Resource Articles

​​By: Chad A. Buck, PhD The term "boundary" is used often but it is not always understood or properly-executed. A physical boundary is a wall or a barrier between two things. It keeps property separated so it is clear who owns it or with whom it belongs. A psychological boundary is not all that different.

The words “holiday” and “stress” do not belong together. A holiday is supposed to be a time when a person relaxes, participates in fun activities, gets some distance from day-to-day hassles, and spends time with family or loved ones. The reality is that even positive events can cause stress, and demands or changes in routine are often unavoidable. Even though the holidays tend to be more stressful than restful, there are ways to manage stress and make room for more enjoyment. 10 healthy ways to manage the negative stress you might experience this holiday season:

Dealing with loss, due to whatever circumstance, is difficult. It can be particularly difficult, however, to know how to interact with others who are experiencing a loss. Responses to this type of situation can range from avoidance to becoming overly-involved. The best response is somewhere in the middle.

A job is not who we are but rather what we do. It doesn't speak to your attributes as a person, as a friend, as a partner or as a parent. Nevertheless, the loss of a job feels devastating. It represents livelihood, identity, and life purpose. In today's economic times, the loss may not be the direct result of your actions but rather based on the business or financial position of the employer. There are some important steps to take during a transition.

The American Psychological Association in their Road to Resilience Initiative defines resilience as the process of good coping and adaptation in the face of a challenge, trauma or significant sources of stress.   

BUILDING RESILIENCE: TURNING CHALLENGES INTO SUCCESS Healthy Lifestyle Being resilient requires mental and physical energy. In order to have the emotional energy to deal with the challenges that life throws your way, it is important to maintain healthy lifestyle practices for optimal functioning.

Building Resilience: Turning Challenges Into Success Resilience Skill Development: It would be great if everyone was born with a full repertoire of traits and skills for resilience. Since we are not, it is reassuring to know that with practice and training we can learn the behaviors, attitudes and skills necessary to increase our ability to spring back from challenges. There are four skill sets that are particularity helpful:

Building Resilience: Turning Challenges Into Success Attitude Our attitude drives our behavior. This is the foundation for resilience; the way we view the world. Six ways to build a resilient attitude include:

Chad A. Buck, PhD: Work/Life Connections – EAP and Health Plus Many people struggle with eating well, and emotions can definitely complicate efforts to improve eating habits. Here are a few strategies to help the odds be ever in your favor: