Holiday Thriving

Happy Holiday Season!

While the month of December can be merry and bright for some people, we recognize that this is not true for everyone. There are a variety of reasons why we may have difficulties over the holidays, and each can be impactful to varying degrees. These reasons can include financial stressors, difficult personalities, strained relationships, health issues, anxiety, mental health problems, weather delays, or travel difficulties. This non-exhaustive list can contribute to our experience of the holiday season. 

 

When we understand the relationship between our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how these dynamics influence our experience of the world and ourselves, stressors can impact differently.   

I am sharing this resource to help you thrive during the holidays:

Greater Good Resources for Thriving Over the Holidays 

Best wishes for a healthy and loving holiday season! 

Coping with Uncertainty

 When there are unexpected changes in our lives, it can be difficult to adjust. People may experience heightened fear and worry, have difficulty sleeping or concentrating, and may feel more irritable. Embracing uncertainty can help face challenges and build resilience. We grow from our discomfort! 

I am sharing an article from the American Psychological Association with specific strategies to help manage and accept uncertainty. 

Happy growing! 

Cell Phones and Schools

 Happy Fall! 

Now that school has been in session for several weeks, I wanted to touch on the recent changes with the use of cell phones in schools. From a psychological perspective, the use of cell phones during class time has been problematic across multiple domains, including students and parents reporting difficulty with focus, less social interaction, reduction in grades, and reduced ability to handle discomfort. 

I am sharing an article from the American Academy of Pediatrics detailing some helpful strategies to help adjust to the change in cell phone access and use during the school day. I am eager to see how successful students will be at the end of this academic year! 

If your child is having difficulty adjusting, reach out to a mental health professional for treatment and guidance. 

The Sun is Still There

 On a bright sunny day, it may feel easy to appreciate the blue sky, sunshine, and fresh air.  There are times, however, when we struggle to see or notice the nice sky. The day may be described by some as “pleasant” or “beautiful,” while others may be moving so quickly or experiencing symptoms of stress, anxiety or depression and feel unable to embrace the day. On those cloudy and gray days, an optimistic outlook will show that the sun is still there and in fact still providing all of the wonderful daylight we experience. A more pessimistic, sad, anxious, or depressed outlook will find it difficult to recall that light is still there. Hopefully, if you or your child identifies with the latter, a search for help and support is underway. Meeting with a mental health professional, sharing concerns with friends and family, as well as accepting difficulty and using it as a motivation to change can be tricky but healthy. 

 These considerations were my motivation for writing the story: The Summer it Rained: How Boppy the Beagle Learned to See the Sun Behind the Clouds 

In this online book, you will meet Boppy and his friends, his family, and helpers along the way and discover how to change your or your child’s outlook. You will learn how to build resilience and engage in effective problem solving. This book is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or on my website .  

 

Happy reading and growing! 

Journey to College

How are you feeling about post high school decision making? For many high school and college students and their parents, it can be stressful and overwhelming to navigate this season. For those college bound individuals, there are choices to make about selecting colleges to tour or visit, researching majors, learning about financial aid options, preparing for a potential move and making new friends. There may also be difficult conversations about transferring schools, changing roommates or switching majors. This time of emerging adulthood can be simultaneously challenging and exciting. There is support available for both students and parents to assist with these concerns and plans. 

Consider accessing my collection of college workshops for smooth transitions, informed decision making, and making meaningful memories. In this College Suite package, you will learn how to have a successful college experience with on-demand audio content: 

 

Ten Workshops for a Successful College Experience 

What Worked Then Might Not Work Now 

Taking Care of Test Anxiety 

Mindfulness in College 

Utilize Resources 

Stay on Campus 

Manage Your Time and Make the Right Choices 

Choosing the Right School 

Financial Preparedness 

Getting Involved in College 

Transition Back to School 

 

 

I hope that you have a great start to this new season of life!