Ahonui Counseling & Wellness

08/01/2025

Most anxiety tips aren’t working - because they’re missing this one step.

You can meditate, drink water, and go for a run.But if you don’t control your thinking patterns, nothing changes.

🧠 Your thoughts create the stress loop.
Here’s how to break it — with simple, research-backed actions:

1. Control your breath
- Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat.
- Breathing regulates your nervous system.

2. Do one creative activity
L Drawing, music, baking. Anything that helps you create, not scroll.

3. Stay grounded in the present → Anxiety lives in the “what ifs”.
→ Focus on what is.

4. Ask for help
- Therapy, talking to a friend, or even texting a helpline - it counts.

5. Move your body
- Walking, stretching or light workouts.
- Movement is medicine.
6. Reset your sleep

- Poor sleep makes anxiety worse.
→ Start with a fixed bedtime + zero screens 30 mins before.

7. Drink cold water
→ A cold glass of water helps calm your fight-or-flight response.

8. Take mini breaks
→ No phones. Just pause and breathe.
You can’t outthink anxiety - but you can out-action it.
Start small, stay consistent.

08/01/2025

Most anxiety tips aren't working - because they're missing this one step.

You can meditate, drink water, and go for a run.But if you don't control your thinking patterns, nothing changes.

🧠 Your thoughts create the stress loop.
Here's how to break it — with simple, research-backed actions:

1. Control your breath
- Inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4. Repeat.
- Breathing regulates your nervous system.

2. Do one creative activity
L Drawing, music, baking. Anything that helps you create, not scroll.

3. Stay grounded in the present → Anxiety lives in the "what ifs".
→ Focus on what is.

4. Ask for help
- Therapy, talking to a friend, or even texting a helpline - it counts.

5. Move your body
- Walking, stretching or light workouts.
- Movement is medicine.
6. Reset your sleep

- Poor sleep makes anxiety worse.
→ Start with a fixed bedtime + zero screens 30 mins before.

7. Drink cold water
→ A cold glass of water helps calm your fight-or-flight response.

8. Take mini breaks
→ No phones. Just pause and breathe.
You can't outthink anxiety - but you can out-action it.
Start small, stay consistent.

06/09/2025

June is

In just six months, 2025 has already recorded over 444,000 suicides globally, and the most alarming part is that 75 to 80 percent of those are men.
Despite the growing awareness around mental health, many men still suffer in silence due to stigma, fear of vulnerability, or lack of safe support.
This data paints a tragic picture of the hidden crisis many men are facing behind closed doors. From financial stress to suppressed emotional trauma, the burden becomes too much for some to carry. It's not just numbers, it's lives sons, brothers, fathers, friends.
We need to stop telling men to "man up" and start telling them they're allowed to feel, break down, and ask for help.
Because being strong includes being human.

Something to remember this Men's Mental Health Month:💚

"People don't fake depression.
They fake being okay... Remember that. Be kind." - Robin Williams

06/01/2025

Mental health isn’t just about moments of crisis—it’s about how we feel every day. As comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on how important it is that we keep talking about mental health—not just in May, but year-round. There’s still stigma. There’s still silence. But the truth is, nearly all of us go through difficult times. What makes a difference is having the support, the connection and the courage to ask for help.

05/26/2025

Honoring the Brave, Remembering the Fallen.
This Memorial Day, we pause to remember the heroes who gave everything for the freedom we hold dear.
Their sacrifice is our legacy.

05/11/2025

Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing moms out there-thank you for everything you do! 🌸💐

05/11/2025

Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there-thank you for everything you do! 🌸💐

04/21/2025

Social Workers and Psychologists:Different Paths, Shared Purpose
Recently, one of my friends asked me a question which led me to think more about this.
The question was “Is there a difference between Social Workers and a Psychologist ? because both are based on mental health”

In the world of mental health and social services, social workers and psychologists often cross paths but their roles, training, and approaches are distinct:
Social Workers look at the whole person in their environment. They’re trained to address social, economic, and systemic issues that impact well-being. From connecting clients to resources, to providing counseling, to advocating for policy change their work is broad and deeply rooted in social justice.

Psychologists focus more on the internal world emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders through evidence-based therapies and psychological testing. Their training is often research-based, with deep clinical focus.

Key Differences at a Glance:

Approach:
Social Workers: Systems-based, person-in-environment
Psychologists: Individual-focused, clinical diagnostics
Settings:
Social Workers: Schools, hospitals, community agencies
Psychologists: Private practice, hospitals, academia

Despite these differences, both professions share a commitment to improving lives — and when they collaborate, clients benefit from a more holistic approach.

04/21/2025

Social Workers and Psychologists: Different Paths, Shared Purpose.

Recently, one of my friends asked me a question which led me to think more about this.
The question was “Is there a difference between Social Workers and a Psychologist? because both are based on mental health”

In the world of mental health and social services, social workers and psychologists often cross paths but their roles, training, and approaches are distinct:
Social Workers look at the whole person in their environment. They’re trained to address social, economic, and systemic issues that impact well-being. From connecting clients to resources, to providing counseling, to advocating for policy change their work is broad and deeply rooted in social justice.

Psychologists focus more on the internal world emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders through evidence-based therapies and psychological testing. Their training is often research-based, with deep clinical focus.

Key Differences at a Glance:

Approach:
Social Workers: Systems-based, person-in-environment
Psychologists: Individual-focused, clinical diagnostics
Settings:
Social Workers: Schools, hospitals, community agencies
Psychologists: Private practice, hospitals, academia

Despite these differences, both professions share a commitment to improving lives — and when they collaborate, clients benefit from a more holistic approach.

04/04/2025

Feeling Low? Try These Science-Backed Hacks to Recharge!

1) Angry? Sing to release endorphins.
2) Burned Out? Walk in nature to calm your thoughts.
3) Overthinking? Write it down for clarity.
4) Anxious? Breathe deeply to regulate your system.
5) Stressed? Exercise to boost your mood.
6) Sad? Practice gratitude to reframe negativity.
7) Lazy? Cold showers increase dopamine.
8) Impatient? Reflect on progress to stay motivated.

Small actions create big changes.

01/01/2025