If you are anything like me, this past year has been a rollercoaster of emotions. There have been the ups of finding new ways to connect with family and friends, yet the downs of uncertainty and a lot of alone time, plus everything in between. As an instructor and practitioner of mindfulness, I am no stranger …
Feelings about feelings: Navigating meta-emotions during a pandemic Read More »
Since we are still smack-dab in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s hard to know what this holiday season will look like. Even if you’re someone who has hosted the same holiday party for the last 10 years, this year might be an exception. As special as the holiday season is for many of …
Pandemic holidays: Planning for difficult conversations and emotions Read More »
I’m not a runner. Well, at least I didn’t think I was. I don’t enjoy it. Well, at least I didn’t think I did. I’m a dance fitness and HIIT fanatic through and through but a couple of months ago, I started a 5k training program. I was slow completing it because well — life, …
What I learned when I challenged myself to run a 5k Read More »
Picture this: you’re in the middle of a meditation. You close your eyes and think, “Breathe in, focus on your breath. Breathe out…” As you exhale your mind wanders to, “Oh no! I forgot to get the cilantro at the grocery for that recipe. Wait, I’m supposed to be breathing. But this recipe will be …
Sudden life changes — like let’s say, for example, a pandemic — can have profound effects on our daily routine. With an upended routine can come changes in behaviors that lead to the formation of habits, both good and not so good. Perhaps during quarantine, you have found you are exercising more (go you!) …
Pandemic habits: The good, the bad, the changeable! Read More »
Have you ever bonded with someone you don’t know over something funny? Or perhaps become closer with someone after a few good laughs? Let’s dive into what makes laughter so contagious — and so important in our day-to-day lives and relationships. The contagious effect of laughter Research has shown that the critical laughter trigger for …
Why is laughter contagious? Plus 7 ways to lighten up your day Read More »
A good portion of my energy these days is spent ruminating on what to say when invited to a family or friend in-person gathering. I’m finding it increasingly difficult to balance this fine — but extremely important — line of physical distancing, or social distancing. We all know the safest thing to do in any …
How to say “no” to gatherings you’re not comfortable with Read More »
Compassion. Such a powerful word. In my opinion, it’s one of the most important traits a person can have. It can be as simple as smiling at someone you don’t know or as multi-layered as taking action for a cause you are passionate about. Here’s the problem: Many of us spend so much energy directing …
How to practice self-care through self-compassion Read More »
Whether you are working from home, at the office or in a setting with no dedicated office space, your work environment can have a big impact on your well-being and productivity. After all, many of us spend the majority of our week in the workplace, so why not make it to work for you? Here …
We all get stuck in a rut sometimes. Maybe you woke up on the wrong side of the bed or perhaps you are simply overwhelmed by the stressors of everyday life. Feeling a little down from time to time is normal — these days just call for a little extra dose of self-care. Try these …