It started slowly at first – my heart would begin to race when I’d check my inbox, my chest would feel tight during meetings at work, and I’d feel lightheaded when faced with minor decisions throughout my day. I initially brushed off these feelings as normal responses to everyday stress. But over time, the anxiety […]
Take a deep breath in through your nose. Fill your lungs completely. Now slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat. For most people, engaging in some deep breathing like this is relaxing, calming and helps relieve stress. However, some find that focusing on and controlling their breath actually makes them feel more anxious and stressed. This […]
Stress is an inevitable part of life. Yet excessive or chronic stress takes a toll on both our mental and physical health. When we’re stressed, our sympathetic nervous system activates, triggering our body’s “fight-or-flight” response. Our breathing becomes rapid and shallow, our heart races, muscles tense up, and blood pressure rises. Practices that elicit the […]
We’ve all had times when we just can’t stop thinking about or obsessing over something that happened—whether it was an embarrassing moment, an upsetting event, a problem that remains unresolved, or an interaction we wish we could redo. In the hours, days, and even weeks after these situations occur, our minds somehow get stuck on […]
Life can often feel like a raging storm – waves of stress and emotion crashing over us, winds of change and uncertainty buffeting us from all sides. And just like during a storm out at sea, it’s all too easy to feel tossed about with no safe harbor in sight when life gets turbulent. Learning […]
Do you find your mind stuck on repeat, endlessly worrying and second-guessing? Do you struggle to break free of negative thought patterns that leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed out? You’re not alone. Overthinking is increasingly common, fueling rising rates of anxiety disorders. But getting trapped in cycles of rumination and pessimistic “what-ifs” doesn’t have […]
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often viewed as a childhood condition, but for many it persists into adulthood. Up to 60% of children with ADHD will continue exhibiting significant symptoms as grown-ups. Unfortunately, many adults go undiagnosed and untreated due to outdated beliefs that they should have “outgrown” this disorder. But the reality is leaving ADHD […]
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often considered a childhood condition, but for many it persists into adulthood. Up to 60% of children with ADHD will continue experiencing symptoms as grown-ups. Understanding what ADHD looks like in adults can lead to better identification, coping strategies, and treatments. ADHD presents differently in adults than children. While hyperactivity tends […]
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is often viewed as a childhood condition, but for many it persists throughout the lifespan. Up to 60% of children with ADHD continue experiencing symptoms as adults. The challenges and impairments associated with ADHD can significantly impact many aspects of adult life. Understanding these potential impacts is key for adults with ADHD […]
Fidgeting, restlessness, trouble concentrating—these are all common symptoms many adults and children face when living with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). While medications exist to treat ADHD, some patients and families seek out additional methods to mitigate distractibility and anxious behaviors. This has led to a surging interest in therapeutic tools like weighted blankets, fidget […]
Anxiety has become increasingly prevalent in today’s fast-paced, stress-filled world. Approximately 40 million American adults suffer from anxiety disorders, leading many to turn to creative coping methods for relief. One such method that has recently exploded in popularity is sensory rings – metallic bands and fidget gadgets worn on the fingers that are said to […]
In our fast-paced, high-stimulus world, it can be difficult to remain focused and calm. Our brains become overloaded by the constant pings and buzzes from our devices, the vibrant flashing billboards we pass, and the never-ending flood of information streaming at us. This overwhelms our mental bandwidth, leaving many of us feeling drained and distracted. […]
Venting, the act of expressing strong negative emotions, often gets a bad rap. When we picture someone venting, we might imagine them explosively raging or ranting to anyone who will listen. However, the psychology behind venting is far more nuanced. Understanding the science behind emotional release can help us practice healthy and constructive venting behaviors. […]
We all have frustrations, anger, and stress that need release. Venting often feels cathartic and can even strengthen relationships. However, not all venting is helpful or healthy. Understanding the difference between toxic and healthy outlets for negative emotions can improve psychological wellbeing. This article explores productive versus destructive ways to vent. Toxic Venting: Corrosive Rather […]
Venting – the act of expressing strong emotions, usually anger or frustration, often loudly and openly – is often seen as harmless, or even healthy. We may feel a sense of relief after we “let it all out” by venting. However, research shows that the negative effects of venting actually outweigh any short-term benefits. Indulging […]
The holidays are meant for resting, recharging, and relaxing. However, amidst all the excitement of a new destination, it can be easy to fill your days with sightseeing and activities. Don’t get so caught up in checking items off your bucket list that you return home completely exhausted! Remember to build in time to simply […]
The holiday season often brings out the best in people – the generosity, kindness, and joy. However, for those struggling with anxiety, it can also trigger some of our worst fears and worries. The increased obligations, social events, family dynamics, and pressure to be merry can become overwhelming. If you’re feeling anxious about the upcoming […]
The holiday season often brings joy and togetherness, but it can also be one of the most stressful times of year. Between shopping, parties, family visits, cooking, cleaning, working, and general holiday hullabaloo, our schedules fill up quickly. With so much going on, it’s easy to become overwhelmed and anxious. However, there are many effective […]
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is usually first diagnosed in childhood and often persists into adulthood. People with ADHD may have trouble focusing, sitting still, controlling impulsive behaviors, and managing time. In recent years, fidget toys like Pop Its have become extremely popular, especially […]
Over the last couple of years, fidget toys like the pop it have exploded in popularity, becoming a surprise sensation and cultural phenomenon. These small silicone toys that make a popping sound when pushed inside out seem simple in concept. However, they have resonated so strongly due to the myriad benefits and uses that pop […]
Over the past couple of years, pop it fidget toys have exploded in popularity, becoming one of the hottest toy trends. But what exactly are pop its and why have they become so ubiquitous? Pop its are simple sensory toys made from flexible silicone that have bubbles or bumps that can be pushed inside out […]
Life can be stressful. Whether it’s a bad day at work, family issues, health problems, or any host of other challenges, we all encounter situations that leave us tense, anxious, or overwhelmed. While some stress can actually be positive by motivating us to take action, prolonged and intense pressure can negatively impact both our physical […]
Life can be stressful. Work deadlines, financial pressures, relationship issues, health problems, and other challenges can keep you in a constant state of stress overload. While a little stress here and there is normal, chronic stress takes a toll on both your mental and physical health. The constant flood of stress hormones like cortisol and […]
Stress is an inevitable part of life. From work deadlines to financial pressures to relationship issues, we all encounter things that can leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained. While a little bit of stress can actually be beneficial by motivating us into action, prolonged and chronic stress takes a major toll on both […]