When you hear the word “mindfulness,” you might picture someone sitting perfectly still on a cushion, eyes closed, breathing deeply, maybe even chanting “ommm...” And while that’s one way to do it, mindfulness is actually way simpler (and more flexible) than that. At its core, mindfulness is just about paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It’s noticing what’s happening around you, and inside you, instead of running on autopilot or getting lost in the endless “what ifs” of your mind.

You know that feeling when you’re so exhausted that even scrolling on your phone feels like too much work? Or when you’ve got a to-do list a mile long but all you want to do is lie face down on the couch and not move? Yeah — that’s burnout. Burnout isn’t just being “tired.” It’s when your mind and body have been stuck in overdrive for so long that they slam on the brakes. It shows up in sneaky ways: snapping at people you love, forgetting simple things, struggling to focus, or feeling numb where you used to feel motivated.

Let’s be real: our brains can be pretty weird sometimes. You’re holding your baby and suddenly think, “What if I dropped them?” Or you’re driving and a thought flashes in: “What if I swerved off the road?” These random, unwanted, sometimes downright scary thoughts are called intrusive thoughts — and you are absolutely not alone in having them.

Bringing a new baby home is life-changing, to say the least. Between sleepless nights, endless feedings, and the sudden weight of responsibility, it’s normal for your emotions to feel like a rollercoaster. That’s often what people call the baby blues —a mix of mood swings, tearfulness, irritability, and feeling overwhelmed that happens in the first couple of weeks after birth.

Pregnancy is often painted as a magical, glowing experience — but let’s be real: it can also be scary, stressful, and full of unexpected emotions. Feeling anxious while you’re expecting doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you. It means your body, mind, and life are going through huge changes — and it’s normal to feel the weight of it all.

Let’s be honest—going back to school isn’t always the fresh start people make it out to be. Maybe your stomach’s already in knots, your mind is running a mile a minute, and you’re wondering how you’re going to juggle all of it. Whether you’re heading into high school or going away for college, one thing is true — this time of year can feel like a lot.

We hear “self-care” everywhere these days. It’s on coffee mugs, Instagram posts, and pretty much every mental health tip list out there. But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t about being perfect, or having an elaborate skincare routine, or spending a ton of money on fancy candles (but those Bath & Body Works 3-wick candles ARE pretty great.) Self-care is about noticing when you’re running on empty — and actually doing something about it.

Hobbies get a bad rap. People act like you should have a “passion” you dedicate hours to every week. Meanwhile, you’re thinking, “My hobby is scrolling TikTok and crying about my student loans. Does that count?” (Spoiler: yes, kind of.) The truth is, hobbies aren’t about being impressive — they’re about doing something that makes you feel alive, relaxed, or just a little bit less like a robot.

Let’s be honest — social media can kind of be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s amazing: hilarious memes, new TikTok dances, friends’ updates, and endless cat videos. On the other hand, it can be exhausting, overwhelming, and honestly, sometimes make you feel like everyone else has their life way more together than you do.