“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” —Cassie Mogilner Holmes
BRAIN WAVES
#Yawn. People go to shocking lengths to avoid boredom. But one of the most common cures for boredom — mindlessly scrolling through short online videos — only makes things worse, according to a recent study. Researchers found that “digital switching,”— that thing you do when you toggle between videos and fast forward through them — can backfire. In a series of experiments, people who engaged in digital switching felt more bored than people who stuck with watching a single video. It’s the paradox of our times: We have access to an endless amount of content to keep us engaged, yet the more of it we consume, the less engaged we feel. Hey, maybe there’s a case for boredom.
Nightmare fuel. Ever had a nightmare so bad it jolted you awake? According to a new paper, people who feel lonely are more likely to have nightmares, and that’s likely due to stress, rumination, and hyperarousal. High levels of stress and anxiety can cause nightmares during REM sleep, and feeling isolated can certainly be a stressful experience. “When people’s need for strong relationships goes unmet, they suffer physically, mentally and socially,” said co-author Colin Hesse. “Just like hunger or fatigue means you haven’t gotten enough calories or sleep, loneliness has evolved to alert individuals when their needs for interpersonal connection are going unfulfilled.”
Hi, stranger. Are you someone who strikes up a conversation with the person next to you on the train? Or do you keep your eyes fixed on your phone? Many of us think we won’t enjoy conversations with strangers, but we may be wrong about that. Listen to learn more.
ON THE HIDDEN BRAIN PODCAST
You 2.0: Taking Control of Your Time: Many of us feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. We struggle to make time for all the competing demands at work and at home, and inevitably feel like we’re letting someone down. But what if there were a way to reclaim our time and, as a result, get more joy out of our lives? This week, psychologist Cassie Mogilner Holmes explains how we’ve fallen victim to the illusion of time scarcity, and what we can do to spend our time more wisely.
ON THE MY UNSUNG HERO PODCAST
Mike Huddleston’s Story: Mike fell on the sidewalk, and wasn’t able to get up on his own. Then a kind stranger asked how he could help.
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.
MIND GAMES
When you stop to look, you can always see me. But if you try to touch me, you can never feel me. Although you walk towards me, I remain the same distance from you. What am I?
LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE
What has a neck but no head?
Answer: A bottle
A MOMENT OF JOY
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