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9 Common Relationship Myths Debunked by Science (P)

Forget the old rules—these studies reveal what really matters in relationships.

Many of the ideas people hold about relationships are based more on myth than reality.

From money matters to emotional communication, and from conflict to commitment, science provides a fresh, evidence-based perspective on how relationships truly work.

These 9 studies provide a more accurate understanding of what really helps couples stay happy and connected.

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Persuasion: 10 Techniques Psychologists Recommend To Influence Anyone (P)

Many people overthink persuasion, when it is the most natural approaches that work best.

Whether you're trying to win an argument, convince a colleague, or influence someone's decision, the art of changing minds is an invaluable skill.

Although many people think persuasion is about using the right body language or dominating conversations, psychological research suggests otherwise.

Persuasion should not be about 'mind control' tactics or coercing someone into doing something against their will.

Instead, these studies focus on scientifically validated techniques that respect the natural flow of conversation and communication.

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3 ‘Toxic’ Emotions That Can Skyrocket Your Motivation (P)

Learn how your darkest emotions can actually be your strongest motivators.

Emotions play a crucial role in motivation, often serving as a driving force that propels us toward our goals.

When properly harnessed, emotions can turn vague intentions into concrete actions and sustain our momentum during challenging times.

The benefits of positive emotions, such as enthusiasm, excitement, or love for a particular activity, are well-known.

But not all motivating emotions are positive, and even negative emotions can be powerful motivators when approached mindfully.

The following are extracts from: Spark: 17 Steps That Will Boost Your Motivation For Anything, an online course that is included in the Premium Membership.

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3 Powerful Steps To Finally Accept Yourself (P)

Struggling to be kind to yourself? Learn how to direct compassion inwards with these simple techniques.

Self-acceptance can feel elusive, especially in a world that constantly tells us we’re not good enough.

Learning self-compassion is key to accepting the self, but it can be hard to do if we are used to being harsh and critical with ourselves.

Below are some exercises to stimulate compassion towards yourself.

These compassionate exercises are great if done for a few minutes each day, preferably at the same juncture, so it becomes a habit.

Over a few weeks this can help to build up your ‘compassion muscles’.

The following are extracts from: Accept Yourself, an online course that is included in the Premium Membership.

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Stressed? 24 Simple, Science-Backed Ways To Calm Your Mind Fast (P)

From hugging to hypnosis, these stress relievers are backed by serious research—find out which one works best for you.

Stress is an unavoidable part of life -- indeed it is good for mental health — up to a point.

While too much stress can easily put us over the edge, managing it does not have to be complicated.

Psychology studies have uncovered a range of surprisingly simple and effective ways to reduce stress, many of which you can easily incorporate into your daily routine.

This article gathers together 24 powerful strategies to help you beat stress, all backed by science, as ever.

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The Hidden Cost Of Childhood Maltreatment: 12 Lifelong Effects (P)

Emotional abuse may not leave visible scars, but its damage can last a lifetime—just like physical abuse.

Childhood is meant to be a time of growth, play, and learning—but for many, it is marked by maltreatment -- whether physical or emotional -- that leaves deep psychological scars.

The impact of childhood maltreatment doesn't fade with time; it often intensifies, silently shaping the way we think, feel, and behave for the rest of our lives.

This article explores 12 studies that reveal just how profoundly childhood maltreatment affects later life.

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11 Alarming Ways Depression Reshapes The Brain (P)

One study reveals that depression doubles the size of an important brain network—find out why that’s not a good thing.

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The effect of depression goes deep —right into the physical structure of the brain.

Research has uncovered a wide array of startling ways depression can fundamentally reshape the brain’s wiring, chemistry and even its aging process.

From shrinking gray matter to disrupting critical networks that govern everything from decision-making to the sense of smell, the impact is profound.

This article explores 11 cutting-edge studies that reveal how depression goes beyond just feelings of sadness—it alters the brain in ways scientists are only beginning to fully understand.

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8 Shocking Ways Loneliness Rewires Your Brain (P)

From daydreaming to brain damage: loneliness impacts your brain in more ways than you think.

Loneliness is more than just an emotional state—it can have profound effects on the brain.

Psychological studies reveal that prolonged isolation does more than make you feel disconnected; it actively reshapes the way your brain functions.

This article reveals how loneliness rewires your brain in ways you never imagined.

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5 Mental Techniques Proven To Calm Anxious Thoughts (P)

Are your thoughts distorting reality? Learn the techniques that can calm anxious thoughts and ease emotional distress.

Anxiety can feel overwhelming, often triggered by an avalanche of thoughts that spiral out of control.

Over the years of treating people with anxiety, psychologists have discovered that there are certain patterns of thoughts that are central to anxiety.

Spotting, understanding and then challenging these thoughts is one very useful strategy for dealing with persistent anxiety.

These techniques are grounded in cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) principles and backed by research, offering practical ways to break free from negative thought patterns.

The following are extracts from: The Anxiety Plan: 42 Strategies For Worry, Phobias, OCD and Panic, an online course that is included in the Premium Membership.

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The Midlife Crisis: Myth or Reality? Discover The Surprising Facts (P)

Dr Elliott Jaques, a Canadian psychoanalyst, came up with the term ‘midlife crisis’ in 1965 — but is there any evidence it really exists?

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The midlife crisis -- a time of disappointment, doubt and insecurity that is often related to career, money and/or relationships experienced in the 40s and 50s-- is often labelled a myth.

Impulsive career changes, big ticket purchases along with abandoning long-established relationships are all stereotypical midlife behaviours.

But beyond the clichés, is there any psychological evidence for the midlife crisis?

Do the 40s and 50s really hold any special horror and, if so, what causes it?

After all, many who purportedly suffer a midlife crises are living in some of the safest countries in the world, are earning the most money they ever have and have experienced little or no ill health.

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