If you’ve been in the workforce much time at all, I’m sure you’ve noticed varied types of behavior from other employees. Some of this is simply due to individual personality traits. But other times, behavior may signal something deeper, such as a mental health issue. The conduct of co-workers is learned over time—after watching them…
What is it like in January where you live? For most of my life, I’ve resided in locations where the first few months of the year are rather bleak. The temperatures are cold. The streets become slushy. And the sky is draped with a curtain of gray. Although typical for January weather, it makes “wintertime…
Do you ever wonder if more is going on with your mental health than just feeling “moody” several times each week? It could be that you’re experiencing a form of depression and not simply down in the dumps. But how does one know? Here is a list from the National Institute of Mental Health of…
If you’re hoping for growth in more than vocabulary and math this school year in your kids, here are five areas where small shifts will create big differences. Car rides Conversations may normally happen face-to-face, but if you really want to get the words flowing, drive your kids somewhere and you’ll be amazed at what you learn. Either…
Have you wondered when, and how, to discuss the topic of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco with your kids? Perhaps you’ve seen the devastation of substance abuse in families close to you and hope to keep this problem from entering your own doorstep. Benjamin Franklin is known to have said, “An ounce of prevention is worth…
Ever feel like your world just got blown to pieces? This question reminds me of the cartoon series The Coyote and Road Runner Show. Think of the scenes where Wile E. Coyote gets flattened to the road by some unexpected collision with a train, cargo ship, or huge boulder that comes out of nowhere and then Smush! He was crushed! Coyote…
When will this ever end? If this question [regarding COVID-19] has spiraled through your thoughts over the past several months, you’re not alone. The pandemic “pit of despair” is real but that doesn’t mean you have to remain stuck in its deep, dark trenches. I’ve needed to remind myself a few times of this great Bible promise found in…
When stressful days hit, I’ve found it effective to be mindful in my activities. Capturing the simple things in life helps lift my spirit on days when I might otherwise have a huge case of the blahs! So, here are a few easy things I do to drive my [potentially] negative reactions toward life-restoring actions instead. I love…
In the midst of a particularly anxious day, or a prolonged depressive episode, the notion of clearing one’s mind and gearing up for a workout can feel downright impossible. Ironically, a study finds forcing yourself to exercise may be the best thing to do in mentally turbulent times.” ~John Anderer It’s a startling fact but, “Anxiety disorders…
You may remember the well-known children’s book Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day. Although published in 1972, its content is still relatable—and not just for kids. After all, who can say they never experience one of “those days” they would just as soon forget? No doubt our lives have been full of lousy days…