Focus and attention

Goals and motivation
idea
Here’s how to use your imagination to prepare for any task
From sport to public speaking, the link between mental imagery and actual performance is undeniable – and you can harness it
by Jonathan Rhodes

Mind and brain
idea
The pupil of the eye opens a remarkable window into the mind
From mental effort to the content of a person’s imagination, these tiny apertures reveal far more than you might realise
by Christoph Strauch

Goals and motivation
guide
Here’s how to use your imagination to prepare for any task
From sport to public speaking, the link between mental imagery and actual performance is undeniable – and you can harness it
by Jonathan Rhodes

Altered states
film
A woman summons a stoic calm after accidentally trapping herself in a shower
A film by Tom Schroeder

Technology and media
idea
The reason that even hands-free calls are risky for drivers
Cars are filled with ever more communication and entertainment tech, but our minds are stuck with the same limitations
by Robert Rosenberger

Learning and education
idea
The ‘secret strategy’ that could boost your ability to learn
It may sound illogical, but growing evidence shows the benefits of testing yourself before you start learning new material
by Ajdina Halilovic

Memory and nostalgia
guide
How to get better at remembering
Frustrated by elusive names and misplaced phones? The science of memory reveals ways to improve your powers of recall
by Elizabeth Kensinger & Andrew Budson

Painting and sculpture
film
Toxic materials become sculptures of light and air in this artist’s hands
Directed by Anika Kan Grevstad

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

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

Technology and media
guide
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