Conquering Exam Anxiety: A Guide for Teens, Parents, and Educators

Exams can be daunting. Whether you’re a student dreading the test, a parent worried about your child, or an educator aiming to provide support, exam anxiety is a challenge that affects us all. This form of stress has a considerable impact on academic performance, mental health, and confidence, leaving many young people feeling overwhelmed.

The good news? Exam anxiety is manageable with the right strategies and support system. This blog dives into how exam stress affects teens and youths, then offers actionable steps to overcome it and achieve academic success without sacrificing mental well-being.

The Effects of Exam Anxiety

Exam anxiety, often defined as excessive worry and fear surrounding tests, is not just “nerves” or “butterflies.” When unmanaged, it can spiral into a cycle of poor performance and emotional setbacks. Let’s take a closer look at how it impacts students.

Academic Performance

Anxiety can impair cognitive functions critical for exam success, such as focus, memory, and problem-solving skills. For example, a teen may find that they forget everything they’ve studied the minute they glance at the first question. This creates a frustrating cycle where the fear of failure leads to stress, which then triggers poor test performance. Over time, this can result in declining grades and low academic confidence.

Mental and Emotional Well-being

Exam anxiety doesn’t just disappear when the test ends. It can seep into a student’s everyday life through sleepless nights, fatigue, irritability, or even feelings of hopelessness. Chronic stress also increases the risk of mental health concerns, including depression and general anxiety disorders. According to a study by the American Psychological Association, over 60% of students report feeling overwhelmed or stressed before exams.

Long-term Educational Goals

When left unaddressed, exam anxiety can lead some students to avoid challenging subjects, drop elective courses, or even abandon degree pathways altogether. Sadly, this can limit their full potential, leaving them discouraged and unmotivated about their futures.

While it’s vital to recognize the detrimental effects of exam anxiety, it’s just as important to know there are proven methods to manage and overcome it.

Breaking Free from Exam Anxiety

Students don’t need to face exam stress alone. Here are practical strategies that teens, parents, and educators can employ to reduce anxiety and encourage successful outcomes.

For Students

Students can take control of their exam preparation and well-being with these mindful techniques:

  1. Create a Study Plan

Spread your study sessions out over time instead of cramming the day before. Organize your schedule with manageable goals for each session, focusing on one topic or subject at a time.

  1. Practice Positive Self-Talk

Replace negative thoughts like “I’m going to fail” with affirmations like “I’ve prepared well, and I’ll do my best.” Believing in yourself makes a huge difference in calming nerves.

  1. Learn Relaxation Techniques

Incorporate strategies such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to ground yourself and regain focus when anxiety kicks in.

  1. Take Study Breaks

Studying for hours without a break can cause burnout. Use the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break) to stay sharp and refreshed.

  1. Practice with Mock Tests

Simulate the exam environment by taking practice tests under timed conditions. This reduces the fear of the unknown and boosts confidence through familiarity.

  1. Ask for Help

If you’re struggling with a topic or subject, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, tutors, or classmates for clarification and guidance.

For Parents

Parents play a critical role in shaping a student’s response to exam stress. Support them by fostering open communication and creating a positive environment.

  1. Encourage Healthy Lifestyles

Balanced meals, exercise, and sufficient sleep are essential for optimal brain function and stress management. Make sure your teen isn’t sacrificing their well-being in a bid to study longer.

  1. Discuss Expectations Openly

Avoid adding pressure by setting unrealistic standards. Instead, focus on your child’s effort rather than their results. Statements like “I’m proud of how hard you’re working” provide reassurance and emotional support.

  1. Be Available to Listen

Give your child space to express their fears and concerns. Knowing they have a judgment-free zone where their emotions are validated can make a world of difference.

  1. Limit Comparisons

Resist the urge to compare your child to their peers or siblings. This adds unnecessary stress and reinforces doubts about their abilities.

For Educators

Teachers and school staff can contribute to easing exam anxiety by creating a supportive learning environment.

  1. Integrate Stress-Reduction Workshops

Organize sessions with mental health professionals to teach students practical stress management techniques, such as mindfulness exercises or how to prepare for exams effectively.

  1. Provide Practice Resources

Offer sample questions, past exams, or study guides to familiarize students with what to expect. Consider introducing manageable, low-stakes assessments as training wheels.

  1. Create an Inclusive Classroom

Normalize conversations around stress and mental health. Remind students that experiencing anxiety doesn’t mean they’re weak or incapable; it’s something everyone faces at some point.

  1. Offer Individualized Support

Some students may need extra attention or accommodations, such as extended time during exams or one-on-one tutoring. Work closely with school counselors to ensure every student’s needs are met.

Empowering Students to Succeed

Exam anxiety doesn’t have to dictate a student’s academic future. Whether you’re a student tackling test stress, a parent offering support, or an educator equipping learners with tools, small changes can lead to significant results.

By addressing exam anxiety head-on, students can approach exams with confidence, focus, and resilience. More importantly, they’ll develop essential life skills to handle future challenges—both academic and personal.

For parents and educators seeking additional strategies or expert advice, feel free to connect with us directly. Together, we can empower students to transform anxiety into motivation and achieve their best results!

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

About the Author
Emem Iniobong, is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor who is an EMDR trained and helps childrenteensyoung adultsparents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.

Conquering Exam Anxiety in Teens and Youths

Exams can be daunting for students, inducing stress that not only impacts mental health but also hinders performance. Exam anxiety is a common challenge faced by teens and youths, yet it is often misunderstood or overlooked. For students, parents, and educators alike, understanding exam anxiety and learning strategies to manage it is critical for fostering both academic success and emotional well-being.

This blog dives into the causes and effects of exam anxiety, providing practical tools and actionable solutions to help students overcome this hurdle. Whether you’re a student preparing for exams, a parent eager to provide the right support, or an educator dedicated to creating a stress-free learning environment, this guide is for you.

Understanding Exam Anxiety

Exams are not just an academic milestone—they can also be a significant source of stress. Exam anxiety is a psychological condition where intense worry, fear of failure, or feelings of inadequacy hinder a student’s ability to perform effectively. To address this challenge, we must first understand its symptoms, triggers, and underlying causes.

Symptoms of Exam Anxiety

Exam anxiety manifests physically, emotionally, and cognitively. Common symptoms include:

  • Physical Symptoms: Sweaty palms, racing heartbeat, headaches, nausea, or trouble sleeping.
  • Psychological Symptoms: Feelings of panic, fear, or dread before or during the exam.
  • Cognitive Symptoms: Difficulty concentrating or remembering key details, negative self-talk, and physical “freeze” moments during the test.

Common Triggers of Exam Anxiety

  • High Expectations: The pressure to meet personal, parental, or societal standards can weigh heavily on students.
  • Comparative Mindset: Constant comparisons with peers amplify fear of inadequacy.
  • Unpreparedness: A lack of effective study habits or last-minute cramming often triggers anxiety.
  • Past Failures: Negative past experiences with exams make students fearful of repeating those outcomes.
  • Perceived High Stakes: Believing that one exam could make or break their future often worsens stress.

Coping Mechanisms and Strategies

Fortunately, exam anxiety is manageable. Students, parents, and educators all play a role in creating a supportive environment and cultivating effective stress-management skills.

For Students

  1. Effective Study Habits
  • Break the syllabus into smaller tasks and set daily goals.
  • Use active recall and spaced repetition rather than passive rereading of notes.
  • Practice with mock tests to develop familiarity with exam formats.
  1. Time Management
  • Create a study schedule that balances focused study time with regular breaks.
  • Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to maintain focus and avoid burnout.
  1. Positive Self-Talk
  • Replace thoughts like “I’m going to fail” with “I’ve prepared and will do my best.”
  • Build self-confidence by celebrating small wins during study sessions.
  1. Mindfulness Techniques
  • Practice deep breathing exercises to lower heart rate during moments of stress.
  • Incorporate mindfulness or meditation apps like Calm or Headspace.
  • Engage in regular physical activities such as yoga or jogging to reduce overall stress.

For Parents

  1. Provide Emotional Support
  • Assure your teen that their worth is not tied to grades.
  • Encourage open discussions about their feelings and concerns.
  1. Create Realistic Expectations
  • Instead of focusing on outcomes, emphasize effort and learning.
  1. Healthy Lifestyle Habits
  • Prioritize good sleep hygiene for your teen.
  • Encourage balanced meals rich in nutrients that support brain health.
  1. Avoid Pressure
  • Reassure your teen that mistakes are opportunities for growth, not failure.

For Educators

  1. Set a Positive Tone
  • Reduce high-stakes language (“This exam will determine your future!”) and focus on encouragement instead.
  1. Teach Stress Coping Skills
  • Embed stress-management activities, such as breathing exercises, into class lessons.
  1. Flexible Assessment Methods
  • Consider assessing through projects, presentations, or open-book exams to reduce high-pressure tests.
  1. Identify and Assist High-anxiety Students
  • Offer check-ins or one-on-one meetings with students who show visible signs of exam anxiety.

Positioning education as a holistic process, rather than just results-driven, encourages students to thrive without anxiety.

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

photo of Counsellor Emem

About the Author
Emem Iniobong, is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor who is an EMDR trained and helps childrenteensyoung adultsparents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.

Diet Tips to Help Manage Your Stress Naturally

Diet Tips to Help Manage Your Stress Naturally – Managing stress naturally often begins with your eating habits. There are certain foods you should be avoiding, such as caffeine and high amounts of sugar, because they tend to make stress worse over time. However, there are also a lot of diet recommendations for stress relief, including the following foods.

Eat More Complex Carbs

Diet Tips to Help Manage Your Stress Naturally – The good thing about this diet tip is that not only will it help with stress, but it is a good healthy dieting guideline to keep for overall health and even weight loss. Complex carbs take longer to digest, which can help you maintain your energy and stabilize blood sugar levels. They include whole grain and whole wheat bread, pasta, cereal, and rice. Having some oatmeal or overnight oats can also be great if you are trying to eat more complex carbs. You want to try and avoid refined carbs, like white bread, white rice, and regular pasta.

Load Up on Veggies | Diet Tips to Help Manage Your Stress Naturally

Yes, you are going to hear it again: you need to eat your veggies! Vegetables are so important for all the nutrients they provide, which can also help to reduce your stress levels. For example, asparagus has a lot of folate, also known as folic acid, which can be wonderful for helping to relieve stress. Avocadoes are also recommended due to the vitamin E, folate, beta-carotene, and lutein, all of which are food for blocking fats that can increase your stress. Both of these healthy foods are easy to add to meals, from having sliced avocado on your salad, to eating asparagus on the side of your fish or chicken for a nutritious dinner.

Have Some Dark Chocolate | Diet Tips to Help Manage Your Stress Naturally

Diet Tips to Help Manage Your Stress Naturally – Believe it or not, there are some sweet treats you can have if you want to reduce your stress, but you should go for the dark chocolate varieties. While you often want to indulge in a lot of sweet candies and baked goods, the temporary stress relief can lead to a lot more issues. However, dark chocolate is good for you, tends to be lower in fat and calories, and also has tons of antioxidants. These antioxidants will help to balance out the stress hormones in our body, thus reducing your stress levels.

Choose Fatty Fish | Diet Tips to Help Manage Your Stress Naturally

Diet Tips to Help Manage Your Stress Naturally – For lunch or dinner, try to add some fatty fish at least 2-3 days a week. It is low in fat and high in protein, plus it is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These are also high up on the list of nutrients that help with excessive amounts of stress. Try fatty fish like tuna, salmon, and mackerel.

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

photo of Counsellor Emem

About the Author
Emem Iniobong
, is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor who is an EMDR trained and helps childrenteensyoung adultsparents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.

Journaling Tips to Help Teens Cope with Stress and Anxiety

Journaling Tips – Your teens and pre-teens are dealing with a lot of different emotions, and could use a way to release those emotions and thoughts in a safe way. Journaling can do that for them, and it is so flexible and easy to do, that it really is great for all adolescents. Here are some tips to help your teens start journaling.

Start Small | Journaling Tips

Journaling doesn’t have to be an all-encompassing activity; you can start small by taking just five or ten minutes each day to write down your thoughts. You might want to start by writing about what happened during the day or how you were feeling, then you can move on from there. Don’t worry if you don’t know where to start; just let your words flow freely and see where they take you.

Find a Journal You Love | Journaling Tips

Journaling Tips – If you want your teen to love writing, they need to love what they are writing with. This includes a journal or notebook that is just their style, along with some fun pens they choose themselves. Everyone tends to be picky about the type of pen they use, so definitely let them pick out some favorites.

Use Different Writing Tools, Stickers, and Embellishments

Journaling Tips – In addition to the journal and writing tools, you can get them some other tools as well. Teens who are on the creative side might want to add more color, doodles, or designs to their journal pages. This is super easy to do with colored pencils, watercolors, embellishments, stickers, and other similar items. These can be really inexpensive, and make a huge difference in how motivated your teens are to use their journal.

Keep Your Journal Private | Journaling Tips

Journaling Tips – It is really important that you make a promise to your teens that their journals will remain private and confidential. If they have any fears of someone (like a younger sibling) reading their journals, they won’t be as open and honest as they could be, which does diminish some of the potential benefits of this writing practice. Give them somewhere they can lock up their journals, or even get a diary with a key if they would feel more comfortable with that.

Writing Ideas | Journaling Tips

Journaling Tips – There are a lot of journal prompts out there, but many of them are geared towards adults. For teens and pre-teens, look for journal prompts about school, friends, getting ready for college, and this sort of thing. Here are some examples of great writing topics for teens:

  • What does your ideal life look like?
  • What do you want to major in?
  • What college are you interested in?
  • What are your future career plans?
  • Where you would move to if you could move anywhere after high school?
  • Talk about your BFFs
  • What subjects do you love in school?
  • Which subjects do you always dread?
  • How do you like spending your free time?

Set Goals

Journaling Tips – You can also use journaling as a way of setting goals for yourself and tracking your progress over time. For example, if you want to learn a new skill or get better grades in school, write down what your goal is and then break it down into smaller steps that you need to take in order to achieve it. This will help keep you motivated and focused on reaching your goals. 

Creating Space for Reflection | Journaling Tips

Journaling can also be used as a tool for reflection and self-discovery. Take some time each day (or week) to reflect on what has been happening in your life recently – both the good and the bad – and consider what lessons you can learn from these experiences. You might want to think about how these experiences have impacted your relationships with others or how they have shaped your outlook on life going forward.

Journaling is incredibly powerful tools that can help teens cope with stress, anxiety, and other emotions that they may not be able to express verbally. It provides them with an outlet for their thoughts and feelings while also teaching them useful skills such as goal setting, self-reflection, and creative expression. For parents looking for ways to support their teens during this challenging time in their lives, encouraging them to start a journal is one of the best things that they can do! Check out our shop here.

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

Restorative Routines for Mental Wellness

Restorative Routines for Mental Wellness – Mental wellness is becoming more and more of a priority amongst the younger generation. In order to feel emotionally and mentally healthy, it’s important to establish and maintain routines that promote relaxation and well-being. Resetting your routine can be an effective way to incorporate activities that nourish your mental state – here are some ideas on how you can do just that.

Be Mindful of What You Eat and Drink | Restorative Routines for Mental Wellness

Restorative Routines for Mental Wellness – We all know the saying “you are what you eat” – and while it may be a bit cliché, there’s truth behind this sentiment. Eating well-balanced meals is key to feeling good in mind and body. Avoiding processed foods, opting for nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables, cutting down on sugar intake, drinking lots of water – these are all simple but effective ways to improve our overall physical health, which translates into improved mental health as well.

Take Time for Yourself | Restorative Routines for Mental Wellness

Restorative Routines for Mental Wellness – The hustle and bustle of everyday life can be draining for both adults and youth alike. Taking time out of your busy schedule to relax is one of the best things you can do for yourself when it comes to maintaining good mental health. Whether it’s reserving a few minutes each day for meditation or dedicating an entire day towards selfcare activities like at-home spa treatments or reading a book with no distractions, making sure that you take regular “me time” will help keep stress levels low – which is essential for optimal mental health. 

Get Moving | Restorative Routines for Mental Wellness

Restorative Routines for Mental Wellness – Exercise has long been known as an effective stress reliever, so why not make exercise part of your reset routine? Not only will exercising help lower cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the body, but it also releases endorphins which trigger positive feelings in the brain – a great way to boost mood! Even if you’re pressed for time during the weekdays, finding small windows throughout the day where you can fit in mini workouts (like 10 minutes of jumping jacks or squats while dinner is cooking!) can make a world of difference in terms of energy levels.

Resetting routines is an easy yet powerful way to take charge over your own wellbeing! Establishing habits such as eating balanced meals, taking time out from our days solely dedicated towards relaxation and doing regular exercises are all great ways to promote better mental health. It doesn’t have to be complicated; even small changes can create big impacts when it comes to mental wellness!

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

photo of Counsellor Emem

About the Author
Emem Iniobong
, is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor who is an EMDR trained and helps childrenteensyoung adultsparents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.

Resetting Routines for Mental Health Wellness

Resetting Routines for Mental Health Wellness – Routines provide us with structure and stability, but when life throws us a curveball, it can be hard to keep up with our normal routine and habits. Whether you’re a teen, parent, or adult, transitioning into a new lifestyle can be difficult without the right tools. Read on as we discuss how resetting your routines can help promote mental health wellness during times of transition.

The Benefits of Establishing Healthy Routines | Resetting Routines for Mental Health Wellness

Resetting Routines for Mental Health Wellness – When life is thrown off balance due to an unexpected event such as Covid-19, it’s important to remember that resetting your daily routine can help you find a sense of control. Taking small steps to reset your routine helps give back some control when everything else around you is uncertain. This could include setting aside time each day for physical activity or meditation, trying out a new hobby like baking or painting, or just taking five minutes at the end of the day for yourself. Making time for yourself every day is essential for mental health wellness and will help create positive coping mechanisms in times of stress.

Routines Are Not One Size Fits All | Resetting Routines for Mental Health Wellness

Resetting Routines for Mental Health Wellness – Creating a healthy routine doesn’t mean that you have to suddenly start waking up at 6 am every day if that’s not something you would typically do. It means finding ways to incorporate activities into your daily schedule that make you feel good while also allowing flexibility in case something else comes up. That might include spending ten minutes each day journaling your thoughts or taking a walk around the block before dinner each night—the possibilities are endless! Make sure whatever routine you choose fits into your own unique lifestyle and needs so that it won’t be too hard to maintain in the long run. 

Breaking Out of Your Comfort Zone | Resetting Routines for Mental Health Wellness

Resetting routines shouldn’t stop with just finding activities that fit into your current lifestyle; it should also involve pushing yourself out of your comfort zone from time to time by trying something new! Whether this means signing up for an online yoga class or learning a foreign language through an app, breaking out of routines provides opportunities to stimulate creativity and challenge yourself mentally and physically. Don’t forget to take breaks every now and then too—not only will this help prevent burnout but it also gives you more time to explore things outside of what has become comfortable or familiar. 

Resetting routines can go a long way towards promoting mental health wellness during times of transition such as what we are experiencing now due to Covid-19. It doesn’t mean having to stick strictly to one set schedule but rather taking small steps towards creating habits that work best for you personally while still allowing room for growth and exploration along the way. So go ahead – try something new today! You never know what kind of positive impact it may have on both your physical and mental wellbeing!

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

photo of Counsellor Emem

About the Author
Emem Iniobong
, is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor who is an EMDR trained and helps childrenteensyoung adultsparents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.

Focusing on Mental Health Wellness

Focusing on Mental Health Wellness – Mental health wellness is vital for a healthy lifestyle. It is important to maintain good mental health in order to be productive, stay motivated, and enjoy life. One of the most important aspects in maintaining good mental health is being able to focus on the present moment and take care of oneself. Let’s look at why focus is so important when it comes to mental health wellness and how you can use it to your advantage.

The Benefits of Focus | Focusing on Mental Health Wellness

Focusing on Mental Health Wellness – Having the ability to focus on the present moment can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. When you are too focused on the future or past, it can lead to overthinking and worrying about things that may or may not happen. By focusing on the present moment, you can better manage your emotions and be more mindful of what is happening around you. This helps to create a sense of peace and inner calmness which can help improve your overall well-being.

Focus also helps with decision making as it allows us to make decisions with clarity instead of being driven by our emotions or impulses. It also gives us an opportunity to make better choices for ourselves such as taking time out for rest or exercise when needed. Being able to focus also helps us prioritize tasks more effectively so that we can accomplish what needs to be done without feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.

Practicing Mindfulness | Focusing on Mental Health Wellness

Focusing on Mental Health Wellness – One way to practice focus and cultivate mental health wellness is through mindfulness meditation practices. Mindfulness meditation involves focusing on one’s breath or an object while paying attention to thoughts, feelings, and sensations without judgement or attachment. By doing this regularly, it increases awareness of one’s internal states which in turn helps foster self-compassion, acceptance, resilience, and emotional regulation skills which are essential for maintaining positive mental health. In addition, mindfulness practices have been found by research studies to reduce stress levels significantly within 10 weeks thus resulting in improved overall well-being over time.

Focus plays an important role in achieving mental health wellness due its ability reduce stress levels as well as helping us make better decisions for ourselves. Practicing mindfulness meditation has been shown by research studies to have significant benefits in reducing stress levels within 10 weeks thus leading towards improved overall well-being over time. Taking some time each day for yourself whether through mindfulness practices or other activities will ultimately help you become more aware of your internal states and allow you feel more grounded throughout your day!

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

photo of Counsellor Emem

About the Author
Emem Iniobong
, is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor who is an EMDR trained and helps childrenteensyoung adultsparents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.

Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness

Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness – Mental health is an important and often overlooked aspect of life. It’s essential to take time and set intentions for mental health wellness. This can be done in many ways, such as taking a few moments each day to reflect and practice mindfulness, or setting goals and holding yourself accountable. Here are some tips to help you create healthy habits that will benefit your overall mental health.

Get Clear on What You Want | Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness

Before setting an intention, take some time to get clear on what it is that you want to accomplish in terms of mental health and wellness. What do you want more of in your life? Maybe it’s more peace, more calm, or more clarity around how you feel? Maybe it’s something else entirely. Get specific about what it is you want to achieve with your intention-setting process.

Choose Words That Resonate with You | Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness

Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness – Once you know what you want, choose words that resonate with you. These should be words that describe the feeling or state of being that you’re striving for. For example, if your intention is to create more peace in your life, words like “calm,” “balance,” or “harmony” might resonate with you. Choose whatever words feel right for you—there’s no right or wrong way to do this! 

Visualize Your Intention

Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness – Once you’ve chosen your words, visualize them in your mind’s eye. Imagine yourself living into this intention—what does it look like? What does it feel like? Spend some time really visualizing yourself embodying this intention in every aspect of your life. This will help make the intention tangible and real, rather than just a concept or idea floating around in your head.

Start Small | Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness

Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness – It’s important to start with small steps when setting intentions for mental health wellness. Begin by setting achievable goals that are easy to stick with over time. For example, try starting with a goal of 10 minutes of mindfulness practice each day before bed, or 20 minutes of exercise twice per week. You can also focus on creating healthy eating habits by committing to eating more fruits and vegetables each day, or drinking more water throughout the day. Setting smaller goals makes it easier to stay motivated and focused on your intention-setting journey.

Try Something New | Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness

Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness – Once you feel comfortable with the smaller goals you have set for yourself, challenge yourself by trying something new that will benefit your mental health wellness. This could be anything from joining an online support group or signing up for mindfulness classes to meditating daily or journaling regularly about your feelings and emotions. The key is finding something that feels right for you and is manageable enough so that it doesn’t become overwhelming or too difficult to keep up with over time.

Create a Support System

Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness – Creating a positive environment around you is another great way to stay motivated while setting intentions for mental health wellness. Building relationships with those who make you feel safe, secure, and supported will help keep you on track when times get tough. Make sure to surround yourself with people who understand your needs and offer words of encouragement when needed—this will help ensure that you follow through on your goals in the long run.

Take Action & Practice Patience | Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness

Finally, take action towards manifesting this intention in your life. This could include anything from meditating each day to journaling about how this intention feels or looks when manifested in real life—the options are endless! Whatever action steps you choose, remember that they won’t bear fruit overnight—so practice patience as well as action!

Tips for Setting Intentions for Mental Health Wellness – Setting intentions for mental health wellness is an important part of living a healthy lifestyle. Remember that everyone has different needs when it comes to creating intentional practices around their mental health—what works for one person may not work for another—so don’t be afraid to experiment until you find what works best for you! With dedication and consistency, these simple steps will help lay the groundwork for creating lifelong habits that promote positive mental health outcomes in the long run!

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

photo of Counsellor Emem

About the Author
Emem Iniobong
, is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor who is an EMDR trained and helps childrenteensyoung adultsparents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.

Setting Intentions With Your Word: A Guide to Mental Well-Being

Setting Intentions With Your Word – We all know the power of words, but do we really understand its impact? Our words have the power to create and shape our reality. When used with intention, the right words can help us manifest our desired outcomes. In this blog post, we’ll explore how setting intentions with your word can positively impact your mental well-being.

Why is it important to use positive language | Setting Intentions With Your Word

Setting Intentions With Your Word – The words you speak and think have a direct influence on your mental state. Using positive language helps improve your mood, boost your self-esteem, and encourages resilience when faced with difficult situations. It also allows you to build healthy relationships with others by communicating clearly and honestly.

Setting Intentions for Your Words | Setting Intentions With Your Word

Setting Intentions With Your Word – The first step in setting intentions for your words is being mindful of the things you say and think. By tuning into your inner dialogue, you can become aware of any negative or unhelpful thoughts that may be impacting your mental health. Once you become aware of these thoughts, it’s time to start using more positive language. This means replacing negative phrases like “I’m not good enough” with more helpful ones like “I am capable and strong” or “I can handle this challenge.”

Think about how you want to feel when speaking or thinking about something – what words will best serve that feeling? By doing this regularly, you can begin to retrain your brain and create new neural pathways that will support healthier thought patterns in the long run. 

Manifesting Intentions Through Intentional Language | Setting Intentions With Your Word

Setting Intentions With Your Word – Intentional language is an important part of manifesting what we want in life. The key is speaking from a place of love rather than fear or judgment. For example, if you want to manifest abundance in your life, focus on what it feels like to be abundant rather than focusing on lack or scarcity (e.g., “I am surrounded by abundance” versus “There’s never enough money!”). This kind of intentional language helps create positive energy around the things we desire most in life – whether it be financial stability, career success, meaningful relationships – and attracts them into our lives faster than worrying about them ever could!

It is clear that setting intentions with our word has profound effects on our mental wellbeing as well as our ability to manifest the things we desire most in life. By using intentional language with love instead of fear or judgment we are able to create positive energy around our goals and attract them into our lives faster than worrying ever could! So go ahead – set some intentions today! Start speaking from a place of love rather than fear or judgement and see how quickly those dreams start becoming realities!

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

photo of Counsellor Emem

About the Author
Emem Iniobong
, is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor who is an EMDR trained and helps childrenteensyoung adultsparents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.

The Benefits of Setting an Intention with a Word of the Year 

The Benefits of Setting an Intention with a Word of the Year – Many of us have goals for the upcoming year, but setting an intention and selecting a “word of the year” can be a powerful way to focus your energy on what matters most. This practice not only helps you to stay focused on achieving your goals, but it can also improve your mental health and wellbeing. Let’s take a look at how setting an intention with your word of the year can benefit you. 

Create Clarity Through Reflection | The Benefits of Setting an Intention with a Word of the Year 

The Benefits of Setting an Intention with a Word of the Year  – The process of selecting a word for your intention is reflective in nature. Taking time to consider what values, goals, and habits you want to prioritize in the coming year gives you clarity on what matters most. It allows you to create space to think about how you want to show up in the world and what kind of life you want to live. This practice also encourages you to take responsibility for your actions, as it requires that all decisions made throughout the year are aligned with this chosen word and intention. 

Manifest Your Intentions | The Benefits of Setting an Intention with a Word of the Year 

The Benefits of Setting an Intention with a Word of the Year – Once you have identified which values are important to prioritize, manifesting these intentions into actionable steps is key for achieving success in any area of life. By continuously reminding yourself of this chosen word, allowing it to be seen by others around you (through writing or artwork), as well as revisiting it regularly throughout the year will help keep it top-of-mind when making any decisions or taking inspired action towards your goals. 

Increase Mindfulness & Self-Awareness | The Benefits of Setting an Intention with a Word of the Year 

The Benefits of Setting an Intention with a Word of the Year – Setting an intention with a word of the year can help increase mindfulness and self-awareness by encouraging reflection throughout each day or week. For example, if “simplicity” is your chosen word, then every decision that comes up should be assessed based on whether it leads towards more simplicity or complexity in life; this could include anything from simplifying daily tasks such as decluttering physical items or digital distractions like social media notifications. When we intentionally practice this level of self-awareness, we become more mindful around our choices—which has been linked to improved mental health outcomes such as increased happiness & satisfaction overall! 

When it comes down to it, setting an intention with a “word of the year” is one way that we can bring awareness into our lives and remind ourselves why certain values are important in order for us to achieve our goals and dreams. Not only does this practice encourage reflection and help manifest our intentions into actionable steps – but it has also been linked to improved mental health outcomes such as increased happiness & satisfaction overall! So if 2023 is looking like another busy year ahead – why not start off by choosing a word that will serve as reminder throughout each day? Here’s hoping 2023 brings clarity & joy!

Therapy in Brandon  

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety or trauma is especially high during the winter season, know that you’re not alone, we encourage you to reach out. Our counsellor here at Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre have experience working with anxiety, stress, grief, trauma, depression, and so much more. We offer both in-person and online services. To learn more, reach out to us at 431-302-8803, or go here and fill out an online form!

photo of Counsellor Emem

About the Author
Emem Iniobong
, is a Brandon MB, Canadian Certified Counsellor who is an EMDR trained and helps childrenteensyoung adultsparents, and families in dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, parenting support to live a more fulfilled and bliss-full life.