As the confetti settles and the echoes of "Happy New Year!" fade, we enter a fresh chapter – a year brimming with possibilities. It's natural to use this new beginning as a springboard for change, setting goals and resolutions to become better versions of ourselves. But in the quest for self-improvement, it's crucial to remember the foundation of it all: our mental well-being.

As the crisp winter air whispers of new beginnings, the familiar hum of "New Year's resolutions" begins. Gyms overflow, bookstores teem with self-help manuals, and every social media feed brims with promises of reinvention. Yet, how often do these rigidly structured goals, crafted in the throes of post-holiday enthusiasm, fade alongside the sparkly decorations? This year, shift the narrative. Instead of resolutions that feel like fleeting sparks, ignite lasting embers of intention.

The holidays. A time for family, feasts, and festive cheer... right? Not always. For many, the season also heralds an onslaught of travel-related stress: packed airports, delayed flights, lost luggage, and navigating family dynamics – enough to make even the Grinch say "humbug." But before you let the holiday travel frenzy get the best of you, take a deep breath and consider these helpful tips:

People pleasing is a common behavior where someone prioritizes the needs and wants of others over their own. This can manifest in various ways, such as:

• Saying "yes" to requests even when you don't have the time or energy

• Going out of your way to help others, even when it inconveniences you

• Avoiding conflict or confrontation, even when it's necessary

• Putting your own needs on hold to make others happy

• Feeling responsible for other people's happiness

While there is nothing inherently wrong with being helpful and kind, people pleasing can become problematic when it starts to negatively impact your life.

While some stress can be helpful, such as when it motivates you to meet a deadline, chronic stress can be harmful to your physical and mental health and can lead to a number of problems, including:

High blood pressure
Heart disease
Stroke
Diabetes
Obesity
Depression
Anxiety
Substance abuse

Therefore, it is important to find healthy ways to cope with stress.

Alfred Adler, a renowned Austrian psychologist, introduced the groundbreaking concept of birth order theory in the early 20th century. This theory proposes that a child's position within their sibling constellation profoundly influences their personality development, shaping their unique traits and behaviors.

Adler's theory revolves around the idea that each birth order position presents a distinct set of challenges and opportunities, fostering the emergence of characteristic personality traits. Let's explore the intricacies of each birth order position and unravel the psychological tapestry they weave.

"Stop feeling sorry for yourself," we are often told. And while it can be hard to avoid self-pity entirely, mentally strong people choose to exchange self-pity for gratitude. Whether you choose to write a few sentences in a gratitude journal or simply take a moment to silently acknowledge all that you have, giving thanks can transform your life.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a form of psychotherapy that has shown to be effective in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and phobias. EMDR is based on the theory that traumatic memories are stored in the brain in a way that prevents them from being processed normally. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, including flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety.

Gottman's Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are four communication patterns that Dr. John Gottman has identified as predictors of divorce. These communication patterns can damage a relationship even if they are used infrequently. They are:

• Criticism: Attacking your partner's personality or character.

• Defensiveness: Blaming your partner or making excuses for your own behavior.

• Contempt: Expressing disgust or disrespect for your partner.

• Stonewalling: Withdrawing from conflict or refusing to communicate.

Attachment theory is a psychological theory that describes how our early relationships with caregivers shape our patterns of attachment in later relationships. It was developed by British psychiatrist and psychoanalyst John Bowlby in the 1950s and 1960s and has since been supported by a large body of research.

Bowlby believed that infants are born with a need to form close bonds with their caregivers. These bonds provide infants with a sense of security and safety, which allows them to explore the world around them. When caregivers are responsive and available to their infants, infants develop a secure attachment style.