Sometimes, findings from the research on well-being seem a bit obvious: Gratitude will make you happier; mindfulness reduces your stress; and it feels good to be kind. But the findings of other studies are much more counterintuitive. This kind of research challenges how we think the world works. If we’re open to it, it can…
The Incredible Potential of Daily Practice
I’ve been repeatedly reminded of the power of practicing something regularly. Daily is best, I’ve learned, but several times a week works well, too. You’d be surprised how much progress you can make with even a small amount of practice, applied regularly. Here are some examples from my life. A daily 10-minute yoga practice. I’m very inflexible, and…
The Ripple Effects of Self-Esteem
What do you think of yourself? How do you evaluate your own worth? If you struggle with feelings of low self-esteem, you’re not alone. Even the most confident and outwardly successful among us experience what can sometimes be crushing self-doubt. Self-esteem isn’t static. Some studies have found that our feelings of self-worth change as we…
Dealing With Disaster
Life throws you curve balls. Sometimes they’re little bumps that you can handle. But sometimes they’re blows that knock you flat and leave you wondering if you’ll ever get up. And if you do get up, you’re not sure you’ll be the same. That’s what happened to me. Four years ago, I set out on…
A Guide to Dealing With Dissatisfaction With Ourselves
Our relationships are also harmed by this dissatisfaction with ourselves…
Kids Set Free to Roam on Their Own Feel More Confident Navigating in Adulthood
The distance from home that kids are allowed to roam and play has shrunk significantly over the past 50 years. That’s largely due to parents’ concerns over safety, especially in cities. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has further restricted children’s independent activity. As a doctorate student in psychology, I studied factors that affect people’s spatial…
Reducing the Stress of Procrastination
Procrastinating? We all do it to some extent. Sometimes procrastination can even be helpful—pointing to a need to reevaluate something or allow more time for something else. However, all too often, procrastination plays a detrimental role in our lives, leading to a small payoff in the present with a much larger cost in the future….
Unpacking Emotional Baggage and Finally Letting Go
Each one of us bears scars from our past. There isn’t a person alive who hasn’t felt the sting of heartache, grief, and suffering. Each difficulty we go through leaves its mark, and the deeper the hurt, the longer it takes to heal. But, just as the ownership of too many physical possessions creates chaotic…
The Most Overlooked Risk Factor for Disease
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are the most overlooked risk factor for chronic and autoimmune disease. ACEs are unresolved childhood trauma, which can be physical, mental, or emotional, such as: Parents separating or divorcing Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse Mental illness in the family Incarceration of a family member Substance abuse by a family member Financial…
Fear: A Disease of Our Time
C.J. is a recently divorced 38-year-old mother “going through a lot of stuff.” I hadn’t seen her since the start of the pandemic. Entering the exam room, I saw her, and she was wearing a hat, two face masks, and oversized plastic gloves—at least she wore designer sunglasses. I was a little taken aback and…
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