Just what is this thing we call happiness? Try to define it. You’ll end up describing feelings, things, or even circumstances which will undoubtedly vary from person to person because happiness is a completely subjective perception and experience. It’s a…
Research has proven many significant benefits in cultivating gratitude for mental and physical health. Studies show that the practice of gratitude can increase happiness levels by an average of 25 percent and overall health by, for example, increasing the quantity…
I’m sure you’ve heard some of the buzz about the ketogenic diet. According to the hype, it can do everything from producing miraculous weight loss to lowering Alzheimer’s risk to alleviating depression. Sounds great! But is there any truth to…
Neuroplasticity is an umbrella term referring to the various capabilities of your brain to reorganize itself throughout life due to your environment, behavior, and internal experiences. To ensure the survival of the species, the human nervous system evolved to adapt…
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) describes all types of abuse, neglect, and other traumatic experiences that occur to people under the age of 18. ACEs harm a child’s developing brain and body so profoundly that the effects can be seen decades…
From the day you’re born, your brain is continuously being rewired and functionally revised through an ability known as neuroplasticity. In the newborn brain, plasticity is always turned “on”. As a brain matures and generates more reliable and coordinated responses,…
Every minute of every day, your brain is literally changing its physical form and function in response to your experiences, behaviors, and even your thoughts through a process known as neuroplasticity. Now, think about that for just a minute. Constantly…
Because your breath directly controls your nervous system, it’s the remote control to instantly calm your brain and body. Learning to control and calm your breathing has many physical, mental, and life benefits – both instantly and in the long…
Like a hamster frantically running round and round on its wheel, a mad fury of thoughts go whizzing through your head, demanding your attention, and leaving inner peace nowhere to be found most of the time. Fearful thoughts, anxious thoughts,…
Your amygdala, which is part of the limbic system, acts as the brain’s threat radar and alarm. It’s constantly scanning your environment for signs of danger, ready to activate reflexes to keep you safe. When it sounds the alarm, your…
We are all creatures of habits—for better or worse. For example, I go to the gym before work three times a week. It’s just my Monday/Wednesday/Friday morning routine–for better. On the other hand, I recently noticed my habit of spending…
Gardening has long been considered a therapeutic hobby for well-being. However, science is just now beginning to back up the benefits of getting your hands dirty with research. Mental health professionals have even started incorporating gardening into treatment for substance…
