Tag Archives: mental health

4 Great Ways To Find Connection and Community

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Whatever season you’re in, it’s essential to seek connection and avoid isolation. Yes, solitude is an important part of a balanced life. But, due to many factors, most people do not get enough life-giving time with others. Interested in some effective ways to establish and maintain connection and community? Here are several ideas. 

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1. Spiritual Community

Being part of a spiritual community is a great buffer against isolation and stress. Spiritual communities emphasize important matters, including what it means to be human. The bonds formed in these communities are not superficial. Wondering how to find a supportive spiritual group? Try a search using terms such as online Christian ministry Dacula GA to find helpful guidance. 

2. Volunteering

Community service is one of the best ways to bring the gift of connection to yourself and others. Fortunately, there are numerous ways you can volunteer; you might be interested in working in a soup kitchen, or doing something completely different. Check out VolunteerMatch to find opportunities in your area. 

3. Interest Groups

Do you have a hobby you’re passionate about? Then find a community around your interest! There’s no shortage of groups both IRL and online that cover any hobby or pastime you can think of. Attend different groups to find the best fit for your personality and level of expertise. 

4. Everyday Contacts

Do something different: Refrain from focusing on your phone when you’re out and about. In this digitally-focused culture, many people in public spaces feel more isolated than ever. Pay attention to your surroundings and other people. If it’s appropriate, make eye contact and smile. Share a kind word. You never know how you might brighten someone else’s day by letting them know that you notice and care about them as a fellow human being.  

Finding connection and community requires a willingness to expand your comfort zone. Give these suggestions a try to increase your level of human contact. 

Reasons to Go to Mental Health Counseling

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It’s a common misconception that only people with serious mental health issues are eligible for counseling. But that’s not true. There are many reasons to go to counseling sessions even for smaller problems. 

Yes, many types of counseling are indeed specific to larger issues like alcohol and drug abuse counselors Springfield IL. But you don’t have to be an addict or a psychopath to go to counseling, and here are some reasons why. 

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Catch It While It’s Small

There are some issues that, if left unattended, can spiral into larger problems. Early counseling aims to prevent that spiral. It’s well known that if any sort of difficulty is nipped in the bud, so to speak, it will eliminate future damage. This is also the case with mental health- it’s never too early to solve a problem.

Build Up Confidence

Many times people don’t do what they want or need to do simply out of a lack of confidence and self-esteem. They fear that they just aren’t up to the task. Mental health counseling can help you build up the necessary confidence to tackle challenges throughout your life. Counselors are trained to help give people the skins they need for everyday life, and self-confidence is one of those skills.

Control Emotions and Behavior

Everyone has those bad habits they wish they could break or those feelings that get in the way of their life. Mental health counseling can help you get away from those destructive behaviors and emotions for good. They will give you the support and guidance to change those bad habits into good ones and flip negative emotions to the positive side. 

As you can see from this list, mental health counseling is a great way to improve your life and prevent future problems for a variety of reasons and in many different circumstances. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a counselor if you think you need one!

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.

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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.