Wise & Well Weekly offers science-backed insights to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. This edition covers topics such as the impact of loneliness and ADHD on brain health, the psychological effects of social exclusion, the flaws of personality tests, and the introduction of the first OTC birth control pill, Opill. It also includes discussions on hoarding disorder, the effects of the full moon on humans, and the reasons behind exercise-induced euphoria. The publication features contributions from various professionals, including physicians, psychologists, and researchers.

AgeWise introduces a new science publication on Medium called Aha!, which takes a lighthearted approach to serious science topics. The article highlights several intriguing questions explored in Aha!'s inaugural week, such as cures for hiccups and how giraffes drink without passing out. Additionally, it features a selection of health and wellness articles from Wise & Well, covering topics like productivity, bilingualism, weight-loss challenges, non-medicinal approaches to depression, and gym routines. The publication aims to provide actionable insights to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Stress levels that rose after the Covid-19 pandemic remain high among most Americans, especially younger individuals, according to a new survey. Arthur C. Evans Jr., PhD, CEO of the American Psychological Association, emphasizes the lasting psychological impact of the pandemic and the importance of addressing these issues for post-traumatic growth. The article offers various strategies for stress reduction, highlighting the need to identify stress sources and adopt long-term tactics like physical activity, outdoor time, and better sleep.

In the article 'How to Become Who We Are,' the author, Niall Stewart, reflects on his personal journey of leaving his career as a lawyer. He describes his initial attachment to the profession and how his identity was intertwined with being a lawyer. Despite enjoying the early days of his career, he decided to leave after experiencing a personal betrayal that left him with a broken heart. Seeking a fresh start, he moved to London and quickly secured a position with an elite firm. However, he soon realized that this was a mistake. The article delves into the societal views on quitting and success, and the author's own struggle with the decision to leave the law, which he ultimately views as one of his best but most difficult decisions.

Niall Stewart shares his personal experience and reflections on the concept of 'alpha males,' particularly in the corporate environment. He recounts his first encounter with an alpha male at an elite law firm, noting that a significant proportion of senior corporate executives fit this description. Stewart describes alpha males as highly intelligent, confident, successful, and unemotional, with a tendency to seek leadership roles and expect high performance. Despite feeling comfortable in all-male settings and valuing friendships with dominant men, Stewart expresses discomfort working for alpha males, suggesting that the experience was challenging for him. He also touches on the growing industry of executive coaching for alpha males in the corporate workplace.

In the article 'Just Married, Thinking About Divorce,' the author, Niall Stewart, reflects on his recent marriage and his preoccupation with the concept of divorce. He shares that his husband introduced him to the idea of planning for the worst-case scenario, which for Stewart is the end of his marriage. He associates divorce with failure and humiliation, acknowledging that this viewpoint is considered outdated and controversial in modern society. Stewart also mentions his interest in the subject of separation, citing films and TV shows about marriage and divorce, and reveals that he is writing a novel about a man going through his third divorce. Despite his concerns, Stewart describes his own wedding as a mix of celebration and solemnity, emphasizing the gravity of the commitment.

Niall Stewart challenges the universally accepted notion that kindness is an inherently good trait to possess in all aspects of life. He argues that while kindness can be beneficial in certain situations, such as lifting someone's spirits, it is not always advantageous or desired. In corporate culture, for instance, kindness is often seen as a weakness, suggesting a lack of competitive edge. Similarly, in friendships and romantic relationships, other qualities like loyalty, fun, and compatibility are often valued more highly than kindness. Stewart references Jonathan Franzen's quote on marriage and hatred to underscore his point that kindness is not the cornerstone of love. The article invites readers to reconsider the role and value of kindness in various social contexts.

In the article, Niall Stewart shares personal strategies for coping with clinical depression. He describes the sudden onset of a depressive episode as a dark, overwhelming experience that can make even enjoyable tasks seem pointless. Stewart advocates for engaging in simple, monotonous tasks that require minimal effort but can provide a sense of accomplishment and a productive distraction from negative thoughts. He emphasizes the importance of small, incremental steps to continue with the day despite feeling wretched. The article does not provide the full list of eight tasks but mentions shining shoes as an example of a task that can produce tangible evidence of progress. The author speaks from personal experience, suggesting that these strategies have been effective for him in managing his depression.

The article discusses the contemporary trend of identifying and cutting out 'toxic' people from one's life as a part of personal wellbeing. The author, Niall Stewart, reflects on how this approach to managing friendships is part of a broader life review aimed at self-improvement. The article questions the ease with which people can label friends as toxic and the implications of such actions. It contrasts the modern, direct method of ending friendships with the more traditional, subtle ways of distancing oneself from others. The author seems to ponder the complexities of friendships and the changing 'rules of engagement' in how we manage our social circles.

Niall Stewart discusses the resurgence of the temperance movement in the context of the modern wellness movement, which promotes a 'Healthy Body, Healthy Mind' philosophy often abstaining from alcohol. Stewart compares this to the 19th-century Temperance Movement in Victorian England, which aimed to reduce alcohol consumption for a better life and societal transformation. He suggests that while the Victorian movement offered a substantial alternative lifestyle and challenged the status quo, today's wellness-driven teetotalism appears less ideologically robust. Stewart expresses skepticism about the notion that alcohol is a societal menace, indicating his belief that history is repeating itself but with less conviction.