Darya Sinusoid

Darya’s love for reading started with fantasy novels (The LOTR trilogy is still her all-time-favorite). Growing up, however, she found herself transitioning to non-fiction, psychological, and self-help books. She has a degree in Psychology and a deep passion for the subject. She likes reading research-informed books that distill the workings of the human brain/mind/consciousness and thinking of ways to apply the insights to her own life. Some of her favorites include Thinking, Fast and Slow, How We Decide, and The Wisdom of the Enneagram.

The Effect of Culture on Body Image

How does modern culture encourage shame around the body? How does body shaming affect self-esteem? Cultural ideals have pressured women into achieving a certain body type for centuries. The effects of harmful messaging around the body are not so easy to overcome because our culture encourages them. According to Emily Nagoski, the two ways in which this is accomplished are by distorting self-criticism into something positive and convincing women that fat is something to avoid at all costs. Let’s look at the effect of culture on body image.

Why Demoting an Employee (Almost) Never Works

Mastering the Art of Giving Feedback in the Workplace

Is it a good idea to demote an underperforming employee? Why should you think twice before demoting someone? According to Ray Dalio, you should think twice before demoting an employee. There are only two situations in which demotion may be a good idea: 1) when a high performer fails to meet the same standards in a managerial role, and 2) when the employee possesses skills that would better serve them in another role. Here is why you should beware of demotion, according to Dalio.

Career Reflection: The 3 Stages of Self-Examination

Why is self-reflection important in career development? What aspects should you reflect on with regards to your career? According to Peter Drucker, the author of Managing Oneself, career reflection is part of the process of taking responsibility for yourself and will help you to advance in your career. Drucker says that, once you have greater self-knowledge, you can and must actively seek out situations where you’ll thrive. Learn about the three stages of professional self-reflection that Drucker recommends to manage yourself so that you learn who you are—and what your personal recipe for career success is.

Why Ray Dalio Says Pain + Reflection = Progress

Do you take time to reflect on your mistakes? How does reflecting on the pain and consequences of your mistakes help you progress faster? Ray Dalio says that pain is a necessary part of getting stronger. He sums it up in his equation Pain + Reflection = Progress. He says that when you make a mistake, take full responsibility for it and relish the chance to get better, rather than being ashamed about it. Here is why you should reflect and savor the pain, instead of avoiding it.

The Importance of Team Bonding (+Foolproof Strategy)

Why is it important to build strong bonds amongst your team members? What is the best way to increase team bonding in your organization? The importance of team bonding cannot be underestimated: it helps team members become closer, build trust, and strengthen team cohesion. Team bonding happens in situations that create a shared meaning for everyone present—experiences that underscore a common mission. Creating such moments is a three-step process: 1) create a shared moment, 2) allow for voluntary struggle, and 3) reconnect members with their work’s meaning. Let’s explore each step in more detail.

Stress and Sex Drive: How Stress Affects Libido

What exactly is stress? How does stress affect sex drive? Stress is an emotion-based systems in the mesolimbic cortex that greatly impacts our sexual arousal. It’s a process or system of changes in our minds and bodies that occurs in response to threats, and it underlies all types of negative emotions, including anxiety, fear, irritation, frustration, and anger. In this article, we’ll explore the issues around sex and sex drive and how understanding and managing the stress systems can positively affect our sexual experience.

Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski: Book Overview

What is Emily Nagoski’s book Come as You Are about? What misconceptions about sex does modern culture perpetuate? In her book Come as You Are, Emily Nagoski uses scientific research and her years of experience as a sex educator to change the negative way that women talk, think, and feel about their sexuality. Arguing that a scientific perspective on sexuality can free women from unrealistic standards and help them to appreciate their individual experiences, Nagoski considers sexuality from every biological angle while dispelling cultural misconceptions along the way. Below is a brief overview of the key themes explored in the

The Link Between Sex and Emotional Attachment Style

What is the connection between sex and emotional attachment? How does attachment style influence sexuality? Depending on how our caregivers raised us as children, we develop different styles of attachment. According to sex researcher Emily Nagoski, your attachment style not only dictates your behavior in romantic relationships but also affects your sexual experience. Here is how people with different attachment styles approach sexuality.

How to Surprise Someone in a Meaningful Way

Why do people like surprises? What is the key to creating a good surprise? Surprises add a little spice to a usual, mundane routine and they don’t have to be limited to special occasions. According to Chip and Dan Heath, the authors of The Power of Moments, there are two steps to creating a surprise: 1) identify scripts and routines, 2) think about how you can go off the usual routine in a meaningful way. Here is how to surprise someone in a meaningful way.

The Benefits of Transparency in the Workplace

Why is transparency important in the workplace? How does workplace transparency help improve decision-making? Transparency lets everyone see everything. According to Ray Dalio, everyone in an organization should get access to the full information, rather than having it filtered through other people first. In turn, people with more complete information can make better decisions, and the organization draws on the full power of its people. Here is why transparency in the workplace is a good thing and when it might not be ideal.