Traditionally each year one word is chosen to sum up the shared experiences of the year. Collins Dictionary chose lockdown – defined as the imposition of stringent restrictions on travel, social interactions and access to public spaces. Merriam-Webster Dictionary...
2020 was a hard year. Many people are relieved to see it come to an end. As we begin a new year, we want to hold the hope for better days ahead. Instead of the typical New Year’s resolutions that are typical for the kick-off of a new year, I encourage you to instead...
New Year’s resolutions are tricky business. They are obligations we put on ourselves to behave. And research shows they are not effective. By February more than 80% of people have abandoned their resolutions. And subsequently, they feel a sense of failure. What Is a...
Hope is an emotional state that promotes the belief in a positive outcome. Clearly, we need hope, especially in our current world. Can hope really make a difference? The answer is YES. There is increasing evidence that hope changes us psychologically and...
We are a nation of tired people. Many adults suffer from some type of sleep problem – too little sleep, broken sleep or poor quality sleep – leaving us exhausted. The impacts of poor sleep are significant: Increased irritability Reduced pain threshold Poor...
Sleep is important to mental and physical wellbeing. And when we do not get enough good quality sleep, we suffer the consequences. Sadly, many people do not notice the negative effects of poor sleep because they rarely get enough quality sleep and they simply get used...
Preparing for winter can be challenging under the best of circumstances for many of us. However, this year, as we face the ongoing realities of COVID-19 we may be anticipating the coming months with heavy hearts. And maybe even a sense of dread. Christmas celebrations...
Did you know there are “brain-healthy” foods to promote a healthy mind and a positive mood? Food is important, not just for our physical health but also for your mind. Growing research supports the theory that what we eat every day can improve our mood and help with...
Gratitude starts with noticing the goodness in life. And researchers have found there are some surprising benefits in practicing gratitude. As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this is a natural time of year to give thanks. The cynics among us may find it difficult...
Giving thanks can make you happier. But like any other healthy habits, even though it is good for us, it can be hard to practice consistently. Why is gratitude so hard to practice? If we are being honest, it is easy to focus on what we don’t have, our problems and the...
As many staff and students have returned to school – a roller coaster of emotions may be experienced. Excitement, anxiety, anticipation, or perhaps even fear. For some, the decision to return was a choice made freely, while for others it was borne out of necessity. If...
All children feel anxious at one time or another. But when anxiety gets in the way every day, children get irritable or even angry. They are more prone to meltdowns or tantrums. Returning to school when everything looks so different presents a “perfect storm” for many...
