Building Psychological Strength

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Peak Mind Pro: How to Stay Cool Under Pressure Nov 17, 2023

Imagine a peaceful neighborhood. Your house is surrounded by those of your friends and family. You've got an elderly neighbor or two who you help out on occasion. You've also got the neighborhood busybody who oversteps polite decorum and the wily neighbor whose property is an eye sore. It's a...

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Laughter Is the Best Medicine: The Benefits of Laughing, Especially During Tough Times Oct 15, 2023

What made you laugh today? How often do you laugh? When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? 

When life is going well, I tend to laugh easily and often. So when I can't remember the last time I laughed so hard I cried, it's a sign that things aren't optimal. When I'm feeling...

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Slow Down to Go Farther, Faster Aug 20, 2023

It's back to school...and back to chaos and stress for so many. I'm not a parent myself, but as a psychologist specializing in anxiety, this is one of the busiest times of year for my practice. Already, just a few days in, I've had parents and teens alike in tears as they face an untenable...

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Your Mental Health Score Card May 22, 2023

Confession time. I was a dedicated Cosmo reader as a young adult (and YM before that). One of the regular features that I looked forward to most was the quiz. I realized, even then, that there was absolutely no validity to them. Still, it was fun and interesting to take the...

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When Is Worry Helpful? May 01, 2023

Don't worry. Be happy!

Ah, those illustrious words of Bobby McPherrin (it's a classic 80's song, in case I'm dating myself here). 

"In your life, expect some trouble. but when you worry you make it double."

Wise words set to a catchy tune.

 

Just Don't Worry

I'd argue (and often do)...

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Are You Willing to Die for That Job? Apr 17, 2023

"Are you willing to die for that job?"

Oof. That question is a punch in the gut. 

I was recently catching up with a dear friend who is in the field of education. The last several times we've spoken, she's shared how incredibly stressed she's been. Her anxiety has been through the roof....

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Becoming Stress Proof Apr 10, 2023

I recently shared the TEDx talk I gave a few months ago. What I haven't shared yet is the way I prepared for it. I got some strange looks from friends when I initially described my methods, but I think they were brilliant...and they worked. 

Before I fill you in on the what...

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Transforming Stress into a Positive Thing Apr 25, 2022

Let's wrap Stress Awareness Month up on a positive note. While we often think of stress as a bad thing, it doesn't have to be. In fact, there's a type of stress, called eustress, that can actually be good for us, physically and mentally. The trick is keeping stress in check and, ideally,...

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6 Steps for Dealing with Overwhelm Apr 18, 2022

We've all been there before, drowning under a sea of to dos and pressures. We feel anxious, stressed, irritable, or even hopeless. Our thoughts are scattered, our bodies are uncomfortable, and we're not able to take effective action. Here are 6 strategies to help combat overwhelm and stay afloat....

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Let's Stress Together: Social Support Protects Against Stress Apr 11, 2022

I was thrilled a few years ago when M, my college roommate, decided to move to Kansas City. I loved the idea of having my oldest and closest friend within walking distance after years of being several states away. Sadly, this weekend is her last in KC. As conflicted as I am about her move...

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From Stressed Out to Strong: Rethinking Our Relationship with Stress Apr 04, 2022

The end of my first semester in graduate school was probably the most stressed out I have ever been. It was finals week, and I had a ton of writing assignments due within an 18 hour window. Did I work ahead and plan my time out accordingly? No! Of course not! My best friend and I watched ...

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Your (Obligatory) Holiday Survival Guide Dec 20, 2021

Christmas and Kwanzaa are right around the corner (and Hanukkah snuck right past me). Maybe you love this time of year…and maybe you don’t. Maybe you’re like a lot of folks who find it quite challenging. Personally, I don’t holiday like a lot of my fellow...

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