Today: a psychiatrist on planned rest before burnout, a 21-year-old's marathon podium, and butterfly wings that may lead to safer paint.
MindExpert opinion
1A psychiatrist says a planned day off can help you switch off
The problem. Many working adults feel worn down but keep going until burnout hits. Rest is hard to protect when work stays on your mind after hours.
What they found. Douglas McWilliams, a psychiatrist in Maryland, argues that planning a day off ahead can help people recover before burnout. He suggests filling it with something you look forward to, such as a video game. For rest to work, he says, the time off must be relaxing and take a person's mind off work.
Try this. Pick one evening this week and put it in your calendar. Plan something you enjoy that has nothing to do with work.
How sure is this? This is one doctor's opinion, not a new study. He adds that if time off does not help, the stress itself must be dealt with.
Source: Psychology Today1
Notice how you are doing →
RunStory
2A 21-year-old took third in New York in his second marathon
The problem. Many people feel they must train like much faster runners from the start. That can feel out of reach and put them off running.
What they found. Kamohelo Mofolo from Lesotho finished third at the 2026 New York City Marathon, on his 21st birthday. His time was about 2 hours 6 minutes, in only his second marathon. His online coach follows the idea: train where you are, not where you want to be.
Try this. Think of one goal you have. Write down a first step that fits the energy and time you have today.
How sure is this? This is a race report and coach interview, not a study. The coach owns the business it describes, so his method is untested here.
Source: Marathon Handbook2
Start a walking or running routine →
Good newsAnimal or lab study
3Butterfly wing crystals could lead to safer paints and glitters
The problem. Many paints and glitters get their bright colours from chemical pigments that can be harmful. Finding colour that is safer and lasts longer is hard.
What they found. Researchers at Northeastern University in Boston, US, are studying natural crystals found in cabbage white butterfly wings. They hope the crystals could become a base for safer, longer-lasting paints and glitters. So far, the team has grown only tiny crystals, about the size of a grain of salt.
“there's still a great deal left to learn about biological colour”
Leila Deravi, associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Northeastern University
Try this. Spend a minute today looking closely at one small natural thing, like a leaf or a flower. Notice its colour.
How sure is this? This is early lab work. The crystals have not been checked for safety, and making them in large amounts is still unsolved.
Source: Positive News3
Read an uplifting story →
Rest, patience and curiosity all show up today. Some good things grow slowly, from a coach's plan to a crystal the size of a grain of salt.
