Welcome to the Kaizen Counseling Blog!
Welcome to our blog! Here, we explore the journey of mental health and well-being, offering insights and tips to support your path to emotional balance. Whether you're seeking advice, looking to understand more about therapy, or just need a comforting read, our blog is dedicated to helping you navigate life's challenges with resilience and hope.
From self-care strategies and mindfulness practices to expert advice and personal stories, we provide practical suggestions to enhance your mental health and cultivate a positive outlook on life.
We are always looking for suggestions for future blogs, so feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with us. Your input helps us create content that resonates with you and addresses the topics you care about most.
August 2024
Disconnecting and Rejuvenating During the Last Stretch of Summer Vacation
Set Boundaries: Clearly communicate your vacation dates to colleagues and set boundaries around your availability. Avoid checking work emails or taking calls.
Delegate Responsibilities: Ensure that key tasks are handed off to colleagues who can manage them in your absence. Trust your team to handle things while you're away.
Limit Screen Time: Dedicate specific periods to be completely screen-free. Use this time to engage in offline activities that bring you joy.
App Restrictions: Utilize apps that limit your social media usage or block work-related notifications to help you stay disconnected from digital distractions.
Meditation: Spend a few minutes each day meditating to ground yourself in the present moment and reduce stress.
Mindful Activities: Engage in activities that promote mindfulness, such as walking in nature, yoga, or simply sitting quietly and observing your surroundings.
Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost your mood and energy levels. Try activities like swimming, biking, hiking, or taking long walks.
Outdoor Adventures: Plan outdoor activities that allow you to connect with nature, such as picnics, beach outings, or exploring local parks.
Rest and Sleep: Ensure you get plenty of restful sleep. Consider taking short naps if you feel tired during the day.
Leisurely Activities: Engage in hobbies and activities that you find relaxing and enjoyable, such as reading, gardening, or crafting.
Quality Time: Spend meaningful time with family and friends. Plan activities that foster connection and create lasting memories.
Explore New Interests: Take up a new hobby or explore a new interest that you’ve always wanted to try, such as painting, cooking a new cuisine, or learning a musical instrument.
Healthy Eating: Enjoy nutritious meals that fuel your body and mind. Incorporate fresh fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water into your diet.
Stay Hydrated: Ensure you stay hydrated, especially if you are spending time outdoors in the summer heat.
Music and Soundscapes: Listen to calming music or nature soundscapes to help you relax and unwind.
Therapist Spotlight:
Lindsey Hamerly, MA, LMHCA
Meet Lindsey, our Adult Therapist specializing in Media Addiction. Lindsey enjoys hiking, weight lifting, and road tripping to new places. She is also a voracious reader and loves nothing more than curling up with a good book, a cup of coffee, and her cats. We appreciate Lindsey’s deep love for cleaning and organizing!
Book of the month:
The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control
We’ve been looking at perfectionism all wrong. As psychotherapist and former on-site therapist at Google, Katherine Morgan Schafler, argues in The Perfectionist's Guide to Losing Control, you don’t have to stop being a perfectionist to be healthy. For women who are sick of being given the generic advice to “find balance,” a new approach has arrived.
Which of the five types of perfectionist are you? Classic, intense, Parisian, messy, or procrastinator? As you identify your unique perfectionist profile, you'll learn how to manage each form of perfectionism to work for you, not against you. Beyond managing it, you'll learn how to embrace and even enjoy your perfectionism. Yes, enjoy!
Podcast of the month:
The Hilarious World of Depression
A show about clinical depression...with laughs? Well, yeah. Depression is an incredibly common and isolating disease experienced by millions, yet often stigmatized by society. The Hilarious World of Depression is a series of frank, moving, and, yes, funny conversations with top comedians who have dealt with this disease, hosted by veteran humorist and public radio host John Moe.
App of the month:
Calm
Guided Meditations: Offers a wide variety of meditation sessions for different needs, such as stress reduction, focus, and anxiety relief.
Sleep Stories: Bedtime stories for adults designed to lull users to sleep, narrated by soothing voices.
Breathing Exercises: Simple techniques to help users relax and manage stress.
Relaxation Music: A curated selection of calming music to help users relax, focus, or sleep.
Masterclasses: Educational content from mental health experts and wellness coaches on various topics related to well-being.