The Value of Alone Time
You’ve probably heard that loneliness is bad for the brain—but some “alone time” might have brain benefits. What are those benefits, and how can you carve out alone time for yourself? The Chicago Tribune tells us more
Seasonal depression in the brain
Are you in the 20% of people who get the winter blues? There’s a biological basis for that. New research has found a direct pathway between a type of light-sensitive cells in the eye and brain areas that relate to mood. Learn more on npr.org
Anxiety in the classroom
When children are struggling with emotional or behavioral problems, it’s often in the classroom that they show up most starkly. Difficulty following directions, focusing on schoolwork, transitioning from one activity to the other, tolerating frustration, getting along with other kids — these can all be signs that kids are overwhelmed by emotions they’re having trouble […]
Crafting for Cognitive Calm
Are you a crafter? If not, you might want to become one! Numerous studies show that crafting—knitting, quilting, woodworking, and so on—can reduce stress and anxiety. One of the strengths of craft practice, especially as a contributor to well-being, is precisely that it can be both solitary and collective, and it’s up to the individual […]
Saving money is a challenge for the brain
A recent study shows that our brains are better at recognizing opportunities to earn money than they are at opportunities to save money. Humans would have a cognitive bias toward earning, which makes us unconsciously spend more brain power on earning than on saving. In other words, our brains prioritize earning over saving—which may be […]
No quick fix for ADHD but a variety of different strategies
There is no quick fix for ADHD. Although medication can help treat people’s symptoms, it’s only part of an overall ADHD treatment strategy. Another significant element of that strategy are Cognitive and Behavioral training and techniques, such as the ones developed here in Hong Kong by PowerBrain Rx. For many years, it has proven to […]
Holidays on the Brain
The holiday season is upon us! Some people cherish this time of year, while others could do without it. According to a (very small Danish) study, the brains of the holiday lovers may have a “holiday network,” while the others do not. More about it here
To maintain lifelong mental acuity, avoid early retirement and repetitive jobs
Retiring at 55 and spending the rest of your life relaxing on the front porch may sound appealing, but if you want your brain to keep working, it’s probably not a good idea. Mounting evidence shows that staying in the workforce into old age is good not only for our bank accounts, but also for […]
It Takes Two
How do our brains recognize and navigate our environment? Scientists used to think the same part of the brain was at work, but it turns out that two distinct parts are involved: one that recognizes a place (as a bathroom, a park, or whatever other environment it is) and a second that manages navigation through […]