Blog for Better Living

Food and Your Mood: How Food Affects Mental Health

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | January 19, 2024

The prevalence of mental health conditions is on the rise, and as a society it is crucial that we seriously examine and address the factors that contribute to these issues, both for ourselves and for younger generations. One area that deserves attention is our typical Western modern diet, specifically the over-consumption of ultra-processed food. In […]

The Power of Saying No

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | November 3, 2023

Are you a people-pleaser? Do you find it challenging to set boundaries and often spread yourself too thin? Saying ‘no’ is a real struggle for many of us, especially if you tend to prioritize others over yourself. Learning to set boundaries is a crucial skill and plays a vital role in helping you create the […]

From Heartbreak to Hope: Strategies for Coping with Infertility

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | July 14, 2023

June was World Infertility Awareness Month. As someone who has experienced infertility firsthand, I know all too well the heartbreak and emotional toll it takes. Coping with infertility can be a difficult and isolating experience. Throughout the process it’s important to remember that you are not alone. In this article, we’ll explore strategies to cope […]

Anxiety, Children, Depression

From Burnout to Balance

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | April 14, 2023

Practical Tips to Manage Stress and Boost Mental Resilience Stress has a significant impact on our mental health and relationships and can lead to burnout and other serious health issues. As a working professional, I know how important it is to manage stress effectively. In this article, I will share practical tips to help […]

The Importance of Vitamin D on Mental Health

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | February 3, 2023

In the throes of winter with shorter and colder days, it’s common to experience a slowing down of energy. Many people, however, experience more pronounced lethargy, lack of motivation, energy and drive, low mood, or symptoms of depression. A lesser-known contributing factor to these symptoms may be to blame: Vitamin D deficiency. What is Vitamin […]

Mindfulness for Holiday Stress

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | October 21, 2022

It’s almost holiday season! This statement might elicit excitement, joy, as well as other emotions such as dread, stress, or a combination of these, and other feelings. The holidays raise mixed emotions, and for many of us, stress is an expected component of this time of year. Between holiday travel, possible inclement weather, gift buying, […]

Anxiety, Family, Holidays, Mindfulness

Navigating Infertility

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | August 26, 2022

What to Say to a Loved One Struggling and How to Cope Yourself Driving to work recently, I was surprised to hear an advertisement on the radio for an In vitro fertilisation (IVF) clinic. This made me reflect on how much more normative the topic of fertility or infertility has become. Given the increased […]

Negative Media Overload: How to Stay Grounded Amongst the Waves

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | May 20, 2022

If you’re finding yourself becoming more and more anxious in the face of a constant barrage of bad news, you’re not alone. It can be hard to feel grounded and present with the news overload we experience on a regular basis. It doesn’t help that the news outlets get clicks and financial incentive for putting […]

Anxiety, Depression, Trauma

Springing into New Experiences: Values-Based Dating

By: Jen McWaters, Psy.D. | March 11, 2022

Spring is around the corner, a season representing growth, change, and renewal. As the weather warms up, it’s common to experience an increase in energy, creativity, and motivation. Spring cleaning anyone? You may find that you are more motivated to try new things, be in new environments, and for some, even date. If you’re curiously […]

Personal Improvement, Relationships