The Mindful Self-Express

The mind-body experiment.

Melanie Greenberg Ph.D.

Understanding the Trauma Brain

Unprocessed trauma memories are stored in your brain in fixed, isolated neural networks. When triggered, you overreact or under-react. Neuroplasticity can help.

5 Go-To Tactics of Gaslighters, and How to Resist Them

Gaslighting occurs in the workplace, in politics, and in intimate relationships. But how do you spot it? Unlike overt bullying, gaslighting can be difficult to recognize.

5 Thinking Errors that Underlie Guilt and Shame

Guilt and shame are common reactions to trauma or valued aspects of everyday life, including work, health and relationships. Excessive guilt can result from cognitive biases.

Why Your Brain Won't Let Go of Small Stressors

Do you hold onto small stressors for too long, prolonging their effect? An area of the brain called the amygdala plays a role. You can train your amygdala to let go and move on.

Are Narcissists Actually Covering Up Insecurity?

Narcissists act as if they are superior to you, but they may be covering up underlying insecurity and unstable self-esteem by seeking social status and validation.

Stress in America: Life and Work Disrupted by the Pandemic

The 2020 Stress in America survey paints a picture of lives disrupted by the pandemic and worsening mental health, particularly for Generation Z.

Cultivating Hope to Boost Your Mental Health Under Stress

Research shows cultivating hope as an active resource (vs. passive, wishful thinking) can improve your mental health and resilience to stress. Find out how you can be more hopeful.

Why PTSD Is a Mind-Body Condition

We think of PTSD as a purely mental health disorder, but it actually is a mind-body condition. Chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation may be the reason.

Do Lonely People Have Different Brains?

Lonely people see themselves and others differently. New MRI research shows the brain's default mode network may contain a signature for loneliness.

6 Negative Mindsets That Increase Your Anxiety

You may not be able to stop being anxious, but you can stop your anxiety from taking you down a dark tunnel, wasting your energy, and causing you to make unwise choices.

Trauma, PTSD, and Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation

People with PTSD are at higher risk for depression, cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune conditions. Chronic, low-grade inflammation may be the reason why.

The Limits of Optimism and Pessimism

When it comes to finances, is optimism best or is it better to be more cautious? An 18-year study examined this issue. The answer may surprise you.

How the Stress of the COVID-19 Pandemic Scrambles Your Brain

The pandemic and current national crises create a sense of threat, uncertainty, and loneliness. But there are science-based strategies that can make you more resilient.

Post-Traumatic Growth During a Pandemic: Is That a Thing?

Post-traumatic growth is the process of coming to terms with trauma and changing your life in a more meaningful or positive direction. Can we do this in the age of COVID-19? How?

Media Exposure to COVID-19: How Much Is Too Much?

The media play a vital role in informing us about COVID-19. But sitting glued to the TV all day can create stress and promote unwise behavior. How much media exposure is too much?

5 Ways to Rewire Your Brain to Deal With Coronavirus Stress

Coronavirus creates the perfect storm to trigger automatic, primitive brain reactions to danger. It is life-threatening, unfamiliar, and unpredictable. Find out how to de-stress.

The Surprising Reason Mindfulness Makes You Happier

Some studies have shown that mindfulness interventions increase positive feelings, but we don’t really know why this happens. A recent research study sought to delve deeper.

Does Being More Social Make Us Happier?

Are deeper conversations more satisfying than superficial ones—and are we happier when interacting with people that we like more?

How Married Couples Influence Each Other’s Physical Health

Couples can influence each others’ stress levels, mood, and health behavior patterns. The gut may hold the key linking behavior in intimate relationships with long-term health.

Does Suppressing Feelings Help or Hurt Your Relationship?

When you're in conflict with your partner, is it best to communicate authentically or to downplay what you feel? Research has surprising answers.

Understanding Brain Circuits of Fear, Stress, and Anxiety

Experts now think of anxiety disorders and PTSD as “whole brain” conditions involving the complex interplay of neurons across different brain areas. Find out why.

How Traumas Create Negative Patterns in Relationships

Traumas create enduring beliefs and behaviors that make it difficult to find and maintain loving relationships.

6 Powerful Communication Tools for Satisfying Relationships

Couples often get stuck in negative communication cycles. Read about 6 tools that couples therapists use to help you have difficult conversations and resolve conflict.

Surprising Ways that Stress Affects Your Brain and Immunity

Stress is a natural part of life. But experiencing major stressors early in life or unrelenting, chronic stress may actually alter your brain and immunity.

Master Your Feelings With New Tools Inspired by Neuroscience

Do you struggle to manage your emotions? Neuroscience suggests that finding a detailed understanding of what you are feeling can help.

Stressed Out? How Nature Can Restore Your Health

Modern urban lifestyles can be stressful. Research shows spending time in green spaces helps you de-stress, feel healthier, and may even extend your life.

7 Easy Things You Can Do Instead of Worrying

Worry is something we all struggle with and a habit that is difficult to break. Learn about some simple, fresh, practical tools to interrupt negative thinking cycles.

Self-Compassion May Foster More Secure Attachment

A new experimental study shows that brief self-compassion or body awareness practices can calm stress in the body and create states of safety, soothing, and openness.

Why Worrying Is Unhelpful, and One Thing You Can Do Instead

Repetitive worry and rumination is something most of us struggle with. Learn how worry works in the brain, the psychological impact of worry, and what you can do instead.

Research Shows One Skill Can Keep Your Relationship Happy

Research shows us how reducing negative feelings and behavior during conflict can help you communicate more constructively so you can maintain a happy relationship over time.

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