Common Modern Dating Red Flags: What They Really Mean and How to Spot Them
In today’s fast-paced world, where dating apps and online connections have made it easier to meet people than ever before, navigating the complexities of relationships can be a challenge. While there are many exciting aspects to modern dating—getting to know new people, exploring connections, and finding potential partners—there are also plenty of red flags that can arise early in a relationship. As a psychologist, I’ve seen how certain patterns of behavior can be harmful, and unfortunately, they can be easy to overlook in the early stages of dating.
Read More
Why New Year’s Resolutions Tend to Fall Apart – and How to Make Them Stick
Every January, millions of us set ambitious New Year’s resolutions, promising to make positive changes in our lives. Yet, statistically, most resolutions fizzle out before the end of the year. Whether it’s exercising more, eating healthier, or saving money, we often start with enthusiasm only to face frustration and failure. But why do New Year’s resolutions tend to fall apart so easily, and how can we make them stick?
Read More
How Exercise Boosts Brain Health and Mental Well-Being
In recent years, the link between physical exercise and mental health has become more widely acknowledged, but the science behind why movement is so beneficial to the brain is still unfolding. According to Wendt Suzuki, a leading expert on neuroplasticity and brain health, aerobic exercise plays a critical role in stimulating the growth of hippocampal cells, which are essential for memory, learning, and emotional regulation.
Read More
Why We Lose Control in Conflict: The Tug-of-War Between Emotion and Logic
Have you ever found yourself in a heated argument, saying things you regret, or acting impulsively? Maybe you stormed out, shouted, or even threw something. Later, you might have wondered, Why did I lose it? The answer lies in your brain—specifically, the competition between the emotional amygdala and the logical frontal lobe.
Read More
Holiday Hype: How Advertising Hooks Us Into Shopping Sprees
Have you ever noticed how the moment Halloween ends, stores start blasting Christmas music? Or how Black Friday ads seem to drop earlier every year, turning into Black November? It’s not just a coincidence—it’s science. Advertising and the holiday season are carefully designed to push us into buying frenzies, and even Amazon’s layout has been fine-tuned to keep you clicking “Add to Cart.” Before you know it, you’re knee-deep in shipping boxes and wondering how you got there.
Read More
The Benefits of Canine-Assisted Therapy for Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Today, our team had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2024 Beyond the Spectrum FASD conference, where we showcased the transformative benefits of canine-assisted therapy for individuals living with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). This event highlighted the growing need for innovative therapeutic approaches, and canine-assisted therapy stood out as an impactful intervention. But what makes it so effective, especially for those with FASD? Backed by research and real-world application, let’s explore the unique advantages therapy dogs can provide for this population.
Read More
The Skeletons in Our Closet: Why We Love to be Scared
Horror films have been creeping us out for over a century. We sit in dark theaters, popcorn in hand, voluntarily watching things that make us jump, scream, and question why we paid for this emotional rollercoaster. So why do we subject ourselves to fear, on purpose no less? What is it about horror movies that keeps us coming back for more—even though our fight-or-flight instincts are yelling, "Just turn it off!"?
Read More
The Shocking Pill That Could Cure Your Mind: Using Gut Bacteria to Tackle OCD and Depression
In an innovative approach to treating mental health disorders, researchers at Taylor Labs, part of the University of Calgary, are pioneering the use of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in the form of a pill to address obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and depression. This cutting-edge research taps into the intricate relationship between the gut and brain, exploring how changes in the gut microbiome might offer new therapeutic avenues for these challenging conditions.
Read More
The Psychology of ASMR: Understanding Its Appeal and Effects on the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is a phenomenon that has captured widespread attention in recent years, particularly on platforms like YouTube. Characterized by a tingling sensation that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine, ASMR is often triggered by auditory or visual stimuli such as whispering, tapping, or personal attention. While some find it relaxing, others are puzzled by its popularity. This article delves into the psychology behind ASMR, its effects on the parasympathetic nervous system, and the reasons behind its surge in popularity.
Read More
Eco Grief- Navigating Emotions in the Wake of Natural Disasters
In the wake of recent fires that hit close to home in Jasper, many of us are grappling with how to cope with overwhelming emotions. Witnessing the devastation of "natural disasters" often triggers a range of intense feelings, from sorrow and frustration to anger. This emotional turmoil, known as eco grief, is becoming increasingly common.
Read More
Baby Blues: the causes and treatment for postpartum depression
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a significant mental health condition affecting approximately 10-20% of new mothers, surpassing the common "baby blues" which affect up to 80% of women postpartum and include temporary mood swings, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. PPD, however, is more intense and long-lasting, impacting a mother's ability to care for her newborn and herself.
Read More
Just a Little Stitious; The Rationale Behind Superstitions
Superstition in sports is a fascinating phenomenon that extends far beyond mere habit. For many athletes, these rituals and traditions serve as psychological anchors, helping them feel in control in a world where outcomes are often unpredictable. At the heart of superstition lies a fundamental human desire for control. In high-stakes environments where outcomes are uncertain, people turn to rituals and traditions to create a semblance of order. This behavior is rooted in a psychological concept known as "illusory control," where individuals believe their actions can influence outcomes that are actually determined by chance.
Read More
