MENTAL HEALTH BOOSTS
MENTAL HEALTH BOOSTS
Houseplants and Mood
There is an explosion of data on how nature decrease stress, anxiety and depression. But new research shows that it's not just outdoor green spaces that impact your feelings of wellness, but also your personal indoor space.
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.
The Magic of the Meltdown
On came the ugly. Sobbing. Undone. Embarrassed. But then, something magical happened. I started feeling better.
Stop it with the “I’m FIne” BS
Isolation doesn't just happen when we are physically apart from our circle. You can be with your people, AND hiding in plain sight. This is the “I’m fine” story playing out, and it can lead to an even more devastating feeling of loneliness than actually being alone.
Feeling Guilty?
Guilt makes you want to confess, it’s an evolutionary thing, but so is avoiding admitting wrong.
The Frustration Intervention
Controlling your frustration can be, well, frustrating. Here's how to intervene and gain back your control before frustration completely takes over.
Your Unconscious D-Fense
With the Super Bowl on its way this weekend, it seems appropriate that we tackle defense, as in defense mechanisms.
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.
Your Worth is NOT Dependent on your “Success”
Did you seek praise as a kid? If yes, fast forward and here we are: adults conditioned to think that our worth is ONLY related to our wins. Oof. Let’s unpack this.
Fight Seasonal Depression (SAD) with Science.
Welcome to January, the season of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), better known as seasonal depression. Here’s how to fight back, naturally.
The Oldest Trick in the De-stress Book
There just is something warming about reading a story to your child that was read to you. Find a book that was one of your childhood favorites to forge a new family ritual as you ease into shorter days and cozier nights.
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.”
Discover Your Natural Energy Rythm
Stop thinking you're not enough when your natural rhythm doesn’t align with external demands on your time.
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!?!
Look to the Cosmos to Fill Your Bucket
Take a moment tonight to get outside and take in the cosmos. Fill your bucket with the overwhelming love of the universe. You matter. You are here for a reason.
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.