Xplor Counseling of Hawaii

02/20/2026

🍽️🧠 Hunger vs. Emotional Hunger: What’s the difference?

Physical hunger is your body’s biological signal that it needs energy. It typically develops gradually and may be felt as stomach growling, low energy, irritability, or difficulty concentrating. Physical hunger is usually satisfied by a range of foods and leads to a sense of fullness.
Emotional hunger is driven by feelings rather than physical need. It can appear suddenly and is often linked to stress, boredom, sadness, anxiety, or habit. Emotional hunger may feel urgent and be connected to specific comfort foods, and eating may not lead to lasting satisfaction.

📚 Why this matters:
Both types of hunger are real and valid. Understanding the difference can help you respond more intentionally — whether that means nourishing your body, addressing an emotional need, or both. This awareness supports a healthier relationship with food and can reduce guilt or confusion around eating.

💡 Try a gentle pause before eating:
• What am I feeling right now?
• When did I last eat?
• What might help me feel more supported in this moment?

👉 Learn more about mental health, nutrition, and supportive strategies at http://spr.ly/6185h9j9f

02/17/2026

Ever wonder why staying on task feels impossible? It might be ADHD and many adults don’t realize it until later in life.

http://spr.ly/6181hZm3R

02/16/2026

🍽️🧠 Why there aren’t “good” and “bad” foods

Many of us have been taught to label food as good, bad, clean, or junk. But this way of thinking comes from diet culture — and it can lead to guilt, shame, and an unhealthy relationship with food.

✨ The all-foods-fit approach offers a different perspective:
All foods provide energy, and no single food defines your health, discipline, or worth. Nutrition isn’t about morality — it’s about balance, nourishment, and flexibility.
Research shows that labeling foods as “bad” can increase stress around eating and make it harder to listen to your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues. Removing these labels helps people build a more sustainable, supportive relationship with food.

💡 What all-foods-fit means:
• Allowing variety in meals and snacks
• Making room for enjoyment and nourishment
• Letting go of guilt around eating
• Focusing on overall patterns — not perfection

👉 Learn more about nutrition and mental well-being at: http://spr.ly/6183hZYjf

02/11/2026

🧠🎧 What you eat can affect how you think, feel, and function.
In Optimum Nutrition for the Mind, nutrition expert Patrick Holford explores the science behind how food influences mood, memory, focus, and brain performance. Research increasingly shows that nutrition plays a meaningful role in supporting mental clarity, emotional balance, and overall cognitive health.

This listen covers:
• How nutrients support brain chemistry
• The connection between diet and mood
• Why fueling your brain matters just as much as fueling your body
Understanding the mind–nutrition connection can help you make more informed choices that support both mental and physical well-being.

👉 Listen here: http://spr.ly/6183hPoZl

02/06/2026

🚶‍♀️📆 Movement plan: A 30-day challenge to a healthier you

Movement doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing to make a difference. This worksheet helps you create a realistic, personalized movement plan — one that fits your life, your energy, and your goals.

📝 How to use this worksheet:
1️⃣ Set a simple movement goal (like reducing stress or staying active)
2️⃣ Identify your “why” — what matters most to you
3️⃣ Choose movement you actually enjoy
4️⃣ Plan small, doable ways to move each day
5️⃣ Track how you feel before, during, and after
✨ Research shows that consistent, enjoyable movement supports both physical and mental well-being — and even small steps can add up over time.

👉 Find the worksheet here: http://spr.ly/6189hJ7YD

02/02/2026

🧠🌱 The importance of gut health — and why it matters for more than digestion
Your “gut feeling” isn’t just a saying. Trillions of microorganisms live in your digestive system, forming a complex ecosystem that helps break down food, absorb nutrients, and support your digestive, immune, hormonal, and nervous systems.

Emerging research also suggests this gut ecosystem may influence mood, stress, and anxiety, highlighting the strong connection between gut health and mental well-being.

⚠️ Signs your gut health may be off balance can include:
• Gas, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea
• Stomach pain or heartburn
• Ongoing fatigue or poor sleep
• Mood changes like increased stress or anxiety
Disruptions can happen for many reasons — including illness, chronic conditions, or medications like antibiotics — which is why persistent or severe symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

🥦 Supporting gut health
Research shows that having a diverse mix of beneficial bacteria is key. One proven way to support this balance is through nutrition — especially eating a variety of fiber-rich foods that help nourish these microorganisms.

👉 Learn more ways to support your overall well-being here: http://spr.ly/6188hGw1p

01/27/2026

🧘‍♀️✨ Tune out distractions. Tune in to you.

Life is full of noise — notifications, screens, to-do lists, and constant demands. Taking even a few intentional moments to quiet the distractions can help you feel more centered, present, and aware.

🌿 Small ways to tune out the noise:
• Silence notifications or step away from screens
• Use headphones, calming music, or natural sounds
• Focus on one task at a time
• Create a clutter-free space
• Set boundaries and ask for a few minutes to yourself
• Prioritize rest, nourishment, and quality sleep

🧠 Even 5–10 minutes of mindfulness or meditation can help improve focus and mental clarity over time.
There’s no one “right” way to reset — it’s about finding what works for you.

👉 Explore more tools and strategies to support your mental well-being here: http://spr.ly/6182hBKan

01/13/2026

💛 Self-worth and self-esteem aren’t the same — and that matters.

✨ Self-worth is how you value yourself at your core. It’s the belief that you are worthy of love, kindness, and respect — no matter what.

📉 Self-esteem is more situational and can dip after things like job stress, breakups, or tough feedback.

🚩 Signs you may be struggling:
• Being overly critical of yourself
• Dismissing compliments
• Focusing on mistakes
• Avoiding new things out of fear
• Feeling “not good enough”
Low self-worth or self-esteem can keep you stuck and is often linked to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

💬 Reminder: You don’t have to be perfect to be worthy. Growth comes from self-compassion, learning from setbacks, and celebrating small wins.
👉 Learn more strategies for supporting your mental health here: http://spr.ly/6187Cv7hF

01/12/2026

🚶‍♀️ Moving more doesn’t have to mean doing more.
Did you know:
📊 About 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents don’t meet recommended physical activity levels
⏱️ Adults need about 150 minutes of moderate movement a week — that’s just 2.5 hours total
✨ Even 5–10 minutes a day can still make a difference

Movement doesn’t require fancy equipment or a gym membership. It can be as simple as:
• Taking the stairs
• Parking farther away
• Stretching between tasks
• Walking, playing, or moving in ways that fit your life

Regular movement can help:
💛 Boost mood and confidence
🧠 Improve focus and thinking
😌 Reduce stress and anxiety
❤️ Support heart, muscle, and bone health

Reminder: the goal is progress, not perfection. Small steps add up.
👉 Learn more strategies for supporting your mental health here: http://spr.ly/6188Cv7AI

01/06/2026

✨ New year, same human — and that’s okay. ✨
Instead of creating resolutions you never set (or feel pressured to keep), try this instead:

Focus on intention over perfection.
Research shows that sustainable change comes from small, values-based shifts—not all-or-nothing goals. That means checking in with how you want to feel, not just what you want to fix.

💛 Ask yourself:
• What supports my mental well-being right now?
• What’s one habit that feels realistic—not overwhelming?
• Where can I show myself a little more compassion this year?
Growth doesn’t have to start on January 1st. It can start on a Tuesday. It can start quietly. And it can start again—anytime.

Here’s your reminder: progress looks different for everyone, and you’re allowed to take it at your own pace. 👉http://spr.ly/6180CmqRs

12/29/2025

As the year begins, it’s the perfect time to focus on your mental well-being and set the tone for a balanced, joyful year ahead. Instead of traditional resolutions, try creative ways to nurture your mental health:

🖼️ Create a Vision Board for Mental Wellness – Fill it with images and words that represent peace, connection, and growth. Keep it somewhere visible as a daily reminder of what matters most.
✅ Try a “Year of Yes” Challenge – Say yes to new experiences that align with your well-being, whether it’s trying a new class, spending time in nature, or taking on a creative project.
📝 Practice the 5-Minute Journal – Each day, jot down 3 things you’re grateful for, 1 goal, and 1 positive affirmation. Small reflections can bring big perspective.

✨ Mental health goals don’t have to be complicated — sometimes, the simplest practices are the most powerful. Want to learn more? http://spr.ly/6180Cdxbm

12/22/2025

We’re excited to share that Britt Young, M.A., LMFT from Xplor Counseling joined Hawaii News Now’s Ohana Matters segment to talk about navigating those tough, taboo questions during the holidays like:

“When are you getting married?”�
“When are you having kids?”

As Britt shared:�"We're working on hitting all the milestones that are important to us, but on our own timeline."

Watch the full interview for practical tips on setting boundaries and keeping holiday conversations positive and respectful. 🌺

When are you getting married/having kids? "We're working on hitting all the milestones that are important to us, but on our own timeline."