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Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue

The End-of-Winter Slump: Why You Feel “Off” (and What Actually Helps)

It’s that time of year. It’s been January for a year, the Superbowl is over, and the groundhog said SIX. MORE. WEEKS. So, if you’ve been feeling unusually flat, unmotivated, or emotionally “heavy” lately, you’re not alone. This time of year, late winter, when we’ve been cold and cooped up for months, can be a perfect storm for low mood and low motivation. People often tell me:
“I know what I should be doing, but I can’t get myself to do it.”
“I feel stuck.”
“I’m tired all the time, and I don’t feel like myself.”
“I keep waiting for motivation to come back… and it isn’t.”
The good news is: this isn’t a personal flaw. It’s a very human response to a season that’s biologically and psychologically hard on us. And there’s a lot we can do to feel better.

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Anxiety, Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue Anxiety, Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue

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.

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Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue

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.

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Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue

Why Perimenopause Can Feel Like an Emotional and Energy Rollercoaster and What to Do About It

If you’re in your 40s and wondering why your motivation, mood, and stress tolerance seem to have changed, you’re not alone. Perimenopause, the years or even decade, leading up to menopause is a period of powerful hormonal transitions that don’t just affect your reproductive system. They influence your brain chemistry, energy, and emotional regulation.

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Health, Personal Development Kelly Forys Donahue Health, Personal Development Kelly Forys Donahue

When You Grow, Not Everyone Applauds: Why Family and Friends May Struggle with Your Positive Changes

You’d think that making positive changes like eating better, setting boundaries, moving your body, or managing stress would be something everyone around you celebrates. But sometimes, instead of support, you’re met with resistance, jokes, subtle criticism, or even distance.

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Health Kelly Forys Donahue Health Kelly Forys Donahue

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?

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Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue Health, Self-Care Kelly Forys Donahue

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.

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Kelly Forys Donahue Kelly Forys Donahue

The Power of a Mindset Shift: A Free Tool to Transform Your Health

When it comes to improving your health, most people think of expensive supplements, gym memberships, or complicated wellness routines. But one of the most powerful tools for lasting change is completely free: your mindset. Your mindset is the lens through which you view your body, your habits, and your potential. And shifting that lens—even slightly—can dramatically change how you feel, what you do, and how your health evolves.

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