12 Ways to Deal With Trauma
Everyone experiences stress at different points in life, and sometimes these events rise to the level of trauma. According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is an emotional response to a deeply stressful or disturbing event. It can result from medical issues, natural disasters, job loss, divorce, or even ongoing chronic stress. In the short […]
100 Words of Encouragement for Any Situation
Encouragement is one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to make a difference in someone’s life. A few genuine words can help a friend through a tough time, motivate a coworker, comfort a child, or strengthen the bond with your partner. As Kristin Wilson, MA, LPC, CCTP, RYT, Chief Experience Officer at Newport Healthcare, […]
This Dopamine Hack Could Be the Key to Unlocking Your Motivation, Experts Say
Have you ever caught yourself procrastinating on simple, everyday tasks—like folding laundry, paying bills, or tidying your room—only to realize that the dread of starting feels heavier than the task itself? For many people, finding motivation for repetitive or mundane activities is one of the biggest barriers to productivity. Enter dopamine anchoring, a technique that’s […]
Spotting Family Dysfunction: Key Signs and What to Do About It
The source of dysfunction in a family may vary, but the impact on children is often the same: long-lasting wounds to self-esteem, trust, and healthy relationship skills. Dysfunctional families often fall into recognizable patterns: emotionally unavailable caregivers (cold, absent, or consumed by stress/addiction), addicts and enablers (where substance use dominates the household and children’s needs […]
What You Should Never Say to Someone Grieving a Loss, According to Experts
Grief is one of life’s heaviest burdens, and when someone we love is grieving, we often feel the pressure to find the “right” words—only to discover later that our good intentions may have caused more harm than comfort. Research shows losing a loved one is the most significant source of stress in life, and careless […]
What Is Confirmation Bias?
Confirmation bias is one of the most common — and often unnoticed — mental shortcuts that shapes how we think, make decisions, and interact with others. It’s the tendency to favor information that supports our existing beliefs while ignoring or downplaying evidence that challenges them. Whether it’s interpreting news, forming opinions about controversial issues, choosing […]
What Happens in the Brain After a Friendship Breakup
Friendship breakups are more common than many realize—research shows that up to 70% of close friendships dissolve after seven years, and a 2023 YouGov poll found that over two-thirds of Americans have ended a friendship in their lifetime. Yet despite being so common, the end of a close friendship is often overlooked or minimized compared […]
Can’t Focus? Same. These 5 Tips Will Cure Your Brain Fog Stat
After becoming a parent to twins, sleep became a luxury I could no longer afford—three non-consecutive hours was considered a win. Between midnight feedings, a preschooler’s tantrums, and a demanding full-time job, I was functioning on caffeine and sheer willpower. But what truly made life unmanageable was the relentless brain fog: that spacey, “buffering” feeling […]
8 Signs of Emotional Maturity
Emotional maturity is the ability to understand, express, and manage your emotions in ways that promote healthy relationships and personal well-being. It allows you to respond to life’s stressors with intention rather than reaction. Emotionally mature individuals are self-aware, compassionate, and open-minded—they continue to develop emotional and cognitive tools to cope with adversity and find […]
What Does It Mean When You Dream About Someone?
Have you ever woken up confused—or even emotional—after dreaming about someone? Whether it’s a friend, ex, boss, or a romantic partner, dreaming about another person can reveal powerful insights into your unconscious mind. Sigmund Freud believed that dreams act as a bridge to the subconscious, a space filled with hidden thoughts, desires, and emotions. Modern […]