Looking for small ways to boost your mental and physical health? New research shows that everyday habits—from watching fish to going for a walk—can have a powerful impact on your well-being.
Fish for Calm
Mental health experts say watching fish swim in a home aquarium can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. The simple act of observing fish has also been linked to lower blood pressure and heart rates, which explains why aquariums are often found in waiting rooms at clinics and dental offices.
A New App Offers Hope
A recent study in JAMA highlights the success of a new app, OTX-202, designed to help individuals at high risk for suicide. Patients recently discharged from psychiatric hospitals reported fewer suicide attempts and up to 24 weeks of reduced suicidal thoughts after using the app.
Walk Your Way to Better Health
Walking remains one of the best (and easiest) ways to stay healthy. A new study in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology finds that walking longer distances and at a faster pace can lower the risk of heart attacks, stroke, and heart failure in people with high blood pressure. So lace up your shoes and talk to your doctor about adding more steps to your day.
Sometimes, the path to better mental and physical health starts with the simplest steps.