Your Mind Matters

Have you ever explored the concept of mindfulness? Simply writing down your thoughts, taking a breath and contemplating your emotions or taking some time to think clearly before proceeding with a decision is a very good start. When we take time to smell the proverbial roses-amazing things can happen. We are in a new season and if you have never considered the benefits of mindfulness before... now may be the time to begin your new season with a new found way to wellness. Something as simple as blowing bubbles can be therapeutic and help you to regulate and control your breathing. Let me know if I can help you on your mental health journey.

Why seeing a counselor makes you rock...

People have challenges. People have emotions. People are typically faced with dealing with other people. There will be times when challenges can motivate us to do better and to be stronger and there are times when challenges can make us feel stuck, alone and miserable. Seeing a counselor can help with goal clarification, emotion regulation and it is healthy to have someone to talk to and someone to listen actively to what needs to be said. A trained clinician is not the same as a friend or family member chat. Talk therapy is a great treatment plan because it is research based and it works. There is never a reason to deny yourself mental health benefits. Today if you feel that this is something that could help you-don't delay. There is no shame in giving it a try.

11 days in...

January 1st has come and gone. This is our first double-digit weekend in 2015. Are you still inspired? Are you working on your goals? Here is a tip if you have a list of goals consider breaking them down in chunks. If your main goal is to be healthy-great. Make sub-goals attached to that main idea of health. Drink eight glasses of water, join a gym, take a walk each day, see a therapist to process emotional baggage that may be stunting your objectives. For a goal like getting healthy-you can always add new approaches to reaching your dream. We are 11 days in. Your goals can be accomplished this year.

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.