Psychology Archives

The Signs of Stress at Work and Home

Are you stressed out? What are the major signs of stress at work and home that you should look out for? In his book, Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina describes work and home as the two environments people are most likely to experience signs of stress. At work and home, stress can make you lose sleep and cause damage to your relationships. Luckily, there are ways to reduce this stress. Here are the indications of stress at work or home and how to avoid them, according to Medina.

How Our Thoughts Become Words and Actions

Is it true that our thoughts become words and actions? How so? What should we do about it? The central tenet of Joyce Meyer’s book Battlefield of the Mind is that the state of our lives mirrors the state of our minds. A negative mindset produces a negative life, while a positive mindset produces a positive life. According to Meyer, a “positive mindset” is one that is focused on God. She argues that when we put God at the center of our minds and spirits, we’re happier, more successful, more fulfilled, and we positively impact those around us. Read more

How to Develop a Skill: The Science of Skill Mastery

How do you develop a skill in the most effective and efficient way possible? Is there a method to make mastering skills easier? According to Josh Waitzkin, the author of The Art of Learning, the fastest and most effective way to master a skill is to build individual elements of the skill into memory “chunks.” Memory chunks are combinations of multiple elements, like how to shuffle, deal, and count cards—and networks of chunks. Here’s how to develop a skill and make it stick, according to Waitzkin.

How Human Curiosity Aids in Childhood Development

Why are babies so curious? Do you think human curiosity has helped you learn and mature? Human curiosity, also known as epistemic curiosity, is about seeking and gaining knowledge. In his book, Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina explains human curiosity as the innate human desire that is with you since birth—it even imitates the steps in the scientific method. Here’s how human curiosity is developed through the early stages of life.

How to Inspire Creativity on Demand

Can you inspire creativity on demand? Or does creativity only come in fits of spontaneity? Your creative muse can come and go of its own volition. But you can also conjure creative inspiration on demand. To this end, create triggers for creative states. Here’s how to inspire creative states whenever you want.

How to Master a Skill: Deepen Your Fundamentals

What is the key to mastering a skill? Should you focus on one technique or diversify your practice? According to Joshua Waitzkin, the author of The Art of Learning, real skill comes from a deep, singular focus. In terms of skill-building, he argues that you reach excellence by refining a set of fundamental skills, rather than practicing a wide range of techniques. For example, focus on learning a single style of piano, like baroque classical, rather than trying to learn classical, jazz, and ragtime piano all at once. Here’s how to master a skill, according to Waitzkin.

Are There Differences in Male and Female Brains? Yes

How to Build a Latticework of Mental Models

Do sex and gender affect the way we think? Is there evidence of differences in male and female brain structures? While most of the cognitive differences between male and female brains are shaped by social expectations, there are some differences that molecular biologist Dr. John Medina suspects have a profound impact on behavior. Medina posits that the male and female brains react differently to a number of situations. Here are the physical and psychological differences in male and female brains.

How Music Affects the Brain: The 4 Cognitive Benefits

How does music affect the brain? What are the benefits of music’s impact on the brain? In his book Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina theorizes that listening to music can affect your hormones, cognition, and mental health. Medina believes that music can go so far as to improve your social and language skills. Let’s take a detailed look at how music affects the brain.

The Myth of Multitasking: Why You Struggle to Focus

Do you often find yourself doing two or more things at once? Did you know that multitasking is actually a myth? Neuroscience proves that the brain cannot handle doing two tasks at once, hence why multitasking fails. While many people believe they have mastered handling many tasks at once, Dr. John Medina believes this is actually the myth of multitasking because you lose your focus when you redirect your attention. Here are a few reasons why multitasking is a myth, and how to stay focused.

How Stress Affects the Body and the Mind

How does stress affect the body? What important aspects of everyday life are influenced by stress? In his book Brain Rules, Dr. John Medina writes that stress can have a profound impact on the way you live your life. Not only does stress affect the body, but it can leave marks on your mental health and cognitive abilities as well. Here are the health effects that stress can create on the body and mind.