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How to Challenge Anxious Thoughts
Do you ever experience anxious thoughts you can’t escape? You are not alone. Many times we can get wrapped up in our head with our thoughts spinning out of control. And, instead of trying to find a way out or forward, we often dig down deeper into a hole of no return. When you find yourself struggling with anxiety, go back to your ABCs and take a moment to reflect about your situation before you react. Attention Notice what your mind is saying. The first step to being able to figure out everything that’s going on is to just start by noticing what you are actually thinking. Write your thoughts…
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Help Kids Cope During Quarantine
Children are experiencing many different feelings during quarantine. Some may be worried about their safety, they may miss their friends, or they may just be sad they can’t do some of the things they used to do. Here are some ways to help kids cope during quarantine. Christy Pennison, LPC-S, and her furry friend Waldo the Walrus with Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting wanted to help kids identify how they feel, teach them coping skills to manage their feelings, and help them learn ways to shift their thoughts to what is going right instead of what they may be missing. In this four-part, interactive video series, we talk with kids…
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Mental Health Checklist During Times of Uncertainty
Now, more than ever, it’s important to do things that support your physical and mental health as well. During times of uncertainty, it’s hard to know what you should be doing to maintain your mental health. Here are 9 things to do during this time to take care of yourself to be able to fully show up for the people who need you. I got out of bed and took a deep breath in and out Especially during this time, it’s important to make sure you are getting adequate rest. Many will experience “sleepless” nights during times of uncertainty. But, try to identify what may be contributing to your trouble…
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Finding Calm in the Midst of Uncertainty
In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, it’s hard to find calm. A lot has changed in our lives over the past days, weeks, and months. With so much changing, and so quickly, it’s hard for our minds to catch up to our present reality. A sense of uneasiness lurks at every corner of our daily lives, almost feeling surreal. During these unfamiliar times, how can we stay present, finding calm in the midst of uncertainty? Acknowledge your feelings Well, for starters, we have to acknowledge what is causing these unsettling feelings of anxiety and worry. We must acknowledge that there are things about what is going on in…
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Adjusting to Stay at Home
Over the past several weeks our world has turned upside down, or at least that is how it feels. It has been a whirlwind of change. And if you are struggling with adjusting to everything, just know you are not alone. Our minds are still trying to catch up with everything that is happening. Local boutique owner (Addie’s Boutique) and mom, Brandy Watkins Wills, reached out to ask me some questions about adjusting to our new reality. I wanted to share these questions and responses, because I think we are all just trying to figure this out one day at a time. And, the range of feelings and emotions you…
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Talking with Your Child About Coronavirus
News about coronavirus (COVID-19) is everywhere. It’s on the news, social media, and even talked about at your local neighborhood grocery store. Chances are your child already knows about coronavirus. They’ve heard it from a teacher at school, on the playground, or from a close friend or family member. With so much information going around, it’s important to not be afraid of talking with your child about coronavirus. Don’t be afraid to start the conversation As a parent, you are the most reputable source of information according to your children. Therefore, it’s important to have an honest dialogue with your child to provide information at an age appropriate level. You…
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5 Calming Strategies for Any Age
Learning to calm and relax your body and mind is something we can all benefit from. Sometimes dealing with heightened emotions can leave our bodies and minds on edge. However, finding ways to relax can help us learn ways to regain control of our emotions and refocus our thoughts to the present moment. When feeling stressed or overwhelmed, there are two things to focus on: relaxing the body and calming the mind. Here are 5 calming strategies I have found beneficial. Take deep breaths The whole of our being is connected to our breath. In fact, breathing is essential to life. It is also the first thing to speed up…
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How to Have a Better Panic Attack
One thing I most appreciate is when I get to help people change their relationship to their panic attacks. The reality is that we can’t always make them stop. Sometimes our best bet is to learn how to get through them better. I wrote this because I and so many people I love, know what it’s like to suffer from panic attacks. I wrote this hoping to help diminish both the suffering and taboo of panic attacks. This is how it starts for me. My breath gets tight, I can’t focus and I can’t think. Oh no, oh no, oh no! It’s a panic attack. It literally feels like I…
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5 Ways to Prioritize Your Mental Health
Our mental and emotional health affects everything we do. If we are not in a good place mentally or emotionally, then we can’t fully show up in life. That’s why it is important to prioritize your mental health. Many individuals live very busy lives. This can often cause many to live life reactively instead of proactively. This means when something happens causing the world to turn upside down, only then do we prioritize things like our health or wellbeing. However, I encourage you to be proactive in taking care of your mental health instead of reactive. Here are 5 ways to do just that. Prioritize sleep. Quality sleep is essential to…
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What is Counseling, Anyway?
Have you ever wondered, “What is counseling, anyway?” Well, you are not alone. Many people wonder what counseling is, even though counseling is for everyone. Especially if they’ve never tried counseling in Alexandria, LA. In this post, I’m here to tell you what counseling is and is not. Counseling isn’t something new. In the “olden days”, there was often someone in a community or village who was the designated go-to person. This person would have insight into problems and be able to provide guidance. They were trusted by the community. So, community members felt comfortable going to this person for counseling on how to solve issues. How is Counseling Different…
