Learning to engage the deep relaxation response of your body and mind can greatly reduce stress and anxiety. The relaxation response is the complete opposite of the fight or flight response, which is the physical response to danger. Unfortunately, our bodies and minds cannot tell the difference between physical danger and psychological stress; thus, we experience the fight or flight response when we are stressed in any way. The relaxation response decreases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing, allowing us to feel less anxious and calmer.
Infertility: Hormones & Stress Management
If you’re struggling with infertility, you’ve no doubt heard that stress is a factor. You’ve probably also heard health care providers and other well-meaning people say “just relax,” which is about the least helpful thing someone can say to you when you’re struggling with managing the stress of trying to get pregnant, whether through natural means or infertility treatments. In our busy, achievement-minded culture, most people don’t realize the amount of chronic stress they endure and how it affects their physical body, particularly the hormonal system.
Being a Caregiver: Make Yourself a Priority
The role of caregiver is fraught with the demands of both time and energy, often when both commodities are at a high premium in one’s life. Many adults find themselves caring for parents and children simultaneously as well as juggling a work and home environment where added stressors multiply quickly. As in any demanding time of life, prioritizing what goes at the top of the list is very important. It may seem counterintuitive, but put your name at the top of the list.
Hey Couples: Arguing is Good!
Are you concerned about your relationship because you argue pretty often? Studies suggest that arguing 1 time a week can actually be healthy for a relationship because it can open up the lines of communication.
The Growing Parent: Trauma in the Media (Part 3)
The fact is, children are going to get the information they are looking for one way or another, whether from their peers, television programs, the internet, and so forth. Unfortunately, often times the information they find is erroneous. False information can be problematic for a variety of reasons and can lead our children down paths we don’t even want to fathom. As parents we have the opportunity to give our children accurate and healthy information, in turn giving them a better foundation.
The Dating Coach Answers: Should I Try Internet Dating?
It’s almost Valentine’s Day and if you’re single, you are probably ready to up the ante in your search for a dating partner. After seeing all the jewelry, flower, and candy commercials start, many singles subscribe to internet dating sites in an effort to meet that someone special. So, is internet dating for you? Traditionally, internet dating has been dubbed something that desperate people do, but not anymore. In today’s world, internet dating naturally fits into our tech-oriented society.
The Growing Parent: Trauma in the Media (Part 2)
“With all the violence and natural disasters in the media these days my children are constantly afraid. How can I talk to them about these things and help to ease some of their anxieties?”
Take Care of Yourself This Year
The New Year is a good time to think about how you will take care of yourself in 2016. We may be into February, but there’s still time to think about and make changes to how you’ll live this year.
Men and Women: Are We Really Different?
Recently a few of us here at GROW lead a couples workshop in Atlanta. During the course of the workshop, we talked about the differences between men and women. Since this workshop, I have continued to be fascinated as I seek to understand some of the differences between the sexes.
The Growing Parent: Trauma in the Media (Part 1)
“With all the violence and natural disasters and other trauma in the media today, my children are constantly afraid. How can I talk to them about these things and help to ease some of their anxieties?”
