First Psychology blog

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...

Improving our sense of gratitude can have profound effects on our mental and emotional wellbeing. One effective way to nurture gratitude is through journalling. Gratitude journalling involves regularly writing down things you are thankful for, and this simple practice can transform your outlook on life. The science behind gratitude Research shows that gratitude is linked to positive emotions and overall wellbeing. When we express gratitude, our brain releases dopamine and serotonin, two neurotransmitters that enhance mood and make us feel good. Over time, gratitude journalling can rewire our brains to focus on positive experiences, making us more resilient to stress and adversity. Dr Robert Emmons , a leading expert on gratitude, has conducted extensive research on its benefits. His studies reveal that people who regularly practise gratitude report feeling more optimistic, experience fewer physical ailments and maintain healthier relationships. Emotional benefits of gratitude Gratitude...