Amy Rosenthal’s, An Encyclopedia of an Ordinary Life, is hilariously funny. Or well, at least from what I can tell from the excerpts. Get your own online here.
an ordinary life
hugs keep us alive
There are numerous studies that prove that hugging from 8 to upwards of 20 seconds can increase your production of oxytocin, lower cortisol levels, and make you feel more bonded to the person you’re hugging. The average hug lasts about 3 seconds, so take the extra 5 to really embrace someone and see if you can tell a difference. I’ve noticed the calming effects of truly embracing someone – it’s rather spectacular!
(Print via i love doodle’s etsy shop)
the art of distraction
I seriously love magic and seriously hate when people tell me how a magic trick works. Why ruin the fun for people, especially for me? That said, I’ve always wondered how it is that we all fall for the same old tricks, and this study by neuroscientists Stephen Macknik and Susana Martinez-Conde shows how magicians direct and misdirect our attention to their benefit. Fascinating.
harlem shake
I can’t seem to get behind the Harlem Shake train, but I absolutely LOVE this version simplified into dots. Brilliant.
