The start of the second decade of the new millennium has pushed to new places — physically and emotionally. As a result, we are all developing coping mechanisms and learning new life skills. One of the most valuable tools you can acquire is self-compassion. Why? Self-compassion can carry you through tough times. It is often…

Practicing strong mental health can be tough for many people, but it can be especially tough for men. The societal stigma that men should seem invincible and completely level-headed when it comes to their emotions and self-esteem is part of the reason it’s so difficult for men take care of themselves mentally. It can be…

We are all impacted by the effects of the global coronavirus. The changes we’ve all experienced from social distancing, the disconnect from physical interactions, the unknown for the future, and loss and grief are challenging. At the same time, there is a lot we can do in the present moment to cope with the impact…

As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, it’s easy to surrender to the fears of all the unknowns. Add in the practice of social distancing and quarantine and people around the world are experiencing an almost unprecedented amount of anxiety, stress, fear, and panic. It is normal to experience such a storm of emotions…

Fake it till you make it. We all know the cliché and the “fake it” part almost comes naturally now. “Make it” is an entirely different story. In fact, for many folks, it may feel like an impossibility. No matter how much they accomplish, they perpetually feel like a fake. This is often a sign…

What happens when “good enough” is no longer good enough? In a smartphone/social media universe, even the most mundane, everyday activities become a tacit competition. As a result, we may start believing that no matter what we do, we can’t measure up. Who Decides What is “Good Enough”? On some level, we all realize how…

Learn How to Develop Qualities of Inner Compassion Being self ­critical can be very stressful and make us feel worse. One way of coping with disappointment and our ‘inner bully’ is to learn to be compassionate to the self. This requires a number of things of us: Valuing Compassion Some people are worried that if…

The holiday season is upon us! We’ve got some tips to help you cope with the unique food challenges the holiday season brings. The skill of Self Compassion can help you immensely during the holidays. We are often compassionate toward other people, but fail to allow ourselves the same. Practicing self compassion will allow you…

“Get over it!” If you’ve ever heard those words, you know how frustrating it is when others underestimate your struggle. Getting over it isn’t as simple as it sounds, especially when you’re facing depression. The journey to recovery can seem like a mountain looming in front of you. Despite the enormity of the obstacle, it is possible…

Do you always find yourself worrying “what if?” Is it hard for you to turn off your brain and relax because you’re always thinking…and over thinking? Anxiety can come in many forms, and this type, generalized anxiety disorder, affects an estimated three to four percent of the population. While generalized anxiety disorder doesn’t usually lead…

You don’t want to see those that you love in pain, either physical or emotional. However, if this unfortunate situation should arise, you may find yourself wondering how to best approach them and offer your support. How to Support a Loved One in Emotional Pain First, just listen. Understand the issue at hand. There may…

Christina has always cared deeply for others. As a child, she befriended lonely children in her class. She often encouraged her friends to help her make cards and drawings for classmates who were ill. Now Christina works as a social worker for the elderly. One of the things she loves most about her job is…

From magazines to TV to billboards on the highway, it seems like everywhere you look, there are messages telling you who to be and how you’re not yet there. From an early age, your family likely influenced you with their own ideas about what success means. You might have learned to hold off on seeing…