Unhappy Habits to Break: Simple Steps to Boost Your Happiness Chasing happiness can feel like pursuing a distant horizon, but certain habits quietly sabotage our joy, per Psychology Today. Social comparison, neglecting gratitude, negative thinking, and procrastination erode well-being, says psychologist Dr. Jeffrey Bernstein. As a psychology professor with decades of expertise, I’ve seen breaking … Read more
How to Respond to Condescending Remarks with Class and Confidence Condescending remarks, with their subtle sting of superiority, can unsettle anyone in a conversation, leaving you feeling diminished. Behavioral specialist Ava Sinclair, writing for HackSpirit, and workplace expert Amy Gallo, in Harvard Business Review, offer elegant, effective sentences to respond with poise, like “Thank you … Read more
How to Respond to Spicy Comments in Meetings with Calm and Intelligence Workplace meetings can be a minefield of sharp remarks and tense moments, but public speaking coach Emmanuel Chila offers five key strategies—plus a bonus sixth—to handle spicy comments with poise and intelligence. From dodging remarks to using humor or asserting authority, these techniques … Read more
Master Conversations with This Simple Gesture for Confidence and Control Feeling interrupted or sidelined in a conversation, especially in professional settings, can be frustrating. Communication coach Jimmy Dusseau, sharing insights on LinkedIn, offers two powerful techniques—a “pause and redirect” and a “stop gesture”—to regain control politely and assertively. These methods not only restore balance but … Read more
Rediscover Childhood Passions to Boost Mental Health and Feel Alive Again Reconnecting with childhood hobbies like badminton, swimming, or dance can spark joy and mental health benefits, says clinical psychologist Maroussia Cross. Stories from Edaline, Pascale, Sandra, Thomas, and Mary show how these activities combat stress and restore identity. As a psychology professor with decades … Read more
Can AI Replace Your Therapist? The Benefits and Risks of AI in Mental Health Could you share your deepest struggles with a chatbot? AI tools like Woebot, developed by Stanford psychologists and studied in a 2019 JMIR Mental Health study, show promise in easing depression symptoms, but experts like Jean-Paul Santoro, Fréderic Tordo, and Olivier … Read more
Why Do Exes Return Seasonally? The Psychology Behind Rekindling Old Flames A text from an ex in December or early spring feels oddly familiar, doesn’t it? Couple therapist Évelyne Dillenseger, cited in HuffPost, suggests these “seasonal” outreaches, often tied to winter nostalgia or spring renewal, stem more from ego than love. Sociologist Christine Castelain-Meunier notes … Read more
The Common Mistake We Make With Mental Health and 5 Habits to Fix It Taking care of mental health is more accepted today, yet many of us wait until we’re on the brink of a breakdown to act, a mistake neuro-psychology doctoral student Naval Mustafa highlights on Instagram. Instead, she, along with physician KC Davis … Read more
Why Cozy Video Games Are Your New Mental Health Ally: 3 Key Benefits Looking for a fun way to boost your mental health? Forget intense workouts or meditation—psychologist Vanessa Kennedy, cited in Popsugar, champions “cozy” video games like Animal Crossing and House Flipper for their relaxing, stress-busting benefits. A 2021 Roots study found 20 minutes … Read more
3 Things You Should Never Say to a Stressed Person and How to Help Instead When someone shares their stress, responding with care can make all the difference. Mental health advisor Joan Frederick, psychiatrist Helen Agar, and clinical psychologist Roberta Ballad highlight three phrases to avoid—“please calm down,” “stop thinking too much,” and “this will … Read more