During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week 2026, we are reminded that eating disorders are serious, complex mental health conditions—but they are also treatable. As a health psychologist, Dr. Jessica Tomasula sees firsthand how eating disorders can affect every aspect of a person’s life, from physical health to relationships, work, and self-worth. These are not choices or phases; they are conditions rooted in powerful biological and psychological processes.

This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week and it is more than a feel-good tradition — it’s a reminder that small gestures can have a real psychological impact. Research shows that acts of kindness boost mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of connection by releasing “feel-good” chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine. This week, choose one intentional act of kindness each day. Small actions create ripple effects. Let’s commit to making kindness a daily habit — not just this week, but all year long.

February is recognized as Heart Health Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and encouraging prevention, education, and care. While conversations about heart health often focus on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and physical activity, there is another equally important piece of the puzzle that deserves attention: our mental and emotional wellbeing.

Healthy relationships are often described in terms of communication, compatibility, or shared values. While these elements matter, they are sustained by something deeper and less visible: emotional skills. From a psychological perspective, the way we understand, tolerate, and respond to emotions plays a central role in how we connect with others and with ourselves within those relationships.

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.