Focus and attention

Self-knowledge and personal growth Relationships, work and leisure Values and ethical living

Abstract painting of a river with geometric, brightly coloured buildings and trees on the riverbank and a bridge in the background

Creativity

idea

A key part of creativity is picking up on what others overlook

We all constantly filter a flood of details coming in. This process helps explain what gives some brains a creative edge

by Madeleine Gross

Photo of a café interior showing a person working on a laptop inside by the window while another person is entering through the door.

Goals and motivation

idea

How temptation works, and why it nearly stopped me writing this

Temptation can be sneaky – a rationalising voice that subtly undermines your resolve. But there are ways to outsmart it

by John Schwenkler

Black-and-white photo of people sitting at a bar; a man lights a pipe while others converse, drinks and food are on the counter.

Thinking and intelligence

guide

How to think like a detective

The best detectives seem to have almost supernatural insight, but their cognitive toolkit is one that anybody can use

by Ivar Fahsing

Sketch of a bathroom with a vanity unit and mirror. An illustrated nude woman stands in the centre, reflected in the mirror.

Altered states

film

A woman summons a stoic calm after accidentally trapping herself in a shower

A film by Tom Schroeder

A person in an orange sweater with arms crossed, sitting at a table with a closed orange phone case on it.

Technology and media

idea

A psychologist’s tips for getting a grip on your social media use

Is social media causing you problems? Here are some personal and practical ways to reap its benefits with fewer drawbacks

by Daria J Kuss

Traffic on a rainy motorway with a sign indicating a stranded vehicle and a 40 mph speed limit.

Decision-making

idea

Why small annoyances can harm us more than big disruptions

A largely forgotten psychological concept helps explain the insidiousness of minor problems – and what to do about it

by Shayla Love

Abstract line drawing with intersecting lines and shapes in various colours on a light beige background.

Creativity

guide

How to be lucky

Most of us think that luck just happens (or doesn’t) but everyone can learn to look for the unexpected and find serendipity

by Christian Busch

Silhouette of person standing before an orange light, creating a glowing halo effect on a neutral background.

Painting and sculpture

film

Toxic materials become sculptures of light and air in this artist’s hands

Directed by Anika Kan Grevstad

A kitchen with various items including a red coffee dripper on top of a glass, a strainer, a globe, a small clock, a cat-shaped dish, olive oil, soy sauce, pasta in a glass jar, and a reflective black surface.

Habits and routines

idea

Is it better to live in ‘clock time’ or ‘event time’?

Do you stick to a set schedule, or have a looser relationship to the clock? It can affect more than how you plan your day

by Shayla Love

Many commuters walk towards the camera with varying degrees of blurred faces

Mind and brain

idea

What is it like to remember all the faces you’ve ever seen?

They’ve been studied by researchers and recruited by police forces, but what’s it actually like to be a super-recogniser?

by Shayla Love

Black and white photo of a woman leaning out of an open window with shutters in an old building.

Focus and attention

guide

How to wait well

Instead of fuming in subjugated irritation, turn wait times into chances to connect, muse and think big about the future

by Jason Farman