How the Brain Works Our brains are made up of nerve cells called neurons, which are separated by tiny gaps called synapses. All brain and nervous system functions are based on how these neurons communicate across synapses. The neurons relay information to each other by sending chemical messengers or neurotransmitters across the synapses throughout the neural network. Neurotransmitters are produced within a neuron. The neuron releases the neurotransmitter and it travels into the synapse....

Fortunately, there is good news here to balance out the bad. Here is what research tells us about the effects of stress on memory. Stress and Memory Stress can affect how memories are formed. When stressed, people have a more difficult time creating short-term memories and turning those short-term memories into long-term memories, meaning that it is more difficult to learn when stressed. Stress can affect the type of memories we form as well....

Meet Daniel Howell Daniel Howell is a comedian and entertainer whose videos have attracted over 1 billion views on YouTube. He’s also an award-winning host of a BBC radio show. He’s written several New York Times bestselling books, including The Amazing Book is Not on Fire and Dan and Phil Go Outside. His newest book, You Will Get Through This Night, isn’t funny, however. It takes a close look at the strategies and coping skills that can help people deal with the uncomfortable emotions that often crop up at night....

Like other sciences, psychology utilizes the scientific method and bases conclusions upon empirical evidence. When conducting an experiment, it is important to follow the seven basic steps of the scientific method: Investigate a commonly held belief. Folk knowledge is a good source of questions that can serve as the basis for psychological research. For example, many people believe that staying up all night to cram for a big exam can actually hurt test performance....

But while the mood in the travel industry is optimistic, not everyone is eager to take a trip. Travel anxiety is making many people hesitant to book that first flight, despite pressure from family and friends to get together in far-flung destinations. Therapists say it’s understandable to feel some apprehension about jumping on a plane after a year stuck at home, filled with uncertainty. Fortunately, there are ways to address anxiety and feel better about jet-setting—when you’re ready....

Summertime is often a lazy, relaxed time. But for a child with ADHD, a daily routine continues to be very important. During the school year, you are more likely to make your child adhere to regular bed, wake-up and meal times. This is important during the summer, as well. A schedule doesn’t have to be rigid, but days run much more smoothly when there are expectations and predictability for your child....

This article discusses the importance of sleep, how much sleep you need, and some healthy sleep hygiene habits that may help you sleep better. The Importance of Sleep We sleep for approximately one-third of our lives. The brain is in fact quite active during sleep, while the body rests and recharges its energy levels. These are some of the reasons why getting a good night’s sleep is important: Growth and repair Immunity and disease prevention Learning, memory, attention, and emotional regulation Physical and mental well-being...

Friday Fix: Episode 71 Whether you spent the pandemic in an apartment by yourself or you spent the last year in a home filled with kids who were attempting to learn remotely, almost everyone felt like they were in some sort of strange sci-fi movie at times. The circumstances were weird—even for those who enjoyed staying home. And everyday life was stressful and scary for many people. Whether you got sick or you didn’t get to see your extended family for months on end, your experience may have taken a serious toll on your well-being....

At the same time, most people aren’t sure how to break up with a friend. Unlike romantic relationships, in which there are clear precedents about how to break up with someone and clear labels to refer to whether you are in or out of a relationship, the same is not true for friendships. This can leave you in a strange sort of limbo where you no longer want to be friends with someone but don’t know how to end a friendship....

If your fatigue is new, accompanied by other symptoms, or so severe you can’t function normally, start with a visit to your doctor. You don’t need to accept exhaustion as normal, especially if you have a clean bill of health. You can make changes that will increase your energy level and help you to stop feeling tired all of the time. Some things you can try include: Prioritizing sleepConsuming more proteinLimiting caffeine and alcoholGetting more exerciseDrinking more waterEnjoying fun activitiesManaging negative emotionsSpending time outdoorsListening to upbeat music...

Among the many filters available, the Birthday filter has become a favorite among users, especially around their birthdays. This filter allows you to add your information and make your birthday even more special by sharing it with your friends and followers. You will learn how to activate the Birthday filter on Snapchat, as well as some helpful hints and suggestions for making the most of this entertaining function. Steps to Get the Birthday Filter on Snapchat First, you need to have the latest version оf the app and all the latest filters, including the Birthday filter....

Types of Psychosomatic Illness Psychosomatic illness can impact the body in a number of different ways. Some common examples of symptoms and problems that a person might experience that stem from psychological causes include: Back pain Body aches Cognitive problems Erectile dysfunction Fatigue Hair loss Headaches and migraines High blood pressure Insomnia Pain Stomach upset Stomach ulcers Skin rash Weight changes It is important to note that this does not mean that these conditions are always caused by psychosomatic illness....

How to Help Educating yourself as much as you can about what PTSD is and what your loved one is going through, including the symptoms they could experience, is often a good place to start. Keep in mind, however, that a symptom of PTSD can include feeling detached from loved ones, which can make supporting someone with PTSD more challenging. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), some other symptoms of PTSD include:...

While live streaming can be a great way to connect with your audience, it also opens up the possibility for unwanted comments or distractions in the chat. We’ll discuss how to hide chat on instagram live, so you can focus on providing your viewers a seamless and enjoyable live-streaming experience. If you’re a brand, influencer, or just someone who wants to share their life with friends and family, this will help you take control of your live stream and make it as engaging and enjoyable as possible....

As many have just begun to understand how systemic oppression harms folx or the impact of climate change, you may be feeling more overwhelmed than usual. Thankfully, developing a gratitude practice may help to ground you following stressful events and throughout the rest of the year. Gratitude and Health A 2019 review of research studies found that gratitude was linked, beneficially, to social well-being, emotional health, and psychological functioning, and included gratitude journaling, i....

Meet Mallory Ervin Mallory Ervin held the title of Miss Kentucky in 2009. In 2010, she was fourth runner-up to Miss America. She also competed on the reality show, “The Amazing Race,” three separate times. Despite all the success she had on the outside, she didn’t feel worthy on the inside. Why Mallory Ervin Is Mentally Strong Mallory shares how her prescriptions became a way to numb her emotions. She is open about the fact that she didn’t think she needed rehab either....

Giving your time and energy to others can be just as nourishing to your soul as taking care of yourself. When people are going through challenging times or struggling with mental health issues like depression, it’s much more difficult for them to practice self-care. When to Be There for Your Loved Ones Often when someone is down, they just don’t have the energy to do things for themselves. Even tasks as simple as picking up prescriptions, cleaning up around the house, or making a meal can feel both overwhelming and exhausting....

It’s up to you to decide what’s best for you. This article contains some things that may help you make the decision about what you might disclose and to who you want to disclose it. Who Should You Tell If You Were Sexually Assaulted? Before disclosing a sexual assault to someone, it is important to consider if you can trust the person. Here are some ways you can tell:...

Visualization is a popular relaxation technique that involves using your imagination to experience a desired feeling such as peacefulness, confidence, or motivation. Visualization can also help reduce feelings of nervousness. By enhancing your relaxation skills with visualization, you can lower your flight-or-fight response that is often triggered during times of increased anxiety. What Is Visualization? Visualization is a powerful technique that can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. The technique involves using mental imagery to achieve a more relaxed state of mind....

Your mood and energy levels consistently change due to hormonal shifts during your cycle. This is why you may find you’re more productive during certain weeks than others. Let’s explore the sequence of events your body goes through each month and learn more about identifying these changes so you can maximize your mood and productivity during different points in your cycle. What Is Menstruation? Menstruation occurs when the body is not pregnant and not preparing for a potential pregnancy....