What Is Normalcy Bias? Why We Underestimate Danger

A relaxed man who is not frightened by a tiger illustrates what normalcy bias is

What happens in our minds when we face threats? What is normalcy bias, and how might it endanger us? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney explores what normalcy bias is and how this psychological phenomenon affects our response to dangerous situations. This mental quirk leads us to downplay threats and maintain a false sense of security, even when faced with clear warning signs. Keep reading to discover practical ways to overcome this survival-hampering mindset and better protect yourself in threatening situations.

Mindbody Syndrome Treatment: How to Overcome TMS and More

A doctor talking about mind body syndrome treatment to a patient in a hospital bed

What’s the treatment for mindbody syndromes? How is TMS treated with psychological help? Dr. John E. Sarno says that his mindbody syndrome treatment focuses on helping patients become aware of repressed feelings and process them in a healthy way. He then outlines his specific approach to treating TMS as well as other disorders (such as fibromyalgia) that, according to Sarno, may be psychosomatic.  Discover how patients can overcome their mindbody syndromes.

How Self-Justification Harms Your Self-Perception & Growth

A confident and serious young man looking at himself in an oval mirror with a wood frame illustrates self-justification

Why do we create false explanations for our feelings and behaviors? What makes us cling to these made-up reasons even when they don’t serve us well? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney explores the fascinating phenomenon of self-justification and its impact on our daily lives. He reveals how we unconsciously fabricate explanations for everything, from our food preferences to our mood swings. Keep reading to discover why these mental shortcuts might hold you back from authentic self-discovery and personal growth.

How to Develop a Positive Attitude: 4 Tips From Joshua Medcalf

A cartoon of a woman watering sunflowers with smiley faces in a garden illustrates how to develop a positive attitude

Do you manage to stay optimistic when life gets tough? How can you build and maintain a positive outlook that helps you achieve your goals? In Chop Wood Carry Water, Joshua Medcalf asserts that a positive attitude is a fundamental skill that can transform your approach to life’s challenges. From managing negative thoughts to building meaningful relationships, there are practical steps you can take to cultivate optimism. Keep reading for Medcalf’s advice on how to develop a positive attitude.

Believing in Fate: Why We Do It & How to Stay Grounded

A happy bride and groom in the rain illustrates our tendency to believe in fate

Why do we search for meaning in random events? What drives us to interpret coincidences as signs from the universe? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney explores our tendency toward believing in fate and finding patterns where none exist. From rainy wedding days to missed flights, he reveals how our minds transform random occurrences into meaningful moments. Keep reading to discover why believing in fate can both help and harm us, and learn practical ways to balance magical thinking with reality-based decision-making.

Mindbody Syndrome: Symptoms and Causes (Dr. John Sarno)

A woman crying and facing the wall from mind body syndrome symptoms

What are different mindbody syndrome symptoms? Can high blood pressure be caused by a psychological condition? The Divided Mind by John E. Sarno consists of a series of essays by other doctors about their experiences with mindbody disorders. This includes learning about their symptoms, treating them, and in some cases, recovering from such disorders themselves.  Let’s look at real-life stories of mindbody syndrome to get a sense of the different kinds of symptoms patients experience.

When We Don’t Understand: 3 Ways Our Minds Try to Fill the Gaps

A man with a question mark on a yellow card that's covering most his face illustrates when we don’t understand

Why do we create meaning when there isn’t any? What drives us to interpret random events as meaningful coincidences? In You Are Not So Smart, David McRaney reveals how our minds fabricate explanations when we don’t understand something. He explores three common thought errors that lead us to create false meanings: attributing events to fate, making up evidence, and self-justifying our actions and feelings. Keep reading to discover how these mental shortcuts affect your decision-making and learn practical ways to think more rationally.

How Pseudo-Connections Fuel Tech Addiction (Adam Alter)

A person who has a pseudo connection with a YouTuber, watching them on their computer

What’s a pseudo-connection? Why is it a danger to your mental health? As humans, we care about what other people think of us because, evolutionarily speaking, their support improves our chances of survival. Adam Alter suggests that much modern technology, from social media to video games, appeals to this aspect of the human psyche because it champions pseudo-connections. Discover more about pseudo-connections and the harm they’re causing to our lives.

What Does “Mentally Strong” Mean in Terms of Parenting?

A cartoon image of a brain in a gym lifting a weight, signifying being mentally strong

What does mentally strong mean, according to psychotherapist Amy Morin? Can mentally strong people handle everything on their own? In her book 13 Things Mentally Strong Parents Don’t Do, Amy Morin explains how to be a mentally strong parent. By following her advice, you can raise independent and confident children. Here’s what it means to be mentally strong.

Can Stress Cause High Blood Pressure? The Surprising Answer

Red aura coming out a stressed man's head, showing how stress causes high blood pressure

Is stress the leading psychological cause of hypertension? How can resolving emotions help patients with high blood pressure? It’s a common belief that stress causes high blood pressure, but Samuel J. Mann doesn’t think that’s the case. In fact, he says repressed emotions are the culprit at play here. Read below to learn more about what Mann believes is the true psychological cause of high blood pressure.