Psychology Facts – 12 Fun & Awesome Facts You Wish You Knew

The human nature is extremely interesting. Neuroscience and psychology help explain and describe our behaviors. Our brain controls our actions. Everything from making decisions, to feeling love, to daydreaming, to creating habits and even remembering. At times we tend to wonder why we act, think or feel a certain way. So, here is a list of 12 fun & awesome psychology facts you wish you knew:

Psychology Fact # 1 – Multitasking

Did you know you can’t multitask? According to science your brain can only focus on one thing. It might seem like you are multitasking, but the truth is your brain is shifting its focus quickly. The reason we can talk and walk at the same time is because these behaviors are automatic. On the other hand, your brain cannot process simultaneously tasks that require high levels of brain function. For example, reading a book and watching television at the same.

Psychology Fact # 2 – Gossip

Do you like gossip or deep conversations? If you enjoy communicating in a meaningful manner. I hate to break this to you. Up to 75% to 80% of your conversations contain gossip. People use this as a source of information to get to know people and formulate their own conclusions.

Psychology Fact # 3 – Addiction to Social Media

Are you addicted to social media? Some of us continuously checkout Instagram and other social media pages. Dopamine makes you addicted to seeking information. This is a neurotransmitter in the brain that gives you the desire to constantly look for information. Therefore, you will feel gratified when you browse your feed on social media.

Psychology Fact # 4 – Habit

Have you ever wondered how long it takes you to form a habit? At first it was believed it took 21 days, but recent research suggests it takes approximately 66 days. Which is the reason why many people try to create a new habit such as exercising. Only to fail within the first couple of days.

Psychology Fact # 5 – Holding Hands

Do you fancy holding hands with a loved one? Well, I have good news for you. Holding hands with someone you truly care about can alleviate stress and physical pain. This is beneficial because it decreases cortisol levels and increases oxytocin. Cortisol is the stress hormone and oxytocin is the love hormone. Therefore, you end up feeling better after holding hands.

Psychology Fact # 6 – Junk Food

Do you have a difficult time stopping yourself from buying and eating junk food? Food addiction involves the same areas of the brain as drug addiction. Junk food activates the reward system in your brain releasing dopamine. Your brain unconsciously seeks out rewarding behavior. Making it harder for you to control yourself from eating processed food.

Psychology Fact # 7 – Dunning Kruger Effect

Did you know that intelligent people tend to underestimate their intellect? This is called the Dunning Kruger Effect. This is a phenomenon that occurs when people fail to appropriately evaluate their capacity to do things. Therefore, minimizing their potential.

Psychology Fact # 8 – Long-Term Memory

Have you ever looked back at your past only to realize your memory got distorted? This occurs because the brain alters the memory every time you think about it. Research suggests when you recall a memory. You are remembering that last time you recalled it and not the actual memory. Introducing faulty information to it.

Psychology Fact # 9 – Decision Making

Have you ever wondered how you make your decisions? Well, I hate to break this to you, but most of your decisions are made subconsciously. Your brain would become overwhelmed if you consciously calculated every decision. Your brain receives loads of information per second and it simply doesn’t have enough power to process it all consciously without overloading.

Psychology Fact # 10 – Nature & The Brain

Did you know your brain secretes chemicals when you are in nature? These chemicals help boost your thinking and relieve stress. Spending time in nature allows your brain’s prefrontal cortex to rest. Research also suggests that spending time in nature will improve your mental health.

Psychology Fact # 11 – Rejection & Physical Pain

Have you ever wondered why the brain can’t differentiate rejection from physical pain? Although the brain processes physical and emotional pain differently. It can’t discriminate between the two. This is because the brain releases the same natural pain killing chemical when a person is shunned or physically hurt. Therefore, confusing the brain.

Psychology Fact # 12 – Daydreaming

Did you know you can daydream 30% to 47% of your day? But why do you do this? Well, it allows your brain to wander freely. Research indicates that daydreaming increases productivity and boosts creativity. Scientist think daydreaming also allows you to understand your thoughts and help you exercise different scenarios in your brain.

These are only a few of the many interesting psychology facts out there. Which of these facts did you enjoy the most? What other cool information do you know? Let me know in the comment section.

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