We all daydream. When work feels dull or the car ride home is quiet, many of us drift off into a zoned-out world where we can think of better things or not think at all. But for some, “zoning out” is a regular habit used to escape tough emotions. This active avoidance can begin affecting… Continue reading Escaping Dissociation
Addiction negatively affects your mood, motivation levels, and self-image. The boost that once came with substance use is now absent, but the stress and anxiety of everyday life don’t disappear. When entering recovery, it’s important to have a self-care routine that promotes healthy coping mechanisms and lifelong healing. What is self-care? Self-care is any activity… Continue reading The Importance of Self-Care During Recovery
Need some creativity in your life? Tapping into your crafty side has benefits for overall wellness. Immediately, you’ll feel relief from taking your mind off day-to-day stressors. But overtime, you’ll also see the pay-off of a reduced likelihood of heart disease, a decreased chance of developing memory disorders like dementia, plus the added benefit of… Continue reading Finding Your Creative Outlet
A healthier lifestyle never hurt anyone—quite the opposite, actually. But there’s a distinct difference between taking care of yourself and putting yourself on a diet. Today’s culture equates the two, but it’s important to know their differences and how to spot when your #FitnessGoals become dangerous. Diets don’t work A weight loss plan or fad… Continue reading The Dark Side of Dieting
New Year’s resolutions feel like they’re made to be broken. That new exercise routine or commitment to writing your memoir are a distant memory come February. So why do so many people bother setting goals in the first place? Setting the right kind of resolution is the first step toward accomplishing it. A good resolution… Continue reading The Positive Effects of Your Resolutions
The term “coping mechanism” describes a conscious action you take when reacting to tough situations or turbulent emotions. Different circumstances call for different reactions, so it’s important to recognize what’s healthy, what’s not, and how to better react in the future. Harmful coping mechanisms include substance use, overworking, social withdrawal, denial, eating disorders, and even… Continue reading New Ways to Cope
2020 wasn’t an easy year. We spent so much time worrying about our physical health, our children’s education, the logistics of working remotely, and surviving a tumultuous political landscape. With the whirlwind and worry, it’s no wonder mental health took a backseat for so many Americans. But a new year is approaching. While many of… Continue reading New Year, New Focus
Conflict is never pleasant, but tension between family members can feel particularly taxing. Being locked in the house together during Covid, spending more time around one another during the holidays, and sorting out familial or personal issues in a group setting are all fuel to the smoldering flames. When you start to feel your emotions… Continue reading Coping with Family Conflict
The dizzying demands of the holiday season often bring unwanted guests: stress and anxiety. Long shopping lists, busy schedules, and concerns about keeping your family safe all make the most wonderful time of the year feel less and less like a wonderland. During this unique year, it can be even more difficult to find healthy… Continue reading Stress, Anxiety, and the Holiday Season
“Every cloud has a silver lining.” While cliche, this idea of thinking positively can benefit your health in multiple ways. Lower rates of depression. Lower levels of stress. Even a greater resistance to the common cold. But it takes a conscious effort to see good in bad situations. For those with depression or anxiety, it… Continue reading Searching for Silver Linings
