Mind Matters

If you’re losing sleep over COVID-19, you’re not alone. In fact, some people have coined pandemic-related sleeplessness, ‘coronasomnia.' Cleveland Clinic’s Michelle Drerup, PsyD, says people are stressed over the virus and everything that’s changed because of it. “There are a lot of things impacting sleep based on the current situation,” she says. “Number one, probably most obvious, is increased anxiety and stress that people are experiencing. Not only in regards to the actual virus but also the impact on our financial, work, academic, things like that.”  ...

Are you scaling down, or cancelling, an annual holiday tradition due to COVID-19? A psychologist shares tips for navigating family tensions. ...

You know how the feeling when you stop at a different grocery store and you can’t find what you need? Your usual hunt-and-gather mission becomes more like a freewheeling scavenger hunt. That’s a good thing because your brain shifts off automatic pilot and gets a good workout. ...

We all know that our diets affect our appearance and some health measures, like hypertension. But most of us give less thought to how the foods we eat impact our brains. Consider this: Certain diets lead to higher rates of cognitive decline and our gut health may shape our personalities. Learn more about how the foods you consume impact your mind. ...

Book clubs are a good way to meet people (virtually or in-person), explore topics you might not be familiar with and engage in lively discussions with people who like to read as much as you do. Whether you start with a safe, social distancing experience or go entirely online with video conferencing, a book club may be just the cure for the not-enough-fun-things-to-do blues.  ...

As Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond celebrates its Fifth Anniversary with this issue, it’s our pleasure to throw a much-deserved spotlight on these women, nominated by friends and co-workers who have had a front-row seat to their accomplishments.  ...

Who couldn’t use a bit of fun right now? Lighten up with these word puzzle brain ticklers; no paper or pencil required! ...

We’re all doing our best to find ways to keep each other safe and still keep each other close to our hearts and conduct our business. When it’s over, God-willing soon, the silver lining may well be that we will have learned a new language to convey our caring for each other and for everyone in our communities. ...