All articles tagged with #self control
A new study challenges the traditional view that self-control leads to happiness, instead finding that higher well-being predicts better self-control over time across different cultures, suggesting that prioritizing emotional health may be more effective for personal growth than relying solely on willpower.
YouTube is introducing a customizable daily timer for Shorts on its mobile app to help users limit their viewing time, similar to features on TikTok and Instagram Reels, with plans to add non-dismissible prompts for parental controls later this year.
A clinical trial found that the dopamine-enhancing drug tolcapone improves self-control and reduces alcohol consumption in people with alcohol use disorder by increasing activity in brain regions involved in inhibitory control, suggesting targeted dopamine modulation as a promising treatment approach.
The article explains that breaking bad habits involves making a simple yet challenging change: actively reflecting on the benefits and feelings associated with the habit during its occurrence, which helps align the subconscious habit with conscious goals, ultimately replacing negative habits with positive ones.
A study demonstrates that cuttlefish can exhibit patience and self-control comparable to some vertebrates, challenging assumptions about invertebrate intelligence and suggesting that complex cognition may have evolved independently in different animal lineages.
A study published in PNAS reveals that prolonged mental fatigue can lead to brain activity similar to sleep in the frontal cortex, resulting in increased aggression and reduced cooperation. This supports the concept of 'ego depletion,' where self-control diminishes with use, affecting decision-making and social interactions. The research highlights the importance of rest in maintaining self-control and suggests that mental exhaustion can lead to decisions contrary to one's interests, with implications for economic and legal contexts.
A new study supports the controversial 'ego depletion' theory, suggesting that mental fatigue from making difficult decisions can lead to aggressive behavior by wearing down brain areas responsible for self-control. Researchers from the IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca found that participants who engaged in mentally exhausting tasks showed increased hostility and reduced cooperation, linked to sleep-like activity in brain regions related to decision-making. These findings, published in PNAS, highlight the impact of mental fatigue on behavior, though the theory remains debated.
A study by the IMT School of Advanced Studies Lucca reveals that prolonged mental fatigue can lead to a loss of self-control by causing certain brain areas to exhibit sleep-like activity, particularly in the frontal cortex responsible for decision-making. This phenomenon, linked to the concept of 'ego depletion,' results in more aggressive and uncooperative behavior. The research highlights the importance of rest in decision-making processes, as mental exhaustion can lead to choices that are contrary to one's interests.
Urge surfing is a mindfulness technique that helps manage cravings by visualizing them as waves that rise, crest, and fall. By recognizing, observing, visualizing, and returning to the present, individuals can regain control over their responses to temptation, promoting resilience and healthier coping mechanisms. While urge surfing can be integrated into daily life, it should not replace professional care for severe withdrawal symptoms or medical emergencies related to addiction.
A study involving 157 adults aged 18 to 80 reveals that susceptibility to peer pressure extends into early adulthood, with younger adults more likely to succumb to social conformity, while middle-aged and older adults exhibit greater self-control. The research challenges the belief that peer pressure dissipates after adolescence, highlighting ongoing development in managing desires in social contexts. The study sheds light on how individuals navigate everyday desires and their conflict with personal goals, offering insights into behavioral patterns across different age groups.
A violent brawl erupted on a Southwest Airlines flight to Hawaii, with graphic video showing two passengers engaging in physical altercation. The cause of the fight is unclear, but the son of one of the men claimed the other was drunk and harassing his mother. Both men were detained upon landing, and the FAA is investigating the incident. Southwest Airlines commended their crew and passengers for diffusing the situation, with particular praise for a passenger named Dan who helped de-escalate the conflict. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the potential consequences of unruly behavior on an aircraft.
Researchers suggest three strategies to maintain healthy eating habits: 1) Focus on short-term consequences of unhealthy choices to resist temptation, as immediate effects are more motivating than distant outcomes. 2) Emphasize the enjoyment of healthy options, like the taste of nutritious foods or the fun in exercise, to increase intrinsic motivation. 3) Use small, regular rewards to sustain long-term commitment, but only after an initial period of effort without rewards, to enhance persistence in healthy behaviors. These mind hacks can be adapted to various personal goals for better adherence to a healthier lifestyle.
A recent study conducted in Switzerland highlights the significant role of parental involvement in shaping adolescent development. The research found that parental engagement, including open communication and support, increases prosocial behavior in teens but does not necessarily decrease internalizing problems like anxiety and depression. The study challenges previous assumptions by revealing a two-way relationship between prosocial behavior and internalizing problems. Additionally, the findings emphasize the importance of parental involvement throughout adolescence and its positive impact on self-control development. However, the study's limitations, such as its focus on a specific cultural context and reliance on self-reported data, suggest the need for further research in diverse populations using alternative data collection methods.
Scientists have discovered that theta-burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (TBS) can enhance self-control and reduce cigarette cravings, potentially leading to decreased smoking. People with nicotine dependence exhibit structural and functional differences in the brain, affecting their inhibitory control and making it harder to resist the urge to smoke. TBS, a technique that uses magnetic pulses to influence brain activity, has been shown to improve inhibitory control and reduce cravings in a study involving 37 participants. Further research is needed to determine the clinical value of TBS in treating substance use disorders.
Kristy McCammon, founder of Life Unbinged, shares her journey of quitting sugar and processed foods to lose 100 pounds in 10 months. She struggled with sugar addiction and used food as a coping mechanism for emotions. By following a food boundaries addiction model, she replaced sugar, flour, and processed foods with protein, vegetables, fruit, fat, and grain. She planned her meals, worked on her emotions and anxiety, and developed strategies to work through temptations. She now has three nourishing meals daily, feels better physically and mentally, and is free from the constant preoccupation with food and her weight.