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June 10, 2021 by Corrick Woodfin Leave a Comment

Losing the Quarantine 15

You’ve heard of the “Freshman 15” but what about the “Quarantine 15?” There’s nothing like a global pandemic to help a person pack on the pounds, am I right?

It’s hardly been easy for any of us to keep up with our healthy habits over the last few months. To start, dealing with so much stress and anxiety has caused many of us to reach for our favorite comfort foods. It’s hard to eat a salad when you’re worried about losing your job or a loved one’s health.

There have actually been studies that found junk foods actually release dopamine in the brain, and this chemical makes us feel happy. So eating salads when you can’t visit loved ones and you are worried isn’t all that rewarding. But those cookies and that ice cream, now THOSE make us feel good at the moment!

Second, with gyms, beaches and public parks closed, it’s been very hard for most people to stick to their workout routines. So we find ourselves isolated, sitting in front of our televisions, binging on Netflix and copious amounts of carbohydrates.

Without question, the Coronavirus has created the perfect storm for many of us to pack on the pounds. But now with things slowing down and the country (and world) slowly opening back up, it’s time we focus on losing that weight and putting our physical health back at the top of our priority list.

Here are some tips on losing the Quarantine 15:

Walk

Walking is such an underrated exercise. It’s low impact and the perfect way for you to burn fat. If you have a dog, walk them! Grab your family members and go for a walk around the neighborhood. You don’t need a gym or fancy piece of equipment to walk, just a comfy pair of sneakers.

Stay Hydrated

Getting enough water each day helps to boost our metabolism. If you’re not a fan of drinking water, then opt for juicing fruits and veggies, which will help you stay hydrated. Just be sure not to drink a lot of sweet fruit juices- try and stick to green veggie juices with maybe an apple thrown in for sweetness. Watermelon and cucumbers are great to juice.

Watch the Booze

Talk about empty calories. Many of us have taken to having a glass or two of wine or spirits each night as a way to cope, but all of those calories add up. Try and limit your alcohol consumption.

Eat More Protein

Protein helps us to feel fuller longer and also decreases the hormone that causes our appetite to surge. Protein also helps us to build lean muscle and the more muscle our body has, the more calories we burn, even while at rest!

Get Plenty of Sleep

Getting plenty of quality rest can be hard for many of us during the best of circumstances, but it can feel next to impossible during a pandemic. But it’s really important because, without rest, you won’t have the energy to get up and get moving. And without proper sleep, your body can’t heal and repair itself!

This has been an incredibly stressful time for everyone, and if you’ve put on some weight, you are definitely not alone. But the time has come to regroup and focus on getting healthy. Following these tips should help you regroup and lose the Quarantine 15.

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June 3, 2021 by Corrick Woodfin Leave a Comment

3 Reasons Why Men Should Try Therapy

Men have taken on a specific role in human development over the span of hundreds of thousands of years. While roles have very recently shifted somewhat, historically speaking, men have been the ones to fight the wars and build society. And if you think about it, it’s pretty hard to feel emotions, let alone process them, while on bloody battlefields and balancing atop giant skyscrapers.

You could say at this point in time, men have become hardwired to compartmentalize their feelings. They have feelings, just as much as women do, but may simply select to store them away and get to them later. For this reason, most men buck at the idea of going to therapy to communicate their feelings.

The reality is, for those very reasons, men can greatly benefit from therapy. Here are 3 reasons why men should at least give therapy a try:

Recover Your Sense of Identity

For many generations, there was a strong definition of, and acceptance of, masculinity. Today, we are given a mix of messages from the media about what it means to be a man and how destructive “toxic” masculinity is. Add to this the fact many men grew up in homes where the father was either fully absent or emotionally absent, and many men struggle with their own sense of identity. Therapy offers men a space to create a healthy definition of what it means to be a man.

Improve Your Relationships

Because men have a hard time communicating their feelings, their romantic partners can often feel abandoned and confused. This can cause real problems in the relationship.

Therapy allows men to become a healthier version of themselves, one that can connect better with their partner.

Deal with Grief and Pain

Grief, loss, trauma… these are sadly a part of life. Most people, especially men, have a very hard time navigating these mental health challenges. Therapy helps men explore their own emotional pain so they can heal and move on.

These are just a few reasons why men should seriously consider trying therapy. If you’d like to explore treatment options, please get in touch with us, we’d be pleased to speak with you.

SOURCES:

May 20, 2021 by Corrick Woodfin Leave a Comment

4 Ways Being Single Is Better for Your Mental Health

Being single can be difficult at times. Dating, or trying to get dates, can be frustrating and discouraging. Meeting new people can be fun, but you might long for a close, long-term relationship with one other person. If you find yourself staring longingly at couples holding hands, it may be time to re-evaluate, and learn to appreciate the many benefits of single life. While being single can sometimes make you feel sad and lonely, there are times when its more beneficial for your mental health.

1. More Time for the Gym

Many studies have shown that single people exercise more, and overall live healthier lifestyles. Whether it’s the spare time or the desire to look your best (or a combination of the two), single men and women tend to care more about their health and well-being. Exercise improves your mood by releasing endorphins and reducing cortisol, a stress hormone that can make you more susceptible to stress.

2. Rediscover Yourself

One of the best things about being single is that you have the opportunity to rediscover yourself. Your alone time will cause you to be more introspective and develop insight into what makes you happy, and what your core values are. As you take a walk through a park or enjoy a cup of coffee alone, you can re-evaluate your goals. As you learn to feel comfortable in your own company, you’ll discover that happiness comes not from another person, but from within.

3. Better Friendships

Single adults have more time to network with others and develop outside friendships. You can schedule more time to be with (or make) friends, joining friends for birthdays and weekend trips that will make lifelong memories. In 2009, the Journal of the National Medical Association conducted a study that showed people without social support were more likely to suffer from anxiety or depression. Friendships reduce stress and anxiety, while increasing happiness and confidence.

4. Find New Interests

As a single person, you have additional time that you can use to develop new hobbies and interests. If you’ve always wanted to join a yoga or a spin class, join a hiking group or book club, you have time to dive in to new hobbies. Research shows that participating in hobbies can improve your mood and your ability to cope with stress.

If you’re single and struggling with sadness or loneliness a Registered Psychologist can help. Contact our office today and let’s schedule a time to talk.

May 6, 2021 by Corrick Woodfin Leave a Comment

5 Signs You Aren’t Practicing Self-Care

Self-care is complex. Anyone can tell you to do it, but only you can bestow the gift of self-care onto yourself. But before you can begin bestowing, you’ve got to first recognize that you are worthy of caring for yourself as you do others.

How do you do this? By noticing the ways in which you are currently not taking very good care of yourself.

Here are 5 signs you aren’t practicing self-care. If any seem familiar, it is time to make more time for yourself:

1. You Get Sick More Often

When we don’t take proper care of ourselves, our health takes a big hit. Lack of proper sleep and nutrition can lead to a taxed immune system, which in turn makes you vulnerable to infections, colds, flu, and other immune-related medical problems.

2. Increased Moodiness

What happens when a child does not get the care and attention they deserve? They begin to act out in order to get any attention. In much the same way, a lack of self-care and feeling of unimportance can lead to increased irritability. Leaving this unchecked can result in personal and professional relationships being negatively affected.

3. Unpleasant Physical Symptoms

What can start out as unpleasant (and even scary) physical symptoms, can be a sign of poor self-care. Symptoms may include dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pains, heart palpitations, abdominal pain, headaches, and fainting spells. All of these symptoms should be checked out by your healthcare provider immediately.

4. A Feeling of Isolation

When you feel you don’t deserve to care for yourself, you naturally feel unworthy of enjoying other aspects of life, like socializing and a true connection to friends and family. This can lead to a detachment of others and a sense of isolation.

5. Depression

Feelings of worthlessness can snowball into feelings of hopelessness and depression. If you have noticed yourself slipping farther and farther into a depression, it is important that you seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you recognize where the darkness has come from, and how to break through back into the light.

If you or a loved one is experiencing depression, or would simply like some help practicing self-care, please contact us. We would be more than happy to speak with you about how we can help.