It’s ok and natural to feel down or stressed from time to time; we all experience these emotions in our lifetime. If these emotions become the new normal, however, it may be time to reach out to someone you trust for help. It can feel difficult or stressful to open yourself up to others, but by reaching out to another person, you are lightening the load on yourself, and finding new ways to get yourself unstuck. It’s ok to feel out of sorts, but you should never have to feel it on your own.

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The last year has been unpredictable, and many people are struggling to figure out the next step in life. As we evaluate our lives and notice what we want to change, we should take note of things that we are drawn to, things that we no longer have the energy for, and things that seem intriguing or interesting. Talk to your friends and family, read new books, and try something new; you have the power to change your life, and all you have to do is start.

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There is a fine line between being selfless, and sacrificing yourself before others. Being a caring and generous person is not a bad thing, but there is a point where your “generous” actions may come at the expense of your own health or well-being. Try to find a balance between helping others, and taking care of yourself. You don’t need to stop being kind or thoughtful; you just need to make sure you are kind and thoughtful to yourself as well.

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Conversations can be challenging to navigate at times, particularly when you don’t agree with the other person. To help in these difficult situations, plan your words and intentions ahead of time, which allows you to approach the conversation with respect, a goal in mind, and an open mind. There is never a foolproof method to avoid conflict or arguments, but by preparing yourself in the right ways, you can work towards healthier communication

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Anxiety is part of the human experience; a response to danger or fear that can often be beneficial to our survival. Outside of a dangerous situation, however, anxiety can become a significant hindrance to day to day life. As the most commonly diagnosed mental illness in the U.S., roughly 40% of Americans report an Anxiety Disorder at some time in their life. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of anxiety, take some time to understand what you may be feeling, and don’t be afraid to reach out and seek help.

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We have all experienced our fair share of conflict. It can come in many forms, like arguments with friends, competitions against rivals, or even simple disagreements with strangers. Conflicts can be highly emotional, and all of us deal with them in different ways, which can sometimes lead to further conflict. Just remember that they can often lead to a better understanding of one another, and if approached with respect and an open mind, there is no need for a conflict to be an unpleasant experience.

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When making decisions, we often encounter the struggle between what we “should” do and what we “want” to do. Most times, we will choose what we think we should do, to fulfill the expectations of our peers, society, or role models. While this isn’t a problem in itself, it can come at the expense of things you genuinely enjoy or want. Begin to recognize the difference between your “shoulds” and your “wants”, and find a good balance between the two.

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While the words “love” and “relationship” are often seen as connected, this isn’t always the case. Relationships, romantic or not, cannot solely work on love. A successful relationship is complex and multi-faceted; love alone does not make up for commitment, respect, or communication between two people. Love is a great thing to have for another person, but it shouldn’t be the only reason to be with them.

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Many of us feel that stress is taking over our lives, leading to feelings of helplessness, frustration, or a loss of control. Stress has a large sphere of influence, and if we let it, it can start to dominate everything that we do in life. If your life seems frantic and out of control, take a moment to evaluate the stresses and worries in your life. You may find that many of the things you were worried about can be helped with organization and perspective.

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When we feel apathetic, it can feel like we are detached or that there is no hope left, which can rapidly become distressing. To help push through, remind yourself that it’s ok to prioritize yourself. Reach out and find support when needed, and forgive yourself. Realize what is or isn’t working in your life, and make the changes you need to make.

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Have you ever felt as though you are the only one contributing to a relationship? Many of us have experienced this with friends, family, or our loved ones, and it can be difficult to manage. It is healthy to tell the other person your needs and expectations, with the purpose of moving towards a more equal and respectful relationship.

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When we experience a high-emotion event, such as a break-up, or a fight, we can often feel drained the following day. Our emotions take a big part of us, and we won’t always recover quickly from these interactions. If you notice yourself struggling after an emotional interaction, try some of the tips in this article to relax, reset, and try to cure your emotional hangover.

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Within our day-to-day life, we sometimes do or say regrettable things. While it is easy to look back on these mistakes, it’s hard to hold yourself accountable for them and to take action in response. Create space and time for yourself to look inward, and reflect on times you may have struggled to hold yourself accountable. Nobody is perfect, but by accepting your mistakes and learning from them, you may find it easier to grow and thrive.

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Many of us have preconceived notions of what a long-lasting relationship looks like. Some people search for their soulmates, others are waiting to be swept off their feet. In reality, the hallmarks of a healthy relationship are often not seen in our favorite rom-coms, and instead are found in the trust and honesty you build with your partner. Every relationship is different, but with effort and patience, a good relationship can last a very long time.

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month; a complex topic for many people today. Domestic violence can appear as physical and emotional abuse, or any number of manipulative, harmful, or threatening actions within a relationship. No one deserves abuse of any kind, and if you or someone you know is experiencing a form of domestic violence, don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

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For many, the idea of being alone is daunting. With nothing but our thoughts and emotions, we turn to an assortment of distractions to help us through the period of being alone. Instead, try to lean into your alone time. Sit down and acknowledge your thoughts, connect with your senses and feelings, and notice the difference it can make for you.

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Life is unpredictable, and can often feel unfairly biased against you. Much of this perception lies in how we view things as “they should be,” which only shows the problems, and not the solutions. Life may be unfair at times, but it’s still up to you to accept the reality of the situation. Reframe your thinking to find a solution; rather than a problem.

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While it can often be portrayed as an admirable trait, perfectionism can be very harmful to your mental health. This is largely because “perfect” can never exist. Setting up lofty expectations that you can never achieve only adds fear of judgment and criticism to your life. Stop trying to be perfect, and instead, celebrate the ever-changing process of learning and growth that is life.

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Think about enough is how the food we eat affects our moods. The food we eat gives us energy, and that energy affects our thoughts, emotions, and moods. The foods listed in this article can help you find some of the vitamins and nutrients you need, and may also help your ability to recover from various depressive or anxious events.

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Do you ever find yourself holding onto the problems or emotions of those around you? Even with the best intentions, trying to “fix” other people’s problems can never truly happen. You can provide support and love to the people around you, but be careful to still prioritize your own mental health first. If you neglect your own needs in order to handle someone else’s, you may just end up overwhelmed and distraught.

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