Overview

Mental illness is quickly becoming the most pressing health crisis of the 21st century. Ever-increasing numbers of individuals both young and old are being diagnosed with conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to ADHD and addiction. Our isolated, success-oriented culture appears to be triggering or worsening mental health conditions for many, too.  If you’re in a relationship with someone who is struggling with mental illness, you and your partner may sometimes find it difficult to cope. Though maintaining a happy and healthy relationship in spite of serious mental heal... more ...

When it comes to daily habits, many of us focus on the ways in which we can improve our overall well-being. We strive to drink enough water, eat healthy foods, exercise, and sleep deeply. Unfortunately, many of us neglect one of the most important aspects of our health: having a peaceful mind.  Just as physical exercise trains the body to be better both in action and at rest, daily meditation trains the mind to function better throughout the day. A growing body of research now suggests that meditation benefits the body in a number of other ways, too, leading to lower blood pressure, ... more ...

Many of us were brought up to believe that we should only have sex after getting to know someone well. Casual sex was often frowned upon. For women in particular, the notion of having sex right away has often been associated with a host of negative beliefs. Being “easy” might leave men with nothing left to “work” for. A woman who felt comfortable having sex on the first date might be seen as one who was more prone to cheat or sleep with others. Though most men haven’t endured quite the same judgments and stigmas, both genders may be left feeling uncertain regardin... more ...

If you’ve dated for a number of years and have reflected on your past relationships, you may have realized that certain patterns continue repeating themselves. Perhaps you’ve often found yourself in relationships with emotionally distant men or women who were clingy. Maybe you find yourself pushing others away, or, in contrast, desperately begging for others’ attention.  Why do we fall into these patterns? Why do these relationship dynamics seem to play out time and time again? A psychological model known as Attachment Theory explains why many of us tend to encounte... more ...

As we age, making sure our bodies receive all of the nutrients they need becomes increasingly important. As we enter our 50s and beyond, changes in the body make it more difficult to hit our daily vitamin quotas.Though we would ideally have all of our nutritional needs met by our diets, pills and supplements are often valuable in ensuring our bodies are receiving a full spectrum of nutrients. Is your daily diet packed with vitamins and minerals, or is there some room for improvement? Consider making the following dietary changes and including the following supplements in your diet to keep... more ...

In 1995, a self-help book entitled The Rules: Time-Tested Secrets for Capturing the Heart of Mr. Right hit the market. The book promoted more than 30 rules women should follow in order to attract the men of their dreams. This advice was controversial at the time, sparking many debates about gender roles and courtship patterns. Nearly 25 years later, the book continues to be read by women around the globe.  The world, and our approach to dating, has changed significantly over the past two decades. Do “The Rules” work, or are they a sexist and antiquated approach to dating?... more ...

Protecting the environment and slowing climate change is a more pressing issue than ever before; studies have shown that climate change exceeding an increase of 1.5 degrees Celsius before the end of the century could have devastating impacts upon humanity, as well as the rest of the natural world. If we don’t take action to slow climate change, we will already have hit this limit by the year 2040!Though government regulations are certainly needed to limit industrial impacts on the environment, we can all take action on an individual level, too.Do you want future generations to grow up in... more ...

As the air begins to grow chilly and the leaves begin to change color, many of us find ourselves in the mood to curl up under the blankets and watch a good movie at home. The next time you’re in the mood to watch something, consider choosing one of these classic fall films. Whether you’re in the mood for something spooky, something heartwarming, or simply something silly, one of these titles is sure to entertain you.  The Trouble with Harry (1955) Set amongst the colorful trees of the Vermont countryside, The Trouble with Harry combines the beauty of fall with a dist... more ...

Though most of us are currently single or dating, at some point, it is likely that we will be in committed relationships again. Though some of these bonds will last a lifetime, many will ultimately be tested, leading us to question whether we are willing to stay together or not. When it comes to relationship problems, many of us tend to view things in black and white. Either we stay together or split up; there aren’t any other options, are there?In reality, there are many “shades of grey” when it comes to working on, or transitioning out of, serious romantic relationship... more ...

Anger is a natural emotional response to frustrating and upsetting situations. Though everyone experiences bursts of anger from time to time, chronic frustration and extreme rage can have long-term consequences for our mental and physical well-being.  Constantly experiencing high levels of stress and anger can make you more susceptible to conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and insomnia. Anger can lead to poorer mental health as well, worsening anxiety and depression. A hot temper can also damage your interpersonal relationships, making it difficult to ma... more ...