How to survive the emotional timebomb of family at Christmas – The Irish Times
We have all dealt with a difficult person in our lives, and we are all individually almost certainly a difficult person for someone else too, it turns out. This becomes especially clear at Christmas, when families gather and discover that while the faces at the table have changed, the emotional seating plan has not. For […]
How to manage feelings of distress, fear and anxiety after the Bondi attack
Confronting footage of gunmen shooting into a crowd of people in Bondi made headlines on Sunday night. Two men killed at least 15 people in an act of terrorism, marking one of Australia’s deadliest attacks. Videos with confronting images and scenes circulated throughout the night and into the week. If you or anyone you know […]
How to talk to your kids about the Bondi Beach shooting
It is difficult enough to process news of the Bondi Beach shooting as an adult, but how do you even begin to explain it to a child? Fifteen people, including a child, have been killed in the terror attack. This is what three psychologists say about how to talk with your kids about it. ‘Be […]
How Nordic countries embrace the long dark winter and beat the blues
The Nordic countries are no strangers to the long, dark winter. Despite little to no daylight — plus months of frigid temperatures — people who live in northern Europe and above the Arctic Circle have learned how to cope mentally and physically with the annual onset of the winter blues, which can begin as early […]
Nordic people know how to beat the winter blues. Here’s how to find light in the dark
The Nordic countries are no strangers to the long, dark winter. Despite little to no daylight — plus months of frigid temperatures — people who live in northern Europe and above the Arctic Circle have learned how to cope mentally and physically with the annual onset of the winter blues, which can begin as early […]
Living with ADHD and how I make my life easier after being diagnosed as an adult
It’s estimated attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects between 2 to 6 per cent of adults in Australia. International Day of People with Disability storyteller scholar and Brisbane artist Mark du Potiers shares his personal story of how ADHD impacts him and what he does to make life more manageable after being diagnosed in his […]
Why giving up on goals is good for you, and how to know which to ditch
Aron Leah of Fried Cactus This was meant to be a big year for me. I planned to run a marathon, gain a diploma in Spanish and begin work on my next book – all while growing my social media following to promote my journalism. Even when I have felt frustrated or stressed, I have […]
How to nurture infant microbiomes for a lifetime of good mental health
Families who garden together have more diverse microbiomes Halfpoint Images/Getty Images New parents have plenty to fret about – sleeping, feeding, the colour of their newborn’s poo – but their baby’s microbiome probably isn’t high on the list. According to experts, it should be. “The first 1000 days of life are incredibly important for seeding […]
What is task paralysis and how do you overcome it?
If you’ve ever felt physically unable to begin a project or chore, whether it be at home, work or school, it could be a sign you’re experiencing task paralysis. It is not laziness or procrastination; rather, it’s a physiological reaction to stress and overwhelm, leading to people feeling “stuck or frozen”. We asked three experts […]
How I get my kids to listen—in 5 seconds or less
Recently, I was talking to my two middle-school sons about the importance of listening the first time they’re asked to do something, especially when it really matters. But before I got far, my oldest interrupted, rolling his eyes: “Bruh, it’s not that deep.” “FYI, I’m not your bruh,” I replied. The exchange reminded me of […]