Choose Happiness

This is my favorite time of the year. I like everything about it. But what I like most is how everyone is just a little bit more cheery and kind. However, this year I've noticed a difference. We are a lot less kind, maybe even impatient with others. No question, there’s good reason to feel a little sad and disappointed as the pandemic rages. However, we have a lot more control over our level of happiness than we may believe.

COVID-19, Holidays, Gratitude, HappinessSaundra SchrockDecember 28, 2020COVID-19, Holidays, Happiness

Social Craving

Since the pandemic began, many people have only seen their friends and family on video calls or at a distance. While seeing others at a safe distance or on video may help, it is not a perfect substitute for being with others in person. With the upcoming holiday season, we are probably a little more frustrated than usual that we won't be able to be with our loved ones and friends. If you feel this way, new research indicates that our reaction may be more than just a psychological one, but may actually be biological, too.

COVID-19, Social Distancing, Relationships, FamilySaundra SchrockDecember 7, 2020COVID-19, Social Distancing, Relationships

Finding Gratitude in Crisis

With Thanksgiving and the beginning of the holiday season, we are constantly reminded to turn our attention toward celebrating the good things in our lives with family and friends. However, this year will be different. Most of the things we have done in the past will drastically change. Because of this, many of us might be having difficulty finding reasons to feel grateful. With this in mind, I decided to share a personal story to offer a little inspiration.

Positive Habits, Gratitude, COVID-19, PandemicSaundra SchrockNovember 23, 2020COVID-19, Gratitude, Crisis, Mindfulness

Challenges of Working From Home

In early 2020 the pandemic caused many of us to be suddenly thrown into working from home. We are now having to share our workspace with other family members who are also trying to work from home or attend school virtually. This brings about many impacts to our work and our relationships. Let’s find out what we can do to overcome these challenges.

Mindfulness, COVID-19, Working from HomeSaundra SchrockNovember 9, 2020COVID-19, Mindfulness, Working from Home

COVID Dreams

Have you noticed a difference in your dreams during the pandemic? If so, you are not alone. A May 2020 study of more than 3,000 U. S. adults found that those who were the most impacted by the pandemic noticed a strong impact on their dream life (Schredl and Bulkeley, 2020). Let’s find out why.

Mindfulness, COVID-19, Dreams, SleepSaundra SchrockNovember 2, 2020COVID-19, Mindfulness, Sleep, Dreams

Small Things Matter

It’s incredible how much research is coming out on the psychological impact of Covid-19. Today alone, I found twenty new peer-reviewed studies. A helpful study in the Behavior Analysis in Practice offered straightforward advice for successfully dealing with the pandemic's psychological effects. Here are some of the highlights.

Awareness, COVID-19, Healthy Living, PerspectiveSaundra SchrockOctober 12, 2020COVID-19, Awareness, Perspective

COVID Brain?

I have had more than one person jokingly say to me, "Please excuse me, I have COVID brain." It seems that they may be right. Recent research in neuroscience seems to indicate that there just may be a "COVID brain". This study describes how the pandemic changes our brain, both for those who have been infected and those who have not.

Social Mindfulness, Mindfulness, COVID-19Saundra SchrockSeptember 28, 2020COVID-19, Mindfulness, Healthy Living

Want to Boost Your Immune System?

Before a vaccine, the two most promising strategies to reduce the risk of Covid-19 are: 1) practicing mitigation strategies of social distancing, hand washing, and wearing a mask, and 2) adopting lifestyle practices aligned to good immune health (Simpson et al., 2020). Let’s take a look at how regular physical activity boosts your immune system.