Life is filled with hardships and tragedies — a fact that 2020 has made all too clear for people across the globe. For thousands of years, philosophers have come up with strategies to help us cope with such hardship. This week on Hidden Brain, we talk with philosopher William Irvine about ancient ideas — backed byContinue reading “Minimizing Pain, Maximizing Joy”
Category Archives: Science
Is gratitude the secret of happiness? I spent a month finding out
It has become a hugely popular concept in positive psychology and self-help, but is feeling grateful really a panacea? One writer sets aside her skepticism and opens up her gratitude journal A memory came to mind recently of opening presents after my seventh or eighth birthday party – the thrill of the smooth, sharp-edged wrappingContinue reading “Is gratitude the secret of happiness? I spent a month finding out”
Breath
Humans typically take about 25,000 breaths per day — often without a second thought. But the COVID-19 pandemic has put a new spotlight on respiratory illnesses and the breaths we so often take for granted. Journalist James Nestor became interested in the respiratory system years ago after his doctor recommended he take a breathing class to helpContinue reading “Breath”
Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: Evidence of brief mental training
Abstract Although research has found that long-term mindfulness meditation practice promotes executive functioning and the ability to sustain attention, the effects of brief mindfulness meditation training have not been fully explored. We examined whether brief meditation training affects cognition and mood when compared to an active control group. After four sessions of either meditation training or listeningContinue reading “Mindfulness meditation improves cognition: Evidence of brief mental training”
How to worry more mindfully
It’s possible. Here’s how to cope when stressful thinking seems constant. During times of high-stakes uncertainty, it’s normal to stress about potential threats and negative outcomes, and it can be tougher to resist anxious thoughts given that the coronavirus has disrupted the usual ways we comfort ourselves. But getting lost in worries is emotionally depleting,Continue reading “How to worry more mindfully”
Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress
Mindfulness meditation can improve both mental and physical health. People have been meditating for thousands of years, often as part of a spiritual practice. But in more recent years, mindfulness has become a popular way to help people manage their stress and improve their overall well-being — and a wealth of research shows it’s effective.Continue reading “Mindfulness meditation: A research-proven way to reduce stress”
When science meets mindfulness
Researchers study how it seems to change the brain in depressed patients In 2015, 16.1 million Americans reported experiencing major depression during the previous year, often struggling to function while grappling with crippling darkness and despair. There’s an arsenal of treatments at hand, including talk therapy and antidepressant medications, but what’s depressing in itself isContinue reading “When science meets mindfulness”
Dani's Mindfulness Group Madness 