First Psychology blog

With the constant pressures to meet deadlines, juggle responsibilities and navigate through life’s challenges, stress and anxiety have become a common part of our daily lives, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and drained. It is during these times that we often overlook one of the simplest and most effective tools for boosting our wellbeing - laughter therapy. What is Laughter Therapy? Laughter therapy, also known as humour therapy, uses laughter to promote our overall health and wellness. It is based on the idea that laughter has the power to heal not just emotionally, but also physically and mentally. This natural, powerful tool has been used for centuries in various cultures around the world and recent scientific research has only served to confirm what our ancestors instinctively knew - that laughter is indeed the best medicine. A study undertaken by the National Library of Medicine found that “Decreasing stress-making hormones found in the blood, laughter can mitigate the effects of...

Anxiety can have you feeling as if the world is crumbling at your feet, but remembering that it's a completely natural response and emotion may help you when you are experiencing these feelings. Firstly, learning about anxiety can help you to manage or even overcome it. Coming to terms with the fact that anxiety affects everyone differently can be the first step of managing it. In 2019, 301 million people were affected by an anxiety disorder and almost one- third of 16–24 year-olds in the UK (31%) reported some evidence of depression or anxiety in 2017-2018. This had increased by 26% from the previous year. It is important to remember that we all have different personal situations and life experiences, therefore, how anxiety affects us can vary significantly. Common causes of anxiety in young adults The root of anxiety isn’t always psychological, it can be unique to you and your circumstances. Habits can spark or provoke anxiety, for example, not sleeping enough or too much alcohol...

Whether it’s through work relationships, our personal lives or daily tasks, social interactions are an integral part of our daily lives. However, for anyone suffering from social anxiety, these interactions can often seem overwhelming and distressing.  Social anxiety, characterised by a persistent fear of being in social situations, can significantly impact both our personal and professional lives, which can lead to mental health issues. However, there are effective strategies and techniques for managing social anxiety and promoting improved overall wellbeing. Understanding social anxiety Before practising any recommended techniques, it’s important to understand the nature and causes of social anxiety. Research suggests that social anxiety disorder arises from a combination of genetic, environmental and psychological factors. Additionally, childhood experiences, such as a history of bullying or social rejection, can also contribute to the development of social anxiety. A study publ...

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...

Both depression and anxiety are common mental health issues, but they often get confused when the person isn’t aware of the specific symptoms that relate to each. Put simply, depression is a low mood that can make you feel sad and hopeless, and it can last for weeks, months or even years if left untreated. Anxiety, however, can cause you to feel nervous and on edge and make you worry excessively. It is not uncommon to suffer from both conditions at the same time. What are the symptoms? Symptoms of anxiety Feeling nervous Feeling agitated Worrying A sense of fear Shakiness Feeling out of control Change in sleep patterns Symptoms of depression Lack of self-confidence Feeling sad Feeling hopeless Tiredness and lethargy Lack of interest in your usual activities Wanting to harm yourself Change in appetite  Change in sleep patterns Difficulty concentrating How to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression Whether you suffer from anxiety, depression or both, it’s important to seek medical...

Over the last year we’ve seen huge hikes in petrol, energy and food prices and it’s likely you’ll be experiencing the backlash from these sudden increases in the cost of living. For many people across the UK, the rises in inflation have had an impact on their finances and ultimately their mental health. According to the TELUS Health’s Mental Health Index , more than a third of the British workforce have said that inflation is their main cause of stress and that their mental health has declined. How is mental health impacted by financial stress? Financial stress can seriously affect our mental wellbeing and can cause anxiety, stress, depression and relationship issues, especially when you’re experiencing the following: You can’t manage to pay all your bills. You find yourself having to make difficult decisions about your spending. You face job insecurity, or you have to take on additional work to make ends meet. Worrying about how you’re going to pay your bills each month, afford enough...

Owing to their healing properties, herbs and spices have been used for centuries as holistic remedies for physical health. But it’s only been in more modern times that studies have shown their benefits on mental health. As well as being used to season food and treat aches and pains, they are now more commonly used to improve cognitive ability and reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. Benefits of herbs and spices Many herbs and spices contain antioxidants and other powerful properties, and they have a wide range of health benefits such as: Helping to promote weight loss Controlling blood sugar levels Boosting the immune system Improving heart health Reducing blood pressure Reducing inflammation Helping to prevent Alzheimer’s disease Easing stress and anxiety Aiding insomnia Herbs and spices and their healing properties Turmeric One of the most popular spices used for its health benefits is turmeric. A study published by Science Direct showed that this spice is most effective as an...

Being a carer for someone who suffers from a mental or physical illness comes with both advantages and disadvantages. Although care giving is generally an act of love and can be extremely rewarding, it can, over time, have a negative impact on your own wellbeing if you don’t take care of yourself. Juggling a full-time job with caring can be physically and mentally exhausting. It can also put a strain on your personal relationships. Caregiving can be a cause of financial concern as you might have to contribute to any costs, especially when it’s a close family member. You neglect your own wellbeing as you have less time to spend doing the things you enjoy.  Because you are spending the majority of your time thinking about others, it becomes difficult to make self care a priority. Over time, this can cause stress and anxiety which can result in total burnout or symptoms of depression. But before we can take care of others, it’s vital to ensure you are looking after yourself first. You...

As well as spending time outdoors soaking up the vitamin D and fresh air, gardening has a whole heap of benefits and natural healing powers that can significantly improve your mental health and wellbeing. All your green-fingered hard work will be rewarded with so much more than a pretty garden. It improves mood Connecting with nature, from listening to birdsong to inhaling the sweet scent of flowers, can make you feel calm and relaxed, and it’s also a good way to distract your mind from overthinking and negative thoughts. By practising mindfulness and savouring every moment of being in the garden, whether that’s weeding or watering the plants, you’ll feel more in tune with nature. Simply being outside also comes with its health benefits as the Vitamin D gained from exposure to sunlight can lower blood pressure and strengthen the immune system. It boosts self-esteem As humans, it’s not only in our nature to want to be cared for but also for us to nurture others. To be relatively success...