HEALTH TOPICS 
Srini Pillay, MD
Posts by Srini Pillay, MD
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How to feel better about yourself if you are depressed
Low self-esteem often accompany depression. The reasons for this appear to be rooted in a lack of coordination between different parts of the brain, creating a distortion in a person’s self-perception.
Brain science to improve your relationships
Being aware of the brain’s reactions to other people can help improve all our relationships.
Can you rewire your brain to get out of a rut? (Yes you can…)
We’ve all had times when we feel like we are in a rut. This can happen because of the brain’s built-in tendency to follow established patterns. But now researchers have shown that it’s possible to undo established ways of thinking, opening a pathway to increased creativity.
Write your anxieties away
Research into people who struggle with anxiety suggests that free-form writing specifically about their concerns may help the brain use its resources to better focus on challenging tasks.
Why you can’t get a song out of your head and what to do about it
The experience of having an “earworm”—a song that’s stuck in your head—is extremely common. But why do they happen? And how do you get rid of one?
Secret to brain success: Intelligent cognitive rest
The ability to train one’s mind to activate the “unfocus” part of the brain, also called the default mode network, can help improve creativity and unlock access to the unconscious mind.
How to rediscover meaning in your life
People who feel their life have meaning are less depressed and recover from illness more quickly. But that feeling of meaning can slip away when life hands you lemons. One of the best ways to reconnect with that sense of significance might just be stepping away from your routine and embracing spontaneity.
When are self-help programs “helpful”?
There is an explosion of books, tapes, podcasts, programs, and apps that claim to provide self-help. If you are considering any sort of self-help program, making the effort to evaluate its merits (underlying research, if any; reputation and qualifications of its source; whether or not the program is a good match for your needs) will increase the odds you find something appropriate and effective.
The “thinking” benefits of doodling
Remaining focused for extended periods of time is difficult, but researchers believe that doodling gives a break to parts of the brain, making it possible to absorb and retain more information overall. While this phenomenon is not well understood, neuroscience is starting to learn how doodling might help boost attention and and focus.
Brain science suggests “mind wandering” can help manage anxiety
The wandering mind can get stuck on negative thoughts and start to “react” to a perceived threat that feels very real–and makes you feel anxious. Naming the negative feeling associated with that thought and then helping your mind wander in a more positive direction can help.