Have you ever been so absorbed in a task that hours passed like minutes? This experience, often called "being in the zone," is known in psychology as the flow state. It is not just a happy accident;...
Life > Happiness
Gratitude helps us escape the hedonic treadmill
"There are those who want a swimming pool in their home, while those who have it barely use it. Those who have lost a loved one miss them deeply, while others who hold them close often complain...
The key to starting a dreaded task is to act without waiting for motivation
Harvard Business Review: How to actually start the task you've been avoiding To begin a task you have been avoiding, the most crucial step is to take action, even if you do not feel motivated. The...
Accept, grow, serve: a psychologist’s three-step guide to optimal living
The piece is an opinion essay grounded in the author’s clinical experience and spiritual reflection; it cites no peer-reviewed studies. Nevertheless, its themes align with research showing that (a)...
Love your enemies: a buddhist guide to defeating anger, ego, and self-loathing
In their collaborative work Love Your Enemies: How to Break the Anger Habit & Be a Whole Lot Happier, Robert Thurman and Sharon Salzberg delve into the profound concept of "enemies," both...
We create a false self in early life to meet external expectations and cope with childhood experiences – James Hollis
James Hollis explores the psychological and spiritual upheaval of midlife as a necessary and meaningful rite of passage. Drawing from Jungian concepts, he introduces the idea of the "provisional...
Personal growth leads to spiritual awakening by expanding awareness beyond the ego
Personal development is often seen as a way to build better habits or achieve goals, but new psychological models suggest it is also a direct path to spiritual awakening. Researchers in adult...
Psychologists explain 3 proven ways to kick bad habits for good
The belief that breaking a bad habit requires sheer force of will is one of psychology’s most persistent myths. In reality, relying on motivation alone is a strategy destined to fail because habits...
Arthur Brooks advises acting happy to feel happy and managing wants to find satisfaction
Happiness is often misunderstood as a fleeting feeling, but experts argue it is a tangible state you can build through specific habits. Harvard professor and social scientist Arthur Brooks suggests...
A clear sense of purpose helps your personality grow at any age
Many people believe that personality is set early in life. A growing line of research suggests otherwise. New evidence shows that building a clear sense of purpose can gently shift key traits over...
The positive impact of cats on mental and physical health
Cats can offer significant mental and physical health benefits. Research shows that interactions with cats can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and lower blood pressure. Additionally, the calming...
Adjusting your environment can help you achieve your goals
A simple way to stay motivated is to change the world around you. Instead of relying only on willpower, set up your environment so the healthy or helpful action is the default. First, make the...
Build courage by accepting uncertainty and taking steady action
Bravery is not the absence of fear, it is the choice to move toward what matters while fear is present. This article explains five simple practices that help people grow that choice into a habit....
A tidy home contributes to happiness and productivity
Research shows that having a tidy home promotes happiness and reduces stress. Clutter-free environments not only improve mental well-being but also enhance productivity. A clean, organized home...
Mosquitoes use infrared radiation to detect humans from a distance
Recent research has uncovered that mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti species, can detect infrared radiation (IR) emitted from human skin to locate hosts more effectively. This discovery...