Tag Teens

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.

2. 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.

3. Learn Relaxation Techniques

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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!

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

2. Create Realistic Expectations

• Instead of focusing on outcomes, emphasize effort and learning.

3. Healthy Lifestyle Habits

• Prioritize good sleep hygiene for your teen.
• Encourage balanced meals rich in nutrients that support brain health.

4. 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.

2. Teach Stress Coping Skills

• Embed stress-management activities, such as breathing exercises, into class lessons.

3. Flexible Assessment Methods

• Consider assessing through projects, presentations, or open-book exams to reduce high-pressure tests.

4. 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!

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

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!

How Does EMDR Work | EMDR Therapy for Children and Teens

EMDR Therapy for Children and Teens – One of the core concepts of EMDR is that humans have a natural ability to heal after traumatic experiences. During EMDR sessions, therapists guide clients through their memories in order to bring about resolution and healing. The therapist helps the client identify particular memories or experiences that are causing distress or difficulty in functioning. The therapist then helps the client use eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while they talk about those memories in order to process them more effectively. This process helps them form new associations with those memories that can lead to improved functioning in everyday life.

Why Is EMDR Good For Kids | EMDR Therapy for Children and Teens

EMDR Therapy for Children and Teens – EMDR therapy has many advantages over traditional talk therapy when it comes to treating children and teens. One major advantage is that it allows clients to work through their issues without having to verbalize all of their experiences. This makes it easier for young people who may not have the language skills necessary to fully explain their feelings or experiences yet still need help processing them. Additionally, because the focus of EMDR is on healing rather than talking about trauma, it can also help young people feel less overwhelmed by their emotions during therapy sessions which can make them more willing to engage in treatment.  Another benefit of using EMDR with children and teens is that it helps them gain insight into their own coping skills as well as how they interact with others which can improve communication within families and relationships outside of therapy sessions as well. Finally, since EMDR works quickly compared to traditional talk therapies (most people begin seeing results within 3-4 sessions), it can be a much more cost-effective option for families looking for help for their children or teens struggling with mental health issues related to trauma or stressors in life. 

EMDR therapy can be an effective way for kids and teens who have experienced trauma or overwhelming stressors in life to work through their issues without having to relive all aspects of the experience verbally each time they enter therapy sessions. With its fast pace, insight building capabilities, and focus on healing rather than talking about pain points from past experiences, EMDR offers kids a unique way of working through difficult emotions without feeling overwhelmed by them at any point during treatment sessions. If you think your child or teen may benefit from this type of therapeutic intervention be sure to speak with a qualified mental health professional who specializes in this type of treatment approach so you can get started on your road towards healing today!

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!

Daily Mantras for Self-Care – Self-care is one of the most important aspects of physical and mental health, and it doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. One of the best ways to practice self-care is with mantras. Mantras can be words, phrases, or sentences that focus your thoughts, relieve stress, or lift your mood.

You can include them in a daily meditation, or you can repeat them to yourself as you face obstacles throughout your day. As you repeat your mantra, you’ll start to truly believe it and embody it. Here are six daily mantras that you can add to your self-care practice:

I love myself | Daily Mantras for Self-Care

I am worthy of things that bring me joy | Daily Mantras for Self-Care

We often deprive ourselves of good things or feel guilty for indulging in what we love. It’s okay to want the best for yourself and to seek out what brings you joy. Whether it’s spending time with a good friend, sleeping in late, buying something nice for yourself, or anything else, you deserve the things that make you happy.

I deserve to take care of my mind and body

Daily Mantras for Self-Care – If you’re constantly stressed about work, school, or family obligations, you might neglect your physical and mental health. However, even amidst all the stress, you deserve to treat your mind and body well.

I am important | Daily Mantras for Self-Care

Daily Mantras for Self-Care – You are just as important as anyone else, and you deserve to treat yourself like you’re important. Your health and happiness matter, and your needs are valid. It’s easy to prioritize everyone and everything else above yourself, but this mantra will remind you that you’re important too.

I choose to be positive

The stress and struggles that come your way might be out of your control, but your attitude isn’t. You can choose to be positive and to focus on the good things in your life. Remind yourself that positive self-talk is powerful and effective, and you can choose to focus on uplifting thoughts.

I am strong

Daily Mantras for Self-Care – You have made it through every obstacle in your life so far, and you’ll continue to make it through. Even when you don’t feel strong, remind yourself of your strength. Sometimes, being strong involves practicing self-care, which helps you become healthy and focused enough to tackle whatever comes your way.

It’s best to choose one mantra at a time and focus on it for at least a week. Everyone has different values and priorities, so some mantras might not benefit you as much as others. Once you’ve tried out a few mantras, you’ll find one that really speaks to you. A good mantra helps you focus on the positive, but it also has the power to influence your actions. Your mantra should help you accept yourself, take care of yourself, and make positive choices that benefit your life.

Therapy in Brandon

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety is especially high during the fall 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!

Group Therapy: How It Can Help Youth and College Students – Group therapy is an invaluable tool in the mental health field. It can be used to help youth, college students, and other individuals who may be dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or even trauma. While one-on-one therapy sessions are often beneficial, group therapy adds an element of connection and support that can make a significant difference in the healing process. Let’s take a look at how group therapy works and the benefits it provides for teens and college students.

How Group Therapy Works

Benefits of Group Therapy for Teens & College Students

Group therapy has numerous benefits that can help teens and college students manage their mental health issues while also providing them with valuable life skills. One of these benefits is the sense of community that comes from being part of a group setting where everyone has similar struggles or goals. This allows individuals to not only learn from each other but also feel that they are not alone in their struggles. Additionally, group therapy can provide an opportunity for greater self-awareness by allowing members to gain insight into how their behavior affects themselves as well as those around them. Finally, it can teach important problem-solving skills that will serve individuals long after they graduate from counseling sessions. 

Group therapy is a powerful tool when it comes to helping children, teenagers, and college students manage their mental health issues in a safe and supportive environment. It provides individuals with a sense of community while also teaching valuable life skills such as problem solving and communication techniques that will help them long after they leave counseling sessions. If you are considering group therapy for your teen or college student, be sure to find out what types of groups are available in your area so you can decide which option is best for them!

Therapy in Brandon

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety is especially high during the fall 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!

Group therapy is a great way for youth to come together and develop a sense of camaraderie and understanding with those who are going through similar issues. It is also a platform for young people to feel seen and heard in a safe and secure environment. Here we explore the benefits of group therapy, when it should be used, and how it can benefit young people.

Benefits of Group Therapy

When Should Group Therapy Be Used?

Group therapy should be used when individual counseling or family counseling is not enough to get the desired results. It can also be used in conjunction with these methods – especially if there are multiple members in the family going through difficult times or if there are many different types of issues that need to be addressed within the same session. Group therapies may also help youth build better relationships with friends or family members who are unable to attend individual sessions due to scheduling conflicts or lack of resources.

How Can Group Therapy Benefit Young People?

Group therapy can help young people gain insight into their own beliefs and emotions related to certain situations. Through this process, they can learn more about themselves as well as others by listening and sharing stories with each other. Additionally, group therapy allows young people to develop empathy towards others who may have gone through similar traumas or experiences; this helps them become more compassionate individuals able to understand different perspectives on difficult topics such as anxiety or depression. Finally, group therapy offers an outlet for young people to express themselves without fear of judgement or criticism since everyone in the group understands what they’re going through – making it easier for them to open up about things they wouldn’t normally talk about outside of such settings.

Group therapy is not only an effective tool for helping youth reduce stress levels but it can also be beneficial for those dealing with mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma-related challenges, etc. It provides a platform for teens and children alike where they can openly discuss their feelings without fear of judgement from those around them which makes it easier for them to truly express themselves without inhibition or hesitation so that they may move forward in life feeling empowered by their own unique story while being surrounded by like-minded individuals who can relate and offer support during challenging times.

Additionally, group therapies are often much more affordable than traditional one-on-one counseling which makes it an even more attractive option for families looking for support at an accessible price point. Ultimately, group therapy is a wonderful option for helping youth live healthier lives both emotionally and mentally – something every parent should consider exploring if their child needs additional guidance during difficult times!

Therapy in Brandon

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your anxiety is especially high during the fall 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!

Seasonal Affective Disorder in Children and Teens – Seasonal affective disorder, also known as SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months. SAD is more common in young people than adults, and it can be especially hard on teens and tweens who are dealing with hormonal changes, school stress, and social pressures. Here’s what you need to know about seasonal affective disorder in children and teens.

What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? | Bliss Counselling & Wellness Centre

Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder

The most common symptom of seasonal affective disorder is feelings of sadness or depression that occur during the fall and winter months. Other symptoms of SAD may include:

• Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable
• fatigue or low energy levels
• difficulty concentrating
• changes in appetite or weight
• social withdrawal
• irritability

What Can You Do About Seasonal Affective Disorder?                                             

If your child or teen is showing signs of seasonal affective disorder, there are several things you can do to help them cope with the condition. Some simple lifestyle changes—such as getting outside for a daily walk or ensuring that they’re getting enough sleep—can make a big difference. You may also want to consider light therapy, which involves sitting near a special light box for 30 minutes each day. If your child’s symptoms are severe, you may want to talk to their doctor about medication options.

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months. It’s more common in young people than adults, and it can be especially hard on teens and tweens who are dealing with hormonal changes, school stress, and social pressures. If your child or teen is showing signs of seasonal affective disorder, there are several things you can do to help them cope with the condition. Some simple lifestyle changes—such as getting outside for a daily walk or ensuring that they’re getting enough sleep—can make a big difference. You may also want to consider light therapy, which involves sitting near a special light box for 30 minutes each day. If your child’s symptoms are severe, you may want to talk to their doctor about medication options.

Therapy in Brandon

If you find that you’re feeling stuck more than often, or you’re noticing that your depression is especially high during the fall 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!

Are you feeling a bit overwhelmed and stressed now that summer is over? If you are, you are definitely not alone. This is when you head back to work, kids go back to school, and productivity increases. You might be stressed about changing your schedule, focusing on your routine, or even the holidays which are coming up fast. Luckily, there are some easy ways to reduce stress in the fall season.

Declutter Everything | Reduce Stress and Enjoy Your Autumn

Think of the fall season as the second spring of the year, and use this as an opportunity to declutter your home. Take a little time to clean your home and really declutter your workspace, bedrooms, and living areas. Clutter can create a chaotic and stress-induced mindset, which is the last thing you want.

Switch Up Your Daily Routine

If you want less stress during this season, it helps to refocus your daily routine and make some changes appropriate for the time of year. You already have daily routines, whether you realize it or not. This includes the same things you tend to do at certain times of the day. You can make small adjustments that really reduce your stress, such as waking up 20 minutes early to write in your journal before getting ready for the day, or adding in a little extra reading time with your kids before their bedtime.

Exercise with the Family

You probably know all the great benefits of exercising, from helping to manage your weight and give you more energy, to boosting your mood and helping you become more fit. But there is no reason to exercise along; in fact, getting the family involved can help reduce everyone’s stress in the fall.

This can be riding your bikes at a nearby park, spending a Saturday going on a hike, or staying in to have a dance party on a rainy day.

Plan Some Fun Activities | Reduce Stress and Enjoy Your Autumn

This fall season, you can lower your stress by planning some fun activities for the family or friends, but make sure they focus more on relaxation. Instead of trying to fill your schedule with as much as possible that requires a lot of effort, think about fun and relaxing activities like going apple picking, enjoying a local fall festival with your family, or having a girl’s night with friends.

Start Using a Daily Planner

Now is a great time to look at your goals and tasks, and make a schedule that shows exactly what to do and when. How does this help with your stress? It can keep you from getting too overwhelmed, and actually see that you can get all your tasks completed in a reasonable amount of time, without feeling like you are going non-stop.

Get a daily planner you love, that hopefully includes different layouts, like daily, weekly, and monthly calendar pages. This allows you to fill out your schedule, create to-do lists, and see what you have going on each day and week.

Need more info on how to reduce stress this autumn, call us today.

Affirmations are an amazing tool when you want to be happier and more optimistic, get the right focus, and improve your mental attitude. You get to choose what affirmations to use, whether writing them down or saying them out loud. Here is some more information about using affirmations in the fall season.

Benefits of Daily Use

Why should you incorporate daily affirmations into your routine? There are actually a few great reasons to use them, and several ways to add them to your routine. Here is a rundown of the main benefits of positive affirmations:

It promotes a positive attitude and change in your mindset. This is definitely one of the best reasons to use daily affirmations. They are always positive statements meant to put you in a right mindset. It helps you throughout the day when you start your day with more positivity and kindness.

You start to appreciate more, and get disappointed in less. Affirmations not only show you what you want or how to feel, but they help you appreciate what you already have. They are written in present tense, such as “I am healthy today”, where not only are they positive and great for your mindset, but they help you appreciate the small things.

You are more aware of the power of your own thoughts. Affirmations teach you that just your thoughts or how you talk to yourself can make a large impact in your entire life. It improves your quality of life, makes you feel more positive, and actually helps you reach your goals.

It helps provide motivation where you need it the most. Sometimes you need to manifest motivation into your life with positive affirmations. They work wonders for this.

How to Choose Your Affirmations

What should your affirmations be? You can definitely choose from the ones other people enjoy using, but you might also want to create your own for specific situations in your life.

To write your own affirmations, here are a few tips:

Keep them positive. Affirmations should always be positive from beginning to end. If you have a negative thought or attitude, write an affirmation that switches it to something positive. For example, if you are dealing with stress about a big change in your life, try “I am capable of adapting to any situation”.

Write in present tense. You also want to write affirmations in present tense, as if what you want has already happened. If you want to achieve a goal, you write it like “I am working hard towards my goals” or something similar that is relevant to you.

Be grateful in your affirmations. Instead of talking about what you want, write your affirmations as if you are grateful for something you have (or want) in your life. For example “I am grateful to work on my goals today”.

Remember also to keep your affirmations brief so that they are easy to remember and repeat as often as needed.

Affirmations are a powerful way to change your mental attitude and focus in a positive direction. When used correctly, affirmations can help you achieve happiness and success. If you want to learn more about how to use affirmations for your personal growth, please call or email us for more information. We would be happy to assist you in using this valuable tool!