#Wellbeing

Exercise’s mood-boosting powers have entered the spotlight once again as new research reaffirms what fitness enthusiasts and health professionals have long suspected: regular physical activity can significantly lift spirits by sparking the brain’s “feel-good” chemicals. The link between exercise, endorphin release, and improved happiness levels is capturing renewed interest among scientists worldwide, offering actionable insights for communities in Thailand striving to combat rising rates of stress, depression, and chronic illness.

A new wave of research spotlights the impact of simple but powerful words on children’s motivation, with psychologists and educators emphasizing that a few well-chosen phrases can cultivate resilience, self-esteem, and positive behavior in young minds. The concept recently drew wide attention following a widely shared article in The Times of India titled “10 golden phrases that can motivate children instantly,” sparking discussion across parenting communities in Thailand and beyond.

A newly spotlighted morning habit is gaining attention for its potential to surpass the benefits of classic routines like exercise and meditation, according to recent reporting by Slate. While the world has long hailed physical activity and mindfulness as the staples of a healthy start to the day, fresh research and expert opinion suggest that another, more accessible morning ritual may have even greater positive impacts for mental clarity, emotional wellbeing, and productivity—a trend now catching on among health-conscious Thais.

In an age where busy schedules and digital distractions are the norm, a rising number of millennial parents are embracing the concept of the “kitchen table family”—a household practice in which family members consistently gather to share meals and meaningful conversations away from screens and outside pressures. This renewed intention to carve out daily or weekly moments of togetherness, highlighted in a recent POPSUGAR feature, is being lauded by mental health experts as a simple but effective way to strengthen family bonds and foster emotional well-being, especially among children.

As cases of anxiety climb in a world still grappling with the aftershocks of the Covid-19 pandemic, a fresh spotlight has turned toward non-pharmaceutical approaches to mental wellbeing. A recent article on YourTango compiles insights from 23 wellness professionals, each sharing the techniques they personally use to reduce anxiety—without the need for medication. With Thailand’s rates of anxiety and stress reportedly on the rise in recent years, these expert-backed strategies offer new hope and practical steps for individuals seeking alternatives amid uncertainty and change.

A wave of new research is shedding light on the intriguing ways that your birth order—whether you’re a firstborn, middle child, youngest, or only child—can impact not just your personality, but also your risks for certain mental and physical health conditions. The longstanding folk wisdom about eldest siblings being responsible, middle children overlooked, and youngest siblings more carefree has some scientific roots—but the picture is far more complex, with direct relevance for families in Thailand and around the world.

As the intensity of exam season ramps up in Thailand’s schools, families across the country find themselves searching for ways to support students under mounting pressure. Recent neuroscientific research, as discussed in a widely circulated article by a prominent neuroscientist in The Times, provides fresh insights into how caregivers can help children handle academic stress, with implications that resonate powerfully for Thai households navigating national exams and university entrance tests source.

The latest in-depth investigations by international psychiatrists and psychologists are prompting a global rethink over the widespread use and perceived efficacy of antidepressants, especially in the United States, where such medications have become almost ubiquitous for treating depression, anxiety, and insomnia. New findings sharply question the central assumptions about how these drugs work, their long-term benefits, and the risks they carry—a discussion that resonates far beyond America’s borders, including in Thailand, as local mental health practices continue to evolve.

A wave of international concern is building as psychologists and child development experts warn that a commonly practiced parenting style, sometimes seen as “normal” or “strict,” can actually have lasting negative effects on children. According to a recent report in the New York Post, this approach—characterized by excessive control, harsh discipline, and a lack of emotional warmth—may undermine children’s emotional health and long-term wellbeing NY Post.

Parenting is a sensitive topic across cultures, especially as the foundations laid in early childhood often shape a person’s capabilities, relationships, and mental resilience. In Thailand, where cultural values around respect for elders and family hierarchy are deeply ingrained, the conversation on parenting practices is especially relevant. Traditional Thai parenting sometimes leans toward strictness and high expectations, echoing aspects of the style that experts are now cautioning against.

Chronic stress is more than just a feeling—recent research highlights how persistent stress acts as a silent saboteur, disrupting not only mental health but also impairing nearly every system in the body, according to a report by WBAL-TV quoting Dr. Kim Anderson, regional clinical director at the Eating Recovery Center/Pathlight Mood and Anxiety Center. As we live through increasingly stressful times, understanding these effects is essential for safeguarding long-term health, especially for Thai readers who face unique cultural and socioeconomic pressures (WBALTV).

As recent high-profile air disasters reverberate around the globe—including January’s deadly U.S. plane crash, the worst in over two decades—more people than ever are wrestling with intense anxieties about flying. Psychologists, flight attendants, and industry experts are witnessing a sharp uptick in flight-related worries, with even seasoned travelers and aviation workers expressing unprecedented discomfort in the wake of recent events (AP News, National Geographic, MSU Denver RED, NY Post). For Thai travelers—many of whom journey by air within ASEAN and beyond for work, leisure, or pilgrimage—the resurgence of “fear of flying” (aviophobia) presents unique personal and cultural challenges.

A new wave of research and social commentary is shining a critical light on the true cost of “doing it all” as a parent — and the findings are deeply relevant for families across Thailand. The latest Psychology Today article, “Running on Empty: The True Cost of Doing It All” by Drs. Alona Pulde and Matthew Lederman, argues that today’s culture of “good parenting” glorifies exhaustion and self-sacrifice, leaving parents depleted, relationships strained, and personal well-being on the line (source). At a time when both global and Thai parents are expected to juggle relentless schedules, this new perspective asks: Are we sacrificing too much at the altar of good parenting, and what can we do differently for the health of both families and children?

New research and inspiring family stories are highlighting a simple but powerful message: getting kids moving early in life can shape their health for decades. The recent tale of the McGurrin family, chronicled in the Bucks County Herald, underscores how participation in local events like the Sesame Classic run can cultivate foundational exercise routines that last a lifetime. As modern lifestyles become more sedentary, and only a fraction of children meet recommended physical activity guidelines, the lessons from both scientific study and community events send a clear wake-up call for families in Thailand and around the world to prioritize active beginnings (Bucks County Herald).

Hollywood actor Penn Badgley’s recent disclosure about his struggle with body dysmorphia has resonated widely, igniting crucial conversations about mental health, celebrity culture, and the influence of media on self-image both in the West and here in Thailand. In a heartfelt interview with The Guardian, Badgley—best known for his roles in “Gossip Girl” and “You”—shared, “I know that I hated my body and simply wanted a different one…I was jumping wilfully into, but also being thrust into, this world where the more conventionally beautiful I seemed, the more successful I might be, the more value I might have” (The Guardian). His frank admission has sparked international attention, highlighting the often-hidden torment experienced by people living with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and underscoring the urgent need for public awareness and intervention—especially in visually oriented societies.

Nationwide Children’s Hospital—recognized across the US for its leadership in pediatric health—has announced a major rebranding and expansion of its high-profile children’s mental health program. The “On Our Sleeves” initiative, which since 2018 has distributed free educational resources to over 15 million Americans, will now move forward as The Kids Mental Health Foundation, signaling a deepened mission to address the growing mental health crisis among youth nationwide (source).

This change comes at a pivotal moment for parents, educators, and health professionals. The US Surgeon General and other health authorities have described children’s mental health as a “national crisis.” In Thailand, as in the US, teachers and families report rising anxieties about the long-term effects of academic stress, social media, and the lingering aftermath of COVID-19 on youth wellbeing—a concern very much echoed in the recent US survey conducted by The Kids Mental Health Foundation, where 70% of nearly 540 parents said they are worried about their children’s mental health, and almost 40% said they are “very concerned” (source).

Thai readers may remember the spectacular social media phenomenon a decade ago, when people across the world — from celebrities to schoolchildren — doused themselves in ice water for the original Ice Bucket Challenge. Launched in 2014, the trend raised over US$220 million globally for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), known in Thai as โรคกล้ามเนื้ออ่อนแรง (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and brought international attention to a previously little-known disease. Now, in 2025, the challenge is back — but with an urgent new purpose: breaking the silence around mental health, especially among young people (NBC News, New York Times).

A groundbreaking new study reveals that just five minutes of eccentric exercise each day can significantly improve strength, flexibility, and mental well-being in people who previously led mostly sedentary lives. The findings, published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology in March 2025, challenge the notion that effective exercise requires a big time commitment—offering a practical path to better health for busy Thais grappling with limited time and space for fitness.

The arrival of a first child brings a whirlwind of changes, excitement, and precious new traditions—something Jett and Campbell ‘Pookie’ Puckett experienced this Easter, as they celebrated the holiday for the first time as parents. Their story, shared with fans through heartfelt photos and joyful reflections, offers a window into the magic and challenges faced by new families everywhere, reminding readers that such milestones hold universal meaning well beyond the world of celebrities source.

Touch is a sense so omnipresent that most people rarely pause to appreciate its profound influence—until it’s disrupted. Yet, as fresh research led by Harvard’s Dr. David Ginty reveals, touch is our most complex sense, arising from an intricate landscape of cellular sensors that function as the body’s constantly vigilant interface with the world. These findings, summarized in a sweeping feature in Quanta Magazine and recent reports from Harvard’s neurobiology teams, paint touch not as a single sensation but as a rich, dynamic network involving myriad neuron types, each finely tuned to unique tactile experiences—from the gentle tickle of a breeze on the skin to the comforting pressure of a mother’s hug (Quanta Magazine, 2025; Harvard Medical School, 2024).

The vagus nerve, often dubbed the body’s “electrical information superhighway,” is gaining growing attention as a novel pathway to reducing anxiety—with both ancient practices and high-tech solutions vying for public interest. From deep breathing and Mediterranean diets to wearable devices, the quest to “exercise” the vagus nerve and calm the mind has surged in popularity, stirring debate among clinicians and wellness influencers alike. This new wave arrives in an era where anxiety ranks among the most common mental health challenges globally and in Thailand, as modern life accelerates and traditional coping methods are increasingly supplemented by science-backed therapies and wellness trends.

As the sun returns and Thais across the country take to parks and neighborhood sois for their daily walks, recent research and expert opinion reinforce a simple but powerful health message: walking—whether a slow saunter or a brisk “hot girl walk” trend—offers significant, wide-ranging health benefits. Contrary to some online debates, fitness trainers and scientific studies now agree: walking absolutely counts as exercise, with the latest data showing it can reduce your risk for heart abnormalities, diabetes, cancer, and even dementia, among other chronic diseases (CNET). For Thai readers living in urban environments or rural towns alike, this news spotlights an accessible path to better health that doesn’t require expensive gym memberships or elaborate equipment—just a sturdy pair of shoes and a willingness to take the first step.

A new training trend is shaking up home fitness routines worldwide: swapping traditional core exercises like sit-ups and crunches for dynamic, dumbbell-based moves. As detailed in a firsthand feature on Fit&Well, journalist Yanar Alkayat shares her experience adopting a weighted core circuit, guided by musculoskeletal specialist Kelly Marshall, highlighting key reasons why Thai readers may want to reconsider their approach to ab training (Fit&Well, 2025).

In today’s fitness culture, core workouts are almost synonymous with endless repetitions of crunches—but new research and expert insights suggest this may be a missed opportunity. Many of us in Thailand follow online videos or fitness apps that focus mainly on “visible abs.” However, strengthening only the superficial muscles overlooks vital deep core muscles that underlie our posture, balance, and daily movements. Weighted core exercises, particularly those using dumbbells, have emerged as a way to target deeper muscle layers around the ribs, spine, and pelvis—muscles crucial not only for aesthetics but for practical function such as walking, lifting, and climbing stairs.

A leading health expert from Philadelphia is experimenting with music as a drug-free way to reduce stress, fueling new interest in how melodies might heal mind and body. Drawing on a wave of recent research, this approach invites Thai readers to consider music not just as entertainment, but as a scientifically validated “medicine” for anxiety, emotional resilience, and overall well-being — without the side effects of pills. As stress and anxiety issues continue to rise in Thailand, especially in post-pandemic society, innovative, accessible approaches like music therapy are gaining ground both globally and at home.

The past five years have seen an alarming surge in anxiety among children and young adults, with mental health referrals for anxiety in youth in the UK more than doubling since 2019—from about 99,000 to over 204,000 cases annually (The Times). Yet as society scrambles to address this crisis in children, a critical—and less visible—public health problem is emerging right alongside it: children’s anxiety often triggers or worsens anxiety and distress in their parents, creating a ripple effect through families. Recent studies suggest it may be impossible to fully address childhood anxiety unless parents’ mental well-being is considered too.