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Christian Jarrett

Editor, Psyche

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.

Written by Christian Jarrett

Sleep and dreams

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Five ways to take control of your dreams

Lucid dreaming lets you shape your dreamscape, whether your aims are practical or fantastical. These tips can get you started

by Christian Jarrett

Sports and games

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

Edited by Christian Jarrett

Communication and language

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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

Compassion and empathy

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Improve your relationships with the science of perspective-taking

Social psychology research is breaking down the process of perspective-taking and revealing ways to help us get along better

by Hunter Gehlbach

Ageing

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Efforts to expand the lifespan ignore what it’s like to get old

As modern medicine extends the human lifespan, quality of life is not keeping up, raising thorny ethical dilemmas

by Robert S Gable

Memoir

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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

Mind and brain

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This is how your brain distinguishes reality from imagination

In terms of brain activity, imagining something is very similar to seeing it, so why don’t you confuse the two more often?

by Shayla Love

Meaning and the good life

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How to get your mojo back

You’re not depressed but you’re not happy – you’re languishing. Give yourself a boost with these evidence-backed strategies

by Frank Martela

Communication and language

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How to find your voice

Do you sometimes feel silenced or afraid to speak up? Learn to use your natural voice and be heard for who you really are

by Sophie Scott

Cultural diversity

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Cultural differences are far more nuanced than East vs West

It’s simply not the case that ‘Eastern’ cultures are relationally-minded, while ‘Western’ societies are individualistic

by Matt Huston

Cognitive and behavioural therapies

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CBT is the ‘gold standard’, but is that just for white people?

CBT is supported by a strong evidence base. However, effective cultural adaptation of the therapy is a work in progress

by Shayla Love

Psychotherapy

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Sand-tray therapy can reach feelings at the ‘edge of awareness’

Originally developed for use in child therapy, sand trays are now helping adults with their difficult thoughts and emotions

by Doreen Fleet

Goals and motivation

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A commitment is different from a goal – here’s why that matters

Whatever your aims in life, the words you use matter. Here’s an important distinction that will help you stay on track

by Justin Kompf

Consciousness

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What happens to the brain during consciousness-ending meditation?

Psychologists are studying a form of meditation known as ‘nirodha-samāpatti’ that reportedly ceases all mental function

by Shayla Love