Many of my clients have been experiencing or fearing the experience of panic attacks. To treat panic attacks, we need a two-pronged approach. Because overall anxiety increases the likelihood of panic attacks, the first prong involves reducing anxiety. The second prong involves knowing how to manage panic during an attack.
Read MoreIn a world that often celebrates extroversion and outgoing personalities, introverts can find themselves feeling overshadowed or misunderstood. But introversion isn’t a flaw to be fixed; it’s a unique aspect of personality that comes with its own set of strengths and values. For introverts, the concept of interpersonal connection might seem daunting at first glance.
Read MoreI’ve been in the entrepreneurial space for over a decade now, and I’ve noticed a pattern. But before I begin, I want to note that the information I have gathered here is from newsletters and social media posts publicly available (and I try not to spend too much time on social media!). I do not know these people personally and as always, there is more to the story than what is posted or shared publicly. So with that caveat…
Read MoreThe holiday season, with its festive cheer and gatherings, often leaves us with cherished memories and a sense of joy. However, as the decorations come down and routine sets in, many people find themselves grappling with what is commonly known as the post-holiday blues. This phenomenon is characterized by a dip in mood, energy, and motivation after the holiday festivities come to an end.
Read MoreEmotional eating most often occurs to escape a negative feeling OR to create a less negative or more positive feeling. And it works. Which is why we continue to do it.
We can “emotional eat” to avoid feeling angst. “Emotional eating” distracts us from the angst that arises in a pause. During a pause like the COVID-19 situation, we may remember that our life is meant to be lived more fully, more freely than we are living it. However, when we feel that uncomfortable angst bubbling to the surface, instead of asking the angst why it has appeared, we focus on “controlling” the eating. That seems less scary.
The holidays and the winter weather can bring low mood. The disease model of health says that this low mood is called “Seasonal Affective Disorder.” I think of it as our body and mind’s response to the conditions. Let’s think about the qualities of this time of year:
Cold weather
Dark mornings
Dark evenings
Short days
Less Vitamin D
Access to fresh produce might be less available (i.e.. farmers markets are non-existent or limited)
There is a fine line between supporting and enabling.⠀
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Most of the time, crossing the fine line is innocent and done from a place of love and caring. But sometimes what we may think is supporting, caring, and loving is actually enabling an unhealthy behavior to continue and potentially causing a negative ripple effect for them and for others later on.⠀
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Take a look at your own thoughts and behaviors. An honest look. Are there things you want to change but haven’t been able to shift?
My clients look at me with a puzzled expression when we talk about what they do to cultivate joy in their life. These high-achieving, lovely people can’t come up with any hobbies or pleasurable activities that they currently do, and they fumble to remember hobbies and activities that they once enjoyed.
They are not a lone. Loss of joy is a real epidemic in our society today.
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