Psychology Archives

How to Cultivate Stillness of the Mind

Are your thoughts always racing out of control? Do you find it difficult to calm your mind so you can focus and think straight? Many people are overwhelmed by mental noise such as racing thoughts and irrational worries. This wastes a lot of mental energy but adds no value to your life. To regain peace, you need to learn to direct your mental energy in a more intentional way. With this in mind, here are some tips on how to cultivate stillness of the mind so you can think clearly and rationally.

Focusing on Others: Empathy, Social Intuition, & Body Language

Are there different kinds of empathy? What is social intuition? How important is attention when it comes to social interactions? In Focus, Daniel Goleman discusses various directions of attention. One way we can direct our attention is toward others. According to Goleman, an effective focus on others builds several life skills: empathy, social intuition, and the ability to read body language. Keep reading to learn how focusing on others can help you develop these skills.

Ethan Kross: The Psychology of Self-Talk

What exactly is self-talk in psychology? Is self-talk just another word for our thoughts? According to neuroscientist and psychologist Ethan Kross, self-talk isn’t exactly our conscious thought process. Rather, it’s the voice you “hear” in your mind in the background. Here’s why we engage in self-talk, how it manifests, and how social and cultural factors influence its content.

Learned Nonuse: The Side-Effect of Injured Limbs

What is learned nonuse in psychology? What are some ways learned nonuse can be corrected? Learned nonuse is a behavioral phenomenon whereby the use of an affected extremity is suppressed due to previous failed attempts to use it. In other words, the individual learns not to use the weak limb—although it’s perfectly functional—because it’s easier to use the healthy limb. Keep reading to learn about learned nonuse, why it happens, and ways to correct it.

Why You Should Believe in Something Bigger Than Yourself

Do you believe in something bigger than yourself? How does belief in a higher power contribute to your psychological well-being? Studies have shown that those who believe in some kind of a higher power tend to be happier and less depressed and anxious than those who don’t. When you believe in a higher power—whether divine or secular—it gives you a feeling of control and a sense that life is inherently meaningful. Here’s why we need to believe in something greater than ourselves, according to Ryan Holiday.

How to Stop Abuse: 4 Ways to Find Safety

Are you a victim of abuse? How do you stop abuse? In Why Does He Do That?, Bancroft’s explanations for abusive thinking help account for why abuse is hard to prevent: Most abusers don’t want to stop being abusive. Stopping means losing all the benefits that he gains from being abusive, but there is a way for you to get out of an abusive relationship. Continue reading to find out how to stop abuse.

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence—Book Overview

Is mind-wandering beneficial? Can attention be trained? How can systems awareness make you a better leader? In Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, Daniel Goleman explores how you can understand, harness, and improve your attention. This results in a more fulfilling, productive life as you become a healthier, more adaptive, and more engaged citizen of society and the planet. Read more for an overview of this practical book.

Why Is Self-Compassion Hard? The 2 Main Reasons

Why is self-compassion hard? Why are we so hard on ourselves? In Self-Compassion, Kristin Neff says that, despite the importance and benefits of self-compassion, many people spend their lives criticizing and judging themselves. This happens because we’re conditioned to compare ourselves to others and because children of critical parents often become self-critical adults. Read more on why self-compassion is difficult to practice for some people.

What Is the “Inner Critic” in Psychology? (+ Its 5 Effects)

What is meant by the term “inner critic”? Why do people believe their inner critic? In psychology, the inner critic is the part of your psyche that criticizes, discourages, and puts your down. It is the voice in your head that constantly chastises you, fixates on negative memories, and worries excessively about negative scenarios. Let’s explore how over time, your inner critic can harm your success, happiness, and health.

The Art of Acceptance and Letting Go

Why is it important to practice acceptance and letting go? How does the inability to accept things as they are eat away at your chance of finding happiness? Life is unpredictable, and it will throw curve balls at you sooner or later. Being able to accept and let go of what happened is a necessary life skill everyone should cultivate. With this in mind, here’s how to practice the art of acceptance and letting go.