Stress management shouldn’t be stressful. Two of the most-recommended stress management techniques, exercise, and meditation, bring short-term benefits as well as long-term benefits that lead to greater resilience toward stress. And yet, sometimes when we need stress relief the most—when we’re feeling overwhelmed, frazzled, drained, or anxious—we may feel less inclined to practice some of[…]
Psychologist Rick Hanson discusses how to strengthen our capacity for wisdom, peace, and enlightenment. During this stressful time, it can be hard to manage the emotional challenges of sheltering in place and facing an uncertain future. We can’t rely on some of our usual ways of coping, like going out on the town with[…]
A simple trick for feeling better and getting more done. You’ve heard that sitting too much just might kill you, mainly because the lack of movement translates into an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. To add insult to injury, it turns out that spending your day hunched over a computer[…]
When it comes to art, there’s no secret that it certainly has its share of misconceptions. Some people feel that in order to consider yourself a real artist, you have to create something such as a sculpture or painting, while others believe that you either are or are not born with talent. However, every one[…]
Building a “happiness habit” can help get you through a rough patch. Try these tips for clearing clutter, treating yourself, and other ways to help you cultivate a sense of peace. Bust the Blues Sometimes you need a mental lift. There are some simple steps you can take to build a “happiness habit” that[…]
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[…]