In The Upward Spiral (New Harbinger Publications, 2015), UCLA neuroscientist Alex Korb demystifies the intricate brain processes that cause depression and offers a practical and effective approach to getting better. Based on the latest research in neuroscience, he offers multiple tips for rewiring the brain, altering its chemistry, and in so doing, creating an upward spiral towards a happier, healthier life.
Tips for New Grandparents (M. Haiken)
The following pointers are abridged from a lovely online piece by Melanie Haiken, writer, editor, and former Executive Editor at BabyCenter.com. She advises new grandparents on how to handle their new role to ensure ongoing smooth relationships.
At the core of her wise advice is a respect for boundaries: As much as you love this new infant, you are not the parent.
Love is Not Enough (A. Beck)
In Love Is Never Enough: How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstanding (2010), father of cognitive therapy and professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania Aaron T. Beck analyzes the actual dialogue of troubled couples to illuminate the most common problems in marriage.
He points to the negative thinking, disillusionment, rigid rules, unrealistic expectations, and illogical conclusions as contributing to much of the miscommunication that pulls partners apart.
Persuasion and the Emotions (T. Chamorro-Premuzic)
In a recent article in the Harvard Business Review (Persuasion Depends Mostly on the Audience, 6.2.15), Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Professor of Business Psychology at University College London and a faculty member at Columbia University, explores how persuasion is emotional first and rational second. Effective persuasion, he tells us, highlights the irrationality of human thinking; “we may be living in a data-driven world, but that does not make people more logical.”
Recognizing an Abusive Relationship
Domestic violence affects people from every racial, cultural, religious and socio-economic backgrounds, and of every sexual orientation. A leading cause of injury for American women between the ages of 15 and 54, it takes place against women of every age. It is easy and natural to ignore signs of domestic violence.
Co-parenting After Divorce
When parents divorce or dissolve their relationship, they are well-served in raising healthy, well-adjusted children by communicating clearly, cooperatively and respectfully about parenting issues.
While these tips are intended primarily for divorced parents, they are most certainly helpful for all parents – as very few parents share the exact same style or approach.
Key to Success: Trust Yourself (Diane von Furstenberg)
In New York Times column Corner Office (05.03.15), Adam Bryant talks with top executives about the challenges of leading and managing. In an interview with fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg, a central theme running through many of her responses is the notion of trusting oneself.
I loved her definition of what it means to be relationship with oneself. The following are edited selections of her words.
Setting Healthy Boundaries (D. Pincus)
Mental health counselor Debbie Pincus reminds us that when we know where we stand as parents, it is easier for us to figure out what we will and won’t put up with from our child. If we define our boundaries and try to stick to our principles rather than reacting to our moment-to-moment emotions, we will create a home environment that benefits both parent and child.