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.Read More
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.Read More
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.Read More
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.Read More
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.Read More
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.Read More
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.Read More
Keeping Your Oxygen Mask On
One of the most important things I’ve learned as a mom to three sons is the oxygen mask metaphor. It’s second nature to put our children’s needs before our own. But that is a surefire path to burnout. Taking care of yourself so you have the resources (the oxygen) to be a healthy and effective parent is so important.Read More
Cozy Fall Activities for Your Mental Health
The swift approach of Autumn and the ending of summer can be a brutal adjustment. Days are short and cold, evenings are dark and long, and these changes in the weather can bring on symptoms of Seasonal Depressive Disorder. Because of this, it’s important to find enjoyable ways to combat these symptoms and protect your mental health. Here are a few suggestions to help you get excited for the changing season, all while supporting your mental health.Read More
The Burnout Beast
In many fields of work, burnout is as common as physical ailments amongst staff. This can be described as a beast – a phantom that creeps up. When feelings of burnout begin to creep in, remind yourself why you do what you do, challenge yourself to start a new hobby, take mindful breaks from work, and seek support in friends, coworkers, and supervisors.Read More