How To Be The Best Version Of You This Year

Couple holding hands and looking happy after therapy. Family Counseling in Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 is available to Foundations Family Therapy in Raleigh, NC 27606. You can also get online therapy in North Carolina!

I’m going to do _____ in 2019”, insert any popular resolution (lose weight, exercise more, save money, get a better job) – sound familiar?

As millions of Americans make resolutions to better themselves this year, there’s one big resolution that’s often overlooked and it’s mental wellness. Achieving mental wellness is not about changing who you are. It’s not about losing 40lbs or saving up for an elaborate vacation. Mental wellness is about being the best version of YOU!

The good news is that everyone can achieve mental wellness with the right tools, mindset, and guidance, but it all starts with proper self-care. After all, you can’t always control what life throws your way, but you can control how you take care of yourself. Here’s a quick lesson…

Create Downtime

Notice how we didn’t necessarily say “find a hobby?” That’s because self-care is about what’s best for you! Finding the time to do something healthy that you enjoy (even if it’s technically not a hobby) is beneficial for your mind and happiness. If scrapbooking helps you unwind, then stick with it! The point is to relax and destress in your downtime. Find something that takes your mind off of things and encourages mindfulness so you can live in the present moment.

Develop A Positive Mindset

Much of what we experience in life can feel more or less stressful based on our attitude. Sometimes, it’s really all about your point of view. Ever notice how some people handle life’s challenges with ease while others are shaken to their core? It’s all about perception and building resilience. Start by focusing on gratitude so you’ll start to see the glass half full.

Embrace Meditation/Prayer

Prayer and meditation can nurture your mind and soul. Many people feel a deeper sense of connection and comfort during prayer or meditation. Spirituality and/or religion can provide comfort and joy in your life. It can also help you reconnect with yourself. Being alone with your thoughts brings clarity.

This year, don’t fall victim to failure and burnout trying to keep up with popular resolutions. Do what works for you. Focus on improving yourself and learn to welcome happiness. We can help you create a self-care plan for the near year that works with your lifestyle and beliefs. Give us a call today!

How Family Therapy Reconnects Families

In life, our foundations are deeply rooted within family. Whether it’s made of blood relatives or adoptive parents, our families influence every aspect of our lives. From physical to emotional development, our family affects who we are and who we become as we grow. There’s so much we learn from our family like rituals, traditions- even vocabulary. We also learn how to love and interact with others from these important first relationships.

Unfortunately, sometimes these relationships face tough times. Nearly all families deal with struggles and dysfunction at some point. Family therapy helps families identify goals and overcome challenges. We can help families identify patterns that aren’t working and develop new ones that work better in a comfortable and supportive environment. Family therapy allows each member to understand their part in the healing process as well as the views of other members. Many who participate in family therapy leave feeling like their relationships will be healthier moving forward. It’s specifically successful in treating the following issues:

  • Sibling Conflicts
  • Parenting Disputes
  • Depression
  • Chronic Illness of a Family Member
  • Family Trauma
  • Miscommunication
  • Substance Abuse/Eating Disorders of a Family Member
  • Divorce

Above all, family therapy requires the special skill set of a licensed and experienced professional. Let one of our professional help you and your family get on the road to renewed and reconnected relationships.

How Self-Love Can Change Your Life

Believe it or not, self-love is NOT about being selfish. It’s not about “getting what you want” or over indulging. Self-love is in fact not selfish… it’s actually completely necessary. It’s about taking the time to care and love ourselves for who we are. Self-love is simply about gaining power and control of our happiness. When we act from a place of kindness toward ourselves, the kindness often emulates around us. Here are some ways you can appreciate and take care of yourself each day.

Practice Forgiveness. Give up on the dangerous idea of perfectionism and choose acceptance instead. Embrace your imperfections. Someone else may see beauty in your flaws. Love yourself for who you are and don’t worry about meeting anyone else’s standards. As a general rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t say it to someone else, don’t say it to yourself!

Be Mindful. Live in the moment. Don’t let life pass you by! Sometimes, you have to leave the past in the past. If you develop a positive outlook, you can view your mistakes and obstacles are opportunities to learn and grow.

Express Your Creativity. Self-expression is essential to happiness. Often times, we can unleash our happiness when we tap into our creative side. Once you discover your passion in life, don’t be afraid to express yourself.

Get Outdoors. Summer is the perfect time to enjoy the beauty of the world around you. Get outside and enjoy nature. Even a 5-minute walk each day can refresh your mind and greatly boost your mood. It is scientifically proven that the sun provides Vitamin D which can also elevate your mood…just don’t forget your sunscreen!

Say No. You really can’t practice self-love properly if you are constantly giving to others. Remember that it’s OK to say no sometimes. Learn how to set boundaries and be mindful of your personal space. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you feel anxious or overwhelmed.

Above all, don’t let others define your happiness. Create your own path in life. We can help!

3 Ways to Rediscover Happiness in Everyday Life

It’s no secret that happiness is one of life’s most cherished goals! As a society, the answer to the question “What do you want most in life?” is often happiness. In fact, some people spend their entire lives in pursuit of happiness but never find it. The truth is, we all have the ability to make our own happiness. Here are a few tips on how you can cultivate your own happiness…

Build strong relationships. Healthy relationships play a huge role in happiness. Strong relationships provide stability, joy and support when you need it the most. Also, relationships help provide a sense of nourishment that’s hard to rival! Focus on the positive relationships in your life that help you move forward. Don’t put walls up to keep paint away…that will only suffocate your happiness.

Be mindful. Staying present and focused is an essential part of happiness. Things like daily stress and anxiety are often products of racing thoughts and downward spirals. They focus on what we are doing wrong and, often times, this type of negativity overshadows one’s ability to find true happiness. Instead, be mindful! Live in the moment. Find the good in the world around you each day even when it’s not easy.

Develop an Attitude of Gratitude. There’s always something to be thankful for! Somedays, it’s easier to recognize those things than others. Gratitude is a mindset that draws joy. Recognizing small moments of joy and fulfillment each day can help build a solid foundation for happiness.

Above all, happiness should be a natural part of our being and daily flow but at Foundations Family Therapy, we understand that’s not always the case. Our team of board-certified counselors are here to help you along life’s journey. We can help your entire family rediscover happiness and strengthen your relationships so true joy can emerge