Being a parent during COVID is just plain hard
Parenting may be one of the hardest things you've ever done. Then came COVID, and it became even more challenging. Here's some helpful advice from a therapist, who has three children of her own.
The joy of being a Foster Grandparent, even during COVID
When school is in session, many children in Maine get the extra benefit of a grandparent in the classroom. A Foster Grandparent. Things have changed because of COVID, but some Foster Grandparents have found other ways to connect with their kids.
COVID-19: Mixed news but reasons for optimism
Dr. Dora Anne Mills looks at COVID variants and vaccines and gives us reasons to be optimistic.
Love and relationships in the time of COVID
The stress of this past year may have put a strain on your relationship with your spouse or partner. If so, we have some loving advice from a licensed marriage and family therapist.
How to get ready for your COVID-19 vaccine appointment
Scheduled to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Dr. Dora Anne Mills has some useful information that you should read ahead of time.
Dealing with seasonal depression and more in the workplace
The stress of dealing with COVID-19 has made things even worse for people who struggle with seasonal depression. It impacts all aspects of their lives, including their work life.
Two turbulent threats and transitions
Dr. Dora Anne Mills reflects on "two seismic events - the pandemic and the threats to our democracy" and answers questions about the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
Reflecting on the lessons of 2020
In this thoughtful essay, in which she reflects on the past and looks to the future, Dr. Dora Anne Mills writes that she chose to spend New Year's weekend living in the present. It was a good place to be, she said.
COVID-19 and the lights of faith and hope
During these dark days of COVID-19, Dr. Dora Anne Mills reflects on other dark times in the history of our world and offers us some hope.
COVID-19: which habits to keep, which ones to ditch
As we prepare for our pared-down Thanksgiving celebrations, COVID rages on across the country. With vaccines on the horizon, it's possible to imagine life returning to "normal" again. Dr. Dora Anne Mills considers the habits we've had to develop and what will happen to them.
COVID-19: A tale of two worlds
Playing it safe versus throwing all caution to the wind. A not-so brief update from Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
Looking forward to the future one scarf at a time
When COVID forced a lockdown in London in early March, Hazell Jacobs knew she had to find something to help her cope. She found inspiration in her vast scarf collection and decided to write a blog about them. Its title Scarf Aid is an apt one. The stories about her scarves that she has been weaving since March have brought comfort not only to Hazell but to her growing list of followers. This is Hazell's story.
Anxiety in the time of COVID (and politics)
So ... feeling anxious lately? I know I am and it's wearing on me (and likely, my husband). Fortunately, I'm open to asking for advice, and that in itself can help me calm down. Writing this blog post was also helpful. It makes me feel connected when I can share what I learn.
Achieving a personal best during COVID and staying positive
At the beginning of the pandemic, Connie Venskus worked on puzzles, but then she put them away to pursue some more meaningful goals — making masks and training for a Jimmy Fund marathon walk.
Understanding the impact of COVID on senior living communities
People who live in senior and assisted living communities are at increased risk when it comes to COVID because of their age and the likelihood they have underlying health issues. How these communities tackle keeping residents and staff safe during the pandemic can be either life-saving or life-threatening. I look at one company that has been trying hard to get it right.
October surprises about the COVID-19 pandemic
We've learned some important, potentially life-saving, facts about COVID-19 since the pandemic descended upon the world. We get some of the details from Dr. Dora Anne Mills. She calls them October surprises.
Finding new ways to honor passed loved ones during COVID
We've all read the stories or had a personal experience with not being allowed to see loved ones who are in the hospital, a nursing home, or assisted living facility. Especially heart wrenching is not being able to gather around when a loved one is dying or to honor them afterward.
The doctor will see you now — by video
With the explosion of COVID-19 in the United States, we've also seen an explosion of telehealth programs. If you can't go see your doctor in person, how about an online visit?
Now it’s my turn
All Nancy Marshall's mother wants is a hug, but because of COVID, it hasn't been possible for months. Nancy writes about the frustration, sadness, and guilt she's been feeling.
Coping with the pandemic has its highs and lows
Most of the time I think I'm doing ok, even better than ok. I don't really mind staying home and have plenty of projects to keep me busy and opportunities to connect with other people. But out of the blue, I can suddenly feel almost overwhelming sadness and despair. One minute the sun is shining and the next, it's a downpour.
Lessons from abroad and from here in Maine
Dr. Dora Anne Mills takes a look at what has been happening with the pandemic in other countries and reviews lessons learned both abroad and closer to home. She warns that this fall and winter could be very challenging, but she also shares some motherly advice.
Tarts full of sweetness and a few life lessons
What lessons could this mouth-watering pastry teach other than sometimes it's ok to indulge in sweetness? One might be that you shouldn't be afraid to tackle a project you think you'd never be able to do. Don't hold back. Learn some Kitchen Lessons from a pro.
COVID-19: Our actions matter
As deaths from COVID-19 climb upward, it is on track to become the third leading cause of death in the U.S. for 2020. Our actions can move us in either direction, says Dr. Dora Mills. Our actions matter.
COVID-19 in 2020: Cleaning up from atop my soapbox
How do we make sense of what we know about COVID-19? What's true, what's not? How do we cope with our new realities? If we can't change things on a grand scale, what can we do in our corner of the world? These are a few of the questions Nancy Flagg has been pondering lately.
How to wear and care for your mask
You might think it's pretty straightforward. Put on a mask when you'll be around other people and store it where you can find it for the next time. Only there are some important steps and tips that you should know about. Here they are.
The importance of being in control
It's challenging enough for people with chronic conditions to manage their health and navigate a complicated healthcare system. Because of COVID, many people are isolated and disconnected, which creates even more challenges. Harnessing the power of artificial intelligence, a program called Ibis is helping people stay connected and manage their health from home.
Will your relationship survive the pandemic?
COVID-19 has changed our personal relationships in a big way. We are separated from some of the people we love and thrown together 24/7 with others. Either situation takes its toll. In this blog post, we look at the stress too much togetherness can cause and offer some professional advice.
COVID-19 Maine update on reopening schools
Is it safe for schools to reopen in the fall? At this stage of the pandemic, there is no way to know. We can, however, learn from the experiences of other countries. Dr. Dora Mills makes some comparisons and looks at what scientists understand so far about COVID transmission in school-aged children.
Enjoying challenges, staying grounded
For Tim Hayes, the COVID-19 pandemic became a reality on a Friday the 13th. The school he works in closed and within a matter of days, everything was happening online, including counseling students, which is what Tim does. From time to time, he's also had to do a bit of self-counseling. Either way, he always offers a blend of compassion and optimism.
Cultivating Mindfulness in Turbulent Times
We are certainly in the midst of turbulent times, but how do we cultivate mindfulness? What does that even mean? We get some answers from Anne Gosling, who teaches Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction. Just what we need!
Researching during a lockdown
Out of the blue, soon after we began staying at home because of COVID-19, I received an intriguing email from a retired librarian who lives in Newfoundland, Canada. This is a story about why she sent me an email and what she has been doing to cope with the pandemic.