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Kelly McGonigal Ph.D.

About

Kelly McGonigal, Ph.D., is a health psychologist teaching at Stanford University and specializing in the mind-body connection. Her work focuses on how we can translate neuroscience and modern psychology research into practical strategies for better health, happiness, personal success, and relationships. She is the author of The Willpower Instinct: How Self-Control Works, Why It Matters, and What You Can Do to Get More of It and Yoga for Pain Relief: Simple Practices to Calm Your Mind and Heal Your Pain. McGonigal is also the editor in chief of the International Journal of Yoga Therapy, a peer-reviewed journal of research on yoga, meditation, and integrative medicine.

Books by Kelly McGonigal Ph.D.
Recent Posts
What Moment Will Define You in 2014?
Can you imagine an event in 2014 that will be important, meaningful, and shape who you are? The ability to generate such self-defining future memories is important for experiencing a sense of self-continuity -- exactly what scientists have found helps us to be, and become, the best versions of ourselves.
What the Stock Market Can Teach You About New Year's Resolve
I don't typically turn to stock reports for self-help inspiration. But there's a market quirk that shows up each New Year that's gotten me thinking about the "economics" of our own New Years resolutions. Think of yourself as a start-up, and chart a new course in 2013.
This Was the Year in Willpower

This round-up features the most-read posts and most-watched videos on this blog in the past year. Plus, the blog post you probably didn't read (it got the fewest hits of the year), but that I picked as the defining post of 2012.

This round-up features the most-read posts and most-watched videos on this blog in the past year. Plus, the blog post you probably didn't read (it got the fewest hits of the year), but that I picked as the defining post of 2012.

How Not to Give the Gift of Food Guilt This Holiday Season

Studies show that we overestimate other people's desire for indulgent foods, and underestimate the guilt and regret they will feel afterward.

Studies show that we overestimate other people's desire for indulgent foods, and underestimate the guilt and regret they will feel afterward.

What’s Better Than Gratitude?

Somewhere between mashing the potatoes and dishing out the pie, millions of Americans will take time to reflect on what they are grateful for. But a recent study published in Psychological Science suggests a different practice -- one you might consider making a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Somewhere between mashing the potatoes and dishing out the pie, millions of Americans will take time to reflect on what they are grateful for. But a recent study published in Psychological Science suggests a different practice -- one you might consider making a new Thanksgiving tradition.

Why It’s Hard to Let Go of Clutter

Researchers asked people to sort through items like junk mail and old newspapers, and decide what to keep and what to toss. While this was happening, researchers tracked their stress and brain activity.

Researchers asked people to sort through items like junk mail and old newspapers, and decide what to keep and what to toss. While this was happening, researchers tracked their stress and brain activity.

Is Your Mind Separate From Your Body?

A new study, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany, finds that if you believe the mind is separate from the body, you are less likely to exercise and avoid junk food.

A new study, conducted by a team of researchers at the University of Cologne in Germany, finds that if you believe the mind is separate from the body, you are less likely to exercise and avoid junk food.