This article from the Scientific American journal highlights new research from Harvard and Princeton Universities which suggests that speeding up your thinking can improve your wellbeing.

Quick-fire problem solving (such as brainstorming as many ideas as possible in 10 minutes, or sprinting through an easy crossword) or watching an “I Love Lucy” video clip on fast-forward boosted both energy levels and mood.

Not surprisingly though, thinking fast can have negative consequences for some people  – e.g. those with bi-polar disorder whose thinking patterns are frequently repetitive and negative. Speeding up negative thinking just creates further anxiety. Researchers suggest that, in this case,  slow, varied thinking (rather than slow, repetitive thinking) will more likely lead to the calm, peaceful happiness associated with mindfulness meditation.

Thanks to Dr Lynn Johnson for the link.

Image: NathanFromDeVryEET reused under Creative Commons Licence.