Health Psychology for Living is here to provide you a place to dig around and find things you can do to take charge of your health, or regain some control when a chronic condition feels like a losing battle.

To navigate this site, use the menus above for pages that explain the “why” – the research behind what we know about lifestyle, mood, behavior, and health. For the “how” – the practical, action oriented information about how to incorporate that knowledge into life, check out the blog (also found on the main menu).

The field of Health Psychology centers on the connections between what we do, what we think, how we feel, and what’s going on in our bodies. Lifestyle behaviors are a significant influence on our health, and our thoughts play a huge part in that.

For the best health possible, research shows:

• Regular physical activity helps reduce risk factors like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can prevent chronic and life-threatening diseases.
• Certain diets have overall wellness benefits, but some nutrients and diets are more useful when targeting symptoms or reducing risk for certain disorders.
• Life stress can bring about changes in the body that create discomfort and can lead to more serious problems. Building emotional resilience can help improve overall mental health as well as reduce physical aftereffects and the diseases they bring.
• Emerging research on the brain is identifying lifestyle factors that keep your mind at its best possible for the long-term.

The information here will provide you with ideas for making the changes you need, to let you know that you are not alone, and reassure you that your experiences are legitimate. If a doctor has proposed seeing a mental health practitioner, this can be your starting point understand the “why“ behind it.

Use what you find here in combination with what you and your doctor and/or therapist are doing to keep you well or get you better. Best of luck on your health journey!