Better Days Therapeutic Services » admin

Mindful Moment: Change

admin — Wed, 16 Oct 2013 03:26:12 +0000

Autumn is definitely upon us! As the temperatures drop and the leaves begin to change, take some time to reflect upon changes you would like to make or are currently making in your own life. Just as seasons change, we are all constantly in flux as well. However, many changes won’t just happen on their own. You may need to make them a priority and devote some additional time and effort to make sure they don’t fall by the wayside. And remember to congratulate yourself for each success along the way! Most important changes are not easy, and it is critical that you not lose sight of what you have already accomplished. So use this time of year as an opportunity to check in with yourself before the busy holiday season gets underway. This type of purposeful reflection can help insure that you like the direction you are heading, or encourage you to reroute if necessary.

Science Spotlight: Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity

admin — Sat, 12 Oct 2013 08:11:05 +0000

Did you know that incorporating a mindfulness practice into your life can actually create changes in your brain? Recent research indicates that participation in an 8-week mindfulness program resulted in measurable changes to the hippocampus (important for learning and memory), amygdala (important for anxiety and stress), and other areas associated with self-awareness, introspection, and compassion. Not only can mindfulness help in your day-to-day functioning and well-being, but we are now beginning to understand how mindfulness also leads to lasting and beneficial structural changes within the brain.

Research Links:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/01/110121144007.htm

http://www.psyn-journal.com/article/S0925-4927(10)00288-X/abstract

Challenge: Unplug

admin — Fri, 04 Oct 2013 03:26:39 +0000

Challenge yourself to take some time away from technology. Choose an amount of time that will be difficult but not impossible for you (i.e., one meal/hour/afternoon/day/weekend). Consider including television, email, cell phone, internet, and anything else that may serve as an electronic distraction. Are you getting nervous just thinking about it? Have you already ruled it out as being too hard? We have become so used to and dependent upon such things, that it is hard to imagine going without. See what else you become engaged in when such things aren’t present. Other people around you? Nature? Your own thoughts or emotions? Is this something you might want to do more often?

Mindful Moment: Head in the Clouds

admin — Tue, 01 Oct 2013 03:27:02 +0000

Despite what you may have been told in the past, it isn’t necessarily a bad thing to have your head in the clouds. If you find yourself needing a break, just look up (or out a window) and take a moment to focus solely on the clouds in the sky and nothing else. If other thoughts enter your mind, simply notice that and refocus on the clouds above. After about a minute or so, return to whatever it is you were doing. Was this difficult or easy for you to do? What other thoughts came to mind during the exercise? Try to find more opportunities like this to regroup and refocus and see if it makes a difference for you.

Thank You for Considering Better Days Therapeutic Services

admin — Wed, 24 Jul 2013 16:27:38 +0000

Better Days Therapeutic Services was established by Amy Carnow, JD, LCSW in an effort to create a comfortable place where you can come to work through whatever you may be facing in your life. Please reach out if you are considering therapy and would like to learn more.