On Friday, I introduced you to a new concept: research is finding that we can not only “cope” with mental illness but that we can actually do things to build a better brain! Let’s start exploring what exactly we can do to make that happen. It turns out that exercise is not only good for your body but also great for your brain!
Building a Better Brain
Therapy is a critical element in experiencing change. But we also believe that what our clients do with their time outside of therapy will either assist with or distract from their goals. In fact, studies are showing us that certain things we do and specific changes we make can literally change the “wiring” and composition of the brain.
For The Moments When Life Disappoints
Life is definitely not fair. This is a well-known fact. You probably heard an adult tell you this when you were a kid. Things very often do not turn out the way we planned or hoped. Often times, we must develop an alternate plan or goals for ourselves.
Healthy Relationships: Are They Worth the Effort?
Do good relationships just happen? Is it simply a matter of the right chemistry? The truth is healthy relationships take effort to establish and maintain.
Food for your Mood: Chocolate
There are studies done on a myriad of subjects, but my personal favorites support consuming chocolate as a way to elevate one’s mood. J.K. Rowling had it right when she wrote about chocolate as the best remedy when attacked by a dementor.
Celebrating Random Acts of Kindness Week
This week (February 9-15) is Random Acts of Kindness Week. This is a week to celebrate all of the good and positive things going on across the world. Sometimes it can get easy to focus on the negative stories and experience. However if you focus on the negative, you may miss out on some truly wonderful good news!
Caring for Someone with a Mood Disorder: How NOT to Go Crazy
Whether you have just found out or have known for several years, living with and loving someone who has mood disorder is difficult even in the best situation. In the course of any given day, you can feel hopeless, helpless, overwhelmed, confused, hurt, angry, frustrated, and/or resentful. If not dealt with, these feelings can lead to guilt, shame, sadness, exhaustion, fear, and isolation. Know that there isn’t a right or wrong way to feel. Learning how to handle negative emotions is what is most important.
The Most Important New Year’s Resolution
Eat better, work less, make more money, lose that dreaded 15 pounds you just gained, run a 5k, travel to somewhere exotic… Most of us find it pretty easy to fill up several pages with ideas of things we want to do differently in the next year. What matters most to you though? Of all the things you fill up your list with, what will be the most significant?
Maintaining Family Traditions With Your College Student
Maintaining and growing new family traditions with children who are entering college can be a challenging situation for any family. College students are in the process of building their own lives and schedules and may not be able to as fully participate in family traditions as they have in the past.
Surviving the Holidays: Less is More
Our culture seems to be all about more, bigger, better… especially when it comes to the holidays. Gift wish lists are longer and more expensive. Pinterest sets a high bar when it comes to decorations. Holiday parties can fill your social calendar before you know it.
Here are a few tips for a simpler, less-stressed holiday season.