Posts Tagged ‘raleighfamily’
Thriving During Stressful Situations
August 27, 2020
Your body feels tense, sleep is up and down, time feels like it is slipping and as soon as you feel like you have a bit of a footing on life, one more thing comes and demands your attention.
It’s hard to know what a social life looks like before COVID – but now?
It feels like survival is the only option. Thriving during stress appears to be a far-off, whimsical idea.
Well, if you somehow squeezed in the chance to read this – pause – resist the urge to skim through and think “that had some nice thoughts” and continue buzzing through your day.
Pause.
Close your eyes, if you’d like, and let yourself rest and notice all the ways in which your body and mind have been on overdrive.
As you observe the places where tension and tiredness is sitting – ask yourself how those parts of yourself have been serving you.
Are your muscles stiff and joints aching? Does your head feel like it’s swimming? Are you to the point it feels like your eyes want to close but they can’t? Does it feel like you are carrying more than you feel able? You’ve been giving so much of yourself that your body is starting to hold what you have not had time to process. Or maybe you feel if you slowed down you worry there is too much to process, and it’s easier to just keep going?
You don’t have to just “get by.” It’s time to ask for help and unburden yourself. Challenge the idea that there is nowhere to turn to. Question the thought that it’s not worth reflecting on the matters at hand. Ask yourself – is this sustainable? It’s time to move from “surviving” to thriving!
Here are some suggestions.
Turn towards your faith.
Maybe it’s been some time since you’ve felt connected to your faith or you’ve fallen away. You’re not alone! Many people fluctuate with their connection to their faith identity for many reasons. Here is a great book to look into on this: “It’s Not Supposed to Be this Way – Finding Unexpected Strength when Disappointments Leave You Shattered” by Lysa Terkeurst
Find a way to renew yourself.
Give yourself permission to care for yourself and your needs. It’s not selfish! If you ever have been on a plane, the flight attendants will inform you that in case of emergency, you need to put on your own oxygen mask before you help the person beside you. What is your best way to “get some oxygen,” so to speak? Is it a day trip to the beach or the mountains? Painting? Gardening? Building a puzzle while listening to your favorite music? Is there a way to build silence and rest into your day?
Ask for help.
Many people feel they have to endure trial alone – that what they are experiencing is “too much” or a “burden” for others. Others feel they will be judged and misunderstood. Not relying on others means spreading yourself thin and is a recipe for burnout. If this is true for you, please reach out. What does your support system look like? If you are not sure who to trust or are struggling to find healing, make an appointment with a counselor who seems like a good fit for your needs – that’s what counselors are here for!
You are not meant to go this alone. If you feel like you are trying to survive and are struggling to get by, know this – you are meant to thrive, even when times are stressful!
Is Your Family Struggling With Staying At Home? Family Therapy In Raleigh, NC Can Help
June 18, 2020
When will the coronavirus threat pass?
When can I safely make plans with my friends again?
How will the economy turnaround?
At this point, it seems like we have more questions than answers. There are so many unknowns as we continue to move through these challenging times. Lockdowns and regulations are starting to take an emotional toll on families. But even during these uncertain times, there are plenty of ways your family can move forward in positivity and strength.
Communication is Key
Being part of a family unit is hard and COVID-19 has made that strain even harder for some families. We are all imperfect individuals coming together trying to connect, engage, and balance multiple personalities, goals, dreams, demands, and constant changes. What we crave is connection, support, love, calm, and acceptance.
Some families are adjusting to telework and may find it difficult to get their work done due to lack of childcare, confined spaces, technological issues. Other families are struggling with lack of social freedom (especially in teens). We all have unique struggles as a family.
With all of these additional stressors, communication is more essential than ever! It helps provide clarity, respect, and understanding during these challenging times. Sometimes we miscommunicate. Other times we forget to say important things. Help your spouse and family members by communicating what’s important to you. And, on the flip side, don’t forget to listen to what’s important to them.
Anger Is A Secondary Emotion
Oftentimes kids will show anger on the outside, but on the inside, there is usually a lot of fear or sadness. All of the COVID-19 transitions and adjustments can add to the anger and confusion kids experience. At Foundations Family Therapy, we can help angry kids manage their behaviors, express their feelings in a healthy way, and increase
their communication. Your child is struggling right now. Child counseling at our Fuquay Varina our Raleigh counseling office can help.
How To Bridge The Distance Gap
Now, some families are separated from loved ones like grandparents because of COVID-19 safety regulations. Humans are wired for connection and affection making self-isolation and loneliness rising concerns. The good news is there are ways you can connect, communicate, and nurture relationships from miles away.
Our Family Therapists help families learn to communicate better and reconnect from near or far. We treat the entire family as a unit to help each person feel heard and valued within the family system. Through family counseling, you can move through these difficult times and come out on the other side even stronger as a family.
Above all, it’s important to remember that our current state is temporary. The world has gotten through pandemics before and sooner or later this too will pass. Find the good in each day and use this time of ‘togetherness’ to cultivate healthy, stronger relationships with those you love. We’re here to help strengthen your family unit so you can move forward in positivity and love.
3 Ways To Prioritize Your Mental Wellness During The Phase 2 of Reopening in NC
May 22, 2020
Governor Cooper just announced that Phase 2 begins at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 22,2020, and remains in place until June 26, 2020, unless changed or canceled.
Phase 2 is all about the transition from “Stay At Home” to “Safer At Home”. But we know that transitions can be difficult for some people. We’ve all been asked to change and adapt in unprecedented ways because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It some ways, these changes have taken an emotional toll on people. In other ways, we’ve learned to practice gratitude and find joy in the little things that make life so great.
If you feel like the past few months have been an emotional roller coaster, you’re not alone! Studies show that the Coronavirus is causing a historic rise in mental health problems. New polls indicated Americans are feeling more anxious than ever- especially over concerns for the health and safety of those they love.
So how can we move forward during this period of transition in health and happiness?
Move At Your Own Pace
Remember, just because you can go out doesn’t mean you should. Don’t feel pressured to follow in line with what others are doing. Understand your risks, know how to stay safe, and find ways to keep living your life. What works for you and your family might be different from what your neighbor is doing.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care during a period of transition is an essential part of your mental wellness. Personal self-care routines vary and there’s no right or wrong way to practice self-care. The bottom line is making yourself a priority! Whether that’s going to visit your favorite salon during its reopening or for a quick walk around your neighborhood, make your health and happiness a priority.
Build Resilience
Above all, try to maintain a positive mindset. Remember, this won’t last forever. Find the beauty in your ‘new normal’ so you can focus on all that you have. This period of change, transition, and adaptation can help us all build a little more resilience in our lives.
We know that building resilience, adapting to change, and finding personal happiness in life isn’t always easy. Our team is here to walk with you through your struggles. Many of our providers are still offering teletherapy appointments that can help you adjust accordingly while staying safe at home. Don’t hesitate to give us a call today!
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
The Best New Year’s Resolution of All: A Happier, Healthier You
January 6, 2020
It’s that time of year when many people are heading into the new year with motivation and enthusiasm toward achieving their resolutions. Every year, many people set goals to lose weight or exercise more. There’s a lot of focus on improving physical health and wellness, but it’s also important to think about your mental health.
Your happiness matters 365 days a year.
Whether it’s January 1st or August 31st, you can make the decision to incorporate positive change in your life. Each morning you have a choice. A choice to give in to negative energy or choose to live with positivity.
This year, make your mental health and happiness a priority with our therapy services at Foundations Family Therapy. There are SO many wonderful benefits of therapy that will impact all aspects of your life.
Therapy can…
Teach You Better Conflict Resolution
One of the many benefits of therapy and holistic healing is that it can teach you new ways to respond to conflict. You can learn new ways to look at situations that have caused you far too much stress, and new ways to nurture peace and contentment within yourself.
Help You Identify Malfunction
Therapy is helpful in addressing the parts of yourself that malfunction. It can help reduce anxiety so you can think clearly and make good decisions. Therapy helps build your confidence and improve your daily function by helping you remove obstacles that prevent your ability to enjoy your life.
Create Positive Change In Your Life
Therapy helps create positive change in all areas of your life to strengthen your happiness and wellbeing. These changes can happen through your diet, exercise, and perhaps even your communicational skills. They may need to include your activities, to ensure you make time for yourself, or to improve intimacy and trust in your marriage.
Our compassionate team can help you turn your mental, emotional, relational, and functional self around.
Life can be better, and you can feel better. You were made to thrive in 2020 and beyond- let us help!
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.