Positive Prescription

Time Management

Forget Work-Life Balance

Samantha Boardman M.D. on April 1, 2024

Instead of trying in vain to cram more tasks into each day and get more done, perhaps making better use of the limited time that we have is a better strategy.

Instead of trying in vain to cram more tasks into each day and get more done, perhaps making better use of the limited time that we have is a better strategy.

Attention

The Antidote to Playing the Victim

Samantha Boardman M.D. on February 7, 2024

In the same way that focusing on health rather than disease can make us feel better, paying attention to strengths rather than fragility can help us grow.

In the same way that focusing on health rather than disease can make us feel better, paying attention to strengths rather than fragility can help us grow.

Health

Forget Bed Rotting—There's a Better Way to Recharge

Samantha Boardman M.D. on November 8, 2023

Rest is an elusive concept. Does it refer to the mind, the body, or both? Put simply, what does it really mean to take it easy?

Rest is an elusive concept. Does it refer to the mind, the body, or both? Put simply, what does it really mean to take it easy?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

An Antidote for Overthinking

Samantha Boardman M.D. on October 25, 2023

Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients to identify and challenge faulty habitual thinking patterns, known as cognitive distortions.

Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches patients to identify and challenge faulty habitual thinking patterns, known as cognitive distortions.

Anxiety

The Difference Between Feeling Anxious and Anxiety Disorders

Samantha Boardman M.D. on October 23, 2023

Feeling anxious at a given point in time about something stressful going on in your life does not mean you have an anxiety disorder.

Feeling anxious at a given point in time about something stressful going on in your life does not mean you have an anxiety disorder.

Depression

7 Habits That Could Cut the Risk of Depression in Half

Samantha Boardman M.D. on October 19, 2023

A healthy lifestyle can prevent depression, even in those who had a genetic predisposition.

A healthy lifestyle can prevent depression, even in those who had a genetic predisposition.

Forgiveness

How to Apologize and Why It Matters

Samantha Boardman M.D. on May 4, 2023

Although, an apology cannot right a wrong, it can begin the process towards reconciliation.

Although, an apology cannot right a wrong, it can begin the process towards reconciliation.

Identity

Take Control of the Story You Tell About Yourself

Samantha Boardman M.D. on April 3, 2023

People who recognize their triumphs and challenges tend to have a stronger sense of identity and report greater meaning, life satisfaction, and purpose.

People who recognize their triumphs and challenges tend to have a stronger sense of identity and report greater meaning, life satisfaction, and purpose.

Grief

There Is No Blueprint for Grief

Samantha Boardman M.D. on March 29, 2023

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Bereavement is no place for finger-wagging or “shoulds.”

There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Bereavement is no place for finger-wagging or “shoulds.”

Friends

The Benefits of Diversifying Your Social Portfolio

Samantha Boardman M.D. on March 21, 2023

Mounting evidence shows that tending to our friendships matters as much to our health as going to bed early and eating well.

Mounting evidence shows that tending to our friendships matters as much to our health as going to bed early and eating well.

Imposter Syndrome

5 Ways to Overcome Imposter Syndrome

Samantha Boardman M.D. on March 10, 2023

Imposter syndrome is that gnawing feeling of self-doubt and incompetence coupled with the dread of being exposed as a fraud.

Imposter syndrome is that gnawing feeling of self-doubt and incompetence coupled with the dread of being exposed as a fraud.

Catastrophizing

A Cure for Catastrophizing

Samantha Boardman M.D. on March 2, 2023

The ultimate result of catastrophizing is missing out on opportunities and experiences that bring us joy and meaning.

The ultimate result of catastrophizing is missing out on opportunities and experiences that bring us joy and meaning.

Cognition

This Is How to Stop Ruminating

Samantha Boardman M.D. on February 28, 2023

Going over what is bothering you again and again, and scrutinizing every little detail can play a role in the onset and maintenance of depression.

Going over what is bothering you again and again, and scrutinizing every little detail can play a role in the onset and maintenance of depression.

Deception

A Diagnosis for People Who Can't Stop Lying

Samantha Boardman M.D. on February 24, 2023

To the average observer, pathological lies are clear departures from reality—yet the liars themselves perceive them to be within the realm of possibility.

To the average observer, pathological lies are clear departures from reality—yet the liars themselves perceive them to be within the realm of possibility.

Laughter

What Vulnerable Narcissists Really Fear

Samantha Boardman M.D. on February 23, 2023

Vulnerable narcissism is broadly defined as hypersensitivity to rejection and negative affectivity, but also distrust of others and increased levels of anger and hostility.

Vulnerable narcissism is broadly defined as hypersensitivity to rejection and negative affectivity, but also distrust of others and increased levels of anger and hostility.

Forgiveness

The Benefits of Meditating on Mortality

Samantha Boardman M.D. on October 25, 2022

Keeping the end in mind can help you live more fully today.

Keeping the end in mind can help you live more fully today.

Is it enough to forgive and forget?

Friends

Do You Have #hashtag Friends or Real Friends?

Samantha Boardman M.D. on July 11, 2017

Popular people are more resilient, live longer, and report fewer severe symptoms of the common cold. But be careful, true friends are different from #hashtag friends.

Popular people are more resilient, live longer, and report fewer severe symptoms of the common cold. But be careful, true friends are different from #hashtag friends.

As tempting as it is to push life's bigger questions away, research shows it is worth the time and effort to answer them.

Thanks to the internet and media, we are bombarded with examples of self-centeredness every day.