We often dismiss the small, playful things we do to keep life joyful: collecting trinkets, baking for no reason, blowing bubbles, looking for magic. They’re labelled childish, unnecessary, or unserious. But psychology and neuroscience tell a very different story.

Today, we're breaking down the psychology of whimsy, including:
What “whimsy” actually is and why it’s trending again
How play helps regulate your nervous system
The neuroscience of stress, imagination and brain plasticity
The science of beauty and the brain (neuroaesthetics)
Why small acts of joy can be psychologically protective
15 whimsy activity ideas 

Listen now! 

Watch on Netflix

 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

We often dismiss the small, playful things we do to keep life joyful: collecting trinkets, baking for no reason, blowing bubbles, looking for magic. They&rsquo;re labelled childish, unnecessary, or unserious. But psychology and neuroscience tell a very different story.
Today, we're breaking down the psychology of whimsy, including:
<ul>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">What &ldquo;whimsy&rdquo; actually is and why it&rsquo;s trending again</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">How play helps regulate your nervous system</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">The neuroscience of stress, imagination and brain plasticity</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">The science of beauty and the brain (neuroaesthetics)</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">Why small acts of joy can be psychologically protective</li>
<li data-start="817" data-end="1257">15 whimsy activity ideas&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Listen now!&nbsp;
<a href="http://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s">Watch on Netflix</a>
&nbsp;
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#">jemmasbeg</a>
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#">thatpsychologypodcast</a>
Subscribe on Substack: @<a href="https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s">thepsychologyofyour20s</a>
For business: <a href="mailto:psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now. 

 

My book is out NOW: https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean 

For business enquires please email psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

 

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Hosted by Jemma Sbeg, each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
My book is out NOW: <a href="https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean">https://www.psychologyofyour20s.com/general-clean</a>&nbsp;
For business enquires please email <a href="mailto:thepsychologyofyour20steam@unitedtalent.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>
&nbsp;

The Psychology of your 20s

Listen to this collection of top episodes from iHeartRadio and iHeartPodcasts. 

Listen to this collection of top episodes from iHeartRadio and iHeartPodcasts.&nbsp;

Podcasts from iHeartRadio

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now. 

 

Buy my book, Person in Progress: https://www.amazon.com.au/Person-Progress-Roadmap-Psychology-Your/dp/1399823655 

For business enquires please email psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com

 

A podcast that explains how everything is psychology. Even your 20s. Each Tuesday and Friday we deep dive into the science and psychology behind a topic, concept or universal experience that defines our 20s - from dating, to mental health, career anxiety, friendship, finances and all the growing pains associated with this decade. Listen now.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Buy my book, Person in Progress: <a href="https://www.amazon.com.au/Person-Progress-Roadmap-Psychology-Your/dp/1399823655">https://www.amazon.com.au/Person-Progress-Roadmap-Psychology-Your/dp/1399823655</a>&nbsp;
For business enquires please email <a href="mailto:thepsychologyofyour20steam@unitedtalent.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>
&nbsp;

392. Why is whimsy so powerful 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5acc0339-35b7-4d36-a198-b40300e6f88b/transcript

We like to think we’re making conscious choices all day long - but a lot of what drives our reactions, habits, and gut feelings happens outside of awareness. The conscious vs. unconscious mind is a useful way to understand why you can know what you want, and still do the opposite. In this episode, we break down what the conscious and unconscious mind actually mean in psychology, where the idea came from, why it can feel unsettling to face, and how to build more influence over your impulses and automatic patterns. 

We explore:
•        The difference between deliberate thinking and automatic processing
•        Freud’s topographical model
•        The importance of the unconscious mind
•        The responsibilities of the conscious and unconscious
•        How to spot unhealthy unconscious patterns 

 

Watch on Netflix

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

Our favourite sources: 
https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.2112

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/bookseries/abs/pii/S0065260106380021?via%3Dihub

https://acmelab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/1999_the_unbearable_automaticity_of_being.pdf

 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist. 

We like to think we&rsquo;re making conscious choices all day long - but a lot of what drives our reactions, habits, and gut feelings happens outside of awareness. The conscious vs. unconscious mind is a useful way to understand why you can know what you want, and still do the opposite. In this episode, we break down what the conscious and unconscious mind actually mean in psychology, where the idea came from, why it can feel unsettling to face, and how to build more influence over your impulses and automatic patterns.&nbsp;
We explore: &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The difference between deliberate thinking and automatic processing &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Freud&rsquo;s topographical model &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The importance of the unconscious mind &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The responsibilities of the conscious and unconscious &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;How to spot unhealthy unconscious patterns&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<a href="http://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s">Watch on Netflix</a>
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#">jemmasbeg</a>
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#">thatpsychologypodcast</a>
Subscribe on Substack: @<a href="https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s">thepsychologyofyour20s</a>
For business: <a href="mailto:psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Our favourite sources:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.2112">https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.2112</a>
<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/bookseries/abs/pii/S0065260106380021?via%3Dihub">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/bookseries/abs/pii/S0065260106380021?via%3Dihub</a>
<a href="https://acmelab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/1999_the_unbearable_automaticity_of_being.pdf">https://acmelab.yale.edu/sites/default/files/1999_the_unbearable_automaticity_of_being.pdf</a>
&nbsp;
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.&emsp;

391. The unconscious vs. conscious mind 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/97662b6b-da40-4320-ad37-b3ff0185820e/transcript

Why do some people seem to move from relationship to relationship with barely any time in between, and why does being single feel almost impossible for them? In this bonus episode, we’re diving into the psychology behind relationship hopping (aka serial monogamy) and what’s really happening when someone craves commitment quickly, struggles with time alone, or keeps repeating the same cycle with different partners.

We explore:
•        The role of attachment in serial monogamy
•        Why artificial closeness is so appealing
•        The pull of the infatuation cycle
•        The brain chemistry of love, reward and attachment
•        What this pattern can teach us about self-growth
 
Listen now!

 

Watch on Netflix

 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

Why do some people seem to move from relationship to relationship with barely any time in between, and why does being single feel almost impossible for them? In this bonus episode, we&rsquo;re diving into the psychology behind relationship hopping (aka serial monogamy) and what&rsquo;s really happening when someone craves commitment quickly, struggles with time alone, or keeps repeating the same cycle with different partners.
We explore: &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The role of attachment in serial monogamy &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Why artificial closeness is so appealing &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The pull of the infatuation cycle &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The brain chemistry of love, reward and attachment &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What this pattern can teach us about self-growth &nbsp; Listen now!
&nbsp;
<a href="http://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s">Watch on Netflix</a>
&nbsp;
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#">jemmasbeg</a>
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#">thatpsychologypodcast</a>
Subscribe on Substack: @<a href="https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s">thepsychologyofyour20s</a>
For business: <a href="mailto:psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

390. The psychology of serial monogamy & relationship hopping 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/5945acff-0110-41c3-8fa2-b3ff0164b250/transcript

After toxic love, healthy love can feel surprisingly hard to recognise because you’ve likely learned to expect chaos, inconsistency, and emotional whiplash. In this episode, we unpack what toxic love actually looks like, how it shapes your beliefs about love in your 20s, and why calm, consistent connection can feel suspicious or even ‘boring’ when you’re used to intensity.

We explore:
•        What toxic love is and how it intersects with abusive
•        How this reshapes trust, pessimism, and your expectations of people
•        The role of neurochemistry, addiction, and intermittent reinforcement in toxic bonds
•        Self-sabotage and self-esteem
•        The role of attachment patterns over time
•        What healthy love and conflict actually feel like
•        Practical ways to lean into safe love

If you’re conflicted between craving consistency or chaos, this episode is for you.

 

Watch on Netflix

 

Follow Jemma on Instagram: @jemmasbeg

Follow the podcast on Instagram: @thatpsychologypodcast

Subscribe on Substack: @thepsychologyofyour20s

For business: psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com 

 

The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

After toxic love, healthy love can feel surprisingly hard to recognise because you&rsquo;ve likely learned to expect chaos, inconsistency, and emotional whiplash. In this episode, we unpack what toxic love actually looks like, how it shapes your beliefs about love in your 20s, and why calm, consistent connection can feel suspicious or even &lsquo;boring&rsquo; when you&rsquo;re used to intensity.
We explore: &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What toxic love is and how it intersects with abusive &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;How this reshapes trust, pessimism, and your expectations of people &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The role of neurochemistry, addiction, and intermittent reinforcement in toxic bonds &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Self-sabotage and self-esteem &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The role of attachment patterns over time &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;What healthy love and conflict actually feel like &bull; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Practical ways to lean into safe love
If you&rsquo;re conflicted between craving consistency or chaos, this episode is for you.
&nbsp;
<a href="http://netflix.com/thepsychologyofyour20s">Watch on Netflix</a>
&nbsp;
Follow Jemma on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jemmasbeg/?hl=en#">jemmasbeg</a>
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @<a href="https://www.instagram.com/thatpsychologypodcast/?hl=en#">thatpsychologypodcast</a>
Subscribe on Substack: @<a href="https://substack.com/@thepsychologyofyour20s">thepsychologyofyour20s</a>
For business: <a href="mailto:psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com">psychologyofyour20s@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;
&nbsp;
The Psychology of your 20s is not a substitute for professional mental health help. If you are struggling, distressed or require personalised advice, please reach out to your doctor or a licensed psychologist.

389. How to experience healthy love after toxic love 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/59f977a0-c96b-4a5c-9787-b3fc0116f83c/transcript

392. Why is whimsy so powerful

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