In the age of social media and constant connectivity, the Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) has become a widespread issue. Whether it’s missing a party, a vacation, or an exciting event, the anxiety of feeling left out can take a toll on mental well-being. We’ve never been able to be in two places at once, but before Social Media, we didn’t have it slammed in our faces just how many other things we could be doing at any given moment . . . even when we’re perfectly happy doing whatever we’re doing. It’s hard to “unsee” just how many possibilities there are, but with the right mindset and strategies, you can manage and even overcome FOMO.

Chronic pain is more than just a physical sensation—it can deeply impact mental and emotional well-being. Living with persistent pain can lead to significant psychological challenges, affecting mood, thoughts, and overall quality of life. Understanding the link between chronic pain and mental health is crucial in finding ways to manage both effectively.

When your friend loses their job, it can be a challenging time for them, and it may leave you wondering how best to offer your support. It may also touch your own anxieties about job security for yourself. Being laid off can feel like a personal failure, leading to feelings of uncertainty, frustration, and stress. As a friend, you play a crucial role in helping them navigate this tough situation with empathy, understanding, and practical assistance. In this blog, we’ll guide you on what to do when your friend is laid off, from offering emotional support to helping them move forward.

Gossiping is something most of us do at one point or another. Whether it's a casual chat with friends or a workplace discussion, it's easy to slip into gossiping without realizing it. It doesn’t take getting “caught” gossiping or someone’s feelings getting hurt to feel icky about gossip. If you feel that you’ve been gossiping too much and want to make a change, it’s totally possible to break the habit with intention and self-awareness. Cutting down on gossiping can improve your relationships, boost your reputation, and help you cultivate a more positive environment.

YouTube has become one of the most engaging platforms on the internet, keeping millions of users glued to their screens for hours. Whether it’s educational content, entertainment, or just mindless scrolling, YouTube has a unique ability to capture and hold attention. But what makes it so addictive? Let’s check out some of the psychological and technological factors that are the likely culprits in keeping us hooked.

Starting a project is exciting, but not every idea will lead to success. Knowing when to let go of a project can save time, energy, and resources that could be better invested elsewhere. But how do you determine whether it’s time to move on? Here are key signs that it might be time to give up on a project.

Parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and other caregivers are often frustrated when it comes to understanding what to make of behavior from children and adolescents who are struggling, and how to help them successfully navigate these experiences. Parents are frequently presented with the labels of “ADHD, “Conduct Disorder,” and “Oppositional Defiant Disorder” by professionals trying to provide helpful explanations and plans for resolution. In this blog, will look at important differences between ADHD and Conduct disorder in particular, and resources to make sure the young person in your care is getting acurate diagnosis and care.

Holistic health is a comprehensive approach to well-being that considers the whole person—body, mind, spirit, and emotions—rather than just treating specific symptoms or illnesses. It emphasizes balance, self-care, and the interconnectedness of various aspects of life to achieve optimal health. Unlike conventional medicine, which often focuses on diagnosing and treating diseases, holistic health seeks to promote overall wellness and prevent ailments before they arise.

Emotional avoidance is a coping mechanism in which individuals try to evade uncomfortable feelings, thoughts, or emotions. It often involves suppressing, ignoring, or distracting oneself from emotional experiences rather than confronting or processing them. While it might seem like a useful strategy in the short term, emotional avoidance can lead to long-term negative consequences for mental health, relationships, and overall well-being.

When we avoid emotions, we miss opportunities to understand ourselves better and to address the root causes of our distress. This tendency can manifest in various ways, such as staying excessively busy, using substances like alcohol or drugs, or withdrawing from people and situations that might trigger certain emotions. Below, we’ll explore the key signs of emotional avoidance, why it happens, and how to address it.

Everyone makes mistakes, but watching a friend repeatedly make bad choices can be challenging. You might feel frustrated, concerned, or even helpless as you see them face the consequences of their actions. However, your support can make a meaningful difference. Here are some thoughtful ways to help a friend who’s struggling with poor decision-making while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Being assertive is a valuable skill that allows you to express your needs, set boundaries, and communicate effectively while respecting others. However, many people struggle with assertiveness due to a variety of personal, emotional, and environmental factors. If you find it hard to stand up for yourself or voice your opinions, you’re not alone. Understanding the root causes of this struggle is the first step toward building confidence and assertive communication skills.

Pettiness often describes behavior or actions that focus on trivial matters, usually to the detriment of harmony and goodwill. It involves giving undue importance to minor details or offenses, often accompanied by an exaggerated response. Being petty can lead to unnecessary conflict, strained relationships, and a reputation for being overly sensitive or difficult. Pettiness can be difficult to identify in part because what counts as petty is based on subjective judgement. Below are some key traits and examples of what is generally considered pettiness.

Compulsive buying, often referred to as shopping addiction, is a behavior that many people use to cope with emotional distress. For some, it’s a way to fill a void or distract from difficult emotions. But is this habit truly a coping mechanism? Let’s explore the psychology behind compulsive buying and the reasons it might serve as a temporary escape from life’s challenges.

Deciding to leave a job is a big step, and it can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. The signs that it might be time to move on aren’t always obvious, and many people struggle with knowing when to take the leap. If you’re feeling unsure, it’s essential to reflect on your current situation and identify whether your job is still serving your personal and professional goals; or perhaps if it’s the best option for your current context and needs. Below are key indicators to help you recognize when it might be time to seriously consider a change, and some very helpful insights about trying to make informed decisions without real information.

In a world full of distractions, mindfulness has emerged as a powerful tool to help us navigate life with clarity and balance. But what exactly is mindfulness, and why has it become so popular? Many people assume that mindfulness is long periods of meditation sitting pretending to have patience and pretending that it’s going well. Not so. Mindfulness is a broad concept that encompasses many kinds of activities, and even if you’ve had frustrating experiences with meditative practices in the past, it’s highly likely there’s a mindfulness practice that will fit your personality and prefences and present you with the opportunity to have a great experience and all the benefits of the practice.

Holding on to past hurt can feel like carrying a heavy weight everywhere you go. Whether it's the pain of a broken relationship, a betrayal, or a difficult life experience, clinging to old wounds can prevent you from fully embracing the present and moving forward. Letting go of past hurt is not about forgetting or minimizing what happened—it's about freeing yourself from the emotional chains that keep you stuck in a cycle of pain. Here are practical steps to help you begin the journey of letting go and reclaiming your emotional freedom.

Caring about what others think is a natural human tendency. We all seek validation, approval, and acceptance in some form. However, when the fear of judgment or criticism starts to dictate your actions, decisions, and self-worth, it can become a limiting force in your life. Constantly worrying about others' opinions can prevent you from fully embracing who you are, pursuing your goals, and living authentically. It can keep you on a miserable mental hamster wheel of trying-to-keep-up-with the tsunami wave of input we are hit with every minute about what everyone else is doing. So the question is: how can you stop caring so much about what others think, or, can you notice when it’s happening and get off the mental, physical, and financial hamster wheel? YES. It is possible to shift your mindset and develop the confidence to prioritize your own beliefs and values over external judgment.

Social media has become an integral part of daily life for many people, providing platforms for connection, entertainment, and information. However, for some, the time spent on social media platforms can spiral out of control, leading to negative consequences in their personal and professional lives. Social media addiction is a growing concern, and it can be difficult to recognize the tipping point when casual use becomes problematic. Understanding the signs of social media addiction and what qualifies as excessive use can help individuals reclaim their time, improve their well-being, and establish a healthier relationship with these platforms.

Comparison is a natural part of human behavior. We often compare ourselves to others to gauge our progress, understand where we stand, and motivate ourselves to improve. However, when comparison becomes excessive or harmful, it can lead to what is known as "toxic comparison." This form of comparison can erode self-esteem, increase feelings of inadequacy, and even foster resentment toward others. Understanding what toxic comparison is and how it manifests can help us avoid its negative effects and focus on building a more positive and self-compassionate mindset.

Envy and jealousy are emotions that are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation. However, they are distinct feelings that have different meanings and triggers. Understanding the difference between envy and jealousy is important because it helps us better navigate our emotional responses, cultivate healthier relationships, and cope with the discomfort of these challenging feelings. While both can be unpleasant and have the potential to harm us if not managed, recognizing the subtle nuances between them can guide us toward a more balanced emotional life, and towards attainment of what’s important to us.