A cognitive neuroscientist by training, Christian was the founding editor of the British Psychological Society’s Research Digest and an award-winning journalist on The Psychologist magazine. His books include The Rough Guide to Psychology, 30-Second Psychology and Great Myths of the Brain. His latest is Be Who You Want: Unlocking the Science of Personality Change, published in 2021. Christian will never forget holding a human brain in his hands as part of a neuroanatomy class, the grey mass so heavy as if filled still with memories and dreams. Find him on Twitter @Psych_Writer.
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
Personality
guide
How to come out of your shell
You don’t have to be outgoing. But if being introverted is holding you back from the life you want, dive in for a way out
by Christian Jarrett
Goals and motivation
guide
How to let go of a lifelong dream
Adaptability is as much of a virtue as grit. Overcome any feelings of loss or failure by pivoting toward a new passion
by Christian Jarrett
Habits and routines
guide
How to read more books
Modern life can feel too frantic for books. Use these habit-building strategies to carve out time for the joy of reading
by Christian Jarrett
Anxiety
guide
How to cope with a panic attack
A panic attack is a dramatic false alarm clanging in body and mind. Recognising this is the first step to dialling it down
by Christian Jarrett
Drugs and psychedelics
guide
How to have a safe psychedelic trip
A psychedelic experience can be deeply rewarding, but also carries real risks. Here’s how to avoid a bad trip
by Christian Jarrett
Thinking and intelligence
guide
How to foster ‘shoshin’
It’s easy for the mind to become closed to new ideas. Cultivating a beginner’s mind helps us rediscover the joy of learning
by Christian Jarrett
History of ideas
idea
Worried you’re not normal? Don’t be – there’s no such thing
by Sarah Chaney
Emerging therapies
guide
How to get to know all (the parts) of you
An emerging form of psychotherapy offers some surprising ways to think about who you are and work towards self-acceptance
by Derek Scott
Learning and education
guide
How to make the most of university
Learning psychological flexibility is the key to coping with difficult times and to pursuing what really matters to you
by Nic Hooper
Communication and language
idea
Here’s the truth about how to spot when someone is lying
by Tim Brennen & Svein Magnussen
Learning and education
guide
How to do philosophy with kids
Embrace their questions, no matter how daft or daunting – kids are natural philosophers and you can learn from each other
by Scott Hershovitz
Meaning and the good life
guide
How to be a happy nihilist
Exhausted by the modern pressure to squeeze meaning out of every moment? Here’s a radical way to reset your priorities
by Wendy Syfret
Eating disorders
idea
Is ‘feeling fat’ really a manifestation of underlying sadness?
by Stephen Gadsby & Bence Nanay
Emerging therapies
idea
A personalised alternative to antidepressants is on the way
by Paul Fitzgerald
Mind-body interactions
guide
How to trust your body
Your heart, lungs, abdomen and gut are trying to tell you something. Learning to tune in can significantly boost your health
by Saga Briggs
Film
guide
How to find great films to watch
Bored with Hollywood and Netflix? Becoming an adventurous and informed explorer of the cinema world is in everyone’s grasp
by Geoff Andrew
Stories and literature
idea
There is an unseen smuggling operation between fiction and reality
by Daniele Molinari, Valentina Petrolini & Wolfgang Huemer
Psychotherapy
idea
What does it mean to be an expert in psychodynamic therapy?
by Darren Haber