#Wellbeing

Amid an alarming surge in job cuts across the United States in 2025, a new wave of layoff anxiety is sweeping through the workforce, driving Americans to work harder but ultimately burning out faster, experts warn. A recent CNBC report highlights the unprecedented level of job insecurity: nearly 700,000 layoffs were reported in the first five months of the year—an 80% spike compared to the same period in 2024—leaving 46% of workers worried about their future employment and exposing stark psychological tolls (CNBC).

Malaysia has been named the happiest country in Asia, a development that has caught the attention of not only regional policymakers but also retailers across the continent. The findings, as highlighted in a report by The Robin Report, signal promising opportunities for businesses and suggest pathways for other countries, including Thailand, to boost well-being and consumer confidence within their borders (therobinreport.com).

The announcement is particularly significant for Thailand, a nation striving to balance post-pandemic economic recovery with quality-of-life improvements. With happiness increasingly linked to economic vitality and retail growth, Malaysia’s status offers a compelling case study in how consumer sentiment shapes spending patterns, community engagement, and national development.

For many Thais, it’s a familiar refrain heard from elders: “Each year passes faster than the last.” This shared experience, long chalked up to nostalgia or busy lives, now has new scientific backing. Recent research published in the journal European Review and summarized in an Earth.com article explains why our perception of time truly seems to speed up with age, lending insight into both the mechanics of the brain and possible ways for everyone, young or old, to reclaim a sense of fuller, richer days (Earth.com).

As high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become a staple for fitness enthusiasts seeking quick results, a new wave of awareness is questioning whether it’s truly the best route for everyone—especially those who simply don’t enjoy it. Recent experiences and scientific studies are converging to highlight the nuanced benefits of swapping sweat-drenched HIIT sessions for less intense, more enjoyable forms of cardio, calling into question whether maximal exertion is always necessary for optimal fitness gains. This shift in understanding is especially significant for Thai readers, as it reflects an ongoing dialogue about sustainable health, fitness, and the role of pleasure in an active lifestyle.

Talking to pets as if they are people may do more than entertain our furry friends — it could reflect and even strengthen vital emotional skills for their human companions, according to emerging research and expert analysis. As pet ownership grows steadily in Thailand and worldwide, scientists and psychologists are delving deeper into the social and psychological benefits of treating pets as conversational partners, with recent studies suggesting that these interactions are closely linked to seven distinct emotional strengths.

As Thailand’s society becomes increasingly aware of mental health challenges, especially post-pandemic, many are grappling with the often unseen social costs of depression. Recent global research and lived experiences—like that described in Slate’s recent advice column about a decade-old friendship tested by one friend’s withdrawal and history of depression—highlight a growing dilemma: when a person’s struggle with a common illness like depression begins to erode the very bonds that once provided support and joy, what are friends to do? slate.com

A new nationwide study reveals that pastors, traditionally seen as frontline counselors in their communities, are now providing less counseling than a decade ago, have fewer resources for referrals, and are increasingly isolated with their own struggles. The Lifeway Research survey, involving over 1,500 evangelical and Black Protestant pastors across the United States, underscores an important shift in how spiritual leaders participate in mental health care—a development with broad implications for faith communities worldwide, including Thailand.

A growing wave of psychological research and theory is turning the spotlight away from the individual mind and highlighting the profound impact of relationships on mental health. New arguments from the field of relational psychology challenge the traditional view that mental disorders are rooted solely within the individual, calling for a social and interpersonal understanding of mental wellbeing—a perspective with sweeping implications for how Thai society approaches mental health care.

In a world where relationships are under increasing strain, new research is spotlighting six small but powerfully effective daily habits linked to happier, longer-lasting marriages—findings that resonate with couples across Thailand as much as anywhere else. Compiled from the latest peer-reviewed studies, these rituals promise to help couples enjoy not only marital stability but also greater day-to-day happiness, all without expensive retreats or couples therapy marathons. The science suggests that, like any good recipe for longevity, it’s the daily consistency and intent that make the difference.

A brief, guided breathing exercise can significantly improve our ability to regulate negative emotions, according to a new study published in the journal Psychological Reports. The findings suggest that as little as three minutes of “box breathing”—a simple technique involving slow, measured inhales, holds, and exhales—may offer a fast, accessible strategy to calm the mind, reduce agitation, and enhance self-control in the face of everyday stress.

Emotional regulation lies at the heart of mental wellbeing, influencing how we cope with life’s inevitable challenges. For many Thais, navigating emotional ups and downs is an essential part of maintaining family harmony, workplace productivity, and community life. The latest research offers hope for those seeking alternatives to medication or long-term therapy by demonstrating that even short, intentional breathing sessions can have immediate and measurable impacts on mood and resilience.

A sweeping new study has found that rates of depression and severe psychological distress differ widely across job sectors, with employees in retail, food service, media, and healthcare support among the most at risk. The findings underscore the urgent need for tailored workplace mental health strategies, particularly as young adults and women are shown to be disproportionately affected.

The research, led by a team at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, analyzed data from over 536,000 working adults across 37 US states, collected between 2015 and 2019. The results, published in JAMA Network Open (JAMA Network Open, June 2025), paint a nuanced portrait of how occupation, age, gender, and insurance status shape mental well-being across the labor market. This information is particularly timely for Thailand, where the impacts of economic change, urbanization, and shifting industry are reshaping the workforce and its vulnerabilities.

A growing body of research, highlighted in a recent feature by The Times of India, is challenging conventional wisdom about childhood boredom. Contrary to the belief that children’s schedules should be filled with constant activities and digital entertainment, experts now recommend that parents allow their children to experience periods of boredom. This approach, they argue, can nurture creativity, emotional resilience, and self-reliance—traits essential for thriving in today’s complex world (Times of India).

A wave of new research is upending common beliefs about motivation, revealing that pushing people harder with advice and pressure often backfires—while a gentler, evidence-based approach can dramatically improve follow-through. Published recently in Psychology Today by licensed clinical social worker and applied psychologists from universities in the US and UK, these findings challenge longstanding norms in Thai homes, schools, and workplaces, offering a fresh approach for Thai leaders, parents, and educators striving to inspire lasting personal and group change (Psychology Today).

In a world increasingly dominated by tracking devices, wellness routines, and strict dietary regimens, the pursuit of being “perfectly healthy” is coming under the microscope. A growing body of research and expert opinion now suggests that the quest for perfect health might, paradoxically, be undermining well-being. A recent article published on MindBodyGreen, featuring insights from a health entrepreneur, sheds light on the hidden costs of health perfectionism and encourages a shift towards a more balanced, humane approach to well-being (MindBodyGreen).

A recent study spotlighted by Parents.com has captured the attention of families across the United States and beyond by ranking the states with the “happiest” families in America. The research, which surveyed aspects of well-being from emotional support to financial security, reveals surprising regional differences and underscores the growing global interest in family life quality. While this study centers on the American context, its findings and methodologies offer valuable takeaways for Thai readers concerned with family happiness, societal wellbeing, and work-life balance.

The personal experience recounted in a recent Salt Lake Tribune opinion piece—of an individual forced to sever ties with conservative, immigrant parents after coming out as LGBTQ+—is not only poignant but also, sadly, emblematic of a wider pattern documented by international and Thai research. As dialogue around LGBTQ+ acceptance grows more visible in public and family spheres, scientists are compiling evidence that family rejection sharply increases mental health risks, but that targeted interventions and rising social support can, over time, help break cycles of alienation and trauma.

A growing body of research reveals that chronic loneliness carries health risks as severe as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, underscoring the urgent need for adults—both in Thailand and worldwide—to prioritize building and maintaining friendships. While many think of catching up over Line chats or enjoying a meal alone as harmless routines, experts warn that ongoing social isolation can lead to serious health consequences, including increased stress, high blood pressure, and even premature death. As modern lifestyles and convenience technologies further reduce spontaneous social encounters, psychologists and relational health experts are offering practical advice for combating adult loneliness and creating meaningful, lasting connections.

A new wave of psychological research and discussions in recent days has reignited public interest in how unresolved childhood trauma shapes adult behavior. Building on expert opinions shared by psychologists and recent systematic reviews published in respected medical journals, it has become increasingly clear that adverse experiences in early life can leave lasting emotional imprints, often presenting as distinctive patterns in adulthood. This issue is not only relevant to those impacted directly but carries broader significance for Thai society, as mental health awareness steadily grows and stigma around seeking psychological assistance begins to fade.

More than half of adults surveyed in a new study admit that financial stress is robbing them of sleep, highlighting a deepening crisis as economic anxieties seep into every corner of daily life. The research, conducted by Affordable Housing Hub and released in late June 2025, polled 1,000 U.S. participants and found 53% reported losing sleep due to money worries. Nearly half confessed to depending on credit cards to meet basic needs like food and utilities. These findings echo similar struggles in countries like Thailand, where rising living costs and unsteady employment have combined to create a potent source of chronic stress (KSBY.com).

A recent international study spearheaded by The Big Joy Project has revealed that performing small, science-backed acts of joy for just five to ten minutes a day can significantly improve happiness, well-being, and even physical health. Drawing on data from over 17,000 participants spanning 169 countries, researchers found that these so-called “micro acts” or “joy snacks” deliver measurable benefits—offering a powerful, time-efficient tool to enhance everyday life.

For many in Thailand and around the world, demanding schedules and the pressures of modern life leave little room for self-care. Yet, the latest findings suggest that happiness may be far more accessible than previously thought. The Big Joy Project, part of the Mission: JOY initiative inspired by the friendship and teachings of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, set out to test whether small, practical acts could uplift mood and reduce stress across various populations, not just in ideal laboratory settings but out in the “messy” real world (AOL News).

Vacations are meant to recharge our spirits and provide relief from daily routines, but new research warns that certain habits may be undermining the very relaxation holidaymakers seek. A recent feature in HuffPost collects insights from travel experts and mental health professionals, revealing that common vacation practices—from overplanning to obsessively comparing trips on social media—may be fueling stress rather than easing it (HuffPost). For many Thais who place great value on sanuk (enjoyment of life), these revelations offer both warnings and practical lessons against letting leisure turn into another form of pressure.

A groundbreaking new study from the Japan Institute for Health Security has found that adults adhering to a traditional Japanese-style diet experience significantly lower rates of depressive symptoms. The research, the first of its kind conducted at this scale in Japan, could have important ramifications for public health and workplace mental wellness initiatives both in Thailand and worldwide.

The relevance of these findings is especially sharp for Thai readers. With depression rates steadily rising in Thailand and across Asia, understanding the role of diet in mental well-being may offer a practical and culturally adaptable path toward prevention. Modern Thai society, like Japan, is facing rapid urbanization, social isolation, and dietary shifts that impact both physical and mental health. As Thais increasingly adopt processed and Westernized eating habits, this new evidence spotlights the potential power of returning to traditional foodways.

A new report highlights the under-recognized symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, a common but often neglected health concern that affects millions worldwide, including a growing number of Thais. With many people staying indoors, relying on processed foods, and living busy urban lifestyles, the classic “sunshine vitamin” is in short supply for large segments of the population—sometimes with serious health consequences (Times of India).

Vitamin D is essential not only for bone health but also for crucial roles in immunity, muscle strength, mood regulation, and even skin and dental repair. Yet, according to the latest research and clinical practice, most people fail to connect vague daily symptoms to an underlying deficiency—potentially delaying diagnosis and treatment. As lifestyles in Thai cities become more sedentary and sun exposure limited, public health experts warn that vitamin D deficiency may become a growing silent epidemic, especially among office workers, the elderly, and those with limited access to outdoor spaces.

ChatGPT, a widely used generative AI chatbot, is becoming an emotional lifeline for individuals seeking support, with new research indicating a record number of people are turning to artificial intelligence for comfort traditionally sought from human therapists. The rapid rise in AI’s role as a confidant is stirring both hope and concern among mental health experts and policymakers worldwide — and it holds unique implications for Thailand, where access to mental healthcare remains a societal challenge.