Light Therapy for Depression: The Beneficial Effects of Blue Light

Eleven million Americans struggle with SAD, or seasonal affected disorder. It’s a condition that begins to be apparent when the nights start getting longer and there’s less daylight. For many, it makes getting through the darker winter months more difficult. And it can also be a trigger for depression. Currently, researchers are learning more about…

Good Listening Skills Make the Difference Between Casual and Lasting Friendships

Imagine some of the enduring friendships in your life. Why were they so impactful? Was it because you both did the same things for fun, such as fishing or watching sports? Or did you each have similar career paths and worked at the same company? Maybe all these aspects play a part in your friendships. Having…

Is Your Partner Older/Younger? – How to Build a Successful Age Gap Relationship

When you have an older or younger partner with a significant age difference, you are in what’s called an age gap relationship. Perhaps neither of you were expecting to be with someone much older or younger than the other. However, one thing led to another. And now, here you are! Of course, you want the…

Loneliness, Depression, and Social Support: How Senior Cohousing Communities Can Help

Loneliness and depression are common problems for seniors. Some of the underlying reasons can be the loss of a spouse or life partner, moving from a familiar home to a care facility, or less contact with friends and family. For some, the thought of having to spend their golden years in a retirement community can…

How the Little Joys of Life Can Help You Conquer Stress and Anxiety

Many people today often think, “I’m just too busy.” Their calendars are filled with commitments, meetings, and appointments. A to-do list of a handful of items has grown to a full page. And don’t forget about the cell phone! It keeps people perpetually linked with their jobs. The phone also draws their attention away from the real world…

Dealing with the Loss of a Relationship Through the Holidays

There’s no doubt that the holidays are the worst time to be dealing with the loss of a relationship. You feel the pain from the hole in your life all too acutely. Plus, there’s dealing with your parents, siblings, other relatives, and friends—all asking questions. Or what’s worse, not asking the question, “What happened to so-and-so?”…

How to Reach Out to Your Partner During Tough Life Transitions

Every couple faces tough life transitions, no matter how “perfect” their relationship may be. This can be most evident during those difficult moments when an old chapter in your life together closes and another opens. During these times, reaching out to your partner is critical for the health of your relationship. You are both being tested…

Addressing Depression as a Couple: Want to Offer Support? – Do’s and Don’ts

If your partner is depressed, then you know that this affects more than just them. Your whole relationship has been touched, in some way, by their depression. Maybe it’s those days when they struggle to have any energy to even get out of bed. Or they withdraw from any kind of emotional closeness that you both once…

Stress and Anxiety Relief Through Digital Technology? – How It Works

Much has been written and said about how technology causes stress and anxiety. It causes us to be distracted, affects our sleep, and keeps us from creating healthy connections with other people in the real world. Obviously, these are big problems connected with digital technology that can negatively impact your life. And that’s especially true…