How Stress Makes Us Self-Centered (And 3 Fixes)

Perspective rendering of a playing card with an illustration of a king with yellow and pink clothes with his hands on his sides.

Nobody likes a show-off. And no one enjoys feeling patronized.   But we’ve all been there – when someone won’t stop talking about themselves, or what they’ve accomplished…and while it’s never mentioned specifically…how inferior you are in comparison.   They might do it on purpose or unconsciously, but either way, it’s hurtful.   If you’ve ever been cut […]

Everyone’s Out To Get Me! How Stress Can Cause Distrust

Perspective rendering of a playing card with an illustration of two men shaking hands and hiding an axe behind their backs.

Have you ever hesitated about accepting a colleague’s help when the stakes were high? Perhaps you didn’t think they’d do a good enough job or finish their share of the work on time.   Or have you felt reluctant to share all the details of your past work experience when you’re being interviewed for a brand […]

Why You Pick Fights When You’re Stressed Out

Perspective rendering of a playing card with an illustration of a man boxing.

One moment you and your partner are discussing where to eat, and the next, you’re angrily defending your dietary choices. Does that sound familiar?   Or perhaps you’re embarrassed about how poorly you wrote that last report when your colleague says, “Great job.”   “You try writing 5000 words at midnight, genius!” you snap…before realizing they weren’t […]

Are You A Nervous Laugher? Here’s Why

Perspective rendering of a playing card with an illustration of a woman with a magenta shirt and a man with a purple shirt who are giggling with each other.

Have you ever burst out laughing at the most inappropriate moment? Like when someone stumbles on the sidewalk, or a colleague’s joke falls flat?  Some situations just aren’t funny, but we find ourselves giggling all the same. With scientists citing as much as 80% of our laughter to be non-joke-related, why might that be the […]

Getting The Chills: Why Stress Can Make You Feel Cold

Perspective rendering of a playing card with an illustration of a girl with a purple shirt and blue-ish skin trembling of the cold

Have you ever heard someone describe an event that “gave them the chills?” Perhaps it’s the idea of making a critical mistake or getting on the wrong side of a very scary boss. Or even what could happen if you missed a crucial deadline! While the expression is well known, anxiety is not the first […]