The internet is awash with videos that claim to use ‘binaural beats’ to improve your focus or relieve stress. But while they can influence your brain, the touted mood-enhancing effects may not be.
Those smiles probably aren’t thanks to tryptophan.
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Tryptophan, found in food, is an important ingredient in the neurotransmitter serotonin. But is that enough to support it as a possible mood booster? The research is decidedly mixed.
Who’s a good doggie? New dog owners benefit from cuddles, meeting other dog owners and more physical exercise.
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Cuddles and slobbery kisses, meeting other dog owners in the park and a general lift in mood all likely help new dog owners feel less lonely, our new study suggests.
Participants in a new research study also reported that microdosing psychedelics made them more confident, motivated and productive.
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In a new research study, more than 900 people from around the world explain the challenges and benefits of microdosing LSD and psilocybin-containing mushrooms.
It does make sense your mood may start to dip in midlife.
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There’s good evidence to suggest a midlife crisis exists, though it’s hard to define what the midlife is. And perhaps crises that occur during midlife might equally have occurred before or after.
There are many theories around for why we cry and what may be happening in our bodies when we’re doing it. But the research on all these things is fairly mixed, and culture plays a big part.
Visiting a haunted house or watching a horror movie can be terrifying and enjoyable at the same time. A sociologist explains the psychological benefits of being safely scared.
Boosting someone else may deliver a mood boost to you too.
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The benefits of naps are similar to those experienced after consuming caffeine, but without the side effects of caffeine dependence and possibly disrupted sleep at night time.
A recent study found people link different alcohol types to different emotional states.
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Some people believe different drinks make them feel differently. But the effect alcohol has on your mood depends on factors like where you are drinking it and how you’re feeling at the time.
Researchers are looking at technology for ways to manage mood.
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Even though sadness and bad moods have always been part of the human experience, we live in an age that ignores or devalues them. But we’ve much to gain from feeling sad now and again.
Diet reduces risk of depression through actions on bacteria in the gut, the immune system and the brain.
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A world-first trial showed depression is reduced after just three months following a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, wholegrains, legumes, fish, lean red meats, olive oil and nuts.