Did you know that irritability is often an add-on feeling? We’re likely to feel irritable and overstimulated when factors are out of control and when we don’t feel comfortable in our body. When we don’t feel like our best selves, we’re more likely to have a hard day.
Our overstimulated selves are quicker to respond, are less likely to think of negative consequences, and we’re more likely to respond with bigger feelings. The outcome is more likely to be negative. With higher temperatures, summer schedule changes, and more of a temperamental political climate, overstimulation is higher than average for many. In this article, we’re going to discuss 3 tools that you can use with yourself and your community to relegate yourself.

About a week after elections have concluded, I’m hearing from many that they are worried. People are sharing concerns for the future and processing the possible outcomes of change. Feelings are high, anxiety may be through the roof, and the stress may be affecting many areas of your life. Let’s explore together 5 tools that may help the change feel a little lighter.

Have you found that you’re experiencing similar weeks and are stressing about the variables? Or perhaps you notice difficulties completing similar tasks. Whether we’re starting change, in the midst of it, or waiting on it, adjustments can have a huge impact on our mood, daily dynamics, and overall mental health. In this post we will discuss the algorithm and explore some tips on helping with a smoother transition.

The postpartum journey is filled with new experiences.  Even with multiples, every newborn experience can be hectic and unique.  From getting to know our body again, healing, and trying to connect with your most precious little baby. Mix all of these changes in with hormones, body pains, and fresh emotions, the feeding experience may be a high form of stress for you. 

​Trying to exclusively breastfeed, there could be high pressure to be constantly needed but touched out and tired. Anxiety, fear, loneliness, and sadness may be especially high if the expectation and reality of feeding your new baby is not what you expected.

​Understanding the impact of lifestyle choices on mental health is more important than ever. Among these choices, the role of alcohol is significant and often misunderstood. Let’s dig deep into how alcohol use can exacerbate mental health symptoms, shedding light on the complex interaction between substance use and psychological well-being.

Have you noticed more opportunities to discuss health with your child? Have they been asking more questions about something they heard on the news? Have you recently donated resources to an organization centered around health? Perhaps more conversations are centered around someone in the family undergoing treatment. Whatever your reason for starting the conversation, we want our youth to feel heard and supported while talking about illness.

​Whether you have repetitive negative thoughts or not, you likely feel some anxiety throughout your body.  This form of stress may be felt regularly and intensely and is a physical symptom of worry. 

I bet you’re having a tough time with this socially distanced communication. You’re not alone. I’m hearing that many of you feel lonely. This is completely understandable. We’ve had to socially distance ourselves for months.  With the distance apart, we are missing touch and connection which is a huge component of a positive lasting relationship.

While we wait for a sense of normalcy, I’d like to help. Here are some ways to feel connected to others and follow the guidelines for social distancing.

Do you consider yourself an introvert?  Do you get tired after social engagements? The holidays are tough enough, without being overwhelmed by all the social engagements.  The trick is navigating through the maze of holiday parties and still feel like you’re able to recharge your battery. Renewing our battery levels may vary a little from person to person.  Following these tips will help you glide through the holidays.

As a follow up from the last blog, when we discussed the anxiety cycle, today we will be discussing cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions are negative ways of thinking about ourselves or situations that involve us. We all have a tendency to use negative logic but some of us are more likely to have them more frequently than others. Sometimes, these negative beliefs are so ingrained that it’s hard for us to view it another way. ​

Anxiety can be a vicious cycle, often changing from physical symptoms, thoughts, beliefs, and behaviors. The cycle can happen so naturally that people often don’t recognize that it’s even occurring.

Ever finish a workout and get a burst of energy? Runners call this a “runners high” but you don’t have to be a runner to receive the benefits of exercise.

As you read this, you are most likely at “baseline.” Baseline is when an individual is cool, calm, and collected. While most of us stay at or around baseline the majority of the day, we all deviate from this area and experience highs and lows.

Have you ever asked someone how they are doing and they respond with an answer that sounds forced? They might feel forced to answer with a “fine” or “okay” or any similar resemblance because that’s the social norm. However, their body language and their tone might be telling you that there’s something they would like to say and they don’t know how. ​