When It Comes to Venting, Sharing Is Not Caring
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
11h ago
It is no wonder that my patient felt drained after spending a weekend with an old friend who was known to be a relentless complainer. Grumbling about what’s bothering you may feel like a good idea but studies show it can do more harm than good—to both the grumbler and the person on the receiving end of the grumbling.  As Arthur Brooks recently highlighted in the Atlantic: The problem with all of this kvetching is that it can feel therapeutic—but it typically isn’t. Although complaining might offer temporary relief, it’s bad for your happiness in the long run. Polish researchers ..read more
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Conflict Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
1M ago
The Good Fight Call me cynical but I worry whenever I hear a couple say, “we never argue.” Tiptoeing around disagreements might feel good in the short term, but in the long run undermines the quality of the relationship. The pressure to have a fairytale romance is more intense than ever thanks to social media. If one were to believe all the gushing posts about people’s significant other, it would be impossible to imagine anything other than a blissful frictionless co-existence. Cue the champagne and roses. Contrary to what social media leads us to believe, perfect harmony is not  ..read more
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An Antidote for Wound Collecting
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
1M ago
“Being impacted by being what happened to you isn’t victimhood, it’s human. Making an identity out of it is victimhood.” — Seerut Chawla The stories we tell about ourselves shape the people we become. If we fixate on how we have been wronged, we become wound collectors—stuck in the past and awash in grievances. Focusing on fragility overshadows our capability to overcome adversity. Making an identity out of the bad things that happen to us can result in a preoccupation with victimhood, leaving an individual stuck in a vortex of finger pointing, self-focus, and rumination. Those with ..read more
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The Perils of Certitude and the Joy of Being Wrong
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
2M ago
While it might be human to make mistakes, we are often reluctant to admit to them. When it comes to taking responsibility, we waffle, come up with excuses, or point the finger at someone else. Avoidance and denial are frequently the default response. We worry that admitting we were wrong will damage our reputation, diminish our standing, and perhaps even raise questions about our character. But research suggests this is not the case at all. In fact, acknowledging mistakes increases forgiveness and enhances perceptions of intelligence, competence, and decency. A study f ..read more
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3 Phrases to Use More of in 2024 and 1 to Use Less
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
3M ago
Words hold power. The more we talk about what inspires us, the more inspired we become. The more we talk about what diminishes us, the smaller we feel. What we say shapes our expectations, our reality, and our relationships. Language can limit or expand how we think and interact. Consider the phrases that roll off your tongue. Do they shut others down or invite them to open up? Do they invite or extinguish conversation? Do they promote curiosity or entrench certainty? What we say speaks volumes. Use language that elevates, connects, and illuminates. Kick off 2024 by saying more of the followi ..read more
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8 Ways to Make Meaningful Small Talk
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
3M ago
Does the thought of making small talk fill you with dread? You’re not alone. Most people dislike idle chitchat because it feels fake and like a waste of time. We can all agree that talking about the weather is not interesting unless you are speaking to a meteorologist and a hurricane is on the way. Contrary to conventional advice to “keep it light,” studies show that people prefer having deeper and more meaningful discussions. Moreover, engaging in substantive conversations is linked with greater happiness and well-being. There are two main explanations for this—we are ..read more
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7 Habits That Can Cut the Risk of Depression in Half
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
3M ago
“We are what we repeatedly do.” —Aristotle Your answers to these seven questions have serious implications for your mental health: Do you get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night? How much junk food do you consume? Do you make time for friends and family? Do you exercise regularly? How many hours a day do you sit at your desk? Do you smoke cigarettes? How much alcohol do you consume? A new study published in Nature Mental Health found that a healthy lifestyle can prevent depression, even in those who had a genetic predisposition. While pharmaceutical advertisements have led man ..read more
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Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle — 8 Ways to Dial Down Holiday Stress
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
3M ago
For as long as I have been practicing psychiatry, helping patients navigate the stress of the holidays has been a primary focus during the months of November and December. For many, the most wonderful time of the year actually turns out to be the most stressful time of the year. Awkward office holiday parties, the burden of family rituals, and unrealistic expectations coupled with the pressure to be merry contribute to holiday woes. Here are 8 strategies to help make the holidays happy and healthy. 1. Extend grace “A family member’s critical barb or resentful behavior is no ..read more
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The Secret Sauce of Gratitude: Look for the Gift Behind the Gift
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
3M ago
Before my kids could even talk, I was telling them to say thank you. I must have sounded like a broken record. Say thank you to Daddy for the bedtime story. Say thank you to Aunt Serena for the winged pajamas. Say thank you to Charlie for bringing your bottle. It’s a small wonder that they didn’t rise up out of their cribs and try to shove one of their stuffed animals in my mouth to keep me quiet. In addition to having good manners, I hoped they would internalize the importance of expressing gratitude. It took me a while to realize that there is a vast gap between mindlessly uttering ..read more
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8 Counterintuitive Strategies for a Happier Thanksgiving
Positive Prescription
by Positive Prescription
3M ago
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Here are a few tips to help you and your family keep the peace and make the most of the holiday: 1. Be clear-eyed Manage expectations. It’s nice to have high hopes for the holidays but be realistic. There is no such thing as the perfect holiday. Aim for good enough. 2. Be picky Choose carefully what you say “yes” to. There is a difference between events you want to attend and events you feel like you have to attend. Don’t be afraid to say, “Thank you for thinking of me. Unfortunately, I cannot make it.” If you are feeling particularly stuf ..read more
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