Can You Be “Addicted” to Social Media? What Psychologists Say

A social media addicted man standing on a boulder in nature.

Can you be addicted to social media? What’s the difference between an addiction and a compulsion? Start scrolling through Facebook or TikTok and if you’re not careful, an hour can pass in the blink of an eye. Social media feels addictive. But “addiction” might not be an accurate way to describe its effects on our brains and attention. Continue reading to learn what makes social media use problematic, whether or not it’s actually addictive, and how you can take control of your attention.

How to Avoid Toxic Coworkers (or Minimize Interactions)

A male and female coworker failing to avoid toxic coworkers as they

Are there people who are making your work life miserable? Have you considered changing jobs just to get away from them? Your work time constitutes a big chunk of your life. The people you work with can make this time pleasant and productive or difficult and distracting. In The Asshole Survival Guide, Robert I. Sutton offers practical advice on how to avoid toxic coworkers or reduce your interactions with them. Read more for strategies that can vastly improve your work life.

Self-Care for Grief: How to Navigate Mourning (Dr. Julie Smith)

A sad woman looking down slightly who needs self care for grief.

When you suffer a loss, should you dive head-first into mourning or stoically carry on? At what point is professional help advised? In this world, grief isn’t an option. But, healthy mourning is. While you can’t avoid the pain that comes with loss, you can choose to take constructive steps to process the pain in a way that honors your loss and helps you go on with life in a healthy way. Read more for Dr. Julie Smith’s practical insights into self-care for grief.

The Molecule of More: Book Overview and Key Points

A man reading a book in an open office.

What is The Molecule of More book about? How does it explain what dopamine is and how it works? The Molecule of More by Daniel Z. Lieberman and Michael E. Long explains that dopamine motivates us to do things that we think will make us happy. Understanding how this works practically shows you the role dopamine plays in determining behavior, politics, and relationships. Continue reading for key points from The Molecule of More book.

How to Deal With Difficult Emotions: Self-Care Tips From Julie Smith

A sdepressed woman looking down at the sea as she deals with difficult emotions.

Do you experience anxiety or low moods? Are you dealing with the pain of a loss? Emotions are great when they’re joy, contentment, or excitement. But, difficult emotions are a lot less fun. In Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?, Dr. Julie Smith discusses how to understand and relate to your emotions and reduce the power they have over you—without reliance on medication or therapy. Keep reading to learn how to deal with difficult emotions such as low mood, anxiety, and grief.

How to Deal With Toxic People at Work: 4 Practical Approaches

A man knowing how to deal with a toxic person at work by putting his hand up to him.

Are toxic people making your workplace intolerable? Are you afraid that confronting them will make things worse? Just as there’s no one definition of what makes someone toxic, there’s no one way to deal with a toxic person. You must judge for yourself what strategies will be best depending on the situation and the people involved. Keep reading for some practical advice on how to deal with toxic people at work from organizational psychologist Robert I. Sutton.

The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron: Book Overview & Takeaways

A young woman reading a book outside in town.

How comfortable are you with writing imperfectly—even journaling a “brain dump”? How in touch are you with your inner artist? Many people feel it’s impossible to reach their creative potential—often because they struggle to find inspiration or experience creative blocks. Luckily, The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron says that overcoming these obstacles and maximizing your creative potential is possible, and anyone can do it. Continue reading for an overview of The Artist’s Way: A Spiritual Path to Higher Creativity.