Reema Ayub – Where Psychology Meets Corporate

As a clinical psychologist, I often remind my clients that seeking good or even the best for themselves is not arrogance—it’s an expression of psychological health and self-worth. Many people, especially those raised in restrictive or critical environments, grow up believing that wanting better—better treatment, better pay, better relationships—is selfish. But from a psychological perspective, this mindset limits growth and fosters internalized guilt. Human beings are inherently growth-oriented. According to Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, once our basic physiological and safety needs are met, our minds naturally move toward higher goals—love, esteem, and self-actualization. Seeking better is therefore a biological and emotional drive. When you suppress it, you suppress your humanity. Unfortunately, social conditioning often teaches people to “settle” or feel grateful for less than they deserve. This comes from fear of rejection, authority pressure, or internalized beliefs that “I...

As a clinical psychologist, I often notice that many employees confuse professional loyalty with emotional belonging. Modern workplaces sometimes promote the idea that “our company is a family.” While this sounds warm and motivating, psychologically it can blur boundaries and lead to emotional exhaustion, guilt, and misplaced trust. The “company as family” metaphor is often used to encourage teamwork and dedication, but it subtly manipulates emotional instincts. Humans are social beings; our brains are wired for attachment, care, and reciprocity. When a company uses familial language, employees unconsciously engage these attachment systems—expecting empathy, fairness, and lifelong support. Unfortunately, organizations are not designed for unconditional care; they are designed for productivity and profit. Research in organizational psychology shows that when employees internalize this family narrative, they may ignore burnout signs, overcommit to work, and tolerate toxic behaviors. This...

As a clinical psychologist who studies the mind–body connection, I often remind patients that emotional well-being and physical healing are deeply interlinked. When the body fights respiratory infections or flu, its immune system and energy reserves are under stress. Nutrition and natural remedies play a key role in supporting recovery—not just physically, but also psychologically. From a biological standpoint, viral infections trigger inflammation, fever, and dehydration. The body’s defense system works harder, increasing the need for vitamin C, antioxidants, and hydration. This is where fruits and Desi (traditional) nuskhas come in—they provide essential nutrients that strengthen immunity, soothe the throat, and clear congestion naturally. Fruits like oranges, guavas, amla (Indian gooseberry), and pomegranates are rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which enhance white blood cell activity and reduce inflammation. Bananas provide quick energy when appetite drops, and papaya supports ...

In psychology and sociology, money is more than a currency—it’s a mirror of human values, motivation, and survival instincts. People often say they “work for money,” but beneath that, what they actually work for is security, belonging, and dignity. The process of earning money through hard work fulfills a deep psychological need for control and competence. From a behavioral psychology perspective, money acts as a reinforcer. It connects effort with reward, creating motivation to continue performing. This reinforcement cycle explains why people feel emotionally satisfied when they earn through their own labor. It provides a sense of agency—an awareness that you can influence your life circumstances through your actions. However, money also becomes one of the most misused tools of testing. In many societies, it is wrongly used to measure worth, intelligence, or character. This psychological distortion, called status bias, causes people to overvalue wealth and undervalue emotional or mora...

In psychology, every human interaction provides feedback. Even people who dislike or mistreat you unknowingly teach you how to respond, behave, and protect your peace. Conflict, when understood scientifically, is not a sign of weakness—it is a learning system designed by the brain to refine social judgment and emotional control. When someone hurts or manipulates you, your amygdala—the brain’s emotional alarm—becomes active. It signals danger and prepares your body to react. But when your prefrontal cortex (the decision-making center) takes charge, it helps you process that pain rationally instead of impulsively. This process is what psychologists call emotional regulation, and it is one of the most important outcomes of negative interactions. In behavioral psychology, repetition creates learning. Every time you encounter a toxic or hostile person, your brain collects data: what triggers you, what boundaries you ignored, and what reactions failed. Gradually, your neural pathways adapt. ...

Rejection is one of the most painful yet essential experiences in human life. Every “no” challenges our emotional stability and self-esteem, activating the same brain regions that respond to physical pain. Neuroscientific studies show that the anterior cingulate cortex processes social rejection similarly to physical injury. That’s why being turned down feels so heavy. However, the mind has a built-in healing mechanism. When we reflect instead of react, the prefrontal cortex begins to reframe the event, creating psychological distance and perspective. This shift is what transforms “no” into the path toward “yes.” In therapy, I often remind clients that every rejection carries direction. A “no” from a job, relationship, or opportunity is not an endpoint but a redirection of emotional energy. It forces reevaluation, adaptability, and self-growth — the exact ingredients of resilience. Psychologically, people who embrace rejection as feedback rather than failure develop higher emotional in...

In many hiring discussions, a common phrase appears: “This salary is according to your experience.” While it sounds professional, it often masks the real truth — “This is what our budget allows.” From a psychological standpoint, this phrase reflects organizational attitude more than applicant ability. Employers tend to rationalize limited pay by framing it as a reflection of the candidate’s experience. This tactic helps maintain control and avoid confrontation during negotiations. As a clinical psychologist observing workplace behavior, I’ve noticed that such phrases can deeply affect self-esteem. Job seekers often internalize them, believing they are less skilled or less deserving. Over time, this mindset builds imposter feelings, stress, and professional insecurity. It’s important to reframe this perception. When someone says, “This salary suits your experience,” remember — they are defining their budget, not your value. Your skills, education, and emotional intelligence remain intac...

  In today’s digital hiring system, most recruiters don’t read your CV — they scan it. Algorithms and keyword filters decide who gets shortlisted, not human judgment. Unfortunately, this leads to many professionals being called for interviews without real intent to evaluate their skills. When a recruiter hasn’t studied your profile properly, the interview often feels like a waste of time. They repeat what’s already on your CV, show little emotional engagement, and leave you questioning your worth. Psychologically, this can trigger feelings of rejection, even when the issue lies in the system — not in you. As a clinical psychologist, I see this as a symptom of automation over empathy. Recruitment is supposed to be a human process, yet it has become mechanical. The result? Candidates face emotional exhaustion and self-doubt after robotic interviews. Remember: a careless evaluation doesn’t define your competence. It only reveals the gap between technology and human understanding in mo...

Sometimes, difficulties give you more skills than comfort ever could. In psychology, we often see that people who go through tough times develop a unique kind of wisdom — the wisdom of endurance. Adversity forces the brain to adapt, to find new ways of coping, and to build emotional muscles that comfort never challenges. When life puts you in an unfavorable environment — whether it’s a toxic workplace, a difficult family, or financial hardship — your nervous system learns survival strategies. You become more alert, empathetic, and creative. This isn’t because you choose to suffer, but because survival teaches you how to think and feel deeply. Comfort zones may keep you calm, but they rarely make you capable. Challenges stretch the mind, while pain refines perception. When you come out of a storm, you don’t just survive — you evolve with better problem-solving skills, emotional regulation, and self-awareness. As a clinical psychologist, I believe every struggle has a psychological signa...

When we hear rumors like “the internet might go down” or “the company may close for a few days,” our brain unconsciously shifts into an anticipation mode. It starts assuming that “maybe my effort will go to waste,” which decreases motivation and brings a sense of laziness or dullness. This is actually a form of uncertainty stress. When the environment feels unpredictable, the brain tries to save energy by slowing down mental activity. As a result, dopamine levels drop, reducing enthusiasm, focus, and productivity. The mind enters a subtle “psychological freeze” — unable to fully work or fully relax. The solution is simple: give your brain a sense of certainty and control. Remind yourself — “As long as I’m working, I’ll give my best.” This message keeps your brain in action mode. Even small productive actions can restore dopamine levels and break the cycle of lethargy. Keywords: rumors and productivity, uncertainty stress, motivation loss, psychological freeze, dopamine and anticipation...

As a clinical psychologist, I often observe that monotony is one of the most silent productivity killers in workplaces. Doing the same kind of work in the same way every day can dull not only performance but also emotional engagement. The human brain thrives on stimulation, and when routines become repetitive, the dopamine system—the brain’s reward mechanism—slows down. This is when boredom sets in. Changing work patterns, even slightly, keeps the brain alert and motivated. For example, switching tasks, rearranging your workspace, taking short breaks, or changing the order in which you perform tasks can re-energize mental focus. This is because variation activates the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, which respond positively to novelty and challenge. Psychologically, these small changes prevent emotional fatigue and cognitive stagnation. They also enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new connections that keep learning and motivation alive. In contrast, repetitive patte...

As a clinical psychologist, I often see how emotional stress manifests through physical symptoms—especially in women’s health. One such condition is leucorrhea, a white or yellowish vaginal discharge that many women experience at different stages of life. While it is often physiological and harmless, chronic or excessive leucorrhea can also have a strong connection with psychological stress. When a woman experiences prolonged anxiety, emotional tension, or unresolved conflict, her autonomic nervous system (which regulates involuntary body functions) becomes hyperactive. This imbalance affects hormonal regulation, particularly the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which controls both stress and reproductive hormones. Increased cortisol levels can disrupt the natural vaginal flora and mucous production, leading to stress-induced leucorrhea. Psychologically, this discharge can create a cycle of distress. The symptom itself may cause embarrassment or worry, which further heightens...

As a clinical psychologist, I often tell people that anger is not just an emotion—it’s a learned behavior. The way you express anger, whether through shouting, silence, withdrawal, or aggression, often mirrors what you witnessed in your early environment. This process is called the demonstration effect—a form of social learning where behaviors are absorbed through observation, not instruction. Children don’t need explicit lessons to learn how to express emotions. They simply watch how parents or caregivers handle frustration, disappointment, or conflict. If anger in your home was explosive, you might have learned that intensity equals power. If it was suppressed, you may now struggle to express feelings until they erupt uncontrollably. The subconscious mind records these patterns early in life and replays them automatically in adulthood. This is why your anger pattern reveals your emotional roots. It’s not just about current triggers; it’s about how you were conditioned to respond to d...

As a clinical psychologist, I often remind clients that crying is not a weakness; it is a biological and psychological regulation process. When we cry, the brain releases stress hormones through tears, helping the body restore balance. Emotional tears are different from reflex tears—they contain higher levels of stress-related chemicals such as cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone. In simple words, crying helps the nervous system calm down. However, when someone stops crying altogether, it can be a sign of emotional suppression. People who have gone through prolonged stress, trauma, or environments where emotions were shamed often develop psychological defense mechanisms. The brain learns to “shut down” expression to avoid vulnerability. Over time, this emotional numbing may contribute to depression, anxiety, or psychosomatic symptoms such as headaches, chest tightness, and fatigue. From a therapeutic point of view, not crying reflects a deeper disconnection between emotion and exp...

As a clinical psychologist, I often see how habits shape resilience during crises. Good times allow us to build routines, comforts, and even luxuries, but bad times reveal which of those habits were sustainable and which were fragile. When life becomes uncertain—whether due to financial instability, health issues, or emotional breakdowns—habits that once felt normal can suddenly become burdens. Psychology teaches us that habits are not just behaviors; they are emotional anchors. A daily coffee from a café, expensive self-care rituals, or a lifestyle built on constant spending may seem harmless when resources are abundant. But in moments of stress and scarcity, the brain associates the loss of these habits with deprivation, amplifying anxiety and helplessness. This is why psychologists emphasize adaptive coping habits—those that do not depend heavily on money, external validation, or circumstances. Bad times remind us of the power of minimalism and psychological flexibility. Reading, jo...