It’s that time of year, people! New Years Resolutions abound about a happier and healthier you. But how do you actually keep that resolution all year long? Today’s Sassonomics Guide to Fitness will explore something we lovingly call ‘commitment mechanisms’.
What a year 2020 was! Cap it off by reading the best posts from the year that was, including how to survive self-isolation, what your Harry Potter house really means about you, and more!!
What a weird year. The holidays will likely also be weird. What could your partner, parent, or paramour possibly need in Covid times? And much worse, how will you even go about going shopping? One thing is for sure, we can rely on behavioural science to help us to narrow in on the perfect gift.
Cyber Monday is almost here! Though this year is a bit different, if you are looking for a great (socially distanced) gift for a loved one, might I suggest a Behavioural Economics Book?
Why is it that the bigger my purse, the more stuff I seem to carry around? Shouldn’t it be that I have my essentials and the size of the bag is irrelevant? It turns out we are wired to seek out more… and more, and more! But what are we going to do about it?
Eyes are glued to the lead-up to the US Presidential Election. Yes, the outcome of the election could have wide impacts on everyday life, but did you know it can impact friendship as well? New research finds that if you’re going to talk politics, you’re better off talking to a stranger!
There are all kinds of articles out there giving advice on how to ask someone you professionally admire out for a coffee chat (because we all know how important networking is in getting a job and moving up The ladder). But what about the kind-hearted yet unbelievably busy invitee? Let’s acknowledge that we can’t help everyone. Today we explore how to choose who to help, and how to say no (when appropriate).
With all the judging of the ‘hotness’ of others that we do as a society – like what we all secretly do when we watch The Bachelor – you would think we’d have a pretty stable sense of what is “hot” and what is “not”. But it turns out our sense of attractiveness is actually swayed by… how hot we are ourselves.
Let’s face it, working out in the age of COVID-19 is NOT EASY. But something is better than nothing, even if it doesn’t feel like it!
It is a reality of many of our careers that we are (almost?) always online. But what is the impact of the blurring of work and home life boundaries? The results, based on recently published research, are in… and they’re not good.
It’s official, we’ve entered the Break-Up phase of COVID-19 romances. So if you’re looking to get back out there, let’s help you put your best foot forwards with the help of behavioural science.
With September just around the corner, it looks like many of us are going to be continuing to work from home or even experience a completely online university term. Oh but the Zoom fatigue! What are we to do? Don’t worry, Sassonomics has found some tips and tricks for you to try to get the most out of your virtual reality. [5 minute read]
Eating lunch at your desk again? Even though we know that taking breaks are important, a shockingly high number of office workers don’t take a lunch break. Can we overcome this ‘hard work’ culture and related judgement? My take is: yes, with a side salad, please!
The commute – a much dreaded and hated thing. But are you secretly missing it? It turns out there are some hidden benefits to the commute.
Why is everything cake? The current fad of exquisitely made cakes that accurately mimic the look of everyday objects is taking the internet by storm. If you are finding this more creepy than impressive, you are not alone. This feeling can be explained by the Uncanny Valley phenomenon.
When you look back at your time in lockdown since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, has it felt like time has flown by? You’re not alone. Find out why within!
What makes human jaywalkers like gazelles on the African savanna? Because they engage in communication through behaviour to deter dangerous predators (i.e., vehicles) from hitting them and causing harm. This communication is known as signaling, and it can sometimes be dishonest.
Don’t worry, you’re not losing your marbles (yet!). Going into another room and forgetting what you came in there for is very common and is a result of the Doorway Effect.
COVID-19 has thrown a wrench into many plans, no question. How do you know which plans to stick with and which to reschedule? And how do you make a decision about a really, really big plan, let’s say… a wedding. There are lots of great reasons to have a wedding during the COVID-19 pandemic, but don’t let Plan Continuation Bias be one of them.
What is an unconscious bias and how is it an insidious and unseen force in our society? Find out in this week’s Sassonomics!
