Planting more trees linked to lower rates of depression in urban areas
We frequently discuss the link between nature and mental health on The Optimist Daily. Another study has emerged solidifying this positive relationship. A study from a team of European researchers has found that more trees planted in a city correlates with fewer antidepressant Read More...
Modified psychedelic drug could offer mental health relief without the side effects
Research into the use of psychedelic drugs for long term anxiety, depression, and PTSD relief is one of the fastest-growing fields in mental health research. Now, researchers at the University of California, Davis, are seeing if they can narrow down these benefits into more widely available Read More...
Need to get away? Here’s a 5-step guide to healthy escapist travel
Traveling for escapist purposes won’t solve the problems you might be dealing with, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. According to clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly, Ph.D., a little travel escapism can be a powerful coping strategy when real life feels a bit too heavy, which might Read More...
Physical activity can help protect children from depression
There have been numerous studies documenting the ability of exercise to protect against depression in adults, but the evidence is still meager about whether the same effects apply to children. A new study from Norway fills that research gap by showing that children who play sports are less likely Read More...
Oxford study: Playing video games might be good for your mental health
Apart from being a source of entertainment, video gaming can also have a positive influence on your mental health. At least, that’s what a new study from Oxford University has found, in which the researchers used actual gameplay data to analyze players’ wellbeing. The research, which analyzed Read More...
Here are 4 simple self-care techniques to lower anxiety
At the Optimist Daily, we don’t feel the need to constantly discuss all the things going on in the world today that are causing people to feel anxious. What we do believe, however, is that we can provide some guidance and share self-care practices that can help people curb their anxiety and start Read More...
NYC will try a police-free approach to addressing mental health crises
All too often, instead of a specialized social care worker, emergency calls related to issues of mental health are inadequately addressed by the police. In New York City, though, that will soon no longer be the case. Thanks to a new pilot program, 911 calls in New York City that are evidently Read More...
4 ways to infuse more creativity into your daily life
From increased happiness and reduced stress to boosting your immune system and protecting against dementia, expressing your creativity has been found to have incredible benefits for your health. If you lead a busy life, you might find you have little room in your schedule for creative activities. Read More...
Oregon becomes first state to legalize access to magic mushrooms
Back in July, we informed our readers that Oregon would officially vote on legalizing psychedelic psilocybin therapy. Fast forward to today, and the results of that vote are in: adults in Oregon can now legally access hallucinogenic mushrooms. This is a big deal. The Optimist Daily has long been Read More...
Why should you take vacation time, even during the pandemic
With travel restrictions in place, fewer Americans than ever are taking paid time off (PTO). But just because we can’t travel doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take vacation time during the pandemic. At least, that’s the opinion of Rhiannon Staples, chief marketing officer of the people management Read More...