Everyone Experiences Stress Stress is perhaps one of the most common ailments we deal with on a daily basis. Money, relationships, work, school, and countless other factors contribute to our stress levels. For some people, having a drink seems to make those stresses disappear, at least for a short while. Others need a more powerful...
The Winter Months In the winter–when temperatures drop, daylight lessens, and holiday stress overwhelms–it is pretty common for people to feel sad. But there’s sad and then there’s SAD—or seasonal affective disorder. For those struggling with this mood disorder, wintertime can feel especially difficult. For some people, the overwhelming negative feelings associated with SAD can...
Even during our sunniest moods, there can be a slight shadow. It might be for something minor: “Geeez, I was rude not letting that driver pass.” Or a situation more major: “I’m sure the boss thinks I’m an idiot for speaking up like that.” Negative Self-Talk is Common Few of us are immune to negative...
Recovery Health There are dozens of ways to maintain your health. You can eat nutritious food and exercise on a regular basis. Spending quality time in nature is always a good boost. Building a supportive community is also beneficial to your wellbeing. Another way to influence your health is to volunteer. Giving back helps define...
“Believe you can, and you’re halfway there.” ~ Theodore Roosevelt. In a brief moment, your emotions shifted a bit when you read that quote. Maybe it doesn’t resonate with you…but if it does, how do you feel? Thoughtful? Curious? Relieved? Positive Results Not everyone uses quotes and affirmations to affect change in their lives. Nevertheless,...
Men and women are equal, but different. Women have three unique challenges when living with a substance use disorder (SUD). The female body metabolizes drugs and alcohol more quickly and often at higher rates than the male body because of physiological differences. Approximately one in three women experience some form of physical, emotional, or sexual...
There’s a difference between being alone and feeling lonely. Some people have no problem with their own company. In fact, psychiatrist Abigail Brenner points out that being alone often has numerous benefits, and considers it to be a foundational practice for positive development and growth—which are essential qualities to acquire for long-lasting sobriety. In an...
When we see other people accomplish great things, it’s inspiring. Motivation presents in many forms. It’s the reason why someone chooses to act in a particular way. Behavioral scientists believe there are two forms of motivation: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic motivation is an external factor or set of factors that contribute to an individual’s actions....
When we’re at our worst, it’s nearly impossible to believe we have something to be grateful for, but experts say that’s when the practice is most powerful. Gratitude is studied continuously by scientists and spiritualists alike to determine its impact. Each one of us has the capability to not only understand its power, but also...
Have you ever heard of laughter therapy? Also called humor therapy, laughter meditation, or laughter yoga, laughter therapy is a way to relieve stress, boost your immune system, and change your perspective. And even though the mere mention of it sounds like the set-up of a joke, there continues to be valid research supporting the...
