Brigid Hains

Editorial Director and Co-Founder, Aeon+Psyche

Deeply interested in the nexus between the human and natural worlds, Brigid was trained as an environmental historian, has taught history and philosophy of science, and studied human ecology and anthropology. Never entirely at home in the academic world, she finds the wide-ranging interests of Aeon+Psyche a profoundly satisfying outlet for her sense of curiosity. In addition to supporting Paul’s overall direction of Aeon+Psyche, Brigid directs the editorial team to ensure that the vision of the magazines is manifest in our publishing programme. She works closely with our commissioning editors, photo editor, video programmers and production team, with the aspiration that our offerings are humane, diverse, thoroughly researched and brought to aesthetically pleasing life every week in both magazines. Outside of her work at Aeon+Psyche, Brigid is a member of the Melbourne Humanities Foundation, the Human Ecology Research Group at University College London, and the British Museum Friends Advisory Council, as well as a committed supporter of Indigenous education in Melbourne.

Edited by Brigid Hains

Photo of a man jogging on a park path under cherry blossom trees on a sunny day with a bench to the side.

How to enjoy running

Going for a jog doesn’t have to be a chore – these mental techniques will make it something you actually look forward to

by Christian Jarrett

Photo of a turtle with a textured brown shell and curious expression on a white background.

How to come out of your shell

You don’t have to be outgoing. But if being introverted is holding you back from the life you want, dive in for a way out

by Christian Jarrett

Photo of a man skateboarding beside the ocean with an old car watching a woman in a swimsuit on a sunny day.

How to think about pleasure

Weirdly hard to define, much less to feel OK about it, pleasure is a tricky creature. Can philosophy help us lighten up?

by Sam Dresser

Photo of a butterfly on purple flowers with orange centres in a garden setting.

Observing nature in your backyard is not dull but radically significant

Instead of ‘helicopter science’, we need Gilbert White’s intimate study of nature to understand global environmental change

by Yadvinder Malhi

Photo of a single hot air balloon in a clear blue sky with light clouds.

How to let go of a lifelong dream

Adaptability is as much of a virtue as grit. Overcome any feelings of loss or failure by pivoting toward a new passion

by Christian Jarrett

Photo of a woman reading outside a café with menus on windows, chalkboard signs, and outdoor seating on a sunny day.

How to read more books

Modern life can feel too frantic for books. Use these habit-building strategies to carve out time for the joy of reading

by Christian Jarrett

Illustration of a woman on a bench by a cityscape with a red sun and blooming branches, conveying serenity and nature.

How to foster ‘shoshin’

It’s easy for the mind to become closed to new ideas. Cultivating a beginner’s mind helps us rediscover the joy of learning

by Christian Jarrett