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Appreciation: Think about it and express it for double-barreled positive effects
In this article, I discuss two ways that appreciating can be good for your mood. Estimated reading time: . Reminding yourself of what you appreciate is a reliable way to bring yourself out of the dumps...
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Accomplishing therapy goals: It’s like taking a shower
In this article, I discuss how planning and executing steps are keys for success in therapy. Estimated reading time: . Dr. Michael Yapko, author of many influential books including Breaking the...
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Want to be happier? Act like an extrovert
In this article, I discuss the emotional health benefits of acting like an extrovert—whether you are an introvert or an extrovert. Estimated reading time: . One of the ‘Big Five’ personality...
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The pursuit of happiness: Is it a good idea?
In this article, I will discuss whether it is good for one’s mental health to work on happiness as a goal. Estimated reading time: . The pursuit of happiness is one the ‘unalienable rights’ listed by...
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Managing intrusive negative thoughts: Letting ‘Radio Doom and Gloom’ play in...
In this article, I will discuss how to deal with negative thoughts which enter your mind while you are trying to focus on a task or an activity. Estimated reading time: . A common challenge when...
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Four myths which fuel the happiness trap
In this article, I discuss four myths which lead people to succumb to the happiness trap. Estimated reading time: . In The Happiness Trap, Dr. Russ Harris discusses four myths which lead people to fall...
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Strategies to address rumination
In this article, I discuss strategies which can be used to address the tendency to dwell on negative thoughts when our minds wander. Estimated reading time: . In my last article, I discussed...
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Rumination: A negative consequence of a wandering mind
In this article, I discuss how our thoughts tend to lead to unhappiness when our minds wander. Estimated reading time: . In The Science of Happiness, Dr. Bruce Hood discusses how we are prone to a type...
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Permanent daylight saving time: More money for some trumps better health for all
In this article, I discuss why we should focus on the physical and mental health of everyone when deciding whether to continue springing forward and falling back. Estimated reading time: . It is easy...
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How to change your personality through therapy
In this article, I discuss strategies you can use when working with a therapist to change your personality. Estimated reading time: . In my last article, I discussed the nature of personality as a...
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What to do when your bad mood is unexplainable
In this article, I discuss steps you can take when you are in a bad mood for no apparent reason. Estimated reading time: . In most situations in which we are in a bad mood, we can point to a reason....
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Two kinds of social capital: Bonding and bridging
In this article, I discuss the benefits and costs of strengthening connections with people in groups to which you belong and of creating connections with people in groups to which you do not belong....
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A mental health cost of AI: A threat to mastery activities
In this article, I discuss how artificial intelligence may reduce people’s engagement in one kind of activity which is fundamental to good mental health. Estimated reading time: . I often have clients...
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Act the opposite: Breaking the negative spiral of challenging emotions
In this article, I discuss how acting opposite to how you feel like acting based on your emotions helps to break negative spirals in challenging situations. Estimated reading time: . One of my...
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How to feel energized to take action on tasks and goals
In this article, I discuss how various factors affect how much energy you can channel into taking action on a task or a goal. Estimated reading time: . Doing the hard work necessary to pursue a goal or...
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Self-efficacy: The engine which drives motivation
In this article, I discuss why believing you can succeed facilitates motivation to participate in challenging activities. Estimated reading time: . Participating in challenging activities and pursuing...
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Making attributions in the wake of a failure: Democratic soul-searching
.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.1;}Using the 2024 United States presidential election as an example, in this article...
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Coping with a near-miss at hockey glory: Capitalizing on hedonic adaptation
.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.1;}In this article, I will discuss how fans of the Edmonton Oilers can cope with the...
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Using your senses to enhance your mental health: It’s just common sense
.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-1 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.1;}In this article, I discuss how to use your five senses to benefit your mental...
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How to attend to ‘not urgent but important’ tasks
.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:before,.reading-box-container-2 .element-bottomshadow:after{opacity:0.1;}In this article, I discuss steps you can take to address matters which are not...
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