The term “coping mechanism” describes a conscious action you take when reacting to tough situations or turbulent emotions. Different circumstances call for different reactions, so it’s important to recognize what’s healthy, what’s not, and how to better react in the future. Harmful coping mechanisms include substance use, overworking, social withdrawal, denial, eating disorders, and even… Continue reading New Ways to Cope
2020 wasn’t an easy year. We spent so much time worrying about our physical health, our children’s education, the logistics of working remotely, and surviving a tumultuous political landscape. With the whirlwind and worry, it’s no wonder mental health took a backseat for so many Americans. But a new year is approaching. While many of… Continue reading New Year, New Focus
Conflict is never pleasant, but tension between family members can feel particularly taxing. Being locked in the house together during Covid, spending more time around one another during the holidays, and sorting out familial or personal issues in a group setting are all fuel to the smoldering flames. When you start to feel your emotions… Continue reading Coping with Family Conflict
The dizzying demands of the holiday season often bring unwanted guests: stress and anxiety. Long shopping lists, busy schedules, and concerns about keeping your family safe all make the most wonderful time of the year feel less and less like a wonderland. During this unique year, it can be even more difficult to find healthy… Continue reading Stress, Anxiety, and the Holiday Season
“Every cloud has a silver lining.” While cliche, this idea of thinking positively can benefit your health in multiple ways. Lower rates of depression. Lower levels of stress. Even a greater resistance to the common cold. But it takes a conscious effort to see good in bad situations. For those with depression or anxiety, it… Continue reading Searching for Silver Linings
Every time you scroll through social media, it’s filled with photos of people who seem to have it all. A friend always has the best memes, funny one-liners, and more “likes” than you have followers. A coworker boasts about their latest promotion and bonus, and it feels like you never receive recognition for a job… Continue reading The Mental Impact of Comparison
Whether we realize it or not, people are creatures of habit. Habits can be good for us: meditating in the morning, selecting the next day’s outfit before bedtime, early morning walks on the weekends. Then, there are the not-so-great habits: Taco Tuesdays that take place Monday through Sunday, couch surfing for hours, the occasional cocktail… Continue reading Setting Healthier Routines
We’ve all experienced upheavals in our schedules since COVID-19. Although it isn’t easy, and some days are better than others, most people have become accustomed to their “new normal” during the pandemic. Now, many of us face a new challenge: returning to routines. Sending children back to school, a partner to their workplace or heading… Continue reading The Stress of Returning to Routines
Life is full of stressors. One thing after another can build up stress in our lives and lead to anxiety that’s difficult to manage. If you struggle to quiet the swirling thoughts in your mind, consider giving yoga a try. What is yoga? Yoga is the ancient practice of stretching and meditation. Dating back almost… Continue reading Strike a Pose: Managing Emotional Distress Through Yoga
Welcoming a new baby into the family can be both exciting and overwhelming. As much as they love their little bundle of joy, parents can feel scared and unsure about their new role. According to the World Health Organization, 10% of expectant mothers and 13% of postpartum women experience mental health challenges, such as anxiety… Continue reading Caring for Your Mental Health as a New Parent
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