Problems with Screen Time Research When it comes to understanding the effects of screen time on kids (and the rest of us!), we want to know the “truth.” We want to use accurate information to guide our parenting. Facts matter in this world. After all, we wouldn’t want to have surgery to remove our…
Many of us were rocked by the recent suicides of icons Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. Suicide is always tragic, no matter what. It’s sad to know that any person, regardless of his or her position in life, has gotten to the point that they believe suicide is the only escape from a hopelessly painful existence….
Since you are reading this blog, you are likely old enough to remember “The Before.” You remember a time before social media, smartphones, tablets, streaming videos and music, a constant connection to the Internet, and, um, reading blogs. In short, before screens were woven into our daily lives. With the emergence of these technologies, we have…
We love our screens, and certainly they offer many benefits. But there is a fundamental problem with screens that might be leading to some negative effects. I was recently asked by a tween girl at a presentation whether I wished that we didn’t have technology. No, I’m NOT anti-tech (as I blog this…yeah, I…
Happiness is deeply rooted in your social relationships Countless studies point to relationships as the main factor of personal happiness. Harvard psychiatrist Dr. Robert Waldinger is the current director of the longest study of human health and happiness (a 75-year project). His main takeaway: “Good relationships keep us happier and healthier. Period.” Think About…
Isolation in a hyper-connected world We must ask: Is social media causing greater social isolation. It’s funny because we are more connected in ways than ever before. Smartphones and social media allow us to connect with people with such ease. Ironically, we don’t seem to be any happier as a society. In fact, there…
Relationships are the key to happiness in life. There are countless studies that support this truth. One powerful example comes from Dr. Robert Waldinger, a Harvard psychiatrist, is the 4th and current director of the longest study of human health and happiness (a 75-year project). His takeaway from that study?: “The clearest message that we…
The recent death of Robin Williams has left us all reeling. How could this light have gone out? He was a comet blazing across the sky for so long we thought it could never end…especially this way. He was part of the fabric of our lives, woven into us through his prolific career and…
In the previous post, I briefly discussed how mindfulness involves being nonjudgmental. In a manner of speaking, this is impossible. We are constantly making judgements: What do I want to eat? What do I want to wear? What TV show do I want to watch? Which friend do I want to try to hang…
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is one of my favorite books of all time. I read it my junior year of high school and loved it immediately, which I can’t say for many of the other books which I was required to read (yes, I’m talking to you Silas Marner). If…