Stress and anxiety feel very similar. Both can create feelings of tension, a racing heart, restlessness, difficulty concentrating, irritability, trouble sleeping, or even physical symptoms like headaches or an upset stomach. Because they share many of the same signs, it's easy to confuse one for the other. However, understanding the difference can help you respond [...]
Author: mjones2620
Disenfranchised Grief: When Others Don’t Understand Your Loss
When we think about grief, we might think about the death of a loved one. But grief can exist after many kinds of losses, including permanent losses that may not be recognized or understood by the people around us. You might grieve the end of a relationship, family estrangement, the loss of a job, a major move, or a future you [...]
What is Burnout?
Burnout is chronic emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion. It’s not just feeling tired after a week. The chronic exhaustion is perpetuated by unmanaged stress. Often, burnout isn’t noticed at first because it tends to build gradually. Common Signs of Burnout: Constant fatigue even after 7-8 hours of sleep Irritability Lack of motivation Brain fog/decreased concentration Detachment from work or responsibilities Feeling [...]
Are You a People-Pleaser?
People-pleasing is often misunderstood as just being kind or thoughtful. But true people-pleasing usually comes from fear: fear of rejection, conflict, abandonment, or being a burden. Common signs/traits of a people-pleaser: Saying yes when overwhelmed Struggling to identify your own needs Feeling responsible for other people’s emotions Over-explaining yourself Apologizing excessively Avoiding conflict Needing reassurance to ensure you’re not “too [...]
Mindfulness in Motion: Finding Presence in Everyday Life
From Workouts to Washing Dishes Every time I lace up my sneakers or rinse a plate in the sink, I’m presented with a simple invitation to slow down, breathe, and be fully present. We have all at one point been told or advised to “try practicing mindfulness”. What does that mean exactly? Mindfulness is the [...]
Seven Days of Self-Compassion
Days are stressful, and we are constantly asked to do more and more. With the holiday season approaching, there’s unsaid stress and pressure. Self-compassion falls through the cracks during these times and sometimes feels like a luxury. But it’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity. What is self-compassion? It involves treating yourself with the same [...]
Self-Care Ideas for the Upcoming Holidays
The holiday season can be a joyful time filled with celebration, but it can also bring stress and overwhelm. Taking time for self-care is essential to ensure you’re able to enjoy the festivities and maintain your well-being. Here are some self-care ideas to help you navigate the upcoming holidays with ease: Scented Candles I love [...]
Helping Your Child Communicate Their Feelings and Needs
Understanding Big Feelings in Small Bodies Supporting your child’s emotional communication can feel tricky, especially when big feelings show up in small bodies. Children under 10 are still developing the brain structures and language needed to understand and express what they feel. It’s normal for them to struggle to find the right words or to [...]
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the impact of domestic violence and highlight the resources available for those affected. Domestic violence is a prevalent issue that impacts individuals and families across all demographics, taking many forms, including physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. Understanding the resources that are available is [...]
The Healing Power of Animals
Many of us have grown up with pets, know someone who owns a pet, or are simply lovers of animals. Animals have a unique way of comforting us without even needing to speak to us. By being around animals, we can feel a safe, nonjudgmental space that can provide moments of calm and happiness to [...]
Look for the “saints” walking among us…
Imagine Dragon’s song “Demons” came on the other day, and, in the aftermath of recent hurricanes, its opening lines struck me differently than they had before. Before I explain, I would first like to clarify that I am not speaking to the victims of the hurricanes, nor am I proposing an interpretation of the song. [...]