Mental Health Books for Children
February is National Library Lover’s month, so we asked our staff members at our different agencies what mental health books are their favorite for children. See their recommendations below and learn a little bit about how reading can positively impact your child’s mental health and overall development!Read More
Dealing With Driving Anxiety
While winter can make us want to hibernate and stay home, there are days when we still must get out, run errands, and travel. In the Midwest, that means being prepared to drive on snowy and icy roads. Despite many of us being used to driving in the winter, drivers can still feel anxiety, dread, or even full-on panic at the prospect of driving in such conditions – or just driving in general, no matter the weather. For many who’ve been in car accidents or with an anxiety disorder, those feelings of dread and panic can be exacerbated.Read More
Reflection vs Resolution: A New Approach
For some, making resolutions can seem overwhelming and create anxiety due to fear of failure. Often, we set lofty and unrealistic goals just to keep up with everyone else. But here’s a secret: those of us who make these lofty goals and then fail to achieve them are definitely keeping up with the majority. I recommend we get off this wild ride. But how?Read More
How to Make Mental Health Resolutions Stick
This time of year, many people find themselves setting resolutions for different aspects of their lives, including goals related to improving their mental health. By following a few key strategies, you can increase your chances of success and make meaningful progress towards better mental health in this next year.Read More
Starting the New Year Slow
Winter is the season of stillness. Everything freezes (at least here in Minnesota), nature comes to a standstill, animals hibernate. But ironically, we humans seem to go against the cue nature gives us by rushing into winter celebrating family holidays and the new year. We are often under a constant barrage of “new year, new me” messaging.
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Give Yourself Grace Through the New Year
The holidays can bring out the best and the worst in us. While a fun time of year, the holidays can trigger multiple stressors in all of us. So, what can be done about these stressors and tough feelings as we head into the new year?Read More
Maintain Healthy Boundaries This Holiday By Learning to Say “No”
Personal boundaries are the limits and rules we set for ourselves within relationships. A person with healthy boundaries can say “no” when they want and still maintain close, honest, positive relationships. Healthy boundaries are especially important during high-stress times like the holiday season. To help you establish and maintain your own boundaries this year, try these helpful tips to care for yourself while also nurturing your relationships.Read More
Gale's Story - An Open Mind to Foster Care
Giving back to her community has always been a major factor in Gale’s life, but the question was how could she make the most meaningful impact? After experiencing a personal loss, her question was answered as she felt called to open her heart and home to foster care.Read More
Here and Now: A Powerful Stranger
The end of the year can be comforting in its familiarity. Clustered with moments of tradition, we often have anchors that connect us to the past. It is so easy to not fully notice life when we have been with the person, done this action, had this routine so many times before. Treating each moment of “here” as a powerful stranger has piqued my interest and sharpened my attention.Read More
Coping With Holiday Stress
For many in today’s fast-paced world, the holidays are not story-book perfect. Long distances, poor health, and finances keep some families and loved ones apart. For others, the holidays are filled with financial pressures and multiple stressors. While many negative emotions can be felt leading up to and during the holiday season, there is equal opportunity and promise for positive emotions, too. Here are a few positive thoughts to help make the holidays better.Read More
