What causes the most stress during the holiday season? Money issues were the top vote getters for holiday stress, according to a recent poll by the American Psychological Association (APA). The Survey found that 61 percent of Americans listed lack of money as the top cause of holiday stress followed by the pressures of gift [...]
by Edward Murphy, PsyD, Director, Bryn Mawr Rehab Hospital Psychology Associates One of the realities we face in today's world is the uncertainty of job stability. Over one-sixth of the American workforce in the past five years has lost their employment due to downsizing, getting dismissed, restructuring, or company bankruptcy. Among a variety of life [...]
Some people's lives seem like a soap opera. But though endless crises and confrontations can be entertaining on TV, they make for frustrating, unsatisfying lives. If you'd rather have peace of mind than daily dramas, you need to take charge of the script. "Learn to act for yourself instead of just responding to what's happening [...]
Are you worried, or just concerned? The distinction is an important one, says Terence J. Sandbek, PhD, a psychologist specializing in the treatment of worried people. "If you keep thinking about the problem and don't take action, you worry. If you take appropriate action, that's concern." The key is change, says Dr. Sandbek. If you [...]
Contrary to popular belief, worrying isn't necessarily negative—if it's done properly. "Worry is like a mental fire drill. It helps you anticipate danger, identify risks and rehearse a plan before it happens," says Beverly Potter, PhD, author of a variety of books on self-improvement and productivity, including The Worrywart's Companion. Worrying becomes a problem, however, [...]
We live in tense and stressful times. "But you can easily avoid adding to the turbulence," says Mike George, meditation teacher and author of 1,001 Ways to Relax. "In fact, you can become one of those people for whom the world has a great need; those who can stay calm in a crisis, cool in [...]
Picture a rose bush in full bloom. What did you notice first: the roses or the thorns? A rose bush has plenty of both. But if you focused on the roses and overlooked the thorns, you were thinking positive. There is a lesson here. Thinking positive is a choice. It's a decision to appreciate the [...]
Here are some ways to cope with job stress which you might consider. Begin with the easier and simpler ones to build your confidence before you embark on a more ambitious program of change. Start off you day with a nutritious breakfast. Occasionally, change your routine by meeting a friend/co-worker for breakfast; allow enough time [...]
Jobs and careers are an important part of our lives. Along with providing a source of income, they help us fulfill our personal aims, build social networks and serve our professions or communities. They are also a major source of emotional stress. View the rest of this article on the American Psychological Association website.
Stress management can be complicated and confusing because there are different types of stress—acute stress, episodic acute stress, and chronic stress—each with its own characteristics, symptoms, duration and treatment approaches. Let's look at each one… View the rest of this article on the American Psychological Association website.