Beneath a deep navy sky scattered with stars, a gentle hush settles over the world. Imagine lying back, breathing deeply and letting the vastness above quiet your mind. Star bathing meditation invites you to pause, look up and rediscover a sense of wonder. Ready to find calm and awe under the night sky? Here’s how this simple practice can bring peace, perspective and a little magic into your life. What Is Star Bathing Meditation? Star bathing is the meditative practice of gazing at the night sky. It’s not astronomy or constellation-spotting — the goal is not to pick out or identify anything in particular. The point is to simply take in the vastness and to feel the deep calm that can bring. Much like the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku — forest bathing —  star bathing uses all of your senses. You see the stars, of course, and you listen to the sounds of the night, but you can also feel the night chill on your skin and the ground beneath you, smell scents you wouldn’t notice during the day and even taste a warm beverage while you gaze.  Star bathing is also connected to the practice of mindfulness. It’s about paying mindful attention to the night sky and allowing yourself to calmly observe whatever emotions this evokes. Why Star Bathing Works — The Science of Awe Once you allow yourself to relax and truly take in the night sky, you will almost certainly start to feel a sense of awe. This is why star bathing meditation can help you feel calmer, more peaceful and more connected.  Awe is a unique emotion. It’s very hard to describe, but you will know the feeling. You may have felt it watching a child being born, viewing a stunning landscape, experiencing a powerful musical performance, or witnessing acts of kindness. It’s an emotion that mixes respect with wonder in the face of the sacred or the sublime. It’s also, increasingly, an emotion that has attracted academic attention. In recent years, many studies have focused on the benefits of awe for mental health and psychological well-being. Among other things, regularly experiencing awe has been shown to: Shift your attention away from yourself, making it easier to be objective and calm about problems. Make you feel as though you are part of something greater than yourself. Increase a sense of empathy, compassion and connection. Increase a sense of spirituality. Change your perception of time, decreasing anxiety or panic. Boost a flow state of mind. Change your heart rate, and give you goosebumps or chills. Decrease chronic inflammation. Increase positive mood. Decrease materialism. It has also been demonstrated that when you experience awe, your brain produces more theta waves and fewer beta waves — shifting your brain from a state of active, external focus to one of calm, inward reflection, enhancing creativity and reducing stress.  In 2024, scientists created a Night Sky Connectedness Index (NSCI) to measure people’s relationships to the night sky. They found a strong correlation between a high NSCI score and overall well-being according to various scoring methods. This suggests that regular engagement with star bathing or other night sky activities can boost well-being in a number of ways, with awe potentially being one of the main mechanisms.  How to Practice Star Bathing Meditation The beauty of star bathing meditation is that you do not need any special equipment — just you, your eyes and perhaps a blanket or lounger to lie on. However, to get the most from your experience, there are some key factors to consider: Choose your location carefully: Light pollution is widespread. The worse it is, the fewer stars you will see and the less awe-inspiring your experience will be. Ideally, choose somewhere with darker skies — see below for more advice on this. Choose your timing, too: Avoid star bathing within a few days either side of a full moon. The moon’s brightness will block out many of the stars. Having said that, moon bathing can also be a thing, and of course, the full moon is beautiful to look at, too. But at least once, try to go during the darkness of a new moon or close to that period. Check the weather: It’s star bathing, not cloud bathing. If it’s very overcast or raining, you won’t see much. Go equipped: Whether you are sitting in your own backyard or traveling somewhere else, you’ll want to bring a blanket or chair, a couple of warm layers and a warm drink.  Be safe: Take a torch and, unless you are very sure of your surroundings, don’t go too far off the beaten track. Unless you are used to night-time adventures, don’t go alone either. It’s amazing to share this experience with a friend or loved one.  Once you are settled, allow your eyes to adjust to the darkness. At first, you will only see a few stars, but over the course of 15 minutes or so, more and more will come into view. Lie back, relax and just absorb it all. Don’t be surprised if, at some point, the experience triggers strong emotions. You may laugh or cry or feel exhilarated and emotional. That’s all perfectly normal. When you are relaxed, calm your breathing and focus on what you can see, hear and sense. Let your other thoughts go without judgment. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the stars. Finding the Best Night Skies If you’re lucky, you may live in or near a designated dark sky area. Internationally, 22 countries have such areas, categorized as: Dark Sky Reserves Dark Sky Parks Dark Sky Communities Urban Night Sky Places If you cannot visit one of these, you can use a light pollution map, readily available online, to find the darkest areas near you. Even in urban areas, some spots will be better than others. Just getting out into the suburbs will help, or a large urban park will shield you from some of the light pollution.  Journaling Your Star Bathing Meditation Experiences To enhance the benefits of star bathing meditation, try to do it regularly. Once might be enough to kickstart a mindset shift, but the benefits will multiply the more you experience. You might find it helpful to keep a journal to record your emotions and thoughts because star bathing can be eye-opening in all senses. Tracking your personal growth this way can be inspirational.  Let the Stars Guide Your Calm As you step outside and look up, remember that the night sky is always there — ready to offer you a moment of peace, wonder and connection. Star bathing meditation is a gentle reminder that you don’t need to travel far or spend much to nurture your well-being.  All it takes is a little curiosity, an open heart, a clear night and a willingness to pause. Let the stars inspire you to slow down, breathe deeply and rediscover the magic in the world — and in yourself. 

For many people, the joy of reading once came effortlessly — if you didn’t feel forced in school. Whether it was devouring a favorite book, an all-time classic, or a favorite series, reading was engaging, and you could do it late into the night or get lost in a novel on a quiet Sunday afternoon while enjoying a cup of coffee on your porch.  Books offer an escape, learning and a deep emotional connection to the characters or resonate with your reality. But, in an age where technology has evolved and digitization offers instant access to global communication, different forms of entertainment and social media, picking up a book may be more challenging.  Include book time in your weekly routine as you navigate how to concentrate on reading. With the right approach, you can rediscover the excitement of turning every page as you reignite or find a new passion outside the constantly evolving digital era.  Understand Why You’re Struggling to Focus To identify potential solutions for improving concentration while reading, it's essential to first understand the root cause of difficulty concentrating when reading. Consider whether digital distractions, mental fatigue, or an unsuitable environment are contributing factors. Many individuals have grown accustomed to scanning headlines and scrolling through feeds, which has conditioned their brains for superficial reading. Since the pandemic, people have spent more time doomscrolling to stay ahead of news, which has distressed their bodies. While there’s nothing wrong with staying updated, reading a book helps you escape reality using a technique that requires time, attention, and focus. People also struggle to read because their minds are focused on other chores to complete to avoid getting delayed or proving their self-worth.  Identifying your distraction triggers is the first step toward overcoming them. If notifications constantly pull your attention, silence your phone or keep it in a separate room while you read. If daily tasks leave you feeling drained, consider dedicating a few minutes to reading in the morning. Why Reading is Important The world is filled with fast content — 15-second videos, bite-sized headlines and endless social feeds, making it easy to focus on quick information feeds. But reading books brings unique value that’s a leisure activity and boosts your brain activity. This life-enriching decision will form a habit that incorporates into your lifestyle, making reading part of your daily or weekly routine.  Reading boosts brain function, memory, and attention while reducing stress and blood pressure by engaging the brain more deeply than skimming. Books, whether fiction or nonfiction, also build a deeper understanding. They offer a nuance and complexity that short content can’t replicate. Longer pieces provide context, history and perspective, teaching you to think critically, reflect and see the world through different lenses. Get passionate about books again because they help your brain and body function adequately and teach you how to communicate better. How to Concentrate on Reading Reading is a decision. Over half of Americans say they read at least one book annually, whether hard copy, e-book or audiobook. In addition to its benefits, reading also gives you access to an imaginary world you engage in at your own pace. For those who enjoyed reading but experienced life’s distractions, or those who want to help themselves physically and emotionally, wondering, “How can I focus on reading?” Here’s a helpful list.   1. Start Small and Build Consistency  Diving into a 500-page book may reduce your passion for reading because it’s overwhelming if you haven’t read in months or years. Start small — choose a short story, a novella, or a nonfiction book with bite-sized chapters. Then, commit to reading for 10 to 15 minutes daily. When you start small, it’s not about how much you read — it’s about your commitment to reading that creates consistency. Your brain recognizes a pattern, which it transforms into habits, so if you make reading a ritual, you’ll enjoy it over time.  2. Create a Dedicated Reading Environment Just like setting the scene for a good night’s rest, crafting a cozy reading spot can positively affect how your brain transforms a pattern into a habit. Choose your favorite chair and spot where your body feels most at peace. This could be your lounge, the porch or a room facing sunlight.  The goal is to create a space that tells your brain it’s time to relax and read. Avoid multi-tasking so it signals your brain to slow down and focus on the only task — reading. A clean, quiet setting creates a calm atmosphere that provides deep engagement.  3. Choose Books that Excite You Not every book will spark your interest, and that’s OK! Reading books you don’t enjoy can feel forced, resulting in disconnection, boredom and a chore. Just because people say a specific book is a must-read, doesn’t mean it would tickle your reading tastebuds.  Start with a book that interests you. If you enjoy crime, drama, fantasy, science fiction, true crime, memoirs, or autobiographies, read books in these genres. Reading the books you want to enjoy increases your passion for reading more.  4. Join or Start a Book Club If you're a social butterfly, you may enjoy reading and sharing feedback with a group. Starting or joining a book club gives your inner circle something to discuss. It also helps you concentrate on reading because you are responsible for providing feedback. Book clubs are usually set on designated days, enabling you to stay on track with reading to meet the book club deadline.  If you’re interested in tracking your progress, join online platforms to share reviews, get recommendations based on your interest and keep track of the books you’re reviewing or reading. Formal or informal book groups offer a sense of belonging, accountability and motivation.  Ignite Your Love for Reading, One Page at a Time  The first step to reading is committing. Start slow by setting a time limit, building momentum, and creating consistency. Choose a room that becomes your comfort and safe place for you and your books. Choose books that interest you so reading doesn’t feel boring, and choose your circle.  If you enjoy reading alone, that’s OK, but if you like having a group to hold you accountable, share interests and help you find another book, then choose a formal or informal setting to turn these small decisions and patterns into habits that will change your lifestyle. 

Some people say that they have zero dreams when they head to bed. Others have the most vivid visions as soon as they fall asleep. Either way, you generally have zero consciousness or control over what occurs. However, a lucid dream is a gateway to gaining more autonomy over what happens in your head.  What Are Lucid Dreams? Lucid dreams entail self-awareness of one's dream state. Most experienced lucid dreamers or dreamwalkers have the power to alter different aspects of their sleep. Some people also refer to this ability as metacognitive awareness, which means reflecting on one's mental processes while sleeping.  Some may stumble upon the experience without even trying, but lucid dreaming is typically done intentionally. And with the rise of social media, more and more people are sharing their experience of getting into the dreamscape.   Benefits and Downsides of Lucid Dreams Lucid dreams are a two-sided coin, with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Some people only experience the perks when they engage in this activity.  Here are the pros: Exercising creativity: Many people find themselves getting creative when they have free rein over the dream world. And if you have great memories, you can take those visions and make them a reality through art, writing and other forms of media.  Creating good dream content: Lucid dreaming is often recommended when you’re susceptible to nightmares, since you can alter what’s happening. Slowly change the course of what’s happening in your dreamscape or add more pleasant elements into it.  Building a positive waking mood: Fantastic dreams typically mean a good night’s rest and waking up in a fantastic mood. If you’re feeling stressed or just want to be a little more positive in the mornings, lucid dreaming is the key.  Here are the cons: Poor sleeping quality: Lucid dreaming can feel like you’re sleeping lighter, as opposed to that deep sleep where it feels like you’ve blacked out. The sleep quality can feel especially poor when you’re not completely successful in taking over your dreamscape. Reality confusion: Dreamwalkers may find it difficult to differentiate between what’s real and fake. It’s why it’s important to have some telltale signs for reality testing.  Undesirable lucid dreams: People with a stronger subconscious may hold more influence over your dream than you. Thus, you may alter fewer elements than you’d think and not achieve the ideal fantasy.  A study on lucid dreaming deduced that most negative outcomes typically stem from failed induction attempts or low dream control. Hence, if you want to experience the perks, you need to aim for absolute dream control and success.  How to Lucid Dream Tonight Curious about getting into the practice? Here’s a beginner-friendly guide on how you can try lucid dreaming tonight.  1. Create a Dream Journal If you think hard, some dreams repeat themselves or have patterns similar to one another. A dream journal is a great way to keep track of irregular or strange dreams. From there, try to list down dream signs that help you realize you’re dreaming. It could be anything from blurred texts, actions feeling too easy to do or recurring places.  2. Set Alarm for Your REM Period The Rapid Eye Movement or REM period is typically one of the best periods for you to gain consciousness while falling back to sleep. Set an alarm to go off after 5 hours of your sleep for this chance. Dreamwalkers typically dub this as the key step for the Waking Back to Bed or WBTB method.  3. Have a Pre-Sleep Meditation Routine Going into a lucid dream can be nerve-wracking for some people, which can affect your ability to fall asleep. Consider having a relaxation routine, like meditating, before you head to bed. Some people like to focus on sounds or scents in their room. Aside from lulling them into slumber, it’s also a good way to signal to your brain that you’re letting go of reality.  4. Recall Your Dream Upon Waking Up Once your alarm rings and you wake up, close the alarm and close your eyes again. Try to recall the last moment of your dream and get back into it once again. This can take some practice and is simpler if you feel exhausted. However, once you successfully recall it, you should already be hyperaware of the dream. 5. Practice Reality Testing To ensure it’s a dream and not reality, consider testing different elements of your dream. Checking the clock to see if the arms are wonky is a good telltale sign that you’re in your dream scape. From there, it’s time to manipulate what’s happening in your dream. Try to summon a dessert that you’d like or float off the ground as an exercise.  6. Have Fail-Safe Methods to Wake Up If you feel like you’re not in control of your lucid dream, it helps to have a few ways to back up and out. Repeatedly blinking their eyes and focusing on their breathing can help them subconsciously control their actual body. You can also instruct someone you trust to wake you up if you start to sleep talk, which you can trigger by calling out in your sleep.  Who’s Most Likely to Lucid Dream? Dreamwalkers come in all forms, each with their own reasons. One of the main reasons is to have some pleasure while you’re still sleeping, as most people tend to get busy during the day. Others also find lucid dreaming as a way to cope with nightmares or situations within their reality, like experiencing loss or misfortune.  What Is the Most Common Thing to Lucid Dream? Dreamwalkers can come up with all kinds of things in their lucid dreams. A study found that more than 80% of respondents engaged in flying, sex and other hedonistic activities they deem fun. Others, like students or athletes, try to solve problems and practice their skills. That said, the world is your oyster in the dreamscape, so you can do whatever you wish.  https://www.tiktok.com/@doubledltadhd/video/7021328015929953542?lang=en Get Into a Lucid Dream It is more than okay to lucid dream if you understand how to do it and have a good grasp of your thoughts and subconscious. If you have a fantasy you’ve wanted to fulfill, practice it slowly and safely. Subscribe to our newsletter for more fascinating content!

When someone has a mental breakdown, it’s hard to know what to do and what to avoid. Say the wrong thing and you could make it worse. Say nothing and they might feel alone. This guide breaks down how to show up with calm, compassion and clarity, so you can actually help when it matters most.  What Is a Mental Breakdown?  “Mental breakdown” isn’t a clinical term, but more a way people describe a moment when emotions become overwhelming and functioning feels impossible. Think of it as a sudden emotional flood — where anxiety, stress or exhaustion takes over and the person might shut down, cry uncontrollably, panic or even lash out.  Signs you might notice include extreme fatigue, some intense mood swings, confusion or withdrawing from friends and daily activities. It often overlaps with conditions like anxiety, depression, burnout or PTSD, but it can happen to anyone under enough pressure. Over one in five adults in the U.S. experience mental illness, annually and breakdowns are sometimes the tipping point signaling it’s time for support.  Mental breakdowns can also be triggered by a single traumatic event — like a breakup, job loss or health scare. While they look different for everyone, they’re often the body’s way of saying, “I can’t keep going like this.” Recognizing the signs early can help prevent deeper spirals and offer space for recovery and support.  What Not to Do  When someone is experiencing a breakdown, your instincts might push you to jump in and “fix” things — but hold up. There are some quick ways to unintentionally make things worse.  Don’t dismiss or minimize their feelings with phrases like “Just breathe,” or “You’re overreacting.” Those comments can feel invalidating and isolating. Also, avoid toxic positivity — telling someone “Everything happens for a reason” or “Look on the bright side” can be tone-deaf when they’re struggling.  Avoid turning the situation into your story or giving unsolicited advice. This moment is not about you — pushing solutions might further overwhelm them. Physically restraining or intervening can escalate things unless there’s immediate danger.  Lastly, don’t gossip about their breakdown behind their back — breaking trust can worsen their shame or embarrassment.  What To Do if Someone Is Having a Mental Breakdown All right, so what should you do when someone is breaking down? First, stay calm yourself. Your calmness can help ground them and prevent the situation from escalating. Be present and listen actively. Let them talk without interrupting or rushing in to solve everything. Sometimes, just knowing someone’s there is enough.     Validate their feelings with simple statements like, “That sounds really tough,” or “I’m here for you.” Avoid trying to cheer them up or change the subject. Instead, ask gentle questions like, “What do you need right now?” or “Would it help if I just stayed with you?” Offer specific support instead of vague offers. For example, say, “Can I get you some water?” or “Do you want to sit outside for a bit?” This removes pressure to think too hard or come up with requests when they’re overwhelmed. Encourage professional help gently if it feels right, but don’t push. You might say, “It might help to talk to someone trained to support you.” Remember, if there’s a risk they might harm themselves or others, calmly seek emergency assistance. Here’s a quick checklist: Stay calm and present Listen without judgment Validate feelings Offer small, practical help Ask what they need Suggest professional support if appropriate Call emergency help if necessary Research shows that compassionate presence during emotional crises can significantly reduce distress and help people feel less alone. Tools to Help You Help  Sometimes, when someone is crashing out emotionally, grounding techniques can be lifesavers — for both of you. One popular method is the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, which gently pulls attention back to the present by naming: 5 things you can see 4 things you can touch 3 things you can hear 2 things you can smell 1 thing you can taste Encourage them to try this when they feel overwhelmed or panicky. It’s also handy to keep crisis resources on hand — like mental health helplines, suicide prevention numbers, or local therapists. Mental health first-aid courses can boost your confidence, teaching you how to recognize and support people in distress. Other useful grounding strategies include box breathing — inhaling for four counts, holding for four counts, exhaling for four counts and holding again for four. You can also try progressive muscle relaxation, where you tense and release different muscle groups from your toes to your forehead. It’s especially effective for physical symptoms of anxiety.  If they’re panicking, holding an ice cube, splashing cold water on their faces, or sipping a cold drink can help “shock” the body back into the present. These physical resets are powerful, especially when paired with soft reassurance like, “You’re safe right now.”  After the Breakdown: Follow-Up Matters The breakdown might be intense, but what happens afterward is just as important. After things have settled, reach out gently. A simple message like, “I’ve been thinking about you — how are you feeling today?” can show you care without pressuring them. Respect their boundaries if they need space. Sometimes the best support is letting them know you’re there when they’re ready to talk. If it feels right, suggest low-key activities like walking, grabbing a coffee, or watching a movie together. Sometimes distraction and connection can help reframe tough days. Remember, while your support is invaluable, you’re not their therapist. Encourage them to seek professional help if the breakdown signals deeper issues.  Another great way to offer support is by sharing something light like a funny meme, comforting quote or even just a simple “Thinking of you” text with no pressure to respond. If it feels appropriate, offer a shared activity like going for a gentle nature walk, doing a creative project together or journaling side by side.  Holding Space without Losing Face  Here’s the bottom line: you don’t need to have all the answers or a psychology degree to support someone in crisis. Showing up with kindness, calm, and a listening ear can make a massive difference. Mental health isn’t a solo journey — it’s a team sport. Small acts of care add up to significant impacts.

Ever feel like you’re doing what you’re supposed to be doing — working, helping others, exercising — yet you still feel drained, disconnected or just…off? Maybe your body’s tired, your emotions are on edge or your spark feels dim.  Welcome to the concept of the eight wellness dimensions — a holistic framework that empowers you to create balance, resilience and radiance from the inside out. Here’s a guide to assessing your wellness dimensions so that you can reclaim your energy, purpose and joy. What Are Wellness Dimensions? There are commonly believed to be eight wellness dimensions. The original model, proposed by wellness pioneer Bill Hettler in 1976, identified six, but in recent years, a further two have become widely accepted. The dimensions are: Emotional wellness Physical wellness Social wellness Occupational wellness Spiritual wellness Intellectual wellness Environmental wellness Financial wellness Wellness isn’t just about managing stress or staying physically fit. It’s about how all aspects of your life connect and influence one another. When one area is out of alignment, it can throw everything else off, too. Think about it. If you’re emotionally overwhelmed (emotional), you might skip the gym (physical), avoid social gatherings (social) and feel unmotivated at work (occupational). One imbalance spirals into many. But when you nurture all eight dimensions of wellness, you create a strong, resilient foundation.  It probably sounds like a lot. After all, isn’t this effectively asking you to just get your whole life in order? Well, yes — but no. The key is progress over perfection. You don’t have to have everything figured out, you just need a willingness to grow and to show up for yourself.  Exploring the 8 Wellness Dimensions Start by considering each of the dimensions in turn. Where do you have an imbalance? What might you do to fix that? 1. Emotional Wellness Emotional wellness is the ability to understand, express and manage your feelings effectively. It helps you accept your own feelings and express a wide range of emotions, from humor and joy to anger and fear.  Signs of imbalance: Mood swings, emotional numbness, chronic stress, difficulty coping with change Suggestions to improve balance: Start a gratitude journal. Learn to use relaxation techniques such as mindfulness or deep breathing. Talk to a trusted friend or therapist regularly. Identify and set healthy emotional boundaries.  2. Physical Wellness Physical wellness relates to caring for your body through nutrition, movement, rest and preventive health practices. It allows you to make informed choices and feel confident in your body. Signs of imbalance: Low energy, frequent illness, poor sleep, unhealthy eating habits Suggestions to improve balance: Aim for 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. Move your body daily, even for just 10 minutes. Stay hydrated and choose nutritious foods. Schedule regular checkups.  3. Social Wellness Social wellness is about building healthy, supportive and meaningful connections with others. It gives you a sense of belonging and a well-developed support system. Signs of imbalance: Feeling isolated, frequent social conflict, resentment, lack of support Suggestions to improve balance: Reach out to friends or loved ones weekly. Join a club, group or online community with shared interests. Practice active listening and open communication. Set boundaries on energy-draining relationships. 4. Occupational Wellness Occupational wellness is about finding personal satisfaction and enrichment through your work or daily purpose. It helps you enjoy what you do for a living and lets you feel that you are making a difference in the world. Signs of imbalance: Dreading work, lack of motivation, burnout, feeling unfulfilled Suggestions to improve balance: Set clear work-life boundaries. Explore new skills that excite you. Consider new opportunities where your passions lie. Reflect on your values and align your work with them.  5. Spiritual Wellness Spiritual wellness is having a sense of meaning and purpose in life. It may or may not involve organized religion, but it does involve spirituality, morals, ethics and a sense of something greater than oneself.  Signs of imbalance: Feeling lost, hopelessness, questioning your purpose Suggestions to improve balance: Practice mindfulness, meditation or prayer. Develop some short and meaningful mantras to empower your soul. Volunteer, or engage in acts of kindness. Explore spiritual and philosophical teachings that resonate with you. 6. Intellectual Wellness  Intellectual wellness is about engaging your mind, expanding your knowledge and embracing creativity and curiosity. It keeps your mind stimulated and your brain active. Signs of imbalance: Feeling mentally stagnant, bored, uninspired or resistant to learning Suggestions to improve balance: Read a new book or listen to educational podcasts. Take up a hobby or skill you’ve always wanted to learn. Try puzzles or problem-solving activities. Have deep conversations. 7. Environmental Wellness Environmental wellness involves creating safe, nourishing spaces that support you now and in the long term. Signs of imbalance: Cluttered or chaotic surroundings, sensitivity to noise or pollution, feeling unsafe Suggestions to improve balance: Declutter one area of your home each week. Add plants and natural elements to your home. Use non-toxic products and reduce waste. Enjoy time in nature regularly.  8. Financial Wellness Financial wellness means feeling in control of your finances and having a sustainable relationship with money — it doesn’t mean being rich! Signs of imbalance: Chronic worry over money, overspending, avoiding financial responsibilities or decisions Suggestions to improve balance: Create a simple monthly budget and track expenses. Set small savings goals, because even %10 a week adds up. Educate yourself through financial literacy books or workshops. Practice gratitude for what you do have while planning for what you need. Creating a Personalized Wellness Dimensions Plan You don’t have to overhaul your entire life to feel better. You just need to start somewhere with one small step — other steps will follow. Begin by honestly assessing where you feel strong and where you feel depleted across these eight dimensions. Then pick just one or two dimensions to focus on. Set realistic, achievable goals. Maybe that’s 45 minutes of walking twice a week, calling a friend every Sunday or finally organizing that junk cupboard. Track your progress in a journal or app and celebrate small wins.  Consider teaming up with a friend or joining a supportive wellness group. Accountability and encouragement can go a long way. Most importantly, remember that prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish — it’s essential. Living a Radiant Life A truly radiant life isn’t built overnight. It’s shaped by small, daily intentional choices that nourish every part of you. By embracing a holistic approach and tending to these eight wellness dimensions, you’ll discover more balance, more harmony and more joy. You already have what it takes. Why not start exploring your wellness dimensions today?

What do you call when you and your co-workers deal with a micromanager? How would you describe someone who’s utterly selfish? If you answered trauma bonding and narcissistic, you may be unconsciously practicing therapy speak. Such words have permeated today’s culture, and more and more people are self-diagnosing with mental health disorders. Some may even flaunt that they have OCD, ADHD and depression without consulting a mental health professional. This rising awareness is a win for overcoming the stigma of mental illness. However, throwing these words around — often without proper knowledge — might dilute their true meanings. What Is Therapy Speak? Therapy speak is when you inject psychological phrases into your everyday conversations. Since mental health topics have become more popular than ever, you’ll often hear or use terms like “trauma dumping” or “gaslighting” when talking about your personal experiences. However, such terminologies can make conversations sound distant and clinical. Here are some therapy speak examples: A co-worker gives you unexpected feedback in a meeting: “I feel really triggered by that comment and need to process my emotions.” Your friend exhibits selfish behavior: “He’s such a narcissist.” When your partner brings up something from the past: “You’re gaslighting me by making me question my memory of what happened.” Why The Sudden Increase in Therapy Speak? According to mental health professional Dr. Taisha Caldwell-Harvey, more and more people are using psychological terms because social media can spread information so fast. She believes that there’s some good to it, as it can empower someone to seek support. However, misusing these words can also spread misinformation and make it harder for people with diagnosed mental health issues to be seen and supported. For example, if someone says they’re “depressed” when they’re just sad at the moment, it can create confusion. This may create a false representation of real clinical depression, making it harder for those diagnosed to be understood and for the public to recognize the seriousness of certain conditions. 7 Therapy Speak Examples People Use in Everyday Conversations Here are some common words you may come across on a daily basis.  1. Narcissism How many times have you heard someone called a narcissistic person because they’re selfish? The truth is, narcissistic personality disorder is a serious mental health condition characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance that requires a psychiatrist or psychologist’s diagnosis. 2. Gaslighting Gaslighting is a type of emotional manipulation where a person intentionally does or says things to make you question your own reality. It often happens in abusive intimate relationships, but more and more people have been using the term as a facade to keep themselves from taking responsibility for their actions. 3. Trigger Many people claim they’re “triggered” after experiencing an uncomfortable situation. However, it can be weaponized as a tool to avoid communication and confronting difficult emotions. This is a term often associated with people with a history of trauma or abuse. Triggers refer to stimuli that bring up unwanted memories of past experiences. 4. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Not everyone who loves keeping things in order has OCD. It somehow diminishes the more serious symptoms of clinically diagnosed OCD. Misusing the term can lead to misinformation or the normalization of behaviors that actually need help. 5. Boundaries If you’ve been to therapy, you may have been advised to set boundaries. This is often said to those with anxiety, paranoia or people-pleasing tendencies. Setting boundaries means saying “no” to things you don’t want or communicating your needs. There are various classifications of boundaries, and they can be flexible or rigid. The misuse of the word can be weaponized as a way to manipulate others. 6. Trauma Bond A friend may casually say they have a trauma bond with a partner just because they’ve been through tough times together or have a dramatic relationship. It can also be used to describe an instance where you and your co-workers bonded together over a tyrannical manager. This somehow downplays the seriousness of a real trauma bond, which is a term used in psychology to describe an unhealthy relationship. 7. Trauma Dumping Trauma dumping is when someone shares personal, vulnerable moments with another person without their consent, which can feel overwhelming to the receiver. However, many people tend to misuse it to describe an emotional conversation where both parties are willing to open up and listen to each other. Other Dangers of Irresponsible Usage of Therapy Terms Using psychological terms in everyday conversations can be detrimental to intimate relationships and society. Manipulation Someone might say, “I’m setting a boundary,” when they mean they refuse to communicate openly or take responsibility for their actions. Additionally, calling someone a “gaslighter” without understanding its true meaning can damage relationships. Lost Nuance Therapy is a highly nuanced and relational conversation between the therapist and the client, different from what you see on Instagram or TikTok.  Too Much Focus on Self Therapy talk is centered around oneself. It emphasizes personal needs above all else. While that is OK, it shouldn’t come as a blatant disrespect to the feelings of other people. Trends around “protecting your peace” and “ghosting” sound empowering but can contribute to loneliness. How to Use Therapy Terms the Right Way Now that you know the dangers of therapy talk, it’s time to explore ways on how to approach it more mindfully. 1. Explain What You Mean It’s always best to use clear, honest language and to check in with others about how your words are affecting them. Instead of saying, “You’re gaslighting me,” say something like, “I feel like you’re making me doubt what I remember.” 2. Avoid Self-Diagnosing Stories you see online may resonate with you, but they’re not the same as professional advice. Just because you can resonate with someone with ADHD or OCD doesn’t automatically mean you have it. It’s best to consult a therapist for a proper diagnosis. 3. Be More Mindful of What You Consume Online Relatable doesn’t always mean reliable. Research found that more than half of trending TikTok videos about mental health contain misinformation. Many videos also offer general advice that may not be universally applicable, so take everything with a grain of salt. 4. Practice Social Media Detox Pause if your feed starts to feel heavy. Take a step back from your screen if your feed starts to feel heavy. Mental health content should be helpful, educational and insightful, not making you feel drained. Think Before You Speak Therapy talk is a double-edged sword. It can help destigmatize mental health problems, yet downplay their seriousness. Choose to promote the former to create a space where people feel safe and comfortable with one another.