#Resilience

A growing body of research highlights the power of small, daily habits – and leading sports psychologists agree that simple routines can make a profound difference not only for athletes but for everyone seeking better mental health, resilience, and productivity. According to the latest feature from The Athletic, top experts in the field have identified five small habits that, done consistently, can transform lives both on and off the playing field. For Thai readers, embracing these behaviors may lead to improved well-being, greater focus, and deeper satisfaction in both personal and professional arenas.

A new international study has found that regular physical exercise can significantly enhance the academic self-confidence of college students, with personality traits like future orientation and mental resilience playing a pivotal mediating role. The findings could inform Thai universities and educators looking to support students’ mental well-being and scholastic achievement amid mounting educational challenges.

The research, conducted with 624 university students, examined how physical activity contributes not only to physical health, but to psychological traits that underpin academic success. By using structured questionnaires and advanced statistical analysis, the investigators uncovered a strong positive link between engaging in exercise and students’ belief in their ability to excel academically—what psychologists call “academic self-efficacy” (Frontiers in Psychology).

A growing body of scientific research suggests that turning down the volume on our egos—focusing less on self-centeredness and more on humility, empathy, and growth—may be a key to greater happiness and resilience. In a culture increasingly dominated by loud personalities, especially on social media and in public life, new studies are bringing fresh attention to the psychological and social benefits of nurturing what psychologists call a “quiet ego.”

Modern life tends to reward those who promote themselves. The prolific rise of influencers, the ever-present pressure to stand out on social networks, and the competitive edge in the workforce all encourage loud, self-focused behavior. Yet, as highlighted in a recent Atlantic article, there is evidence that this cultural shift coincides with record-high levels of depression and declining overall well-being, especially among young people.

Curiosity, often dismissed as a mere childhood impulse, is gaining renewed scientific recognition as a core engine of learning and adaptability, according to emerging neuroscience research highlighted in a recent Big Think analysis published on May 12, 2025. The article, “How curiosity rewires your brain for change,” draws on contemporary studies to reveal how curiosity not only drives exploration but may also rewire our brains to buffer against stress and navigate change more effectively—a message with profound implications for Thai students, workers, and lifelong learners facing rapid social and technological transformation.

Burnout is more than just a buzzword—it’s an escalating crisis impacting health, happiness, and productivity worldwide, including in Thailand. Recent research and expert testimony from a high-profile conference in Miami highlight the seriousness of burnout and provide actionable strategies for individuals, families, and communities to address chronic stress. As the phenomenon becomes more widely recognized, mental health professionals urge everyone—from senior caregivers to students and the general workforce—to take burnout prevention seriously and adopt routine habits that foster resilience and joy.

Chronic stress has become an increasingly prominent concern in both global and Thai society, exacerbated by rapid digitalization, economic pressures, and disruptions to daily life. A new wave of research led by experts in behavioral psychology highlights practical, evidence-based techniques for managing persistent stress. According to a recent article from The Conversation, the discussion on “cortisol face”, which refers to the physical impact of sustained stress—such as puffiness and fatigue—underlines how crucial it is to address mental strain for long-term health beyond mere appearances (The Conversation).

A new wave of research and expert opinion has cast doubt on the classic parenting phrase, “everything is fine,” calling it more harmful than once believed for children’s emotional development. Though many Thai parents and caregivers grew up hearing and using this seemingly benign statement to reassure distressed youngsters, developmental psychologists now warn that such dismissive comfort may actually disrupt a child’s ability to process emotions and build long-term resilience (thinkstewartville.com).

A new parenting trend known as FAFO, short for “fuck around and find out,” is captivating social media audiences and sparking debate among parents and child development specialists. This approach, now viral on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, encourages guardians to let children learn from the natural consequences of their actions with minimal intervention. While it claims to promote independence and resilience, health and education experts caution that results can be mixed, particularly for Thai families navigating a modernizing society with deep-rooted traditional values. (HuffPost)

A growing body of research and recent commentary suggest that society’s heightened focus on mental health could paradoxically be undermining our collective sense of well-being. This provocative notion—explored in a recent article by The Telegraph—raises questions about whether our cultural “fixation” with monitoring, diagnosing, and discussing mental health might be fueling anxiety, undermining resilience, and, ironically, making us more miserable. The debate is especially relevant in Thailand, where stigma around mental health is gradually lifting, but imported Western mental health models are being embraced with mixed results.

Mounting evidence from recent global and Thai research makes the connection clear: financial stress is not just a matter of the wallet, but a serious threat to mental health. As economic pressures increase worldwide and in Thailand, experts urge individuals and policymakers to address the psychological toll money worries can inflict, while providing actionable strategies to mitigate the risks.

Recent coverage by NPR highlights just how deeply financial uncertainty—stemming from job losses, fears of recession, or shrinking savings—affects the psyche. While having financial reserves is a buffer, research shows that one’s perception of financial change matters even more. Social work professor Jeffrey Anvari-Clark’s 2023 study found that how people feel about a decline in income influences their mental well-being twenty times more than the actual loss itself. The narratives people adopt—interpreting difficulty as either a temporary setback or a catastrophe—can determine whether they endure the stress or slide into anxiety, depression, or even physical health issues such as high blood pressure and heart problems (NPR, 2025).

A new wave of research and expert advice has highlighted 16 crucial life lessons that parents and grandparents should instill in children, reflecting the latest insights from child psychologists and educators. The findings, recently featured by Parade magazine, underscore the pivotal role families play in shaping the emotional, cognitive, and social resilience of young people in an increasingly complex world Parade article.

For Thai families navigating fast-changing social norms and educational pressures, these expert-driven lessons offer both timeless wisdom and practical strategies to raise well-rounded, happy children. As society grapples with issues from digital overload to persistent academic stress, research shows that intergenerational guidance can provide children with the inner strength and values needed to thrive.

A wave of recent research and public discussion is shining new light on how specific childhood experiences, from shared family meals to bedtime story rituals, affect children’s lifelong happiness, resilience, and even physical health. A widely-read article from YourTango, “Your Parents Did A Great Job Raising You If You Have These 11 Childhood Memories” (source), distills the latest scientific findings and expert commentary to highlight which memories signal strong, supportive parenting—and why that matters both for individuals and for Thai families navigating modern pressures today.

A growing chorus of parents and psychologists believe it is better for children to face manageable risks than to be raised in overly sheltered environments—a provocative idea that is gaining traction worldwide, including in Thailand. A recent feature from Upworthy, which sparked widespread conversation, gathered insights from parents who argue that modern tendencies to overprotect children may actually hinder their emotional, social, and intellectual maturity. This approach runs counter to traditional Thai values of overprotection, prompting a re-examination of how best to prepare Thai youth for an increasingly unpredictable world (source).

A new article making waves online explores 11 subtle yet powerful indicators that a person was raised by a “high-quality parent”—those whose approach to parenting promotes not only emotional intelligence and confidence, but also an enduring sense of self-worth and resilience as children grow into adulthood. Drawing upon recent psychological research, the piece offers insights for Thai readers keen to reflect on their family experiences, or seeking to nurture similar strengths in the next generation (YourTango).

Recent insights from a Times of India feature reveal that building a child’s confidence hinges not on grand gestures, but on a constellation of subtle parenting habits practiced daily—a finding with wide-ranging implications for Thai families committed to nurturing emotionally resilient youngsters. This new research-backed approach emphasizes that confidence is not inherited nor built overnight, but rather emerges from the small, consistent ways parents interact, encourage, and support their children at home (Times of India, 2025).

A groundbreaking new study from scientists at Mass General Brigham, published in the prestigious journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, confirms what many Thais intuitively believe: childhood experiences—both good and bad—can lead to enduring changes in the very structure of a child’s brain, with effects that last well into adolescence and likely adulthood. Researchers have revealed that challenges in early life, such as economic hardship or family adversity, are linked to weaker “white matter” connections throughout the brain, reducing cognitive abilities like language and mathematics years later. Yet, in a hopeful twist, children who experience resilience—especially through strong relationships and supportive communities—show stronger brain development and improved academic outcomes, despite adversity. These findings carry deep implications for Thai policymakers, families, and schools, underscoring the importance of investing in nurturing environments from the earliest years of life (source, source, source).

In an increasingly turbulent world, stress is becoming an everyday challenge for many people, with recent studies revealing a marked spike in anxiety levels among Americans in 2025. Contributing factors vary widely, from massive layoffs of federal employees to adverse weather conditions impacting communities. A survey conducted by the mental health platform Modern Health found that three-quarters of U.S. workers felt despondent from current political and global developments. Dr. Neha Chaudhary, a seasoned psychiatrist, noted that many of her patients cannot recall a time of such significant stress and uncertainty.

In an intriguing revelation, scientists have now established that childhood experiences have the capacity to reshape the brain’s architecture, not just influence cognitive abilities. This latest research from Mass General Brigham elucidates how the formative years leave indelible imprints on the brain’s communication wiring, or white matter, underscoring the profound impact of early environments on lifelong cognitive development. For Thai readers, with the emphasis on family and communal ties, these findings shed light on the critical balance between adversity and support within our societal structures.

In a remarkable convergence of athletic talent and mental health advocacy, ultra-endurance athlete Angus Collins embarks on a significant journey to amplify awareness about men’s mental health. Known for his adventurous spirit and five impressive world records, including being the youngest to row across the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans, Collins now sets his sights on a cause that has profoundly personal roots. Five years after surviving a suicide attempt, he is determined to use his platform to inspire men and boys to bravely express their insecurities and mental health struggles.

The global rise in mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, has sparked a critical conversation about the roots of this crisis. A recent piece by Patrick West at Spiked Online titled “How the age of emotion gave us the mental-health crisis” explores this phenomenon, arguing that societal changes and cultural shifts over the past decades have fundamentally altered how we perceive and address mental health.

West highlights a troubling stat from the Netherlands, where a staggering 60% increase in euthanasia cases tied to psychological suffering has been reported. This startling figure is emblematic of a broader crisis where mental anguish is driving individuals to extreme ends. In 2024, of the 10,000 Dutch patients who chose euthanasia, 10% did so due to mental distress. Such statistics underscore an escalating public health emergency that transcends borders.