As the days grow longer and nature begins to blossom, many people feel the urge to declutter their homes—a practice known as spring cleaning. But what if the benefits of this seasonal habit go beyond sparkling countertops and organized closets? Research and anecdotal evidence alike suggest that spring cleaning can have powerful effects on our mental health.

Emerging research in the fields of genetics and psychology is beginning to illuminate a compelling and complex phenomenon: the transmission of trauma across generations. Beyond learned behaviors or familial narratives, we now understand that severe stress and adversity can leave measurable biological imprints—epigenetic modifications—that shape gene expression across generations. This evolving science offers a framework for understanding how historical and relational wounds may continue to influence mental and physical health long after the original trauma trigger has dissipated.

As I return from maternity leave, I want to explore thoughts about returning to work after having a baby. Whether you're returning to work after 6 weeks, 6 months or 1 year, leaving your baby for work can feel heartbreaking. So much development happens in the first 3 years of a child's life, and being away from them may inevitably lead to missing some parts of that, which is a challenging truth to swallow.  

Returning to work after maternity leave is one of the most emotionally complex transitions a parent can face. Getting back into the rhythm of a job, while also navigating the powerful pull between career ambitions and the love for a new baby can feel impossible. It is possible to deeply love your job and feel fulfilled by your professional role, and  yet still experience the heart-wrenching separation anxiety of leaving your baby each day. If you find yourself caught between these two worlds, you're not alone.

Here are some thoughts and tips on how to balance the joy of returning to work with the yearning for time with your little one.

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy has a way of uncovering the parts of us that we may not like very much about ourselves. Maybe it’s the inner critic that feels nonstop, the frustrating self-sabotaging ones that don’t make logical sense, the heightened anxiety, or even the avoidant part that tends to run away. These parts can feel like adversaries, but in the IFS framework, they’re actually looking out for us, trying to protect us in some way.

Here’s the complicated thing: their intentions are good.

Laughter is often seen as a simple reaction to humor, but its impact on the mind goes much deeper. Beyond the initial joy it brings, laughter holds remarkable psychological power that can influence our mental well-being in profound ways.

1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation

When we laugh, our body releases endorphins, the brain’s natural feel-good chemicals. These endorphins help lower stress levels, reduce anxiety, and elevate mood. Laughter acts as an instant stress reliever by decreasing the production of stress hormones like cortisol. In moments of laughter, we can experience a temporary escape from life's pressures, creating a sense of calm and peace.

2. Strengthening Social Bonds

Laughter is a universal language that transcends cultural boundaries. It fosters connection between people, breaking down social barriers and building trust. When we laugh with others, we share a moment of vulnerability, making us feel more bonded. This social connection is vital for mental health, as strong relationships are proven to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression.

3. Cognitive Benefits

Laughter isn't just a reaction—it's a cognitive exercise. When we laugh, the brain is actively engaged, improving both mental sharpness and creativity. It stimulates brain regions responsible for memory, learning, and problem-solving. A good laugh can be a mental reset, promoting clearer thinking and fostering a more positive outlook.

4. Coping Mechanism

Life often brings challenges, but laughter can be a powerful coping mechanism. It helps people face difficult situations with a lighter perspective, providing emotional resilience. Humor has been shown to reduce pain perception, making it easier to handle physical or emotional discomfort. In this way, laughter allows us to face adversity without losing our sense of hope or joy.

In essence, laughter is far more than a simple reaction to something funny. It’s a psychological tool that promotes healing, connection, and resilience. So, the next time you hear a good joke or share a lighthearted moment, remember: laughter isn’t just fun—it’s an essential part of maintaining your mental well-being.

Being in a long-term relationship with an avoidantly attached partner can feel like standing outside a locked door, waiting for an invitation inside that never quite comes.

People who lean more avoidant aren’t necessarily incapable of love — they often care deeply — but they struggle with emotional closeness, vulnerability, and interdependence. Due to early childhood experiences, they have learned it is safer to only rely on themselves, to downregulate their emotions (often suppressing them), and to self-soothe independently.

Over time, this can leave their partner feeling lonely, confused, and questioning whether staying is sustainable.

If you’ve been in a long-term relationship with an avoidant partner, you’ve likely wrestled with some of the following questions and struggles.

Dating can be an exciting journey filled with new connections, learning experiences, and personal growth. But before you jump into the dating pool, it's essential to take a moment to reflect on whether or not you're truly ready. The idea of "readiness" goes beyond simply feeling lonely or wanting to meet someone new. It involves understanding your emotional health, personal goals, and your ability to engage in a healthy, fulfilling relationship.

What is betrayal trauma?

Betrayal trauma is an extremely painful emotional experience that occurs when someone we trust greatly, such as a close friend, family member, partner, or even system or institution, violates that trust. This type of trauma resonates deeply and impacts one’s emotional wellbeing, relational foundation, and ability to trust in the relationship moving forward. Therapy can aid the betrayed person in understanding the impact and processing the experience and emotional aftermath.

about a stressful day at work. You hate seeing them like this. So, you jump in:

"Why don’t you just talk to your boss about it?"
"You should try waking up earlier—maybe that would help."
"Have you tried meditation? I read it really helps with stress."

You are somewhat surprised when they respond with frustration. Maybe they even snap back with, "I don’t need you to fix it!" And now you feel defensive. 

So, what’s happening here? And why does this dynamic feel so familiar?

Have you ever wondered why your romantic partner manages to “trigger” you more than anyone else in your life?

There’s reason for that — Romantic partners are the closest thing we have to our early providers or caregivers. They occupy a uniquely intimate and vulnerable role in our lives, enabling them to activate deeply rooted emotional patterns and attachment dynamics.

Trauma can linger in our minds and bodies and leave an impact on how we see ourselves and the world around us. It influences our responses, relationships, and even the ways in which we attempt to shield ourselves from further pain. Often, in response to this pain, we exile the parts of ourselves that feel too overwhelming to face, such as our memories or beliefs about ourselves.