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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What is People Pleasing?

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What is People Pleasing?

What does the term "people pleasing" mean to you?

People pleasing is a broad term used to define one's emotional need to please others at the cost of their needs and desires. In many cases, people pleasing behaviors are problematic, as they may lead to anxiety, disconnection with others, tiredness, poor boundaries, low self-esteem, and lack of satisfaction.

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How Self-Compassion Can Soothe Trauma and Anxiety

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How Self-Compassion Can Soothe Trauma and Anxiety

After a traumatic or anxiety-inducing experience, some people notice an increase in thoughts such as “it’s all my fault,” “I can’t trust anyone” or “everywhere I go is unsafe.” After trauma, your brain can hyperfocus on the negative as a way to keep you safe from future danger.

It is working so hard to keep you safe that it doesn’t mind if it puts you down in the process.

While you may appreciate your brain’s commitment to safety, repetitive negative thoughts can take a toll on your mental health. In fact, one of the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder is “persistent and exaggerated negative beliefs or expectations about oneself, others, or the world” (that explanation is taken from the DSM-5, the diagnostic manual that counselors use). Trauma survivors might feel like they have negative self-talk on repeat in their brain with no idea how to hit the power button or turn down the volume.

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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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