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Practical Mindfulness

Meditation
Escape the Monkey Trap of Unhappiness

Donald Altman on April 1, 2024

Desires and cravings can often trap us in the grip of unhealthy addictions or relationships. Fortunately, there's a surprisingly simple way to rewire your brain and get free.

Desires and cravings can often trap us in the grip of unhealthy addictions or relationships. Fortunately, there's a surprisingly simple way to rewire your brain and get free.

Anxiety
Use Present-Moment Focus to Overcome Anxious Thinking

Donald Altman on March 1, 2024

Anxious mind wandering can lead to getting stuck in negative moods that have little to do with present-moment experience. Getting present can help, and it's easier than you think.

Anxious mind wandering can lead to getting stuck in negative moods that have little to do with present-moment experience. Getting present can help, and it's easier than you think.

Relationships
The One Word That Kills Relationships

Donald Altman on January 1, 2024

Is there a relationship killer in you that is hiding in plain sight? Removing one relationship-killing word from your mind and vocabulary can nurture love and understanding.

Is there a relationship killer in you that is hiding in plain sight? Removing one relationship-killing word from your mind and vocabulary can nurture love and understanding.

Addiction
2 Words Stop Addiction

Donald Altman on December 1, 2023

Trying to fix bad habits can be like trying to stop a leaky faucet. What you need is a new approach that supports change one step at a time—and it's easier than you think.

Trying to fix bad habits can be like trying to stop a leaky faucet. What you need is a new approach that supports change one step at a time—and it's easier than you think.

Depression
Better Than Botox: Smiling Stops Sad and Depressive Thinking

Donald Altman on November 1, 2023

If you want to change your mood, try changing your facial expression. Research shows that using certain muscles in the face can make it hard to have sad or depressing thoughts.

If you want to change your mood, try changing your facial expression. Research shows that using certain muscles in the face can make it hard to have sad or depressing thoughts.

Mindfulness
Change the Painful History Channel Playing in Your Head

Donald Altman on August 31, 2023

Why get stuck watching the same, old depressing mental program over and over? You'll be a lot happier if you take control of your remote and change the channel now.

Why get stuck watching the same, old depressing mental program over and over? You'll be a lot happier if you take control of your remote and change the channel now.

Self-Esteem
Are Negative "Inner Selfies" Harming Your Self-Esteem?

Donald Altman on July 3, 2023

Do you take distorted "inner selfies" of yourself that make you feel bad? Discover how to take mental selfies that make you happier and feel supported, starting today!

Do you take distorted "inner selfies" of yourself that make you feel bad? Discover how to take mental selfies that make you happier and feel supported, starting today!

Mindfulness
One Special Word That Lessens Depressive Emotions

Donald Altman on June 8, 2023

If you frequently experience impatience and have high expectations for yourself and others that are causing problems, practicing forbearance could help.

If you frequently experience impatience and have high expectations for yourself and others that are causing problems, practicing forbearance could help.

Mindfulness
How to Loosen Painful Emotional Knots

Donald Altman on April 1, 2023

Whatever negative emotion or situation has you tied up in knots can be undone. Even messy knots can be unraveled.

Whatever negative emotion or situation has you tied up in knots can be undone. Even messy knots can be unraveled.

Grief
How Long Does Grief Last Before It's a Mental Disorder?

Donald Altman on February 1, 2023

Personal Perspective: A new diagnosis identifies prolonged grief as a disorder. But rather than putting a timeline on grief, we can appreciate the lessons it offers.

Personal Perspective: A new diagnosis identifies prolonged grief as a disorder. But rather than putting a timeline on grief, we can appreciate the lessons it offers.

Loneliness
One Word That Fights Off Both Viruses and Loneliness

Donald Altman on December 1, 2022

If you're feeling isolated and lonely at night, you might be wearing out your immune system. A small change can help you feel better, stronger, and happier.

If you're feeling isolated and lonely at night, you might be wearing out your immune system. A small change can help you feel better, stronger, and happier.