Latest news with #emotionalwellbeing
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
2 days ago
- Health
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
Why Neuroarchitecture Is The Latest Interiors Trend
At E+A Studio, architecture meets neuroscience. Founder Evgeniia Molchanova pioneers neuroarchitecture in Dubai, designing emotionally intelligent spaces that soothe the nervous system, inspire connection, and promote wellbeing through science-backed design In a world where much of our environment is constructed, designed, and curated, few architectural practices pause to ask a critical question: How does a space make you feel? Evgeniia Molchanova, founder and architect of E+A Studio, believes this question is central to the future of design. With a unique blend of architectural expertise and fine arts sensitivity, Molchanova has dedicated her career to neuroarchitecture, the innovative discipline that fuses neuroscience with architectural design to create spaces that support emotional wellbeing, shape behaviour, and enhance our connection to the world around us. At E+A, 'we don't just design spaces—we design how people feel inside them,' Molchanova explains. Her journey began with a deep curiosity about why certain places anchor us, inspire us, or make us feel at ease, while others quietly drain our energy or stir unease. 'I was fortunate to grow up exploring various art forms, drawing, sculpture, and performance, which naturally developed my emotional awareness,' she says. This emotional sensitivity, she realised, was crucial to understanding the 'invisible' qualities of space: its energy, atmosphere, and how it influences people subconsciously. Surprisingly, when Molchanova entered architecture school, she found the emotional and behavioural dimensions of design were often neglected. The curriculum emphasised structure, proportion, and aesthetics but rarely addressed how architecture affects mental states or nervous system responses. This gap propelled her into the field of neuroarchitecture, which combines psychology, physiology, sociology, and cognitive science to explore the powerful ways environments shape human experience. 'Neuroarchitecture gives us a language and a scientific framework for what I had long felt intuitively,' Molchanova reflects. 'It's about more than how a space looks. It's about how it influences mood, attention, stress levels, memory, and social connection.' In a world saturated with stimuli, environments are like the food we consume: they can nourish or deplete us. Unfortunately, many spaces function like 'fast food', designed for visual appeal but stripped of deeper psychological nutrients, leading to overstimulation or mental dulling. Design, Molchanova emphasises, is never passive. It either supports our biology or disrupts it. 'Our bodies and minds are in constant conversation with the space around us. We scan for safety, openness, rhythm, and balance, often unconsciously,' she explains. Poorly designed environments elevate stress, reduce focus, and increase fatigue, with effects spilling over into how we work, rest, and relate to others. This understanding places emotional and neurological intelligence at the heart of architectural responsibility. Molchanova also points out that her design process starts with intent rather than form. 'We ask: what emotional and behavioural impact do we want this space to have? Do we want people to relax or energise? To linger or move quickly? To connect or find solitude?' This clarity informs everything from the sensory palette to spatial layout. The studio studies end-users carefully, co-develops goals with clients, and designs subtle sensory cues such as lighting, textures, and spatial rhythms to support the desired experience. This approach is not linear but iterative. 'We gather feedback, observe how people behave post-occupancy, and stay flexible. Adjustments and refinements are part of the process,' says Molchanova. The final space might appear conventionally beautiful, but something deeper is at work: an invisible shift in how the nervous system settles, or how the mind clears. 'That's when we know the space is truly doing its job.' Several projects illustrate E+A's philosophy in action. The Satwa Streets initiative transformed a bustling urban area lacking calm into a series of sheltered pockets with seating and greenery. These micro-interventions create 'affordances', spatial invitations to pause, breathe, and connect. Research confirms that perceived safety encourages social openness and belonging, and Molchanova often observes people using these spaces exactly as intended, providing real-time validation of the design's emotional impact. Meanwhile, the Palm Jumeirah Villa exemplifies spatial serenity and sensory restoration. The design gently guides the eye from the garden through the architecture toward the Gulf, employing natural materials, water features, and minimal visual noise to foster spaciousness not just in form but internally. 'This home doesn't perform; it holds. It soothes,' Molchanova says. 'That was our intention from the very beginning.' While neuroarchitecture is gaining traction globally, Molchanova acknowledges it is still emerging, especially in regions where fast urbanisation and industrial-scale construction dominate. 'For decades, architecture focused on scale, speed, and visuals. Now we're seeing the psychological costs—burnout, anxiety, emotional detachment,' she says. More people are waking up to the reality that space is never neutral. It either amplifies who we are or slowly erodes our wellbeing. The practical benefits of neuroarchitecture are increasingly clear: it can boost focus and clarity in offices, accelerate healing in hospitals, foster community in public realms, and improve sleep and memory in homes. 'It adds a measurable layer of impact beyond form and function,' Molchanova notes. 'Good design uplifts quietly, while bad design wears us down over time.' However, this approach also faces challenges. Awareness remains limited, with many unable to grasp how deeply space affects their brain states and biology. There's a misconception that neuroscience-informed design is costly, yet when executed well, it often reduces waste and long-term expense through better upfront decisions. Methodologically, neuroarchitecture demands custom solutions tailored to each project's unique users and context, which requires experience and flexibility. Real-world constraints, budgets, timelines, and urban density also shape the process. Despite these hurdles, Molchanova is confident that emotional and neurological intelligence in design is essential, not optional. 'When you understand the true cost of poorly designed environments, you realise this isn't an extra, it's foundational to human wellbeing.' As E+A Studio continues to champion neuroarchitecture, it offers a vital reminder that at the end of the day architecture is not just about buildings. It's about the invisible, transformative experience of feeling at home in the spaces we inhabit, spaces that hold us, inspire us, and help us thrive.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Boomers Refuse To Waste Their Energy On These Things Anymore
Boomers have been around long enough to know what's worth the stress—and what's a total waste of time. They've seen the cultural pendulum swing back and forth, and they've come to the quiet, liberating realization: not everything deserves their energy. If you think they're just 'set in their ways,' you're missing the point—this is wisdom, earned through trial, error, and decades of watching fads fade. These aren't just random choices; they're survival strategies. Boomers have stopped bending over backwards for things that once seemed important but now feel like noise. Here are 14 things they're done wasting their energy on—and honestly, the rest of us could probably take a few notes. Boomers have learned the hard way that not everyone will like you, no matter how much you contort yourself to fit their expectations. They spent years navigating workplaces, families, and friendships where approval felt like currency, but now they know it's overrated. The freedom of not giving a damn is something you can only earn with time. Research from Harvard Health even suggests that letting go of the need for approval is key to emotional well-being. They're no longer chasing validation from people who wouldn't show up for them in a real crisis. Their circle may be smaller, but it's solid. And they're not interested in wasting energy on the opinions of people who don't matter. From diet fads to fashion statements to the latest TikTok 'must-try,' Boomers have seen it all—and they're over it. They know trends come and go, but confidence is timeless. Chasing relevance is exhausting, and they'd rather spend their energy on what feels good, not what's trending. Let the younger generations scramble for the next big thing—Boomers are busy enjoying the classics. They've learned that style is personal, not performative. And they're not losing sleep over being 'on trend' anymore. After decades of climbing the ladder, Boomers have figured out that work doesn't have to define you. They're done with the relentless grind, the unpaid overtime, the performative ambition that leads to nowhere but burnout. They know success isn't about titles—it's about how you feel when you wake up every morning. Forbes reports that many Boomers are now redefining retirement and work-life balance, focusing more on fulfillment than on traditional career milestones. Perfection is an illusion, and they've let it go. They're focusing on what matters—like spending time with family, traveling, and finally doing the things they put off for too long. The job will never love you back, and Boomers aren't forgetting that anymore. Boomers are done with the façade of perfection. They've lived long enough to know everyone is winging it, and trying to seem flawless is a waste of precious energy. They'd rather be real than polished. As noted by Psychology Today, embracing vulnerability and authenticity leads to stronger connections and greater personal satisfaction. There's power in admitting you don't know everything, in asking for help, in showing your messy, human side. Boomers aren't afraid to own their flaws anymore. And they've learned that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. They've raised kids, paid mortgages, buried loved ones, and watched their bodies change—and they're not here to take advice from people who haven't walked in their shoes. They've learned to trust their gut, even when it goes against the grain. The noise of judgment fades when you stop giving it air. Boomers aren't explaining themselves anymore. They know their life isn't up for debate. And if you don't get it, that's your problem. The highlight reels, the endless scrolling, the performative posting—it's exhausting, and Boomers have opted out. They're not here for the dopamine hits or the follower counts. They know that real life happens off the screen, and that's where they'd rather be. Sure, they'll check in occasionally—but they're not letting algorithms dictate their worth. They're more interested in meaningful conversations than curated feeds. And they'd rather call a friend than comment on a post. Boomers know the body they have today is the one that carried them through decades of living, loving, and surviving. They're done with the constant critique, the fad diets, the exhausting chase for a number on the scale. They're not here to shrink themselves anymore—they're here to live. This isn't about letting themselves go—it's about letting go of shame. They're focusing on feeling good, not looking 'perfect.' And that shift is radical in a world obsessed with youth. Boomers have learned that you can't save people who don't want to be saved. They've tried—the unsolicited advice, the endless support, the emotional labor—but it only drains them. They know everyone has to walk their own path. Their energy is precious, and they're not wasting it on fixing lives that aren't theirs to fix. They'll be there for the people who meet them halfway, but they're not carrying anyone else's baggage. That's not selfish—it's survival. Life is too short, and Boomers know it. They're not holding onto resentment like it's a prize—it's heavy, and they're putting it down. They've learned that forgiveness isn't about condoning—it's about freeing themselves from the weight of anger. Grudges keep you stuck, and they're not staying stuck for anyone. They've seen what happens when bitterness takes root, and they're choosing peace instead. That's a hard-won lesson only time can teach. Boomers are done shrinking themselves to make others comfortable. They've earned the right to speak up, to show up, and to take up space—without apology. They're not asking permission to exist. They've spent too much of their lives making themselves small. Now, they're living unapologetically, without worrying about who it might upset. That's not rudeness—it's self-respect. They've been polite, agreeable, and accommodating for decades—and it hasn't always served them. Boomers know that sometimes, 'nice' is just another word for being a doormat. They're done with the performative pleasantries that cost them their boundaries. They're not rude—they're clear. And clarity is a form of kindness. They've learned that saying 'no' is an act of self-preservation, not selfishness. Boomers have been in enough debates to know when a conversation is worth having—and when it's just noise. They're not wasting breath on people who refuse to learn, grow, or see beyond their own bias. The energy it takes to argue with the willfully ignorant? Not worth it. They'll speak their truth, but they're not chasing after people who aren't listening. Their peace is worth more than being 'right.' And they've learned that walking away is sometimes the smartest thing you can do. Boomers have watched generations grind themselves into the ground chasing an impossible standard of 'doing more.' They've realized that rest isn't laziness—it's fuel. And they're not measuring their worth by how many tasks they can cram into a day. They know the world won't collapse if they slow down. They're done equating exhaustion with virtue. And they're choosing a slower, more intentional pace over burnout. Boomers have lived long enough to know that control is an illusion. They've watched plans unravel, unexpected events rewrite their lives, and things happen that no amount of preparation could prevent. They're not wasting energy on micromanaging the future. Instead, they're focusing on what they can control: their mindset, their choices, their reactions. The rest? They're letting it go. And that's the ultimate freedom.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
13 'Harmless' Behaviors That Feel Threatening To Vulnerable People
Some people live life with the volume turned all the way up—bold, blunt, and 'just being honest.' But for others—those who've lived through trauma, heartbreak, or chronic invalidation—the world feels like a constant tightrope. What seems harmless to you might feel like an emotional gut-punch to them. It's not about fragility—it's about the way certain behaviors echo old wounds, setting off quiet alarms that no one else hears. These aren't about coddling or oversensitivity. They're a reality check: the small, everyday things that can make vulnerable people shrink back, shut down, or start to wonder if they're safe at all. You think it's lighthearted. They hear: You're weird, you don't belong, and we're laughing at you, not with you. Even when it's said with a smile, playful teasing about quirks, bodies, or habits can instantly trigger feelings of shame, this article in Verywell Mind explains. Vulnerable people—especially those who've been belittled before—feel the sting deep in their bones. It's not about being 'too sensitive.' It's about knowing what it feels like to be the punchline for years on end. That casual hand on the shoulder, the unexpected hug, the too-long handshake—it might feel warm and friendly to you. But for someone with trauma, especially around bodily autonomy, it can feel suffocating or even panic-inducing. The lack of warning is the problem. Consent isn't just for the bedroom—it's for any form of touch. For vulnerable people, uninvited contact is a boundary violation, no matter how 'harmless' it seems. That sarcastic comment about how they're 'always late' or 'never follow through'? You might think you're being playful, but it's landing like a backhanded slap. This article in HuffPost explains that vulnerable people often read between the lines—because they've had to—and it can trigger old patterns of criticism. It's not just what you say, it's how you say it. And when someone already feels fragile, 'joking' tones can feel like daggers. Casually mentioning your political rage, your friend's cancer diagnosis, or an existential crisis over dinner might feel like normal conversation to you. But to someone already overwhelmed, it's emotional whiplash. Vulnerable people need a heads-up before deep-diving into the heavy stuff. What feels like 'real talk' to you might feel like a sudden emotional ambush to someone else. Few phrases are as instantly invalidating as 'calm down' according to Best Therapists. You might think you're soothing, but to a vulnerable person, it sounds like: Your feelings don't matter. You're overreacting. Shut up. It shuts the door on whatever they were trying to express. For someone who's been silenced before, this phrase is a shutdown—plain and simple. You may think you're just excited, or adding to the conversation. But when you interrupt, especially repeatedly, it can feel like you're saying: What you have to say doesn't matter. For vulnerable people, this can reinforce deep-seated feelings of invisibility. It's not about policing every conversation. It's about being mindful that your voice isn't the only one that matters. Whether it's mental health, family struggles, or financial stress, some topics should be approached with care—not as punchlines. A joke about therapy or a casual dig at 'crazy exes' might seem funny to you. But to someone still healing, it feels like a reminder of the stigma they've been battling. Humor has its place according to the experts at Pysch Central. But it should never come at the expense of someone else's pain. You might think you're being helpful, but jumping in with solutions when no one asked feels patronizing. It can send the message: I know better than you. You're not handling your life right. Vulnerable people, especially those who've been dismissed before, often hear this as yet another way they're not measuring up. Sometimes, support looks like listening, not fixing. Saying 'don't worry about it' or 'it's not that serious' might feel like reassurance to you. But to someone vulnerable, it sounds like minimization—and it can deepen the sense that their pain doesn't matter. It leaves them feeling isolated in their emotions. Validation doesn't mean agreeing—it means saying, I see that this is hard for you. Your energy might just be high, your voice naturally booming. But to someone who's already on edge, a sudden shift in volume or tone can feel jarring. Vulnerable people often have heightened nervous systems—they pick up on small shifts and can be easily startled. It's not about policing your tone. It's about being aware that some spaces—and some people—need softness. This isn't a harmless observation—it's a dismissal. It tells vulnerable people they're the problem for having feelings, for being impacted. And it reinforces the internal voice that says, You're too much. Shrink down. No one likes feeling like their emotions are a flaw. Especially people who've spent their lives being told just that. That wild story about a bar fight or a disturbing news article? It might be fascinating to you—but it can be triggering to someone else. Vulnerable people often carry trauma, and you never know what might hit too close to home. Check in before sharing details that could activate someone's nervous system. A little mindfulness goes a long way. Saying 'I'm never speaking to you again' or 'I'll just ghost you' as a joke can feel like a casual quip to you. But to someone with abandonment trauma? It's a lightning bolt to the chest. It reinforces deep fears of rejection, even if you didn't mean it that way. For some people, 'jokes' about leaving aren't funny. They're reminders of what they've already survived.
New York Times
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Divorcing? There's a Coach for That.
When Rachel Lindsay, the star of Season 13 of 'The Bachelorette,' and Bryan Abasolo, the contestant she married, finalized their divorce in January, Mr. Abasolo took to Instagram to share the emotional toll of the split. He had been 'emotionally and psychologically beaten down,' he said, and offered advice to others navigating similar challenges: 'If thinking of separating, find a divorce coach.' In 2023, he began working with Rene Garcia, a divorce and recovery coach based in Miami and Los Angeles, to form 'an objective opinion' and gain 'guidance' when he was deciding to file for divorce. He and Ms. Lindsay had married in 2019. Mr. Abasolo's public endorsement of divorce coaching reflects a broader shift in how some couples choose to approach ending their marriage. As divorce rates remain between 40 and 50 percent for first marriages in the United States, and the stigma surrounding divorce lessens, the demand for personalized support in uncoupling is growing. Mr. Garcia, who works with people worldwide and has been in practice since 2021, has supported more than 200 clients in navigating and emotionally recovering from divorce. His services include access to learning modules and videos on well-being and dating, one-on-one coaching sessions as part of a tailored package, and 24-hour availability for urgent assistance, as well as resource support like finding a lawyer or mediator. But Mr. Garcia doesn't accept everyone who reaches out for a consultation. He only works with male clients who have already decided they want to file for divorce, and he requires that potential clients complete a comprehensive questionnaire to better understand their physical and emotional health. 'I turn clients away who I don't think I'm going to be much of a benefit to,' said Mr. Garcia, whose rates start at $1,600. On average, divorce coaches charge between $50 and $300 per hour, with some, like Mr. Garcia, offering fixed-fee packages. The overall duration and cost of divorce coach services ultimately depend on a client's needs and stage of the divorce. It's Not Therapy In Mr. Garcia's practice, he makes it clear to clients that divorce coaching is not therapy. Divorce often unfolds in two distinct phases: the legal dissolution itself and the recovery that follows. The earlier stage — when individuals are still contemplating whether to end their marriage — is generally better suited for therapy, Mr. Garcia said. While some divorce coaches might assist with paperwork, prepping clients for mediation, or helping with co-parenting plans, Mr. Garcia focuses on the emotional recovery aspect. This can include devising a plan to deal with newfound loneliness, creating a fitness regimen to remain physically and mentally healthy, or helping set up a new dating app profile. Another key distinction, Mr. Garcia said, is that while some therapists may not have gone through divorce themselves, many divorce coaches — including him — have. That firsthand experience, he said, provides valuable insight when dealing with complex, high-stakes situations like custody battles, restraining orders, and relocation. Alexa Wolkoff, a licensed clinical social worker and a divorce coach based in Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., has been coaching for five years. Her interest in the industry peaked in 2017, when custody issues with her ex-husband led her to seek support with her divorce agreement. She joined One Mom's Battle, an organization that supports women navigating separation. When the opportunity arose to train under one of the organization's leaders, Ms. Wolkoff decided to pursue certification as a divorce coach. Ms. Wolkoff has coached nearly 25 women contemplating or pursuing divorce and leads divorce support groups. 'Often people come to me when they're having some sort of crisis, whether there's a stall in the divorce proceedings, or a violation of the agreement, or some sort of fear about going to court,' Ms. Wolkoff said. Working as both a therapist and a divorce coach, she believes both practitioners are essential in building a support team. Do Your Research Although many people could benefit from working with a divorce coach, the profession remains relatively unknown to the general public. Matt Cheresh, 73, a retired chief executive in Bellingham, Wash., first contacted Kira Gould, a certified divorce coach based in Los Angeles, in 2019 after stumbling upon her website when searching for tips on how to cope during a divorce. What formed was a three-year relationship filled with multiple one-on-one sessions, check-ins, and homework that Mr. Cheresh said validated his decisions and held him accountable. He has since referred Ms. Gould to friends navigating separations. Yet as the popularity of divorce coaching grows, individuals seeking support should be cautious. Unlike therapy or counseling, divorce coaching is largely unregulated, allowing anyone to market themselves as a divorce coach without formal training or certification. Ms. Gould, who completed the Certified Divorce Coach Program in 2015 and has since worked with more than 200 clients, recommends asking for referrals, reading reviews, and having a consultation. 'I think it's really important to have a personal connection with the person who's going to be helping you,' she said. Support during a divorce is crucial, whether it comes from a therapist, certified divorce financial analyst, lawyer, mediator, or divorce coach, Ms. Gould said. 'You're creating a team when you're going through divorce, and you're going to have a number of professionals helping you, but the head of the team should always be the client,' she said. 'This is your life, your divorce, your process.'
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Man Says His Girlfriend Let Her Ex Move in with Them — and Doesn't Understand Why He Doesn't Want to Live There Anymore
A man said that his girlfriend bought a home last year, and he moved in with her — but she then told him her ex would also be moving in to help co-parent the daughter they share The man said that it soon became clear that his girlfriend's ex 'still had feelings' for her, and so he opted to move out to protect his 'mental and emotional well-being' The man, who shared his story on Reddit, added his girlfriend is now 'upset' — but his fellow Redditors say he should end the relationship immediatelyA man said that his girlfriend let her ex move into the home they share, and she doesn't understand why he's not okay with it. The man detailed his experience on the Reddit forum, 'Am I the A------,' a place where Reddit users can go to seek input and advice about interpersonal conflicts. In his post, the man explained that his girlfriend, whom he says has a 10-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, bought a house last year, and 'I moved in with her.' The man added that while he is not on the deed or mortgage, he was 'happy to contribute to the household,' noting that up until recently he was contributing about $2,000 per month towards the $5,000 mortgage. He says that 'things were going well' — until his girlfriend informed him that she 'was going to let her ex (her daughter's father) move in to help with co-parenting.' 'I wasn't excited about the idea, but I tried to be understanding since I know how important stability is for their daughter,' the original poster continued. However, the OP said that he eventually started feeling like a 'third wheel' in the home. 'It became clear that her ex still had feelings for her. He was overly familiar and acted like he was still part of the relationship. It made me very uncomfortable,' he wrote. The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now! The Redditor said that he ultimately decided to move out 'for my own mental and emotional well-being,' but his girlfriend is now 'upset' that he is no longer living there or contributing to the mortgage. 'I've told her that I'm not comfortable living in the same house as her ex, and that I don't feel it's fair to keep financially supporting a property I don't have any ownership in, especially under these circumstances,' he explained. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. 'I care about her and her daughter, but I also need to look after my own financial and emotional health,' the man wrote at the end of his post, adding, 'AITA [am I the a------]?' The vast majority of commenters said that think the poster should completely move on from this relationship, with a number of them theorizing that the girlfriend may be using him. 'This woman is using both of you to pay her mortgage. She's playing games for financial gain,' one person replied. 'NTA [not the a------],' someone else said, adding, 'But you are a chump. Girlfriend has her ex move back in — that alone is enough to break up.' 'NTA. You're not on the mortgage, and you're not currently living there. Cut and dry,' another commenter wrote. Read the original article on People
