Latest news with #Neuroscience&BiobehavioralReviews
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Health
- Newsweek
Dog Manages to Show Dad She's Happy He's Home Without Losing Spot on Couch
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A golden retriever was delighted to see her dad had come home, but she really didn't want to get off the couch to show him that. Dev Erlich, an attorney based in New Jersey, adores her dog Skylar. "I've wanted a golden retriever ever since I was a little girl, so getting Skylar was a dream come true," she told Newsweek. Making that dream a reality was far from straightforward, though. It started with the search to find a responsible breeder. "There is a big issue where too many dogs end up in shelters. A contributing factor to that is backyard breeders who use poor breeding practices and bring dogs into this world with health and temperament issues that can be avoided had they bred responsibly," Erlich said. "Many of those dogs end up in shelters, being rehomed or causing unnecessary stress and heartache to their families," she added. Erlich spent countless hours learning how to find a responsible breeder and ultimately drove eight hours to pick up the dog she would come to know as Skylar. To this day, she considers that careful process the "best decision I ever made." "Skylar is that perfect golden retriever everyone dreams of," Erlich said. "She loves to train, play ball, swim, hike, chew a bone and, of course, cuddle—honestly, she's always really down to do just about anything." But, while Skylar is happy to do "just about anything," she is also conscious of prioritizing her own needs when it comes to all things self-care. Skylar's sleep is a good example of that. Research published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews found that dogs require anywhere between 7.7 and 16 hours of sleep a day, depending on size and breed. Erlich said she isn't sure how much Skylar sleeps, but she knows that, come 8:30 p.m. most nights, her golden retriever "doesn't want to get up." "After a certain time of night, she gets extra lazy and doesn't want to move," Erlich said. "The girl needs her beauty sleep." That left Skylar facing something of a dilemma when her dad came home from work. It was a dilemma Erlich captured on camera, with the resulting footage shared to her TikTok @ Skylar loves her dad, though she doesn't necessarily show it in the way some more excitable dogs might. "Thankfully, Skylar doesn't get separation anxiety, so I wouldn't say she actively misses her dad when he's not home," Erlich said. "But, if I say his name, she definitely perks up and looks for him, especially when she knows he's due to come home soon." That day was a little different, though. Dad had come home late from work and, try as she might, Skylar couldn't muster the energy to go and greet him as he came through the front door. In her defense, Skylar had a great spot on the couch and looked supremely comfortable. She did find a way of letting him know she cared, though, by excitedly wagging her tail as he came into the room. Skylar's response did the trick, raising a laugh and smile between mom and dad while letting them know she had no plans to move. "It was a funny moment," Erlich said. "I just hope it makes people smile and see Skylar's sweet personality." Mission accomplished on both fronts.
News18
08-07-2025
- Health
- News18
Why You Crave Junk Food When You're Stressed: Science Explains
Last Updated: Craving junk food during stress isn't just a lack of discipline; it is a natural response driven by biology, psychology, and your environment. We've all been there—stressed, overwhelmed, and suddenly reaching for a bag of chips or a box of cookies. It's almost automatic. But ever wonder why stress makes us crave junk food in the first place? The reasons go deeper than just bad habits. Genetics, gender, culture, and even your gut health all play a role too. From hormones and brain chemistry to learned behaviours and social cues, a lot is going on behind the scenes. It's not just willpower. Let's break it down. When stress hits, your body jumps into 'survival mode" by activating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This triggers a chain reaction that releases cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone. While cortisol helps you stay alert and handle the pressure, it also has a less helpful side effect; it makes you hungry. A 2017 study in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews explains that cortisol not only revs up your energy but also boosts your appetite, especially for high-calorie, fatty, and sugary foods—aka comfort food. Why Those Specific Foods? Because they activate your brain's reward system, triggering a rush of dopamine, the 'feel-good" chemical. As noted in a 2014 Frontiers in Psychology study, this dopamine hit creates a sense of emotional relief—brief, but powerful. It's your brain's way of trying to self-soothe. But there's more. Stress also messes with your hunger hormones. This hormonal imbalance nudges you toward energy-dense foods—those that are fast, fatty, and often found in vending machines. Newer research is diving into the role of your gut too. A 2023 study in Nature Microbiology suggests that your gut microbiota (the bacteria living in your intestines) may influence cravings through the gut-brain axis—a two-way communication system linking your digestive system with your brain. The Brain's Reward System: Why Junk Food Feels So Good Here's the thing: your brain is hardwired to love rewards. And junk food delivers one in spades. That's because high-fat, high-sugar foods stimulate the mesolimbic dopamine system, also called the brain's pleasure centre. According to a 2013 review in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, these foods are hyper-palatable—scientifically engineered to taste irresistible. When you're stressed, this craving for instant gratification becomes even stronger. Why? Because your prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain that helps with decision-making and self-control—takes a hit under stress. A 2018 study in The Journal of Neuroscience found that stress reduces your brain's ability to weigh long-term consequences, making it harder to resist those cookies and easier to give in. And stress-eating may not affect everyone the same way. Psychosomatic Medicine (2021) reports that women tend to have stronger stress-eating responses than men. Genetics matter too—people with certain variations of the FTO gene may be more prone to emotional eating. Emotional Eating: When Food Becomes a Coping Tool Beyond hormones and brain chemicals, there's a deeply emotional side to stress eating. Many of us have learned to turn to food for comfort, especially when emotions run high. A 2020 study in Appetite found that people often reach for junk food during stressful times because they associate it with emotional relief—a habit often formed in childhood or through social experiences. Think ice cream after a breakup or chips during a movie night. These positive associations can make junk food feel like a 'safe" emotional refuge. But this response can become automatic. A 2016 article in Health Psychology found that repeated pairing of stress and junk food creates strong neural pathways in the brain. Over time, just feeling stressed can trigger a craving—even if you're not actually hungry. Environment And Social Triggers Even your surroundings can play a major role in your cravings. Junk food is everywhere—cheap, convenient, and aggressively marketed. A 2015 report from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health details how food companies use calculated combinations of sugar, salt, and fat to make products addictive and irresistible. When you're stressed and your willpower is low, these ready-to-eat temptations become especially hard to ignore. Social cues matter too. A 2017 study in Social Science & Medicine found that people are more likely to eat unhealthy food in group settings—especially when others around them are doing the same. If your friends or coworkers stress-eat, chances are you'll do it too, even if you weren't planning to. Understanding why you crave junk food under stress is the first step to regaining control. Here are some proven, science-backed strategies that can help: Mindful Eating Train your brain to recognize real hunger vs emotional hunger. A 2018 study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that mindfulness—like eating slowly and noticing your body's cues—can significantly reduce emotional eating. Stress Management It's not just about food—it's about managing the stress itself. Practices like meditation, yoga, or even a brisk walk can lower cortisol levels. A 2019 study in Psychoneuroendocrinology showed that regular physical activity helps regulate hunger hormones, making you less likely to binge. Smarter Snacking Keep healthy but satisfying snacks within reach. The Mayo Clinic suggests options like nuts, yoghurt, or fruit, which offer nutrition and comfort—without the sugar crash. Better Sleep, Better Choices Lack of sleep makes everything worse, including your ability to resist junk food. A 2013 study in Sleep found that poor sleep increases stress and boosts cravings. Maintaining a solid sleep routine can help keep your hunger hormones in check. So the next time stress creeps in, pause. Take a deep breath. Maybe stretch or snack on something nourishing. Your brain and your body will thank you. About the Author Surbhi Pathak Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11. The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : junk food stress eating Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 08, 2025, 09:25 IST News lifestyle Why You Crave Junk Food When You're Stressed: Science Explains
The Star
30-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Tailored mindfulness techniques for different types of anxiety
Although mindfulness is generally useful in easing anxiety and stress, it doesn't work the same for everybody. — AFP In a world full of constant obligations, notifications and pressures, it's becoming urgent to find simple ways of making our daily lives more manageable. Mindfulness is one such practice, and it's gaining ground. Now, an American study suggests that different kinds of mindfulness practices might be helpful for different types of anxiety. Mindfulness has its roots in traditional meditation techniques. It involves embracing the present moment and accepting it as it is, without judgement. You breathe, feel and observe your thoughts, without trying to change them. Once seen as a spiritual practice, it has now gained legitimacy in the therapeutic field. And with good reason: it has proven its effectiveness in tackling anxiety and stress. But mindfulness doesn't work in the same way for everyone. So why does it work better for some people? And above all, how can we adapt this practice to each individual? This is the subject of a study published in the journal Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews . Its authors suggest adjusting the form of mindfulness practised according to the type of anxiety experienced. The results are based on solid data and confirm what many people feel, without always being able to explain it. 'A lot of research has shown that mindfulness can reduce anxiety symptoms,' explains study co-author and Washington University (WashU) in Saint Louis' Mindfulness Science & Practice research cluster postdoctoral research associate Dr Resh Gupta in a news release. 'We all experience anxiety, but it can manifest in many different ways. 'It's a tough problem to pin down.' To find out more, the researchers explored how the brain works, in particular, what is known as cognitive control. This function helps us stay focused, resist distractions and make choices in line with our intentions. Anxiety, however, scrambles this mechanism. It invades the mind, upsetting priorities and complicating decision-making. Conversely, mindfulness can reinforce this ability to stay on course. Moreover, certain techniques are more suited to different profiles. Focused-attention mindfulness meditation, for example, enables people experiencing a lot of anxious thoughts to focus on an anchor point such as breathing. 'You keep bringing your attention back to that anchor every time your mind wanders. 'Instead of focusing on the worry, you're focusing on the present moment experience,' Dr Gupta explains. Other people experience anxiety in a more physical way, with rapid heartbeat, sweaty palms and tightness in the chest. For them, an approach called open monitoring seems more beneficial. It involves observing and welcoming everything that arises, without judgement or rejection. It's a way of making peace with our inner turmoil, rather than fighting it. This research is part of a wider dynamic, supported by the WashU Mindfulness Science and Practice cluster, which also organises events open to all. 'We're dedicated to helping the WashU and greater St Louis community get access to tools to learn about mindfulness science and practice,' says Dr Gupta. For study co-author and WashU professor of psychological and neurological sciences Dr Todd Braver, offering a variety of options is essential. 'People have different options they can choose from, so it becomes easier to find one that best fits your particular temperament, concerns or current situation,' he says. Gone is the one-size-fits-all model. The future of mindfulness promises to be more flexible and more personalised, with an approach that's in tune with each individual, transforming an age-old practice into an everyday tool. – AFP Relaxnews
Forbes
25-03-2025
- General
- Forbes
3 Signs You Can't Let Go Of Your ‘Situationship' — By A Psychologist
Somewhere between a fling and a relationship lies the 'situationship'—an undefined dynamic that feels like more than friendship but falls short of commitment. While some might navigate this gray area with ease, others find themselves emotionally entangled for far longer than they anticipated. Before they know it, they're in too deep, without any clarity on what happens next. A 2024 study published in Sexuality & Culture defined situationships as romantic relationships with no clarity or label, low levels of commitment but similar levels of affection, sex and time spent together as traditional couples. This means people in situationships may feel like they're in a relationship—even if they're not. But here's the catch—the same study suggests that individuals in situationships report significantly lower satisfaction and commitment than those in defined relationships. In short, the connection might look and feel real; but emotionally, it doesn't hold up. So, why do people stay in situationships long after they stop serving them? The reasons run deeper than indecision. If you're unsure why you're stuck, here are three psychological signs you're unable to let go—and why it's so difficult to. When you're struggling to let go of a situationship, you might tell yourself, 'It's not perfect, but maybe with time it'll get better.' Yet deep down, you suspect it won't. Sporadic moments of affection with a situationship can also create a powerful psychological loop known as 'intermittent reinforcement' — where unpredictable rewards, like unexpected tenderness or attention, strengthen emotional attachment even in the absence of consistency. This kind of attachment can be reinforced by behavioral patterns in the relationship. A 2020 review published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews introduced the 'Learning Theory of Attachment,' suggesting that emotional bonds often develop through patterns of reward and reinforcement. When care or affection is given inconsistently—offered at certain times but withdrawn at others—the brain starts to associate the person with relief, even if it's occasional. This unpredictability strengthens emotional focus and makes the bond harder to break, particularly in relationships where commitment remains unclear. This mismatch—between how things feel and what they truly are—can trap someone in a state of waiting, hoping that emotional closeness will eventually become something more. This is especially common in situationships, where individuals may spend significant time together, share intimacy and even meet each other's inner circle—yet still lack the mutual clarity or commitment that supports long-term emotional stability. Adding to this is 'optimism bias'—the belief that the future will improve, regardless of current evidence. You may ignore red flags or rationalize bad behavior, convincing yourself that change is just around the corner. In truth, what you're clinging to is potential, not reality. And unfortunately, this 'potential' is emotionally expensive, draining your time and energy. If the idea of being alone feels more unbearable than staying in something uncertain, your situationship may not be about authentic connection—but about comfort. Many people choose emotional ambiguity over solitude, believing that something is better than nothing. However, this belief often comes with hidden emotional costs. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals with a strong fear of being single were more likely to stay in unsatisfying relationships and less likely to end them — even when their emotional needs weren't being met. This fear predicted greater emotional dependence and a lower willingness to seek alternatives, regardless of how unhappy the relationship had become. The vagueness of a situationship can feel deceptively safe. It offers just enough connection to soothe the fear of abandonment without requiring the vulnerability that comes with asking for more. So, the real question to ask yourself might not be 'Will this ever become something more?' but to consider — 'Am I staying because I'm truly cared for, or because I'm terrified of being left alone?' Bringing up the question of where a relationship stands can feel risky. Asking 'What are we?' can bring clarity, but it could also bring closure you don't feel ready to receive. Avoiding this conversation can feel like a way to preserve the connection, but often, it's a way to avoid discomfort. Research published in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology found that romantic partners who coped with conflict by disengaging — through avoidance, withdrawal or denial—exhibited stronger physiological stress responses and slower recovery afterward. The study also noted that a partner's avoidance could heighten the other person's stress, suggesting that evading difficult conversations doesn't reduce tension—it amplifies it. So instead, the conversation gets postponed indefinitely, not because it isn't needed, but because avoiding it feels safer. Letting go of a situationship isn't just about walking away, it's about choosing clarity over hope without direction. Clarity doesn't always come from the other person. Often, it begins with asking yourself what you've been avoiding. Consider the deeper motivations behind your silence, hope and hesitation. Here are a few questions to reflect on: Letting go doesn't mean the feelings weren't real. It means they were, and that you've felt enough to know when something no longer honors them. Clarity isn't something you should chase, but it's something you can choose. The question isn't whether your situationship could become something more. It's whether you are receiving all that you truly need from this relationship now. And if the answer is no — perhaps it's time to let go of that 'almost' love, so you can make space for something deeper. Curious to know where you truly stand in your relationship? Take this research-backed test to gain clarity: Relationship Satisfaction Scale
