MENTAL HEALTH BOOSTS
MENTAL HEALTH BOOSTS
Don’t be afraid of spontaneous friend-time.
I get it. Your life is busy and your calendar is overscheduled. So it goes without saying that in order to make time for friends, you need to schedule it. It’s so easy to fall back on the style of work meetings when we plan time with friends. Resist this automatic habit, and be more spontaneous.
Don’t let that summer goal fall with the Autumn leaves.
It’s August already?! Instead of thinking about the end of summer, think of August as the beginning of the harvest when it comes to your summer goals.
The Anticipation Trick
The positive experience of looking forward to something has a name when it comes to behavioral economic theory: Utility of Anticipation. Take it from noted author Thomas Hardy, “Pleasure not known beforehand is half-wasted; to anticipate it is to double it.” (The Return of the Native)
15-Min Wanderlust Challenge
When was the last time you went for a purposeless stroll? Or let your mind wander without feeling the least bit of guilt for not being productive? It’s counter intuitive, but there are HUGE benefits of letting your body and brain go where they please.
Stick it to Your Next Blah Day
It’s not exactly a bad day, because nothing ”bad” has happened. And it’s not some full-on depressive episode. It just feels… blah.
Moon Jar Activity
Help your kids decorate and label three jars/containers/piggy banks: one for saving, one for spending, and one for sharing. Not only does this model generosity, but scientists have found that giving stimulates the reward center in the brain — releasing endorphins and creating what is known as the “helper’s high.”
Distraction Got You Feeling Guilty?
Focus! They told you as a kid. Don't get distracted! Stay on track! But wait, says science, a little distraction is good.
Overactive Should Police Ruining Your Day?
I like to think of my superego as my “Should Police.” I should do this, I shouldn’t do that, etc. etc... but where did all these “shoulds” come from, and why am I always “shoulding” all over myself?
Guilt, Shame And Halloween Candy
Guilt and shame. Both contribute to feelings of stress, anxiety and depression, and can drive you to eat more sugar. Happy Halloween!?!
Fall Into A First, As in a first date with yourself.
You know you need a break, but taking yourself on a date seems not only selfish, but frivolous. It's neither. Do it, love it, and activate the play areas in your brain, reaping the bounty of rewarding brain chemicals.
Dinner Doesn’t Need to be a drag.
Planning, cooking, cleaning… you get it. And yet, you have a solution to this madness right outside your door. Autumn is the goldilocks of al fresco dining; not too hot, not too cold, just perfect.