Having Trouble Getting Back Into Your Exercise Routine?

We know that maintaining a regular exercise program is critical to both our mental and physical health. However, many of us have difficulty living up to our goals, even under the best circumstances. Even now, with gyms and other recreational activities resuming, many of us are still having difficulty getting back into our physical activity routine. Here are some tips…

COVID-19, Exercise, RoutineSaundra SchrockJune 1, 2021routines, exercise, COVID-19, mental health

Pandemic of Loneliness

The concept of loneliness is complex and has many different causes, and its symptoms vary among people (Lim et al., 2020). Social isolation is one factor that increases loneliness in many people. Here are some tips to help you in “the new normal”…

COVID-19, Behavior Change, Relationships, LonelinessSaundra SchrockApril 26, 2021Pandemic, COVID-19, Anxiety, Loneliness

Consequences of Our Stay-at-Home Lifestyle

If you have found yourself with a bit of extra weight during the pandemic, you aren't alone. Research shows that approximately 22% of adults reported that they have gained between 5-10 pounds (Zachary et al., 2020). Unfortunately, most of us will give up on our goal to lose these extra pounds in about a month. Here is how we form unhealthy habits during our stay-at-home lifestyle, and what to do about it…

Pandemic, Eating, COVID-19, Weight GainSaundra SchrockApril 19, 2021Pandemic, Healthy Habits, COVID-19, Weight Gain

Bias for Negativity

For decades, we have known that the brain searches for and locks in on negative information, events, and feelings. And, recently, we have all seen how the media often focuses primarily on the “bad news” to get our attention. But, why? What can we learn from this bias for negativity?

Shaming Others

As I recover from having COVID-19 late last year, I am stunned by how much shaming I hear and see. I'm sure I am sensitive to this because of my experience, but it seems that there is a lot more shaming than compassion and care. Let’s find out why people resort to shaming and what to do about it.

COVID-19, Relationships, Shaming, Behavior ChangeSaundra SchrockJanuary 28, 2021COVID-19, Relationships, Shaming, Behavior Change

Planning a Trip Later This Year?

Today, I took a giant leap of faith and booked flights for Thanksgiving. Like most of you, going to the grocery store has been my big “travel opportunity” lately. So, booking airfare ten months from now was a big step. Almost immediately, I felt a little better and began to imagine what it would be like to travel without fear and anxiety. Reflecting on how my plans boosted my mood, I wondered if there was research on this topic. Here’s what I found…

Habits, Looking Forward, Positive Habits, Travel, COVID-19Saundra SchrockJanuary 25, 2021Positive Habits, Anticipation, Travel, COVID-19

Reboot Your Mood in 2021

Are you feeling disoriented or unmotivated to start the new year? You have probably felt like this in previous years after the holidays. Still, this year it might be even more challenging to get moving after a year of chronic stress. Instead of allowing these feelings to keep you from embracing all that the year offers, here are six evidence-based ways to get your energy back.

COVID-19, Motivation, Energy, MoodSaundra SchrockJanuary 14, 2021COVID-19, Motivation, Mood, Positive Outlook

Pandemic Fatigue

After months of socially restricting our interactions, we are restless and long for the company of family and friends. And, during the holidays, we saw people choose to ignore the advice from experts and participate in family gatherings, often flying to see them while others complied and stayed at home. So, why do some people comply and others do not?