How much control do you think that you have? In current culture, the phrases “willpower” and “effort” sound a little old fashion, if not faux pas all together. But this idea – the idea of having control of yourself, your thoughts, and your actions – are as old as Western Civilization. The stoic philosophers, which […]
The Positive Impact of Exercise on the Brain
When most people hear the word “exercise,” they may immediately think of sweating, calories, building muscle, or losing weight. And while although all of these things are relevant one thing that may no come to mind is another part of the body where exercise is highly impactful: the brain. Much research has been put into […]
Jordan Peterson’s Rules for Life: Two Rules that Might Be Worth Your Time
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson – the well-known and, at times, controversial Canadian psychologist – published his bestselling book, “12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos” back in 2018, but the book continues to remain influential. Peterson, who often weighs in on controversial political topics, tackles 12 rules which, according to him, help individuals rise […]
Better Than Average? Or Not Better at All? Exploring the Dunning-Kruger Effect
It is unfortunately very common for some individuals to overrate their abilities in a given area. While some may call this “overconfidence,” this phenomenon has been recognized by psychology: It is called the “Dunning-Kruger Effect,” named after the two researchers who first identified it. “A widely studied phenomenon in social psychology holds that individuals with […]
How to Create Good Habits
In his now-classic book, “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People,” author Steven Covey takes the reader along through seven habits that he identifies as vital to personal and professional success. Much of the year 2020 still lies ahead, and it may be a good time to take personal inventory for the new year and […]
Forest Bathing
Conventional wisdom has reinforced the idea that going out in nature is good for you. Feeling down? Talk a hike in the woods. Need an energy boost? Start gardening. And on and on . . . This type advice has been around for a long time, but it’s only been recently when science and different […]
Psychopaths: The Tell-Tale Signs
A lot has been said and written about psychopaths, but with it has come some misunderstandings. Often portrayed in television and in movies, psychopaths have captured the imagination of large audiences, as more and more people seek to understand the minds of these disturbed individuals. In his book, “Without Conscience: The Disturbing World of The […]
The Five Stages of Grief and Grieving
With 2020 now underway, the first thing that may not come to your mind is loss, but with each new year, gaining something – as well as losing something – is inevitable. The question then becomes: How do we handle loss? Years ago, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler published what would become a classic book, […]
Handling Holiday Stress
Normally, right around the time when the holidays arrive, stress and anxiety isn’t too far behind. Although most people associate Christmas and the holiday season with presents, parties, family, and friends, the holidays can also be a time of stress and even pain. Depression persists for some during the holidays, and for those who do […]
The Hot and Cool Brain: Two Ways of Making Decisions
Sometimes, depending on if we are upset, emotional, or in a similar state of mind, we are of two minds . . . literally. Since at least the 1960s, some psychologists have been researching that state of our brains when we are in the process of making decisions. And, as author Walter Mischel has described […]