Self-help
Fractured Reality: Chapter 2
In the heart of the laboratory, bathed in the gentle glow of humming machinery, Dr. Eleanor Harper meticulously prepared the Dreamcatcher for its next venture into the uncharted territories of dreams. The air buzzed with anticipation, the trio—Eleanor, Cipher, and Lily—gathered around the sleek apparatus that held the key to unlocking the secrets of the collective subconscious.
By asdasd asd2 years ago in Chapters
Dare to Ask
The lessons I learned about keeping my wishes and desires to myself started early and repeated often. ~ I broke my mother’s cheese plate when I was about 8 years old. It was white, with a built-in lip around the edge, and a round raised spot on which the uncut cheese sat. A small dullish knife with a white handle completed the set.
By Judey Kalchik 2 years ago in Chapters
The Power of Friendships
Friendships can occupy a unique and special place in our life stories. What sets these connections apart? Before we explore the scientific aspects, let's first witness a friendship in action. If I could somehow create an ideal best friend, someone embodying all the perfect qualities of my ideal match, that individual would still not measure up to Priya. She has an uncanny ability to turn any situation into a delightful experience, whether it's a chemistry lab or band practice. What I'm trying to convey is that I never experience more intense laughter than when I'm in Priya's company. She's consistently there for me, as demonstrated last year after I endured a painful breakup with Te— you know what? I'd rather not utter their name. At that moment, it felt like my whole world was crumbling, but the moment I confided in Priya, she was right at my doorstep. Despite my emotional turmoil, she sat by my side, providing a listening ear. We're always on the same wavelength; it's as though we can intuit each other's thoughts! Our conversations can extend for hours, delving into any topic imaginable. My mom would undoubtedly point out that she has the phone bills to substantiate it. If it appears that friendships formed during adolescence hold a unique significance, it's because they indeed do. Early childhood, teenage, and adult friendships all exhibit distinct characteristics, primarily because the brain operates differently during these life stages. Adolescence stands out as a time when peer relationships take precedence, and thanks to the developing brain, there are shifts in how you assess, comprehend, and connect with friends. Teenage friendships can sometimes appear inseparable. Scientists describe adolescence as a period of social reorientation, with teenagers beginning to spend as much or even more time with friends compared to their parents. This inclination to spend time with pals may result from changes in the brain's reward center, known as the ventral striatum. Activation of this region makes socializing enjoyable and motivates individuals to spend more time with their friends. Neuroimaging studies reveal that this region is remarkably responsive during the teenage years, which may explain why adolescents tend to place a higher value on social interactions compared to children or adults. Teenage friendships can also feel more profound than the friendships of childhood. This heightened connection is made possible by advances in Theory of Mind, a term used by scientists to describe the ability to understand others' emotions, thoughts, motivations, and perspectives, recognizing that these may differ from one's own. While it may seem intuitive, this ability hinges on the coordinated functioning of various brain regions, collectively referred to as the social brain. Infants begin to develop Theory of Mind at around 18 months or so. Prior to this, it is believed that they assume everyone perceives and knows precisely what they know. Although Theory of Mind was once thought to be fully developed by the age of five, scientists now understand that it continues to enhance and mature well into the teenage years and beyond. Similarly, regions within the social brain exhibit increased connectivity during adolescence compared to childhood. As a result, teenagers can gain a better understanding of their friends' perspectives, allowing for deeper connections to blossom. In the closest friendships, it can almost feel as if you share a metaphysical connection—two bodies and minds harmoniously in sync. There is even science supporting this notion! Your ability to connect with others is somewhat reliant on the coordination of actions, emotions, physiology, and thoughts, a concept psychologists refer to as interpersonal synchrony. Infants initially exhibit signs of this ability by synchronizing movements and babbling with their parents. As you grow older and spend more time outside the home, you increasingly display this synchrony with your peers. For instance, picture walking down the street with a friend. Often without conscious thought, you walk at the same pace and follow the same path. You and your best friend may not only be on the same page, but also, scientifically speaking, in perfect harmony.
By LyricCoffee2 years ago in Chapters
What you Should Know About Daydreaming
Every day, you spend approximately a third to half of your waking hours lost in daydreams. While this might seem like a significant waste of time, scientists believe there must be a purpose behind it, or else humans wouldn't have evolved to daydream so extensively. To better understand the phenomenon, let's focus on the prime daydreamer: the bored teenager.
By LyricCoffee2 years ago in Chapters
The Gut-Brain Connection: How Gut Health Impacts Your Mind
As humans, we often think of our bodies and minds as separate entities. But the truth is that they are intricately connected, and nowhere is this connection more evident than in the gut-brain connection. Our gut health can have a significant impact on our mental health, and it’s important to understand how this connection works.
By Refresh-Health2 years ago in Chapters
Choosing to be Homeless in San Francisco
How it started... Growing up surrounded by people can make one feel as if the concept of “alone” is more than foreign, possibly even unrealistic in actuality. Is it possible to feel alone if you’re never able to experience the reality of being left to one’s self? And yet, loneliness is a notion I understand quite intimately. In fact, I can claim that I have spent the greatest majority of my life operating from this particular viewpoint, regardless of the fact that I have resided and traveled within some of the biggest and busiest cities in the world. I, in no way, consider this to be an accomplishment, but again, wish to convey the idea that being lonely is possible for anyone regardless of outward appearances and situation.
By Kat Bartschi2 years ago in Chapters
The Lighthouse of Lost Dreams
Once upon a time, on a remote island off the coast of Ireland, there stood a solitary lighthouse, known far and wide as the "Lighthouse of Lost Dreams." Perched on a rugged cliff, it overlooked the turbulent sea, its light a beacon to guide sailors through treacherous waters. Yet, it was not just a navigational aid; it held a secret known only to a select few.
By Alite Digitals2 years ago in Chapters
WILL SMITH: THE COMEBACK KID.
Will Smith is quite possibly of the greatest star on the planet, yet his profession endured a shot in Walk 2022 when he slapped Chris Rock in front of an audience at the Oscars. The episode was broadly censured, and Smith was prohibited from going to the Foundation Grants for a long time.
By Christian Agbodzi (10978174)2 years ago in Chapters
Long COVID cases
A recent survey has revealed that individuals can experience persistent symptoms similar to those of a common cold, similar to the lingering effects of long COVID-19. The survey data indicates that while symptoms may be comparable in both groups, individuals with long COVID-19 are more prone to experiencing more severe health complications. Medical professionals emphasize that long COVID should not be confused with the so-called "long cold."
By Fahima Nazneen Rahman2 years ago in Chapters
