“Unprecedented.” “Uncharted territory.” “No clear rules.” “Constantly changing.” These are just a few of the words and phrases being used to describe our life right now as we face the COVID-19 pandemic. Not knowing what is going to happen and having so many things out of our control are key contributors to anxiety, so it … Read more
One of the most powerful experiences humans can have is feeling truly heard and understood. And while this may not seem like it would be difficult or rare, there is more to being a good listener than we might expect. We can all recall times when we have tried to talk about something important and … Read more
The most wonderful and busiest time of the year is here! Holidays can be a time of joy and spending time with family and friends. But, it can also be a stressful time of the year. Taking care of yourself in the midst of all the parties and togetherness, shopping, and in general fulfilling the … Read more
Middle and high school students are more stressed and anxious now than in past decades. In fact, according to the National Institutes of Health, anxiety disorders in children and teens increased by 20 percent from 2007 to 2012. One reason for this troubling rise in anxiety is an increase in academic pressure. While we want … Read more
Seeming to parallel educational settings, many sports teams and athletic organizations encourage high achievement, rigid standards, and ambitious goals from their participants. This phenomenon can begin early with coaches and parents telling children that ‘practice makes perfect.’ Furthermore, as an athlete continues to develop and grow competitively in their sport, they are often given the … Read more
Summer is finally here, and kids (and parents) are more than ready for a chance to relax, unwind, and enjoy a much-needed respite from the demands of school. However, for many families, this also means contending with the potential for increased boredom and stress due to being out of the usual routine and navigating significantly … Read more
The pursuit of excellence can be encouraged in various ways throughout society. High ambitions are not only validated, but are used to promote individual achievement and societal progress. In educational settings, academic achievement is commonly viewed as a main indicator of success. With the increased challenge of college acceptance and the fast-paced, competitive nature of … Read more
Last week, three long-time friends and I were trying to pick a restaurant for dinner. The conversation went something like this: Friend 1: Where should we go to dinner? Friend 2: Anywhere! Me: Yes, anywhere. What sounds good to people? Friend 1: Well, there’s the Mexican place, or this other Mexican place, or this … Read more
Spring is traditionally thought of as the season of new beginnings. The winter barrenness is replaced with leaf and flower buds, animals come out of winter hibernation to enjoy the longer, warmer days, and we humans begin our ‘spring cleaning’ in our homes. The idea of a ‘new beginning’ is inspiring and freeing and tends … Read more
How many times have we looked at the scale after the holidays and cringed? While the holidays often offer a cornucopia of delicious foods, eating with abandon can cause January distress. Is there a way to enjoy the delectable tastes of the holidays while not tipping the scales in the new year? I believe there … Read more
