In my work with children and adolescents, their parents will initiate therapy in a quest for “tools,” “skills,” “strategies,” and “resources” to help with some issue. Adult clients ask for these things too. Very often, people seem to be looking for tangible ways to lessen the symptoms of depression or manage anxiety – a solution to a problem. As …
When you journal, you are essentially reflecting on what happened in your day, whether it’s mentally, emotionally, or physically. The power of reflection is that you are collecting data on yourself to write your story. For example, you are reflecting on what caused you stress, what you ate or didn’t eat that upset your gut, or maybe just about your …
Most people know that quick fix diets are not effective, yet often still look for the next best approach. There are countless diet programs out there, each claiming they are the best, quickest, etc. Keep in mind diets can be disguised as many different things, but generally they fall under the following categories. Here are our thoughts on them. Low …
Keep reading if you: Are hard on yourself Could possibly be your own worst enemy when it comes to self-talk Shoot for the stars when setting goals in all areas of your life If one or all the above apply, then congratulations! You are human! Throwing ourselves under the bus, or calling ourselves ugly names when we don’t meet our …
Resolutions get a bad rap because typically they don’t work, and the chances of failure are high. An Ipsos survey found that last year 70% of Canadians who made New Year’s resolutions inevitably broke them. We believe this is because most resolutions are not personal goals; they are wishes or desires. These types of resolutions need to be changed to …
Families are so busy these days that planning and prepping ahead are a necessity. Here are a couple of ideas to help you stock your fridge with healthy, nutritious snacks a week in advance. A balanced snack for kids is a carbohydrate (which can be a grain or a fruit) paired with a little protein or dairy. At the start …
‘Tis the season for treats and sweets! What if I told you that there are a handful of superfoods hiding behind the box of chocolates and endless cartons of eggnog? These superfoods are often overlooked, but are a common part of many holiday celebrations, foods that are not only tasty and versatile, but are also packed full of nutrients. …
For many personal trainers, the month of December might be properly referred to as a “Maintenance Month.” December is typically filled with social obligations, and stress surrounding the holidays in general for clients. Your regular routine and schedule go out the window and all the holiday parties and gatherings mean you’re tempted to skip workouts. As it is, committing to …
Have you ever done a google search to see if there are any foods that help you to manage stress. You don’t need to look far to find these articles, but I would challenge you to think about the scientific validity or the facts being presented. I would also like to challenge you to think about food and stress in …
Mindfulness is a concept that has gained recent popularity within the health and fitness community, though its meaning is often shrouded in confusion. My Viva has written a few times on what mindfulness is in general, but how you can integrate mindfulness into your fitness routine? We often get caught up in what our situation was at another time – …
