Blog for Better Living

The ‘Nature’ Effect

By: Other | September 21, 2018

Written by Anke Reineke, Ph.D. Is it not natural for humans to spend time in nature? Is it not a vital component of our well-being? I’ve been enjoying the outdoors my whole life. During my childhood, being outdoors was the only place I wanted to be. I spent many hours every day on playgrounds or […]

Back to School, Back to Routine: The Cost of Tech Addiction

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | August 31, 2018

The final weeks of summer are upon us. The sun is out, final vacations are being savored. We have the time and space to interact with the people around us. Weekend adventures and warm evenings prompt us to step outside to engage with the natural world. We noticeably “feel” better, healthier, and are consciously aware […]

It’s Okay to Say No

By: Other | August 10, 2018

Written by Joy Francisco, Ph.D. Saying “no” can be difficult for many of us. Why difficult? Because it is often associated with being selfish or rude. To the contrary, saying “no” actually means you know your value and respect yourself enough to stand up for your beliefs. We often feel immense pressure to do things […]

Personal Improvement, Relationships

What’s the Secret of a Successful Career Change?

By: Other | August 3, 2018

Written by Mike Campbell, Ed.D. Career change happens for many different reasons. Your career goals may have changed. Your personal values may have changed. You may have discovered new interests or aspirations that you would like incorporated into your job. You may wish to make more money, have more flexible hours, to name just a […]

Career, Personal Improvement

You Are What You Think

By: Other | July 11, 2018

Written by Haim Shemer, Psy.D. Let’s think about thoughts for a moment. We have heard and seen the phrase “you are what you think” quoted many times in many places. It is one of the most powerful statements that I like to share with others, but with much caution. The phrase is simple. It is […]

How to Reduce Anxiety by Using Your Body as a Tool

By: Other | June 29, 2018

Written by Paul Paris, Ph.D. Anxiety, as an emotion, urges us toward fight or flight behaviors like running away or freezing. Anxiety can mobilize our bodies and mind toward immediate action in response to an accurately perceived danger or threat in the environment. Research on anxiety shows that all of us need a “healthy” level […]

Anxiety, Mindfulness

Thoughts on Interdependence at Commencement

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | June 22, 2018

It’s graduation season! A graduation ceremony is also known as commencement wherein the completion of something arduous and challenging is recognized while celebrating the beginning of a new journey. I attended a graduation ceremony this weekend and had some nostalgia reflecting back on my own graduation experiences. The excitement, relief, and anticipation of what’s next […]

Coping with Suicide Loss

By: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. | June 15, 2018

Co-authored by Dr. Rochelle Perper and Dr. Francine Martinez “So ask me if I am alright. ‘I’m fine; I’m always fine.’ You see this look in my eyes. ‘No, I’m fine. I am always fine.’ There is a corpse behind my smile. ‘Listen, I am fine. Always, always fine as fine can be.’ ‘Are you […]

Mindfulness…the Loving Kind

By: Other | June 1, 2018

Written by Joy Francisco, Ph.D. What is mindfulness? And why is there a special loving kind of mindfulness? Mindfulness is living in the present moment. Mindfulness can be utilized as a form of self-compassion. And, self-compassion is what you need to nourish your mind, body, and soul. Together they help you to love yourself and […]

Mindfulness, Personal Improvement