Embracing Random Acts of Kindness: Their Significance and Practical Ways to Include Them in Your Life
Love and kindness should go hand in hand, and random acts of kindness are scientifically proven to positively impact yourself and those around you. Making the choice to be kind and focusing on compassion, not just for others but for yourself, can have a huge impact on mental health.Read More
How to Pack Your Suitcase for 2025
The new year is in full swing, with this time of year being filled with optimism and hope, and feelings of a fresh start. It can also be a time of anxiety and uncertainty. To help yourself and your loved ones move successfully into the new year, we’re giving you tips on how to pack your theoretical suitcase filled with the good things for the new year.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
A Defense of Winter and the Custom of "Hygge"
A year ago, I came across the Danish custom of “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”). “Hygge” doesn’t have an exact translation in English. According to the New York Times article where I first came across the term, a close translation is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” The feelings I experience in winter of safety, comfort, and community are in line with hygge.Read More
Starting the New Year Slow
Winter is the season of stillness. We are often under a constant barrage of “new year, new me” messaging. The idea of rebuilding ourselves and the pressure to make big changes is everywhere. This sense of "newness" feels contrary in a season where we should be enjoying the quiet and stillness of winter and the togetherness of the holidays.Read More
The Science of Hope: How Hope Can Impact Your Mental Health
How can hope improve mental health? Studies on the science of hope began in the 1980s, and it was determined that hope is an action-oriented skill that can be learned, versus just something that you “feel.” In order to cultivate positive change in ourselves, in others, or society at large, restoring hope is the vital first step.Read More
The Impacts of a Gratitude Practice
Recently, I posed the question, “In what ways has gratitude impacted your life?” to this group. Their answers were very similar and profound, and I wanted to share their insights on how a gratitude practice can impact your life.Read More
Beating the Winter Blues
January can blow in with a feeling of renewal and rebirth, but January for many is a cold, grey, and gloomy time of year, bringing with it the onset of “The Winter Blues” symptoms or S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder). If you are feeling down this time of year, read on to learn some reasons as to why you may be feeling this way, and some solutions you can try at home.Read More
Building Community Through Challenging Times
This is a time in our country when many individuals, families, friends, coworkers, and even interactions with strangers are feeling split, tense, confused. When I feel unsure about the things I see on the news, I think back to Mr. Rogers; the TV show host who created the “Land of Make-Believe.” He once said to “find the helpers,” in times like these. If you’re unsure where to start, research causes to support that are aligned with your personal goals and beliefs.Read More
How to Deal with Loneliness Around the Holidays
Feeling alone around the holiday season can be tough, especially with the strong emphasis on togetherness and group celebrations. Feelings of loneliness during this time, while normal, can negatively impact your mental health. It’s important to recognize these feelings and then find healthy ways to cope with them.Read More