Have you been feeling a bit low lately, but you can’t quite put your finger on why? It may have something to do with your social media habits. According to a recent study , social media use can increase depression and loneliness. For years people...
Mindfulness. It involves being aware of the thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations that you’re experiencing at any given time (this is commonly referred to as “present moment awareness”). Practicing mindfulness offers numerous benefits, including: Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression Increased sense of well-being Enhanced cognitive...
Have you ever thought about how your environment contributes to your mood? The relationships we maintain, communities we engage with, news we read about, and even workplace culture all influence emotional wellbeing. If we want to be better people, it’s our responsibility to surround ourselves...
‘Tis the season when people get excited about all-things pumpkin-spiced. And I can certainly understand that as the flavor of pumpkin is delish! But while pumpkin-spiced lattes and pumpkin muffins aren’t very healthy for you, the actual pumpkin is. Here are 5 surprising health benefits...
When most people commit to a fitness routine, they do so to improve their physical health. Perhaps they need to lose weight or find a natural way to lower their blood pressure or blood glucose. And while exercise definitely impacts a person’s physical health, it...
When you’re struggling mentally or emotionally, self-care is often the last thing on your mind. But starting small—especially with something as accessible as positive affirmations—can begin to shift how you feel about yourself and the world around you. Affirmations are more than just nice words;...
Halloween is right around the corner. And that means our angelic children will soon turn into little demons and monsters after consuming copious amounts of sugar. What if this year we could forgo all of that sugar (and all of those unpleasant sugar crashes?) and...
It's tough trying to get your teen to talk. Science has shown that the teenager's brain has yet to fully develop the frontal cortex, which is the area that controls our ability to reason, and to think before we act. As your teen's brain develops,...
High-functioning anxiety can be difficult to recognize, even for those living with it. On the outside, a person may appear driven, punctual, organized, and calm under pressure. Internally, though, they are battling constant self-doubt, chronic stress, and a mind that never shuts off. Because their...
When children become old enough to start school, they have already developed some kind of language ability. The degree to which kids use and understand language is important and has an enormous impact on their entire educational career. How Do Young Children Develop Language Skills?...
They are beloved by children everywhere and a thorn in the paw of many teachers and parents. Fidget spinners have been flying off store shelves in recent years, touted as a gadget that can help reduce anxiety and treat symptoms of ADHD in young children....
The teenage years (ages 13 to 18) can present numerous challenges for parents, so if you’re struggling, just remember that you’re not alone. Below are some examples of issues that parents commonly face with their teens, as well as advice for how to handle these...
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some people experience racing thoughts before a presentation. Others feel panicked at the idea of leaving home. Anxiety shows up in many forms, and understanding your specific...
Being diagnosed with ADHD later in life can be a profoundly emotional experience. On the one hand, this diagnosis explains a lifetime of challenges that once felt like personal failings—things like difficulty staying organized, impulsivity, restlessness, or inconsistent focus. On the other, you now realize...
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that feel impossible to control. While medication and therapy are the most effective forms of treatment, you may not have access to these resources immediately or on an ongoing basis. If that’s the case, you’ll be...
Many of us experienced social isolation during the recent pandemic. And none of us will deny that those days and weeks were very hard. Thankfully, the pandemic is over, and life for the majority of us has returned to normal. But for some people, social...
“Because I said so!!” How many times did your parents say this phrase to you? How often were you spanked as a child? How much yelling was there in your house growing up? It’s safe to say that parenting styles have changed over the years....
Autism is a mental health disorder that affects both children and adults. It causes people to behave in certain ways that are considered “abnormal” and make interaction with others very difficult. While there is no cure for autism, there are treatments that have been shown...
Separation anxiety disorder causes a person to worry excessively about being separated from someone who’s close to them. For example, someone with this type of anxiety may worry about being separated from a parent or caregiver. This anxiety disorder most commonly affects children. While it’s...
It turns out that the phrase “trust your gut” might hold more truth than we thought! Emerging research highlights a powerful relationship between our digestive system and our mental health. This communication network, often referred to as the gut-brain axis, links your gut and brain...