathy, depression can also trigger memory problems. People with depression may lack focus, leading to memory lapses. Depression may also alter brain chemicals that help people sustain attention. Memory problems in depression show up differently than in dementia, making people unable to retrieve long-term memories. Positive memories also fade first in depression because brain areas that process positive or rewarding experiences are disrupted.

Harvard scientists find another secret to longevity: Feeling grateful

In a 2024 Harvard study involving more than 49,000 women (average age 79), those who reported feeling the most grateful had a 9% lower risk of dying over the following three-year period, compared to those who reported feeling the least grateful.

Evoking calm: Practicing mindfulness in daily life helps

It's easy to feel too busy to be mindful, but everyone can find a few minutes during the day to pause and reflect. Even a brief, regular mindfulness practice provides a respite from the pace and stress of life, and can help with memory, concentration, and focus.

Do parasocial relationships fill a loneliness gap?

Following celebrities on social media or being a fan of fictional characters can be enjoyable –– though one-sided, these relationships offer a sense of connection. But parasocial relationships also have downsides, especially when people rely on them too much.

Feel like you should be drinking less? Start here

As research turns up new evidence about the harmful effects of alcohol, many people are considering the benefits of drinking less, even if they're not ready to give it up completely. If you are considering drinking less, these tips can help guide you.

3 ways to build brain-boosting social connections

Most people know that as they age, they need to put effort into staying healthy by eating carefully, exercising, and getting enough sleep. But there is another element to healthy aging: keeping your mind engaged helps protect brain health, and one way to do that is by maintaining an active social life.

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