So, it’s my birthday month and I LOVE my birthday. I feel like birthdays are so great for really reflecting on your accomplishments for the past year.

Even if you’re having a good day or you thought you succeeded at something, this voice is the first to remind you that you are not worthy. These negative, exaggerated thought patterns are called automatic thoughts or cognitive distortions and we all experience them from time to time.

Virtually everyone on this earth has experienced stress in one form or another. It is your body’s natural reaction to help you adjust to the changes and challenges of life. Whether these stressors include work, a big exam, or dealing with home life, some stress is normal.

Journaling helps to offer insight into our daily lives when we are amidst the daily hustle and bustle and don’t always have time to reflect at the moment.

Although it may sound funny at first, WOOP is an acronym for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan. Clever, right? Developed by Dr. Gabriele Oettingen—a professor and researcher who spent 20 years studying the science behind goal setting and positive thinking—this mental practice is an optimal way to help motivate us to attain our various life goals.

There is no better time to return to our safe space of journaling than the beginning of the year.

There is no better time to return to our safe space of journaling than the beginning of the year.

Below are five healthy practices to pursue in the New Year, as well as a recap of some tools and practices that the Balanced+Well community encourages.

My hope is the tools and resources below will help you to take a moment, a few moments or even longer to do some of your own personal reflection and goal setting.

Research shows that a daily gratitude practice increases feelings of happiness and fulfillment. It also improves self-esteem, empathy, and mental strength overall, creating a greater sense of calm. Even in tough times, practicing gratitude can open our hearts to the present moment and allow us to find joy in everyday experiences. This helps us let go of expectations and shifts our focus from life’s shortcomings to the generosity it provides.

5 ways to manage stress during the holiday season.

Research shows that a daily gratitude practice increases feelings of happiness and fulfillment. It also improves self-esteem, empathy, and mental strength overall, creating a greater sense of calm. Even in tough times, practicing gratitude can open our hearts to the present moment and allow us to find joy in everyday experiences. This helps us let go of expectations and shifts our focus from life’s shortcomings to the generosity it provides.

Stress Relieving Mantras will help you manage and stay on top of stress.

Research and studies support that spending time on meaningful relationships helps you cope with stress and anxiety more effectively and also helps lower your chances of facing some types of stress in the first place. Connection can also help increase our sense of belonging and purpose, and improve our self-confidence. Bottom line is that human connection is good for our health!

Even in tough times, practicing gratitude can open our hearts to the present moment and allow us to find joy in everyday experiences. This helps us let go of expectations and shifts our focus from life’s shortcomings to the generosity it already provides.

September is a great time to revisit goals and accomplishments for the year 2021. It’s always hard for me to set goals or start new things in the summer, so here is to fall and starting a new season with routine and structure. Whoot Whoot!!!

In light of enjoying the last days of summer, this month’s journal prompts focus will be on being grounded in the present moment.

Although it may sound funny at first, WOOP is an acronym for Wish, Outcome, Obstacle, Plan. Clever, right? Developed by Dr. Gabriele Oettingen—a professor and researcher who spent 20 years studying the science behind goal setting and positive thinking—this mental practice is an optimal way to help motivate us to attain our various life goals.

Summer is my very favorite season. Everything feels lighter for me in the summer. I feel at ease and I have a lot of fun. In light of being in full summer mode now, let’s take some time for reflection on having fun and enjoying the beautiful, long summer days.

We often take the bonds we have with others for granted, yet they are such an integral part of our mental and emotional wellbeing.