Author Archives: phyllis
A Lesson in Happiness
Some scientists think happiness is largely determined by genetics and other factors outside our control. Others say we have a set point of happiness and, no matter whether we win the lottery or have a devastating accident, within a year of the event we return to a familiar emotional level. But recent research suggests that we can actually take charge of our happiness and it is within our power to change. On my way home from a recent vacation in Northern Spain, I was reflecting on the trip, thinking about when … Continue reading
Posted in extended family, sandwich generation, stress, well-being, your self
Tagged dreams, expectations, happiness, Northern Spain, power to change, savor memories, summer, travel
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Shift Your Focus to Minimize Anxiety
In this day and age, we’ve all got a lot of balls in the air, trying to balance family with work and still carve out a little time for ourselves. So how do you follow your heart and not spend your life fulfilling someone else’s dreams? Until you discover that, anxiety may very well be a constant companion. Stay in the moment. Anxiety can make you feel bad about yourself. Don’t beat yourself up about the mistakes you’ve made. Keep in mind that you are human and no one is … Continue reading
Posted in adult children, aging parents, parenting kids, sandwich generation, stress, well-being, your self
Tagged anxiety, deep breathing, emotions, family, internal strength, mistakes, relaxation, stressors, work
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Slow Down to Reduce Anxiety
Are you in the midst of a fast paced lifestyle, struggling with racing thoughts and sleepless nights? If all consuming fear makes you feel hyper vigilant and like your mind is constantly on red alert, join the crowd. There has been more than a 1000% increase in the diagnosis of anxiety over the past 30 years. Beginning early on, we all experience periods of anxiety, and different issues can cause it to recur periodically throughout our lives. Think about the separation anxiety when young children start kindergarten, physical and social … Continue reading
Helping Kids Feel Secure
The summer got away from us – one morning our grandsons were pitching sand balls into the lake, the next afternoon they were preparing their backpacks for school. Whereas Monday’s blog post focused on kids’ stress that comes from media coverage of trauma, there are lots of other situations that can make kids feel anxious – like the first day of school. Kids respond differently and the impact of any stressor depends on their personality, maturity, and coping mechanisms. Some have trouble explaining how they feel so it’s not always … Continue reading
Posted in parenting kids, your self
Tagged autonomy, coping mechanisms, first day of school, irritability, play, relationships, sleep disturbances, stress, support, trauma
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