8 Powerful Do-it-yourself Therapy Tools
There are literally hundreds of different theories and techniques in psychology and psychotherapy. I don’t claim to know them all, but over the years I have been practising as a psychologist some have proved extremely powerful. Here are 8 of my favourites.
Why are we so Tired? 10 Top Tips for Better Sleep
I recently got rid of my digital bedside clock after discovering that the light it produces disrupts the production of melatonin - an essential component of a good nights sleep. By the way, clock checking in the night is what’s referred to in the psychology world as bad ‘sleep hygiene’. More about that later...
6 Feelings We Have no English Words For
It's estimated that we have 3,000 words to describe emotional states in the English language. Yet, there are some very familiar feelings that we just don't have a word for. Often those more abstract states which leave us a bit speechless. Here are my 5 favourites...
5 Ways to Be More Socially Confident
Here are some things that you probably wouldn’t know about me if you met me.
- I get intimidated talking to people I believe are superior to me.
- I hate speaking in public.
- Before going to parties I worry about who I’m going to talk to.
In other words, I’m socially anxious. Like you. Like everybody I know.
Stress Doesn’t Have To Be Stressful
Imagine a dam bursting. It bursts either because the load is too great or the structure insufficient. Like a dam, we feel stressed when the challenge feels too much or we feel we’re not up to it. But we have a huge advantage over dams...
4 Steps to Conquer Indecision
Ask anyone about indecision and they will give you a weary look of recognition. It pervades our adult lives.
I’ve been in-deciding all week...
Commitment: 3 Steps To Going The Distance
This weekend I went to the wedding of my oldest and dearest friend. She used to say she would never get married. But there she was full of commitment and joy walking up the aisle. She had overcome her doubt, taken the risk and made a vow. It was inspiring to witness.
Many of us feel uncomfortable with commitment. We torment ourselves...
Is tomorrow Your Busiest Day? 4 Tips for Procrastinators
I am writing this perilously close to my deadline. I’m Feeling focused but twitchy. I’m worried I won’t be able to do it. Too little time. If I do manage to do it, will it be good enough? I haven’t left myself enough time.
All week, I have been obstinately committed to relieving momentary discomfort: to procrastinating.