A vivid dream is like a free virtual-reality experience, no expensive headset required. While your body lies tucked up in bed, your mind can take you to exotic lands and introduce you to amazing ...

The desire is partly whimsical, but a brief shapeshift across the taxonomic gulf could help us better empathise with animals ...

Have you ever wondered how some people see so much in what they read – whether they’re reading novels or stories, poems or plays, essays or memoirs, or something entirely different? One of the ...

Next to me, on my desk, is a pile of about 50 books. Some of them I bought. Some I was given by friends. Some were sent by people I didn’t even know, who thought I might be interested in their work.

What if, alongside scheduling appointments, meetings, and social events in your calendar, you started to allocate specific times just to be by yourself – to enjoy solitude? I propose this thought ...

You’re preparing for a big event: a presentation, say, or a tennis match or a piano recital. Your mind wanders, envisioning every possible outcome. But what do you imagine? Do you picture yourself in ...

My friend Greta gives the most amazing pep talks. She starts by asking you, ‘What’s the title of your pep talk?’ And after you tell her the title – anything from ‘You feel like you’re stagnating, but ...

Visualisation activates similar brain areas as real-life experiences. Here’s how to use mental imagery to improve results ...

Chicago’s roller rink skating regulars share incredible moves alongside words of wisdom in this vibrant short documentary ...

Doctors said my son would die. I wouldn’t believe them, raised millions of dollars and travelled the world for a cure ...

‘Does this text message look OK?’ ‘I turned off the stove, right?’ ‘Should I be worried about this ache?’ ‘Do you think I’m doing the right thing?’ ‘Will you always love me?’ ‘Is everything going to ...

To be liked by others is often treated as a paramount aim. The quest for social approval begins in childhood, and it continues in a range of ways throughout the lifespan as people try to find their ...