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 … Continue reading A simple guide to mindfulness for beginners
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 … Continue reading The complicated relationship between insomnia, depression and anxiety
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. … Continue reading Feeling burned out? Try these 4 strategies to re-charge your workday
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 … Continue reading How to practice self-care through self-compassion
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 … Continue reading Feeling lonely? How to foster social connection during hard times
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; … Continue reading The power of community: Finding and being the light in dark times
It is not surprising that many are feeling overwhelmed by recent events: COVID-19, protests, violence and riots, natural disasters, quarantine and physical distancing, job uncertainty, homeschooling and working from home… and the list goes on and on. No need to spell them all out for you. You’re living through this, too. When reading that list … Continue reading How to cope when the world feels like total chaos
Is anxiety keeping you up at night? How often do you lie awake in bed, unable to turn off the gears in your brain? Whether it’s tomorrow’s to-do list, that conversation you wish had gone differently today or mounting financial stress, feelings of anxiety can chip away at those much needed 7 to 9 hours … Continue reading Weighing in on weighted blankets: Do they really help anxiety?
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 … Continue reading 19 quick and easy mood-boosting activities
If you’re feeling heightened levels of anxiety or fear because of the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), you’re not alone. It’s only natural to be stressed during times of uncertainty. But with these coping mechanisms, you can take care of yourself and your loved ones and look forward with confidence. Recognize that anxiety during … Continue reading How to cope with anxiety about coronavirus (COVID-19)
