As we are approaching the year marker of being in a pandemic, it is normal to start feeling tired and “over” COVID-19. We start to feel a sense of nostalgia remembering what we did a year ago. We start to ask ourselves: Where were we a year ago? What were we doing? As the time passes, we started to create a “new normal” that looks different for each and every one of us.
Read MoreIt is natural and protective to try and solve our problems or get out of a rut as quickly as possible so that we can get back to feeling like our best selves. Sometimes, we spend more energy trying to “do” things to feel better and avoid feeling negative emotions that it can oftentimes make us feel worse. If there are times that your go-to mood boosting activities feel draining or unappealing, or despite your best efforts you cannot pinpoint what specifically is bothering you, it might be helpful to stop “doing” and start “being.”
Read MoreDo you find yourself stuck in routines or patterns of behavior that do not serve you? Are you unable to identify and shift these routines or patterns to help them fit your lifestyle? In this post we will discuss how to identify those routines that are not serving you and offer ways to create ones that do.
Read MoreThis past year was a challenge in one way or another for all of us. As a country, we have experienced hardships that we could have never expected. However, we have also become stronger and more resilient, and have learned more about ourselves throughout this time. Now that 2021 is here, we can begin to feel more hopeful as a new year brings a “fresh start” and new perspective. As we turn the page on 2020 and ring in 2021, we can establish our new ambitions and goals for the upcoming year.
Read MoreYou know Daylight Savings has arrived when it’s 4:30 PM, you peek out the window, and it is dark outside. The sun going down early can cause us to feel down and unhappy. For the next few months until spring, we may feel less motivated to finish our work or complete some of our “after-work” or “after-school” tasks as it may seem later than it really is.
Read MoreThe idea of New Year’s resolutions can feel overwhelming and pressure-filled. Do you want to focus on something for self-care? On how you relate to others? Or what about how you relate to the world in general? New Year’s resolutions do not have to be some grandiose idea that is different than any other goal you may have for yourself throughout the year.
Read MoreAs we all know, this year has looked wildly different than any other before. As we approach the holiday season, it is important to think about how we can emotionally prepare for the changes that this year will bring.
Read MoreHello! My name is Brooke Phelps and I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and graduate of Columbia University School of Social Work.
Read MoreOver the last 7 months the COVID-19 pandemic has changed many of our routines. One of the bigger changes that we have encountered is the way we communicate with one another and the way in which we think about each plan. Whether it’s a socially distanced walk in the park or meeting up with a friend outside for a coffee, each requires an additional step to think about.
Read MoreAdjusting to the virtual way of the world has been a hot topic lately. You might have noticed yourself becoming more reliant on your devices than ever before. During this adjustment, it is important to find ways to stay present.
Read MoreIt is unbelievable to think that Summer has already come and gone, and we are now transitioning into Fall. . Although Summer may have seemed too quick, we can start to get excited about all the fun activities that come with the change of seasons. We may have to be a little more mindful by social distancing and wearing masks, but we can still enjoy Fall activities.
Read More2020 has felt like a new kind of year for all of us. Whether you have started working from home, lost a loved one, or felt isolated, it is possible that you have noticed certain shifts in your relationship with yourself. As we experience getting to know ourselves through this new time, it is important that we find new ways of practicing self-care. Intention setting is a great starting point in creating a self-care routine.
Read MoreAs we approach the upcoming school year and enjoy the last licks of summer, it is important to discuss the “elephant in the room” that no one wants to talk about. For those who have a school aged child in the home, the uncertainty of what lies ahead can feel quite daunting.
Read MoreDuring the pandemic it is important to cultivate your confidence and comfort, while also utilizing self-care to avoid burnout. One of the most important way to help avoid burnout is to check in on your feelings regarding motivation. Motivation is an essential element that contributes to our overall mood during the pandemic, and throughout various areas in our lives.
Read MoreWorking from home can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. On one hand, you are able to work freely wherever you want and wear whatever you want! However, on the other hand, it can also lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and feeling sedentary. While working from home, it is important to keep up with both your physical and mental health, even though it may feel really hard.
Read MoreAs we enter another month of quarantine, it is important to stay positive and look at this as extra time and opportunity to partake in activities and tasks you may not have had time to prior. You may find a new routine or an activity you didn’t do in the past, like taking your time to have your morning coffee, or, eating breakfast with your loved ones.
Read MoreShifting perspective is a helpful tool when it comes to setting a healthy mindset. One way to work on shifting your perspective is by cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing consists of identifying negative thoughts and changing the way you look at those thoughts in order to gain new perspective.
Read MoreAfter being inside for a long period of time, you may begin to notice that your child starts to tell you they are bored at home. It is important for your child to remain productive and active during this time, which ultimately will help them stay motivated and engaged.
Read MoreThe power of kindness has become very important during this time of unknown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we search for ways to come together and to find strength, kindness has been a guiding force. We are all experiencing our world in a new way, and it can be helpful to tune in to all the kindness that is occurring around us.
Read MoreSelf-care is known as activities or tasks that one plans to do for the betterment of themselves. Self-care can be anything from meditating to going for a run. As social distancing continues, and we are all spending more time at home, it is important to remember that carving out time for self-care is important.
Read More
