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Traditions in the Time of Covid

Every family has traditions that mark special occasions, and how families handle them builds connections. We humans are amazing creatures of habit. We love the predictable and seek routine even though we frequently complain about being in a rut. We go on vacation only to long for home to sleep in our own beds, see our friends and family, and re-engage in our lives. Every nation, tribe, culture, and subculture establishes rituals and traditions that are unique and help define its individual, family, and group identity. Every family has traditions that mark special occasions, and how families handle them builds connections. One of the many casualties of the COVID restrictions

Creativity

Growth mindset leads to more success and achievement because of the openness to self-improvement and acceptance of challenges. Painting, drawing, sculpting, improvisational jazz, composing music, cooking, and dancing are activities that fit as initial examples of creativity. When asked about how “creative” they are, people often joke that their drawing skills are limited to stick figures, or they joke about “making a joyful noise” when asked if they can sing. It is unfortunate that we tend to downplay our capabilities when it comes to creativity. Our church’s choir director says that if you can fog a mirror you can join the choir. Creativity is a trait all humans possess, though

The Reality Of Change

“To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1). On a first reading that phrase seems so peaceful, natural. It speaks to an expectation of change that is reassuring. The reality of change can be quite different, as, for instance, the dramatic upheavals we have faced in 2020. 2020 has taken a wrecking ball to our collective status quo and pushed us into places we would not have thought possible. What we did before, what others did for us, how we interact, our daily routines, childcare responsibilities, holidays, funerals, weddings, family reunions, vacations — all the momentous occasions and events we use

The “Do You Know” Quiz

To the younger, cooler generation(s), from a Gen Xer (once younger, maybe not so cool): Have you ever wondered what your parents, aunts, uncles or grandparents were like when they were your age? It is think that they have always been as they are right now, with their current size, shape, hair (or lack of hair), habits, and opinions. They can seem strong willed and not very flexible at times. They may not listen the way you want them to. They may be more focused on their problems than on how you are doing. It is very easy for parents and children to misunderstand each other and see events and

Psychological Flexibility in the Age of COVID-19

Knowing what we control and what we don’t is a vital part of self-awareness. It has been nearly 3 months since social distancing policies were implemented for South Carolina, and there has been a huge range of personal reactions to the pandemic and to changes in our lifestyles. Nearly everyone has experienced the consequences of job loss, reduced income, and anxiety about the virus and getting sick or dying, to say nothing of adjusting to much more time spent with our families in much closer proximity. National surveys are reporting increases in stress, anxiety, and relationship difficulties. The novelty and uncertainty of the virus have resulted in differences in how

Getting a Good’s Night Rest during a Pandemic

Sleep Despite Uncertainty There are few things as necessary to feeling good, but that can be so negatively impacted by daily stressors, as getting a good night of sleep. Sleep problems were already elevated prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, with at least 38% of South Carolinians reporting short sleep duration (<7 hours/night) per the Centers for Disease Control. The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with social isolation and the resulting economic downturn, has resulted in increased anxiety, stress, depression, and sleep problems. It is well known that changes in routines, job uncertainty, financial pressures, and increased interpersonal demands (beginning homeschooling, for example) are important factors in the growing mental health concerns around

Dr. Jay Earles

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