In the 1960s, Maltese polymath, doctor and author Edward de Bono invented the concept of ‘lateral thinking’ to describe a way of thinking that boosts creativity and solves problems by approaching them in an inventive or unusual manner. Often referred to as thinking outside the box, lateral thinking expands your perspective by helping you realise …
Have you ever had a silly argument with your best friend? One of those simple misunderstandings that blows up into a huge deal. Did you end up feeling tense and stressed even after you’d made up? It doesn’t have to be an argument. It could be any situation where you felt stressed long after the …
Our friends are some of the most important people in our lives. They’re the ones who lift us up when we’re down, celebrate our successes and help us make sense of the world. Spending time with friends should leave us feeling like we belong and bring out the best in us. Friendships offer a support …
The human brain has an amazing capacity to remember journeys. Think of a walk, drive or cycle you do often. You know which way to turn and how to get there. The frequent travel has created a memory map in your mind. But what about when you go somewhere you don’t know? A friend or …
Have you ever let your mind wander and suddenly stumbled upon a great idea? Or woken up in the morning with a ‘lightbulb moment’? Dreams are a fascinating way to tap into the creative parts of our brains, offering inspiration that feels like it comes out of nowhere. And did you know that it’s possible …
It’s just for you When you first start writing, you might feel a bit self-conscious or think that what you’ve written is silly or embarrassing. You might want to write brilliantly, or only include things that make you sound good – in case someone in the future reads it. Or you might want to emulate …
The late fantasy novel author Terry Pratchett, who also wrote The Unadulterated Cat, a wry-yet-loving look at the many different faces of cats, wrote: ‘In ancient times, cats were worshipped as gods. They have not forgotten this.’ Pratchett, who passed away in 2015 with his own cat sleeping beside him on the bed, was touching …
Have you ever wished your clothes could change with your style? As we grow and trends evolve, it’s natural to need new things. But the change in fashion trends with every season results in the manufacture of a huge amount of clothes. No one knows exactly how many, but it’s estimated to be between 80 …
We all struggle to get certain things done. Do you hate unloading the dishwasher or always put off doing your homework? Or maybe you dread cleaning out a rabbit hutch or leave getting your school bag ready until the very last minute. But whatever it is that you put off doing, there’s a trick that …
Have you ever considered when you get your best ideas? Or what you’re doing when the solution to a problem pops into your head? It might be sitting at your desk in school, or working at a computer, but it could also be doing something unconnected such as taking a shower or washing the dishes. …
