The World's Best Book Summaries
What are the origins of stress? Have we evolved to cope better with stress? According to neurologist Robert Sapolsky, people today are facing constant psychological stress and our mental and physical well-being are suffering because of it. In his book Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers, he explains the origins of stress from an evolutionary perspective. Keep reading to learn about the origins of stress, according to Sapolsky.
How does one navigate the world as a highly sensitive person? What are some tips a highly sensitive person can take on board? The world wasn’t built with HSPs in mind. Our modern environment is highly stimulating, and HSPs often struggle to meet society’s expectations for socializing, working, and recreation, all of which can lead to overstimulation. Elaine Aron, a psychologist, and an HSP herself, provides advice on how to meet these expectations while still protecting your sensitive self.
What’s the difference between the left brain and the right brain? How do they work together? The two hemispheres of the brain work in unison. But each one has its own abilities, perception, and personality. Neuroanatomist Jill Bolte Taylor provides a simple explanation of the left brain and right brain in her book My Stroke of Insight. Keep reading to understand the two sides of the brain.
Are you intentional about the way you use your time? Why does Daniel Pink say timing is so important? Time is the unspoken (and often underestimated) force that runs our lives. We set alarms, schedule flights, celebrate annual holidays, and mark our aging year to year. Many of these conventions of time have been invented by humans as a way to organize our lives. Keep reading to learn about the importance of timing, according to Daniel Pink.
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.
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.
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? 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.
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.
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.