Author name: Ann Friedman

June is recognized as Men’s Health Month, offering an opportunity to bring attention to an issue that often remains unspoken: men’s mental health. While conversations around mental well-being have become more common, many men still face pressure to appear strong, independent, and unaffected by emotional challenges. These expectations can make it difficult to acknowledge struggles […]

Creating routines for our mental well-being often begins with noble intentions. We may decide to meditate daily, practice gratitude, or take regular breaks to reset. Yet, as life becomes busy, these intentions can quietly fade. Building a sustainable mental wellness routine isn’t about willpower alone but about understanding how habits form and how small, consistent

Sometimes, we notice subtle shifts in someone we care about. They may seem quieter, less engaged, or simply not quite themselves, and these moments can bring uncertainty. You may worry about saying the wrong thing or feel unsure about how to show up. Supporting a loved one who is struggling with their mental health often

By April, the year is no longer new, and the urgency many felt when setting intentions in January has faded. You may be on track with your intentions, or be meeting them sporadically. You may have stopped thinking about your intentions altogether.   If you are have not been consistent with your intentions, perhaps you notice

Many of us glance at our calendars and to-do lists, wondering if there will ever be enough hours in the day. We plan, schedule, and organize, hoping structure will help us feel balanced, and yet we sometimes find ourselves overwhelmed at the beginning of the day and depleted by the end. Basic self-care is essential

February often reminds us of love, but there’s one love that deserves attention every single day: the love we give ourselves. Self-love and self-compassion are closely related, yet distinct, practices. Mindfulness teaches us to notice this difference and invites us to cultivate both. Self-compassion is our gentle response to personal struggles, it means treating ourselves

January invites reflection, a gentle pause to notice the rhythm of our lives and the quiet ways we care for ourselves. Many of us approach the new year with resolutions, lists of expectations that can set up an adversarial relationship with ourselves. We focus on what we are not, how we fall short, and how

December often highlights the importance of connection, yet for many, it can amplify a quieter, challenging emotion: loneliness. This feeling is a significant concern right now, with public health experts labeling it an epidemic. Loneliness isn’t just about being alone; it’s the deeply human ache of feeling a gap between the connections we have and

Each year, on November 13th, we celebrate World Kindness Day. It’s a time set to think about and honor the act of being kind, to all people and to ourselves. Imagine how even small acts of care can start big waves of positivity worldwide. One way to deepen kindness is through compassion training, a practice

Life moves fast, and it is easy to overlook how we’re really doing. October is National Depression Screening Month, offering us a gentle nudge to slow down and check in with ourselves and with the people we care about. Screenings are a simple first step that can open the door to understanding and support. Mindfulness,