Author: Shannon Bussnick, LSW
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How to Create a Mood Board for Clarity, Inspiration, and Success
Looking to boost your creativity, set goals, and stay organized? Creating a mood board can help you clarify your vision and stay focused on your goals, whether it’s improving mental health, achieving success in motherhood, or living mindfully. Whether physical or digital, a mood board…
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32 Unique Names for Boy/Girl Twins We Love
Picking out names for your baby is never easy—deciding on one feels overwhelmingly special, though a bit anxiety-provoking as well. Even more so if you’re having multiples! Many of us ask ourselves, over and over again: – Will they like their name? – Will they…
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Why We Love the Pink Golf Ball
From childhood Skittles to picking the perfect pink golf ball, color plays a huge role in our small, everyday decisions. Whether it’s selecting a mini-golf ball or choosing a popsicle flavor, these moments of colorful choice bring excitement and spontaneity to life. In this post,…
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Terrific or Terrible Twos? Deciphering The Emotional Growth of a Toddler
The emotional development of a toddler is a dynamic period. This age can be difficult for parents to navigate due to big feelings, big messes, and safety concerns. For toddlers, this time is equally challenging. Their brain is growing rapidly, and they experience new emotions.…
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Balancing Creativity and Technology in a Changing World
There was a time when writing came effortlessly to me. Words flowed freely, even if they weren’t always perfect. But as the years passed, that natural rhythm started to fade. Stress, life changes, and perhaps even medication made the process feel more fragmented. Now, I…
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Unveiling the True Face of Anxiety
Anxiety is more than just everyday stress or worry; it can manifest in ways that deeply affect a person’s daily life. While everyone experiences some form of anxiety, recognizing the difference between normal stress responses and diagnosable anxiety disorders is key. In this blog, we’ll…
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The Beauty Bias: How Pretty Privilege Shapes Our World
Pretty privilege, also known as the beauty bias, plays a significant role in how people are perceived and treated across various aspects of life. This phenomenon, driven by the halo effect, often results in better job opportunities, higher salaries, and favorable social interactions for those…
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Conquering the Fear of Going Solo
Conquering the fear of going places alone opens doors to personal growth and independence. Many experience anxiety or worry about judgment, but solo outings can boost confidence and empower you. Whether it’s social anxiety or discomfort in new situations, understanding your fear is key. Embrace…
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What to Do If You Can’t Go to School Because of Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide
Struggling with school anxiety? Discover step-by-step guides for preschoolers, school-age children, high schoolers, and college students. Learn how to advocate for mental health and create supportive academic environments using our comprehensive guide.
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BPD and the Brain: Sociotropy vs. Autonomy Explained
Exploring Sociotropy and Autonomy in Borderline Personality Disorder: The Brain’s Role Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is marked by emotional instability, intense relationships, and a fluctuating sense of self. People with BPD often experience a complex mix of sociotropy (the need for approval) and autonomy (the…
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Mental Health Medications: Guide to Benefits, Risks, and Balance
Considering medication for your mental health? You’re not alone. Whether you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or ADHD, finding the right treatment is key. In this guide, we explore the different classes of mental health medications, from antidepressants to antipsychotics, and discuss their benefits,…
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Why We Look to the Swan for Mental Health and Female Empowerment
In the graceful glide of the swan, we find a profound symbol of the inner strength and resilience that women carry every day. Just as the swan moves serenely across the water, its true power lies beneath the surface—mirroring the often unseen efforts we make…
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Vision Changes During Pregnancy: What’s Normal?
Pregnancy can bring about unexpected changes, including those affecting your vision. From blurred lines to seeing floaters, these shifts can be unsettling. Learn what causes vision changes during pregnancy, what they might signify about your health, and when to seek medical attention to ensure both…
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Snail Mucin 101: What You Need to Know for Glowing Skin
Curious about the latest skincare trend? Snail mucin has taken the beauty world by storm, known for its hydrating, anti-aging, and healing properties. But when should you use snail mucin in your routine, and does snail mucin cause purging? In this blog, we explore the…
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A Deep Dive into the Seaweed Superfood
Discover the powerful health benefits of seaweed, the ocean’s nutrient-rich superfood, and learn how to incorporate it into your mindful living lifestyle with simple tips, fun facts, and delicious recipes. Dive into the world of seaweed on Servings of Serenity and enhance your wellness journey…
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Should Kids Play with Makeup? A Guide for Parents
Almost every morning, my four-year-old daughter and her twin siblings turn our bathroom into a makeup playground. From pretend blush brushes to non-toxic nail polish, their creativity knows no bounds. It’s a joyful reminder that true beauty comes from within, whether they’re in princess makeup…
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Why Am I So Mad on My Period? Understanding PMS and PMDD
Struggling with intense mood swings during your period? Discover why PMS and PMDD cause such emotional upheaval. Learn about the hormonal changes behind your mood, effective management strategies, and when to seek professional help. Find answers to questions like “Why am I so mad on…
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Insect Phobia: How to Overcome the Fear of Bees, Wasps, and Other Bugs
Phobias affect millions globally, with common types including arachnophobia (fear of spiders), ophidiophobia (fear of snakes), and acrophobia (fear of heights). According to the National Institute of Mental Health, specific phobias affect about 12.5% of U.S. adults. Women are twice as likely to develop phobias…
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Why Am I So Distracted? The Roots and Remedies
Struggling with constant distraction? You’re certainly not the only one in our go-go-go society. Here, discover the internal and external triggers behind why you’re so distracted and learn effective strategies to stay focused. We’ll also explore how conditions like ADHD, anxiety, and depression contribute to…
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Its Not in Your Head: The Link Between Anxiety and Higher Intelligence
Discover the surprising link between anxiety and higher intelligence. Learn how anxiety might not only challenge us but also enhance cognitive abilities. Continue reading to find out how managing anxiety effectively can unlock potential intellectual benefits and contribute to personal growth. Let’s start leveraging anxiety’s…
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How to Embrace the Beauty of ‘Starting Over’
Starting over doesn’t mean erasing your past; it means understanding it and letting go of what no longer serves you. Whether it’s moving to a new place, changing careers, or setting boundaries, starting anew is about embracing the freedom to shape your future. Prioritize your…
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Beyond Surface Sensations: Understanding and Managing Formication
Formication, the sensation of insects crawling on the skin, is often linked to mental health disorders, hormonal changes, and substance use or withdrawal (Cleveland Clinic, 2022; Psych Central, 2021; Medscape, 2023). Addressing both the symptom and its underlying causes is crucial for effective management and…
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10 Tips for Surviving the Beach with Twins and a Toddler
Surviving the beach with boy/girl twins and a toddler is no small feat! From packing a cooler and umbrella to dealing with sandy chaos, our neurodivergent family of five learned some key lessons. Whether it’s reapplying sunscreen for the 100th time or laughing off the…
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On the Edge: Navigating the Fine Line Between Reality and ‘Madness’
Navigating the balance between reality and the depths of our minds can be both unnerving and enlightening. Experiencing a sense of detachment from reality, often described as standing on the precipice of insanity, can sometimes indicate underlying mental health conditions such as dissociative disorders or…
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Nicotine: Understanding Its Addictive Nature and Health Impacts
Here, we look at the addictive nature of nicotine, its impact on mental health and relationships, and offer strategies for responsible use and quitting. Discover healthier alternatives to achieve that desired energy boost and learn how to live a more mindful life while managing nicotine…
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Vienna Lane 