Latest news with #PsychologyToday
Daily Mail
20 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Revealed: The 2 compliments you should NEVER say to your partner
Whether it's 'you look beautiful' or 'you're such a great cook', it's usually nice to receive a compliment from your partner. However, if you want a happy relationship, there are two phrases you should steer clear of. At a surface level, these phrases sound fairly harmless. But, they may unintentionally serve to 'instruct' rather than 'affirm', an expert has warned. Dr Mark Travers, an American psychologist with degrees from Cornell University and the University of Colorado Boulder, said people probably say them without realising the potential negative consequences. 'Compliments can be disarming. They make us feel chosen and understood in ways that other words rarely do,' he explained. 'But sometimes, the praise that feels the most flattering is also the praise that teaches us to edit ourselves.' So, are you guilty of saying either compliment to your partner? 'HOW ARE YOU ALWAYS SO CALM?' 'This is a praise that can be used to reward emotional silence, not emotional strength,' Dr Travers wrote on Psychology Today. He explained that while it might sound like a genuine compliment at first, it may be a reflection of how relieved you are that your partner did not have an emotional reaction. As a result, a person could feel 'implicitly incentivised to perform that calmness' even when they are hurting, he said. 'When emotional suppression is praised in adult relationships, it reinforces the message that your worth lies in being agreeable and low-maintenance,' he said. It could mean your partner may try to appear calm, even in moments of deep hurt, because that role has previously been rewarded, he added. 'YOU'RE THE ONLY PERSON I CAN TALK TO' Saying this to your partner can make them feel responsible for your emotional regulation, Dr Travers warned. While it may seem like the highest form of trust, it can be 'less about connection and more about emotional dependency'. He referenced a previous study on 'emotionships' that found people experience better mental health when they turn to different individuals for different emotional needs. For example, having one friend who can calm your anxiety while another friend is who you turn to if you need a vent. 'This diversity in emotional support leads to greater wellbeing, because no single relationship is overloaded with the task of holding it all,' Dr Travers said. If you tell someone they're the only person you can talk to, it creates an 'unspoken pressure to be endlessly available' and a sense of 'emotional obligation', he added. Dr Travers previously revealed three nicknames that could indicate your relationship is doomed to fail. These include 'Babe', 'Sweetheart' and 'Angel', and can act as 'emotional wallpaper' for deeper issues. Pet names can simulate intimacy before it's truly earned, can dismiss someone's worries rather than dealing with them, and deflect the real issue rather than resolve it. WHEN YOU SHOULD BREAK UP WITH YOUR PARTNER Kale Monk, assistant professor of human development and family science at University of Missouri says on-off relationships are associated with higher rates of abuse, poorer communication and lower levels of commitment. People in these kinds of relationships should make informed decisions about either staying together once and for all or terminating their relationship. Here are his top five tips to work out whether it's the right time to end your relationship – 1. When considering rekindling a relationship that ended or avoiding future breakups, partners should think about the reasons they broke up to determine if there are consistent or persistent issues impacting the relationship. 2. Having explicit conversations about issues that have led to break ups can be helpful, especially if the issues will likely reoccur. If there was ever violence in the relationship, however, or if having a conversation about relationship issues can lead to safety concerns, consider seeking support-services when it is safe to do so. 3. Similar to thinking about the reasons the relationship ended, spend time thinking about the reasons why reconciliation might be an option. Is the reason rooted in commitment and positive feelings, or more about obligations and convenience? The latter reasons are more likely to lead down a path of continual distress. 4. Remember that it is okay to end a toxic relationship. For example, if your relationship is beyond repair, do not feel guilty leaving for your mental or physical well-being. 5. Couples therapy or relationship counselling is not just for partners on the brink of divorce. Even happy dating and married couples can benefit from 'relationship check-ups' in order to strengthen the connection between partners and have additional support in approaching relationship transitions.
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Economic Times
How fast your brain is aging? This simple daily habit might hold the answer
Synopsis A long-term study reported by Psychology Today reveals that walking speed at age 45 can be a strong predictor of brain health and aging. Slower walkers showed smaller brain volume, thinner cortexes, and cognitive decline. While causation isn't confirmed, the findings suggest that walking may not just reflect brain health—it could actively help preserve it. iStock Research tracking individuals over 40 years found that slower midlife walking speeds are linked to faster brain aging and reduced cognitive abilities. Supporting studies show that regular walking can increase brain size, particularly the memory-related hippocampus. (Image: iStock) When we think about aging, it's easy to assume it's all about the number of candles on the birthday cake. But modern research tells a very different story. As Psychology Today reports, scientists are now looking beyond chronological age and focusing on how the body and brain functionally age. And one surprising indicator may be hiding in plain sight—how fast you walk. In a groundbreaking 2019 study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers tracked more than 900 individuals over a 40-year period, from childhood through midlife. What they found was astonishing: the speed at which a person walks at age 45 is strongly linked to the health and size of their brain. The study revealed that slower walkers, those moving at an average of just 2.71 mph, had smaller brain volumes, thinner cortexes, more white matter hyperintensities (which are associated with cognitive decline), and reduced cortical surface area. On the other hand, the fastest group, walking at about 3.91 mph, showed healthier brain structures and better cognitive outcomes. Even more remarkably, walking speed at 45 was correlated with changes in brain function that traced all the way back to childhood. The researchers noted that cognitive decline from childhood to midlife was more pronounced in the slower walkers, suggesting that the roots of this aging marker could be traced to early development. These findings may be unsettling, but they also provide a powerful tool: a simple test—how fast you walk—can be a revealing measure of how quickly your brain is aging. But is slow walking a cause or a consequence of poor brain health? The jury is still out. Researchers agree that correlation doesn't imply causation. It's possible that certain patterns in the brain lead to slower movement. However, there's also growing evidence that movement—specifically walking—can actually improve brain health. In a randomized trial published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 60 older adults were assigned either to a walking or stretching group for a year. At the end of the study, the walking group had increased the size of their hippocampus—the brain's memory hub—by 2 percent, while the stretching group experienced shrinkage. Similarly, in a smaller study involving diabetic participants, those who walked regularly demonstrated notable cognitive benefits compared to those who didn't. These findings reinforce a much broader body of research connecting physical activity to neuroplasticity, immune function, metabolism, and overall brain vitality.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
How fast your brain is aging? This simple daily habit might hold the answer
When we think about aging, it's easy to assume it's all about the number of candles on the birthday cake. But modern research tells a very different story. As Psychology Today reports, scientists are now looking beyond chronological age and focusing on how the body and brain functionally age. And one surprising indicator may be hiding in plain sight—how fast you walk. In a groundbreaking 2019 study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers tracked more than 900 individuals over a 40-year period, from childhood through midlife. What they found was astonishing: the speed at which a person walks at age 45 is strongly linked to the health and size of their brain. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category healthcare Data Analytics Digital Marketing Public Policy PGDM MCA Management Degree CXO Data Science Artificial Intelligence Design Thinking Operations Management Project Management MBA Data Science Finance Others Healthcare Cybersecurity others Product Management Technology Leadership Skills you'll gain: Duration: 11 Months IIM Lucknow CERT-IIML Healthcare Management India Starts on undefined Get Details Walking Speed as a Window to the Brain The study revealed that slower walkers, those moving at an average of just 2.71 mph, had smaller brain volumes, thinner cortexes, more white matter hyperintensities (which are associated with cognitive decline ), and reduced cortical surface area. On the other hand, the fastest group, walking at about 3.91 mph, showed healthier brain structures and better cognitive outcomes. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Even more remarkably, walking speed at 45 was correlated with changes in brain function that traced all the way back to childhood. The researchers noted that cognitive decline from childhood to midlife was more pronounced in the slower walkers, suggesting that the roots of this aging marker could be traced to early development. These findings may be unsettling, but they also provide a powerful tool: a simple test—how fast you walk—can be a revealing measure of how quickly your brain is aging. You Might Also Like: Love late-night shows? Your brain may be paying the price. Psychiatrist warns of disturbing effects It's Not Just a Signal, Walking May Actually Help But is slow walking a cause or a consequence of poor brain health? The jury is still out. Researchers agree that correlation doesn't imply causation. It's possible that certain patterns in the brain lead to slower movement. However, there's also growing evidence that movement—specifically walking—can actually improve brain health. In a randomized trial published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 60 older adults were assigned either to a walking or stretching group for a year. At the end of the study, the walking group had increased the size of their hippocampus—the brain's memory hub—by 2 percent, while the stretching group experienced shrinkage. Similarly, in a smaller study involving diabetic participants, those who walked regularly demonstrated notable cognitive benefits compared to those who didn't. These findings reinforce a much broader body of research connecting physical activity to neuroplasticity , immune function, metabolism, and overall brain vitality. You Might Also Like: Harvard study says your brain's fate may lie in your heart's health: 4 lifestyle changes to slow down brain and heart ageing
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- TimesLIVE
Ballito residents warned of indecent exposure by young man
Ballito residents have been warned to be on the lookout for a young man who has been indecently exposing himself to women in the popular KwaZulu-Natal north coast town. Ballito Neighbourhood Watch (BNW), on its Facebook page on Monday, issued an alert about 'unfortunate incidents of indecent exposure' in the town. The body said it had received two reports about a white male, believed to be in his early 20s, who has been exposing himself to women. 'In the first incident a female jogger had passed the Boathouse when the driver of a white Toyota Aygo with GP plates stopped and asked for directions. He then exposed himself to her before driving away.' In a separate incident two holidaymakers aged about 16 and 20, were walking on the boardwalk on Saturday when they were confronted by the man. 'When they got close to Clarke Bay, a young, clean-cut white male exposed himself to the women.' BNW appealed to women to 'report immediately if you fall prey to this person'. The body also posted an image of the man from behind walking on the boardwalk. 'If you happen to know who this man is, please contact the authorities immediately. The lack of respect for females in our town is definitely not something that will be tolerated.' BNW did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Public indecency can lead to a fine of up to R4,000 or imprisonment for up to two years, or both, according to the Sexual Offences Act. Public indecency is a common law crime, not always specified by legislation but rather determined by court rulings. The severity of the act and circumstances influence the sentence. According to Psychology Today, a publication that focuses on psychology matters and human behaviour, 'exhibitionistic disorder is a condition marked by the urge, fantasy or act of exposing one's genitals to non-consenting people, particularly strangers. 'People with exhibitionistic disorder may have a preference to show their genitals to prepubescent children, adults or both. Some people may deny they show their genitals to unsuspecting others or deny the act causes them distress. If they have exposed themselves repeatedly to non-consenting people, they may receive a diagnosis of exhibitionistic disorder.'
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Donald Trump - charismatic or enigmatic?
"Men at some time are masters of their fate," declares Cassius in William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings." Cassius is making the point that they may at present be subordinate to Caesar but they can recreate their destiny. US President Donald Trump is definitely not an underling or an inferior. If anything, he's the master of his fate. He is an impulsive extravert who deals with issues, no matter how contentious, head-on. On the Myers-Briggs System, he is an ESTP personality type: Extravert (as opposed to Introvert), Sensing (as opposed to Intuitive), Thinking (as opposed to Feeling), and Perceiving (as opposed to Judging). Joe Biden, his predecessor, was described as empathetic with strong interpersonal skills. "Men make history and not the other way around," said Harry S Truman. Is Donald Trump here to make history? We don't know. But a lot is riding on his presidency. Ironically, some of his negative attributes can be a source of a much needed positive change in the world of international politics. "He (Mr Trump) seems unusually self-confident," writes Dr Ryne Sherman in Psychology Today, "and he shows feelings of grandiosity and entitlement." He is highly ambitious and bold. He likes to be in charge and does not spare a moment to speak his mind. Fuming at the violation of the ceasefire he recently brokered between Israel and Iran with the help of the Emir of Qatar, President Trump lashed out at both Israel and Iran, "I don't know what the (heck) they are doing." He went on to reprimand Israel, as if with a fatherly responsibility, "In all fairness, Israel unloaded a lot, and now I hear Israel just went out because they felt it was violated by one rocket (from Iran) that didn't land anywhere. That's not what we want, I'll tell you. And I'm telling you I'm not happy about that, Israel, either. Do not drop bombs." But we like to drop bombs, don't we? We like to show our strength. We like to send supersonic missiles into enemy territory and destroy their buildings and shoot down their planes. "Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand?" Macbeth utters these words as he contemplates the assassination of the king in Shakespeare's Macbeth. But the dagger is no more. We have fighter jets and missiles – precision-guided munitions – nukes that can blow up entire cities pulverising human flesh instantly leaving any survivors far and beyond with adverse health conditions including leukemia. We are human – the most intelligent creatures on Earth. We have perfected the art of killing each other. In the recent Israel-Iran clash, over 700 people were killed by the Israeli strikes in Iran. The death toll included Iranian nuclear scientists and military commanders. Over 28 people are reportedly dead from the Iranian missile strikes inside Israel. Iran not only responded fiercely to Israel's aggression initiated on June 13, it proved to be a more determined adversary than any other in the past. However, those celebrating and claiming victory for Iran in this conflict are either misinformed and misled by media that only perpetuates half-truths, or they suffer from a pathological appetite for self-aggrandisement. Media on both sides seems to be catering to what their listeners wish to hear. The fact remains that governments of both countries have been treading on this ice. Iran's is a repressive theocratic hegemony guilty of countless human rights violations, whereas the Israeli government, under Benjamin Netanyahu, has morphed into a criminal mafia guilty of genocide of thousands of innocent Palestinians that have nothing to do with Hamas. So, what happens next? To understand this, we must go back to 1996 when Benjamin Netanyahu, then serving his first term as the Prime Minister of Israel, had a premonition. It was a policy document prepared for him titled "A Clean Break: A New Strategy for Securing the Realm". It was the Israeli version of the Manifest Destiny. At its core, the policy was simple: break away from the Oslo Accords that call for a two-state solution, bring about regime changes in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen and Iran by launching wars or military action against them with the help of the United States. Mission accomplished? Not yet. Now let's picture the US President, Donald Trump, sword drawn. Is he a different President in his second term? Will he use his impulsive and charismatic leadership to engineer peace in the Middle East? Will he act like a lone wolf or will he succumb to the Israel lobby that supported him in the 2024 elections? Recall, for instance, that three billionaires, Elon Musk, Miriam Adelson and Dick Uihlein, collectively donated a staggering $220 million to help get Donald Trump elected. AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs Committee) spent more than 100 million dollars in the election. "At least 318 AIPAC backed candidates won their seats in the US elections," reported The Jerusalem Post. Trump can't betray their trust, can he? Ever since the tentative Israel-Iran ceasefire, one can't help but wonder: what about Gaza?
