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A woman hunched over her steering wheel stressed out while driving

Dealing With Driving Anxiety

While winter can make us want to hibernate and stay home, there are days when we still must get out, run errands, and travel. In the Midwest, that means being prepared to drive on snowy and icy roads. Despite many of us being used to driving in the winter, drivers can still feel anxiety, dread, or even full-on panic at the prospect of driving in such conditions – or just driving in general, no matter the weather. For many who’ve been in car accidents or with an anxiety disorder, those feelings of dread and panic can be exacerbated. 
Two people sitting together with coffee.

A Defense of Winter and the Custom of "Hygge"

A year ago, I came across the Danish custom of “hygge” (pronounced “hoo-gah”). “Hygge” doesn’t have an exact translation in English. According to the New York Times article where I first came across the term, a close translation is “a quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” The feelings I experience in winter of safety, comfort, and community are in line with hygge.
New Year

Starting the New Year Slow

Winter is the season of stillness. We are often under a constant barrage of “new year, new me” messaging. The idea of rebuilding ourselves and the pressure to make big changes is everywhere. This sense of "newness" feels contrary in a season where we should be enjoying the quiet and stillness of winter and the togetherness of the holidays. 
A young woman with curly hair looking upward and breathing in deep

The Science of Hope: How Hope Can Impact Your Mental Health

How can hope improve mental health? Studies on the science of hope began in the 1980s, and it was determined that hope is an action-oriented skill that can be learned, versus just something that you “feel.” In order to cultivate positive change in ourselves, in others, or society at large, restoring hope is the vital first step.
Two people hugging.

The Impacts of a Gratitude Practice

Recently, I posed the question, “In what ways has gratitude impacted your life?” to this group. Their answers were very similar and profound, and I wanted to share their insights on how a gratitude practice can impact your life. 
Young woman sitting on a bench outside in winter.

Beating the Winter Blues

January can blow in with a feeling of renewal and rebirth, but January for many is a cold, grey, and gloomy time of year, bringing with it the onset of “The Winter Blues” symptoms or S.A.D (Seasonal Affective Disorder). If you are feeling down this time of year, read on to learn some reasons as to why you may be feeling this way, and some solutions you can try at home.
Three diverse women in a circle giving high fives.

Building Community Through Challenging Times

This is a time in our country when many individuals, families, friends, coworkers, and even interactions with strangers are feeling split, tense, confused. When I feel unsure about the things I see on the news, I think back to Mr. Rogers; the TV show host who created the “Land of Make-Believe.” He once said to “find the helpers,” in times like these. If you’re unsure where to start, research causes to support that are aligned with your personal goals and beliefs.
A Black woman looking over a balcony looking sad

How to Deal with Loneliness Around the Holidays

Feeling alone around the holiday season can be tough, especially with the strong emphasis on togetherness and group celebrations. Feelings of loneliness during this time, while normal, can negatively impact your mental health. It’s important to recognize these feelings and then find healthy ways to cope with them.
Two dads hugging and holding a young girl

Adoption Necessities

Through the journey of knowledge, bravery, and strength, the child and adoptive family make a significant and meaningful impact on one another. The child and adoptive family allow for vulnerability in getting to know each other and open their hearts to begin a new chapter together.
A mother embracing her troubled teenage daughter

Talking to Your Child About Domestic Violence

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. At Nexus Family Healing, we serve youth and families who have often either been victims of and/or witnessed domestic violence. For a parent/caregiver who was the victim of intimate partner violence, navigating how to handle it with your children can be extremely tough.