Latest news with #Hafeez
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
7 Signs You Have a 'Really Strong Personality,' Psychologists Say
7 Signs You Have a 'Really Strong Personality,' Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. Some people have personalities so strong they can move mountains. If you feel like that applies to you, then it just might. But what exactly does it mean to have a ? Is it inherently a good or bad thing?"Someone with a really strong personality often means that they are confident and assertive," explains a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners. "These people speak their minds and hold boundaries. They are also often people that others find themselves drawn to because there is a charismatic quality to these people."She reports that people with strong personalities have a signature passion and energy, which has its pros and cons. Read on as experts share more signs you have a strong personality and understand yourself (or a loved one) a bit better. Related: Strong Personalities Have Pros and Cons "Strong" can exude power—something often celebrated by society. Psychologists agree that there are certain qualities in individuals with strong personalities that are worth highlighting. ., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind, says the benefits of having a strong personality include: Standing up for what's right Protecting others Natural leadership skills Clear decision-making Clear communication Honest and direct, including during conflicts Ability to motivate others On the flip side, Dr. Hafeez shares that people with strong personalities can struggle with: Coming off as intimidating and unapproachable Controlling tendencies Being too blunt Silencing "softer" voices Impatience With that in mind, let's see what signs point to someone having a really strong 7 Signs You Have a 'Strong Personality,' According to Psychologists 1. You say what you think People with strong personalities speak their minds."A person with a strong personality will often speak up and say the thing, even when others are reluctant," Dr. MacBride says. "These people tend to voice their opinions, challenge groupthink and address difficult topics."This trait isn't merely self-serving but carries weight in moments of injustice."They speak up when something feels wrong," Dr. Hafeez says. Related: 2. You set clear boundaries While some people struggle to set boundaries, those with strong personalities tend to be all in with them."These boundaries are often offered without the need to soften or apologize for them," Dr. MacBride Hafeez notes that this type of person doesn't second-guess and ruminate about boundaries after communicating them."They don't agree to things just to avoid awkwardness," she says. "They know their limits and aren't afraid to say what they are."Related: 3. You're resilient Dr. MacBride notes that people with a solid temperament remain whole even when criticized or rejected."People who have a strong personality are drawing validation from inside themselves," Dr. MacBride says. "They don't crumble when someone disagrees with them or doesn't like them. It's not that these things don't impact them, but their identity isn't hinged on the perceptions of others."Another expert agrees. People with strong personalities share something in common with rubber balls: They bounce back."They can recover quickly from difficulties and get back on track with what they were doing," says Kaja Sokola, CP, a clinical psychologist and 4. You aren't a people pleaser Dr. Hafeez reports that strong personality types don't strive to fit in and don't exhibit people-pleasing tendencies."They'll listen to others, but they don't fake who they are," she says. "They know what they believe and stick with it. This shows self-respect and inner strength."Dr. MacBride echoes these sentiments."People who have a strong personality have learned that they are not everyone's cup of tea," she says. "They are often OK with who they are and show up in genuine ways, rather than adapting their likes and dislikes to fit in with a group." 5. You're a natural-born leader If you're constantly in charge—whether that's in the workplace or organizing a pal's birthday bash—your people may consider you a "strong personality.""Formal—and even informal—leadership roles tend to fall to these people," Dr. MacBride explains. "They have an ability to influence others, make decisions and trust their inner convictions, and this doesn't go unnoticed by those who decide on leadership roles."Related: 6. You're good with internal validation Dr. MacBride stresses that people with strong personalities aren't on a fishing expedition for compliments."These people don't go seeking reassurance from others when they are able to validate their own opinions and choices," she shares. "This quality is whatallows them to make decisions and take initiative."Related: 7. You're stubborn Stubbornness can have a negative connotation, but it's also a great trait to have to stay true to yourself, your morals and what's right for you. Those with powerful dispositions have this trait in spades. "Nobody can convince them of anything that doesn't align with their heart and point of view on important matters," Sokola says. "They are tough negotiators. They follow their heart and reason by checking if the heart tells the truth. They usually listen to their gut instinct and focus on information rather than observations of others."Up Next:Sources: Dr. Gayle MacBride, Ph.D., LP, a psychologist with Veritas Psychology Partners Dr. Sanam Hafeez, Psy.D., a neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind Kaja Sokola, CP, a clinical psychologist and psychotherapist 7 Signs You Have a 'Really Strong Personality,' Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jul 15, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
28-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Gen Z Now Wants to Be "Stay-at-Home Sons" and...Oh Boy
I tend to agree with Michelle Obama, who recently told Jay Shetty that she'd rather 'teach [her kids] boundaries at three and four and five…deal with mistakes and failure when they are 10 and 5 and 13, rather than have them live in our basement when they are 35 for the rest of their lives.' Obama smiled but concluded firmly: 'I don't want a kid in my basement.' I hear you, First Lady. It's a seemingly obvious truth—we want our kids to move out of our family home as adults and commence their independent, successful lives (while calling us plenty, of course.) But recently, that truism has been called into question when 27-year-old Jeopardy contestant Brendan Liaw introduced himself on national TV as a 'stay-at-home son.' He was joking, but only half, since he does in fact live with his parents. (He later explained his 'tongue-in-cheek' precis, saying, 'I thought it sounded better than saying 'unemployed' or as I joked on the show, 'loiterer' and I figured if lose my first game, I might as well make some people laugh.') Liaw wound up winning $60,000, but earned much more air time with his saucy living status than with his correct answers. But does his response speak to larger trend? I checked in with a neurodevelopmental psychologist to find out. Meet the Expert Dr. Sanam Hafeez is the founder of Comprehend the Mind in New York City She is a pioneer in neuropsychological assessments, reshaping its clinical model and best practices. Dr. Hafeez received her doctorate from Hofstra University and completed her post-doctoral work in neurodevelopmental psychology at Coney Island Hospital in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Hafeez is a New York State licensed psychologist and a New York State certified school psychologist and is an expert in trauma, learning problems, ADHD and autism. Here's How the Stay-at-Home Sons Kerfuffle Started After the Jeopardy episode, the punditosphere was outraged. The Wall Street Journal published a story in its Careers section titled The New Dream Job for Young Men: Stay-at-Home Son. Fox News commentator Tomi Lahren quipped, 'leave it to Gen Z to rebrand laziness and social awkwardness as something cutesy,' after suggesting that some of them might be, 'deadbeat folks that are on Medicaid.' During a panel discussion on the Ruthless Podcast, co-host Josh Holmes said, 'as compelling as arranging the flowers and monitoring Amazon deliveries could be to the average person, I think that most men with even an ounce of testosterone would find this a touch demeaning.' A commentor agreed: 'We have to bring back shame in this country, Josh, you would have to waterboard me like Khalid Sheik Mohammed to get me to admit that I'm a stay-at-home son.' Meanwhile one enterprising young man took advantage of the furor, offering branded "Stay at Home Sons" merch for purchase online. As a mom of a 19-year-old son gifted with pandemic-induced rusty social skills, I'm surprised by the meanness here. We all know kids who have had a hard time catching up to age-appropriate milestones. Add to that this sobering statistic: nearly one in 10 men aged 20 to 24 are unemployed, double the national average. Additionally, our economy is experiencing ever-increasing housing and education costs at the same time as wage stagnation. It's no wonder that, according to Pew Research, there's a slight uptick in young adults living in a parent's home; In 2023, 57 percent of 19 to 24-year-olds lived at home compared with 53 percent in 1993. Here's What a Therapist Says 'I've seen this situation arise more frequently in recent years,' says New York City-based neuropsychologist Dr. Sanam Hafeez. 'With the high cost of living, student debt and fewer entry-level jobs, many young adults are staying home longer than their parents expected. It often creates tension, not because of laziness, but because both sides feel stuck. Parents want their children to succeed, but they also want peace and space in their home. Young adults feel pressure to move forward, yet the economy doesn't always give them the tools to do so quickly.' So, the answer to these economic and social pressures is…to get young men to feel more shame? 'Living at home as an adult can sometimes make a young man question his worth, independence and ability to stand on his own. He might feel like he's falling behind, causing him shame. Over time, these doubts can impact motivation and his perception of the future.' Dr. Sanam Hafeez My Perspective as a Teen Boy's Mom With male depression and self-harm on the rise (in 2023, men died by suicide 3.8 times more than women), I'd argue that shame is exactly the last thing we need. And as a mom, I resent that talking heads (and/or conservative members of older generations) simply assume that because a young guy might make a joke about moving to move back home, he doesn't take it seriously. Indeed, Dr. Hafeez says, '[joking] can be a way for your son to cope, making the situation feel less heavy.' The psychologist agrees that piling on shame will only make the situation worse, a result I can attest to when I tried using the same shaming-as-motivation to get my son to do anything from chores to carrying household mental load to practicing parallel parking. (Spoiler: What worked on Gen X does not work on Gen Z.) 'Living at home as an adult can sometimes make a young man question his worth, independence and ability to stand on his own. He might compare himself to peers who have moved out and feel like he's falling behind,' Dr Hafeez says. 'This can lead to feelings of failure or not meeting his own expectations, [which] could chip away at his confidence and cause him shame…Over time, these doubts can impact motivation and his perception of the future.' Conclusion: How to Handle the Stay-at-Home Son So, how to know if your kid is joking about being a stay at home son because he's happy to underperform, or if he's trying to hide a deeper fear of failure? Or how to determine if your kid actually has a trajectory planned out and feels he's on his way to a happy, independent future? Watch, listen and communicate. 'It helps to have honest conversations about timelines and expectations so both sides are clear,' says Dr. Hafeez. 'If he's making no effort to find a job or plan for the future, it might be time to push him in that direction. But if he's actively trying and just facing tough circumstances, be patient with him and do all you can to support him. Look for signs of responsibility such as contributing to household chores or setting goals. Ultimately, the decision should balance his readiness with your boundaries and what's healthy for everyone involved.' So, yes, pundits. It's a new world, one in which a game show contestant can boldly joke about being a 27-year-old who lives with his parents. And if you think that's shameful, you're making dangerous assumptions. In Jeopardy contestant Liaw's case, he made that joke knowing that he held a master's degree and was studying for the LSATs. From this mom's perspective, as long as he was helping out around the house while earning $60k on a TV game show, I'll call him a winner. The Four Words That Help Teach Responsibility to Teenagers, According to an Expert Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
26-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
8 Habits That Are Quietly Sabotaging Your Brain Health
Your brain is arguably your most valuable asset, but many everyday habits could be secretly undermining its ability to function. From constant screen time to saying no to that morning oatmeal, these seemingly harmless behaviors can leave your brain health in a slump. The good news is that experts say small changes can make a huge difference. We asked psychologists, physicians, and neuroscientists to explain the surprising habits that might be harming your brain and share alternatives to help you boost mental clarity, focus, and long-term cognitive function. Whether you're seeking improved concentration or just want to feel more mentally balanced, these lifestyle changes will help you support your brain health. Related: 7 Foods to Help Keep Your Brain Healthy and Sharp, According to Nutrition Experts Multitasking Experts have learned that your memory doesn't work as well when you are unable to focus on any one thing. 'Multitasking might feel like you're getting a lot done, but it actually slows you down and drains your brain,' says Sanam Hafeez, PhD, neuropsychologist and director of Comprehend the Mind. 'Every time you switch from one task to another, your mind has to reset, and that shift takes energy. Instead of being more efficient, you're burning through mental resources and making mistakes along the way.' To make a real difference, Hafeez suggests trying something like the Pomodoro technique, working for around 25 minutes on one task, then taking a short break. This focus, then intentional reset, gives your brain the time it needs to truly process what you're doing, keeping you more focused and productive in the long run. Sacrificing Sleep Sleeping for fewer than seven hours a night has been consistently linked to early cognitive decline, so getting enough rest should be a non-negotiable. 'Sleep clears toxins, consolidates memory, and restores brain function. And it's not just about hours,' says Sarah Bullard, PhD, clinical neuropsychologist and director of psychology at Gaylord Specialty Healthcare. 'Conditions like sleep apnea, which disrupt oxygen flow during sleep, are strongly associated with vascular damage and increased dementia risk," she adds. "If you snore loudly, wake up groggy, or feel drained despite 'sleeping,' it's worth getting evaluated.' Additionally, Will Haas, MD, MBA, a board-certified integrative medicine physician and founder of VYVE Wellness, says most people don't realize how damaging chronic low-level sleep deprivation can be. 'Over time, that sleep debt reduces the brain's ability to clear metabolic waste like beta-amyloid, which has been linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease,' he says. Related: Good Sleep Hygiene Promotes Better Physical and Mental Health—Here's How to Improve Yours Constantly Skipping Breakfast If you're one of the many people who skip breakfast, that time savings can mess with your brain's energy supply. 'After a night of sleep, your body has essentially been fasting for hours, and your brain needs fuel to get going,' says Hafeez. 'Skipping breakfast can lead to poor concentration, irritability, and a lack of motivation as the day progresses.' Instead of skipping it, Hafeez says to have something light but rich in protein and fiber such a smoothie or eggs with veggies. A solid breakfast helps keep blood sugar levels stable, so you stay sharp and focused throughout the morning. Mindless Scrolling Before Bed Mindless scrolling anytime can be detrimental to brain health, but it is especially problematic before bed. According to Jamey Maniscalco, PhD, neuroscientist and founder of Manifest Wellness, scrolling reduces our typical sleep duration due to heightened stress hormone release (i.e., cortisol) and melatonin suppression. As mentioned, sleeping well is especially important for maintaining optimal brain health. 'During both deep sleep (non-REM) and REM sleep, the brain takes information from the previous day and stabilizes it into long-term memory,' says Maniscalco. 'This process helps reinforce learning new information, problem-solving, and skill development.' So what to do instead of scrolling? Maniscalco suggests creating a 30-minute screen-free wind-down window before bed. 'Dim the lights (use lamps instead of overhead lights if possible), and swap scrolling for calming activities like light stretching, journaling, breath work, a calm conversation with your partner, or gratitude reflections,' he says. 'Even 10 minutes of pre-sleep quiet time can help signal the brain to shift into a rest-and-repair mode that encourages efficient, longer-duration sleep.' Overdoing To-Do Lists Believe it or not, overloading your to-do list can flood your working memory, which is not great for your brain. 'When people list everything they 'should' or 'could' do in a day without clear prioritization, they often feel more stressed, not less,' says Maniscalco. 'Research shows we can only hold about three to five meaningful items in working memory at any given time. Once we go beyond that, we overwhelm the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for planning, focus, and decision-making.' Maniscalco says this kind of cognitive overload leads to mental clutter, increased anxiety, and reduced intellectual performance. 'Over time, constantly operating in this overstimulated, unfocused state can take a toll on executive function, attention regulation, and even emotional regulation,' he adds. Instead, Maniscalco recommends trying the '3 Priorities Rule.' At the start of the day, identify the three most important or meaningful tasks to complete (or make progress towards). 'These become your anchors. Everything else becomes optional, delegated, or deferred,' he says. 'This small, powerful shift helps the brain operate with more clarity and intention.' Ignoring Social Connections It's way too easy as you age to get busy with work or get caught up in personal projects, letting most of your relationships take a back seat. But isolating can really mess with your brain. 'Connecting with people, even just talking to a friend or family member, gives your mind the kind of stimulation it needs to stay healthy,' says Hafeez. 'Without those interactions, your brain can start feeling sluggish and disconnected. You'll notice how much more present and clear-headed you feel when you make that time for others.' Overlooking LDL Cholesterol Having elevated LDL cholesterol is usually linked to poor heart health, but it's one of the biggest long-term risks to your brain health, too. One review in The Lancet identified it as a major risk factor for cognitive decline due to its impact on vascular health and brain volume loss. For Bullard, the big takeaway is that LDL cholesterol needs to be addressed in midlife in order to protect long-term brain health as you age. 'If your LDL is over 70 mg/dL (or worse, over 100), it's time to take action,' says Bullard. 'Some physicians advocate for keeping it under 70. Your annual physical is the best opportunity to bring this up.' Related: 10 Nutritious Foods for Healthy Cholesterol Levels Not Moving Enough Spending too much time sitting can shrink the brain's memory center, according to a 2018 study published in PLOS ONE. The ultimate brain-boosting intervention is cardiovascular exercise, according to Bullard. 'Nothing else delivers the same cognitive return,' she says. 'It reduces inflammation, supports weight control, manages blood pressure and blood sugar, and increases blood flow to the brain.' Make movement part of your routine even when time is limited. Bullard recommends walking meetings, a walking pad by your desk (not just a standing desk), wearing a weighted vest while walking the dog, or brief and consistent workouts, which all add up over time. 'Making movement non-negotiable will pay off now and in the future,' she says. Related: 13 Unexpected Health Benefits of Walking and How to Make a Habit of It Read the original article on Real Simple
Edinburgh Reporter
24-07-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Reporter
24 room HMO in Minto Street granted new licence
A 24-room HMO has been ordered to provision extended kitchen facilities for its homeless tenants in order to get its licence back. The House in Multiple Occupation licence for 2 Minto Street had lapsed, meaning the licence holder had to reapply. The re-application was heard at Monday's meeting of Edinburgh Council's Licensing Sub-Committee. According to council officer Andrew Mitchell, an inspection found that three bedrooms in the properties were found to be below the minimum width allowed by HMO regulations. In addition, officers said there was an underprovision of cooking facilities in the house, with all flats having microwaves and refrigerators while sharing one small kitchen space. The previous licence holder, Shahid Hafeez, said: 'I've had a licence on this particular property since 2003, and through my own stupidity it lapsed for two weeks. 'That's why it's a re-apply, and why it's being taken as a brand new licence. 'The three rooms in question, although they are a lot bigger than standard requirements are, the only reason they are in breach is 10 centimetres. 'The new guidelines state that a room should be 2.2 metres wide. These rooms are 2.11 metres wide, so it's very marginal. They're a lot bigger than the standard guidelines.' He said the rooms were all close to 10 square metres, while the minimum requirement is 6.5 square metres. Councillors also asked why plans submitted appeared to show all three rooms as being wider than 2.2 metres wide. He said that this was due to fixed wardrobes being installed in the rooms, which reduced the remaining width of the rooms below that line. Liberal Democrat councillor Neil Ross asked Mr Hafeez: 'The suggestion of officers of a potential way forward for the kitchen facilities is to use a storeroom in addition to the current catering facilities. 'I wanted to ask you what the store-room is currently used for.' Mr Hafeez replied: 'The storeroom is literally a laundry room, which is just off the main kitchen area. 'We have cutlery and plates, so if we were to use that as extra kitchen space, storage space, microwaves, it could be done. 'That was the question raised to me [by a council employee], albeit we've been running and providing temporary accommodation for all these years and it's never been raised before.' Cllr Ross said that he would like to see the utility space transformed into a kitchen space, and that there were too many people sharing the existing kitchen facility. He cited the high costs of takeaway as a concern for the homeless residents in the building. Liberal Democrat councillor Jack Caldwell asked whether converting the space would impede on the ability for the residents to do their washing. Mr Hafeez said the HMO would still be able to provide washing facilities for tenants, even if the space was converted. He continued that the space was a laundry room, but that washing machines were located in each room. Conservative councillor and convener of the Licensing Sub-Committee Joanna Mowat asked: 'What facilities does everyone have in their room?' Mr Hafeez replied: 'They have washing machines, fridges, microwaves, wardrobes, chest of drawers, inside cabinets, bed, mattress, hanging space, and storage space.' Cllr Mowat said: 'I think I'm probably more relaxed about the size of the rooms than I am about the kitchen facilities. I think more cooking space and worktop needs to be put in.' She then asked the Sub-Committee if it would be comfortable to require that Mr Hafeez add new worktop space, a double sink, an oven and a hob in the utility room, while approving the use of the rooms that did not meet the width standard. Labour councillor Margaret Graham said: 'I'm happy for [those] to be added as a condition, but I'm not happy with the three rooms. 'I will repeat again, [the standard] is there for a reason. People cannot feel the walls are moving into them. 'That's why 2.2 metres was met, that's the minimum standard that should be set. I feel like we have a duty to make sure that there is nobody in the city living in a room that is narrower than that.' The committee approved Cllr Mowat's proposals, while adding a requirement that the changes are enacted within three months. By Joseph Sullivan Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Business Recorder
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
PIA to resume UK flights from mid-August: spokesperson
Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) is set to resume its flight operations to the United Kingdom from mid-August, the national carrier's spokesperson confirmed during a televised interview on Wednesday. Speaking on Aaj News' program 'News Insight with Amir Zia', PIA spokesperson Abdullah Hafeez said the airline will restore direct flights from Islamabad and Lahore to Manchester and Birmingham, while flights from Karachi will operate to London. 'The aircraft are ready, although we are facing a shortfall of four to five planes,' Hafeez said, adding that restoring full operations on older routes remains a logistical challenge. 'Still, the airline is making every possible effort to resume its key international connections.' The development comes after British aviation authorities granted clearance for Pakistani carriers to operate in UK airspace, marking a significant milestone after a prolonged suspension of direct flights due to regulatory issues. According to Hafeez, the UK remains PIA's most crucial route in Europe, and its revival is expected to significantly boost the airline's financial health. The resumption of UK-bound flights is part of PIA's broader strategy to regain international market share and restore public trust in its services.
