In our fast-paced urban society, life seems to rush by in the blink of an eye. As different roles and responsibilities pull us in every direction, it is no wonder that many of us struggle to pause and be present in the moment. In the chaos of our busy schedules, it often becomes easy ... The post The Transformative Power of Mindfulness and Meditation appeared first on Downtown Psychology Clinic ..read more

  Over time, society has placed increasing importance on career success, often leading to a intertwining of self-worth with professional achievements. This “hustle culture”, especially prevalent in North America places emphasis on career advancement and constantly striving to improve. While having ambitions and setting goals are crucial for personal growth, it can also lead to ... The post Finding peace instead of the endless pursuit of achievement appeared first on Downtown Psychology Clinic ..read more

  Individuals struggling to make decisions may often experience distress and uncertainty about which path to take going forward. While this may seem daunting to some, there are strategies that can help overcome this obstacle, allowing you to make decisions with more confidence. Here are five tips that can help ease the decision-making process. 1. List out the Pros and Cons When faced with a tough decision, it’s easy for our thoughts to race, making it challenging to properly assess the situation. In these cases, taking a moment to create a list of pros and cons can be beneficial. Clearly ..read more

  It is no secret that the environments we spend time in can have a profound impact on our wellbeing. It is also not surprising to hear that for most North Americans, the vast majority of our time is spent indoors, whether it is at a place of work, at home, or otherwise. Since the industrial revolution, there is a general sense that humans have ‘lost touch with nature,’ lamenting the positive connection we shared with the natural world since time immemorial. As such, research investigating the potential benefits offered by spending time in nature has sprung up. It has been demonstrated th ..read more

  In the journey toward mental health and well-being, one of the most significant steps is seeking professional support through therapy, however, it’s a decision that often comes with many questions and uncertainties. This blog post aims to guide you through some crucial aspects of this process.   How do I know if I need therapy? Recognizing the need for therapy is a personal and often introspective process. If you find yourself consistently struggling with overwhelming emotions, persistent sadness, anxiety, or challenges in daily functioning, it might be an indicator that therapy co ..read more

  In the era of constant connectivity, social media has become an unavoidable part of our lives. Whether it be for work, entertainment, or as a source of information, social media has found its way into nearly every part of the digital world. While it offers numerous benefits, it also can also come with its share of drawbacks. Some of the Benefits: Staying Connected in a Busy World. Life moves at an ever-increasing pace, and finding time to connect with friends and family can be a challenge. Social media can be a convenient platform to share life updates, photos, and milestones. It allow ..read more

As we begin a New Year many of us find ourselves filled with hope and determination, ready to embark on a journey of self-improvement through New Year’s resolutions. However, statistics show that a significant number of resolutions are abandoned within the first few weeks. So, how can we help increase the likelihood that our aspirations for the coming year become a reality? Setting Realistic and Specific Goals: The foundation of successful resolutions lies in setting realistic and achievable goals. Vague resolutions like “make time for self-care” or “be healthier” are less likely to succeed ..read more

There are predictable times of year, often over holidays, that our family situation or dynamics feel put under a microscope. Perhaps its experiencing renewed grief over lost loved one, or conflict conflict with a family member. Having this against the expectation of sharing a positive holiday together can be too much. Learning to Emotionally Surf Jon Kabat-Zinn, referred to as “the father of mindfulness,” reminds us that “you can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” At the holidays, it is worth checking in with ourselves about anticipated challenges we may need to face, and preparing ..read more

  Recently, the world has been faced with a number of conflicts.  For those of us outside of the direct conflict zone, many have been touched personally by these world events, and others may react with deep concern for the victims and the future state of global affairs.  Here are 5 small things you can do to try and manage your distress during these times.   Concentrate on Manageable Aspects: Our brain is like a “problem-solving machine” and often wants to try and manage problems when they occur.  This is difficult when the situation is out of our control, and we are ..read more

As many pandemic restrictions begin to ease, some of us may be asked, or are already planning, to return to the office. Some may be excited about the prospect, while others may find the idea of yet another change to their lifestyles to be anxiety-inducing. Making a change is often associated with uncertainty and stress – returning to the office is a significant change in how many of us have been living our lives over the past 18 months. Here are five tips to help you manage that stress as you make your return to the office. Communication: Communication is key. If there is a significant amount ..read more