The optimal noise level for carrying out abstract thinking and creative tasks is 70 dB, which is the average noise level of a coffee shop. Journal of Consumer Research New York Times Soundrown Coffitivity Episode 11 - Useful Science Podcast Productivity Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 13553
Teaching 7th graders that intelligence is not fixed but malleable (and that it can be improved through hard work) resulted in an upward trajectory of math grades in junior high school. Child Development Quartz Episode 7 - Useful Science Podcast Education Parenting Productivity Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 13324
Power-posing for two minutes (i.e. feet resting on a surface while sitting with fingers interlaced behind the head or, standing and leaning slightly forward over a surface supported by firmly planted hands) temporarily elevates testosterone levels and lowers cortisol levels. This increases feelings of power and promotes focus on reward instead of risk. Psychological Science TED Talk Episode 2 - Useful Science Podcast Happiness Persuasion Productivity Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 12564
When faced with a temptation, such as eating unhealthy food or skipping out on studying, telling yourself and others "I don't eat unhealthy food" instead of "I can't eat unhealthy food" will help you adhere to your resolution better. Journal of Consumer Research Fitness Nutrition Productivity Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 12079
Shielding your eyes from blue light for a few hours before sleep, either by using amber-tinted lenses or using an app such as f.lux on self-luminous devices, helps improve sleep quality and mood by promoting melatonin production. Chronobiology International f.lux app Twilight app Health Productivity Sleep Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 11928
The most successful sales people, measured by sales revenue, are not extroverts, but “ambiverts” – those halfway between extreme extroverts and extreme introverts. Psychological Science Persuasion Productivity Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 11802
Detaching from work (i.e. thinking about things other than work) when returning home at the end of a bad day reduces negative emotional spillover from work to home life. Journal of Vocational Behavior Happiness Productivity Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 11651
A diet with a modest increase in protein content and a reduction in high-glycemic foods (i.e. white bread, white rice, corn flakes, bagels, potatoes) helps maintain weight loss. New England Journal of Medicine New York Times Health Nutrition Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 11626
Personal beliefs about obesity are predictors of actual body mass: Individuals who believe obesity is caused by a lack of exercise are more likely to be overweight than individuals who believe that obesity is caused by a poor diet. Psychological Science Fitness Health Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 11484
Getting a good night's sleep facilitates attentiveness and joviality throughout the following workday. Journal of Management Happiness Productivity Sleep Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Permalink Comments Comments Useful 11453