Community values are reflected in our norms about social sanctions and third party punishments (TPPs). Our online interactions with celebrities reveal shifts in a society’s moral codes. “Cancel culture” can indicate a time-honored practice of regulating social behavior or pure trolling. Gossip, concept creep, and identity can also feed into…
Physical health has always been emphasized and encouraged. Habits like maintaining a healthy diet, going to the gym, brushing your teeth, are just a few familiar examples. But how about maintaining your mental health? While physical wellness is definitely important, one’s emotional and mental state also need attention on a…
Socializing plays a huge role in our health and wellbeing—unfortunately, many of us fail to fulfill our social needs in the cold days of winter. Why is socializing so important? Because it brings us pleasure, helps us stay active (which is also important to overall health and wellbeing), and fights…
Feeling isolated or forgotten by your loved ones is a terrible feeling, but it’s important to put things into perspective. First, consider why you feel isolated from your friends; then, think about expanding your social circle and also show compassion to the friends with a busy schedule. Once you’ve grounded…
There’s an underrated, simple solution for relieving ourselves of stress and anxiety: engaging in a little humor. Appeal to your funny bone by accessing some quick humor or thinking back on a funny moment. Share your favorite humor or a funny moment with a friend—socializing will get you some added…
Those who develop posttraumatic stress disorder as a result of experiencing trauma often suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, hypervigilance, and/or depressed mood. They may also go through periods of heightened irritability, hostility, and self-destructive behavior. But the question is when? Jessica Tappana, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in…
We all get lonely from time to time—after a breakup, at a new job, in a new city. Or sometimes for no obvious reason at all. But whatever the case, we have the power to relieve those uncomfortable, unwelcome feelings. While there are several approaches to doing so—such as socializing,…
Not too long ago, I went through a messy breakup. One that left me feeling depressed and overwhelmingly lonely. Fortunately, however, after a month or so of sulking around, I decided to embrace the chance to rediscover my independence. I saw my friends and family every now and then, but…
I have good news: you are capable of overcoming those feelings of loneliness that have been hanging around. And the better news is that you’ll reap additional benefits in the process. So, what does it take? It takes stepping outside of yourself and stepping up to help others. While there…
I’m guessing you’ve heard the term “self-care” before, right? And you probably associate it with a few specific images: sinking into a warm bubble bath, scribbling in a journal before bed, or maybe meditating quietly on a yoga mat. These are all accurate representations of self-care (or at least they…