“Why does change freak us out—even when it’s good for us? Our brains are hardwired for comfort and predictability; habits live in our basal ganglia, while the prefrontal cortex lights up when uncertainty arrives and triggers the amygdala to sound the alarm. ⁠ ⁠ That’s why stepping into the unknown feels like hitting a neural brick wall. But here's the good news: neuroplasticity means our brains can adapt, rewire, and welcome change—once we understand how fear works. Discover the science-fueled solution to fear in my latest blog—where comfort zones, fear of the unknown, and brain energy consumption meet executive function and the power of our brain’s survival circuits. Let’s hack fear together. Get all the geeky goodness here: https://www.melissahughes.rocks/post/why-we-fear-change ⁠ #FearOfChange #Neuroscience #Neuroplasticity #BrainScience #Psychology #Amygdala #PrefrontalCortex #WhyWeFearChange” #fear #fearthreat #amygdala #amygdalahijack

Ever been in a meeting where everyone nods along… even when the idea is headed straight for disaster? 🤔 That’s where strategic dissent comes in. In this short, you’ll learn how to speak up, challenge groupthink, and share your perspective in a way that builds trust instead of tension. Because sometimes, the bravest voice in the room is the one that says, “Actually, I see it differently.” Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/TeBdSRWD90c #Groupthink #Leadership #cognitivebias #Teamwork #StrategicDissent

If you want more creativity, better problem-solving, and even stronger connections, you don’t need a new app or a 10-step plan. You need curiosity. Here’s one simple way to start. Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/VDusvGc36AA watch how it transforms your perspective. #Curiosity #Creativity #PersonalGrowth #LifelongLearning #Innovation

Ever felt the pressure to nod along in a meeting—even when your gut said otherwise? 🤔 This video explains how to navigate group dynamics without losing your unique voice. Building on Melissa's first viral video about Groupthink (watch it here: https://youtu.be/oUpG9Xe7-1Y), this one dives deeper into how to contribute solo insights that actually strengthen collaboration. Dig deeper into the science in this blog post: https://www.melissahughes.rocks/post/psychology_of_groupthink 🧠 What you’ll learn in this video: • Strategic dissent: When and how to challenge the consensus effectively without alienating the group. • Devil’s Advocate role: How to use dissent as a tool for better group decision-making. • Hybrid Thinking: Blending solo reflection with collaborative brainstorming for stronger, more innovative outcomes. • Actionable tips: How to design your “solo thinking” space, practice mindful observation, and embrace productive discomfort. Whether you’re in a corporate boardroom, a creative brainstorming session, or just trying to make better group decisions, this video gives you practical neuroscience-backed strategies to find your voice and make it count. Most people underestimate the hidden power of dissent and overestimate the safety of consensus. But breakthroughs happen when solo brilliance meets collaborative power. This isn’t just theory—it’s science you can put to work right away. 💡 If you’re a leader, teammate, or innovator, this channel is your backstage pass to neuroscience, psychology, and behavior science that transforms the way you work, lead, and live. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights on: • Neuroscience of leadership • Behavioral science in decision-making • Hospitality, teamwork, and innovation • Practical brain hacks for smarter living #Groupthink #Leadership #Teamwork #DecisionMaking #BehavioralScience

🌊 Ever notice how just looking at the ocean makes you feel calmer? It’s not just in your head—it’s brain science. Negative ions in blue spaces recharge your body, boost your mood, and fight stress. ⚡ Watch the full video to see why your brain is wired for the beach! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lj595vpEr2U

😫 Feeling stressed? You’re not alone. Stress is part of life—but the way you respond to it can make or break your health, happiness, and productivity. Check out the full video for brain-based insights and science-backed strategies to reduce stress and reset your mind so you can focus, recharge, and thrive. https://youtu.be/0fjLMFw3Wys?si=eNxPVqprK1h3Nm0L You’ll discover: 🧠 The surprising ways stress affects your brain and body 💡 How to turn “bad stress” into good stress that motivates you ✨ Easy daily practices to stay calm, centered, and resilient Stress doesn’t have to run your life—you can train your brain to handle it smarter. 👉 If you’re ready to take control of your stress and boost your brainpower, head to my website for more brainy content: http://www.melissahughes.rocks #StressRelief #Neuroscience #Mindset #Productivity #MentalHealth

Feeling overwhelmed? Chronic stress is bad for us and has damaging effects on our overall health. It not only kills brain cells, but it lowers our immune system and causes everything from headaches to heart attacks. Stress either exacerbates or increases the risk of health issues like heart disease, obesity, depression, gastrointestinal problems, asthma, and more. More troubling still, a recent paper out of Harvard and Stanford found health issues from job stress alone cause more deaths than diabetes, Alzheimer's, or the flu. Discover a few science-backed stress relief techniques you can use anywhere—no meditation cushion required. Learn the difference between good stress and chronic stress, how it impacts your brain and body, and quick, proven methods to lower anxiety, improve mood, and boost focus in minutes. From ear massage to diaphragmatic breathing to the right kind of music, these neuroscience-based strategies will help you reset fast. Perfect for work stress, daily life challenges, or when you just need a mental reboot. For more science-based stress relief strategies check out: Keywords: stress relief, reduce anxiety, mental health tips, quick stress hacks, stress management, neuroscience, wellness, relaxation techniques, mindfulness, anxiety relief"

🧠 Ever wonder why you end up buying the more expensive option—even when you didn’t plan to? Meet the Decoy Effect, a sneaky psychological pricing trick that marketers use to influence your decisions and get you to spend more. In this video, we break down how the Decoy Effect works, why your brain falls for it, and the surprising ways it shows up in your everyday life—from movie popcorn to streaming subscriptions, wine lists to restaurant menus. 👀 What you’ll learn: ✔️ The psychology behind the Decoy Effect ✔️ Real-world examples of decoy pricing in action ✔️ How this cognitive bias impacts consumer behavior ✔️ Brain science insights into decision-making and perception ✔️ How to spot and resist manipulation in pricing strategies If you're into behavioral economics, neuroscience, or just love a good brain hack, this video is for you. Learn how retailers and restaurants subtly steer your choices using strategic pricing—and how to outsmart the trick. 💡 Don’t let your brain get played—learn the science so you can spend smarter. 👇 For more brainy content on decision-making, perception, and the psychology of spending, visit: http://www.melissahughes.rocks Decoy Effect explained, consumer psychology, pricing tricks, behavioral economics, decision-making, brain science, spend smarter, cognitive bias, pricing strategy, marketing psychology