Anxiety and Self-Care


I feel anxious, how do I implement self-care?

Let’s first define anxiety and talk about some symptoms one may experience with anxiety before we get into how to improve self-care.

Defining Anxiety

Anxiety is defined by the American Psychological Association as “Anxiety is an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure. People with anxiety disorders usually have recurring intrusive thoughts or concerns. They may avoid certain situations out of worry. They may also have physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness or a rapid heartbeat.”

To read more check out their site: https://www.apa.org/topics/anxiety

Now we understand anxiety and symptoms how do we implement self-care regimens to lower anxiety?

Anxiety can be very stressful. It can effect multiple parts of your life, including your every day activities. But there’s steps that you can take to help lower your anxiety level and improve your self care. Here’s some self-care ideas you can implement to potentially help lower your anxiety level.

Mindfulness

Mindful breathing

Progressive muscle relaxation

Talk to someone you trust

Talk to a therapist

Mediation

Journaling

Listening to soothing music

Journal your worries in a worry jar

Get enough sleep

Eat healthy

Join a peer support group

Listen to an inspiring podcast

Go for a walk

Be in nature

Watch the sunset

Watch the sunrise

Yoga

Drink a glass of water

Stretch

Watch funny videos on YouTube

Make a list of inspiring quotes

How do I pick a self-care tool to help with my anxiety?

Now that you have some ideas of ways to practice self-care often times the next question I get is which one do I try out first? My answer, always the same. The one that you feel most drawn to. So for instance, if your a person who loves being outdoors, then watching the sunset, or rise or even going for a walk outside may be one that you may enjoy. So try that out first. If for some reason it doesn’t feel fitting then try another one, literally go down the list of ideas till you find one or even many that you find helpful. Remember you have to give yourself the time to see if you enjoy it and it’s helpful and also it’s not one size fits all. One exercise a friend may use and find helpful may not be the same for you and likewise. So be patient with yourself and try out what feels most fitting and appealing to you. For more ideas on self- care, check out this list of 100 self-care ideas to create an authentic life you love: https://olgaphoenix.com/blog/100-self-care-ideas-to-create-authentic-life-you-love/

Now we have some ideas of self-care regimens we can implement how is self-care going to help lower anxiety?

Self-care is a way to regulate your system. Self-care also is a way to put your needs first. By practicing self-care one becomes more mindful. Being mindful helps to lower stress and worry and practice being present, more grounded and centered. Practicing mindfulness can also help an individual turn inward and become quiet and still and to focus attention on what’s happening in the moment and less attention on the past or future. When one is able to practice being present we are able to support ourselves in the here and now. Self-care and mindfulness go hand and hand. Try some new self-care tools out today and begin to see your anxiety level come down.

To learn more about mindfulness, check out our page on mindfulness: https://clopanetherapy.com/mindfulness-therapy/

 

Posted by Colette Lopane-Capella, LMHC, D

How old are you? 


How old are you?

How old are you? The question that we all have gotten and have all asked, many many times. I encourage to begin to answer this question differently and even ask it in a different manner.

So how old are you?

Instead think about all you’ve done

And then

All you want to do

Then subtract it

That’s your age

Most of the time, you’re much much younger than you even thought.

So here’s your homework:

Create a new journal

One where you begin to write down all the beautiful, amazing, exciting things you’ve done in your life.

Then once done documenting this, now write down all the exciting, amazing, wonderful things you want to do or have planned for your future. Use this list as your goals list for you, for you age.

Begin to cross out all you do and each time feel younger, more vibrant and inspired.

Enjoy the process, enjoy your age.

 

Posted by Colette Lopane-Capella, LMHC, D

What is Reiki?


 

The Usui System of Reiki Healing is a palms-on healing practice. Reiki is an ancient laying-on-of-palms healing technique that uses the Universal life force energy to balance the subtle energies within our bodies and to heal(soley distance reiki as of 1/2022). Reiki practitioners act as a conduit or channel through which Reiki energy travels. The intended result of receiving Reiki is a balanced physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual being. Reiki is being used today in clinics and hospitals all over the world to support health, wellness and transition.

______ What happens during a Reiki treatment?
During a Reiki treatment, you will lay fully clothed on a massage table, covered in a blanket if you choose, listening to soothing music or distance reiki. (soley distance reiki as of 1/2022) Your Reiki practitioner will lay their hands on your body in a series of hand positions to deliver Reiki energy. A Reiki treatment generally covers first your head then the front of your body and finally the back of your body. If the reclined position is uncomfortable, Reiki can be performed while you sit in a chair or on a stool.
______ What does Reiki feel like?
Reiki tends to feel warm and profoundly relaxing. You may feel the hands of the Reiki practitioner become hot or tingly. Some people describe a floating sensation and some see colors or shapes during the session. Some people fall asleep. Some experience emotional release. There is no expected experience- Reiki treatment is unique for each individual who receives it.
The most common results of Reiki treatment include:
"¢ Perceived reduction in stress 
"¢ Increased relaxation 
"¢ Enhanced sense of balance, centeredness, and calm.

______ What are the benefits of several sessions? Just like meditation, or movement arts, the effects of Reiki are cumulative. While one session can work wonders, repeated, regular Reiki treatments can invite significant improvement. As an example: if you exercise for an hour, you will receive benefit. If you exercise every day for a month, the results will be much more profound. Reiki works similarly " regular sessions support well-being in every way. 
______ Can Reiki "cure" me? Reiki is a complementary medical art that works well alone as well as in concert with other treatments. Healing is often the result of gentle shifts in awareness, release of emotional patterns, achievement of new understanding, and daily practice. Reiki is not a replacement for traditional medical treatment.

What is distance reiki? (As of 1/2022 we only offer distance reiki)
Distant Reiki, energy is not limited by distance. Distance is only a physical limitation, so sessions can be done without clients being physically present. We are all connected, as we are all energy matter and part of a larger whole.

A distant healing session can be done in a number of ways. The practitioner can use a proxy, use visualization, or use a projection of Reiki to send Reiki energy to someone else. The distant Reiki symbol joins the Reiki practitioner and the client together in a sacred healing space.

To receive distant Reiki healing you don’t have to do anything special, but it’s best to lie down and be still if possible. The recipient and healer can agree on a time beforehand and the person receiving simply needs to sit or lie down for the specified amount of time, 30- 45 minutes. The effects of distant healing are virtually no different than hands-on healing. An experienced Reiki healer (level II or higher) can send healing energy to a person anywhere in the world no matter how far away from the healer they are. The energy transmissions in a remote session are just as strong as if they were delivered in person directly with the hands. You can also order distant healing for your loved ones. While it is best if they are aware they are receiving a remote Reiki treatment so they can be open to receiving the most benefit, even if they aren’t aware the practitioner can send Reiki with the intention that they receive based on their own free will, asking their spirit guide (energy guide) to make the connection and ask permission.

 

Posted by Colette Lopane-Capella, LMHC, D

What is EMDR?


EMDR (Eye-Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)

EMDR Therapy is a comprehensive approach that addresses the physiological storage of memory and how it informs experience. Change is understood as a byproduct of reprocessing due to the alteration of memory storage and the linkage to adaptive memory networks.

Dual attention to bilateral stimulation or BLS (eye movements, tactile taps, and or auditory tones) is merely one component of EMDR therapy.

EMDR therapy is an integrative treatment approach (distinct from psychodynamic, CBT, experiential, etc.) consisting of 8 phases that is compatible with all major orientations to psychotherapy.

Different diagnoses can require different, often customized EMDR procedures incorporating the three-pronged protocol of past, present, and future.

EMDR Therapy is used to address adverse life experiences that contribute to problems in daily living.

 

Researched Populations Successfully Treated With EMDR Therapy:

 

  • Phobias
  • Panic Disorder
  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Depression
  • Attachment Disorder
  • Self-Esteem
  • Grief and Mourning
  • Body Dysmorphic Disorder
  • Sexual Dysfunction
  • Chronic Pain
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Trauma
  • PTSD
  • Exposure to Domestic Violence

Byproducts Of EMDR:

THE RESULTS:

 

  • Desensitization of emotional and physical distress
  • Increased relaxation and calmness
  • Spontaneous emerging of insights; changes in physical and emotional
  • Improved sleep patterns
  • Improved focus and concentration
  • Integration: New learning becomes available in the current life context
  • No longer triggered when reminded of trauma (s)
  • Resolution of chronic pain
  • Generates responses of personal growth and resilience

For more information about EMDR therapy, give us a call today.

New Day Vitality utilizes EMDR in our practice.

Contact Us

Give us a call to see how we can help you on your journey to wellness.

 

Posted by Colette Lopane-Capella, LMHC, D

Becoming Whole.


I recently moved and in the subsequent unpacking, I began to wonder when I get to just be. No work, no planning, no analysis or reflection.

Sitting in the middle of my living room, I’m surrounded by boxes. Each one contains bits and pieces from a specific time in my life: photos from high school, books from my masters program, deflated birth balls from my time as a doula. In the unpacking, I get to revisit each part, discard what no longer fits, organize the things that go together, mentally note what new things I may need to bring in. When I’m finished, I sit back and admire this new space I’ve created, built from all of my past experiences.

Integration is the same – and just as necessary (we can’t live among boxes forever!). It’s not just a single moment in life; it’s a state of deep appreciation for what we’ve accomplished, learned, and experienced. It’s a mini celebration. It’s a time to gather all of what we’ve learned (maybe from a big, life-changing event or a self-explored place we hadn’t been before) and make it part of our new constitution (who we are as a person). Integration is a resting place before we ascend to the next dimension. Of course, we can’t stay in this resting phase forever; but, while we are, we get a moment to breathe. To exhale. Life will continue and we will once again be called to do the work, leveling up each time to a better version of ourselves.

“Life’s a journey, not a destination”

We all so badly just want to “arrive”. Be healed. Be happy. Be better. Be successful. With the age of the internet and social media, the call to do self-work is always a click away and we are presented with a million (quick) ways to get it done.

I’m all about self-growth, healing wounds and expansion in all forms; but I want to shine light on the need for more pause. We need to integrate all of the lessons and wisdom we’ve gained from doing the work so we can grow into all of our potential. Essentially, it allows us to “glow up”.

How do you know you’re in an integration phase?

When we have done some major emotional work and the time has come to see how it has settled into the mind, body, and spirit, it takes shape as a mindfulness bath. Mindfulness is happening inherently, if we are intending it or not. Simply put, mindfulness means you are being intentional. You will find yourself noticing the changes you’ve made. It’s self-observation in its purest form. Not with any judgment, just acknowledgement. You will start recognizing the internal shifts that are happening and how you are showing up differently in the world.

How do we notice the difference?

Physically, our body may begin responding to a stimulus differently. In the past, you may have reacted with an upset stomach, rage (heat), elevated heart rate, fatigue, teary eyes, etc. Now, the reaction is less intense – it may not be completely gone, but it is improving. We notice the shift. We can feel the nervous system moving at a different pace. We may even feel appreciation or gratitude. It’s a deep knowing that we are moving in the right direction.

Often, light-heartedness or stillness is felt. Tapping into your intuition (we all have this gift!) feels much stronger.You are in a state of flow and when you go through difficult things, you listen. The spirit/energy you give off is noticed by others. They feel it too. You have changed and it’s noticeable.

Where is the mind when we come across something that once triggered us?

Take note of the differences. Are we letting it pass through like a bird that soars? We see it, acknowledge it, and yet it doesn’t consume our every thought. The start of more clarity feels good and can also be a little unnerving. Integration can make us question just how bad our thoughts were prior to this moment. As we look out over the plateau of the mind, we see that we have more power than we could have imagined over this area of life. We may feel more peace and we may feel some guilt or shame. There is room for both/and when we are integrating. Allow yourself to feel and experience everything.

It is not to say that we don’t have setbacks or cannot experience many integration phases surrounding the same topic or emotional wound. I see it more like a video game where you ascend levels and begin to level up with more awareness and tools.

Some of this processing is in the depths of our cells. We might not see the full results until another similar situation presents itself. Suddenly, we are showing up differently because we took the time to build something new.

Integration is a balanced state of resting and processing. Appreciate yourself for noticing all of the work you’ve done and how far you’ve come. No need to rush.

Notice, Rest, Integrate.

Love, Maggie Meet The Tribe

 

Posted by Colette Lopane-Capella, LMHC, D