Mindfulness

COVID Brain?

COVID Brain?

I have had more than one person jokingly say to me, "Please excuse me, I have COVID brain." It seems that they may be right. Recent research in neuroscience seems to indicate that there just may be a "COVID Brain". This study describes how the pandemic changes our brain, both for those who have been infected and those who have not.

Stress, Anxiety, and Learning

Stress, Anxiety, and Learning

Recent research in the neuroscience of learning has revealed a linkage between overall well-being and the learning process. Educators understand this linkage and have become increasingly concerned about the high level of stress and anxiety in today’s learning environment. That's because they know learning is maximized when it occurs in a positive, healthy, efficient, and effective manner. So, what can we do about it?

Having Trouble Relaxing?

Having Trouble Relaxing?

If you are like me, every time I decide to do something just for me, I have a flash of all the things that I should be doing instead. Since my to-do list is quite long, I have to fight the urge to postpone that relaxing walk or leisure reading to get something done on my list. After all, I’ve seen the research on the importance of self-control and self-regulation in obtaining long-term goals. Yet, recent research shines a light on the importance of fun and relaxation, too. Let’s take a look…

I'm Having a Bad Day!

I'm Having a Bad Day!

Even those of us who are usually upbeat and positive have bad days occasionally. These bad days may be prompted by something that happened or for no apparent reason at all. So, what can we do about it? How can we turn these bad days into something more productive and positive?

What I've Learned About Wearing a Mask

What I've Learned About Wearing a Mask

For months now, I have been wearing a mask when I cannot socially distance. And, I have worn it enough now to start to notice things about myself and others. If you are an observer of human behavior as I am, this highly unusual phenomenon offers an abundance of opportunities to gain insights. Here are some of mine.

Ironing: A Mindfulness Practice?

Ironing: A Mindfulness Practice?

I’m no domestic goddess. Because of that, there’s usually a long list of things I would rather not do around the house. But recently, I’ve noticed that I have a newfound urge to clean and organize. Perhaps it is a welcome break from everything that is going on. Or, maybe it is the appeal of getting something completely done and the satisfaction that comes with that. But I think the primary reason is that I have incorporated these routine tasks into my daily mindfulness practice.

Creativity in Crisis

Creativity in Crisis

I’m sure you are experiencing the same issue that I am - not being able to run out and get whatever you want, whenever you want it. Today was another wake-up call for me. After all of the handwashing, I noticed how dry my nails were. The hand cream I was using wasn’t helping and I needed nail oil. But, I didn’t have any at home…

Torn Between "Want" and "Should"

Torn Between "Want" and "Should"

How are you feeling about those goals you set in January? Are you finding that you’re constantly faced with decisions about “want” and “should”? Is behavior change based on the strength of your willpower or are there better strategies that lead to success?