WikiHow Expert and Co-Author

Alexandra Janelli

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Alexandra has co-authored the following articles with WikiHow

30+ Entertaining & Refreshing Things to Do on a Sunday

Need a little inspiration for your Sunday activities? No problem. When you’re unsure what to do, it’s easy to feel like you’ve wasted your precious weekend—which is why it can help to have a few concrete ideas at your disposal so you can make a plan. Whether you’re looking for something social, outdoorsy, active, or relaxing, we’ve got you covered! Read on for a list of suggestions on how to fill your Sunday with everything from productive chores and tasks to entertaining activities.

What is an Alpha Female (and Could You Be One Yourself)?

"Alpha female" is a phrase that gets used a lot in pop culture, but what does it really mean? Is there actual science behind the concept, or is it just a social construct? If you're looking for answers, you've come to the right place. In this article, we'll explain exactly what "alpha female" means, outline the personality traits that define this type of woman, and touch on how to embody these traits yourself.

How to Help Someone Having a Panic Attack Over Text

It's upsetting when someone you care about is having an anxiety attack and you're not there in person to help. Fortunately, even over text, there are still things you can say to help them calm down and feel better. Finding the right words isn't always easy though, so we've put together some example texts you can send your loved one. Keep reading for specific examples of genuinely helpful things to say to someone over text when they’re experiencing a panic attack. This article is based on an interview with our certified hypnotherapist and anxiety and stress management coach, Alexandra Janelli, owner and founder of Modrn Sanctuary.

How to Accept the 30 Year Old Milestone

It's always hard to accept hitting milestone birthdays. Thirty may be especially difficult because it's the first time many people begin to consider the fact that they are aging and mortal. In addition, some people may begin to think about achievements, goals, and failures, which can make turning thirty more daunting. However, by confronting your impending birthday and embracing your thirties, you can not only accept but also enjoy getting a little older.

Good Girl Syndrome: What It Means (and 6 Signs You Have It)

If you’re a people pleaser who constantly puts the needs of others before your own, this article is for you. Historically, women have been raised to be warm, obedient, and selfless leading to a complex called “good girl syndrome”, or the need to prioritize the needs of others and avoid conflict for fear of rejection. In this article, we’ll teach you exactly what “good girl syndrome” might look like in your life. Plus, we’ll provide powerful tips to help you break out of the “good girl” cycle. Read on for self-empowerment!

How to Perform Hypnosis

Curious about the process of performing hypnosis? In this article, we'll explain how to get someone into a hypnotic state, suggest things you can try during hypnosis, and walk you through how to bring someone safely out of trance. What you do beyond that is up to you, and only limited by your imagination.

This article is based on an interview with our certified hypnotherapist, anxiety and stress management coach, Alexandra Janelli, owner and founder of Modrn Sanctuary.

How to Manage Your Partner's Family Gathering with Social Anxiety

Your social anxiety may be triggered just by thought of going to your partner's next family gathering. To manage these feelings and communicate effectively, make sure to talk openly with your partner about your social anxiety and situations that may trigger your anxious feelings. Focus on ways to make the social situation less about you, and more about getting to know other people. Regardless of how the event goes, it's important to take care of yourself and feel more in control of your anxiety.

How to Overcome Trypophobia

Trypophobia is a relatively new term used to describe a fear of clusters of holes. People who suffer from trypophobia have an irrational fear of clusters of holes that causes them to experience anxiety and other negative effects. The effects can range from mild to severe and different types of holes may trigger the phobia.[1] If you are suffering from trypophobia and it is affecting your daily life, you should seek help from a mental health professional as soon as possible. Keep reading to learn more about how to overcome trypophobia.

How to Be a Normal Teen (Girls)

Are you tired of being criticized for not being a normal teen? Do you want to know how to be a normal teen? This article will show you how to be a normal teen.

How to Lose Weight Using Self Hypnosis

Some experts suggest that you can, through the power of hypnosis, rewire your subconscious to reduce your appetite and increase your motivation to live a healthier lifestyle. The science on this is unclear, with some studies suggesting it is effective and others that it has a minimal impact.[1][2] Either way it does not hurt, so it might be worth a try for adventurous dieters.

How to Make Yourself Sleep Using Hypnosis

Whether you suffer from insomnia or are just feeling overwhelmed with the stress of day-to-day life, falling asleep may not be as simple as lying down and closing your eyes. Too many distractions and stressful thoughts can interfere with your ability to give your body the rest it needs. Hypnosis can help you disengage from distracting thoughts, and it can be done with a professional or alone in your home. Most experts recommend a combination of relaxation, focus of attention, suggestion, and imagery to achieve a state of hypnosis.[1] The following guide will walk you through these steps and offer additional lifestyle tips to help you relax and transition into a soothing sleep state.

This article is based on an interview with our certified hypnotherapist, anxiety and stress management coach, Alexandra Janelli, owner and founder of Modrn Sanctuary. Check out the full interview here.

What is Emotional Dumping? Your Questions Answered

You may have heard of the term “emotional dumping” before, but it seems like everyone has a different take on what it means. Is it positive, negative, or something in between? And, how can you recognize when it’s happening? In this article, we’ll go over the definition and common signs of emotional dumping (plus, how it’s different from venting). We'll also talk about ways you can set boundaries around this behavior and how to stop emotional dumping if you find yourself doing it.

How to Deal With a B as a Straight A Student

Getting a B grade when striving to achieve straight A's can be discouraging. The feelings of disappointment that a person feels when falling short of a goal are normal. Moving forward, staying positive and working to regain your motivation and high level of academic excellence are some good ways that you can deal with getting a B.

How to Cope with Weather Phobias

If you have a fear of certain weather conditions, it may severely limit your life. It can be difficult to manage the fear of weather because you cannot avoid it or escape it readily. Coping with weather phobias means accepting that the weather is out of your control and by finding ways to cope with your anxiety.

How to Desensitize Yourself from Emotional Pain

In life, we experience many painful situations like being hated, ignored, tested, misunderstood, underestimated, mocked, troubled and many more. Many of these are not due to our mistakes either. Some people come close, bond and then hurt you and leave. If you don't deserve it, you should not be treated this way. This is to say that pain from any source could be kept away if you are alert of the following things.

How to Find Hobbies During Coronavirus Lockdown

The COVID-19 outbreak has likely brought a lot frustrating and unexpected changes to your daily life, especially if you’re the type of person who likes to be out and about. While there’s definitely no replacement for getting together with friends, you may be surprised at how many ways you can pass the time from the comfort of your own home. Try out different activities until you find a really entertaining and fulfilling hobby that you enjoy!

How to Fall Asleep by Having Someone Else Hypnotize You

Most people have heard of using hypnosis to battle insomnia. It’s fairly common to listen to audio recordings to self-hypnotize for a better night’s sleep. But what about having someone else do it? Grab a friend or relative and show them this article so you can start getting better rest tonight. It’s good to know how to do this, whether someone is helping you get to sleep or you’re doing the hypnotizing.

This article is based on an interview with our certified hypnotherapist, anxiety and stress management coach, Alexandra Janelli, owner and founder of Modrn Sanctuary. Check out the full interview here.

Worried You’re Being Gaslighted? Here’s How to Tell for Sure (and How to Respond)

Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse that makes you feel like you’re going crazy—as if your thoughts, feelings, and observations are wrong. Though it can be overt, gaslighting is often subtle and hard to detect. Worried that’s it happening to you? We’ve put together a list of subtle signs of gaslighting. Keep reading to learn how to recognize these signs, and how to respond to them so that you can protect yourself and push back.

How to Deal with a Fear of Nuclear War

During times of political unrest, it's easy to get caught up imagining worst case scenarios. While nuclear weaponry is a serious concern, dwelling on the fear of nuclear war will leave you feeling helpless and paralyzed. Luckily, there are many ways to address your fears and challenge your negative thoughts. Put your fears in historical context, talk to a therapist or a sympathetic friend, and take some time off from news media. Remember, you can't control something by worrying about it.

How to Present Yourself

How you present yourself to others makes an enormous difference in how you view yourself. With the right mindset, confidence, look and behavior you can improve your self-image and feel your best. Take a look at the tips in this article and change your life for the better.

How to Overcome the Sunday Night Blues

If you often feel anxious, sad, or depressed on Sundays, you may suffer from the Sunday night blues. If so, you're not alone. Surveys show that around 60% of Americans have significant Sunday Blues [1] and German and Swedish researchers have determined that Sunday is statistically the least happy day of the week.[2] You can overcome them by getting organized on Friday and Saturday, creating pleasant rituals for Sunday and Monday, and, if that doesn't work, seeking professional counseling to help you overcome the blues and end your weekend on a happier note.

How to Improve Confidence as a Weak Student

Maintaining confidence when you're working on academic improvement can be hard. But once you start focusing on building on your strengths and tackling small goals, your confidence will grow. After all, greater grades can make a more confident student.

Angel Number 616: Why Are You Seeing It & What Does It Mean?

First, you saw the address 616 walking down the street, then your total rang up to $6.16 at the grocery store—does 616 mean something? The good news is 616 is a highly positive message, and if you’ve been seeing it everywhere recently, the universe might be trying to send you a message. In this article, we’ll walk you through all the potential meanings of seeing the angel number 616 and provide advice on harnessing its good vibes. Read on for a spiritual summary!

How to Embrace Your 30s and Not Fear Getting Older

So you’re thirty years old. You made it! While you may have mixed feelings about turning thirty, there’s a lot to be positive about. You’re coming into your own and finally know what you want. You’re no longer a twenty-something year old kid, and you don’t have to live for anyone else now. Turning thirty doesn’t mean you have to stop learning, growing, or having fun. Embrace your thirties as a chance to live more deliberately, get your finances in order, and come to terms with your fears of growing older. After all, you can have fun and enjoy life to its fullest at any age.

How to Decrease Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety disorders are the most common form of mental illness in the US, so you’re not alone.[1] Anxiety and depression also frequently come hand and hand, so chances are if you have anxiety, you have depression, and vice versa. We know that dealing with anxiety and depression is no fun. Fortunately, there are ways you can decrease your anxiety and depression, such as through making lifestyle changes and trying different coping techniques. Give some of the ideas on this list a shot to help yourself start feeling better today.

How to Keep a Positive Outlook in Life

In a cluttered world full of anxiety and stress, it is easy to feel that you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. You fill up your calendar and rush from one activity to another as if taking time to rest and reflect is forbidden. You then find yourself asking why life is so stressful and hard. The key to disengaging from the fast pace and stress is to take the time to develop and maintain a positive outlook on life. Positivity may not complete your task list, but it will change how you move through it and through life.

How to Deal with Being Nervous

Feeling nervous is perfectly normal. In fact, everybody experiences nervous jitters from time to time, they just learn to hide it well. Whether you’re preparing for a big event or dealing with a surprise situation, there are several things you can do to manage your nerves and keep them from getting out of hand.

This article is based on an interview with our certified hypnotherapist, anxiety and stress management coach, Alexandra Janelli, owner and founder of Modrn Sanctuary. Check out the full interview here.

How to Stop Feeling Worried About Going to School on Monday

Going back to school each week can be a major cause for worry, especially if you have an upcoming test or difficulty with your peers. But, there are things you can do to relax and ease your Sunday night jitters. Being well prepared to make sure that everything goes smoothly is crucial, and so is getting into a positive mindset to improve your outlook for the upcoming week.

How to Avoid Being Nervous

Do you often feel nervous and do not think you can control it? Is there something you want to do but get nervous every time you attempt it? Nervousness can be dealt with effectively by using coping skills, practicing relaxation techniques, focusing on your health, and changing your thinking.