During addiction recovery, one powerful technique often used is distraction. While “distraction” might sound negative—like being distracted while driving—healthy distraction is a valuable tool for preventing relapse. This article explains how healthy distraction works, its role in recovery, and how it helps maintain sobriety. Understanding Healthy Distraction Healthy distraction is a way of shifting attention

When working on self-improvement, setbacks can often feel like failures. Whether it’s indulging in a late-night fast-food craving or struggling to quit smoking despite several tries, setbacks can be discouraging. However, they’re not the end of the road. Instead, they’re an essential part of the process. Research shows that each failed attempt can increase your

Catastrophizing is a pattern of thinking where small issues are blown out of proportion, creating overwhelming and distressing thoughts. For instance, a minor scratch on a car or a stain on the carpet may lead to spiraling fears about larger, unrelated consequences. This form of irrational thinking can drive chronic worry and anxiety, leaving individuals

Why Shame Can Both Help and Hurt Self-Control Shame is often discussed as a motivator for self-control, especially in situations like managing weight or resisting unhealthy habits. But is shame truly the key to changing behavior? Research suggests that the real drivers are emotions we anticipate, such as pride, regret, or remorse, which subtly shape

How Eating Well Can Increase Performance & Happiness What turns a healthy dedication to exercise into an unhealthy obsession? And how can this transition be reversed to restore health and happiness? These questions were thoughtfully explored by personal trainer Gillian Mounsey in her experience at the Wichita Falls Athletic Club, under the guidance of Mark

In today’s fast-paced, capitalistic world, the pursuit of wealth is often mistakenly equated with the pursuit of happiness. The more money people earn and the more possessions they accumulate, the closer they believe they are to achieving happiness. But is this belief true? Not quite. Why Material Wealth Falls Short Research shows that chasing happiness

Intelligent People Are More Likely to Do Stupid Things Not only are more intelligent individuals more likely to consume more alcohol more frequently, but they are also more likely to engage in binge drinking and to get drunk. In an earlier post, I show that consistent with the prediction of the Hypothesis, more intelligent individuals consume larger quantities of alcohol

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) Research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) identifies five key factors that can negatively impact a child’s mental and physical health in the long term. Studies suggest that many adults with significant challenges faced at least two of these adverse events during childhood. Five Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Physical Abuse Physical

What is Deja Vu & How Do I Recognize & Use it in My Life “Deja Vu” is a common intuitive experience that has happened to many of us. The expression is derived from the French, meaning “already seen.” When it occurs, it seems to spark our memory of a place we have already been, a person

Why do people find it so difficult to change old habits? Whether it’s a manager frustrated with employees or individuals stuck in destructive behavior patterns, breaking free can feel impossible. However, recent brain research provides powerful insights into why habits persist and how they can be changed effectively. Why Habits Are Hard to Break The