SENSORY SENSATIONS

Self-care is one of the first things that gets taken off of the list when people tend to be stressed. My suggestion? Do something easy and quick to spark your senses. A couple of ideas? SENSORY To calm your mind, focus on the sensations around you—sights, smells, sounds, tastes, touch… The present moment can give you a much needed vacation from your worries. A textured blanket can be great to snuggle under while getting computer tasks accomplished. Even the noise from a running faucet or the sound of rain can be true music to our ears. The season is ripe for fireplaces and if you do not have one-go to a nearby coffee shop and watch there fireplace while you feed your taste buds coffee, cider, tea or a beverage of choice. However you decide to treat yourself give your senses full rein and allow them to take part in the process. Would you benefit from a self-care regimen? Email our office at info@taramichener.com Scheduling an appointment to gain insight, techniques and tools can allow you to live a life with self-care strategies that work for you.

TAKE A DEEP BREATH…OF FRESH AIR

Sometimes it is hard to create a perfect self care routine. Many challenges face us all each day and obligations are priority. It happens to be the perfect season to step outside if you only have a quick moment to breath in the air. Sometimes a breath of fresh air can bring fresh perspective. Our practice is offering a P.O.W. series for the Fall & Winter months. Pursuit Of Wellness groups can help attendees to find the best self-care regimen for a healthy mindset. Need more info? Email Michener Associates Counseling Center at: info@taramichener.com

Write that down!

Journaling is a great mental health tip! Take some time to scribble your thoughts in a notebook, on a pad of paper or in a beautiful diary. It really does not matter how you do it-just do it. If you don't know what to write that is okay. Guided journals offer prompts. Stress relief, clear thinking and peace of mind can be a few benefits from a healthy journaling regimen. This activity can also allow you to process anger and other emotions in a productive manner. That is my mental health minute for today!

Transition and change

How do you do with change? Has transition caused a drain on your perspective? The old adage says the only thing contact is change. Do you have any go-to strategies for dealing with unexpected change? The best way to start is to begin before the change hits. Anticipate what gears will shift and plan for them. You may find that great opportunity will come with preparation. Grab a note pad and jot down the things that may take a turn and just how you anticipate handling them. If you need more assistance-seek help from a trusted friend or a mental health professional to aid you in your time of change.

Environmental Awareness

I find that when I am surrounded by productivity and positivity I can't help but to resemble my surroundings. I also fid that when I am in a negative environment that rubs off too. You are susceptible to what you expose yourself to. If yoga re able to it can be worth it to choose spaces and places that make you happy. Talk to people that share smiles and share some yourself as well. We can have a brighter day and future by being in the right place at the right time. If you are not able to determine your surroundings bring a little but of sunshine with you. A mug for your coffee that makes you happy. A book for your lunch break that you enjoy. Take a walk or pop in some earbuds for a motivational podcast and/or great tunes. Do you want to work on being more positive? Or setting up a routine that allows you to overcome negativity? Let me know-Michener Associates offers counseling on a variety of topics and we would be happy to offer a consultation to get you on track to meet your goals.

Thankful Thursday!

Who do you need to thank? A card, phone call, text or email is typically a great way to tell someone how grateful you are for them. If you have just a few minutes in your day-give someone a boost. Has anyone helped you in a significant way? Has anyone taken out the time to give you a helping hand? How about that person that gave you a smile when you really needed it? Make today great by being grateful. It is thankful Thursday! Pass it on!

Fresh Air can bring fresh thoughts

In my state we have had our fair share of snow. Every season can bring forth great progress but I am glad that today it is sunny and the white stuff is melting. The forecast is warning us that it is not over. I decided that if that is true-I will enjoy today. I will bask in the fact that I can walk in today's puddles that might become tomorrow's ice. So I did. I took a break from paperwork, research and client files and I put on my sneakers. I put off the pending manuscript and I tied my laces. I said to myself that the filing and organizing could wait and I stuck earbuds in my ears. I loved every bit of it. I took a two hour walk. I smiled, I had a chance to catch my breath and I let my thoughts flow. I appreciated the time to myself and with nature. We can't always have sunny days in March but when we do-we have to take advantage of them if we can. Can you take a walk today or just step outside and breath in the fresh air? It might make a difference.

Monday Needs to be your Motivation

Have you heard complaints about Monday? Jokes? We can work together to make sure that Monday is not a punch line but better yet-a starting line. This is the beginning of your week. We should get motivated about having a fresh start, a new beginning and a blank slate. Whatever happened last week might effect your mood but it is up to you to take today by storm and change your future for the better. Are you ready? I am. What can you do to make today better for yourself and better than last week? Make a list and get started.

Unload and Unleash

Sometimes it is necessary to get rid of baggage. Clutter comes in all forms. You might have things around your home that you don't use anymore that is crowding out your peace of mind. You may have baggage inside of your heart or your mind that is doing the same. Take some time to go through unwanted items in your home once a week. Even if it is just 30 minutes it could make a big difference. You could donate your items to a number of local non-profits that could use your unwanted treasures for the good of those in need. For the space in your head and/or in your heart. Get a journal. A easel or your preferred method of creative outlet and blurt out your feelings on paper. Release your fears, dreams and anxieties in your own special way. This also could help if it is a weekly occurrence. If you need to talk to someone find a therapist that you trust to share your load with. YOu are not alone and don't have to carry your own burdens.

Take my breath away...

How often do you get overwhelmed? Anxious? Stressed? Do you ever feel out of control? Try taking a deep breath. Calmly close your eyes. Think of something that makes you happy or at peace and focus on that mental picture. Exhale in. Exhale out. Repeat this until you feel better. It is not a miracle cure but it might make you feel like you are more in control and allow you the clarity to deal with the emotions that you are experiencing at the present moment with a clear head. Remember that a therapist can always be of help if you need to get a handle on the hard stuff and that this blog is not intended to treat any medical or mental condition.

Self-care Saturdays

What is one thing that you can do to take care of yourself today? Just one. I don't want you to write a list because that will turn into a project. Projects are not bad-but they are not considered self-care. Did you think of one thing? Awesome. Do it! No matter what-make it happen. We have 24 hours in one day. It is okay if you use a fraction of it for you. When you give yourself time to take a walk, a nap or even a minute to indulge in a non-work related magazine you give yourself permission to be cared for. You deserve it! Feel free to share your self-care Saturday experience with us in the comments!

If you have only 1 minute we have thoughts

Welcome to my Mental Health blog! I'm Tara. I wear many hats in my career. I am an author, advocate, entrepreneur and contributing journalist for various publications. The hat that I am very proud of is my role as a private practice therapist. I am able to listen to amazing clients and help them through their personal journey to mental wellness and I consider this a blessing. This blog will be a place for my thoughts, ideas, resources and special events and offerings going on at my practice. It will also be a place for you to take a quick break during the day and get some fresh insight on a variety of topics in relation to mental health. Thanks for stopping by!