Author Archives: Shervan K Shahhian, LIBERTY PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, The Most Comprehensive Online Library Regarding Mental Health, Psychology and Parapsychology in the World.

How to best handle Unexpected Criticism:

Handling unexpected criticism can be challenging, but there are strategies to deal with it effectively:

Stay Calm: When receiving criticism, take a deep breath. It’s easy to react defensively, but maintaining composure is essential to respond thoughtfully.

Listen Actively: Make sure you understand the criticism before reacting. Sometimes, criticisms can be misinterpreted, so ask clarifying questions if necessary.

Separate Emotion from the Message: Focus on the message, not the emotional delivery. Criticism can often be difficult to hear, but there may still be valuable insights hidden in it.

Consider the Source: Evaluate the credibility and intentions of the person offering the criticism. Is it constructive? Is it coming from someone who cares about your growth?

Reflect on It: After the conversation, take some time to reflect on whether the criticism holds any truth. This can help you learn and grow, even if it was tough to hear.

Don’t Take It Personally: Remember that criticism is often about the work or behavior, not about you as a person. Keep a healthy perspective to avoid feeling personally attacked.

Ask for Suggestions: If the criticism is vague or unhelpful, ask for specific examples or suggestions for improvement. This shows your willingness to learn.

Respond Professionally: If you need to respond, do so with professionalism. Acknowledge the feedback, thank the person for their input, and explain any steps you’re taking to address it.

By approaching unexpected criticism with an open mind and a calm demeanor, you can use it as a valuable opportunity for growth.

Shervan K Shahhian

Parapsychology: The Holographic Principle:

The Holographic Principle is a fascinating idea in theoretical physics that suggests our entire universe might be a projection or “hologram” from a lower-dimensional surface. It originated from the study of black holes, particularly from the work of physicists like Gerard ‘t Hooft and Leonard Susskind. The principle essentially proposes that all the information about the three-dimensional space we experience could be encoded on a two-dimensional boundary at the cosmological horizon.

This idea was inspired by the study of black holes and the so-called black hole information paradox. According to the laws of quantum mechanics, information cannot be lost, but when matter falls into a black hole, it’s unclear what happens to it. The Holographic Principle suggests that the information about the matter inside the black hole is not lost but instead stored on the event horizon (the boundary of the black hole). This would imply that our entire universe might operate similarly, with the information of our 3D world encoded in a 2D “surface.”

The principle has significant implications for understanding space, time, and the nature of reality. Some physicists even speculate that our universe might be a projection of data on a distant boundary, much like a hologram.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to Break Free from Anxiety:

Breaking free from anxiety involves a combination of psychological, physiological, and sometimes spiritual approaches.

1. Understand the Root of Anxiety
   Anxiety often stems from unresolved fears, past traumas, or a hyperactive mind predicting negative outcomes. Explore:

What triggers your anxiety?
Is it rooted in past experiences or anticipations of the future?
Are there deeper existential or spiritual causes?

2. Psychological Techniques
   Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenge and reframe anxious thoughts.
   Exposure Therapy: Gradually face what causes anxiety in a controlled manner.
   Mindfulness & Acceptance: Observe your anxiety without judgment, allowing it to dissipate naturally.
3. Physiological Approaches
   Breathing Techniques: Try the 4–7–8 breathing method or box breathing.
   Exercise & Movement: Physical activity helps regulate stress hormones.
   Nutrition & Sleep: Reduce caffeine/sugar, get adequate rest.
4. Spiritual & Parapsychological Practices
   Energy Work (Qi Gong, Reiki, Chakra Balancing): Helps release energetic blockages.
   Affirmations & Self-Hypnosis: Reprogram subconscious fears.
5. Lifestyle Adjustments
   Reduce Digital Overload: Less news and social media.
   Connect with Nature: Grounding yourself physically and energetically.
   Journaling & Creative Expression: Process emotions through writing or art.
6. Acceptance & Transcendence
   Instead of fighting anxiety, see it as a signal from your subconscious.
   Transcend it by understanding that your true self is beyond fleeting emotions.
   Engage in deep metaphysical inquiries about consciousness and reality.
   Shervan K Shahhian

How to manage your Impulsive speech:

Managing impulsive speech requires a combination of self-awareness, self-regulation, and practice. 

Here are some strategies that can help:

1. Increase Self-Awareness

• Observe Triggers — Identify situations, emotions, or people that lead to impulsive speech.
• Keep a Journal — Note when and why you blurt things out.
• Mindfulness Practices — Pay attention to your thoughts before speaking.

2. Pause Before Speaking

• Use the 3-Second Rule — Count to three before responding to give yourself time to think.
• Breathe Deeply — A deep breath can create a moment of reflection.
• Ask Yourself — “Is this necessary? Is it kind? Is it true?”

3. Develop Alternative Responses

• Use Phrases Like — “Let me think about that” or “I’ll get back to you.”
• Write Instead of Speaking — Jot down thoughts before expressing them.
• Practice Active Listening — Focus more on what others are saying rather than preparing your response.

4. Work on Emotional Regulation

• Cognitive Behavioral Techniques — Challenge automatic thoughts that lead to impulsive speech.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques — Meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation can help.
• Engage in Physical Activity — Exercise helps release pent-up energy that may lead to impulsivity.

5. Improve Social Awareness

• Read Social Cues — Observe others’ body language and reactions.
• Think About Consequences — Consider how your words might affect others.
• Seek Feedback — Ask trusted friends or mentors to help you recognize patterns.

6. Consider Professional Guidance

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — A therapist can help develop strategies for impulse control.
• Mindfulness Training — Learning techniques like meditation can help slow down reactions.
• Medication (if needed) — If impulsive speech is linked to conditions like ADHD, consult a doctor.

Shervan K Shahhian

How can you manage your Impulsive spending:

Managing impulsive spending requires a mix of self-awareness, discipline, and practical strategies.

 Here are some effective ways to control it:

1. Understand Your Triggers

• Identify when and why you spend impulsively (stress, boredom, social influence).
• Keep a spending journal to track patterns.

2. Use the 24-Hour Rule

• Delay non-essential purchases for at least 24 hours.
• This gives you time to evaluate if you truly need the item.

3. Set a Budget & Stick to It

• Allocate a specific amount for discretionary spending.
• Use cash or prepaid cards to avoid overspending.

4. Unsubscribe & Limit Exposure

• Unsubscribe from marketing emails and social media ads.
• Avoid browsing online stores for entertainment.

5. Create Financial Goals

• Set short- and long-term savings goals.
• Remind yourself how impulsive spending affects these goals.

6. Use Technology to Help

• Set up spending alerts with your bank.
• Use budgeting apps.

7. Shop with a List

• Always make a shopping list and stick to it.
• Avoid shopping when emotional or hungry.

8. Find Alternative Rewards

• Replace shopping with non-monetary rewards (exercise, hobbies, meditation).
• Engage in activities that don’t involve spending.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to manage your Risk-taking behaviors:

Managing risk-taking behaviors effectively requires a balance between embracing challenges and ensuring personal safety and well-being. 

Here are some key strategies to help you navigate risk responsibly:

1. Self-Awareness & Reflection

• Identify what drives your risk-taking (thrill-seeking, peer influence, curiosity, etc.).
• Assess past experiences: Were they beneficial or harmful?
• Recognize impulsive tendencies and triggers.

2. Risk Assessment & Decision-Making

• Consider the potential benefits vs. consequences.
• Use a structured approach like “Stop, Think, Evaluate, Act” (STEA).
• Seek expert advice if the risk involves financial, health, or legal matters.

3. Develop Emotional Regulation

• Practice mindfulness to stay present and avoid impulsive choices.
• Manage stress through techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
• Build patience to delay gratification for better decision-making.

4. Set Personal Boundaries

• Define what risks are acceptable and what crosses the line.
• Avoid high-risk environments (e.g., gambling zones, extreme social influences).
• Learn to say no when risks feel unnecessary or forced.

5. Surround Yourself with Supportive People

• Consult mentors, friends, or professionals before making big decisions.
• Engage with communities that encourage responsible risk-taking.
• Avoid peer pressure that promotes reckless behavior.

6. Practice Gradual Exposure

• Instead of diving into high-risk situations, start with smaller, calculated risks.
• Build confidence and skills before taking on greater challenges.
• Learn from each experience and adjust accordingly.

7. Use Critical Thinking & Intuition

• Analyze risks logically but also trust gut feelings when something feels “off.”
• Stay informed about potential dangers in your area of risk-taking.
• Be open to learning from mistakes without repeating them.

8. Healthy Outlets for Risk-Taking

• Engage in structured risk-taking like adventure sports, entrepreneurship, or creative pursuits.
• Channel thrill-seeking into productive activities such as competitive games or problem-solving tasks.

Shervan K Shahhian

How to manage your Emotional Eating:

Managing emotional eating involves understanding your triggers, developing healthier coping strategies, and building self-awareness. 

Here are some practical steps to help you manage emotional eating:

1. Identify Your Triggers

• Keep a food and mood journal to track when and why you eat.
• Recognize patterns: Do you eat when stressed, bored, lonely, or anxious?
• Differentiate between physical hunger (gradual, stomach-based) and emotional hunger (sudden, specific cravings).

2. Develop Healthier Coping Strategies

• Find non-food ways to handle emotions:
• Stress: Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
• Boredom: Engage in hobbies, read, or take a walk.
• Loneliness: Connect with a friend or join a support group.
• Anxiety: Practice mindfulness or journal your thoughts.

3. Pause Before Eating

• When you feel the urge to eat, pause for 5–10 minutes.
• Ask yourself: “Am I really hungry, or am I trying to soothe an emotion?”
• Drink water or engage in a short activity to distract yourself.

4. Improve Your Relationship with Food

• Avoid labeling foods as “good” or “bad” — this can lead to guilt.
• Eat mindfully by focusing on taste, texture, and satiety cues.
• Plan balanced meals with proteins, healthy fats, and fiber to prevent cravings.

5. Address the Root Cause

• If emotional eating is frequent, explore deeper emotional issues.
• Therapy, counseling, or journaling can help uncover unresolved emotions.
• Develop self-compassion instead of self-judgment.

6. Create a Supportive Environment

• Keep trigger foods out of sight or replace them with healthier options.
• Surround yourself with positive influences who encourage healthy habits.
• Establish a regular eating schedule to reduce impulsive eating.

7. Seek Professional Help If Needed

• A psychologist, therapist, or nutritionist specializing in emotional eating can provide guidance.
• Consider mindfulness-based interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), or support groups.

Shervan K Shahhian