Survey asked workers about hiding mental health issues. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Advertisement 6 Foods That Fight Belly Fat Brought On By Yo-Yo Dieting. Related articles: Mental Health Problems Can Shorten Life More Than Heavy Smoking Psychedelic Drug Use Not Associated With Mental Health Problems You Might Be Surprised How Much 3 Hours of Therapy Can Help Prevent Teen Mental Health Issues Urban Living: Green Spaces Improve Your Mental Health Family Problems In Childhood Affect Brain Development

This type of training boosts the brain's language centres in young and old. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Advertisement 6 Foods That Fight Belly Fat Brought On By Yo-Yo Dieting. Related articles: Musical Training Increases Executive Brain Function in Children and Adults New Study of Improvising Jazz Pianists Shows Similar Brain Circuits Used for Music and Language Connectivity: The Difference Between Men’s and Women’s Brains Human Children Grow Up So Slowly Due to Large Brains, Study Finds Music’s Amazing Effect on Long-Term Memory and Mental Abilities In General

Share on Facebook Retweet this Submit this to How this feeling could protect you against depression and even Alzheimer’s disease. Positive emotions, especially the feeling of awe, have been linked to lower levels of inflammatory cytokines by a new study. The research suggests that the positive feeling from enjoying the beauty of nature or getting lost in a painting or symphony can actually help protect the body against heart disease, arthritis, depression, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Dr Dacher Keltner, one of the study’s authors, said: "That awe, wonder and beauty promote healthier levels of cytokines suggests that the things we do to experience these emotions — a walk in nature, losing oneself in music, beholding art — have a direct influence upon health and life expectancy." Across two different experiments, 200 people reported their emotions during the day, including the extent to which they felt: amusement, awe, compassion, contentment, joy, love and pride. Their cheeks were also swabbed to get a measure of the cytokine, Interleukin 6, which is a marker of inflammation. The results, published in the journal Emotion, showed that experiencing positive emotions was linked to lower levels of the inflammation marker (Stellar et al., 2015). Awe, in particular, had a strong association with lower cytokine levels. Dr Jennifer Stellar, the study’s lead author, said: "Awe is associated with curiosity and a desire to explore, suggesting antithetical behavioral responses to those found during inflammation, where individuals typically withdraw from others in their environment." In depression, for example, the pro-inflammatory cytokines are thought to be important as they tend to block key hormones and neurotransmitters, like dopamine and serotonin, which affect memory, sleep, appetite and mood. People who are depressed have been found to have higher levels of certain inflammatory cytokines. The study can’t yet tell us what causes what, though, as Dr Stellar explained: "It is possible that having lower cytokines makes people feel more positive emotions, or that the relationship is bidirectional." Nevertheless, this is one of the first studies to link positive emotions to a boost in the body’s defences against both mental and physical illness. Woman and sunset image from Shutterstock Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Advertisement 6 Foods That Fight Belly Fat Brought On By Yo-Yo Dieting. Share on Facebook Retweet this Submit this to Related articles: Meditation Can Reduce Loneliness in the Elderly 20 Wonderful Effects Exercise Has on the Mind The Body Map of Emotions: Happiness Activates the Whole Body The Emotion Which Lasts 240 Times Longer Than Others Magic Mushrooms: How They Affect the Brain’s Emotion Centres

Nine nutrients that play a vital role in mental health. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Advertisement 6 Foods That Fight Belly Fat Brought On By Yo-Yo Dieting. Related articles: Here’s How Many Workers Hide Mental Health Problems From Their Managers Mental Health Problems Can Shorten Life More Than Heavy Smoking You Might Be Surprised How Much 3 Hours of Therapy Can Help Prevent Teen Mental Health Issues Urban Living: Green Spaces Improve Your Mental Health This Vitamin Stops People Feeling SAD and Promotes Good Mental Health

Study shows how meditation affects the brain's gray matter in the long-term. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Advertisement 6 Foods That Fight Belly Fat Brought On By Yo-Yo Dieting. Related articles: How The Brain Works During The Two Main Types of Meditation The Age At Which Learning a New Language Stops Strengthening The Brain This is What Heavy Multitasking Could Be Doing To Your Brain 4 Wonderful Ways Meditation Relieves Pain The Long-Term Consequences of Marijuana Use For The Brain

Boost language learning with this tip. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Advertisement 6 Foods That Fight Belly Fat Brought On By Yo-Yo Dieting. Related articles: You Can Learn a New Language While You Sleep, Study Finds Humming in Sync: How Our Brains Can Learn So Quickly 10 Superb Psychological Advantages of Learning Another Language The Age At Which Learning a New Language Stops Strengthening The Brain Gesturing While Talking Influences Thoughts

A compound in these nuts and fruits has striking effect on memory, learning and depression. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Advertisement 6 Foods That Fight Belly Fat Brought On By Yo-Yo Dieting. Related articles: Caffeine Improves Long-Term Memory When Consumed After Learning Learning Challenging New Skills Like Photography Improves Memory How Sleep After Learning Enhances Memory How Long-Term Stress Affects Short-Term Memory Just 1 Gram of This Spice Boosts Memory in Six Hours

Stress' effect on pain was the exact reverse of what scientists expected. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Advertisement 6 Foods That Fight Belly Fat Brought On By Yo-Yo Dieting. Related articles: The Amazing Effect of Mother’s Mere Presence on Infant Pain and Brain Development Empathy: Women Better Under Stress But Men Worse Diet Tip: The Unexpected Effect of Comfort Food on Bad Moods Meditation is an Effective Treatment for Depression, Anxiety and Pain The Unexpected Emotional Effect of Sharing ‘Epic Moments’ With Others

Could there be an underlying biological cause for many mental illnesses? Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Advertisement 6 Foods That Fight Belly Fat Brought On By Yo-Yo Dieting. Related articles: Brain Scans Can Predict The Best Type of Depression Treatment For an Individual Cooking Fish This Way Protects Brain From Gray Matter Loss With Age A Blood Test for Depression Hyper-Connected: What Depression Does to Your Brain New Study of Improvising Jazz Pianists Shows Similar Brain Circuits Used for Music and Language

Brain scans may help people get the right therapy for depression. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: This Group Depression Treatment is as Effective as Individual Therapy New Depression Treatment So Obvious You Won’t Believe It’s NEVER Been Tried Before Schizophrenia, Depression and Addiction All Linked to Similar Loss of Brain Matter A Fast-Acting Treatment Which Helps Severely Depressed Experience Pleasure Again The Creative Therapy Which Reduces Depression in Young and Old Alike

Could these 36 questions help you form the most intimate relationship of your life? Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: What is Love: Are You Made For Each Other or Are You on a Journey? Can Long Distance Relationships Work? The Quick Eye Movement That Reveals Whether It’s Love or Lust Still Thinking About Your Ex? Why It’s Bad News for Your Current Partner "Is the Internet Good/Bad For You?" and Other Dumb Questions

PsyBlog's author introduces his new health website: HealthiestBlog.com. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: These Everyday Foods Have a Powerful Connection With Mental Wellbeing 5 Habits Proven to Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia The Effect Being Called ‘Fat’ Has on 10-Year-Old Girls, 9 Years Later Mental Health Problems Can Shorten Life More Than Heavy Smoking Family Problems In Childhood Affect Brain Development

Study finds unexpected difference between attractive men and women in their selfishness. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: Are Narcissists As Sexy As They Think? Men Want Women to Split Dating Costs But Are Scared to Ask The Cheerleader Effect: Why People Appear Better-Looking in Groups A Foolproof Way To Use Forgetting To Help You Remember, Study Reveals Social Anxiety Disorder: Impressive Study Reveals The Very Best Treatment

Billions of words analysed in 10 world languages and this mood keeps shining through. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: Antidepressants: Higher Rates of Psychological Side-Effects Revealed by New Study Human Children Grow Up So Slowly Due to Large Brains, Study Finds How We Know Babies Are Born With The Structure of Language Unique Human Brain Area Identified that Separates Us From Monkeys You Can Learn a New Language While You Sleep, Study Finds

Potential new treatment for Alzheimer's and other cognitive disorders. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: Longevity Gene May Enhance Cognition Hidden Caves in the Brain Open Up During Sleep to Wash Away Toxins Dementia Treated Successfully With Anti-Aging Diet The Familiar Food Which May Help Fight Alzheimer’s Disease This is How Exercise Protects You From Stress-Induced Depression

For 50 years scientists and the public alike have been completely wrong about the biological basis of depression. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: Long-Held Belief About Depression Challenged by New Study A Blood Test for Depression Brain Scans Reveal Why Up To One in Six People Get SAD in Winter Antidepressants: Higher Rates of Psychological Side-Effects Revealed by New Study Autism: Vital Link Found Between Vitamin D and Serotonin Production

Digit ratio signals how much men will listen attentively, be complimentary and compromise. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: The Number of Children That Makes Parents Happiest Mental Practice Makes Perfect This Simple Little Message Can Help People Lose Weight Are Sexy People Really More Selfish? New Study Reveals Men and Women Differ The Shocking Effect of ‘Hidden’ Sibling Bullying on Adult Depression

A new study reveals how to improve attention and the ability to focus. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: Blue Light Can Improve Alertness and Attention Day or Night Super-Focus: 10 Natural Steps to Nurture Your Attention How Attention Works: The Brain’s Anti-Distraction System Discovered Want to Improve Your Attention? Wear a White Coat Can Doodling Improve Memory and Concentration?

One in five suicides around the world is caused by this and the figure is rising. Dr Jeremy Dean is a psychologist and author of PsyBlog. His latest book is "Making Habits, Breaking Habits: How to Make Changes That Stick" Related articles: Six Neurotoxic Industrial Chemicals Linked to Rise In Brain Disorders People Are Happier When They Do The Right Thing Blood Test for Suicide: Changes In One Gene Predict Suicide Risk Girls Get Higher Grades Than Boys In All Subjects The Age At Which People Are Least Happy With Their Lives

» Read HealthiestBlog.com, the new blog from PsyBlog's author Are the 10 most addictive foods like drugs of abuse? » Continue reading: 10 Most Addictive Foods: All But One Are Highly Processed » HealthiestBlog.com, the NEW blog from PsyBlog's author. Related articles: Diet Tip: The Unexpected Effect of Comfort Food on Bad Moods A Highly Valued Personality Trait That Sadly Increases The Risk of Suicide These Everyday Foods Have a Powerful Connection With Mental Wellbeing Easy Mental Trick Which You’ll Be Surprised To Learn Reduces Appetite Why the Sleep-Deprived Crave Junk Food and Buy Higher Calorie Foods

» Read HealthiestBlog.com, the new blog from PsyBlog's author Learning how to sleep better can improve quality of life, depression and fatigue. » Continue reading: How To Sleep Better: Ancient Technique Beats Modern Therapy Related articles: This Group Depression Treatment is as Effective as Individual Therapy You Might Be Surprised How Much 3 Hours of Therapy Can Help Prevent Teen Mental Health Issues The Creative Therapy Which Reduces Depression in Young and Old Alike Why the Sleep-Deprived Crave Junk Food and Buy Higher Calorie Foods How Just One Night’s Poor Sleep Can Hurt a Relationship

Deal with stress ahead of time but avoid two techniques that will put you in a worse mood. » Continue reading: Deal With Stress In Advance But Avoid Two Common Responses » Read HealthiestBlog.com, the new site from PsyBlog's author Related articles: The Best 3 Ways to Deal With Failure (Plus 5 Painful Ones To Avoid) How to Deal With Stress and Anxiety: 10 Proven Psychological Techniques How To Set Better Goals: Avoid Four Common Mistakes Childhood Poverty and Stress Harms Adult Brain Function Empathy: Women Better Under Stress But Men Worse

Why friends are better at predicting how long you'll live from personality traits. » Continue reading: Two Personality Traits Which Predict Long Life » Read HealthiestBlog.com, the new site from PsyBlog's author Related articles: How Cynical Personality Traits Affect Dementia Risk Comedians Have Psychotic Personality Traits Mental Health Problems Can Shorten Life More Than Heavy Smoking Here’s Why Believing People Can Change Is So Important in Life This Social Media Behaviour Points To Personality Issues

Study reveals how vitamin D benefits mental disorders, as do omega-3 fatty acids. » Continue reading: Vitamin D Benefits Common Mental Illnesses By Regulating Serotonin » Read HealthiestBlog.com, the new site from PsyBlog's author Related articles: Autism: Vital Link Found Between Vitamin D and Serotonin Production This Vitamin Stops People Feeling SAD and Promotes Good Mental Health Cooking Fish This Way Protects Brain From Gray Matter Loss With Age 9 Nutrients Which Should Be In Your Diet for Good Mental Health The Effects of Vitamin E on Alzheimer’s and Age-Related Memory Problems