Spring cleaning often gets dismissed as just a seasonal chore, but its benefits run far deeper than a tidy home. Beyond creating a pleasant...

Imagine life without emotions — no joy, no love, no sorrow or anger. While this may sound peaceful at first, an existence devoid of feeling would be colorless and mechanical, lacking the vibrancy that emotions bring to our human experience. Emotions are the energetic hues that paint the tapestry of our lives, guiding us, motivating us, and connecting us to ourselves and others. Yet, not all emotions serve us equally well. Many of us carry remnants of past pain — anxiety, grief, fear, or frustration — that no longer belong in our present moment. What if some of these negative emotions, though experienced long ago, remain trapped within our bodies, silently undermining our health and happiness?...

For over a decade, my husband and I have opened our home to foster children—17 young souls aged 3 to 17, each carrying their own stories etched in trauma. Despite the differences in their backgrounds and personalities, one thread unites them all: the deep impact of trauma, often invisible yet profoundly shaping their emotional worlds. Trauma in children can manifest in many ways—emotional turbulence, behavioral struggles, mistrust, and difficulty forming attachments. More than anything, these children need safety, stability, and grounding. But beyond meeting their basic needs, a vital part of their healing journey is learning to self-regulate emotions. This begins with what I call holding space—a practice of co-regulation, where patience, mindfulness, and empathy create...

Spring cleaning often gets dismissed as just a seasonal chore, but its benefits run far deeper than a tidy home. Beyond creating a pleasant living space, the process of cleaning and decluttering offers powerful perks for your mental well-being. When your environment is chaotic and cluttered, your mind can feel weighed down, distracted, and anxious. Conversely, a clean and organized home supports clarity, calm, and a renewed sense of control. Here are eleven compelling ways that spring cleaning can nurture your mental health and uplift your spirit. 1. Decluttering Lightens Your Mental Load Cluttered spaces send your brain constant signals of unfinished business. Piles of laundry, scattered papers, and random objects crowd your vision and overwhelm your...