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Showing posts from April, 2024

Are Atheists Smarter?

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Science and Faith Science and faith have been on opposite sides of the boxing ring for the past century. Happy holidays unacceptable. Religion has become one of those things that people don't like talking over the dinner table. To add fuel to the fire, some recent studies suggest a negative correlation between religiosity and general intelligence. Calm down, it's much more complicated than that. So what's the psychology behind this? Why don't we take a look? Let's jump in. The Study A study in 2011 used a service to test the correlation between a person's religiosity and general intelligence. The service included items like "I look to God for strength, support, and guidance," and the individual being tested would rate this statement on a four-point scale. In addition, participants were also measured on their general intelligence through tests including verbal fluency and speed of cognitive processing. Using a sample size of over 2,000 Americans

How to Avoid the Freshman 15

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It's almost that time of year again when students have to say goodbye to their summer memories and mentally prepare themselves for another year of school. This means that many high school graduates are excitedly and probably anxiously waiting for the beginning of a brand new chapter in their lives: college. At first, you'll hear a lot of stories about the horrible experiences that you can have at college. You'll be told about messy roommates or the subpar quality of food in the dining halls. You'll hear things about binge drinking and awkward walk-ins, and you'll be warned about the classes or professors you should avoid. One very popular scare tactic is the legendary Freshman Fifteen. The Freshman Fifteen is a sudden spike in weight during the first year of college experienced by a pretty significant portion of students. Now, this weight gain has been attributed to quite a few causes. For one, there's that sense of freedom that comes with being away at coll

Social Media Anxiety

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Technology has become predominant over everyone's lives in the past 20 years. People now have smartphones and Smart TV's. Everything is smart. With people having a cellphone on them 24/7, it's impossible to not check your social media sites and see what your friends, classmates, or family are up to, and we love it. Staying in touch is so much easier now, and with just a click of a button, we can see cute animal pictures, recipe videos, and every photo our best friends have ever posted. But with that great power comes great responsibility. And sometimes it can even cause anxiety. Let's be clear. It's not the actual sites that can cause that anxious feeling. It's the addiction to checking the site. I mean, I can put my phone down whenever, right? But wait, I just want to see who that new girl Erin is dating now. Ohh! Look at that yummy recipe video, and *oh my goodness!* another cute dog. It's hard not to get sucked into the social media sinkhole. It's s

What Do Blind People Dream?

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How do the blind dream images, ideas, emotions, and sensations? A dream, whether it's short or long, whether you can or can't remember it, everyone dreams. But what do people that can't see see in their dreams and how do they dream to start? Facts About Dreams Here are some facts about dreams: Dreams are usually fantastic, with people, places, events, and objects tending to merge into one another in a confusing manner. The most common emotion experienced in dreams is anxiety and other negative emotions, which are much more prevalent than positive ones. The vast majority of people dream in color, but if you watched monochrome television growing up, you're more likely to dream in black and white. Only around 10% of dreams are sexual in nature, although the percentage is higher among adolescents. Dreams of the Blind But what about individuals that cannot see, individuals who have been blind since birth (congenital blindness) or very early in

Introverts, SPD and Rain

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Being an introvert can be tough, but there are things I rely on to keep me happy. I enjoy solitude, having time to myself, and being on my own. While my personal thoughts keep me company, I also enjoy watching old episodes of my favorite TV shows and cozying up with a good book and a cup of coffee or tea. But there's one thing I hold dearest, keep closest to my heart, and love the most - rain. Dark, rainy, stormy days that turn into night without us even noticing. I love them. It feels amazing to read and relax during a rainstorm, and I even like walking around outside when it rains, with a good cup of tea or coffee, a good book, a quality blanket, and nothing to do. It's bliss. Rain is Mother Nature's blessing to us introverts. It's white noise that we all love and appreciate. In a world that is normally chaotic and loud, rainy days give us a very peaceful feeling. We feel invigorated, whether there's a storm or a light shower. It might seem like a mystery as

5 Tips You Should Know if You're an Empath

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An empath, or being empathetic, is when you strive off others' emotions and have the ability to feel and care for what the other person is feeling. Having this kind of personality can put strain on your mental health and abilities. Even though it is great to be an empathetic person, it can be exhausting. 5 Tips for Tired Empaths 1. Take Me Time It's okay to have a little me time. Constantly being surrounded by people and feeling their emotions can drain your energy. Recharge by spending time alone and engaging in activities that rejuvenate you. 2. Be Slippery Let emotions others put on you slide right off. If some emotions are overpowering, acknowledge them and let them go. Avoid bottling up emotions, and take time for yourself to tune into your own feelings. 3. Center Yourself Grounding yourself helps clear your head and heart. Practice meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises throughout the day to recenter. 4. Differentiate Recognize when the emotions you&#

7 Signs You're a Highly Creative Soul

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Ever felt out of place or eccentric? Discover 7 signs of high creativity, from playfulness to being a night owl. Embrace your uniqueness! 1. You're Playful Playfulness benefits creativity, improving problem-solving and stress management. 2. You're a Night Owl Night owls tend to find more creative solutions due to their unconventional schedules. 3. You Get Distracted Easily Drifting thoughts and sensitivity to sensory information can lead to innovation. 4. You're Neurotic Neuroticism may lead to anxiety but also stimulates imagination and creativity. 5. You're Imaginative Expert storytellers, creative individuals excel at generating imaginative narratives. 6. You Have a Messy Room Disorderly environments can inspire novel ideas and break free from tradition. 7. You Enjoy Talking to People Embrace new perspectives and ideas by engaging with diverse individuals. Which of these signs do you resonate with? Comment below and share your thoughts!

Why Students Don't Like School

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Ever wake up to the sound of your alarm blaring in your ear, knowing you're about to embark on a full day's worth of classes, and yet something in you just can't quite get excited to learn? We all have days like that. But what if there's a reason why some students get more bored with school than others? It turns out our brains actually avoid thinking until precisely the right conditions. Contrary to popular belief, it's kind of a hassle for our brains to actually think when it comes to stuff we don't like because the brain was created for just that: avoiding thought because it takes a lot of effort to think and it's sometimes a slow and painful process to delve into issues we find too weird or too uncomfortable. Maybe we don't like that teacher, or we hate that annoying guy who sits in the front row sipping his coffee way too loudly, just something about any lesson we encounter in our everyday lives will bother us so much that we'd rather avoid it

12 Psychological Sleep Facts

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Sleeping and dreaming is something we all do, and most of us quite enjoy getting back to bed after a long day of work or school. But what happens within our brain when we are in the land of dreams? Dreaming Stages Dreaming generally happens during the rapid eye movement stage of sleep, also known as REM. Only about 10% or less of dreams happen outside the REM stage. Importance of Dreaming In a study, participants were deprived of dreaming during their normal sleep cycles as they were woken up each time they entered REM sleep. As a result, the participants became more anxious or irritable and had trouble concentrating while they were awake. It seemed like a certain drive to dream built up inside of them the more they were deprived of it. REM Sleep Time Babies spend up to 50% of their sleep in REM stage, while adults only spend about 20% in REM stage. If you're woken during the REM stage, you are more likely to remember your dreams. Visual Imagery Eye movements made d

10 Things Introverts Need in a Relationship

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It's already difficult for introverts to find their niche in a world that predominantly values extroverted tendencies. As a result, introverts' needs are often overlooked, including the way they function in relationships. Here are 10 things you must consider if you're dating an introvert: 1. Hold Meaningful Conversations Introverts look for depth in a partner, someone who can keep up with them when they talk about possibilities and theories. They enjoy discussing open-ended questions rather than ones which end in one-word answers. Enlighten them with your knowledge and wisdom, as intelligence is considered sexy, classy, and timeless. 2. Spend Time in Less Stimulating Environments Introverts are sensitive to external surroundings. Instead of social parties, they prefer hanging out at small gatherings in quiet places. It's not about the setting, but the company they choose to spend their time with. 3. Take It Slow A slow and steady pace wins t

Attachment Theory

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We all remember feeling a sense of separation anxiety when we were kids Whether it would be your parents dropping you off at school or having your favorite stuffed animal taken away from you. We only got a sense of relief when the person or thing that was taken away is brought back. This is the beginning of attachment theory. Attachment Theory in Adulthood The separation anxiety can continue into adulthood like when you get anxious about having your cell phone taken away. But why do humans behave like this? Psychologists have labeled the reason behind these early childhood anxieties as attachment and have explored human connection through parent-child bonding. The Significance of Attachment Daniel Goleman states that attachment provides the glue that keeps not just a couple but a family together and caregiving as the impulse to look after offspring so our children can grow up to have their own. The early stages of childhood are the most crucial in development. Factors Affectin

Nature vs. Nurture: Why Are You Introverted?

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Most people know whether or not they identify as an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert. Most people have qualities of both; however, people usually tend to lean one way more than the other. Growing up, I'd have to back out of social gatherings last minute because the idea of having to look this entertained for this long was draining. As an introvert, I've always wondered why I am the way I am and not the way my best friend is. She could count the people she speaks to on a daily basis on both hands while I could only count her, my boyfriend, and my cats as the ones I interact with on a daily basis. My best friend, on the other hand, could see people every day and not get tired of their company. Why was it so hard for me but not her? There had to be an answer as to why people lean one way more than the other on the spectrum. At first, I guessed that it would come back to the age-old debate nature vs nurture. Truthfully, just like introversion and extroversion, nature and nu

10 Facts About Bipolar Disorder That Everyone Should Know

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Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive disorder, is a mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings. Other symptoms include shifts in energy and activity levels, often interfering with day-to-day activities. 1. Bipolar Disorder is Not Curable The sufferer requires lifetime mood stabilizing medications to prevent relapses of manic and depressive episodes. 2. Bipolar Disorder is Not the Same as Depression Bipolar disorder involves mood swings, while depression is characterized by episodes of low energy. Each is distinct despite sharing similarities. 3. Bipolar Disorder is Often Misdiagnosed It's commonly misdiagnosed as depression in women and schizophrenia in men. Seeking a specialist's opinion is crucial. 4. Anyone Can Develop Bipolar Disorder Bipolar disorder usually starts in late teens or early 20s but can occur at any age. Proper management is essential. 5. No Blood Tests or Scans for Diagnosis A psychiatrist specializing in mood disorders

5 Ways Music Affects Anxiety and Depression

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When someone is diagnosed with a mental illness, there are many forms of treatment they can choose from. They may take medication or go to counseling or therapy. Some may also find that music helps them. Research has shown that music can have a strong effect on us. It can alleviate anxiety and depression, increase spatial awareness, and enhance mood. Interestingly, the genres of music can be important as well. Researchers from the University of Utah Pain Research Center have found that listening to music helps to reduce pain in those who were highly anxious. 143 participants listened to music while receiving electric shocks. It seems, therefore, that music is good at helping with pain by activating sensory pathways to compete with the pain pathways. Another study looking at anxiety and music was conducted by David Elliots and his colleagues. They wanted to determine what characteristics of music actually help lower anxiety. The study had 84 participants, and it was found that har

10 Signs You Have a Toxic Friend

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The older we get, the harder it is to make and maintain friendships. Sometimes, those closest to us can hurt us the most. Have you noticed changes in your friendships? Here are 10 signs to watch for: 1. Feeling Inauthentic You feel unable to be yourself around them, as they pressure you or judge your choices. 2. Lack of Communication If communication is mostly one-sided and they often ghost you, it may be a red flag. 3. Overbearing Behavior They smother you and become jealous when you spend time with others. 4. Competitive Nature They seem to be in constant competition with you, unable to celebrate your successes. 5. Insensitivity They make mean remarks or jokes that hurt rather than uplift. 6. Holding Grudges They refuse to move past mistakes and continually bring up the past. 7. Controlling Tendencies Instead of offering advice, they try to micromanage your life. 8. Stressful Relationships Your friendship brings more stress than support, leaving you overwhelme

6 Big Misconceptions about Mental Illness You Can Relate to

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We are self-funded and have recently launched our Patreon. If you appreciate our work and find it meaningful, please stay tuned until the end of the video for information on how to get more involved with us and discover the cool rewards we offer. People often hesitate to seek treatment for mental health issues due to fear of societal judgment. Join us in debunking these 6 common misconceptions about mental illness. 1. Mental Illness as Black or White Stigmas arise from a simplistic view of mental health. Genetics play a role, but external factors like environment and upbringing are significant. There's a spectrum of mental health, ranging from mild to severe. 2. Mental Illness and Violence The media often links mental illness with violence, but statistically, very few crimes are committed by those with mental health issues. Factors like poverty and substance abuse play a more significant role in criminal behavior. 3. Work and Relationships Contrary to stereotypes, many

What Is Your Myers Briggs Personality Type?

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Human beings enjoy categorizing things, aiding our comprehension of relationships between seemingly unrelated concepts. Personality quizzes capitalize on this. However, most lack accuracy. Myers-Briggs: The Myers-Briggs test, created by Isabel Briggs Myers and Katharine Briggs, stands out for its depth and accuracy in profiling individual characteristics. Understanding the Types The test categorizes individuals into one of sixteen types, each represented by a four-letter acronym. These acronyms delineate how individuals perceive and relate to the world. Introverted vs. Extroverted Introverts derive energy from their inner world and need solitude to recharge, while extroverts thrive on social interaction and external activities. Intuition vs. Sensing Sensing types focus on tangible details and practical experiences, while intuitive types are drawn to abstract concepts and new possibilities. Thinking vs. Feeling Thinkers make decisions based on logic and impartial anal

Motivation: Psychological Guide How to Get and Stay Motivated

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Working, whether at your job or from home, requires self-motivation. Tasks we dislike are inevitable. It's crucial to grasp motivation's essence to enhance self-drive. Motivation, according to Kelli Burton, encompasses four types: extrinsic, intrinsic, interjected, and identified. Extrinsic motivation: Originates from external factors. Intrinsic and interjected motivation: Both stem from within oneself, with interjected motivation carrying a sense of guilt. Identified motivation: Acknowledgment of a task's necessity without taking steps to complete it. A balance of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation is deemed optimal in the workplace, underlining the significance of self-motivation. While intrinsic motivation is ideal, some may struggle, making self-motivation crucial. Here are five ways to enhance self-motivation: Set small, measurable goals: Avoid vague goals; opt for specific, achievable targets. Develop a mantra: Use verbal statements to f

FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS

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Oh friends-with-benefits relationships, why some sync the context can be different but for our purposes we're defining a friends-with-benefits relationship as two individuals who occasionally or often sleep together and are not in a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship. What do we know about it? We know that it's common. In 2013, 30 to 60 percent of American University students engaged in a friends-with-benefits relationship. Is it sustainable? It's arguably not meant to be. It's more like halftime in a sports game or intermission at a theater; free time to reload on your favorite snacks, quench your thirst, and clear your head before the next serious part begins. Approximately 20 percent of these friendships do join masts and sail away together, pre-iceberg Rose and Jack style, whilst the others don't make room on the floating door and their relationship sinks, never being more than a no-strings-attached flame. Why? That's the question. A study from 2009 fo

What Lust Does To Us?

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We all know that true love is a wonderful thing. It's deep and meaningful and makes us feel immensely incredible. But sometimes our hearts and other parts of us want something similar but in a fraction of the time. That's where lust comes in handy. We've heard of the elusive "love at first sight." It's rare and often confused with a much more common "lust at first sight." I'm sure I'm not the only one who's taken a glance at a stranger walking down the street and fallen immediately in lust with them. Not wanting to have two kids in a minivan in a suburb in Massachusetts, just having a steamy fling with them. It's completely natural to have these feelings, but what happens when lust becomes a problem? The Problem with Lust Has your intense physical attraction to someone ever blinded you from rationality and blatant common sense? Lust is a very intense and sudden attraction to someone from a purely physical angle.

Schizophrenia... What is it?

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Schizophrenia is a term that literally translates to "split mind." There's a common misconception that people diagnosed with schizophrenia have split personalities. Experiencing fragments of one's personality occurs in people with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), not schizophrenia. Like many mental disorders, people with schizophrenia are often stigmatized. Did you know there are some famous individuals diagnosed with this mental illness who use their amazing talents to contribute positively to the world? People like John Nash, a brilliant mathematician, and author Jack Kerouac, both had schizophrenia. Our mission today is to help break down the stigmas associated with this disorder. Here are five facts you need to know about schizophrenia: Symptoms and Signs First and foremost, we want you to know that it's never a good idea to self-diagnose. If anything hits close to home, please visit a health professional in order to receive reliable insight. Accordi

How Video Games Affect Lucid Dreaming

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Did you know video games can give you superpowers? Okay, not really. But they can improve your lucid dreaming powers. It's got to be close. You can literally do anything you want inside your head. Anything. For those who don't know what lucid dreaming is, it's basically when you're dreaming and you can consciously control what happens. Usually, said person wakes up inside the dream and goes, "Whoa" and probably takes a dump in his pants from the literal holy crap moment. The entire thing is pretty cool. Once you realize you're dreaming, you can proceed to sprout wings and fly, dance with some monkeys, or bang pretty much anyone you want. Lucid dreams can be so vivid that the person having them can hardly tell if they're dreaming or not. Because of this, many practice doing a reality check everytime they think they're dreaming. This usually consists of trying to do something impossible, like breathing while your nose is plugged and your mouth is