Welcome to Part 3 of Flexibility of the Mind webzine series! In Part 1 and Part 2 of this webzine series, we defined psychological flexibility, asked some hard hitting questions about thoughts and feelings, and summarized the “Noticing Self” and ways to stay present. If you need a refresher, keep reading! Take a moment to…
mindfulness
A Path Forward: Coping With Post-Election Uncertainty
In the wake of this presidential election, many are experiencing a whirlwind of emotions—fear, anger, sadness, and uncertainty about what lies ahead. The stress of navigating these uncertainties can take a toll on both mental and physical health, leaving some feeling drained and on edge. Rather than offering simplistic reassurances or quick fixes, this article…
5 Tips for Calming Your Election Anxiety
We live in an age where elections are inextricably linked to a sense of impending doom. The deep polarity of American politics, with the heightened “us vs them” mentality, has exacerbated voter anxiety around this upcoming election. In May 2024, the APA reported that 73% of Americans were particularly anxious about this election (American Adults…
Your Body is Talking, Are You Listening? An Introduction to Body Language
Listen to your gut is a phrase that often gets dismissed as cliché, but actually refers to deeply ingrained internal processes that have evolved over hundreds of thousands of years. Below, I will explore the idea of “listening to your gut,” provide examples of how to decode what your body is communicating to you, and…
Flexibility of the Mind: The Present of Presence
In Part 1 of this webzine series, we defined psychological flexibility, asked some hard-hitting questions to see if we lean more toward psychological inflexibility, and began to explore how our thoughts, feelings, and ongoing pursuit of happiness may leave us feeling disconnected from what matters to us most – here, right now. If you need…
Preventive Measures for Seasonal Depression
What is seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder)? As the end of January arrives, we find ourselves in the doldrums of winter. The winter blues are a common experience for many people living in certain climates, and the lack of sunlight, limited time outside, and potential disdain for cold weather create the perfect winter storm that…
How to Find Your Anchor in an Emotional Storm
Have you ever had a time where your thoughts and feelings have gotten the best of you? Take this for example: You arrive home from work and you see your partner after a long day. You say “Hi honey!” to them, and they don’t respond (not even a nod)! How might you react? You may…
How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Can Help Challenge Mental Health Stigma in Pregnancy
Mental Health Stigma During Pregnancy Pregnancy is a transformational period in life. You may experience joy, comfort, or excitement as you navigate your pregnancy journey, which are emotions that may feel welcomed and special. Additionally, a myriad of less pleasant emotions can also surface during pregnancy including sadness, loneliness, anxiety, discouragement, anger, and fear. Pregnant…
How to Cope with Election Anxiety
How to Cope with Election Anxiety The 2022 Midterm Elections are right around the corner. Do you have a voting plan? How about a “coping with election anxiety” plan? Election season can stir up anxiety for many of us because electing new public leaders can offer us hope for a better future or leave us…
What is Dyspareunia and the Underlying Diagnoses of Sexual Pain
Addressing unwanted sexual pain is a key component of sexual health. The presence of unwanted sexual pain, also known as dyspareunia, can make engaging in sex become quite stressful. Dyspareunia can vary based on the person, and can occur before, during, or after sexual intercourse. It can sometimes even happen while using female hygiene products—such…
