Amaani Ziauddin

As midterm exams are right around the corner, there have been some changes that I've noticed. The lecture halls are a little colder because they're less full, the "new semester glow" has been wiped off my fellow classmates' faces, and the library has become oddly humid because it’s completely filled with students. What I've witnessed isn't just academic pressure; it's also a shared response to stress. The real question is, how do we combat this stress? Illustration by Dennis Balogh/Akron...

We expect adulthood to come with emotional control, responsibility, and maturity. So, when adults avoid difficult conversations, act violently, or refuse to admit when they’re wrong, it feels confusing and maybe even odd. If growing up is supposed to mean outgrowing childish behavior, why do so many adults still act like children? Studies in psychology say that “immaturity” might not be the immediate answer, but might actually be dependent on a person’s upbringing and early experiences. Image...

I know not everyone loves cookies. But I do, in a deep and even scientific way. Whenever I’m walking down Taylor Street, I always pass Insomnia Cookies. It feels like a battle against me and the store door, and no, it’s not just a lack of self-control. It’s neuroscience.  Image Source: Cookie Monster via Sesame Street When I see a warm chocolate chip cookie, my brain releases dopamine, the chemical tied to reward and motivation. Sugar and fat are energy-dense, which is what kept our ancestors...