The holiday season can be exciting and full of fun, but it can also cause depression and loneliness for some, especially those celebrating alone or away from loved ones. Add on a global pandemic and those feelings can be exacerbated. In order to keep yourself and those around you safe, your normal holiday activities may …
3 ways to cope with loneliness this holiday season Read More »
Picture this: you are helping a friend move. You spend the day bending at the knees and picking up boxes and furniture. Stairs may be involved, and you are in utter disbelief by the amount of things your friend owns. By the end of the day, you have easily surpassed the 10,000-step mark, and you …
Is exercise the key to happiness? The movement-mood connection Read More »
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 »
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 …
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 »
Do you find yourself having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or not feeling rested when you wake up? Let us dig into some of the reasons why you may not be getting your best night’s sleep. You might be surprised to learn that your sleep is intimately connected to your mental health — especially to …
The complicated relationship between insomnia, depression and anxiety Read More »
In the 1970’s, Dr. Herbert Freudenberger coined the term “burnout” to describe the consequences of severe stress, exhaustion and combined physical symptoms. As COVID-19 has made its impact on a biological scale, the social implications are also becoming evident. Workplace re-entry is becoming more common and my patients often inquire about ways to deal with employment burnout. …
Feeling burned out? Try these 4 strategies to re-charge your workday 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 »
We live in unprecedented times. Social distancing guidelines have made it more difficult for loved ones to interact, co-workers to collaborate and friends to gather together. For some, this may lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation. New challenges emerge as we look for ways to stay connected while staying safe. While you may understand …
Feeling lonely? How to foster social connection during hard times Read More »
Questions often arise in times of crisis — how do we make sense of the chaos? How can we cope with uncertainty, anxiety and fear? Where do we find hope in times such as these? Community is what is what we need now. When people come together in unity, the darkness cannot overtake the light; …
The power of community: Finding and being the light in dark times Read More »