Getting upset over trivial matters? There’s a rational explanation

When truly bad things happen we have recovery mechanisms, but they don’t work when our problems are smaller, discovers Oliver Burkeman

Surviving Black Friday: a scientific guide

Dean Burnett: Black Friday is upon us once again, but with this handy scientific guide, you might just survive the commercial onslaught

Face blindness – when you can’t recognise a familiar face

In this winning essay for the Wellcome Trust science writing prize, Kate Szell reports on research into prosopagnosia – face blindness

Motivational posters: do they actually work?

Dean Burnett: Given how motivational posters are everywhere these days, you’d assume they work. But science argues otherwise

Read this and feel better – how inspirational guff invaded our lives

On the underground, on coffee shop sandwich boards and especially out of the mouths of The Apprentice candidates: inspirational quotes are everywhere. What’s going on? And do they really help?

Want to succeed? You need systems not goals

‘As anyone whose employer foists “performance targets” upon them already knows, a fixation with goal-setting has many downsides,’ Oliver Burkeman says

Dalai Lama enlightens and enraptures contemplative scientists in Boston

James Kingsland: Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was given a rapturous reception by mindfulness researchers, but tactfully avoided the controversial question of applications in the military

The trouble with modern friendship

‘Panic-merchants worry that online social networks will replace offline friendships, turning users into basement-dwelling zombies, unable to converse face-to-face,’ Oliver Burkeman says

Spiritual but not religious? You’re not alone

Is it time for rationalists who think ‘spirituality’ is a meaningless term to get over themselves, asks Oliver Burkeman

How to be fitter, happier and more successful: stop dreaming and start getting real

Oliver Burkeman: You can’t always get what you want, but if you try some negative thinking, you might get that promotion you actually need