Stressed? Clench Your Left Fist

Research finds that athletes perform better under pressure if they clench their left hand (and, also, instead of their right hand).

Panicking is primarily due to the brain's left hemisphere; the right hemisphere controls the body's left side's movements (and the left hemisphere controls body's right side's movements). Researchers correctly posited that if the right hemisphere is triggered (e.g by squeezing your left hand) physical performance will improve and the panicky thoughts of the left hemisphere will fade.

The study suggests its findings can extend beyond sports to all mechanical activities.

Stressed? Smile!

Researchers used chopsticks to manipulate participants faces into holding a neutral expression, a regular smile, or a Duchenne smile (smiles expressed through the mouth and eyes). In addition to the chopstick manipulation, some were told to smile. While holding the smiles (or not), they did various stress-inducing, multitasking activities.

Participants who voluntarily (in addition to, or only because of, the chopsticks) smiled better recovered from stressful activities than those with neutral expressions. Duchenne smile participants were the most relaxed.

Heavy Metal and Intelligence

A study reveals that many intelligent teenagers - 1,000+ of the smartest 5% teenagers - listen to heavy metal to deal with the self-esteem issues, social awkwardness and, in some cases, family problems.

Participants said they liked the complex, and sometimes political, nature of heavy metal music.