If you’ve followed my creative journey for a while, you might recognize my art under different names, including Abby’s Escape. As I’ve grown as an artist and creator, though, I’ve realized that I wanted a name that better represents what my art has become. So, meet Softhearted Studio. A little corner of the internet for art […]
Meet Softhearted Studio: A Softer Home for My Art Read More »
When we hear the words self-care, we often picture bubble baths, skincare routines, candles, journaling, cozy blankets, or taking a mental health day. And those things absolutely can be self-care. But some of the most important forms of self-care are much less exciting. Sometimes self-care is going to bed. Sometimes it’s eating an actual meal instead
The Self-Care Strategies We Don’t Think About Enough Read More »
When we think about mental health self-care, we often think about journaling, therapy, taking breaks, getting enough sleep, or doing something creative. But another part of self-care that can sometimes get overlooked is how we nourish our bodies. Food isn’t a cure for anxiety, and having anxiety doesn’t mean you need to follow a perfect diet.
Mental Health and Eating Well: Simple Food Swaps for Anxiety and Self-Care Read More »
Have you ever been overthinking so much that it feels like your thoughts are bouncing around your brain with nowhere to go? Maybe one thought keeps asking, “What if something goes wrong?” Another keeps reminding you about something embarrassing you did five years ago. And another has already imagined approximately 47 different things that could happen
Turning Your Thoughts Into Characters: Why Doodling Can Be More Than Just Doodling Read More »
Have you ever sat down to draw, paint, journal, or create something and immediately started judging it? That looks terrible. I’m not talented enough. I messed it up. Why can’t I make it look like the picture in my head? Sometimes the hardest part of creating isn’t figuring out what to make. It’s getting past
Let Loose and Just Create: Stop Listening to Your Inner Critic Read More »
You do not have to be an artist to use creativity for emotional healing and self-care. Simple art exercises can help you slow down, understand your feelings, notice positive moments, and look at your experiences from a different perspective. These activities are not about making perfect artwork. They are about using colors, shapes, lines, and
Simple Art Exercises for Mindfulness, Positivity, and Gratitude Read More »
Sometimes, feelings are hard to explain. You know something is bothering you. Your mind might feel crowded, your chest might feel heavy, or you might have a million thoughts bouncing around at once—but when someone asks, “What’s wrong?” you have no idea what to say. Sometimes there simply aren’t words for what we’re feeling. That’s
Let’s talk about therapy. There is still a stigma around going to therapy, especially when you’re dealing with anxiety or another mental illness. Some people think therapy means something is “wrong” with you. Others were raised to believe that personal problems should stay personal or that you should simply tough things out on your own.
The Dos and Don’ts of Therapy: What to Know About Therapy, Anxiety & Mental Illness Read More »
Mental illness isn’t always something you can see. Someone can show up to work, smile at customers, laugh with friends, create things, finish their responsibilities, and still be fighting a battle inside their own mind. That’s one of the biggest things I wish more people understood. Mental illness isn’t just anxiety, either. Depression, panic disorder,
What I Wish More People Understood About Anxiety and Mental Illness Read More »
Have you ever had one of those moments where your brain suddenly starts listing everything you haven’t done? You should be further ahead. You should be making more money. You should be more productive. You should have your life figured out by now. You should be doing more. And before you know it, one thought has turned
How to Pull Yourself Out of a Spiral When You Think You’re Not Doing Enough Read More »
Sometimes our minds are our own biggest critics. One small mistake becomes: “I can’t do anything right.” One unanswered message becomes: “They’re mad at me.” One difficult day becomes: “Everything is going wrong.” I’ve been learning more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) strategies, and one thing that really stands out to me is the idea that
Simple CBT Strategies You Can Practice Every Day Read More »
I used to think positive thinking meant telling yourself, “Everything is fine!” even when everything clearly wasn’t fine. But the more I’ve learned about mental wellness, mindfulness, and CBT strategies, the more I’ve realized that changing your thinking isn’t about pretending life is perfect. It’s about learning that not every thought deserves to be believed. And yes—over time,
Can You Really Rewire Your Mind With Positive Thinking and CBT Strategies? Read More »
