Essays by Mark from Singapore — how people learn, how families handle school, and the messier parts of a life.https://learningloons.com/https://learningloons.com/teen-mental-health-should-we-be-worried/https://learningloons.com/teen-mental-health-should-we-be-worried/Key Statistics on Teen Mental Health Researchers studying adolescent mental health consistently highlight several important trends. While the numbers vary by country, the overall pattern is clear: teen mental…Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/why-new-mums-feel-so-alone-and-what-actually-helps/https://learningloons.com/why-new-mums-feel-so-alone-and-what-actually-helps/The postpartum period is one of the loneliest experiences a woman can have. This article explores why and what the science says about solving it, focusing on the structural and psychological mechanisms underpinning…Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/finding-forward-motion-rethinking-sobriety-through-momentum/https://learningloons.com/finding-forward-motion-rethinking-sobriety-through-momentum/Discover how replacing restriction with meaningful momentum—like structured fitness routines—can naturally reduce alcohol intake by filling the void that triggers cravings.Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-science-of-accountability-why-it-drives-success/https://learningloons.com/the-science-of-accountability-why-it-drives-success/Your fitness goals often fail. Discover the surprising psychology behind what truly helps. Many of us have experienced this: January 1st brings ambitious fitness resolutions,Tue, 03 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/death-by-tv-reclaiming-presence-at-the-end-of-life/https://learningloons.com/death-by-tv-reclaiming-presence-at-the-end-of-life/: The modern hospice room defaults to distraction, using television to fill the void left by medicalized dying. We must actively choose presence, personalization, andFri, 23 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/television-and-the-medicalized-death/https://learningloons.com/television-and-the-medicalized-death/: Modern death occurs in sterile, institutional settings, often with a television as a constant, distracting presence. This medicalized approach prioritizes protocol over human connection.Fri, 16 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-scarcity-brain-meets-the-abundant-world-can-we-ever-be-satisfied/https://learningloons.com/the-scarcity-brain-meets-the-abundant-world-can-we-ever-be-satisfied/We started with the stories we tell ourselves to justify wanting everything. We explored how having infinite options paradoxically leaves us with nothing. We examinedMon, 29 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/from-mine-to-maybe-sharing-what-childhood-teaches-us-about-human-nature/https://learningloons.com/from-mine-to-maybe-sharing-what-childhood-teaches-us-about-human-nature/Remember the toddler from our last conversation, the one screaming “MINE!” while clutching a toy truck? Here’s what makes that scene so fascinating: that sameWed, 17 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/mine-not-ours-why-we-hoard-instead-of-share/https://learningloons.com/mine-not-ours-why-we-hoard-instead-of-share/The zero-sum mind and the evolutionary roots of hoarding Watch a toddler with a toy. The moment another child reaches for it, you’ll hear theThu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-straight-and-narrow-path-why-having-everything-means-choosing-nothing/https://learningloons.com/the-straight-and-narrow-path-why-having-everything-means-choosing-nothing/When unlimited options become the ultimate constraint. Money expands the path. Or rather, it opens up multiple paths. And giving away money—narrowing your resources, reducingMon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-stories-we-tell-how-we-justify-wanting-it-all/https://learningloons.com/the-stories-we-tell-how-we-justify-wanting-it-all/Rationalization mechanisms, moral justifications, and cognitive dissonance around inequality (~15min read) You see a homeless person on your morning commute. For a split second, discomfortSat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-psychology-of-giving-up-why-smart-people-know-when-to-stop/https://learningloons.com/the-psychology-of-giving-up-why-smart-people-know-when-to-stop/We’ve all been told “Don’t give up!” It’s stitched into motivational posters, leadership speeches, and gym walls. But modern psychology says something different: sometimes, givingSun, 12 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/what-prayer-and-manifestation-have-in-common-and-where-christian-theology-parts-ways/https://learningloons.com/what-prayer-and-manifestation-have-in-common-and-where-christian-theology-parts-ways/You’ve probably seen two ideas side-by-side on TikTok or Instagram: “Visualize it, then claim it” and “Pray bold prayers in faith.” They can sound almostFri, 10 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/is-creatine-the-secret-sauce-for-learning-and-cognition/https://learningloons.com/is-creatine-the-secret-sauce-for-learning-and-cognition/Creatine’s effects on learning and cognition stem from several interconnected biochemical mechanisms, centered primarily on energy metabolism in the brain. Here’s what the science revealsFri, 03 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/what-f-you-money-really-means-and-why-its-not-just-about-wealth/https://learningloons.com/what-f-you-money-really-means-and-why-its-not-just-about-wealth/You’ve probably heard the term “F-You Money” tossed around in podcasts, movies, or finance blogs. At its core, it’s the idea of having enough moneyWed, 17 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-educated-a-journey-across-cultures-and-time/https://learningloons.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-educated-a-journey-across-cultures-and-time/The Question That Spans Millennia Picture two graduation ceremonies separated by a thousand years. In one, proud parents watch their children receive diplomas that promiseWed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-labyrinth-of-our-mind/https://learningloons.com/the-labyrinth-of-our-mind/Introduction: Entering the Maze The human mind is vast, intricate, and often mysterious. Within it lie entire worlds: dreams, memories, imagined futures, and uncharted spacesTue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/fewer-jobs-meet-fewer-people-isnt-that-a-good-thing/https://learningloons.com/fewer-jobs-meet-fewer-people-isnt-that-a-good-thing/Two powerful forces are reshaping the global economy simultaneously, and their intersection may determine the next chapter of human civilization. The first is the exponentialSun, 10 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/job-interview-use-generative-ai-to-train-smarter-and-perform-better/https://learningloons.com/job-interview-use-generative-ai-to-train-smarter-and-perform-better/Why Interviews Still Matter in an AI-Powered World In a world where generative AI can write your résumé, summarize your achievements, and even prepare aThu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/main-character-syndrome-when-life-feels-like-a-movie/https://learningloons.com/main-character-syndrome-when-life-feels-like-a-movie/It usually starts with a joke. Someone posts a video walking dramatically through a sunlit street, coffee in hand, music swelling in the background. TheSun, 20 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-hidden-riches-of-a-poor-dad-what-i-only-learned-after-40/https://learningloons.com/the-hidden-riches-of-a-poor-dad-what-i-only-learned-after-40/When I Thought I Knew Better When I was 20, I read Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki. Like many young people, I wasFri, 11 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/what-ai-cant-teach-us-the-power-of-human-teachers-mentors-and-friends/https://learningloons.com/what-ai-cant-teach-us-the-power-of-human-teachers-mentors-and-friends/Artificial intelligence is transforming education. We now have AI tutors that can explain quantum physics, apps that correct essays in seconds, and chatbots that answerFri, 04 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/why-everyone-should-learn-to-cook-even-just-a-little/https://learningloons.com/why-everyone-should-learn-to-cook-even-just-a-little/In a world full of food delivery apps and instant meals, it’s easy to sidestep the kitchen entirely. But when we do, we miss outSat, 28 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/hooked-on-content-how-online-videos-are-shaping-a-generation-of-learners/https://learningloons.com/hooked-on-content-how-online-videos-are-shaping-a-generation-of-learners/Our children are growing up in a world saturated with short-form videos, viral influencers, and algorithm-driven content. From YouTube Shorts and TikTok to Instagram ReelsMon, 16 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/learning-while-doing-action-is-key/https://learningloons.com/learning-while-doing-action-is-key/We live in an age of information abundance. Podcasts, YouTube tutorials, self-help books, and online courses offer endless knowledge at our fingertips. But there’s aWed, 11 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/lifelong-learning-for-adults-with-disabilities/https://learningloons.com/lifelong-learning-for-adults-with-disabilities/In a world that prizes speed, independence, and productivity, adults with disabilities are too often overlooked when it comes to ongoing education and personal development.Tue, 03 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/how-to-use-chatgpt-for-learning-a-guide-for-teens-and-their-parents/https://learningloons.com/how-to-use-chatgpt-for-learning-a-guide-for-teens-and-their-parents/Helping high school students learn smarter — not lazier — with AI Introduction: Why this matters More and more teens are gaining access to laptops,Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/plan-a-meaningful-family-holiday-with-your-children/https://learningloons.com/plan-a-meaningful-family-holiday-with-your-children/It’s one thing to travel with your children. It’s another to include them in the planning process. When kids help shape the journey, they learnMon, 26 May 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/how-overseas-holidays-help-kids-learn-and-grow/https://learningloons.com/how-overseas-holidays-help-kids-learn-and-grow/School holidays are approaching, and for many parents, this raises a familiar question: Should we sign the kids up for enrichment classes, or go onSat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-unbearable-lightness-of-being-a-dance-between-freedom-and-meaning/https://learningloons.com/the-unbearable-lightness-of-being-a-dance-between-freedom-and-meaning/What does it mean to live a meaningful life if everything happens only once? This is the haunting question at the heart of Milan Kundera’sSat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/active-vs-passive-learning-whats-the-difference-and-why-it-matters/https://learningloons.com/active-vs-passive-learning-whats-the-difference-and-why-it-matters/Not all learning is created equal. 🧠🔍✨ Some methods light up the brain and make information stick, while others just float by without making aSat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/does-music-help-you-study-the-psychology-of-study-playlists/https://learningloons.com/does-music-help-you-study-the-psychology-of-study-playlists/Ever wondered if that lo-fi playlist or classical symphony in the background is actually helping you concentrate? 🎧📘🧠 You’re not alone. Music has long beenSat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/growth-mindset-explained-how-to-train-your-kids-brain-for-success/https://learningloons.com/growth-mindset-explained-how-to-train-your-kids-brain-for-success/What if your brain was like a muscle that got stronger the more you used it? 💪🧠🌈 That’s the big idea behind “growth mindset,” andSat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/how-to-learn-better-10-science-backed-tips-for-smarter-studying/https://learningloons.com/how-to-learn-better-10-science-backed-tips-for-smarter-studying/📚🧠✨ Learning isn’t just for school. Whether you’re a teenager trying to ace exams, a university student trying to juggle assignments, or an adult lookingSat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/mind-mapping-for-teens-a-creative-way-to-organize-ideas/https://learningloons.com/mind-mapping-for-teens-a-creative-way-to-organize-ideas/Ever feel like your ideas are all over the place? 📚💡🎨 Mind mapping could be your new superpower! It’s a creative and visual way toSat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/pomodoro-technique-for-kids-focus-without-burning-out/https://learningloons.com/pomodoro-technique-for-kids-focus-without-burning-out/Getting kids and teenagers to stay focused can sometimes feel like trying to herd cats. 🐱⏲️🎯 That’s where the Pomodoro Technique comes in! It’s aSat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/spaced-repetition-the-secret-to-remembering-more-with-less-effort/https://learningloons.com/spaced-repetition-the-secret-to-remembering-more-with-less-effort/Have you ever studied hard for a test, only to forget everything a week later? It’s frustrating—but you’re not alone. The human brain isn’t designedSat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-feynman-technique-learn-anything-faster-by-teaching-it/https://learningloons.com/the-feynman-technique-learn-anything-faster-by-teaching-it/Ever feel like you’re studying for hours but nothing sticks? You’re not alone. One of the most powerful, yet underused, study techniques is called theSat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/why-sleep-matters-more-than-you-think-for-learning/https://learningloons.com/why-sleep-matters-more-than-you-think-for-learning/When it comes to learning, pulling an all-nighter might feel productive, but it’s actually doing you more harm than good. 🛌🧠🌙 Sleep isn’t just rest;Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/learning-to-be-satisfied-with-what-you-have-but-not-who-you-are/https://learningloons.com/learning-to-be-satisfied-with-what-you-have-but-not-who-you-are/In today’s hyper-connected world, we’re constantly surrounded by messages telling us we need more—newer, better, faster, shinier. A new phone launch, the latest fashion trend,Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/learning-civic-global-and-cultural-literacy/https://learningloons.com/learning-civic-global-and-cultural-literacy/My city is a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. Walking through the streets, I hear different dialects, smell diverse cuisines, and witness religiousThu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/how-to-love-a-toxic-parent-while-protecting-yourself/https://learningloons.com/how-to-love-a-toxic-parent-while-protecting-yourself/Loving a parent who has hurt you—whether through neglect, harsh words, or toxic behavior—is a complex challenge. Society often tells us we should love ourFri, 04 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/learning-to-see-people-as-they-truly-are/https://learningloons.com/learning-to-see-people-as-they-truly-are/We live in a world where people are often defined by what they have—their jobs, wealth, appearance, achievements, or social status. But beneath all theseSun, 30 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/learning-to-be-imperfect/https://learningloons.com/learning-to-be-imperfect/The Obsession with Perfection in AI and Life 🤖 Have you ever found yourself scrutinizing AI-generated images, counting fingers and toes, and discarding those thatWed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/iterative-ambition/https://learningloons.com/iterative-ambition/At some point in life—whether as a teenager envisioning the future or an adult reassessing their path—the question arises: How ambitious should I be? IsSat, 22 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/fake-it-till-you-make-it/https://learningloons.com/fake-it-till-you-make-it/“Fake it till you make it.” It’s a phrase we’ve all heard before, often thrown around as a motivational mantra. But is it good advice?Wed, 19 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-power-of-thinking-less-when-less-is-more/https://learningloons.com/the-power-of-thinking-less-when-less-is-more/In a world that glorifies overthinking and information overload, it may seem counterintuitive to argue that thinking less can sometimes be the key to makingThu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/learning-to-be-kinder-a-daily-effort/https://learningloons.com/learning-to-be-kinder-a-daily-effort/Lately, I’ve been reflecting on something simple: I need to make a more conscious effort to be kinder to others. Not just when it’s easyMon, 10 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/gen-ai-vs-human-learning-can-we-be-in-perpetual-beta/https://learningloons.com/gen-ai-vs-human-learning-can-we-be-in-perpetual-beta/Humans that don’t learn will be replaced by AI that always does. Discover how AI’s ‘perpetual beta’ mindset drives continuous improvement and why embracing lifelong learning is essential to stay ahead in the age of…Sat, 08 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/learning-my-way-out-of-sadness/https://learningloons.com/learning-my-way-out-of-sadness/I want to learn my way out of sadness. Is that possible? There are days when the world feels heavy, when thoughts spiral inward, andThu, 06 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-future-of-work-for-people-with-disabilities-in-the-age-of-ai/https://learningloons.com/the-future-of-work-for-people-with-disabilities-in-the-age-of-ai/The rise of generative AI is transforming industries by automating routine and creative tasks alike. While this shift brings efficiency and innovation, it also raisesMon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-uncanny-valley-playing-with-ghosts-of-people-who-were-never-born/https://learningloons.com/the-uncanny-valley-playing-with-ghosts-of-people-who-were-never-born/We now have the power to create people who never existed. AI-generated faces, built from vast datasets of real human features, can look startlingly lifelike.Thu, 27 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/human-vs-computer-memory-how-do-they-compare/https://learningloons.com/human-vs-computer-memory-how-do-they-compare/Don’t want to be replaced by a computer? You won’t if you leverage what is unique to you! Memory is a fundamental aspect of bothTue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/is-cognitive-decline-just-a-myth-the-surprising-truth-about-aging-and-learning/https://learningloons.com/is-cognitive-decline-just-a-myth-the-surprising-truth-about-aging-and-learning/When people think about aging, one of the biggest concerns is cognitive decline. It’s widely believed that as we grow older, our brains slow down,Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-science-of-bilingualism-are-some-people-naturally-gifted-at-learning-languages/https://learningloons.com/the-science-of-bilingualism-are-some-people-naturally-gifted-at-learning-languages/Bilingualism has long been a subject of fascination and debate. Some people seem to pick up multiple languages effortlessly, while others struggle despite years ofFri, 21 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/supporting-children-with-autism-to-learn/https://learningloons.com/supporting-children-with-autism-to-learn/Children with autism have unique learning styles that benefit from structured, sensory-friendly, and interactive approaches. By using tailored strategies, you can help them learn moreWed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/unlearn-false-beliefs-and-update-yourself-when-proven-wrong/https://learningloons.com/unlearn-false-beliefs-and-update-yourself-when-proven-wrong/Our brains are wired to seek consistency. Once we accept a belief as truth, it becomes deeply ingrained in our thinking, often shaping our decisionsMon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/helping-children-with-adhd-learn-more-effectively/https://learningloons.com/helping-children-with-adhd-learn-more-effectively/You know that children with ADHD often face challenges in traditional learning environments, but with the right strategies and tools, they can thrive and learn!.Sat, 15 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/forever-young-science-backed-ways-to-keep-learning-after-60/https://learningloons.com/forever-young-science-backed-ways-to-keep-learning-after-60/As we age, it’s natural to wonder whether our ability to learn diminishes. Recent scientific research provides encouraging insights into how individuals in their 60sThu, 13 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/essential-tools-for-effective-online-learning/https://learningloons.com/essential-tools-for-effective-online-learning/Online learning has become a crucial part of education and career development. To make the most of your learning experience, it’s essential to have theWed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/how-can-christianity-help-your-learning/https://learningloons.com/how-can-christianity-help-your-learning/Learning is a lifelong journey, and for many people, faith plays a key role in how they grow in knowledge and wisdom. Christianity, in particular,Sun, 09 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-developmental-stages-of-learning-from-babies-to-teenagers/https://learningloons.com/the-developmental-stages-of-learning-from-babies-to-teenagers/From the moment a baby opens her eyes to the critical thinking skills of a teenager, the way we acquire knowledge changes significantly. Understanding theseSun, 09 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/best-books-for-lifelong-learning/https://learningloons.com/best-books-for-lifelong-learning/Reading is one of the best ways to expand your knowledge. Here are books that encourage continuous learning and self-improvement. Top Book Recommendations 1. AtomicThu, 06 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/can-you-balance-learning-while-working-full-time-and-looking-after-your-kids-and-elderly-parents/https://learningloons.com/can-you-balance-learning-while-working-full-time-and-looking-after-your-kids-and-elderly-parents/You can’t. Let’s face it. You cannot juggle everything in your life while remaining sane. However, with the right strategies, you can get purposeful andTue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/learning-beyond-the-classroom/https://learningloons.com/learning-beyond-the-classroom/Stop learning and you stop growing. We have to make a conscious effort to engage in learning throughout our lives, whether for career growth, personalTue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMThttps://learningloons.com/the-science-behind-lifelong-learning-how-your-brain-adapts-and-thrives/https://learningloons.com/the-science-behind-lifelong-learning-how-your-brain-adapts-and-thrives/Lifelong learning isn’t just a habit—it’s a process deeply rooted in neuroscience. Our brains are designed to adapt, change, and absorb new information, no matterTue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT