When does scapegoating become problematic? Scapegoating occurs in any type of relationship, including those within larger structures, such as families and workplaces. In fact, it’s common to occasionally attempt to deflect responsibility for one’s mistakes, often by blaming someone else. It becomes problematic, however, when the pattern is repeated, especially if the so-called blame is …
Why the brain is wired for pareidolia There’s much conjecture about why people see identifiable faces, animals and shapes in random patterns, but it seems the brain is wired to notice or look for something recognisable. It’s widely thought that the brain is primed to see faces (the most common form of pareidolia) and is …
How does no-mow gardening work? Put simply, no-mow gardening means leaving your lawn to grow unchecked for a while. This might be for a full season or a single month and involve a whole garden or plot, a section or even just the edges. Some no-mow gardeners cut strips across their gardens to create pathways …
Read moreWhat are the benefits to wildlife of not mowing your lawn?
How to change a negative situation It might be worth considering whether change – rather than continual complaining – could be part of the solution. If you find yourself frequently sounding off about the same things, it might be time to explore whether there’s anything you can do to transform the situation. The answer might …
How has cooperation shaped the world? This is something that Nichola Raihani, professor of evolution and behaviour at University College London, addresses in her 2021 book The Social Instinct: How Cooperation Shaped the World. She begins by looking at the way molecules team up to form cells, before widening her scope to the animal kingdom. …
Read moreWhy is cooperation the secret to humanity’s success?
Why are ghost tours so appealing? For some, it’s curiosity about the unknown or a morbid fascination with ghastly histories and life beyond the grave. Being fully immersed in a ghost tour’s experience brings the past and all its phantoms to life in vivid colour. It’s possible to feel the creeping dread, the quickening pulse …
What to consider when booking wildlife tourism The Responsible Traveller: A Practical Guide to Reducing Your Environmental and Social Impact, by Karen Edwards, includes tips to help you choose an ethical wildlife experience. Aim to tick off at least five of these points before booking: Experiences led by wildlife experts who have studied a specific …
Top tips for planning a Yes Day Focus on feelings. Thinking about how you’d most like to feel is a good place to start. Do you long for real relaxation or are you pining for adventure? Mulling over what’s been missing from your average day could provide clues about the most fulfilling way to spend …
The holidays are almost here, you might be looking forward to time off, precious moments with loved ones, great food and post-feasting naps. Then come those post-celebration days, where you eat all the leftovers and have no idea what time it is, let alone what the date might be. It’s somewhere during this twilight period …
This meditative exercise connects mind and body. It takes between 15 and 20 minutes, so make yourself comfortable in a room where you won’t be disturbed. Lie on your back on a mat or rug on the floor, or on your bed. Legs can be flat on the floor or knees raised, whichever is most …
Read moreMindful body scan – how to nurture a healthy relationship between mind and body
