The Symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all experience from time to time, but when it starts becoming overwhelming and persistent it’s easy to feel lost in the whirlwind of emotions. It can be hard to recognize if what you're feeling is typical or rather a case of Generalized Anxiety Disorder(GAD). GAD affects an estimated 5.7% of the population, usually developing during early adulthood and gradually taking hold of your daily life. Knowing the symptoms of GAD is an important first step to getting help if needed. Let’s take a deeper look at what General Anxiety Disorder is and the DSM-V criteria for diagnosing it.

What is Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)?

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health disorder that presents itself as extreme and persistent worries or concerns. It's not uncommon to feel anxious at times, but some individuals suffer from severe levels of worry on a daily basis. GAD affects not only how an individual thinks but also how they behave in any given situation. The most common symptoms of GAD include feeling restless and tense, having difficulty sleeping and concentrating, and having an increased heart rate. At its worst, it can lead to frequent panic attacks, interfering with day-to-day life. Fortunately, numerous treatments are available for those suffering from GAD, including therapy, medication, and relaxation techniques. All in all, understanding what Generalized Anxiety Disorder is can be the first step to getting the help and support you need if you’re struggling with it.

DSM-V criteria for diagnosing GAD

The DSM-V criteria for diagnosing someone with Generalized Anxiety Disorder includes six or more of the following symptoms, exhibited most days over at least six months:

• Excessive worrying about a variety of topics, including work, school, finances, health, and relationships

• Feeling overwhelmed or “on edge” for much of the day

• Difficulty concentrating due to worry

• Easily fatigued

• Irritability   

• Muscle tension and difficulty sleeping

• Restlessness and difficulty sitting still  

• Experiencing panic attacks or stressful physical reactions such as increased heart rate when faced with stressful situations.   

Tips for Managing GAD

Living with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can certainly be challenging, but there are helpful tips to manage it and lead a happier life. Remember, it's essential to first seek professional guidance from mental health professionals who can help determine personalized strategies to effectively cope with GAD. In the meantime, practicing self-care by prioritizing a good night's sleep, nourishing your body with a healthy diet, and engaging in regular physical activities will help maintain overall well-being. Additionally, setting aside time for relaxation, such as deep breathing exercises or meditation, can work wonders to calm your thoughts and alleviate anxiety. Finally, don't hesitate to reach out to supportive friends, family members, or support groups, as having a strong and understanding network plays a crucial role in managing GAD. Stay positive and patient in your journey to a more balanced life.

It can be daunting to cope with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, but thankfully there are a plethora of resources and advice available. Remember, you are never alone – it is important to not only seek professional help if needed but also to actively practice mindfulness and take advantage of the relaxation techniques that have proven to be effective in managing anxiety symptoms. Moreover, connecting with supportive friends, family members, and joining online support groups can be beneficial for sharing your experiences and being heard. Ultimately, you should never be ashamed or embarrassed about seeking help; many people live successful and fulfilling lives despite dealing with GAD. With the right guidance, treatment and patience, managing anxiety does not have to seem like an impossible feat. Embrace your vulnerability because when we embrace our mental wellness journey with self-care, we become whole again.

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: causes, symptoms, and treatments

Many people have heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they may not know exactly what it is. PTSD is a mental health condition that can be triggered by exposure to a Traumatic event, such as war, natural disaster, sexual assault, or a car accident. People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the event. They may also feel depressed, anxious, or angry. PTSD can lead to problems with work, relationships, and everyday activities. But there are treatments that can help.

What Causes PTSD?
PTSD can be caused by any type of Traumatic event. Some events that may cause PTSD are:
- War
- Natural disasters
- Car accidents
- Terrorist attacks
- Rape or other forms of sexual abuse/assault
- Child abuse or neglect  

These are just some examples—any event that leads to intense fear, helplessness, or horror can cause PTSD.

Not everyone who experiences a Traumatic event will develop PTSD. And it's not always clear why some people develop the disorder while others don't. But there are some risk factors that may make it more likely for someone to develop PTSD after a Traumatic event, including:
- previous exposure to Trauma
- having another mental health condition
- being female
- having little social support after the Traumatic event
- experiencing ongoing stressors after the event
- having difficulty coping with the event soon after it happened.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Symptoms of PTSD can start immediately after the Traumatic event or may not appear until months or even years later. The symptoms can also come and go over time, and they may get worse when something triggers memories of the Traumatic event. The main symptoms of PTSD fall into four categories: reliving the event (also called reexperiencing symptoms), avoiding situations that remind you of the event, negative changes in beliefs and feelings (also called negative alterations in cognitions and mood), and feeling more reactive than usual (also called hyperarousal). Let's take a closer look at each category.

Reliving the Event: People with PTSD often have flashbacks in which they relive the Traumatic experience as if it were happening again in the present. Flashbacks can be so real and intense that people lose touch with what's going on around them. They might feel like they're going crazy or dying. People also commonly have nightmares about the traumatic experience. These nightmares usually happen during REM sleep—the stage of sleep when we dream—and they tend to be very vivid and realistic. People with PTSD often have trouble sleeping because they're afraid of having nightmares about the trauma.      

Avoiding Situations That Remind You Of The Event: After a traumatic experience, it's common for people to try to avoid anything that reminds them of what happened—including people, places, objects, or situations. For example, someone who was in a car accident might avoid driving or getting into cars. Or someone who was raped might avoid being alone with men. It's normal for people to want to avoid reminders of a traumatic experience at first. But for people with PTSD, avoidance becomes a problem when it starts to interfere with their daily lives.

Negative Changes In Beliefs And Feelings: One of the hallmarks of PTSD is feeling detached from other people—like you're an outsider looking in on your own life. You might feel numb, disconnected, or unable to trust anyone. You might also feel like there's no hope for the future. Other common changes in beliefs and feelings after a traumatic experience include feeling guilt, shame, or self-blame; feeling permanently damaged or changed; having trouble experiencing positive emotions; and losing interest in activities you once enjoyed.

Feeling More Reactive Than Usual: People with PTSD often find themselves on edge—startled easily, always on guard for danger, or feeling “keyed up”. This increased level of arousal is known as hyperarousal. Hyperarousal symptoms can make it hard to concentrate or sleep, and you might startle more easily. You might also become irritable or have outbursts of anger. Hyperarousal symptoms usually lessen over time but can persist long-term if not treated.  

If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms—especially if they're interfering with daily life—it's important to seek professional help. A therapist who specializes in trauma can diagnose PTSD and develop a treatment plan tailored specifically for you. With treatment, most people with PTSD are able to manage their symptoms and live full, productive lives.

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Do you know someone who likes to be the center of attention? Or someone who brags and exaggerates their accomplishments? Chances are, you’ve heard these people referred to as “narcissists.” But is this simply a casual label or something more serious? If so, is it Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)? The DSM-V has outlined nine traits that they identify as being diagnostic of Narcissistic Personality Disorder. It's important to understand just what qualifies for a diagnosis of NPD in order to ensure accurate handling and management for those involved - both parties and those close by like family members, friends or colleagues. In this blog post we will explore what the DSM-V outlines about NPD; clarifying the distinction between everyday narcissistic behavior from an actual disorder.

Explaining the Difference Between Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder
It is not uncommon to hear people carelessly referring to someone as narcissistic, but actually diagnosing someone with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) according to the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) requires more than just a few self-centered behaviors. Although people who suffer from NPD may be described as grandiose, attention-seeking, and vain, they are also likely to experience feelings of loneliness and emptiness. Symptoms related to NPD can significantly interfere with relationships, careers, and everyday life. If you or someone you know is struggling with symptoms like these, it may be worth consulting with a mental health professional for further evaluation.

DSM-V Criteria for Diagnosing NPD
A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behaviour), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by 5 (or more) of the following:

1.     Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g. - exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
2.     Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3.     Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
4.     Requires excessive admiration
5.     Has a sense of entitlement (i.e. - unreasonable expectations of especially favourable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations)
6.     Is interpersonally exploitative (i.e. - takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends)
7.     Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
8.     Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her
9.     Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.

Causes of NPD, Including Genetic and Environmental Factors
While it is easy to refer to someone as a narcissist in casual conversation, true Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is complex and involves multiple factors. The exact causes of NPD are not yet known conclusively, however, research suggests that both genetic predisposition and environmental factors can contribute to the disorder. It is believed that parenting styles that put too much importance on the child’s achievements or those with an inconsistent approach to discipline may lead to NPD. A person's genetics may also play a role; people who have family members diagnosed with a personality disorder are more likely to develop one themselves. Unfortunately, diagnosing NPD can be difficult due to its overlap with other mental health disorders such as Antisocial Personality Disorder and Bipolar Disorder, making it essential for professionals in the field of mental health to use every resource available when they identify potential cases of NPD.

Although it is easy to use the term “narcissist” as an all-encompassing insult, it has much different meanings and implications in a professional setting versus casual usage. Narcissistic Personality Disorder is a serious mental illness that often warrants clinical intervention, where casually calling someone a narcissist does not change their behavior or provide any type of treatment. By better understanding the symptoms and causes of NPD, it is easier to recognize the signs of this disorder in those around us and get help for them before things reach a critical point. Not only can the diagnosis lead to better interventions, but it can also help explain many behaviors that were previously unaddressed or misattributed to external influences. Learning more about NPD encourages greater understanding and compassion for those who struggle with this disorder on a daily basis – something we could all benefit from in our lives.

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Do I have ADHD? DSM-V symptoms vs Tik Tok hype

If you've been spending more time on Tik Tok lately, you may have seen videos of people discussing ADHD symptoms, leaving you wondering, "Could I have ADHD?". But what does ADHD really look like? In this blog post, we'll take a look at the DSM-V criteria for ADHD and compare it to what's being talked about on Tik Tok. In this blog post, we'll take a look at the DSM-V criteria for ADHD and compare it to what's being talked about on Tik Tok.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-V). People with ADHD often have difficulty regulating their attention span and can be prone to distraction or inattention. They may also struggle to control impulsive behaviors and find it difficult to sit still for prolonged periods of time. This can significantly impact various aspects of their life from relationships to school performance or work productivity. Symptoms vary from person to person but generally involve difficulty focusing on tasks, remaining on task, restraining impulses and/or staying calm in situations that require it. ADHD requires treatment plans specifically tailored for each individual as it can interfere with certain life activities if left unmanaged.

Inattention Symptoms
To be diagnosed with ADHD, an individual must have at least five of the following nine symptoms of inattention for at least six months:

• Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, at work, or with other activities.

• Often has trouble holding attention on tasks or play activities.

• Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.

• Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores, or duties in the workplace (e.g., loses focus, side-tracked).

• Often has trouble organizing tasks and activities.

• Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to do tasks that require mental effort over a long period of time (such as schoolwork, preparing reports, completing forms, or reviewing lengthy papers).

• Often loses things necessary for tasks and activities (e.g. books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, eyeglasses, mobile telephones).

• Is often easily distracted

• Is often forgetful in daily activities.

Hyperactivity and Impulsivity Symptoms
In order to be diagnosed with ADHD, an individual must have at least five of the following nine symptoms of hyperactivity and impulsivity for at least six months:

• Experiencing extreme restlessness, difficulty sitting still for extended periods, and/or wearing others out with one’s activity

• Fidgeting with or tapping hands or feet or squirming in seat

• Being unable to engage quietly in leisure activities

• Talking excessively

• Answering questions before they are asked completely

• Having difficulty waiting one’s turn, such as when waiting in line

• Interrupting or intruding on others

With the immense amount of TikTok videos that feature people saying they are experiencing symptoms related to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), it can be difficult to differentiate DSM-V criteria symptoms from behaviors we all have at times in our lives. However, there are many key distinctions that can be made between what is seen in the trending TikTok videos and the actual traits and signs of ADHD. While some of those speaking on their mental health status may have some verifiable battles with attention span and impulse control, many of their exaggerated behavior and frenzied decisions go beyond what is medically associated with this disorder. Further, adults and children alike who legitimately have ADHD would likely lack the ability to maintain the constant kinetic energy displayed in many of these video trends. While TikTok videos often emphasize flying off-the-handle responses and reliance on hyperactive quick decision-making, true examples of ADHD can include forgetfulness, trouble completing tasks or being seemingly 'lost' in concentration for periods of time.

While attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder is a major health concern for millions of people, the DSM-V criteria for diagnosis should not be taken lightly. If you feel like your symptoms match the criteria listed in this blog post, please reach out to a qualified healthcare professional. Remember that being unorganized, unfocused, and distracted don't always have to be symptoms of ADHD. It's also important to note that in milder cases, proper lifestyle changes such as mindfulness and stress management can often do just as much good as medication. Mental health is incredibly important, so it's essential to take any diagnosis very seriously and without prejudice.

If you are ready to take your mental health into your own hands, A Healing Place can provide unparalleled resources and support on the journey. A personal mental health journey is an incredibly personal thing, but having a qualified professional therapist to help guide you along cannot be undervalued. The professionals at A Healing Place can diagnose issues, discuss different therapies that could be beneficial, and offer insight into improving your overall mental wellness. Not only will they provide physical resources such as books and informational pamphlets, but also emotional guidance through it all. For those looking for more information or wanting to take the next step in their own well-being, A Healing Place has the resources to help. We hope this post has been informative and encourages further exploration into the nuances of mental health.

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

The Key to All Relationships

Communication is the foundation of all personal relationships. Whether you’re talking about a relationship between two friends, family members, or romantic partners, it’s essential that both parties are communicating in an effective and meaningful way. In this blog post, we will discuss why communication is so important for personal relationships and how you can use it to strengthen your ties with those closest to you.

The Benefits of Good Communication
Good communication promotes mutual understanding and trust between two people. When you communicate openly and honestly with someone, they feel comfortable expressing themselves around you and vice versa. This creates a sense of security which allows both parties to be vulnerable without fear of judgment or criticism. Additionally, good communication helps to reduce conflicts because it encourages each person to listen to the other’s point of view before making any decisions or judgments.

How You Can Improve Your Communication Skills
The best way to improve your communication skills is by being mindful of your words and actions when interacting with other people. Make sure that what you say is clear and concise; avoid using ambiguous language that could be misinterpreted by the other person. Additionally, make sure that you are actively listening when the other person is speaking—this means not just hearing their words but also understanding their meaning. Finally, try to be patient; don’t rush through conversations or cut off the other person before they have had the chance to express themselves fully.

Communication is essential for building strong personal relationships with others. By improving your communication skills and being mindful of how you interact with those around you, you can create lasting connections that will enrich your life in countless ways. So don’t be afraid to speak up; take the time to listen as well as talk and watch how much stronger your relationships become!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Understand What Makes a Healthy Relationship

Relationships are complex and require both parties to be willing to work together in order to develop a strong bond. It is important to understand what makes a healthy relationship so that you can make sure that your relationships are fulfilling, positive, and meaningful. Let’s take a look at some of the key components of a healthy relationship.

Communication
The ability to communicate openly and honestly is essential for any healthy relationship. Communication should be respectful but also honest and direct. This means being able to talk about issues in the relationship without fear of retribution or judgement. It also means expressing yourself clearly, which may require practice and patience from both parties involved. Also, it is important to remember that communication isn’t just about talking; it also includes listening! Listening is key for understanding one another’s feelings and needs in order to respond appropriately.

Trust
Trust serves as the foundation for any healthy relationship—without trust, none of the other components matter. Trust is built over time through consistency, honesty, reliability, respect, and communication with one another. Building trust requires both parties in the relationship to feel secure enough in themselves and with each other that they know they will be taken care of even when faced with difficult circumstances or conversations.  

Commitment
Commitment involves both partners making an effort to stay together despite any challenges or differences that may arise within the relationship. Commitment requires dedication and loyalty from both parties involved—this means being there for one another no matter what life throws at you! It also means remaining faithful, even when faced with tempting alternatives outside of the relationship. Finally, commitment involves working through disagreements together instead of avoiding them altogether or cutting ties altogether when problems arise.  
 
All relationships require effort from both people within the partnership; there are no shortcuts! If you want your relationships to be healthy—both romantic partnerships as well as friendships—you need to put in the work necessary for communication, trust building, commitment, understanding each other’s needs, and respecting each other’s boundaries. Once those components are established (and maintained over time), then you can start creating strong foundations for lasting connections! With these tips on hand you can begin building healthier relationships all around!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Why it’s OK to Not Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

It’s easy to get caught up in the hype of a new year, and many people set lofty resolutions for themselves. But, unfortunately, “life happens” and many times we find ourselves not being able to keep those same resolutions. That doesn’t mean you have failed or are a disappointment! Read on as we discuss why it’s OK to not keep your New Year’s resolutions.

Reality Check
It is important to understand that life will happen. Whether it be an unexpected work emergency, the flu, or just plain procrastination, there are so many things that can prevent us from keeping our resolutions. It is important to give yourself some grace and remember that life will always get in the way of our plans at times. Take a step back and assess your situation; you may find that your expectations were too high given your current circumstances.

Set Realistic Goals
If you find yourself not keeping your resolutions even after reassessing your situation, it could be time to reset your goals. Consider setting smaller goals or goals that are more manageable with where you are in life right now. This way you won’t be setting yourself up for failure by having expectations that are too large for the season of life you are currently in. For example, if one of your resolutions was to run a 5K this spring but after assessing your situation realize that isn't currently possible due to time constraints then consider setting a goal like running 1 mile 3 days a week instead until the 5K becomes feasible again. This will keep you motivated without feeling discouraged when larger goals aren’t attainable right now.

Don't Give Up!
When all else fails don't give up! Just because one resolution didn't work out doesn't mean all hope is lost! Consider this an opportunity to refocus and try again next year or even sooner if possible! Trying something multiple times before giving up is actually an indicator of success according to Forbes magazine--it shows persistence and resilience instead of failure so don't be afraid to keep pushing forward no matter what obstacles come in the way.

We all struggle with keeping our New Year's resolutions sometimes so don't beat yourself up if things don't go as planned this year! Life happens and sometimes we need readjustments along the way in order to stay on track with our goals-this doesn't make us any less capable or successful than anyone else who has kept their resolution intact! So take a deep breath, reassess where you are at right now and set realistic goals (and don't forget-you got this!) And most importantly--be kind to yourself throughout the process knowing no matter what happens--you still rock!

We hope this article has helped you to understand why it’s OK to not keep your New Year’s resolutions, and that you feel encouraged to continue pursuing them in a realistic and self-compassionate way! Good luck!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Five Fun Ways to Create Change in Your Life

Change can be a scary thing, but it is also essential for growth and progress. Whether you want to make a career change, improve your mental health, or just explore something new, there are many fun ways to create change in your life. Here are five ideas that may help you get started!

1. Find a New Hobby
No matter what type of hobby you choose—from painting to gardening to cooking—taking up a new activity can bring joy into your life and open up more opportunities for self-exploration. Plus, hobbies are great for relieving stress and helping you stay focused on the present moment.

2. Take a Class
Learning something new is always exciting and rewarding. Taking an online class or signing up for an in-person workshop is a great way to gain knowledge and skills while also challenging yourself with something fresh and different.

3. Surround Yourself With Positive People
It’s important to surround yourself with people who inspire you and support your goals. This means avoiding negative influences like gossipers or those who constantly criticize others—instead, seek out those who lift each other up with positive energy!

4. Try Something Outside of Your Comfort Zone
If there’s something that you’ve been wanting to try but have been too afraid of taking risks, now is the time! Doing something outside of your comfort zone can help you develop new skills and gain confidence in yourself.

5. Make Small Changes Every Day
Creating lasting change doesn’t happen overnight; it takes time and effort. Start by making small changes every day such as setting achievable goals or implementing healthy habits into your routine until they become second nature! Doing this will help keep you motivated on your journey towards creating positive change in your life!

Creating positive change in your life doesn't have to be daunting; instead, it can be fun if approached with the right attitude! Whether it's taking up a new hobby or making small changes each day, there are plenty of fun ways to create change in your life that can help lead to personal growth and development over time. So why not give one (or all!) of these ideas a try today? You never know where they may take you!

Overcoming Lapses in Motivation

Staying motivated can be a challenge for us all. We may have big plans and great intentions at the beginning of the day, but come evening it’s often been a struggle to stay focused and keep our energy levels up. It’s important to understand why it can be difficult to stay motivated and what you can do to help yourself stay on track.

The Science Behind Lapses in Motivation
So what is actually happening when we’re struggling to stay motivated? It all has to do with dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for feelings of pleasure, reward, and motivation—as well as attention, learning, and working memory. The good news is that dopamine is also associated with goal-oriented behavior; it helps us feel energized while we work towards a particular goal or project. The bad news is that dopamine can wear off over time as our body builds up tolerance to its effects.

We may find ourselves fighting against this natural cycle by pushing ourselves too hard and putting too much pressure on ourselves. This can lead to burnout and make it even harder for us to get back in the groove when it comes time to focus again. It’s important to recognize when this is happening and take steps to prevent it from getting out of control.

Tips To Help You Stay on Track
The most effective way of staying motivated is by setting yourself small, achievable goals each day or week that will gradually help you reach your larger goals over time. For example, if your end goal is to start a business then set yourself weekly tasks such as creating a business plan, researching potential suppliers etc., so that you have something tangible each week that you can work towards. Having something concrete that you have accomplished will help boost your motivation levels for the next task ahead.

It's also important to give yourself regular breaks throughout the day or week so that you don't become overwhelmed by your tasks or deadlines. Taking regular breaks will allow you time away from work which can help clear your mind and refocus your energy on completing tasks more effectively once you return back into work mode. Taking breaks also gives your brain a chance to recharge which will help prevent any feeling of burnout or fatigue during periods where there are lots of tasks needing completion.

Staying motivated isn't always easy but by understanding why it's hard and taking steps such as setting achievable goals, taking regular breaks, and rewarding yourself along the way, we can make sure we stay focused on our end goals without becoming overwhelmed or burnt out in the process! If you're struggling with staying motivated then why not try some of these tips out today? With a bit of effort and dedication, you'll soon find yourself back on track!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Don't Rely On New Year Resolutions – Here's What to Do Instead

Every year, millions of people make New Year's resolutions. We tell ourselves that this is the year we'll finally stick to our diets and get in shape, save more money, or learn a new skill. But unfortunately, most of us never follow through on these resolutions. So why don't New Year's resolutions work? Let's take a closer look at why the traditional resolution-setting model doesn't work and what you can do instead to reach your goals.

The Problems With New Year's Resolutions
There are several key reasons why traditional New Year's resolutions so often fail. The first is that they're often too vague or unrealistic. If your goal is simply "lose weight," it can be difficult to know where to start and how to measure progress toward that goal. Additionally, many resolutions are made without any sort of plan in place for how they will be achieved. Without a clear plan of action, it becomes easy to put off working towards our goals until tomorrow — which quickly becomes next week, then next month, and so on.

Another issue with traditional resolutions is that they tend to rely heavily on willpower and motivation — two things that can quickly run out if we don't have a concrete plan in place for achieving our goals. Although using willpower can help us reach some short-term goals, it rarely leads to lasting change because it isn't sustainable over the long term.

So What Can You Do Instead?
If you want better results than those you get from making traditional New Year's resolutions, try setting SMART goals instead. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant/realistic, and time-bound — all qualities that give your goal structure and direction so you can track your progress more easily. Additionally, creating an action plan for each goal can help keep you on track by breaking down tasks into smaller steps that are easier to manage and complete one by one. Finally, remember to focus on building habits rather than relying solely on willpower or motivation; this will make it much easier for you to achieve lasting changes in your life!

New Year’s resolutions may seem like a great way to set yourself up for success every year – but sadly they usually fail due to their vagueness and lack of planning behind them. Fortunately, there’s an alternative – SMART goals! By being specific about what you want to achieve and providing yourself with an actionable plan as well as focusing on habit-building rather than just relying on motivation or willpower; you’ll be able to increase your chances of actually achieving the goals you set out in the new year! As such New Years’ Resolutions should not be relied upon alone; but worked into a larger system like SMART Goals instead! Good luck!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Keeping Kids Busy During the Holidays

The holidays are a time of joy, but it can be hard to keep kids entertained during the down times. With so many distractions, it’s easy for them to get bored and start complaining. Fortunately, there are lots of fun and educational ways to keep children busy and engaged during this special time of year. Let’s take a look at some great ideas for keeping your kids busy during the holidays.

Creative Crafts
Crafting is an enjoyable activity that helps develop fine motor skills in young children. To make things even better, almost any craft project can be holiday-themed! Whether you’re helping them make Christmas ornaments or Halloween masks, crafting is a great way to give your kids something fun and creative to do during their time off from school.

Outdoor Fun
There’s no better way to spend the winter season than by getting outside and enjoying the brisk air! There are plenty of activities that can help your child stay active without having to resort to video games or TV shows. For example, there’s sledding, ice skating, snowman-building, and more! If you want your kids to stay warm while playing in the cold weather, bundle them up with hats, scarves, gloves, and winter coats.

Baking Projects
Baking with your kids is a great way to teach them basic kitchen skills while still having some holiday fun. It doesn’t matter if it’s making sugar cookies for Santa or helping Grandma bake her famous pumpkin pie—baking projects will keep your children occupied for hours on end! Plus, when they’re done baking all those delicious treats, they can enjoy eating them too!

Keeping children busy during the holidays does not have to be difficult or time-consuming. All it takes is a little creativity and some patience. Crafting projects help teach fine motor skills; outdoor activities give kids something physical and active do, and baking projects help teach basic kitchen skills while providing yummy treats for everyone! So this holiday season, don't worry about entertaining the kids—use these tried-and-true methods instead!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Teaching Kids Gratitude During the Holidays

The holidays are a time of giving, but it's important to remember that children should also learn how to be grateful and appreciate the gifts they receive. Teaching kids gratitude during the holiday season can be difficult, especially when they've been inundated with advertisements for expensive toys and gadgets. Here are some tips on how to encourage your children to express their gratitude this holiday season.

Model Gratitude Yourself
One of the best ways to teach children how to be grateful is by leading by example. Make sure you show your own appreciation for the gifts you receive from family and friends. Let your child hear you expressing your thanks for a thoughtful present, or mention something specific about what you like about the gift. Asking a child about who gave them the present and why it was special can further reinforce why being thankful is important.

Focus on Experiences Instead of Stuff
Another way to encourage kids to practice gratitude during the holidays is by focusing more on experiences than things. Instead of buying them lots of presents, take them out for a fun outing or plan an activity together as a family such as ice skating or going on a hike. By doing this, children will learn that there is more joy in spending time with people they love than in receiving material objects.

Create Thank You Notes Together
Having children write thank-you notes after receiving gifts can help instill an attitude of gratitude and appreciation in them. Show your child how to write thank-you notes for each present they received and have them draw pictures or decorate cards if they’re younger. Doing so will help them understand why it’s important to express their thanks for all the wonderful things they were given during the holidays.

The holidays are all about giving, but it's also important that we teach our kids how to be grateful for all of these gifts that they may receive throughout this special season. Modeling gratitude ourselves, focusing on experiences over stuff, and creating thank-you notes together are just some of the ways that we can help our children learn how to express their appreciation during this special time of year!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

How to Manage Children’s Expectations During the Holidays

The holidays can be a stressful time for parents, especially when trying to manage their children's expectations. Every year, children look forward to the holiday season and all the gifts they expect to receive. But with so many demands and expectations, it can be hard to keep up. Here are some tips on how to help your kids through this fun but sometimes overwhelming season.

Set Realistic Expectations
It’s important to set realistic expectations for your children so you don't disappoint them during the holiday season. Talk about what you can afford and what is important for them. Explain why certain items or experiences may not be possible this year due to budget constraints or other factors. This will help teach your child how money works and that it isn't always possible to get everything they want.

Include Your Child in Holiday Planning
When planning out the holiday activities, involve your child in the process as much as possible. Ask them what activities they would like to do, where they would like to go, and which family members they would like to visit. This will make them feel included in the planning process and give them something exciting to look forward to during the holidays. It also helps prevent disappointment by setting clear expectations ahead of time about what will happen throughout the season.

Create New Traditions Together
The holidays are a great time for creating new traditions with your family! Start a tradition of baking cookies together each year or playing board games on Christmas morning — anything that gets everyone involved and excited about spending time together over the holidays. Creating new traditions is a great way for families to bond while also allowing children to express themselves creatively!

The holiday season can often be overwhelming for parents trying their best to manage their kids' expectations while also keeping up with all of their own holiday plans. By setting realistic expectations, involving your child in planning activities, and creating new traditions together, you can make sure that everyone has an enjoyable holiday experience this year! With these tips, you'll have no problem helping your children navigate through this festive yet hectic time of year!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Why Holidays are Important for Children

Holidays are an exciting time of year for everyone, but especially children. Studies show that holidays can help children learn about different cultures, build relationships with family and friends, and create lasting memories. Let’s take a deeper look at how holidays are important for children.

Building Memories and Traditions
From the moment children are born, they start to form memories. Holidays offer special opportunities to create positive memories with family and friends. Things like decorating the Christmas tree or carving pumpkins together can become traditions that families share year after year. Even seemingly small activities—like making a snowman in the backyard—can become part of a child's lifelong memories.

Gaining Appreciation for Different Cultures
As we get older, we learn to appreciate cultural diversity more deeply. For kids, holidays provide an opportunity to become familiar with new customs and different ways of celebrating special occasions. Whether it's learning how other cultures celebrate birthdays or observing religious holidays from around the world, this kind of exposure helps young people gain an appreciation for different cultures from a young age.

Creating Connections with Loved Ones
Holidays also provide an opportunity for kids to connect with their loved ones—whether it be grandparents, siblings, or extended family members—in meaningful ways. These connections help foster strong relationships among family members and give youngsters something special to look forward to each year. By creating these bonds early on in life, it gives kids a strong foundation upon which they can build healthy relationships as they grow up.

Holiday celebrations play an important role in a child's development by helping them form lasting memories with family and friends, giving them exposure to different cultures, and connecting them with their loved ones on a deeper level. As parents, it is important that we make the most out of our holiday celebrations by providing our children with enriching experiences that will stay with them throughout their lives. With this approach, every holiday season can be filled with joy and learning!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

The Top Ten Ways to Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays

The holidays can be a difficult time for many people. They can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you're not taking care of yourself. In this blog, I share the top ten ways to take care of yourself during the holidays. These tips include getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and spending time with loved ones. I also talk about how to indulge in your favorite activities and how to practice self-compassion. If you follow these tips, you'll have a much happier and healthier holiday season!

1. Get enough sleep.
Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night. If you're not getting enough sleep, you'll be more stressed and unable to handle the demands of the holiday season. Make sure to get plenty of rest so you can enjoy the festivities!

2. Eat healthy foods.
During the holidays, it can be tempting to indulge in your favorite foods and treats. However, eating unhealthy foods can make you feel tired and sluggish. Instead, try to eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will help keep you energized and healthy during the busy season.

3. Exercise regularly.
Exercising regularly is a great way to relieve stress and tension. It also helps boost your energy levels and mood. During the holidays, try to stick to your regular exercise routine as much as possible. This will help keep you feeling strong and energized throughout the season.

4. Spend time with loved ones.
The holidays are a time for family and friends. Spending time with loved ones is a great way to relax and de-stress. Make sure to schedule some time for fun activities with your loved ones this holiday season.

5. Indulge in your favorite activities.
The holidays are a time for fun and relaxation. Indulge in your favorite activities, whether that's watching your favorite Christmas movies, reading your favorite holiday books, or spending time outdoors in the snow. Enjoying your favorite activities is a great way to relax and unwind during the hectic holiday season.

6. Practice self-compassion.
Self-compassion is an important part of a healthy holiday season. It can be difficult to be kind to yourself during the busy holiday season, but it's important to remember to be gentle with yourself. Practice self-compassion by forgiving yourself for any mistakes you make and by being accepting of your own flaws. Remember that you are only human and that it's okay to make mistakes sometimes.

7. Stay hydrated.
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your energy level and minimizing stress during the holiday season. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you're busy or traveling. dehydration can lead to fatigue and irritability, so it's important to stay hydrated during this time of year.

8. Take breaks throughout the day.
It's important to take breaks from work and other holiday obligations throughout the day. This will help prevent burnout and allow you to recharge your batteries. Schedule a few minutes each hour to step away from your tasks and relax for a few minutes. This will help you stay focused and productive during the day.

9. Try to Laugh.
Laughter is one of the best forms of self-care. It's free, it's fun, and it's good for your health. Laughter releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also helps you relax and reduces stress. Laughing also helps you bond with other people, which can be beneficial during the holiday season when you may be spending more time with family and friends.

10. Take care of your mental health.
The holiday season can be a difficult time for people with mental health issues. Make sure to take care of yourself mentally during this time. Seek out support from friends and family, and if needed, consult a professional therapist. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health during the holiday season.

If you're struggling with your mental health this holiday season, we urge you to reach out for help. Our team of experts are here to support you every step of the way. Please leave us a comment below about how you take care of yourself to have a healthy and happy holiday season!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

The Holiday Blues: Why High Expectations Can Lead to Disappointed

The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and cheer. But for some people, the holidays can be a tough time. There are high expectations surrounding the holiday season, and sometimes those expectations can lead to disappointment. This can be especially true if you're dealing with mental health issues like depression or anxiety. In this blog post, we'll explore how high expectations can affect mental health during the holidays and offer some tips on how to manage those expectations.

This time of year is when people are expected to be happy, festive, and full of cheer. But what happens when those expectations aren't met? Disappointment. And for people who are struggling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, that disappointment can be even harder to deal with.

The pressure to have a "perfect" holiday season can be overwhelming. There's pressure to spend time with family, buy the perfect gifts, decorate the perfect tree, and so on. And if things don't go as planned, it can be easy to feel like you've failed. That sense of failure can lead to negative feelings and make it even harder to enjoy the holiday season.

So how can you manage your expectations and avoid being disappointed during the holidays? Here are a few tips:

• Make a list of things that are important to you and try not to stress about the rest

• Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to gift giving

• Remember that your family is imperfect and that's okay

• Take some time for yourself during the holidays and do things that make you happy

• Talk to someone if you're feeling overwhelmed or down

The holiday season is a time for joy and happiness, but it can also be a time of stress and disappointment. By managing your expectations and taking care of yourself, you can make sure that the holidays are a happy and enjoyable time for you and your loved ones.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or down this holiday season, remember that you're not alone. Talk to someone if you need help managing your expectations or dealing with your emotions. And most importantly, focus on what's important to you and try not to stress about the rest. Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries can be scary; it can feel like you are a "bad” or “selfish” person. More realistically, it is just about standing up for yourself, which you have the right to do. I speak with many people who are doing things over the holidays that they feel they "should" do. I tell them, "you are 'should-ing' all over yourself." It's normal to have obligations you don't always want to do. However, if you're consistently putting yourself and your needs last to make everyone else happy, you might start feeling resentful, burnt out, sad, depressed, anxious, irritable, incapable, or like a disappointment.

Start setting boundaries with people in your life! This is likely to be difficult because people will not be used to your new boundaries. They may push back against you but remain firm in your resolve. You may feel guilty because you have been conditioned to think that way; however, there is absolutely no reason for you to feel bad for taking care of yourself. There is a reason why on airplanes they instruct you to put on your oxygen mask first and then your child's mask. If you're unconscious, you can't help your child. It's the same concept with self-care. If you're exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally—you won't be much good to anyone else either.

So say NO if you don't have time, the ability, or want to do it. Be direct, be consistent and be kind.

Here are some examples of direct statements that help set boundaries:

• "Thank you for the invitation, but we are already busy on that date."

• "I am unable to complete the task due to my workload currently."

• "I would like more help around the home. We will be doing chores more equally."

• "We have a smaller budget for the holidays this year, and I can't buy everyone gifts. Can we draw names instead?"

• "I realize that in the past we have always come to your home, but I am in a relationship now, and my partner's family wants to see us also during the holidays. Here are some suggestions."

• "Unfortunately, due to my current commitments, I cannot help with that project."

Set those boundaries and watch the stress begin to disappear! Happy boundary setting.

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place