technique

• Cognitive reappraisaltype: technique · evidence: strong

  When a situation upsets you, you look for another way of seeing it that changes what you feel.

• Consider the oppositetype: technique · evidence: supported

  Before drawing a conclusion or judging a piece of evidence, you ask yourself what you would think if things were the other way round.

• Implementation intentionstype: technique · evidence: strong

  A plan of the form ‘if situation X arises, then I will do Y’ that complements a goal.

• Interleavingtype: technique · evidence: supported

  When you practise, you mix the types of problems instead of taking them one at a time, in blocks.

• Mental contrasting (WOOP)type: technique · evidence: supported

  You imagine what you want to achieve, then the obstacle that could stop you, then an "if the obstacle comes up, then I will…" plan.

• Spacing and retrieval practicetype: technique · evidence: strong

  You remember more in the long run if you split your studying into several sessions and test yourself instead of rereading.

• Temptation bundlingtype: technique · evidence: supported

  You allow yourself a treat, such as a TV series, an audiobook or a podcast, only while doing something useful that you keep putting off, such as exercise.