Solasta Psychology Services

04/16/2025

Why Self-Care for Adults Might Look a Little Softer Than You Expect

When we talk about self-care for adults, the suggestions often sound the same: go for a walk, drink more water, unplug from screens. These are valid strategies—but they don’t fully capture the emotional, sensory, and psychological needs many adults carry, particularly those with a history of trauma, neurodivergence, or high-stress lifestyles.

A recent CTV News article explored the surprising and gentle truth that many adults—yes, grown-ups—find comfort in sleeping with stuffed animals. And the best part? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, it might even be good for your mental health.

As a clinical psychologist, I often talk with clients about nervous system regulation, attachment, and emotional safety. For some adults, cuddling a stuffed animal offers sensory grounding, familiarity, and connection. These aren’t signs of immaturity; they’re signs that someone is listening to what their body and heart need.

So let’s expand the narrative around self-care. Here are a few practices that might surprise you:

Stuffed animals and cozy textures: Weighted blankets, soft pillows, or childhood comfort objects can promote regulation and calm, especially during anxious or lonely moments.

Listening to the same song on repeat: This can offer structure, predictability, and emotional processing.

Rewatching a favourite show: Nostalgic or familiar media can be soothing when the nervous system is overwhelmed.

Engaging in “low-stakes” creativity: Paint-by-numbers, LEGO, colouring, or sticker books offer gentle focus without pressure to perform.

Pretend play, even as adults: Through roleplay games, storytelling, or imaginative activities, adults can access parts of themselves that may not always get expression in day-to-day life.

Connecting with objects that remind you of safety: Whether it’s a sentimental item, a piece of clothing, or a sensory tool—if it helps you feel more grounded, it counts.

Give yourself —and others—permission to embrace self-care in all its forms, not just the ones that seem “productive” or socially sanctioned.

Being gentle with yourself isn’t a sign of weakness. It’s an act of wisdom, especially in a world that asks us to be strong all the time.

03/15/2025

🔹 The more we chase happiness, the more it slips away. 🔹

Trying to force happiness can leave us feeling exhausted and even less happy, according to new research. Instead of treating happiness like a goal to achieve, focus on gratitude and presence. 💛

Happiness isn’t something you get—it’s something you notice.



A study by Professor Sam Maglio (University of Toronto) and Aekyoung Kim (Jeonbuk National University) explores the "happiness paradox"—the idea that actively pursuing happiness can make people less happy. Their research found that trying too hard to be happy depletes self-regulation and willpower, making people more susceptible to temptations and poor decisions that can ultimately reduce well-being.

Through a series of experiments, they demonstrated that those who deliberately seek happiness tend to show reduced self-control in various situations, such as consuming more chocolate, quitting mental tasks earlier, and spending less time on cognitive tasks. The study suggests that happiness is best approached indirectly—by cultivating gratitude and appreciation rather than relentlessly chasing it.

Instead of treating happiness like a resource to accumulate, Maglio recommends thinking of it like sand on the beach—grasping too tightly leads to losing more. The key takeaway? Let go of the pressure to be happy and instead appreciate what’s already present in your life.

Chasing happiness can drain our self-control and willpower, resulting in reduced happiness and well-being, according to a study co-authored by the University of Toronto's Sam Maglio.

11/16/2024

What is a Psychoeducational Assessment?

A psychoeducational assessment is a comprehensive evaluation designed to help understand how an individual learns and processes information. Whether for a child struggling in school, a teenager navigating complex learning challenges, or an adult seeking clarity about cognitive strengths and areas of

11/15/2024

New Research on Teen Isolation & Mental Health: A recent study from Cambridge shows that even a few hours of isolation—whether teens are alone with or without social media—can increase their sensitivity to threats, a key factor in anxiety.

While virtual interactions through social media helped teens feel less lonely, they didn’t reduce the heightened stress response caused by isolation. This means digital connections may not fully replace the need for in-person relationships during such a socially sensitive stage of life.

Caregivers, take note: encouraging meaningful face-to-face interactions and fostering emotional safety at home can help counteract the impact of social isolation. While social media can be a tool for connection, it’s not a complete solution for teens' growing need for real-world support.

Scientists say the findings might shed light on the link between loneliness and mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, which are on the rise in

10/26/2024

Research shows that technology isn’t just affecting kids – parents’ screen time can also disrupt family connections. A study by Audrey-Ann Deneault found that when parents are frequently on their phones, kids may experience more symptoms of hyperactivity and inattention. It’s not about blame; it’s about being mindful. Small changes, like setting aside tech-free moments for quality time, can strengthen those parent-child bonds and support mental well-being.

Parents’ cellphone use can have a direct impact on their preteens’ mental health, according to a study. The effects include increased hyperactivity and inattention.

10/25/2024

Clinicians working with parents should be aware that self-diagnosis among adolescents is often influenced by social media, where algorithms can reinforce misleading mental health information. The rise in self-diagnosis highlights systemic barriers that prevent youth from accessing professional diagnoses, leading many to explore identity and support in online communities. Providing balanced guidance can help parents understand their child’s developmental need for identity exploration and the potential risks of social media-based self-diagnosis.

Adolescents are increasingly self-diagnosing mental health conditions after engaging with TikTok, driven by identity exploration and limited healthcare access.

10/22/2024

Parents can help their children become responsible digital citizens by fostering critical thinking and skepticism about online information. By exposing kids to controlled misinformation with guidance, parents can teach them how to fact-check claims and evaluate content critically. Encouraging open discussions about the information they encounter online and setting clear expectations can equip children with the tools to navigate digital spaces more safely and responsibly.

Researcherers say a pair of experiments with children ages 4 to 7 shows that, given children’s natural skepticism and early exposure to the internet's boundless misinformation, it is crucial for adults to teach them practical fact-checking skills. Instead of attempting to completely saniti...

10/14/2024

Curious About Meditation?

Meditation has gained popularity as a powerful tool to reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional well-being. Yet, for beginners, the idea of sitting still with your thoughts can seem daunting. How do you even begin? In this guide, we’ll walk through simple steps to start meditating and p...

10/14/2024

How to Take and Effective Mental Health Day

It all begins with an idea.

10/14/2024

Emotions are Messy!

Emotions are messy. They don’t fit neatly into boxes or always follow logic. One minute, you feel on top of the world, and the next, a wave of sadness, frustration, or anxiety can hit out of nowhere. Emotions are complicated—often a blend of joy, fear, love, and anger, all rolled into one. This ...

10/12/2024

Are you looking for guidance on managing your child or teen's relationship with screens and technology? Our Community Learning Series talk in October will provide insights on:

🧠 The impact of screen time on development
🔑 Setting healthy boundaries
📱 Managing social media exposure
💻 Promoting digital well-being

Take away practical strategies to create balanced screen time habits and support your child or teen in developing healthy digital behaviours!

📅 Date: Tuesday October 15
🕒 Time: 6:30 - 8:00 pm
📍 Location: Virtual