Many of our memory systems are driven by one single, powerful urge: to survive. We seem to be hard-wired to remember routes, so we can navigate our local environments safely. We’re also naturally talented at recognizing faces. Ever since we lived in groups, we humans have needed to know who’s “part of the pack”, and who isn’t, as a vital part of staying safe.

And we’re excellent at remembering things that might put our well-being at risk. A recent research study showed that we’re remarkably accurate at recalling anything connected with infection. Even imaginary dangers can sharpen our memory skills.

In the experiment, volunteers were shown a set of objects that they would be tested on later. But there was a twist. Some of the items were held by a researcher who was said to have COVID. And guess what? Those “contaminated (受污染的) ” objects proved to be significantly easier to recall. None of the volunteers would ever touch those things themselves. But their minds still prioritized them, locking in the information for later just in case it could keep them safe.

And it’s a reflex (反射) that you can use to your advantage. When you’ve got something important to remember, why not “tag” it with one of those unpleasant feelings that your brain can’t help holding on to? For example, are you constantly worried about forgetting the milk from your shopping list? Then picture the bottle and imagine opening it only to discover that it’s weeks out of date. Think about how it would look - and smell! Thanks to the power of disgust, you’ll have a much better chance of remembering the fresh milk you need.

Don’t try this technique too often, though, or you’ll end up always feeling on edge! But, in those moments when your memory needs a boost, a small bit of revulsion (反感) can be very healthy for your recall.

It is not always a good thing to praise children because “empty” words may make them unhappy. Words such as “well done” may make them doubt their own abilities, a leading psychologist (心理学家) Stephen Grosz has warned. He says that words such as “you’re so clever” or “you’re such an artist” could also hinder their future development at school. He says that such empty praise causes children to be unhappy as they may say they can’t live up to these expectations.

Instead he advises parents and teachers to praise children less frequently and use words like “trying really hard,” Mr. Grosz said, “Empty praise is as bad as thoughtless criticism (批评). People often pay no attention to children’s feelings and thoughts.” He also mentions research showing that children who are heavily praised probably perform worse at school.

Some psychologists from Columbia University asked 128 pupils aged 10 and 11 to work out a number of math problems. Afterwards, some were told, “You did really well — you’ re so clever.” But the researchers told the other group, “You did really well — you must have tried really lard.” Both groups of children were then given more difficult questions and those who had been told they were clever did not do as well as the others.

He says that when collecting his daughter from a school near their home in North London, he heard a teacher tell her, “You have drawn the most beautiful tree. Well done,” Later, after she had done another drawing, the same teacher said, “Wow, you are really an artist.” In his book, Mr. Grosz writes, “How could I explain to the teacher that I would prefer it if she did not praise my daughter?”

As a parent of two children, I strongly agree with Mr. Grosz. I praise them when praising is proven right. I want them to know if I praise them, they have done something beyond my expectation, beyond what they are able to do.

At the end of a long day, you might want to sit in front of the TV and watch a favorite show.【小题1】 Settling down with a cup of lemon tea or reading a book can tell our body it’s time to sleep. If you turn these activities into ritual (仪式) — that is, if you do them every night around the same time — you will be all the more likely to get the rest you need.

A bedtime ritual is important not only because it prepares you for sleep but also because it helps develop healthy sleep habits. If your current habits don’t support good sleep, a bedtime ritual can help you make necessary changes. 【小题2】 Worry can make it hard to fall asleep at night, but for some people, anxiety at bedtime is common. Rituals can provide comfort by offering predictability and structure. Some rituals, such as writing diaries, might also relieve anxiety by giving the writer a sense of meaning.

【小题3】 Consider trying several bedtime rituals before settling on a consistent routine. What’s important is figuring out what works for you. Start out with two or three activities according to your needs and preferences. If you enjoy exercise and movement, try yoga or gentle stretching. 【小题4】 If classical music calms you, turn on some Bach or Mozart enjoying a bath.

Whether your bedtime ritual takes place in bed or somewhere else, make sure your environment is relaxing. Wear comfortable clothes or pajamas, curl up under a cozy blanket. and keep the lights low. 【小题5】