Our Latest Blogs

Behind the Anger: Why You Need to Meet Your Needs Before You Can Calm Down

angry woman shouting.

We’ve all been irritable, snappish, annoyed, and rageful. Anger is a universal emotion. However, unlike other emotions, such as joy, sadness, disgust, or love, anger often involves a sense of deep shame. We are told not to be angry, to calm down, or to be rational. Anger is seen as an emotion to avoid, suppress, […]

Why Games Celebrating Cultural Diversity Matter More Than Ever Now

happy gamers with controllers.

Gaming has always been a popular pastime, but with the advancement of technology, it’s now one of the most enjoyed activities on the planet. This means that game creators and developers have a platform they can use to promote change, and one way they’re doing this is by creating games that celebrate cultural diversity. These […]

Beyond the Selfie: A Guide to Authentic Mental Health Advocacy on Social Media

young adult taking selfie.

Social media gives us a wonderful opportunity to share our personal stories. Unfortunately, far too often, people only use it to present the highlight reels of their lives. They edit and filter selfies, snap photos of food, and never go deeper than the surface. There’s a time and place for things like that, and there’s […]

How Love Affects Our Lives and Mental Health

word ‘love’ written in the sand

Love is a simple concept, yet it contains a universe of feelings. It’s a global language that transcends borders, cultures, and time. It’s the glue that binds us together, the force that drives us, and the gift that enriches our lives. It influences our self-worth, motivates us to become better individuals, and teaches us the […]

Receiving Gifts: Understanding Your Love Language’s Hidden Message

glove hands holding snow heart

In the realm of human relationships, understanding the intricacies of how we express and receive love can be a game-changer. Dr. Gary Chapman’s groundbreaking concept of the Five Love Languages has provided a valuable framework for comprehending these dynamics. In this article, we’ll explore the world of “love languages,” exploring how they can enrich your […]

Identifying 5 Subtle Signs of Self-Sabotage in Your Relationships and How to Break the Pattern

couple disagreeing over finances.

Self-sabotage is the silent killer of relationships. It can doom our relationships before they even begin by whispering lies about our inadequacy and impossibility of being loved.  Relationships are hard. Even the healthiest relationships suffer from trials, arguments, and setbacks. No one is perfect, so it makes sense that a union of two people is […]

Physical Wellness Beyond the Gym: Unconventional Paths to Better Mental Health

woman doing outdoors yoga

When you’re struggling with your mental health, getting yourself up and going to the gym can seem impossible. Whether it’s because you have social anxiety or because you’re just feeling down and unmotivated, it’s understandable that working out is the last thing on your mind. That said, moving your body can do your mind a […]

Winter Wellness: Embrace Online Therapy for Stress-Free Seasonal Serenity

Two women walking in snow

The holidays have passed, and winter stress is one of the challenges of the season that can make us feel down. With frosty, short days and cloudy weather, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. How you approach these challenges affects how you feel. In this article, we’ll introduce you to winter blues and share some […]

Becoming A Morning Person: A Beneficial Change that Supports Positive Mental Health

woman with morning coffee and laptop

Becoming somewhat of a morning person has been a stunning development in my life. Now, in my forties, early rising is part of a long-term program to sustain positive mental health. In short, I have a purpose and a routine that includes getting an early start on my work. I have coping strategies, but keeping […]

How Small Wins Can Start an Impactful Chain in Your Life

smiling man in cap and denim

In the business world, employers are always looking for ways to keep their employees motivated and engaged for a more productive work environment. The most popular technique is the small-wins approach, popularized by Teresa Amabile and Steven Kramer in their work on progress theory. I was always aware of this concept, having read about it […]

Out of the Clouds: Managing Anxiety-Induced Dissociation in the Age of Social Media Overload

woman on a mountain in the clouds

Every time we open our laptops or phones, we are bombarded with information: the latest crises at home and overseas, falling financial trends, eco-disasters, and the personal lives of hundreds of online friends and strangers. A study done in 2020 found that more than half of U.S. adults get their news through social media. What’s […]

Distinguishing Emotions from Feelings: A Look at Two Essential Parts of the Human Experience

collage of different facial expressions

Emotions and feelings are fundamental aspects of what makes us human. The terms are often used together in everyday conversation. However, psychologists note essential differences between these two phenomena. Understanding this distinction can provide critical insight into the workings of the human mind and pathways for personal growth. Emotions: Involuntary Reactions to Significant Events According […]

Mental Health Recovery: Twenty Practical Tips To Take You From Broken To Better

post-it notes on vision board

Have you ever felt lost, hopeless, and overwhelmed? When you are in a dark and lonely headspace, you can feel desperate, and the scariest part is not knowing if it will get better. Hope, coupled with dedication, can light the path to a healthier mental state. Recovery involves a process of healing, adaptation, and growth. […]

Healthy Aging: Strategies to Maintain Mental Well-being in Later Life

older couple walking

It’s sad to see friends in their golden years sink into depression or lose their sharpness of mind. However, if you’re in that spot and getting up there in age, it’s important to know that not everyone ages the same, and you can retain clarity and happiness well into your later years. It’s never too […]

What is Your Learning Language? Part 4: Learning from Power and Authority

triumphant person on mountop at sunrise

Based on the concept of the Love Languages by Gary Chapman, I developed a series of 15 Learning Languages or Learning Styles I present here to help people understand how we learn throughout our lifetimes. Learning Languages 13-15 are our ways of Learning from Power and Authority. Learning from Power and Authority means learning from […]

What is Your Learning Language? Part 3: Learning from Experience

skateboarder in striped shirt

Based on the concept of the Love Languages by Gary Chapman, I developed a series of 15 Learning Languages or Learning Styles I present here to help people understand how we learn throughout our lifetimes. Learning Languages 9-12 are our ways of Learning from Experience. Learning from Experience means gaining knowledge and wisdom from the […]

What is Your Learning Language? Part 2: Learning Through Teaching Pathways

couple assembling furniture

Based on the concept of the Love Languages by Gary Chapman, I developed a series of 15 Learning Languages or Learning Styles I present here to help people understand how we learn throughout our lifetimes. Learning Languages 4-8 are about Learning through Teaching Pathways. Teaching Pathways include being self-taught and having others instruct you. Anyone […]

What is Your Learning Language? Part 1: Learning Through Reflective Wisdom

woman outdoors holding mirror

Based on the concept of the Love Languages by Gary Chapman, I developed a series of 15 Learning Languages or Learning Styles I present here to help people understand how we learn throughout our lifetimes. “You never learn” and “Why can’t you learn?” are comments frequently made by people frustrated with loved ones who repeat […]

Cultivating Healthy Habits: Small Steps Towards Long-Term Wellness

woman running

In today’s fast-paced world, healthy habits often take a backseat to the demands of work and social life. However, cultivating healthy habits is essential for long-term wellness and a fulfilling life. The good news is that even small changes can make a big difference in how you feel in mind and body. From drinking plenty […]

The Crucial Role of Nutrition in Mental Health

family preparing healthy food

In the pursuit of better mental health, various factors come into play. One often overlooked aspect is nutrition. The food we consume can significantly impact our mental well-being, influencing mood, cognition, and overall mental health. This article will explore the vital connection between nutrition and mental health, shedding light on how a well-balanced diet can […]

Emotional Intelligence and Intellectual Health: Integrating Empathy and Rationality

women with braided hair at window

In our fast-paced and interconnected world, Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Intellectual Health (IH) have emerged as crucial elements for personal and professional growth. Emotional Intelligence refers to understanding and managing emotions effectively, while Intellectual Health encompasses critical thinking, open-mindedness, and intellectual humility. Striking a delicate balance between rationality and empathy is essential for fostering healthier […]

Top Screen Time Management Tips for Those with Mental Health Conditions

smartphone selfie

As technology continues to develop at a rapid pace, it’s virtually impossible to avoid screens and digital devices. From work to leisure time, it has become all too easy to spend hours on end looking at a screen without considering the impact on your health. By being more aware of your devices’ impacts, you can […]

10,000 Friends, One Lonely Soul: The Impact of Social Media on Stress, Depression, and Anxiety

laptop and smartphone

Social media has helped us connect and communicate with thousands of people around the world. However, as our connections grow in number, an emptiness within our hearts emerges. Many people around the globe are experiencing a feeling of loneliness, depression, and stress despite having thousands of friends online. A recent study found that reducing social […]

How to Hack Your Stress Response and Overcome Adversity

woman jogging near water

Are you feeling overwhelmed and stressed? It’s natural to feel anxious when life throws a curveball at you. It doesn’t have to last forever—there are things you can do to help yourself become more resilient, manage your stress response, and find ways to thrive in the face of adversity. This post will help you build […]

Developing Your Creativity: Innovative Ways to Enhance Your Mental Well-Being

woman observing abstract art

Embracing creativity and innovation in your life is more than just a fun pursuit. It also has positive effects on your health. Developing your creativity can decrease your heart rate, lower stress, and enhance your emotional state. Relaxing activities such as crafting and gardening create a calm and peaceful state, which allows the brain to […]

Reclaiming Your Joy: The Power of Incorporating Hobbies into Your Busy Life

visual art project

Hobbies are much more than an entertaining way to spend your time. Several studies have shown that people who actively engage in hobbies are less likely to experience stress, low mood, and depression. One 2021 study by Simon Fraser University researchers found that keeping active through varied activities can even reduce the risk of developing dementia. Just about […]

Flexing Your Mental Muscles: The Power of Brain Exercises

happy woman writing on paper.

Flexing the muscles in your brain is just as important as working out the muscles in the rest of your body. Just as doctors tell you to exercise regularly to keep your body healthy, exercising your brain helps keep it in the best shape possible. Keeping your brain active and your mind sharp can improve […]

16 MBTI Personality Types Under Stress

young woman with emotion signs

MBTI, which stands for Myers Briggs Type Indicator, is a personality assessment tool that explains our individual psychological preferences. If you’ve ever wondered what makes you unique in your perceptions and relationships, this tool can help you understand. The core concept of MBTI personality types revolves around the idea that we all have distinct preferences […]

How to Know If You Need a Break from Social Media

close up of man holding smartphone.

Social media has many wonderful uses. It is a place to share meaningful experiences—a place to make connections with like-minded people and feel that you are a part of something bigger. Despite its usefulness as an amazing tool for human connection, social media has some drawbacks. If not used appropriately, it can negatively impact your […]

5 Steps to Healing from Burnout

sunflower blossom

If work has left you feeling exhausted, on edge, or disinterested, you may be suffering burnout. Long hours, heightened responsibilities, and a lack of balance between work and home life have become the norm for many Americans following the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving workers feeling drained, pessimistic, and burnt out. What is burnout? Burnout is an […]

The Science of Sleep: Understanding Your Circadian Rhythm and Tips to Boost Restfulness

man sleeping in bed

We all know how important sleep is for our health and well-being, but have you ever wondered why we need it and how our bodies regulate it? The answer lies in our circadian rhythm – our body’s natural 24-hour cycle that regulates our sleep-wake cycle, hormones, and metabolism. Our circadian rhythm is controlled by an […]

Reduce Stress with Mindfulness Techniques

man doing tai chi outdoors

Stress is a common concern in today’s fast-paced world, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s no secret that chronic stress can negatively affect your mental and physical health, causing issues such as sleep disturbances, anxiety, and even a decrease in heart rate variability (HRV), an essential indicator of your autonomic nervous system’s balance.  […]

Self-Care Practices for Better Mental Health Management

woman with headphones in bed

Self-care is more than just soaking in a bubble bath and applying expensive facial masks. It’s an essential part of our overall health and well-being and something we should all prioritize. Whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, struggling to get enough restful sleep, or simply looking for ways to boost your mood and energy, incorporating […]

How to Cultivate Self-Compassion and Improve Your Relationships

happy partners selfie

Self-compassion, the tendency to be kind and understanding to yourself when confronted with personal failures and challenges, is a strong predictor of positive mental health (Muris, 2015; Hwang, 2016). Studies indicate that high levels of self-compassion are linked to better life satisfaction and happiness and decreased self-criticism, depression, and anxiety (Neff, 2009). Self-compassion not only […]

Mindfulness Techniques for ADHD: How They Can Help

calming lake scene

This article by clinical psychologist Dr. Adeel Sarwar discusses the benefits of mindfulness techniques in managing ADHD symptoms. Do you often find it hard to stay focused, concentrate on tasks, and manage your emotions effectively due to your ADHD symptoms? If so, you are not alone. However, there is a solution – mindfulness techniques. Incorporating […]

8 Easy Life Hacks To Improve Your Quality Of Sleep

cat sleeping

From waking up in the middle of the night to finding it difficult to nod off, failing to get a good night’s sleep can leave you feeling awful the next day. In this article, we’ll explore eight simple hacks to boost your sleep quality—for good.  So keep reading if you want to discover the key […]

6 Simple Techniques to Reduce Anxiety, Stress, and Worry

reading a book with a cup of coffee

There is always a lot going on in life, and you don’t need the extra burden of anxiety, stress, and worry. Left unchecked, stress can affect your mental well-being and lead to serious mental health issues such as depression. Once you become stressed, it can be hard to feel good again, but there are tactics […]

How to Reduce Stress with Positive Thinking

stressed woman at laptop.

Everyone experiences stress differently and to varying degrees of intensity; it is an unavoidable aspect of life. While some stress is acceptable and may even be beneficial in certain circumstances, excessive stress may be harmful to both physical and mental health. The good news is that by developing a positive mindset, we can learn how […]

6 Ways You Can Improve Employee Mental Health and Well-being in Your Business Workplace

smiling co-workers

Mental health and well-being are growing concerns for businesses. People are more aware of how work and emotional well-being affect each other but may still have difficulty maintaining or improving their mental health. Here are six ways you can improve employee mental health in your business workplace. 1. Develop Concrete, Streamlined Strategies and Objectives Every […]

Urgency Culture: On the Go or on the Nerve?

busy mother on phone with children

What is Urgency Culture? In the digital age, there has been a societal shift in our common ideas about productivity and leisure. As a psychotherapist, I find that my clients believe they must always be doing something in order to feel worthwhile or content. This phenomenon is commonly known as ‘urgency culture,’ which is the […]

4 Journaling Techniques for Better Mental Health

journal with mindful quote

Positive Mental health is fundamental for your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. In fact, your mind influences not only the way you feel and think but also the way you act. Sadly, mental health issues have been rising: indeed, the World Health Organization states that there has been a 13% increase in mental health conditions […]

5 Reasons Why Creativity in the Plastic Arts Is Good for Your Mental Health

woman painting ceramics

Mental health is a complex subject. Mental health disorders affect people differently, and what typically works for one person may be a trigger for another. No treatment or activity is universally helpful in all cases. However, exploring your creativity through the plastic arts can be a fantastic method of boosting mental health. Let’s dive a […]

Why Is Cumulative Stress a Trigger to Mental Health Problems?

worried young woman

The world is becoming increasingly aware of mental health and how cumulative stress can interfere with our mental well-being. Despite this increased awareness and sensitivity to mental health needs, populations around the world are still experiencing rises in problems related to mental health. Many forces operating outside of the average individual’s control can play a […]

How Making Art Improves Mental Health and Boosts Creative Wellness

young woman painting a canvas.

Creative wellness is the practice of using creative arts, such as music, dance, or painting, to promote physical, emotional, and psychological good health. It is a form of self-care that involves appreciating beauty in oneself and the surrounding world and expressing oneself through participation in the arts. Consider a creative pursuit that brings you joy. […]

The Most Common Forms of Autonomic Dysfunction in the Nervous System

female doctor and patient

The body’s autonomic nervous system (ANS) is responsible for automatic functions, including controlling your bladder, temperature, heart rate, breathing, and much more. Sometimes, people’s ANS doesn’t work the way that it should. This is called autonomic dysfunction or autonomic neuropathy and affects more than 70 million people worldwide. Cases can be mild to severe but […]

Overwhelmed by Life? Try These 5 Stress Management Techniques

Everyone feels stressed at times. It is a normal human response to threats. Your body adjusts to new circumstances with the assistance of stress reactions. Stress can keep us focused, determined, and prepared to stay out of harm’s way. If you have a big test coming up, a stress response might make your body work […]

How Yoga Benefits Your Mental Health

Taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. One of the best ways to do that is by practicing yoga. Combined with mental health treatment, yoga is an effective method for coping with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It can also help improve your sleep quality. Still, […]

3 Actionable Ways Business Leaders Can Create a Culture that Supports Employee Mental Health

A strong company culture plays a significant role in employee happiness and productivity. It’s something more employers and business owners need to pay attention to since an estimated 83% of American workers struggle with work-related stress. That kind of stress leads to less productivity in the workplace and can cause employee retention to suffer. More […]

Everything You Need to Know about Restorative Yoga for Beginners

Most wellness experts agree that restorative yoga has many benefits, especially for beginners. It’s a holistic and therapeutic approach to physical and mental health. Regardless of whether you are young or old, mobility through passive stretching can help everyone. But beginners don’t always know where to start. With so many online and in-person classes available, […]

Brain Fitness and a Stress Management Program for the Workplace

The past few years have seen an explosion in research into brain structure, organization, and function. As a result, brain fitness is becoming a crucial area of scientific investigation, much like physical fitness has been a central part of human health and well-being in the past few decades. Brain fitness refers to the brain’s ability […]

How Daily Exercising Can Help You Beat Anxiety

When coping with anxiety and depression, many options exist to help you deal with your daily struggle. Exercise has been proven to positively impact mental health, easing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and many other cognitive problems. There are also the obvious physical benefits of exercise, such as better heart health and improved quality of life. […]

Staying Mindful of Destructive Patterns When Engaging in Favorite Pastimes

Everybody loves getting lost in their favorite pastimes. Whether it’s eating fish and chips on the beach, sharing a bottle of wine with friends, or gaming late into the night, there’s nothing better than burning off steam and treating yourself to some luxury and fun. However, some habits can become destructive if taken to extremes. […]

5 Little Ways to Have a Better Relationship with Your Partner

multiracial couple on couch

Relationships require time, energy, and commitment. They are not created overnight. And as difficult as it is to start a relationship, it’s even more difficult to sustain one. The ride is not always smooth. It is bound to be bumpy, and sometimes you will need to put in that extra ounce of care to stay […]

A Handy Guide to a Holistic Mind, Body, and Soul Approach to Mental Health

healthy salad

Taking a holistic approach to mental health is the best way to go. It ensures that mind, body, and soul are aligned and helps us reduce stress, increase our output, and stay in a healthier state of mind. Therefore, investing your time in different practices that help feed your mind, body, and soul is essential. […]

6 Ways Older Adults Can Boost Their Mental Health

man in hat painiting outdoors

Your mental health journey as a young adult was likely quite different from the one you now face. As an older adult, you may experience mental health concerns unique to this period of your life, such as depression, anxiety, and isolation. Thankfully, there are various ways to navigate these mental health challenges and any others […]

Tips for Reducing Anxious Thoughts that Keep You Up at Night

If you’ve ever lied awake at night staring at the ceiling, heart racing, and thoughts running through your mind uncontrollably, you know how damaging it can be to your sleep. Unfortunately, at night, when your body finally comes to rest is when your anxious mind comes alive. Anxiety affects over 40 million adults and ranges […]

6 Exercises to Help Reduce Stress in 10 Minutes

Most of us are familiar with the effects of stress on our mood, emotions, and behaviors, but we may not be considering the impact on our bodies. During chronic stress, our sympathetic nervous system (“fight, flight, or freeze”) is upregulated to prepare the body for threats and conflict. While these physiologic changes are highly advantageous […]

How to Become Relaxed Almost Instantly for Better Mental Health

Living in the modern world means stress is a normal part of life. The simple act of existing takes a toll on us all. From having to work stressful jobs to raising kids to worrying about bills, there is no shortage of things to stress us out. Although you may insist on being a relentlessly responsible […]

Finding Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

Mental health is a vital part of overall health and wellbeing. According to the World Health Organization, health is a condition of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, not just the absence of sickness or disability. Mental health encompasses much more than the absence of mental disorders or disabilities; it is mainly about quality of […]

“Life Is Suffering”: Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) for Emotional Peace

“Life is suffering.” This phrase is associated with Buddhism and its Noble Truths. If you have struggled with your mental health, you know well how painful it can be to simply reside in your brain. In the context of the Noble Truths, the term “suffering” is an English translation of the Sanskrit word “duhkha” (or […]

How to Prioritize Your Mental Health Over Everything

Staying mentally healthy is a lifelong journey. Just like a plant, mental health needs care, attention, and support to flourish over a long time. You may not have a mental health disorder, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have to work on your mental health—it’s just a part of being human. Whether you struggle with […]

The Mental Health Benefits of Spending Quality Time with Friends and Family

When you think about managing your mental health, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many people, it might be seeing a therapist or counselor, taking medication, or practicing deep breathing exercises or meditation. Those things can help your mental well-being, and other mental health boosters such as spending time outdoors and exercising […]

3 Ways To Improve Your Mental Health

Mental health is a broad term that encompasses such things as emotional regulation and psychological well-being. It is often contrasted with physical health, but mental and physical health are very much intertwined. Western medicine, in particular, tends to put more focus on physical health, while psychological wellness sometimes gets overlooked by medical professionals as well […]

How to Calm an Overactive Nervous System

There are plenty of things that can help calm the nervous system. Deep breathing, relaxation techniques, and certain medications can help to ease anxiety and nervousness. Sometimes, simply taking a break from whatever is causing the stress can be enough to help the nervous system relax. In some cases, though, more drastic measures may be […]

3 Ways Debt Affects Mental Health

You didn’t plan to owe money. You’re financially aware of your income. However, life happens sometimes, and now you’re faced with more bills than you anticipated. Maybe your car broke down, leaving you with more prominent credit card payments. You had to take out student loans to receive a higher education only to find out […]