 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Intimacy for Busy Professionals In the modern hustle, maintaining a vibrant sex life can be a challenge for professionals buried under workloads. This article demystifies the art of balancing a demanding career with an intimate relationship, featuring key insights from recognized experts.
Focus on Open and Honest Communication For busy professionals, one of the best ways to maintain a safe and healthy sex life is to focus on open and honest communication. When life gets hectic, it’s easy for intimacy to fall by the wayside, but taking time to talk with your partner about your needs, boundaries, and safe practices can make all the difference. It doesn’t have to be a formal conversation; sometimes just sharing thoughts during a quiet moment or over a casual meal can help you both feel connected and on the same page. When there’s mutual understanding and trust, everything else, like making time for intimacy and staying mindful of safe practices, becomes easier. It’s about prioritizing connection, even in the middle of a busy life. - Peter Wootton, SEO Consultant, The SEO Consultant Agency Make Time for Regular Health Check-Ups Hey, I totally get how juggling a busy professional life can make it tough to focus on personal well-being. One thing that really helped me was making time for regular sexual health check-ups. It’s easy to overlook, but staying on top of your health can boost your confidence and keep things running smoothly. Plus, it gives you peace of mind, knowing you’re taking care of yourself. - Sandra Stoughton, Director, Marketing Operations, TruBridge Get More Sleep for Better Hormones Get more sleep! Getting 6–9 hours of uninterrupted sleep per night on a regular basis will help balance your hormone levels, especially testosterone, which is crucial for sexual desire and performance in both men and women. - Colin McIntosh, Founder & CEO, Sheets & Giggles Prioritize Intentional Connection Daily Here’s one actionable tip for busy professionals: prioritize intentional connection. For busy couples, I teach the SQL’s 2 Laws of Love to create space for intimacy (couples I coach report deeper emotional intimacy and renewed passion by following this practice):
- Andrew Mioch, Founder, Sex Coach, Best-Selling Author, International Speaker, School of Squirt
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 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | New Year's 2025 Discover the art of setting New Year’s resolutions that actually stick, guided by the wisdom of these industry leaders. This article unpacks practical tips for crafting realistic goals, from adopting micro habits to aligning with core values.
Set Small, Achievable Goals Set small, achievable goals that are easy to track. I’ve found that trying to tackle big, overwhelming changes can lead to burnout. A few years ago, I decided to focus on improving one small habit every month, whether it was waking up 10 minutes earlier or reading a few pages of a book each day. Keeping things manageable helped me stay on track throughout the year. I also learned that adjusting goals along the way is key — life changes, and sometimes we need to re-evaluate. The lesson I’ve learned is that consistency, not perfection, is what leads to long-term success. It’s important to be flexible and celebrate progress, no matter how small. This approach has helped me keep my resolutions throughout the year, and I believe it can work for anyone aiming to make lasting changes in 2025. - Timm Sasser, Chief Revenue Officer, UpFrom Focus on Micro Habits When setting New Year’s resolutions, focusing on micro habits has made all the difference for me. When I decided to quit alcohol, instead of saying, “I’ll never drink again,” I focused on the small, daily action: just not drinking today. This aligns with research I’ve conducted showing that the accumulation of small victories creates sustainable habits. Discipline and consistency in tiny actions lead to big changes. When I lost 50 pounds, I didn’t start by overhauling my entire diet and exercise routine. Instead, I added small, meaningful changes like a short daily walk. This approach, centered on gradually incorporating small habits, provided tangible, motivating results and led to long-term success. Men I’ve coached often find themselves overwhelmed by towering resolutions. Instead, I guide them to break those down into realistic actions with clear deadlines. This method, wrapped in empathy and understanding from personal change, allows them to feel empowered and in control, crucial for maintaining momentum throughout the year. - Jason Plevell, Personal Coach, The Obstacle Remover Build Systems, Not Outcomes As someone who thrives on building habits that drive long-term success, I’ve found that most people approach New Year’s resolutions backward. We set goals with motivation fueling them: “I’m going to wake up at 6 AM each day to work out because I really want to get fit.” The problem is, motivation is a transitory thing. Life starts happening, you hit the snooze button on your alarm clock, and the goal falls apart. And by focusing on building systems not outcomes, you can then say, “I’ll have one protein-heavy meal a day with no processed snacks,” instead of trying to say, “I will lose 20 pounds,” or “I will read 50 books” should be changed to “I will listen to audiobooks for 15 minutes while commuting every day,” because the system is not only actionable, simple, and repeatable, but simply becomes part of your daily routine, rather than making you psych yourself up and want to do it. I learned this personally when I tried to write consistently. I had huge, intimidating writing goals that crashed within weeks. When I switched to a system — with a commitment to writing 300 words every day, even if they were awful — it became sustainable. It wasn’t about perfect output; it was about progress. The output began to grow naturally, and I hit goals that at one point seemed impossible to me. Resolutions fail because they are based on willpower. Systems succeed because they eliminate the need for it. Build small, repeatable systems, and the results will take care of themselves. Hopefully, this new approach will keep your readers on track in 2025! - Derek Pankaew, CEO & Founder, Listening.com Think in Themes, Not Tasks Think in terms of themes rather than tasks. One year my theme for my fiction writing was to “boost my brag shelf.” In other words, get more stories published. Which of course meant I needed to write more stories. I then broke that need down into a measurable goal: submit at least one new story for publication each month that year. It was a great way to challenge myself with more structure, and for accountability and encouragement I posted my progress on one of my social channels. I submitted new stories 10 out of 12 months, had 6 stories accepted and 4 published that same year, with the others published within the following 18 months. I normally put a lot of pressure on myself. But with this approach, the numbers become the bonus — the nice-to-have piece that rolls up into a more qualitative idea that allows for grace, so you never have the feeling that if you falter you have failed. The effort you make toward the theme is success; the metrics mean only as much as you need to keep you going. - Michelle Mellon, Founder, CEO & Chief Storyteller, WordBird Focus on Process, Not Outcome One tip for crafting a realistic New Year’s resolution is to focus on the process rather than obsessing over the outcome. For example, my resolution last year and again this year is to not stress over losing weight. I learned that stress increases cortisol, which can actually prevent weight loss. Instead of fixating on the scale, I shifted my focus to small, enjoyable habits like daily walks and mindful eating, which naturally contribute to my overall well-being. The lesson here is to set goals that promote sustainability and self-compassion. By prioritizing progress over perfection, you’re more likely to stick to your resolution and enjoy the journey, not just the destination. - Rizala Carrington, CEO, MyGrowthAgent.com Link Resolutions to Core Values I’ve noticed that my therapy clients who succeed with resolutions usually link them to their core values rather than just picking popular goals. When working on my own resolution to improve work-life balance, I started by blocking off just one hour each Wednesday for family time, then gradually expanded it. I suggest picking a resolution that genuinely excites you, then starting so small it feels almost too easy — this builds momentum without triggering the anxiety and resistance that often derail our goals. - Caleb Simonyi-Gindele, Co-Founder, Therapevo Counselling Inc Incorporate Real-Time Feedback When setting New Year’s resolutions, I’ve found that incorporating real-time feedback and measurable progress can significantly boost commitment. In my experience leading the development of wearable health technology, we’ve seen how data-driven insights can transform user behavior. Users of our devices can visually track improvements in muscle oxygenation, giving them tangible proof of progress, which strengthens resolve. When I personally apply this principle to my goals, whether in fitness or professional growth, I create a system to regularly track and visualize progress. For instance, I use a simple chart to mark milestones, changing abstract goals into concrete achievements. This commitment to trackable progress helps maintain motivation throughout the year, much like athletes monitoring and responding to physiological data during training. Finally, implementing small, manageable intervals when pursuing goals, much like in interval training, can make long-term commitments less daunting. This approach helps incorporate change without overwhelming your daily routine, ultimately fostering a sustainable and resilient path to goal achievement. - David Thompson, Vice President Sales Marketing, NNOXX Inc Align Resolutions with Skill Acquisition One tip for crafting a realistic New Year’s resolution is to align it with skill acquisition, ensuring it serves a larger goal. During the pandemic, I realized that skills are the new currency. I focused on enhancing my abilities that matched current market demands, which can help one maintain motivation throughout the year. We emphasize personalized learning journeys to facilitate skill development. A similar approach can work for personal resolutions by breaking them down into manageable skill-building exercises. Think of a resolution as an evolving skill set, adapting to changes and emerging opportunities rather than a fixed endpoint. From my career experience, focus on one skill that will have a cascading effect on others by building a foundation. For instance, if you’re aiming to improve your career, mastering one relevant technology can often lead to more impactful advancements in your field, setting you up for sustained success. - Ahmad Elzahdan, Co-Founder & CEO, Audo Create a Built-In Off-Ramp My main advice for creating New Year’s resolutions that will last is to give yourself a built-in off-ramp. When making your resolution, be realistic about the time and energy that you have and acknowledge that you will most likely skip it at one point. For example, make a goal to go to the gym three times a week instead of every day. Another tip is to emphasize repetition rather than continuity. Try to aim for how many days in a row you can do a certain habit rather than every day since New Year’s. That way, you can go back to it once you skip it. - Dan Brown, CEO & Founder, Textun Set SMART Goals for Success Many people start the year motivated but quickly abandon their resolutions. To enhance success, it’s beneficial to set SMART goals — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For instance, instead of saying “increase sales,” a more effective resolution would be “increase monthly sales by 10% within the first quarter by implementing a customer referral program.” This structured approach promotes actionable and sustainable goals. Mohammed Kamal, Business Development Manager, Olavivo As a career counselor, I have worked with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, each bringing their unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations. In today’s globalised world, cultivating a well-educated and well-cultured mindset is not only a unique practice but an essential one, especially when guiding individuals towards fulfilling careers.
The journey of a well-cultured and well-educated mindset starts in a place that is often overlooked “Curiosity”. It is about being genuinely interested in the people and the world around us. Albert Einstein said, “The most important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its reason for existing”. My exposure to different ideas was limited, and that encouraged me to learn and explore more about everything. Developing a well-educated and well-cultured mindset requires constant learning and skill refinement. It is the combination of failure, continued success, and growth. I have always been fascinated with other cultures — how people live, what they believe, and their traits. To learn more about different cultures, I started reading everything I could get my hands on. I enhanced my reading, collected books, and interacted with multicultural people. I realised that the more I learned about other places, the more I learned about myself and my culture. But it wasn’t just about reading or traveling — it was about engaging with people. And here’s where emotional intelligence comes into play. It’s one thing to know facts but another to understand feelings, histories, and perspectives. I interacted with people from different regions, cultures, and ethnicities, and I realised that we truly appreciate another culture and way of life when we listen more than we speak to the people. I must say that the more we expose ourselves to different experiences and viewpoints, the more we refine our mindset. Learning never stops; it is a lifelong process. So, education is not confined to school. It involves everything from reading diverse books, watching thought-provoking films, asking unique questions, and contributing to the community. A well-educated person is not someone who has a lot of facts and a degree. Instead, they have knowledge to share to better the world. They are empathetic, curious, and willing to coordinate with people who think differently. The more we expose ourselves to different experiences and viewpoints, the more we refine our mindset. I approach every situation with the mindset that there is always something more to learn; if you’re asking how to cultivate a well-cultured and well-educated mindset, my advice is simple: never stop being curious. Travel, listen to others, question everything, and seek new experiences that challenge your perspective. Meet Our Contributor — Amber Wilson Amber Wilson specialises in providing valuable insights and guidance to students aspiring to advance in their educational careers. While being associated with CounsellingX, she has gained expertise in career counselling, advancing in university applications, admissions processes, and cultural adaptation.  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Self-Healing and Growth; Therapy Alternatives Discover the powerful alternatives to therapy in this message featuring insights from industry specific subject matter experts to commercial professionals. These insights provide a comprehensive guide to alternative self-healing practices.
Journaling for Self-Healing and Growth Over my 17 years as a therapist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformation that can happen when people begin to engage with their thoughts and feelings. In my current work as a life management coach, I often recommend journaling as an empowering, accessible alternative for self-healing and personal growth. It’s a tool that has helped clients (and myself) find clarity, release emotions, and gain awareness. Journaling is more than just putting thoughts to paper. It allows you to process emotions and untangle thoughts. It’s a deeply personal exercise in self-awareness — a chance to hear your unfiltered thoughts, hold them up to the light, and decide what to keep and what to release. Writing about what you are thinking about can free up emotional space and mental energy. Journaling can be a judgment-free zone where no thought is too messy, no feeling too big, and no story too complicated. I often remind my clients: writing doesn’t have to be pretty; it just has to be honest. Guided prompts can make the process feel approachable. Questions like, “What emotions am I carrying today, and why?” or “What has this challenge taught me about myself?” help focus the mind and create space for insight. I’ve watched clients move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered through this process. Writing forces you to slow down and articulate your thoughts — a process that often reveals solutions and insights you didn’t know you had. I encourage my clients to write not only about their fears and challenges but also about their dreams, values, and goals. By clarifying what you want and why, you move from feeling stuck to taking action with purpose. Whether you’re scribbling in a notebook, typing on your phone, or using pre-designed prompts, journaling is entirely yours to shape. I often remind my coaching clients that while journaling is not a substitute for therapy in cases of severe emotional distress, it is a powerful companion for healing, clarity, and growth. If you’re ready to begin, here’s a simple yet powerful question to explore: “What are three things I want to release, and what are three things I want to embrace in my life right now?” Write freely and without judgment. This is your space. Your opportunity. Your invitation to reconnect with yourself. After nearly two decades of helping people heal and grow, I’ve learned this: the answers we seek are often already within us. Journaling helps us listen, reflect, and take the next step forward — one word at a time. - Dr. Kimberly VanBuren, Marriage and Family Therapist, Balancing Act Life Management Services Intentional Journaling as a Therapy Alternative If therapy feels unfamiliar or isn’t your thing, a great alternative for self-healing and growth is intentional journaling. Writing gives you a safe, private space to explore your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. It’s a chance to unpack challenges, notice patterns you might not have seen before, and even celebrate small wins along the way. Start small and action-oriented: try journaling once a week, maybe on a Friday when the week feels more settled. Use this time to reflect — What went well? What felt off? How do you want to show up next week? Once it feels natural, consider making it a daily practice by stacking it with an existing habit, like your morning coffee or winding down before bed. The key is to let journaling feel nurturing, not like another to-do. Use prompts like, “What am I holding onto that no longer serves me?” or “What would I do if I fully trusted myself?” to guide your thoughts in an empowering way. The goal isn’t to check a box — it’s to create a practice that supports and sustains you. - Kelly Barnard, Founder & Certified Life Coach, kellybarnard.com Relational Support for Self-Growth Attending traditional talk therapy can be intimidating for individuals based on stigma, cultural norms, core values, or even personal comfort level. As a therapist, of course I advocate for people to find a therapist they click with and process through those obstacles. I also recognize there are more opportunities for self-growth and healing than just traditional talk therapy. As a systemic therapist, I see a lot of opportunity and value in finding relational support. This means taking a good account of the relationships in your life at the familial, community, and even national level, and identifying opportunities for growth. What insights can you develop from making new connections in your communities and strengthening bonds in existing relationships? Who supports your current values, while still challenging you to grow into new spaces? Are you willing to try making connections in new communities to expand on opportunities for growth? Examples might be trying a new hobby, working on developing a new relationship with someone in an existing community, or visiting a new spiritual or religious community. As humans, we exist in the context of relationships and often, solutions and healing are experienced on an interpersonal level. - Christina Canuto, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Lotus Counseling Group Joining Support Groups for Empowerment Joining a support group can be immensely empowering for those facing challenges like grief, addiction, or chronic illness. These groups foster a safe and nurturing environment where members can share their journeys, offer support, and gain invaluable insights from others who truly understand. Engaging in volunteer activities and assisting fellow members can elevate self-esteem and instill a profound sense of accomplishment. Moreover, forming connections with others helps individuals navigate their emotions more effectively. Through open communication and empathy, these social settings unveil invaluable insights into emotional patterns, paving the way for healthier emotional well-being. - Dr. Jameca Woody Cooper, Board certified Counseling Psychologist & Criminal Psychology consultant, Emergence Psychological Services/Dr. Jameca/ Volunteering to Gain Perspective Mental health therapy can be life-changing for an individual if they find an effective therapist they feel comfortable with and are willing to change behavior that isn’t serving them. However, if they aren’t yet comfortable with doing so, being a volunteer to others who are having a tough time can be helpful for a number of reasons. First, it shifts their perspective about their own challenges, so they see them in comparison to what others are experiencing. Second, it stops them from focusing on their own challenges, and allows them to feel empathy for others. Third, it increases their self-confidence because they’re actively doing something useful for others. Fourth, they’re building new friendships, focused on collective action and finally, their stress level should also go down because their focus isn’t solely on their challenges, but directed outwards. When we increase our locus of control in one area of our lives we gain confidence to do so in other areas. This naturally improves our mental health because we stop seeing ourselves as victims, and instead see ourselves as having more control in our lives than we initially thought. - Delia McCabe, PhD, Neuroscientist, Consultant, Lighter Brighter You! Voice Memos for Self-Reflection While many people would recommend journaling as a way to access your innermost thoughts and feelings, I encourage my patients to also record themselves on a voice memo or to speak their thoughts out loud. Hearing yourself stimulates a different area of the brain and can help someone see things from a different perspective. While an individual is not getting the same type of feedback they might from a therapist, speaking thoughts out loud might lead to different “aha” moments. - Laura Ellick, Psychologist/Speaker, Psychology & Wellness Services, PLLC Nurture Foundational Habits for Well-Being When therapy feels unfamiliar or inaccessible, there are many alternative activities that can support self-healing and growth. For starters, nurturing foundational habits like spending time in nature, taking regular walks, eating well, and improving sleep patterns can significantly enhance mental well-being. These practices help ground us in the present moment, regulate emotions, and build resilience. In addition to these essentials, advancements in technology, especially in AI-driven mental health tools, offer exciting opportunities for self-exploration. Tools like AI chatbots, guided journaling apps, or meditation platforms provide a private and non-judgmental space for individuals to reflect on their emotions, identify patterns in their thoughts, and cultivate self-awareness. These resources make mental health support more accessible and less intimidating, acting as a bridge for those who may not feel ready for therapy. While these tools aren’t a replacement for the human connection found in therapy, they represent an important step toward understanding ourselves better. They empower individuals to start their mental health journey at their own pace, opening doors to deeper self-awareness and growth. Combining these approaches can create a well-rounded foundation for emotional well-being. - Charlotte Diaz, Junior Psychotherapist and Mental Health Consultant, Tykes and Teens Practice Vulnerability in Daily Life Starting therapy can be scary and create internal pressure in terms of how to “do it right.” Therapy is all about insight and being vulnerable. Practicing being vulnerable in daily life can be a helpful strategy in general. For example, saying what you really want for dinner when you are asked instead of defaulting to “you can decide” is a way of being vulnerable. Telling your friend that you didn’t like the way they said “that thing” is being vulnerable. The more vulnerable we are, the more insight we can have within ourselves and how we view the world. - Jessica Taylor, Owner and Psychotherapist, Crescent Counseling Center LLC Reiki for Self-Healing and Growth For those who feel therapy isn’t the right fit due to personal values, comfort, or cultural norms, Reiki offers an incredible alternative for self-healing and growth. Let me share my story and the experiences of my students to explain why. Years ago, I found myself searching for a way to heal emotional wounds and reconnect with my true self. Traditional therapy didn’t feel like the right path for me at the time, so I turned to Reiki — a gentle yet transformative energy healing practice. Through Reiki, I began to release stress, let go of old emotional pain, and develop a profound sense of self-love. What made it unique was how it empowered me to take charge of my own healing. I wasn’t just being “treated”; I was actively participating in my journey of self-discovery. As a Reiki Teacher, I’ve witnessed similar transformations in my students. One of my students, Jeannette, felt overwhelmed and disconnected from herself when she started her Reiki journey. She was hesitant about therapy but open to exploring something different. Through Reiki, she found a safe space to release her fears, embrace her emotions, and heal at her own pace. Today, she feels more confident, grounded, and aligned with her purpose. What makes Reiki special is that it’s accessible, gentle, and deeply personal. It doesn’t require you to talk about your struggles unless you want to — it works through energy, intuition, and intention. Reiki helps to calm the mind, reduce stress, and create space for clarity and healing. Over time, it fosters self-awareness and self-love, which are the foundation of personal growth. Reiki isn’t a replacement for therapy, but for those seeking an alternative, it’s a powerful tool for self-healing and growth. It teaches you to connect with your inner self, trust your intuition, and create a more balanced, fulfilling life — all while honoring your own pace and comfort. For me and my students, Reiki has been life-changing. If you’re looking for an alternative to therapy, Reiki might be the path that resonates with your heart and soul. - Marielle Aardoom, Reiki Teacher, ReikiMar & TarotJo Ecstatic Dance for Emotional Release As a somatic trauma therapist, I like to recommend ecstatic dance as a low-cost, accessible alternative to traditional therapy. Dance is a practice civilizations have been using globally for millennia in rituals and celebrations, and it remains one of the best — and free — ways to connect with our bodies and emotions. Ecstatic dance releases stored trauma without the pressure of talking and connects us with the felt experience of our emotions. Studies show us that trauma is stored in the body, and by dancing and shaking our bodies, we can move the trauma through and out. Most major cities have a dance community, which often includes ecstatic dance classes or meetups with a low drop-in fee. Alternatively, you can dance in the living room to a favorite song or two! We can experience emotional release, better body awareness, and a stronger mind-body connection through dance. When we dance with others, there’s the added benefit of feeling a sense of belonging to a community, and our mirror neurons love the connection. We get a boost of feel-good hormones like serotonin and oxytocin. Ecstatic dance is a beautiful way to engage in self-exploration without verbalization. For anyone who feels uncomfortable with traditional forms of therapy, ecstatic dance is an empowering way to process emotions, shake out trauma, and reconnect. - Kirsten Hartz, Therapist & Founder, Sona Collective Meditation and Mindfulness Practices I will always vouch for mental health therapy as it is quite effective in healing serious mental health illness. But I will also support following some alternative ways in place of therapy for self-healing and growth. First and foremost, the practices I also follow are meditation and mindfulness practices. These practices help increase self-awareness, reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Meditation allows me to observe my thoughts without judgment, fostering mental clarity and emotional resilience. The process is simple and anybody can follow it. Use apps like Headspace or Calm, or try free YouTube guided meditations. Even 10 minutes a day can make a difference. But you should choose a place to meditate where you can be alone and make it sound free as much as possible. A healthy body can help you keep a healthy mind. So practicing physical exercise is another vital option for staying fit physically and mentally. Physical activity releases endorphins, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression and provides a sense of accomplishment. Activities like yoga combine physical movement with mindfulness and can amplify your mental well being. Apart from that, spending time in nature has been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood and restore mental energy. Nature provides sensory stimulation that promotes relaxation and presence. How to do that? Try activities that you enjoy, such as walking, dancing, cycling, swimming or strength training. If you prefer a holistic approach explore yoga or tai chi. Go for a hike, take a walk in a park, garden or even just sit and observe nature. Try “forest bathing,” a Japanese practice of mindful immersion in nature. Trust me, I enjoyed it immensely! At home you can also follow some other options. Try practicing controlled breathing, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reduces stress and calms your mind. You can also try sound healing and music therapy at home. Music affects emotions, and certain frequencies can induce calm or relaxation. Sound baths use resonant frequencies to promote healing and relaxation. These are the techniques that require zero money but a lot of patience and determination. Be kind to yourself as you explore new methods. Believe in yourself and choose one activity and try it for a week. Growth takes time and consistency matters more than intensity. - Shebna N Osanmoh, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Savantcare Writing Your Story for Self-Healing One powerful alternative to therapy for self-healing and growth is writing your story — not just journaling thoughts, but intentionally crafting a narrative of your experiences, emotions, and reflections. Why? Storytelling bridges the gap between the chaos of lived experiences and the clarity of understanding them. For individuals who may find therapy uncomfortable, writing offers a private, judgment-free space to process emotions. It allows you to confront challenges, reflect, and reframe on your terms. Here’s the magic of storytelling: it empowers you to become the narrator rather than just the protagonist of your life. By actively shaping your story, you gain perspective on how events connect, uncover patterns, and highlight moments of strength that you may have overlooked. This act of narrative creation is supported by research that says expressive writing can reduce anxiety, improve emotional regulation, and foster a sense of closure. By engaging in this intentional storytelling, you’re quietly practicing self-therapy, breaking down emotional barriers in a way that feels both natural and empowering. If you want to try this, start small. Dedicate time to write about a moment that shaped you: what happened, how you felt, and what it means now. Over time, you’ll find that writing your story isn’t just about healing — it’s about growth, discovery, and reclaiming ownership of who you are and who you want to become. - Lia Munson, Co-Founder, Resilient Stories DIY Therapy for Self-Healing If people are willing to work on their mental health, DIY therapy can be a valuable approach. Utilizing resources such as books, podcasts, or online courses can provide self-healing and growth. These tools can guide people in implementing positive changes in their interactions, fostering a supportive environment for growth. While it may be challenging, taking this proactive step can significantly impact one’s well-being. It would be important to find credible sources though, one that has demonstrated real-world experience and expertise in the area of interest — so doing some research on the source is essential! - Ronald Hoang, Relationship & Family Therapist, Ronald Hoang Marriage Counselling & Family Therapy Sydney Yoga, Meditation, and Energy Healing Alternative methods to therapy include practices like yoga, meditation, and energy healing, which offer different approaches to mental and physical well-being. Yoga combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to promote balance, flexibility, and mental clarity. It is often used to reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall health. Meditation involves focusing the mind to achieve a state of mental calm and clarity. It can reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and enhance mindfulness and self-awareness. Energy Healing includes practices like Reiki or acupuncture, where practitioners balance the body’s energy flow to promote healing and well-being. It is based on the belief that energy imbalances can affect health and emotional states. These methods are often used in conjunction with traditional therapy or as standalone approaches to mental and physical health. - Dr. Jo L, Holistic Coach, Yoga Teacher, TulaSoul Focus on Emotional Responses While it is wonderful that therapy has lost much of its stigma over the last few decades and people are more willing to prioritize their mental health, traditional talk therapy often takes the long way around for a problem with a much more direct solution. In fact, the term “mental health” may be a bit of the problem here. The truth is that mental health isn’t an intellectual issue. It’s an emotional one. It’s about how you feel and how you unconsciously respond to challenges in your life. It’s about a lifetime’s worth of defense mechanisms that we built up to keep ourselves safe from emotional pain. Now, if a doctor explained to you why you had a headache, would that make the headache go away? Of course not! So, what makes us think that understanding why we’re in emotional pain will make the emotional pain go away? While there are indeed stories behind our defense mechanisms, they are not based in logic. They are learned instincts. The same way that you learned to put your hands up when something comes flying at your face, you’ve learned to get angry and defensive (for example) when someone criticizes you or disagrees with you. And you are not going to escape these defense mechanisms by analyzing them any more than you can stop putting your hands up by reflecting on the first time a frisbee hit you in the nose. Self-healing is a matter of practice, not of study. And the practice is rather simple. Every time something upsets you or triggers you, you tend to be focused on the thing that triggered you and why your emotional response is justified. You reinforce the response with your rational thought. Now, is your emotion justified? Sure! But do you want to keep justifying your emotional responses? Or do you want to overcome them? If you want to overcome them, you need to start turning your attention inwards. What is happening inside of you when you’re triggered in these ways? Well, your muscles are tensing up. Your breathing changes. You feel a turning feeling in the pit of your stomach or a tightness in your chest. You move into defensive thinking. Etc. And are any of those helping you solve your problem? The simplest thing you can do for self-healing and growth is to keep bringing yourself back inside, over and over and over, to what is happening internally in these moments. Focus less on what is triggering you and more on what’s getting triggered. Every moment that you do this, you are getting closer to the core of who you truly are. - Benjy Sherer, Anxiety and Trauma Coach., Benjy Sherer Coaching Set Boundaries for Mental Health I recommend that one sets boundaries. We all know what adds additional stress and apprehension to our lives. It is important to recognize what impacts you negatively and modify your life accordingly. Setting boundaries helps you focus on your self-care. Negativity that impacts your mental health also impacts your ability to sleep and focus as well. You can’t take care of anyone else if you do not take care of yourself. Culture is getting better at accepting the need for individuals to seek help to improve their quality of life as it pertains to mental health. Each of us should support anyone striving to improve their mental health. Setting healthy boundaries is a great place to start to improve mental health wellness. - Beth Smith, Life Coach and Owner, Thriving With Resilience  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Skills for Elementary School Students Imagine a future where elementary students are equipped with the professional skills that are often reserved for adults. In this insightful Q&A, a CEO and a Founder share their thoughts on what professional skills should be taught in schools. The first expert emphasizes the importance of teaching effective communication early, while the last highlights introducing basic coding skills.
Teach Effective Communication Early One skill I think elementary students should learn about in the work field is effective communication. Children should learn to express their thoughts clearly, listen actively, and work with a group from an early age. Almost everything in the workplace requires some sort of teamwork, project leadership, or relationship building, all of which will require communication to lay the foundation. There are simple teaching exercises to build up communication in the classroom at the elementary level, such as sharing ideas in a group discussion or practicing active listening during a conversation. These exercises are helpful in allowing the children to feel confident in themselves and have an understanding of how others may feel. An example might be a group activity where students collaborate on a project and include time for each child to share their thoughts and receive feedback. That not only develops speaking skills but also teaches them how to take in and respond constructively to input. Why this skill is critical: It affects every personal and professional relationship throughout life. That person is able to resolve conflicts, persuade others, and relate to others with their communication skills. That is a skill that will be important beyond the classroom; and that will equip kids to meet challenges in the real world. Teach them to use words to express their emotions and thoughts, but show them that body language, tone, and active listening are also important. The development of these skills is nurtured in an environment where children feel secure and are encouraged to raise their hand and participate with their peers. When teaching communication early, we provide students with a tool that they will use through every stage of life. It helps them academically, fosters their confidence, and plants the seeds for success later in life. This skill forms a crucial building block for their future (personal and professional) if they make this investment early on. - Becky Babb, CEO, The Last Resort Introduce Professional Communication Skills When I run team-building workshops, I often notice how much easier it is for people who learned collaboration skills early in life. I believe teaching elementary students professional communication through group projects, peer feedback sessions, and classroom presentations would be incredibly valuable. Just last week, I watched my daughter’s class work together to organize a mini science fair, and it was amazing to see how they naturally developed leadership and teamwork skills. - Hanna Kanabiajeuskaja, Founder, Spaciously Prioritize Digital Literacy Last year, while helping my nephew with homework, I realized how crucial digital literacy is for today’s students. I watched him struggle to identify reliable sources for his science project, which made me think about how we take basic tech skills for granted. I believe teaching digital literacy in elementary school would help kids navigate online information safely and develop critical thinking skills they’ll need throughout their lives. - Tyler Hall, Developer, TROYPOINT Teach Basic Financial Literacy In my experience working with small businesses, I’ve realized how basic financial literacy could have helped many people avoid common money mistakes. I remember struggling with simple budgeting in college because I never learned these skills early on. Teaching kids about saving, basic budgeting, and the value of money through fun activities like classroom economies or mini-markets could really set them up for success later. - Jonathan Gerber, President, RVW Wealth Encourage Early Creativity As someone who works with marketing teams, I’ve seen how creativity becomes a game-changer in solving real-world problems, which is why I believe it should be taught early on. Last year, I watched my nephew’s class brainstorm solutions for their school’s recycling program, and their imaginative ideas like creating art from waste actually led to better recycling habits than our traditional methods. - Yarden Morgan, Director of Growth, Lusha Focus on Conflict Resolution Conflict resolution is a skill I wish more people learned early in life. Teaching kids how to mediate disagreements on the playground, for example, equips them to handle disputes as adults. In law, this is particularly relevant, as resolving conflicts outside the courtroom often benefits all parties involved. Early lessons in compromise and empathy build stronger leaders and professionals. - Gordon Hirsch, Founder and Managing Attorney, Hirsch Law Group Develop Teamwork Skills I’ve found teamwork to be an essential skill that elementary schools often overlook. When I led a business project recently, I noticed how many professionals struggled with basic collaboration skills that could’ve been developed early on. I suggest having students work on long-term group projects where they rotate roles — from leader to supporter — helping them understand different perspectives and learn to communicate effectively. - Patrick Carver, CEO, Constellation Marketing Emphasize Collaborative Problem-Solving One professional skill that elementary students should be taught in school is collaborative problem-solving. This skill not only aligns with real-world needs but also serves as a foundation for integrating all subject matter through methodologies like project-based learning (PBL). In a PBL environment, students tackle meaningful projects — such as designing an eco-friendly school garden or developing a community improvement plan — that require applying concepts from math, science, language arts, and social studies. This interdisciplinary approach mirrors how challenges are addressed in industries like managed IT services, where solutions often involve a combination of technical expertise, creative thinking, and effective communication. Moreover, PBL encourages professional networking development by connecting students with external mentors, industry experts, and community leaders as part of their learning journey. For example, a technology-focused project could involve consultations with professionals in managed IT services, giving students early exposure to the importance of teamwork, clear communication, and leveraging expertise to achieve shared goals. Teaching elementary students collaborative problem-solving not only prepares them for academic success but also cultivates the essential professional and interpersonal skills they’ll need in any future career. - Nick Kliminski, Client Relations Specialist, Go Technology Group Promote Public Speaking The professional skill I believe elementary students should be taught is public speaking. Learning how to communicate effectively in front of others is invaluable and has benefits that last a lifetime. Many adults struggle with this skill because they were never taught it early on. Introducing it in elementary school would give kids the tools to express themselves confidently, no matter what career path they choose. Public speaking teaches children how to organize their thoughts and communicate them clearly. Imagine a child presenting a simple project in class. They learn to structure their ideas, maintain eye contact, and speak at a steady pace. These skills don’t just help in school; they lay the foundation for future situations, like job interviews or pitching ideas in a professional setting. A confident speaker stands out and is more likely to make an impression, whether it’s in a meeting or at a networking event. - Shaun Bettman, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Emerald Mortgages Foster Empathy in Education Empathy should be well taught in elementary education. Our ability to connect with clients and understand their struggles profoundly affects how we serve them. One case that stands out involved a client who was hesitant to open up. By listening with empathy, we built trust and achieved a favorable outcome. Teaching kids empathy fosters emotional intelligence, a skill crucial for any profession that involves working with people. - David E. Preszler, Partner, Preszler Injury Lawyers Introduce Basic Coding Skills One professional skill that I believe should be introduced to elementary students is basic coding. Coding is not just about creating software; it teaches kids problem-solving, logical thinking, and resilience when troubleshooting. These are foundational skills that extend beyond tech careers. For instance, even understanding simple HTML can empower a student to build a website, sparking creativity while introducing the structure of digital communication. If kids grow up familiar with these tools, they will have an advantage in a tech-driven job market. - Paul DeMott, Chief Technology Officer, Helium SEO |