Category Archives: Mental health

Camping 101: 3 Health Benefits of Camping

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Those who enjoy camping know all the health benefits they receive from their retreat to the outdoors. It is a relatively inexpensive getaway that also offers visits to scenic locations such as beaches, mountains, parks and resort towns. If you are considering giving camping a try, here are three health benefits you can expect from the experience.

Photo by Chris Holder on Unsplash

Physical

Getting away from your normal routine to a campground Navarre gives your body a chance to unwind and do different daily activities for a while, whether relaxing or going on adventures. Time spent with your loved ones during the trip reduces your stress levels and gives your body a chance to relax and recuperate. Any outdoor activity you choose will get your heart rate going and increase your body’s serotonin level that will help you sleep better at night and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.

Emotional

Camping gives you dedicated time away with people you love, which is especially important if you have a busy job that keeps you away from home a lot. During the trip, if you have children, they will spend less time on their electronic devices and more time interacting with you while you all enjoy exploring the area, hiking, biking or boating. You will be creating memories and photos that will be cherished in years to come and will perhaps come back with a funny story or two to re-tell in the future.

Mental

Going on a camping trip helps your mind unwind from your job’s typical daily demands or those of your home life. Being outside with loads of sunshine and fresh air in a scenic location may lift your spirits. Any physical outdoor activities you do will increase your body’s level of endorphins, which naturally boosts your mood.

So give camping a try if for no other reason than the physical, emotional and mental health benefits you will get from your time in the outdoors.

4 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Health

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During times of intense change, it can be more challenging than ever to take good care of your emotional health. If you’re needing to adjust your daily rhythms or personal/social environment, mood-boosting activities and connections can seem hard to come by. No matter what the time or situation, attending to your mental and emotional health isn’t an extra — it’s essential. It’s also crucial to remember to cut yourself some slack during stressful times; you’re likely doing the best you can. Here are some tips for taking care of yourself. 

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1. Connect

Explore and find ways to connect with others in real life, at a proximity that makes sense for your current situation. Get creative! Even hearing a real voice on the phone is comforting, and getting on video conferencing in a casual, non-performative way can be supportive as well. While it’s fine to have some solitude, don’t isolate. Need extra support? Seek out assistance from a clinician like a board certified psychiatrist St. Charles IL for guidance. 

2. Exercise 

To help reduce stress, include exercise as a component of your healthy lifestyle. Check out free at-home workouts, incorporate functional movement into your daily routine, and get outside in fresh air as much as possible. No equipment or membership is required!

3. Take a Break 

While watching the news is edifying, it can also be draining, affecting your mental and physical health. Stay informed and contribute to society, but be mindful of the media you consume. 

4. Relax

Remind yourself that circumstances and feelings ebb and flow. Take deep breaths, and focus on activities that you truly enjoy. You can improve your overall satisfaction with life by exploring a hobby, and benefit your physical and emotional well-being in the process.

Most of all, don’t strive for perfection. Instead, try these simple suggestions to boost your emotional health.

How to Cope With Anxiety

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Most people feel anxious from time to time, especially when going through stressful situations. Those who have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder, however, deal with different symptoms than the average person experiencing run-of-the-mill anxious feelings. The constant, overwhelming feelings of worry that many sufferers of anxiety disorders experience can be overwhelming and even prevent them from fulfilling family obligations and attending work or school. Fortunately, there are many different ways to manage anxiety.

Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Seek Therapy

If you believe that you may have an anxiety disorder, you should visit a qualified mental health professional. He or she will be able to assess your symptoms and map out a course of treatment. Talking to a therapist is helpful for many anxious people since therapists are able to be impartial to their patients’ situations (unlike friends or family members).

Try CBD

Cannabidiol, more commonly known as CBD, has grown in popularity in recent years. It comes from the marijuana plant, but those who ingest it do not experience a “high.” Studies have found that patients who take CBD for anxiety Las Vegas experience relief from anxiety symptoms without many of the side effects associated with pharmaceuticals, such as headaches and insomnia.

Meditate

Meditation is a powerful tool for calming both the mind and the body. When anxiety symptoms, such as an increased heart rate or a stream of panicked thoughts, begin to assert themselves, it may help to close your eyes and focus on your breath. Downloading a smartphone app that was designed for meditation, such as Calm or Headspace, will provide you with a helpful guide.

Anxiety, like many other mental health disorders, can be debilitating. Unfortunately, most sufferers never fully free themselves from symptoms, and coping is a lifelong process. Nonetheless, visiting a therapist, trying CBD and meditating are steps in the right direction.