BRAIN WAVES
I get by with... Helping others isn't just good karma — it’s also good for your brain. A new study tracked over 30,000 adults for two decades and found that people who regularly help others experience 15-20% slower cognitive decline as they age. Researchers looked at both formal volunteering (like organizing charity drives) and informal volunteering (such as helping a neighbors or family member with a task) and discovered that even just two to four hours a week of helping others, formally or informally, had lasting cognitive benefits. In other words, spending a few hours each week helping others — whether through organized events or everyday acts of kindness — can keep your brain healthier, sharper, and more resilient over time. Why is this the case? It could be that our brains are wired to benefit from acts of service, creating a biological reward system for doing good. Lead researcher Sae Hwang Han noted: “This suggests the importance of keeping older adults engaged in some form of helping for as long as possible, with appropriate supports and accommodations in place.”
Happy, happy, joy, joy. Want to be happier? Start small. A study found that spending just 5-10 minutes a day on simple joy-boosting activities (like making a gratitude list, celebrating a friend’s achievement, or watching an awe-inspiring video) led to meaningful improvements in well-being, stress, and even physical health after just one week. The “Big Joy Project” found that participants experienced nearly a full point increase in emotional well-being on a 10-point scale. Most surprisingly, people from disadvantaged backgrounds— those with lower income, education, or ethnic minority status— benefited the most from these micro-interventions. “You don’t need a total life overhaul to feel better,” said lead researcher Darwin Guevarra. “Even small, daily actions that take just a few minutes, like reflecting on a meaningful moment or showing appreciation, can add up to meaningful improvements in your emotional well-being.”
Talk to strangers. As you go about your day, you likely interact with family, friends and coworkers. These relationships can help you feel cared for and connected. But what if there’s a whole category of people in your life whose impact is overlooked? Listen to learn more.
ON THE HIDDEN BRAIN PODCAST
It’s Not My Fault!: It’s not easy for most of us to receive negative feedback. Even when the person delivering that feedback is constructive and reasonable, we often feel the urge to defend ourselves. This week, we look at the psychology of defensiveness with neuroscientist Emily Falk. We’ll explore what causes so many of us to resist constructive criticism, and how we can get better at giving and receiving such feedback. Then, in the latest installment of our ongoing series “Your Questions Answered,” psychologist Ciara Greene returns to the show to answer your questions about memory and forgetfulness.
Winning the Battle Against Yourself: Many of us have been raised to believe that if we want to get something done, we just need to set our minds to it. Where there’s a will, there’s a way, right? Yet somehow we end up polishing off that pint of ice cream in the freezer, or spending more than our budget allows. It’s almost as if we’re not the ones in charge. This week, we talk with psychologist and neuroscientist Emily Falk about why our minds often conspire against our best interests, and how we can regain control.
Escaping Perfectionism: Perfectionism is everyone’s favorite flaw. It’s easy to assume that our push to be perfect is what leads to academic, athletic and professional success. But psychologist Thomas Curran says perfectionism has a dark side, and that there are much healthier ways to strive for excellencee.
ON THE MY UNSUNG HERO PODCAST
Juli Cobb’s Story: When Juli's car ran out of gas in the middle of the road, three men from a nearby homeless encampment rushed over to push her car to safety.
Elaine Batchelor’s Story: In 1980, backpacking alone to Greece, Elaine was attacked on a train. Two strangers stepped in, and stayed by her side for nearly the entire 12-hour ride.
Don’t forget to send us the story of your unsung hero! Record a voice memo on your phone and email it to myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org.
HIDDEN BRAIN ON TOUR!
The Hidden Brain tour continues, but we will be wrapping up in just a few short months. Don’t miss your chance to get tickets! Join our host Shankar Vedantam as he brings seven key insights from the first decade of Hidden Brain to the stage. Our final stops:
MIND GAMES
When you need me, you throw me away. When you don't need me, you bring me back. What am I?
LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
What can go through glass without breaking it?
The answer: Light
A MOMENT OF JOY
Have an idea for Hidden Brain? A story you want to share with us? Send an email to ideas@hiddenbrain.org. Listen to us on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music or your favorite podcast platform.