Music has been proven to be a healthy way for people to release stress and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Take a look at how the Illinois Summer Youth Music (ISYM) program helped two Nexus-Onarga Family Healing youth, Jaylin and DeAndre, learn more about their passions in music while also helping them find a healthy outlet to express their emotions and cope with negative feelings.

As we begin 2024, we asked the employees at Nexus Family Healing what some of their favorite books and podcasts are that they’ve found helpful in improving their mindsets or well-being, setting goals, or helping on a journey of personal growth. Check out the list below for some of our employee picks for inspiration  for the new year! 

We asked the employees at Nexus Family Healing to share their favorite books and podcasts they find helpful in improving their mindsets or well-being, setting goals, or helping on a journey of personal growth. Here is their list.

It may sound selfish to put yourself first but it is not. To be able to support others to the fullest you must first ensure that you are taken care of. There are many forms of self-care like exercising or guided imagery which can give you the much-needed break and positively impact your wellbeing. So give yourself permission to relax and let the weight of the world lift off your shoulders.

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? 

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?

While the holidays may mean quality time for many people, for others, family time may be something that fills them with dread and anxiety. Often when someone makes the choice to not attend these events, they receive a guilt trip or push back from family members, causing additional distress. So, how does one navigate this tricky situation? 

This holiday season is often called the “season of giving” where we focus on sharing physical gifts, our time, and the spirit of care and compassion. While the act of giving is exciting for many people, and actually boasts physical and mental benefits, it can also be a huge source of stress. How do we get into the mindset of giving without letting stress take over? 

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.

For those suffering from seasonal depression, or ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ (SAD), the oncoming of fall and winter can negatively impact their lives more than just the inconveniences of cold weather, snow, and icy conditions. Here are some at-home solutions you can try.