"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Cognitive

Positive Reads

Cognitive Dissonance: Exploring Tension between Belief & Action

The discomfort that we experience when we possess two or more contradictory ideas or when our views are inconsistent with our behavior is known as cognitive dissonance, a psychological phenomenon. We may modify our attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors as a result of this discomfort. In psychology, cognitive dissonance is a complicated and interesting gossip. The Primary reason for Cognitive Dissonance ~  Behaving contrary to our ideas or attitudes is one of the most frequent causes of cognitive dissonance. We could feel cognitive dissonance, for instance, if we smoke despite believing it to be unhealthy. When we are presented with facts that contradict our preconceived notions, it can also lead to cognitive dissonance. This might occur when we come across material that challenges our preconceived notions or knowledge. The Connection Between Our Actions and Beliefs ~ Picking On Some Tricky Questions Revolving Around the Topic:  Are acts caused by beliefs? For certain cases—possibly more than for others—the answer is unquestionably yes. We deliberately take a particular action because we think it will lead to the desired outcome. Sometimes, though, it seems like what we do doesn't match what we believe. What can we deduce from this? Are the ideas we take for granted as being stable and unchangeable very malleable, allowing us to think one thing under some conditions and act differently under others? Are we constantly conscious of our beliefs? We may think we believe in the golden rule, but maybe we don’t. Is it feasible that there is a lot of societal pressure to believe a particular statement? hat our subconscious prevents our actual belief from coming to the surface of awareness since our whole conception of the universe, sense of self, morality, etc., depends so heavily on accepting this assertion. Like how cognitive dissonance modifies our actions? Are our views are result of our actions? Is it possible that we act extremely thoughtlessly most of the time, and that our actions lead us to create beliefs after the fact? Again, we could be aware of our activities subliminally and conclude that we believe something because of the way we behave. The Answer to the above-mentioned questions could be 'Ethical Decision-Making' under the entire paradigm of Cognitive Dissonance ~ Wherein  'A person with high ethical standards is aware of their values, beliefs, and ideals. When presented with an ethical conundrum, one's behavior would then be dictated by such values, principles, and beliefs.' The Impact of Cognitive Dissonance on Human Behavior ~ The experience of cognitive dissonance can significantly impact our actions. We might feel compelled to lessen or get rid of the discomfort that cognitive dissonance causes. Adapting our attitudes or ideas to match our actions is one approach to doing this. For instance, if we smoke even though we know it's bad for our health, we could begin to justify our actions by persuading ourselves that it's not as bad as we always thought. As an alternative, we could begin to see smoking as a means of coping with stress or worry, which helps lessen the cognitive dissonance we experience. Cognitive dissonance can also influence our behavior by encouraging us to modify our actions to better reflect our views or beliefs. For instance, we may feel cognitive dissonance if we think recycling is necessary yet don't do it at the moment. We could be inspired to start recycling as a result of this pain to ease our anxiety. Cognitive dissonance can therefore be a potent inducer of behavior change. Cutting Down on Cognitive Dissonance ~  We need to reduce cognitive dissonance for the sake of our mental and emotional health. These are a few techniques that can ease the tension brought on by cognitive dissonance. Reconsider our convictions ~ Our attitudes and views might occasionally be out of date or inaccurate. Reassessing our beliefs can assist us in minimizing cognitive dissonance by helping us match our actions with our present views. Modify our actions ~ Changing our behavior can help lessen cognitive dissonance when it contradicts our ideas. For instance, we may start altering our diet to better reflect our ideas if we think it's necessary to eat a healthy diet but don't do so at the moment. Look for information ~ We can settle the conflict if we're facing cognitive dissonance due to new information by finding out more information. This can ease the stress brought on by cognitive dissonance and assist us in making better-informed judgments. Embrace the discomfort ~ It's not always feasible to completely eradicate cognitive dissonance. In these situations, moving on without feeling overwhelmed can be facilitated by identifying the conflict and embracing the discomfort. The Bottom Line ~  Everybody experiences cognitive dissonance, which is a normal and widespread occurrence. Although cognitive dissonance has the potential to be a strong motivator for behavior modification, it may also cause us to justify our actions or cling to antiquated ideas. For this reason, it's critical to develop good cognitive dissonance management skills to support our mental and emotional well-being. Cognitive dissonance can be lessened by reassessing our views, altering our behavior, finding new knowledge, or learning to tolerate discomfort. These techniques can help us make better judgments, bring our beliefs and behaviors into harmony, and enhance our general quality of life. It will be more and more crucial to comprehend and deal with cognitive dissonance as we continue to navigate a world that is changing constantly. We may lessen the conflicting nature between beliefs and actions; and live more satisfying lives by acknowledging this occurrence and finding effective strategies for managing it.  

22 Feb 2024
Positive Reads

Wake Up Early and Shine Before the Sun Does

The early bird gets the worm. It is also said that the first step to winning is waking up early. Waking up early has its benefits. Here are a few of them: Improved Cognitive function People who get up early typically have a higher concentration and are more alert and enthusiastic throughout the day. Success and getting up early could go hand in hand. According to a 2010 study, morning people are more aggressive and goal-oriented, have superior problem-solving abilities, and perform better in school, eventually enrolling in top-tier universities and securing well-paying jobs. Improves the Quality of Sleep Consistently getting enough sleep helps your body heal by enhancing your immune system, emotions, and basic cognitive functioning. Getting up early makes it simpler to go to bed early, and maintaining regular sleep and wake hours controls your circadian cycle and promotes deeper night time sleep. Time to Spare for Breakfast You can prepare a balanced and healthy breakfast if you get up early. A filling breakfast increases your propensity to choose healthier snacks later in the day, potentially lowering your risk of weight gain and obesity. Time for Morning Workouts Starting your day off on the right foot by working out in the morning when you're feeling the most energized is beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Waking up early makes time for the morning workouts. Better Mood and Mental Health Early risers have a more positive outlook than people who stay up late. They are found to be happier, more conscientious, and more upbeat people. Female early risers also have a significantly lower risk of mental diseases like depression or anxiety. So now, you have reasons enough to wake up early and welcome the sun!  

8 Nov 2022
Positive Reads

The Whys and Hows

Mind Over Matter: The Science of Cognitive Biases and How They Affect Our Decisions

Cognitive bias is a term used to describe the human tendency to make decisions based on subjective factors rather than objective data. This can lead to errors in judgment and decision-making, as well as a distorted view of reality. There are many different types of cognitive biases, including confirmation bias, where people seek out information that confirms their pre-existing beliefs, and availability bias, where people make decisions based on the information that is most readily available to them, rather than seeking out all available information. Cognitive biases can have a significant impact on many areas of life, from personal relationships to business decisions. For example, confirmation bias can lead people to make decisions based on limited information, without considering all available data. Availability bias can lead people to overestimate the likelihood of rare events because they are more memorable. It's important to be aware of cognitive biases and work to mitigate their effects. This can be done by seeking out diverse perspectives and information sources, actively challenging pre-existing beliefs, and being mindful of the subjective factors that may be influencing decision-making. By understanding and addressing cognitive biases, individuals can make more informed and objective decisions, leading to better outcomes in both personal and professional settings.  

3 Jul 2023
The Whys and Hows

Where Do the Forgotten Memories Go? The Science Behind Memory Loss

Forgetting things is a common experience that everyone goes through, but what happens to the memories that we forget? Do they disappear entirely or do they linger somewhere in our brains? The mystery of forgotten memories has long fascinated scientists and researchers, as they try to understand the complex workings of the human brain. According to experts, the process of memory formation and retrieval is incredibly complex and involves many different areas of the brain. Memories are stored in various regions of the brain, including the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex, and are retrieved through a complex network of neural pathways. However, sometimes memories can become lost or forgotten due to a variety of factors. One of the most common causes of memory loss is aging, as the brain's ability to form and retrieve memories declines over time. Other factors, such as stress, trauma, and certain medical conditions, can also contribute to memory loss. But where do the forgotten memories go? While some memories may be lost entirely, others may still be stored in the brain but are simply inaccessible due to damage or interference. Researchers are currently exploring new techniques to help retrieve lost memories, such as brain stimulation and cognitive therapy. The mystery of forgotten memories highlights the incredible complexity of the human brain and the ongoing quest to understand its workings. As researchers continue to explore the science of memory and memory loss, there is hope that new treatments and therapies will be developed to help those who struggle with memory-related conditions.  

10 May 2023
The Whys and Hows

Good News

Memory Boosting Multivitamins: New Study Shows Daily Dose for Over 60s Slows Cognitive Decline

A new study conducted by researchers at the University of California has found that taking a daily multivitamin may slow the rate of memory decline in people over the age of 60. The study, which was published in the journal Neurology, involved over 4,200 adults aged 65 and older who were followed for a period of eight years. The participants were divided into two groups, one of which was given a daily multivitamin while the other was given a placebo. At the end of the study, the researchers found that the group taking the multivitamin had a slower rate of memory decline than the placebo group. The study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that taking a daily multivitamin can have a range of health benefits, particularly for older adults. While it is not a cure for memory decline, the findings suggest that a simple and inexpensive daily supplement could potentially help slow down the process. This latest study provides hope for millions of people worldwide who are affected by memory decline and cognitive impairment in their later years. The researchers believe that further studies are needed to confirm the findings and to explore the potential benefits of other types of supplements for cognitive health.

6 Jun 2023
Good News

Strumming for the Brain: Study Finds Music Practice and Listening Can Slow Cognitive Decline in Seniors

New research has found that listening to and practicing music can help to slow cognitive decline in healthy seniors. The study, which was conducted by researchers at the University of Helsinki, found that music has a positive impact on the brain, producing more gray matter and improving cognitive function. The study involved a group of healthy seniors who were divided into two groups. One group listened to music regularly, while the other did not. The researchers found that the group who listened to music had more gray matter in the areas of the brain associated with memory, attention, and language. The study also found that practicing music had a similar effect on the brain, with musicians having more gray matter than non-musicians. The researchers suggest that this is because playing music requires the use of multiple areas of the brain, including those involved in motor skills, auditory processing, and memory. The findings of the study have important implications for the aging population, as cognitive decline is a major concern for many seniors. The researchers suggest that listening to and practicing music could help to slow this decline and improve the quality of life for seniors. The study also highlights the importance of pursuing hobbies and activities that challenge the brain and engage multiple areas of the brain. By doing so, seniors can help to maintain their cognitive function and keep their brains active and healthy.  

12 May 2023
Good News

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