Find articles on mental health, emotional well-being, psychological therapies, stress management and personal development in our Psychology section. Take care of your mind and achieve balance!
Ever noticed during a conversation that the other person’s jaw is tight? Their words sound normal, but something feels off. That small detail, like other unconscious gestures such as rubbing the back of your neck, can be a window into what’s going on beneath the surface for them. Jaw tension is often a nonverbal cue … Read more
When someone opens up and asks what you think, it’s tempting to jump in with an opinion. Maybe you’ve been through something similar or think you see the big picture more clearly. However, research suggests that offering your opinion might not be as useful as you think. Instead of giving advice, a better approach is … Read more
When parents think about sports for kids, baseball, football, and basketball are usually top of mind. However, another sport builds strength, balance, confidence, and independence, and it doesn’t get nearly enough attention in the US. That sport is skiing. It’s often seen as a vacation activity or something reserved for kids who live near the … Read more
We’ve all been in conversations where someone constantly jumps in before others can finish. At first glance, it may seem rude or even impatient, but psychology suggests there’s often more going on than just a lack of manners. People may interrupt for emotional, cognitive, and personality-driven reasons. Sometimes, they want to be heard. Other times, … Read more
Retirement can be freeing in a way, but for many, it brings an unexpected emotional weight. While it marks the end of work-related stress, it also signals a major shift in routine, identity, and connection. Some older adults feel relieved, while others face a sense of loss. Psychologists have found that depression is quite common … Read more
If someone keeps nodding while you’re speaking, it usually feels like a good sign and means they’re tuned in. However, psychology shows there’s more behind this simple gesture. Nodding can signal agreement, attention, or encouragement during a conversation, but it can also be a habit, a way to hurry you along, or a defense mechanism. … Read more
Anxiety, depression, and stress-related symptoms are becoming more common among kids and teenagers. While books, games, and therapy all have their place, a new study highlights another activity that can help them and may be overlooked by some parents. That habit is physical activity. Regular, structured exercise can reduce these symptoms in children when it … Read more
Mental exercises like crosswords and word searches are great for keeping the brain active. But if you’re over 60 and looking to improve coordination and hand steadiness, there’s another hobby worth trying, one that works both the mind and the body in a simple, enjoyable way. That hobby is darts. It’s easy to set up, … Read more
Loneliness during the retirement period is an issue that can affect your health. While staying home with a book or the TV might help you pass the time, it’s not the kind of connection older adults need. That’s why the National Institute on Aging (NIA) recommends something different to help prevent social isolation. One suggestion … Read more
At first glance, the image above looks simple, but depending on what you see first, it might say something about your personality, like whether you’re more reserved or outgoing. This type of visual test explores perception and how our brains process shapes, light, and contrast. While it’s not science and shouldn’t be taken as a diagnosis, it can … Read more
The pixie cut has long been a go-to for women over 55. It’s low-maintenance, timeless, and easy to wear. But if you’re looking for something a little more polished—and, maybe, a little more flattering for your face shape—there’s another cut worth considering. We’re talking about the blunt cut with a side part. It’s simple but … Read more
Pregnancy dreams are some of the most common and emotionally charged dreams people report, along with dreaming about people who have passed away. Whether the feeling in the dream is one of joy, fear, or confusion, it usually leaves a lasting impression and raises numerous questions. According to psychologists, these dreams aren’t usually about pregnancy … Read more
You’re having a conversation, but the other person won’t meet your eyes. Their gaze shifts from the floor to the ceiling—anywhere but your face. It feels a little off, maybe even rude. But what’s really going on? Avoiding eye contact is often linked to social discomfort. People who struggle with social skills tend to feel … Read more
Playing chess has long been praised for keeping the brain sharp. It’s strategic, social, and deeply engaging. But there’s another hobby that might be even more effective when it comes to maintaining and improving cognitive function later in life. And unlike chess, this one gets your whole body involved. This activity is called exergaming—short for … Read more
You probably do it every day without thinking: slip on your backpack, swing it over a shoulder, or carry it by the handle. According to this fun personality test, similar to this one, the way you carry your bag might say something about how you move through the world. Are you more of a leader … Read more
Board games are a classic choice for fun and learning, but when it comes to helping kids strengthen short-term memory and sharpen attention, there’s another option that’s even simpler and doesn’t require any setup or pieces. This game is suitable for classrooms, homes, and playgrounds, and most children already know how to play it. It’s … Read more
It may have happened to you that during a conversation, the other person keeps glancing around over your shoulder, at the walls, at passing people. It might feel rude, but it’s not always about disinterest. This kind of behavior can have different explanations according to the context. Looking around while talking to someone can reflect … Read more
It only takes one cockroach to ruin your night. The reaction for most of us when seeing one is often the same: shock and disgust. But why do cockroaches provoke such a strong emotional response, more than other insects? Experts suggest that our revulsion toward cockroaches is tied to a mix of instincts, cultural conditioning, … Read more
Parents often focus on math, reading, and now coding as the areas that reflect academic success. However, there’s another skill that research shows can give kids cognitive advantages, and most US schools still don’t teach it. It’s chess. Despite being one of the oldest strategy games in the world, it’s rarely part of the curriculum, … Read more
When people talk about brain games for seniors, they often bring up Sudoku, crosswords, or word searches. Those are great, but there’s another game worth adding to the mix—one that combines strategy, memory, and social interaction. We’re talking about the card game pinochle. It may not be as instantly recognizable as bingo or Scrabble, but … Read more
Capybaras are calm, curious, and quite expressive animals, and that’s exactly why they’re the center of this lighthearted personality test. You don’t need to overthink it. Just go with your gut, choose the capybara that stands out to you most, and see what that choice might say about you. Like this test about choosing a … Read more
We all like to be right, but some people can’t stand the idea of being wrong. This mindset is often tied to how we manage emotions, handle criticism, and protect our sense of identity. The need to always be right can stem from various issues, including insecurity, fear of vulnerability, or our upbringing. In the … Read more
Plants bring life to any room. They clean the air, brighten corners, and can even improve your mood. But in Feng Shui, not all of them have the same effect. Some plants attract positive energy, while others may disrupt it. One plant in particular, popular for its color and beauty, is said to bring bad … Read more
There’s one phrase emotionally intelligent parents rarely say to their gifted kids, and it’s not because they’re overly permissive or trying to raise a genius. It’s because they understand how language can shape a child’s self-perception. Here, we’ll break down the phrase “Don’t get like that, it’s not a big deal” and why it can … Read more
For seniors over 70, staying socially engaged can have a big impact on their mental health. Besides social dance classes or volunteering, an activity that’s gaining attention for boosting emotional health, especially in older adults, involves connecting with younger generations. Here, we’ll look at how intergenerational activities—programs that bring seniors and youth together—can help older … Read more
Some images can tell you more about yourself than you might expect. This visual test, similar to this one about your outlook in life, offers a quick, playful way to reflect on how your mind works, based on what catches your eye first. We’re not talking about scientific diagnostics. This is more of a self-awareness … Read more
To improve balance and coordination after 65, there’s a surprisingly fun, social, and engaging hobby that goes beyond classic activities like tai chi. It’s billiards. Yes, this game can be an effective and enjoyable way for older adults to stay sharp and steady during their retirement years. Billiards is low-impact, easy on the joints, and … Read more
You’re cruising down the highway listening to music when your favorite song comes on, and before you know it, you’re singing like you’re on stage. It feels good, but what’s going on when you sing loudly in the car? Psychologists say this common habit has deeper roots than we realize. Singing in the car helps … Read more
When someone dominates every conversation with stories about themselves, it’s not just annoying—it might be a red flag for something deeper. According to psychologists, compulsive self-focus in conversations is often a sign of poor social awareness and underdeveloped communication skills. It’s not always rooted in narcissism. Sometimes, it’s simply a lack of practice in the … Read more
Staying mentally sharp after 70 takes more than just staying physically active. While movement such as dancing matters, the brain also needs regular challenges and active engagement. One simple way to complement your physical routine is board games. They combine social interaction, strategy, and mental stimulation without feeling like a chore. Simple, affordable, and effective, … Read more
