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Parents have unquestionably been hit hard by the pandemic. Between school closures and virtual learning, many parents have assumed the role of teacher on top of their usual household obligations and adjusting to working from home. And on top of that, parents are helping their children navigate their fear, anxiety, and depression around COVID and tumultuous societal events.
Mindfulness is an ancient practice that encourages us to be alert and engaged with ourselves and the world around us without judgement. The truth for many of us is that if we look closely, we are so stuck thinking about the past or worrying about the future that we don’t spend much time in the present moment at all. Getting started with a mindfulness practice doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Here are four brief exercises you can try at any time, in any place.
If you’re like most people and are unable to stick with your New Year’s resolutions, we offer some ways you can stay true to them. Also, consider seeking help from a trained therapist. Mental health professionals can offer powerful tools that can help you uncover obstacles, where they came from, and tools to help you overcome them.
If you’re like most people, you plan to ring in the new year with a list of resolutions. Whether that is through eating right, working out, learning a new language or decluttering your home office, resolutions are made to help us live our best lives. In all of these instances, mental health therapy can help.
The end of the year invites in a season of reflection – reflecting on what we’re thankful for, what the year has held, and what’s coming in the near and distant future. This practice of gratitude is timely and seasonal – but it doesn’t have to be.
By Amy Clay, LPC, co-owner of Sunstone Counseling* Humans have long used seasonal changes to mark life’s transitions and often view them as a time to start fresh. In fact, the “fresh start effect” is a recognized phenomenon that suggests that people are more likely to focus on important goals following “temporal landmarks,” such as… Read more »
BY: Natalie Jensen, MSW As we are walking through the beginning of 2020, we find ourselves in the unknown. Literally, we are living in the ambiguous world of global pandemic meets human experience. We know first hand that there are numerous options for thoughts, feelings, emotions, and actions (or inaction). Many of us are finding it incredibly… Read more »
By: MJ Harford, MA Counselor in Residence Acceptance is a key skill in managing and reducing anxiety. Acceptance doesn’t have to look deep or complicated, it can be as simple as identifying what is and what isn’t within our control. The COVID19 virus has changed all of our lives; things may be more difficult and more… Read more »
By: Vanessa Steffens In our busy lives, we all have moments where we feel like our mental health might be suffering. Whether experiencing stress at work or dealing with the passing of a loved one, we could all benefit from taking time to take care of ourselves. This month is Mental Health Month. Let’s take… Read more »
This week is National Screen Free Week! It’s an invitation to put down your phone or tablet, turn off the computer and TV, and enjoy life beyond the screen. Off-screen time encourages connection with others and creativity. It can be an intentional time to connect with your kids, your family, and your community. Taking a… Read more »
As we’ve talked about before, mindfulness is an important tool that can help reduce anxiety, depression, and distress in the body and mind. It involves paying attention in the present moment to increase awareness, without judging your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Mindfulness exercises can be practiced anytime, anywhere. An easy way to start implementing mindfulness… Read more »
By: Colleen McCarron, LPC Self care is not a face mask. Face masks, bath bombs, candles, pedicures. We think of these things as self-care in an indulgent sense, catapulted off the “treat yo’ self” mentality. But, is self-care as extravagant as spending half the day at a spa? It doesn’t have to be. Self-care is… Read more »
