The Emotional Toolkit

Boredom

Questions Raised for Emotion Science by "Inside Out 2"

Heather Lench Ph.D. on August 5, 2024

If you're a parent of a teenager, you can connect with the unmotivated sarcastic character of Ennui in the "Inside Out 2" movie. But Ennui got boredom wrong for how teenagers feel.

If you're a parent of a teenager, you can connect with the unmotivated sarcastic character of Ennui in the "Inside Out 2" movie. But Ennui got boredom wrong for how teenagers feel.

Emotions

The Science of Emotions: Questions Raised by Inside Out 2

Heather Lench Ph.D. on July 10, 2024

Inside Out 2 depicts new emotions bursting onto the scene with chaos and little warning. But is that how complex emotions actually happen?

Inside Out 2 depicts new emotions bursting onto the scene with chaos and little warning. But is that how complex emotions actually happen?

Boredom

Make Time for Boredom This Summer

Heather Lench Ph.D. on June 14, 2024

Summer has less structure and more freedom, and it can also be boring. Here are three ways you can intentionally plan to harness boredom this summer to benefit your life.

Summer has less structure and more freedom, and it can also be boring. Here are three ways you can intentionally plan to harness boredom this summer to benefit your life.

Politics

Why Politics Get Nasty

Heather Lench Ph.D. on June 7, 2024

Ever wonder why arguments about politics get so heated? The political messages we all watch could hold the answer.

Ever wonder why arguments about politics get so heated? The political messages we all watch could hold the answer.

Boredom

How to Embrace Boredom for Deep Work and Focus

Heather Lench Ph.D. on March 28, 2024

Learning to tolerate boredom is essential to mastering challenging tasks and succeeding. But how do you learn to embrace it? Tips from exposure treatment offer some clues.

Learning to tolerate boredom is essential to mastering challenging tasks and succeeding. But how do you learn to embrace it? Tips from exposure treatment offer some clues.

Relationships

Why Valentine’s Day Hurts After a Breakup

Heather Lench Ph.D. on February 12, 2024

Although breakups hurt, people usually recover quickly and are less upset than they had previously anticipated. But Valentine's Day can change that pattern, research suggests.

Although breakups hurt, people usually recover quickly and are less upset than they had previously anticipated. But Valentine's Day can change that pattern, research suggests.

Emotions

How to Not Give Up on Your New Year's Resolution by February

Heather Lench Ph.D. on January 23, 2024

4 tips for using the power of emotion to achieve your goals.

4 tips for using the power of emotion to achieve your goals.