joyful adult daughter greeting happy surprised senior mother in garden

Winter Holiday: A Time for Celebration, but Also for Loneliness Among the Elderly

The holiday season is often seen as a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. Yet, for many older adults, it can be a period of deep loneliness and isolation. A lot of people over 65, that is the average age where in the Western world almost everyone is retired, live alone, and for some, social isolation is a daily reality. Research shows that a significant … Continue reading Winter Holiday: A Time for Celebration, but Also for Loneliness Among the Elderly

building facade with plants on balconies

How Nature and Silence in Urban Design Boost Mental Health

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than half of the global population now lives in cities. And this will likely be the case for your children, grandchildren, and their descendants: by 2050, 68% of the world’s population will live in urban areas. Billions of people will need housing, often in cities where density has already reached extreme levels, and where new challenges must … Continue reading How Nature and Silence in Urban Design Boost Mental Health

a woman in a painting workshop

Art Therapy: Healing Through Creativity and Emotional Expression

Art therapy is more than painting or sculpting—it’s a transformative journey into the self. Rooted in psychology and creative expression, this therapeutic approach helps individuals explore emotions, overcome psychological challenges, and foster personal growth. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, trauma, or simply seeking deeper self-awareness, art therapy offers a non-verbal, yet profoundly expressive, path to healing. What Is Art Therapy? Art therapy is a form … Continue reading Art Therapy: Healing Through Creativity and Emotional Expression

man in gray long sleeve shirt sitting on brown wooden chair

Post-Vacation Stress: a Hidden Toll

Returning from a well-deserved vacation can feel like a jarring reset. You have forgotten about emails, deadlines, and the relentless rhythm of daily life (or at least you should have). But you are back to the usual routine. This transition isn’t just a minor inconvenience—it’s a trigger for chronic stress and burnout. In the Western world, over 40% of adults report chronic stress, and 75% … Continue reading Post-Vacation Stress: a Hidden Toll

an artist s illustration of artificial intelligence ai this image represents how machine learning is inspired by neuroscience and the human brain it was created by novoto studio as par

How Stress Can Alter the Structure of Our Brain

I am sure that you know that working excessively exhausts the body and the mind. But do you know that it may also fundamentally change the structure of the brain? A Korean study warns of the neurological consequences of overwork, a danger that is often underestimated. We already know that working long hours harms personal well-being. But this study, recently published in Occupational and Environmental … Continue reading How Stress Can Alter the Structure of Our Brain

orange cat sleeping on white bed

Have You Ever Heard the Sleeping Technique “Cognitive Shuffling”?

Are you one of the many people who struggles with falling asleep? The constant flow of information and the stress of daily life can make it difficult to quiet the mind and drift off into a peaceful sleep. One method that I found recently is “cognitive shuffling.” But what exactly is cognitive shuffling, and can it really help you fall asleep? Understanding Cognitive Shuffling Cognitive … Continue reading Have You Ever Heard the Sleeping Technique “Cognitive Shuffling”?

two yellow flowers surrounded by rocks

Sisu: The Finnish Secret to Resilience and Happiness

My curiosity towards other cultures is never ending and I found another Scandinavian concept worth to be explored, “sisu“. In the heart of Northern Europe lies Finland, a country renowned for its stunning landscapes, innovative education system, and, perhaps most intriguingly, its unique concept of sisu. This Finnish term, which defies direct translation, embodies a profound inner strength and resilience that has become a cornerstone … Continue reading Sisu: The Finnish Secret to Resilience and Happiness

Prioritize Your Wellbeing This Holiday Season

With just over a week to go until Christmas and Hanukkah, you may be starting to feel your stress level rise. Do yourself a favour! Pause, take a deep breath, and make a conscious choice to prioritize your wellbeing this holiday season. Setting aside time for you is an investment that will pay great dividends by reducing your stress and helping you be more present. … Continue reading Prioritize Your Wellbeing This Holiday Season

Sprinkling a Little Kindness Into Our World

As I was thinking about my dad this Father’s Day weekend, I recalled something he often said when I was growing up. “Kindness costs nothing.” It’s a simple phrase—yet a phrase that makes you wonder why kindness appears to be such a rare commodity these days. One of the nicest compliments I’ve received in the weeks leading up to my retirement is “Michelle is one … Continue reading Sprinkling a Little Kindness Into Our World

busy female talking on smartphone and checking messages during work in contemporary office

Multitasking: Why It’s a Myth and How It Harms Productivity

Multitasking often seems like the ultimate productivity hack, but our brains aren’t built for it. Despite the allure, it involves rapid task-switching, draining precious brainpower without us even realizing it. Let’s delve into the truth behind this way of working, its impact on productivity, and how it affects mental health. What is Multitasking? Multitasking entails attempting to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. However, what feels like … Continue reading Multitasking: Why It’s a Myth and How It Harms Productivity

Signs It’s Time to Unplug and Recharge

In our fast-paced world, taking the time to unplug and recharge is not only good for our mental health, it can also improve our productivity and focus. Read on for signs that it might be time to take a break, and for some ideas on ways to get away from it all…even if only for a few minutes. Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve … Continue reading Signs It’s Time to Unplug and Recharge

Why Music is Good For Us

Yesterday on my personal blog, I wrote about an earworm that popped into my head as I was shopping for a green dress to wear to an event on St. Patrick’s Day. Writing that post reminded me of all the ways music has enriched my life. And scientists agree that music is good for us—offering a long list of mental and physical health benefits. I’m … Continue reading Why Music is Good For Us

Coping With Empty Nest Syndrome

Last week, my younger daughter left on an extended work trip, leaving us with no kids at home for the first time in almost 24 years. This prompted me to do some reading and thinking about empty nest syndrome. As I usually do in these situations, I made a list of practical ways to cope with what can be a challenging time for many parents. … Continue reading Coping With Empty Nest Syndrome

8 Remedies for the Winter Blahs

It’s official. I’m suffering from the winter blahs, the doldrums, or perhaps it’s just the post-holiday letdown that plagues many people this time of year. If you’re feeling the same way, I hope you’ll enjoy my list of 8 remedies for the winter blahs. I said to my daughter the other day that I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me. I was feeling very … Continue reading 8 Remedies for the Winter Blahs

yellow string lights

The Therapeutic Effect of Stringing Some Words Together

The mom of one of my dearest friends passed away recently. I’ve known this family for almost 50 years, so she was like a second mom to me as well. Because her death was expected, I’d been dancing with grief for a couple of weeks before it actually happened. But even so, when I heard the news, a heaviness settled onto me. It was sadness … Continue reading The Therapeutic Effect of Stringing Some Words Together

man facing road

Why I Miss My Job but Don’t Regret Leaving It

My friends, family, and former colleagues often ask me whether or not I miss flying. It’s been a year since I handed in my resignation letter and decided to divorce from a 12-year career.  I’m incredibly fortunate to have had the time to decompress following all the political upheaval I was caught up in Hong Kong.  When people ask me if I miss it, my honest … Continue reading Why I Miss My Job but Don’t Regret Leaving It