Hannah Aster, Author at Shortform Books

Decision Hygiene: Principles and Best Practices

What is decision hygiene? How can following the decision hygiene principles help you filter out noise and bias and make the best choices? The term “decision hygiene” comes from the book Noise by Daniel Kahneman, Olivier Sibony, and Cass R. Sunstein. The book focuses on how to improve the judgments that affect some of the most important aspects of our lives, including our justice system, medical care, education, and business decisions. Here’s how to practice good decision hygiene, according to Noise.

Shortform Reads: Rediscovering Romance Novels

Which author does Sasha think is prolific? Which book does Sasha thank for giving her the motivation to floss? Sasha works as a book guide writer here at Shortform—she makes educational guides that help readers gain insights into their favorite books. Sasha is originally from Tokyo, Japan. She moved to the United States for a while, and is now back in Japan.

Here’s Why You Should Reduce Your Calorie Intake

Why are we so drawn to high-calorie foods? Is the human body designed to process so many calories? According to Bill Bryson’s book The Body: A Guide for Occupants, humans are attracted to calorie-dense food due to evolution. However, what was once an evolutionary advantage is now the reason why so many people struggle to maintain a healthy weight. Here’s why you should reduce your calorie intake and avoid processed foods.

How Does Smell Affect Taste? More Than You Think

How does smell affect taste? How good is a human’s sense of smell? The sense of smell plays a significant role in its taste. According to Bill Bryson, the author of The Body, the sense of smell is actually more important than taste, which can be an obstacle to weight loss. Here’s why you shouldn’t underestimate the power of smell.

The Health Benefits of Eating Spicy Food

Are spicy foods good for you? What are the health benefits of eating spicy food? There are many benefits of eating spicy food, including reducing blood pressure and increasing life expectancy. Although scientists don’t know how to explain it yet, it looks like masochists have it right. Here’s why you should eat more spicy foods.

Why Is It Important to Wash Your Hands?

Why is it important to wash your hands? Is a handshake really more unhygienic than a kiss? At any given time, there may be hundreds of microbes on your hands, ready to get you—or somebody else—sick. As it turns out, most people don’t wash their hands long enough to get rid of the viruses and bacteria. Keep reading to learn about the importance of regular handwashing.

Why Is Sleep So Important? Answers From Science

Why is sleep so important? How much sleep do you really need? Sleep is critically important—if you go long enough without it, you’ll literally die. However, determining how much sleep you need isn’t so simple—everybody needs a different amount of sleep depending on the age group and individual body. Keep reading to learn about the importance of sleep

The Many Health Benefits of Physical Activity

Other than losing weight, what are the health benefits of physical activity? How often should you exercise? According to Bill Bryson, the author of The Body, physical activity has many benefits outside of weight management. Exercising promotes healthy joints, boosts the immune system, and stimulates the brain. Here’s why you should get your body moving.

Overtreatment in Healthcare: What Can Be Done?

Why do doctors prescribe so many medications? What considerations should doctors take before prescribing meds? Oftentimes, when people go to the doctor for an issue, the doctor’s first inclination is to prescribe medication. However, medication isn’t always the answer—sometimes it can do more harm than good. Here’s why overtreatment in healthcare is a problem, according to Bill Bryson.

Why Traveling Is Important: 10 Proven Reasons

Why is traveling so important? Can taking time to travel actually boost your career? What are the health benefits of traveling? When you travel, it’s much more than a vacation. Traveling can make you happier, make you grow as a person, improve job performance, and so much more. But sadly, so many people just don’t do it. Here’s why traveling is important and how it can change your life.