How to make self-affirmations work, how heat waves are changing tourism in Europe, and more.

Lex Ashcroft’s reads

How to make self-affirmations work, based on science. While the idea of self-affirmations is still met with skepticism by some, researchers say numerous studies have found the practice can produce a range of benefits. Psychologists say the key is how you affirm yourself, and what you focus on while doing so. Writing for the Washington Post, Allyson Chiu details suggestions from experts on how to make the most of the practice, including: prioritizing a multi-dimensional life, identifying authentic affirmations, and building a daily affirmation habit.

Can eating fruit frequently stave off depression? A new study conducted in the U.K. suggests eating fruit more often can help keep depression away, while improving mental well-being overall. According to the findings, a more frequent consumption of fruit is associated with reduced symptoms of depression. Researchers surveyed 428 adults and found that the frequency in which people consume fruit each week was actually more important than the total amount eaten. Writing for The Hill, Adam Barnes details insights from the study’s authors, including a surprising finding about vegetables.

Allie Rudin's reads

Stockholm instead of Rome? October instead of July? How heat waves are changing tourism in Europe. Unprecedented wildfires and summer heat waves are disrupting normal European tourism patterns, in what experts warn is the not a fluke, but the latest example of climate change's increasing impacts. From fires outside Athens to severe heat in London, travelers are diverting to alternate destinations or delaying trips to fall and spring months to avoid these extreme weather events. Writing for the New York Times, Paige McClanahan speaks with travel industry experts and climate scientists to explore the causes behind the trends, how they're impacting the industry, and how tourists planning a visit to Europe can respond.

Celebrities use private jets excessively, and it's a climate nightmare. When Taylor Swift released the song "Don't Blame Me," she might as well have been referring to her carbon emissions. According to a report by marketing agency Yard that analyzed flight data from this year, chart-topper Swift also tops the list for celebrity CO2 footprint. Although the report is not peer-reviewed and at least two celebrities listed have publicly disputed the findings, as Allyson Chiu writes for the Washington Post, it does highlight the outsized carbon emissions impact of individuals who travel by private plane. Along with environmental experts, Chiu explores the private air travel industry as a pollution culprit in comparison to other transportation and discusses the possible policy implications.