Demo Articles
GREAT
A few years ago, I wrote a short article that described, what I refer to as GREAT Life Strategies. This idea was a way to keep in mind the simple things we can do to focus on our physical, psychological, and social wellness. In the past few weeks, since many of the social distancing and stay at home recommendations due to COVID-19, I have had many reach out to me about the original article. Many have noted how they are using the idea of GREAT Life Strategies to keep focused as we all go through this trying time. Since hearing... Read More
Mental Health Tips
Mental Health Awareness Month: May
May is Mental Health Awareness month. Our staff wanted to share with you what we do to self-care and be cognizant of our mental health. Mental health awareness month has encouraged me to pause and reflect on my own self care routine. These current times have been challenging but have also provided me the opportunity to prioritize my personal fitness goals more than I typically would. Exercise and strength training is one of my preferred self care activities that nurtures my mind and body simultaneously. -Ms. Jessica D. Hurda, MS, NCC, LPC Hanover Office I enjoy active self-care with... Read More
Mental Health Tips
Worry? Blow it away!
Image: Freepik.com One of the easiest, quickest – and inexpensive - ways to control stress, worry and anxiety is through your breath. Our bodies are designed to react to stress and worry by getting us ready to run away, fight, or freeze. When this happens, we breathe shallowly in preparation. It’s only meant for short-term response. Not good in the long term for our bodies and minds. Deep, slow breathing actually triggers the production of relaxation/anti-anxiety neurotransmitters in our brains. Think about trying one of the following quick relaxers once or twice a day: Sit quietly in a comfortable place... Read More
Mental Health Tips
Screen Fatigue: It’s A Real Thing
Since the onset of stay-at-home orders and the advent of working from home, adults and children alike are on screens a lot more. And even though things may be opening up more in the weeks to come, screen usage will still be very much a part of the new normal. Recent observations are showing that people are experiencing significant exhaustion and fatigue from being on their screens for meetings, for school lessons, for family gatherings, and for therapy. Are you one of these? Tired after a meeting, class, or therapy session? Minor memory issues? Needing to rest more? You’re not... Read More
Mental Health Tips
Be Nicer to Yourself
Image: Freepik.com You're probably a nice person. You probably help family, neighbors, co-workers. But are you as nice to yourself? Sounds a little silly, but you might be surprised at how compassionate we are to others, never thinking about being that way toward ourselves. Dr. Tara Brach calls it radical self compassion. In other words, being as nice to ourselves as we are to others. This is so important given what we are all going through now with social distancing and understandable fears about COVID-19 and what it means now and in the future. Here are some possible ways to... Read More
Mental Health Tips
What You Think Matters
What you think matters. Research has shown there are actual chemical changes in someone's brain and body depending on what thoughts are going through their mind. During the challenging time that we're all experiencing, your thoughts can either make it harder or easier to get through it. Test it out! Take a moment, and think to yourself, “How are we ever going to get through this? This is awful! I don't think this is EVER going to end.” Now, test out what you're feeling. Are you feeling happy? Content? Peaceful? Relaxed? Probably not. Now try this set of thoughts. “This... Read More
Mental Health Tips
Family Seclusion Exercise
image: Freepik.com This time of “forced seclusion” is very challenging, but it has also granted us an opportunity to step back and take a new perspective. Here is a family activity that can ensure we carry what he have learned for months (and maybe years) to come. Each family member completes the two lists and the lists are saved in the same jar or box. 3 things that I miss terribly as a result of this seclusion and I can’t wait to do again… 1. 2. 3. 3 things that I had not done in a long time but... Read More
Uncategorized
History of Christmas Traditions
Throughout the holiday season, there are many traditions that emphasize time with family, gift- giving, and good tidings. While some traditions have more simple origins, like hanging stockings by the fire or caroling, others are not so easily explained. One tradition that has always been puzzling is why we put trees inside our homes for the Christmas season. Back in ancient times, people would use evergreen boughs to put in their homes for the winter, usually as a reminder of the plants and greenery that would soon return in the Spring. As time went on and Christianity spread, the tradition... Read More
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Adopt a Senior Pet Month
Did you know that November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month? While the holidays are in full swing, it is important to remember the senior pets who do not have homes of their own. Many senior animals end up in shelters due to their age or health issues, such as losing sight or hearing, or incontinence. Other senior animals may not be experiencing any health issues, but must be surrendered due to their owner’s inability to continue caring for them. Senior animals that end up in shelters, rescues, SPCA’s, or humane societies usually face the highest rate of euthanasia due... Read More
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Head Start Awareness Month
October is National Head Start Awareness Month! Head Start is a program that provides support to children up to five years old from low-income families, and promotes school readiness. The Head Start program was started in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson to provide health, nutrition, and educational opportunities for children and families. Many Head Start programs are located in centers and schools, however there are others that are located in child care centers, family child care homes, or are home-based. The three areas that the Head Start program focuses on are: early learning, health, and family well-being. As part... Read More