LWB Newsletter 19th July 2024
For many of us, the idea of self care means retreating into our own space until we feel better and more ready to face the world again. But could this self imposed isolation make us feel worse?
This article from The Guardian discusses some studies showing that one of the most effective ways of stopping our stress responses is being kind to others. These studies showed that kindness, when combined with social interaction has the biggest benefits.
Supporting friends and family can significantly enhance both physical and mental well-being, according to various scientific studies. The deeper the engagement, the greater the benefits.
Despite common advice to prioritize self-care during stress, this research indicates that altruism might be more effective in reducing stress and enhancing happiness than self-indulgence.
Not that anyone is suggesting that you become a martyr for your mental health. But if your self care plan of withdrawing under your duvet isn’t working, buying a coffee for a friend and having a catch up might work instead.
This idea is backed up by a study published in neuroscience news showing that small social interactions can help improve emotional resilience.
Researchers studied the feelings of people who had been socially excluded and found that the effects could be mitigated by having a converstion with a friend.
They found that negative thoughts and feelings were also reduced.
Are men worse at self care than women?
Gender socialization often prevents men from practicing effective self-care, leading to higher risks of disease, injury, and illness.
Traditional Western norms of masculinity restrict men's behaviors and self-care practices, making them reluctant to engage in activities perceived as feminine or to seek help. It doesn’t help that most self care products are marketed at women.
These mindsets include beliefs that self-care is unmanly, enduring pain is a sign of strength, and self-reliance means avoiding help. This makes it harder for men to reach out and get support when they need it.
Overcoming these barriers involves recognizing that self-care is not inherently gendered and emphasizing the importance of mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being alongside physical health, for everyone.
You can read more of this article from Psychology Today here
Hearing loss can cause anxiety and stress, my latest blog post discusses why it happens, and how to deal with it.
Hearing loss, stress, and anxiety
Living with hearing loss can be challenging. The day to day struggle of engaging in conversations, the constant struggle to hear and understand others, breakdowns in communication, frustration, and
Talk soon,
Sue.
Founder of Live Work Breathe