Good Food
type: channel
link: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com
date: 2025-11-14T13:16:12.000Z
update period: hourly
update frequency: 1
update base: 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00
items: Five signs you're already experiencing burnout (and how to fix it)
items: Natural remedies for anxiety
items: What is dopamine?
items: 5 ways to manage back-to-work anxiety
items: What are the symptoms of stress?
items: What are the symptoms of anxiety?
items: What is trypophobia?
items: How to overcome social anxiety
items: What is adult ADHD?
items: What is stress and how to reduce it

Five signs you're already experiencing burnout (and how to fix it)
type: item
date: 2025-11-14T13:16:12.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
description: Think you might be suffering from burnout? Find out the tell tale signs to look out for, and get expert tips on how to combat it
encoded: We are living in trying times. With hustle culture forcing us to work harder than ever, social media piling on the pressure, a constant barrage of information on how to be our healthiest selves and the rising cost of living, it’s no wonder we may be feeling a sense of burnout. We’ll highlight the key signs to be aware of so that you can identify potential burnout. We’ll also offer some tried and tested expert tips on how to deal with it. Burnout is a state of emotional, mental and physical exhaustion brought on by prolonged or repeated stress. Burnout has the potential to affect us all. A recent survey reported that the risk of burnout remains present, with 34% of adults experiencing high/extreme levels of pressure or often/always feeling stressed in the past year. In the USA, a study showed that 66% of employees experienced burnout last year. In the UK, we are also heading towards winter, with reduced daylight and colder weather. Autumn has even been described as ‘burnout season’ as many people feel less motivated and energised. For many end of year deadlines loom, increasing workloads and changing routines, so the autumn and early winter period naturally increases burnout potential. When feeling this way, we can turn to comforting ourselves with sugary and ultra processed foods, but these can unfortunately lead to getting stuck in a cycle of sugar crashes and further cravings. Working on managing these cravings and consciously including more protein with our meals can help us to feel fuller with more stable energy levels. What are the common signs of burnout? Though we are all different in how we respond to chronic stress, there are some key signs to watch out for: Physical signs Exhaustion is a key early sign, general fatigue and ‘running on empty’ when you wake up, sleep difficulties, craving sugary food and ultra processed foods (UPFs), pain such as headaches and musculoskeletal pain, and chronic health issues which can include respiratory and gastrointestinal …

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Natural remedies for anxiety
type: item
date: 2024-09-24T10:41:03.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: anxiety
subject: goodhealth
subject: mental health
subject: natural cure
subject: stress
subject: Wellbeing
description: These self-help measures from a clinical psychologist can help you cope if you’re feeling anxious or overwhelmed
encoded: Anxiety is a normal emotion experienced by us all as a natural response to stress or danger. However, for some it can become overwhelming when it persists without any apparent cause. People will experience anxiety in different ways, including chronic and excessive worry; persistent obsessive thoughts or repetitive checking; concern about social situations – particularly a fear of being judged or embarrassment; intense episodes of panic and specific phobias. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to manage and reduce anxiety, from lifestyle and dietary changes, to mindfulness practices and breathing exercises. To help you find what works for you, we’ve looked into different types of anxiety, effective management strategies, and products that can support reducing anxiety. Next, find out the symptoms of anxiety, diet and lifestyle tips to help with stress and how to increase serotonin. Best supplements for anxiety There are a wide range of supplements which may reduce symptoms of anxiety, although more research is needed overall to assess their effectiveness. It would usually be recommended that you try supplements alongside other lifestyle changes and therapy. Supplements typically taken include: Probiotics and vitamin B: these have been demonstrated to provide benefit to not only anxious symptoms but also depressive symptoms and sleep difficulties. Valerian root: this herbal medicine is often used as a sleep aid, with inconsistent evidence about it reducing anxiety symptoms and improving sleep quality. L-Lysine & L-Arginine: research showed a reduction in anxiety levels and cortisol (stress hormone). Magnesium: Magnesium plays a key role in brain function and can help regulate neurotransmitters involved in anxiety. Research suggests magnesium supplements can have a beneficial effect on anxiety symptoms. L-Theanine: This amino acid, found in green and black tea, can reduce acute stress and anxiety and improve sleep. Though not all research supports its effectiveness. As…

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What is dopamine?
type: item
date: 2024-09-24T10:20:37.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: eat yourself happy
subject: goodhealth
subject: hormonal balance
subject: hormones
subject: Wellbeing
subject: wellness
description: One of our ‘happy hormones’, this brain chemical plays an important role in mood and wellbeing, but can also influence weight and focus. Read on to find out more, including dopamine’s connection to your diet
encoded: Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in our brain's reward and pleasure systems. It is often referred to as the "feel-good" hormone, due to its involvement in regulating mood, motivation, and attention. However, its influence extends beyond just making us feel happy; it impacts our mental health, weight, and well-being. So, maintaining healthy levels of dopamine in our bodies is hugely important. In this article, we'll explore what dopamine does, how it affects mental health, its connection to weight, signs of dopamine imbalance, and ways to increase dopamine levels. Next, read what are the symptoms of stress, how to lower cortisol levels and 8 ways to food you eat affects your brain. What does dopamine do? Dopamine is a chemical messenger (a ‘neurotransmitter’) that transmits signals in the brain’s nerve cells and the rest of our bodies. It is produced in several areas of the brain, including the substantia nigra and the ventral tegmental area. Dopamine is made in two places – our brain’s hypothalamus produces it as a neurohormone, and our adrenal glands also make this as a hormone (at the top of each kidney). Dopamine is involved in key functions for: Reward/pleasure: Dopamine is central to the brain’s reward system. It is released when we experience something pleasurable, reinforcing behaviours that are beneficial for survival, such as eating, socialising, and reproducing. Motivation and goal-directed behaviour: Dopamine helps us decide if a goal is worth the effort, and drives us to pursue goals. It motivates us to take action to obtain something desirable, such as completing a task to receive a reward. Mood regulation: Dopamine levels influence mood and emotional responses. Balanced dopamine levels contribute to feelings of well-being and happiness, while imbalances can lead to difficulties in regulating mood. Attention/focus: Dopamine plays a role in cognitive functions such as attention, focus, and learning. It helps the brain filter relev…

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5 ways to manage back-to-work anxiety
type: item
date: 2024-08-01T10:13:22.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: anxiety
subject: back to work anxiety
subject: coronavirus
subject: Dr. Laura Keyes
subject: goodhealth
subject: work anxiety
description: If you’ve had a break over the summer, or are returning to work after parental leave, sabbatical or unemployment, it’s not unusual to feel nervous. But sometimes it can feel more than just nerves. Clinical psychologist Dr Laura Keyes discusses what work anxiety is, why it occurs and what you can do about it.
encoded: Whether you're returning to the workplace following illness, parental leave, a sabbatical or extended break from employment, you may find yourself dealing with some feelings of anxiety about the return. While some might look forward to a return to the workplace, especially if working from home or if an absence of work has proved difficult, others might experience feelings of dread and worry. This can lead to poor sleep, irritability and even panic. Next, find out what is stress and how to reduce it, discover mindfulness tips for working from home and learn how exercise benefits our mental health. Am I experiencing work anxiety? Many of us experience anxiety or dread when returning to work after a holiday or time off. We can expect to feel apprehensive about change, however some of us may experience a more intense anxiety as a reaction to changes. Signs can include: heightened worry about work feelings of dread panic disrupted sleep Why do we get back-to-work anxiety? Change can sometimes be hard, but for those of us who thrive on routine and control, returning to a workplace may pose a bigger challenge. Many of us feel bonded with our homes and associate them with feelings of safety. Some of us may miss our home, pets or family to the point where we experience separation anxiety. You may have felt safe and sheltered at home, and settled in a new routine with comfier clothes, more regular breaks and a better work-life balance. Or you may have experienced a more challenging time working from home, and have felt isolated or distracted. 5 things to do if you feel anxious about work 1. Acknowledge your feelings Accept feelings of unease, as these will pass. In difficult moments, focus on breathing slowly and deeply, and speaking kindly to yourself as you would a loved one. 2. Create a feeling of safety Think about what it is about home that helps you to feel safe and comfortable, and take reminders of home with you. For example, a particular smell, trinket or item of clo…

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What are the symptoms of stress?
type: item
date: 2024-07-09T09:49:17.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: goodhealth
subject: help with stress
subject: how to cope with stress
subject: managing stress
subject: mental health
subject: signs of stress
subject: stress
subject: symptoms of stress
description: Find out the emotional and physical symptoms of stress, and get tips on how to manage it from our clinical psychologist.
encoded: Whether it’s an increased awareness of mental health, or the greater numbers of stressors in modern life, 70% of UK adults say they have felt so stressed at some point that they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope in the past year. One-off events can lead to a period of intense but acute symptoms of stress, which we can generally recover from without ill effects. However, chronic stress symptoms can also occur from ongoing stress or stress that keeps returning. Next, discover 10 tips to manage stress eating, take a look at the role talk therapy plays in gut health and find out what is burnout. Also find out what are the symptoms of anxiety? [LINK TO NEW FEATURE WHEN LIVE] What is stress? Stress is defined as "a state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation. Stress is a natural human response that prompts us to address challenges and threats in our lives." We will all experience stress to some extent, however how we respond to stress really impacts on our physical and psychological wellbeing. What are the symptoms of stress? There are some common emotional, cognitive, behavioural and physical symptoms of stress to look out for: Emotions: A sense of dread and tension Feeling unable to relax, which can in turn lead to feeling irritable and angry Feeling overwhelmed, out of control, and unable to cope Thoughts: Being preoccupied with the stressors in repeated thoughts and conversations with others Racing thoughts that are hard to hold onto Being more forgetful than previously Concentration and focus difficulties, and being less productive than usual Physical signs of stress: Changes to your sleep, such as struggling to fall or stay asleep, or wanting to sleep all the time Physical symptoms such as headaches, migraines, gastro issues and flare-ups on any existing health conditions (e.g. fibromyalgia, eczema, IBS, cirrhosis) Pain from tension in your jaw, neck and lower back Changes to appetite, which can include eating much more or less than usual Behav…

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What are the symptoms of anxiety?
type: item
date: 2024-07-09T09:38:49.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: anxiety
subject: anxiety therapy
subject: coping with anxiety
subject: goodhealth
subject: mental health
subject: symptoms of anxiety
subject: what is anxiety
description: Our clinical psychologist explains the symptoms of anxiety, some possible causes and provides tips on how to deal with anxiety.
encoded: We all experience feelings of anxiety from time to time. These are an understandable reaction to life events and stressors that everybody will go through at some point. However, 60% of UK adults have recently experienced anxiety that interfered with their daily lives. This is obviously more serious, so let’s find out what causes anxiety and how we can manage it. Next, discover what is stress and how to reduce it, what is burnout and 10 tips to manage stress eating. We also take a look at the role talk therapy plays in gut health. What is anxiety? Anxiety is an emotion which tells us that we feel threatened in some way. This could be from something that has already happened, is happening now or may happen in the future. Anxiety tries to keep us safe by protecting or motivating us to do something. For example, an anxious thought of ‘Did I remember to lock the car?’ may motivate you to check the car is indeed locked. Anxiety can range from feeling a little uneasy in the moment, to intense fear which persists long after the event has passed. If anxiety has become very intense and interferes greatly with life over an extended period, you may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are usually defined by the area they show up – such as social anxiety (in social settings), generalised anxiety (about day-to-day/future worry), health anxiety (about the health of oneself and others). There are other types of anxiety disorder categories too, including panic disorder (involving episodic panic attacks), phobias (anxiety around a specific stimulus) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (anxious thoughts leading to specific behaviours to try to neutralise these temporarily). What are the symptoms of anxiety? There are a few signs our bodies give us when we're anxious to look out for. Your heart may beat faster, your breathing becomes shallower and quicker, you may sweat, feel thirsty, and need to go to the toilet. If you're feeling very anxious, you may start to shake…

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What is trypophobia?
type: item
date: 2024-06-26T09:47:59.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: anxiety
subject: goodhealth
subject: Laura Keyes
subject: mental health
subject: phobias
subject: Trypophobia
description: Dr. Laura Keyes, clinical psychologist, explains trypophobia – the fear of small, irregular holes. We discuss symptoms, food triggers, treatment and coping strategies
encoded: What is trypophobia? Do little irregular shaped holes in food skins or circles gathered close together make you feel queasy or anxious? If so, you might be experiencing ‘trypophobia’. While not officially recognised as a mental health difficulty and only a recent term coined during the last decade, it may be considered a type of phobia if it triggers excessive distress and impairment. What are the key symptoms of trypophobia? You might experience uncomfortable feelings at the sight of holes in clusters or bumps. Recent research has shown that the main feeling experienced is disgust rather than fear, making the condition somewhat different to that of a regular phobia, where fear is the overriding emotion. Alongside this can be intense physical symptoms like skin crawling, goosebumps, sweating, racing heart, nausea, and sometimes panic. Many sufferers may experience depression, generalised anxiety, and social anxiety alongside trypophobia. What foods can trigger trypophobia? Irregular shapes and holes are plentiful in many natural foods. Honeycomb, seed pods, strawberries, pomegranate, watermelon, papaya, cantaloupes, corn on the cob, exotic mushrooms, even horizontally sliced pickles have a holey effect. One of the most obvious foods is of course the skin of plucked poultry When cooking, the bubbles in batter create little holes - think pancakes, drop scones and crumpets Other triggers can include Swiss cheese, sourdough bread, the bubbles in Aero chocolate bars, even the froth on your morning coffee Common non-food triggers include beehives, coral, lotus seed pods, and snakes. How can trypophobia impact everyday life? Trypophobia may lead you to limit the range of foods you eat, avoid dining out, and dissuade you from food shopping. Alongside this it might make you hypervigilant as you look out for these holes, further increasing feelings of anxiety. Why do some people experience trypophobia? There are a few theories to support trypophobia, although there is limited…

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How to overcome social anxiety
type: item
date: 2024-05-28T11:40:07.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: anxiety
subject: coronavirus
subject: covid-19
subject: goodhealth
subject: social anxiety
description: Clinical Psychologist Dr. Laura Keyes explains what social anxiety is, and offers practical tips to help us manage the condition.
encoded: We are wired to connect, but some people with social anxiety live with a persistent fear of embarrassment, humiliation or rejection from others. As many as 12% of us may experience this in our lifetime, often combined with depression, panic, generalised anxiety, post-traumatic stress and a tendency towards substance misuse as a coping mechanism. What is social anxiety disorder? Social anxiety disorder is an intense and persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. People with the condition tend to endure these negative thoughts before, during and after social interactions. There is usually a focus inward on one’s own speech and how you come across, along with discomfort and wanting to avoid social contact altogether. Social anxiety can impact your relationships, school or work performance negatively, limit hobbies outside of the home, and lead to a sense of low self-esteem. Circumstances where you may feel socially anxious include: Interacting with new people Going to school or work Attending social gatherings such as a wedding or party Attending medical appointments Entering a crowded room Eating in front of other people What does this mean for those who are socially anxious? Despite the fact that we need social connection, avoiding others may initially feel like a welcome relief. However, spending lots of time alone for long periods may leave you feeling more overwhelmed by the idea of mixing with people. Here are some tips you can try. 10 tips for managing social anxiety 1. Maintain social connections Do the best you can to connect in a way that feels realistic and safe for you, and start small. For example, connect on social media, make small talk with a shop assistant, meet a friend for a coffee, chat or walk. 2. Create a feeling of safety Think about what it is about home that helps you feel safe, and take reminders of home with you. For example, a particular smell or item of clothing may be comforting. It might be possible to take your dog to work, a…

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What is adult ADHD?
type: item
date: 2023-05-30T15:30:09.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Health
subject: Health conditions
subject: ADHD diagnosis
subject: Adult ADHD
subject: Adult ADHD symptoms
subject: goodhealth
subject: How to diagnose ADHD
subject: What is ADHD
description: What are the signs of ADHD and how are adults diagnosed? Find out more with our clinical psychologist's guide to adult ADHD
encoded: What is ADHD? ADHD stands for ‘attention deficit hyperactivity disorder’. This means that someone experiences persistent difficulties with paying attention and focusing, and can also exhibit hyperactivity and impulsive behaviours. Discover more health guides, from top sugar swaps for your family to our guide for a better night's rest. What’s the difference between adult ADHD and ADHD in children? The core symptoms are the same for children and adults, but they might show themselves differently depending on the person’s age and the different demands or responsibilities they need to meet. For instance, often parents take on task management for their children, so problems with organisation, losing things or being late can be masked until children are expected to self-manage. Similarly, children wouldn’t be expected to plan or prepare for future events, but adults neglecting to pay attention to deadlines, anniversaries or diary appointments would be more of an issue. Difficulties with working memory are more noticeable again dependent on age and as exams or work meetings become important. There is potentially a bigger impact for adults, too, with addictions such as gambling and shopping, and difficulties in romantic relationships showing up. There are also several areas of strength that tend to be most apparent in adults with ADHD: A creative mind Innovative and entrepreneurial thinker Spontaneous Quick reactions Ability to hyper-focus on areas of interest Flexible thinker High energy levels Highly productive Signs and symptoms of adult ADHD Typically, adults with attention issues describe struggling to follow and maintain conversations, daydreaming, being disorganised, forgetful and losing things. They are quickly distracted so cannot focus on tasks requiring sustained attention, and also struggle with managing time and prioritising tasks. However, they can hyper-focus on a topic if it’s very interesting to them, sometimes even forgetting to eat or drink for hours as t…

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What is stress and how to reduce it
type: item
date: 2023-04-25T08:40:16.000Z
creator: Laura Keyes
subject: Guide
subject: Health
subject: Wellness
subject: How to
subject: goodhealth
subject: mental health
subject: stress
subject: Stress relief
description: Clinical psychologist Dr. Laura Keyes explains what stress is, the key signs and symptoms, and outlines five strategies for managing stressful situations.
encoded: What is stress? Stress is a state of worry or anxiety and a natural response to the challenges and perceived threats we face in our lives. We all experience stress to some degree. There are many factors that may trigger stress, including external pressures such as work or family responsibilities, and internal influences such as what we eat and how our digestive, immune and nervous systems are working. Discover our full range of health benefit guides and check out some of our delicious mood-boosting recipes. Plus, find out how much protein you need. How does being stressed affect my body? Stress triggers a set of biological responses. These may include: The release of stress hormones An increase in blood sugar Elevated blood pressure Rapid heartbeat Combined, these make up the ‘fight or flight’ response, and are designed to help you meet physical challenges that may pose a threat to your survival (for example, how your body would respond if you were being chased by a lion). The trouble is, in today’s high-stress culture, this response is almost continual and the body does not have a chance to recover. How does stress affect my hormones? Glands called the adrenal glands are nestled on the upper inner surface of each kidney – these produce the main stress response hormones: adrenaline, noradrenaline and cortisol. Chronic stress causes the adrenal glands to become overworked, and as a result they may not produce the right amount of these hormones. Over time, this may lead to endocrine disorders like Grave’s disease or metabolic dysfunction, resulting in obesity. Does making the right food choices help when you are stressed? Eating a balanced and healthy diet is key to managing the physiological changes caused by stress. An important part of any stress response includes identifying and reducing the causes of stress. However, because our adrenal function is significantly influenced by blood sugar levels, much of the dietary advice focuses on stabilising blood sugar. How c…

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