How many of us get excited about summer, but it often comes with ideas to “do more.” Whether it’s staying productive, planning trips, maintaining social plans, or preparing for the second half of the year, many of us struggle to slow down without feeling guilty. In a culture that praises “the grind,” rest can feel unearned. But the truth is: rest is productive. Rest is not laziness but a necessary part of emotional, mental, and physical functioning. Our bodies and minds are not designed to...

Every January, the same pattern repeats itself. We make promises to ourselves—This is the year I’ll finally get it together. We set New Year’s resolutions with the best of intentions, yet by February, and honestly sometimes sooner, many of them fade away. From a therapeutic perspective, real change begins with understanding, not motivation. Behaviors we want to change often serve a purpose, such as managing stress, avoiding discomfort, or feeling in control. Without addressing why a...