Beyond Homo Sapiens: Rethinking who we are in a post AI world

The rapid rise of Artificial Intelligence has forced me to rethink who we are. At some point, in terms of analytical intelligence, AI may overtake humans. So what makes us special? Are we Homo Sapiens? Is “knowing” the most central thing about us? Or is it feeling? Or something else? This question, about our identity,…

Benefits of the Probiotic Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG

The health benefits that probiotics bring to the table are beyond question. And today, it’s time to dive deep into one of the most extensively studied probiotics, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. What is Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG? Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG is one of the most widely used strains of probiotics. This is due to the vast body…

Remarkable News from Scotland: Strathclyde University

Happiness Is Hear to Listen Marie Cooke, PhD; Steve Kelly, PhD; Mark Setton, DPhil., Anthony Arciero, PhD; Paul Desan, MD, PhD.   LAUNCH OF THE LISTENERS Multiple surveys conducted in 2021-2, in both the UK and the US, have revealed that a staggering 50% of secondary school and college students are experiencing disabling depression or anxiety….

Spreading Happiness and Baconnaise Part 2

During a past Daily Show episode, Jon Stewart responded to President Obama’s statement that “this is America: we don’t do what’s easy, we do what’s necessary” by holding up a jar of Baconnaise (bacon spread for sandwiches). Stewart sarcastically retorted that Americans love doing what’s easy – so much that products like Baconnaise exist for…

Blog Post: Want to Flow? Stop binge-watching Game of Thrones

I LOVE Netflix. I LOVE HBO. House of Cards, Luke Cage, Game of Thrones and Insecure are all brilliant television. So brilliant that its addictive. I can and have finished entire seasons of Daredevil over the course of a weekend. In fact, when I’m asked what I do for fun, I have on more than…

Podcast: A conversation with Debra Park on teaching, learning, and well-being
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Podcast: A conversation with Debra Park on teaching, learning, and well-being

We have to help our students learn how to develop healthy habits which will improve not only their academics but of course their mental health in general… If we’re going to teach our students then I believe as teachers we need to develop our own personal well-being habits. After retiring from teaching high school psychology…

The Overlooked But Powerful Depression Treatment

The Overlooked But Powerful Depression Treatment

Did you know the American Psychological Association and the American Psychiatric Association recommend exercise to treat depression? The American Psychological Association website reveals: “Exercise…is good for your head. A 1990 meta-analysis of 80 studies… reached the following conclusions: Exercise was a beneficial antidepressant both immediately and over the long term. Exercise was an equally effective antidepressant for both genders. Exercise…

How To Enjoy Studying: Flow

How To Enjoy Studying: Flow

FLOW is a state of total absorption in an activity where the individual is so focused that nothing else seems to matter.  Time flies by and the activity becomes a joyful, even ecstatic, experience.  Flow occurs most commonly when people are pursuing their passions, such as dance, music, arts and competition sports.  However, students sometimes report…

Want to Feel Better? Start With Your Gut

Want to Feel Better? Start With Your Gut

As of recent, the psychological implications of gut health, and the role of the microbiome in emotional well being has received more media attention. As we learn more about the way a healthy gut environment influences mood, immunity, and inflammatory responses, we can expect advances in the way a host of ailments — including depression…

Happiness and Our Gut Bacteria – new studies and what we can do

Happiness and Our Gut Bacteria – new studies and what we can do

  COULD our gut bacteria truly influence our state of happiness? It appears so. Researchers worldwide are now investigating the remarkably real relationship between the bacteria in our gut and how we think and feel. Gut bacterial make-up has been linked to depression, and probiotics, which change the population of gut bacteria, have been shown to alleviate depression…