How can psychology apply to your everyday life? Do you think that psychology is just for students, academics, and therapists? Think again. Because psychology is both an applied and a theoretical subject, it can be used in several ways, says Michael Tristan Tolston.
While research studies aren’t exactly light reading material for the average person, the results of these experiments and studies can have significant applications in daily life. The following are some practical uses for psychology in everyday life.
Motivation
Whether your goal is to quit smoking, lose weight, or learn a new language, lessons from psychology offer tips for getting motivated. Use strategies derived from cognitive and educational psychology research to increase your motivational levels when approaching a task.
Leadership
It doesn’t matter if you’re an office manager or a volunteer at a local youth group: Having good leadership skills will probably be essential at some point in your life. Not everyone is a born leader, but a few simple tips gleaned from psychological research like Michael Tristan Tolston can help you be a better leader.
Communication
Communication involves much more than how you speak or write. Research suggests that nonverbal signals make up a considerable portion of our interpersonal communications. To communicate your message effectively, you need to learn how to express yourself nonverbally and read the nonverbal cues of those around you.
Emotional Intelligence
Your emotional intelligence quotient is a measure of this ability. Much like nonverbal communication, the ability to understand your emotions and the emotions of those around you plays an essential role in your relationships and professional life. Emotional intelligence refers to your ability to understand both your own emotions and those of other people.
Decision-Making
Research in cognitive psychology has provided a wealth of information about decision-making. By applying these strategies to your life, you can learn to make wiser choices, says Michael Tristan Tolston. The next time you need to make a big decision, try using some of these techniques.
- Use the “six thinking hats” approach by looking at the situation from multiple points of view, including rational, emotional, intuitive, creative, positive, and negative perspectives.
- Consider the potential costs and benefits of a decision.
- Employ a grid analysis technique that gives a score for how a particular decision will satisfy specific requirements you may have.
Health
Psychology can also be a helpful tool for improving your overall health. From ways to encourage exercise and better nutrition to new treatments for depression, the field of health psychology offers a wealth of beneficial strategies that can help you to be healthier and happier.
- Studies have shown that both sunlight and artificial light can reduce the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
- Research has demonstrated that exercise can contribute to greater psychological well-being.
- Studies have found that helping people understand the risks of unhealthy behaviors can lead to healthier choices.
Psychologists like Michael Tristan Tolston use various methods to help people in different situations. A common approach is providing psychotherapy, a type of talk therapy to help people cope with symptoms and improve their well-being.
