At LiveWell Psychology, we often see people blame themselves for “lack of motivation” when their goals fall apart. What psychology shows, however, is that motivation is not a personality trait you either have or don’t have. It is a dynamic process shaped by how goals are defined, how progress is experienced, and how the brain responds to effort and reward.

The holidays are often framed as a season of joy, connection, and rest. Yet when January arrives, many people feel emotionally wrung out, unfocused, or oddly flat —and 2026 is no different. The contrast between the intensity of the holidays and the quieter rhythm that follows can leave your nervous system searching for balance. Resetting your mental health isn’t about erasing what happened or forcing yourself into productivity. It’s about helping your mind and body recalibrate after a period of disruption.

As the year 2025 comes to a close, many of us naturally reflect on what we have achieved. Yet reflection can sometimes slide into comparison or self-criticism, leaving us feeling inadequate rather than accomplished. Celebrating your wins is not about measuring up to others—it is about honoring your unique journey and the progress you’ve made. Recognizing achievements, no matter their size, strengthens self-esteem, reinforces positive behavior, and cultivates a sense of pride in your efforts.

The end of the year naturally invites reflection. Many of us notice patterns, relationships, or habits that no longer serve our growth or align with our values. Holding onto these aspects of life—whether it’s unresolved conflicts, self-critical beliefs, or old routines—can create emotional clutter that weighs on mental health. Letting go is not about erasing experiences or denying the past; it is about consciously creating space for growth, renewal, and intention in the year ahead.

The holiday season often brings increased social obligations, festive gatherings, and heightened exposure to social media. For many, this combination can create a sense of pressure, comparison, and overstimulation. While staying connected online can be enjoyable and even comforting, constant scrolling, notifications, and exposure to curated portrayals of others’ lives can amplify stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. The pressure to be “seen” or “active” online can leave you mentally drained.

The holiday season is often described as a time of togetherness, joy, and celebration. Yet for many, it can also magnify stress, tension, and unmet expectations within family and social relationships. Emotional overwhelm, old patterns of conflict, or unclear expectations can make these interactions challenging. In these situations, setting boundaries is not just helpful—it’s essential for protecting your mental health.

The holiday season is often pictured as a time of warmth, celebration, and connection, but for many, it can also bring stress, disrupted routines, and feelings of overwhelm. Taking care of your body and mind during this busy season is essential not only for physical health but also for emotional resilience.

Many people enter therapy looking for practical, manageable tools to improve their mental health, and one of the most effective techniques I recommend is a simple gratitude practice. Unfortunately, gratitude is sometimes misunderstood as a form of toxic positivity or a demand to “look on the bright side,” especially when someone is struggling. In reality, gratitude is not about pretending everything is fine. It is about allowing yourself to notice what is steady and meaningful even during seasons that feel overwhelming. This balanced attention can make a profound difference in psychological well-being.

At LiveWell Psychology, Dr. Jessica Tomasula is here to help both those diagnosed with cancer and their families. As a cancer survivor herself, she has lived experience to provide supportive therapy. She works to foster resilience, strengthen coping skills, and provide a space to process the emotional impacts of breast cancer. Dr. Tomasula’s goal is to help people feel supported, understood, and equipped to face the journey ahead.

At LiveWell Psychology, Dr. Jessica Tomasula provides a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their feelings, understand their experiences, and develop tools for managing depression.

October is ADHD Awareness Month. Discover how Dr. Jessica Tomasula at LiveWell Psychology helps with ADHD assessments, individual therapy, and family support.

After the slower pace of summer, autumn often brings new school schedules, work projects, community events, and a surge of social gatherings leading up to the holiday season. While this can be exciting, it can also feel overwhelming—especially if you identify as an introvert, or if you simply need quiet time to recharge.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and remind one another that hope and help are always possible.

When we talk about health, many people think only about physical symptoms and illnesses. But what often gets overlooked is how mental health, especially conditions like PTSD, deeply impacts our overall well-being. At LiveWell Psychology, Dr. Tomasula wants to help you understand that PTSD is not just something that happens to people in extreme situations like combat or accidents—it can affect anyone, and it has real effects on both mind and body.

For many years, men’s health—especially mental health—has been shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. Too often, men are taught to “tough it out,” keep emotions to themselves, and prioritize strength over vulnerability. But in 2025, it’s time to rethink what masculinity really means and create space for men to seek help without judgment or shame.

As we celebrate Pride Month—a time to honor the LGBTQIA+ community’s resilience, joy, and right to be seen—we are reminded that love, acceptance, and belonging are at the heart of human well-being. These values are especially powerful within families, where young people look first for affirmation, safety, and understanding.