Wow! Can you believe it’s December already? For many of us, this year has been an interesting one—coming out of the COVID fog and adjusting to our new normal as best we can. As you take a moment to reflect on your wellness journey and how far you’ve come this past year, join us as we look back at some of the helpful tips and themes we explored in 2022 here on Beyond the Counseling Couch. Perhaps there’s still something you can try practicing this year or the next!
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November: Just last month we discussed gratitude and how to gain more of it in our everyday life, not just at Thanksgiving time. Try one of our 9 ways to add more gratitude, including observing how you currently show gratitude, writing down what you’re grateful for, using visual reminders, watching what words or actions you use to share your gratitude with others, and being grateful for the hard times in the past to give you strength for the future. Read the complete article here: “9 Ways to Add More Gratitude to Your Lifestyle”
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October: Before diving into gratitude, we reflected on what to do after forgiveness. You asked for forgiveness, they accepted your apology, but now what? After forgiveness there are still a few items that need to be addressed, including taking time to reflect, asking a trusted friend for an outsider’s perspective, or even learning a new skill. Read the complete article here: “5 Things You Still Need to Do After Forgiveness”
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September: But how do we ask for (or offer) forgiveness in the first place? First, it requires some reflection over some things that could have been handled in a better way or some things that could have been said differently. Then, when you’re ready to ask for or give forgiveness, consider these 6 steps, including being specific with what you’re sorry for, getting rid of the ‘but you’ statements in your apologies, and figuring out the root of the problem. Remember, forgiveness is for you, not them. Read the complete article here: “6 Healthy Steps to Ask For & Give Forgiveness During the High Holidays”
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August: The High Holidays are a time for healing and forgiveness, but the end of summer can be a time of high stress. This August, we found 6 ways to reduce “end of summer” stress, including establishing a routine while also being flexible with yourself, outsourcing what you can or delegating, and remembering to focus on good enough, not perfection. Read the complete article here: “6 Ways to Reduce ‘End of Summer’ Stress”
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July: This summer, we took a deep dive into the mental health impact of antisemitism. Aside from the physical safety concerns, individuals of all ages can experience trauma and esteem issues from exposure to antisemitic imagery. Read the complete article here: “The Mental Health Impact of Antisemitism”
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June: June is National Men’s Health Month. We reviewed 4 health tips for men, including making sure you get your yearly physical, understanding men’s mental health can be impacted by hormonal changes, and remembering that men (and all of us) don’t always give and receive love in the same language. Read the complete article here: “4 Men’s Health Month Tips (for You or the Men in Your Life)”
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May: May is Mental Health Awareness Month! We looked at answers to common questions surrounding mental health care. These included how to know when to get into mental health care, what therapy looks like and how it works, how much therapy costs, and different types of mental health care. Read the complete article here: “6 Answers and More to Everything Mental Health Care”
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April: Mental health care and self-care go hand-in-hand. In April, we learned how self-care is more than bubble baths and walks, it is about keeping a balanced life. It can come from multiple areas of our life, including physical, professional, personal, spiritual, and emotional. Read the complete article here: “Beyond Bubble Baths & Walks: The 6 Areas of Self-Care”
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March: Self-care is key to nurturing one of the most vital relationships we have: our relationship with ourselves. Sometimes we neglect this relationship and we become our own worst critic, when we should be our own best friend. We reviewed noticing how you speak to yourself by noticing your mood, remembering to do unto yourself as you would do unto others, and how to be forgiving with yourself. Read the complete article here: “3 Ways to Be Your Best Friend vs. Your Worst Critic”
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February: Caregivers need to remember to practice self-care. In February, we looked at the difficult but fulfilling act of caregiving. We looked at the increase in caregiving during the pandemic, some common symptoms of caregiver stress, and tips to cope and enhance your resilience. Read the complete article here: “10 Tips to Prevent Caregiver Burnout”
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January: At the beginning of 2022, we looked at tips for sticking to your New Year’s resolutions. Even if you miss a resolution or two, there is always hope! As you plan out your resolutions for next year, keep in mind you should start small and manageable, you might not have the motivation right now (but that’s ok!), and you should try to be flexible and make it fun and creative. Read the complete article here: “6 Tips to Help You Stick to Your New Year’s Resolutions”
How will you incorporate these tips and topics in the coming year?
Each month, JFS Orlando’s Beyond the Counseling Couch tries to provide you with timely and relevant advice to help you along your wellness journey. Are there any topics YOU would like us to cover this coming year? Let us know your ideas or questions! Email JFS Clinical Director, Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, at Ashlyn@JFSorlando.org.
If you need more personalized advice, consider meeting with a JFS therapist. Call (407) 644-7671 or complete our online form to request an appointment today. Telehealth counseling is available. Medicare, Medicaid, and most insurances accepted, and a sliding fee scale for those who do not have insurance.
Author: Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW, JFS Clinical Director
Ashlyn Douglass-Barnes, LCSW is the Clinical Director and a licensed clinical social worker at JFS Orlando. Ashlyn has worked in a variety of settings including outpatient community based mental health, inpatient/admission psychiatric hospital, substance abuse/DUI, dialysis/medical, and in home/office outpatient therapy.