Useful Readings

Study Supports Gender Differences in Personality

Twenty years ago American author and counselor John Gray wrote the best-selling Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus. Gray’s simplified thesis suggested common relationship problems between men and women are a result of fundamental differences between the genders.

Despite the book’s popular success, the issue of gender differences remains widely debated.

A new study by Italian researchers sought to provide a detailed review of real differences, and, if differences actually persist, then the extent to which the difference influence relationships: more . . .

Subtle Signs Warn of Panic Attacks in Advance

New research discovers that panic attacks do not strike without warning – a finding contrary to common beliefs – but start subtly as much as an hour beforehand or more.

Southern Methodist University researchers monitored participants wearing portable recorders for 24-hour periods. Investigators discovered changes in respiration, heart rate and other bodily functions that occurred for at least 60 minutes before patients’ awareness of the panic attacks, said psychologist Dr. Alicia E. Meuret: more. . .

Scientists discover a brain cell malfunction in schizophrenia

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have discovered that DNA stays too tightly wound in certain brain cells of schizophrenic subjects. The findings suggest that drugs already in development for other diseases might eventually offer hope as a treatment for schizophrenia and related conditions in the elderly.

The research, now available online in the new Nature journal, Translational Psychiatry, shows the deficit is especially pronounced in younger people, meaning treatment might be most effective early on at minimizing or even reversing symptoms of schizophrenia, a potentially devastating mental disorder associated with hallucinations, delusions, and emotional difficulties, among other problems: more . . .

Four Action Steps for Eating More Mindfully in 2012

Here we go again. It's the new year! Perhaps you've already started pondering your New Year's diet resolution. If this sounds like you, consider trying out a new strategy this year.

Rather than focusing on what you are going to cut OUT of your diet (sweets and tempting extras), focus on what you are going to ADD in (healthy, organic,nutritious foods). Be more mindful of what you do want to eat instead of what you don't want to consume this year: more . . .

Ten Ways Life Gets Better as We Get Older

One of the great discoveries as we age is how much better life gets, once we have started mastering the skills of living well. Acknowledging these gains and recognizing the specific advantages that accrue gives them even more heft: more . . .

Procrastination technically refers to the avoidance of a specific task which needs to be accomplished. But this technical definition doesn't begin to capture the emotions triggered by the word. For most of us, "procrastination" reminds us of past experiences where we have felt guilty, lazy, inadequate, anxious, or stupid - or some combination of these. It also implies a value judgment: if you procrastinate, you feel you are bad, and as such, you lack worth as a person.

Click here for specific actions you can take right now to reduce your tendency to procrastinate.