The story of our relationship with bacteria begins the moment we’re born. A baby in the womb is sterile, free of microbes. But during a vaginal birth, the baby is “gifted” lactobacillus bacteria from its mother, a crucial first step in forming a healthy microbiome.

Anger in the workplace can look like a quiet simmer, with an employee retreating behind curt replies and crossed arms, or an outright explosion of raised voices and slamming doors. You’ve probably witnessed this—or maybe even felt it yourself.

In an age of unprecedented connectivity, the “loneliness epidemic” stands as one of the most pressing challenges of our time. Despite the advances in technology and communication, which have brought the world closer in some ways, loneliness has become a global phenomenon. It profoundly influences mental health, physical well-being, and social cohesion.

Having occasional anxiety is a common and normal part of life. The reality is life is tricky and it throws unexpected and difficult curve balls at us. We all worry about things at different times, such as a new situation, relationships, family members, big decisions, money or health.

The holiday season is a complex mix of emotions—a time of celebration that can simultaneously bring profound joy and significant psychological challenges. This guide explores the complex landscape of holiday stress, offering evidence-based strategies to foster mental resilience and genuine connection.

Mental health is shaped by a wide range of factors, which can make it challenging to know where to begin when someone we care about is struggling. Te Whare Tapa Whā, which translates to the four-sided house, was developed by Sir Mason Durie (1984) as a model for understanding Māori health.