Happy Mother’s Day Weekend!
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We hope that you are all having a lovely weekend, but know that mother’s day can bring up plenty of emotions!
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Mother’s day can be a day to reflect on the mothers or mother figures in your life, yourself as a mother, and ways in which your identity has shifted since becoming a mother. For some, it can be a day of celebration, for others, a day of grief. Regardless, our hearts are with you this mother’s day and we are proud of you regardless of circumstance. ❤️
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If you’re looking for some local activities to do this Mother’s Day weekend checkout the following:
🌺Kitchener Waterloo Gem & Mineral Show and Sale – Indulge in your love for rocks, minerals, fossils, fluorescent rocks, handmade gemstone jewelry, and beads. Saturday, May 11, 2024 @ Kitchener Auditorium
🌺Dundee Artisan Festival – Shop for exquisitely handcrafted gifts from local independent makers, indulge in delicious food & enjoy musical performances. Saturday, May 11, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM @ New Dundee Community Park
🌺All About Mom Charity Mother’s Day Market – Celebrate mom at the All About Mom Charity Mother’s Day Market – a fun-filled day of shopping, food, and activities. Sunday, April 28, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM @ Bingemans Conference Centre
🌺Mother’s Day Market – Shop from over 25 vendors that showcase unique products as well as lots of Mother’s Day Gift ideas! April 28, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM @ Fireside Haven Studio
🌺The Branches Spring Market – Come celebrate the arrival of spring at our local craft market. Over 20 local vendors with a range of wares – shea butter products, jewellery, seedlings, housewares, thrifted kids and adult clothes, rainbow suncatchers, candles, Turkish towels, cider, and salsa! Sunday, May 11, 2024 | 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
#adhdsupport #mentalhealth #psychotherapy #neurodiversity #supportgroupadhd #zoom #positivequotes #mentalhealthadvocate #positivity #kitchener #kindness #streettherapyca
Loneliness is a deeply felt emotional experience characterized by a sense of isolation or disconnection from others. While it`s normal to feel lonely from time to time, chronic loneliness can have significant impacts on mental health. When we consistently lack meaningful social connections, it can lead to feelings of sadness, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
The first step to addressing loneliness is understanding what type of loneliness it is you are feeling. What types of loneliness are there?
🌟Existential- longing for life meaning, the pondering of deep questions about life, death, and self purpose
🌟Societal- longing for a feeling of belonging, acceptance, and understanding in your community
🌟Psychological- longing for meaningful, close relationships and connections
The next step involves taking action. Loneliness can make it difficult to get motivated, and be involved in your community and activities that involve social connection can result in feelings of belonging, and ultimately alleviate some of the symptoms exacerbated by loneliness.
🩷Join Social Groups or Clubs: Participate in activities or groups that align with your interests and hobbies. This could include joining a book club, taking a class, or attending meetups related to your passions.
🩷 Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and make a positive impact in your community. Choose a cause that resonates with you and dedicate some of your time to helping others.
🩷 Attend Community Events: Attend these events to meet new people and engage in community activities.
🩷 Strengthening Outstanding Relationships: Make an effort to connect with loved ones regularly, whether it`s through phone calls, video chats, or in-person visits.
By incorporating these strategies into your life, you can combat loneliness and cultivate meaningful connections that contribute to your overall well-being. Building relationships takes time and effort, so be patient with yourself as you navigate this process. As always we hope you have a great day, and remember to be kind to yourself and others:) You can check out groups, volunteering opportunities, and community events on the Kitchener website.
This week is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week
Birth trauma refers to the emotional and psychological distress experienced before or after childbirth. While birth trauma can be caused by physical complications, it is often the result of a birth experience that is far different from what the birthing person expected. This can lead to feelings of fear, helplessness, loneliness, and a lack of control.
Birth trauma can have a lasting impact on mental and physical health. Addressing birth trauma and its impact on mental health requires a holistic approach that acknowledges the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of the experience. Seeking support from healthcare professionals, therapists, support groups, or online communities can provide validation, understanding, and coping strategies for individuals navigating the aftermath of birth trauma.
If you have been impacted by birth trauma we recommend looking at some of the following resources
🩷https://www.healthcareexcellence.ca/en/what-we-do/all-programs/hospital-harm-is-everyones-concern/hospital-harm-improvement-resource/birth-trauma-introduction/
🩷 https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/maternity-newborn-care-guidelines-chapter-5.html
🩷 https://familymidwiferycare.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/BCRH_selfcare_BW_05_v4.pdf
As always we hope you have a great rest of your day, and remember to be kind to yourself and those around you.
References:
https://www.postpartum.net/join-us/maternal-mental-health-month/https://birthtraumaontario.ca/about
#neurodiversity #adhdsupport #kitchener #mentalhealth #mentalhealthadvocate #psychotherapy #positivequotes #supportgroupadhd #streettherapyca #positivity #kindness #zoom
Happy Earth Day 🌍
Earth Day, celebrated annually on April 22nd, serves as a global reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and sustainability. While the focus of Earth Day is typically on promoting awareness and action to protect the planet, it`s also a great time to highlight how taking care of the planet can positively impact our mental health!
Earth Day encourages reflection on the relationship between human activity and the health of the planet. Recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems can inspire individuals to adopt more sustainable lifestyle choices and advocate for policies that prioritize environmental protection and social equity. It provides us with an opportunity to reconnect with nature and reap the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. Whether it`s going for a hike in the mountains, picnicking in a local park, or gardening in the backyard, engaging with the natural world can foster a sense of calm, rejuvenation, and connection to something greater than oneself.
Earth Day serves as a reminder of the importance of environmental conservation in safeguarding the planet for future generations. Taking action to protect the environment can instill a sense of purpose, meaning, and hope, which are essential for maintaining mental well-being in the face of global challenges such as climate change. Participating in Earth Day activities, such as tree planting, community cleanups, or recycling drives, can provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that contributes to positive mental health outcomes. By taking tangible steps to care for the planet, we can experience a sense of agency and empowerment, which are key factors in promoting resilience and well-being.
Furthermore, Earth Day fosters a sense of community and interconnectedness among people who share a common concern for the environment. Coming together to address environmental issues can create a sense of belonging and solidarity that strengthens social connections, and has the ability to bring communities together.
#psychotherapy #adhdsupport #neurodiversity #mentalhealth #earthfocus #earth #EarthDay #EarthDay2024
Mindfulness is the practice of intentionally bringing one`s attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. It involves non-judgmentally observing thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. Mindfulness encourages individuals to fully engage with the here and now.
The Benefits of Mindfulness
💐Stress Management: by cultivating and honing your senses, mindfulness is thought to be helpful for soothing feelings of stress and anxiety. Mindfulness also provides healthy coping mechanisms, and calming techniques that allow us to respond more effectively to stressful situations.
💐Cognitive Improvements: mindfulness can boost our cognitive abilities the more that we practice. Being able to focus your attention for a while can boost sustained attention. Shifting your thoughts and attention by honing in on your senses can benefit cognitive flexibility. While suppressing other distracting stimuli can aid in cognitive inhibition.
💐Reduction of Rumination: Mindfulness can help us break free from the cycle of rumination, where negative thoughts replay repeatedly in the mind. By bringing attention to the present moment, mindfulness can interrupt patterns of rumination and provide perspective. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression and more compassionate and positive thinking.
💐Greater self-awareness: since mindfulness enables us to gain insight into our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. By developing a deeper understanding of oneself, we can make more intentional choices that align with our values and goals, leading to greater overall well-being.
Spring is a time of change, renewal and growth. The transition from winter to spring is a perfect time to embrace mindfulness practices that can be incorporated into new spring routines and embrace the beauty of spring.
💐Mindful Walking in Nature: the next time you are out for a walk, try and take a moment to really hone in on your senses. By thinking about the sights, sounds, and smells around you, you can be fully present in the moment. This practice can be grounding, and calming, while also deepening your connection to nature
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Ever heard of amygdala hijacking?
Amygdala hijacking, coined by psychologist Daniel Goleman in his book "Emotional Intelligence "describing a sudden, overwhelming emotional response that bypasses rational thought. The amygdala is a small, almond-shaped structure in the brain in the limbic system that plays a crucial role in processing emotions, particularly fear and pleasure responses. When a person experiences a perceived threat or intense emotional stimulus, the amygdala can initiate a rapid, instinctual reaction before the conscious brain has a chance to fully process the situation.
The concept of amygdala hijacking highlights the brain`s evolutionary design for survival. In threatening or highly emotional situations, the brain prioritizes swift action over careful deliberation. However, in modern society, amygdala hijacking can lead to impulsive or irrational behaviour in response to non-life-threatening situations. For example, a person might react with anger or aggression during a heated argument, even if the disagreement does not pose a physical threat. Similarly, someone might experience overwhelming anxiety before giving a public presentation, triggering the fight-flight-freeze response despite the absence of any real danger.
The phenomenon of amygdala hijacking can underscore the ability to sit with a thought, the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one`s own emotions and those of others. This can lead us to act in ways that upon reflection are often hurtful, and irrational, which makes us feel worse.
Remember, it is not a voluntary process and occurs without your conscious input. But, taking a step back, and reevaluating what is happening in the moment can be very beneficial. Recognizing what the stressor of the situation is, and evaluating its true impact, can allow us a quick moment of clarity when this occurs.
If you find yourself, in a situation like this try to take a step back, and attempt to bring some calm to the storm by practicing mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing techniques, or the 5-4-3-2-1 method! As always, remember to be kind to yourself, as well as others! Happy Tuesday!
Did you know that sensory overload can affect everyone?
Sensory overload occurs when 1 or more of the 5 senses become overstimulated with information, making it difficult to fully process the information we are receiving. This can result in feelings of overwhelm, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and even physical discomfort.
Being able to identify when we are overstimulated can be challenging, and leave us feeling overwhelmed! Seeing that we are all unique, and have different thresholds of stimulation, it`s important to know yourself and your limits. Overstimulation can feel like…
👉🏻 tension in the head, neck, shoulders, and arms
👉🏻 clenching your teeth
👉🏻 irregular breathing
👉🏻 increased irritability, frustration, or anger
👉🏻 difficulty being able to relax or sleep
👉🏻 difficulty being able to focus
When you`re feeling overstimulated or stressed, whether due to Autism or ADHD, sensory overload, or any other reason, it`s important to take steps to calm your mind and body. Here are some strategies you can try:
Find Part 2 in the comments!
#mentalhealthadvocate #positivequotes #psychotherapy #kitchener #neurodiversity #healthyliving #neurodivergent #positivity #supportgroupadhd #adhdlife #mentalhealth #adhdsupport #kindness #zoom
The day also encourages allies to show their support for the transgender community. By participating in TDoV activities, sharing educational resources, and advocating for transgender rights, allies contribute to building a more inclusive and affirming environment. This collective effort helps create a world where transgender individuals can live authentically without fear of discrimination, and where visibility leads to acceptance. We highly encourage you to check out local events, including those run by @ok2beme and @spectrumkw.
Trans Resources:
🏳️⚧️https://translifeline.org/
🏳️⚧️https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
🏳️⚧️https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out-at-work
🏳️⚧️https://www.wwhealthline.ca/listServices.aspx?id=10455
We are wishing all of our trans folk a happy day of visibility! As always, remember to be kind to yourself, and others.
#kitchener #psychotherapy #mentalhealthadvocate #neurodiversity #positivequotes
As we approach the celebration of Easter, we, at Street Therapy, extend our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. May this season of renewal and hope bring you abundant happiness, good health, and moments of reflection.
Easter is only a religious celebration, but also a spiritual one for many other cultures. Easter is a time of rebirth, a symbol of new beginnings, and an opportunity to embrace the spirit of renewal in our lives. Just as nature blossoms with the arrival of spring, we encourage you to take this time to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. We believe in the power of self-care, and Easter serves as a beautiful reminder to prioritize your mental health.
In the spirit of this season, we encourage you to reflect on the positive changes you can make in your life. Whether it`s fostering better relationships, practicing self-compassion, or embarking on a journey of personal growth, our dedicated team of therapists is here to support you every step of the way.
Amidst the festivities and gatherings, it`s essential to acknowledge the importance of mental health. Holidays can sometimes bring about various emotions, and if you find yourself in need of support, our therapists are here to provide a safe and understanding space for you to explore and navigate your feelings.
Wishing you a Happy and Healthy Easter filled with moments of joy, reflection, and the warmth of those you hold dear. May this spring season be a reminder to nurture your mental health, embrace positivity, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. From all of us at Street Therapy, may your Easter be as bright and promising as the springtime sun.
#neurodiversity #positivequotes #psychotherapy #kitchener #mentalhealthadvocate #easter #easterweekend #longweekend #longweekendjoy #longweekendfun
Happy Neurodiversity Celebration Week (March 18th-24th)!
Neurodiversity Celebration Week serves as a significant and inclusive observance aimed at recognizing and embracing the diversity of neurological conditions and cognitive differences within the human population.
The importance of Neurodiversity Celebration Week lies in fostering understanding, acceptance, and inclusivity for individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurological differences. Rather than viewing these differences as deficits, the #neurodiversity movement advocates for recognizing them as natural variations of the human brain. This shift in perspective challenges stereotypes and promotes a more inclusive and supportive environment for #neurodivergent individuals.
By dedicating a week to celebrate neurodiversity, society acknowledges the richness of human cognitive diversity and challenges stigma and discrimination often associated with neurological conditions. It provides a platform for raising awareness about the unique strengths and talents that neurodivergent individuals bring to various fields, including arts, sciences, technology, and more.
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is an opportunity to engage in conversations about creating accessible and accommodating spaces in education, workplaces, and communities. It encourages the development of inclusive policies that support the needs of neurodivergent individuals and promote their full participation in all aspects of life. If you’re interested in contributing to some of the conversations you can a list of events happening this week here → https://www.eventbrite.ca/d/canada--toronto/neurodiversity-week/
Ultimately, the celebration of neurodiversity fosters a culture of acceptance, respect, and appreciation for the diversity of human minds. It encourages collaboration and understanding, helping to build a world where everyone, regardless of their differences, can thrive and contribute to the betterment of society. As awareness grows, the potential for meaningful inclusion and support for neurodivergent individuals increases, leading to a more compassionate and diverse global community.
Good Morning! Hope everyone is having a great day! We just wanted to pop on and remind everyone of the services we offer here at Street Therapy! Our commitment to fostering healthy relationships and promoting personal growth is reflected in the diverse array of options we offer.
🌟Individual Counselling: Our individual sessions are tailored to address the unique needs and challenges that each person may be facing. Our experienced and empathetic clinicians create a safe and confidential space for clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. We are dedicated to guiding individuals towards a more fulfilling and balanced life.
🌟Couples Counselling: Relationships require nurturing and understanding, and our couples counselling services are designed to strengthen the bonds between partners. Our therapists work with couples to navigate communication issues, conflict resolution, and intimacy challenges. By fostering mediated open and honest dialogue, we help couples build a foundation of trust and mutual support.
🌟Family Therapy: We understand family dynamics can be complex, and our family therapy sessions provide a space for open communication and resolution of conflicts. Our therapists work collaboratively with families to improve communication, set healthy boundaries, and address underlying issues that may be impacting the family unit.
🌟Neurodivergence Focus: Recognizing the unique needs of neurodivergent individuals, our services cater to those seeking support for autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent traits. Our therapists are trained to provide personalized guidance, help individuals embrace their strengths, and navigate the challenges associated with neurodivergence.
🌟Psychiatric Joint Consultation: In collaboration with experienced psychiatrists, we offer psychiatric joint consultations for those who may benefit from a combined approach of counselling and medication management.
Our services reflect our dedication to providing personalized support for individuals, couples, and families, our team is here to guide you on your path to healing and personal growth.
It’s time to spring forward! If you’re feeling like today it seems harder to get up, that could be due to the time change that occurred yesterday! On Sunday March 10th, the clocks spring forward meaning that we lost an hour of sleep.
You may find it difficult to control your sleeping patterns for the time being, but that’s okay— it’s normal. With the clocks changing, you may find yourself oversleeping more than normal. That’s because our body was in routine, and now that routine has been disrupted!
How to combat the side effect of daylight savings:
🌕 Improve your sleep habits— make sleep a priority, ensure you’re getting a full 8 hours! Try not to over sleep, but don’t be hard on yourself if you do.
🌕 Enjoy the sun— during the day take advantage of the sunshine, and go for a brisk walk, open your blinds, or simply embrace the vitamin D.
🌕 Keep moving— exercise is great for regulating our hormones and neurotransmitters! It can also play a very valuable role in routines.
🌕 Stick to your schedule— plan to need a bit of extra time to get ready and really wake up in the morning!
🌕 Change and check all of your clocks— this includes all clocks in the house, car, or our watches. Sometimes our brain plays tricks on us when the time change occurs!
While this change may be a bit frustrating at first, it ultimately means more sunlight for us now, and we’re one step closer to summer! Remember if you need a bit more time to get ready in the morning, or find it difficult to sleep/ wake up on time that’s okay, it’s important to be compassionate with ourselves! But take the extra needed time into consideration when planning your days out so you’re not early or late with your appointments or commitments! Hope you all have a great day!
#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthadvocate #positivity #kw #positivequotes #psychotherapy #womenownedbusiness #kitchener #streettherapyca #healthyliving #daylightsavings #daylightsaving #daylight
March 8 is International Women`s Day. It’s a global day to recognize and celebrate women’s and girls’ social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. It’s also a time to raise awareness of the progress made towards achieving gender equality and the work remaining to be done.
The beginnings of International Women`s Day can be traced back to the early twentieth century. It emerged from the activities of labour movements in North America and Europe and reflected a growing call for women’s equal participation in society. The United Nations recognized 1975 as International Women`s Year and began celebrating March 8 as International Women`s Day!
Historically, women have had to fight their way through everything to get even the slightest bit of recognition. As times have changed, so have the challenges faced by women.The Government of Canada’s theme for International Women’s Day (IWD) 2024 is Inspire Inclusion. When we inspire others to understand and value women`s inclusion, we forge a better world. And when women themselves are inspired to be included, there`s a sense of belonging, relevance, and empowerment.
On this international women’s day, we urge you to recognize the women in your life and reach out to let them know you appreciate them!
We highly recommend you checkout some of the local events happening to celebrate this day on sites like eventbrite, facebook and more! One last thing to note, is when women have other women supporting them, they feel more empowered which is inline with this years theme of inclusion. In today’s world it’s so easy to connect and reach out to like minded individuals- joining groups on instagram and facebook that are focused on connecting you with others such as girlssocial, truly twenties, etc. Can make the world’s a difference when it comes to support!
Street Therapy wishes you a Happy International Women`s day!
#women #womenempowerment #IWD #womensday2024 #psychotherapy #positivequotes #mentalhealthadvocate #positivity #mentalhealthmatters #kw #femaleempowerment #womenownedbusiness
Emotional regulation is the ability to manage and modulate one`s emotional responses to various stimuli. It involves recognizing, understanding, and effectively responding to emotions in a way that promotes healthy communication, and well-being. While all emotions are valid, it is essential to navigate them in a manner that prevents them from controlling our actions or causing harm to ourselves or others.
Emotions are complex, and sometimes it can be difficult recognizing what it is we are feeling exactly. Which is why one of the best ways to work through emotions are to acknowledge them, and identify what led to those feelings. Journaling, brain dumping, and talking to someone can be a great way to do this!
When you bring awareness to how you are feeling, and what you are thinking, you are able to better track your triggers, and reactions. When working through your emotions it’s important to first name that emotion. For example saying to yourself things like “I am feeling ___” or “This feeling makes me want to ___”.
From there you can identify why it is you are feeling that way by asking questions like what happened? Where was I? What did I notice? Who was I with? From this point you are able to ask yourself questions that may help explain why you`re feeling a certain way, and in turn challenge the emotion!
Challenging emotions does not mean you are devaluing them. It is meant to help bring clarity. By asking questions like “Was my reaction appropriate to the situation?” or “Seeing that the situation is out of my control, what boundary can I set? Or what action can I take?”.
Being able to understand your emotions, provides you with clarity, can foster better communication, and relationships, relieve anxiety, and aid in alleviating social pressures. The journey towards emotional regulation begins with understanding. By recognizing, accepting, and comprehending our emotions, we equip ourselves with the tools needed to navigate sudden change, and our reactions. We hope you have a great day!
https://www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu/perch/resources/what-is-emotion-regulationsinfo-brief.pdf
https://psychcentral.com/health/emotional-regulation
Did you know that proper nutrition can play a role in managing ADHD? Although it is important to note that it is not a replacement for other forms of treatment such as medication, psychotherapy, etc.
Individuals with ADHD often produce less dopamine compared to neurotypicals, and as a result they may experience poor attention, impulsiveness, distractibility, and hyperactivity (1). When we have higher levels of dopamine we are more motivated to do tasks, have better attention, and are not as easily distracted!
How can we naturally increase dopamine production in the brain? Dopamine production can benefit from balanced nutrition, sunlight, exercise, music, and mindfulness. When it comes to ADHD and diet, there are a few considerations:
Protein: It is important to pay attention to your protein intake. Protein provides the body with amino acids, which are used to make neurotransmitters. These include things like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine (2). Foods high in protein:
🍽Nuts and seeds
🍽Beans and lentils
🍽Soy products like tofu
🍽Eggs
🍽Dairy products
🍽Meat like poultry, beef and pork
🍽Fish/ Shellfish
Folates: Folate plays an important role in the body’s synthesis of dopamine and other neurotransmitters (3). Additionally, studies have shown that individuals with low folate had significantly reduced memory function (4). Foods high in folate:
🍽Spinach
🍽Broccoli
🍽Asparagus
🍽Avocado
🍽Sunflower Seeds
🍽Beans
🍽Fresh fruit/ juice
We hope that you enjoy this food for thought, and please remember that ADHD is not caused by diet and diet cannot cure ADHD! Being aware of how your body processes the foods you eat, can help ensure you are fueling yourself in a productive, and delicious way!! If you wish to learn more about nutrition we recommend speaking to a qualified professional, or your doctor to ensure that food selections will not produce adverse reactions, allergies, etc.
References
https://www.proquest.com/docview/2454402142?sourcetype=Scholarly%20Journals
https://ca.iherb.com/blog/protein-benefits-mood-depression-anxiety/1678
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9742231/
Did you know that March is Brain Health Awareness Month?
Brain health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, influencing cognitive function, emotional stability, and daily functioning. The brain, a highly intricate organ, requires proper care and attention to maintain optimal performance. This month let’s focus on how we can take care of our brains!
Improving brain health involves adopting lifestyle practices that support cognitive function. What can increase cognitive function you may ask?
🧠Regular physical exercise has been linked to improved memory, attention, and overall brain health.
🧠Exercise promotes the flow of blood and oxygen to the brain, stimulating the growth of new neurons and enhancing neural connections.
🧠 Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as puzzles, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments, can also contribute to cognitive vitality.
🧠Sufficient sleep is a cornerstone of maintaining a healthy brain. During sleep, the brain undergoes vital processes such as memory consolidation and detoxification. Chronic sleep deprivation can negatively impact mood, memory, and decision-making.
Additionally, nutrition plays a huge role in brain health, with certain foods providing essential nutrients that support cognitive function.
🧠Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, antioxidants in fruits and vegetables, and vitamins like B-complex vitamins are known to positively impact brain health.
🧠Adequate hydration is crucial, as even mild dehydration can impair cognitive abilities.
The state of our mental health is closely tied to brain health. Neurotransmitters, hormones, and neural pathways all contribute to our emotional well-being. An imbalance or dysfunction in these aspects can lead to conditions such as anxiety, depression, or mood swings. Conversely, a healthy and well-functioning brain contributes to emotional resilience, stress management, and an overall positive outlook on life. As always we hope you have a great day, and remember to be kind to yourself, your brain and others!
#positivity #mentalhealthadvocate #psychotherapy #kitchener #healthtips #bigbrain #healthyliving #streettherapyca #positivequotes
Happy Monday!
Hope that you are having a great start to this week! With the nice weather and sunlight that is being forecasted this week, we just wanted to give a reminder of how important it is to get outside!
We know that life can be busy, and it can be difficult to manage doing so many things in one day! But studies show that getting outside for at least 20-30 minutes a day can be greatly beneficial to our health! According to the National Parks and Recreation Association spending as little as 20 minutes a day spent outdoors helps reduce stress, anxiety, promote creativity, and improve heart health!
The importance of getting outside and enjoying the sun extends beyond the pleasure of basking in warmth and natural light; it plays a crucial role in overall well-being.
☀️Sunlight exposure is a primary source of vitamin D, an essential nutrient that contributes to various aspects of physical and mental health. Such as maintaining bone health by aiding calcium absorption. Beyond its skeletal benefits, vitamin D is associated with a range of health benefits, including a strengthened immune system, reduced inflammation, and lower risks of certain chronic diseases.
☀️Spending time outdoors under the sun has a profound impact on mental health. Sunlight exposure triggers the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to mood regulation and the alleviation of symptoms associated with conditions like depression and anxiety.
☀️Natural light also helps regulate the body`s circadian rhythm, promoting better sleep and overall sleep quality.
If you’re looking for some things to do this week we highly recommend checking out the following:
🌳https://explorewaterloo.ca/directory/outdoor-recreation/
🌳https://facilities.kitchener.ca/
🌳https://www.kitchener.ca/en/recreation-and-sports/week-at-a-glance.aspx
This week, try to take advantage of the nice weather, whether it`s a walk in the park, a hike, or a group sport, getting outside for a few minutes can make a difference in your day! As always we hope you have a great week, and remember to be kind to yourself and others!
#mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthadvocate #psychotherapy #positivity #kitchener #kw
Happy Family Day!
We hope that you are all enjoying your time this weekend, and have found a moment to relax.
Family Day is a perfect day to reflect the values of family and the home. This being said, today is an important day to understand that not all families are perfect. Not everyone may have the best relationship with their family, and that’s what it is important to remember that family is much more than blood.
Whoever you chose to spend this weekend with, don’t forget to let them know that you appreciate them, and that you’re grateful to have them in your life. If you’re looking for things to do this weekend, checkout some of the local events below:
😁Checkout Chicopee Tube Park: Timed passes can be booked online: and if you work up an appetite, there are outdoor options available for BBQ food, as well as take & go food/beverage items.
😁Visit the Winter House at Langdon Hall for the heated dining space with warm cocktails, tapas-style plates and more. Winter House is an outdoor experience so make sure to dress for the weather!
😁Follow the St. Jacobs Farmers’ Market Chocolate Trail- Saturday, Feb. 18, Follow the chocolate trail to find vendors selling chocolate and chocolate pastries. Pick up a Chocolate Trail Map at the main entrances to each of the Farmers’ Market buildings.
😁Critter Corner at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, and warm up in Cambridge Butterfly’s tropical garden and experience up-close encounters with live insects at their Critter Corner. Regular admission required.
😁Checkout Family Day at the Kitchener Market- Monday, Feb. 20 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your family and enjoy a day full of activities, both inside and out, including a board game café, hosted trivia sessions, artisans, delicious food, and curling rinks! There will also be two special sessions of a Kids in the Kitchen – pre-register and drop-ins accepted.
😁Join in on the KWAG Family Day Activities- Monday, Feb. 20 from 1-4 p.m. Spend Family Day immersed in art and creativity at the Kitchener Waterloo Art Gallery. From hands-on art activities to tours of our current exhibitions.
Happy Valentine`s Day!
Today is typically associated with expressions of love, and can also serve as a powerful reminder to prioritize self-love and mental health. Valentine`s day can bring up different emotions for different people. For some, today can be a day of romance, and celebration with their loved ones and/or friends, whereas it can be a day of loneliness for others.
This being said, a key theme of Valentine`s day that should always be remembered and celebrated is self love. Being able to show yourself compassion, acceptance, and a positive self image goes far beyond the materialistic aspects of the day. Rather than viewing Valentine`s Day solely through the lens of external relationships, we can use the day as an occasion to celebrate individual journeys of self-discovery and growth.
Engaging in self-care activities, practicing mindfulness, and expressing gratitude for personal accomplishments can transform Valentine`s Day into a celebration of self-love.
Check out some of the self love activities that may inspire you today:
🩷 Start a New Book: Choose a book that inspires self-love and personal growth. Whether it`s a motivational book, a novel that resonates with your experiences, or a self-help guide, reading can be a fulfilling and enriching solo activity.
🩷 Journal About Yourself: Spend some time reflecting on what self-love means to you. Write down positive affirmations, list things you love about yourself, and jot down your aspirations.
🩷 Consider a Digital Detox: Consider taking a break from social media and other digital platforms for the day. Disconnecting from the online world allows you to focus on the present moment and reduces the pressure of external expectations.
🩷 Try Out a New Recipe:Treat yourself to a delicious homemade meal. Whether it`s a favorite dish or something new and exciting, the act of cooking for yourself can be both rewarding and enjoyable.
In a world that often emphasizes external relationships, taking time to cultivate a strong and positive relationship with oneself is crucial. This Valentine`s Day, let`s remember to be kind to ourselves, and those in our lives. We hope you have a great day!
Happy Chinese New Year!
The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the lunar calendar year based on the cycles of the moon. Observed by many cultures including Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean and Tibetan, this Sunday will be the first day of Lunar New Year 2024.
This year is the year of the Dragon! The Year of the Dragon, an auspicious cycle in the Chinese zodiac, is steeped in mythical significance. Representing strength, courage, and good fortune, individuals born under this celestial sign are believed to possess exceptional qualities. Dragons, revered creatures in Chinese culture, symbolize power and prosperity. Each twelfth year in the Chinese lunar calendar brings with it the dragon`s dynamic energy, inspiring awe and optimism. Celebrations during this period are vibrant and spirited, marked by dragon dances, traditional rituals, and a collective belief in the dragon`s benevolent influence. The Year of the Dragon is a time of ambition, innovation, and the pursuit of dreams.
For those celebrating make sure to check out the events below:
🏮Laurier International`s Lunar New Year Celebration- https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/laurier-internationals-lunar-new-year-celebration-tickets-811491070637?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
🏮 Join Nibble & Nosh for a festive fun time where you get to experience the joy of Chinese New Year with delightful bites & cultural festivity!
🏮UWaterloo’s Lunar New Year- https://uwaterloo.ca/food-services/events/lunar-new-year-celebration-dc-bytes
Once again, Happy Lunar New Year! We wish you nothing but peace and prosperity! As always be kind to yourself, and others!
