Have your levels of worry, stress, and sadness been rising? If so, you’re not alone. Negative feelings have been rising since 2011, and, according to Julie Ray, managing editor for world news at Gallup, 2021 the data reveals people are now experiencing more negative experiences and less joy.  According to an NBC news poll earlier this year, 87% of people said…

“A person is called selfish, not for pursuing his or her own good, but for neglecting his or her neighbor’s.” — Richard Whately. It might seem silly to talk about “social responsibility” in an era of narcissism, blame, and irresponsibility. But the Golden Rule still matters: “Treat others how you want to be treated.”   How…

Eighty-two percent of Americans are cutting back on groceries because of higher food prices due to inflation.  Although food frugality is seen across all income brackets, Gen Xers are the most likely to buy fewer items as they are among the hardest hit in the current economic climate.  People are increasingly concerned that their food will…

If you fear being judged by others, are self-conscious in social situations, and the idea of meeting new people triggers anxiety, you may have social anxiety disorder if you’ve been having these feelings for more than six months.  According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of…

Aging is a part of life that brings perspective, maturity, and wisdom. In many ways, grey hair is a kind of crown that should engender respect.  But growing old isn’t the problem for most people; it’s feeling old.  Old age can usher in a new era of aches, loss of independence, loneliness, and cognitive decline. …

One of the best things we can do to reduce stress happens to be one of the last things many of us do: sleep. It’s not always easy to sleep when feeling anxious and overwhelmed. But having a routine of getting good quality sleep is probably the best thing we can do to manage stress,…

How do you feel about your life, and how things are going? I’m sure you’re a wonderful person, living an extraordinary life! But, have you ever noticed how some people seem to quit on themselves because it takes too much effort to become more than they are? So they sink into lukewarm complacency. Others look…

Erma Bombeck said, “Guilt: The gift that keeps on giving.” Unless you’re a person with high psychopathic tendencies, you know exactly what she’s talking about. Thief or Guardian? Guilt is a thief that steals your joy if you’re not careful. But it can also be a guardian that protects you from unnecessary hardship and unhappiness. …

Medicine and therapy are the most common treatments for mental health problems like anxiety and depression, but lifestyle choices are often overlooked.   Psychology Today says, “That’s a lamentable oversight because lifestyle changes—things as simple as nutrition and exercise—can have a significant impact on quality of life, for any of us, but especially for those dealing with issues…

People are stressed out; it doesn’t look like things are getting better anytime soon. Money and economics are the leading cause of stress. In fact, the stress and anxiety we’re facing is growing into a national health crisis. Americans are one of the most stressed out in the world, according to Stress.org 55% of Americans…

Life gets more stressful every day. It can be a million little things competing for our time or one huge thing we never saw coming. One minute everything is great, and the next minute our whole world is upside down.  Life isn’t easy. Of the many techniques to cope with stress, deep breathing is among…

Hot fluffy pancakes slathered with butter, drenched in mouth-watering maple syrup, with a few berries thrown in for nutritional penance to tame our guilt. Wow. We do love our carbohydrates, don’t we? Maybe pancakes aren’t your thing but everyone has their nutritional Kryptonite. Some people swear by carbs them. Others curse them, believing they’re downright…