Rita Hitching , MSc

Is listening to music is good for you? The answer: very much so! Discover the many benefits of listening to music, ranging from less stress, increased productivity, and even greater intelligence. Sure, we know that physical exercise is essential to stay fit and healthy. But what if you want to exercise your brain? Here’s one […]

As much as we’d probably like to live completely stress-free, the reality is that life is going to give you some lemons. But that doesn’t mean you have to feel hopeless about stress and its negative side effects. As a neuroscience researcher, here are the six science-backed stress reduction techniques that I recommend. Understanding Stress […]

Changing your habits takes time and effort. But in actuality, how long does it take to build a habit? Here’s what science tells us about the process around habit formation. Drinking your coffee at the exact same time each morning while you scroll through your newsfeed, taking your lunchtime stroll around the same block each […]

The benefits of giving and altruism include happiness, longevity, and even physical attractiveness. Here’s a closer look at the power of giving. Giving is more than caring; it’s the key to something bigger. As a neuroscience researcher, what motivates our actions fascinates me. Why do we do what we do? Let’s take the holiday season […]

While you’re fast asleep, your brain is busier than ever. But what’s actually going on? Are we detoxing, learning, or protecting our health? Here’s what happens to your brain when you sleep. As a neuroscience researcher, the role of sleep is fascinating to me. We spend about a third of our lives sleeping, but why […]

Think the only reason to work out is to stay fit? Neuroscience researcher Rita Hitching, MSc, explains how exercise is the gift that keeps on giving, especially when it comes to reducing stress. It’s not a stretch to say that we’re living in stressful times. When things start to feel overwhelming, I know it’s time to […]

Neuroscience researcher Rita Hitching, MSc, fills us in on the wonderful world of brain training. Plus: how to exercise your brain to stay sharp—and maybe even get smarter—over the years. Scientists have done a good job of sharing the many benefits of exercise, ranging from stronger mental health, increased longevity, and better overall health and […]