Right where our physical selves meet our emotional essence, there you’ll find the hips – an area of our body that quietly cradles secrets about our deepest feelings and moods. It’s not a groundbreaking revelation that the state of our body mirrors how we feel inside. Yet, somehow, we’ve managed to glance over the hips, missing out on their silent, but profound, contributions to our emotional wellness and mental health. In this article, we discuss the fascinating connection between your hips and your emotions, uncovering how understanding this link can lead to greater self-awareness and improve ..read more

Since ancient times, cultures from across the globe have recognized the incredible benefits of dance. Whether it be as a means for personal transformation, healing, celebration, or even as a form of training for battle, dance has been deeply ingrained across many societies as a therapeutic practice, benefiting mental, emotional, physical, and neurological health. Well before scientific research emerged, people inherently understood the strong impact of dance on well-being, appreciating its ability to uplift spirits and strengthen the mind. And now, it’s time for us to dive into the benefits ..read more

Allergies affect more than 100 million people in the U.S. every year. For many, these allergies can have a significant impact on their mental health. From depression and anxiety to other mood disorders, the effects of allergies can be far-reaching. These effects are well-documented in various studies, although there has been no clear evidence demonstrating that allergies alone can cause mood disorders. Thankfully, there are ways to manage your allergies and take steps toward reducing their impact on your mental health, including avoiding exposure, using allergy medications, and starting allerg ..read more

In a world where the pursuit of happiness often leads us down various paths, the simplest and perhaps most effective one might just be a jog around the block or a quick workout session at the gym. It’s well-documented that physical activity can significantly impact our mental health, thanks to the release of certain chemicals in the brain known as endorphins. These “feel-good” hormones are nature’s way of helping us deal with pain and stress, leading to a euphoric sensation often referred to as the “runner’s high.” But the relationship between exercise and endorphins goes beyond just feeling g ..read more

Dubbed the “fight-flight” muscle, the psoas muscle plays a pivotal role in our body’s instinctual response to danger. Stretching from the lumbar spine to the inner thighs via the hip joint, this vital muscle facilitates the connection between our back and legs, allowing us to run and kick — essential actions in a fight or flight situation. In moments that feel dangerous, our nervous system springs into action, signaling the psoas to prepare our body for rapid response, be it fleeing from a pursuing predator or standing ground against an adversary. But what does that have to do with your menta ..read more

If there’s one thing you can rely on when you’re experiencing anxiety, it’s your breath. Deep breathing has long been hailed as one of the top ways to calm yourself during a panic attack. In fact, several studies have found strong evidence that focusing on your diaphragmatic breathing can trigger body relaxation responses. But what may surprise you is that not all breathing techniques are created equal. Most importantly, there are some breathing techniques that are more effective than others for reducing anxiety. So, let’s get you breathing the right way with these science-backed bre ..read more

Endorphins are often referred to as the body’s natural painkillers. These chemical compounds in the brain act similarly to drugs like morphine but without the risk of dependence or addiction because it’s a natural process. But it isn’t just about pain relief. Endorphins are also essential for boosting mood, reducing stress, and enhancing overall feelings of well-being. So, if you’re looking for natural ways to increase endorphins and boost the good fibes, we’ve got you covered. 1. Get Physical Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to trigger endorphin release. But it ..read more

Encouraging vulnerable and emotionally distressed clients to feel safe enough to freely express themselves during counselling sessions takes a great deal of effort.  A doctor or counsellor may come in with the right intentions, but if a person doesn’t feel secure enough in that specific environment, they may bottle up and fail to truly accept the support. That said, helping people overcome their minds and flourish is one of the greatest things that can be done to help them thrive. One way to do just that is to ensure that the clinic is a safe space for your client. That feeling of safety ..read more

Anxiety can be a tricky bugger, especially when it comes to your health. You may have the urge to avoid doctors appointments for fear of the “what ifs” or you may even forgo doctor’s recommendations to avoid any uncomfortable anxiety. The interesting thing is though; these aren’t just symptoms of health anxiety. A doctor’s appointment or a health issue can be overwhelming for people with any type of anxiety disorder due to changes to routine, unexpected events, and increased tasks. On the other side, anxiety  has a complex link to a variety of physical conditions, and can increase the r ..read more

Imagine your brain has a built-in pharmacy capable of dispensing natural painkillers and mood enhancers, no prescription needed. Well, that’s the reality of how endorphins, your body’s own “feel-good” chemicals, work. Within the intricate networks in your brain, endorphins play a pivotal role in regulating mood, reducing pain, and promoting a sense of well-being. They’re responsible for the feeling of a runner’s high, the joy of laughter, and the satisfaction of a good meal. But their influence extends far beyond these specific moments of happiness. Understanding endorphins and its effects on ..read more