Self Improvement, Editor's Pick

How to Make Time for Yourself

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to become engulfed in a whirlwind of responsibilities, commitments, and endless to-do lists. Amid this chaos, carving out time for oneself — an essential component of maintaining overall health — often falls by the wayside. Yet, setting aside time for personal care is not merely a luxury; it’s a ...

Viena Abdon

Man sitting at his desk trying to fend off co-workers intent on dumping their work on him.

Anger, Sadness, Boredom, Anxiety — Emotions That Feel Bad Can Be Useful

Remember the emotions you experienced around sadness that came with the last time you failed miserably at something? Or the last time you were so anxious about an upcoming event that you couldn’t concentrate for days? These types of emotions are unpleasant to experience and can even feel overwhelming. People often try to avoid them, ...

Troy Oakes

Different emotions.

The Zhongshe Tourism Flower Market in Central Taiwan

Nestled in the scenic landscape of the Houli District (后里區) of Taichung City in central Taiwan is the Zhongshe Tourism Flower Market (中社觀光花市). Covering an area of 6 hectares (14.8 acres), the tourism flower farm is an ideal destination for flower lovers and tourists alike. Houli’s unique geographic location has given it the gift of ...

Billy Shyu

The Zhongshe Tourism Flower Market.

10 Tips for Happiness: Insights From Harvard’s Tal Ben-Shahar

Professor Tal Ben-Shahar’s Harvard course “Positive Psychology” and his 10 tips for happiness have changed many lives. Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, so what should you do if life gives you lemons? You can choose to run away and be pessimistic, though you will be miserable. Try these 10 tips to lift your mood ...

David Clapp

A smiling middle-aged man.

Understanding Treat Culture: Insights from a Therapist’s Perspective

The term “treat culture” has become increasingly prevalent, reflecting a societal phenomenon where indulgence in treats, comforts, and instant gratification is widespread. Treat culture permeates various aspects of modern life, from binge-watching television shows to indulging in sugary snacks.  As therapists, understanding the implications of treat culture is crucial, as it influences individuals’ mental and ...

Viena Abdon

A woman eating ice cream.

6 Reasons Why Divorce Is Not the Best Solution

Marriages have ups and downs, and almost every couple has thought about divorce at least once. In the U.S., the rate is about 40-50 percent for first marriages and 60-70 percent for second marriages. The numbers aren’t very different across many countries worldwide. Of course, there are valid grounds for divorcing, such as infidelity, physical ...

Nathan Machoka

Marriage versus Divorce written on paper arrows.

Overcome People-Pleasing: Tips for Prioritizing Your Needs

Falling into the trap of people-pleasing is a common dilemma, often fueled by the addictive lure of constant validation that makes us feel needed and valued. Yet, this desire to make everyone around us happy comes with significant costs, including frustration, anxiety, stress, depleted willpower, and even severe burnout. This may undermine the relationships you ...

Nathan Machoka

Word bubble containing the words 'You can't please everyone' in red ink.

15 Things to Be Thankful for in Your Life

It’s easy to become caught in the whirlwind of tension and negativity in the rush of modern life. Feeling depressed and stressed is a regular occurrence, stemming from both personal issues and hard work commitments.  However, cultivating a mindset of being glad and thankful for what you have can shift your perspective and bring light ...

Viena Abdon

A beach sand patch with the words Thank you! written into it symbolizes the grateful spirit that Christmastime evokes.

10 Strategies to Use When Feeling Unmotivated

Feeling motivated is like an unpredictable friend. Sometimes, it’s energizing and abundant; at other times, it’s elusive and draining. We’ve all experienced moments when we are unmotivated and uninspired. Maybe you are trying to juggle too many tasks, are bored with a monotonous routine, or are overwhelmed by choices. 10 strategies to motivate yourself when ...

Nathan Machoka

An unmotivated-looking young man at his desk.