How to make procrastination work for—not against—you
Procrastination isn’t an easy habit to kick, but Arthur Brooks, social scientist and happiness researcher, says there are ways you can use putting things off to your benefit. “Procrastination gets a bad rap. And indeed, putting off necessary, routine responsibilities will make your work pile up and is almost always detrimental to your well-being,” Brooks […]
Chronic inflammation messes with your mind. Here’s how to calm it
Golam Khandaker’s mother has had arthritis for as long as he can remember. She also lives with depression, and it always struck Khandaker how precisely her arthritis flare-ups coincide with her most severe episodes of low mood. Perhaps it isn’t surprising that these bouts of painful inflammation might cause her to feel low. But as […]
How to build emotional endurance, resilience
Being recognized as a resilient person feels great. Weathering the tough moments that build resilience is less glamorous. Developing emotional endurance, or the ability to withstand stress or discomfort without letting negative emotions overtake you, can help that process feel less grueling and more like an opportunity to learn and grow, Columbia University-trained psychologist Becky […]
Self-care or escapism? How to spot the difference, says therapist
Giving yourself adequate care and attention is important for you to feel your best. “Self-care is something that we need to do on a regular basis, that helps us relax and helps us recharge,” says Stephanie Sarkis, a psychotherapist and author. Acts of self-care can prioritize different areas of well-being like physical activity, spirituality or […]
Brain fog troubling you? Here’s how to battle mental cloudiness, and spot signs it may be more serious
Dr Ng explained that the brain needs sleep to consolidate memories. That means it sorts, stores and strengthens new information we have taken in during the day. If sleep is poor, memory suffers. “This is why good sleep is not just rest. It is essential for clear thinking and learning,” he emphasised. This is especially […]
Stop saying ‘I’ve been there’ when empathizing with others: Do this instead
As a journalist, a media executive and a communication coach, I’ve spent my entire career focused on helping people communicate what’s important to them One thing I’ve noticed: When it comes to empathizing with someone sharing a personal struggle — whether it’s the trials of a troublesome teenager or losing a job — many of […]
How to Be More Patient, According to Therapists
So just as important as practicing acceptance, then, is building empathy, both experts suggest. Before immediately snapping, sighing loudly, or muttering a passive-aggressive comment, try pausing to consider what else might be going on first: Maybe your barista’s slammed with 10 other complicated orders, for instance, or your housemate had a brutal week at work. […]
How to Be More Positive—Without Faking or Forcing It
A lot of us have trained ourselves to expect the worst—not because we want to be pessimists, but because figuring out how to be more positive often feels like an abstract concept, tied to forced, cheery mantras. It’s not just as simple as refusing to see silver linings. As humans, we’re actually biologically wired to […]
How to support your loved one as they go through the ‘hormonal chaos’ of perimenopause
When Carl began to notice some changes in his wife Allison’s behaviour — namely angry outbursts, brain fog, fatigue and feelings of low self-worth — he had no idea it was due to perimenopause. “I don’t think it dawned on her either, until she started to get more physical symptoms and we realised what was […]
This common issue can lead to a fear of success
I started working in finance as a bank teller when I was 21 years old. Surrounded by ambitious colleagues and wealthy clients, I was inspired to take more control of my money. I learned everything I could, picking up books about financial education, building my credit and focusing on my savings. I did not grow […]