Winter has arrived. Snow drifts softly from the sky, blanketing the world in quiet. The air is crisp, cheeks glow ruddy from the cold, and comfort can be found in steaming mugs of coffee, hearty soups, and sturdy snowboots. The sun lingers only briefly before surrendering to the long stretch of evening darkness. As night [...]
Tag: Self-Care
Self-Care Idea: Nature Walks to Nurture Mental Health
Spending time outdoors can be one of the easiest and most accessible ways to support your mental health. Many studies have shown that being in nature can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and even boost creativity and focus. Beyond the health benefits, there is something grounding about nature that can offer a sense of calmness that [...]
Four Everyday Habits That Support Mental Health
Mental health is complex, and at times, it can seem overwhelming or exhausting to keep up with everything we need to do to support our mental well-being. Sometimes, the most helpful changes aren’t big or complicated, but simple, everyday habits to include in our daily routine. When we check in with ourselves, it is helpful [...]
Exercise and Mental Health
Exercise is a regular part of a healthy lifestyle. Moving our bodies is an important part of our cardiorespiratory health, improving bone density, and reducing the risk of developing various diseases including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, and certain cancers. Studies have shown that human beings may have an innate drive to move based on [...]
Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Spirit: Self-Care Journal Prompts for Your Well-Being
Self-care isn't just about pampering ourselves with bubble baths or a spa day—it’s a holistic practice that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. Tending to these three parts of ourselves is essential for maintaining the energy and balance we need to show up fully in our work, relationships, and daily commitments. But, self-care is deeply [...]
Rethinking New Year’s Resolutions: Alternatives for a More Intentional 2025
Since before the decorations were off the tree and all the Hanukkah candles were lit, I’ve been asking people about New Year’s resolutions. Not necessarily what those resolutions are, but how they feel about making them.  Some folks don’t bother making them because they feel it’s an exercise in failure. That was the view of [...]
Five Morning Routines to Start Your Day Off Right
This month for Mental Health Awareness Month, I wanted to share five morning routines that can help start your day off right. Taking time for self-care is so important - even the smallest change in routine devoted to self-care can make a big difference in your day. Here are Five Helpful Morning Routines:Â 1. Meditation: [...]
Self-Soothing vs. Self-Care
The term self-care has become extremely well known over the past few years. We talk about it at work, school, with our kids and with our families. But what actually is self-care? Believe it or not, self-care is not putting on your face mask at the end of the night or listening to relaxing music [...]
Starting Therapy—A Profound Act of Self-Care
Therapy is not just for dealing with a crisis. It can be beneficial for anyone dealing with mental health challenges, experiencing high levels of stress or who simply wants to gain more knowledge and awareness. Therapy can be a great place to learn and practice new skills as people take on changes and stressors associated [...]
Efficient Problem Solving
By Shelton Piland, Supervisee in Clinical Social Work in Northern, VA Patients frequently come to me for advice when they encounter a problem and do not know what to do, where to go next or how to address the problem. We are usually able to work together to dissect the issue and make a plan [...]
Self-Compassion Break
Photo by Michelle on Unsplash By Dr. Debra Rezendes, HMT Resident in Marriage and Family Therapy in Northern Virginia For so many, the recent months have required a bit of flexibility. The pandemic has left many individuals, parents, and families juggling multiple roles. We are all trying to figure things out day by day. In moments of high [...]
Keeping Your Peace of Mind Amidst the Chaos
By Jasmine Payne, Licensed Professional Counselor There is so much going on right now and so much of it is out of our control. This is an unprecedented time and situation. Many of us are faced with trying to figure out what a new normal looks like. The most important thing to remember is there [...]