How stress affects your brain
AdultsHealthMental HealthScienceStress isn't always a bad thing; it can be handy for a burst of extra energy and focus, like when you're playing a competitive sport or have to speak in public. But when it's continuous, it actually begins to change your brain. Madhumita Murgia shows how chronic stress can affect brain size, its structure, and how it functions, right down to the level of your genes.
The psychology of narcissism
AdultsPsychologySelfMental HealthNarcissism isn't just a personality type that shows up in advice columns; it's actually a set of traits classified and studied by psychologists. But what causes it? And can narcissists improve on their negative traits? W. Keith Campbell describes the psychology behind the elevated and sometimes detrimental self-involvement of narcissists.
A simple way to break a bad habit | Judson Brewer
AdultsLifePsychologyAddiction...Can we break bad habits by being more curious about them? Psychiatrist Judson Brewer studies the relationship between mindfulness and addiction - from smoking to overeating to all those other things we do even though we know they're bad for us. Learn more about the mechanism of habit development and discover a simple but profound tactic that might help you beat your next urge to smoke, snack or check a text while driving.
Parents Tell Stepparents What They Really Think
AdultsMental HealthPsychologyFamily...What happens to a family after divorce and remarriage? SoulPancake brings together a blended family and gives them an opportunity to express how they feel about each other.
Learned Helplessness
AdultsEducationSelfPsychology...Learned helplessness can prevent people from achieving their goals, something I've experienced first hand.
What is Deja Vu?!
AdultsMental HealthScienceNeuroscience...Most of us have felt it before, that strange sensation that you've been somewhere or seen something before, as if you already remembered what's happening. Are you psychic? Nope, that's just deja vu. Why does deja vu happen? Well, scientists aren't completely sure, but they've got a few good theories about it.
Can You Erase Bad Memories?
AdultsBiologyHumanNeuroscience...What if you could delete specific memories?
A brief history of melancholy
AdultsHistoryPsychologyMental Health...If you are a living, breathing human being, chances are you have felt sad at least a few times in your life. But what exactly is melancholy, and what (if anything) should we do about it? Courtney Stephens details our still-evolving understanding of sadness -- and even makes a case for its usefulness.
Dan Harris: Hack Your Brain's Default Mode with Meditation
AdultsNeuroscienceSpiritualityPsychology...Dan Harris explains the neuroscience behind meditation, but reminds us that the ancient practice isn't magic and likely won't send one floating into the cosmic ooze. He predicts that the exercise will soon become regularly scheduled maintenance, as commonplace as brushing your teeth or eating your veggies. Harris, an ABC News correspondent, was turned on to mediation after a live, on-air panic attack. His latest book is 10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A
The Science of Depression
AdultsHealthPsychologyScience...What's going on inside of a depressed person?
A Message to the Depressed.
AdultsMental HealthPhilosophyPsychology...Depression is frightening but you're never alone.
How playing an instrument benefits your brain - Anita Collins
AdultsMental HealthMusicScience...When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What's going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians' brains when they play, and examines some of the long-term positive effects of this mental workout.
7 Myths About The Brain You Thought Were True
AdultsMental HealthScienceHealth...Blow your mind with these brain myths!
How sugar affects the brain
AdultsBiologyHealthHuman...When you eat something loaded with sugar, your taste buds, your gut and your brain all take notice. This activation of your reward system is not unlike how bodies process addictive substances such as alcohol or nicotine -- an overload of sugar spikes dopamine levels and leaves you craving more. Nicole Avena explains why sweets and treats should be enjoyed in moderation.
How to Memorize | How to Remember Names | Memory Speaker
AdultsHumanMental HealthEducation...Memory speaker and memory expert, Ron White, gives a quick 20 minute speech with tips on: - How to remember names - The value of remembering names - How to memorize using the roman room or method of loci - Eat foods good for the memory - Study tips for students