Neither science nor math: the subject that sharpens children’s minds but is often overlooked in the USA

Subject, children, USA

Schools usually obsess over STEM, enforce reading benchmarks, and closely monitor math performance. However, research indicates that there is another discipline—often missing from the academic priorities—that has a profound power to shape young minds. We’re talking about music. While 92% of U.S. students technically have access to music education programs, over 3.6 million children are … Read more

Almonds are fine, but there’s a better option: the underrated food that boosts brain health even more

Food, brain, health

Almonds get plenty of love as a brain-healthy snack, yet they are not the only nutrient-packed option in the realm of cognitive foods. There’s another everyday food that offers even more benefits, particularly for older adults. It’s more affordable and widely accessible: we’re referring to peanuts. Brimming with distinctive compounds that sharpen memory, enhance cerebral … Read more

What does it mean to cover your mouth with your hand during a conversation, according to psychology?

Cover, mouth, hand

When a person covers their mouth while talking, one might quickly assume they are simply stifling a yawn or hiding a cough. This seemingly simple gesture, similar to others like scratching the back of your head, can reveal deeper emotions, such as discomfort, hesitation, or even deception. Here, we’ll go over the psychology behind mouth-covering … Read more

A psychotherapist asks herself this question daily to boost optimism and live more happily

Question, optimism, happy

Every night, psychotherapist Amy Morin poses one straightforward question to herself. It’s not focused on productivity, measurable goals, or practicing gratitude; it’s designed to reinforce her mental resilience and nurture an optimistic outlook, even amid life’s challenges. This reflective ritual joins other self-care practices, such as journaling and meditation, that bolster emotional well-being. Morin, author … Read more

Hydrate and protect your skin with this popular lightweight cream under $20 at Walmart

Cream, skin, hydrate

Finding a moisturizer that hydrates and protects your skin under $20 doesn’t seem simple. However, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost City Shield Water Gel with SPF 25 meets these criteria. With more than 1,200 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, and at $19.97 at Walmart, it has become a favored choice among those seeking a formula that combats … Read more

Neither puzzles nor coloring: The hobby psychologists recommend for kids to build patience and creativity

Hobby, kids, patience

Puzzles, drawing, coloring books, or even sports like volleyball are great tools for enhancing focus in children. Yet child development experts also suggest another activity: the Rubik’s Cube. This iconic twisty puzzle serves as a powerful instrument for cultivating patience, creativity, and a range of cognitive skills. Here, we’ll explore why the Rubik’s Cube distinguishes … Read more

Salmon is fine, but there’s a better option: the top omega-3 food to fortify your heart health

Food, omega 3, heart

Salmon is a great source of omega-3s, but there is a smaller contender that deserves our attention. Sardines pack a significantly stronger nutritional punch per bite, support heart health, and come at a lower price than most other seafood alternatives. Here, we’ll delve into why these small, nutrient-dense fish are the superior choice for heart … Read more

Neither crosswords nor puzzles: the best hobby for retirees over 60 to boost mental agility

Hobby, retirees, mental agility

Beyond crosswords and jigsaw puzzles, there is an age-old game that presents retirees with a more dynamic approach to sharpening the mind. Tangram, an ancient Chinese puzzle composed of seven geometric pieces, has a distinctive ability to test spatial reasoning, promote problem-solving, and foster creativity. Unlike conventional word or number games, Tangram requires neither language … Read more

Psychological test: What you see first might reveal your biggest fear in life

Psychology, test, fear

This personality test claims that your initial reaction to an image can uncover your most profound fear. Although intended more as a source of curiosity than as a rigorous clinical assessment, these tests of what you see first invite you to explore the intricate interplay between emotion, perception, and internal conflicts. Let’s break down three … Read more

Stretching is fine, but there’s a better option: the guided workout you can do using only your iPhone

Stretching, workout, iPhone

Stretching routines can sometimes feel repetitive or even confusing. You may question whether you’re performing each movement correctly, how long to hold each position, or if you are truly making progress. A guided fitness workout—such as the one offered by the Bend app—transforms your iPhone into a personal coach that provides clear instructions, structured routines, … Read more

Neither side part nor low fade: The best haircut for senior men over 65 to look younger and sophisticated

Haircut, senior, man

A good haircut after 65 requires a style that works in harmony with your hair’s natural evolution. Age-related changes—such as thinning textures, receding hairlines, and finer strands—can make popular options seem not only impractical but also inadequate. Here, we’ll explore why the classic mid-length haircut emerges as an outstanding option for older men seeking a … Read more

Observing its color is fine, but there’s a better option: the ultimate trick to pick a ripe watermelon

Watermelon, fruit, trick

We’ve all experienced the frustration of choosing a watermelon that appears impeccable at first glance—vibrant green, perfectly symmetrical, and free of bruises—only to discover a bland, uninspiring interior once sliced open. Although visual cues such as a deep green hue, smooth texture, and polished skin are important aspects, they don’t always guarantee that rich sweetness. … Read more

If you talk to yourself when you’re stressed, this is why: psychology explains it

Talk, yourself, stressed

You’re scrambling to meet a deadline, arguing with a partner, or stuck in traffic, and suddenly, you begin to mutter to yourself. Although it may feel unusual, this behavior is normal and not arbitrary. Self-talk during stressful moments is a coping mechanism that comes almost naturally. Here is why your brain relies on self-talk in … Read more

Personality test: If you often sit with your knees apart, you might be more self-centered than you think

Knees, personality, test

Your preferred sitting style, similar to your sleeping position, may reveal more about your inner character than you realize. Although many assume that body language merely reflects temporary moods, nonverbal communication suggests that habitual posture may indicate deeper personality traits. If you naturally choose a wide stance with your knees spread, you might inadvertently project … Read more

Neither swimming nor water aerobics: The top exercise for seniors over 65 to improve balance and prevent falls

Exercise, senior, balance

Falls are the primary cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older, with over 14 million incidents reported annually in the US. Aquatic therapies—such as water aerobics, and emerging practices like Ai Chi—offer an efficient workout to prevent them. In the following sections, we’ll explore how Ai Chi diverges from traditional water workouts like … Read more

Neither sports nor video games: the smartest kids share this interest, says child psychologist

Smart, kids, interest

Many parents believe that a child’s achievements in sports or technology reflect superior cognitive aptitude. However, quieter, more creative pursuits can have a bigger impact. Children who engage in painting, drawing, or sculpting tend to develop stronger problem-solving abilities, heightened emotional resilience, and increased confidence. According to Dr Laura Markham, a child psychologist at Columbia … Read more

This is why you shouldn’t skip turmeric in your diet, according to nutritionists

Turmeric, diet, food

Turmeric has been a key part of holistic well-being for more than 4,000 years. According to Lauren O’Connor, MS, RDN—a registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience specializing in gut health—leaving turmeric out of your diet means missing out on its natural benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying effects. The spice contains curcumin, a … Read more

Sudokus are fine, but there’s a better hobby for seniors over 65 to prevent cognitive decline

Hobby, seniors, cognitive decline

Sudoku has long been recognized as a popular brain exercise for older adults. However, it’s by no means the only game to maintain mental sharpness. Research and cognitive studies indicate that integrating varied mental challenges—ranging from arithmetic problem-solving to puzzles and crosswords—brings cognitive benefits. Kakuro is a distinctive puzzle that builds on Sudoku’s established strengths … Read more

Psychological test: What you see first reveals if you’re an intelligent and sensible person

Personality, test, visual

Visual tests have surged in popularity on social media for compelling reasons: they’re concise, engaging, and often yield insights into personality. These interactive quizzes capture our attention by inviting us to explore hidden facets of our psyche. In this one, the first shape you detect might indicate whether others regard you as an analytical problem-solver … Read more

Walking is fine, but there’s a smarter option: The ultimate exercise to boost your cardio using your iPhone

Exercise, cardio, iPhone

Besides just walking, climbing stairs can be a comprehensive workout. This exercise builds leg strength, improves cardiovascular health, and burns calories efficiently. The iPhone’s built-in Health app (available on iOS 11 and later) automatically tracks your daily activity by measuring both steps and elevation gains using integrated sensors such as an accelerometer and barometer. Here, … Read more

Neither pixie nor waves: The ultimate haircut for women over 60 with curls to look younger and refreshed

Haircut, women, curls

For women over 60 with naturally curly hair, selecting an ideal hairstyle may feel like a challenge. However, there is a balanced alternative to pixies or soft waves that blends style and convenience: the curly bob with bangs. This cut fuses the contemporary appeal of a bob with the gentle elegance of face-framing bangs, resulting … Read more

What does it mean to stand with your hands over your lower torso, according to psychology?

Stand, hands, meaning

You have likely noticed someone standing with their hands crossed over their lower torso, or perhaps you find yourself adopting this stance from time to time. Although the posture might appear neutral at first glance, body language analysis says it can transmit signals about the person’s emotional state, which shape how others interpret feelings and … Read more

The happiest people share this daily habit, and you won’t believe how simple it is

Happy, people, habit

It’s not unusual to find that the most joyful individuals, whether influenced by meditation or therapy, share one essential habit: they center their attention on the present. Rather than dwelling on past disappointments or obsessing over a never-ending to-do list, they fully immerse themselves in the rich reality of the present moment. In the following … Read more

This is why you should skip bananas in smoothies, a recent study shows

Bananas, smoothies, study

Having a morning smoothie is a classic healthy option, but one common ingredient might be undermining its nutritional benefits. Recent research reveals that bananas, a favorite for adding creaminess and natural sweetness, can inhibit the absorption of vital nutrients present in berries and other fruits. A study published in Food & Function by researchers at … Read more

Neither weights nor push-ups: the top strength exercise for retirees over 60 to gain muscle and balance

Exerecise, retirees, strength

For retirees over 60, strength routines such as walking with weights or push-ups frequently appear impractical and daunting. However, there’s a gentler approach that enhances muscle strength and balance, and eliminates the need for bulky equipment or intricate routines. The solution resides in a tool that can be carried anywhere and used for different activity … Read more

Neither crosswords nor Sudoku: The ultimate hobby for seniors over 65 to boost memory and cognitive skills

Hobby, seniors, memory

When it comes to staying mentally sharp, games like Sudoku and even brain training video games appear as suitable options. Here, we want to highlight another hobby that challenges spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and memory for seniors over 65. We’re talking about the Rubik’s Cube—a 3D puzzle invented in 1974—that provides surprising benefits for older adults. … Read more

Personality test: Choose your favorite clock and discover in 40 seconds the qualities that set you apart

Clocks, personality, test

Which clock would you choose? This personality test, similar to this one that involves picking a card, suggests that the timepiece you select may reveal hidden aspects of your personality, including how you manage stress, solve problems, and embrace self-awareness. It emphasizes introspection and may offer unexpectedly insightful results. Six stylized clocks, inspired by a … Read more

Miami is fine, but there’s a better option: the 4th safest U.S. city is the best place for retirees over 65

Florida, city, retirees

When it comes to retirement, Miami’s lifestyle attracts attention, yet Florida hides a gem for retirees that values calm over clamor and affordability over extravagance. Pensacola, a charming coastal city in the state’s northwest, recently earned the distinction of being Florida’s safest city—and the 4th safest nationwide—in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings. With … Read more