Many of you who have seniors are waiting to hear from colleges, and early decisions are going out as we speak. Here’s some thoughts to help navigate this uncertain time. I also love what psychologist Lisa Damour reminds us: “Make sure you are not happier or more upset than your child when you find out the news.” Especially the latter. Thinking of all of you and your amazing seniors. No matter what happens, may they know truly how amazing they are. 💫❤️

There is neuroscience that points to list-making as a great tool to decrease our mental load and increase focus by redirecting that neuroenergy to actually doing tasks rather than remembering tasks. Making lists is a quick stress reliever because writing things down often makes to-do’s feel more manageable than when we perseverate on them in our heads. Being able to cross things off gives us a feeling of accomplishment and the ability to focus on what we have done rather than on what is left. This small action increases our motivation to keep going. __ #overwhelmed #mentalhealth

Long-term relationships are work, so it's important to know how to keep them thriving and exciting. One of the keys to lasting love is curiosity. Even though we feel like we know everything about this person, there is always more to learn. We are constantly changing and evolving as humans even if we aren't expressing it to our partners. Some key questions that can help us stay curious: Is there anything you have been struggling with lately? Anything on your mind we haven't talked about? Is there anything you would like to see happen in your life in the next year? 5 years?  If we could try one new thing what would that be?  Is there somewhere you would like to visit that you have never been?  What do you wish was different in our lives right now?  What are you most grateful for that happened today or recently? I can say 19 years in, it's a lot of work, but well worth it. Grateful for a relationship that still surprises me and a love that continues to evolve and grow. __ #curiosity #longtermrelationships

Boundaries are needed whenever we feel exhausted, resentful, or unhappy about a situation we find ourselves in where we have agreed to something or allowed a certain behavior.  A key to healthy boundaries is that they are solely dependent on YOUR action, not someone else’s response.  For example, telling your child, “You are not allowed to hit your sibling,” is not a boundary. Instead, try, “If you hit your sibling, you will not be allowed to finish watching the movie with the family, and you and I will sit in the other room.” Telling your sister-in-law, “Don’t come early to my house,” is not setting a boundary. Instead, say, “If you come early to my house, we will not be available to let you in.” Telling your mother, “Don’t talk about college acceptances at Thanksgiving,” is not setting a boundary. Instead, try, “If you talk about college acceptances, I will change the subject quickly and leave the room.” Healthy and strong boundaries depend on you—not on the person whose behavior is conflictual. __ #setboundaries #holidayboundaries #holidaydrama #familydrama #heathyboundaries #therapist #mentalhealth #anxiety #momof4 #nirofeliciano

Sleep expert Devin Burke answers all my sleep questions on why we don't sleep and exactly what we can do about it. Don't miss his practical strategies that have me sleeping better just after a few weeks! 🎧To listen, just search “All Things Life with Niro Feliciano” wherever you get your podcasts. (Or listen online here: v) 🎙Episode: Can’t Sleep? We Got Answers! with Devin Burke ___ #sleep #sleepexpert #sleepstragies #therapist #allthingslifepodcast #nirofeliciano

Well, it's the holidays! Here's what I do to lower stress in my life. #inhaleexhale #holidayanxiety #holidaystress #therapist #mentalhealth #anxiety #nirofeliciano

Grief is powerful during the holidays #holidaygrief #griefandtheholidays #grief #loss #therapist #mentalhealth #anxiety #nirofeliciano

It doesn’t matter if it’s been 1 year or 10; grief is very powerful during the holidays. Check on your friends who have lost someone, even if they seem OK. #grief #holidaygrief #loss #friendship #therapist #mentalhealth #anxiety #nirofeliciano