There’s that familiar feeling again. The sweaty palms. The butterflies in my stomach. The constant overthinking in my mind. I was always taught to be self-sufficient and have my own. As a result, I consider myself to be a strong and independent woman. So it came as a surprise when asked one day, “why are you troubled waters in the ocean of life?” In the back of my … [Read more...]
7 Ways to Reduce Your Anxiety by Getting in Touch with Nature and Your Community
Throughout my teenage and adult life, I’ve found nature and working within my community to be a great way to alleviate stress. Exercise can lead to a healthy heart and lessen anxiety due to gaining a higher-level of endorphins, and in the long run, help you feel better about you. Take your friends with or go solo. Some examples of how venturing into the great outdoors may help … [Read more...]
Summer is Here! Get Outside
The sun and the warm weather have finally arrived after the long stints of rain, snow, and just overall dark, dreary days. It is important that you take this time to recharge your body's batteries by getting outside and enjoying the weather. Not only is it fun to be outside in this weather, it is actually biologically important to keep hormones levels in check. Most people … [Read more...]
10 Ways I Hope to Change My Life in This New Decade
As 2020 sets in, I'm reflecting back on the last 10 years: graduation, first jobs, first boyfriends, the onset of my anxiety... so many things. Who would have thought someone could pack in so much life in just 10 years? I hope my next 10 will be filled with happiness, joy, health and adventure. Here are just some things I'm looking forward to in the new decade: Career … [Read more...]
Work Hard, Nap Hard: A Guide to Balancing Work and College Life
College. stress. These words seem to go hand in hand these days. For those of us who have jobs on top of being full time students, handling stress can become something like a third job. We go to class during the day, go to work at night, and when we get home we frantically scramble to finish our homework just to start everything over the next day, five days a week. The new … [Read more...]
The Link Between Exercise and Mental Health: A Psychologist and Marathoner’s Perspective
By: Melissa Tanner, Ph.D., Guest Contributor Exercise can have a profound impact on mental health, in a variety of different ways. There are the obvious ways, such as the famed “runner’s high,” which refers to the euphoric sensation caused by endorphins released after strenuous physical activity. Exercise can also promote a regular sleep schedule, which is crucial to mental … [Read more...]
Fear of Flying, Fear of Vacationing
One thing that always increases my anxiety is travel. This is a common issue with people going to new places or staying in a strange place. I usually have to leave a light on my first night in a hotel just to get some sleep! Many people are in motion towards the end of the year. Holidays make for not only travel anxiety, but the anxiety of dealing with or even staying with … [Read more...]
7 Things We Know Now That We Wish We Knew Then About Therapy
If you've experienced anxiety, depression or any other mental health issue, you may be thinking about seeking therapy. But, perhaps you've been too nervous to take the plunge. What if the therapist doesn't understand me or judges me? What if I don't know where to start? Our Anxiety In Teens Summer 2018 Fellows are here to clear the air and give you the confidence you need to … [Read more...]
21st Birthday and Peer Pressure: My Story
My birthday is coming up soon. When I first realized it was so close I was shocked at how fast the past year went by and I started to think about what I was doing this time last year. After thinking for a couple of minutes I remembered exactly what I was doing. I was extremely frustrated and stressed out from trying to plan the perfect 21st birthday. Turning 21 should be … [Read more...]
CREATE YOURSELF
Are you sitting in front of your phone or computer right now, moping around? Are you dreading going to school this Monday - to face the students, semi-friends, bullies, parents and teachers? Basically- Are you living a life that is any less than fantastic? Well.. You're in for a surprise secret today. One that has been there all along, but you may just be finding out about … [Read more...]
Why You Shouldn’t Hate Yourself for Needing a “Mental Health” Day
No matter who you talk to, we all have had them. Days where we just don’t feel ourselves, even when we don’t feel physically sick. For the average person, this is just a sporadic event that doesn’t typically occur more than once or twice a year. And often times these words are tossed around like confetti, as it is normal for one to crave a day just for themselves. But for … [Read more...]
5 Mid-Year Resolutions to Re-Implement for Self-Care in 2018
It feels like just yesterday we were counting down to the new 2018 year. I was ready to face the new year with a brand new set of resolutions, but this year, it was time to actually keep them. Half what through the year, I'm reminding myself how far I've come and encouraging myself to keep going. Looking after yourself shouldn’t feel like a chore. Self-care is important, but … [Read more...]
The Power of Therapy
Personally, I was never really well-versed on therapeutic and emotional regulation interventions before I studied psychology in college. There is still a negative connotation associated with therapy and this is why a lot of people do not believe that therapy can actually be a very beneficial treatment option for people who need it. Not enough people are educated on the … [Read more...]
5 Foolproof Stress-Busting Activities for Finals Week
Stress is a powerful thing and something that often become extremely overwhelming if you let it get out of hand. Since coming to college, I believe that I have started to master some of the best options to try if you are having an especially difficult day or couple of days. Finals week is especially stressful for most. Here are a few options to reduce stress during finals week … [Read more...]
I’m My Own Sunshine, and You Should Be Yours, Too
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away. - Jimmie Davis When we think of sunshine we typically tend to think of warmth, comfort, light, and joy; things that bring us happiness. In this classic song, Davis suggest that whoever this person is, is so full of … [Read more...]