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The Energy You Give: How Stress Shapes Our Reactions
January didn’t ease us into the new year. Instead, it arrived with illness, winter storms, power outages, and the kind of cold that seeps into your bones. Routines were disrupted. Plans were canceled. And for many in our community, it felt like one unexpected thing after another just when things were supposed to settle down. When life feels uncertain or out of our control, it often pulls out reactions we don’t love. Irritation. Anger. Blame. Excuses. These responses are human. They show up when our nervous system feels overwhelmed and is trying to protect us. Why Our Nervous System Defaults Under Pressure The problem isn’t that these stress reactions happen.…
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Overstimulated and Kinda Annoyed: A Guide for Humans
What Does “Overstimulated” Even Mean? The word overstimulated has made its way into pop culture. I hear it from neurodivergent folks, stay-at-home moms, and teens who are annoyed at their parents. But what does it actually mean? And how do we get less stimulated? At its core, overstimulated means your nervous system is overloaded. Our brains are constantly sorting input—sights, sounds, smells, emotions, chemical dumps, perceived danger, and more. When the brain gets more input than it can handle, it can trigger anxiety, irritability, or overwhelm. Being overstimulated often feels like: Why Do We Get Overstimulated? 1. Some Brains Are More Sensitive Some of us are more sensitive to daily…
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Learning to Manage Stress — Before It Manages You
Stress. We all experience it, and as a therapist, I can tell you it doesn’t discriminate. It shows up in every walk of life — at work, at home, in relationships, and in moments when we least expect it. Feeling stressed is completely normal, and in small doses, it can motivate and focus us. But when it becomes chronic, it can quietly build until it’s managing you. When Stress Starts to Manage Your Life I’ve watched this happen so many times — and felt it myself. You’re getting through the days, putting out one fire after another. You tell yourself it’s just a “busy season” or that “things will slow…
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Everyday Monsters: Anxiety, Fear, and Phobias, OH MY!
During this time of year, fear is something we talk about more often. Scary movies. Scary costumes. Haunted houses. Fear, when expected and controlled, can be fun! Some of us enjoy the thrill of a jump scare in a scary movie or a haunted house. But for some of us, fear and anxiety is something we deal with in our day-to-day lives, and it can be debilitating. 3 Common Ways Anxiety and Fear Haunt Our Lives 1. Fear without cause All of us experience anxiety to a certain degree. Our hearts race before turning a corner in the Halloween corn maze. Our stomachs drop when an animatronic at Spirit Halloween…
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3 Expert Tips for Handling Holiday Financial Stress
Holiday time can bring a lot of joy but also a lot of stress. Thousands of people are shopping for the holidays. Many people enjoy the season and shopping. However, over half of the holiday shoppers will begin to feel financial stress during the holidays. According to APA’s 2024 Stress in America Survey, only 16% of adults said they do not experience stress during the holiday season. It is common to feel anxiety, stress, and sadness when you have little or no money and are expected to provide gifts for family members. Here are a few ways to manage stress due to spending during the holiday time. 3 Tips to…
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Exploring the Benefits of Different Types of Therapy
Today, many individuals are turning to therapy as a way to cope with the challenges and stressors of everyday life. Therapy comes in many forms, each offering unique benefits and approaches to healing. Let’s explore the benefits of different types of therapy and how they can help individuals navigate their mental health journey. 1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Therapists widely use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to focus on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. The main benefit of CBT is its practical approach, offering clients tangible tools to manage symptoms. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. 2. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT):…
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Crisis Recovery For Military or First Responders
Recovery from a crisis can be especially challenging for military personnel and first responders, who often face the dual burden of managing their own emotional responses while providing support to others. This guide offers practical steps to help you navigate the recovery process effectively, integrating key practices such as maintaining personal connections and establishing healthy routines. Avoiding Over-Identifying with Survivors’ Grief One of the critical aspects of recovery for military or first responders is Avoiding over-identifying with survivors’ grief. It’s natural to empathize with those you’re helping; however, maintaining a professional distance is crucial to preserve your mental health. Techniques such as mindfulness and reflection can help you acknowledge your…
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How to Test Prep to Stress Less
When the days get longer, it’s a sure sign that spring has arrived. This change of seasons also ushers in the time of year when teachers, parents, and students prepare for testing. Whether it’s a final exam, a standardized test, or even a pop quiz, tackling tests can be nerve-wracking. But fear not, because I want to share some strategies to help you prepare for a test while keeping your mental health in check. Starting Early and Staying Organized First things first, let’s talk about starting early and staying organized. Procrastination is the ultimate enemy when it comes to test prep, at least it was for me growing up. It…
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6 Holistic Tips to Help with Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that affects many individuals, both young and old. It can be frustrating to deal with but there are simple tips and tricks that can help improve your sleep quality and overall well-being. Here, we will explore six useful tips for managing insomnia, focusing on natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can make a significant difference in your sleep patterns. 1. Melatonin for Adults, Not Children and Teens Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles. While children and teens typically have enough melatonin naturally, adults may benefit from supplementation. If you choose to take melatonin, it is recommended to start with a low dosage—between…
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Finding PEACE in an Unpeaceful World
Living in an unpeaceful world can take a toll on our mental health. The constant stress, negativity, and chaos can leave us feeling overwhelmed and disconnected from our inner peace. However, it is possible to find peace within ourselves, even amidst the chaos. In this blog, we will explore five steps that can help us cultivate inner serenity, using the acronym PEACE. Step 1: Practice Mindfulness Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment. It allows us to observe our thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. For my friends who are spiritual, mindfulness can be in the form of listening to the…
