In a study of how we react after playing a good or evil role, research found those who play super heroes give out more chocolate, villains more chili sauce. “Our results indicate that just five minutes of role-play in virtual environments as either a hero or villain can easily cause people to reward or punish […]
To Connect or Disconnect?
Don’t let your tech toys trick you into working from home. “The increased productivity associated with staying connected to work in the evening hours is often achieved at the cost of mental health, yielding higher stress levels which may lead to poor recovery, impaired performance, fatigue, and sleep complaints.” … unless that connection makes you less […]
Trick Yourself into Better Performance with ‘Placebo Sleep’
It’s another case of “just believe” to make your life better. New research shows if you are told you slept well (and that sleep is important for memory and clear thinking) then you will perform better on tests than someone told they slept poorly. I definitely used this trick in college! Embedded Link Just thinking […]
30 Years Later: How Social Are We?
Are we talking to each other? Are we lonely? How do we use phones in public spaces? Researchers decided to find out by comparing current public interactions to a study done 30 years earlier, and the findings are surprising: http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/magazine/technology-is-not-driving-us-apart-after-all.html?_r=0 Google+: View post on Google+
Awe-Yeah
New research shows that experiencing awe can change your sense of time, boost well-being and impact your decisions. Make Time For Awe: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/12/make-time-for-awe/282245/ APS press release about the research: http://www.psychologicalscience.org/index.php/news/releases/being-in-awe-can-expand-time-and-enhance-well-being.html Awe-Yeah New research shows that experiencing awe can change your sense of time, boost well-being and impact your decisions. Make Time For Awe: http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/12/make-time-for-awe/282245/ APS […]
Better Cities Through Data?
Predictions on how the city will help you live in it with citizen involvement, social feedback, and data. http://ibm.co/19krtC7 Great ideas, but up here in the rainforest we'll skip changing schedules for rain. Better Cities Through Data? Predictions on how the city will help you live in it with citizen involvement, social feedback, and data. […]
Emotional Arcade
This project by a filmmaker pits regular people in a competition to experience emotions as strongly as they can, while monitoring their brain activity. http://mashable.com/2014/01/05/emotional-arcade/#:eyJzIjoiZiIsImkiOiJfbzdyc3ViNGRpdTk5YXNveWhwc3VwXyJ9 Emotional Arcade This project by a filmmaker pits regular people in a competition to experience emotions as strongly as they can, while monitoring their brain activity. http://mashable.com/2014/01/05/emotional-arcade/#:eyJzIjoiZiIsImkiOiJfbzdyc3ViNGRpdTk5YXNveWhwc3VwXyJ9 Google+: View post […]
Virtual Nature Gazing
Nature gazing is good for your psychological well-being. I am lucky to be able to look out my window any time I need a burst of natural beauty. But even from offices or cities with few trees, you can reap the benefits of "nearby nature" digitally. Embedded Link Gazing at Virtual Nature Is Good for […]
Did you know that physical warmth impacts social relationships?
Try sipping a cup of hot cocoa together by a warm fire this winter to build your 'heartwarming' social connections. Embedded Link The ‘Heartwarming’ Nature of Social Bonds – Association for Psychological Science Emotional connections with others are one of the fundamental ingredients for a happy and fulfilled life. Seeking out these connections often feels […]