America’s set to spend $23.9 billion on Valentine’s Day this year, averaging out to around $175 per person. For couples, the pressure can feel overwhelming, but instead of buying something expensive for your spouse or partner, engage in a memorable activity that they’ll enjoy. Evidence shows that couples who spend…
Super Bowl LVI attracted nearly 100 million viewers this year. As America’s most popular sport, even those who aren’t diehard fans watch the spectacle. Yet where does our emotional investment in the outcome of a sporting event come from? Some psychologists theorize it dates back to pre-history, with roots in…
A form of “mental dieting” known as dopamine fasting has quickly become popular with millenials. While it’s impossible to “fast” from a naturally occurring brain chemical, that doesn’t stop some people from trying. This strict practice aims to restore the brain’s natural flow of dopamine by restricting the dopamine faster’s…
More than 4.5 million people left their jobs at the end of last year as part of the Great Resignation. Many of these individuals were essential workers in the food service, healthcare, and education sectors. The Reddit forum r/antiwork has become a sounding board for those who feel trapped in…
Character bonding is when we start to emulate the personality traits of fictional characters that we admire and/or feel drawn to. There’s nothing inherently harmful about character bonding; just remember that there is a distinction between them and you. While people may be drawn towards different fictional characters based on…
The holiday season can already be a stressful time of year, but a breakup or divorce added to the mix creates a lonely, difficult situation for the newly single. Breaking up around the holidays might happen for a few reasons: One or both partners may feel like there’s no point…
Red flags in romantic relationships are a popular subject—but what about our friendships? Friendship red flags are real and can be an indication that your friendship is toxic or at least needs some work. If you spot manipulative or controlling behavior in your friendships, it’s important that you set boundaries….
Holidays aren’t just about the vacation days, they’re also about the days leading up to the vacation days… and the days following the vacation days. Fortunately it’s possible to mentally prepare for your winter break and make accommodations for your post-holiday depression. To ease transitions you can keep your favorite…
It may be possible to live like a rich person even when you’re on a budget. The hedonic treadmill influences how much money you need to feel wealthy. High-net-worth individuals tend to have low neuroticism and an internal locus of control. You can feel rich by spending money on experiences,…
Revenge procrastination (also known as revenge bedtime procrastination) happens when we deprive ourselves of sleep in order to stay up to enjoy our hobbies, movies, games, and social apps. It’s an easy habit to get sucked into, and women may be more likely to start revenge procrastinating than men. An…
Neophilia, or novelty-seeking, is a personality trait that we all share. It’s an essential part of who we are as human beings. However, a specific part of the brain called the thalamic pulvinar may contribute to some people being more apt to seek out new experiences than others. While novelty-seeking…
Over 40% of the workforce is thinking about resigning this year—after rethinking their priorities during the pandemic, workers are looking for more meaning, more autonomy, and more flexibility in their jobs. Today’s workers are expected to be emotionally involved in their jobs, and can feel as if they’re missing out…