Your Future Self

Stress

In the Face of Chaotic Upheaval… Work?

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on December 19, 2025

Life is the same, until it isn’t. A new study looks at the ways work might provide a sense of normalcy and emotional well-being in times of crisis.

Life is the same, until it isn’t. A new study looks at the ways work might provide a sense of normalcy and emotional well-being in times of crisis.

Emotions

Is Concealing How You Feel Actually Bad for You?

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on November 23, 2025

Some of us mask emotions more than others. Expressive suppression is connected to lower emotional wellness, yet research reveals this relationship isn’t so simple.

Some of us mask emotions more than others. Expressive suppression is connected to lower emotional wellness, yet research reveals this relationship isn’t so simple.

Cognition

A Hidden Downside of Paying to Save Time

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on October 19, 2025

In a new study, a team of researchers looked at how people would feel about tasks that involved some degree of pleasure if they could pay to not do them.

In a new study, a team of researchers looked at how people would feel about tasks that involved some degree of pleasure if they could pay to not do them.

Emotional Intelligence

Why Reading About Fictional People Can Improve Your Social Life

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on September 24, 2025

Reading helps us read others. Watching movies does not.

Reading helps us read others. Watching movies does not.

Parenting

New Parenthood, Intimacy, and Capitalization

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on August 29, 2025

If your emotional and physical experiences in your relationship aren't what they were before you stepped into the world of parenting, research shows you’re definitely not alone.

If your emotional and physical experiences in your relationship aren't what they were before you stepped into the world of parenting, research shows you’re definitely not alone.

Emotion Regulation

Why We Treat Ourselves With Self-Compassion or Self-Uncompassion

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on July 31, 2025

New research on staying consistently self-supportive.

New research on staying consistently self-supportive.

Imagination

Our Imagination Sets Up Our Decisions

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on June 27, 2025

A team of researchers examined whether picturing a choice impacts whether someone will make that choice in reality.

A team of researchers examined whether picturing a choice impacts whether someone will make that choice in reality.

Mindfulness

Notice My Breathing? Really?

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on May 31, 2025

Let’s be honest: On its face, mindful breathing can sound ridiculous. Yet research reveals that mindfulness apps are worthwhile, and a new study goes even further.

Let’s be honest: On its face, mindful breathing can sound ridiculous. Yet research reveals that mindfulness apps are worthwhile, and a new study goes even further.

Emotional Intelligence

How the Best Couples Stay Tuned in to Each Other

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on April 21, 2025

New research on emotional knowing in relationships.

New research on emotional knowing in relationships.

Happiness

How You React to Yourself Parallels How You React to Others

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on March 28, 2025

How do you treat your own happiness? Virtually all of us have a way of relating to our contentment, even though it’s a question we may not think about intentionally.

How do you treat your own happiness? Virtually all of us have a way of relating to our contentment, even though it’s a question we may not think about intentionally.

Awe

Allow Yourself to Cultivate Awe

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on February 28, 2025

Given the value of self-compassion, what might help people open the door to something that could powerfully help them, especially amid sudden, troubling circumstances?

Given the value of self-compassion, what might help people open the door to something that could powerfully help them, especially amid sudden, troubling circumstances?

Fear

If You’re Afraid of Compassion, You’re Not Alone

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on January 31, 2025

If you’re one of many people who wrestle with taking in compassion from others or from yourself, and you’re curious about how you might start to shift that, what are your options?

If you’re one of many people who wrestle with taking in compassion from others or from yourself, and you’re curious about how you might start to shift that, what are your options?

Adverse Childhood Experiences

It's Not Your Fault, and You Are Not Broken

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on December 23, 2024

The holidays can feel painful, isolating, and stressful for people who were mistreated growing up and don’t have a family that will provide them with warmth, care, and safety.

The holidays can feel painful, isolating, and stressful for people who were mistreated growing up and don’t have a family that will provide them with warmth, care, and safety.

Stress

What Happens When You Meet Yourself Where You Are

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on November 29, 2024

Arguably, it’s far less intuitive to observe our physical experiences, emotions, and thoughts, and actually receive them with an attitude of acceptance.

Arguably, it’s far less intuitive to observe our physical experiences, emotions, and thoughts, and actually receive them with an attitude of acceptance.

Emotions

The Guiding Light of Emotions

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on October 27, 2024

New research reveals that if we listen to our emotions and gain a clearer awareness of what we’re feeling, we may be more able to make choices in life and reach for what we want.

New research reveals that if we listen to our emotions and gain a clearer awareness of what we’re feeling, we may be more able to make choices in life and reach for what we want.

Motivation

Is Setting Goals Healthier than Enjoying Life?

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on September 27, 2024

Let yourself stop and think about what might resonate with you as your sense of purpose. What if you were to juxtapose that alongside how happy you are with your life?

Let yourself stop and think about what might resonate with you as your sense of purpose. What if you were to juxtapose that alongside how happy you are with your life?

Empathy

Connecting With Others: Getting It and Getting It Right

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on August 30, 2024

What sways whether someone will open up about their feelings instead of withholding what’s happening inside? Is there something we could do that might help open the door?

What sways whether someone will open up about their feelings instead of withholding what’s happening inside? Is there something we could do that might help open the door?

Fear

The Fear of Happiness

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on July 26, 2024

Picture what arises as you envision feeling happy. What can make contentment a daunting prospect?

Picture what arises as you envision feeling happy. What can make contentment a daunting prospect?

Relationships

The Two-Edged Sword of Holding Onto Your Outlook in Conflict

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on June 21, 2024

Remember, you’re human and won’t hit the mark every time. What might help people shield their reactions against veering in a damaging direction?

Remember, you’re human and won’t hit the mark every time. What might help people shield their reactions against veering in a damaging direction?

Motivation

Approaching Conflict With Your Romantic Partner

Holly Parker, Ph.D. on May 17, 2024

Do you think conflict with your partner would be dangerous to your bond and must be evaded, or as something that could lead to a deeper awareness and a more connected relationship?

Do you think conflict with your partner would be dangerous to your bond and must be evaded, or as something that could lead to a deeper awareness and a more connected relationship?