Though it may seem trivial in the face of the momentous challenges we face right now (and some of you have told me that you may feel guilty experiencing joy when others are struggling), moments of joy provide a necessary rest — physically, emotionally, and mentally — making us more resilient over the long term. And summer, even an unconventional one like this one, offers …more
7 Ways to Change Negative Self-Talk
June 4th, 2020 - By Melisa in UncategorizedLet me be the first to tell you that there’s nothing wrong with you. You may have some patterns to unlearn, some self-love to embrace, and some new behaviors to embody, but seriously, there’s nothing wrong with you. If you want to change your negative self-talk, you’ve got to first understand where it comes from. Read full article: Mark’s Daily Apple, “7 Ways to Change Negative …more
Covid-19 Testing Options
May 6th, 2020 - By Melisa in UncategorizedSEVERAL TESTING FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO PERFORM MOLECULAR PCR NASAL SWAB TESTING FOR THOSE WHO HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19: Read full article: Helios, “Covid-19 Testing Options”
Why some kids are happier right now, and other unexpected effects of quarantine
April 29th, 2020 - By Melisa in Uncategorized(CNN) — Like most parents, Seagal Hagege, a mom of three in Irvine, California, wasn’t exactly looking forward to sheltering in place. Together all day? In one house? How would the kids respond? Much better than she could have ever imagined, it turns out. Over the course of the past month, she said her kids, ages 8, 7 and 4, have become better behaved, kinder to …more
Zoom Exhaustion is Real. Here are Six ways to Find Balance and Stay Connected
April 7th, 2020 - By Melisa in UncategorizedSteven Hickman, Psy.D., executive director of the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion, offers this timely perspective on managing our new virtual reality. Read full article: Mindful, “Zoom Exhaustion is Real. Here are Six ways to Find Balance and Stay Connected”
Learning Through Play: 101 Ways To Keep Young Minds Occupied At Home
March 31st, 2020 - By Melisa in UncategorizedParents, right off the bat, let me say that there is no right way to be feeling about the current situation. Relief, anxiety, excitement, dread are all normal. We’re all figuring this out as we go along and doing the best we can. Virtual high-five! This is not a homeschooling post per se. This is about the importance of play as learning, and letting our kids …more
Meditation in an Emergency
March 21st, 2020 - By Melisa in Anxiety, UncategorizedListen to full podcast: Waking Up by Sam Harris, “Meditation in an Emergency”
Mindfulness during the coronavirus: Harvard professor’s tips to help lower anxiety
March 15th, 2020 - By Melisa in Anxiety, UncategorizedThe coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, continues to disrupt life as we know it. As the World Health Organization officially declared the virus a “pandemic,” cities across the country are implementing preventative measures, like “social distancing,” to try to mitigate the number of cases. To combat the scary news and anxiety around it, meditation and mindfulness can be your best friends. Read full article: ABC Action News, “Mindfulness during …more
The benefits of mindful parenting
January 23rd, 2020 - By Melisa in UncategorizedIn practice, mindful parenting can take many forms: paying more attention to your child; being aware of your own feelings during times of conflict; and considering things from your child’s perspective, even if it’s different than yours. The bigger mindful parenting picture, though, is about savoring moments with your children — often the mundane daily tasks that you might typically rush through. Read full article: …more
New Hope for Migraine Sufferers
January 16th, 2020 - By Melisa in UncategorizedIf you live with or work with someone who suffers from migraine, there’s something very important you should know: A migraine is not “just a headache,” as many seem to think. Nor is it something most sufferers can simply ignore. And if you are a migraine sufferer, there’s something potentially life-changing that you should know: There are now a number of medications available that can either prevent …more