Posts by Greater Good Science Center
To lower stress levels (ours and others’), practice cognitive reframing instead of venting
We all get upset from time to time—some of us more than others. Whether we’re sad about the loss of a loved one, angry at friends or family, or fearful about the state of the world, it often feels good to let it all out.
Read MoreHelping young brains fight off anxiety by training and raising cognitive control
Anxiety is one of the most common childhood mental disorders. About 7% of children suffer from it at any given time, with nearly 1 in 3 adolescents experiencing it sometime during their teen years. For an anxious child, seemingly normal activities can be hard. Worried kids have trouble adjusting to school, making friends, and learning. They…
Read MoreBecoming better mind-wanderers to boost problem-solving and mood
I’m a big believer in daydreaming now and then—especially when I’m out hiking. There’s something about being in nature that helps me let go of daily cares and allows my mind to wander where it will, which feels great and often jumpstarts my creativity as a writer and musician. I admit, though, I’ve been troubled…
Read MoreNew book outlines the five lifestyle pillars to “build a better brain at any age”
Like many people over 60, I sometimes lose my keys or forget the names of favorite films. When I do, it makes me wonder: Is this the beginning of cognitive decline? Or, worse, am I fated to follow in the footsteps of my mother, who died of Lewy-body dementia in her 70s? According to neurosurgeon Sanjay…
Read MoreShape your environment, shape your mind
One of the biggest contributors to our happiness is something we barely pay attention to: the voice inside our own heads. As psychologist Ethan Kross describes in his new book Chatter, that voice is constantly analyzing the situations we’re in, reflecting on the past and future, and telling us who we are. While sometimes friendly and…
Read MoreTo prevent “cognitive entrenchment,” think like a scientist and be wrong often
In a rapidly changing world, it’s important to be able to adapt and change rather than stubbornly adhering to old ideas and opinions. This was one of the lessons of 2020, a year that forced us to question many of our assumptions about what behaviors are safe, how work and school can be conducted, and…
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