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Mary-Lauren O’Crowley, LPC As Ralph Waldo puts it “The first wealth is health”, health is something that must be first priority. When talking about heath, it doesn’t always mean physical health. In fact, it includes mental health as well which is often overlooked by many. It’s 2021 and definitely high time we start building some healthy habits that fuel both our mind and body. Many people find it hard to opt a new habit or change an…
Read MoreBy: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC If you read my last blog post, Harry Kraemer, Pt. I: How Do I Find Purpose and Satisfaction?, some of these concepts will look familiar to you. Part one of this two-part blog series discussed Harry Kraemer’s take on living and leading through a values-based life. It broke down the four principles that values-based leadership is built upon self-reflection, a balanced perspective, true self-confidence, and genuine humility. Harry Kraemer, Pt. II:…
Read MoreBy: Bridgette W. Gottwald, LPC, NCC What if someone told you that you’d be able to live a “values-based life by identifying and committing to your values and priorities?” Perhaps what you are saying is important to you isn’t actually aligning with what you truly devote your time to. Maybe you are talking the talk but failing to walk the walk. Sound familiar? It’s okay, you’re not alone. Harry Kraemer, Pt. I: How Do I Find Purpose…
Read MoreMelanie Lustbader, LPC It is a fact that sunlight increases serotonin levels in the body that makes a person happier. This may be a reason that moods are elevated in the summer. In the winter months, the sun may come out less and therefore result in decreased mood. According to Dr. Nigel Barber, an evolutionary psychologist, “Most of us tolerate the short days of winter, although being confined at home due to extreme cold interferes with…
Read MoreBy Andrew McNaughton, LCSW, CADC Depending on your age and social circle, it certainly may seem like everyone, or nearly everyone, is drinking alcohol, whether it be the occasional drink once or twice a month or regular weekend binges. The reality is, no, of course not everyone drinks, and there are recent statistics to pour over, courtesy of the annual federal government survey. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) releases their results from the…
Read MoreAmanda Gregory, LCPC You have to get good sleep. If not, you’re risking your physical and emotional health. But, what if you simply cannot fall asleep in the first place. Perhaps you’ve tried new methods to improve your sleep. Yet, you may need to focus on cutting out certain aspects that could be hindering her ability to fall asleep. If you’re having trouble falling asleep consider avoiding these behaviors: Raising Your Body Temperature. Your body temperature naturally…
Read MoreAs discussed in part 1 of this blog post understanding the relationship between our stress levels and texting can allow us to provide ourselves with grace. Instead of throwing our phones across the room when we receive a text, take a pause acknowledge the validity of our feelings. The more we understand our emotional responses the more understanding we are of ourselves. More information being the growing struggle of social overload is discussed below. Conditioned Anxiety Prior…
Read MoreAs we deal with the ongoing pandemic of Covid-19, social distancing and isolation remain ways to ensure the safety of ourselves and loved ones. Because of this reality, texting, group chats, phone calls and facetimes have become our only connection to friends, family and loved ones. So, if our phones are a way to seek support, comfort and connection, why do many of us want to throw our phones when we receive a text? Can texting increase…
Read MoreBy: Danielle Bertini, LPC Stress definitely has a bad reputation, and for good reasons. When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, not many people are wishing for “more stress” in the year to come. And there is science to back this up, as stress is often linked with negative health and well-being outcomes. However, Stanford psychologist Alia Crum and her colleagues write about how “the truth of stress is not so grim” (Pogosyan,…
Read MoreJessica Pontis, LCSW As we move from winter into spring, we experience change, almost as if the sunlight and blossoms inspire an emotional renaissance. With this change in season let us take the time to do some spring cleaning, to look at ourselves and our relationships and determine what patterns we would like to change. An honest examination of our own relationships requires mindful purpose and meaningful action, as well as a gentleness that comes with…
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