Brain Science
You Are Your Network: Neuroscience and the Need to Belong
Did you know that our social lives define our sense of self? In other words, when we think about who we are, we tend to think in terms of our membership in a group. Does this sound counterintuitive? After all, we know humans are social beings. We know we gain physical and emotional benefits from…
Read MoreNo, Self-Love Won’t Make You a Narcissist
Show yourself some compassion. Show yourself some love. Every day we are encouraged to love ourselves and give ourselves grace, to make the practice of self-compassion part of our daily routine. But doesn’t all this talk of self-compassion and self-love place too much emphasis on the self—steering us away from developing compassion and empathy for…
Read MoreTime for Self-Care? Don’t Forget Self-Compassion!
It is true that we live in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. It is true that we are busier, more stressed, and less connected than before. The good news is that we’re aware of it—and we’re taking steps to improve our brain health through practicing self-care. A massage. A scented bath. A hike out in…
Read MoreTaking Charge of Conflict: 4 Ways to Start from Within
Do you feel society is becoming more divisive than ever? Are you tired of conflict souring the mood at home or in the workplace? Neuroscience sheds light on why conflict goes hand in hand with the human experience—and what we can do about it. Because human beings have emotions, we act and react in ways…
Read MoreBeing Connected: How Living in a Diverse Community Can Change Your Life
In today’s interconnected, interdependent world, we don’t exist alone in our families and communities. Life is globalized: Our food is influenced by diverse cultures, our clothing and household goods are produced or sourced from other areas, and our finances are affected by global markets. Even our vocabulary is imported. And that makes it all the…
Read MoreIs Loneliness Making You Sick? 5 Easy Ways to Improve Social Connections for a Longer and Happier Life
Did you know that loneliness is now considered a chronic illness? Because we are naturally social beings, we need others to share in our joys, accomplishments, and particularly our crises. It is well documented that isolation and lack of social interaction, which lead to anxiety and chronic stress, have been associated with higher risks for…
Read MoreReady for Spring? Five Ways the Season Can Make You Happier and Healthier
Excited by budding trees, puffy white clouds, and the return of sunshine? You’re not alone. Spring is a powerful physical demonstration of renewal in nature because all living species are growing and thriving again. It’s a chance for us to grow and thrive too, even if the weather does remain chilly for a few more…
Read MoreHow to Live Your Best Life: The Three Essential Tools for Emotional Wellness
The seat of everything in the human world is the brain. Not just by our thoughts, but also in the way we gather information through our senses and react to situations and encounters. When we hear stories in the news, when we see a pair of shoes we would like to wear, when we look…
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