6 Ways to Cope When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed

/
6 Ways to Cope When You Are Feeling Overwhelmed

2020 has been a roller coast of a year for many, including myself!  It was the year of big plans, changes, and aspirations all squashed due to the pandemic, and the many challenges and alterations it brought to life.  The minute we seem to get answers or figure out a routine in this new normal, something changes, and we must pivot and draft a new plan of how to function in a new way of life.  Trying to manage within a pandemic can be very overwhelming.  On top of worrying about normal problems and life issues, there are now bigger matters at hand, most of which we do not have concrete answers to.  Not knowing or having a plan of action can cause us to feel emotionally overwhelmed and fear the worst.  These feelings are normal and can be addressed and worked on.  However sometimes they become overbearing, feeling like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.  Let’s discuss 6 ways to best move forward when those feelings begin to take over and it feels like you against the world with no end in sight. 

Read More

4 Ways To Support A Loved One

/
4 Ways To Support A Loved One

Many of us have loved ones who are struggling right now.  They might be struggling with the quarantine, with losing their job, with anxiety about getting sick with COVID-19, or even with school starting back up.  We obviously care for our loved ones, and want the best for them.  But, sometimes we feel completely helpless to help them.  And, even with our best intentions, we might say something that doesn’t actually help or that makes things worse. Saying things like “Why are you so depressed? You have so much going for you?” is like saying to someone has asthma “Why can’t you breathe? There is so much air.” We are often well meaning, but our “help” can fall short.

Read More

Therapeutic Qualities of Our Pets

/
Therapeutic Qualities of Our Pets

Research shows how petting an animal can lower the heart rate, reduce symptoms of anxiety, and reduce symptoms of depression.  Of course, our emotional state and mental health have a direct correlation to our physical health.  Thus, when we relax by cuddling and petting our fur babies, our emotional state improves which leads to health improvements.  

Read More

The Art of Being Alone

/
The Art of Being Alone

Do you find that you surround yourself with others simply to pass the time, or doing things you don’t enjoy just to have something to do?  In today’s hyperconnected world, people are often never alone so that when it does happen, they have no idea how to cope with that fact and are quite unhappy in their own company.  And now, dealing with COVID and the a stay at home order, many of us find ourselves alone since we can’t leave our houses much anymore.

Read More

5 Things We Can Learn From Our Pets

/
5 Things We Can Learn From Our Pets

As many of you know from my previous blogs, I am a HUGE animal lover-especially cats!  Ok, saying that I love cats is a major understatement, but you still get my point.  Have you ever just sat and observed animals for a while?  I have and it is one of my favorite things to do.  In fact, I have learned so much from just observing my pets and the animals that live outside such as the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks to name just a few.  Of course, I think part of the reason that they grace my presence is that I supply them with food and fresh water daily, but who wouldn’t stick around when provided with endless food and water!?!?   I have spent hours watching animals in their daily activities and as humorous as they are and as much fun as I get from watching them, I truly believe that we can certainly learn so much from them as well as enjoying their antics.  

Read More