$8,000. That’s the amount the average American household has in credit card debt. Statistics show that nearly half of us are spending more than we earn. Which means one thing: debt…and the worry, stress, and anxiety that comes with it. In today’s world, debt has become the norm. The average college student graduates with $20,000 of debt. The average cardholder has 7 credit cards, and only 40 percent of active credit accounts are paid off monthly. Money is a “personal issue” for many of us, but chances are, if you’re reading this article, you’re looking for a way out of the bottomless pit of debt. Counselors and life coaches have found that nearly 3 out of 4 Americans name money as the number one stressor in their life. Sound familiar? If debt has you stuck between a rock and a hard place, try these practical tips: 1.Curb your spending habits. Just because you want something…a Louis Vuitton handbag, the latest iPhone, a Caribbean cruise…doesn’t necessarily mean you need … [Read more...]
What is Video Game Addiction: Is it Real?
Video game addiction is a very real problem for many people. Recent studies from the University of New Mexico report that six to 15 percent of all “gamers” show signs that could be characterized as addiction. Maybe you set out to play a video game for a few minutes, and before you know it you’ve been at it for hours. People may joke that you have an addiction to video games, but this doesn’t seem like anything that can harm you. Substance or alcohol abuse are the addictions you’d classify as detrimental to the health, so would your habit of playing too many video games fall under this category? Two Major Types of Video Games There are two major types of video games, resulting in two types of video game addictions: 1) The standard video games are designed for one player and involve a goal or mission like rescuing a princess. The addiction in these games often corresponds to completing the mission or beating a high score or preset standard. 2) Online, multi-player games are … [Read more...]
5 Counseling Therapy Tips for Overcoming Gym Stress
A 30 to 45 minute workout at the gym is a proven way to reduce stress. However, many of us never manage to convince ourselves to go the gym because of “Gym Stress:" the self-consciousness and stress we feel about exercising in public! If you’re finding yourself stuck in this classic catch 22, try these tips. 1) Go with a friend. One easy way to overcome gym stress is to bring a workout partner. The moral support will help you to overcome any self-conscious thoughts you have and, as an added bonus, gym partners are great for keeping one accountable to working out on a regular basis. 2) Put in your headphones! A simple pair of headphone can help you to block out the world, and the stress of going to the gym. Turn on your favorite tunes and the emotion you were feeling (self consciousness) will be replaced by the mood of your iTunes collection. 3) Go during off hours. Most gyms and fitness centers are busiest between 5pm and 8pm—the after work crowd. If you have … [Read more...]
5 Coaching Tricks for Finding the Time to Exercise
Since this topic is about saving time and being efficient I'll get straight to the point: previously, I stated that I believe everyone has the time to workout. When we say that, we don't realize that it all comes down to making exercise priority. Take my sister, for example. She was trying to balance married life, a baby, another baby on the way while she was completing med school. What a slacker, eh? Just kidding. She wasn't a slacker, she just had other priorities (and understandably so). But seriously, while this isn't the reality for most of us, there are times when we just can't find the time to workout. So, with that in mind, here are 5 life coaching tricks to find the time for exercise: 1. Plan for it. Have a schedule ahead of time for when you're going to exercise. If you wait for your day to open up this usually doesn't happen as we get caught up in another one of our responsibilities. Think about it: I know exactly where I'll be at certain times of the week each and … [Read more...]
Adultery Counseling: Infidelity Facts, and How to Overcome
Cheating in Marriage, Messing Around Kerri desperately wanted to trust her husband, but she constantly found herself thinking that there might be another woman in his life. One afternoon she was cleaning up their home office and found a credit card statement detailing hotel and restaurant charges in Chicago. She could not recall her husband ever talking about traveling to Chicago. Nina enjoyed really enjoyed talking with her friend, David. Their conversations always seemed to be interesting and uplifting. Somewhere along the line, their relationship became about more than just talking. Nina can hardly remember when they developed feelings for when another or how their affair began. She never had intentions of being unfaithful to her husband. Adultery Statistics If you have experienced adultery, you are not alone. Research published in the Journal of Research and Personality (Buss & Shackelford) found that 30%-60% of marriages experience infidelity at some point. Numerous … [Read more...]