What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Mastering New Skills: Why Variety Beats Repetition (And Keeps Things Interesting)

If you’ve ever heard that repetition is the key to mastering a new skill, it’s time to rethink that advice. Sure, practice makes perfect, but here’s the real kicker: it’s not about how many times you repeat something—it’s about how you practice.

In fact, research shows that variety, not just repetition, is the true secret ingredient for learning and mastering new skills.

Think of it this way: if repetition is like eating the same meal every day, variety is like a buffet where your brain gets to sample new dishes—and who doesn’t love a good buffet?

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

How to Avoid Growing Apart: The Power of Shared Hobbies in Midlife

As couples enter midlife, it’s common to feel like you’ve drifted apart.

The hectic years of raising children, building careers, and managing busy lives often take precedence over nurturing your relationship.

Once the kids are grown or you’ve settled into your career, the question becomes: How do we reconnect?

The good news is that shared hobbies can help rekindle the bond you and your partner share, allowing you to create new memories and enjoy time together in a way that feels fresh and exciting.

This isn’t just about having fun—it’s about strengthening your relationship.

Shared hobbies in midlife can help couples reconnect emotionally, improve communication, and bring a sense of joy back into their partnership. Let’s explore how finding and maintaining shared activities can keep you from growing apart and instead bring you closer together, even after years of navigating life’s challenges.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Riding the Waves of Recovery: The Powerful Impact of Surf Therapy on Mental Health and Trauma

Surf therapy, also known as ocean therapy or “blue care,” is rapidly gaining recognition for its profound effects on mental health and trauma recovery.

As more folks seek alternative methods to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges, surf therapy is emerging as a transformative way to reconnect with nature and find healing through the ocean.

According to marine social scientist Easkey Britton, who has spent her life immersed in surfing and studying the relationship between humans and the sea, the ocean has the power to heal both mind and body.

Britton’s own experiences with the water and her research, outlined in her book Ebb and Flow, offer compelling evidence that the sea can be a source of restoration, particularly for those recovering from trauma or grappling with mental health issues.

What is Surf Therapy?

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Why Dancers Are More Outgoing and Less Neurotic: New Study Explains the Personality Traits of Dancers

If you've ever wondered whether dancing says something about your personality, you're not alone!

A recent study published in Personality and Individual Differences has revealed that dancers possess distinct personality traits compared to non-dancers.

Spoiler alert: dancers are more open, extroverted, agreeable, and less neurotic. It's almost like the dance floor is a secret recipe for a better mood and personality boost!

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

How Daily Habits Affect Brain Connectivity: New Research Reveals Long-Lasting Effects on Brain Health

Have you ever wondered how skipping a workout or staying up too late might impact your brain?

Groundbreaking research from Aalto University and the University of Oulu in Finland suggests that our daily habits, such as exercise, sleep, and stress management, have long-lasting effects on brain connectivity—lasting up to two weeks!

This exciting new insight sheds light on how neural pathways are constantly adapting to our everyday choices.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Why Couples Who Laugh Together, Stay Together

You’ve probably heard it before: communication is key to a successful relationship.

But what if I told you there’s something just as powerful that often flies under the radar?

It’s laughter.

Yep, the simple act of sharing a smile or chuckle with your partner can be the secret sauce to lasting love. As a couples therapist, I’ve seen over and over again how humor transforms relationships — even during life’s toughest moments.

And it’s not just anecdotal; research supports it. So let’s explore why being playful and silly with your partner might be the best way to strengthen your bond, weather storms, and stay connected for the long haul.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The Sacred Space Between Us: How to Build Spiritual Intimacy in Relationships

It’s easy to lose sight of the deeper connection that nurtures long-term love nowadays—spiritual intimacy.

While emotional support and physical attraction are important, spiritual intimacy is the hidden thread that weaves everything together.

This deep connection creates a "sacred space" between partners, a space filled with mutual understanding, respect, and love that can grow stronger over time.

If you’re looking to create a relationship that’s not just about day-to-day life but also about spiritual growth and deepening your connection, then this post is for you.

We’re diving into how to build that sacred space in your relationship and why it can bring more joy, meaning, and love into your life.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Unlocking the Brain’s REM Sleep Switch: What It Means for Sleep Health

Deep within the brain, a tiny area known as the “blue spot,” or Locus Coeruleus, has been found to control one of our most mysterious and essential functions: REM sleep.

This stage of sleep, where our most vivid dreams occur and our brain performs crucial maintenance, plays a critical role in our mental and physical well-being.

Researchers from McGill University and the University of Padua have now uncovered how to control this switch, a discovery that could transform the field of sleep medicine and offer new hope to millions who suffer from sleep disorders.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Eating Fish Linked to Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline: How Omega-3s Can Help Boost Brain Health

Looking to keep your mind sharp as you age?

Eating fish could be the key!

A recent meta-analysis published in Aging Clinical and Experimental Research shows that a diet rich in fish can reduce the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.

And if eating fish isn’t your thing, don’t worry—omega-3 supplements like Udo’s Oil can give you the same brain-boosting benefits. Let’s dive into why fish and omega-3s are so important for brain health and what science has to say about it.

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The Rise of "Gremlin Energy" in Relationships

As a couples therapist, I often see relationship dynamics mirrored in pop culture memes, and "Gremlin Energy" is no exception.

This emerging meme reflects how people, particularly in intimate relationships, indulge in chaotic, playful behaviors without shame or hesitation.

It's not just about being mischievous—Gremlin Energy invites us to explore what it means to let our guard down and be truly uninhibited with our partner.

Let's explore how this meme manifests in relationships.

What is Gremlin Energy in Relationships?

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

Welcome to the Comfort Room: The Secret to Changing Your Life Without Ever Leaving Your Cozy Spot

Alright, let’s be honest. How many times have you heard someone say, “You just need to step outside your comfort zone!” and wanted to roll your eyes so hard you could see your own brain?

Yeah, me too.

We’ve been fed this idea that true growth can only happen when we’re sweating with anxiety, knees shaking, about to burst into a full-blown panic attack.

But is jumping into the terrifying unknown really the best way to grow? Or is there a smarter, comfier way? Spoiler alert: there is, and it involves not abandoning the place where you feel safe.

Introducing the Comfort Room, a fresh take on self-growth that won’t make you break out in a cold sweat. It’s time to change the narrative from “step outside your comfort zone” to “how about we redecorate your comfort zone and expand it, so you don’t feel like you’re about to face a room full of angry velociraptors?”

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What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw What Happy Couples Know Daniel Dashnaw

The Afterglow Effect: A Deeper Dive Into Intimacy, Art, and Awe

The “afterglow effect” is more than just a fleeting emotional high following intimacy.

It's a powerful experience that has captivated poets, artists, and psychologists alike, pulling together threads from art, science, and even spirituality.

The glow lingers, not just in our bodies, but in our hearts and minds, offering a unique window into the human need for connection.

But is there more to this phenomenon than the momentary warmth we feel? How does it interact with deeper emotions like awe? And what does modern science say about it? Let’s explore further.

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