We all live in an age of stress and anxiety. There are many things that contribute to this problem, such as rampant perfectionism, how we use technology, and unrealistic expectations. The good news is there are also a number of things that can be used to turn down the volume of our stress and anxiety. Inner Critic Let’s start with our thoughts. Often, a harsh inner critic and a constant striving for perfection and achievement will contribute to...

Just about every couple could benefit from seeing a marriage counselor at some point in their marriage. Timing is an important consideration. Don’t wait until your marriage is almost dead before you see a marriage counselor! Make an appointment when you “hit a snag”. What I mean by that is that when you and your partner have an issue that isn’t resolving and is in fact growing more troublesome, or could grow more troublesome if it isn’t...

As a society, I think we are very confused about what we are doing with our permanent relationships. We have more knowledge available to us than ever before, but we seem to have lost a corresponding amount of wisdom! People used to know that sometime during the first part of marriage the “honeymoon would be over”, and the couple would have to then begin adjusting themselves to the long, arduous, difficult situation that is marriage. The process...

If you are worried that your marriage is headed south, do a 180 and find your True North again. Don’t worry about getting your spouse on board – you can do this all by yourself. This is a strategy Michele Weiner-Davis talks about in her Divorce-Busting series, and it really works. Perhaps your spouse is threatening to file for divorce, or maybe (s)he has already left. Take a deep breath, calm down and get ready to turn your marriage around....

Clutter and housecleaning can be a major source of stress! Stress causes and worsens illness. Peace in our homes radiates out into our relationships, and our health. So, I’m going to spend some time discussing some practical issues. Let’s start with the entry of the home. Whatever you have to work with, your entry should say “Welcome home!”—not, “You’ve got so much work to do here, don’t even think about relaxing anytime soon. If you had any...

If piles of paper are spilling onto the floor from every horizontal surface of your house, if you have boxes of paper stashed in the back of your closet and in your garage, you are not alone. However, it’s probably making you feel overwhelmed, anxious, and even depressed. Here’s what to do when your paper has gotten way out of control. Believe it can be organized. Sometimes, things are soooo bad, you may have given up all hope. There IS hope!...