The differentiation between stress & anxiety

Whether it is in sport, studies, work or recreation, stress is a common experience throughout our human life and not everybody experiences stress the same way. This is what makes stress highly subjective. Imagine six people riding a rollercoaster, some may appear very anxious and fearful while others might be in pure euphoria and excitement.…

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Book Review: The Upside of Stress

The first time I heard of Kelly McGonigal was her TedTalk on how to make stress your friend published in 2013 and then around September of last year, I was recommended her 2015 publication, the Upside of Stress. Where McGonigal reveals an important truth based on science: True excellence is only achieved under great adversity.…

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Book Review: Studying Science at University

Every individual aims to excel in their chosen field and if university is the next step for you, but fear that you lack the skills for the sciences, then consider reading this book, ‘Studying Science at University‘ by Clare Rhoden and Robyn Starkey. It contains top tips that will develop your scientific writing skills, how…

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Our brain and food poisoning

In most Asian practises, if you are invited over for food then it is customary to accept the food prepared and served on the table. Of course, allergens should be mentioned beforehand, but it is best to keep personal preferences to yourself. After a recent dining experience trying monjayaki (prepared with fish eggs, cheese and…

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Book Review: When Breath Becomes Air

A memoir by neurosurgeon, Paul Kalanithi, who writes When Breath Becomes Air into three parts – before and after the diagnosis, and the wife, Lucy’s epilogue, for life after Kalanithi passes away in March 2015. Kalanithi vividly illustrates his upbringings as a young boy in New York then moving to Arizona and how his love…

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Our Neuroplastic Brain

Our brains are plastic. In the sense where, if we introduce ourselves to new information or content, practice a new skill or habit, our brain is able to acquire new abilities. This is known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is a general umbrella term that refers to the brain’s ability to modify, change, and adapt both structure and…

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