As the month of May approaches closure, many college students around the country are getting ready to finish the semester, complete their final projects, and take final exams. I happen to be one of those college students. This is my last semester as an undergraduate college student so you can only imagine how much I’m... Continue Reading →
Turning Pages
I am writing this the day before my last ever softball game. I have been playing softball since I was 8 years old, and I am now 22. I was lucky enough to play my sport all through high school, both representing my town and playing around the country with my travel teams, and to... Continue Reading →
Trust Your Gut
Have you ever experienced a strong feeling about something—whether it was a job offer, a relationship, or life decision—without being able to explain why? It’s like your stomach kind of drops and there’s a voice inside your head telling you, “Beware!” or “Go for it!”. That feeling is called your intuition. Although it might not... Continue Reading →
This is AWEsome
Picture this: you’re on a nature walk. You’ve walked about a mile or so through the woods on a sunny summer day. It isn’t too hot because the trees are shading the sun yet allowing a subtle breeze through their leaves. You see an opening in the trees along the path, and as you walk... Continue Reading →
Parenting as a Community
Over the course of this semester, and during my time interning for Olive Branch Counseling Associates, I have been reading the book The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt (2024). The book is about the obvious mental health crisis going on within our youth due to the presence of smartphones and social media. The author provides... Continue Reading →
Autism Acceptance Month
April was Autism Acceptance Month and in honor of this, Olive Branch had an opportunity for anyone in the waiting room to share either a story, a favorite character trait, or the impact that someone had on their life who happens to be on the autism spectrum. People did respond writing one or more notes.... Continue Reading →
Snooze Smarter
Many of us are aware that getting enough sleep each night is essential to your daily physical and cognitive functioning. Our bodies need the right amount of rest so that we can tackle the day-to-day challenges that we face. But have you ever considered that how you sleep is important too? Whether it’s falling asleep... Continue Reading →
Video Games and Male Socialization
Along with technological advancements, gaming companies have enhanced the depth and intensity of video game concepts. Rather than simply overcoming obstacles to progress to the next level, modern video games are more personalized than ever, offering countless ways to shape the game, or the story within the game, based on the player’s choices. Also, with... Continue Reading →
Get Outside!
We did it! We survived the dreadful days of winter and are nearing the end of the unpredictable midwestern spring. It is almost summer! The clouds are parting, and the sun is shining bright. Nature is inviting us to step outside, soak in the sunshine, and reconnect with the world around us. Instead of rushing... Continue Reading →
