Research suggests the contempt facial expression is the single most reliable indicator of a troubled relationship In 1967, Paul Ekman, a young psychology researcher took a plane journey to one of the most remotest places on earth. He arrived in Papua New Guinea to study the Fore people, a Stone Age, pre-literate society who, up until 1950, … Read more
Our caveman ancestry explains why people form strong psychological allegiances over trivial matters like smartphone operating systems When it comes to choosing a new smartphone, people are split between two main tribes. Apple fans and Android devotees. Often, you’ll find these tribes at war, in heated debates and discussion forums around the world. So why do people get … Read more
To speak with authority, don’t focus on the details, talk in vague, abstract terms. Ever wondered why the boss of your company talks in such a non-direct way. Why you never hear them discussing the nitty gritty? Well, there’s a reason why. Psychologists have discovered that when leaders use vague and abstract language, it gives them a sense of authority. Talking about … Read more
Don’t be tempted into ordering ‘healthy’ fast food. It might be more unhealthy for you You feel great about yourself when you order something “healthy” at your fast food store. But the healthy option might be just as bad for you as a triple bacon cheeseburger, fries and a Coke. Why? You’ve come under the spell of the health-halo … Read more
Hugs are like drugs, scientists say. Here are six amazing effects hugging has on your body and brain. You already know hugging feels good. What you might not know is that hugging is also good for your health and well-being. Here are six astonishing physiological and psychological benefits of hugging revealed in recent scientific studies. 1) Hugging Protects … Read more
Walking in nature is one of the best ways to inspire creativity and provide a quick mental boost A growing body of research says that if you’re looking for creative inspiration, the last place you should be is sitting at your desk. Scientists say that one of the best ways to switch your mental machinery … Read more
According to Marcus Aurelius, we can never fully be in control of events that affect our lives. We need to take a cosmic view Hands up if you’ve ever been accused of being a control freak? Even if your arms have stayed put, there’s a good chance you might be one. Control freaks rarely recognise the … Read more
Can an online quiz reveal your deep, subconscious feelings about racism and other matters of prejudice? Where does racism come from? None of us are born racist, or sexist or homophobic. So how do we transform from innocent babes, to opinionated adults with firmly held prejudices, biases and sometimes even racist beliefs? The answer is … Read more
Philosopher Alan Watts says we should enjoy life as we enjoy music Alan Watts (1915-1973) may or may not be a name familiar to you, but his legacy certainly is. British-born Watts was an author, philosopher and speaker with a deep interest and passion in the spiritual teachings of Eastern philosophy. After moving to the US, Watts, … Read more
The more people witness someone’s distress, the less likely it is that any one individual will offer assistance. On a spring morning in 2010, near the corner of 144th Street and 88th Road in Queens, New York , an argument broke about between a man and a woman. As the dispute escalated it became clear … Read more
Forget about multi-tasking. Neuroscience says it doesn’t make us more productive, it actually slows us down. Multi-tasking is great, isn’t it? You can get things done so much quicker. Like working with 50 browser tabs open at the same time. Or writing emails as you’re driving to work. Well, if this sounds like you, then … Read more
Too much choice is a recipe for unhappiness, anxiety and dissatisfaction with life “After millions of years of survival based on simple distinctions, it may simply be that we are biologically unprepared for the number of choices we face in the modern world” Schwartz, 2004 Economists and business leaders tell us that more choice is better. But, … Read more
