How Your Psychology Can Improve Your Life
In academic terms, the word ‘psychology’ refers to the study of human behaviour and thought processes.
Author:Daniel JamesReviewer:Karan EmeryJul 05, 20234.3K Shares206.7K Views
In academic terms, the word ‘psychology’ refers to the study of human behaviour and thought processes. It is a field that can seem incomprehensible to a layperson, due to the terminology that is deployed in professional discussions of it, but the subject also fascinates many who are not trained psychologists.
That is because we all encounter situations where a basic grasp of it is necessary to be able to navigate them successfully. People utilise psychology all the time in everyday life, whether they actually realise it or not.
Its importance is widely recognised now. Sports teams understand the usefulness of psychology in preparing their players mentally for the pressures of elite competition, while it is also used to enhance confidence and motivation in the corporate world.
Psychology Has the Potential to Improve all Aspects of Life
The umbrella term ‘psychology’ actually encompasses a range of different areas of study. These include:
- Social psychology
- Biopsychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Forensic psychology
Some of them, such as forensic and developmental psychology, are largely fields of interest to professionals. Social, bio and cognitive psychology are the ones that members of the public are most likely to utilise in day-to-day life, often without knowing they are doing so.
They can assist in everything from work to personal relationships and hobbies.
Hobbies
This is probably the part of life where people most underestimate the impact that psychology can have. However, many of the activities that we spend our leisure time pursuing can be made more enjoyable and rewarding through a basic grasp of it.
Take gambling for example. Playing online poker real moneyis a popular hobby nowadays and what makes poker such a compelling game for so many is its inherent psychological aspects.
It is about being able to interpret the thoughts of the other players through their actions and also about maintaining iron self-control. Biopsychology is the science of how our biology impacts on our actions and it can help poker players to understand the responses of their opponents during high stress moments.
Psychology can also provide the emotional intelligence needed to get inside the heads of rivals during a game, bringing more victories and financial rewards. It is not the only hobby where psychology can be beneficial though.
The enhanced emotional intelligence that it provides a person with can also benefit someone interested in creative writing. That is because it will enable them to think their way into the minds of characters more effectively, leading them to come up with stories that are more acute and believable.
It could potentially bring the further benefits of selling stories and perhaps even turning professional or semi-professional.
Work
Some awareness of psychology can be very important in the workplace. For instance, anyone who is the leader of a team or manager of a department will need to be able to make decisions.
Cognitive psychological research has looked at decision-making and provides strategies to help people get better at it. One is a ‘six thinking hats’ move that involves examining a matter from a positive, negative, creative, intuitive, emotional and rational perspective before coming to a decision. Another is the ‘grid analysis’ strategy that involves rating a decision based on the various needs that must be met.
Employing strategies of this sort can be highly beneficialto working life by leading to smart decisions that bring healthy results for the company and improve staff confidence.
Psychology can also equip a person with other key leadership skills. The ability to provide advice to team members that is clear while also listening to feedback is crucial to leading well and emotional intelligence will make it possible.
Personal Life
Emotional intelligence is perhaps the single biggest way that psychology will improve your life. It brings benefits in work, hobbies and personal life.
A combination of that and an ability to read nonverbal cues will make a person more able to understand his or her partner. That will have the advantage of building a deeper connection and heading off the conflicts that can lead to relationship breakdowns.
Social psychology is a field of studythat examines the ways that group and societal behaviours and attitudes influence the individual. Having some awareness of the ideas behind it can also lead to better and more fulfilling relationships.
It will help an individual to identify and tackle bad or discriminatory ideas and attitudes that he or she has picked up from wider society. These can cause damage to personal relationships as they are hurtful, so being conscious of them and trying to eliminate them will help to make those relationships healthier and stronger.
The different forms of psychology can improve our lives in almost every way, making it an essential subject.
Daniel James
Author
Daniel James is a distinguished gerontologist, author, and professional coach known for his expertise in health and aging.
With degrees from Georgia Tech and UCLA, including a diploma in gerontology from the University of Boston, Daniel brings over 15 years of experience to his work.
His credentials also include a Professional Coaching Certification, enhancing his credibility in personal development and well-being.
In his free time, Daniel is an avid runner and tennis player, passionate about fitness, wellness, and staying active.
His commitment to improving lives through health education and coaching reflects his passion and dedication in both professional and personal endeavors.
Karan Emery
Reviewer
Karan Emery, an accomplished researcher and leader in health sciences, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals, brings over two decades of experience to the table. Holding a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Stanford University, Karan's credentials underscore her authority in the field.
With a track record of groundbreaking research and numerous peer-reviewed publications in prestigious journals, Karan's expertise is widely recognized in the scientific community.
Her writing style is characterized by its clarity and meticulous attention to detail, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. Apart from her professional endeavors, Karan enjoys cooking, learning about different cultures and languages, watching documentaries, and visiting historical landmarks.
Committed to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes, Karan Emery continues to make significant contributions to the fields of health, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals.
Latest Articles
Popular Articles