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!