Category Archives: Mental health

Reasons to Go to Mental Health Counseling

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It’s a common misconception that only people with serious mental health issues are eligible for counseling. But that’s not true. There are many reasons to go to counseling sessions even for smaller problems. 

Yes, many types of counseling are indeed specific to larger issues like alcohol and drug abuse counselors Springfield IL. But you don’t have to be an addict or a psychopath to go to counseling, and here are some reasons why. 

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Catch It While It’s Small

There are some issues that, if left unattended, can spiral into larger problems. Early counseling aims to prevent that spiral. It’s well known that if any sort of difficulty is nipped in the bud, so to speak, it will eliminate future damage. This is also the case with mental health- it’s never too early to solve a problem.

Build Up Confidence

Many times people don’t do what they want or need to do simply out of a lack of confidence and self-esteem. They fear that they just aren’t up to the task. Mental health counseling can help you build up the necessary confidence to tackle challenges throughout your life. Counselors are trained to help give people the skins they need for everyday life, and self-confidence is one of those skills.

Control Emotions and Behavior

Everyone has those bad habits they wish they could break or those feelings that get in the way of their life. Mental health counseling can help you get away from those destructive behaviors and emotions for good. They will give you the support and guidance to change those bad habits into good ones and flip negative emotions to the positive side. 

As you can see from this list, mental health counseling is a great way to improve your life and prevent future problems for a variety of reasons and in many different circumstances. Don’t be afraid to reach out to a counselor if you think you need one!

Tips to Help Manage Stress

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Everyone deals with stress, but it can be difficult to manage when it starts to accumulate. If you’ve noticed that stress is continuing to affect your mood and getting in the way of your everyday responsibilities and activities you enjoy, then you may want to take action to lower your stress levels. Here are some tips to try.

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Let it All Out

Stress often forms because you simply have many thoughts or worries going on in your brain, causing you to feel overwhelmed. One of the best ways to relieve stress is by talking to a trusted friend or loved one about what’s going on in your life; they don’t need to give advice, just listen. Other effective ways to let go of stress are to write about your thoughts and feelings, try stress therapy San Jose CA or start exercising regularly to release the tension in your body.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of staying present and letting go of worries about the past or present. Examples of mindfulness activities include deep breathing, meditation and yoga. Although the greatest benefits of mindfulness can be seen after continued practice, deep breathing and meditation can be used any time you’re feeling stressed. By focusing on your breathing and emptying your mind, you ground yourself and prevent your mind from getting lost in a spiral of worries.

Take Time for Things You Enjoy

Stress can make you feel like you don’t have any time to spare for leisure activities, but it’s important to make time in your busy schedule for your favorite hobbies simply because they make you feel good. Examples include anything from playing a sport to watching television to just spending time with friends and family. Carving out even a small amount of time for hobbies can be a reprieve from daily stressors.

Don’t let your worries get in the way of your life. By finding outlets to manage your thoughts and feelings and relieve tension, you can take control of your stress.

Camping 101: 3 Health Benefits of Camping

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Those who enjoy camping know all the health benefits they receive from their retreat to the outdoors. It is a relatively inexpensive getaway that also offers visits to scenic locations such as beaches, mountains, parks and resort towns. If you are considering giving camping a try, here are three health benefits you can expect from the experience.

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Physical

Getting away from your normal routine to a campground Navarre gives your body a chance to unwind and do different daily activities for a while, whether relaxing or going on adventures. Time spent with your loved ones during the trip reduces your stress levels and gives your body a chance to relax and recuperate. Any outdoor activity you choose will get your heart rate going and increase your body’s serotonin level that will help you sleep better at night and wake up feeling refreshed in the morning.

Emotional

Camping gives you dedicated time away with people you love, which is especially important if you have a busy job that keeps you away from home a lot. During the trip, if you have children, they will spend less time on their electronic devices and more time interacting with you while you all enjoy exploring the area, hiking, biking or boating. You will be creating memories and photos that will be cherished in years to come and will perhaps come back with a funny story or two to re-tell in the future.

Mental

Going on a camping trip helps your mind unwind from your job’s typical daily demands or those of your home life. Being outside with loads of sunshine and fresh air in a scenic location may lift your spirits. Any physical outdoor activities you do will increase your body’s level of endorphins, which naturally boosts your mood.

So give camping a try if for no other reason than the physical, emotional and mental health benefits you will get from your time in the outdoors.