When we get into a situation that feels uncertain, most of us will immediately try to get to a place of certainty. Instead of writing a blog post, I’ll find myself wanting to check emails or my favorite websites. Instead of having a difficult conversation, we’ll stay in a bad situation for longer than we…
One Decision That Can Transform Your Family
If you’re a parent, you probably know the experience of telling your child to do something and getting no response—over, and over, and over. You might become frustrated and raise your voice, at which point your family might accuse you of being a nag, or just plain crazy. Or perhaps you’ve tried to organize a vacation…
The Pillars of a Strong Relationship
Your performance evaluation at work comes in, and it’s glowing. However, there’s one area that “needs improvement.” Days later, which part do you think about? The negative, of course. Part of you knows it’s ridiculous to let that one thing bother you. After all, there’s a lot more good in there than bad, but you…
How Anxiety Hides in Your Habits
I don’t know about you, but I’m a little tired of reading the same tips over and over about how to calm down and destress. I want other options besides slowing my breathing when my chest feels heavy, or questioning the worst-case scenarios running through my head. That’s why psychiatrist Judson Brewer’s new book “Unwinding…
Nature Can Boost Teens’ Pandemic Well-Being
Outdoor play and nature-based activities can help buffer some of the harm the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the mental health of adolescents, a new study suggests. Researchers say the findings point to outdoor play and nature-based activities as a tool to help teenagers cope with major stressors like the pandemic, as well as future…
Think Well to Live Well
Before arriving to work in the morning, you’ll have processed 7,500 thoughts. By noon, that total will have risen to 22,000. Then as you’re falling asleep, you’ll have reached approximately 66,000 thoughts for the day. That’s about one thought per second. Thoughts aren’t just words floating in your head or spewing out in an effort…
Spring Cleaning the Mental Doldrums
Every spring, I get rejuvenated. In the northern latitudes, people notice when the “harshness” of winter fades. In this climate, when the snow melts and warmer weather arrives, you feel inspired. No matter how down you felt during winter, spring brings magic. Your dreams grow bigger, your vision grows clearer, and every goal becomes more…
Make Better Decisions by Only Making Them Once
Most mornings, I’m a model of productivity. I get up early, make coffee, and am at my computer by 5:30 a.m. I get important work done, make a to-do list for my day, and fit a workout in before my kids get up. I eat a healthy breakfast, get the kids off to school, and…
The Subtle Dangers of Alcohol and Grieving
My history with alcohol has been fairly tame. In my teen years, I partied with friends, but eventually my drinking tapered off as I got older and focused more on physical and spiritual health. Over the years, my attitude toward drinking ranged from indifference to suspicion as I noticed how others used or misused alcohol….
Choose Your Mood Wisely
An old friend stopped by recently for conversation. She spent the previous two weeks in a sad mood contemplating whether to end a four-year relationship with her fiancé. After hearing her list of grievances, I asked if she still loved him. She did, and then I revealed what her problem was. I said, you think…
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