You’re worth being brave.

The above are the words of Brene Brown, bestselling author and research professor. If you have not heard of Brene Brown’s work, visit her website, where you can learn more about her eight books and her work on shame and … Continue reading

Using the 9 Mental Skills When Life Throws you a Curveball

Jack Lesyk at the Ohio Center for Sport Psychology defines nine mental skills of successful athletes: Choose and maintain a positive attitude.Maintain a high level of self-motivation.Set high, realistic goals.Deal effectively with people.Use positive self-talk.Use positive mental imagery.Manage anxiety effectively.Manage … Continue reading

Getting off to a Great Start

The beginning is the most important park of the work. – Plato Many students are beginning school at this time.  The beginning of the school year can be a daunting time, but it is an important time of the term. … Continue reading

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a good technique for easing anxiety.  It relaxes the mind and body by progressively tensing and relaxing muscle groups throughout the entire body.  This helps to release muscle tension and fosters mindfulness. How do you do … Continue reading

Eating Disorders

I was 14 years old when I first thought I was “fat” and started to restrict my eating.  Throughout the years, I starved myself, made myself vomit, and over-exercised.  Unfortunately, my experience is not uncommon. 10% of college women suffer … Continue reading

Dear Teenage Self

Dear Teenage Self, It saddens me to see how you hurt yourself.  There are no good reasons for you to do this.  I wish that you would take care of yourself.  Be better to yourself. Eat You think that you … Continue reading

Demystifying Depression

Major depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, affecting 6.7% (more than 16 million) of American adults.  Approximately 20 percent of teens experience depression, and between 10 to 15 percent suffer from symptoms at any one time. Depression is more than feeling … Continue reading

About Anxiety

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life.  You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or making an important decision. However, anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear.  For a … Continue reading

Managing Grief and Loss

Grief is a natural response to loss. It’s the emotional suffering you feel when something or someone you love is taken away.  Everyone grieves differently, and there is no time frame for the grieving process. Some emotions people grieving may experience … Continue reading

Understanding Drugs

What do you know about drugs? Take this quiz to test your knowledge! Different drugs do different things, but they all affect the brain. Repeated drug and alcohol use can reset the brain’s pleasure meter, so that without the drug, you feel … Continue reading

Sticking to Your Resolution

Have you made a new year’s resolution? ‘Want to stick to it this year? Use proven techniques to make sure that you meet your goals this year. “The secret to productive goal setting is in establishing clearly defined goals, writing … Continue reading

Healthy Holidays

Many people struggle to keep up with exercise and eat healthy foods during the holiday season.  Holiday parties and vacations can disrupt your normal workout schedule and tempt you with sweets.  Here are some tips for keeping on track during … Continue reading

Beating the Beginning

“I am not in good enough shape to go to the gym.” “I’ve gotten so out-of-shape that it hurts.” ‘Sound familiar? Beginning a new exercise routine can be daunting.  Often, it’s not fun getting back on track, and we have … Continue reading