breakups
When it comes to breakups, pain is inevitable, but Humans thinks that suffering is optional.
Rekindle Romance
The world of love keeps changing. But it certainly doesn't stop after fifty. For many, this time of life brings a chance to find new love. You can start fresh and build true connections. Maybe you're dating again after many years. Or perhaps after a divorce, or as a widow. This journey can feel both fun and a little scary. This guide gives you real tips to step back into dating with confidence.
By LaMarion Ziegler6 months ago in Humans
The Evolving Mind: Unlocking the Power of Modern Human Psychology
The Evolving Mind: Unlocking the Power of Modern Human Psychology How Fresh Insights into Thought, Emotion, and Behavior Are Shaping a Healthier, Happier Future In a bright, plant-filled office in Copenhagen, a team of designers, psychologists, and neuroscientists gather around a whiteboard, sketching ideas for a wellness app. They're not just building another tool—they’re translating decades of psychological research into something practical, beautiful, and human. What they’re doing reflects a powerful trend happening across the globe: modern psychology is evolving, and with it, our understanding of what it means to live a balanced, fulfilled life. At the heart of this evolution is a simple yet powerful shift. For much of the 20th century, psychology focused heavily on dysfunction—what goes wrong in the human mind. Depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction. But today, the field has broadened. It's no longer just about diagnosing problems; it's about enhancing well-being, building resilience, and understanding how people can truly thrive. This more holistic approach is called positive psychology, a field that has grown rapidly since the late 1990s. Pioneered by researchers like Martin Seligman and Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, it asks questions like: What makes life worth living? How can we cultivate optimism, purpose, and joy? The answers aren’t just theoretical—they’re deeply practical. Take, for example, the concept of growth mindset, popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck. It’s the idea that our abilities and intelligence aren’t fixed, but can grow with effort and learning. This simple shift in perspective has transformed classrooms, coaching, parenting, and even corporate leadership. When people believe they can grow, they do. Or consider emotional intelligence, once a fringe concept, now a cornerstone of modern psychology. EQ, as it’s often called, emphasizes self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation—skills that are increasingly recognized as essential for success in relationships, workplaces, and even global leadership. One person who has experienced this transformation firsthand is Amina, a 32-year-old teacher in Nairobi. “I used to think emotions were something you had to suppress to be strong,” she says. “But through therapy and learning more about emotional intelligence, I’ve realized they’re a source of strength. I’m now a better teacher, a better partner, and a happier person.” Stories like Amina’s are becoming more common, thanks in part to increased access to psychological knowledge through podcasts, online courses, therapy apps, and social media. People from all walks of life are learning about boundaries, attachment styles, mindfulness, neurodiversity, and trauma-informed care—not just in universities or clinics, but in daily conversations, community centers, and TikTok videos. But modern psychology isn’t just about the individual. It’s also becoming more socially aware. There’s a growing understanding that mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s shaped by culture, environment, inequality, and systemic forces. That’s why many psychologists now advocate for community-based approaches, inclusive practices, and culturally sensitive therapy. Technology, too, is playing a huge role. Tools like AI-driven mental health apps, virtual reality for trauma treatment, and online therapy platforms are making support more accessible than ever before. While challenges around privacy, ethics, and human connection remain, the potential is enormous. With the right guidance, digital tools can extend care to those who might never have accessed it otherwise. Still, perhaps the most hopeful development in modern psychology is its growing celebration of neurodiversity—the idea that different brains work in different ways, and that’s not only okay, it’s valuable. Once pathologized, conditions like autism, ADHD, and dyslexia are increasingly seen as variations of human experience, with their own strengths and insights to offer. This shift from “what’s wrong with you?” to “what’s unique about you?” is subtle, but revolutionary. It invites compassion, creativity, and curiosity—not just from professionals, but from all of us. And it’s helping to build a world where more people feel seen, understood, and empowered. Back in Copenhagen, the team finishes mapping out a feature for their app: a daily gratitude check-in, rooted in research showing that small reflections on what’s going well can dramatically improve mood and perspective. It’s not flashy, but it’s powerful. And it reflects the essence of modern psychology—practical tools, grounded in science, designed to uplift. In the end, psychology today isn’t just a study of the mind. It’s a movement toward greater self-awareness, connection, and hope. It’s helping us understand not only how we think, but how we heal, grow, and flourish—together.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Humans
"The Bright Thread of Humanity"
The Bright Thread of Humanity How Compassion, Innovation, and Unity Are Shaping a Better Future for All In a quiet valley nestled between green hills and crystal-clear rivers, the village of Liora once faced the same struggles many communities did across the globe—scarcity of resources, divided interests, and the shadow of climate change. Yet today, it stands as a symbol of what humanity can achieve when driven by compassion, creativity, and collective will. Liora’s transformation began with a question asked by a curious teenager named Sari: “Why can’t we work with nature instead of against it?” This simple thought sparked a community conversation, then a movement. Elders shared old sustainable farming techniques, engineers began exploring clean energy, and the young offered bold ideas shaped by digital tools and a global perspective. Within a decade, the village transitioned entirely to renewable energy. Solar panels shimmered on rooftops, wind turbines spun gracefully on the surrounding hills, and a small hydro station harnessed the river’s gentle flow. But more impressive than the technology was the mindset: cooperation over competition, long-term thinking over short-term gain. The story of Liora is not unique. Across the planet, countless communities, cities, and countries have taken similar strides. In Kenya, women-led cooperatives turned desert land into thriving food gardens using drip irrigation and solar pumps. In Scandinavia, architects reimagined entire cities with sustainable wood and green roofs. In Bangladesh, floating schools brought education to children even during flood seasons, using solar-powered boats equipped with Wi-Fi and digital classrooms. What connects all these efforts is a shared belief that humanity is not doomed to repeat its mistakes. In fact, history offers proof that, when faced with challenge, people innovate—not just for survival, but for the betterment of all. During the global health crisis of the early 2020s, scientists and researchers around the world collaborated at unprecedented speed, sharing data and solutions across borders. The pandemic revealed deep inequalities, but it also highlighted humanity’s capacity for empathy and action. Volunteers delivered meals to neighbors, musicians played from balconies to lift spirits, and nations supported each other with resources and expertise. This spirit of shared responsibility began to influence larger systems. Education models shifted toward inclusivity, offering free online learning in remote areas. Healthcare efforts expanded to focus on prevention and mental well-being. The climate movement, once the voice of the few, became a global chorus of students, scientists, elders, and workers marching together for a livable planet. In 2040, a historic treaty was signed by over 190 countries, committing to protect 50% of Earth’s land and oceans by 2050. While critics doubted the feasibility, progress steadily followed. Indigenous communities—long protectors of biodiversity—were finally recognized as leaders and guardians. Deforestation slowed, coral reefs began to recover, and carbon emissions steadily dropped as clean technologies became more accessible than ever. But perhaps the most significant change was in the way people saw themselves—not as separate from nature or from each other, but as part of an intricate, beautiful web of life. Humanity’s greatest strength was revealed not to be its intelligence or power, but its capacity to care. A child in Liora now learns alongside students from five continents through interactive classrooms powered by satellite internet. They study how wind travels across the globe, how empathy improves mental health, and how planting a tree today shapes the air their children will breathe. They learn about past mistakes, but more importantly, they learn how far we’ve come—and how much further we can go, together. Looking back, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges humanity once faced—conflict, inequality, pollution. But these were not the end of the story. They were chapters in a much longer book, one still being written every day. The bright thread of humanity—our innate drive to connect, to improve, to protect—runs through it all. It weaves together scientists and farmers, artists and engineers, elders and youth, each adding their unique thread to the tapestry of tomorrow. And in that tapestry, the future looks not just possible, but bright.
By Muhammad Saad 6 months ago in Humans
On the Rooftop, We Faced the Pieces We Couldn’t Put Back Together
I left with a jacket. The elevator hummed and rattled, the numbers ticking upward far too slowly for whatever this was going to be. By the time the doors slid open, the cold had already begun to bite.
By Shreyas Vartia7 months ago in Humans
When I Learned Love Doesn’t Always Stay
I used to believe that love, once found, was like a lighthouse—steady, unwavering, guiding you safely through life’s storms. I thought that when two people truly cared for each other, they could weather anything together. I clung to this belief like a child clutching a favorite blanket. But life has a way of gently, and sometimes painfully, teaching us that not all things meant to be will stay forever.
By Habib king7 months ago in Humans
"Stride to Strength: Unlocking the Power of Running for a Healthier Life"
Stride to Strength: Unlocking the Power of Running for a Healthier Life Discover the Incredible Physical, Mental, and Emotional Benefits of Running That Boost Your Well-Being Every Step of the Way --- When Emily laced up her worn-out sneakers one crisp autumn morning, she had no idea that a simple decision would transform her life in ways she had never imagined. Running had always been something she admired from afar—friends who breezed through 5Ks, morning joggers with radiant smiles—but for Emily, it felt out of reach. Years of sedentary habits, stress from work, and the weight of emotional fatigue had clouded her motivation. Yet, that day, something inside her whispered: Just one step. What began as tentative strides around her neighborhood soon evolved into something much more profound. The physical benefits of running started to reveal themselves gradually—her energy levels surged, the heaviness in her legs eased, and the pounds began to melt away. But the transformation went far beyond the physical. Each run became a moving meditation, a chance to reset her mind and reconnect with a vitality she’d long forgotten. Running, Emily discovered, wasn’t just about fitness. It was a powerful tool for holistic well-being. Physically, the act of running strengthens the heart, lungs, and muscles. It increases endurance and improves overall cardiovascular health. Emily felt her body growing stronger with every mile, her posture improving, and her breathing deepening. Scientific studies back this up: running boosts the production of endorphins, often called the body’s “feel-good” chemicals, which help to alleviate pain and induce feelings of happiness. But the mental benefits were even more striking for Emily. Her busy mind, once cluttered with worries and to-do lists, found clarity in the rhythmic pounding of her feet against the pavement. Running became a sanctuary where stress dissolved, anxiety diminished, and her mood lifted. She noticed that even on difficult days, a short run could spark a profound sense of calm and focus. In fact, runners often report improvements in memory, creativity, and cognitive function, all fueled by the increased blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Emotionally, the journey was transformative. Running helped Emily build resilience—not just physically, but emotionally. Each challenge she faced on the trail mirrored challenges in her life: the discomfort of pushing through a tough mile reflected her ability to face fears and setbacks head-on. She learned to celebrate small victories, like running a little farther or faster than the day before. This sense of accomplishment boosted her confidence and self-esteem, making her more hopeful and empowered in daily life. But Emily’s story is not unique. Across the world, millions are unlocking the power of running to enhance their lives. From seasoned marathoners to beginners taking their first tentative steps, running offers a universal path to health and happiness. The beauty of running lies in its accessibility—no expensive equipment or special facilities are required. A pair of shoes and an open road are all it takes. What truly sets running apart, though, is its ability to connect people—to community and to themselves. Emily found support in local running groups where camaraderie flourished and encouragement was abundant. Sharing goals, swapping stories, and cheering one another on turned running into a shared journey rather than a solitary task. This sense of belonging deepened her emotional well-being and provided motivation to keep moving forward. As seasons changed, Emily’s commitment to running grew stronger. She learned to listen to her body, balancing effort with rest, and savoring the simple joys of a sunrise jog or the crisp air of a winter run. Running became a metaphor for life’s journey—sometimes smooth, sometimes challenging, but always moving forward step by step. Her experience offers a compelling message: running is more than exercise—it’s a gateway to a healthier life, enriching body, mind, and spirit. For those hesitant to start, Emily encourages, “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Start small, be patient, and celebrate every stride. The power of running is waiting for you.” Through running, Emily unlocked a life she never thought possible—a life of strength, joy, and balance. Every step became a testament to the incredible potential within each of us to transform our well-being, one stride at a time.
By Muhammad Saad 7 months ago in Humans
13 Lessons I’ve Learned About Life In Hard Times - But Don’t Ever Seem to Get Right
Originally posted on Medium on May 30, 2021. Sometimes life is good, sometimes life is great, and sometimes life is just really $h!tty. I guess in a way that could be one of the 13 things on this list about what I have learned about life, but I’ll present it to you as an introductory bonus.
By Michael Phillips7 months ago in Humans
"Moments That Made Us: The Brighter Side of History"
Moments That Made Us: The Brighter Side of History History is often told through the lens of war, conquest, and conflict. But if you look closely, scattered across centuries, there are shining moments where kindness, courage, and collaboration quietly reshaped the world for the better. These are the stories that rarely make headlines, yet their impact echoes through time. This is one of them. In a quiet village in the Netherlands during World War II, a schoolteacher named Elise van den Berg found herself surrounded by darkness—Nazi occupation, fear, and uncertainty. But instead of giving in to despair, she turned her tiny classroom into a haven of hope. By day, she taught math and literature. By night, she helped hide Jewish children in the attic above her classroom, sneaking them warm bread and stories to keep their spirits alive. She wasn’t a soldier. She had no weapons. Just a chalkboard, a heart full of compassion, and the courage to resist hatred in the only way she could—by protecting innocence. Elise’s actions weren’t recorded in textbooks, but one of the boys she saved grew up to become a doctor, whose medical breakthroughs later saved thousands of lives. Sometimes, the smallest acts of bravery create ripples that grow into waves of change. Fast forward two decades and another moment was quietly reshaping the world—not through rebellion or resistance, but through collaboration. In 1962, during the height of the Cold War, a small group of scientists from the United States and the Soviet Union met at a neutral conference in Geneva. Tensions between their countries were dangerously high, and the threat of nuclear war loomed. But in a quiet corner of the conference hall, over coffee and broken English, the scientists discovered a shared dream: curing polio. Setting aside politics, they agreed to share research, data, and even live samples of the virus. What came from this unlikely collaboration was the development of a more effective, affordable polio vaccine—distributed globally, saving millions of children. That year, polio cases dropped dramatically. And for a brief moment, enemies found common ground in compassion. History marched on. The Berlin Wall fell. Apartheid crumbled. The Internet was born. Each of these milestones is often framed in political or technological terms. But look again, and you’ll see the human spirit behind them. When the Berlin Wall came down in 1989, it wasn’t just a political victory—it was a celebration of unity. As East met West, strangers hugged, wept, and danced together. In the middle of this joyful chaos was a 21-year-old East German woman named Anika who crossed into West Berlin for the first time. Instead of rushing to buy Western goods like many others, she joined a volunteer group handing out food and water to the elderly struggling in the crowd. “Freedom,” she said later in an interview, “only matters if we use it to lift others up.” It’s easy to overlook these moments—the teacher in hiding, the scientists in Geneva, the young woman with a sandwich in her hands—but they’re the threads that hold history together. In 2015, when the Ebola virus broke out in West Africa, another such moment unfolded. Amid fear and global hesitation, a small team of volunteers from around the world—doctors, nurses, engineers—arrived in Liberia. They weren’t looking for fame. Many had left their families behind. But they brought medicine, knowledge, and most importantly, hope. One of the nurses, Aisha from Kenya, comforted patients not just with treatments but with music. She sang softly in multiple languages, learning songs from each culture represented in the crowded hospital tents. Her music became a symbol of shared humanity. When a 10-year-old boy named Joseph finally recovered, he asked if he could sing too. That moment sparked a nightly tradition where patients and staff sang together under the stars. Grief still existed—but joy found a way to stand beside it. --- These are the moments that made us. Not grand speeches or historic treaties alone, but the quiet courage of everyday people who chose compassion over indifference, who built bridges instead of walls. Their stories may not dominate history books, but they define what it means to be human. So the next time history feels too heavy—too full of pain and division—remember Elise, the teacher. The scientists with coffee-stained papers. Anika with her open arms. Aisha with her songs. And Joseph, singing into the night. Because history isn’t just about what happened. It’s about who we chose to be when it mattered most.
By Muhammad Saad 7 months ago in Humans
The Power of Rest: Unlocking the Psychological Benefits of Quality Sleep
The Power of Rest: Unlocking the Psychological Benefits of Quality Sleep When Maya started her new job at a fast-paced design firm, she felt energized—at first. But as the weeks passed, late-night deadlines, early-morning meetings, and a steadily growing to-do list began to chip away at her sleep. “I’ll catch up on rest this weekend,” she told herself each Friday. But the weekend never seemed long enough. Eventually, her energy dipped, her mood darkened, and even her creativity—the very skill she was hired for—began to falter. What Maya was experiencing is something millions face daily: the psychological toll of poor sleep. While most of us recognize sleep as a biological need, science increasingly shows that it is also a pillar of mental well-being and psychological health. In fact, sleep isn't just something we do when everything else is done—it's a fundamental process that actively restores our minds, balances our emotions, and strengthens our ability to think, learn, and cope. The Brain on Sleep Sleep is more than just rest. It is a dynamic period during which the brain engages in critical activities that impact mood, memory, and mental clarity. During deep stages of non-REM sleep, the brain consolidates memories, processes information, and clears out waste proteins that accumulate during the day—a sort of nightly cleaning service for our neurons. Then there’s REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, a stage rich with dreams and emotional processing. Studies have shown that during REM sleep, the brain replays emotional events in a safer, dream-like environment, helping us regulate our feelings and reduce stress. That’s why after a solid night’s sleep, a problem can feel smaller or a difficult conversation less upsetting. It’s not just “sleeping on it”—it’s the brain doing emotional housekeeping. Sleep and Mental Health: A Two-Way Street Psychologists often describe the relationship between sleep and mental health as bidirectional. Poor sleep can contribute to mental health issues like anxiety and depression, and those same conditions can in turn disrupt sleep. It becomes a cycle that, if left unchecked, can lead to chronic emotional distress and cognitive decline. But there’s a bright side: improving sleep can directly improve mental health. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), for instance, is a highly effective treatment that not only helps people sleep better but often reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression in the process. Dr. Emma Rodriguez, a clinical psychologist specializing in sleep disorders, puts it simply: “Sleep is like a mirror for your mental health. When sleep improves, so does your emotional resilience.” The Hidden Power of Naps and Routines Not all sleep happens at night. Short naps—10 to 20 minutes—can refresh the brain without causing grogginess. In fact, research shows that a well-timed nap can boost memory, enhance creativity, and reduce stress. It’s no surprise that companies and schools in some parts of the world are experimenting with nap pods and flexible rest breaks. But beyond naps, the key to better psychological health through sleep lies in consistency. A regular sleep-wake cycle helps regulate your body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, which in turn supports hormone regulation, mood stability, and attention span. Small changes can lead to big improvements: Keeping a consistent bedtime—even on weekends Limiting screen time before sleep Creating a calming pre-sleep routine (like journaling, reading, or meditating) Making the bedroom a sanctuary for rest—cool, dark, and quiet Maya’s Turnaround Maya eventually visited a therapist who specialized in sleep and mental health. Together, they identified how stress and poor sleep were feeding off each other. With some gentle structure, mindfulness practices, and a consistent bedtime, Maya began to feel better—more focused, more hopeful, and, yes, more creative. “I didn’t realize how much sleep was affecting everything,” she says now. “Once I made it a priority, everything else started falling into place.” A Final Thought Sleep is not a luxury. It’s a biological necessity and a psychological superpower. In a culture that often glorifies hustle and late nights, choosing to sleep might feel like falling behind—but the science is clear: sleep helps us show up as our best selves. So tonight, when you rest your head, know that you're not being lazy or unproductive. You're healing. You're growing. And you're giving your brain the care it needs to face tomorrow with clarity and strength.
By Muhammad Saad 7 months ago in Humans
