Holiday Stress

Many people have told me how stressed they become as the holidays approach. Some have mentioned that the holidays trigger grief over loved ones no longer here, financial stress especially about gift-giving, even seeing family members they would rather not see. I know people from various religious backgrounds and traditions. I’ve noticed that some people […]

Knowing When to Change Course

Most likely you have had the experience of things not going as you planned or hoped. It could be a fitness plan, a mental health support plan, an educational plan. Pretty much anything. How do you know when to implement another plan, to change course? I’ll use a couple personal examples: Now, these aren’t earth […]

Feeling Safe

Recently I had a conversation with a friend/colleague about feeling safe. We did a little experiment: I asked him, “Do you feel safe right now?”. At first he answered, “Yes, of course!”, but after a few moments he noticed that he had thoughts that bubbled up that definitely countered his original answer. Thoughts like, “What […]

Emotions and Your Body

Think, feel. Feel, think. I’m sure you’ve noticed that when you have an emotion you feel it somewhere in your body. For example, if you’re angry you might feel tension in your jaw. If you’re sad you might feel it in your heart area. Science has shown that there is a mind/body connection. So, how […]

How to Manage Unavoidable Triggers

Managing triggers for mental health can be challenging, especially when circumstances prevent us from avoiding them entirely. When you’re confronted with a situation that evokes negative emotions or memories what can you do? I think first it’s important to recognize what might be a trigger. Some things might be easy to identify already such as […]

The Healing Power of Humor

Laughter truly is the best medicine! I cherish a good laugh, don’t you? First, I must admit, I’m not funny at all. But, I am a good audience! My daughter is a riot and I try occasionally to convince her to go professional and make me rich. I’m grateful to live with someone who cracks […]

Drink Water for Well-Being

Have you ever noticed how you feel when you’re thirsty? I mean, besides feeling actual thirst…have you noticed any difference in your mental and emotional state? I know I have. It’s embarrassing to admit, but I would actively ignore my thirst on a regular basis. Believe me, I paid the price with anxiety, mental confusion, […]

Finding Joy in Hobbies: How Exploring New Interests Can Benefit Your Mental Health

As someone who has struggled with mental health, I know firsthand the importance of finding healthy outlets to cope with challenges. One powerful tool that has greatly benefited my mental well-being is exploring hobbies. Engaging in hobbies can provide a much-needed escape from stress, promote relaxation, and foster a sense of accomplishment and joy. In […]

Using Your 5 Senses

When it comes to managing my mental health, I’ve learned that sometimes the simplest tools can have the most profound impact. One strategy that has been incredibly helpful for me is using my five senses to uplift my mental health. Our senses – sight, smell, taste, touch, and sound – have a direct connection to […]