Psychology

WORKING 9-5:00

Posted on by vlaw759

Working from home was relatively rare prior to the pandemic that took hold in 2019. Now there is a big push for return to office (RTO) work. Most notably, Trump has mandated RTO for all federal employees. Is this a smart move?

Remote Work Studies and Statistics

  • A study by Great Place To Work found that most people reported stable or even increased productivity levels after employees started working from home.
remote work skeleton desk
  • Owl Labs found that 83 percent of remote workers felt they were equally productive, if not more, than when they were physically in an office.
  • A 2019 study by Airtasker found that remote and in-office employees perform equally well, and 65% of remote workers reported feeling more productive away from the office.

According to activtrak.com, remote workers are 35-40% more productive than employees who work in a traditional office.

  • Work conducted remotely includes 40% fewer mistakes than work done at the office.
  • Work-from-home employees save an average of 72 minutes a day that would otherwise go to commuting — and give 40% of that time back to their employers.

Companies requiring employees to return to the office may face a smaller talent pool for open positions. Over time, this could hinder their ability to compete.

remote work doesn't require commuting

So Why Mandate RTO?

  • Some companies believe that in-person work can lead to increased productivity and focus, as opposed to the potential distractions of working from home.
remote work
  • Companies have invested heavily in office space, and empty desks represent a sunk cost. Returning to the office aims to justify these investments by maximizing office use.
  • Many leaders believe that in-person work strengthens company culture, boosts employee engagement, and facilitates better collaboration and mentorship.
  • Some leaders believe that in-person interaction can improve employee morale and engagement, potentially leading to higher retention rates.
  • Some argue that the lack of social interaction in remote work can lead to isolation and decreased employee well-being, which in-person work can help mitigate.

The Downside of RTO Mandates

Returning to the office after a period of remote or hybrid work presents several challenges. Here’s a breakdown of key challenges.

Employee Resistance and Discomfort

  • Many employees have grown accustomed to the flexibility of remote work and may resist returning to the office, especially if it means a loss of autonomy and control over their work-life balance.
  • Salaried employees especially, who are hired to “get the job done” regardless of the hours required, may resent the office “time clock” mentality.
  • The prospect of commuting can be a significant deterrent for some employees, who may have valued the convenience and the time saved by not commuting.
  • Commuting costs money, often including paying for parking, vehicle maintenance, fuel, tolls, insurance, or bus and train fare.
  • Many people find driving in rush hour traffic stressful.
  • With the promise of remote work, people may have taken positions too far to commute to an office and be reluctant to move.
  • A lack of clear communication and a well-defined return-to-office plan can lead to anxiety and uncertainty among employees.
  • Some employees fear that returning to the office will mean the permanent end of remote work opportunities, which can lead to a decline in morale.

Adjusting to a New Work Environment

  • After a period of remote work, employees may need to adjust to the dynamics of in-person collaboration and teamwork.
  • Companies may need to invest time and effort in fostering a positive and inclusive workplace culture that supports both in-person and remote work.
  • It’s important to manage employee expectations regarding the new work environment and ensure that it meets their needs and preferences.

Managing Expectations and Communication

  • It’s crucial to proactively address employee concerns and anxieties regarding the return to the office.
  • Open and transparent communication is essential to ensure that employees are informed about the return-to-office plan and have a clear understanding of expectations.
  • Companies should actively solicit feedback from employees to ensure that the return-to-office plan is effective and meets their needs.

I found no research supporting RTO full-time for improving financial performance or firm values. On the other hand, companies with flexible work arrangements, including part-time remote schedules, are 21% more profitable than fully in-person companies.

In addition, organizations offering more flexibility can attract top talent who are uninterested in rigid RTO policies or are more distant geographically.

It seems successful companies need to allow for both in-person and remote work options.

  • This may include modifying or updating their technology infrastructure to support both.
  • In addition, companies may need to develop an employee culture that values both options.
  • Even with reduced days in an office, employees have greater flexibility in work-life balance, reduced commuting times, and lower personal expenses.
  • A perceived loss of control over how one spends one’s time can significantly impact mental health, potentially leading to or exacerbating conditions such conditions as anxiety and depression.

Variations on a Theme: Hybrid Models

Anchor days and weeks mandate employees to be in the office on designated days or weeks while allowing remote work for the remainder of the time.

Business Insider data suggests that, given an option, employers most commonly choose Tuesday for workers to come in. According to Bloomberg, Mondays are popular WFH days for project-based people. Fridays, too, are popular but for opposite reasons. (It’s easier to end early and enjoy the weekend sooner if you’re already at home).

But when all is said and done, it is the employer’s choice.

  • There’s no law that mandates employers to offer remote work options at all.
  • Even if offered, they do not have to be offered to all employees, nor are employers required to treat all employees the same regarding remote work.
  • Employers are free to set policies and make decisions based on their specific business needs, which can include factors like job function, team dynamics, and operational requirements.
  • However, employers must avoid discriminatory practices. They cannot allow remote work for certain groups while denying it to others based on protected characteristics (race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, etc.).
  • If an employee with a disability requires remote work as a reasonable accommodation, employers are generally obligated to provide it, unless it would cause an undue hardship.
  • And once again, communication is key: clear communication about remote work policies and the reasons behind them can help avoid misunderstandings and potential complaints—or lawsuits!

Of course, the employee can also simply quit and try to find work with a more flexible company!

Bottom Line: Except in rare cases, an employee is required to work in the office if and when the employer mandates. Suck it up, Buttercup.

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS

Posted on by vlaw759

A few days ago, I learned from former classmates that my high school sweetheart had died suddenly the day before. I had not seen Bill or heard from him in more than ten years, but I found his obituary online and was immediately swept back in time to my childhood in a small Ohio town, where most of us were classmates and childhood friends from first grade through graduation.

My Childhood Friends

Research has proven the importance of childhood friendships for social and emotional development. But my focus here is more personal, on the importance of childhood friendships for me. I believe these observations hold true for other adults as well. 

My childhood friends and I share a unique history and understanding of each other’s lives. We knew each other’s parents, siblings, activities, achievements, and (sometimes) failures.

In a broader sense, we shared music, movies, TV, major news events, and cultural icons.

These shared experiences bring feelings of familiarity that make so many of us enjoy high school reunions.

Some experiences are shared with only one other. With the death of my high school sweetheart, that reflection of me—that mirror—is gone forever. No one else knew me—or could ever know me—in quite the same way.

Similarly, only one friend was present when I learned to ride horses bareback or tried playing chess and decided it wasn’t for me. The retelling is thin, lacking the intensity, thrill, frustration, and laughter. There’s a reason people say, “You had to be there!”

Sheer proximity guides some of the most intense childhood memories.  Because I was seated behind her in first grade, I may be the only one of our classmates who remembers Mary Jane peeing her pants in first grade. (The teacher, who thought too many kids were requesting bathroom passes, denied her.) 

Friendships require shared interests, activities or tasks—something to bring people together. Bill was a long-distance runner and captain of the track team. I was the statistician for the track team, and we often sat together on the bus to and from away meets. We started going steady and ended up being voted class sweethearts senior year.

By the Numbers

Adults report that, most frequently, their friends are coworkers. Among children most share school, farm chores, sports, music, or other extracurricular activities.  Research indicates that children usually have lots of friends, typically 10 to 20.

Friendships become more selective during adolescence, averaging 5 to10 close friends. In adolescence, friendships become more intimate, with the sharing of personal thoughts and feelings as well as time.

Young adults usually experience a further decline in the number of close friends, averaging around 3 to 5, and are likely to be lasting, meaningful connections.

When childhood friendships last a lifetime, they provide a sense of stability and consistency in one’s life.

Sharon, who was my best friend from first grade until we went to separate colleges, has never lived near me since then. But whenever we manage to visit, it’s like we were never apart: we immediately talk freely about matters of family, health, spouses, or social concerns—i.e., anything and everything. I can always count on her.  And I believe our mutual comfort is rooted in our shared history.

When childhood friends remain close for a lifetime, they are an important source of support and companionship, even in old age. 

Although childhood friendships can last a lifetime for some, others fade due to changing interests, life circumstances, or personal growth.

Some make a distinction between friends of the road and friends of the heart. The former are intense and important until changes like those above separate them. The latter are the ones that last forever, regardless of changes and distance.

Both leave traces in our heats and in our memories.

Bottom Line: Even when they are over, friendships are never completely gone.

S.A.D. Writers

Posted on by vlaw759
harp S.A.D.
Today’s blog about S.A.D. is guest-written by Katheen Corcoran

We’re seeing a return of warmer temperatures and thawing ground as winter comes to an end in the Northern Hemisphere. As the days lengthen and crocuses (and people) start to poke their heads out, many people dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder start to see a reduction in symptoms. From this warmer and sunnier vantage point, it’s nice to look back and appreciate some bleak winter weather. Some authors seem to have truly embraced the winter spirit, and it shows in their writing.

(Note: I am not trying to diagnose these authors with S.A.D., simply appreciating their wintry writing.)

S.A.D. Poetry

Poetry, with its focus on imagery and flexible word usage, is ideal for evoking atmosphere. These poets have embraced all the cold, dark, bleakness of wintry S.A.D. and turned it into beauty for the rest of us to enjoy.

S.A.D. frozen forest

Snow falling and night falling fast, oh, fast
In a field I looked into going past,
And the ground almost covered smooth in snow,
But a few weeds and stubble showing last.

Robert Frost ― “Desert Places”

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Christina Rossetti ― “In the Bleak Midwinter”

S.A.D. frozen river

Wynter wakeneth al my care,
Nou this leves waxeth bare;
Ofte I sike ant mourne sare
When hit cometh in my thoht
Of this worldes joie, hou hit goth al to noht.

Nou hit is, and nou hit nys,
Al so hit ner nere, ywys;
That moni mon seith, soth hit ys:
Al goth bote Godes wille:
Alle we shule deye, thah us like ylle.

Al that gren me graueth grene,
Nou hit faleweth albydene:
Jesu, help that hit be sene
Ant shild us from helle!
For y not whider y shal, ne hou longe her duelle.

Anonymous Winter poem (around 1310, maybe in Leominster, Herefordshire)

S.A.D. Prose

Not surprisingly, authors at higher latitudes, where winter brings the longest nights, have a tendency to reflect this in their writing. Swedish, Russian, French, and Northern American authors often include winter almost as a character in their works, including themes of cold, isolation, and deprivation.

“Six months passed. White winter had set in the cruel stillness of cloudless frosts, with its thick crunching snow, rosy hoarfrost on the trees, pale emerald sky, wreaths of smoke curling above the chimneys, steam emerging from momentarily opened doors, with those fresh faces which look bitten by cold, and the hurried trot of shivering horses. A January day was drawing to its close; the evening cold pierced keenly through the motionless air, and a brilliant sunset was rapidly dying away.”

Ivan Turgenev ― Fathers and Sons

“It was bitter cold. The streets were covered with a thick, black, glassy layer of ice, like the bottom of beer bottles. It hurt her to breathe. The air was dense with gray sleet and it tickled and pricked her face like the gray frozen bristles of her fur cape. Her heart thumping, she walked through the deserted streets past the steaming doors of cheap teashops and restaurants. Faces as red as sausages and horses’ and dogs’ heads with beards of icicles emerged from the mist.” 

Boris Pasternak ― Doctor Zhivago

Although it was only six o’clock, the night was already dark. The fog, made thicker by its proximity to the Seine, blurred every detail with its ragged veils, punctured at various distances by the reddish glow of lanterns and bars of light escaping from illuminated windows. The road was soaked with rain and glittered under the street-lamps, like a lake reflecting strings of lights. A bitter wind, heavy with icy particles, whipped at my face, its howling forming the high notes of a symphony whose bass was played by swollen waves crashing into the piers of the bridges below. The evening lacked none of winter’s rough poetry.

Théophile Gautier ― Hashish, Wine, Opium

When the cold comes to New England it arrives in sheets of sleet and ice. In December, the wind wraps itself around bare trees and twists in between husbands and wives asleep in their beds. It shakes the shingles from the roofs and sifts through cracks in the plaster. The only green things left are the holly bushes and the old boxwood hedges in the village, and these are often painted white with snow. Chipmunks and weasels come to nest in basements and barns; owls find their way into attics. At night, the dark is blue and bluer still, as sapphire of night.

Alice Hoffman ― Here on Earth

GOOD VIBES

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People typically feel relaxed and calm when they do things that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing them to let go of tension and stress. When the bad vibes threaten to overwhelm you, consider the following suggestions to return good vibes to your life!

Sounds Can Promote Relaxation

Listening to calming music can promote good vibes. Such music typically features slow, soothing melodies, minimal percussion, and soft instrumentation such as piano, guitar, and strings. The tempo is generally slow, and the volume is often kept low to create a peaceful atmosphere.

Nature sounds, such as ocean waves or rain, rustling leaves, chirring of insects.

Gentle ambient noise, such as a fan or “noise machine.”

Sights

If you feel the craziness closing in, your eyes can help restore your good vibes!

Water is key: Looking at water, especially calm bodies like a lake or a quiet ocean, can significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure, inducing a meditative state. 

Natural patterns: Fractal patterns found in nature, like the branching of trees or the ripples on water, can be particularly soothing. 

Wide open spaces: Expansive landscapes with open horizons can promote a sense of peace and tranquility. 

Activities

There are steps you can take to improve the vibes in your life, some easier than others.

Deep breathing: Focusing on slow, deep breaths is a highly effective way to activate the relaxation response in the body. It’s a simple and effective way to reduce anxiety and anger.

Heat: Taking a warm bath or applying heat to tense muscles can induce relaxation.

Physical activity with low intensity: Gentle stretching, yoga, or walking can help release tension in the body. 

Get into nature. Nature is calming because it provides a sensory experience that engages multiple senses with sights, sounds, and smells that are often repetitive and predictable, which can help to reduce stress, lower heart rate, and promote relaxation. Being in nature essentially acts as a distraction from daily worries and allows for a sense of connection to something larger than oneself. Many of these benefits come to gardeners. There is also something called the biophilia hypothesis: research suggests humans have an innate connection to nature, which can lead to feelings of well-being when exposed to natural elements.

Keep a journal. It provides a safe place to express and process your thoughts and emotions, allowing you to gain clarity, release pent-up feelings, and reflect on experiences, often leading to a sense of reduced stress and anxiety. 

Get creative. Creativity often leads to a sense of self-expression, reduced stress, and a feeling of control over your inner world, essentially providing an outlet to process and release tension. Creativity can put us in a flow state, meaning we become focused with optimal attention on a task or activity. This is sometimes called being “in the zone.” When we are in the zone, it can feel euphoric, and we become more mindful and relaxed.

Mind Games

The phrase “mind games” tends to evoke images of power-hungry bosses or abusive ex-partners. However, you can also play mind games with yourself to encourage healthy practices!

Mindfulness practices: Meditation and other mindfulness techniques help to quiet the mind and become more aware of the present moment, reducing stress.

Relaxing imagery: Can help calm down angry feelings.

Being grateful: Practicing gratitude can reduce cortisol, the key stress hormone. You can record your gratefulness in a journal.

Visual imagery: Imagining peaceful scenes or calming scenarios can help to distract from worries and promote relaxation. 

Environment

The outside impacts the inside. By the same token, surrounding yourself with good vibes has a powerful impact on mental well-being.

Warm environments are more relaxing than cold ones.

Color palette: Soft, muted colors like blues, greens, and pastel shades are generally considered calming.

Limit clutter in your personal environment.

Limit your exposure to negative stimuli, such as disturbing news.

Habits

On their own, small habits may not make much difference. But when you practice them regularly, you may find an appreciable improvement.

Regularly engage in positive social interaction: Spending time with loved ones or engaging in pleasant conversations can promote feelings of well-being and reduce stress. 

Sleep: Getting enough sleep is important for thinking clearly and controlling negative emotions. To sleep better, you can avoid caffeine, alcohol, and heavy meals before bed. 

Nutrition: Eating well is a key part of maintaining calm. See below.

Physical activity: Exercise can help you feel calmer.

Routines: Having a consistent morning routine can reduce decision-making and stress. 

Eating and drinking

What you put into your body can have a major impact on how your brain works. Nutritionists have identified many foods that support mental health and well-being.

Lots of people relax with alcohol, but this is not a good primary practice, given the empty calories, loss of control, and potential for addiction.

Instead limit caffeine and drink chamomile tea and green tea. 

Complex carbohydrates are good, including whole grains like breads and pastas, brown or wild rice, and oatmeal. 

Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish like salmon, tuna, and halibut; avocados; flaxseed.

Magnesium from foods such as leafy greens like spinach and Swiss chard; legumes, nuts, and seeds; dark chocolate; bananas.

Vitamin C is good, from berries like strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries; and, of course, oranges.

Surprise! You can get probiotics from pickles, sauerkraut, and kefir. 

Other good foods: yogurt, dark leafy greens, asparagus, oysters, cashews, liver, beef, and egg yolks.

You can also try eating lean proteins to help calm you.

Emotional Control

The physical environment can certainly influence good vibes, but exercising emotional control can have a powerful effect on mental health.

Treat yourself kindly: Calm people don’t beat themselves up about mistakes or weaknesses.

Seeing the middle ground: Expect that there will be glitches, even when people do their best.

Respecting boundaries: Setting boundaries can lead to long-term benefits. 

Use your phone judiciously. Be mindful about media you consume.

Why Bother?

Regular practice of relaxation techniques will assist you in relieving muscle tension, reducing anxiety, and improving your overall wellbeing.

Other physiological benefits:

  • Decrease in heart rate
  • Decrease in respiration rate

Being calm and relaxed significantly improves both mental and physical health:

  • Reducing stress
  • Lowering blood pressure
  • Enhancing focus
  • Improving sleep quality
  • Boosting mood
  • Allowing for better decision-making, ultimately leading to a higher quality of life

Essentially, it allows your body and mind to recharge and function optimally.

Bottom Line: There are myriad ways to relax and promote calm, and the benefits are well worth the effort.

BAD FEELINGS

Posted on by vlaw759

You know what they are, and we all have them sometimes. They vary in intensity, and everyone recognizes how bad the most intense episodes are.

For example:

Irritated-> angry-> furious-> homicidal
Down-> blue-> sad-> depressed-> suicidal
Self-conscious-> embarrassed-> humiliated
Cautious-> suspicious-> fearful-> paranoid

Bad Feelings in the Body

Even mild prolonged negative emotions can lead to various outcomes like headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, and upset stomach.

Negative feelings, like stress, anxiety, anger, and sadness, can significantly impact physical health. Among other effects, bad feelings can cause the following:

  • Weakening the immune system
  • Increasing inflammation
  • Disrupting sleep patterns
  • Raising blood pressure
  • Contributing to digestive issues
  • Potentially leading to chronic diseases like cardiovascular problems

It’s Not All in Your Head!

Stress hormones:
When experiencing negative emotions, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol, which can disrupt normal bodily functions, including immune response and blood sugar regulation.

Cardiovascular impact:
Chronic stress and anger can contribute to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Digestive issues:
Negative emotions can lead to digestive problems like stomach aches, nausea, and changes in bowel movements due to the impact on gut health. 

Sleep disturbances:
Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep is often associated with stress and anxiety, further impacting overall health. 

Impaired immune function:
Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections. 

Muscle tension:
Negative emotions can lead to muscle tension and pain, particularly in the neck and shoulders.

Headaches and migraines:
Stress and tension can trigger headaches or migraines in some individuals. 

Which Feelings Cause What

Specific negative emotions have different potential physical effects!

Anger:
High blood pressure, headaches, stomach ulcers, increased risk of heart disease

Anxiety:
Rapid heart rate, chest pain, difficulty breathing, muscle tension

Depression:
Fatigue, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, aches and pains 

Overcoming Bad Feelings

What can be done to mitigate the effects of negative emotions on physical health?

Stress management techniques:
Mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, regular physical activity

Healthy coping mechanisms:
Social support, hobbies, relaxation techniques

Professional help:
Therapy or counseling to address underlying emotional issues

Lifestyle changes:
Adequate sleep, balanced diet, regular exercise

Bottom Line: Bad feelings are bad for your health, so try to have as few of them as possible. When they are unavoidable, take what steps you can to manage them in a healthy way.

PRIORITIES: WE ALL HAVE THEM

Posted on by vlaw759
William Penn priorities
“Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.” (William Penn)

As a young mother, employed full time, I complained to my paternal grandmother that I really needed more time. Granny said, “Honey, you have all the time there is.” Or to put it another way, as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe did, ”One always has time enough, if one will apply it well.” And there you have it, the need to set priorities.

One simplistic approach is this Peter F. Drucker quote, “Do first things first and second things not at all.” But we have to deal with more than first and second.

Eisenhower Matrix

Dwight D. Eisenhower had definite advice on how to deal with this:

Eisenhower Matrix

Well, that’s one way, and it’s worked for lots of people in both personal and professional situations.

Note: This decision matrix would need to be considered for everything on your to-do list.

Ask yourself these questions for every task:

  • Does this task contribute to my long-term goals or values? If yes, it’s important.
  • Does this task have to be done right now, or face consequences? If yes, it’s urgent.
  • Does this task help someone else more than it helps me? If yes, it’s possibly not important but could be urgent.
  • Does this task take up more time than it’s worth? If yes, it might not be urgent or important.

I didn’t find guidance on what to do when more than one task comes up both urgent and important.

Organize Priorities

“Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.” (Don Marquis)

Of course some people simply organize their to-do lists.
For procrastinators, these lists might be:

  • Do Tomorrow
  • Do Soon
  • Do Sometime
  • Don’t Bother

For many procrastinators, if it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would ever get done!

Even if not consciously set, everyone lives their priorities.

  • “Action expresses priorities.” (Mahatma Ghandi)
  • “Your decisions reveal your priorities” (Jeff Van Gundy)
  • “What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)
  • “It’s how we spend our time here, and now that really matters. If you are fed up with the way you have come to interact with time, change it.” (Marcia Wieder)

It could be argued that success requires the focus that comes from priorities. “When everything is a priority, nothing is a priority.” (Simon Fulleringer) “If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.” (Unknown)

Planning Priorities

Consider these quotes that encourage planning:

“The common man is not concerned about the passage of time, the man of talent is driven by it.” – Arthur Schopenhauer

“If you love life, don’t waste time, for time is what life is made of.” – Bruce Lee

“The most efficient way to live reasonably is every morning to make a plan of one’s day and every night to examine the results obtained.” – Alexis Carrel

“He who every morning plans the transactions of that day and follows that plan carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the most busy life.” – Victor Hugo

“Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still.” – Chinese Proverb

“Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow.” – Anonymous

“The things that matter most should never be at the mercy of the things that matter least.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Also paraphrased as “Don’t let the things that matter least, get in the way of the things that matter most.” ~ Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart (2018)

“The key is not to prioritize what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” – Stephen Covey
(BTW, I hate the word “prioritize” and other nouns that have been turned into verbs, but that’s just me.)

“Decide what you want. Decide what you are willing to exchange for it. Establish your priorities and go to work.” – H. L. Hunt

Prioritize Rest

And as you allocate time, remember to make rest a priority.

“Take rest. A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.” – Ovid
  • “The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.” – Bertrand Russell
  • “Have regular hours for work and play; make each day both useful and pleasant, and prove that you understand the worth of time by employing it well.” – Louisa May Alcott
  • “Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have.” – Sri Sri Ravi Shankar

So it all comes back to time. “The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot.” (Michael Altshuler)

Or at least we can try to pilot our lives, for as Chaucer noted, “Time waits for no man.”

But “The best thing about the future is that it comes one day at a time.” (Abraham Lincoln)

And finally, Charles Richards said, “Don’t be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of.”

Bottom Line: Whatever your priorities, spend your time intentionally.

Why Am I S.A.D.?

Posted on by vlaw759
Today’s guest blog was written by Kathleen Corcoran

The cold is pressing in, the days are short and dark, and colorful gardens are sleeping and gray. It’s easy to get a case of the Winter Blues, but you might also be dealing with something a little more insidious – Seasonal Affective Disorder. If you notice a pattern of depressed moods at the same time every year, you might have S.A.D.

What Causes Seasonal Affective Disorder?

Also known as S.A.D., this subset of mood disorders causes depressive symptoms at the same time every year. Unlike regular depression, S.A.D. comes and goes regularly with the changing seasons.

Though winter-pattern Seasonal Affective Disorder is more common, some people suffer from the mood disorder in the summer. In both varieties, the change in mood coincides with the change in temperature and length of daylight.

The causes of S.A.D. are not entirely clear, but researchers believe it may be related to serotonin, melatonin, or Vitamin D levels. Some scientists believe the change in daylight hours interferes with the brain’s ability to absorb serotonin. Others point to changes in daylight hours messing up melatonin and sleep schedules. Another common hypothesis is that lack of sunlight causes a vitamin D deficiency, leading to mood disruptions.

Other factors that may contribute to winter-pattern S.A.D. include environmental causes. Cold weather often forces people indoors, curtailing opportunities for exercise and social interaction. Fresh fruits and vegetables are less accessible, and those available in grocery stores are generally less nutritious after being force-ripened or shipped long distances. Winter holidays might also contribute to S.A.D., both in the stress leading up to them and the letdown after they’ve passed.

Symptoms of S.A.D.

The symptoms of S.A.D. are very similar to those of general depression, including empty moods, lack of energy, and loss of interest in usual pleasures and hobbies.

In addition, winter-pattern S.A.D. often includes symptoms that make the sufferer look a bit like a hibernating bear:

  • Oversleeping
  • Overeating, particularly of carbohydrates, leading to weight gain
  • Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”)

On the other hand, summer-pattern S.A.D. can cause symptoms that are nearly the opposite:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Poor appetite, leading to weight loss
  • Restlessness and agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Violent or aggressive behavior

S.A.D. History

Knowledge of Seasonal Affective Disorder goes back at least 2500 years! The Greek physician Hippocrates (c 460-377BCE) noted the correlation of seasonal changes and both mania and melancholia all the way back in the 4th Century BCE. Aulus Cornelius Celsus (c 25BCE-50CE) blamed bad weather for a spike in melancholia, madness, and epilepsy.

Some ancient physicians recognized the role of sunlight in treatment for S.A.D. The Greek physician Aretaeus of Cappadocia suggested treating lethargics by laying them in the light and exposing them to the rays of the sun.

Fast forward a few thousand years, psychiatrist Norman Rosenthal noticed that his moods fluctuated much more in the winter after moving from South Africa to New York in 1976. He conducted a study with the National Institute of Health on the relationship between melatonin, light, and mood. In 1984, the NIH research group published the results of their study, naming Seasonal Affective Disorder for the first time in print. The American Psychological Association recognized S.A.D. in 1990 as a mental disorder.

Since that time, many advances in science and medicine have created more effective S.A.D. treatments. Scientists were able to make full-spectrum lamps all the way back in the 1920s, with a combination of incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, but those bulbs are now easier to make and more effective to use. New anti-depressant medications have had promising results in trials for treating Seasonal Affective Disorder. People with S.A.D. can now download phone apps to track circadian rhythms, monitor hormone levels, or set a morning alarm that gradually increases light to mimic dawn.

S.A.D. Treatment

Treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder overlaps in many ways with treatment for other forms of depression. However, the external factors involved in S.A.D. mean that there are some different options. For one thing, the seasonal nature may allow those affected by S.A.D. to anticipate and prepare for changes before symptoms start to occur.

  • Light therapy
  • Dawn simulators
  • Maintaining a regular sleep schedule
  • Exercising outdoors or next to a window
  • Seeking out socialization
  • Psychotherapy
  • Antidepressant medication
  • Vitamin D supplements
If you suspect your “Winter Blues” may be a sign of something more serious, please don’t hesitate to seek treatment. In the US, you can text 988, call (866)903-3787, or visit https://988lifeline.org/ to speak with someone immediately.

WHY WOULD I WANT THAT?

Posted on by vlaw759

According to a survey conducted in October 2022, flowers and plants, as well as beauty products, were some of the most unwanted gifts for Christmas in the United States. Specifically, over 40 percent of surveyed consumers in the U.S. said they would not want to receive presents such as these over the holidays.

Considering all the gift-giving occasions during the year—from birthdays to anniversaries, graduations to weddings, Hanukah and Christmas to Valentine’s Day, baby showers to bridal showers—surely all of us have received unwanted presents. Maybe not the things in the 2022 survey, but something that just doesn’t hit the spot.

But how could you not be delighted with a slobbery, half-chewed squeaky toy?

So what to do? First you give an exasperated sigh, or possibly an eye roll, even a scowl. And then?

Return

Easily done if your gift came with a “gift receipt,” especially if it’s an exchange for a different size or color. But often you can exchange for a totally different item, store credit, or even cash!

Regift

Nearly anything can be happily destroyed as a pet toy, though not always safely.

A choice of long standing. If you don’t do scented candles—or plaid neck scarves, or whatever—someone among your family, friends, or neighbors probably does. You can save it for the next gift-giving occasion, or just ask around for who might be interested. Your trash might be someone else’s treasure.

But be careful if you go this route. You don’t want to risk regifting an item in front of the original giver. Or worse—giving an unwanted item directly back to the original giver!

Redesign

Most easily done with clothes by adding or taking away. Trim, such as bows, ruffles, or lace are simple to change. Open the top of a knit cap and it becomes a neck warmer. Sweaters can become vests. T-shirts or sweatshirts can become undershirts by removing the sleeves. Jeans can become shorts. Etc.

Lots of suggestions are available online.

Repurpose

Ill-fitting socks become chia pets!

When you can’t think of anyone who might want a Christmas ornament of a skull wearing a Santa hat, consider turning it into a Halloween decoration—with or without changing the color of the hat.

Neckties can become headbands. Many cloth items can become quilt pieces, patches, appliqués, pillows, doll clothes. Particularly outrageous items can find a new home in the “dress-up box” for children or cleaning cloths.

Donate

The perfect destination for your boss’s three-volume autobiography

Charity shops are happy to take most good quality gifts. If they’re new, they’ll go for a higher price. Some shops now even log the items you’ve donated and send a letter a few weeks later telling you how much your gifts have raised.

Goodwill takes nearly anything, any time of year.

Libraries are almost always happy to have books, keeping some for their stock and some for the perennial sales tables.

Sell

An especially attractive option if you already offer things on eBay or similar sites. But if you are a novice, before taking the plunge, consider whether it’s worth your time and effort to list, package, and mail for a one-off.

And consider consignment shops! Some specialize (in clothes, for example, or glassware) but many are more varied in their offerings.

Recycle

An option depending on where you live and what the gift is made of.

Toss It

When all else fails, send it to the dump. It’s harsh, and some would say wasteful. But in my opinion, that’s better than cluttering your mental and physical space.

Bottom Line: It’s okay to get rid of gifts that aren’t adding value to your life: donate it, sell it, recycle it. Let go of stuff so you can focus on what’s important in your life. Most people won’t even notice, especially the people who care about you.

THANKFUL, GRATEFUL, BLESSED

Posted on by vlaw759

Pretty much everyone appreciates what’s good in their lives during Thanksgiving. But if you know what’s good for you, you’ll make it a daily activity!

Benefits of Gratitude

Practicing gratitude can have many benefits. From sources across the web, these benefits include:

Mentally Grateful

—Improved mood: Gratitude can make people feel happier and more content. Writing a gratitude letter and counting blessings “were associated with substantial improvements in optimism” (Huffman, Dubois, Healy, Boehm, Kashdan, Celano, Denninger, & Lyubomirsky, 2014).

—Improved relationships: Expressing gratitude can help build and maintain social bonds.

—Reduced anxiety and depression: Gratitude buffers people from stress and depression (Wood, Maltby, Gillett, Linley, & Joseph, 2008). Writing gratitude letters leads to better mental health in adult populations seeking psychotherapy (Wong, Owen, Brown, Mcinnis, Toth, & Gilman, 2016).

—Gratitude may enhance peace of mind, reduce rumination, and have a negative effect on depressive symptoms (Liang, Chen, Li, Wu, Wang, Zheng, & Zeng, 2018).

—Increased productivity: Gratitude can increase productivity by activating the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for critical thinking and rational thought processes.

—Strengthened self-worth.

—Optimism: Positive reframing underlies the relationship between trait gratitude and a sense of coherence. A sense of coherence is how confident a person feels about potential life outcomes. It is the degree to which a person feels optimistic and in control of future events (Lambert, Graham, Fincham, & Stillman, 2009).

—Reduced stress: Gratitude can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress. (UCLA HealthMar 22, 2023)

Physically Grateful

from The Greater Good Science Center

— Every time a person expresses or receives gratitude, dopamine releases in the brain, thus making a connection between the behavior and feeling good. The more a person practices gratitude, the more often dopamine releases.

—Better sleep: People who practice gratitude tend to sleep better and longer.

—Better physical health: People who practice gratitude report better physical health and are more likely to seek help for physical concerns. Patients who expressed optimism/gratitude two weeks after an acute coronary event had healthier hearts (Huffman, Beale, Beach, Celano, Belcher, Moore, Suarez, Gandhi, Motiwala, Gaggin, & Januzzi 2015).

—Reduced risk of disease by reducing inflammation at the cellular level.

—Reduced difficulties with chronic pain.

—Increased blood flow to the hypothalamus, which controls stress and sleep.

— Gratitude and spiritual wellbeing are related to positive affect, sleep quality, energy, self-efficacy, and lower cellular inflammation (Mills, Redwine, Wilson, Pung, Chinh, Greenberg, Lunde, Maisel, & Raisinghani, 2015).

The Science of Being Grateful

The Greater Good Science Center offers a plethora of information on this subject. In a paper titled, “The Science of Gratitude” (2018), they outline several benefits to gratitude practice.

Individual Gratitude

  • More satisfaction with life
  • Increased happiness and positive mood
  • Less materialistic
  • Less likely to experience burnout
  • Better physical health
  • Better sleep
  • Less fatigue
  • Lower levels of cellular inflammation
  • Greater resiliency
  • Encourages the development of patience, humility, and wisdom

Group Gratitude

  • Strengthens relationships
  • Increases prosocial behaviors
  • May help employees’ effectiveness
  • May increase job satisfaction

Research Into Gratitude

Emmons & Mishra (2011) concluded that there is “considerable evidence that gratitude builds social resources by strengthening relationships and promoting prosocial actions.”

Wong and Brown (2017) determined that gratitude does four things:

  • Gratitude disconnects us from toxic, negative emotions and the ruminating that often accompanies them. Writing a letter “shifts our attention” so that our focus is on positive emotions.
  • Expressing gratitude helps us even if we don’t explicitly share it with someone. We’re happier and more satisfied with life because we “said it to ourselves.”
  • The positive effects of gratitude writing compound like interest. You might not notice the benefit of a daily or weekly practice, but after several weeks and months, you will.
  • A gratitude practice trains the brain to be more in tune with experiencing gratitude — a positive plus a positive, equaling more positives.

“In the past, I always thought of gratitude as a spontaneous response to the awareness of gifts received, but now I realize that gratitude can also be lived as a discipline. The discipline of gratitude is the explicit effort to acknowledge that all I am and have is given to me as a gift of love, a gift to be celebrated with joy.”

Henri J. M. Nouwen (1932-1996)
from Return of the Prodigal Son

Bartlett & DeSteno (2006) published research about gratefulness and helping behavior:

  • Gratitude facilitates helping behavior,
  • Grateful people help the people who helped them (benefactors) and strangers similarly, and
  • Reminding people who helped them (a benefactor) still increased helping behavior exhibited toward strangers. The reciprocity norm wasn’t a factor.

Dickens and DeSteno (2018) found an association between self-control (patience) and gratitude. Grateful people delay future rewards to a higher degree than ungrateful people, positively affecting one’s finances. Increasing levels of gratitude could also help people positively affect health-related behaviors.

Robert Emmons (2010), a preeminent scholar in this field, makes the argument that gratitude allows a person to do several things:

  • Celebrate the present
  • Block toxic emotions (envy, resentment, regret, depression)
  • Be more stress-resilient
  • Strengthen social ties and self-worth

Practice Being Grateful

These suggestions at Positive Psychology were adapted from Sansone & Sansone (2010) and Emmons (2010) and are easy to do daily or weekly.

  1. Journal about things, people, or situations for which you are grateful. Consider including negative situations like avoiding an accident, for instance.
  2. Think about someone for whom you are grateful.
  3. Write a gratitude letter to someone for whom you are thankful. Consider sending it or giving it to them in person.
  4. Meditate on gratitude (present moment awareness).
  5. Do the “Count Your Blessings” exercise (at the end of the day, write down three things for which you were grateful).
  6. Practice saying “thank you” in a real and meaningful way. Be specific. For example, “Thank you for taking the time to read this article and leave a comment. I enjoy reading your contributions because they broaden my understanding of this subject.”
  7. Write thank you notes. Some might say this is a lost art. Challenge yourself to write one hand-written note every week for one month.
  8. If religious, pray about your gratitude or use specific prayers of gratitude. Interfaith Worker Justice offers Muslim, Jewish, and Christian examples. Secular Seasons has several graces and invocations. You also can find a collection of secular gratitude approaches on BE. Orlando Humanist Fellowship.
  9. Recall a negative event. Doing this helps you appreciate your current situation.
  10. Be mindful of your five senses. How does each enhance your life?
  11. Create visual reminders to practice gratitude. Sticky notes, notifications, and people are great for this.
  12. Focus on the good that others have done on your behalf.
  13. Actions lead to gratitude. Smile, say thank you, and write gratitude letters.
  14. Be a grateful gazer. Be on the lookout for opportunities to feel grateful.
  15. Give something up. We tend to adapt to newness; sometimes it’s a good idea to give something up so that we can increase our appreciation of it.
  16. Think about what your life would be like if a specific positive event [hadn’t] happened. Write all the decisions and events that would have been different in your life. For instance, what if you didn’t meet your spouse? What if you didn’t get the dream job you have now? What if you hadn’t stopped a particular bad habit?
There’s always something to be grateful for!

Lack of Gratitude

Unfortunately, not everyone eagerly jumps onto the gratitude bandwagon. Emmons (2013) offers the following characteristics of ingratitude:

  • Excessive sense of self-importance
  • Arrogance
  • Vanity
  • Unquenchable need for admiration and approval
  • Sense of entitlement

Thomas Gilovich (2017) describes ingratitude as the result of “adaptation, dwelling on negatives, and skewed perceptions of hardships.” In Enemies of Gratitude, Gilovich explains how and why these three experiences interfere with one’s ability to express gratitude.

Appreciating the positives in one’s life making life better seems a little woo-woo, not to mention circular. But there’s a ton of research indicating that it works. And it’s a small, no-cost investment with potentially great rewards.

Bottom Line: Go for grateful!

DISHING ON DIRT

Posted on by vlaw759

If you look for synonyms or associations, you find words like grime, dust, soot, smut, muck, mud, filth, sludge, slime, ooze, dross, scum, pollution, waste, smudges, stains, crud, yuck, grunge, and the list goes on. Dirt certainly has negative associations.

When one isn’t being literal? Well, there’s scandal, gossip, revelations, rumor(s), tittle-tattle, slander, libel, calumny, smears, lowdown, dope, poop. Yep, dirt has lots of black marks against it.

And that’s not even counting dirty words, dirty dancing, dirty jokes, dirty looks, dirty minds…

The slang meaning of “eating dirt” means to accept blame, guilt, criticism, or insults without complaint; to humble or abase oneself.

Is There Nothing Good About Dirt?

The obvious answer comes from growing plants: any gardener or farmer swears by good dirt.

Not so obvious: exposure to dirt and microorganisms can help train your immune system to fight off foreign substances and build resilience to illnesses.

What follows is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional.

Dirt and bacteria in the environment help your immune system learn how to react to foreign substances. 

Early exposure to microbes helps children develop regulatory T cells, which are white blood cells that control how the immune system responds to foreign invaders.  Mycobacterium vaccae, a type of bacteria found in soil, can reduce inflammation and improve mood by influencing the release of serotonin. 

Overzealous hygiene practices can wash away or kill off friendly bacteria, but exposure to dirt can help repopulate them. 

Some Ways to Get Exposure to Dirt

Playing in mud can be beneficial for a child’s health.

Outside activities like mountain biking, camping, and hiking can help people come into contact with a diverse microbial ecosystem.

Don’t constantly clean an infant’s pacifier. A dirty pacifier can stimulate your child’s immune system. 

Having a furry pet in the home, regardless of how clean the pet is kept, will introduce bacteria and pet dander into the atmosphere.

And Then There is Actually Eating Dirt!

Mud cookies in Haiti, by David Levene

Written accounts of humans eating dirt date back more than 2,000 years. For many people, all over the world, dining on dirt is nothing out of the ordinary. Now an extensive meta-analysis reported in the June, 2011 issue of The Quarterly Review of Biology helps explain why.

Dr. Sera Young and her colleagues analyzed reports from missionaries, plantation doctors, explorers, and anthropologists to put together a database of more than 480 cultural accounts of people eating dirt. According to this research, the most probable explanation for humans eating dirt (geophagy) is that it protects the stomach against toxins, parasites, and pathogens.

“The database shows that geophagy is documented most commonly in women in the early stages of pregnancy and in pre-adolescent children. Both categories of people are especially sensitive to parasites and pathogens, according to Young and her colleagues. In addition, geophagy is most common in tropical climates where foodborne microbes are abundant. Finally, the database shows that people often eat earth during episodes of gastrointestinal stress. It’s unlikely the intestinal problems are caused by the dirt itself because the type of clay people usually eat comes from deep in the ground, where pathogens and parasites are unlikely to contaminate it. Plus, people usually boil the clay before eating it.”

University of Chicago Press Journals. “Eating dirt can be good for the belly, researchers find.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 4 June 2011

In one 2017 study, 54% of pregnant women in South Africa ate dirt, and three-quarters of them ate more than 3 teaspoons per day.

Although soil is generally low in nutritive value, deficiencies in iron and zinc may play a role in why some people eat dirt. A 2023 study of children from Sri Lanka suggested that pica (eating things that aren’t food) could indicate a zinc deficiency because the average zinc levels in the children with pica were significantly lower than the average zinc levels in the group without pica.

Note: Eating dirt can be dangerous because soil may contain harmful substances like heavy metals, human waste, and parasites.

Medicinal Uses of Dirt

Actinobacterial strains isolated from Himalayan soil
  • Numerous bacterial genera and species that produce antibiotics in vitro have been isolated from different soils. Actinomycetes, in particular Streptomyces species, have been the primary resource of clinical antibiotics and other therapeutics.
  • Immunologists and allergists in Europe are working on the so-called “farm effect.” Children raised on ecologically managed farms in Central Europe have much lower rates of allergy and asthma than urban children or those raised on industrialized farms. Almost everything points to microbes—in manure, in unpasteurized milk, in stable dust, on unwashed food and, yes, in the soil. How soil microbes and other farm microbes protect against allergic diseases is still a matter of debate.

Bottom Line: With dirt, you take the bad with the good.