January 2, 2014
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
People pass along their legacies in many ways – wealth, belongings, values and more personal things, like photographs, diaries and recipes. It is left to us the living to keep the memories going that accompany these valuables.
[More]
Feeling and being lonely happens to almost everyone, even people who are normally outgoing and extroverted. People spend their day pretending to be satisfied with their circumstances when really, they feel empty.
[More]
At the early stages of a relationship, getting into a fight resembles a small crack in a water dam. Initially, the crack can be easily fixed, but with the passing of time, the water penetrates the crack and widens it.
[More]
When we open discussions about relationship problems that couples face on a daily basis, the most common contenders tend to be jealousy, infidelity, and a host of other issues.
[More]
November 9, 2013
by LuAnn Pierce, LCSW
According to the Epilepsy Foundation about 1 in every 26 Americans will develop epilepsy during their lifetime. Two million Americans and 65 million people worldwide have this disease. One third of those live with uncontrolled seizures because none of the treatments work for them. 7 out of 10 cases have unknown causes. There are more people living with epilepsy than with autism, Parkinson's disease, MS and cerebral palsy combined, according to the Epilepsy Foundation.
[More]
Doing it well and doing it perfect are not the same. Allowing yourself to not be perfect takes courage, and results in growth you may not expect.
[More]
When we practice the gift of paying attention, we can tap into a deep sense of joy and connection. Here are some powerful benefits you can experience.
[More]
October 11, 2013
by Casey Truffo, LMFT
Of what can make or break a relationship, a lot is to be learned from great team sports like baseball or soccer. As with sports, the key to relationships is practice, practice, practice.
[More]
We all receive criticism in our lives, whether they be related to our personal or professional downfalls. That said there are countless ways to respond to criticisms, yet not all of them will have equal effects.
[More]
Many of us plan vacations to get away from our busy schedules. Arlene Uhi’s text, The Complete Idiots Guide to Beating Stress, suggests that much of the stress we experience is often connected to our daily routines (i.e. commute, commitments, and concerns) (Uhi 2006).
According to a recent 2009 study completed by Joudrey and Wallace, active leisure pursuits (such as taking a vacation) helped reduce job related stress among a sample of 900 participants (Whitbourne 2010). Beyond the individual benefits, taking a vacation can also help increase family bonding, communication, and solidarity.A vacation can (Uhi 2006):
Slow down our frantic routine
Temporarily relieve us from our chores
Provide space and time to reflect
Provide space to recondition negative habits
Teach us new stress-beating skills that we can adapt to our daily life.
The author suggests that you choose a getaway that will instill calmness and relaxation. Taking a break from routine can help decrease hormone activity related to stress and hyperarousal. Give yourself an opportunity to escape from your daily rituals and experience something new. Any new activity that breaks away from your comfort will likely lead to increased satisfaction and joy.
Activities you may want to consider:
Pampering Spas
Receiving a massage
Enter a whirlpool or hot spring
Mud bath treatment
Getting a Facial
Yoga Vacations
Learn and practice Yoga
Enjoy peaceful surroundings
Meet a diverse group of individuals
Active Adventures
Bicycling Tours
Camping
Golf or Tennis Camps
Multisport tours
Walking Tours
Beach or Patio Vacations
References:
Uhl, A. (2006). The complete idiot's guide to beating stress. New York, N.Y: Alpha Books.
Whitbourne, Susan (2010). The importance of vacations to our physical and mental health. Psychology Today: Sussex Publishers
Counselling Services for York Region