Breath of Joy – Wake Up Your Nervous System

Instagram Video of Breath of Joy demonstration here: https://www.instagram.com/p/CQYb4YDjMkq/ Generally speaking, when we hear people talking about the nervous system it’s in the interest of finding ways to calm it down. Perhaps you’ve heard of the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest)? There’s a lot of talk about…

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Schedule Your Worry Time in 5 Steps

Did you know that scheduling time to worry can actually be helpful? If you’ve come to know yourself, you might have learned that you’re a thinker, or maybe you describe yourself as analytical or introspective. That is a strength. When it becomes counterproductive, however, is when the thoughts turn to excessive worry. Now I’m no…

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Positivity Gone Toxic

Toxic positivity is exactly that – being positive to the point of being toxic. It is positivity in excess. Toxic positivity is dismissive and invalidating. Toxic positive says there is no room for anything but feeling good. Toxic positivity denies the organic, human emotional experience that is expansive and ever-changing. To deny our feelings is…

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10 Steps to Improve Your Mental Health

1) Commit to a structured sleep schedule: bedding at the same time, waking at the same time, and ensuring you get at least 8 hours nightly. Sleep is our mind and body’s reset button. We need ample rest to reduce stress and improve overall mood.   2) Be mindful of your nutrition intake: try to…

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Why am I Journaling?

We know that through expression, both oral and written, individuals can express thoughts and feelings and be reflective. This can increase one’s insight, self-awareness, and understanding. Journaling can be structured in a variety of ways to achieve different outcomes. For example, using prompts to encourage us to dig deeper into learning about ourselves or free-flowing…

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Social Distancing and Responding to Social Invites During COVID-19

COVID-19 has led to a variety of issues coming up in therapy that may not have been prominent concerns before. Navigating socialization is definitely a topic that has been coming up often. Specifically, those who are trying to socially distance have expressed feeling challenged when it comes to politely addressing invitations from others who believe…

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Cryotherapy for Mental Health

Earlier this year, I moved my office to a new location and couldn’t help but notice a cryospa across the street. It peaked my interest, so I went to check it out and talk with staff about the proposed or known benefits. I’m always on the lookout for alternative health treatments that may benefit my…

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Get out of the Victim Mindset in 4 Steps

Not a lot of things are 100% true, but here are two known facts: 1) Life is not fair, and 2) People do not act right. Undoubtedly, there are going to be times in life where we feel immensely disappointed by the cards we are dealt and/or by those around us. Disappointment WILL happen. We…

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Lifestyle Medicine in 5 Daily Doses

Lifestyle medicine is not intended to replace traditional medicine, but it represents a concept about how we live that is intended to be of best benefit to our minds and bodies.  Most of us aim to be healthy in one way or another, and lifestyle medicine brings to focus some specific aspects about the way…

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Choline… huh?

Choline. Ever heard of it? Me neither. Until recently. As a result of what I’ve learned, I’d like to share with you. Choline – apparently – is a nutrient deemed essential for brain development.  Who knew? And not only brain development but also cognitive functioning, memory, muscle function, and so much more; something so essential…

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