Capitalizing on the good days: How weather can impact motivation and mental health

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Capitalizing on the good days: How weather can impact motivation and mental health

It’s no secret that the weather has an impact on our mood. Over the last few months, clients have shared concerns with lack of motivation, increased sadness, and overall negative mood. The climate in which we live gives way for dark, cold, and dreary months during the winter which most people refer to as the “winter blues”. I talk with my clients about Seasonal Depression and how it is highly relevant to that time of year. They report not wanting to get out of bed, struggle to complete everyday tasks and even the thought of leaving the home is dreadful. Though this season feels like it goes on forever, you may have noticed slightly warmer and sunnier days. These days may have felt much lighter or “happier” to you which means Spring is here. The trees are blooming, it’s getting darker later in the evening, and nature is coming back to life! How exciting?!

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Making Meaning through Narrative Therapy 

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Making Meaning through Narrative Therapy 

Many of us have a story that we tell ourselves about why we are the way we are. This story in our minds is our own personal narrative that gives meaning to our life. As we learn through each moment (especially those significant moments in life), our idea of self is built through our own bias of experiences. Meaning making on our journeys can help create a sense of purpose.

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4 Ways To Give Yourself Extra Care During Colder Months

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4 Ways To Give Yourself Extra Care During Colder Months

If you’re anything like me, colder weather and shorter days mean a number of things are changing:

1.   Getting out of bed in the dark? Yeah, that feels like running a marathon.

2.   Lunch looks more like pork mac and cheese than a grilled chicken salad with almonds, goat cheese and fruit.

3.   Doing the dishes when you get home from work is infinitely less appealing than putting your feet up and watching holiday-themed movies.

We get out of healthier habits and slip into hibernation mode. Our bodies aren’t as well-nourished because the foods that seem more appetizing have higher levels of fat and sugar. We are lounging more and moving less. All of these factors lead us to feeling sluggish, less emotionally stable, and generally yucky!

 Self-care to the rescue! I am here to tell you there are ways to boost comfort and contentment without sacrificing true care for your mind and body. Here we go.

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Codependency: What Is It?

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Codependency: What Is It?

The original concept of “codependent” came from wives of the alcoholics who started Alcoholic Anonymous, Bill Wilson and “Dr. Bob.”  The men would have AA meetings in people’s houses and the wives would sit in the kitchen and talk over coffee and dessert.  As they exchanged stories about their experiences, they realized they all had done similar things in an effort to protect their husband from consequences of their alcoholism.

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Seasonal Affective Disorder : What It Is And How To Combat It

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Seasonal Affective Disorder : What It Is And How To Combat It

Do you find yourself feeling sad, sluggish, tired, or moody during the colder months? If so, you may be struggling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 10 million Americans are affected by SAD. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a type of depression that is triggered by changes in seasons.

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