We exercise the muscles in our abdomens, arms, and legs by going to the gym and lifting weights, or running, or biking, or countless other ways. But how often do we think about exercising the muscles in our brain?

Our body is made up of muscles, and every part of our body needs to be exercised regularly to keep those muscles functioning properly and prevent them from deteriorating.

This statement should come as no surprise, as research has shown for many decades that animals are able to improve our mental health simply by being around us. But how exactly does that work, and what exactly do they improve?

Accepting that death is inevitable is one thing, but being accurately prepared for the emotions and hardships it brings when it occurs in our own lives is another, and typically we feel unable to do this part. We never know when our loved ones will pass away, and when they do we immediately begin having to take action, sometimes setting our feelings on the back burner.

Our bodies do everything for us, from typing to speaking to walking to opening doors. Everything. That is why it is so important to take care of them, so that they are able to take care of us! Our minds tell our bodies what to do, often without our conscious decision, and they trust that our bodies will be able to follow through. 

We see many articles about how social media is bad for our health. Yes, this can definitely be true, especially if we do not limit ourselves, if we are sensitive to negativity, or if we let it get in the way of activities. Addiction to social media is real and it is important to make sure we never let ourselves get to that point. However, that is not the point of this article!

One of the worst things we can imagine in life is that we will end up with a terminal or chronic illness. One of the most heartbreaking things is hearing about people suffering from diseases, especially children. One thing even worse is when that person becomes someone we love, such as our spouse, our parent, or our child.

I began high school at 11, and then began taking part time college classes at 12. I graduated with my bachelor’s degree at 16, and then graduated from high school three weeks later. I believe I have a unique perspective on this topic, and my purpose in writing this is to help the parents of gifted children care for their mental health.

Up to one third of the American population can be diagnosed as having an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. Anxiety is a feeling of concern that we all get from time to time, but having an anxiety disorder involves feeling anxious almost everyday for a period of six months.

Most of us at some point began learning a language other than the one used by our family or school. Some people are raised to speak multiple languages from birth, some learn other languages through education, and some begin learning them as adults through nothing but experience.

Love languages are how we feel loved by others and express our love back. Each person is different, and it is important to identify both ours and those of our close relationships in order to strengthen our connections and be happier.

It can be very hard to remain positive and happy when the world is so dark and cold. Colorado winters often involve staying inside far more than usual, being unable to drive anywhere, and going days without seeing the sun.

An interesting phenomenon to consider if the weather seems to really get you down is whether or not you could have a seasonal illness relating to the temperature.

Everyone either knows someone who has had depression or is going through it themselves. It’s unfortunately quite common and is only getting more frequent with current events. In the year 2017, 7.1% of the population in the United States was reported to be suffering from major depressive disorder.

In some circles, birth orders are equivalent to zodiac signs. Someone will ask what you are, and then inform you of your traits, hobbies, lifestyle, etc. based on that one thing.

There are four main birth orders a person can be- oldest, middle, youngest, and only.

Many couples engage in couples therapy- even and especially healthy ones! There are so many types and focuses of couples therapy, and it is a really important service.

Some people seek premarital counseling when they are engaged so they can determine if they will be well suited to marry. Some people seek couples therapy when they are newly together and want to build a solid foundation for their relationship

Recently, there have been a lot of discussions around children being posted on social media accounts for anyone to see. Since this is a relatively unexplored area of child safety and mental health, I will use this article to discuss the situation and how to best approach the future.

As school has been back in session for two months now, some parents may begin learning that their child is having problems in school. These were perhaps not present at all last year and are newly developed, managed to fall under the radar, or were able to be covered by other strengths the child has. Whatever the case may be, learning that your child is having academic difficulties can be scary and disheartening.

It is no surprise that when our bodies are feeling their best, our brains are naturally at their happiest. When we are not in pain, or tired, or ill, we feel more up to doing things and are able to productively do the things we want and need to do.

Many marriages end, many people are divorced, and many children have divorced parents. This is okay, this is not a crisis that needs solving- just a life transition that needs thoughtful understanding and a mindful approach.

This article focuses on the benefits of talking through your feelings and experiences, rather than getting lost in your head!

I would like to start by stating that at any point in your life, if things feel too unbearable and too much, there is always the chance to start entirely over- a rebirth of your life without ending anything. The possibilities and options of this world are endless, no matter where you are or what you believe otherwise.