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#Health - Mind

A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF ARTICLES ON THIS TOPIC

<p>From the age of 40 onwards, the brain begins to steadily shrink in size with every passing decade. Picture: iStock</p>

health and wellbeing

Six ways to keep your brain sharp as you age

Our brains start to shrink in midlife, but some behavioural habits can play an outsized role in accelerating age-related cognitive decline, giving us more control than we might think,

<p>Joanna O’Dowd who teaches Sewing Classes in Glounthaune Community Centre. Picture: Noel Sweeney</p>

health and wellbeing

Sew social: Meet the people championing Ireland’s quiet craft revival

<p> Gearóid Bradley who has stage four prostate cancer. 'I decided that I was going to be outgoing, talk to everyone, and not suffocate under the weight of the disease.' Photo: Moya Nolan</p>

health and wellbeing

'I decided I wasn't going to suffocate under the weight of my prostate cancer diagnosis'

Senior business man holding tablet and having fun with coworkers

health and wellbeing

Workplace wellbeing: Playing the generation game at work

Stress headache, burnout and woman in office overwhelmed with workload at desk with laptop. Frustrated, overworked and tired wom

health and wellbeing

Natural Health: What supplement can I take to reduce my stress?

Week 1 — A short and simple Pilates workout to bring exercise into a busy routine

health and wellbeing

Week 1 — A short and simple Pilates workout to bring exercise into a busy routine

Ray D'Arcy: Exercise helped to keep me sane

Ray D'Arcy: Exercise helped to keep me sane

Broadcaster Ray D’Arcy says being active has always supported his mental wellbeing. He tells Gemma Fullam that finding a sport you enjoy is key and explains why September is the ideal time of year to kickstart a fitness routine

Fri, 04 Sep, 2026

Working Life: Justin Gleeson — clinical midwife specialist in substance and alcohol misuse, HSE

S Working Life: Justin Gleeson — clinical midwife specialist in substance and alcohol misuse, HSE

I care for pregnant women with substance and alcohol misuse issues

Fri, 04 Sep, 2026

Young group of student people using smartphone together outside

A space where youths feel heard and empowered

A new support group for teens offers in-person guidance to help them navigate an increasingly digital world

Fri, 28 Aug, 2026

‘I’ve been battling cancer for 22 years, and I’ve had four heart attacks’: Why we go to the Men’s Shed

‘I’ve been battling cancer for 22 years, and I’ve had four heart attacks’: Why we go to the Men’s Shed

By working shoulder to shoulder on projects, men who join a local shed get to know and support each other. The tea and chat that follows is often when strong friendships are formed

Fri, 28 Aug, 2026

Working Life: Julie Greene, lead tutor, learning and development team, Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI)

S Working Life: Julie Greene, lead tutor, learning and development team, Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI)

Caring for a family member with dementia can be overwhelming and emotional

Fri, 28 Aug, 2026

I just can't deal with this

Workplace Wellbeing: Chasing perfection is a fast track to burnout

Wanting to do our best is a healthy attitude, but striving for flawlessness can leave us feeling like we have failed if we don’t get things exactly right. That mindset can have a serious impact on our wellbeing

Fri, 21 Aug, 2026

Richie Sadlier: 'A conversation about your mental health doesn’t have to be heavy'

Richie Sadlier: 'A conversation about your mental health doesn’t have to be heavy'

A new campaign aims to raise awareness of mental health among tradespeople. Jonathan deBurca Butler speaks to one former apprentice who reached out for help, and to Richie Sadlier, the soccer pundit involved in the campaign

Wed, 19 Aug, 2026

You're fired!

In the firing line of a narcissistic manager: 'I had to resign for my mental health'

A boss with the personality disorder can be stressful and may prevent you from getting promoted. Adopting psychological strategies can help, but sometimes the best option is to leave your job

Fri, 14 Aug, 2026

One young woman Feeling free outdoor in the wheat field

Can we choose to be happy? — and what is the difference between joy and happiness?

Happiness, like love, is more likely when we don’t actively pursue it, but, instead, appreciate the small, frequent, unplanned moments of joy, says Deirdre McArdle

Sun, 02 Aug, 2026

Sweet dreams concept

Can you change your routine to get a better night's sleep?

Half of Irish people wake up every day feeling groggy, and while stress is a cause of sleeplessness, stress is exacerbated by tiredness. Before summer turns to autumn is the time to change your pattern, says Sharon Ní Chonchúir

Fri, 31 Jul, 2026

JONATHON DE BURCA BUTLER

Are brain training exercises the solution to cognitive decline?

Research suggests that up to 45% of dementia cases are preventable, and with that in mind Jonathan deBurca Butler sets out to see if he can train his grey matter with some simple exercises

Fri, 31 Jul, 2026

Friends forever. Friendly group of people stand and hugging together with their backs. Bright colored illustration for event, Gr

Why good friendships are the secret to a long, happy and healthy life

We all know the benefits of diet and exercise when it comes to leading longer, healthier lives, but friendships and a sense of community are crucial too

Fri, 24 Jul, 2026

Majella O’Donnell on her treatment for depression and recent ADHD diagnosis

Majella O’Donnell on her treatment for depression and recent ADHD diagnosis

Majella O’Donnell is not afraid to speak out about her health challenges. After sharing her breast cancer journey in 2013, she is now opening up about her in-hospital treatment for depression, reflecting on a recent ADHD diagnosis and offering mental health advice to her Instagram followers

Fri, 10 Jul, 2026

Nervous breakdown, isolated depressed woman

How to recognise symptoms of stress — and how to reduce them

In week two of our summer wellbeing series, we ask what we can do to reduce our stress.

Fri, 10 Jul, 2026

Digital detox concept. A man unplugs his smartphone to take a break from the screen. Symbol of mindfulness, mental health and co

How to do a digital detox and reclaim the time you spend scrolling on your phone

Week one: Digital detox

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

How parkruns bring a wealth of health benefits — both physical and mental

How parkruns bring a wealth of health benefits — both physical and mental

More and more people are joining parkruns— and it’s easy to see why. You get to exercise, connect with your community, and boost your mental and physical wellbeing

Fri, 03 Jul, 2026

Photos of couples for engagement photos and save the date photos

Stop chasing big goals in love and life — try this 'tiny experiments' method instead

Whether its our careers, health or relationships, we often set the bar too high and end up disappointed. This new way of thinking may just see real results, says Anne-Laure Le Cunff

Tue, 30 Jun, 2026

Irish Examiner journalists on life lessons learned from summer jobs that helped shape their future careers

Irish Examiner journalists on life lessons learned from summer jobs that helped shape their future careers

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary recently spoke about the value of young people taking on summer jobs, saying they are an indicator of work ethic and future success. Eight ‘Irish Examiner’ journalists reflect on their experiences of working as students and how those early roles shaped their careers

Fri, 26 Jun, 2026

Blue health: How time by the sea can improve your health

Blue health: How time by the sea can improve your health

Easkey Britton’s life revolves around the sea, from relaxation to work. Her research into blue health builds a strong case for spending more time in and near the ocean. We’re an island nation, so taking to the water couldn’t be easier

Tue, 23 Jun, 2026

I get a sense of pride from Be OK Garage — a group for car-loving men to talk about mental health

I get a sense of pride from Be OK Garage — a group for car-loving men to talk about mental health

Car enthusiast Dave Smith is helping men change gears and open up about their mental health at Be OK Garage

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Should I track my sleep? Here are the pros and cons

The benefits (and the dangers) of tracking your sleep

Focusing on better shuteye is worthwhile, but we shouldn’t get hung up on metrics, say experts

Fri, 12 Jun, 2026

Doctor examine senior man patient at home.

GP shortages threaten rural healthcare

The national shortage of GPs in Ireland has become a real problem in rural areas and has been compounded by the 30% emigration rate of newly qualified GPs

Wed, 10 Jun, 2026

National Portrait Gallery reopening

Channel 4 journalist Jon Snow reveals Alzheimer’s diagnosis

'I mean sometimes I doubt whether I’ve really got it. I don’t know if it’s widespread knowledge. I don’t feel disabled in any way.'

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

I used a fitness tracker to make myself ‘younger’ — here are the small habit changes that worked

I used a fitness tracker to make myself ‘younger’ — here are the small habit changes that worked

Denise O’Donoghue was shocked when Whoop announced she was 2.7 years older than her age, but the app’s plan reversed it

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

'I developed crippling anxiety and felt like a different person after taking a GLP-1 drug'

'I developed crippling anxiety and felt like a different person after taking a GLP-1 drug'

From tingling, burning skin to finding even the touch of your clothes painful, along with experiencing high anxiety levels and thoughts of self-harm, the side effects of weight-loss drugs need to be clearly communicated to patients

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

I tried forest bathing for the first time in Waterford — here are the health benefits

I tried forest bathing for the first time in Waterford — here are the health benefits

Research shows that being in woodlands can help reduce blood pressure, lower cortisol and stress levels, and improve cognitive function. Deirdre McArdle joins a forest bathing experience to discover for herself the benefits of being in nature

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Unhappy employee or demotivated at working place

Workplace Wellbeing: How to deal with negative people at work

Most offices have someone who constantly complains. The risk is emotional contagion, where we absorb and imitate the negativity. Here’s how to avoid falling into it

Fri, 05 Jun, 2026

Concept of hard work for businessman pushing rock up a hill

What is friction-maxxing and is it the productivity hack we all need?

Your to-do list is getting longer by the day, and though you have the best of intentions, it's proving difficult to get through. The latest productivity hack may help you scale the work mountain and even help your children build resilience

Fri, 29 May, 2026

A picture of the brain drawn in chalk with various food products: fish, meat, nuts, vegetables and greens. Healthy food.

Food for thought: Diets that improve cognitive health and lower dementia risk

The DASH and Mediterranean diets have come out on top for improving cognitive health and lowering your risk of developing dementia. Here's the lowdown.

Fri, 29 May, 2026

Everything you need to know about Ireland's new autism protocol

Everything you need to know about Ireland's new autism protocol

Health Correspondent Niamh Griffin examines the autism assessment protocol launched on Tuesday

Tue, 26 May, 2026

Alzheimers And Dementia

Is your lifestyle increasing your risk of Alzheimer’s?

What risk factors can't you change and which are worth looking at to protect your brain health?

Fri, 22 May, 2026

What Stands Apart

Workplace Wellbeing: How to find your footing when life changes

Work has inevitable ups and downs, so we need to be adaptable. The good news is that resilience is not a fixed trait but a skill that can be learned

Fri, 15 May, 2026

I tried sea and sauna therapy in Cork for the first time — here's what happened

I tried sea and sauna therapy in Cork for the first time — here's what happened

An intense sauna session, followed by a bracing dip in the sea, is fast becoming a popular way to unwind and socialise. Novice Deirdre McArdle dives in to see what all the excitement is about

Wed, 13 May, 2026

All work and no play is a recipe for burnout: 'We’re not machines, and we all need recovery time'

All work and no play is a recipe for burnout: 'We’re not machines, and we all need recovery time'

We lionise hard work, but responsibility to your employer should not include skipping lunch or forgoing holiday leave, as this can undermine your health

Fri, 08 May, 2026

Working Life: Dr Susan Brannick, clinical psychologist and clinical director of Aware

S Working Life: Dr Susan Brannick, clinical psychologist and clinical director of Aware

An IBD diagnosis can lead to grieving for the life you had planned

Fri, 08 May, 2026

Young woman with dog

How your dog keeps your health on the right track

Lurcher owner Peta Bee explores the many ways in which pet ownership can improve our mental and physical well-being

Fri, 01 May, 2026

Working Life: Good Vibrations choir helps patients find a new voice

S Working Life: Good Vibrations choir helps patients find a new voice

Dr Trish Rooney, vocal lecturer at MTU Cork School of Music, vocal rehabilitation specialist and founder of the Good Vibrations Choir

Fri, 01 May, 2026

Woman with headache on grey background

Could you be suffering from hangxiety? How drinking alcohol can impact emotions

We tend to associate alcohol with relaxation and fun, but many of us pay the price the next day, feeling not only unwell physically, but also anxious and emotionally drained

Sat, 25 Apr, 2026

Inside the new therapy garden at Cork ARC for cancer patients

Inside the new therapy garden at Cork ARC for cancer patients

A new therapy garden at Cork ARC opens tomorrow, offering a quiet oasis to soothe and uplift those recovering from cancer treatment

Fri, 24 Apr, 2026

How the power of self-belief can help when you start to doubt your abilities and skills

How the power of self-belief can help when you start to doubt your abilities and skills

Top behavioural researcher Shadé Zahrai says that by questioning our self-doubt, we can loosen its grip and instead harness the power of self-belief

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

Young woman with chocolate licking finger

Natural health: How can I get rid of my Easter chocolate sugar cravings?

Sugar cravings can be really tricky to manage, and there are so many triggers for them, especially if you already know that you have a sweet tooth.

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

Bussines woman focused on her work

Workplace wellbeing: Tired of the job but can’t work out what to do?

When the mid-career milestones of pay rises and promotions are no longer satisfying, you may find yourself in a slump. Should you change career or try to love the one you have anew?

Fri, 17 Apr, 2026

Time stands still

How to plan for your death, from writing a will to talking with loved ones

Preparing for your death may seem morbid to some, but getting your affairs in order and having open conversations with your loved ones can help them to, and you, to grieve properly.

Wed, 15 Apr, 2026

My workplace burnout was my body's way of telling me to change

My workplace burnout was my body's way of telling me to change

Carol Gaffney is just one of the 70% of workers who become physically and emotionally drained from taking on too much in their job and even in life, says Sharon Ní Chonchúir

Fri, 10 Apr, 2026