Getting off to a Great Start

The beginning is the most important park of the work. – Plato Many students are beginning school at this time.  The beginning of the school year can be a daunting time, but it is an important time of the term. … Continue reading

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive Muscle Relaxation is a good technique for easing anxiety.  It relaxes the mind and body by progressively tensing and relaxing muscle groups throughout the entire body.  This helps to release muscle tension and fosters mindfulness. How do you do … Continue reading

Dear Teenage Self

Dear Teenage Self, It saddens me to see how you hurt yourself.  There are no good reasons for you to do this.  I wish that you would take care of yourself.  Be better to yourself. Eat You think that you … Continue reading

About Anxiety

Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life.  You might feel anxious when faced with a problem at work, before taking a test, or making an important decision. However, anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear.  For a … Continue reading

Sticking to Your Resolution

Have you made a new year’s resolution? ‘Want to stick to it this year? Use proven techniques to make sure that you meet your goals this year. “The secret to productive goal setting is in establishing clearly defined goals, writing … Continue reading

Starting a New Exercise Routine

We are 10 days into the 45-day challenge.  It’s not too late to join us! Starting a new exercise routine can be daunting.  Here are two key tips to get started on your routine and stay on track to your goal. … Continue reading

Managing Performance Anxiety

Do you feel dread about performing? Do you feel stage fright before a presentation or anxiety before the big game or test? Athletes and students often experience performance anxiety.  The anxiety not only influences their performance, but it can also … Continue reading

3 Tips to Prep for a Test or Big Game

Worried about your mathematics test or football game against your biggest rival?  What is the best way to prepare for the event? Here are three tips for performing your best on the big day. 1. Get a good night’s sleep.   Make … Continue reading

Coping with Frustration

It is the things that we cannot control in life that can be the most frustrating.  You may feel frustrated with a teammate on the sport field, someone with whom you work, or a loved one.  When there is not a … Continue reading

Productive Positive Thinking

How do you make positive thinking work for you? Gabriele Oettingen, of New York University and the University of Hamburg has been researching positive thinking and motivation.  In her book, Rethinking Positive Thinking: Inside the New Science of Motivation, she states that … Continue reading

Get Your Skis Shined Up!

The ski season is almost over, and many of us are celebrating the good times we had on the slopes. The end of the season is a great time to rejoice in the good times that you had, reflect, and … Continue reading

Getting out of a Slump

In a slump?  Has your team been losing or has your performance been down?  Try these two strategies to boost your motivation and improve your performance. Use positive self-talk “You can do this!” Use “You” or your name instead of … Continue reading

Thanksgiving for Happiness

Studies show that practicing gratitude can improve health and happiness and also strengthens relationships. People who are thankful and grateful experience psychological, physical, and social benefits. Psychologically, they have higher levels of positive emotions; are more alert, alive, and awake; … Continue reading

Anxiety and Memory in Sports

The relationship between anxiety and memory  The relationship between anxiety and memory is complex and still uncertain, but research has established that memory formation and retrieval is influenced by emotions, particularly anxiety and stress.  We may put traumatic events into … Continue reading