Psychology Archives

The Overview Effect: 5 Lessons From an Astronaut in Space

What is the overview effect? What are the most important life lessons Chris Hadfield learned from the overview effect? In An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth, retired astronaut Chris Hadfield explores five lessons he learned about life on Earth from his vantage point of space. This may be a result of what psychologists call “the overview effect,” which is a tendency for astronauts to experience awe and feelings of connection to humanity. Read more about the overview effect and how it impacted Chris Hadfield in space.

Treating a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP): Therapy Options

Does therapy help with high sensitivity? What type of therapy is best for a highly sensitive person? Although high sensitivity is not a mental illness, HSPs can benefit from psychotherapy. Engaging in psychotherapy can help HSPs manage heightened emotions and make sense of their experiences in the context of high sensitivity. Here’s a look at HSP therapy options.

The 3 Reasons Why You Should Expect the Worst

Why should you expect the worst to happen? What’s the importance of preparing for a downside? Whether or not you’re beginning a new experience, you need to plan for every possible outcome. Chris Hadfield’s book An Astronaut’s Guide to Life on Earth claims this is because you don’t want to be overwhelmed if the worst possible result happens. Discover why expecting the worst is actually for the best.

What Is a Chronotype? The 3 Types & Their Characteristics

What is a chronotype? What are the key factors that determine your chronotype? Your chronotype is the expression of your circadian rhythm. In his book When: The Scientific Secrets of Perfect Timing, Daniel Pink outlines three common chronotypes: larks, owls, and third birds. Learn about the characteristics of the three chronotypes and how to use your chronotype to your advantage.

How to Deal With Being a Highly Sensitive Person

Are you a highly sensitive person? What are some of the most common HSP struggles? While high sensitivity isn’t a mental illness, being a highly sensitive person can be challenging in the modern world. In her book The Highly Sensitive Person, psychotherapist Elaine Aron recommends that HSPs can make sense of their experiences by reframing them with high sensitivity in mind. Here’s how reframing can help you better understand yourself and your trait.

How to Reprogram Your Mind to Reach Your Goals

Is it possible to condition yourself for success? How can you make yourself act in ways that are conducive to achieving your goals? People don’t choose to act and think in ways that sabotage their own success. They’ve simply picked up and internalized mental programs that make them behave in ways that go against their best interests. The good news is that you can learn how to reprogram your mind to think in a more goal-oriented way. With this in mind, here’s how to reprogram your mind for success.

Stress and Metabolism: How They’re Closely Connected

How are stress and metabolism connected? What does chronic stress do to your metabolism? According to Robert Sapolsky, psychological stress has come to dominate the lives of many humans in modern society. In Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, he explains the connection between stress and metabolism, including how stress negatively affects many other parts of your body and mind. Keep reading to learn about how chronic stress affects the metabolism, according to Sapolsky.

Highly Sensitive Person Coping Strategies & Tips

Are you a highly sensitive person? What are some ways to manage high sensitivity? Being a highly sensitive person in modern society can be difficult, especially if you had a hard childhood or are still struggling to adapt personally, socially, or professionally. However, there are ways to manage high sensitivity and even use it to your advantage. Keep reading for a highly sensitive person’s coping strategies and tips.

How Does Stress Affect Mental and Emotional Health?

How does stress affect mental and emotional health? Can stress cause depression or anxiety? In Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, neuroscientist Robert Sapolsky explains how our bodies haven’t evolved to deal with the never-ending mental stressors of modern life. He further describes how chronic stress affects mental and emotional health when you’re unable to effectively cope with stress. Keep reading to learn how stress affects mental and emotional health, according to Sapolsky.

What Is High Sensitivity? Psychotherapist Explains

What is high sensitivity? Is high sensitivity an acquired or a genetic trait? High sensitivity is a trait characterized by a higher level of sensitivity than is found in the general population. While it can’t be developed, your environment can impact your sensitivity, and a particularly difficult life and childhood can make you suppress your sensitivity until you seem to not have it anymore. Keep reading to learn about the origins of the high sensitivity trait, according to psychotherapist Elaine Aron.