Between Covid 19, nationwide protests, and the new election cycle upon us, Stress and anxiety are on the rise…Not sure what to do? Try these tips to help you cope with it.
– Focus on things you can control (ie. get a good night’s sleep) – Stay ‘virtually’ connected – Be kind to yourself (ie. self care, exercise) – Decrease screen time – Help others (this will help you too) – Get some fresh air, take a walk around your neighborhood – Remind yourself to stay present (instead of a ‘what ifs’ takeover) – Reach out for support from friends or a therapist when you need it.
As always, I am here if you or someone you love needs some assistance making it through these difficult times. You can reach me here, at (414) 881-7401, scott@alwaysabetteryou.com
It’s August 1st, so let’s start this month of right. Say it with me!!
Start your day with these positive affirmations, then post them somewhere you can read them everyday. Studies show that using positive and uplifting language, spoken (including in your head) or written (hello journaling) rewires your brain and can actually improve your overall health and success.
Need help getting to this positive mindset? Let me know @(414) 881-7401
You are not alone. I repeat, you are not alone. At times it may feel like you’re the only one struggling. Like you’re the only one that knows what you’re going through. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness. That means whatever you’re struggling with, chances are you are not the only one struggling.
Maybe your relationship is struggling since being quarantined. Or your kids are not on a schedule. Or it feels like life is just passing you by. Even though at times it may feel like we are the only one struggling in this way, we have to remind ourselves that we are not alone.
If you need someone to talk to, who understands what you’re going through, give me a call or text me at (414) 881-7401.
Not sure if we are going forward or backwards with the Covid-19 Virus? Remember this:
Love is NOT cancelled.
Taking care of yourself is NOT cancelled.
Hope is NOT cancelled.
Laughter is NOT cancelled.
Embrace all of the good you have in your life today.
What was the last thing that made you really laugh out loud?
Struggling with your anxiety through all of this? Please reach out here, at (414) 881-7401 or visit my FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/AlwaysABetterYou/
In difficult times, we can easily get overwhelmed by what’s going wrong, or everything that is missing in our lives. We can lose sight of all of the good that surrounds us. But that doesn’t mean the good isn’t there. The good is always there, we just need to start to see it again. The way we do that is through gratitude.
What (3) things are you grateful for right in this moment?
This post was inspired by my friend Kimberly Geschke who mentioned she started reading “The Magic,” by Rhonda Byrne, becoming more grateful and very good things started happening for her.
Being in a time of the unknown, how are you feeling right now? Deeper yet, why do you feel that way? To be able to label and understand one’s emotions is crucial in moving past them. The book Permission To Feel by Marc Brackett, Ph.D. is an excellent resource.
Need help sorting through things? Let me know. I can be reached at (414) 881-7401
It doesn’t take a whole new routine to instill a dose of happiness into your day—but it does take a little self awareness.
1. Be grateful for the good & the bad.
Research shows, grateful people are happy people. It’s also important to understand that happiness is not the absence of negative feelings. Gratitude is a focus on the present and appreciation for what we have now, rather than wanting more. Embracing gratitude, as a state of mind, can have a positive affect on all aspects of life including our happiness and overall satisfaction.
Up your mood by taking a moment daily to think of your world with gratitude. Start a gratitude journal or take a walk in nature paying attention to all the gifts around us. Think of a person that helps you on a daily or weekly basis – a spouse, parent, friend, pet, teacher, cleaner, or babysitter.
Quiz: How grateful are you? Take the Gratitude Quiz published by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.
2. Flex your creativity muscles.
Do you have a passion or hobby? It doesn’t have to be a formal activity, simply engaging in creative thinking can enhance well-being by enhancing cognitive flexibility and problem-solving abilities. A recent study out of New Zealand, published in The Journal of Positive Psychology explains that creative activities can trigger an “upward spiral” of well-being.
“Practicing an art — no matter how well or badly — is a way to make your soul grow. So do it.” – Kurt Vonnegut.
Make some space in your day to create, even if it’s just for the sake of it. Try exploring unique textures or even natural and recycled materials to make something for your home or a friend. Looking for some tips on how to add more creativity into your daily life? Read this list of 101 creative habits to explore.
3. Get connected, Stay connected.
Being apart of something larger than yourself can help bring perspective as well as a sense of belonging. Scientific evidence strongly suggests that feeling like you belong and generally feel close to other people is a core psychological need; essential to feeling satisfied with your life. The pleasures of social life register in our brains much the same way physical pleasure does.
So take the time to nurture a friendship that is important to you. Make an extra effort to show you care, send a card, make a plan to have lunch, or give them a call and really listen to what they say. Smile and say hello to a stranger. Tell a story when someone asks how your day is going. Notice how you feel when you share something with someone new.
Struggling and need support? Join a support group and talk to others that can relate. Find your tribe: support.therapytribe.com – a free online support community brought to you by TherapyTribe.
Tip: Check out the wellness tracker. It’s a simple but powerful tool designed to help you remember the promises you make to yourself. As you complete wellness activities your tree will blossom, and so will you!
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About Me
As an experienced licensed professional counselor, it is my honor to assist you in exploring your core issues and move toward a healthy, fulfilling life.
I offer couple, family, group, individual therapy sessions in and around West Allis, Wisconsin.
