Have you ever felt captivated by the glow of the moon against a deep blue sky on a clear night? How about the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread or the sound of a child’s laughter? These everyday moments, known as “glimmers,” are fleeting yet powerful, evoking feelings of [...]
For tweens and teens, the feeling of not fitting in can be distressing. Peer pressure and the adverse effects of social media—unrealistic comparisons to other teens and celebrities, fear of missing out and the well-documented addictiveness of social platforms—can compound the problem and undermine a young person’s mental health [...]
Having trouble getting a restful night’s sleep? Try focused breathing before bed. “Any type of breathing that emphasizes the exhale is relaxing and calming, especially at night to settle the body and mind,” says Beth Ando-Brenman, MPT, yoga instructor and community health educator at CentraState. She recommends the 4-4-8 breath: [...]
As the saying goes, no one’s perfect. But trying to hold yourself to those standards is unrealistic and can even be toxic. Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors and eating disorders, according to CentraState behavioral health specialist Amy Metzger, MSW, LCSW. It can also cause [...]
In today's fast-paced world, digital devices have become an integral part of our daily lives. But the urge to check smartphones and social media can become compulsive, impacting sleep, relationships and your health. If you’ve noticed these effects – or if you feel unhappy, irritable, frustrated, lonely or insecure [...]
Several years ago, Stephanie Akselsen of Howell faced a “perfect storm” of challenges: physiological menopause symptoms and inadequate sleep; emotional repercussions of three relocations; and her fourth child’s departure for college. She held her emotions in and soon found herself with debilitating depression. When other therapy and medications didn’t help, [...]
For kids, nothing beats summer’s bright and balmy months for rest, rejuvenation, and fun. But the season is always fleeting – and back-to-school concerns may soon present themselves, especially for adolescents transitioning to new schools. According to CentraState child and adolescent psychiatrist Ankur Desai, MD, the transitions from elementary [...]
Relationships, friends, career, passions, purpose, the ability to adapt to change—every aspect of your life influences your well-being. But nothing has a bigger effect on your life than your health. When you’re feeling good, you have the energy and endurance to play hard, work hard, and enjoy life to [...]
It’s okay to acknowledge and share your anxiety. “There’s a lot of buzz swirling around and it’s hard not to let it affect us,” says Amy Meztger, MSW, LCSW. “Here are some tips and things to keep in mind to help you stay calm in the storm.” Practice good [...]
While many look forward to the joy and merriment of the winter holiday season, for some, it can be overshadowed by a never-ending “to do” list, family drama, or loneliness. The holidays can heighten anxiety and depression, which can negatively impact your health by lowering your immune system and [...]
