#Wellbeing

New research highlights how a few carefully chosen words can boost children’s motivation, resilience, and self-esteem. Psychologists and educators say simple phrases can cultivate a growth mindset and positive behavior. The idea gained wide attention after a widely shared article in The Times of India titled “10 golden phrases that can motivate children instantly,” prompting discussion among Thai parents and teachers.

In Thailand, where traditional discipline and encouragement play strong roles at home and in schools, strategic, supportive language could alter parent-child dynamics. Experts blend global psychology with Thai educational practices, suggesting affirmations such as “I believe in you,” “You are capable,” and “It’s okay to make mistakes” foster intrinsic motivation rather than mere compliance or empty praise.

New science reinforces what fitness enthusiasts have long known: regular physical activity boosts mood by triggering the brain’s feel-good chemicals. For Thai communities facing rising stress and health challenges, this research offers clear, actionable takeaways that fit everyday life in cities and towns across Thailand.

Emerging evidence shows that aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling, and even routine daily chores can raise endorphin levels in the brain. Endorphins act as natural painkillers and mood enhancers, contributing to reduced discomfort and improved well-being. A comprehensive review of aerobic exercise highlights how consistent activity reliably increases these neurochemicals, supporting happier days and better stress resilience.

A simple morning habit is attracting attention for potentially surpassing traditional routines like exercise and meditation. New reporting highlights evidence that exposure to natural sunlight just after waking could offer broader benefits for mental clarity, mood, and daily productivity. This trend resonates with health-conscious Thais seeking accessible ways to start the day well.

The analysis notes that while exercise and mindfulness remain valuable, sunlight exposure may play a pivotal role in regulating circadian rhythms, boosting alertness, and supporting hormonal balance. The emphasis is on practical, early-morning light—without requiring special gear or training. According to research cited by experts, spending a short period outdoors in the morning can support better sleep, mood, and cognitive performance. Data from studies in reputable journals illustrate improvements in sleep quality and daytime functioning when people get morning light.

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.

Across the globe, anxiety rises as communities recover from the pandemic’s effects. A YourTango feature gathers 23 wellness professionals sharing the techniques they personally use to calm anxiety without drugs. In Thailand, where stress levels have climbed in recent years, these practical, expert-backed approaches offer accessible options for people navigating uncertainty and rapid change.

Data from health authorities underscores the need for alternatives. The World Health Organization reported a 25% worldwide increase in anxiety and depression in 2020, disproportionately affecting young people and women due to loneliness, social isolation, and fatigue. Research in JAMA Psychiatry indicates that mindful meditation can be as effective as some anti-anxiety medications for many individuals. The Cleveland Clinic reinforces non-drug approaches to improve mood by focusing on nutrition, sunlight, exercise, and stress relief.

A growing number of millennial parents are reviving the idea of a kitchen table family—daily or weekly gatherings where meals and conversations happen away from screens. Mental health experts praise this simple practice as a powerful way to strengthen family bonds and support children’s emotional well-being.

The kitchen table symbolize an intentional space where every member, young or old, feels seen and heard. An adolescent mental health clinician notes that families who eat together regularly tend to have stronger relationships, clearer communication, and healthier coping strategies. These rituals go beyond food; they provide a dependable rhythm of connection and stability for 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.

New research is redefining how birth order—being firstborn, middle, youngest, or an only child—affects health, not just personality. For Thai families, these findings matter as family structures shift, parental roles evolve, and conversations about mental health gain prominence. The debate in Thai households about elder siblings’ maturity or middle-child dynamics now sits alongside rigorous science about childhood immune development, anxiety and depression risk, and obesity.

Experts say birth order effects are complex and layered. Health insights consider personality, coping strategies, and stress management shaped by position in the family. A 2024 Epic Research study highlights notable trends: firstborns show higher rates of anxiety and depression compared with their younger siblings, while only children and last-borns appear more prone to childhood obesity. Meanwhile, middle and younger children may experience stronger immune responses, a pattern linked to early-life exposure to germs and the so-called hygiene hypothesis. These findings hold potential relevance for Thai parents navigating smaller family sizes and evolving mental health awareness.

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 exam season intensifies in Thai schools, families look for practical ways to support students under growing pressure. A recent neuroscientific perspective highlighted by a leading expert in The Times offers evidence-based strategies for caregivers to ease children’s stress during high-stakes tests, with clear relevance for Thailand’s national exams and university entrance assessments.

Thai students often face anxiety, sleep difficulties, and self-doubt during rigorous testing periods. Behavioral science suggests that supportive parenting can reduce both physiological and psychological stress responses, even when exam demands feel overwhelming.

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 research is prompting a global rethinking of how antidepressants are prescribed, especially in the United States where these drugs are widely used to treat depression, anxiety, and sleep problems. New findings challenge long-held beliefs about how these medications work, their long-term benefits, and their risks. The implications extend beyond the U.S., influencing mental health practices in Thailand as local care evolves.

In recent years, antidepressants moved from tightly controlled clinical tools to commonly endorsed remedies. Guidelines in some parts of the United States often recommend antidepressants as a first-line treatment for mild to moderate depression, a stance that contrasts with guidance from global health authorities and Thai care providers who emphasize caution for milder cases. The Covid-19 era saw a surge in prescriptions, underscoring a strong reliance on these medications within American health systems.

A global conversation is sharpening around parenting styles that are often seen as normal or strict. Psychologists warn that excessive control, harsh discipline, and emotional distance can harm children’s emotional health and long-term development. Research summarized in mainstream sources indicates that authoritarian approaches may undermine resilience, while balanced, warm guidance supports better outcomes for children.

In Thailand, where respect for elders and family hierarchy are deeply rooted, parenting practices are especially scrutinized. Traditional Thai norms have often favored strictness and high expectations. Now experts emphasize that warmth, dialogue, and clear boundaries are essential for healthy child development, aligning with evolving Thai educational and mental health priorities.

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 not just a feeling—it quietly undermines health. New research shows persistent stress can disrupt mental health and affect nearly every body system. For Thai readers, understanding these effects is essential amid ongoing social and economic pressures.

In Thailand, stress is a national concern. Surveys indicate a substantial portion of students experience high stress, highlighting how academic and family pressures can shape well-being from a young age. Economic and social uncertainties also contribute to daily strains. Data from Thai health authorities suggests substantial costs tied to stress-related illnesses, underscoring the urgency of prevention and support. In this context, stress often becomes a daily reality for many families and workers.

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 is questioning the cost of “doing it all” as a parent, with clear relevance for families across Thailand. The latest insights argue that the culture of “good parenting” often glorifies exhaustion and self-sacrifice, leaving parents drained, relationships strained, and personal well-being at risk. With Thai families juggling work, school, and social pressures, this perspective asks how we can protect health and happiness while supporting children’s growth.

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 studies and uplifting family stories emphasize a simple truth: encouraging kids to move early lays the groundwork for decades of better health. The McGurrin family’s experience, highlighted by a local newspaper feature, shows how participating in community events like a Sesame Classic run can build lifelong exercise habits. As modern life grows more sedentary, and only a portion of children meet daily activity guidelines, these findings—alongside community initiatives—offer a clear call for Thai families to spark active routines from an early age.

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.