We are diving into a topic that affects millions of people worldwide—anxiety. Anxiety is a natural part of being human, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can feel like a constant weight on your shoulders.

We will break down what anxiety really is, how it shows up in our lives, and, most importantly, how to manage it effectively particularly in the teenage years.

We’re diving into confidence and self-esteem—two key ingredients for a fulfilling and balanced life. These qualities not only shape how we see ourselves but also influence how we interact with the world around us.

We’ll explore what confidence and self-esteem really mean, why they’re so important, and practical ways to nurture and grow them.

Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects everyone at some point—friendships and social pressures. We’ll explore how to navigate these relationships while staying true to yourself. Friendships can be a source of joy and support, but they can also bring challenges, especially when social pressures come into play.

Did you know that one in seven young Australians aged 4-17 experiences some forms of reduced mental health each year? With rising rates of anxiety, depression, and stress, it’s more important than ever to provide support and understanding. These episodes are designed to empower teens with insights and strategies to navigate their unique challenges. Let’s work together to support their mental well-being and help them thrive.

ADHD paralysis, also known as task paralysis, refers to the overwhelming feeling of being unable to start or complete tasks, even when they are important or urgent. This is a common experience for individuals with ADHD and is linked to difficulties with executive functioning.

A learning disorder is a neurological condition that affects a child’s ability to acquire, process, or express information. These challenges are not related to intelligence but rather to how the brain processes specific types of information. Learning disorders are more common than many people realise, yet they are often misunderstood.

There are several types of learning disorders, including:

• Dyslexia – Difficulty with reading, spelling, and decoding words.

• Dysgraphia – Challenges with handwriting, spelling, and organising thoughts on paper.

• Dyscalculia – Difficulty understanding numbers, mathematical concepts, and calculations.

When people think of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), they often picture hyperactive and impulsive behaviours. However, the inattentive presentation of ADHD can look very different, particularly in a classroom setting, and is often misunderstood or overlooked.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has long been associated with traits more commonly observed in males, leading to the underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of females. This disparity is due to the unique ways autism presents in girls and women, often referred to as the "female profile of autism."

Placing your Bed in Command Position

My 6 step morning routine to reducing cortisol levels

1. Open up the back door and windows to let the negative energy out that has accumulated overnight and then open up the front door and windows to let in the positive and fresh energy to boost my home and family for the day.

The Bagua Map is a tool that Feng Shui practitioners use to review a home, the 9 guas or zones, and review the energy in the home and how it relates to the different aspects of your life.

The best way to utilise the Bagua Map is to stand in the centre area of your home with a compass.

ADHD- Did you know these facts about ADHD?

- There are 3 types of ADHD.

- A person is born with ADHD, as it is a neurological difference in the wiring of the brain, and it is noted to run in families with a strong heredity component.

- ADHD is not the most ideal name for the difference, it implies that it is a deficit in attention, however what tends if occurs is that those with ADHD may have difficult attending to a non-preferred task, however can focus and hyperfocus on preferred activities or tasks of interest.

4 things I would NOT have in my home as a child psychologist and feng shui practitioner:

1. Loose, unstructured routines and free flowing routines. For neurodivergent families I would recommend clear structures, consistency in routines, and predictability with the day and night.

2. Unlimited device time. For neurodivergent families I would recommend clear structure and limits on device time, when, how long, monitoring and restrictions and the reasons why this is the case.

Can your home assist with your anxiety?

Yes, absolutely and here is how!

To increase the positive energy or chi in your home in order to reduce your level of anxiety try the following:

• Flowers have been scientifically proven to elevate the serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is associated with happiness, focus and calmness. Add a bunch of blooms to your weekly food shopping. At my local supermarket I can pick up a lovely bunch for as little at $8.

• Are you burning candles in the centre of your home?

8 Things to do in the car when anxiety hits on the way to school, an event, work or social activity.

1. Identify you are anxious – label your worry or anxiety, call it out for what it is.

2. Validate that feeling of anxiety – “It is okay to feel anxious. We all experience anxiety”. In fact, we all need a small amount of anxiety in our life to help keep us safe from danger.

3. Identify the trigger – what is making me feel anxious right now?

My Top 3 organisational tips for neurodivergent families:

1. Basic and clear morning and evening routines that state and scaffold the steps involved that are a must be completed guide.

As a child psychologist here are my top 6 things I would do for a child with possible neurodivergence.

1. Seek support from a GP, Paediatrician or Psychologist

2. Validate my child’s feelings and what is going on for them, whether it is worry, big emotions, frustration and anger or feeling overwhelmed.

What is Neurodivergence?

Neurodivergence is a term that you may have heard recently and is an umbrella term that is used to assist in explaining and supporting those in need of support.

What neurodivergence means in simple terms is that an individual has a difference in the wiring of their brain, how their brain works and how their brain interprets the work around them.

My name is Amanda Hawes and I am the owner of The Centred Home and Mind. My goal is to integrate psychology, feng shui and neurodivergence understandings, in a game changing way. I am a psychologist and feng shui practitioner who supports individuals and families to harness the positive energy in their home and minds, and to create a calm world for them to live in.