Mindfulness can be defined in many ways, but a simple way to define it might be intentionally leaning into the present moment and engaging your senses in a way that grounds you. Leaning into this moment creates awareness, connection, and acceptance. The practice of mindfulness is often helpful for anxiety, depression, and many other challenges... Continue Reading →
Many of us are hyper-focused on what others think. It often dictates how we behave, how we respond, and how we feel. With all this focus on external factors, are you making room for the possibility that people are not judging, critiquing, or thinking about you as much as you think they are? Are you... Continue Reading →
A 2019 interdisciplinary research study looked at baking as a potential form of art therapy and measured its impacts on stress and anxiety in adults. Anxiety was measured via the State Trait Anxiety Inventory, and the study showed that self-reported anxiety levels substantially reduced after baking. Baking allows a person to connect with both creativity... Continue Reading →
As mental health care becomes more accepted and accessible, discussions about topics such as abuse, mental illness, or anger management seem to increase as well. This is a good sign culturally, as it shows stigma is breaking down. However, we need to be clear on some terminology used in everyday life. Otherwise, we may label... Continue Reading →
We have all heard of and seen a cow- whether we saw it in a photo or at the zoo. However, many of us have not discussed cows in the context of mental health. Carl Rogers, a psychologist who used a humanistic approach to therapy, developed the concept of conditions of worth, also abbreviated as... Continue Reading →
Could eating chocolate be beneficial for you? Say no more; right? There have been various studies indicating the benefits of specifically, dark chocolate consumption. Flavanols, which are found in dark chocolate and cocoa, may promote human brain function on a longer-term scale. Flavanols are a form of flavonoids, which are plant-based substances that have both... Continue Reading →
According to the CDC, six in ten adults in the U.S. have a chronic illness. Chronic illnesses are conditions that require ongoing medical attention or limit activities of daily living. Examples may include cancer, diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and lupus. A chronic diagnosis may create fear and uncertainty, as chronic illnesses are not curable. A person... Continue Reading →
Thanksgiving is traditionally a day to eat delicious comfort food, watch football, and spend time with family. However, sometimes this day produces uncomfortable feelings or situations. Perhaps you have a complicated relationship with food, or perhaps your extended family makes you feel angry. Maybe you are hosting and want to make sure everything is perfect,... Continue Reading →
Religious beliefs, in some way or another, have touched most of our lives, whether we are deeply involved in a religious institution or have simply referred to God during the pledge of allegiance. Spirituality and religious practices can be big parts of our lives and mostly offer a safe, secure place to land when we... Continue Reading →
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