Written by Monserrat Menendez, Interior Designer Monserrat is an entrepreneur, interior architect, and sustainability advocate, as well as the founder of Senom Design, a firm dedicated to merging innovative design with sustainable solutions. With over a decade of experience across residential, commercial, and international projects, she specializes in bringing clients’ visions to life through thoughtful, high-impact interiors. I write about sustainability for a living. Climate innovation, sustainable design, environmental justice, it's my world. But here's the truth, I've spent more sleepless nights than I care to admit, wondering if I'm part of the solution or just adding to the noise. Most sustainability writers and consultants walk a daily tightrope between meaningful impact and paying the bills. We're asked to make companies look green without demanding real change. We celebrate small wins while ignoring big failures. And somehow, we're supposed to keep our credibility intact. The greenwashing epidemic isn't just about brands lying to consumers, it's about the communicators caught between speaking truth and keeping their jobs. This article is about that tension and how to navigate it without losing yourself. The reality check: What the numbers say The pressure is real and escalating fast: Consumer trust is collapsing: 62% of consumers now believe companies are greenwashing, up from just 33% in 2023 In the UK, 90% of environmental professionals say greenwashing is prevalent in their sector 42% of consumers can identify when a company is greenwashing, and 55% would stop using brands that lack genuine commitment Regulations have teeth: The UK can now fine businesses up to 10% of global turnover for misleading green claims Italy fined fast-fashion brand Shein €1 million for vague sustainability messaging The EU's new Greenwashing Directive requires claims to be truthful, substantiated, and lifecycle-based The hidden story: Behind every fined company are sustainability writers who drafted those claims. Professionals who knew the language was too broad, the targets too vague, the data too selective, but were told to soften concerns or risk being "difficult." Five traps we fall into (and how to recognize them) Trap 1: The "small steps" celebration We write about LED bulbs while companies source from deforested regions. A hotel installs low-flow showerheads but won't address laundry practices. We're asked to write about the trees they plant, not the unsustainable timber they use. Trap 2: The greenhushing excuse New research shows companies now downplay sustainability efforts to avoid scrutiny. In hospitality, 53% of hotels barely mention their certifications on social media because they fear being called out. Result? A bizarre catch-22 where fear of greenwashing becomes an excuse for both silence and overclaiming. Trap 3: The "these funds my real work" justification Many of us rationalize questionable corporate work by pointing to the "real" impact we make elsewhere. But credibility doesn't compartmentalize. When you're known for greenwashing Brand X, your authentic work for Cause Y becomes suspect. Trap 4: The transparency illusion Companies love saying they're "transparent" while publishing reports full of data without context. Carbon reduction targets without baselines. "Support" for initiatives without disclosing how much or what outcomes. We're handed this data and asked to make it compelling, becoming experts in aspiration without accountability. Trap 5: The blurred responsibility lines Am I a journalist with a duty to investigate? A marketer with a duty to sell? An educator with a duty to inform accurately? Or a freelancer with a duty to deliver what the client requested? The lines blur constantly, and most sustainability writers can't afford to decline every ethically murky assignment. Eight practical guidelines for maintaining integrity These aren't perfect solutions, but they've helped me navigate the ethical minefield: 1. Draw your non-negotiable lines early Mine: No "carbon neutral" without verified offset documentation No "sustainable" for products with planned obsolescence No "community benefit" without evidence from actual community members No product comparisons without lifecycle analysis Your lines might differ, just draw them clearly before you need them 2. Demand the full story upfront When a client wants sustainability content, ask for: Supply chain documentation across all tiers Waste management and disposal data Labor practices verification Long-term targets with interim milestones Most won't have it. That tells you everything you need to know. 3. Build specific, limited claims Wrong: "This company is sustainable" Right: "This facility reduced water consumption by 23% between 2023-2024 by installing closed-loop systems" The second can be verified. It's less sweeping but honest. Specificity protects both you and your reader. 4. Always include context Mention what percentage of operations your claim covers Compare to industry standards when possible Note whether reductions are absolute or per-unit-of-production A 10% emissions reduction sounds great, unless production increased 30% 5. Separate education from promotion Educational content equals expanding understanding of sustainability topics Promotional content equals making claims about specific companies Know which you're being paid for, and don't let them blur together 6. Document everything  Keep records of: What data clients provided What concerns you raised What edits they requested What sources you used If greenwashing allegations arise, your defense is proving that you worked with the provided information and raised red flags. 7. Build financial independence Ethical stances are easier when you can afford them. Diversify your income: Multiple clients across sectors Side projects or businesses Work that reflects your actual values No single client should control your ability to pay rent. 8. Create a public body of work that reflects your values Write for platforms that let you explore topics that matter, such as environmental justice, indigenous knowledge, and genuine innovation. This work might pay less, but it establishes what you actually stand for and attracts clients seeking authentic voices. When to walk away (non-negotiable red lines) Some situations can't be salvaged. Walk away immediately when: Clients ask you to make claims you know are false  You're pressured to hide or minimize significant negative impacts The core business model directly contradicts sustainability messaging You're asked to criticize competitors when your client is worse Data is fabricated, cherry-picked without disclosure, or deliberately misleading Walking away is expensive, I've done it twice and took financial hits both times. But I kept my credibility, which is the only currency that actually matters in this field. The bigger picture: Systemic change we need Individual ethics won't solve greenwashing, the problem is structural. Companies need sustainability content because consumers demand it, but don't want expensive operational changes. This creates a market for writers willing to bridge the gap. Real solutions require: Stronger regulations The EU and UK are leading with substantiation requirements and major fines Other jurisdictions need enforcement mechanisms with actual teeth Professional standards Industry organizations for sustainability communicators need clear ethical guidelines Consequences for violations similar to journalism ethics or legal professional responsibility Client education Many companies genuinely don't understand the difference between progress and greenwashing They need consultants who explain what real change looks like, not just prettier language Economic models that reward honesty Writers who push back on unsubstantiated claims should be valued, not sidelined Thorough work costs more and takes longer, clients need to understand this Mandatory third-party verification Sustainability claims should require independent auditing before publication Same standard as financial statements A message for writers navigating this If you're feeling called out, good, I'm calling myself out too. We're all figuring this out in real time, trying to make a living while keeping our integrity intact. Here's what I know: the greenwashing problem won't be solved by individual writers alone. But it also won't be solved if none of us tries. You can celebrate genuine progress while demanding more. You can work within imperfect systems while pushing for better ones. You can be honest about limitations while remaining hopeful about possibilities. But you can't pretend that writing pretty lies about corporate sustainability is the same as doing sustainability work. The world needs writers who understand environmental issues, who make complex topics accessible, and who inspire better choices. But it needs us as educators and truth-tellers, not marketers and apologists. Conclusion: Choosing your side I still write about sustainability. I still work with corporate clients. But I'm increasingly selective about what I'll write and for whom. I'm building systems that let me say no when necessary. I'm being transparent about uncertainties and limitations. I'm also investing time in projects that don't require moral compromise, articles on indigenous climate knowledge, educational content on sustainable design, and consulting for businesses genuinely transforming their practices. Is it enough? I don't know. But it's honest. The sustainability writing field is at a crossroads. We can continue polishing corporate mediocrity until it shines, or we can become the mirror that shows companies what they actually look like, and what they could become if they tried harder. In an industry drowning in carefully crafted half-truths, maybe honesty is the most valuable commodity we can offer. Maybe admitting we don't have all the answers, that we struggle with these tensions too, that we're learning as we go, maybe that's more useful than another article pretending everything is fine. I know which side I want to be on. The question is whether enough of us can afford to join me there. Key takeaways on sustainability For Sustainability Writers: Draw your ethical lines before you need them Demand full data and documentation upfront Build specific, verifiable claims with context Document everything for your protection Diversify income to maintain independence Create public work that reflects your actual values Warning signs to walk away: False claims you're asked to make Pressure to hide significant negative impacts Core business contradicts messaging Fabricated or cherry-picked data What we need systemically: Stronger regulations with enforcement teeth Professional ethical standards with consequences Client education on real vs. performative sustainability Economic models that reward honest communication Mandatory third-party verification of claims Resources for going deeper: UK Competition and Markets Authority Green Claims Code ACCA: Ethical Dilemmas in Sustainability Reporting EU Greenwashing Directive 2024/825 This article reflects personal experience navigating sustainability communications. The dilemmas are real. The solutions are imperfect. But the conversation is necessary. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Monserrat Menendez Monserrat Menendez, Interior Designer Monserrat is an entrepreneur, interior architect, and sustainability advocate, as well as the founder of Senom Design, a firm dedicated to merging innovative design with sustainable solutions. With over a decade of experience across residential, commercial, and international projects, she specializes in bringing clients’ visions to life through thoughtful, high-impact interiors. She is the U.S. Brand Ambassador for U Green, an organization that helps companies become more profitable while empowering people and brands to follow a consistent path toward sustainability through transformative education and specialized consulting. As an Executive Contributor to Brainz Magazine, she shares her expertise in design, sustainability, and innovation. Her mission is to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also responsible and forward-thinking.

Written by Sebastiaan van der Velden, Life Coach & Transformational Guide Seb (Sebastiaan) has a background in medical sciences. Certified in clinical hypnosis and as a HeartMath Practitioner, he helps people with stress and trauma-related issues, blending over 20 years of meditation and self-regulation experience with neuroscience, psychology, and epigenetics. Every week during my live podcast sessions, I watch the same pattern unfold. People join with genuine interest, but within minutes, they're gone, most likely toggling to other tabs or mentally drifting. Some disappear entirely, never returning to the session. It's not the content, when I ask later, they genuinely wanted to be there. The issue runs deeper, they can't resist the pull of what else might be happening online, on social media, in the endless stream of updates competing for their attention. This isn't just frustrating for me as a host. It reflects something fundamental shifting in how our brains work. The numbers confirm what we're experiencing. Gloria Mark's research at UC Irvine  shows we now spend an average of just 47 seconds on a single screen task, down from 2.5 minutes in 2004. That's not a minor shift, it's a fundamental change in how our brains operate. And the stakes are higher than we realize. When attention fractures, we don't just lose productivity. We miss critical information that can save lives. What the research reveals Studies published in PLoS One  found that children with heavy screen time showed increased inattention and impulsivity. Gloria Mark's work, using computer logging and heart rate monitoring, demonstrates that frequent attention shifts don't just shorten focus. They elevate stress, increase errors, and slow performance. Adults aren't faring better. Research on social media's effects  consistently shows that excessive use fragments attention. When University of Texas researchers  examined smartphone presence alone, they found that having a phone within sight impaired memory recall. Participants performed worse simply because their device was visible. When lost focus becomes dangerous The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports  that distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023. What's striking is that the majority of these crashes involved drivers who were "lost in thought," not texting, not on phones, just mentally elsewhere. They missed stop signs, pedestrians, and oncoming traffic. These are symptoms of the attention crisis affecting all of us. The main culprits Technology's design Smartphones and social platforms are engineered for engagement through dopamine-driven reward loops. Every notification, like, and scroll triggers a small hit that pulls us back. Studies show notifications disrupt cognitive performance even when we don't check them. Platforms featuring short, rapid content (particularly TikTok and Instagram) correlate with reduced attention spans and higher anxiety through constant task-switching. The multitasking myth Research on media multitasking reveals it doesn't work. Studies with children show that juggling multiple screens is tied to poorer cognitive functioning and behavioral problems. Adults experience increased stress and what researchers call "partial attention," being perpetually half-distracted. Information overload compounds this, overwhelming our brain's natural filtering capacity. Modern stress Chronic stress impairs concentration independently. Research shows stress and exhaustion   affect 35% of workers , compromising their ability to notice critical details, whether that's a changing traffic light or their own health symptoms. When combined with technology's demands, it creates a perfect storm for attention problems. Practical solutions that work After watching my podcast participants struggle, I decided to try something different. I started each session with a brief heart-focused mindfulness exercise. The change was remarkable. More people stayed engaged throughout. Fewer disappeared mid-session. The same content, but delivered to brains that were actually present. Mindfulness practice Harvard Health research  confirms that even a few minutes daily of focused breathing can rewire neural pathways for better attention. I use a simple heart-focused technique, place your hand on your heart, breathe slowly and deeply, and imagine breathing through your heart center. Lifestyle foundations Sleep clears brain toxins and consolidates attention capacity. Regular exercise promotes neurochemicals that enhance focus. Timing matters too. Sync demanding tasks with your natural energy peaks. Environmental design Physical distance from your phone matters. Put it in another room during focused work, proximity alone disrupts concentration. Use timers to practice single-tasking, building your attention muscle gradually. When driving, commit to full presence. If you notice yourself "losing time" or can't recall the past few minutes, that's your signal to pull over, take a breath, and reset. Additional tools Meta-analyses support binaural beats  for creating alert, relaxed states that improve focus. Natural break points help. Pause between tasks rather than mid-flow. Moving forward The attention crisis stems from design choices in our technology, habits around multitasking, and accumulated stress. But we're not powerless. Start with one change, try a 3-minute mindfulness practice before you attend to anything that requires your attention. Notice what shifts. Build from there with phone-free work periods and intentional single-tasking. The improvements build on each other – better productivity, lower stress, deeper engagement with what matters. And sometimes, the ability to notice what could save your life or someone else's. Our brains remain remarkably adaptable. With consistent practice, we can rebuild what's been fragmented. A final note Have you made it all the way to here? Congratulations. Based on the research mentioned throughout this article, you're among the 10% to 30% of people who still manage to read a full article. That itself is proof that attention can be trained, sustained, and reclaimed. You've just demonstrated it's possible. If you've enjoyed this article, I'd love for you to watch or listen to my podcast. We dive deeper into these kinds of topics every week with practical insights and inspiring guests. It's completely free on Patreon , Apple Podcasts, and Spotify when you search for the Transformational Meditation podcast. Follow me on Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Sebastiaan van der Velden Sebastiaan van der Velden, Life Coach & Transformational Guide Seb (Sebastiaan) is the founder of the Transformational Meditation Group and has over 18 years of experience in the public healthcare sector, specializing in the medical use of radiation. With certifications in clinical hypnosis and as a HeartMath Facilitator and Practitioner, Sebastiaan integrates a deep understanding of cognitive neuroscience, psychology, epigenetics, and quantum physics into his work. He has over 20 years of meditation practice and offers courses, workshops, and private sessions that blend cutting-edge science with transformative spiritual practices.

Written by Lisa Jones, Holistic Practitioner and Founder With years of experience in holistic healing and mind–body wellness, Lisa at Access Healing guide's clients through gentle, transformative practices designed to restore balance, clarity, and deeper self-connection. If you’ve ever felt like PMS, anxiety, irritability, and emotional overwhelm are just separate battles you have to fight, you’re not alone. Most of us are told to simply manage, endure, or push through. But here’s the thing, for countless women over 30, especially those juggling family life and work, these symptoms aren’t random or “just hormonal.” They’re signals and messages from a nervous system that’s been under strain for far too long. What if PMS and burnout weren’t problems to “fix,” but invitations to listen more closely to what your body is trying to say? What I’d love for you to take away from this article: How chronic stress can make PMS symptoms feel worse. The way your nervous system shapes emotional and hormonal balance. Why you might feel worse around your cycle even when you’re “doing all the right things.” What healing looks like when we start with the nervous system. The overlooked link between chronic stress and PMS Stress isn’t just “in your head.” It’s a whole-body experience. When stress becomes chronic, your nervous system stays on high alert, prioritizing survival over balance and repair. For women, this directly impacts hormones. Elevated cortisol (your stress hormone) can interfere with progesterone and disrupt natural rhythms. That’s why anxiety, irritability, low mood, and fatigue often flare up in the days leading to your period. So instead of asking, “Why is PMS such a problem?” it’s more helpful to ask, “What state is my nervous system living in every day?” Why emotional overload shows up in the body Ever noticed that your symptoms spike during emotionally demanding times? That’s not a coincidence. A dysregulated nervous system makes you more sensitive physically and emotionally. So even normal hormonal shifts can feel overwhelming. Over time, this can lead to emotional burnout, constant tension, and the sense that you can never fully switch off. These aren’t signs of weakness. They’re your body’s protective mechanisms, doing its best to cope. Why coping strategies often fall short Modern wellness culture loves quick fixes – meditation apps, breathing techniques, self-care routines. And while these can help, they often don’t create lasting change if your nervous system has been stuck in stress mode for years. Healing doesn’t happen through willpower or logic. It happens through repeated experiences of safety, regulation, and support. Without that foundation, symptoms tend to circle back, especially during hormonal shifts. The nervous system’s role in sustainable healing When your nervous system finds regulation, everything softens – emotional responses, hormonal communication, even your resilience to stress. Healing becomes less about “controlling” symptoms and more about restoring balance. This isn’t instant. It takes time, consistency, and support. But with the right approach, your nervous system can reset to a calmer baseline, one that no longer lives in survival mode. A different way forward This is the heart of my work, guiding women through a nervous system–led approach that blends education, self-healing practices, and energetic support. That might look like guided meditations, Spinal Flow–inspired techniques, Reiki, distance healing, and personalized guidance. My 4-month program, From Burnout to Balance: A Nervous System Reset for Women, is designed for women over 30 navigating PMS, anxiety, emotional fatigue, and chronic stress. It’s not about quick fixes. It’s about creating the structure and support needed for deep, lasting change. Something to think about When we look at PMS and burnout through the lens of the nervous system, healing feels more compassionate and far more effective. For many women, simply understanding this connection is the first step toward genuine balance. And if you’ve been feeling like your body is speaking a language you don’t quite understand, maybe this is the translation you’ve been waiting for. If you’ve been carrying these struggles quietly, know that you don’t have to keep doing it alone. There are simple steps you can take today to begin easing the weight. You can start by taking my short survey right here , or, if you’d prefer a more personal connection, join my waiting list for the next free call, which you can do right here . Together, we’ll explore how to bring your body and mind back into a place of ease and balance. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , or visit my website for more info! Read more from Lisa Jones Lisa Jones, Holistic Practitioner and Founder Lisa Jones is a holistic practitioner devoted to helping clients reconnect with their innate ability to heal and thrive. Blending energy work, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation, she guides others toward greater balance, clarity, and emotional wellbeing. Through her company, Access Healing, Lisa creates transformative experiences, from hands-on sessions to meditation practices and educational content. Her work is grounded in compassion, intuition, and a calm, heart-led approach that empowers clients to feel safe, supported, and deeply seen. Lisa’s mission is simple: to help people return home to themselves.

Written by Petra Zaremba, Transformation and Soul Purpose Coach "You are not broken. You are becoming." Petra is a transformation and soul-purpose coach who guides people back to their true essence and inner power. She co-hosts the Real Raw Honest podcast and leads talks as a speaker to inspire others to break free and live their most purpose-driven lives. You're not stuck with the life you have. What you see around you right now, the struggles, the limitations, the circumstances, is merely the echo of yesterday's assumptions. Most people spend their lives reacting to outdated reflections, while the power to create anew sits dormant within them. The question isn't whether you can change your reality. The question is, when will you realize you've been creating it all along? What does it mean that reality is 'old news'? Here's a truth that might unsettle you, the reality you're experiencing right now is already outdated. Every circumstance you see (your bank balance, your relationships, your career situation) is the materialized form of the thoughts and assumptions you held in the past. What you're witnessing today is yesterday's mental diet made visible. It's not current. It's historical. Think of it like looking at stars in the night sky. The light you see left those stars years ago. By the time it reaches your eyes, you're looking at the past. Your current reality works the same way. There's a lag between your inner assumptions and their outer manifestation. This is why trying to "fix" your current circumstances without changing your thoughts is like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic. You're addressing the effect while ignoring the cause. The mirror doesn't lead, it follows Most people make a critical error, they wait for external reality to change before they change internally. They say, "I'll believe I'm successful when I see success," or "I'll feel abundant when money appears," or "I'll be confident when people treat me better." But this is backwards. Reality is a mirror. Mirrors don't initiate, they reflect. If you stand in front of a mirror and wait for your reflection to smile first, you'll wait forever. You must smile first. The reflection has no choice but to follow. The same principle applies to your life. You don't change because reality changed. Reality changes because you changed. Your inner state is the face. Your outer circumstances are the reflection. Stop demanding that the mirror move first. It can't. It's not designed to. You are. Why we get trapped in the past The reason most people feel "stuck" is that they keep feeding attention to current circumstances. Every time you focus on what is (rather than what you wish to be), you're energizing the old reality. You're telling your consciousness, "Yes, this is what I want more of." And so it obliges. It prints more of the same. You look at your debt and think, "I'm always struggling with money." That thought becomes tomorrow's circumstance. You look at your difficult relationship and think, "This is just how it is." That assumption solidifies into next month's reality. You look at your career and think, "I'm not the type who gets promoted." That belief becomes next year's outcome. Without realizing it, you're using your present circumstances (which are old news) to create your future. And because you're basing your future on your past, nothing ever changes. You're trapped in a loop of your own making. The power of revision There's a practice that changes everything once you understand it, revision. Revision means mentally rewriting events that have already occurred. Not to deny reality, but to refuse to carry the energy of unwanted experiences into your future. Here's how it works, something happens during your day that doesn't align with what you want. Perhaps a tense conversation, a rejection, or a disappointment. Instead of replaying it endlessly in your mind (which most people do), you revise it. That night, before sleep, you replay the event in your imagination. But this time, you change it. You see it unfolding the way you wish it had been. You hear different words. You feel different emotions. You make it so real in your mind that your consciousness accepts the revised version as truth. This isn't escapism. This is taking responsibility for what you allow to imprint on your consciousness. Because whatever impresses your consciousness eventually expresses as your reality. Research in neuroscience supports this. Your brain cannot distinguish between a vividly imagined experience and a real one. Both create neural pathways. Both influence your assumptions. Both shape your future reality. When you revise, you're not changing the past. You're changing the past's influence on your future. Assumption: The bridge to a new reality If current reality is old news, how do you create new news? Through assumption. An assumption is a belief you accept as true, whether or not you have evidence for it. And here's the secret, reality always proves your assumptions correct. If you assume you're unlucky, you'll find evidence everywhere. If you assume you're supported, support will appear from unexpected places. If you assume you're creative, creative solutions will flow. Your assumptions act as a filter. They determine what you notice, what you attract, and what you experience. They are the invisible architecture of your reality. Most people's assumptions are unconscious. They inherited them from childhood, absorbed them from their environment, and accepted them without question. And then they wonder why their life looks the way it does. Conscious creators do something different. They choose their assumptions deliberately. They don't wait for evidence. They don't need proof. They simply assume what they wish to experience, hold that assumption steady, and watch reality rearrange itself to match. The assumption comes first. The evidence follows. Not the other way around. How to starve the old reality and feed the new This is where it gets practical. You have two realities available to you at any moment: The old reality (current circumstances, old news) The new reality (desired state, your vision fulfilled) Most people unconsciously feed the old reality with their attention. Every time they worry about their bank account, complain about their situation, or replay past failures, they're nourishing what they don't want. To create differently, you must consciously redirect your attention. When you catch yourself focusing on the old reality, pause. Acknowledge it without emotion. Then gently redirect your attention to your desired state. For example: Bank account concerning you? Redirect to the feeling of financial ease. Relationship feeling strained? Redirect to the feeling of deep connection. Health worrying you? Redirect to the feeling of vitality. You're not denying what is. You're simply choosing which reality to energize. Because whatever you feed with attention grows. This takes practice. Your mind has been conditioned to focus on problems. But with consistent redirection, you build a new habit. You become someone who dwells in their desired state rather than their current circumstances. And when you dwell there long enough, your outer reality has no choice but to catch up. The test: Can you hold your ground when reality contradicts you? Here's where most people fail, they change their assumption, but when circumstances don't immediately shift, they panic and revert to the old assumption. They think, "See? I knew it wouldn't work." But reality has momentum. The old circumstances are playing out the last of their energy, like water still flowing from a tap after you've turned it off. If you hold steady in your new assumption (even while the old reality still appears), the old momentum will exhaust itself. The new reality will emerge. But if you waver, if you let what you see convince you that your assumption is wrong, you reset the process. You go back to square one. This is the test, "Can you assume what you desire even when everything visible contradicts it?" Can you assume abundance while bills arrive? Can you assume love while feeling alone? Can you assume success while facing setbacks? If you can, you're creating consciously. If you can't, you're still a prisoner of circumstance. Peace: The ultimate indicator How do you know if you truly understand that you're the creator? Peace. When you genuinely know that you're creating your reality, there's nothing to fear. Circumstances lose their power to disturb you. You rest in the certainty that all things are workable because you are the one shaping them. But when you believe you're at the mercy of external forces, peace becomes impossible. You're always on edge, always worried, always bracing for the next blow. Your level of peace reveals your level of understanding. If you're anxious, some part of you doesn't yet believe you're the creator. If you're calm, you know. And here's the beautiful irony, when you stop trying to control reality and instead recognize your power to shape it through assumption, everything becomes easier. The struggle stops. The flow begins. What this means for your life right now Let's make this practical. Look at one area of your life where you feel stuck. Perhaps it's money, relationships, health, or career. Now ask yourself: What assumption have I been holding about this area? What old news am I treating as unchangeable truth? If I saw this circumstance as outdated information rather than fixed reality, what would I do differently? The answer to these questions reveals where you've been unconsciously creating from the past instead of consciously creating your future. Once you see it, you can choose differently. You can decide to stop energizing the old reality. You can choose a new assumption. You can revise past events that are poisoning your present. You can redirect your attention from what is to what you wish to be. And when you do this consistently, your entire reality shifts. Not through force. Not through manipulation. Simply through recognition that reality was never fixed. It's always been responsive to your assumptions. You've been creating all along. Now you're just doing it on purpose. Begin your conscious creation journey If this resonates with you, if you've felt the truth of it in your bones, you're ready for something deeper. Everything shared in this article is drawn from principles explored in my book, The Truth of Creation: A Guide to Living as the Architect of Reality . In it, you'll discover sixteen transmissions that systematically dismantle the illusion of victimhood and reveal your power as the creator of your experience. You'll learn: Why your current circumstances are merely echoes of past assumptions How to bridge any gap between where you are and your vision fulfilled The practice of revision to rewrite your past's influence on your future Why peace is the ultimate test of your understanding The final truth: when being aware of your being becomes enough This isn't a manual of manifestation techniques. This is a systematic revelation of who you've always been, the conscious creator of your reality. I am the creator of reality. Reality does not grant me this power. I possess it by existing. I exist, therefore, all things exist. Reality is the clay, I am the sculptor. I do not bend to reality. Reality bends to me. The question is no longer whether you can change your reality. The question is, "What will you create now that you know?" Download The Truth of Creation here . Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , or visit my website for more info! Read more from Petra Zaremba Petra Zaremba, Transformation and Soul Purpose Coach Petra is a transformation and soul-purpose coach who guides and inspires you to return to your true essence. Her work is a journey of liberation, an awakening of inner trust, clarity, and courage. Through deep, intuitive guidance, she empowers you to dissolve fear, remove blockages, and transform deep-rooted limitations, allowing you to embrace your unique path and unlock your fullest potential. Her mission statement is: "You are not broken. You are becoming. It is time to step into the most authentic, magnetic, and beautiful version of yourself."

Written by Janie Terrazas, The Mindfulness Coach Janie Terrazas is a Mindfulness Coach and creator of PazMesa, a self-mastery guide to help you access inner peace, joy, vitality, and prosperity through mindful living and unconditional loving. Peace is often mistaken for silence, avoidance, agreement, or the absence of conflict. It is frequently confused with staying calm on the surface while suppressing the truth underneath or with spiritual bypassing that ignores pain in the name of positivity. But that is not peace. Peace is not numbness. Peace is not passivity. Peace is not self-abandonment. True peace is embodied self-mastery. From the PazMesa perspective, peace is an internal state of alignment, where mind, body, heart, and soul are in coherent relationship with one another. It is the felt sense of inner safety and clarity that allows us to meet life as it is, without collapsing, attacking, distracting, or disconnecting. Peace lives in the nervous system. It is expressed through our tone, timing, boundaries, and our capacity to respond rather than react. It is not the absence of intensity, it is the presence of regulation. Peace does not require the world to be calm. It requires us to be anchored. Peace is not passive: It is practiced In a world saturated with noise, urgency, polarization, and chronic stress, peace is often treated as something external, a distant ideal we hope will arrive once circumstances improve. But peace does not come from the absence of chaos, nor from external control. Peace emerges from inner regulation, awareness, and conscious self-leadership. Peace is not passive. It is a practice. It is cultivated moment by moment through choice: how we breathe, how we listen, how we set boundaries, how we process emotion, how we relate to ourselves and others under pressure. Peace is the ongoing willingness to notice our inner state and realign with clarity, responsibility, and care. This is not soft work. It is courageous work. Practicing peace requires: Humility: the courage to see ourselves honestly, Responsibility: tending to our nervous system rather than projecting dysregulation outward, Maturity: choosing regulation over reactivity, presence over impulse, discernment over defense. Now more than ever, humanity is being asked to mature, emotionally, mentally, neurologically, relationally, and spiritually. This maturation does not begin in institutions or ideologies. It begins within the individual. When peace is practiced internally, it becomes lived externally. And when enough individuals commit to this inner work, the collective evolves. Peace is not something we wait for. It is something we become, one regulated moment at a time. Peace as a skill set for modern humanity Peace is not abstract. It is built through lived, practiced capacities. It is cultivated through inner skills that are trained, embodied, and integrated over time. When these skills are present, tranquility, resilience, and inner safety arise organically, rather than being forced or performed. At PazMesa, peace is not a passive ideal, it is an active practice we flex through five core capacities: P – Patience: The ability to slow down enough to listen, feel, and respond with intention, rather than reacting from urgency, fear, or habit. E – Equanimity: Remaining grounded and steady amid emotional waves, especially during life’s inevitable changes, challenges, and uncertainties. A – Acceptance: Meeting reality as it is, without resistance, self-betrayal, or denial. From steadiness, discernment becomes possible. C – Compassionate curiosity: Approaching oneself and others with a sincere desire to understand, rather than negate, condemn, blame, or shame. E – Equal equity: Extending equal respect, dignity, and care to all beings, including oneself and the natural world. When these capacities are embodied, peace becomes tangible, felt as tranquility in the body, clarity in the mind, openness in the heart, and grounded presence in the soul. Peace, then, is not something we demand from the world. It is something we become, a frequency of safety and calm we can emit. Why inner peace is a collective responsibility We are living in a time where dysregulated nervous systems are shaping families, workplaces, communities, and global systems. Unmetabolized stress, unresolved trauma, and emotional immaturity do not stay private, they ripple outward. What we carry internally becomes what we project externally. What we do not heal and regulate, we transmit, often to younger generations. This is why inner peace is not self-indulgent. It is collective care. Your internal state directly affects: Your vitality and immune health Your emotional resilience and clarity The safety others feel in your presence The quality of your relationships and leadership When one person becomes more regulated, aware, and grounded, the collective field subtly shifts. When many do, transformation becomes inevitable. From survival to self-mastery Most people are not living from conscious choice, they are living from survival patterns shaped by early conditioning, cultural pressure, and inherited emotional wounds. Self-mastery is the bridge between survival and sovereignty. It is the capacity to: Pause and respond instead of reacting Feel without becoming overwhelmed Choose from present values rather than past wounds Lead oneself with compassion, accountability, and discernment Self-mastery does not mean rigid control. It means inner cooperation. Peace emerges when all parts of the self are met, integrated, and led with care. Safety and tranquility become more sustainable when we function as whole-brained, balanced human beings. The PazMesa way: Peace within, peace without The PazMesa philosophy is rooted in a simple yet radical truth, when peace is embodied internally, it expresses externally, naturally and sustainably. This work is not about fixing what is broken. It is about remembering what is already whole beneath conditioning and fear. PazMesa integrates neuroscience, mindfulness, embodiment, and relational intelligence to cultivate inner safety and coherence, so peace becomes a lived experience, not a concept. When inner systems align: Confusion gives way to clarity Hypervigilance softens into safety Judgment transforms into compassionate curiosity Compulsion yields to conscious choice This is peace in motion. Becoming the peace is the work of our time Humanity does not need more opinions. It needs more regulated, emotionally mature, self-aware humans. Becoming the peace means: Taking responsibility for your internal state Doing the inner work, even when it is uncomfortable Choosing healing over deflection and projection Leading with presence rather than performance Peace begins within, but it never stays there. A mindful mantra for the years ahead As we move forward collectively, this may be the most important commitment we make, “I choose to be responsible for the energy I bring into the world.” When individuals know themselves, heal themselves, and lead themselves with loving compassion, communities evolve. Humanity matures. This is The PazMesa Effect. Final reflection Becoming the peace is not a destination. Peace is not something we wait for. It is something we practice, embody, and ultimately become. It is a conscious choice we flex daily, a courageous commitment to both inner and outer truth. When we live and love this way, everything changes, for the better, within us, between us, and in the world we are shaping together. Powering up our PazMesa as a society is an alchemical transformation, making planetary peace not just possible, but sustainable, reclaiming peace within, one breath and one heartbeat at a time. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Janie Terrazas Janie Terrazas, The Mindfulness Coach Janie Terrazas, known as The Mindfulness Coach, transformed her media career into a life-coaching and wellness-advocacy mission after a spiritual awakening in 2011. As the creator of the PazMesa self-mastery program and the force behind Rise Above TV, she fosters balance and mindfulness in others. Her triumphs and trials deeply shape her coaching as she helps clients address stress and trauma and build safe relationships. Janie combines spiritual depth with actionable strategies to guide individuals toward a joyful, vital life. Her coaching transcends conventional methods, empowering clients to find peace and purpose within. Janie's empathetic and innovative approaches offer a safe roadmap for self-discovery and authentic living and loving.

Written by Esther Aluko, Career & Personal Development Coach She is a Career and Personal Development Coach with almost ten years of experience. Her expertise is in Job & workplace readiness, career planning, growth, and personal development. Her work focuses on helping individuals build their capacity for career progression, navigate job transitions with ease, and achieve personal effectiveness using results-oriented methods. We often think transformation begins with grand gestures, the perfect job offer, the big investor, the breakthrough moment, the opportunity that finally validates the months or years of waiting. But in my experience as a coach, consultant, and someone who has lived through survival seasons, breakthrough rarely arrives through a dramatic event. It comes through a ripple, a small, intentional step that seems insignificant in the moment but alters everything over time. The ripple effect is the principle that small actions create expanding waves of influence. A quiet decision made today can shape your confidence, your career, your business, your leadership, and even your future impact. Most people underestimate the power of the small because they’re waiting for the big. They don’t realize that the “big” is nothing more than the accumulation of uncelebrated ripples. Why most people miss their ripples: Ripples rarely announce themselves. They look like: updating your LinkedIn profile on a random evening emailing a potential mentor showing up on time consistently improving one internal process speaking up in a meeting learning one new skill sending that proposal doing what you said you would do None of these feel groundbreaking, but they compound. They shift how people see you. They change how you see yourself. And before you realize it, you’re standing in a version of your life that one small decision made possible. My own journey has been shaped by ripples. Not by handing someone a microphone or signing a big contract, but by the quieter decisions I made long before anyone was watching. It was the decision to keep reading when I had nothing. The decision to show up with excellence even when the environment wasn’t excellent. The decision to speak at a university for free because I sensed purpose tied to that room. The decision to help one young person fix their CV, which eventually opened the door to me coaching thousands. Each one was a ripple. I didn’t know the impact then. I simply acted. That’s the thing about ripples, you rarely recognize their magnitude until they return to you multiplied. Before ripples change your career or business, they change your identity. Identity is formed not through declarations but through small, repeated behaviors that align with who you want to become, when you wake up earlier to prepare your child’s breakfast with love, when you decide to lead gently instead of reacting emotionally. When you pick courage over comfort in moments that matter. You are rewriting who you believe you are. And identity always ripples outward. People often ask: “How do I become more confident?” “How do I find clarity?” “How do I get unstuck?” You don’t wait for confidence. You create it one ripple at a time. Ripples in leadership: Culture is built quietly In leadership, the ripple effect becomes even more evident. Culture isn’t set in a boardroom or during team meetings. Culture is formed in the ripples: how you respond when someone makes a mistake whether you keep your promises whether you hold people accountable how you treat people when no one is watching the tone of your communication Your behavior becomes a reference point for your team. One moment of support can build loyalty. One consistent habit can lift morale. One intentional conversation can shift someone’s performance. Leadership is ripple management. Ripples in career: Your next job begins with today’s reputation Many professionals think their career is shaped by qualifications or major achievements. But more often, careers are shaped by subtle, consistent ripples: reliability visibility relationship-building consistency initiative Colleagues talk. Managers observe. Opportunities are whispered before they are posted. Your ripple creates your reputation long before your CV enters the room. The promotion often comes not because of the one big project but because of the hundred small ways you showed up well. Ripples in business: Systems are just repeated ripples Business growth never happens in one moment, it happens in patterns. A business expands when the right ripples become systems: one great customer experience becomes a referral system one improved process becomes a workflow one feedback loop becomes a culture one piece of content becomes a digital asset one event becomes a brand When solopreneurs or startups feel overwhelmed, it’s because they are expecting the result of something they have not consistently rippled. Your brand is a ripple. Your customer journey is a ripple. Your operational excellence is a ripple. Your revenue is the multiplication of ripples. What you do repeatedly becomes who your business becomes. Why people don’t sustain their ripples Because they underestimate them. People often quit too early. They stop posting after two weeks. They stop networking after one event. They stop improving systems after one attempt. They stop leading well because the team isn’t responding fast enough. They don’t realize that ripples operate with delayed gratification. You sow the ripple long before you see the return. Everything you admire in others is simply the return of years of consistent ripples. Every individual and organization is creating ripples, intentionally or unintentionally. Ripple Intelligence is the skill of: recognizing your influence choosing your ripples aligning your actions with your outcomes predicting the long-term effect of your decisions building systems around these behaviors When you understand the ripple effect, you stop living reactively. You start living intentionally. You ask yourself: What ripple am I creating today? Where do I need to be more consistent? What small step will change everything in six months? What tiny adjustment will save me stress later? This is where successful careers and businesses are built, through the unseen, deliberate choices. The ripple effect and 2026: Why now matters As we approach another year, many people are already planning their goals. But goals will fail if your ripples don’t match your direction. 2026 won’t be different because of the goals you set, it will be different because of the ripples you sustain. Success is predictable. So is stagnation. Your ripples reveal which one you’re heading toward. The rest of this article series will break down how to build deliberate ripples in: 9-5 careers Solopreneurship Leadership Business scaling Personal confidence But for now, here is the question I want you to reflect on: What small decision, if taken consistently for the next 30 days, would change your life? Not ten decisions. Just one. Because your next transformation is not waiting in the big, it is hiding in the small. And it only takes one ripple to change everything. If this message stirred something in you, a thought, a reminder, a conviction, or even a quiet nudge, then you’re already experiencing your first ripple. The Ripple Effect Advantage™ is my new framework designed to help driven professionals, leaders, and business owners elevate their identity, visibility, clarity, and opportunities through small, intentional actions that compound into massive change. If you're ready to turn your small decisions into life-changing momentum in 2026, join the Ripple Effect Advantage Early Access List. You’ll be the first to receive: The Ripple Blueprint Workbook A free Ripple Reset 2026 live coaching session First access to the 12-week Ripple Effect Accelerator Early-bird bonuses Pre-release pricing for the Ripple Effect Advantage eBook Begin your ripple here. Because breakthroughs don’t start with big moments. They start with one intentional ripple, and this might be yours. Follow me on Instagram , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Esther Aluko Esther Aluko, Career & Personal Development Coach She is a Career and Personal Development Coach with almost ten years of experience. Her expertise is in Job & workplace readiness, career planning, growth, and personal development. Her work focuses on helping individuals build their capacity for career progression, navigate job transitions with ease, and achieve personal effectiveness using results-oriented methods. Her speaking engagements span the United Kingdom, Belgium, West Africa, and Ireland with corporate organizations and higher education institutions.

Written by Barbara Basia Siwik, Personal Coach & Nutrition Advisor Barbara Basia-Siwik is a certified personal coach, holistic fitness coach, and nutrition advisor using sports psychology and neuroscience to elevate wellbeing worldwide. She authored a practical e-book and leads transformation bootcamps and holistic programs for lasting change. At the beginning of the year, fitness and health are often framed as a test of discipline, do more, push harder, be consistent. The collective energy of January reinforces the idea that change should be immediate and decisive. From the outside, this logic seems reasonable. From the perspective of the human brain, it is incomplete. In health and fitness, behavior is often treated as mechanical, train more, eat better, sleep longer. Neuroscience shows something different. Most people do not struggle because they lack motivation or knowledge. They struggle because their nervous system experiences conflict. Behavior is regulated not only by intention but also by safety, identity, emotional memory, environmental cues, and the brain’s constant effort to conserve energy. When these systems are ignored, habits weaken, even in people who have been consistent for months or years. Neuroscience helps explain why fitness and health habits fail so often at the beginning of the year and how they can be rebuilt in a way that supports both the body and the brain, without pressure or unrealistic expectations. 1. Orientation before action No navigation system begins with movement, it begins with location. Yet many people attempt to change their fitness and health habits without acknowledging where they currently are physically, emotionally, and neurologically. From a neuroscience perspective, the brain needs orientation to reduce uncertainty. Without it, change is perceived as intrusion rather than support. This requires naming reality without judgment. Acknowledging current sleep patterns, energy levels, stress exposure, eating routines, and relationships with movement. This is not about who you should be, it is about where you are now. When the brain receives an accurate starting point, internal resistance decreases, and cooperation becomes possible. 2. The dopamine baseline conflict At the beginning of the year, motivation often feels high. For the first one or two weeks, many people follow the crowd. January energy is everywhere. Gyms are full, routines feel exciting, and external reinforcement is strong. As weeks two and three pass, stimulation fades. Dopamine levels decrease, daylight remains limited, mornings stay dark, and everyday demands return. In the brain, the perceived reward of effort drops. Motivation follows. Many people misinterpret this shift as failure and quietly reinforce the belief that they are inconsistent. Neuroscience suggests this is not failure. It is biochemical recalibration. Preventing collapse at this stage means simplifying rather than intensifying. Shorter sessions, reduced decision-making, and lower effort allow consistency to survive while the nervous system adapts. In health and fitness, continuity matters more than intensity at this point. 3. Habit failure is often an identity conflict The brain protects identity because identity creates psychological stability. At the beginning of the year, health and fitness goals often reflect an imagined future self rather than the person someone currently recognizes. This applies both to beginners and to those who have maintained routines for months or years and attempt to add something new. When habits feel disconnected from current identity, resistance appears. Preventing this requires confronting reality rather than bypassing it. Naming current patterns and limitations reduces internal tension. This is not self-limitation, it is honesty. From there, habits can grow as evidence of identity rather than demands to become someone else overnight. 4. Stability before transformation The nervous system prioritizes safety over progress. In health and fitness, when routines feel chaotic, overly ambitious, or constantly changing, the brain limits learning and adaptation. This is why even consistent individuals can feel destabilized when trying to optimize too much at once. Shifting focus from transformation to stability signals safety. Stable meals, predictable movement, consistent sleep, and realistic expectations create the conditions for progress. Once stability exists, capacity expands naturally. Transformation becomes a result, not a command. 5. Environment and social context shape behavior Human behavior is shaped more by environment than by conscious choice. The brain follows cues that are familiar, accessible, and emotionally associated. In health and fitness, this includes physical surroundings, daily routes, repeated locations, and social environments. Returning to the same places, ordering the same food, and spending time with the same people often recreates the same behaviors automatically. Even strong intentions can be undermined by environments that quietly reinforce old patterns. Paying attention to where habits break, with whom, and in which settings allows small adjustments that reduce friction without force. 6. Measuring the wrong thing Many fitness and health habits fail because progress is measured only through visible transformation. From a neuroscience perspective, constant evaluation places the nervous system under pressure, especially when early enthusiasm fades. A more sustainable measure is stability. Consistency during low-energy weeks, emotional regulation when motivation drops, and reduced internal resistance are early indicators of long-term success. When these improve, physical results follow naturally. Powerful reflection The beginning of the year often reveals something uncomfortable, not a lack of discipline or knowledge, but a mismatch between how we expect ourselves to function and how the human brain actually works. When habits fail, disappointment is often internalized and reinforced as identity. What is rarely questioned is the expectation itself. The belief that change should feel energizing, linear, and immediately rewarding ignores the reality of nervous system regulation. When enthusiasm fades, it is not proof of failure. It is often the moment when external structure disappears and internal systems are left unsupported. This is where reflection matters. Writing things down not as pressure or accountability, but as orientation. Acknowledging where you are and naming your true starting point. In neuroscience, this process is often described as naming to tame. When the brain understands its current location, habits become easier to rewire in a sustainable way. Health and fitness change does not begin with urgency. It begins with clarity. If mapping your starting point still feels unclear, there are ways to approach it holistically, using neuroscience-based techniques, without pressure or timelines. Sometimes clarity comes simply from slowing down the conversation and allowing space to understand where you are before deciding where to go next. Follow me on Facebook ,  Instagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Barbara Basia Siwik Barbara Basia Siwik, Personal Coach & Nutrition Advisor Barbara Basia-Siwik is a personal coach and holistic fitness & nutrition advisor who blends physical training with mind–body science for lasting transformation. She applies sports psychology and neuroscience to help clients create sustainable change from within. After starting her career in England, she built a successful practice in Spain, coaching clients in Barcelona and worldwide online. Barbara has developed holistic programs, authored a practical e-book for busy individuals, and leads transformation bootcamp events across Spain. Her mission is to inspire long-term change through holistic fitness, evidence-based methods, and habits that strengthen both body and mind.

Written by   Sam Mishra, The Medical Massage Lady Sam Mishra (The Medical Massage Lady) is a multi-award winning massage therapist, aromatherapist, accredited course tutor, oncology and lymphatic practitioner, trauma practitioner, breathwork facilitator, reiki and intuitive energy healer, transformational and spiritual coach, and hypnotherapist. In a world that constantly celebrates happiness, strength, and success, admitting that we are not okay can feel like an act of rebellion. From social media feeds filled with smiling faces to motivational quotes urging us to “stay positive,” society often sends a silent but powerful message that to be emotionally or mentally unwell is to be weak, broken, or failing. Yet the truth could not be further from that perception. To be human is to experience a vast range of emotions, joy, sadness, fear, anger, hope, and despair, and none of these feelings are permanent. The phrase “It’s ok not to be ok” reminds us that struggling, hurting, or feeling lost does not make us less worthy or less capable. Instead, it affirms our humanity. The simple statement “It’s ok not to be ok” has evolved into a social and emotional movement, a pushback against the unrealistic expectation of constant happiness. It encourages authenticity and vulnerability, inviting people to share their struggles and normalize mental health conversations. At its core, it is an expression of compassion, both for ourselves and for others. It challenges the social stigma that often keeps people silent about their pain and suggests that healing starts when we allow ourselves to acknowledge what we feel. Recognizing that it is okay not to be okay also deepens our understanding of resilience. True resilience is not about pretending that everything is fine, it is about enduring the struggle, acknowledging pain, and still finding a way to move forward. Many people mistakenly believe that being strong means never breaking down, but strength lies in the courage to face emotions honestly and seek help when needed. Accepting that emotional discomfort is natural frees us from guilt and shame, two emotions that can deepen suffering if left unchecked. This mindset is particularly significant in today’s world, where stress, anxiety, and depression are increasing globally. The modern lifestyle, with its demands for productivity, constant connectivity, and social comparison, often leads to emotional exhaustion. More people than ever before feel pressured to appear stable even when internally they are battling storms. Learning to say, “I’m not okay right now, and that’s okay,” is an essential step toward genuine well-being. It validates the human experience and nurtures a culture of empathy, where imperfections and struggles are accepted as part of life’s tapestry. The pressure to always be “okay” Modern society often glorifies strength, independence, and positivity. There is an unspoken expectation that people should maintain a cheerful and put-together facade, no matter what they are going through. From a young age, children are told to “stay strong” or “don’t cry,” messages that subtly teach emotional suppression rather than emotional understanding. By adulthood, many internalize the belief that showing pain or admitting sadness is a sign of weakness. This cultural conditioning makes it incredibly difficult for people to be open about their struggles, even with close friends or family. Part of the pressure to appear “okay” stems from how the world measures value and success. In workplaces, academia, and even personal relationships, being “fine” has become synonymous with being functional and capable. When someone admits to being “not okay,” it is often misunderstood as being unproductive or unstable. Consequently, countless individuals go through their daily lives wearing emotional masks, smiling externally while battling silent wars within themselves. This constant performance is exhausting, leading to emotional burnout, anxiety, and in some cases, depression. The digital age intensifies this pressure. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook often showcase carefully curated versions of reality, flawless photographs, career achievements, relationship highlights, and personal milestones. Rarely do we see the behind-the-scenes struggles, the loneliness, failure, or mental exhaustion that people endure. This gap between appearance and reality fosters comparison. We begin to measure our lives against others’ highlight reels, believing that everyone else is happier, more stable, and more successful. The result is a culture where people feel compelled to hide their pain and pretend that everything is going well, just to “fit in.” The problem with this illusion is that it invalidates pain. When people suppress or dismiss their emotions to maintain appearances, they deny themselves the chance to heal and grow. Emotional well-being requires acknowledgment, not avoidance. Pretending to be okay when we are not creates internal conflict, a battle between the truth of what we feel and the image we project. Over time, this dissonance can harm mental health, leading to feelings of isolation and shame. The phrase “It’s ok not to be ok” directly confronts this toxic positivity. It rejects the notion that only happiness and success are acceptable states of being. Instead, it grants people permission to be real, to express grief, confusion, anger, and fear without judgment. It is a reminder that every emotion has value and that acknowledging pain does not diminish personal strength. In fact, it is the first step toward genuine healing. When society collectively embraces this idea, it becomes safer for individuals to speak openly about mental health. People no longer have to suffer in silence or pretend to be fine. Removing the expectation to be perpetually “okay” allows for authentic human connection, relationships built on empathy rather than perfection. Ultimately, recognizing that we do not have to be fine all the time makes us more compassionate, both toward ourselves and toward others. Understanding emotional struggles To truly embrace the idea that it’s okay not to be okay, we first need to understand what emotional struggles are and why they occur. Emotional struggles are a natural part of being human, responses to life’s challenges, losses, disappointments, and uncertainties. They are not flaws or failures; they are indicators that something meaningful is happening within us. Pain often signals that we care deeply, that we have hopes, dreams, or values that matter. When we experience sadness, grief, or fear, it is our mind’s way of processing unmet expectations, loss, or threats to our sense of safety and belonging. For some, emotional struggles stem from identifiable events, such as the loss of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or the pressure of financial difficulties. For others, they arise from more subtle sources, including chronic stress, loneliness, or unresolved past trauma. Sometimes, emotional pain does not have a clear reason at all, and that uncertainty can intensify the struggle. In many ways, this ambiguity is one of the hardest parts of emotional suffering, not knowing why we feel the way we do or how long it will last. But just like physical pain, emotional pain has purpose. It signals that attention, compassion, and care are needed. Biologically and psychologically, humans are wired for emotional ups and downs. The brain’s chemistry fluctuates, hormones shift, and life circumstances constantly evolve. It is unrealistic to expect perpetual calm or happiness when the human experience itself is dynamic and ever changing. Stress, fear, and sadness are part of our evolutionary design, survival mechanisms that help us adapt and grow. Without discomfort, there would be no learning or transformation. Emotional pain often precedes meaningful change, it pushes us to reflect, re-evaluate, and sometimes start anew. However, understanding struggles does not make them easier to endure. When emotions like anxiety or depression take hold, they can distort perception, making the world feel bleak and hope seem distant. During such times, simple tasks may feel impossible, and self-criticism may replace self-compassion. This is where awareness and acceptance become crucial. Recognizing that distress is a natural response, not a personal failure, can release some of the shame that keeps people stuck in their suffering. It reframes emotional pain as part of the journey rather than a detour from it. Cultural and societal attitudes also influence how we understand emotional struggles. In some communities, discussing mental health remains taboo. Phrases like “snap out of it” or “just be positive” still circulate, implying that emotional pain is a matter of choice or willpower. Such misconceptions silence those who are suffering and delay help-seeking behaviour. Education and open discussions are powerful tools to combat this stigma. When mental health is treated with the same seriousness as physical health, people begin to see emotional challenges as normal and treatable, not as signs of inadequacy. Ultimately, to understand emotional struggles is to recognize that these experiences connect all human beings. No one is immune to hardship, and no one exists in a constant state of contentment. Realizing this creates empathy. When we see our struggles not as isolated weaknesses but as universal experiences, we stop hiding behind facades. We become free to share, to support, and to heal together. The importance of vulnerability and acceptance One of the most profound steps toward emotional well-being is learning to embrace vulnerability. In a world that often rewards strength, self-assurance, and composure, admitting that you are not okay can feel like a personal failure. Yet the truth is quite the opposite. Vulnerability is not weakness, it is the courageous act of being honest with yourself and others about your emotions, struggles, and needs. When we suppress our pain or hide our insecurities, we detach from reality and deny ourselves the healing that comes from genuine human connection. The power of being real Vulnerability allows authenticity to thrive. When people are open about what they are going through, they break the illusion that everyone else has life perfectly figured out. Social media, workplace culture, and even family dynamics often push narratives of constant happiness and productivity. Beneath those polished surfaces, nearly everyone experiences uncertainty, loss, and disappointment. When someone chooses to share their true feelings openly, it creates a ripple effect. Others feel seen and safe to open up as well. This cycle of authenticity fosters empathy and belonging, two essential ingredients for psychological resilience. Consider, for instance, the way friendships deepen after one person opens up about a difficult experience. The moment someone admits, “I’ve been struggling lately,” walls come down on both sides. The relationship transitions from one built on appearances to one built on understanding. Being honest about our pain enables us to connect on a deeply human level, dismantling the pressure to appear perpetually happy or strong. Acceptance as a path to healing Hand in hand with vulnerability comes acceptance. Acceptance does not mean resignation or passivity. It means acknowledging what is true in the present moment without judging yourself for it. It means saying, “I feel sad,” or “I feel anxious,” and allowing those emotions to exist without immediately labelling them as bad or trying to push them away. Many people internalize the idea that negative emotions are signs of failure and that happiness should be the default state at all times. This belief only compounds suffering. When we fight our emotions, they often intensify. When we acknowledge them, we can process and release them more effectively. Acceptance frees us from the exhausting battle of pretending to be okay when we are not. It opens the door to genuine healing. Mindfulness practices often emphasize this kind of non-judgmental awareness. By observing our thoughts and emotions with curiosity rather than criticism, we begin to understand that they are temporary experiences, not permanent definitions of who we are. Through acceptance, pain becomes a teacher rather than a nemesis. It reveals truths about what we need, what we value, and where we have room to grow. Why society fears vulnerability The aversion to vulnerability is deeply rooted in cultural ideals. Many societies equate strength with stoicism, the ability to hide one’s pain and carry on regardless of inner turmoil. From childhood, people are often told to “toughen up,” “hold it together,” or “don’t cry.” These messages reinforce the notion that emotional expression is a weakness to be overcome. However, vulnerability requires far greater strength than repression ever could. It takes courage to admit uncertainty in a culture that rewards confidence. It takes bravery to seek help when independence is idolized. Slowly, as more voices in media, education, and healthcare emphasize the importance of emotional openness, these outdated ideals are beginning to erode. Vulnerability is being redefined, not as fragility, but as a cornerstone of emotional intelligence and growth. The transformation of self through vulnerability When individuals embrace vulnerability, they gain deeper self-knowledge and empathy. Being honest about one’s emotions encourages introspection. What am I feeling? Why am I feeling this way? What might I need to feel safe or supported? This increased awareness can change the way people navigate conflicts, make decisions, and engage with others. Vulnerability teaches compassion, not only for others, but also for oneself. Most importantly, acceptance and vulnerability remind us that it is perfectly human not to be okay all the time. Instead of striving for an unrealistic state of constant positivity, we can learn to embrace life’s full emotional spectrum. Joy and sorrow, confidence and doubt, peace and turmoil all coexist within the human experience. Recognizing that fact allows us to live more authentically and with greater emotional depth. Society’s changing view on mental health Over the past few decades, the global conversation about mental health has shifted dramatically. Once shrouded in stigma and silence, mental health challenges are now more widely acknowledged as integral to overall well-being. This change did not happen overnight. It is the result of persistent advocacy, education, and personal storytelling that have deconstructed myths about emotional struggle. From stigma to conversation Historically, people were discouraged from discussing mental health openly. Depression and anxiety were often dismissed as personal weaknesses rather than medical or psychological conditions. The rise of industrial and performance-driven societies reinforced the expectation that individuals must be perpetually productive, downplaying the legitimacy of emotional distress. However, in recent years, public figures, medical experts, and mental health organizations have expanded awareness through campaigns, social media movements, and education programs. Phrases like “It’s okay not to be okay” have entered the mainstream lexicon, encouraging people to acknowledge their struggles without shame. Television, film, and literature have also played a role by portraying mental health issues with greater nuance, normalizing conversations that were once taboo. The role of technology and social media Technology has played both a constructive and challenging role in shaping society’s perception of mental health. On one hand, social media has created spaces where people can find solidarity. Online communities centered around mental health awareness provide support, education, and empathy for those who may feel isolated. Campaigns such as hashtags – BellLetsTalk, EndTheStigma, and MentalHealthAwarenessMonth amplify voices that used to be silenced, helping people recognize that their experiences are valid. On the other hand, social media can perpetuate unrealistic comparisons and emotional exhaustion. Constant exposure to curated images of “perfect” lives fosters insecurity and inadequacy. This paradox underscores the importance of media literacy and emotional boundaries, understanding that what we see online is often a highlight reel, not a total picture. Despite these complexities, the overall trend shows progress. Society is moving away from the idea that mental struggles indicate brokenness. Instead, there is growing recognition that mental health, like physical health, exists on a spectrum. Everyone experiences fluctuations, and seeking support is a normal and responsible step toward self-care. Workplace and institutional shifts Another significant development is the growing prioritization of mental health in workplaces, schools, and public policy. Many companies have introduced wellness programs, counselling resources, and mental health days, acknowledging that employee well-being directly impacts productivity and engagement. Educational institutions are investing in counselling centres and mental health education to equip students with coping skills early in life. Governments and non-profit organizations are also investing more in mental health resources, expanding access to therapy, helplines, and awareness initiatives. While inequities and gaps still exist, the fact that mental health is now part of global policy conversations marks a monumental cultural shift. Redefining strength in modern society Perhaps the most significant transformation has been the redefinition of what it means to be strong. Strength is no longer measured solely by one’s ability to avoid falling apart. It is increasingly associated with vulnerability, honesty, and empathy. Celebrities, athletes, and leaders who speak candidly about their mental health are helping to dismantle the myth that success and suffering cannot coexist. This redefinition has created a cultural climate where people feel freer to ask for help, recognizing that doing so is a sign of self-awareness and courage, not defeat. Support yourself and others, and create a culture of care Breaking the cycle of silence around emotional struggles is only one part of the journey. It is equally important to know how to nurture yourself and others when facing difficult times. Supporting mental health involves both internal practices, such as cultivating self-compassion, awareness, and balance, and external ones, including building supportive relationships and advocating for community understanding. At a larger scale, fostering emotional health is a communal effort. Families, schools, organizations, and communities can all contribute by encouraging openness, education, and access to resources. When emotional conversation becomes normalized, fewer people feel forced to hide behind masks of composure. Community-based mental health programs, peer networks, and inclusive spaces offer people a sense of belonging, especially during times of isolation. Supporting mental health collectively also means challenging cultural attitudes that glorify burnout, emotional suppression, and competition. We must celebrate rest, empathy, and asking for help with the same enthusiasm that we celebrate achievement. A culture of care thrives when vulnerability is met not with judgment, but with understanding. Conclusion To say, “It’s okay not to be okay,” is not simply a comforting phrase. It is a radical act of acceptance in a world that often denies emotional complexity. It is a reminder that life is not a continuous upward climb, and that moments of pain, doubt, and confusion do not make us broken. They make us human. Vulnerability and acceptance are powerful because they challenge the myth that strength means stoicism. By embracing our feelings, we cultivate resilience, empathy, and authenticity. Society’s growing awareness of mental health reminds us that no one is alone in their struggles. Conversation, education, and community have started to dissolve long-standing stigma, but the journey toward universal emotional wellness continues. Supporting ourselves and others requires compassion, patience, and courage, the courage to listen, to speak honestly, and to show up even when words fall short. It means valuing self-care not as indulgence, but as maintenance for the soul. It also means recognizing that healing is not a destination, but an ongoing practice of understanding and acceptance. In the end, acknowledging that it is okay not to be okay gives us permission to live truthfully. It teaches us to find peace not in perfection, but in presence. It invites us to be tender with our wounds and gracious with our growth. By accepting the full range of our emotions, joy, fear, sadness, and hope, we reclaim our wholeness. As individuals, communities, and a society, the more we embrace this truth, the closer we move toward a world where no one feels ashamed for having a heart that feels deeply. Only then can we say, in the most authentic sense, that it is truly okay not to be okay, and that perhaps, within that acceptance, lies the deepest form of being okay after all. Follow me on  Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Sam Mishra Sam Mishra, The Medical Massage Lady Sam Mishra (The Medical Massage Lady), is a multi-award winning massage therapist, aromatherapist, accredited course tutor, oncology and lymphatic practitioner, trauma practitioner, breathwork facilitator, reiki and intuitive energy healer, transformational and spiritual coach and hypnotherapist. Her medical background as a nurse and a midwife, combined with her own experiences of childhood disability and abuse, have resulted in a diverse and specialised service, but she is mostly known for her trauma work. She is motivated by the adversity she has faced, using it as a driving force in her charity work and in offering the vulnerable a means of support. Her aim is to educate about medical conditions using easily understood language, to avoid inappropriate treatments being carried out, and for health promotion purposes in the general public. She is also becoming known for challenging the stigmas in our society and pushing through the boundaries that have been set by such stigmas within the massage industry.

Written by Adam Skoda, Masculine Mindset Coach Adam Skoda is a full-time blogger, masculine mindset coach, and podcast host who helps men master discipline, confidence, and emotional control. Through writing and training programs, he teaches practical ways to build self-mastery, high-value habits, and personal power. Most men think getting visible abs requires extreme dieting. Constant hunger. Aggressive calorie cuts. Endless willpower. That belief is exactly why most men fail to lose belly fat, and why those who do often gain it back. Starving yourself doesn’t help you get abs. It suppresses fat loss, flattens muscle, and disrupts hormones. If your goal is a six-pack, the answer isn’t eating less. It’s building structure through conditioning, training, and recovery.   How can you get abs without starving yourself? You can get abs without starving yourself by maintaining adequate protein intake, strength training consistently, using conditioning to burn fat, and directly training the abdominal muscles with load and control. This approach preserves muscle, supports hormones, and leads to sustainable belly fat loss instead of temporary results.   Why starving yourself prevents belly fat loss Extreme calorie restriction triggers predictable physiological responses:   Loss of lean muscle mass Lower testosterone levels Elevated cortisol Slower metabolism   When the body perceives starvation, it holds onto belly fat, does not release it. Visible abs require metabolic stability. Hunger signals stress, and stress blocks fat loss. How to get abs: What actually works   Men who maintain visible abs year-round follow the same core principles:   Adequate protein intake to preserve muscle Resistance training to maintain metabolic demand Conditioning that accelerates fat loss without burnout Daily movement and consistent sleep   Abs are not built through dieting alone. They are revealed through fat loss and muscular development. Conditioning plays a major role in this process, which is why fat-loss structure is outlined in my Ultimate Conditioning Guide: Introduction to High Intensity Interval Training.   The biggest mistake men make when trying to get abs Many men reduce calories but avoid direct ab training. This is why they lose weight yet still look soft. If abdominal muscles aren’t trained, there’s nothing to reveal. To get visible abs, the core must be trained like any other muscle with tension, control, and progressive overload.   Best ab exercises for building visible abs Effective ab training focuses on: Full range of motion Controlled contractions Mechanical tension   The following routine targets upper and lower abs while building thickness and definition.   Advanced belly killer routine (ab workout for fat loss) The following exercises hit all angles of the core and the entire six-pack region:   Stability ball crunch, 20 reps Emphasizes deep spinal flexion Increases time under tension Builds upper abdominal thickness Hanging leg raises, 20 reps Targets lower abs Improves core control Reinforces pelvic stability Cable rope crunch, AMRAP in 60 seconds Allows progressive overload Builds abdominal density Increases core strength under load This routine builds the muscle that dieting alone cannot. Everyone says abs are made in the kitchen. However, abs are also made from the exercises themselves. How diet should support ab definition (without starving yourself) Instead of aggressive calorie cutting: Prioritize protein intake Eat around training sessions Eliminate liquid calories Reduce unnecessary snacking Use carbohydrates strategically Sustainable fat loss happens when nutrition supports recovery and training performance.   How long it takes to get abs without starving yourself With consistent training, conditioning, and structured nutrition:   Fat loss becomes predictable Muscle retention improves Abs gradually become visible This approach produces abs that last, not temporary results.   I have trained several hundred in-person classes throughout my mid-twenties as a group instructor. I would always tell them the same exact thing, don’t beat yourself up if the scale says you’re not losing weight.   Don’t be hard on yourself if it takes longer than anticipated to see visible abs. Focus on the little wins, the little wins lead to the bigger wins.   Final takeaway: How to get abs without starving yourself Getting visible abs isn’t about extreme dieting or constant hunger. Starving yourself slows fat loss, flattens muscle, and disrupts the hormones that actually support a lean physique. Abs are revealed when the body is stable, not stressed. To get abs without starving yourself, you need three things working together: Structured nutrition that prioritizes protein, supports training, and avoids aggressive restriction. Conditioning that accelerates fat loss without burning out the nervous system. Direct abdominal training that builds real muscle, not just fatigue.   Diet reveals abs, but only if there’s muscle underneath to show. That muscle is built through intentional core training with a range of motion, control, and load. When resistance training, conditioning, daily movement, and recovery are aligned, fat loss becomes predictable and sustainable.   The result isn’t just visible abs, it’s a physique you can maintain. Starvation creates chaos. Structure creates definition. That’s how abs are built and kept without suffering. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram ,   LinkedIn ,  and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Adam Skoda Adam Skoda, Masculine Mindset Coach Adam Skoda is a fitness professional and author of 77 Ways to Develop a Masculine Mindset, helping men build confidence, self-discipline, and personal power. He is the founder of multiple training programs that blend psychology, fitness, and communication to create lasting transformation. With a background in high-performance coaching, Adam shares practical tools for emotional control and mental resilience. His podcast explores identity, status, and the modern masculine journey in relationships, discipline, and self-mastery.

Written by Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin, Owner of Alfouad Group Al Fouad Group is a leading real estate consultancy specializing in valuation, development advisory, and investment strategies, alongside City Creek Contracting. The Group provides expert guidance to investors and developers across luxury and high-growth real estate markets. In real estate, most buyers focus on price, location, and projected returns. What many overlook, often at great cost, is that the most critical decision is not the unit itself, but the developer behind it. The market is full of projects that launched with confidence and strong marketing, only to end in delays, poor delivery, or unresolved disputes. In most cases, the problem was never the market. It was the developer. Before committing your money, take a moment to recognize these warning signs. 1. A history of delayed projects If a developer has delayed delivery before, this is not a coincidence or a one-time issue. Delays usually reflect weak planning, cash flow pressure, or poor project management. A disciplined developer treats timelines as commitments. A troubled one treats them as estimates. 2. Complete dependence on buyer payments When construction relies entirely on buyers’ installments, with no clear financing or financial backing, the project becomes vulnerable. Any slowdown in sales can lead to: Construction delays Compromised quality Extended handover timelines In such cases, the buyer carries most of the risk. 3. Marketing promises that sound too good Be cautious of developers who: Promise unusually high returns Focus on slogans rather than numbers Sell concepts before proving execution capability In real estate, consistency and clarity signal strength. Excessive hype often signals pressure. 4. Frequent changes of contractors or consultants Repeatedly changing contractors or consultants is rarely a positive sign. It often shows: Financial disputes Contractual breakdowns Weak project control These issues always affect both delivery timelines and build quality. 5. Outstanding debts to contractors, consultants, or brokers One of the most serious red flags is a developer who: Owes money to contractors Has disputes with consultants Has unpaid broker commissions This usually means the project is under financial strain. Under such pressure, quality is often sacrificed, and new buyer funds may be used to cover old liabilities. 6. One-sided or vague contracts Review the contract carefully. If you find: Strict obligations on the buyer Weak or unclear obligations on the developer Little or no penalty for late delivery This suggests the developer is protecting itself, not planning to be accountable. 7. Poor reputation within the market Ask professionals, not advertisements. Brokers, consultants, and contractors often know which developers to avoid. A poor reputation rarely appears in brochures, but it travels fast within the industry. 8. Low-quality previous deliveries Visit completed projects. Look closely at: Finishing quality Maintenance issues Owner complaints Poor delivery today becomes high maintenance costs and value erosion tomorrow. 9. No track record of completed projects A developer who has never completed and handed over a project is untested. They may succeed, or they may fail. The real question is, are you willing to be the experiment? In investment, experience matters. Conclusion Not every new project is an opportunity. Not every developer deserves your trust. If several of these warning signs appear, pause and reconsider. Real estate is a long-term commitment. Mistakes are expensive and rarely reversible. Opportunities are many. Capital is not. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and visit my website  for more info! Read more from Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin, Owner of Alfouad Group Mohamed Ahmed Fouad Amin is a real estate expert, author, and investment consultant with extensive experience in valuation and development advisory across the UAE and MENA region. He is the founder of Al Fouad Real Estate Valuation and a member of FIABCI and ACAMS. Mohamed specializes in guiding investors, analyzing developers, and identifying high-value opportunities. He authored “Sell a Property to Billionaires” and “Please, Don’t Buy From This Developer,” empowering investors with clarity and confidence.

Millions of people around the world have astigmatism, which is a common problem with vision. When the lens or cornea of the eye isn't shaped right, it can make vision blurry or distorted. Astigmatism can happen to anyone, but it usually starts at birth. A lot of people might not even know they have it until they start to feel sick. This article's goal is to explain what astigmatism is, what its symptoms are, what causes it, and what treatments are available to help people deal with it. What is astigmatism? As we mentioned before, astigmatism is a refractive error in which the eye's cornea or lens is shaped more like a football than a basketball. Because of this strange shape, light can't focus evenly on the retina, which makes vision blurry or distorted. Instead of focusing on one point on the retina, light spreads out over many points. This can make pictures look like they're stretched or uneven. Astigmatism is not the same as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia) because the cornea or lens does not curve in a normal way. People with astigmatism may not be able to see clearly at any distance, but the amount of distortion or blurriness can be different. Common symptoms of astigmatism The symptoms of astigmatism can be quite noticeable, especially as the condition worsens. Common signs include: Blurred or distorted vision: Can happen at any distance, near or far. This distortion may not always be there, and some people may notice it more when they are tired or have been concentrating for a long time. Eye strain or discomfort: Especially after reading, using electronic devices, or doing things that need a lot of visual focus. Frequent headaches: Eye strain often leads to headaches, especially when trying to focus for long periods. Squinting: Many individuals with astigmatism find themselves squinting in an attempt to see more clearly. Double vision or ghosting images: This happens when light is not focused correctly, which makes it hard to focus because the images are faint and overlap. If you have any of these symptoms, you should see an eye care professional to find out if astigmatism or another vision problem is to blame. Causes and risk factors of astigmatism Genetic factors are the main cause of astigmatism, which means it tends to run in families. If your parents have astigmatism, you are more likely to get it too. But astigmatism can also happen for other reasons: Eye injuries or surgery: Any injury to the eye, even surgery, can cause astigmatism because it changes the natural shape of the cornea or lens. Keratoconus: This is a condition where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, causing astigmatism to worsen. Age: Astigmatism can change over time, especially if other vision problems like cataracts develop as you age. Environmental factors: In some cases, prolonged eye strain or improper eye care can contribute to changes in the shape of the cornea. How astigmatism is diagnosed A comprehensive eye exam is the best way to diagnose astigmatism. During the exam, your optometrist or ophthalmologist will conduct several tests: Keratometry: Measures the curvature of the cornea to determine if it has an irregular shape. Refraction test: Involves using a machine called a phoropter to determine the amount of refractive error present in the eyes. Corneal topography: A more advanced test that maps the surface of the cornea to detect subtle irregularities. Regular eye exams are important because they not only diagnose astigmatism but also monitor any changes in the condition over time. Treatment options for astigmatism Prescription glasses for astigmatism Most people with astigmatism find that glasses are the easiest and best way to fix the problem. Toric lenses are what most glasses for astigmatism use. These lenses are made to make up for the cornea or lens's uneven curvature. These lenses make the light strike the retina in the appropriate way, which makes things look clearer. Toric lenses are not like conventional spherical lenses since they have varying curvatures in different areas. This helps with astigmatism and other refractive errors. People with astigmatism can choose from a variety of frame styles for their prescription glasses. This way, they can find a pair that fits their style while also fixing their vision. Contact lenses for astigmatism There are both soft and hard gas-permeable (RGP) types of contact lenses for astigmatism, which are also known as toric lenses. These lenses are made to fit snugly on the eye and fix the cornea's uneven curvature so that you can see clearly. Soft toric lenses: These lenses are comfortable and flexible, making them a good choice for people with mild to moderate astigmatism. They are comfortable all day and can be worn while doing most things. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses: These types of contact lenses make things look clearer than soft lenses, especially for people with more severe astigmatism. RGP lenses are strong and give you clear vision, but it may take some time to get used to them. Taking appropriate care of your astigmatism contact lenses is highly important for your eye health and clear vision. To avoid infections and irritation, make sure to follow the recommended schedule for cleaning and wearing. Surgical options for astigmatism Sometimes, surgery may be an option for correcting astigmatism, especially for people who can't wear glasses or contact lenses. Here are two common types of surgery: LASIK (Laser-Assisted in Situ Keratomileusis): A common surgery that changes the shape of the cornea to fix astigmatism and other problems with vision. LASIK is a very effective surgery that doesn't take long to heal from. PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy): This is a procedure that is similar to LASIK, but it involves taking off the cornea's outer layer before reshaping it. People with thinner corneas or more severe astigmatism can have PRK. While surgery can be effective, it is important to consult with an experienced surgeon to determine if you are a good candidate for these procedures. Lifestyle changes and tips for managing astigmatism It's not enough to just wear corrective lenses to deal with astigmatism. There are a number of things you can do in your daily life to help with your symptoms and make your eyes feel better overall: Wear sunglasses: To keep your eyes safe from UV rays and glare, especially when it's bright outside. Sunglasses can also help your eyes feel better when bright light hurts them. Take breaks from screens: Digital eye strain can happen when you spend a lot of time in front of a screen. This is even worse for people with astigmatism. According to the 20-20-20 rule, you should look at anything at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes. Regular eye check-ups: Watch for any changes in your vision and see an eye doctor on a regular basis. You need to keep an eye on your astigmatism because it can change over time and make your vision worse. Eye hydration: Use eye drops that make your eyes feel better to keep them moist, especially if they are dry or irritated. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified eye care professional for personalized guidance.

Written by Esther Christopher, Trauma Pain Support Esther Christopher is the founder of Trauma Pain Support Ltd.(TPS), a trauma-informed recovery program helping RTA survivors rebuild physically and emotionally. She is a certified Total Breakthrough Coach and author of Triumph Over Tragedy, blending personal insight with professional expertise. AI is being positioned as the future of trauma recovery, but trauma recovery is not an efficiency problem. It is a continuity problem. As digital health expands, artificial intelligence is increasingly presented as the answer to long waiting lists, fragmented care, and the long-term support gaps survivors face after discharge. In theory, AI can scale guidance, provide structure, and reduce isolation. In practice, however, the same technology that helps one person feel supported can leave another overwhelmed, ashamed, or destabilised. The difference is not the survivor. It is the design assumptions behind the AI, and whether those assumptions respect the realities of trauma physiology, sequencing, and non-linear healing. The problem is not AI, it is misalignment in post-accident recovery Most AI systems are designed to optimise engagement, completion, progress, and measurable outcomes. These assumptions are common in digital health and behaviour change models, but they sit uneasily with the realities of recovery after a road traffic accident. Road Traffic Accident (RTA) trauma is rarely confined to the moment of impact. Survivors often leave acute care carrying ongoing pain, altered movement, nervous system hypervigilance, cognitive fatigue, and a persistent sense that their body no longer behaves predictably. Recovery unfolds unevenly. There are periods of apparent improvement followed by flare-ups, setbacks that emerge months later, and phases where the most meaningful progress is simply tolerating daily life without tipping into overwhelm. When AI is introduced into post-accident recovery using models built for productivity, habit formation, or symptom suppression, a mismatch occurs. That mismatch may not appear as overt resistance. More often, it manifests as self-blame. Survivors conclude that they are doing something wrong, failing recovery, or reacting in ways they should be able to control. In RTA trauma, where survivors already struggle to reconcile medical reassurance with lived symptoms, this outcome is particularly damaging. A trauma-informed system must treat this as a red flag, not an acceptable cost of innovation. What AI must account for in post-accident trauma recovery AI challenges in post-accident recovery rarely arise from technical malfunction. More often, they emerge from subtle design assumptions that do not fully account for the realities of post-collision physiology, psychology, and recovery timing. Many AI-driven recovery systems rely on frequent prompts, daily check-ins, and consistent engagement as indicators of progress or success. In the context of RTA recovery, however, engagement is a poor proxy for safety. Survivors may disengage because pain has flared, sleep has deteriorated, travel has become overwhelming, or the nervous system has entered a protective shutdown in response to accumulated stress. Missed check-ins can quickly be internalised as personal failure by the survivor, while the system may interpret them as reduced motivation or non-compliance. In reality, disengagement after an accident often reflects a body managing limited capacity rather than a lack of commitment to recovery. Reduced engagement can therefore serve as an early signal of overload, not avoidance. AI systems that respond by increasing prompts or pressure risk doing the opposite of what recovery requires, intensifying strain at precisely the point where containment, pacing, and safety are most needed, while appearing to function exactly as designed. Why sequencing matters in AI-supported regulation after an RTA After an RTA, the nervous system has often been exposed to sudden threat, loss of control, and mechanical shock. Regulation strategies that are commonly presented as universally calming can have the opposite effect in this context. Internal focus prompts such as deep breathing, body scanning, or stillness can intensify panic, dissociation, or collapse in post-accident trauma. Emotional processing prompts can activate implicit memory linked to the collision without sufficient containment. These responses are not resistance; they are protective adaptations shaped by the accident itself. AI systems that support regulation without understanding trauma sequencing risk, pushing survivors into dysregulation and leaving them to manage the consequences alone. In RTA recovery, timing is not a detail. It is the difference between support and harm. Balancing measurement and meaning in AI-supported RTA recovery AI systems are well-suited to measurement. RTA recovery, however, is shaped by meaning. For many accident survivors, progress appears in small, fragile shifts: tolerating a short drive, feeling slightly less guarded in the body, noticing a trigger earlier, sleeping marginally better, or choosing rest without self-criticism. These changes may not register as measurable improvement, yet they represent significant neurological and functional gains. When AI frames recovery around scores, graphs, or completion targets, survivors may begin to experience healing as performance. If improvement stalls or reverses, as it often does after an accident, shame can quietly take hold, a risk that remains invisible to data-driven systems. Post-accident recovery does not need to be quantified to be valid. It needs to be contextualised. Supporting independence without losing continuity in post-accident recovery Self-management is often presented as empowerment, yet for many people recovering from a road traffic accident, it arrives too early. Post-accident recovery frequently involves navigating multiple appointments, advocating for care, managing ongoing pain and fatigue, coping with cognitive or emotional changes, and attempting to return to work or family roles while the body still feels unsafe. When AI is positioned as a way to manage recovery independently, responsibility can subtly shift away from systems that have already discharged the survivor prematurely, reinforcing the familiar post-acute message of being “on your own.” AI can offer valuable structure, education, and opportunities for reflection during this phase. However, it cannot replicate the relational calibration often required after an accident, the ability to pace support based on non-verbal cues, to recognise when fear rather than pathology is driving symptoms, or to respond to the layered uncertainty that follows a serious collision. In RTA trauma, this distinction is critical. AI can meaningfully support recovery, but it must function alongside continuity of care, never as a substitute for it or as an impersonation of treatment. Design principles for safe and effective AI in RTA trauma recovery For AI to be safely integrated into post-accident recovery, it must be designed around safety rather than optimisation. RTA recovery often improves when pressure is reduced, and the nervous system is allowed to relearn safety gradually. Faster is not better when the body remains in a protective state. This requires respecting sequencing and readiness, avoiding one-size-fits-all regulation prompts, and acknowledging non-linear recovery. In RTA trauma, plateaus may reflect stability, setbacks may indicate integration, and avoidance may be protective. AI should reinforce this understanding, not undermine it. Context preservation is essential. AI should help maintain the survivor’s accident narrative over time, track symptom evolution meaningfully, support shared language across services, and recognise key transitions. Clear boundaries and escalation pathways must be built in so survivors know when technology is no longer sufficient and human support is required. Language matters here. Trauma-informed AI must protect dignity and self-trust, particularly when recovery feels slow or unpredictable. Final reflection: Responsible innovation in RTA trauma care AI may play a meaningful role in closing gaps in RTA recovery, but only if we acknowledge that technology can harm as easily as it can help. Post-accident trauma recovery is not a process to be automated. It is a process to be protected. The leadership challenge is not to claim that AI will transform trauma care, but to define the conditions under which it is allowed to participate, ethically, safely, and in service of continuity. The future of RTA trauma care will not be defined by smarter tools. It will be defined by safer systems. This requires ongoing dialogue between clinicians, system leaders, researchers, and those with lived experience of RTA trauma. Follow me on Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , and visit my website for more info! Read more from Esther Christopher Esther Christopher, Trauma Pain Support Esther Christopher is the founder of Trauma Pain Support Ltd. TPS), a trauma-informed recovery program helping RTA survivors rebuild physically, emotionally, and mentally. After overcoming her own life-changing road traffic accident, Esther developed the TPS framework to bridge the gap between medical recovery and long-term healing. A certified Total Breakthrough Coach, author, and nutritionist, she combines professional expertise with lived experience to guide others toward sustainable transformation. Her memoir, Triumph Over Tragedy, chronicles her journey from survival to purpose, inspiring others to reclaim their strength and identity.