#Stress

Recent research has highlighted the crucial role regular physical activity plays in controlling the body’s stress response, particularly by keeping levels of the so-called “stress hormone,” cortisol, in check. For Thai readers, who often juggle busy work schedules, shifting family norms, and urban living challenges, these findings underscore practical strategies for improving wellbeing in daily life.

Cortisol is central to the human body’s “fight or flight” response—it surges in moments of stress, whether due to work pressure, family concerns, or even stimulants like caffeine and alcohol. While occasional increases in cortisol are normal, experts warn that persistently high levels can lead to long-term health problems, including anxiety, sleep disruptions, weight gain, and increased risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension (South China Morning Post). German endocrinologist Dr. Matthias Kroiss, whose insights were featured in the recent article, explains that everyday stressors—from the workplace to private life—can drive cortisol higher than healthy limits.

Amid years of mounting stress and burnout in the legal profession, new data from the 2025 ALM Mental Health Survey offers a cautiously optimistic outlook: mental health among lawyers is measurably improving for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic, even as serious workplace pressures persist and, in some cases, intensify. This shifting landscape holds valuable lessons for Thai legal professionals and underscores the universal challenge of workplace mental health in a high-pressure field.

Burnout is not just a trend; it’s a growing health and productivity crisis that affects people across Thailand as modernization and work demands rise. New research and expert insights from a recent Miami conference emphasize practical steps for individuals, families, and communities to manage chronic stress and build resilience.

Thai society is particularly affected by burnout. With rising living costs, shifting family roles, and intense workplace pressures, many adults feel overwhelmed. The World Health Organization classifies burnout as a problem stemming from chronic workplace stress, marked by exhaustion, detachment from work, cynicism, and reduced effectiveness. While it is not a medical disorder, its impact on health and workplace culture is substantial. As Thailand ages and urbanizes, the risk of social isolation among older adults grows, underscoring the need for community and family support.

A wave of recent science highlights a troubling link between long work hours and brain changes. A multicenter study led by researchers in Asia found that people clocking more than 52 hours weekly showed notable alterations in brain regions tied to memory, decision-making, and emotional control. While the research sparked global discussions, it carries particular relevance for Thailand’s evolving labor market and rising demands on workers.

Data from the Thai workforce shows Bangkok consistently ranks as a city with high working hours, and nearly one in six employees report working more than 48 hours per week. This new evidence suggests that sustained overwork could contribute to cognitive and emotional challenges well beyond fatigue, underscoring the need for workplace and public health strategies in Thailand.

A flurry of new scientific findings has revealed that the stress of working long hours doesn’t just leave people feeling exhausted—it may actually alter the structure of the human brain. According to a major study led by researchers from South Korea and published in May 2025, individuals clocking more than 52 hours a week exhibited significant physical changes in brain regions tied to memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation, sparking fresh concerns about the risks of overwork worldwide—including in Thailand’s increasingly demanding labor market (The Times; CNN; Newsweek).

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.

A new wave of research and personal testimony is drawing urgent attention to “high-functioning depression” — a form of depressive illness where sufferers maintain outward productivity while battling hidden internal distress. Unlike classic depression, which is often marked by withdrawal or inability to function, high-functioning depression stays masked beneath impressive academic, professional, or social achievement. The latest findings and expert recommendations, popularized in new media and books, reveal both the signs to watch for and actionable steps to escape this insidious cycle. This emerging understanding is vital for Thai society, where high performance and social harmony are deeply valued, increasing the risk that invisible suffering goes undetected.

A growing body of research and personal stories reveals a quiet form of depression that can affect high achievers: high-functioning depression. People live with inner distress while maintaining productivity and outward success. In Thailand, where performance and harmony are highly valued in workplaces, campuses, and families, this condition can easily go unnoticed.

For Thai readers in demanding roles, the issue hits close to home. A respected U.S. psychiatrist notes that success and public recognition can mask deep sadness. Thai culture’s emphasis on face-saving and collectivism can also discourage people from showing vulnerability. Understanding these dynamics helps communities spot hidden distress before it worsens.

A recent study signals potential mental health benefits from probiotics, showing that daily supplementation can noticeably lessen stress, anxiety, and fatigue in healthy adults within about two weeks. Conducted by researchers at Leiden University and published in npj Mental Health Research, the study tracks mood changes daily rather than relying on infrequent questionnaires. The results suggest a targeted reduction in negative mood states without dampening positive emotions, highlighting the gut–brain connection as a practical area for everyday well-being.

A new study has brought fresh optimism to the field of mental health, revealing that taking probiotics—commonly known for their gut health benefits—can also significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and fatigue within as little as two weeks. The research, led by scientists at Leiden University and published in the journal npj Mental Health Research, offers compelling evidence that daily probiotic supplementation can swiftly improve negative mood in healthy adults, sparking interest in the gut-brain connection and its relevance for everyday well-being (scitechdaily.com, nature.com).

As the afternoon slump sets in and the aroma of bubble tea or a tempting chocolate snack wafts through the office, many find themselves reaching for a sugary or caffeinated pick-me-up—often with little resistance. Yet, according to recent research highlighted in a new report by Channel News Asia, these everyday cravings may reveal more than just a passing sweet tooth; they are deeply connected to how individuals cope with stress and regulate their emotional wellbeing (Channel News Asia).

In Bangkok’s crowded streets and bustling offices, an afternoon snack break is a familiar ritual. Long workdays and constant connectivity push many toward sweets or coffee. A Southeast Asia–focused review shows these cravings reflect more than taste: they reveal how people cope with stress and manage mood.

Experts describe a nuanced link between sugar, caffeine, and emotional wellbeing. A registered dietitian notes that sugary foods can briefly activate the brain’s reward system, lifting mood. Moderate caffeine can improve alertness and help counter short-night sleep, supporting focus during deadlines.

A groundbreaking study published in Nature reveals that psychedelics such as psilocybin may do far more than alter perception or mood—they fundamentally rewire the communication between the brain and the immune system, potentially revolutionizing the treatment of psychiatric and inflammatory conditions worldwide. This research, led by a Harvard Medical School assistant professor and conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, suggests a paradigm shift for mental health therapies, moving beyond neurotransmitter-focused interventions to include neuroimmune pathways as central targets for future drugs and treatments (Neuroscience News; Nature).

A new study published in Nature suggests psychedelics like psilocybin may do more than alter mood. They could rewire the communication between the brain and the immune system, offering a potential path to treating psychiatric and inflammatory conditions. Led by a Harvard Medical School assistant professor and conducted at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, the research points to a shift in mental health therapy—targeting neuroimmune pathways alongside traditional neurotransmitter-focused approaches. In Thailand, this emerging field resonates with efforts to bridge neuroscience and holistic health practices, while underscoring the need for rigorous safety and efficacy data.

Popular health trends recently have seen a surge in interest in so-called “cortisol bellies” and “cortisol faces,” fueled by viral social media posts and a spike in online searches for cortisol-related health advice. These buzzwords, while catchy, attempt to simplify the highly complex biological processes behind how our bodies respond to chronic stress—sometimes sparking unnecessary worry among Thai and global audiences.

Cortisol, often dubbed the “stress hormone,” is produced by the adrenal glands and plays a critical role in helping the body respond to stress. When stress levels rise, so does the production of cortisol, which can affect multiple body systems—regulating metabolism, controlling blood sugar, influencing immune responses, and aiding in fat storage. According to a recent report by the National Post, online searches for information on cortisol, its “trigger foods,” and supposed “cortisol detoxes” have climbed dramatically in the past year, reflecting the growing anxiety about how stress hormones may visibly influence appearance and health (MSN).

A surge in online interest has fueled claims about “cortisol bellies” and “cortisol faces.” Viral posts and trending searches can magnify misinformation. For Thai audiences, it’s vital to separate catchy terms from solid science and consider how stress, lifestyle, and genetics shape health.

Cortisol is often called the “stress hormone.” It helps the body respond to stress and affects several systems, including metabolism, blood sugar, immune function, and fat storage. Data from recent health reporting shows that curiosity about cortisol, “trigger foods,” and supposed “cortisol detoxes” has risen sharply, reflecting anxiety about how stress might influence appearance and health.

A new wave of psychological research has highlighted the surprising effectiveness of a five-minute visualization exercise for quickly lowering stress, providing a compelling case for this practical tool amidst growing anxiety in modern society. The findings have resonated internationally, triggering fresh conversations in Thailand among educators and health professionals looking for accessible ways to address surging stress levels, especially among students and office workers.

In a world increasingly fixated on productivity and marred by relentless digital noise, Thai people face mounting stress—sometimes with severe consequences for both mental and physical health. Chronic stress is linked to a spectrum of issues including depression, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and weakened immune function, as affirmed by global health organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Thai Department of Mental Health source. The search for safe, effective, and rapid stress management techniques has therefore become a matter of urgency, both in academic settings and the general community.

A growing body of psychology suggests that spending just five minutes on guided visualization can quickly ease stress. This practical technique is catching on in Thailand as educators and health professionals seek accessible ways to address rising anxiety among students and office workers.

In a fast-paced world crowded with digital distraction, Thai society is increasingly exposed to stress. Chronic stress can contribute to depression, anxiety, cardiovascular issues, and a weakened immune system. Health authorities in Thailand, alongside global organizations, emphasize the urgency of safe, effective stress management tools that fit into busy lives.

A rapidly spreading psychological insight is capturing the attention of mental health professionals: a newly endorsed visualization exercise, easily performed in just five minutes, has been shown to dramatically reduce stress levels. The psychological technique, highlighted in a recent study discussed by Inc.com, requires nothing more than a few quiet minutes and the power of imagination—promising a potent, accessible remedy for the pressures of modern life for Thais and people around the globe alike (Inc.com).

A new, five-minute visualization practice is gaining attention among mental health professionals as a quick path to stress reduction. The approach involves only a few minutes of quiet imagination and has been highlighted by recent coverage in acclaimed outlets. For busy Thais and global readers alike, this simple technique offers a practical option to manage pressure in modern life.

Stress is a constant in Thailand, from Bangkok’s congested streets to the high expectations faced by students. With waves of change from the pandemic and the economy, many Thais report heightened anxiety. While meditation and mindfulness are familiar in Thai culture and Buddhism, researchers increasingly find that brief exercises like guided imagery can provide meaningful relief, especially for people with tight schedules.

A groundbreaking new study published in the European Journal of Neuroscience is reshaping our understanding of how anxiety affects bodily awareness—especially among women. According to the research, women who experience high levels of anxiety are significantly less able to accurately interpret signals from their own bodies, such as subtle changes in breathing. This gender-specific effect is not seen in men, underscoring the need for more nuanced approaches to mental health, and has important implications for how Thai society addresses anxiety among women (source: Vice).

New research reshapes how we view stress. Not all stress is equal, and some forms may be beneficial, while others, if mismanaged, can harm health over time. As life in Thailand grows busier, understanding this nuance matters for families, workers, and students.

In Thai culture, the idea of “jai yen yen” — keeping a peaceful heart — is often seen as protection against stress. Yet science shows our responses are shaped not only by daily routines but also by early experiences, social support, and beliefs about stress itself. This has clear implications for communities across Bangkok and provinces facing mounting pressures from work, study, and cost of living.

A new European study reshapes how we view anxiety’s effect on bodily awareness, especially among women. The research finds that high anxiety makes it harder for women to accurately interpret subtle bodily signals, such as small changes in breathing. Men did not show the same pattern, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive mental health strategies. In Thailand, these findings offer a scientific explanation for a common feeling many women describe—being “out of tune” with their bodies when stressed—and underscore the importance of inclusive screening and support within Thai health care.

The latest research, highlighted in a recent Guardian feature, tells a surprising story about stress: not only is all stress not equal, but some forms may actually benefit us, while others—especially when misunderstood or managed poorly—can lead to long-term harm. As daily life in Thailand grows ever more complex and fast-paced, understanding this multifaceted force is more important than ever.

In Thailand, the cultural belief of “jai yen yen”—keeping a “cool heart”—is often considered a shield against stressful situations. Yet, as research delves deeper into the biology and psychology of stress, it becomes clear that our reactions are shaped not just by lifestyle or culture, but also by early life experiences, community support, and even our own beliefs about stress itself. This has profound implications for Thai families, workers, and students feeling the mounting pressures of modern life.