You’ve probably heard that “mean girls” are usually just insecure. Well, science actually backs that up. (Shocking, I know.) Studies show that confidence isn’t just about feeling good in your own skin—it also affects how you treat others. A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals with higher self-esteem are more likely to engage in prosocial behaviors, like kindness and cooperation (Baumeister et al., 2003).

New Year — New YOU

Like adding just the right amount of seasoning to a holiday stew, active listening can enhance the flavor of any conversation. As you engage with loved ones this Thanksgiving, approach each discussion with curiosity and openness.

Fearful decisions are rarely good decisions. When you’re in a state of panic, your brain’s “fight or flight” mode kicks in, and that higher-level thinking you normally rely on? Yeah, it’s on a coffee break.

Turns out, parenting isn’t a temporary gig. It’s a lifelong job, and believe me, your 18-to-25-year-olds still desperately need you, even if they pretend they’ve got it all figured out.

In the end, while the world keeps spinning with or without our constant attention, our mental well-being needs deliberate care. So, the next time you feel that familiar pang of anxiety while scrolling through your feed, remember: it’s not you, it’s your brain—just doing its best to handle a world it wasn’t designed for.

Did you know...every time you recall a memory, you’re actually rewriting it, which means things get added, left out, or just plain scrambled?