If you're more tired than usual, find yourself overly irritable, and/or can't seem to concentrate, you may be suffering from low-level chronic stress. Chronic stress differs from acute stress, which comes from a sudden event such as the death of someone close or the loss of a job or relationship. But acute stress can lead to chronic stress. With COVID-19, we may encounter acute … [Read more...] about Chronic Stress: Recognizing and Mitigating It
MIND-BODY CONNECTION
Resilience: What Is It, and How Can I Get More of It?
Resilience is defined as toughness, or "the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties." And in researcher language, it's "positive adaptation despite adversity." But is it something we're born with? Can we develop more of it? And can we use it up as we go through life? When Resilience Begins Science indicates that resilience is not uniform across people, places, or … [Read more...] about Resilience: What Is It, and How Can I Get More of It?
Practice Gratitude for and to Others and Yourself
When we practice gratitude, it's good for our emotional and physical health, with recent studies reporting benefits such as less stress, better sleep, fewer aches and pains, and better heart health. But how often do we practice gratitude toward our self? There are many ways to practice gratitude, of course, from saying thank you to making lists and writing letters. Martin … [Read more...] about Practice Gratitude for and to Others and Yourself
I Am: Two of the Most Powerful Words
The sign caught my eye as I cruised down the hall in between meetings, and I stopped in my tracks. "I AM," it read. "Two most powerful words, for what you put after them shapes your reality." The sentiment stayed with me. For several days, its declaration sank in further, as I considered how I described myself to others, what words I said to myself (self-talk), and how I viewed myself … [Read more...] about I Am: Two of the Most Powerful Words
Decisions, Decisions: When Priorities Collide
Each day, we're faced with hundreds of small decisions to make. And often, our priorities collide. That can feel especially true during the busy holiday season. Do I start my shopping from the couch, or lace up my boots and go hiking with my family? What about that extra glass of wine I want to have with my friends, even though it's likely to throw off my sleep schedule? Should I eat the … [Read more...] about Decisions, Decisions: When Priorities Collide
Being Aware – and Taking Care – of Our Own Needs
The sun was setting on a full day, from a conference that had filled my mind yet prevented me from getting in my usual morning exercise, to a lengthy appointment and numerous conversations that all together had worn me down. As I began my drive home, I noticed my irritation when my cell phone buzzed three more times to announce incoming texts and another phone call. I started to replay the … [Read more...] about Being Aware – and Taking Care – of Our Own Needs