Hannah Aster

SEO Team Lead

Hannah is a seasoned writer and editor who started her journey with Shortform nearly five years ago. She grew up reading mostly fiction books but transitioned to non-fiction writing when she started her travel website in 2018. When she's not writing or traveling, you can find Hannah working on home reno projects, crafting, or taking care of plants.

Expertise

Graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in English and minors in professional and creative writing

Depression and Decision-Making: Finding the Link

Is there a link between depression and decision-making? Are people happier when they have less control over their lives? According to Barry Schwartz, the author of The Paradox of Choice, the more decisions you have to make and the more options you have to weigh, the more anxious and depressed you become. That’s not to say that he thinks your life should be controlled—but he does believe that people are happier when they have a more limited selection of options. Continue reading to learn why Schwartz thinks expanded choice is contributing to the rise in depression rates.

Why You Should Try a Codependency 12 Step Program

What’s so great about the codependency 12 step program? What are the four principles behind the program? In Codependent No More, Melody Beattie explores codependency and how it affects people’s lives. A self-help classic and the book that inspired codependency 12 Step Programs around the country, Codependent No More provides explanations, advice, and compassion for people struggling with codependency. Here’s how 12 Step Programs work—and the principles behind the 12 steps to overcoming codependency.

How to Handle a Difficult Situation With Grace

Do you struggle against letting challenges and hardships take control of your life? How can you change your thinking and actions to handle difficulty with more grace? Robin Sharma, the famous author of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari and Who Will Cry When You Die?, says that if you don’t know how to handle difficult situations, they could end up controlling your life. That’s why he shared some strategies you can follow when you’re going through a tough time. Continue reading for an overview of Sharma’s tips on dealing with difficulty.

How the Freedom to Choose Affects Happiness

Why is the freedom to choose so important to human happiness? Is there such thing as too much choice? Barry Schwartz, the author of The Paradox of Choice, asserts that the freedom to choose provides basic autonomy to humans and is necessary for happiness. However, when presented with too many options, people can start to become anxious and depressed. Keep reading to learn why there is a fine line between the freedom of choice and too many choices.

Overcoming Codependency: The 5 Stages of Grief

How can you overcome codependency? What are the five stages you will pass through? Overcoming codependency is similar to overcoming the loss of a loved one—you will likely encounter the five stages of grief. Don’t let the grief discourage you. You must pass through the stages before you can move forward with your more independent life. Continue reading for advice from codependency expert Melody Beattie.

Robin Sharma on the Importance of Mentorship

Why does Robin Sharma say that everyone should have mentors (whether they’re alive or dead)? Why should you go the extra mile to build close friendships? In his book Who Will Cry When You Die?, author and self-help professional Robin Sharma insists that every person should have mentors in life. This is because it’s impossible to learn everything you need by yourself. Mentorship can help you gain second-hand wisdom and speed up your personal growth. Here is why the importance of mentorship cannot be underestimated.

Why We Have Difficulty Making Decisions

Why do we have difficulty making decisions? What are the most common comparisons we make when making decisions? One of the biggest factors that makes decision-making difficult is the fact that people have a tendency to compare their choices to the choices of others. There are four common types of comparisons that we use to weigh our decisions, which can make them seem better or worse. Keep reading to learn about the comparisons we make when making decisions.

What Is Self-Care, and Why Is It Important?

What is self-care, and why is it important? What does detachment have to do with self-care? There are many different definitions of self-care, but the one we will be exploring is the one described by Melody Beattie in her book Codependent No More. Beattie believes that practicing self-care is one of the most important steps in overcoming codependency. Continue below for insights on self-care and how it relates to codependency.

Use Second-Order Thinking to Make Better Choices

What is second-order thinking? How can you use second-order thinking to prioritize decision-making? Second-order thinking is a process that you can use to make better and more deliberate decisions. During second-order thinking, you think about the consequences of your choices in order to make more informed decisions. There are four categories of second-order decisions: rules, presumptions, standards, and routines. Continue reading to learn more about each type of second-order decision.

How to Avoid Deathbed Regrets and Live More Fully

What are the most common deathbed regrets? Is it possible to avoid them before you run out of time? In his book Who Will Cry When You Die? Robin Sharma lays out the most common end-of-life regrets and proposes a plan on how to avoid them. Sharma says that the first step is to regain control of your life by finding your purpose. Continue reading to learn what steps you can take to live a more fulfilling life.