X CLOSE

Emotion regulation

Bronze bust of a bearded man with curly hair, likely an ancient artefact, on a black background.

Emotion regulation

idea

The Stoics were right – emotional control is good for the soul

Both neuroscience and psychotherapy agree that you can change your mental framework as the Stoic Marcus Aurelius described

by István Darabán

Photo of a stack of six sugar cookies on a marble surface with two cookies lying flat beside them against a dark background.

Emotion regulation

idea

The best way to exercise self-control is not to exercise it at all

Accept it: your self-control is weak. You’re more likely to reach long-term goals if you find ways to avoid temptation

by Laverl Z Williamson

Renaissance painting of a man with curly hair wearing a dark hat and clothing against a dark background.

Emotion regulation

idea

Asking one simple question can entirely change how you feel

Positive and negative emotions respond differently to ‘affect labelling’ – the act of giving a name to your feelings

by Christian Waugh

Blurry photo through a shop window showing people on the street, a woman near the glass and pastry on display inside.

Mental health

idea

The brain’s reading of the body’s state is key to mental health

The neural basis of ‘interoception’ – the interpretation of bodily signals – is affected in many mental health conditions

by Camilla Nord

Photo of a man sitting on grass near a bridge with people relaxing and walking in a park setting.

Thinking and intelligence

idea

Being alone with your thoughts is a skill you can practise

People go to extreme lengths to avoid time with their own thoughts. We’ve found some ways to make it more pleasurable

by Rémy Furrer

Photo of a child in a pink coat holding an adult’s hand in a room with crates containing canned goods.

Socioeconomics of mental health

idea

Why we shouldn’t push a positive mindset on those in poverty

Living in poverty is not caused by a faulty mindset, it’s a response to scarcity and marginalisation

by Jennifer Sheehy-Skeffington

Photo of students sitting at desks in a classroom. Focus is on a woman appearing thoughtful with a water bottle nearby.

Anxiety

idea

Set yourself free by developing a growth mindset toward anxiety

Everyone feels anxious in moments of not knowing. It’s your beliefs about anxiety that influence what you do next

by Hans Schroder

Painting of a man with medium-length hair in dark clothing, seated near a window with a city view, holding a book.

Emotions

idea

What makes hate a unique emotion – and why that matters

How does hating someone compare with anger, contempt or disgust? A clearer picture of what makes it unique is emerging

by Cristhian A Martínez

Person with curly hair eating a slice of pizza, with a background of blurred lights and greenery.

Emerging therapies

idea

The reason little noises drive you mad is about more than sounds

Fascinating research into ‘misophonia’ – an intolerance to specific sounds – is revealing an important role for context

by Nathaniel Scharping

Photo of a black pug lying on a wooden stool with a relaxed expression in a cosy indoor setting.

Anxiety

idea

It’s not always good to let it all out: the perils of over-sighing

‘Take a deep breath,’ we’re often told when emotions surge. But what if sighing isn’t always helpful?

by Elke Vlemincx

Forearm tattoo in cursive script reads “Remember to fall in love” in black ink.

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

Painting of a woman reclining on a red chair against a red background wearing a black dress and holding a white cloth.

Sadness and sorrow

idea

Avoiding sadness can backfire, here’s how to turn towards it

Everyone has stretches of sadness. Shifting how you think about and relate to sad feelings could help you through these times

by Beth Kurland