I can’t even tell you how many times during the past year I have uttered the statement, “I’m pretty sure going outside has been the only thing that’s kept me sane,” and I mean that with every fiber of my being.

What a different world!

I also think we’ve all learned a lot. Here are the top things I have learned that I hope either resonate with you or can help you, too.

Symptoms of anxiety and depression and symptoms of poor gut-health often co-exist.

The stigma attached to mental illness and mental health issues can be just as, if not more damaging than its reality.

When I think about wellness vs. therapy, I often start with this example in mind: When I wake up from a nightmare that had me sweating, shaking and feeling like, “That was all too real” feeling, doing a body scan meditation would not help me at the core of this situation.

A few weeks ago, a close friend of mine and I had a deep discussion about Black Lives Matter. You see, my friend is a social worker whose life’s work is to end violence and I needed her help.

In thinking about this question, I think about the ways the pandemic has been for us. It’s forced us to slow down and be more present and has taken away some of our usual distractions (other than the constant presence of kids in our homes!).

I don’t know about you, but my sleep has been crap lately. I’m not surprised that during a pandemic I’m having a tough time sleeping but I am very annoyed (...probably due to the lack of sleep).

I miss the studio - the soft lighting, the cushions and blankets, the atmosphere that gives you a warm, gentle hug. At the same time, I think we are making the virtual experience great in and of itself - no need to leave your home, bring a soothing hot beverage to sip on, feel comfortable on your couch.

By embracing equipoise- the balance of opposing truths- the near-enlightenment-level characteristic that Gen Z has seemed to grasp so easily.

Many of us have not lived through anything like what we are experiencing with the COVID-19 virus today. This is new territory and that, in and of itself, is unsettling.

Staying at home might be necessary, but it does not have to be boring or isolating! You’ve heard of virtual happy hour and virtual paint nights. Here are some fresh ideas for all ages that can bring fun and connection into social distancing and staying at home.

You are probably familiar with how technology is hurting our physical and mental health but the topic around how technology can support our well-being is less talked about.

To have meaningful relationships, we need to have meaningful conversations. So pick a few questions you like to ask after school, at dinner, or while hanging out and kickstart meaningful conversation and grow deeper connections.

In today’s society it can be a challenge to slow down. With this challenge comes disconnection from our feelings. Sometimes days, weeks, even months go by without us asking ourselves, “what am I feeling?”, “why am I reacting this way?” or “what’s going on here?”.

It’s been known for quite some time that polluted air leads to heart and lung problems, and now we are becoming aware that air pollution also has a negative effect on our brains.

If I were to ask you - what does it mean to have hope, to belong, to have faith - what would you say? Some of us might have answers, and others might struggle to put these definitions into words.

Tips for Creating a Supportive Community of Peers

In the age of social media, it can be easy to forget how restorative, inspiring, and encouraging it can be to meet with people face to face.

Summer is in full swing and summer reading lists are popping up everywhere! Including on this blog😉. But I didn’t want to create another oversaturated list of self-help books because (1) those lists are widely available and (2) I believe that the phrase “too much of a good thing” applies when it comes to reading too many self-help books.

Even though discovering areas where you are not in alignment is part of gaining more self-awareness, it still takes me by surprise when I learn a new place of misalignment in my life.