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Photo of a cyclist in a red polka dot jersey racing past a cheering crowd on a yellow bicycle.

Sports and games

idea

Physical fatigue is in the brain as much as in the body

The idea of ‘mind over muscle’ is more than motivational rhetoric – exercise science shows how the brain manages fatigue

by David Robson

Photo of hands handling betting tokens, coins and paper slips on a brick surface with grass in background.

Sports and games

idea

For players of fafi, dream interpretation is a vital skill

The fafi lottery game in South Africa requires the careful interpretation of dreams and the waking world around you

by Brittany Birberick

Photo of a racing driver in a helmet and suit, adjusting gear, seen through a reflection or a glass surface.

Goals and motivation

guide

How to perform well under pressure

Ditch the tough talk, it won’t help. Instead cultivate your mental flexibility so you can handle whatever comes your way

by Josephine Perry

Black-and-white photo of two judokas; one is throwing the other who is airborne with legs up, set against a wooden background.

Sports and games

film

Softness controls hardness – a fighter’s gentle approach to life

Directed by Josef Reeve

Ancient Greek black-figure pottery showing two warriors grappling on an orange background.

Change and self-development

idea

Philosophy is like athletics – theory must be put into practice

The Stoics approached self-improvement as an athlete approaches sport: the key is to keep practising in the face of failure

by Michael Tremblay

Photo of a woman lying on a bed holding a newborn baby on her chest, both relaxed; soft, warm lighting.

Parenting and families

idea

Philosophy can explain what kind of achievement it is to give birth

Pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding are physical achievements, like marathon running: give them the same respect, and no more

by Fiona Woollard

Photo of a footballer lying on a pitch looking distressed with a child nearby holding a ball.

Sports and games

guide

How to be a better loser

As a competitor, you can’t avoid the hurt of losing. But you can learn ways to bounce back stronger and more motivated

by Blakely Low-Scott

Two people wearing white jackets stand on a snowy landscape under an overcast sky, surrounded by snow-covered mounds.

Music

film

Witness the cool musical game played by Inuit women for centuries

Directed by Eva Kaukai and Manon Chamberland

Photo of a person jumping over graffiti-covered pavement with protesters in the background holding environmental signs.

Sports and games

idea

Sisyphus, skateboarders, and the value in endless failure

Skateboarders regularly fail at their chosen activity. But that doesn’t make it a meaningless task of Sisyphean proportions

by Andrei A Buckareff

Photo of masked wrestlers in a ring, one in bright red and white, another in gold trousers, with a cheering crowd.

Sports and games

idea

What pro wrestling can teach us about the quest for truth

Pro wrestling, like philosophy, raises questions about appearance and reality: how can we ever know what’s really happening?

by Douglas Edwards

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

Sports and games

guide

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

A muscular man sits shirtless on outdoor gym equipment in a park, with weightlifting bar and chains in background.

The body and physical health

film

A gym built of Soviet-era scraps is a creative community hub in Kyiv, 2019

Directed by Gar O’Rourke