Q: I’ve heard people using language about trauma and COVID-19. Can you explain? I know COVID-19 is bad… but what makes it traumatizing? A: COVID-19 has caused tragic loss for people around the world. What we consider to be a *loss* is very personal, and can be so emotionally intense that it creates traumatic responses. Read more…
A: š Change is never easy. And we have been dealing with a lot of it over the past year. Change challenges our minds because it creates uncertainty in our thoughts and the actions of our daily lives. But there ARE things we can do to manage our discomfort with uncertainty: control what we can, Read more…
A: Deep breath. Experts told us the winter was going to be hard, and here we are. Research suggests that choosing (and accomplishing) a highlight each day — one activity, goal or project that is most important to you ā will boost your self-efficacy and help you keep on keepinā on. Feeling bored, anxious, irritable Read more…
A: Sigh. From riots to record pandemic death tolls, anxieties are running high ā¦ and our resolutions have stalled out already. Research shows that taking a step back to ask what matters most (and why) can help shore up well-being, even in tumultuous times. Read more for a purpose-finding playbook. The good news is living Read more…
Q: A happier, healthier 2021 sounds greatā¦ but how do I make it happen? Iām not really feeling up for New Yearās Resolutions this year. A: Get yourself ship-shape for 2021 with an anchors, sails and rudders exercise that honors the lessons weāve learned in 2020 while also prioritizing forward movement for 2021. Psychologists (and Read more…
A: Something called ācompassion fatigueā may be contributing to this ā as the tragedy of the COVID-19 pandemic grows, it becomes harder for us to process such tremendous losses. Compassion fatigue is often experienced by the general public as feelings of overwhelm, stress, and decreased empathy in the face of mass human suffering ā particularly Read more…
A: We wish it could be that simple! Instead of a delete, letās think of it as a refresh and reboot. As we approach 2021, it is important to reflect, readjust expectations, and reset goals. š REFLECT: Consider why you are making these goals and why they matter to you. For many of us, 2020 Read more…
A: This is a difficult time for many of us, especially some of us who may be alone and more isolated than in years past. Here we have a few strategies from the experts. TL; DR: Recognize what you are feeling, connect to friends and family, and make plans for the days ahead of you. Read more…
A: Focus on the basics, discuss mental wellness openly, and offer support where needed. 1-Focus on supporting the basics. We can all support our mental health by focusing on the basic pillars of wellness. š¤ Encourage 7-8 hours of sleep a day š„ Promote 3 meals a day with a few healthy snacks š° Remind Read more…
A: Not necessarily! There are things you can do to ward off the blues. TL; DR: Focus on variables you can change: sleeping, scheduling, using a bright light, planning activities, and allowing yourself breaks. The Long Version: We know that the pandemic has worsened mental health symptoms (primarily anxiety and depressive symptoms), especially for young Read more…
A: This is hard. We celebrate life and grieve loss with our Dear Pandemic community. Traditional grieving practices such as funerals require additional considerations during the present pandemic to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 while also supporting normal grief following a death. The combination of tragic circumstances, social isolation, and in some cases multiple losses Read more…
A: We know that many parents are struggling for balance: working, virtual school, housework, and now also the holidays! To keep stress from putting a damper on the holidays, use proven strategies to take a pause. As parents, we experience all of the emotions for ourselves and for our kids. Compound that with the stress Read more…
A: Possible, but not likely (and remember, SARS-CoV-2 is the virus, COVID-19 is the disease in humans). So put on your mask, grab your hand sanitizer, and ā¦ keep walking your dog! Hereās the longer version. Over the past week, several news outlets have claimed that people who walk dogs are more likely to have Read more…
A: The reality is that despite cooling temperatures outside we all need to be thinking about how to reduce the time we spend indoors with those not in our household. The good news is this wonāt last forever and we know what steps to take. Indeed, re-upping the strategies we know work to stop the Read more…
A: Many folks are experiencing weight change during the pandemic. It can be hard to face the scale with everything going on in the world. But your health is more than just a number. Here are some ideas to help you focus on what really matters here. Maybe you have heard about the Quarantine-15. Maybe Read more…
