Blog
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Quality of Life As We Age
Do you want to live a longer, fuller life? According to assistant professor of Psychology Eric Kim, from the University of British Columbia, and an affiliate researcher at the Lee Kum Sheung Center for Health and Happiness at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, it IS possible. Kim contends that if we change our…
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Ways to Deal With Election Fatigue
Although it is not a medical diagnosis and is not listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), election fatigue or election stress is a genuine experience that people have when feeling overwhelmed during the months leading up to the casting of votes for the president. The 24-hour news cycle by which…
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Can Physical Fitness Improve Psychological Wellbeing?
There are many reasons to lace up your sneakers and take yourself on a slow stroll along a winding wooded path, hoist some weights, or climb up on a Peloton and pedal your way into a drenching sweat. They include increased strength, flexibility, endurance, stamina, weight loss, muscle building, stress management and even meditation. Did…
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The Wisdom of Past Presidents: in Celebration of Presidents’ Day
Presidents’ Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February. This year (2024), it falls on February 19th. The original intent in 1885 was to honor the birthday of George Washington, the first U.S. President. It was expanded to include all of the occupants of the Oval Office in 1971. Those who were elected to…
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What Gives Life Meaning and Purpose?
The $64,000 question for sure. Are we born with a purpose, or do we discover it as we mature and evolve? First, let’s define the word purpose. The Cambridge Dictionary explains that is about taking an action or the reason something exists. Other words that come to mind are intentionality and motivation. What do you do ‘on purpose,’ with conscious determination, rather than mindlessly and…
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Breathing Exercises: “Here and Now, Breathe and Relax”
Those words of wisdom came from best-selling author, athlete, and motivational speaker, Dan Millman. The author of Way of the Peaceful Warrior shared a story from stage about an encounter he had with a man who approached him after an inspiring presentation. The man told him, “You probably charge a lot of money for personal consultations, and I only…
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Clearing the Clutter
We humans are acquisitive beings who surround ourselves with ‘stuff’. Beloved comedian George Carlin entertained audiences with his routine on that topic. (Warning. George uses another ‘s’ word to describe stuff.) We collect items that show the world who we are and what we value. Take a moment to look around the room where you are sitting. What…
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See You In September – How To Make the Seasonal Transition Easier
If you are of a certain generation, you may hear the lyrics and music of the 1960s love song by that name, as you read the words See You In September. The calendar pages have turned and it is now the 9th month of the year. For children, teens, and young adults, it heralds a return to classes.…
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You’re Never Too Old to Seek Psychotherapy
Life changes occur at every age, but the transitions that happen when one is in their 50s and beyond seem to come at a more rapid pace. These include children who leave for college, begin careers, move out of the area, get married, and start a family of their own. Other challenging transitions include health…
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Sing A Song: The Numerous Benefits of Letting Your Voice Be Heard
“Sing, sing a song Make it simple to last your whole life long Don’t worry that it’s not good enough For anyone else to hear Just sing, sing a song”-Joe Raposo This tune made famous by Karen and Richard Carpenter is a charming invitation to express yourself through the beauty of music. Do you sing in the shower or the…
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Is Being Told You Are Special Detrimental To Emotional and Developmental Wellbeing?
It wouldn’t be too big a stretch to see how proud and loving parents could perceive their child(ren) as the smartest, cutest, and most special little beings in the world. Rare is the parent who will shrug their shoulders when someone oohs and ahhs over their tiny bundle of joy, and respond, “Yeh, I guess…
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Why Do Loneliness and Depression Increase in the Spring and How Can We Plant Seeds of Wellness?
Loneliness occurs when people feel isolated, without purpose and lacking in connection with others. According to the Surgeon General of the United States, Dr. Vivek Murthy, “We now know that loneliness is a common feeling that many people experience. It’s like hunger or thirst. It’s a feeling the body sends us when something we need…