Paula Steyn Psychology

16/05/2026

08/05/2026

When we become dysregulated by various emotions, it can sometimes feel like happiness is far away. Creating spaces for happiness is an action and we can build a life worth living that encourages this. It doesn't mean we will never feel unpleasant emotions but we can feel this and still also have this inner optimism and joy about life in general.

07/05/2026

Instead of trying to get rid of uncomfortable feelings, we should sit with them and listen to what they are trying to tell us. We have overpathologized many uncomfortable (but totally normal to feel) feelings. When we listen to what our feelings are telling us, we can use the information to process, problem-solve and move forward, without allowing the feeling to take control.

06/05/2026

Despite access to Google search functions and calculators it is still important to memorize certain things (for example, spelling rules and Bonds & Tables). Making this information autonomic assists in solving more complex problems. Take Bonds & Tables as example. If we haven't developed automaticity with these, our working Memory has to hold on to and manipulate that data first before then moving on to the more complex components of rhe problem to solve. This places additional load on our working Memory and the time it takes to process through the problem. Memorizing and repetitive practice are required for automaticity.

06/05/2026

05/05/2026

Postpone phone use till much later in the teen years. Not only will it protect them from dangerous content, it will give their brains more opportunities to learn and grow. It will protect their mental health. Sign the Parent Pact through SFC South Africa to get on board with this new movement.

04/05/2026

Sweden is moving away from overusing tech in classrooms as they have noticed a decline in their reading comprehension rates. I am all for handwriting making a comeback as there are so many cognitive benefits associated with it. When I speak to students about study skills I encourage that they write out their work as part of consolidation (not direct copying but rather writing things in their own words or answering questions), instead of typing up notes or just going through the answers in their head.

03/05/2026

Enjoy your Sunday. Use this time to refresh for the week ahead. Spend time in nature. Reflect through prayer.

02/05/2026

Many Grade 12's (and 11's) are thinking about life after high school. This is the start of an exciting journey and it is important that their own research is done toward this. Having career assessments can be helpful but ultimately taking ownership of their own journey is important. Here are a few things to consider.

01/05/2026

Today we honour those who fought for the rights we hold today and to every South African showing up, working hard, and contributing to this country's future, whether in an office, a clinic, or a classroom. Happy Workers’ Day!

30/04/2026

So true!!

I don't think the phrase "baby steps" is condescending at all. Do you know how badass babies are? They have no idea how to walk, & they keep at it until they figure it out, no matter how many times they fall on their face.

We should all be so gangster.