Researchers from Australia have examined the mood states of people throughout the week.

In a survey of 202 participants, Monday was cited as the worst morning (65%) and evening (35%); whereas Friday (43%) and Saturday (45%) were the best evening and morning, respectively.

In a second survey of 353 participants, ratings of typical moods were lowest on Monday, rising to a peak on Saturday. However when the researchers examined the actual momentary moods they found minimal variation by day.

Journal of Applied Social Psychology, June 2008 

Editors comments:

This is typical  of a growing body of research that shows that people are poor at reflecting on their mood states. 

A University of Missouri researcher examined the real-life experiences of participants to determine which program helps people lose pounds, reduce body fat and gain health benefits. The answer is that both have pros and cons and that a combination of the two produces the best results. Click here to read the article.

Journal of Exercise Physiology, June 2008

Researchers have found that people on a strict diet and exercise programs tend to lose weight more slowly than expected because they eat more on weekends than during the week. Click here to read the article

Obesity, July 2008 

This study examined the effects of heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback on batting performance in baseball. Forty-three high school baseball players were randomly assigned to either an HRV biofeedback group or a control group. Physiological stress profiles, batting performance, state anxiety and ball tracking were assessed.

The HRV biofeedback group improved significantly more in batting performance,  The research suggests that HRV biofeedback is a promising technique for performance enhancement with athletes.

Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, 2004

Recipe to recover more quickly from exercise: Finish workout, eat pasta, and wash down with five or six cups of strong coffee.

Click here to read article.

People in most countries around the world are happier these days, according to newly released data from the World Values Survey based at the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research. Click here to read the article.

Editors comments 

Click here to read the actual happiness rankings. Looks like Australians are about as happy as the British. 

Researchers have found that high levels of gratitude lead to higher levels of perceived social support, and lower levels of stress and depression.

Journal of Research in Personality, August 2008

Athletes improved their performance when they given a fake (placebo) performance enhancing drug (Human Growth Hormone) by between 3-8%.

The research was undertaken to determine why human growth hormone might work given there was little scientific research supporting its efficacy. It appears its all in the mind.

Garvan Institute of Medical Research, June 2008 

Editors note:

Anti-ageing medicine commonly promotes the use of Human Growth Hormone despite the lack of evidence supporting its efficacy. This is a worry given that it can have side effects such as diabetes and irritability. Taking a “sugar” pill  might have the same benefit and without the harmful side effects.

You also have to wonder about the speedo swimsuits that the Australians are using at the olympics - is it just placebo? 

Researchers categorised positive emotions into relaxed, activated or safe/content and examined their impact on wellbeing. They found that the safe/content category resulted in the biggest reductions in depression, anxiety and stress and self-criticism.

Journal of Positive Psychology, July 2008

Editors comments:

In our workshops we discuss how low energy emotions like contentment are far more powerful than high energy emotions such as joy. Unfortunately because low energy emotions are subtle, they are often overlooked.

Working hard when fatigued may be admired by many Americans, but it is a virtue that could be harmful to one’s health, according to new research by psychologists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). The research supports a theory which suggests that exhausted individuals’ cardiovascular systems are forced to work harder when they attempt to complete tasks, such as those encountered on the job or at school. Click here to read article.

International Journal of Psychophysiology, August 2008