Ep 28. Solo: Raw-Dogging Life

‼️ TRIGGER WARNING: I briefly talk about suicidal ideation in this episode ‼️In this episode, I explore the online trend of “raw-dogging life” — a viral movement where people record themselves doing absolutely nothing for an hour in an effort to reset their focus. I dive beneath the humour to uncover why this trend reflects a deeper cultural need for stillness, presence, and nervous system regulation.I break down the science behind meditation, how just five minutes of silence a day can rewire your brain, and the research-backed benefits of mindfulness for stress, sleep, and attention. Whether you’re new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, I invite you to pause — and rediscover the art of doing nothing.Do your 5-10 minute meditation and tag @kelseagrieveson & @healthchatspodcast on Instagram with hashtag #SlowDownChallenge to support mental health this winter 🤍✨Referenced Studies​Goyal, M., et al. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis.JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357–368.https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018— Found that mindfulness meditation significantly reduced anxiety, depression, and pain, with effects comparable to antidepressants for mild symptoms.​Black, D. S., et al. (2015). Mindfulness meditation and improvement in sleep quality and daytime impairment among older adults with sleep disturbances: A randomized clinical trial.JAMA Internal Medicine, 175(4), 494–501.https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2014.8081— Showed that a 6-week mindfulness program improved sleep quality, reduced insomnia, and decreased fatigue.​Norris, C. J., et al. (2018). Brief mindfulness meditation improves attention in novices: Evidence from ERPs and behavioral measures.Mindfulness, 9, 1502–1511.https://doi.org/10.1007/s12671-018-0891-2— Demonstrated that even a single 10-minute meditation session can improve focus and reduce mind-wandering.​Holzel, B. K., et al. (2011). Mindfulness practice leads to increases in regional brain gray matter density.Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 191(1), 36–43.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2010.08.006— Found that eight weeks of meditation increased gray matter density in brain regions related to emotion regulation and memory.