As a recovering perfectionist, this topic is near and dear to my heart. I see many clients, especially high-achieving established men and women struggle with perfectionism. They cling to it with the misunderstanding that it keeps them safe, when actually it keeps them stuck. Perfectionism is a complex and often misunderstood trait that can significantly impact our lives. While striving for excellence is commendable, the relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to a cycle of stress, anxiety, and disappointment.

Personal Development, Health, AnxietyKelly Forys DonahueMay 28, 2024perfectionism, self-care, health

The Myth of a "Mental Health Day" and How to Create a Real Health Reset

Taking a “sick day” is common when we have a fever or a stomach bug, but it’s not as common to proactively, preventatively take a “mental health day.” Actually, a mental health day is a bit of a misnomer because separating mental health from physical health is only semantics. A health day can help to recharge and build resiliency. Here’s a guide for how you can set up a “health day.”

HealthKelly Forys DonahueMay 16, 2024health, self-care, mental health

Using Lifestyle Medicine to Heal Autoimmune Conditions

In recent years, there has been a paradigm shift in healthcare, with an increasing emphasis on lifestyle interventions as a cornerstone for managing various health conditions. One area where this approach is particularly promising is in the management of autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and multiple sclerosis, occur when the body's immune system responds in an aberrant way, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.

HealthKelly Forys DonahueApril 30, 2024lifestyle medicine, health, chronic health conditoin

The Perfectionist's Dilemma: Balancing Ambition with Health

In a society that values achievement and success, perfectionism often emerges as both a virtue and a vice. While it can drive individuals to excel in their professional pursuits, its relentless pursuit of flawlessness can take a toll on mental and physical health. In this blog, we delve into the negative health ramifications of perfectionism and explore how to strike a balance between ambition and well-being.

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueApril 23, 2024self-care, perfectionism, health

Navigating the 'Pause: Understanding the Impact that the Hormonal Shifts of Perimenopause and Menopause Have on Well-being

I love listening to podcasts. I listen when I walk the dog, fold laundry, and cook in the kitchen. When I heard this podcast with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, I stopped what I was doing to focus on every word. Dr. Haver stated that most, if not all, of the symptoms I hear about regularly (e.g., memory issues, irritability, weight gain, headaches, anxiety, fatigue, etc.) could be tied to the hormonal shifts of perimenopause and menopause beginning as early as the mid-30s. Yes, you read that correctly…mid 30s!

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueApril 19, 2024menopause, perimenopause, health, self-care

The Power of Small Steps: Why Little Changes Matter in Achieving Better Health

In the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle, many of us often gravitate towards grand gestures – the radical diets, the intense workout regimens, the dramatic lifestyle overhauls. We're inclined to believe that significant transformations require equally significant efforts. But what if I told you that sometimes, the smallest changes can yield the most significant results?

HealthKelly Forys DonahueApril 3, 2024change, wellness, health

The Health Paradox: Why We Struggle to Do the Things That Make Us Healthy

In an era where wellness trends dominate social media feeds and self-care is touted as paramount, one might expect a surge in healthy living practices. Yet, the reality often contradicts this expectation. Despite our best intentions, many of us find ourselves consistently failing to prioritize actions that promote our well-being. The question arises: why do we struggle to adopt habits that we know are good for us?

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueMarch 27, 2024food, health