June 04, 2019

5 Ways To Keep Your Teen Entertained This Summer

June 04, 2019/ Amanda Ruiz MS, LPC

Summer can be hard. Teenagers are used to having a strict school schedule and being told what to do and where to be all day long. Although they may complain about this schedule and the demands of it, they can be at a loss for what to do without it! Here are 5 ideas for you to suggest to your teen to keep them busy and occupied so you don’t hear the dreaded “I’m bored. There’s nothing to do!”

April 23, 2019

An Introduction to Addiction - Part 1 of 3

April 23, 2019/ Amanda Ruiz MS, LPC

Today’s blog is the first one in a three part series on addiction. This series is to help you gain a better understanding about what addiction is, signs and symptoms of addiction, and help available for those struggling as well as their loved ones.

March 26, 2019

How Yoga Can Improve Anxiety and Depression

March 26, 2019/ Amanda Ruiz MS, LPC

to follow up with a blog about how yoga and mindfulness specifically can help with symptoms related to anxiety, depression and even trauma. Yoga is defined as a discipline that includes breath control, simple meditation, and a variety of body positions that is widely practiced for health and relaxation. Yoga, as a form of physical activity, used as a regular practice, will also increase the trait of mindfulness, as well as increase the “feel good” chemicals in your brain. As a result, it is a healthy coping skill for symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma. Mindfulness is the awareness of one’s body, one’s thoughts, and a greater connection of mind and body. Mindfulness teaches you to clear out distractions, with a goal of totally emptying your mind, while you are practicing yoga.

February 26, 2019

Celebrating One Year of Blogging!

February 26, 2019/ Amanda Ruiz MS, LPC

In case you missed it on our social media pages, last week marked ONE YEAR since we started blogging! What began as a challenge for one person has evolved into a way for 4 of us to share helpful information about mental health and topics we might not necessarily talk about very much.

February 12, 2019

Be Your OWN Valentine!

February 12, 2019/ Amanda Ruiz MS, LPC

Happy Valentine’s Day 2019! We are all being bombarded with advertisements and store displays reminding us to get our sweetheart the “perfect” Valentine’s Day gift such as candy, cards, flowers, jewelry, to just name a few of the most popular items. Valentine’s Day has not always been associated with romance. In fact, some of the history of Valentine’s Day is rather gruesome. However, most of us focus on love and romance when it comes to Valentine’s Day and frankly, that is much better in my humble opinion.