When Perfectionism Wins, Your Health Loses

Perfectionism is often praised in our culture. It can look like being disciplined, high-achieving, or deeply committed to doing things “the right way.” But beneath the surface, perfectionism is rarely about excellence; it’s about safety.

For many people, perfectionism develops as a way to cope with stress, criticism, unpredictability, or emotional pain. Although it may offer short-term relief or a sense of control, over time it can take a significant toll on both mental and physical health.

Anxiety, Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueJanuary 9, 2026perfectionism, health

Simple, Science-Backed Ways to Prevent and Treat Seasonal Affective Symptoms (AKA The Winter Blahs)

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, it’s common to feel a shift in mood, motivation, and energy. For many, this shift is subtle. For others, it can develop into Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that follows seasonal patterns, most often emerging in late fall and winter.

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueDecember 9, 2025winter, seasonal affective disorder, health

Want Long-Term Success using GLP-1s for Weight Loss? Update Your Identity

Over the past few years, GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound have transformed how many people manage weight and blood sugar. But while these medications can powerfully impact appetite and metabolism, they aren’t magic pills. Some people see profound, lasting results and others don’t. Why the difference?

HealthKelly Forys DonahueAugust 5, 2025health, weight loss

Community Connects us to Health

In an age of hyper-connectivity, it's surprising how many of us still feel isolated. We may have hundreds of digital “friends,” but fewer real-life connections we can call on when we’re in need and to celebrate the good times. As a health psychologist, I see a growing trend: people struggling with stress, fatigue, anxiety, and burnout—and while nutrition, sleep, and exercise matter deeply, one essential piece of the health puzzle is often missing: community.

Health, Self-CareKelly Forys DonahueJuly 22, 2025community, social, health

Health Is Wealth: The Psychological Link Between Well-Being and Financial Prosperity

When we hear the word "wealth," most of us immediately think of money—stocks, savings, real estate, or a high-paying job. But as a health psychologist, I’ve come to understand a deeper truth that often gets overlooked: your health is your first and most essential form of wealth.

Health, Goals, Personal DevelopmentKelly Forys DonahueMay 6, 2025health, wealth

Breaking Free from the Cycle of Health Anxiety

Most of us can relate to being concerned about our health from time to time. The problem arises when this worry about health becomes chronic and interferes with life. Health anxiety, sometimes called illness anxiety disorder, occurs when concerns about one’s health become overwhelming, persistent, and distressing. For those living with health anxiety, everyday bodily sensations can feel like alarming signs of serious illness, creating a cycle of fear, worry, and compulsive behaviors.

Unwinding the 4 Ps of Perfectionism

As a recovering perfectionist, this topic is near and dear to my heart. I see many clients, especially high-achieving established men and women struggle with perfectionism. They cling to it with the misunderstanding that it keeps them safe, when actually it keeps them stuck. Perfectionism is a complex and often misunderstood trait that can significantly impact our lives. While striving for excellence is commendable, the relentless pursuit of perfection can lead to a cycle of stress, anxiety, and disappointment.

Personal Development, Health, AnxietyKelly Forys DonahueMay 28, 2024perfectionism, self-care, health

The Myth of a "Mental Health Day" and How to Create a Real Health Reset

Taking a “sick day” is common when we have a fever or a stomach bug, but it’s not as common to proactively, preventatively take a “mental health day.” Actually, a mental health day is a bit of a misnomer because separating mental health from physical health is only semantics. A health day can help to recharge and build resiliency. Here’s a guide for how you can set up a “health day.”

HealthKelly Forys DonahueMay 16, 2024health, self-care, mental health

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