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
Emerging therapies
guide
How to know if hypnosis is for you
Even experts can be confused about clinical hypnosis. So here’s all you need to help decide if you might benefit from it
by Eric Spiegel
Parenting and families
guide
How to talk to your children about sex
It’s not about one embarrassing ‘big talk’. Prepare and protect them by applying these basic principles early and often
by Eva Goldfarb
Virtues and vices
idea
Be honest: little white lies are more harmful than you think
by Elena Svetieva & Leanne ten Brinke
Social anxiety
guide
How to overcome social anxiety
When even everyday social situations make you feel self-conscious and afraid, it’s time to try these well-tested techniques
by Fallon Goodman
Civic life
idea
The surprising way to tackle prejudice in the real world
by Wing Hsieh
Stories and literature
idea
Reading books is not just a pleasure: it helps our minds to heal
by Peter Leyland
Psychotherapy
idea
Psychotherapy under the microscope: how exactly does it work?
by Ciarán O’Driscoll
Civic life
guide
How to be a hands-on citizen
You can be so much more than a well-informed consumer: it is in your (and our) power to change society from the ground up
by Jon Alexander
Emotion regulation
idea
Wish you had more self-control? You should hear the downsides
by Samantha Lapka & Franki Kung
Personality
idea
There’s a reason some of us find it easier to change than others
by Amanda J Wright
Sleep and dreams
guide
How to nap
Whether it’s to recover after a late night or to boost your learning abilities, there’s a science to napping effectively
by Ruth Leong & Michael Chee
Work and vocation
guide
How to craft a harmonious life
Forget the ideal of work/life balance – your needs and interests are much richer than that, and your life can be too
by Jessica de Bloom & Merly Kosenkranius