Blog — anxiety

What are Fractal Patterns and How Can They Calm You 0

Chances are that you've been drawn to fractals but don't know it. Fractals are repeating patterns that recur on smaller and smaller scales. These patterns are found in nature (shells, flowers, the rings of an onion), architecture, and art. 

Research shows that looking at these patterns has a calming effect. The effect can be quite profound and immediate.  

Click Read More for images of fractals in nature, food, architecture and more. 

How Weighted Blankets Work for Anxiety and Sleep 0

If you are troubled by anxiety or have difficulty sleeping, a weighted blanket (AKA gravity blanket) may help. In this post, I'll explain what weighted blankets are, how they work, their benefits for children and adults, and what to look for when you are "weighing" your options (pun intended) to buy one. 

I've been noticing the idea of weighted blankets potentially helping people for a while, but a recent glowing testimonial from one of my anxiety clients who received a weighted blanket as a gift has put them on my list of go-to natural remedies for anxiety.

My client's experience has been that he goes to sleep more easily, stays asleep longer, and has less anxiety. That's a win/win/win that is negative side-effect free. 

Click Read More to find out:

• What are weighted blankets?
• How do weighted blankets work?
• Weighted Blanket Benefits for Children and Adults
• The Research Behind Weighted Blanket Benefits for Anxiety and Sleep
• 12 Considerations When Buying a Weighted Blanket
• Who Should NOT Use a Weighted Blanket

Best and Worst Weighted Blankets Reviews 0

I recently spent days researching weighted blankets so that I could make specific recommendations to my clients suffering from anxiety and/or insomnia. 

While researching weighted blankets, I found that there are so many to choose from and so many characteristics to consider that digesting the overwhelming number of options seems like a lot to ask of an already anxious person. I found the number of options so difficult to sort through myself that I created a spreadsheet to track the brands and their attributes. Amazon alone has over 40 brands of weighted blankets. (That's not different versions of weighted blankets. That's different manufacturers. If you multiply it by the number of versions each has, you're in the hundreds.)

Click Read More to see my weighted blanket best and worst lists. 

Brene Brown Vulnerability Definition and Quotes 0

Brené Brown is a world-famous social work research professor who has spent decades studying and teaching about courage, vulnerability, and shame. Her TED talk, Power of Vulnerability, is one of the top five most viewed TED talks in the world with over 35 million views

Click through for Brené Brown's definition of vulnerability and 10 of her inspiring thought-provoking quotes.

Therapeutic Photography 0

Taking pics, processing them, and posting them on social media might be more therapeutic than you realize. 

I recently discovered the concept of Therapeutic Photography: the use of photography by an individual or group to improve mental health. I think that you don't have to necessarily set out to use photography as therapy to have the therapeutic benefits, but becoming more aware of how it can help your mind and mood might boost the benefits.

Therapeutic Benefits of Photography

There is a long list of potential mental health gains from taking pics, processing them, and discussing them.

Therapeutic photography can provide opportunities to:

How to Forgive Yourself Quotes and Tips 2

Healthy forgiveness involves accessing mistakes and releasing resentment for those mistakes. It’s not only important to be able to forgive other people. It’s also important to be able to forgive yourself too. 

Shame, guilt, and regret are emotions that are meant to make us notice when something we did hurt our self or others. Once you’ve paid attention to that message and made adjustments accordingly, it does not serve you or anyone else for you to wallow in the shame, guilt or regret.

Click Read More for inspiring quotes and 3 Steps for Self Forgiveness.