Blog
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Therapists v. Post-Election Stress
Read more: Therapists v. Post-Election StressAnother day, another stressful election. And they’ll keep on coming. Here’s an NYT roundup of therapist advice about just how exactly to cope. [T]herapists report that many of their patients are even more upset as they struggle to make sense of the direction in which the country is heading. And many can’t tear themselves away…
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Breathing v. Stress
Read more: Breathing v. StressThe NYT illustrates some approaches to controlled breathing: Controlled breathing…has been shown to reduce stress, increase alertness and boost your immune system. For centuries yogis have used breath control, or pranayama, to promote concentration and improve vitality. Buddha advocated breath-meditation as a way to reach enlightenment. Science is just beginning to provide evidence that the…
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Meaning v. Happiness
Read more: Meaning v. HappinessNYT relays four “well-being workouts” from Dr. Martin Seligman. “Psychology is generally focused on how to relieve depression, anger and worry,” he said…“What makes life worth living,” he said, “is much more than the absence of the negative.” To Dr. Seligman, the most effective long-term strategy for happiness is to actively cultivate well-being. In his…
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Goals for 2017
Read more: Goals for 2017Here’s an oldie but not-baddie: the New Year’s Resolution worksheet I once-upon-a-time put together for residents at the 28-day crisis program where I used to work. It’s been posted here before, but…it’s a new year again, so here it is. Sometimes resolving to take on new, better behaviors just sets you up for disappointment. There’s some wisdom…
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Anxious in Los Angeles
Read more: Anxious in Los AngelesAnxiety manifests differently for everyone. Some people experience physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, or disrupted sleep. Others find themselves caught in mental loops of “what if” scenarios, doom-scrolling social media, or feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks that used to feel manageable. Many Angelenos are juggling multiple stressors: political uncertainty, economic pressures, and the ongoing…