As an ex-pharmaceutical scientist, I enjoy reframing the term ‘side-effects’. We typically think of side-effects in the negative, as in the side-effects of drugs. But many of our positive behaviors also have side-effects. Below are 5 side-effects of compassion. 1) Compassion Wires the Brain In some ways we can think of the brain like a […]
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My Perfect Weekend
I was chatting with the director of PR at my publishers (Hay House) recently and she asked me about how I balanced work and home. It led to a conversation about what I considered a perfect weekend. I told her that I’d describe a recent one as a ‘best of both worlds’ weekend. I was […]
Wired for Kindness
I was having a conversation recently with someone in business who told me he heard that humans are naturally selfish. He asked my opinion on the subject. I disagreed and explained why I believe we are, in fact, genetically wired to be kind. Genetic wiring (our genome) is shaped over millions of years as humans […]
Why Children Need Love to Grow
It’s pretty obvious that babies need love, but did you know that their actual physical and biological growth requires love? Research shows that the early growth of at least one part of the brain (the orbitofrontal cortex – behind the orbits of the eyes) is almost wholly dependent upon the environment an infant is born […]
7 Ways that Love is Good for Your Health
Love feels good. I think we’d all agree on that. But it also has some surprising health benefits. Here’s a list of 7 of them: 1) Love is good for your heart I think we all expect this. Biologically, love produces the hormone ‘oxytocin’. It’s why it’s often referred to as the ‘Love Hormone’ […]
10 Reasons Why Gratitude is Good for You
I think many people nowadays have heard that gratitude is good for us, but if you haven’t, or want a recap on how and why, here’s 10 reasons below. Please share them with others so that more people enjoy the benefits of gratitude. 1. It’s good for mental health Studies show that a regular […]
Did you know you’re a chemist?
Yes, you are a chemist! As you think, you shape the chemistry of your brain and blood, you shape the chemistry of your relationships, and you also shape the chemistry of your life. I have a PhD in chemistry and was once a professional chemist. I trained in how to build molecules and found myself […]
4 Reasons Why Dogs Are Good for Your Health
One of the things I love about writing blogs is that I get to talk about stuff that’s relevant in my life, where I’ve been inspired, had a wise insight, or learned something new. I’ve written a few blogs about my dog Oscar and what I’ve learned from him. If you haven’t been keeping up to […]
4 Reasons Why Having Friends is Healthy
I’ve had a lot of help from friends and family recently, from having help with my latest book, to having supportive and encouraging conversations, to having help with moving house. Earlier this morning, I found myself smiling as I reflected on how grateful I am for having these people in my life. As I reflected […]
Fifty Shades of Pink
Are we wired to be kind? Absolutely! Although I think some would disagree. It seems that the business model that’s operated for the past hundred years or so has been based on ‘survival of the fittest’, with the idea that humans are inherently selfish. But I would say the concept has been widely misunderstood. The […]