Blog
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Further Proof that Exercise Improves Mental Health
Exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of physical diseases, such as heart problems and diabetes. But research has yet to prove with certainty that physical activity can improve mental health. Now a new, large-sample study published in Lancet Psychiatry provides further evidence of exercise’s psychological benefits. The study’s authors examined data on 1.2 million…
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Can Sleep Loss Promote Loneliness?
We know insufficient sleep can lead to an array of physical and psychological problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, depression and memory loss. But can it trigger loneliness and social isolation in individuals? That’s the conclusion of a recent University of California study published in Nature Communications. The researchers examined the social, psychological and even…
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How to Safely Express Anger
Anger is a natural human emotion. While it is unhealthy to ignore or suppress these feelings, it is also unhealthy to act on them without restraint. How then can this “negative” emotion be released in a healthy way? You may get angry when you feel: Frustrated Powerless Threatened Disrespected If you are not shown appropriate…
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Are You Your Own Worst Enemy?
We can tend to focus more on our shortcomings or failings than we do our gifts and successes. The old aphorism is true: You can be “your own worst enemy.” Why is that? Take a few minutes to listen to the thoughts going through your mind. “I’m fat.” “I don’t look good in this outfit.”…
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Recognizing Teen Eating Disorders
Too often, families dismiss changes in their teen’s eating habits as “normal adolescent behavior,” however experts warn that this may not be true. Eating disorders are never “normal,” and with vigilance parents can help stop a downward spiral before it begins. The Family Institute at Northwestern University says that, “Nearly 3% of teenagers between the…
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Why Humor is So Important
Have you ever known someone who appears to have no sense of humor? They seem to have a rather dry personality and take life seriously. Many of us have known someone at the opposite extreme – they are rarely serious and often seem rather manic in behavior, which is often used as a defensive strategy…
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How to Overcome Addiction to Busy-Ness
Do you thrive on deadlines and being busy? So do many people. In fact our country’s culture often emphasizes the importance of “busy” as a valued trait, even while marketing increased leisure time activities to us. Why do so many people value being busy? “Busy-ness” has become as potent an addiction in our society as…
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How to Overcome Fear of Success
Our society puts a great deal of emphasis on success – in business, in relationships, in finances. What exactly is success, and why do some people fear achieving it? Fear of success is a complex issue. In one individual it may have to do with guilt about asserting oneself or realizing potential, while in another…
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How to Create Health Habits
Most people want to build a happy and healthy life for themselves but find the occasional “bad” habit gets in the way. You intend to make changes but at some point you procrastinate. It is common to feel overwhelmed, unmotivated, or simply find a task unpleasant. You may begin with the best of intentions and…
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How to Be Present for Someone in Need
When encountering someone in emotional pain, many people rush to offer well-meant input in an attempt to fix or stop another’s pain, but in most cases, you insert your own beliefs, judgments and emotions into the situation. You might offer unrequested advice, unsolicited comments, and unwanted feedback, even if with the best of intentions. And…
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Why Do We Lie?
Have you noticed that some people do not tell the truth, even when the truth would be easier? Why is that? Untruths come in the form of “white lies,” exaggeration, gossip, misdirection, not telling the whole story, bluffing, and outright lying. There are many reasons for so-called compulsive lying. In some rare cases, this may…
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When Collecting Becomes Hoarding
Many people enjoy collecting items that add pleasure and richness to their lives: figurines, art, keepsakes from memorable travels, matchbooks or coasters. Items are obtained through thoughtful gifts or conscious decisions and displayed with enjoyment. The border can be crossed into hoarding, however, when the desire to have becomes more important than the desire to…