Evelyn Farrell, PhD

Mindfulness is everywhere. Books, magazines, news articles, apps, they all seem to be touting its benefits. But is this just another fad? Why should we give it more attention than any other trend? Mindfulness is the practice of being present focused and letting go of distracting thoughts that can contribute to anxiety, depression and other emotional states. Originally based on eastern meditative techniques it is increasingly being used in western medicine as part of the treat

What can you do to manage stress during holiday gatherings? 1. Do something different--focus your collective attention outwardly instead of on each other.(e.g.attend an event, volunteer to help organizations that serve the needy, or enjoy the outdoors). Studies show that being in nature reduces blood pressure, muscle tension, and heart rate. Volunteering has been shown to boost well being and reduce depression. . 2. Don't bring up issues that cause conflict--focus o