In our fast-paced world, taking the time to unplug and recharge is not only good for our mental health, it can also improve our productivity and focus. Read on for signs that it might be time to take a break, and for some ideas on ways to get away from it all…even if only for a few minutes. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve … Continue reading Signs It’s Time to Unplug and Recharge
Yesterday on my personal blog, I wrote about an earworm that popped into my head as I was shopping for a green dress to wear to an event on St. Patrick’s Day. Writing that post reminded me of all the ways music has enriched my life. And scientists agree that music is good for us—offering a long list of mental and physical health benefits. I’m … Continue reading Why Music is Good For Us
Last week, my younger daughter left on an extended work trip, leaving us with no kids at home for the first time in almost 24 years. This prompted me to do some reading and thinking about empty nest syndrome. As I usually do in these situations, I made a list of practical ways to cope with what can be a challenging time for many parents. … Continue reading Coping With Empty Nest Syndrome
It’s official. I’m suffering from the winter blahs, the doldrums, or perhaps it’s just the post-holiday letdown that plagues many people this time of year. If you’re feeling the same way, I hope you’ll enjoy my list of 8 remedies for the winter blahs. I said to my daughter the other day that I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. I was feeling very … Continue reading 8 Remedies for the Winter Blahs
The mom of one of my dearest friends passed away recently. I’ve known this family for almost 50 years, so she was like a second mom to me as well. Because her death was expected, I’d been dancing with grief for a couple of weeks before it actually happened. But even so, when I heard the news, a heaviness settled onto me. It was sadness … Continue reading The Therapeutic Effect of Stringing Some Words Together
Climate anxiety is real. Dire environmental news is everywhere, and it’s easy to think individual actions don’t matter. But they do! Adopting a positive mindset and some new habits can make a big difference. Today’s post has 7 steps you can take today to live more sustainably. Continue reading 7 Steps You Can Take Today to Live More Sustainably
Life is far from simple. It’s easy to feel burdened by the complex challenges our world is facing. Over time, I’ve learned the best thing to do is take a deep breath, shut out all the noise, and embrace the peace that comes from simple living in a complex world. Will you join me? Continue reading Simple Living in a Complex World
My friends, family, and former colleagues often ask me whether or not I miss flying. It’s been a year since I handed in my resignation letter and decided to divorce from a 12-year career. I’m incredibly fortunate to have had the time to decompress following all the political upheaval I was caught up in Hong Kong. When people ask me if I miss it, my honest … Continue reading Why I Miss My Job but Don’t Regret Leaving It
That’s right- my life goal is to live like a goat. Why? The answer is in a song. Continue reading Life Goal: Live Like A Goat
No one talks about the benefits of depression, do they? No one talks about how depression might happen for a good reason. Most people assume it’s nothing but a bad thing. A product of low courage. A cancer of the mind. And perhaps it is? When you examine depression on paper, it’s difficult to argue otherwise. I mean, I hardly need to outline the costs … Continue reading The Surprising Benefits of Depression
I had a friend who claimed she was clairvoyant. Let’s just say for the sake of this post that she was, because I’m on my way to making a point and you don’t have to have an ability to see the future to know that. And I’d say from my experience that my friend had a gift of extraordinary perception. She saw things differently than … Continue reading The Cat Conundrum
When I finally picked up the phone and made the call, I got an answering machine. I waited for the beep, and said something that included the phrase “I need some help”. It was early spring, about 17 years ago. Continue reading My Session With Depression
Yep- I smashed it. But don’t look at me like that! C’mon, don’t tell me you’ve never thought about doing it. Continue reading I Smashed My Computer And I’m Glad About It
I’m going to stick my neck out today. I’m going to talk about something I’ve been avoiding for certain political and professional reasons for some time now. A topic that is close to my heart. As it turns out, aircrew are extremely reluctant to talk about mental health. On the rare occasions I’ve brought it up, I’ve seen Captains visibly squirm in their seats. They … Continue reading The Elephant in the Cockpit
The Cost of Consciousness Neuroticism is the trait associated with negative emotions. It can be broken down into the following two aspects: Volatility and Withdrawal. Those high in withdrawal may be described as anxious, self-conscious, depressive and easily overwhelmed. Whereas those high in volatility may be described as touchy, irritable and unstable. In contrast, those low in both may be described as calm, happy, easy-going … Continue reading Neuroticism: The Cost of Consciousness
Please note this is a partnered post and may contain affiliate links. Maintaining great mental health in the modern day is becoming more and more difficult. There are so many things that can cause extreme stress and anxiety, and it’s far too easy to get swept into the tide of chaos and confusion. Thankfully, it’s more than possible to escape the mental anguish in order … Continue reading Maintaining The Best Mental Health: A Simple Guide
In aviation we have a term called AOG that means Aircraft on Ground. It refers to a plane that can’t fly because of a technical issue. We might also say a pilot is grounded because of a disciplinary issue, or that passengers are grounded because of weather. In all cases, the term indicates an inability to fly. We might also use examples in real life. … Continue reading Grounded
By Ellen Jayne | You were having a great week, but something along the way changed. Your entire mood shifted which affected your attitude the rest of the day, and you’re not sure why. Chances are, you’re mentally drained, and you’re doing it to yourself. Continue reading How to Stop Self-Sabotaging
By Ellen Jayne | We can’t control countless components of life, but we’d be childish to let the chunks we can change cascade through the cracks. So, where do we start? At the beginning. Continue reading Mastering Your Morning Momentum
Provided by Scherezade Ozwulo from Scherezade’s Labyrinth *trigger warning: mental health will be discussed not as judgment against the sufferer but as observation of the caretaker* Last night was rough. Really rough; so rough in fact that I still feel it the next day as I’m writing this post. Actually, last night as I was enduring, I was writing it in my head My job was to sit. … Continue reading Empathic Cross Wires During A Manic State
