First Psychology blog

Going to university or college can be exciting and fun - with new people, a new course and often a new location with a new place to live. That's a lot of new things and because of the large amount of change, going away to study can also bring about feelings of anxiety and stress.  Indeed a study carried out during the covid pandemic found that students were more likely than the general population to report higher levels of anxiety and lower levels of happiness.  Some reasons why students struggle Students are often away from home and therefore away from their emotional support network of family and friends. They may be required to work in a way they are not used to with more autonomy and greater pressure to meet deadlines and achieve good results. Add to this the financial worries that many students have and you can see why students may struggle with their mental health. Seeking help - some issues Universities and colleges often have a wellbeing service and this can be a great...

Laughter is a universal language that has the power to bring people together, to ease tension and to heal. When we laugh, we experience a release of tension, an uplifted mood and a carefree moment that allows us to momentarily forget our worries. It is no wonder that laughter has long been recognised for its immense impact on our mental wellbeing. The science behind laughter Laughter triggers the release of endorphins in our brain, which are known as 'feel-good' hormones. These endorphins promote a sense of happiness and contentment, reducing stress levels and enhancing our overall wellbeing. Not only does laughter stimulate the brain's reward system, but it also releases tension, stimulates blood circulation and boosts our immune system. A study published by the National Library of Medicine  states that “Laughter has been shown to exert stress-reducing effects by suppressing the bioactivities of epinephrine, cortisol, and 3,4-dihydrophenylacetic acid (a major dopamine cata...

In today's fast-paced and interconnected world, social anxiety has become increasingly prevalent. People with social anxiety experience intense fear and discomfort in social situations, making everyday interactions a significant challenge. Social anxiety can be crippling, affecting various aspects of our lives. Thankfully, there are numerous strategies that we can employ to cope effectively and improve our overall wellbeing. By incorporating mindfulness practices, challenging negative thoughts, engaging in gradual exposure, adopting a healthy lifestyle or seeking professional support, we can manage social anxiety symptoms and lead a more fulfilling life. 1. Practise mindfulness Mindfulness techniques have proven effective in managing social anxiety. Mindfulness involves redirecting one's attention to the present moment, allowing us to observe our thoughts and feelings without judgment. By cultivating mindfulness, we can gain insight into our anxiety triggers and learn to res...

Regret is a complex emotion that we all experience at some point in our lives. It arises when we feel remorse or sorrow over past actions or decisions. However, dwelling on regret can hinder our ability to move forward and our overall sense of wellbeing and personal growth.  The paralysing effect of regret The Guardian spoke to cognitive behaviour therapist, Windy Dryden, who says that “when we are trapped in this cycle of regret, characterised by rigidity and inflexibility, we only seem able to blame ourselves for what has happened, rather than seeing our behaviour in a wider context and understanding why we took the path we did based on the information we had at the time. Under these conditions, regret will become toxic.” The weight of the past Regret has the power to hold us captive in the past. When we become consumed by thoughts of what could have been, we lose sight of the present moment and our potential for progress. Constantly replaying past mistakes or choices prevents u...

Imagine yourself sat beside a log-burning fire on a cold night, cuddling your dog, wearing your favourite pair of fluffy socks, and wrapped in a blanket, while drinking a warm beverage. This image captures what is implied by the Danish concept of 'Hygge'. What is Hygge? Hygge is a defining characteristic of Danish culture, developed to combat the difficult feelings and decline of wellbeing commonly experienced through the long, dark winter months. Pronounced as “h-oo-g-a,” this Danish concept, when translated reads as 'coziness' and is defined as the coziness that facilitates a person to feel comfortable, content and promotes good wellbeing. The framework of hygge requires allocating time away from your fast-paced life to be in a positive, present environment which encourages relaxation and the enjoyment of more peaceful pleasures in life. The essential components of this framework are togetherness, presence, relaxation, comfort, and indulgence. The details of where, wh...