After I got done reeling from reading those dozens of extremely critical comments at the bottom of my blog post
World of Psychology
How to Cope with Coronavirus-Caused Mental Health Concerns
Today, it feels like everything has changed—it’s either been closed, postponed, or canceled. Some states have officially shut down. You're working from home, while watching your kids (and trying to teach them). You haven’t seen or hugged your loved ones in weeks.
If you’re struggling with all of this, know you’re not alone. And know that there are concrete (small) steps you can take to feel better.
If you’re struggling with all of this, know you’re not alone. And know that there are concrete (small) steps you can take to feel better.
Psychology Around the Net: April 4, 2020
This week's Psychology Around the Net offers tips on keeping your sanity when working from home, the dangers of getting your news from social media platforms, how to use mindfulness to reduce procrastination, and more.
10 Quarantine Activities That Don’t Involve Watching the News
Captain’s Log. Day eight of quarantine. Work has been busy; I’m grateful for the technology we have to collaborate and continue business during this time. I have walked around the block seven times today. I wonder how many days in a row I can eat frozen jalapeno poppers for lunch before it needs to be addressed. All four cats in my Feline Foreign Language school have refused to make any progress learning French.
I refresh my Google search for coronavirus news for the 19th time today.
Is It Important to Say “Please” and “Thank You” to Your Partner?
We’ve been taught by our parents that it’s important to be polite. We’ve been told that saying “please” and “thank you” are necessary to show respect and appreciation. But how far should we take that? Is it important to extend such politeness to our intimate partner? Or is there an assumption of trust and intimacy that precludes the need for such displays of politeness?
We would probably all agree that building trust in any relationship -- especially intimate ones -- require a high degree of respect, kindness, and sensitivity. Relationships cascade toward disconnection when we take each other for granted or become numb to how we affect each other. But to what extent is it necessary to offer a polite “thank you” whenever our partner does something kind for us? Is it incumbent upon us to thank our partner every time they pass the salt or hold a door open for us?
We would probably all agree that building trust in any relationship -- especially intimate ones -- require a high degree of respect, kindness, and sensitivity. Relationships cascade toward disconnection when we take each other for granted or become numb to how we affect each other. But to what extent is it necessary to offer a polite “thank you” whenever our partner does something kind for us? Is it incumbent upon us to thank our partner every time they pass the salt or hold a door open for us?
The New Normal: Managing Anxiety During a Pandemic
Usually, each day we wake up we can predict how our day will go. We have an outlined schedule that we follow, and we adapt to adjustments throughout the day because they are often minor. We establish a routine that makes us feel safe and comfortable. Routines give us a sense of normalcy. Predictability allows us to feel safe. When these two exist together we often feel that we are in control of our lives. In the absence of routine and predictability there is fear and panic.
Coronavirus: The War of Withdrawal
The war of withdrawal is beginning to settle in, though is not a comfortable routine with people. We are beginning to realize this invisible enemy is stronger than anticipated and unpredictable. Rules surrounding behavior and activities keep growing. If you permit yourself to read and listen to all information about COVID-19, it may cause a spike of depression and anxiety. It may force people to take a closer look at themselves and others in this unpredictable threat. This on-going crisis has no end in sight as we hear and read more cases end in death. What is important is to accept this new lifestyle and pull together those resources to help one grapple with this invisible enemy.
How Cooped-Up Couples Can Reconnect (and Stay Sane)
It’s safe to say that you’re currently spending a lot of time with your spouse in very tight quarters—more time than you’ve spent together in years or ever. You’re both trying to work from home, manage the household, and care for your—getting quite stir-crazy—kids. You’re also likely stressed out for a variety of other valid reasons.
And it’s your spouse who bears the brunt of your anxiety, anger, and grief.
And it’s your spouse who bears the brunt of your anxiety, anger, and grief.
Podcast: Using Death as Motivation to Live
How often do you think about death? If you’re like most people, you probably try to keep it in the back corners of your mind. But according to today’s guest, Kate Manser, remembering you might die tomorrow is the best inspiration to live today. Kate asserts that when we incorporate a certain level of mortality awareness into our daily lives, it motivates us to value life so much more and to live each day with intention. We start to find joy in the small things and live in a way that makes a positive outward ripple for all of humanity.
How often do you think about death? If you’re like most people, you probably try to keep it in the back corners of your mind. But according to today’s guest, Kate Manser, remembering you might die tomorrow is the best inspiration to live today. Kate asserts that when we incorporate a certain level of mortality awareness into our daily lives, it motivates us to value life so much more and to live each day with intention. We start to find joy in the small things and live in a way that makes a positive outward ripple for all of humanity.
5 Simple Tips to Reduce Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The coronavirus has made its way into our local communities. Schools and businesses are closing. Folks are being asked to stay home whenever possible and keep social distancing. The World Health Organization has called it a pandemic as it has spread worldwide.
People are concerned about their family’s health, food supplies, financial loss, isolation and the possibility of losing a loved one. On top of that, we are constantly being bombarded with news reports and social media with details of what is happening all around the world, most of it painting a bleak forecast.
People are concerned about their family’s health, food supplies, financial loss, isolation and the possibility of losing a loved one. On top of that, we are constantly being bombarded with news reports and social media with details of what is happening all around the world, most of it painting a bleak forecast.
