relationships Archives - The Viva Center

August 5, 2019

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Unhealthy Relationship Patterns

As infants, we are completely dependent on the responses of those around us. Our attachment to caregivers begins during the first 18 months of our lives, with instinctual behaviors like crying or clinging when we need help or attention. As stated by Positive Psychology, these behaviors are thought to be evolutionary mechanisms that help infants increase their chances of survival.

Unlike the relatively similar behaviors of infants, caregivers may respond with a whole range of reactions. Their responses to our behavior teach us what is “acceptable” and what isn’t. This has a huge impact on how we interact with people going forward.

January 7, 2019

Self-Care For Caregivers

As caregivers, we are not only responsible for getting ourselves through this difficult time, but may also have to support our loved ones in innumerable ways.

December 17, 2018

No More Lost Opportunities: Conquering Social Anxiety

Social anxiety—the intense fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social situation—is extremely common, affecting roughly 15 millions adults in the United States. It can influence the quality of our lives in numerous ways. For example, we might lose professional opportunities if we’re too nervous to attend work gatherings or make conversation in the hall. Social anxiety can hinder us from making friends, dating, or doing other things that bring joy and meaning to our lives.

March 7, 2018

Why We Need Unconditional Love and Acceptance from Caregivers

We’ve all heard that the best type of love comes with no strings attached. The idea that we might come to love someone so intensely that we can forgive them all of their faults is a popular one That being said, few people would encourage you to overlook any and every wrong a loved one… read more

January 10, 2018

How to Decrease Loneliness

Have you ever seen someone laughing with a group of friends or cuddling with a significant other and felt…lonely? As Psychology Today notes, “[w]atching everyone…connect to those they love makes [our] own feelings of emotional isolation even more profound.” Not only does this feel unpleasant, but it also threatens our health. According to an article… read more

December 27, 2017

Take A Hike: How Outdoor Activity Builds Mental Health

In a day and age when technology reigns and face-to-face interactions have fallen by the wayside, spending time outside has lost some of its appeal. Despite this, outdoor activity can play a major role in gaining and maintaining mental health. By building communities with your fellow outdoorspeople, increasing your psychological resilience, and just plain enjoying… read more

August 23, 2017

5 Easy Ways to Reduce Stress and Improve Health As You Age

Our bodies go through myriad changes as we age; in terms of stress, as we grow older, we are both exposed to new physical stressors and begin to handle those stressors in a different way. This post seeks to break down those stress-related changes and provide methods for coping with them. How Our Bodies Respond… read more

February 14, 2017

3 Simple Reminders That Being Single is More Than Okay

The whirlwind of boxed chocolate, candy hearts and blooming bouquets is looming near. Pretty soon everyone around you will be dedicated to either confessions of love or thinly veiled contempt for PDA of any kind. But do you have to be either madly in love or lonely and bitter? The short answer: NO! This Valentine’s… read more

February 10, 2017

Valentine’s Day Gifts They Will Actually Love: 8 Mindful Gift Ideas

Many a times, we find ourselves stuck in the Valentine’s Day gift dilemma. The little voice in our head says, “Valentine’s Day is so commercial” and “Cheesy cards and candy is so played out, what could they want?” Ignore that voice! Gift giving is described as a means through which individuals communicate values and they assign… read more