Self Awareness Articles 2015





7 Habits of Super-Productive People   Huffington Post - December 21, 2015

They schedule everything (even family time).
They don't believe in messiness.
They follow through.
They don't check email as often as you do.
They don't forget about themselves.
They like to sweeten the pot.
They make technology work for them.




8 Ways Confident People Live Differently   Huffington Post - December 7, 2015

1. They're more productive.
2. Their body language helps boost their confidence.
3. They aren't self-assured all the time.
4. They actively pursue success.
5. They channel their inner celebrity.
6. They stick to their convictions.
7. They don't fear failure.
8. They're not afraid of being confident.




7 Thoughts to Defeat Pressure   Huffington Post - December 7, 2015

Think: "It's a sweet opportunity."
Think: "I'll get another chance."
Think: "I've done it before."
Think: "It's no big deal."
Think: "I'll do my best."
Think: "I can control how I respond."
Think: "What if this happens..."
Think: "I've done it before."




What Psychologists Want You To Know About The Holiday Blues   Huffington Post - December 1, 2015

Holiday Blues and SAD: Two Different Conditions
Check Your Expectations to Improve Your Mood
How You Appraise the Situation Can Make a Big Difference
If You Limit Your Time on Social Media, You May Feel Better
Resist the Urge to Write a Holiday Script
You Are Allowed to Say 'No, Thanks'




5 Ways to Create Happier, More Meaningful Days   Huffington Post - November 27, 2015

1. Focus on less and do more.
2. Choose your food wisely.
3. Move more.
4. Sleep.
5. Cultivate relationships.




The search for happiness: Using MRI to find where happiness happens   Science Daily - November 20, 2015
Researchers have mapped out using MRI where happiness emerges in the brain. The study paves the way for measuring happiness objectively - and also provides insights on a neurologically based way of being happy. Exercising, meditating, scouring self-help books... we go out of our way to be happy, but do we really know what happiness is?




Things I'm Tired of Hearing When People Find Out I Don't Drink   Huffington Post - November 16, 2015

I can't drink. It's not by choice. It's medical. Really. Whenever I've touched the stuff, I break out in hives and my throat starts to close up, which, as it turns out, makes breathing challenging. It's happened after a few sips of wine; another time with champagne; and recently when I had a dessert covered in (uncooked) rum sauce. Every time: hives. Breathing problems.




Is It a Cold or Allergies? 6 Telltale Signs   Huffington Post - November 11, 2015
1. Do you have a runny nose?
2. Do you have itchy eyes?
3. Do you have aches and pains?
4. How quickly did it hit you?
5. How long have you been feeling bad?
6. What time of year is it?




8 Reasons an Introvert Could Win 'The Most Social Guy' Award   Huffington Post - November 3, 2015

1. I do very well on stage.
2. I didn't find it difficult talking with ladies.
3. I used to get shy from time to time, but I never allowed it show.
4. I knew how to listen to people.
5. I don't find it difficult approaching people.
6. Though I enjoy my own company, I get lonely at times and seek human contact.
7. I smile a lot.
8. I try keeping in touch.




Hair Shedding in Autumn




10 Thoughts Introverts Have About Parties   Huffington Post - October 28, 2015

1. "I need an in-depth explanation of the plan."
2. "How far is it from now?"
3. "Will someone I know be attending?"
4. "Will there be a dog?"
5. "Just smile and nod."
6. "I'm being really quiet."
7. "I need some alone time."
8. "When can I leave?"
9. "I need an exit strategy."
10. "Ahhh, finally free."




8 Things Positive People Do   Huffington Post - October 23, 2015

They find something every day to look forward to
They celebrate the small stuff
They're kind
They stay busy
They accept responsibility for their actions
They forgive themselves
They know when to move on, and not dwell on defeat
They resist comparisons




Up to 27 seconds of inattention after talking to your car or smartphone   PhysOrg - October 22, 2015

If you think it is okay to talk to your car infotainment system or smartphone while driving or even when stopped at a red light, think again. It takes up to 27 seconds to regain full attention after issuing voice commands. One of the studies showed that it is highly distracting to use hands-free voice commands to dial phone numbers, call contacts, change music and send texts with Microsoft Cortana, Apple Siri and Google Now smartphone personal assistants, though Google Now was a bit less distracting than the others.




The power of thank you: Gratitude linked to positive marital outcomes   Science Daily - October 22, 2015
A key ingredient to improving couples' marriages might just be gratitude. Researchers say they found that feeling appreciated and believing that your spouse values you directly influences how you feel about your marriage, how committed you are to it, and your belief that it will last. Feeling appreciated and believing that your spouse values you directly influences how you feel about your marriage, how committed you are to it, and your belief that it will last.




9 Signs It's Time to Remove Toxic People From Your Life   Huffington Post - October 18, 2015

1. You Talk About Them a Lot
2. You Lose Your Temper
3. Your Self-Esteem Dwindles
4. You Blame Them for Your Behavior
5. You Dread Spending Time With Them
6. You Stoop to Their Level
7. You Don't Set Healthy Boundaries
8. You Resort to Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms




4 Things to Think About Before Offering Advice to Someone in Pain   Huffington Post - October 18, 2015

1. Giving unsolicited advice to someone in pain is tantamount to saying, "I know better than you how to care for your body."
2. Chronic pain sufferers need space to say "I'm in pain," without being inundated with a list of things they should do to stop that pain.
3. If they are looking for strategy, ask them what they've tried already before offering your advice.
4. Remember, no one owes it to you to be "healthy."




4 Common Myths About Going to Therapy Debunked   Huffington Post - October 18, 2015

1. In order to seek therapy you must have "serious issues."
2. Going to therapy means spending a lot of time talking about childhood.
3. Seeing a therapist is like having a paid friend.
4. Therapy will go on forever.




  Here's The Real Truth About Mental Health   Huffington Post - October 18, 2015

It's time to shatter the stereotypes.




6 Signs You Were Raised By A Narcissist   Huffington Post - October 13, 2015

Once you figure this out, a whole lot of other things will start to make sense.
1. You're a complete doormat.
2. You're afraid you might be a narcissist yourself.
3. You feel relentlessly competitive with, or resentful of, your sibling.
4. At times, you've felt you were more your parent's partner than their child.
5. You derive self-worth solely from your achievements.
6. You have no sense of yourself, your wants, your needs or your goals.




How to Stay Well-Rested When Traveling   Huffington Post - October 7, 2015

1. Plan a Sleep Schedule
2. Mimic Your Home Environment
3. Prepare for Distractions 4. Plan for Jet Lag
5. Trick Your "Food Clock"
6. Manipulate Light
7. Take Sleep Boosting Supplements
8. Don't Go Overboard With Diet
9. Follow Normal Healthy Sleep Practices




Can You Ever Really Change Your Personality?   Huffington Post - October 1, 2015

Our personalities can and do change over time -- something that was considered improbable until now -- and that these personality changes are strongly related to changes in our wellbeing. Our research suggests that by focusing on who we are and how we relate to the world around us has the potential to unlock vast improvements in our wellbeing. Even seemingly fixed traits like social anxiety are found to change when the person attempts to serve another person in some way.




11 Reasons To Be Proud You're An Extrovert   Huffington Post - September 30, 2015

Extroverts don't always have the best reputation. Often seen as the "domineering" personality type, they may come across more abrasive than their quieter counterparts. But just as introverts feel misunderstood, extroverts can just as equally be subject to incorrect stereotypes.
1. You're an enthusiast.
2. You're friendly.
3. You're highly conscientious.
4. You're likely successful at work.
5. You're rarely bored.
6. Your behavior makes you happier.
7. You share your feelings. Extroverts are known for speaking their minds.
8. You're the "friend matchmaker."
9. You have a genuine curiosity about the world and other people.
10. You can navigate any tough social situation.
11. And anyway, you can't help but be an extrovert.




10 Reasons To Be Glad You're 'Type A'   Huffington Post - September 18, 2015
1. You're reliable.
2. You're organized.
3. You're goal-oriented.
4. Your competitive nature serves as motivation.
5. You're emotional.
6. You efficiently complete tasks.
7. You're highly conscientious.
8. You're likely successful at work.
9. You appreciate rare moments of calm.
10. You can't help being Type A.




5 Ways to Make Your Life More Positive   Huffington Post - September 14, 2015

1. Don't avoid or ignore negativity.
2. Take care of yourself and your needs.
3. Mend what's broken or get rid of it.
4. Don't hesitate. Just give back.
5. Things that make us smile, laugh and feel good are just awesome.




What Every People Pleaser Needs to Realize About Themselves   Huffington Post - September 14, 2015
Take a moment right now and focus on your body. How do you feel? Is there any tension or pain? What emotions are associated with that? Then in the next few days, focus on how you feel when other people are around. Take moments to ask yourself: How am I feeling in this moment? What do I need?

1. Be aware. 2. Focus on the "here." 3. Focus on your body.




10 Things Emotionally-Intelligent People Do Not Do   Huffington Post - September 10, 2015

Emotional intelligence is probably the most powerful yet undervalued trait in our society. We believe in rooting our everyday functions in logic and reason, yet we come to the same conclusions after long periods of contemplation as we do in the blink of an eye. Our leaders sorely overlook the human element of our socio-political issues and I need not cite the divorce rate for you to believe that we're not choosing the right partners (nor do we have the capacity to sustain intimate relationships for long periods of time).
1. They don't assume that the way they think and feel about a situation is the way it is in reality, nor how it will turn out in the end.
2. Their emotional base points are not external.
3. They don't assume to know what it is that will make them truly happy.
4. They don't think that being fearful is a sign they are on the wrong path.
5. They know that happiness is a choice, but they don't feel the need to make it all the time.
6. They don't allow their thoughts to be chosen for them.
7. They recognize that infallible composure is not emotional intelligence.
8. They know that a feeling will not kill them.
9. They don't just become close friends with anyone.
10. They don't confuse a bad feeling for a bad life.




10 Reasons To Be Glad You're A Highly Sensitive Person   Huffington Post - August 28, 2015

The personality trait of being a highly sensitive person, which affects both men and women, can play a large role in daily interactions -- and that's actually really good news. If you're feeling a little low about your emotional nature, here are a few reasons to instead celebrate your sensitivity.
1. You're empathetic.
2. You generally aren't involved in conflict.
3. You're perceptive.
4. The trait helps you at work.
5. You pursue projects that have meaning.
6. You think and feel more deeply.
7. You're detail-oriented.
8. You're emotional in your relationships.
9. You have good manners.
10. You're wired to be this way.




5 Ways the Fear of Rejection Holds You Back   Huffington Post - August 17, 2015

1. You Avoid New Opportunities
2. You Try to Please Everyone
3. You Maintain a Disingenuous Public Performance
4. You Don't Speak Up
5. You Behave Passive-Aggressively




7 Ways Relationships Make You Happier (According To Science)   Huffington Post - August 14, 2015

Playing cupid makes us happier.
Interpersonal relationships lead to greater life satisfaction...
...But that doesn't necessarily mean we have to have a wedding.
Romantic relationships have a greater influence on life satisfaction than work.
Seniors in sexually active marriages self-report feeling personally happier.
Our personal longevity is better if we have strong social relationships.
Most of all, love is the key to a happy life.




'Sleeping On It' Really Does Help You Solve Your Problems   Huffington Post - August 6, 2015

If you're struggling to solve a particularly difficult problem in your waking hours, it might be time to take a break and snooze instead. A recent study found that sleep could help facilitate difficult problem-solving by helping the brain transfer information from the hippocampus, a region where recent experiences are stored, t0 the neocortex, where long-term memories are kept. On the flip side, it also established that sleep makes little difference when it comes to addressing easier problems.




7 Essentials You Can Only Get From Yourself   Huffington Post - August 6, 2015

1. Self-Approval
2. Self-Respect
3. Self-Worth
4. Self-Acceptance
5. Self-Aware
6. Self-Competent
7. Self-Love




7 Ways People With Phenomenal Mental Toughness Combat Stress   Huffington Post - August 1, 2015

1. They accept that stress is part of life.
2. They keep problems in proper perspective.
3. They take care of their physical health.
4. They choose healthy coping skills.
5. They balance social activity with solitude.
6. They acknowledge their choices.
7. They look for the silver lining.




12 Things to Stop Blaming Yourself For   Huffington Post - July 11, 2015

1. Your emotions.
2. The way you handle those emotions.
3. Another person's rejection.
4. Little failures.
5. Someone else's circumstances.
6. Your needs.
7. Your guilty pleasures.
8. Being terrible at something.
9. Putting yourself before anyone else.
10. Trusting someone you shouldn't have.
11. A terminated relationship.
12. Anything that happened in the past.




Choosing the right mattress, no matter what your physical issues may or may not be, is very important especially for someone like me who sleeps 9 hours every night. I recently bought a new mattress and tried each one in the story until I made my decision. There are so many choices these days. I knew the right mattress going in, but it was fun to explore.

7 Mattress Myths You Should Stop Believing Right Now   Huffington Post - July 1, 2015

Myth #1: You must, must, MUST get a pillow-top mattress because they make the most comfy beds EVER.
Myth #2: No biggie -- one size fits all.
Myth #3: You're most definitely going to get the total value (and then some) of that lifetime warranty.
Myth #4: There's no such thing as a proper bed setup without a box spring
Myth #5: Giving your mattress a test lie-down on the showroom floor is enough.
Myth #6: There's a reason these people are selling mattresses: They're Sleep Geniuses
Myth #7: If you have a bad back, you'll regret not buying a hard, firm mattress.




How I Learned to Spend Time Alone   Huffington Post - July 1, 2015

1. I just did it. And let go of trying to look "cool."
2. Make a list of your favorite things. And don't wait for anyone.
3. Schedule It. And don't cancel on yourself.




Some people are quick at decision making - while others get stuck in emotional processing.

10 Things Over-Thinkers Are Tired Of Over-Thinking   Huffington Post - June 26, 2015

1. That text message from our significant other.
2. That comment from our boss.
3. The first impression we just gave off.
4. Our weekend plans.
5. That fight we just had with our friend.
6. Our painful breakup.
7. What it means if our leg hurts or if we have a cold for more than a day.
8. The tweet we just sent out.
9. The worst case scenario.
10. The fact that we can't stop overthinking.




It's always good to understand what motivates you.

5 Reasons Successful People Seek Therapy   Huffington Post - June 11, 2015

1. Imposter Syndrome
2. The Hidden Reason Behind Their Drive
3. Fear of Losing Everything
4. It's Lonely At the Top
5. Guilt that Stems from Success




How Highly Sensitive People Interact With The World Differently   Huffington Post - June 10, 2015

They're easily overstimulated by their surroundings.
They pick up on the subtleties in a room.
They're more emotional in their relationships.
Sometimes they prefer to fly solo.
They might be more sensitive to caffeine or alcohol.
They get anxious around conflict.




Scientists Define the 6 Criteria of Well-Being   Huffington Post - June 9, 2015

1. Self-Acceptance
2. Personal Growth
3. Purpose in Life
4. Positive Relations With Others
5. Environmental Mastery
6. Autonomy




Humblebrags Aren't Making People Happy for You   Epoch Times - May 26, 2015

The 'humblebrag' and other forms of self-promotion often backfire, a new study finds. The researchers wanted to find out why so many people frequently get the trade-off between self-promotion and modesty wrong. They found that self-promoters overestimate how much their self-promotion elicits positive emotions and underestimate how much it elicits negative emotions. As a consequence, when people try to increase the favorability of the opinion others have of them, they excessively self-promote, which has the opposite of the intended effect. Most people probably realize that they experience emotions other than pure joy when they are on the receiving end of someone else's self-promotion. Yet, when we engage in self-promotion ourselves, we tend to overestimate others' positive reactions and underestimate their negative ones.




10 Rules Fit People Live By   Huffington Post - May 25, 2015

1. Shut out the noise - the constant stream of negative thoughts that runs through most people's minds.
2. Maximize inner motivation
3. Cultivate grit the resolve and passion required on a daily basis to pursue a long-term goal. and make every day count.
4. Set specific intentions
5. Visualize success
6. Eliminate excessive choices
7. Extinguish escape routes
8. Yield to traffic
9. Believe it and become it
10. Jump for joy




We Project Our Goals Onto Other People   Epoch Times - May 19, 2015

The more committed we are to achieving a goal - catching a train, buying a movie ticket, getting groceries - the more likely we are to assume others have exactly the same objective. The study, centers on a well-established psychological phenomenon, 'goal projection,' which is an egocentric way of understanding other people's goals by projecting your goals onto them - or, put another way, assuming that others share the same goal as you.




The more committed we are to achieving a goal - catching a train, buying a movie ticket, getting groceries - the more likely we are to assume others have exactly the same objective. The study, centers on a well-established psychological phenomenon, 'goal projection,' which is an egocentric way of understanding other people's goals by projecting your goals onto them - or, put another way, assuming that others share the same goal as you.




Why Kindness Is Contagious, According To Science   Huffington Post - May 18, 2015

Seeing someone perform an act of kindness can warm your heart. That feeling has a name -- it's called moral elevation, and it's that warm-and-fuzzy-on-the-inside sensation you get when you're in the presence of true human goodness. The feeling helps to explain why kindness is, quite literally, contagious. Studies have found that this natural high makes people want to behave more altruistically towards others. New research published in the journal Biological Psychiatry aimed to find out what moral elevation actually looks like in the brain and body. Researchers measured the brain activity and heart rates of 104 college students while they watched videos depicting either heroic acts of kindness or humorous situations.




8 Ways To Achieve More While Working Less   Huffington Post - May 18, 2015

1. Designate time for "think work."
2. Take "recess" throughout the day.
3. Change things up in the afternoon.
4. Don't forget to take recess!
5. Have a really good game plan.
6. Eat dinner with your clan.
7. Establish a predictable -- and technology-free -- bedtime routine.
8. Get enough sleep.




What The History Of Happiness Can Teach Us About Ourselves   Huffington Post - May 10, 2015

Results reveal that people aren't defining happiness in the same way they used to. Both surveys offered 10 potential happiness ingredients and asked participants to rank them from most important to least important. Almost eight decades later, security remained in the top three, but good humor and leisure took first and second place while religion fell all the way to the bottom of the list.




5 Unexpected Signs That You're Depressed   Huffington Post - May 8, 2015

You're super-fidgety.
You're inexplicably achy.
You're suddenly a slowpoke.
You're ticked off.
Your cravings are out of control.




6 Reasons Why the Love Hormone Is Good for You   Huffington Post - May 6, 2015

1. It can make people seem more attractive
2. It can make us more generous
3. It can make us more trusting
4. It can improve digestion
5. It can speed up wound healing
6. It can be good for the heart




Just A Reminder That There's Nothing Wrong With Going To Therapy   Huffington Post - May 1, 2015




Everything You Wanted To Know About Stress, In One Place   Huffington Post - April 17, 2015

There are so many questions when it comes to experiencing and managing stress, it's hard to keep track of what works and what doesn't. That's why we've compiled our best anxiety tricks, calming habits and need-to-know info on how to unwind all in one place (because honestly, life's better when you're in a serene state-of-mind).




It's Time To Stop Using These Phrases When It Comes To Mental Illness   Huffington Post - April 17, 2015

Research by the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy shows the loaded words used to describe drug addiction, such as "clean" vs. "dirty," can actually drive people away from getting help. Mental illness cuts across a wide swath of society. One in five Americans will experience a mental health issue in their lives, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and many say they feel stigmatized for their illness by friends, family, strangers and the media.




  7 Easy Pilates Moves For A Simple Core Workout   Huffington Post - April 17, 2015

Can't remember the last time you tried to tone your core? Though it might sound intimidating, a Pilates workout could be one way to start developing a stronger center. One of the best things about Pilates is it is truly for anyone of any level. Classical Pilates consists of over 600 exercises, all of which have modifications and variations.




  10-Minute Workouts You Can Sneak Into Your Day   Huffington Post - April 17, 2015

1. Dance Like No One's Watching
2. Cardio-Kitchen Workout
3. Take The Stairs Two At A Time
4. Turn Your Pet Into Your Trainer




Self-Affirmations Can Boost Performance, Study Shows   Huffington Post - April 17, 2015
Self-affirmations are often regarded as a new age concept, but science is here to offer a pretty valid reason to give them a try: They may help you excel in the office. A new study published in the journal Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people in low positions of power may perform better by using self-affirmations to calm their nerves. Study participants who first called to mind their greatest job strengths or other positive assets went on to operate with more confidence when placed in high-stakes situations.




6 Times You've Probably Meditated Without Realizing It   Huffington Post - April 3, 2015

The truth is, you don't have to be an expert to have meditative moments. The practice is what you make of it, as long as the end goal of relaxation comes into play. Below are a few times you've probably "accidentally" engaged in the calming activity just by going about your everyday routine. Congratulations, you're a meditator!
1. The groggy first few moments after your alarm goes off.
2. Your draining subway (train, bus) commute.
3. A mid-work stroll.
4. Cooking up a delicious dinner.
5. Your evening run.
6. A relaxing bath or shower.




7 Questions You Should Ask Yourself At The End Of Each Day   Huffington Post - March 30, 2015

Each day we have tons of inquiries -- for our co-workers, our friends, our families. But do we ever ask ourselves any questions? If we don't, we may be framing our own mindsets through someone else's lens. Below are seven questions that will not only help you take a positive perspective on your day, but set up tomorrow for greater success.
What did I learn today?
How do I feel?
How did I make others feel?
What can I do better tomorrow?
What am I grateful for?
How much stress did I experience?
What made me smile?




5 Surprising Ways To Be More Productive At Work   Huffington Post - March 20, 2015
1. Add Some Life
2. Adjust The Temp
3. Don't Mix Exercise With Work
4. Dim The Lights, But Up The Noise
5. Be Well Rounded




5 Tricks That Will Make Meditation Less Intimidating   Huffington Post - March 20, 2015
Naturally, when we hear the word "meditation," the mind may well cringe at the idea of sitting cross legged on the floor, bells chiming and incense burning. The good news is that none of that is necessary. In fact, meditation is going through somewhat of a rebranding exercise of late, with everyone from athletes, movie stars and business leaders signing up.
1. Make the time.
2. Free your mind.
3. Enjoy the rest.
4. Take your time.
5. Just do it.




How to Quit Being Overwhelmed for Good   Huffington Post - March 20, 2015
1. Shift your language from "busy" to "full."
2. Let go of "should" and do what you want.
3. One window at a time.
4. Ask for help.




7 Snarky Lies Successful People Don't Believe   Huffington Post - March 20, 2015
1. If only my husband/wife/boss/best friend changed, my life would be so much better.
2. If only I had a better job I wouldn't be so miserable.
3. If had more money, I'd be debt free (and happier)
4. I'm too old to go to school, travel, exercise, etc.
5. Someday I'll ...
6. I could never run a marathon, climb a mountain, ride a roller coaster, etc.
7. If only I were married, rich or had six pack abs my life would be perfect.




9 Signs You're In An Introvert-Extrovert Relationship   Huffington Post - March 20, 2015
1. You'd prefer to sit and think after a fight, while your spouse wants to resolve things right away.
2. You rely on your spouse to rescue you from drawn-out conversations at parties.
3. And on occasion, you take separate cars to parties so you can duck out early and your spouse can keep socializing.
4. You view alone time as rejuvenating, but your spouse finds it mind-numbingly boring.
5. You're amazed at how easily your spouse meets new people, while you tend to keep to your smaller circle of close friends.
6. You prefer peace and quiet after a long day of work, while your spouse wants to chat about his or her day.
7. You have different ideas of what the perfect date night looks like.
8. You go out of your way to avoid activities that involve audience participation, while your spouse seeks them out.
9. Conversations between the two of you can be one-sided at times, and that's OK.




8 Myths About Emotions That Are Holding Us Back   Huffington Post - March 20, 2015
1. I should feel differently.
2. I can't control how I feel.
3. Venting will make me feel better.
4. Trying to control my emotions is synonymous with behaving like a robot.
5. Other people have the power to make me feel certain emotions.
6. I can't handle uncomfortable emotions.
7. Negative emotions are bad.
8. Showing emotion is a sign of weakness.





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