Self Care

Self-Care on $0: A Counselor’s Guide to Feeling Better Without Spending a Dime

Sometimes self-care feels like another thing on your to-do list—especially when it seems to require money, time, or energy you just don’t have.

You’re not lazy, unmotivated, or doing it wrong.
You’re human. And the good news? Real self-care doesn’t need to be expensive—or even aesthetic.

As a counselor, I want to show you how powerful and healing free self-care can be. Whether you’re burned out, anxious, or just trying to hold it all together, this guide is for you.

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Understanding Emotional Intelligence: A Beginner’s Guide

Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and use your own emotions in positive ways. It also involves recognizing and understanding the emotions of the people around you. Unlike traditional forms of intelligence—such as solving math problems or remembering facts—emotional intelligence is all about how you handle feelings and build relationships.

The concept of emotional intelligence first gained attention in the 1990s when psychologists Peter Salovey and John Mayer introduced it as a way to explain how people use emotional information to guide their thinking and actions. Later, science journalist Daniel Goleman popularized the idea with his bestselling book, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ. Goleman’s work helped many people see that being “emotionally smart” can be just as important as being “book smart.”

In simple terms, emotional intelligence is like having a “feelings toolkit” that helps you:

Recognize your emotions: Knowing what you’re feeling.

Understand your emotions: Figuring out why you feel that way.

Manage your emotions: Keeping your feelings in check when things get tough.

Use your emotions: Letting your feelings help you make better decisions and connect with others.

Recognize others’ emotions: Noticing how people around you feel.

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7 Therapeutic Writing Exercises to Reduce Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety can often feel like an endless loop of overwhelming thoughts, making it difficult to focus, relax, or even breathe deeply. But what if there was a simple and effective way to break free from this cycle? Writing therapy offers a powerful tool to process emotions, declutter the mind, and regain a sense of control. Research shows that putting thoughts into words can reduce anxiety, lower stress hormones, and improve emotional regulation.

In this article, we’ll explore 7 therapeutic writing exercises that can help you relieve stress, reframe anxious thoughts, and cultivate a sense of inner peace. Whether you’re new to journaling or looking for deeper emotional insights, these exercises will guide you toward healing and self-discovery.

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10 Life-Changing Expressive Writing Techniques for Mental Clarity and Emotional Healing

Picture this: You’re holding a pen, staring at a blank page, your emotions tangled in a web of confusion. But as you start to write—without judgment, without structure—you feel a shift. The knots begin to unravel, and your thoughts gain clarity. This is the magic of expressive writing, a therapeutic technique that allows you to process emotions, gain self-awareness, and experience profound mental clarity.

Unlike traditional journaling, expressive writing is not about recording daily events. Instead, it focuses on deep emotional exploration, helping you work through past experiences, anxiety, stress, and unresolved feelings. Backed by research, this technique has been shown to reduce stress, enhance mood, and even improve physical health. Let’s dive into 10 powerful expressive writing techniques you can incorporate into your daily routine.

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Writing Therapy for Anxiety: How to Release Your Worries on Paper

The Power of Writing Therapy for Anxiety Imagine this: It’s late at night, and your mind is racing. Thoughts swirl around—some logical, some irrational, all of them overwhelming. You try to relax, but the more you resist, the stronger your anxious thoughts become. Now, picture reaching for a journal, opening it, and spilling those thoughts

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Writing Therapy: How Journaling Can Rewire Your Brain for Positivity

Imagine sitting with a warm cup of tea, a journal open in front of you, and a mind swirling with thoughts. Some are messy, some are hopeful, and some feel like tangled knots of worry. But as you start to write, something shifts. Your words flow onto the page, transforming emotions into sentences, and suddenly, your mind feels just a little bit lighter. This is the magic of writing therapy—an evidence-backed practice that helps rewire your brain for positivity, self-awareness, and emotional healing.

In this article, we’ll explore how writing therapy can shift your mindset, backed by science and actionable steps to help you integrate therapeutic journaling into your daily routine.

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Colorful self-care flat lay with smoothie bowl, journal, fuzzy socks, and candles on a pastel background, styled to inspire joyful daily wellness.

The Ultimate Self-Care Routine: A Daily Guide to Feeling Your Best

You deserve a routine that nourishes—not drains—you. In the middle of work, stress, and daily demands, it’s easy to forget that self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

As a counselor and mom, I’ve learned firsthand that the smallest habits often make the biggest difference. Self-care isn’t about adding more to your to-do list—it’s about choosing what truly supports your mind, body, and emotional balance.

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