Self Care is More Than a Bubble Bath
Today, I am looking out my window and taking in the majesty of the clear blue sky. The trees across the street are bare and beautiful, awaiting the new life of spring, while people bundled in heavy jackets walk by quickly in the crisp, cold air. The sun bathes the scene with its pale golden light, and I find myself lost in the serenity of it all…
Updating, Adjusting, and Redefining Your Goals
Now that the new year has a few weeks under its belt, you’ve had time to work on the goals you set for yourself over the winter, including any New Year’s resolutions you might have made. However, you’ve begun to hit some snags. Don’t worry, this is a completely normal part of the process! Truth be told, everyone hits snags now and then. The idea is to roll with them rather than get hung up on them.
Down Regulation vs. Up Regulation in Achieving Goals
Down Regulation vs. Up Regulation in Achieving Goals
To better manage stress levels, you can learn how to regulate the nervous system. This can be done in one of two ways: down regulation or up regulation. By utilizing these two methods, you can help train your nervous system to stay more balanced.
Calling Out & Calling In
With the holidays upon us, it is altogether possible that a friendly conversation might take a turn to a more polarized topic in which a friend or loved one could say something hurtful, demeaning, or uncalled for. If you strongly disagree, you might choose to address the issue by “calling them out” on it.
The Suitcase Strategy
The Suitcase Strategy | Assisting With Healthy Boundaries and Supporting Interpersonal Interactions
When packing a suitcase for a trip, we pack items that have meaning and connection to us. Some things feel more comfortable or safe enough to bring with us on our trip, while other things we leave at home as we don’t feel safe or comfortable bringing them. We can apply this same concept to our interpersonal relationships when we interact with the world in a social setting.
Taking Care of Yourself
Winter can be a difficult time for many reasons. Let’s talk about how to take care of ourselves!
Staying Present When Triggered
When your brain shuts down, usually due to a stressful conversation or event, it is trying to protect you by kicking in the steps toward fight/flight/freeze. This is common and not "weird." You are likely experiencing a trauma response based on something that happened in the past.
How to Regulate Your Nervous System
How to Regulate Your Nervous System
One of the best ways I have found to intentionally regulate your nervous system is through the TIPP strategy from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy developed by Marsha Linehan. This strategy has four easy steps to help you to manage and also reduce stress and anxiety levels. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who has difficulty controlling their emotions.
