By Regina Bright, Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Board Certified Sex Therapist
Beating Holiday Stress with Basic Meditations
Gratitude, Thankfulness, Appreciation, Acknowledgment: How do you give THANKS?
- A more positive outlook on life
- Are physically healthier – tougher immune system – lower blood pressure
- Less stressed
- More likely to forgive others
- Less lonely and more connected with others
- Happier
- Better sleep patterns
- More refreshed
- Have stronger relationships
- Be creative when writing down what you are grateful for.
- Be specific when you reflect back on your memory so that you won’t forget any important details.
- If possible, be personal and include names when writing down your entry.
- Include blessings: spirituality, parents, kids, spouse, etc.
- Don’t forget life’s surprises: unexpected events, awards, visitors, etc.
Steps to a Stronger Relationship
10 Most Recommended Self-Help Books
Keep Calm and Carry On, by Mark A. Reinecke, Ph.D. Learn how to manage your anxiety and move through stressful situations with lessons derived from Cognitive Behavior Therapy.
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It Must Have Been Moonglow, by Phyllis Greene. This is a beautiful and eloquently written book by a woman who was widowed after 56 years of marriage. She shares a personal perspective of her journey through widowhood.
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The Five Love Languages, by Gary Chapman. Everybody has a Love Language – men, women, boys, and girls. This is a wonderful book that we can all relate to. Learn what your partner’s love language is by doing a short quiz in the back of the book. What is your Love Language? Acts of Service, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Gifts, or Words of Affirmation.
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Have a New Kid by Friday, by Kevin Leman. This is a well-organized book on how to change a child’s negative behavior. Step by step chapters for every day of the week.
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Self-Nurture, by Alice D. Domar, Ph.D. and Henry Dreher. This is an excellent book on how to start making yourself a priority. With the motivational stories, short exercises, and meditations, you will be able to swing your focus to self-care. It’s time to make yourself a priority!
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The Self Esteem Guided Journal, by Mathew McKay, Ph.D. This book is a 10 week program on how to build your self-worth through guided journaling. Change negative thinking patterns, identify strengths, and learn how events from the past have affected your self-esteem today.
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The Self-Esteem Workbook, by Glenn R. Schiraldi. Learn how to handle your emotions, self- nurture, implement goals and increase self-worth..
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Shut Up and Live (You Know How), A 93 Year Old’s Guide to Living to a Ripe Old Age, by Marion P. Downs. Need motivation? This is one lady that is living her life to the fullest!
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Homecoming, by John Bradshaw. This is an excellent book that helps you to address unfinished business from your past so that you can live in the present.
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Overcoming Bipolar Disorder Workbook, by Amy M. Kilbourne Ph.D., Devra E. Greenwald, Evette J. Ludman Ph.D., and Mark S. Bauer. This book provides an extensive educational element that encourages a person with bipolar disorder to explore their own experiences and inspires them to take action in what personally works for them.
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Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Board Certified Sex Therapist
Clinical Supervisor
Parent Coordinator
Florida Supreme Court Family Mediator
Stepping Stones Professional Counseling
151 Mary Esther Blvd. Suite 310 A.
Mary Esther, Fl 32569
850-226-6430
Fax: 850-254-1986
Therapists are People, Too
Quick Tips to Great Mental Health
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Board Certified Sex Therapist
Clinical Supervisor
Parent Coordinator
Florida Supreme Court Family MediatorStepping Stones Professional Counseling
151 Mary Esther Blvd. Suite 310 A.
Mary Esther, Fl 32569
850-226-6430
Fax: 850-254-1986
www.steppingstonescounseling.org
www.facebook.com/steppingstonescounseling
Refresh Your Relationship This Summer
Refresh Your Relationship This Summer
Sometimes our relationships can become stagnant. It’s time to reignite the flame and restore the passion that you and your partner deserve.
- Being social… look for healthy couples to hang out with. Summer is the time for BBQ’s, pool parties, camping, picnics in the park, and going to the beach. Socializing with other couples will bring about new adventures to add to your list.
- Priority… make your partner feel special. Let them know that your relationship is at the top of your priority list. Brainstorm different ways that you can show them daily.
- Communication… learn to be an effective communicator. Being a good communicator means being a good listener. Most couples listen with the intent to reply, instead, listen with the intent to understand.
- Play nice… it’s not always going to be fun and games. There will be times that you and your partner don’t get along. Watch your tone. No name-calling, no degrading, and no blaming. Before you speak, ask yourself, “is this helping or hurting the relationship?” And, if you slip up, don’t forget to apologize.
- Helping others… volunteering at a Church, soup kitchen, women’s shelter, animal shelter, Red Cross, or nursing home is a great way to give back to the community and will leave you and your partner with a sense of accomplishment.
- Be spontaneous… routines are great; however, it can make a relationship feel monotonous. Break up the routine from time to time to make things more exciting.
- Respect and accept lovingly… learn to accept your partner for the things that you like and don’t like. Respect each other’s differences. Allow your partner to be themselves. If we mold our partner to be what we wish they were, then we only love the reflection of ourselves.
- Take a time-out… everyone needs alone time. Take a personal day and enjoy being with yourself. Go for a walk, have a spa day, hit some balls on the golf course etc.
- Surprises… they don’t have to be elaborate, just something to let your partner know that you are thinking of them. Maybe a card to let your partner know how much you appreciate them, a smiley face balloon to brighten a tough day at work, a bouquet of seasonal flowers, or a gourmet box of chocolates to share while watching a romantic movie. Surprises can also come in other forms –straightening up the garage or cleaning up the kitchen can be a great gift.
- Intimacy… as a couple’s counselor, I hear more times than not that, “we just don’t have time” or, “we are so tired at the end of the day.” Intimacy not only means physical affection, it also means emotional affection. Take time to talk to your partner about your emotional and physical needs. Discuss how you can improve in these areas and follow-through.
- Household duties… make a list of what you are responsible for and what your partner is responsible for in the home. Is it equal? Evenly distributed chores could equal more intimacy. Remember how I said that I hear couples say, “I am just too tired at the end of the day.”
- Experience something new… with social media; there is so much exposure to new and exciting things. Visit Pinterest and see what excites you! Maybe redo a room together or learn how to make sushi this Friday night.
- Spending quality time together… Between work, household chores, and shuttling the children, it is sometimes hard to give each other undivided attention. Schedule some uninterrupted time for the two of you on the family calendar.