As a child, we were creative for most parts of the day shaping clay, drawing, building forts, engaging in imaginative role-play with toys, and galloping around the house on pretend horses. Even as a teen, writing in a diary, starring in a school play, taking up photography, and all that daydreaming, we engaged in much-needed creative outlets. Adulthood, however, has stifled this spontaneous pull toward creativity. The mindless daily repetition of work, children, and families, commuting, endless chores and errands has left us rather wilted and faded our natural creativity. WATCH: The benefits of creativity But I can’t even draw [...]

Conflict and disagreement are an inevitable part of any relationship. Two people with different backgrounds, personalities, perspectives, beliefs, experiences, and tastes can lead from minor everyday annoyances to serious relationship-crushing conflict. Disagreements, struggles and heated debates can be very stressful and become harmful when you feel that you are under attack and need to continuously defend yourself instead of focusing on solving the issue. WATCH: Having difficult conversations Common conflict stressors include: insecurity resentment financial and family responsibilities emotional stonewalling power and control selfishness criticism unreasonable expectations infidelity loss of passion an inability to regulate one’s own emotions (think about [...]

“Like sand on a beach, the brain bears the footprints of the decisions we have made, the skills we have learned, the actions we have taken” (Begley, 2007) We all have a past. Regardless of our memories of growing up, family structure and home life, or the challenges, traumas, and choices along the way, they have all left a few marks. Our past shapes us into the person that we are today and influences how we approach life. It is natural to use the past reflectively in guiding our decisions today and to think back with the warmth (or the [...]

Each year when the Happiness Index Report is released we as South Africans realise just how much adversity we face on a daily basis. Price hikes, corruption, violence and abuse, failed state-owned enterprises, and poverty all add to our anxiety levels and overall outlook on life. Let’s face it: it’s hard to be upbeat during these trying times. But what does happiness look like? Is it getting married? Achieving at work? Being recognised for outstanding performance, social standing, or buying a house? All these factors certainly contribute but they are by no means the definitive answer to happiness. Happiness is [...]

Wine has become shorthand for relaxation. That well-deserved break after a long day of working and parenting, signaling the start of the last shift before bedtime. The never-ending wine o’clock memes to escape, cope and reward oneself for the daily struggles and stressors have become synonymous with especially mothers. Announcing you need a drink when feeling stressed or exhausted is usually met with enthusiastic agreement and encouragement from fellow mothers. The opening of a bottle of wine becomes the big exhale. But it is important to note that anyone drinking to self-medicate or develop an addiction to alcohol is a [...]