We're all brain rot

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The latest in mental health news, resources, and stories.

WEEKLY(ISH) ROUNDUP

Latest happenings in mental health 🧠

• It’s happening! Australia is the first country to age gate social media, banning many platforms for anyone under 16.

• It’s the time of year where organizations try to fix work. What cheer! See why Fast Company says mental health needs more than a quick fix.

• As if the world weren’t unjust enough, researchers now speculate lead gasoline to be the cause of 150 MILLION mental health disorders. See who is the most likely to have been impacted here.

Your mental wellness microdose 💊

• Feeling distracted? Try these 12 life hacks from Wondermind.

• Or these self-help books that Yoga Journal promises are not too cringe.

• And if all else fails, give this mindful walk a try. It’s TikTok approved for a reason.

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Change minds about mental health 🤝

The results are in.

Hi fam,

“Brain rot” is the official Word of the Year for 2024, according to the Oxford University Press. Brain rot, the “supposed deterioration of a person’s mental or intellectual state,” resulting from the “overconsumption” of trivial material—especially stuff found on it internet, is THE WORD OF THE YEAR. We’re still processing what feels like a personal attack.

The word itself is dramatic, evoking imagery of decay, but that’s part of why it resonates so strongly.

On platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram, brain rot has become shorthand for digital-age obsessions. For instance:

• Fandom culture: Fans often joke about experiencing brain rot when they can’t stop thinking about a new show, band, or book series.

• Doomscrolling: A more somber take involves the relentless consumption of negative news—leaving users emotionally depleted and unable to disengage.

• Algorithm loops: Social media algorithms, designed to keep users engaged, exacerbate the issue by serving up endless content that reinforces hyper fixation.

The cultural relevance of brain rot lies in its ability to encapsulate a universal experience in today’s hyperconnected world. It’s no wonder the term has exploded in popularity. 

Read more about what brain rot is and how tackle it in every day life

here* APPROVED

Things we’re loving 🫶

⏳ Ritual’s stress relief supplement that is helping us keep our cool this holiday szn.

😍 Martyr! By Kaveh Akbar. We won’t spoil it for you but if you’re looking for a book that explores all the relevant themes of modern day struggles, give it a read.

✨ The anti-brain rot toy for when you need to unplug and fidget through it—meet Speks

Try The Stress-Relieving Desk Toy Everyone is Raving About

Feeling stressed lately? Doom-scrolling? Try these must-have desk toys to stay calm & focused anytime, anywhere. The wildly satisfying smooshes, squishes, and ASMR-friendly clicking sounds of magnetic toys make them fun to play with and an irresistible addition to your home or office. These fidget toys are mess-free, tactile, and help with brainstorming. Let Speks help spark your creativity! Plus, they make the perfect gift. Use the promo code FIDGET for 25% off your order of $40+

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BEFORE YOU GO…

That’s all for this week. In the meantime don’t forget to:

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<3

Meg, Quincy, and the Here* fam