Cognitive Development With Jalwa Syed

23/07/2023

Have you ever wondered how we get influenced by others? This post explains six principles of persuasion.

16/07/2023

Do You Know How Our Habits Are Formed?

Have you ever wondered why you do the things you do, even when you acknowledge their downside?

The science of habit formation is explained by Charles Duhigg in his best-selling book The Power of Habit. He termed the three-step process, which he named Habit Loop, as the genesis of our habit formation. The Habit Loop consists:

1. Cue
2. Routine
3. Reward.

The cue triggers the automatic mode of our brain. It can be anything from a time of day to a certain location to a feeling.

The routine is the behaviour per se. It's the physical or mental reaction to the cue.

The reward is the feeling you get after completing the routine. It's what reinforces the habit and makes you want to do it again.

For example, let's say you have a habit of checking your email first thing in the morning. The cue is the sound of your alarm clock. The routine is checking your email. The reward is the feeling of being caught up on your messages.

Once a habit is formed, it can be hard to break. That's because the cue and the routine become linked together in your brain. When you see the cue, your brain automatically triggers the routine, even if you don't want to do it.

But it is possible to break habits. Duhigg says that the key is to identify the cue and the reward and then to find a new routine that gives you the same reward.

For example, if you want to break the habit of checking your email first thing in the morning, you could identify the cue as the sound of your alarm clock. You could then find a new routine that gives you the same reward, such as reading a book or meditating.

Breaking habits takes time and effort, but it is possible. By understanding the science of habit formation, you can take control of your habits and create the life you want.

Here are some tips for breaking habits:

Identify the cue and the reward. What triggers your habit? What do you get out of it?
Find a new routine. This should be something that gives you the same reward as your old habit but is healthier or more productive.

Make it easy. Make it as easy as possible to do your new routine. For example, if you want to start exercising, put your workout clothes out the night before.

Be patient. It takes time to break habits. Don't get discouraged if you slip up. Just keep trying.
Changing your habits can be a challenge, but it's worth it. When you break bad habits and replace them with good ones, you can improve your health, your relationships, and your overall well-being.

So what are you waiting for? Start breaking some habits today!

02/07/2023

29/06/2023

May the spirit of Eid al-Adha fill your heart with peace, happiness, and a sense of inner harmony. May your mind be clear and your soul be at peace. May you find joy in the simple things in life and may you always be surrounded by love. Eid al-Adha Mubarak!

19/06/2023

Anxiety: What It Is and How to Deal With It

Anxiety is a normal and often healthy emotion. However, when it becomes excessive, it can be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults age 18 and older, or 18.1% of the population every year.

There are many different types of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and specific phobias. Each type of anxiety disorder has its own set of symptoms, but some common symptoms include:

Feeling restless or wound-up
Being easily fatigued
Having difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
Having trouble sleeping
Having muscle tension
Having a racing heart
Sweating
Chest pain
Nausea
Diarrhoea
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help you determine if you have an anxiety disorder and recommend treatment options.

There are several things you can do to manage anxiety, including:

Mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, such as meditation, yoga, or simply taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath.

Exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. It releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Avoid caffeine: Caffeine can worsen anxiety symptoms. If you find that caffeine makes you feel more anxious, try to reduce or eliminate your intake.

Talk to someone: Talking to a therapist or counsellor can help manage anxiety. They can teach you coping skills and help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

Limit screen time: Too much screen time can contribute to anxiety. Try to limit your screen time to two hours or less per day.

If you are struggling with anxiety, it is important to seek professional help. I being a counsellor can help you develop a treatment plan that is right for you. I can also teach you coping skills and help you manage your anxiety symptoms.

17/06/2023

The Science of Happiness

Happiness is a topic that has been studied by philosophers and scientists for centuries. There is no one answer to the question of what makes people happy, but there are several factors that contribute to happiness.

In his book The Happiness Hypothesis, Jonathan Haidt explores the science of happiness from a variety of perspectives. He draws on research from psychology, sociology, and economics to argue that happiness is not simply the absence of pain, but the presence of positive emotions.

Haidt identifies six pillars of happiness:

1. Gratitude: Appreciation for the good things in our lives.

2. Forgivingness: Letting go of anger and resentment.

3. Meaningful work: Doing something that we find fulfilling.

4. Strong social connections: Having close relationships with family and friends.

5. Physical health: Taking care of our bodies and minds.

6. Spirituality: A sense of connection to something larger than ourselves.

Haidt argues that these pillars are not just important for happiness, but also for living a good life. He provides evidence that people who are grateful, forgiving, and have strong social connections are also more likely to be healthy, productive, and successful.

The Happiness Hypothesis is a thought-provoking book that offers a new perspective on happiness. Haidt's insights are based on a wide range of research, and he provides practical advice for how to increase our own happiness. If you are interested in learning more about the science of happiness, I highly recommend checking out this book.

Here are some additional thoughts on the science of happiness:

Happiness is not a destination, but a journey. It is something that we have to work on every day.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what makes people happy.

What makes one person happy may not make another person happy.

Happiness is not just about feeling good. It is also about living a meaningful life.

There are many things that we can do to increase our happiness, such as spending time with loved ones, helping others, and pursuing our passions.

If you are looking for ways to increase your happiness, I encourage you to experiment with different things and find what works for you. There is no right or wrong answer, and the most important thing is to find what makes you happy.

If you're interested in learning more about cognitive development, be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram.

15/06/2023

Want to be more successful in life? Improve your emotional intelligence!

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to understand and manage one's own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It's a key skill for success in both personal and professional life.

People with high EQ are more likely to be:

Happy and fulfilled: They're better able to cope with stress, handle setbacks, and appreciate the good things in their lives.
Productive and successful: They're better able to manage their time, stay focused, and make sound decisions.
Good leaders and communicators: They're able to build strong relationships, resolve conflicts, and influence others.
If you're looking to improve your EQ, there are many things you can do:

Pay attention to your emotions: The first step to improving your EQ is to become more aware of your own emotions. Pay attention to how you feel in different situations and what triggers your emotions.
Label your emotions: Once you are aware of your emotions, it is helpful to label them. This will help you to understand your emotions better and to manage them more effectively.
Express your emotions in a healthy way: It's important to express your emotions in a healthy way. This means finding healthy ways to cope with negative emotions, such as anger and sadness.
Build relationships: Strong relationships are essential for emotional well-being. Make an effort to build and maintain strong relationships with family, friends, and colleagues.
Learn from your mistakes: Everyone makes mistakes. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and to grow from them.
Improving your EQ takes time and effort, but it's worth it. Emotional intelligence is a powerful tool that can help you to succeed in life.

What are some of the ways you've improved your emotional intelligence? Share your tips in the comments below!