Research, Psychology & Performance Articles

Research-informed articles exploring stress, emotional regulation, burnout, performance psychology, nervous system health, mindset, and sustainable functioning under pressure.

Wellnessmaxxing Is Getting Out of Hand: A Therapist’s Perspective on Feeling Better
Gabrielle-Beth Volovsky Gabrielle-Beth Volovsky

Wellnessmaxxing Is Getting Out of Hand: A Therapist’s Perspective on Feeling Better

Self-care is supposed to help you feel better—not become another thing you feel guilty about.

In recent years, wellness culture has exploded. Morning routines, journalling, meditation, breathwork, supplements, sleep trackers, exercise plans and endless self-improvement advice all promise a healthier, happier version of you. Individually, many of these practices are genuinely helpful. But together, they can quietly become another source of pressure.

In this article, I explore the rise of wellnessmaxxing, why perfectionistic self-care often backfires, what psychology tells us about sustainable wellbeing, and how to build a healthier relationship with the tools that are meant to support you.

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The Real Reason You Feel Lost Might Not Be a Lack of Purpose
Gabrielle-Beth Volovsky Gabrielle-Beth Volovsky

The Real Reason You Feel Lost Might Not Be a Lack of Purpose

Feeling lost is not always a sign that you are broken, behind, or failing. Sometimes it is a signal that you have been outsourcing your direction, ignoring your values, or waiting for certainty before taking the next step. This article explores why you may still feel lost, how self-trust develops, and how to begin working with your inner compass in a grounded, practical way.

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Why You Don’t Trust Yourself

Why You Don’t Trust Yourself

Many people believe they have a confidence problem when the real issue is often self-trust. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience and psychotherapy, this article explores why intelligent, capable people become stuck in overthinking, self-doubt and certainty-seeking, and how learning to trust yourself may matter more than learning to feel confident.

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Why Do I Overthink Everything? When Your Mind Is Trying to Protect You
Gabrielle-Beth Volovsky Gabrielle-Beth Volovsky

Why Do I Overthink Everything? When Your Mind Is Trying to Protect You

Do you replay conversations, second-guess decisions, or struggle to switch your mind off? Overthinking is not always simply a bad habit. Sometimes, it is the mind’s attempt to create certainty, avoid rejection, or protect you from being caught off guard. In this article, Gabrielle explores overthinking through attachment, anxiety and emotional regulation - and offers practical ways to begin responding differently.

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