Author Archives: Andrew

Why Are Scandinavians So Happy? 

I think the “World Happiness Report” is pretty self-explanatory. It takes into account different factors ranging from the use of technology to social norms and ranks the happiest countries in the world. Since the first World Happiness Report in 2012, Scandinavian countries have topped the list. If you’ve been there, you know why. But fromContinue reading “Why Are Scandinavians So Happy? “

10 of the Best Gardens in NYC: Relaxation Guaranteed

There’s no shortage of ways to spend your time in New York City, but when most people think of things to do, they default to the many attractions, restaurants, concerts, and sporting events. For some, this can be stressful. But there’s an entirely separate world to explore—one that doesn’t involve much concrete. I’m talking aboutContinue reading “10 of the Best Gardens in NYC: Relaxation Guaranteed”

5 Ways My Mental Health Has Affected My Family

I always thought that my mental health was a “me” thing. After all, it was my brain on the fritz. This is the assumption I operated under for over a decade. Selfishly, albeit unintentionally, I thought the unstable nature of my mental health only affected me. Well, I was wrong. It affected my family, especiallyContinue reading “5 Ways My Mental Health Has Affected My Family”

10 Relaxing Gift Ideas to Get the Traveler in Your Life (That Can Fit in Their Carry-on Bag)

Traveling is a lot about getting outside of your comfort zone. At least it is for me. Knowing that my OCD breeds on familiarity, I use travel as a way to fight back. It’s stressful, but I find it to be one of the best forms of therapy (second only to exposure response therapy (ERP)).Continue reading “10 Relaxing Gift Ideas to Get the Traveler in Your Life (That Can Fit in Their Carry-on Bag)”

One Year In: 3 Things I Would Do Differently to Help My Mental Health

I did it. It’s been exactly 365 days since I packed up (I didn’t really pack. I brought a suitcase of clothes) and headed out on my next adventure. All in all, it’s been a good year and I’m confident the decision to move was a good one. But in retrospect, there are some thingsContinue reading “One Year In: 3 Things I Would Do Differently to Help My Mental Health”

Adrian Monk & OCD: 10 Super Relatable Quotes From the Show 

I’m the type of person who gets bent out of shape when someone misrepresents OCD, so it could be easy to see how the Emmy-award-winning show, Monk, could ruffle my feathers. But for whatever reason, it doesn’t. In fact, I find Adrian Monk and his OCD incredibly hilarious and on-so-relatable. Here are ten of Monk’s funniestContinue reading “Adrian Monk & OCD: 10 Super Relatable Quotes From the Show “

Working in Healthcare During the COVID-19 Pandemic, According to Real People

Scary, isolating, and terrifying are just a few of the words people used when I asked them what it’s been like working in healthcare or a healthcare-related setting during the COVID-19 pandemic. Long hours with limited breaks. Few interactions with the outside world. Burnout and stress like never before. This is the perfect recipe forContinue reading “Working in Healthcare During the COVID-19 Pandemic, According to Real People”

12 Fantastic Travel Tips for People with Anxiety 

There’s nothing worse than wanting to travel but shying away from it because you’re worried that your anxiety will get in the way. Whether it’s anxiety related to flying, concern about being away from your support system, the unknown, or something completely different, anxiety can be quite the barrier. But I’m a firm believer thatContinue reading “12 Fantastic Travel Tips for People with Anxiety “

Hanna Hall: Battling Mental Health’s Stigma On & Off the Basketball Court 

A star for Team Canada at the 2016 FIBA U17 Women’s World Championships. A cornerstone of the University of Buffalo (UB) Women’s Basketball team that made a run at a National Championship. One of the hardest workers you’ll meet. A perpetual smile. This is Hanna Hall—at least the one most people see. But there’s anotherContinue reading “Hanna Hall: Battling Mental Health’s Stigma On & Off the Basketball Court “