Anxiety Archives

Living with Apprehension Tension? Tips for Coping with Uncertainty.

Jennifer TzoumasApril 28, 2022March 27, 2022Leave a comment

To say we’re living in uncertain times would be an understatement. From pandemics and wars to social unrest and economic struggles, it seems no matter where you look there’s something to worry about that makes our future seem filled with uncertainty. So, it should come as no surprise that more people are dealing with “apprehension tension.”

Uncertainty can cause countless mental and physical health problems. It often contributes to anxiety, depression, stress, and can even lead to extreme fear. Because we’re dealing with such uncertainty in the world, it’s easy for anxiety to take over and start to control nearly everything you do.

So, how can you fight back?

How Nature Soothes Us

Jennifer TzoumasApril 7, 2022December 19, 2021Leave a comment

Being out in nature is one of the best ways to destress and manage your mental health. Multiple studies have showcased the healing benefits of nature. It reduces stress, improves your mood, and can help with issues like depression and anxiety.

Could You be a Compulsive Shopper?

Jennifer TzoumasMarch 24, 2022March 10, 2022Leave a comment

What is compulsive shopping? It’s not uncommon to treat yourself to a shopping trip every now and then. You might even feel a burst of happiness when you make a purchase, or you’re able to get something you really want. The idea of ‘retail therapy’ is really something that can help put some people in a better mood. But, there’s a fine line between buying things frequently and compulsive shopping.

And, that line matters.

Learning to “Practice the Pause”

Jennifer TzoumasJanuary 27, 2022January 23, 2022Leave a comment

There’s no denying that we live in a busy, hectic society that rarely slows down to take a pause. It’s easy to fall into the pressure “trap” of trying to always be "productive" or packing your schedule too full.

Unfortunately, that’s become the norm for far too many people. But, it can end up causing a lot of stress. That can quickly lead to feelings of anxiety or depression. It can also make you feel overwhelmed, burnt out, and not like yourself.

While it’s often easier said than done to “slow down,” one thing you can do to improve your actions each day and to find some relaxation is to “practice the pause.”

But, what does that mean, exactly?

Animals Make Us Better: Exploring the Power of Pets

Jennifer TzoumasOctober 21, 2021October 21, 2021Leave a comment

There have been multiple studies to show the mental and physical health benefits of pets. It has even been found that simply being around a dog or petting it can boost your mood and make you feel better. That’s one reason why pet therapy has become so popular across the country.

If you have a pet at home, you probably have no problem singing their praises. Pet owners often treat their furry friends like family, and see the wonderful benefits they can provide. But, it’s more than just that good, loving feeling you get after arriving home after a long day at work. It’s more than those sloppy kisses that make you laugh or the warm cuddles in the rocking chair.

Write for Relief: Journal Prompts to Help You Cope With Anxiety

Jennifer TzoumasSeptember 23, 2021September 8, 2021Leave a comment

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Writing in a journal is a great way to manage your anxiety. There are several positive aspects to journaling that can make coping with your fears easier. First, you can work out your fears on paper. You’ll learn why you might jump to conclusions and which things trigger you. Additionally, you’ll be able to look back at journal entries about anxiety and start to learn more about yourself. That includes specific patterns or traps that you might fall into.

It also includes seeing the growth you’ve made.

But, not everyone is a writer. You might not immediately feel comfortable jotting down your thoughts and feelings.

In those cases, journal prompts can help. When you have a specific idea to write about or a question to answer, it’s easier for the words to flow freely.

What to Do if You’re Prone to These Common Thinking Errors

Jennifer TzoumasSeptember 2, 2021August 20, 2021Leave a comment

Are You Prone to These Common Thinking Errors?

Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Everyone has areas of struggle when it comes to balanced thinking. It is so common that you may not even recognize it as a thinking error at all! Consider whether any of the following common thinking errors sound familiar, so that you can lessen the impact they have on your mental and emotional state.

Stumbling Blocks or Stepping Stones? How to Grow From Your Difficulties

Jennifer TzoumasAugust 20, 2021September 26, 2021Leave a comment

Stumbling blocks are a natural part of life. Some people struggle with mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that feel crippling at times. Others have to deal with the pain of a chronic condition or illness. Even sudden or unexpected life changes can cause you to stumble. Whether it’s a divorce, job loss, or the death of someone you love, there are likely going to be things that make you feel stunted or blocked from your original path.

Unfortunately, it’s far too easy to get lost in those difficulties. In an effort to understand how and why it has happened, it is easy to start viewing them as failures. When you look at those difficult things that way, those stumbling blocks can feel like boulders.

So, why not view them as stepping stones, instead?