Psychology and Mental Health Resources

  I t’s normal to have an occasional  sluggish  day, but if you’re staggering through life longing for a nap or looking for a bottomless coffee pot, it’s time to evaluate your habits and change those that are making you more tired during the day. If your fatigue is new, accompanied by other symptoms, or so severe you can’t function normally, start with a visit to your doctor. You don't need to accept exhaustion as normal, especially if you have a clean bill of health. You can make changes that will increase your energy level and help you to stop feeling tired all of the time. Some things you can try include: Prioritizing sleep Consuming more protein Limiting caffeine and alcohol Getting more exercise Drinking more water Enjoying fun activities Managing negative emotions Spending time outdoors Listening to upbeat music   Surprising Causes of Fatigue Prioritize Your Sleep Sleep is as important to your health as proper eating and exercise. D...

  Conflict and disagreement are a part of life, albeit often an  unpleasant one . Whether caused by a disagreement in values or simple miscommunication, we all encounter conflict at some point in our lives. Unfortunately, when conflict is not addressed productively, it can escalate, sometimes to the point of violence. 1 Emotions are contagious. When we encounter someone who is experiencing stress, we pick up on their stress. 2  The same is true for other emotions, including anger, which is why we might feed off of someone else’s anger, causing a conflict to escalate further. In the workplace, unresolved conflict leads to less creativity and productivity, 3 Address Conflict As Soon As Possible As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Conflict can  grow over time , and you can become resentful of an ongoing issue. If you have a problem with another person, addressing it as soon as possible can prevent escalation. It can be tempting...

  Confidence is a feeling of trust in your abilities, qualities, and judgment. The American Psychological Association defines self-confidence as "a belief that one is capable of successfully meeting the demands of a task." 1 It can refer to a general sense of trust in your ability to  control your life , or it might be more situation specific. For example, you might have high self-confidence in a particular area of expertise but feel less confident in other areas. Research suggests that confidence is important to health and  psychological well-being . 2 Having a healthy level of self-confidence can help you become more successful in your personal and professional life. Research has found, for example, that more confident people tend to achieve more academically. 3  Your level of confidence even affects how you present yourself to others. Ways to Be More Confident Fortunately, there are several ways you can increase your self-confidence. Whether you lack con...