Government Executive - Authors - Shana Lebowitz

Work-Life Balance Is a Lie

Shana Lebowitz, Greatist.com — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 16:12:24 -0500

Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-up. Check out more wellness news at Greatist.com.

Although “work-life balance” is hardly a new concept, employees everywhere continue to debate how best to achieve it. For millennials, a generation that’s grown up with smartphones and can work remotely even from vacation in the Adirondacks, perhaps the better question is whether work-life balance is even possible.

In the debates around managing personal and professional responsibilities, the only certainty is that no single technique works for everyone. The key is finding out what’s most important to you -- in your career as well as in your personal life -- and making sure you prioritize it in your daily schedule. The tips below are designed to help 20- and 30-somethings (or anyone) navigate the beginning stages of their careers without letting health, relationships, and happiness fall by the wayside.

WHAT’S THE DEAL?

As the American workforce becomes increasingly mobile, the line between our work and our personal lives is often blurred. Nearly half of American workers have jobs suitable for part-time or full-time telecommuting (aka working from somewhere outside the office). That means more people are checking work email at the dinner table and typing up project reports in their pajamas. In fact, the physical separation between our work and our personal lives (aka an office building) may be somewhat outdated. One survey found that as many as 70 percent of college students believe it’s unnecessary to be in an office regularly.

For younger workers, these relaxed boundaries may actually be desirable. When they look for a job, many millennials say flexibility (in terms of where and when they work) is especially important. That’s possibly because employees in this age bracket want the freedom to develop relationships and pursue personal hobbies. Research suggests millennial workers place a higher value on being able to spend time with friends and family than baby boomers (people born between approximately 1946 and 1964) did when they were younger. Likewise, millennials are less likely to define themselves by their careers.

But flexibility in the form of having constant access to work email and never technically “clocking out” for the day can have some negative repercussions. Research suggests it’s important to take breaks from professional demands and to recover from a busy workweek in order to reduce stress.

Unfortunately, there’s no one “right” approach to balancing work-related and personal commitments. For those worried about whether, where, or how to draw the line between work and play, follow the practical steps below to create a life that’s all-around fulfilling.

YOUR ACTION PLAN

Sometimes achieving a better balance between work and the rest of our lives is a matter of tweaking our ’tude, like accepting that we can’t do or have everything. Other times the solutions are simple (keeping better records of how you actually spend your time or relocating the laptop outside the bedroom). Whatever your challenges with work-life balance, these 15 tips are bound to help you enjoy every day to the fullest.

1. Pick and Choose
One of the hardest parts of achieving work-life balance is recognizing that we’ll never have it all. That is, we’ll never make it to every social event while also working extra hours and making home-cooked meals every night. Once you’ve decided which responsibilities and relationships you find most important (see No. 2), it’s all about prioritizing. So cut yourself some slack when it comes to other achievements in your personal and professional life, and remind yourself that you’re making progress where you believe it really counts.

2. You Do You
The definition of work-life balance varies pretty widely between individuals. Instead of trying to conform to someone else’s lifestyle, figure out what’s personally meaningful to you, whether that’s developing a relationship with a new partner or working toward a promotion at a new job (or both). As long as you find your life fulfilling, it doesn’t matter if your schedule looks different from someone else’s.

3. Be Open to Change
Even once you’ve searched your soul to figure out what truly matters to you, accept that those priorities might change over time. Maybe you’ll start a family, take a new job, or pick up a new hobby — whatever the situation, be prepared for your values and schedule to shift, and make adjustments accordingly.

4. Accept Imperfection
Let’s say you’ve established that friendships are the most important aspect of your life right now. That still doesn’t mean you need to freak out if you miss your BFF’s boyfriend’s birthday bash because you’re working late on a big project. Know that you’ll make mistakes and that obstacles and challenges will pop up unexpectedly. Instead of feeling like a terrible person, try to enjoy yourself, and be productive and present with whatever you’re doing. Then refocus on your main priorities as soon as possible.

5. Take It Day by Day
One clever tip is to combine your work and personal calendars so you don’t necessarily prioritize one set of responsibilities over the other in advance. Each day, you can decide whether the staff meeting is more important than getting lunch with an old high school buddy, or vice versa.

Read more at Greatist.com

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Hostile Workplaces Are on the Rise, And They're Killing Productivity

Shana Lebowitz, Greatist.com — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 09:00:00 -0400

Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-up. Check out more wellness news at Greatist.com.

On the playground, she’s mean. She laughs at our lisp and calls our pigtails ugly. She gets a bunch of her friends to stand in our way when we try to climb the jungle gym.

Flash forward 20 years and, finally, we can wear whatever we want and walk confidently down the street. That is, until 9 a.m., when we skulk past her corner office and pray she doesn’t scream at us for making a mistake on our latest project. The bully is back.

Across the U.S., workplace bullying is on the rise. The trend has some obvious negative consequences in the form of stressed and unhappy employees. But the ramifications of workplace bullying go beyond tearful staff members hiding out in bathroom stalls. Hostile workplaces often lead to less productive employees and therefore less successful companies. It might seem too simple, but perhaps the most effective way to increase job performance is to make sure everyone gets along.

What's the Deal?

The term “workplace bullying” encompasses a pretty wide range of situations, but in general, it refers to repeated, health-harming mistreatment of one or more people that can include verbal abuse, offensive nonverbal behaviors, or interfering with someone’s ability to get work done. Over the last few decades, the number of people who’ve admitted to being the target of workplace bullying has increased drastically. In 2011, half of employees in one survey said they were treated rudely at least once a week, an increase of 25 percent from 1998. (Recent researchalso suggests that physically unattractive people are more likely to be bullied at the office.) Many people say the experience of being bullied has caused them to develop health issues such as anxiety and depression. Some have even left their jobs.

While it’s becoming increasingly obvious workplace bullying is a problem, it’s not entirely clear why bullying is on the rise. Some researchers say the recent economic downturn has put undue stress on bosses, causing them to lash out at employees. Many workplace bullies also score high on tests of narcissism and self-orientation. But those who are rude in the workplace aren’t necessarily self-absorbed tyrants. Some of us are so overwhelmed by our work responsibilities that we don’t even realize when we’re being rude to others, says Dr. Christine Porath, a Georgetown University professor who studies workplace incivility.

47 Ways to Boost Your Brainpower This Summer

Shana Lebowitz, Greatist.com — Fri, 02 Aug 2013 16:56:00 -0400

Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-up. Check out more wellness news at Greatist.com.

Summer is in full swing, but that's no reason to let the brain veg. To keep that noggin in tip-top shape, we've put together a list of new and creative ways to boost our brainpower, like golfing, mowing the lawn, and munching on pumpkin seeds. Read on for more easy ways to hit genius status pronto.

Fitness

1. Aerobic Exercise: Read books, study hard — and do jumping jacks? There’s a ton of research on the link between exercise and cognitive function. And aerobic exercise seems like an especially great way to make it to MENSA — one study showed adults’ brain-processing speed improved after half an hour of moderate exercise. Do the brain a favor and get moving!

2. Listening to Music While Exercising: Pitbull, Lady Gaga, or old-school Madonna, pumping up the jams while working out can improve cognitive functions. In one study, cardiovascular rehabilitation patients who exercised to music performed better on a test of verbal fluency than those who worked out sans tunes. Or maybe just waltz your way through a workout — other studies suggest listening to classical music can improve spatial processing and linguistic abilities. A way to work the brain and the muscles? Now that’s music to our ears.

3. Strength Training: Bulk up the brain and hit the weight room. Research suggests strength training not only builds strong muscles and bones — it can also boost cognitive functioning. That’s because lifting weights may increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which controls the growth of nerve cells.

4. Dance: Bust a brain-boosting move on the dance floor this weekend. Research suggests dancing involves mental challenges like coordination and planning, and may protect against cognitive decline. Duh — has anyone ever done the Macarena?

5. Golf: Take it from Tiger and take a swing. A few rounds of golf may do more than just work out the arms. One study found golfing causes structural changes in the parts of the brain associated with sensorimotor control. Get smart and hit the green.

6. Yoga: A math test or spelling bee may be the last thing on anyone’s mind during savasana. But research suggests yoga can improve mood and concentration, enhance cognitive performance, and even prevent cognitive decline in older adults. Namaste, Einstein.

Daily Routine

7. A Good Night’s Sleep: Stay up all night studying or hit the hay? Slipping between the sheets might be the better option: For most people, a solid seven hours of sleep is important to maintain cognitive skills such as learning, concentration, and memory. One study even showed people who slept in on the weekends were sharper during the week. Just don’t nod off during the meeting…

8. Power Naps: For those who didn’t quite catch enough Zzzs last night, a power nap may be just the thing to help stay focused. It’s unclear how long the nap should last — in one study, young adults who napped for 90 minutes showed significant improvements in memory. But other research suggests even naps that last a few minutes can increase alertness. On the other hand, some scientists say naps only improve memory if they involve dreaming.

9. Breaking a Routine: If the barista at the local coffee shop knows what “I’ll have the usual” means, it might be time to change that routine. Adding a twist to the day keeps the brain on its toes — try wearing a watch upside down or brushing your teeth with a non-dominant hand.

10. Getting Organized: Leftover pizza crust and a pile of old receipts are more than just unsightly — they may also impede our ability to get stuff done. Clear the desk and the mind at the same time: An organized workspace may help improve memory and cognitive skills.

11. Doodling: Stick it to those elementary school teachers and fill every margin to the brim. Research suggests doodling during a cognitive task helps improve memory because it keeps the brain stimulated. Just don’t draw funny pictures of the boss.

12. Letting the Mind Wander: Whether it’s “listening” to a pal talk about her BF or just strolling down the block, there are lots of times when the mind goes off in strange directions. But don’t hold back that brain — it turns out there are lots of cognitive benefits to letting the mind wander, like increased creativity and problem-solving ability.

13. Flossing: Fresh breath, fewer cavities, and avoiding embarrassing situations with poppy seeds are all great reasons to floss. Here’s another: The plaque that accumulates between teeth can actually trigger an immune response that prevents arteries from getting nutrients to the brain. Pick up some mental — er, dental — floss on the way home today.

14. Lawn Mowing: The grass is always greener, and the brain may be sharper, after we mow the lawn. One study found lawn-mowing releases a chemical that relieves stress and might even boost memory in older adults. Unfortunately, the odor of taking out the trash probably doesn’t have the same effect.

15. Writing by Hand: Sans Serif and Cambria are awfully elegant, but writing words by hand can improve cognitive skills like learning and memory. Adults studying a new language may be more likely to remember words when they write them out instead of typing them. Stay sharp by writing out a to-do list or penning a heartfelt confession of love.

16. Sharpening the Senses: How exactly does that cold water feel traveling down the back of your throat? It’s important to challenge the brain in shape bykeeping all the senses sharp. Try involving new senses in routine activities, likeeating with the eyes closed and placing more emphasis on taste and smell (probably not the best exercise to try with hot soup).

Relationships

17. Sex: Let’s get it on — our brainpower, that is. Research suggests sex can actually improve cognitive skills. A tumble between the sheets raises levels of serotonin, which boosts creativity and logical decision-making, and the hormone oxytocin, related to problem-solving ability (skills that might help with figuring out where those undergarments ended up last night…).

18. Positive Relationships: I get by — and smart! — with a little help from my friends. A study of elderly Americans suggests positive relationships can helpprotect against memory loss. Spend some time with friends and fam today to avoid forgetting their names later in life.

19. Pleasant Conversation: Oh, how do you do? A quick chat may do more than just pass the time — socializing can also improve cognitive functioning. Even simple conversations may improve skills like memory and the brain’s ability to block out distractions. Take a few minutes to talk it out before the next big test or meeting.

20. Laughter: Gosh, isn’t the brain funny?! A hearty laugh may be the key to solving a tough problem, since research suggests laughing encourages people to think more creatively. Panicking about what to say in a big presentation? Just picture everyone in their underwear.

21. Thinking About Ancestors: Brainpower’s a family affair. In one study, people who thought about their ancestors before a series of cognitive tests performed better than people who focused on something else. Researchers surmise thinking about family history increases people’s sense of control. These test results? I got ’em from my mama!

Read the rest at Greatist.

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Why Agencies Should Care How Well Their Employees Sleep

Shana Lebowitz — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:19:00 -0400

Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-up. Check out more wellness news at Greatist.com.

Employers need to talk to their employees about sleep — and not just when they catch them snoozing on the job.

There’s a ton of research suggesting American adults are having problems sleeping because of work-related stress. New data suggests that while we might technically be in bed for the recommended seven to nine hours, thinking about our mistakes on that last project report might mean we’re only actually resting for five. If employers want to improve their employees’ health, and thereby their productivity, they need to focus not just on sleep quantity but also sleep quality.

What's the Deal

There’s reason to believe Americans spend a lot of time tossing and turning, trying to put the stress of the day behind them and drift off to dreamland. The American Time Use Survey indicates the average American spends almost nine hours sleeping every night. But according to recent sleep polls, Americans say they only sleep about seven hours per night. So where are those missing two hours? It’s possible that while Americans spend nine hours in bed, only seven of those are spent actually sleeping or achieving a good rest as opposed to hitting the snooze button over and over.

While the demons that keep us awake at night obviously differ for everyone, job stress is among the most common. A growing body of research suggests the inability to stop worrying about work during our free time may contribute to problems sleeping, and studies have found that the more we feel stressed and overwhelmed at work, the more likely we are to experience disturbed sleep. Recent studies also suggest people’s sleep quality improves significantly around retirement, and researchers attribute this change to a decrease in work-related stress.

Why it Matters

This trend extends far beyond a few frazzled workers who sleep with their smartphones glued to their faces. A series of National Sleep Foundation polls suggests that more than half of American adults experience one or more symptoms of insomnia at least a few nights a week. Those symptoms include waking up not feeling refreshed, waking often during the night, and waking too early and not being able to fall back asleep.

Health experts generally counsel employers to figure out ways to manage chronic sleep deprivation (see psychologist Laurence Stybel’s recent piece on PsychologyToday.com for an example). But what these leaders really need to focus on is sleep quality over sleep duration, and specifically the ability to separate the office from the bedroom. In the end, companies as well as individuals will benefit, since research has shown that problems sleeping contribute to poor (and even unethical) performance on the job. And even though employers aren’t doctors, they may actually be in the best position to help employees deal with work-related stress, since they’re actually familiar with the work environment. Maybe that means implementing company-wide sleep management programs, or even meeting individually with employees to discuss their bedtime routines.

With any luck, by the time next year’s ATUS rolls around, we’ll be able to say with confidence that we spend that whole nine hours snoozing. And maybe we’ll stop having that dream about showing up to work naked. Just me?

Do you find yourself preoccupied with work-related worries when you should be snoozing? Let us know in the comments below or tweet the author at @ShanaDLebowitz.

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Can Stress Actually Make You go Gray?

Shana Lebowitz, Greatist.com — Wed, 08 May 2013 07:00:00 -0400

Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-up. Check out more wellness news at Greatist.com.

From the legendary story of Marie Antoinette’s hair turning white overnight to the press coverage of Obama’s graying temples, the link between stress and gray hair has been a longtime concern. While some scientists blame the salt and pepper look on genetics alone, others suggest stress can send us straight to the salon.

Touch of Gray - Why it Matters

Since going gray is part of the normal biological aging process, even fans of ohm-ing the stress away are bound to sport the silver eventually. Gray hair usually appears around the big 4-0, when the body stops supplying strands with melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. Environmental factors like oxidative stress can also zap the color from those tresses. Oxidative stress occurs when the body can’t defend itself from dangerous particles in the atmosphere. So chemicals, ultraviolet light, and other damaging agents attack the DNA inside hair follicle stem cells, and the result can be colorless locks. But when most people talk about stress, they’re referring to the kind that comes from looming deadlines, a tight cash flow, and relatives that drive us crazy. That kind of stress may be another culprit behind the Grandpa hairdo…

Gray Matter - The Answer/Debate

The issue is anything but black and white: Health experts disagree on how much of a role stress plays in the graying process. Some researchers say worry on, since psychological stress has nothing do with going gray. Others claim genetics largely predict who goes gray when, but that frazzled feeling may also be a factor. (Mental health day, anyone?) Still, there’s some evidence stress can speed up the fade-out. Inone study, doctors claimed patients under stress experienced accelerated graying. And other research, conducted on mice, suggests stress triggers biological changes that can cause hair to turn gray (before the experiment, the rodents were starring in these commercials). The science is tricky — some researchers think chronic stress makes the body more vulnerable to DNA damage, causing problems that range from gray hair to malignant tumors. And worrywarts have yet another reason to freak out. Stress can cause conditions like telogen effluvium that make hair fall out— and the bald look doesn’t exactly work for everyone.

But there may be a shiny, pigmented light at the end of the tunnel. Currently, a group of German scientists is working to develop the first-ever topical cream that reverses the hydrogen peroxide build-up that makes us go grey . The revolutionary cream treatment would also cure vitiligo, a condition in which the skin loses melanin and white patches appear on the skin, hair, and eyes.

For the time being, though, the best solution for those concerned about preserving their lovely locks is to chill out . After all, stressing out about a strand or two might only make things worse.

Read more at Greatist.com:

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Why a Little Bit of Stress is Good For You

Shana Lebowitz, Greatist.com — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 17:14:00 -0400

Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-up. Check out more wellness news at Greatist.com.

There are times when I think I’d be much happier if I could spend the rest of my life lounging on the sands of the Mediterranean, having someone fan me with palm fronds while feeding me superfood grapes. In other words, life would be better without any stress. Or would it?

According to new research from the University of California, Berkeley, a little stress may not be so bad for us after all. While chronic stress may be harmful, acute (short-term) stress may actually boost our cognitive function. The findings are supported by other research suggesting a little bit o’ stress may have beneficial effects for our brains and bodies. The key, of course, is knowing when we’re too harried for our own good.

What's the Deal?

Before we get into the science, let’s be clear that most of the research in this area involves rats, not humans, so it’s not entirely clear that the findings apply to people. For a while now, researchers have suspected that the effect of stress on the (rat) brain is like an upside-down U: Up to a certain point, stress boosts cognitive function; after that, it starts to take a negative toll.

In this latest study, researchers wanted to see if short-term stress really would turn regular old rats into geniuses. So they subjected rats to acute stress by confining them in their cages for a few hours. The stress caused the rats’ corticosterone (a stress hormone) levels to shoot up for a few hours, and also caused the growth of new cells in the hippocampus, an area of the brain associated with memory function.

Two days after the stressful event, the researchers tested rats’ memories, and found nothing had changed. But two weeks later, the rats’ memories had significantly improved. Then the researchers got super-techy and figured out that the cells produced after the stressful event were the same cells involved in learning during the second round of memory tests. In other words, the acute stress had made the rats smarter. The scientists concluded that acute stress has a beneficial effect on cognitive function.

Is it Legit?

Possibly. Again, we’re talking about rats here. And while the researchers behind the latest study believe the findings apply to humans as well, there’s currently no way to monitor neural stem cells in the human brain, according to study co-author Daniela Kaufer.

There’s some evidence that acute stress is not only beneficial for rats’ brains, but also for their immune system. Stress hormones released in response to acute stress may warn the immune system about upcoming threats such as an infection. On the other hand, studies of humans suggest that if the immune system is chronically exposed to stress hormones, we may become more susceptible to diseases.

Together these findings imply that acute stress — think a job interview or even a ride on a scary rollercoaster — might actually be necessary for our physical and mental health. It’s chronic stress — like being stuck in a bad job or relationship — that causes our health to decline, contributing to issues as serious as heart disease and obesity.

Still, it’s worth noting that some forms of acute stress may actually cause serious damage, as in the case of post-traumatic stress disorder. The UC Berkeley researchers say it’s still unclear why some types of acute stress have positive effects, and others can be so damaging. It might just be a question of individual experience, so it’s worth figuring out where our own optimal stress level lies.

Do you think a certain level of stress can be beneficial? Share your thoughts in the comments below or tweet the author directly at @ShanaDLebowitz.

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Stressed At Work? You’re Not Alone

Shana Lebowitz, Greatist.com — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:37:00 -0400

Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-up. Check out more wellness news at Greatist.com.

Not everyone has a boss as glamorous as Meryl Streep in The Devil Wears Prada, but many of us know exactly what Anne Hathaway feels like as she struggles to be a superhuman employee. Workplace stress, whether it comes from a tyrannical superior, an overflowing inbox, or competition between coworkers, is a major problem in the U.S.

That’s according to the results of a new survey from the American Psychological Association, which found that more than one third of American employees experience chronic work stress. But what’s more shocking is the fact that most workers say they don’t know how to cope when stress strikes. These findings serve as a reminder that organizations need to make mental health a priority in order to maintain happy, productive employees.

What's the Deal?

In January 2013, the APA surveyed 1,501 Americans over the age of 18 who were working full-time, part-time, or self-employed. The results, published in March, showed that a third of respondents reported being chronically stressed at work. Among the most common causes of work-related stress were low salaries, a lack of opportunity for advancement, and heavy workloads.

These results aren’t especially surprising — in fact, I admit I expected the number of stressed workers to be higher. The more eyebrow-raising finding is that just 36 percent of employees said their organizations offer sufficient stress-management resources, and fewer than half said their organizations are equipped to meet their mental health needs. In terms of overall health, fewer than half of employees said their organizations promote a healthy lifestyle. The survey didn’t specifically define “mental health needs” or “healthy lifestyle,” but other researchers have proposed management programs that encompass everything from cognitive behavioral therapy to physical activity.

Why it Matters

This research backs up findings from other APA surveys that suggest Americans aren’t getting the support they need when it comes to overall health and wellness. The Stress in America survey, published February 2013, found that more than half of Americans say their healthcare provider offers little or no support to help them manage their stress. So even if American employees are looking for help outside of the workplace, chances are, they aren’t finding it.

But stress management at work doesn’t just mean mandatory shrink appointments for all employees (although those can work, too). Other possibilities include yoga, mindfulness meditation training, and even bringing a furry friend to work.

Still, the onus isn’t entirely on healthcare professionals or the leaders of business organizations to help people deal with their stress. Just 36 percent of employees surveyed said they participate regularly in any wellness programs their workplace offers. Presumably, if more workers took advantage of stress management resources already in place, the amount of frazzled employees would decrease accordingly. Other ways to combat stress on the individual level include making health and fitness a priority, taking real lunch breaks (instead of eating in front of the computer), and hitting the gym mid-day. That last one is especially important since workplace stress is associated with an increased risk of physical inactivity.

When it comes to pretty much any job, the question isn’t whether we’ll get stressed (we will) but whether we’re equipped to handle our feelings. The latest APA surveys reveal that both individuals and the organizations they work for need to be better prepared with short- and long-term approaches for managing employee stress.

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Trust Your Gut (Sometimes) to Make Better Decisions

Shana Lebowitz — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:32:00 -0500

Greatist is the fastest-growing fitness, health and happiness media start-up. Check out more wellness news at Greatist.com.

Making decisions can be hard — so hard, in fact, that there’s even a website that aims to take the angst out of choosing between multiple options. Every day we’re faced with at least two divergent roads, whether it’s something as mundane as whole wheat versus white bread or as seemingly life-altering as which grad school to attend.

In these situations, I often turn to friends and family for help. But instead of a straightforward answer, I usually hear something along the lines of “Follow your heart” or “What does your gut tell you?” Frustrated, I decided to do some digging to find out whether “intuition” actually exists and whether it’s really a good way to make decisions. Turns out there’s a huge amount of research on the topic, and the subject is so controversial that researchers can’t even agree on what “intuition” means. But we’ve sifted through the debates to bring you the latest on when and whether to trust your gut.

Going With the Gut -- Why it Matters

Most of the studies I came across differentiate between intuitive and more analytical approaches to decision-making. While an analytical decision is generally reached after extensive reflection, the intuitive decision is the one we come up with instantly, without examining the issue in-depth. But that’s not to say intuition is the same as choosing at random. Some scientists think intuition is a series of cognitive processes that happen so quickly we don’t even realize we’re thinking at all. According to this theory, our brain takes in all the details about the present situation, compares it to similar circumstances in the past, and then uses all that information to make a decision. So a gut feeling might manifest as a quick heartbeat or a stomachache instead of a conscious thought (giving the phrase “trust your gut” a much more literal meaning).

Researchers have looked at the role of intuition in a range of situations, from playing chess to making a medical diagnosis. One study found that people make better decisions about potential purchases, such as cars and apartments, when mildly distracted, as opposed to when they think carefully about different options. There’s even some evidence that gut feelings can be just as accurate as the most high-tech MRI: Clinicians who trust their intuition that a child is seriously ill — even when medical tests suggest otherwise — are usually right.

Intuition may be an especially valuable tool when we’re familiar with the subject at hand. For example, people’s snap judgments about basketball shots are more likely to be accurate if they’ve spent some time on the court. Still, other research suggests there are certain situations when going with our gut may not lead to the best results.

More Than a Feeling? -- The Answer/Debate

When it comes to more methodical activities, such as playing chess or deciding which stocks to invest in, deliberation may actually be a more effective decision-making strategy than intuition. In one recent study, researchers found that chess players typically take a few minutes to think about their decision — and end up choosing stronger moves than the one they were initially planning to select.

But the distinction between intuition and deliberation is certainly not a black-and-white matter. Experts caution that even if we don’t spend time verbalizing our feelings or making a list of pros and cons, this doesn’t mean we aren’t thinking carefully or applying lessons learned from past experience to the present situation. So, for example, if someone visits an apartment and decides immediately to buy it, it’s unclear whether they have made an intuitive decision or if they have made a very fast deliberative decision based on a few relevant pieces of data, like the price and the neighborhood.

Suck in the Middle -- The Takeaway

It seems the question is less whether our gut feelings are categorically “right” or “wrong,” but rather how to take all our thoughts and emotions into account when making important decisions. In the case of medical professionals, researchers advise doctors not to automatically heed their gut feelings, but to consult another doctor for a second opinion and do some further investigation. Other scientists advise people to literally “listen to their heart” — in other words, to pay attention to physiological symptoms, such as a quick-beating heart, as a sign that something may be wrong.

Regardless of how we come to a decision, experts tend to agree that it’s important to reflect on a choice once it’s made. This navel-gazing allows us to see how we could have tackled the situation differently by taking note of our initial feelings or pausing to reconsider them. We may not be able to make the right choice in every circumstance, but the good news is we can learn from these experiences and apply them to making better decisions in the future.

Special thanks to Justin Lavner, Jerad Moxley, and Dr. K. Anders Ericsson for their contributions to this piece.

How do you make difficult decisions? What does “trusting your gut” mean to you? Let us know in the comments below or tweet the author directly at @ShanaDLebowitz.

How happy does your job make you? What are some of the biggest stressors you encounter in your workplace and how do you get past them?

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