For The Family Institute at Northwestern University’s third annual Day of Learning, Dr. Michele Kerulis and I hosted a 90-minute workshop focused on treating chronic illness from a performance psychology lens. Patients with chronic disease are more likely to experience mental health challenges, such as stress, anxiety, diminished self-confidence, and depression.

The workshop provided attendees with an overview of common chronic illnesses encountered by their patients and the performance psychology skills and techniques used to assess, advise, assist, and treat patients experiencing chronic illness. The workshop covered background information on common chronic diseases, theoretical concepts, and practical treatment applications. Attendees gained an understanding of the efficacy of performance-oriented psychological skills techniques, such as positive self-talk, routine, motivation, relaxation, and goal setting. They learned how to apply these principles to patients experiencing chronic illnesses.

Parental stress is a significant public health concern that affects individuals, families, and communities. Chronic stress can lead to various adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, mental health disorders, and weakened immune function. This workshop examines the impact of regular physical activity on reducing parental stress levels by reviewing the current literature, identifying knowledge gaps, exploring the spectrum of physical activity, and proposing an inclusive physical activity framework.

At The Family Institute at Northwestern University's second annual Gratitude Gala, moderator Daniel Wilsea sat down for a fireside chat with former Cub and 2016 World Series MVP Ben Zobrist.

The one-hour virtual event for The Family Institute at Northwestern University featured a discussion on how parents can support their children's mental health needs.

This article, written for The Family Institute at Northwestern University, aims to provide insights and information on exercise's physical and psychological benefits, ways to develop a positive exercise mindset, the role of exercise in promoting mental well-being, and how to create a healthy relationship with exercise.