Welcome to the Weekly Medius PsychNews. Every week, we select five thought-provoking Psychology articles from hundreds published in journals and other media. Psychology Drives Everything.

 

Employee Expectations Are Changing. Employers Need to Pay Attention:
Most workers hold jobs that are complex, interconnected, and knowledge-based. Peter Drucker predicted this rise of work accomplished with minds rather than muscle in the 1950s, and that’s now changed to an emphasis on jobs that require not just knowledge but also adaptability. This workplace transition has deeply affected the expectations of employees, as jobs now require greater psychological resources and soft skills in every role, from software developer to CTO, from customer support associate to sales manager. Full article.


Why we worry: Understanding anxiety and how to help it:
Most of us are familiar with the dry mouth, racing heart and knotted stomach that are the hallmarks of feeling anxious. Usually this is a fleeting response to danger and uncertainty. In some people, however, the state of high alert won’t switch off. Their anxiety becomes so draining it is impossible to leave the house or function in daily life. One woman feels agitated and lightheaded each morning when she wakes. She worries about the accidents that might befall her if she travels to work, but also about what would happen if she had nothing planned for the day. Another avoids work, friends or even walking her dog in case it triggers another panic attack. One man finds it difficult to pick up the phone for fear he will mash his words and be misunderstood. Full article.

 

New evidence bolsters link between sleep apnea and Alzheimer's disease:
A new study, to be presented at the upcoming American Academy of Neurology's 71st Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, reveals a connection between sleep apnea and increased levels of a toxic brain protein commonly associated with Alzheimer's disease. These findings bolster the growing body of evidence linking sleep problems with the onset of neurodegenerative conditions. It is becoming increasingly clear that sleep plays an incredibly important role in our overall cognitive health. Disrupted sleep has long been associated with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, however scientists have only recently started to unpack exactly how bad sleep is linked with cognitive decline.  Full article.  

3 Powerful Ways to Gain Control Over Your Emotions:
Have you ever said something out of anger that you later regretted? Do you let fear talk you out of taking the risks that could really benefit you? If so, you're not alone. Emotions are powerful. Your mood determines how you interact with people, how much money you spend, how you deal with challenges, and how you spend your time. Gaining control over your emotions will help you become mentally stronger. Fortunately, anyone can become better at regulating their emotions. Just like any other skill, managing your emotions requires practice and dedication. Full article.