Posts Tagged ‘Raleigh’
Guide to Thrive during Summer
May 18, 2021
Believe it or not, many of our school aged clients actually report worsening mental health over their summer break. That is consistent all over the country. That may seem a little backwards at first, I mean what’s better than going on vacation, sleeping in and spending the days by the pool? But, the main thing that most summers lack is routine and social outlets! Routine is so important for children (and adults alike!). While we are not recommending that you structure every moment of every day, it can be beneficial for parents and children to have a basic outline of a “normal summer day”.
As a mother myself, it can seem overwhelming to think about a whole summer with my children at home all the time. I need routine for myself too. There are different types of time that we recommend scheduling into your days to help you and your children thrive over summer. Based on the ages of your children, it could look different but the ideas are the same.
Active Time
We recommend spending as much time outside being active as possible during summer. This could include playing outside, swimming, exploring a nearby creek, having picnics, playing on the playground, pretending with friends, etc.
Enrichment Time
This means time where they do something that builds their brains or grows a skill. This could include reading, reviewing some topics that interest the child, playing a musical instrument, learning a new skill. This gives a sense of mastery that is often missing during summer and crucial for mental health.
Creative Time
At my house we call this the “art station”. This could include painting, drawing, pretending, play-doh, whatever it is that your child does that is creative.
Rest Time
While older kids might balk at the idea of a “rest time”, it is so crucial. This does not mean they have to take a nap but does mean “down time” or quiet time. This is crucial for parents and children! Set a timer, start with a small increment if you need to, and tell your child they need to do something quietly in their room until the timer goes off. This can be playing independently, reading in their room, or napping.
Personal Responsibility/Sacrificial Time
This is time dedicated to helping others or taking care of home responsibilities. Summer is a great time to volunteer, visit shut-ins, clean out closets and give away unneeded items, etc. This is when our children refocus on others and fill their cup by filling other’s cups. This can also include home chores.
Nourishment Time
This just means committing to eating meals. That may sound silly, but think about how often we are rushing during the school year all around time. Meals are either skipped, unhealthy, or eaten separately. Take summer to try new recipes, commit to eating the rainbow, or just commit to eating regularly as a family.
No pressure, we can help!
While it may not always be possible to hit every category every day, it can be helpful to have a basic outline to each day. This not only helps children, but helps parents too! It also limits the never-ending “I’m bored!” “What can I do?!” If your child or teen is struggling with mental health, summer can be a great time to get started seeing a therapist. You are not competing with homework or other schedules. We would love to help if you need us!
5 Tips For Safe Socializing Online During The Era Of A Pandemic
April 30, 2020
Staying safe and healthy is a top priority during the era of a pandemic. We have restrictions and recommendations in place to help keep us physically safe as we continue to adjust to a new normal. However, many of us are relying on our phones, laptops and other devices to stay connected now more than ever as we’re socializing online.
With all of the increased online activity, there’s a greater risk of exposure to cyber-attacks and scammers. Here are a few ways to ensure your safety while socializing online.
Spring Clean Your Digital Accounts
There’s no better time to clean up your digital accounts! Delete programs and accounts that you no longer use to help reduce data exposure. Getting rid of old and unused accounts can help reduce your privacy risk. Clean out your inbox by hitting the ‘unsubscribe’ button to help remove digital clutter in your life.
Update Your Devices
Keeping your devices updated can actually help keep you safe online. If you are using old versions of apps it is more likely there will be bugs that can leave your device vulnerable. Follow all recommended updates on your phone, tablet, and computer to reduce your risk.
Password Protect Virtual Meetings
Unfortunately, many scammers and cyberbullies are finding ways to cash in on all of the increased online activity. Try to password protect private meetings documents while socializing online. When choosing a password, incorporate different styles of capitalization, characters, and numbers to further help ensure your safety.
Spend Time With Your Children Online
Children still need to connect with friends, family, and teachers online. Try to create opportunities for your child to have safe and positive online interactions online.
Start by helping your child recognize and avoid misinformation and age-inappropriate content that may increase anxiety about the COVID-19 virus. Consider using parental controls in apps and devices to monitor and limit what your child does online.
Check Your Sources
Staying safe during COVID-19 starts with education. Make sure you’re not
contributing to the spread of harmful content. Check your sources. Stick to a credible source for up-to-date information like the CDC.
At Foundations Family Therapy, we’re helping our clients stay safe during
COVID-19 by offering secure virtual therapy appointments for mental wellness. Even during these times of ‘survival’, there are still ways to thrive.
Let us help you live your best life.
Parenting in the Midst of Working from Home
April 24, 2020
Due to the recent COVID19 outbreak, many parents are finding themselves working from home. While some parents are used to working from home, many are making the transition and settling into any given comfortable space in their home.
Whether working from home was the norm or a new transition, many parents are also now finding themselves taking on the role of teacher, cook, playmate, lesson planner, and everything else in between for their child(ren) in addition to having to work their job and keep up with daily work demands.
While we as parents may understand that this is the “new normal” and how things have to be for now, it can still be difficult to carry on all the responsibilities that we are used to all at the same time and all in the same location with every member being home all at the same time.
This transition may be difficult, but we can help!
We used to have the luxury of taking a break and going to our favorite coffee shop to get a hot latte that warmed the soul or going to our favorite restaurant and enjoying our favorite meal in the midst of mindful eating. Now? Not so much.
The breaks at the house may not seem as pleasant or appetizing as they once did. Your patience may be wearing thin and you may be singing “Jesus Take the Wheel” more than you ever have before.
Feeling overwhelmed right now IS NORMAL AND VERY MUCH OKAY. You are human. You have needs and you also need breaks. Self-care is important. YOU are important. I can assure you that you are not alone in feeling this way.
Strategies for Coping
So how can one have some semblance of sanity in the midst of this chaos? Here are a few suggestions that might be helpful:
Establish a routine
Not only for your child(ren) but also for yourself. While the routine may not look like it did before, there is some sense of normalcy in having a routine (with time).
Keep taking breaks during the day as you once did
Sure, you may not be able to hit up your favorite spot but you can substitute that time with another activity. Maybe you take a short drive somewhere or take a walk around the neighborhood/house or even take an actual lunch break in a different part of the house. Or maybe you take a few minutes for meditation and deep breathing.
When you can, ask for help
Whether that’s from your partner, nanny/sitter, daycare, or whoever! If you’re partnered, tag team it up. Split up tasks. Ask for what you need and be specific in what you need.
Check in with yourself often
If you need to, reach out to someone you trust and just vent. Whether it’s a family member, your partner, friend, neighbor, therapist, church member, whoever. Let it out.
Make time for a break
My favorite way to do this is setting a slightly earlier bedtime for your kid a couple of times a week. That way, they’re in bed and you’re hopefully taking a hot shower and catching up on your favorite show or just sitting there in silence.
Stay connected
Join your family, friends, co-workers, etc. through a digital coffee date, a Zoom meeting, or Google hangouts. Adulting with other adults is important!
Practice giving yourself grace
Parenting isn’t a competition and we are all in this “new normal” together. How easy is it to understand and validate another’s situation but then get down on ourselves?
Remember, we are human and aren’t perfect, and this includes in the parenting arena. Sometimes Fruit Loops and screen time are exactly what’s needed. Go with it.
Leticia Frazier, Licensed Clinical Social Worker
How To Stay Calm During The Coronavirus COVID19 Outbreak in Wake County
March 11, 2020
By Jamie Criswell, MS, LMFT
It’s hard to avoid the headlines: “5 new cases reported in Wake county today”; “person with positive case traveled through RDU”. Everywhere you turn (even if you’re not looking), there is news of the widespread coronavirus COVID19. The fact that this particular strain of the virus is something the world has never seen, has led to a growing panic for most of us.
Facts not fear
Maybe you are hanging on every word of information, doing research and checking every news station for the next development.
It’s natural to want to gather all of the data, to learn as much as possible about something new; especially something that the human population has never dealt with. Anytime there is something new, there is a natural inclination to want to know more about it. When that new thing is something good (say the new iPhone or a movie) it creates excitement. However, when the new thing is something that can harm us it evokes a reaction of fear.
Flight or Fight
The initial response to a perceived threat against ourselves or our loved ones is a flight or fight response. We either decide (usually very quickly) to run and hide or to stay and prepare to fight or defend ourselves.
The response creates a surge of adrenaline and cortisone in our bodies to prepare us to respond quickly. Once we have responded and the threat is lessened or goes away, we begin to feel calmer.
What’s different about the flight or fight response that occurs from the coronavirus COVID 19 outbreak, is that it happens over and over again. Every time we see a notification on our phones, every new headline or news conference, every gif or meme reminding us that even entertainment serves as a reminder of a potential threat.
Even a trip down the toilet paper aisle can cause a flood of panic (“oh my gosh everyone’s out of toilet paper, I’m not prepared!”). The flight or fight response gets triggered repeatedly and sometimes the body can get stuck there and not return to baseline because the perceived threat hasn’t “gone away”.
This can cause intrusive thoughts, (“I’m going to catch coronavirus”), irrational fears (“I’m going to be stuck in my house for weeks and I’m going to run out of food, water, and toilet paper”), problems sleeping (waking up after falling asleep or difficulty falling asleep) and psychosomatic symptoms (headaches, GI trouble caused by anxiety and stress).
How to Manage the Fear
It’s important to be aware of the reality of what is going on in the world around us, especially if there are precautions and other things that we can take to protect ourselves and others. Trying to minimize anxiety or fear by avoiding it altogether is not helpful. But the other side of avoidance is panic, which is also not helpful.
So what can we do to deal with the fears and anxiety over the coronavirus, and still keep our sanity?
Here are a few tips that could help:
Tip 1: Stop Instructive thoughts
Recognize intrusive thoughts for what they are: your brain processing fear and exaggerating worst-case scenarios and stop them in their tracks. Then replace them with logical thoughts.
Intrusive thought: “I’m going to catch the coronavirus COVID 19”
Recognize the thought and acknowledge it: “I’m feeling fearful of the unknowns of this virus and am scared of what would happen if I or someone I care for were to get it”
Replace the thought: “I (or someone I care about) do not have any symptoms currently and have not traveled to a high-risk area. I am ok and will take precautions but will not panic”
Tip 2: Know the Facts:
Learn the facts about the virus, how it spreads, who is at highest risk and steps you can take to prevent it. If you are at low risk of either contracting COVID 19 or are at low risk of complications from it if you do contract it, this can help keep your thoughts grounded and your fear at a realistic level.
If your risk level (or a loved one’s risk level) is high due to age or pre-existing conditions, then your concerns about contracting the coronavirus are realistic and taking recommended steps to protect yourself and your loved ones can help to reduce your anxiety and prevent panic.
Knowledge can be good to help us understand something better and can help calm our fears because we gain a sense of being able to control the things that are in our control. This can be a positive step when that control is grounded in reality.
Tip 3: Be Prepared and Take Action
The problem is that the flight or fight response can make us go into overdrive thinking we need to prepare for the worst #coronapocalypse. And will leave us with enough pantry items and cleaning supplies to last a decade. Our attempt to gain control of something that feels out of control is a coping skill to reduce anxiety but is not a great one when taken to an extreme level. The problem with fear is that it’s often not grounded in reality and can quickly escalate to panic.
Instead of stockpiling all the things, take a deep breath and think through the items you truly need that can be helpful, and the things you can do to be prepared and protect yourself and others. These things are listed here by UNC and the CDC but to summarize; hand washing, avoiding close contact with people; no shaking hands; avoid traveling to places with high-risk levels.
Tip 4: Stay Grounded and Healthy
We know that the mind and body are interconnected. The flood of chemical responses your body gets when in flight or fight are meant to be temporary. When these are sustained over time it can make you feel bad; headaches, tiredness, agitation and put a strain on your immune system and overall well-being.
Taking steps to stay healthy both mentally and physically is always important but possibly even more so when faced with the current epidemic.
Ways to Stay Healthy During the Wake County Coronavirus Outbreak:
- Eat well: be mindful of your intake. Reduce sugar and too much caffeine(which increases anxiety). Lots of fruits and vegetables.
- Take care of your body and mind: exercise, go for a walk, spend time outdoors
- Connect with your people: talk to and engage with your friends, support groups, family, church, small groups
- Consider alternative treatments (we’ve linked some of our favorites in the Fuquay Varina and Raleigh areas): chiropractic care, massage therapy, counseling, acupuncture can all help your body and mind be at an optimal level of wellness
- Practice selfcare: yoga, volunteering, helping others, taking vitamins and supplements and using essential oils could also be helpful.
- Connecting to your Faith: Prayer and meditation help us stay grounded and put our faith in the God that is sovereign over it all.
Tip 5: Guard your mind from the continuous stream of information
Finally, after you have gathered the facts, prepared accordingly based on this knowledge and recommendations and are taking steps to prevent infection you might consider guarding your mind to help you stay calm. This may mean turning off notifications for breaking news stories, not watching certain programs or stations that are going to be reporting about the virus and being mindful about the material you are consuming. In his article Hysteria Drives Clicks, Joshua Becker over at Becoming minimalist breaks down the rationale behind the need to guard our minds and be intentional about the material that we consume.
Our Therapists Understand Fear and Foundations Family Therapy Is Here to Help!
We know the fear is real and can feel overwhelming, and we hope that some of the above tips will be helpful. If you find yourself unable to shake the fears or worries, we would be happy to talk with you. We want you to thrive in every season of life (even in one that contains the coronavirus COVID 19), so if you’re struggling with anxiety, fear or panic we’re here and ready to help. To begin counseling in Wake County, take these steps today:
- Contact our therapy practice
- Text or Call 919-285-4802
- Schedule Online Now
- Schedule an appointment with one of our Raleigh Therapists or Fuquay Varina Therapists.
- Work through your fears with a professional counselor and start thriving in the midst of the coronavirus chaos.
Other Counseling Services at Foundations Family Therapy
Our team of skilled counselors can support you with more than couples and marriage therapy. We also provide services for teen counseling, anxiety treatment, depression therapy, trauma and PTSD counseling, and christian counseling. We are here to help you and your family thrive in all areas of your life.
The Lifelong Benefits of Family Therapy
January 31, 2020
Relationships are hard.
Family dynamics can be complicated. And when everyone in your family has their own personality, a unique set of personal values and wants to be independent? Well, life can get complicated sometimes.
When families enter therapy, they commit to moving forward in growth together. Your family therapist at Foundations Family Therapy will meet you and your family where you are.
We will get to know your family…
And look for patterns in how you communicate…
We’ll work to identify common conflicts and talk about the problems bringing you in.
So, if you and your family ready to start functioning as a unit again, here are a few ways our Family Counseling services can help.
Improved Communication
One of the most critical skills in developing relationships is communication. Family therapy helps families in the development of spiritual, intellectual, and emotional roles of life. Challenges for families have changed with addiction issues being high across the country. Therapy can assist with teaching coping skills for family members and opening a dialogue for communication regarding serious matters of concern.
Communication within a family can sometimes be challenging. Family therapy is available for these situations to assist with the learning of better communication techniques while learning to resolve issues as well. Teaching strengths and weaknesses of a family it is crucial to keep an open mind to growth and the potential for positive change.
Lower Risk of Conflict
Lowering the risk of conflict within a family is a valuable skill. While conflict is never desirable, even one member under stress can wreak havoc within a family. Learning the skills to communicate with multiple generations improves family life, teaches about respect, problem-solving, and responsibilities within the family dynamic.
Family therapy has become a widespread need for families throughout the country and our Raleigh, NC community is no different. Families face many challenges that could include issues with addiction, multi-generation homes, divorce, teenage rebellion, and so much more.
Your Family Can Get to a Better Place
Through family therapy, you can increase your sense of connection and begin to enjoy one another again. Our therapists work with your family to improve communication, resolve long-standing conflict and teach conflict resolution skills.
Not only will you find ways forward around the sticky issues you are sick of rehashing but you’ll feel ready to face future conflict together as well. Your therapist helps you clarify your values as a family and then apply those as you problem solve major issues in your life.
You don’t have to stay stuck in the same old patterns. It is possible to enjoy one another and feel like you can have a conversation together. Family therapy can help. Contact our office today
How To Cultivate A Healthy Post-Holiday Mindset For 2020
January 17, 2020
Sometimes it’s hard to find inspiration – especially when you’re down.
Maybe the holidays have left you feeling a little derailed from your normal routine. All of the shopping, late nights and overeating can leave anyone in a major post-holiday slump this time of year.
However, as you go through this transition from the holidays back to your daily routine, it’s more important than ever to give your body and mind what they need. Here are some ways you and your family can start 2020 off on the right foot.
Rely On Your Relationships
Finding support when you need it can really be a troublesome thought for some. It’s not always easy to ask for help. Healthy relationships and connections help release feel-good neurotransmitters dopamine and oxytocin flood the brain’s reward centers, creating a deeper sense of happiness and an elevated mood.
Don’t be afraid to reach out! Having someone to talk to about your feelings whether we are stressed, angry, sad, excited, or happy is important! It is unhealthy to always have to keep our thoughts and feelings balled up.
Celebrate You
Don’t get stuck in the comparison trap social media can spark! Move at your own pace in 2020. Break down your post-holiday chores and tasks into manageable goals to help you avoid feeling overwhelmed. People who have higher self-esteem and fewer stressors in their lives tend to fare better with social comparisons.
Focus on your strengths! Instead of dwelling on your weaknesses or imperfections, celebrate your talents. Feel good about what makes you unique and use your strengths to the best of your ability.
Stay Mindful
Instead of setting a deprivation-based resolution, try focusing on positivity this year. Forget about short-term “resolutions” and focus more on developing healthy habits that will improve your overall health and wellness.
Whatever resolution or lifestyle change you pledge to make this year, it’s
essential to stay mindful every day. Mindfulness helps you stay focused which is important when goal setting. Mindfulness can help you…
Stop procrastinating and start getting real work done by controlling your
attention….end the negative cycle of self-criticism and stay focused on your goals instead of every little mistake along the way…mindfulness can do so many things!
Above all, it’s important to take care of yourself in 2020 and beyond. We understand it’s not always easy to stay mindful, optimistic, and nurture your relationships when you are suffering from depression.
If you or someone you love is struggling to thrive…our compassionate team at Foundations Family Therapy is here for you!
Salt, Sugar, and Your Mood During The Holidays
November 21, 2019
A sprinkle of salt here and a dash of sugar there… it sounds like a pretty common scenario, especially around the holiday season!
Do you find yourself adding a few spoonfuls of sugar to your morning coffee?
How about a dash or two of salt to season your holiday dinner? Add to that the existing sugar and salt in processed foods and you have a recipe for both physical and emotional health problems.
The physical complications of exces\s salt and sugar in your diet are rather well known. Too much salt, or sodium chloride, may put yourself at risk for health complications like heart disease and diabetes whereas excess sugar intake could lead to obesity. As if that weren’t bad enough, sugar and salt can also affect your mood in a negative way.
Sugar & Your Brain
Did you know that your brain uses more energy than any other organ in the human body and glucose is its primary source of fuel?
But, in the case of sugar, there is such a thing as too much. In fact, excess sugar impairs both your cognitive skills and sometimes self-control. For many people, having a little sugar triggers cravings for more. T
Sugar can actually have a drug-like effect on your brain.
In fact, science tells us that sweet, salty, and fatty foods can stimulate the reward center in our brains which creates a downward spiral of overeating, weight gain, and loss of self-control…just like any other addiction. Our bodies can adapt to crave these elements
The Effects of Inflammation On Your Mood
Both excess sugar and salt can lead to inflammation. You can start to feel bad physically and mentally. Inflammation from high sugar consumption can affect your memory and cognitive skills.
Furthermore, inflammation can have a tremendous impact on your mood. Sugar consumption has been linked to an increased risk of anxiety and depression in many studies.
The good news is you can still enjoy the holiday season (and all the delicious
meals that come with it) if you fuel your mind and body with healthy foods.
Remember, an indulgence here or there isn’t the real problem. Take note of the refined sugars and overly processed foods you find in your daily diet and get a healthy jumpstart to 2020.
3 Places in the Raleigh area to feel close to God
October 4, 2019
Where do you feel close to God?
It’s so important to feel connected regardless of your current circumstances. Let’s look at some local places to feel close to God.
Nature
Immersing yourself in nature and experiencing God’s creation is a great way to feel connected to God. Going for a hike at William B. Umstead State Park, watching birds, looking up at the trees, and tent camping under the stars reminds us of how small we are in His infinite and beautiful creation.
Rent a kayak at Lake Johnson Nature Park and listen for His voice in the stillness. “ 11 The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by. Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. 12 After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. 13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 1 Kings 19: 11-13.
Church Community
We are stronger in community with others. Some feel closer to God through worship, through hearing scripture, through prayer, or through engaging in small group communities with other believers. There are so many wonderful churches in Raleigh and the surrounding area. Some options are Church on Morgan, Elevation Church, Journey Church, and Grace Community Church just to name a few.
Do some research to see what churches are in your area to connect with others to encourage your faith. 24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, 25 not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10: 24-25.
Right where you are
Feeling close to God can start simply by creating a safe and comfortable space where you are right now. It could be at home or work. It could be in the mornings or during your lunch break with coworkers. Opening your Bible and connecting with scripture and prayer can be the first step. Connecting with a devotional app such as YouVersion is a wonderful way to connect scripture with guided reading and reflection. You can start by reading devotionals alone or with a friend.
If church itself seems like a big step or you have had past negative church experiences, start first with reading a devotional with someone you trust. We are designed to be together so don’t walk alone in your faith. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” Matthew 18:20.
If you are going through a challenging life season right now, check out ‘Hope When it Hurts’ which is a guided women’s devotional for coping with suffering and difficult times. Also, connect with us at FFT to help guide you and help you reconnect with your faith. Let us walk with you.
How Raleigh Area Families Can Create Quality Time Together This Fall
September 26, 2019
There’s nothing better than spending quality time together as a family! In fact, there’s no better time of year to embrace joy, thanksgiving, and love than during fall.
Even though it might still feel like summer, there are plenty of great ways to celebrate the new season together as a family. Check out these great events happening around the area…
Marbles Kooky Spooky Halloween Party Sat, Oct 26, 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Marbles Kids Museum, 201 E Hargett St, Raleigh, NC
Come in costume for a ghoulishly good time! Experience the magic of Marbles after dark at this family-friendly Halloween spooktacular with activities like Ghoul School, Mad Scientist Lab, Monster Mash Dance Party and more!
2019 Midtown Pumpkin Palooza October 13, 2019, Commons Area 4321 Lassiter at North Hills Ave., Raleigh, NC 27609
Time: 3-6pm
Price: $5-$25; kids 5 and under free with parent.
Celebrate fall with Capital Bank, the Midtown Raleigh Alliance and all our sponsors and partners. This fall festival is truly a family event – bring the dog too! Enjoy the 4th Annual
Midtown Raleigh Chili Cook-off, live music, a huge KidZone of activities, Oktoberfest food from Wegmans and beer from Trophy Brewing. The Holt Brothers Foundation will host the Midtown Sports Trivia Contest, so if you think you ‘know it all’, bring it! Single grand prize awarded. Enter the carved pumpkin contest by bringing your original carving from home ~ there is an adult and kids division to compete it. Enjoy craft cocktails from
Palooza Spirit Station while you kick back and welcome fall. Raffle tickets available. Event proceeds benefit the KidsCAN program at Duke Raleigh Hospital.
Millstone Creek AppleFest 2019 Finale Saturday, September 28th: 10am-4pm |Sunday, September 29th: 1-5pm | Admission: $8/person
Join us this weekend as we conclude our AppleFest 2019 event. Take one last spin at apple bobbing, apple piñatas, apple pie eating contests, apple storytime, cider pressing demonstrations, apple classes, apple cider donuts and more. Our u-pick pumpkin fields will be open and there are dozens of neat, crazy cool pumpkins out there for you to pick and take home. Guests must pay the AppleFest admission in order to access the u-pick
orchards, and the cost of the fruit is not included in the admission price. Click here for tickets, a schedule of events, and more details.
Page Farms Pumpkin Season
ADMISSION INCLUDES: Pick your own Pumpkin from the vine, explore the Corn Maze, take a Hayride, play in the Corn Crib, slide down the Hay Stack Slide, ride the Cow Train, enjoy the Farm Animals, have a Duck Run race, and much more!
Pumpkin Patch Express Museum of Life + Science, 433 West Murray Avenue, Durham, is presenting the Pumpkin Patch Express again, for 2019. You need to purchase tickets in advance, and they do sell out.
Dates are:
October 5-6
October 12-13
October 19-20
October 26-27
Trains leave the station every half hour, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., for the Museum’s pumpkin patch. Pick the perfect pumpkin to decorate and take home, and then enjoy crafts and a variety of carnival games before returning to the station.
3 Different Types of Rest You Can Try Today
September 19, 2019
Now that the chaos of the school year is well underway, many families view rest as a luxury.
Thoughts of putting your feet up and reading a good book or dozing off on a Saturday noon are quickly overshadowed by soccer games, baseball practice, and other after-school activities.
Our demanding schedules and “busy culture” prevent many people from getting the proper rest they need to recharge. The good news is proper rest isn’t always about taking an expensive vacation or hitting up a spa. Here are some ways you can carve out a little time for a little rest and relaxation every day.
Do something unproductive
A break from your regular routine is good for your health and happiness. Carve out some time to do something that makes YOU happy…even if it’s binge-watching a Netflix series. Take a much needed physical and mental break by doing something that’s not on your “to-do” list.
Connect with nature
Fall is a great time to find peace by connecting to nature. Go for a walk and soak up the beauty around you. Nature can help you disconnect from technology and tune into the peace and beauty of the world around you.
Carve out “me time”
Solitude can really help you recharge! This is especially true for parents who expand almost all of their energy and attention on their children. Make time each day to do something for you. Try setting your alarm 20 minutes earlier each morning to ease into your day with the right mindset.
Of course, it’s not always easy to just hit pause if you suffer from depression or anxiety. Our busy culture can easily drive people into burnout. If you feel overwhelmed by everything in your life, our team is here for you!