Resilience and flexibility
![People of varying ages queue before a temporary table in a church. Food is being handed out to them](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/9a11c7b6-5a32-4c8b-8daf-6638034a4911/rt-panos_00268358.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Compassion and empathy
idea
Many of us have the wrong idea about poverty and toughness
The ‘thick skin bias’ obscures the reality of hardship. We should check our assumptions about those who are struggling
by Nathan Cheek
![Edge of an asteroid against the blackness of space, with scattered stars and debris visible in the distance.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/d9d079d7-1368-4b0b-90a1-b13a97d76a05/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Memoir
idea
What I learned about coping and resilience from asteroid Bennu
After hitting an emotional low, I found myself identifying with an asteroid that looks deceptively solid on the outside
by Elizabeth Landau
![A small grasshopper perched on a wooden surface with a soft-focus background.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/a9d7bb13-cd3d-462a-967e-c3fe53d8e5ab/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Emotion regulation
guide
How to embrace uncertainty
Fearing the unknown is only human. But positive thinking can reduce your unease and help you see welcome opportunities ahead
by Arie Kruglanski
![Abstract blue figures in a dark room; some sitting around tables with candles, others standing or sitting on a bar counter. The image signifies a lively, crowded bar during a power outage.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/10494759-d3e9-4540-8d3e-a149251a8c11/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Community
film
When the lights went out and the city came together over two days in Toronto
Directed by Sharron Mirsky
![Abstract painting featuring interwoven, tangled figures surrounded by dark, swirling shapes and lines, evoking chaos and entanglement.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/6e801a07-9deb-476a-9b4f-a9469b398583/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Sadness and sorrow
idea
When emotions rot, they compost and transform into something new
A self that fractures through loss or grief marks a psychological shift, beginning a cycle of regrowth through decomposition
by Kelsey Day
![A man in a suit walks with a thoughtful expression in an office with wooden wall panels and a closed door on the left.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/f3c8d8fc-f0fa-4ad9-9f10-8fac8072d01e/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Emotion regulation
idea
Why it might not help – and could hurt – to brace for the worst
When awaiting a potentially stressful update or event, do you assume it won’t go your way? There may be better options
by Ella Moeck
![Commuters rush past a stationary commuter train. In the train window is reflected the Sydney Harbour Bridge](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/8906f346-e0b0-4d66-8002-bf2466c36e93/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Worry and rumination
guide
How to thrive amid ‘imposter syndrome’
Worries that you’re incompetent and undeserving could be holding you back. Try these steps to move toward the life you want
by Jill Stoddard
![People in an airport terminal, some carrying luggage and looking up at departure boards. Busy environment with natural light from large windows.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/60dd6125-776b-43f3-8ed0-60abebc3c85b/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Resilience and flexibility
idea
Why some people are at higher risk of ‘stress contagion’
Our stress levels don’t rise and fall in isolation. Grasping the social side of stress could help us manage it better
by Shihan Li
![Forearm tattoo in cursive script reads “Remember to fall in love” in black ink.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/010f3e08-f0c8-4b53-975e-6e22975b4672/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Emotion regulation
idea
Wish you had more self-control? You should hear the downsides
Many people wish they had the advantages of more self-control. But fewer know that the trait can be costly, too
by Samantha Lapka & Franki Kung
![Ancient elongated humanoid statue with a minimalist design and folded arms, carved from a reddish stone, against a grey background.](https://images.aeonmedia.co/images/4338c8a6-a04e-4708-9f0d-1d9fb08d0c2f/original.jpg?width=3840&quality=75&format=auto)
Communication and language
guide
How to say no
It’s a little word, but if you’re a chronic people pleaser it can be so tricky to say it. These tips and tricks will help
by Shayla Love