A surprising new take on sleep science suggests that how you think about sleep could be the key to improving it. Instead of obsessing over the number of hours you get or setting up the perfect sleep environment, researchers say that shifting your mindset to view sleep as a powerful tool for mental and emotional well-being can actually help you rest better. In other words, simply believing that sleep is good for you—rather than something to be stressed over—could help you sleep more soundly. It’s a simple shift, but one that could be a game-changer for those constantly battling restless nights!
A recent study in the Journal of Health Psychology suggests that exposure to natural morning sunlight can significantly improve sleep quality. Researchers found that individuals who received sunlight in the morning, even for just 20-30 minutes, experienced better sleep patterns and had a more consistent circadian rhythm. This exposure to natural light in the morning helps regulate the body’s internal clock, leading to improved sleep duration and overall sleep quality. The study emphasizes the importance of sunlight, particularly early in the day, for supporting healthy sleep.
A recent study from the University of South Florida reveals a surprising truth: working while sick doesn’t just harm employees’ health—it also drags down productivity and retention. Researchers found that when people show up to work unwell, their performance suffers, and they’re more likely to seek employment elsewhere. The findings underscore the need for companies to foster a supportive culture that encourages taking sick leave, ultimately benefiting both workers and organizations. Prioritizing health can lead to a more engaged and loyal workforce!
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Nature and Mental Health
It may come as no surprise that spending time in nature is good for mental health. But if you are interested in how and why exactly nature can help with people’s mental health, see the article below.
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Psychology YouTube Channel
The BC Psychological Association recently created its own YouTube channel, which already hosts videos by psychologists on a variety of topics including neurodiversity, social anxiety, the usefulness of mindfulness, etc.
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Psychology Month
February is psychology month and the BC Psychological Association offers free online presentations by experts on a variety of psychological topics. Check out the link below.
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An Alternative to New Years Resolutions
So many of us make lofty New Year’s resolutions at the start of the year. But research shows that this is not an effective way of making changes. Check out this article to find out what the research suggests instead:
New research suggests that focusing on one’s life purpose and meaning is associated with reduced depression and anxiety. A quick way to increase a sense of meaning is to identify values and principles.
One of the instinctual reactions to a negative mood or a bad feeling is to try to get rid of it. But we now know that trying to get rid of feelings or moods may not only make us feel worse, there also is research that suggest negative moods can actually be useful.
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Dealing with Forest Fire Smoke
For many Canadians, smoke from forest or wildfires has become an annual nuisance and stressor. Read about the mental health impacts as well as coping strategies here: