First Psychology blog

Given the recent statistic that stress levels have doubled in the last four years (insurance company AXA), National Stress Awareness day on 2 November 2011, seems particularly pertinent.  The aim of this day is to raise awareness of the stress in our lives so we can tackle it before it becomes a major problem and negatively impacts on our well-being. Stress is the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures or demands placed on them and it can come from many sources. However, not all stress is bad. Some stress can motivate us, prepare us to take action and alert us to danger. The problem comes when we remain in this heightened state of awareness continually for a long period of time. This can then lead to ill health in both body and mind. Stress is difficult to measure in real terms, but one of the best ways to measure it is to consider its impact on our working lives. According to a survey carried out this year by the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Developme...

31 October - just one week away - is National Sleep-In Day. This is the day when the clocks go back and we get an extra hour in bed. The aim of National Sleep-In Day is to increase awareness of the importance of a good night’s sleep on our well-being. Not getting enough sleep or having poor quality sleep over a prolonged period of time has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease, obesity and depression. A good night’s sleep has been found to make us more alert, bolster our memory and reduce stress. A study has revealed the position yourself and your partner adopt while sleeping could affect the level of quality shuteye you get. Even more so in the winter months when we catch more coughs and colds which further worsens the statistic that already 50% of British men snore at night. Indeed, it would seem that 84% of couples attribute ‘bedroom rage’ with snoring. So, what is the perfect sleeping position? According to sleep specialist, Dr Elizabeth Scott, it is best to sleep ...

Five points to better mental health below: 1. Balance is the key  Doing too much of any one thing (e.g. work) can be unhealthy. It is important to have some leisure time because when a person does something they enjoy it balances their emotional and mental health. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you keep fit. Taking time to relax (using formal techniques) and to pamper yourself (e.g. a massage or a warm bath) can also reduce stress. 2. A problem shared, is a problem halved  We all lead busy lives, but it is important to take quality time out for family and friends. Being surrounded by those whom we can trust, gives us support when we need it and connecting with others improves our emotional intelligence, which is good in resolving conflicts. 3. Focus on the bigger picture  We all lose perspective at times and let small annoyances in life drag us down, but we should try to push these aside so we can focus on what really matters. Take a moment and rem...

As much as 12% of the world’s population is affected by mental illness and of the 12% one in every four people could benefit from some form of diagnosis and treatment. Statistics like these highlight the very reason why World Mental Health Day was born in 1992 and continues to take place on 10 October each year. This event, which is supported by the United Nations through the World Health Organisation (WHO), aims to raise awareness of mental health issues around the globe by promoting open discussion about mental illness. It also seeks to encourage investment in prevention and treatment, particularly since resources offered in many mental health services around the world are severely lacking. Over 100 countries participate in World Mental Health Day holding their own local, regional and national programme of activities and events which include lectures on mental health issues and the presentation of awards to individuals or organisations who have made significant contributions in t...