Psychology Health

14/04/2025

HAPPINESS CHEMICALS & HOW TO HACK THEM / HOW TO BOOST THEM NATRUALLY:

Understanding how to activate your brain's natural "feel-good" chemicals can boost your mood, reduce stress, and help you feel more balanced, peaceful, and connected — both to yourself and to God.

1. DOPAMINE – The Reward Chemical
What it does: Dopamine is linked to motivation, pleasure, and the reward system in your brain. It makes you feel good when you’ve achieved something, even small.

How to increase it:
• Eat a delicious or healthy meal mindfully
• Set a small goal and celebrate when you reach it
• Cross tasks off your to-do list — even simple ones
• Engage in a creative activity (painting, writing, music)
• Listen to an inspiring podcast, message, or TED Talk
• Practice self-care: take a bath, journal, or rest without guilt
• Try something new — a recipe, route, or routine
• Give thanks to God for each small achievement and blessing
• Visualize your God-given dreams and imagine walking in them

2. OXYTOCIN – The Love Hormone
What it does: Oxytocin promotes feelings of trust, connection, bonding, and empathy. It plays a vital role in relationships — with others, yourself, and your Creator.

How to increase it:
• Hug someone you love or hold hands
• Cuddle a pet or stroke a soft animal
• Spend quality time with family or friends
• Engage in deep, meaningful conversations
• Volunteer or do something kind for someone else
• Send an encouraging message to a friend
• Give a thoughtful gift or write a thank-you note
• Participate in group rituals — prayer, worship, singing, shared meals
• Spend quiet time with God, resting in His love and presence

3. ENDORPHINS – The Natural Painkillers
What it does: Endorphins reduce pain and stress. They’re released during pleasurable activities, especially physical movement, creativity, laughter — and gratitude.

How to increase it:
• Exercise: dancing, walking, swimming, or yoga
• Laugh out loud — watch a comedy or share jokes
• Eat a bit of dark chocolate or spicy food
• Sing loudly in the car or shower
• Listen to upbeat or nostalgic music
• Engage in creative expression — painting, crafting, etc.
• Watch a heartwarming or funny movie
• Spend time doing something playful or silly
• Thank God out loud for the gift of laughter, movement, and joy
• Praise Him with your whole being — through music, dancing, or play

4. SEROTONIN – The Mood Stabilizer
What it does: Serotonin helps regulate mood, sleep, appetite, and digestion. It’s key to feeling calm, resilient, and emotionally steady — grounded in peace.

How to increase it:
• Get sunlight on your skin (early morning light is ideal)
• Go for a walk in nature — forest, beach, park, or garden
• Practice mindfulness, breathwork, or meditation
• Do grounding activities like gardening or pottery
• Read a Psalm or promise from God’s Word and reflect on it
• Reflect on what you’re grateful for
• Eat foods rich in tryptophan (e.g., eggs, cheese, turkey, nuts)
• Maintain a healthy sleep routine
• Help someone else — altruism boosts serotonin
• Journal your thoughts and write prayers or praise
• Start or end your day with a simple gratitude prayer to God

30/03/2025

🌿 Exciting Opportunity for a Psychologist in Kloof! 🌿

Hi Everyone,

I’m looking for a Clinical Psychologist to join my private practice in Kloof on a part-time basis (1 to 2 days a week).

🔹 Must be trained in BWRT or willing to complete the training.
🔹 Join a well-established practice in a supportive medical center.
🔹 Work with a diverse range of clients in a warm, professional environment.

If you're interested or know someone who might be, please send your CV to mrogers.psychologist@gmail.com

Thank you! 💐

09/02/2025

Aligning Your Thoughts with God’s: Trusting in His Strength and Provision
Our thoughts are powerful, shaping the way we experience life. When we align our minds with God's truth, we open the door for His peace, strength, and guidance to flow into our lives.

Our thoughts shape our reality in ways far greater than we often realize. The mind is like a magnet, drawing toward us whatever we consistently focus on.

Proverbs 23:7 reminds us, “As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” If we fill our minds with fear, doubt, and negativity, we will live in anxiety and limitation. But when we fix our thoughts on God’s promises, we walk forward in faith, knowing He is leading us.

Many people spend their mental energy dwelling on what they don’t want—fear, failure, rejection, or pain. However, the more we focus on what we wish to avoid, the more power we give it.

The mind does not distinguish between positive and negative focus; it simply amplifies whatever it is directed toward. If we constantly think, "I don't want to be anxious," our mind still fixates on anxiety. If we fear failure and dwell on it, we reinforce that fear.

Instead, the key is to let our thoughts rest only on what we want to draw close to us. If we desire peace, we must cultivate peaceful thoughts. If we seek success, we should visualize ourselves achieving our goals. If we want love and joy, we must dwell on thoughts that foster those emotions.

Constructive thinking is not just about avoiding negativity—it is about intentionally shaping our mindset to align with growth, strength, and possibility.

Instead of focusing on what we fear or want to get rid of, we should focus on what God is doing and will do in our lives. He calls us to trust Him completely, to cast our burdens on Him, and to thank Him in advance for answering our prayers. Philippians 4:6-7 teaches us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds.”

Shifting Our Thoughts Toward God’s Truth:
* Thank Him in Advance – Faith is believing that God is already at work, even when we can’t see it. Instead of worrying, we should thank Him for the answer before it comes.

* Move Forward with Confidence – When we trust that God is strengthening and protecting us, we no longer need to dwell on fears of the past or uncertainties about the future.

* Focus on His Promises – God has promised to be our refuge, provider, and guide. Meditating on His Word aligns our thoughts with His, bringing clarity and peace.

* Focusing on solutions, not problems – Instead of worrying about difficulties, think about ways to overcome them.

* Envisioning success, not fearing failure – See yourself achieving your goals rather than worrying about what could go wrong.

* Practicing gratitude, not dwelling on lack – When we appreciate what we have, we create space for more abundance.

* Thinking about health, not illness – The body responds to the mind. A hopeful, positive outlook can strengthen resilience.

Isaiah 41:10 reminds us, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” When we focus on this truth rather than our fears, we step into God’s power.

Each day, let us train our minds to think only on things that bring us closer to Him—thoughts of hope, gratitude, faith, and love. As we align our hearts with His, we will see His hand at work in ways beyond what we could ask or imagine.

05/02/2025

Broken to Shine: The Beauty of Surrender
Life has a way of breaking us. We all experience moments when the weight of pain, loss, or disappointment feels unbearable. The pressures of life—unexpected tragedies, personal failures, or overwhelming burdens—can shatter the illusion that we have everything under control. And yet, it is in these very moments of brokenness that our deepest transformation begins.

The quote, "Sometimes life breaks you, but that's when you shine the brightest—just like a glow stick. You have to break before you can glow," carries profound truth. A glow stick remains dull and lifeless until it is cracked. Only when the internal structure is broken does the light within emerge, radiating in the darkness. Likewise, our moments of brokenness can become the turning point where something new and radiant is born within us.

But there is another truth that goes even deeper—God enters when we surrender. So often, we cling to our own strength, trying to hold everything together, unwilling to let go. We resist the breaking because we fear the pain, the uncertainty, and the vulnerability that come with it. Yet, it is precisely in our breaking point that we are finally willing to let go and allow God to take over.

When we reach the end of ourselves, we are finally open to His presence. It is in surrendering that we experience His peace, His strength, and His love in ways we never could while we were still trying to fight on our own. The Bible reminds us of this in 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” When we stop striving and start surrendering, we begin to glow—not from our own strength, but from the light of God within us.

Perhaps being broken isn’t something to fear but something to embrace. Maybe the breaking is not the end, but the beginning of something more beautiful than we ever imagined. When we surrender, when we allow God to take over, His light shines through us in ways we never thought possible. Like the glow stick, we are not meant to stay unbroken—we are meant to shine.

13/01/2025

✨ Celebrating 10 Years at FeminaHealth ✨

Today marks a decade since I began my journey as a Clinical Psychologist at FeminaHealth. I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust and vulnerability that so many of you have shared with me over these years.

Each story, each breakthrough, and each moment of connection has been a reminder of the profound courage it takes to seek help, to grow, and to heal. It has been my privilege to walk alongside you on your path to wellness and self-discovery.

To my family, friends, and colleagues, your unwavering support has been a cornerstone of this journey. And to God, I give heartfelt thanks for His guidance, wisdom, and grace in every moment.

Here’s to continuing this journey of hope, healing, and growth together. 💙

With gratitude,
Mary Rogers

Please join us in congratulating Mary Rogers, Clinical Psychologist at FEMINA HEALTH as she celebrates 10 years with us this month.

24/11/2024

Incredible last minute offer! Private message me for details.

18/06/2024

Back by popular demand. Here in KLOOF!
Book now and secure your spot. Numbers very limited!!

23/04/2024

Small group of Girls Age 15/16 don’t miss this awesome opportunity!! Email us for details creativepsychologytools@gmail.com

13/04/2024

Makes you think….

07/04/2024

Nature therapy in the rain…. Yesterday was such a meaningful “full - day” workshop in the forest. The rain made it even more specail! A day of inner awakening and healing. Dont miss the next one ….. in Underberg (see ad in comments). Run by Mary Rogers (clinical psychologist and Diane Lohrentz ( Life coach / Christian Counselor)

02/04/2024

01/04/2024

Don’t miss out : Come to the mountains and experience therapy like never before. Contact us on creativepsychologytools@gmail.com