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.
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
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
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
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
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
Learning difficulties
guide
How to empower a teen with ADHD
As they go through the most challenging period of their life, there are ways you can help them not just cope but thrive
by Margaret Sibley
Sports and games
idea
Why do so many athletes turn to extreme and unproven remedies?
by Nick Tiller
The self
idea
What does it take for someone to become a ‘different person’?
by John Schwenkler
History of emotions
idea
The journeys taken by emotion words shape our inner lives
by Tim Lomas
Chronic pain
guide
How to live well with persistent pain
Tools from acceptance and commitment therapy can help you sidestep the struggle against pain – and thrive, in spite of it
by Whitney Scott
Attachment
guide
How to be more secure in your relationships
Too clingy – or too scared to commit? Your attachment style is rooted in your childhood, but you can change it
by Graham Johnston & Matt Wotton
Mind and brain
idea
Allow error into your life and experience the joy of surprise
by Leyla Loued-Khenissi
Sports and games
idea
Physical fatigue is in the brain as much as in the body
by David Robson
Home
guide
How to have less stuff
Do your possessions hold too much power over you? Learn to regain control – and benefit your wallet and the planet
by Melissa Norberg
Emerging therapies
idea
Why placebo pills work even when you know they’re a placebo
by Darwin A Guevarra & Kari A Leibowitz
Sex and sexuality
guide
How to get the excitement back
Long-term sexual boredom is common but not inevitable. Use these five focused strategies to rekindle your sex life together
by Ian Kerner
Psychoanalysis and the unconscious
idea
The power of slow therapy, revealed in two pioneering memoirs
by Elliot Jurist