Christian Jarrett
Dr Christian Jarrett is a cognitive neuroscientist, science writer and author. He is the Editor of Psyche, the sister magazine to Aeon that illuminates the human condition through psychology, philosophy and the arts. Jarrett also created the British Psychological Society's Research Digest blog and was the first ever staff journalist on the Society's magazine, The Psychologist. He is author of Great Myths of The Brain and Be Who You Want: Unlocking the Science of Personality Change.
Recent articles by Christian Jarrett
What we're all getting wrong about infidelity, according to science
There is more than one way to be unfaithful to your partner.
Why do I keep seeing faces in everything?
Spotting faces in clouds and toast? It could mean you're a creative genius.
I feel like nothing I ever do is good enough. How do I get out of this mindset?
Turn that frown upside down. Your best is good enough.
Can embracing the Japanese concept of ikigai help me live longer?
A cognitive neuroscientist explains the science behind this ancient art.
How can I get better at taking compliments?
You'll never find yourself blushing and clamouring for words again.
What is shadow work? And could embracing my shadow self boost my mental health?
No, it doesn't involve hiding in dark corners.
Olympics | Why does finishing second feel so much worse than third?
The science of why athletes often seem unsatisfied with silver.
Night owls are 'cognitively superior’ to early risers. Here’s why
For some of us, getting out of bed at the crack of dawn is at best miserable and at worst impossible.
Why do we pick favourites?'
This explains why you absolutely have to have pasta for dinner at least twice a week.
'Active' optimists live longer, happier lives. Here's how to become one
Is manifestation pure pseudoscience or could there be something to it?
Why is it so difficult to ask for help?
It’s a 'don’t ask, don’t get' world out there.
Why do we like collecting things?
No need to chuck away the stamps just yet.
How do I stop taking things personally?
Try not to take it to heart.
What is the reminiscence bump?
Were your teenage years really the best of your life?
Why am I always running late?
You'll never miss the bus again.
What is decision paralysis and how do I deal with it?
You'll never be stuck deciding which washing detergent to buy ever again.
The 6 best habits to keep your brain fit as you age, according to neuroscience
What can you do to stave off cognitive decline? Neuroscientist Christian Jarrett explains the six habits that can keep your grey matter fit.
Is it really better to hope for the best, but brace for the worst?
Being optimistic really can be self-fulfilling.
This headset will let you control your dreams, Inception-style. Here’s what to know before you lose track of reality
A US start-up is working on a headband designed to induce lucid dreams. But will it work and is it safe to use?
Here’s what makes your emotions more infectious to others
Can your friend catch your bad mood, or can your partner infect you with happy one?
Early risers and night owls: A neuroscientist explains who is happiest
Does early to bed and early to rise really make you healthy, wealthy and wise?
4 simple, science-backed ways to build habits that stick
Baby steps can make a big difference.
4 simple ways to finally stop catastrophising, explained by a psychologist
Catastrophe-filled thoughts are common and unpleasant. Here are some tips to manage them if they get out of hand...
Here’s why you’re terrible at making new habits - and how to finally make them stick
Our lives are filled with habitual behaviours, both good and bad, but how do they form and how can we build better ones?