Agnes Van Buren, MA

03/29/2026

Close game threatening to bust your bracket? This mindful breathing technique can help lower stress.

03/27/2026

Handwriting benefits attention, cognitive health, and more.

03/14/2026

Subtle feelings of discomfort are important indicators.

03/08/2026

Psychologist says avoiding social situations does not always mean someone is antisocial or unfriendly. According to psychology, many people step back from certain social environments because they feel overwhelmed by conflict, gossip, or inauthentic interactions.

Research in personality psychology shows that individuals with high emotional awareness often prefer calm and meaningful conversations. Psychologist says these individuals may feel mentally drained when surrounded by constant drama or negative social energy.

According to psychology, the brain processes social conflict as a form of stress. When people frequently encounter arguments, manipulation, or insincere behavior, the brain activates its stress response. Over time, some individuals learn to protect their mental energy by limiting exposure to those environments.

Psychologist says this pattern is often connected to emotional boundaries rather than antisocial behavior. People who value honesty, stability, and authenticity may prefer smaller social circles where communication feels genuine.

According to psychology, choosing fewer but healthier relationships can support emotional well being and reduce unnecessary stress. Quality of connection often matters far more than the number of social interactions.

Psychologist says understanding this difference helps challenge the stereotype that quiet or selective individuals dislike people. In many cases, they simply prioritize peaceful and authentic social experiences.

03/08/2026

Mental exhaustion is often described as burnout, but neuroscience suggests that the brain rarely “burns out” from stress alone. Instead, prolonged patterns of emotional overthinking may play a major role in mental fatigue.

When the brain repeatedly replays worries, conflicts, or imagined outcomes, the same neural circuits remain active for long periods. This process, often called rumination, can keep stress related pathways engaged even when the original situation has already passed. Over time, this continuous mental activity can feel draining.

The brain’s stress system involves regions such as the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. When these areas remain activated by constant emotional processing, cortisol levels may stay elevated. This can affect focus, mood stability, and energy levels.

Physical movement can help interrupt this cycle. Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, stimulates neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, and helps regulate stress hormones. Activities like walking, stretching, or moderate exercise allow the nervous system to shift away from repetitive mental loops.

Movement also activates sensory and motor systems, which redirect attention away from internal overthinking. This shift can help restore balance between emotional processing and cognitive control.

Mental clarity often returns when the body becomes active.

While reflection is important, constant rumination can overwhelm the brain’s resources. Physical activity offers a simple but powerful way to reset attention, regulate stress responses, and support healthier mental function.

02/23/2026

https://www.aconsciousrethink.com/53954/the-courage-to-be-honest-7-times-when-telling-the-truth-will-set-you-free-even-if-it-hurts/?fbclid=IwZnRzaAQI91tleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEepLM72mL8QnmUHL06MRhJagS0-u_VRD8d6g0EbOYE-6hEMe4AyaGyRRy03wk_aem_6mJIdTGxQ-B45Corth66mw

Do you have the courage to be honest? Not just with the rest of the world, but with yourself? Honesty is far less common than we would like it to be. So much of life is hidden behind smoke and mirrors because someone can make a dollar from it. But if you want to liveRead More

02/19/2026

02/03/2026

01/25/2026

01/10/2026

Kids getting stressed about going back to school? Teach them how controlling their breathing can help them feel better and focus on the good. It’s a lesson they’ll benefit from for years to come.

01/07/2026

The technique is backed by science, and it's extremely simple:

1. Breathe in through your nose while you count to 4.
2. Hold your breath while you count to 7.
3. Exhale while you count to 8.

It's a unique protocol, especially when compared to another popular technique like Box Breathing. Box Breathing calls for an inhale, hold, exhale, and another hold of equal time (4 seconds). The extended exhale, in particular, is what makes Dr. Andrew Weil's 4-7-8 so original.

Dr. Weil says the method creates a "very pleasant, altered state of consciousness" that you may not experience the first time but will come as a "reward" of regular practice. Below, read more about how and why it works.

01/03/2026

Start where you are and do what you can. Your actions matter 💖✅ Join us for Happier January and get the new year off to a calmer and happier start https://actionforhappiness.org/happier-january