In Norway, 200 miles north of the Arctic Circle, there is no sun from late November through January. Yet, there is little incidence of SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which affects almost 10% of people in northern New Hampshire, hundreds of miles to the south. Research indicates that an explanation of happiness in months of darkness is a positive winter mindset. A study compared light therapy, similar to sunlight, and cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of “talk” therapy. In the first … [Read more...] about Getting to 2021
Don Berlyn
Gratitude: A Gift to Ourselves
For so many people all over the world, these are stressful times, exacerbated by isolation and social and traditional media. There are worries about catching a serious disease, or others getting sick, negative financial situations, whether present or possible, and political and social unrest. It’s natural to focus on threating things. The media tends to feature negative events. Scary, explosive, violent, fast things get attention. Peaceful, calm, slow things aren’t as exciting and don’t sell … [Read more...] about Gratitude: A Gift to Ourselves
Staying Positive in Difficult Times
These days, every day, every hour offers disturbing news. The gush from the screens/social media of fear, anger, hatred, ignorance, conspiracies. Can it get worse? When will end? What a time to be alive. Students may be especially affected, as more new things are disrupted, postponed or canceled. Plans and dreams are shattered or altered. The mind can drift to the past, the Black Death, the American Civil War, World War I, the 1918 Flu, the Depression, Dust Bowl, World War II, the … [Read more...] about Staying Positive in Difficult Times
Hypnotherapy, Coaching: How They Work Together
Hypnotherapy: Technically, hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis therapeutically to resolve a mind-based issue. Most people know hypnosis as entertainment, “making” people quack like ducks; play imaginary instruments; be Elvis; feel as if it’s really cold, hot or their skin is crawling with ants; act like they are eating the best ice cream ever or accepting an Academy Award. Almost all of that is real. What is seen in movies and books is often false. People can’t get stuck in hypnosis, even if the … [Read more...] about Hypnotherapy, Coaching: How They Work Together
Is Serenity Possible?
In this time of relative chaos and disruption in the world, is it possible to be serene? Almost every time one is paying attention to any form of news, talk shows, social media or even discussions with friends and family, the COVID-19 pandemic, politics, civil unrest, and/or the economy are likely to be the main topics. Over and over again, the same opinions and sound bites are endlessly repeated. Our focus is directed on things beyond our control. In the 1930s, Reinhold Niebuhr wrote the … [Read more...] about Is Serenity Possible?
Dealing with Fear and the Invisible Enemy
Everyone can visualize a spider: hairy or shiny, eight legs, eight eyes, might seem so large up close, still and waiting, or moving so fast – seemingly right toward you – fangs? Or, maybe you can visualize a snake: bright and colorful or dull and dusty, still and coiled or slithering, scaly, beady, unblinking eyes, big fangs, flicking tongue. Perhaps you can visualize sharks: they are down there, below the surface, just waiting to attack; rows and rows of triangle, razor teeth. You may be able … [Read more...] about Dealing with Fear and the Invisible Enemy
Communication has Changed Forever
The ways of interacting were already changing before the COVID-19 pandemic. Zoom (like Kleenex means any brand of tissue, Zoom can mean any kind of online meetings) meetings have been becoming more common. Businesses saved money on airfare and hotels, business people spent less time in airports, on the road and in hotels and more time at home. Now with most people spending almost all their time at home, online meetings are the norm. Returning to the road warrior lifestyle seems unlikely. In … [Read more...] about Communication has Changed Forever
It’s Only a Test
It’s March and for many students and their families, it is the season of midterms and Spring Break. Test anxiety is in the air. A worried student may say, “I hope I don’t fail this test.” The problem is that the subconscious doesn’t process language well but does work with actions, senses, feelings and images. A classic example is “Don’t think of a white elephant,” and the common result is visualizing a white elephant. The student’s subconscious hears “fail this test” and responds, “we can fail … [Read more...] about It’s Only a Test
Try a Little Tenderness
It’s February, Valentine’s Day – and it’s all about love. Usually, this is about love for others, expressed through flowers, chocolates, massages and nice cards. There is also a gift to the self that allows giving greater love to others. Humans seem hardwired to look for the negative. This serves as a survival purpose. Being aware of threats to existence is crucial to living to the next day and continuing the species. The next level is being alert to the negative, things which cause injury to … [Read more...] about Try a Little Tenderness
New Year Mind Games: Play to Win
It’s a new year, a time to let go of the old and embrace the new. Many people decide to set goals or make resolutions. The gyms are packed the week after New Year’s Day. There is plenty of room by Valentine’s Day. Here are some tips to make this year the most successful one yet. 1 Brainstorm: write down anything that you would like to change or improve. 2 Rank the items and pick the most important three. 3 Decide if each goal is a process, making a … [Read more...] about New Year Mind Games: Play to Win
