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

How Not to Panic about Panic Attacks

Many of my clients have been experiencing or fearing the experience of panic attacks. To treat panic attacks, we need a two-pronged approach. Because overall anxiety increases the likelihood of panic attacks, the first prong involves reducing anxiety. The second prong involves knowing how to manage panic during an attack.

Self-Care, AnxietyKelly Forys DonahueApril 11, 2024anxiety, panic, therapy, self-care

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

Lifestyle Changes to Heal (Not Just Manage) Anxiety

In today's fast-paced world, anxiety has become an increasingly common issue, affecting millions of individuals worldwide. The ADAA reports that over 30% of US adults met criteria for an anxiety or depressive disorder in 2023. That doesn’t count all of the people who won’t seek help.

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueFebruary 28, 2024anxiety

Prevention is the Better Option for Burnout

I’ve been in the entrepreneurial space for over a decade now, and I’ve noticed a pattern. But before I begin, I want to note that the information I have gathered here is from newsletters and social media posts publicly available (and I try not to spend too much time on social media!). I do not know these people personally and as always, there is more to the story than what is posted or shared publicly. So with that caveat…

Health, Personal Development, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueFebruary 14, 2024self-care, burn out

Navigating Post-Holiday Blues

The holiday season, with its festive cheer and gatherings, often leaves us with cherished memories and a sense of joy. However, as the decorations come down and routine sets in, many people find themselves grappling with what is commonly known as the post-holiday blues. This phenomenon is characterized by a dip in mood, energy, and motivation after the holiday festivities come to an end.

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueDecember 25, 2023holidays, stress, self-care

Is an "It depends..." answer from your health care provider a cop-out or a clinical pearl?

You ask your health care provider a question about your health.

They answer, “It depends.”

Is it time to find a new provider or thank this one for their honesty?

The answer…”It depends.”

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueApril 5, 2023therapy, questions, health

Emotional Eating Dulls The Knowing

Emotional eating most often occurs to escape a negative feeling OR to create a less negative or more positive feeling. And it works. Which is why we continue to do it.

We can “emotional eat” to avoid feeling angst. “Emotional eating” distracts us from the angst that arises in a pause. During a pause like the COVID-19 situation, we may remember that our life is meant to be lived more fully, more freely than we are living it. However, when we feel that uncomfortable angst bubbling to the surface, instead of asking the angst why it has appeared, we focus on “controlling” the eating. That seems less scary.

Self-Care, HealthKelly Forys DonahueMay 17, 2020emotional eating, stress, self-care

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