The Internet and Memory: How the Web Erodes Our Retention

A man trying to remember something with question marks over his head illustrates the link between the internet and memory

Is the internet affecting your ability to remember information? How does online reading impact your memory retention? Nicholas Carr explores the relationship between the internet and memory in his book The Shallows, explaining how the rapid pace of online content consumption can overload our mental processes. He argues that skimming text online reduces our engagement and ability to retain information. Read more to get the details of how the internet impacts our memory.

The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains (Overview)

A woman with brown hair and eyes and a concerned look holding an open book

Is the internet reshaping our brains? How might our digital habits affect our ability to concentrate and retain information? Nicholas Carr’s book The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains explores the impact of Internet use on our cognitive functions. He argues that our online activities are altering our neural pathways, potentially diminishing our capacity for deep reading and sustained focus. Keep reading to explore Carr’s insights and their implications for our daily lives.

How Meditation Changes the Brain: 5 Effects We Know About

A cartoon of a cute and happy brain with closed eyes illustrates how meditation changes the brain

Is meditation really as beneficial as people claim? What specific changes can it make to your brain and overall well-being? Meditation has gained popularity in recent years, with many touting its numerous benefits. In Altered Traits, Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson separate the signal from the noise to clarify what we do and don’t know about how meditation changes the brain—and, therefore, the meditator.  Keep reading to learn about the science-backed effects of meditation.

Traditional & Secular Mindfulness in the Modern West

A middle-aged man with white hair and a beard practicing secular mindfulness meditation on a rock by a river

Is mindfulness meditation just for monks and spiritual seekers? Can everyday people benefit from this ancient practice? In Altered Traits, Daniel Goleman and Richard Davidson explain how mindfulness has evolved from its traditional roots to become a popular tool for self-improvement. Today, people approach meditation through various paths, ranging from deep spiritual practices to casual stress relief techniques. Keep reading to understand traditional and secular mindfulness approaches in the West.

Rest Is Resistance: Book Overview & Takeaways (Tricia Hersey)

A woman wearing glasses and blue jeans reading a book while lying in a hammock in the summertime with trees in the background

Is rest truly a form of resistance? Can taking a break actually lead to social change? Rest Is Resistance, a book by Tricia Hersey (the “Nap Bishop”), challenges our society’s obsession with productivity. The book offers both inspiration and practical advice for reclaiming our lives from exhaustion and burnout. Keep reading for an overview of the book and to discover how rest can be a radical act of self-care and societal transformation.

Principles for Dealing With the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio

A bearded man wearing glasses and a denim jacket reading a book in a cafe by a window with shelves of dishes behind him

How does history unfold in cycles? What can we learn from studying these patterns? Principles for Dealing with the Changing World Order by Ray Dalio explores the cyclical nature of history and its impact on global powers. Dalio examines how empires rise and fall, economies expand and contract, and societies experience periods of harmony and discord. Keep reading for our overview of this book, and discover Dalio’s insights on navigating an uncertain future in a changing world.

Aware: Book Overview & Key Takeaways (Daniel J. Siegel)

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How can you expand your consciousness and improve your overall well-being? What benefits might you experience from strengthening your awareness? Aware, a book by Daniel J. Siegel, introduces a meditation tool called the Wheel of Awareness. This practice aims to enhance your focus, emotional health, and cognitive abilities. It also claims to offer physical benefits such as improved immune function and heart health. Read on for an overview of Siegel’s book.

Brain Energy: Book Overview (Christopher M. Palmer)

A man reading a book at a table in a cafe next to a window and in front of a brick wall

What if the key to understanding and treating mental illness isn’t in the brain itself, but in how the brain gets its energy? Could improving your metabolic health alleviate symptoms of mental illness? Christopher M. Palmer’s book Brain Energy explores the connection between mental health and metabolism. He proposes that mental disorders stem from metabolic issues affecting brain function and offers insights into how lifestyle changes can boost metabolic efficiency and potentially improve mental health. Continue reading for our Brain Energy book overview.

The Benefits of Awareness: Dan Siegel on Living in the Moment

A close-up of a smiling woman looking out the window where the sun is shining illustrates the benefits of awareness

How can living in the present moment enhance your life? What physical benefits might you experience from expanding your awareness? In his book Aware, Dan Siegel discusses the transformative power of awareness in your daily life. From deepening connections to improving mental flexibility, the benefits of awareness extend far beyond the mind. Read on to unlock the secrets of a more conscious and fulfilling life.

The Live-to-Work Mentality: 3 Myths of Grind Culture

Coworkers with a live-to-work mentality working at computers in an open workspace in the evening

Is your work-life balance out of whack? Have you forgotten how to truly rest and enjoy leisure time? The live-to-work mentality has become deeply ingrained in our society, warping our relationship with rest and leisure. Many people find themselves unable to stop working, either because they’ve forgotten how to relax or believe they don’t deserve a break. Keep reading to explore three myths behind this toxic belief system that Tricia Hersey identifies in her book Rest Is Resistance.