We all know that stress is a part of life. Some stress is even necessary and can be beneficial. However, prolonged stress can be detrimental to our physical and mental health. Here are some quick and healthy ways to manage your stress. *Is the thing that is causing you stress real or perceived? In other words, are you just assuming...[ read more ]
During a pandemic, there is no right or wrong way to be. Remember back in March when we were first given the "shelter in place" executive order and spending more time at home? Some of us used that time to organize our closets, clean our baseboards, bake homemade bread, and even learn how to churn our own butter (seriously...I know...[ read more ]
Most people know what to look for when focusing on their physical health. We can feel pain and discomfort, making it easier to understand when something is wrong physically. We might wake up and think, “oh my back hurts. I must have slept funny.” Or “my stomach hurts. Maybe I ate something I shouldn’t have.” “My leg is sore today....[ read more ]
Valentine’s day is just around the corner. For many people that means celebrating with their spouse or partner and showing them extra love and attention. But for others, Valentine’s Day is a sad reminder that they are single or are perhaps grieving the recent loss of their significant other.If you are celebrating it alone this year, here are a few...[ read more ]
For many, childhood is the most wondrous and exciting time in a person’s life. But even when a child is growing in a loving and stable family environment, they can feel fear and anxiety.Think back on your childhood. Everything new was something to be not-so-sure of. It was easy to feel a bit anxious on the first day of school...[ read more ]
Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD, is a major depressive disorder that occurs during the same season each year. Also known as the “winter blues,” SAD typically comes on in the fall and winter, when the light is diminished.SAD is believed to affect nearly 10 million Americans and is four times more common in women than men. Many people experience symptoms...[ read more ]
Most of us from a young age are taught how to be kind, considerate and compassionate toward others. But rarely are we told to show the same consideration to ourselves. This becomes even more true for individuals brought up in abusive or unloving homes.What is Self-Compassion?Self-compassion is taken from Buddhist psychology and refers to how we can relate to the...[ read more ]
Relationships can only be healthy when both people have the space to be themselves and maintain their personal integrity. Sadly, many people find themselves in relationships, romantic and otherwise, with people who do not respect boundaries and feel entitled to have their needs met regardless of the other person’s. These people most likely grew up in households that were unsafe...[ read more ]
Have you ever wondered why some marriages last decades while others barely go two years? Why do some couples thrive and grow together while others crash and burn?The secret? There are three secrets, actually; three ingredients to a happy and successful marriage. Without all three of these, many couples will struggle to remain connected and committed.CommunicationCommunication is to a marriage...[ read more ]
Of all the words in the English language, depression must be one of the most misunderstood. Why does this term seem to confuse so many people? Why is its real meaning so hard to grasp? It is because the term has two starkly contrasting meanings, depending on who is using it.Among clinicians, the term depression is used to describe a...[ read more ]