Dr Elizma van der Smit

Blog by Dr Elizma van der Smit

Box-breathing: An effective technique for anger and stress

25.05.25 05:31 AM - By Dr Elizma van der Smit - Comment(s)
Box-breathing: An effective technique for anger and stress

According to betterhealth.vic.gov.au, when a person is under stress, their breathing pattern changes. Typically, an anxious or angry person takes small, shallow breaths, using their shoulders rather than their diaphragm to move air in and out of their lungs. This style of breathing disrupts the bala...

Are you catastrophizing?

17.05.25 03:00 AM - By Dr Elizma van der Smit - Comment(s)
Are you catastrophizing?

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where a simple sneeze felt like the prelude to a global pandemic? Or when your Wi-Fi drops for five seconds, and you immediately assume you're living in a post-apocalyptic world without the internet? Welcome to the wonderfully chaotic realm of catastrophiz...

The Connection Between Shame and Anger

11.05.25 03:31 AM - By Dr Elizma van der Smit - Comment(s)
The Connection Between Shame and Anger

Shame and anger are two powerful emotions that can often feel like opposing forces, yet they are intricately connected and can influence one another in profound ways. Understanding this relationship is essential for personal growth, emotional regulation, and healthier interactions with others.

 

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We ALL Flip Our Lid Sometimes! Why do we get TRIGGERED?

04.05.25 04:24 AM - By Dr Elizma van der Smit - Comment(s)
We ALL Flip Our Lid Sometimes! Why do we get TRIGGERED?

We now know, people with histories of trauma can be ‘triggered’ in the present moment by traumatic memories of the past. Have you ever reacted with tremendous rage or recoiled in anxiety or shame to an event that didn’t demand such an extreme reaction? Do you sometimes wonder why you become highly e...

Do you have sneaky anger?

28.04.25 04:22 AM - By Dr Elizma van der Smit - Comment(s)
Do you have sneaky anger?

Sneaky anger is like that mischievous little gremlin that hides in the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to pounce! Imagine you’re at a party, surrounded by friends. Everything seems great, but then someone makes a comment that rubs you the wrong way. Instead of exploding like a shaken soda ca...