psychology blogs

Weekly Therapy: just a little further…

- Mel

the week:
Guys. The contractors have promised me that the master bathroom, bedroom wall, hallway, and master closet will be DONE before Thanksgiving. Praise, baby turkey Jesus, I need to clean my house.

AIRPLANE EARS!
AIRPLANE EARS!

weekend:
Woof. Another mid-point statistics exam today. Send me some wisdom, Math Gods! There’s also Light Up Night (and its usual hijinks). Since taking on a full-time role at work, I will regularly work over the weekends — though I’ll still get out in time to enjoy Friendsgiving dinner Saturday night. The contractors are planning to work Saturday too so that our home is in working order by Thanksgiving (that will certainly be something in which to give thanks!). Homework and a long run planned for Sunday, and I fully intend to move into my NEW WALK-IN CLOSET.

If you’re in Pittsburgh and into social media and blogging and podcasting (and not working, like me), you should go to PodCamp!

seven things, seven days:
1. The East Nash Dash I ran in Nashville sent me such a wonderful letter about the benefitting charity Progress, Inc. ALL proceeds from the race go towards the organization — how amazing is that?! I wish more organizations stayed in touch this way.
2. Happiness Conspiracy this week left me feeling… well, less happy. I don’t know if I can really explain it, but I feel as though I am lacking in self-awareness, identity, and confidence. I need to work on my authenticity and living an authentic life.
3. Current status: sleeping in the guest room because of the work (and dust) in the master. Everyone should sleep in their guest room to ensure it’s comfortable and cozy. Mine is probably the coldest room in the house besides the kitchen, so I hope you’re into that! Or, you get an air mattress in the attic.
4. Anticipating the end of this project, I have been on something of a spending spree. Probably has something to do with winter hibernation, right?
5. 9 Quotes About Life from the Movie “Garden State” – wisdom from one of my favorite movies. {via PsychCentral}
6. Some call it “ghosting,” some call it “pancaking.”
7. I’m (still) fascinated by (and want to study) motivation — this research is in reference to the motivation behind selfies {via The Red & Black}

Weekly Therapy: two steps forward, two steps… harder.

- Mel

the week:
Well, that was a short week. Thankfully, I was able to switch my Monday shift to visit friends up in Chautauqua for some fall outdoors and boating fun. But whew, I have been feeling like unmotivated crap since. Thanks, sugar.

weekend:
Both the boyfriend’s parents and my dad and aunts are visited this weekend, separately. I opted not to attend a neighbor’s chili cookoff (not much there for me anyway). I also fit in homework (a research paper AND a proctored exam). What was that about me wanting to take a full-time position at work? Remind me about the money. Also, also: I had this bright idea to run the Fineview Step-a-thon race. 371 steps and 5+ miles. WHO AM I?!

You know that whole thing about “my weekend needing a weekend”? Yeah, that.

seven things, seven days:
1. Trying new cat boxes and litters… again. And new Feliways in a couple new spots. I’m determined NOT to put my cat on anti-depressants.
2. This gluten-free food study scares me and makes me SO MAD.
3. The personality trait that doubles Alzheimer’s risk. Welp. {via PsyBlog}
4. After two-and-a-half years in my part-time role at work, I’m moving into a full-time position. Not the dream, but it will get me through the end of school.
5. Speaking of school: OMG FINANCIAL AID. Why is there a lapse in communication with students ALWAYS. Until they need money.
6. Been thinking a lot about being mindful since my last Happiness Conspiracy. This Psychology Today article about How to Spend the First 10 Minutes of the Day makes sense.
7. Why resilient people are happier: And how to be more like them {via The Muse}

Weekly Therapy: glass half full

- Mel

the week:
Well, management theory is over, and I’m doing less-than-awesome in Statistics (which is really bumming me out). I’m all caught up on my grant writing course, however; last week I also started a sociology class about Workplace Diversity theories. No derby has opened up a “free” schedule of my dreams for studying and homework and general Getting Ahead. Another adaptation though (and really hoping it has a positive effect on my sleeping patterns).

We went to the post season Pirates game last Wednesday and had the most amazing seats (and were, embarrassingly, on the Kiss Cam *cringe*). I also got a foul ball souvenir from my seatmate. Too bad about those Pirates though; it was a bear of a game to watch… save for Bumgarner’s incredible pitching.

weekend:
I worked all day on Saturday, so I feel like I need another weekend from my weekend… sigh. That’s the worst, right? (Especially upon coming home you realize that your new class assignments are due on Saturdays and not Sundays). At least I could join a couple neighbor friends for delicious Sunday brunch at Kaya (still one of my favorites in this city), and I ran 3 miles! My body is starting to accept this change in exercise behavior.

seven things, seven days:
1. Thanks to Ashley from Our Little Apartment for the “unfilth” your habitat app. {NSFW language on the app, but go search in Apple store!}
2. I can’t be the only annoyed by the word “sweetie,” right? Please tell me that I’m not overly-sensitive about this. {This, I find from both men and women, but feels especially condescending from women for some reason.}
3. The sink cabinet that I adored and drooled over (and pinned!) for months is too big for the master bathroom renovation. And I’m angry devastated. Stupid row house space constraints.
4. But the contractors are starting this week on demo, so…
5. I LOVE RUNNING IN THIS COOL WEATHER!
6. We had to turn on the heat though. Good thing it works?
7. I’ve always preferred the word “adapt” to “change” — it’s all in the optimism, I think. Regardless, this article is appropriate given the season: Adapting to Change. {via PsychCentral}

It probably wouldn’t surprise you to learn that I’m reading Redirect: The surprising new science of psychological change.

Weekly Therapy: GIMME ALL THE SUGAR!

- Mel

the week:
Oh boy, am I having sugar withdrawal headaches. It’s almost enough for me to say EFF THIS and eat an entire package of gluten-free blueberry muffins with a side of gluten-free honey nut Chex. I won’t, and I’ll survive, but I am miserable. *takes more Tylenol*

I started my statistics course! Woot!

weekend:
The annual Mexican War Streets House Tour (our neighborhood) is happening today. We — well, our garden — participated last year, so I’m excited to NOT be stressed about that, but looking forward to seeing all the incredible houses on the tour this year. Also, neighbors serving mimosas in a couple hours. BRB.

housegarden2014

Last night we went to a live reading of The Wonder Years (first season) at Arcade Comedy Theater. Super psyched as their programming is always hilarious, and the show was one of my favorites as a kid — plus Rick Sebak as adult Kevin, narrating!

seven things, seven days:
1. Have you heard about/done NET type of behavioral therapy? Someone at a happy hour was recently discussing having NET, and I find it fascinating.
2. I lived without my phone for 24 hours (and drove 2 hours home by myself). OH THE ANXIETY.
3. My boyfriend’s parents remarried in a beautiful, small ceremony at Gervasi vineyards in Ohio. So lovely.
4. Burned my finger trying to heat up an oatmeal cup for breakfast, even though I had a hot pad. #dumb
5. I. LOVED. Acupuncture.
6. And then I woke up feeling like I threw my back out (hashtag, old lady). I basically couldn’t bend over or make any sudden movements propelling myself forward. Seems to have worked itself out, but WTF.
7. Something I’m sure we’re all talking about this week: Psychology lessons from the Ray Rice fiasco {from PsychCentral}

Weekly Therapy: inspiration, perspiration… and probably a sweets coma.

- Mel

the week:
The contractors were totally right when they said things were going to start moving quickly. Because, OMG we have a room! Save for the random items that keep ending up on the back-ordered list (and that we need to find time to go mattress shopping for our new bed in the master), this guest suite is basically done. You know, expect for carpeting (ugh, delayed until the end of the month).

Last week, I’ve felt the most crappy since I started my food elimination diet. I was back to being lethargic every day… feeling like my body was caving in on me. Thankfully, it feels like I’m out the other end (glutened pun intended?) of a really bad contamination period. Can you believe I’m approaching my six-month mark?

last weekend:
I ran a mile! And then I had a margarita. The end. Oh, my summer semester ended too (two more A grades!). Then there was the annual APA Convention. So much in the way of travel stories and inspiration and things I learned that have to come later in another post — but it was an amazing experience.

this past weekend:
So much busy: happy hour dinner with the boyfriend, then the Steelers game, and then our neighbors hosted an alley party/dance party. ‘Tis fun, but I need a weekend!

seven things, seven days:
1. I’ve totally been stuck on the same book for over a month. The struggle is real.
2. Well then, that week off before Fall semester went by quickly. Starting off Fall semester with a management theory class. Woof.
3. Gluten-free baked goodies from a bakery in Rhode Island (mail order cinnamon buns!). You’re welcome.
4. Still craving ketchup. This helps.
5. Really sad about Robin Williams, right? Read: Depression when you have it all {via PsychCentral}
6. I was really hoping to do a SUP Yoga class before the end of summer. Know of any sessions available in Pittsburgh?
7. I poked myself in the eye with some sidewalk chalk (those big crayon-shaped instruments), and had a blood mark on my eye white for nearly three weeks. It’s finally dissipated (thankfully!). I swear, these weird situations seem to find me. And I need to stay away from blunt objects.

How’s your week?

Every 30-something needs: to belong.

- Mel

Belonging is on the psych triangle (Maslow), and an inherent part of the human condition and centric to motivation. It is a relationship requirement to have affection with significant others, feel wanted in friendships, with teammates, in community, church or with coworkers, and so on. We 30-somethings are becoming more comfortable with our sense of selves and in relationships with others as motivation for higher needs… and realizing where we belong in the process — where we need to belong.

maslow triangle psychology needs

Switching gears just a little bit. I’ve talked about the death of a blog before, and how it has an impact on personal identity. This post: Can a Blog Die? reinvigorated my internal argument about where I do belong. And then I had to create a personal goal plan in my Psychology of Personal Development course (finals week!). One of my three goals before graduation (without going into all the SMART specifics) is to blog again.

One of my life satisfactions is to have an outlet like this and feeling like part of this blogging community — I need this blog, as much as I need others’ blogs. Perhaps this space here will help me with some accountability in goal tasking, in realizing some of my gratitude, and maybe help some other undergrad trying to navigate the psychology career path. But most of all, I get to share my life and its highs, lows, and life lessons (ahem, mistakes) with a community that understands WHY we blog.

We belong. (Did I get Pat Benatar stuck in your head?)

Do you believe that Maslow’s hiearchy still applies in aspects of your 30s? Would you change the order?

More reading:
Why We All Need to Belong to Someone {Psychology Today}

The “Need to Belong” – Part of What Makes Us Human {Science of Relationships}

Image credit: liveit.loveit.blogit

Weekly therapy: peaceful dreams and hangovers imminent

- Mel

the week:
Man, it’s been HOT and swampy in Pittsburgh this week. I started off the week skating in the Pride march for the third year (yay!) — this, the afternoon after a HUGE win, which coincidentally, might be my last home bout (more feels on that later). And now I’m prepping for finals week in two of my classes (already had one final presentation Tuesday night in my Psychology of Personal Development Course).

I’m just crazy enough to think I can handle one more course this summer (but mostly because it’s Social Psychology, and I’m all GiMME ALL THE PSYCHOLOGY ELECTIVES).

weekend:
Urban Garden Party: one of my favorite events in the ‘Burgh is tonight. The theme is Wild West, and I am a sucker for a theme party. Plus, the event is in our neighborhood, supporting the Mattress Factory museum, and you can’t beat parties that you can walk to-and-from! It’s also JazzFest all weekend, which we intend to enjoy on Sunday because I’m ALL HOMEWORKED OUT. And I really need a bike ride and some outdoor sangria.

seven things, seven days:
1. Received my first Cuisine Cube. Not only can I not eat half of the box (because of potato flour in ingredients), an item was missing. And customer service took nearly 5 days to respond. So frustrating. Although: gluten-free pancake mix from Shortstacks (as seen on: Shark Tank!).
2. Finally was able to attend a Pittsburgh Power game this season! They are blowing this season OUT, and actually have a chance of making the playoffs. Disappointed I couldn’t be more a part of this season, but here’s hoping they go post-season, and I can attend another game.
3. Personal dilemmas SUCK. That’s all you get from me, vague status update.
4. I’m going to be part of the APA Twitter Team during the annual convention in August! (!!!). You can follow along with the #APA2014 hashtag August 7-10 (I’ll be tweeting from my personal account).
5. From {tinybuddha}: How to create a happy future by accepting the present. So important.
6. From {brainblogger}: Facebook “Likes” and Twitter Followers Predict Personality Traits and More I’d recommend following the references and reading more too. Very interesting topics presented!
7. The new bed is getting put together this weekend!

Weekly Therapy: So I said to myself, “Self….”

- Mel

the week:
wooooo… So much schoolwork before leaving for another weekend. I’ve also taken a LOT of assessments for an assignment, and I’m not sure if I know myself more — or less. Huh. I’ll let you know with certainty after I finish my analysis.

Does it seem as though all I’m doing is traveling this month? Because, yes.

weekend:
In Philly for a game, then off to NYC for a couple days to visit my sister and niece!

52 books in 52 weeks:
I’m going to give this thing a try again.
1. Gluten Freedom
2. StrengthFinder 2.0 – and additional assessment book recommended by my instructor for my Personal Development course

Yep. I finished two books in one week. And did an assload of homework. Where’s my cookie?

seven things, seven days:
1. Gluten-free pop tarts. GLUTEN-FREE POP TARTS.
2. I dropped my phone in the toilet… Thankfully, I remembered the RICE method, and it seems that I thwarted a drowned disaster.
3. Sooooo I’m going to be starting an internship some time in July. It’s not in Psychology, sadly (I’m still looking!), but hopefully I can pad my research and analytic skills somewhat in a marketing/non-profit setting.
4. A phrase of value this week: Self knowledge is the foundation of wisdom.
5. Achieving Happiness on vacation: the keyword is SAVOR.
6. I’m interested to know your thoughts about this article: I loved AA. Here’s why I left.
7. Oldie-but-goodie: a call for an introverted positive psychology. {Psychology Today}

Weekly Therapy: ’cause I’m HAPPY! (stop it)

- Mel

the week:
DUMB COLD. And I’m not talking about the weather. When the only medicine that works is Tylenol Nighttime, you know you’re in for a long week. *ack*

dark blonde medium length hair for summer
New Hair!

weekend:
Memorial Day weekend! Excited to have some family out to Pittsburgh for a cookout (I’ll be mostly working my part-time job this holiday, but four days off in a row before then is nice). We also have to go through our basement to pull items for the neighborhood yard sale at the end of the month. The thought exhausts me…

seven things, seven days:
1. The Food Lab says THIS is the secret for peeling hard-boiled eggs. My method is very similar AND IT DOES NOT WORK. Is there nothing more frustrating?
2. Just in time for summer, Breyers to add gluten-free labels to 36 of its ice cream flavors. Hooray!
3. I live in an equal state! YAY, PA!
4. Did I tell you about my MALE pedicurist asking me when my boyfriend is going to “pull the trigger” on marrying me? These outdated standards have, for real, transgressed over gender lines?! The hell.
5. It’s that time of year again! The Warning Signs of Skin Cancer {from SkinCancer.org}
6. A neighbor gets laid off, and a stoop breaks out. This is why I love my neighborhood: the people are amazing.
7. {from Psychology WOD} Welcoming Vulnerability: The importance of being at the back of the pack. This post really stayed with me over the last month. (And she recommends strapping on some roller skates!)

Weekly Therapy: my life is prioritized around homework assignments.

- Mel

the week:
The problem with motivation is that when you’re doing too much of one thing, you lose the will or passion to do anything resembling it. I’ve been conscious of how much time I devote to doing school work — and how fried my brain is (and how it doesn’t quite work as well) when I don’t take breaks. I made sure to schedule several fun things this week to prevent my motivation from crumbling (two more weeks in the semester!). Because you can only stare at the same paper for so many hours before your brain is just NOT going to compute any new information.

three dudes

Plus: I miss my friends!

weekend:
Date night Root Beer Tasting at Village Candy! A helluva lot different than last year’s celebrations. I’ve also never been to Sewickley. (Is that weird? Or normal for a Pittsburgher? Is it normal that I had to google the spelling of “Sewickley”? The boyfriend thought it was “Swickley” lolz)

seven things, seven days:
1. I went to the Toadies concert, and they rocked my face off. Generally, I hate live shows, but Rubberneck is my favorite album of all time — and HOLY ROCK GODS, THEY PERFORMED EVERY SINGLE SONG. #recharged
2. I also finally purchased Rubberneck on vinyl.
3. Another successful shipment from Blue Apron! This service is, dare I say, making meals fun again. (And yes, since the service doesn’t specifically cater to food sensitivities, I have to swap some items out.)
4. Coffee with old friends. I really want to make this a weekly habit.
5. Creative mornings: SEX. Finally, a topic that speaks to me AND a free Friday to participate! … and I slept in. *cries*
6. 6 Psych experiments that shed light on your eating and drinking habits.
7. (just because it’s so ridiculous) 8 Most Absurd Lessons Americans Teach Kids About Sex (woof).