ACA Counseling Corner Blog

Most of us, as we get older, are likely to find that our memory doesn't seem to work as well as it once did. That can be a bit scary at times, but it usually is a sign of nothing more than the fact that we're aging and it seems to be a natural part of that aging process. However, recent research appears to show that there are ways we can be more proactive in keeping our brain fit and actively engaged, and fighting memory loss.

This time of the year most families are going to be faced with one or more children who are suffering from a cold, flu or other minor illness. While the family doctor is the one to turn to for medical advice in such situations, it's also important to remember caring parents are an important ingredient in helping that child feel better.

Yes, almost all of us make New Year's Resolutions, and yes, most of us fail at successfully meeting the goals we set for ourselves. It doesn't have to be. While it can be a good thing to wish to see improvements in your life and habits, it's only good if you structure and approach the changes you desire in the right way.

The fact that more of us are living longer lives presents a growing problem for many families. As loved ones age they sometimes lose the ability to continue to live alone or to adequately managed the daily demands of life. Even beginning the conversation about major lifestyle changes with an aging parent or relative can be a difficult thing, but an essential one in many cases.

While the holiday season is a happy time for most people, it can also be a season that brings on feelings of deep sadness for a variety of reasons. It's a season that presents an endless supply of happy holiday images and a variety of expensive gifts to purchase. But when that magical lifestyle isn't within reach for most of us it can result in very real, and sometimes serious, feelings of depression.

Travel is a wonderful experience for most people, at least when that destination is finally reached. But travel by car or plane can often be very frustrating and stressful, especially during the busy holiday season. While there's no way to make the frustration causing parts of busy holiday totally disappear, there are things a person can do to reduce the personal stress of busy holiday travel.

The holiday period between Thanksgiving and New Years can be a busy time of the year, and often a high stress time for many people. One issue that produces anxiety for many is the various social obligations that come with the season. Sometimes all those invitations, or virtual requirements to attend, can leave a person feeling overwhelmed. But there are ways to manage that holiday party stress.

Being unhappy with a boss or supervisor is high on the list of things that can have a negative impact on everything from job performance to how happy and satisfied one feels about their life. Too often an unhappy employee simply blames the boss and feels it's a hopeless situation. But the reality is that taking a proactive approach to improving the relationship with the boss can often make things much better.

While the holidays often bring the opportunity for happy family gatherings, such events may not be something that everyone looks forward to. For a variety of reasons, returning home for that big family get-together may be something that produces a great deal of anxiety. Here are some tips on how to minimize the stress if that upcoming family dinner or party has you dreading the event.

If there's a teenager in your house then you've most likely experiences the issue of peer pressure. Our children are often strongly affected by what their friends and classmates say and do, even if the result may not be in their own best interests. Although it takes effort and can be frustrating, as parents we can play an essential role in helping our teens recognize and manage negative peer pressure.