Cortisol is our body’s primary stress hormone. In short bursts, it is lifesaving. But when modern life keeps our stress response permanently switched on, cortisol wreaks havoc on our metabolism. It signals the body to hold onto fat stores – particularly around the abdomen – and suppresses insulin function, leading to unstable blood sugar, relentless cravings, and severe mental fatigue.
Today, Psychology Week has grown into a powerful annual event observed not just here in Australia but celebrated alongside global bodies like the American Psychological Association (APA). It stands as a vibrant reminder that mental health is a communal asset, and that taking care of our minds is a foundational part of thriving.
Every winter, a peculiar phenomenon takes over offices, gyms, and living rooms across Australia. You’ll see people suddenly drop to the floor to squeeze out a set of ten, twenty, or thirty push-ups.
They are participating in The Push-Up Challenge, a brilliant initiative designed to get us moving, spark vital conversations about mental health, and raise crucial funds for life-saving volunteer organisations like Lifeline.
The passing of beloved actor Sam Neill has brought a profound wave of collective grief across Australia, New Zealand, and indeed the world. As the news broke, a beautiful, spontaneous outpouring of affection followed. Co-stars, directors, and fans shared stories of his immense kindness, his warmth, his quick wit, and the quiet dignity he brought to both his life and his craft.
The Tired, Wired and Weight-Loss Wall: Balancing Cortisol and Metabolic Health In my practice at Armchair Psychology, I frequently sit across from high-functioning, incredibly capable adults who feel like they are doing everything right. They eat cleanly, they count...
The Story of Psychology Week: Celebrating How Far We’ve Come and How to Get Involved If you walk into a school, an office, or a local community centre today, you will find people talking openly about emotional resilience, burnout, and mental wellness. But it wasn't...
Flexing Our Mental Fitness: What 41,867 Push-Ups Teach Us About Suicide Prevention Every winter, a peculiar phenomenon takes over offices, gyms, and living rooms across Australia. You’ll see people suddenly drop to the floor to squeeze out a set of ten, twenty, or...
The Beautiful Words We Leave Too Late: What Collective Grief Teaches Us About Connection The passing of beloved actor Sam Neill has brought a profound wave of collective grief across Australia, New Zealand, and indeed the world. As the news broke, a beautiful,...
When Is It More Than a Phase? Signs a Child Assessment May Be Worth Considering Parents often sit with a difficult tension: trusting that children grow through phases while also noticing patterns that don’t seem to change. You might hear mixed advice from friends,...
