As a society, we love our caffeine. It’s the fuel that keeps us going through long workdays and sleepless nights. But while caffeine may provide a temporary boost of energy, it can also have negative consequences for our productivity in … Continue reading The Truth about Caffeine & Productivty
You cannot control what comes into your mind, but you can control how long you dwell on it. Intrusive thoughts occur involuntarily and are distressing or disruptive. They are triggered by a variety of factors, such as stress, anxiety, or … Continue reading 6 Ways to Manage Intrusive Thoughts
Cleaning can be a mundane and often overwhelming task, but it doesn’t have to be. By incorporating Zen principles into your cleaning routine, you can turn it into a meditative and even enjoyable experience. Here’s how: Start with intention: Before … Continue reading Zen of Cleaning: Peace Through Tidying Up
“Non-doing has nothing to do with being indolent or passive. Quite the contrary. It takes great courage and energy to cultivate non-doing, both in stillness and in activity. Nor is it easy to make a special time for non-doing and … Continue reading The Art of Non-Doing
Over the last two decades, I have trained numerous clients in the art of small talk. Individuals with social anxiety often face difficulty with small talk, but with the right coaching and practice, anyone can enhance their small talk skills. … Continue reading Tips for Making Small Talk
Have you ever heard the phrase “feelings aren’t facts”? It’s a simple yet powerful statement that can help us to better understand our emotions and how they relate to reality. In this post, we’ll explore the idea that feelings are … Continue reading Fact-Checking Our Emotions
Effective rethinking and paired relaxation are two key skills that can help you manage negative thoughts and emotions. These skills are often used together as a coping strategy for distressing situations. In this post, we will go through the step-by-step … Continue reading Effective Rethinking and Paired Relaxation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Life can throw us unexpected events and crises that can trigger intense emotions. It’s important to be prepared to manage these strong feelings. Creating an emergency kit tailored to your emotional needs is a fun and effective way to prepare … Continue reading ER Kit: Planning for Distress
The STOP technique is a valuable skill that allows you to break free from overwhelming emotions or impulsive reactions and instead, respond with greater mindfulness and purpose. This technique can be summarized in four simple steps, which are conveniently remembered … Continue reading How to Use the STOP Skill
Next time you’re overwhelmed with a strong emotion, consider using the distress tolerance tool called TIP, which stands for Temperature, Intense Exercise, and Paced Breathing. TIP is a tool that can be used to quickly change your body chemistry and … Continue reading Using TIP to Tolerate Distress
The Blog of Psychologist, Christine Dickson, PhD 