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What REALLY contributes to better mental health? (From a trained counsellor)
What comes to mind when you hear the word “mindfulness?” For me, it never fails to conjure up an image of a person sitting very still, eyes closed and possibly repeating some mantra. I used to think it’s about focusing on my breathing. But the mindfulness or having “present moment awareness” that I’m going to…
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A therapist’s top five ways to prepare for your postpartum (that most people actually miss out)
Imagine you spent nine months preparing for your newborn’s arrival. You’ve asked around and researched for the best stroller, milk bottle, steriliser. You’ve figured out which one out of the ten types of crib mattress is going to reduce risks of SIDS and dust mites. You’ve rehearsed how you’re going to bathe and clothe your…
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Why you need counselling? And here’s your free alternative.
Personal story ahead… When I was struggling with BGR (boy-girl relationship) issues, low self-esteem, lots of shame and stress over academics, I didn’t go to my parents. I didn’t go to the school counsellor. When I was going through a burnout and feeling completely lost in my careeer post-graduation, I didn’t go to a career…
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I’m self-compassionate because I’m resilient – tips for mothers & children to building emotional resilience
Before we get into the WHAT and HOW to practice self-compassion, let’s start with the WHY. Why bother? Research shows that practicing self-compassion: Less stress, more social, having hope and joy for life – who doesn’t want that? It also contributes to better emotional regulation and resilience, which is exactly what we covered in the…
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What is counselling?
After 4 years undertaking my Masters of Arts in Counseling, my parents admitted over a family lunch, “Actually, I still don’t get it. What do you do?” Honestly, counselling sounded like fluff to me. I sit down, talk to a person for a couple of times and miraculously, my problems go away and I become…
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How busy moms stay sane and teach their kids emotional resilience (tips from a mental health counsellor)
Your body – specifically, your autonomic nervous system (ANS), is always giving you information. The ANS has trackers, called “neuroception,” that scans your external environment (i.e. what you can see, hear, smell, taste or touch) and internal environment (i.e. your stomach, your heart rate). It then comes up with quick decisions on whether you’re safe…
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Setting boundaries with parents and in laws – How to parent YOUR way
We don’t exist as individuals. Regardless of how close (or not) we feel to our communities, they influence how we communicate and resolve differences with others. These communities can be your family or the larger culture. Think of a family tree. An organizational chart. These are visual representations of human systems. What happens to others…
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Maternal Mental Health and Child’s Development: Research Says There’s a Direct Link
The World Health Organization defines maternal mental health as “a state of well-being in which a mother realizes her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to her community” (Herman, et al., 2006). Perinatal mental health issues are common 10…
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Start where you are.
This is my all-time favourite mantra since becoming a mother. I know myself, I’ve the habit of wanting to be an expert at everything because I’m anxious that I’d somehow miss something, and my child would get less than she deserves. When I first heard about environmental toxins, I nearly threw out all our baby…
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Every choice is a parenting decision.
Even those you think are made from societal pressure, circumstance, or ignorance. I know, that sounds kind of scary and overwhelming. I’ve a personal story. When my child turned 6 months and I was due back at work, I decided to place my child with my mother. Mothers, they can be strong convictions about how…
Thriving New Mama 