We accumulate a lot of things in the course of our lives. Some of it we need, some of it we don’t. Collecting objects and loving things is natural—children do it from an early age. Babies and toddlers use blankets and stuffed animals for security, and as we get older, collecting toys gives way to[…]
8 Tips From a Therapist Maybe you’re overthinking this. Does that sound familiar? All of us can overthink at times, and some of us (myself included) are more prone to it than others. Overthinking can take many forms: endlessly deliberating when making a decision (and then questioning the decision), attempting to read[…]
Whether silently disapproving or openly criticizing, our instinct to judge other people rears its head in countless ways. Like me, you’ve probably found yourself judging a person’s clothing, or parenting, or driving, or perhaps their lack of discipline, political views, home décor, choice of car, grammar—anything that can be criticized. It’s eye-opening to start[…]
While the physical health benefits of exercise are frequently discussed, the psychological benefits are often overlooked. But research shows exercise can be quite beneficial for mental health. Physical activity may help ward off mental health problems before they start. Additionally, research shows exercise can improve the symptoms of many existing mental illnesses. How Exercise[…]
You’re Exhausted Are you so tired that you can’t move a muscle? Do you drag yourself out of bed to get to work in the morning? Does your 8-hour shift feel like 80? Burnout is a kind of work-related stress characterized by three specific things. The first is a feeling that you’re exhausted — both[…]
Each autumn, the culinary benefits of gardening overflow into our kitchens. Our pantry shelves fill with the many-colored fruits of the harvest: glowing jars of tomatoes and beans, golden braids of onions and garlic, winter squashes in rich greens, oranges and tans…and tucked away from light and moisture, bins of sustaining potatoes, beets, carrots and[…]
Sometimes taking a mental health day—a day off that’s specifically geared toward stress relief and burnout prevention—is the best thing you can do for yourself. While one day might not solve heavy underlying problems that lead to burnout, a mental health day can provide a much-needed break to pause, regroup, and come back with greater levels of[…]
Mental health doesn’t solely refer to mental illnesses. Here’s what good mental health actually means. The Characteristics of Mental Health It has always been easier to define mental illnesses than to define mental health. In the United States, the American Psychiatric Association has traditionally been the organization to define mental disorders (beginning as early[…]
Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, are characterized by extreme fear and nervousness. The symptoms of panic disorder are often difficult to manage, and dealing with panic attacks and agoraphobia is even more challenging when you’re in public. Your anxiety about it may never go away, but you can learn to more effectively manage your symptoms in a way that[…]
Your Mental Health Needs Care, too! Mental health includes psychological, social and emotional well-being. It affects how you feel, act and think and helps determine how you handle stress. Recognizing your limits can make you happier and more productive, so try the tips below to help you find a healthy work-life balance. Go home[…]