Living with ADHD and how I make my life easier after being diagnosed as an adult
It’s estimated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects between 2 to 6 per cent of adults in Australia. International Day of People with Disability storyteller scholar and Brisbane artist Mark du Potiers shares his personal story of how ADHD impacts him and what he does to make life more manageable after being diagnosed in his […]
Why giving up on goals is good for you, and how to know which to ditch
Aron Leah of Fried Cactus This was meant to be a big year for me. I planned to run a marathon, gain a diploma in Spanish and begin work on my next book – all while growing my social media following to promote my journalism. Even when I have felt frustrated or stressed, I have […]
How to nurture infant microbiomes for a lifetime of good mental health
Families who garden together have more diverse microbiomes Halfpoint Images/Getty Images New parents have plenty to fret about – sleeping, feeding, the colour of their newborn’s poo – but their baby’s microbiome probably isn’t high on the list. According to experts, it should be. “The first 1000 days of life are incredibly important for seeding […]
What is task paralysis and how do you overcome it?
If you’ve ever felt physically unable to begin a project or chore, whether it be at home, work or school, it could be a sign you’re experiencing task paralysis. It is not laziness or procrastination; rather, it’s a physiological reaction to stress and overwhelm, leading to people feeling “stuck or frozen”. We asked three experts […]
How I get my kids to listen—in 5 seconds or less
Recently, I was talking to my two middle-school sons about the importance of listening the first time they’re asked to do something, especially when it really matters. But before I got far, my oldest interrupted, rolling his eyes: “Bruh, it’s not that deep.” “FYI, I’m not your bruh,” I replied. The exchange reminded me of […]
How to make procrastination work for—not against—you
Procrastination isn’t an easy habit to kick, but Arthur Brooks, social scientist and happiness researcher, says there are ways you can use putting things off to your benefit. “Procrastination gets a bad rap. And indeed, putting off necessary, routine responsibilities will make your work pile up and is almost always detrimental to your well-being,” Brooks […]
Chronic inflammation messes with your mind. Here’s how to calm it
Golam Khandaker’s mother has had arthritis for as long as he can remember. She also lives with depression, and it always struck Khandaker how precisely her arthritis flare-ups coincide with her most severe episodes of low mood. Perhaps it isn’t surprising that these bouts of painful inflammation might cause her to feel low. But as […]
How to build emotional endurance, resilience
Being recognized as a resilient person feels great. Weathering the tough moments that build resilience is less glamorous. Developing emotional endurance, or the ability to withstand stress or discomfort without letting negative emotions overtake you, can help that process feel less grueling and more like an opportunity to learn and grow, Columbia University-trained psychologist Becky […]
Self-care or escapism? How to spot the difference, says therapist
Giving yourself adequate care and attention is important for you to feel your best. “Self-care is something that we need to do on a regular basis, that helps us relax and helps us recharge,” says Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist and author. Acts of self-care can prioritize different areas of well-being like physical activity, spirituality or […]
Brain fog troubling you? Here’s how to battle mental cloudiness, and spot signs it may be more serious
Dr Ng explained that the brain needs sleep to consolidate memories. That means it sorts, stores and strengthens new information we have taken in during the day. If sleep is poor, memory suffers. “This is why good sleep is not just rest. It is essential for clear thinking and learning,” he emphasised. This is especially […]