Work is an important part of life, but it is not the only part. Often, it is not even the central part. Boundaries with our work are hugely important in maintaining healthy life relationships, adequate physical care for our bodies, and even influence our productivity at work. We need emotional boundaries: not taking work home … Continue reading How I’ve started setting boundaries at work
This can be a short blogpost. Answer: Yes. Okay, okay, let’s go a little bit deeper. There are huge connections between our physical and mental health. Plenty of scientific studies show the connection between sleep and healthy immune functioning, reduced anxiety and depression, and overall feeling better. Beyond the science, I know that sleep impacts our … Continue reading Does sleep really impact my mental health?
I am one of those people who dislikes conflict. Not to the point of avoiding it to all extremes, but it's not fun. It makes my stomach churn. Yes, conflict can enhance creativity and problem solving, and strengthen relationships as we work through disagreement. But that requires resolution to the conflict - in fact, … Continue reading My top 5 steps in resolving conflict
Is there any title that would be more easily agreed upon? We are all called to protect children from abuse. Of course, we are each called to protect all peoplefrom abuse – women, men, children, adults. But children are in a uniquely vulnerable position. They rely upon adults to care for them, and their knowledge and awareness … Continue reading Protecting children from abuse
I hope that this title makes no sense to you. Relationship drama? What is that? Let’ sum it up as: emotional excess in romantic relationships. It is very easy to get caught up in the he-said-she-said “drama” of relationships, not to mention the “they said” component of social media. No one is very logical when … Continue reading Relationship Drama is so Overrated
It sounds so… counterproductive. Schedule your worry time? How on earth would this help with excessive anxiety? It does sound counterproductive, but this is actually a common counseling intervention for folks who are struggling with obsessive thoughts, anxiety, and worry. Here’s how it works: Prep work: Schedule a specific time to worry on a regular basis. Set … Continue reading Scheduling your worry time
Apologies for the quasi-rhyme. But this is a real question that we often take for granted. Whether it’s a middle-school soccer team, a work group that is required to act like a team, or right here at iHope with our “counseling team” – what does this even mean? Here at iHope, we often refer to ourselves as a … Continue reading What does it mean to be part of a team?
This week, I was reminded by God (and my discipleship group… and a secular book that I’m reading… and the conviction of the Holy Spirit…) that words are powerful. Words shape our perspective. Today, it’s rainy here in Florence. It’s been rainy for months, frankly. Every hint of rainfall leads to a flood warning from the … Continue reading Words shape our perspective: Thoughts on a(nother) rainy Saturday.
Earlier this year, we posted a blog asking: Do you know what your child is doing on their phone? Many parents want to avoid the sad reality on how smartphones and social media are impacting our kids. It is a scary question to ask, but who promised that raising a child would be easy? (They … Continue reading What would your child’s youth pastor say they are most concerned about for your child?
How often do you genuinely and repentantly confess your sins? Confession is a huge part of the Christian life, and it is critically important to a healthy life. It impacts our emotions, our mental health, our relationships, our pride, our accurate understanding of ourselves, and our spiritual life with Christ. But confession is hard. I … Continue reading The Need for Confession in our Lives
