Welcome to The Local Optimist Digest, your crib sheet for the latest news in mental health. Whether you want to know how the government is (or is not) investing in our well-being, discover the latest research on how the mind impacts the body, or find out which celebrities are helping continue the conversation by opening up about their own mental health struggles, we’ll be covering it all here every week. This week, we’re looking at how to combat task paralysis, the psychology behind why we love watching snow fall, and how running can help with anger management.   

What Is ‘Task Paralysis’ And How To Combat It

Have you ever experienced a helpless, “overwhelm freeze” moment where you cannot wrap your mind around a plan to accomplish the dozen things, of equal importance, on your to-do list? If this feels familiar, you may be experiencing what experts call “task paralysis.” Simply put, task paralysis is the inability to start a task because you’re waiting for the perfect conditions or perfect timing. It can feel extremely overwhelming and frustrating. The good news is that experts say there are reasons for this freeze response and ways to combat it. READ.

How ‘Rage Running’ Can Help With Anger Management

While exercise can be a great outlet for releasing emotions, running has the potential to serve as a particularly effective mechanism for managing anger. Referred to as “rage runs,” experts share this can be a healthy alternative for managing anger and blowing off some steam. If you’ve been feeling angry lately, this might be your sign to lace up your sneakers and go for a jog. Professionals weigh in on the topic and explore why rage running works and how to maximize its effects to support your mental health. READ.

Your Smartphone Is Reducing Your Brainpower

If you’ve been doing your work in the presence of your smartphone, you might want to reconsider. According to a well-known study, simply having a phone near you has the potential to impact cognition, reduce your working memory, and lower your problem-solving skills. This has been found true even if your phone is set to silent, out of sight, or powered off, as its mere presence can still distract the most dependent users. READ. 

8 Tips To Focus Your Mind 

1. Create A Sound-Safe Space

2. Choose One Task, And One Task Only

3. Break Big Projects Into Small Chunks

4. Work In Blocks Of Time

5. Disconnect From Devices

6. Prioritize Your Sleep

7. Don’t Neglect Your Diet

8. Fit Exercise Into Your Day

Read MORE.

The Psychology Behind Why We Love Watching Snow Fall 

No matter how many times you’ve seen it snow, there’s always something memorizing & relaxing about watching it fall from the sky. But have you ever thought about why we are so enamored by falling snowflakes? According to experts, the answer lies in the way our brains function. READ.  

MARR Addiction Treatment Centers 

This week, we are excited to highlight MARR Addiction Treatment Centers, a private organization that provides long-term residential addiction treatment to men and women. More than 23 million Americans struggle with drug and alcohol addiction today. Knowing that only about 10% of that population receives the treatment that they need, MARR is dedicated to bringing lasting recovery through intensive, high-quality rehab programs. To learn more, head HERE.

Get Rewarded for Sharing the Digest

Welcome to our new referral program, in which we give you some goodies for sharing the Digest with people who might enjoy this mental health news recap (and its bad jokes) as much as you do. 

Here's how it works:1: Use the 'Click To Share' button below to access your personal link.2: Send this unique referral link to friends or family through email or text.3: Earn rewards like Local Optimist stickers, The Madhappy Journal, and Madhappy hats when they subscribe to the digest. Must be based in the U.S.

 READ MORE  |  ABOUT  |  MADHAPPY