Being Awake Better

Having energy and cognitive reserve during the day to function at our best.

Creativity
Creativity, Social Bonds, and Brain Opioid Theory

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on April 4, 2025

What do creativity and social bonds have to do with one another? The brain opioid theory helps us understand how creativity and flow may cycle after broken relationships.

What do creativity and social bonds have to do with one another? The brain opioid theory helps us understand how creativity and flow may cycle after broken relationships.

Therapy
Five Reasons People May Resist Seeking Therapy

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on December 12, 2024

Do you know someone who could benefit from therapy, but says it isn't for them? Five fears people have about therapy and five antidotes to help them seek the support they deserve.

Do you know someone who could benefit from therapy, but says it isn't for them? Five fears people have about therapy and five antidotes to help them seek the support they deserve.

Elisabeth Mann Borgese, 1931
Gender
Gender Dysphoria: Is Self-Acceptance an Option?

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on July 26, 2024

Is it possible to reduce the burden of gender identification? A Nobel laureate’s granddaughter shares a story about her non-conforming mother and living beyond gender stereotypes.

Is it possible to reduce the burden of gender identification? A Nobel laureate’s granddaughter shares a story about her non-conforming mother and living beyond gender stereotypes.

Sleep
Harnessing Imagination to Conquer Nightmares

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on June 22, 2024

Do you have a recurring nightmare? Traumatic images that replay during sleep can terrorize and disrupt, but there are effective treatments.

Do you have a recurring nightmare? Traumatic images that replay during sleep can terrorize and disrupt, but there are effective treatments.

Wisdom
The Wisdom of Resentment: From Toxic to Tonic

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on May 25, 2024

Resentment is often labeled as a toxic feeling. However, trusting the inherent wisdom of our emotions can guide us toward healing and growth.

Resentment is often labeled as a toxic feeling. However, trusting the inherent wisdom of our emotions can guide us toward healing and growth.

Psychedelics
8 Ways to Learn About Psychedelics

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on March 29, 2024

Psychedelics are making headlines around the world. How can the public know when medications are harmful, helpful, or somewhere in between?

Psychedelics are making headlines around the world. How can the public know when medications are harmful, helpful, or somewhere in between?

Health
Qigong for Restoration of Cognitive Function

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on March 1, 2024

Using the body to heal the brain can include simple, gentle movement flows. Reclaiming wellness does not need to be complicated or expensive.

Using the body to heal the brain can include simple, gentle movement flows. Reclaiming wellness does not need to be complicated or expensive.

Mindfulness
When Self-Care Backfires

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on January 25, 2024

Do you feel overwhelmed by your long list of self-care activities? Resist the intense pull to do more: Streamline, declutter, and savor your self-care routine.

Do you feel overwhelmed by your long list of self-care activities? Resist the intense pull to do more: Streamline, declutter, and savor your self-care routine.

Anxiety
A Worry Practice for Better Sleep

Jessica Del Pozo, Ph.D. on September 7, 2023

Have you tried a meditation practice but still worry a lot? Create a worry practice in 3 steps to help you sleep, and be awake, better.

Have you tried a meditation practice but still worry a lot? Create a worry practice in 3 steps to help you sleep, and be awake, better.

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Magazine
July 2026 magazine cover
July 2026
26 Keys to Thriving

From the power of pausing to the ability to ignore, we’ve culled 26 simple, actionable measures for gaining a sense of control and living a meaningful life.

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Tests
Self Tests
Self Tests

Self Tests are all about you. Are you outgoing or introverted? Are you a narcissist? Does perfectionism hold you back? Find out the answers to these questions and more with Psychology Today.

Self Assessments
Quizzes