Short, helpful advice on the most asked-about topics

Blue Monday

Blue Monday

Blue Monday is a term that gained popularity to describe the third Monday of January, which is often considered the most depressing day of the year. This year it falls on January 15th. The concept was first introduced in 2005 by a British psychologist, Dr. Cliff Arnall, who claimed to have developed a formula to determine the gloomiest day. While the scientific validity of Blue Monday has been widely questioned, it does draw attention to the prevalence of depression, especially during the winter months.

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Looking Back and Planning Ahead

Looking Back and Planning Ahead

This is it, the final Walmsley blog of 2023. Oftentimes the end of the year can evoke a number of different emotions. Feelings of excitement for the new year to come, wistfulness while you reflect on the last 12 months, and fear of what lies ahead are all common this time of year. Whatever the case is for you, it can be helpful to sit down, sort through your thoughts and feelings, and decide how they pertain to the new year. Approaching this process with balance and intention can be a spirit booster if you lean into recognizing the challenges that you have faced and focus on your potential for growth in the year to come.

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A Holiday Survival Guide

A Holiday Survival Guide

Worried about the holidays? You’re not alone. Yes, the festivities and feasts, family outings and friendly get-togethers are great, but as any adult can tell you, the holidays aren’t always easy. Financial pressure, family stress, and enduring that one overzealous staff member at the company Christmas party can become a little too much to take. So, in the spirit of giving, I bring you the Holiday Survival Guide! This guide will give you quick pointers on how to navigate the tricker parts of the holiday season, no matter how you choose to celebrate.

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Addictions Awareness Week 2023

Addictions Awareness Week 2023

The week of November 19th to 25th is Addictions Awareness Week in Canada. This is an annual event to raise awareness about various types of addictions and promote support for individuals struggling with addiction. The week-long campaign aims to educate the public, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations surrounding addiction and related issues.

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Anxiety During Global Conflict

Anxiety During Global Conflict

In a world plagued by war, strife, and seemingly endless turmoil, it is only natural to experience feelings of anxiety and distress. The global landscape is riddled with conflict, political unrest, and social upheaval, making it challenging to maintain a sense of stability and serenity. However, there are ways to navigate these turbulent times and find inner peace amidst the chaos.

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Practicing Gratitude

Practicing Gratitude

Gratitude is the practice of feeling a sense of appreciation or thankfulness for something or someone, either tangible or intangible. It is often practiced and thought about when things are going well and when life feels on track: we might focus on being grateful for good health, landing our dream job, acing a test, or spending time with family. But what about when things aren’t completely on track or we’re not quite where we want to be? These are the times when gratitude isn’t as easy but is just as, if not more, important.

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Working with Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts

Working with Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts

October 10th is World Mental Health Day. What better day to turn our attention to managing our unwanted intrusive thoughts? These are the thoughts that pop into our minds, get stuck, cause us distress, and interfere with our ability to focus on the task at hand. Some are just annoying, but others can be extremely upsetting and may even compromise our ability to do our job safely. How we work with these thoughts influences the impact that they have on our mental health and day-to-day lives.

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National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

What is The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation? Between 2008 and 2015, people who were directly affected by the residential school were invited to share their stories and experiences with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This was not an easy time for survivors; however, it was a step in their healing journeys. As a result of the report, Action 80 was implemented which called for a federal statutory day of commemoration. Thus, the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation was designated for September 30th each year. This is a day to honour and remember the children who never made it home from those residential schools. It is also a day to honour the survivors and their families in all communities.

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The Role of Empathy in Our Lives

The Role of Empathy in Our Lives

Empathy is a fundamental human quality that holds immense significance in our personal and collective lives. It is the ability to understand and share the feelings and perspectives of others, enabling us to connect with and support one another. Here, we explore why empathy is important in various aspects of our lives, from personal relationships to societal cohesion and global harmony.

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