First Psychology blog

    How getting lost in a good book can boost your wellbeing With so many demands for our attention in our personal and professional lives, it’s no surprise that our minds are constantly racing. It's not uncommon to feel overwhelmed and stressed, but what if we told you there's a simple way to calm your mind, escape reality and boost your wellbeing all at the same time?   The power of reading Reading has been a popular pastime for centuries, and for good reason. When we immerse ourselves in a good book, our minds are transported to a different world where we are free from the stresses and worries of everyday life. This mental escape can be incredibly powerful, allowing us to relax, unwind and recharge.   The science behind the books Over the years, studies have shown that reading can have a significant impact on our wellbeing. A study published in The Queen’s Reading Room found that even five minutes of reading can  “reduce stress by nearly 20%,...

  With the constant presence of social media platforms, we are bombarded with images of 'perfection'. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook and TikTok showcase the highlight reels of other people's lives, making it easy to compare and feel like we don't measure up. Sadly, we’re led to believe that in order to be worthy we must be flawless - that our bodies, minds and lives must be perfect. The truth is that perfection is an unattainable goal. It is a myth that can cause very real damage to our mental and emotional wellbeing. By striving for an unrealistic ideal, we're setting ourselves up for disappointment, anxiety and self-criticism. For example, a study published by the National Library of Medicine found a “70% increase in self-reported depressive symptoms” in people who use social media regularly. Clearly, it’s time to shift our focus. Instead of trying to achieve perfection, let's learn to embrace our imperfections. Let's celebrate our uniqueness, our qui...

As the sun rises over the tranquil waters of a serene lake or the crashing waves of a rugged coastline, a sense of excitement and anticipation builds. For those who brave the elements to indulge in outdoor swimming, the rewards are huge. From improved physical health to enhanced mental wellbeing, outdoor swimming offers a unique and exhilarating experience that can transform your life. By understanding the benefits and taking necessary precautions to stay safe in cold water, you can unlock the secrets to improved wellbeing and join the growing community of outdoor swimmers. So, why not take the plunge and discover the mental and physical wellbeing benefits of outdoor swimming? Why it's worth taking the plunge In the Journal of Environmental Psychology , a study on swimming outdoors among nature concluded that “open water swimming may lead to improvements in mood and wellbeing, reductions in mental distress symptomatology, and was experienced as a positive, enriching process for...

“You should go to therapy” can often feel like a punch in the gut. Often articles on this topic look at things from the perspective of the individual who wants their partner to go, but what if you’re on the receiving end?  It might leave you feeling defensive, confused, or even hurt, especially if it comes at the end of a difficult argument. You might wonder: why do they think I need therapy? You might think it’s a sign of deeper problems in your relationship. These feelings are valid and common, but it’s also an opportunity to reflect and engage in meaningful dialogue—both with yourself and your partner. If your partner has expressed this request, navigating it with openness and curiosity can strengthen your relationship and offer an opportunity for self-reflection. Here are some steps to help you approach this. 1. Pause and reflect Your initial reaction might be to feel defensive, but take a moment. Therapy is not a judgment or a sign of failure. Often, a partner’s suggestion com...

Pablo Neruda writes, “You can cut all the flowers, but you cannot keep spring from coming.” Despite winter’s coldness and darkness, there is always the inevitable hope of spring – a season of renewal. As the days grow longer and nature blooms, it offers us an invitation to reconnect with the world around us. Beyond its beauty, spending time outdoors has profound benefits for mental health. Research consistently shows that being in nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and foster mindfulness. Spring is the perfect time to embrace these healing benefits and integrate nature into your daily routine: Stress reduction Spending time outdoors can lower levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Studies suggest that even short periods in green spaces can have a calming effect on the nervous system, helping to counteract the pressures of daily life. Mood enhancement Exposure to sunlight increases serotonin levels, which are linked to feelings of wellbeing. Natural environments al...

Did you know… 53% of people wake up at night to check their phone Brits get an average of 146 notifications on their phone every day Digital overuse is not only a ‘younger generation problem’, with 45% of over 65s admitting to being hooked Ever since the introduction of the internet to the public in the early 90s, people have raised concerns about what it means for their health. As early as 1998, a criteria for internet addiction was published, saying that any individual who fulfilled five of the following eight criteria would be regarded as ‘internet addicted’: Preoccupation with the internet A need for increased time spent online to achieve the same amount of satisfaction Repeated efforts to reduce Internet use Irritability, depression, or mood instability when internet use is limited Staying online longer than anticipated Putting a job or relationship in jeopardy to use the internet Lying to others about how much time is spent online Using the internet as a means of regulating mood....

An eating disorder is a condition where you use food to manage your feelings. Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying excessively about your weight or body shape.  Some statistics about eating disorders Eating disorders affect up to 5% of the population. They can affect anyone but are most common in teenagers and young women and usually develop in adolescence and young adulthood. It is thought that this could be due to females comparing themselves to other women from a very early age and confessing to others about their anxiety over their weight and body shape.  Although eating disorders are most common in females, about 1 in 4 males have been found to also have an eating disorder. Men's problems are sometimes 'hidden' as excessive exercise and/ or going to the gym. A study in north America stated that there are probably more males with bulimia than females with anorexia. Common eating disorders The most common types of eating disor...

The holiday season often brings joy and connection, but as the memories fade into the distance and February approaches, many face post-holiday blues. The contrast between the festive period and the full return to everyday life can feel jarring, leading to sadness, fatigue, or even overwhelm. Understanding how to navigate these emotions is key to continuing your year with a sense of balance. Acknowledging post-holiday blues Post-holiday blues are common and are often triggered by financial strain, disrupted routines, or unmet expectations. Research highlights that the transition back to daily life after periods of heightened emotion and activity can evoke a psychological "letdown effect" (Peters et al., 2020). It's important to acknowledge these feelings rather than dismissing them. It's normal to experience a dip in mood after an emotionally charged time. Rebuild through small steps One of the most effective ways to manage post-holiday stress is by re-establishing str...

The line between innocent flirtation and romantic betrayal is often elastic with many couples conflicted because their partner does not share the same definition of cheating as them. Being unfaithful in a marriage often results in separation and devastation. However, while recovery is possible, it’s a challenging journey that requires commitment, vulnerability, and patience from both partners. Why do affairs happen? There are endless reasons why someone chooses to be unfaithful to their partner. Some of the more common ones include: Lack of affection Feeling neglected Falling out of love Low self esteem Breakdown of communication between partners Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety Physical health issues such as disability Major life changes such as having a child Stressful periods such as losing your job While cheating often happens due to problems in the relationship, it is also not uncommon for those in amazing and healthy marriages to fall victim to cheating. A happy...