The Optimist Living
Can you write your way to happiness?
The simple act of putting pen to paper to record one’s daily thoughts and reflections has become commercialized. In bookshops everywhere, humble notebooks that push you to organize your thoughts are being shelved next to journals that supposedly guide you towards inner-peace through quotes and Read More...
Expressing gratitude changes your brain and relieves depression
What’s the most efficient way to deal with stress and depression? Many studies show that people who consciously count their blessings tend to be happier and less depressed. Most of these studies were done with college students or other well-functioning people. A new study focused on a less Read More...
Resistance training is the most important form of exercise for your health
Pursuing big muscles isn’t the only outcome of weight lifting. According to a new study, strength or resistance training significantly lowers the risk for type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. During resistance training, your muscles are rapidly using glucose for energy. This energy Read More...
This one word brings enjoyment to your day-to-day life
Have you ever had that feeling that you’re not having the full experience of life as you live it? That feeling that, somehow, life is passing you by while you are stuck in your head? If so, we have one word for you: pleasure. Just a little pleasure can help jolt you back into the present moment, Read More...
Showing your vulnerability makes you stronger
We don’t grow up learning to be vulnerable. To the contrary, most of us try to hide our weaknesses. That’s understandable but also counterproductive. Your greatest strength emerges when you can embrace your weakest and darkest sides. Vulnerability is about being honest with yourself and about Read More...
Why laughter promotes social bonding, according to science
If there’s anything that solidifies a relationship, it’s a good laugh. But why is that? By taking a peek at the brain during laughter, researchers found that social laughter triggers the release of endorphins—often referred to as “feel good hormones”. The researchers found that not only Read More...
Others see better who you are, so try to understand their point of view
Lack of self-awareness is a troubling sign. In politics, for instance. Here’s the problem: According to new research, 95 percent of people think they’re self-aware, but only 10-15 percent are. True self-awareness also requires that we turn our gaze outward to understand how we are seen. It’s Read More...
You can reshape your brain… and your experiences
The way you think substantially determines the way you feel. Changing the way you think can change your experiences. Scientists use the term “neuroplasticity” for the idea that you can alter your brain in a physical and mental way by changing its stimuli. Meditation and exercise are, for Read More...
Why teaching forgiveness is so good for kids
When kids are wronged and don’t forgive, they remain “stuck” in the traumatic situation when they felt victimized. Every time they recall the hurtful event, they re-experience their stress response. The result can be an inhibition of the brain’s problem-solving ability, creativity, Read More...
How to find a minute of mindfulness no matter where you are
With just a few moments of mindfulness meditation, you can press the reset button in your mind and establish a greater consciousness throughout the day. And the best part about mindfulness is that you can do it anywhere. Here’s how to find a minute of mindfulness no matter where you Read More...