When Intense emotions that are negative or positive, like joy or love, are too big to be contained on a page in your journal, they need to be released in another way. These feelings are your body’s way of letting you know what is happening within you — they are like an email or text message that is needing a ‘Read’ receipt. Once the body knows you have received and accepted the message, the energy behind the emotion will start to soften.

To process fiery emotions, dance it out !

Most people try to intellectually analyze the thoughts hoping to ‘solve’ the circulating thoughts so they will stop. But how would we know if our analysis with a solution is right or wrong if we don’t even know if the thought is accurate to begin with? By putting space between our thoughts and reality, becoming aware of what we are feeling and how the emotion is influencing our thought patterns, we can decrease the discomfort from intrusive thought patterns.

By embracing compassion that we are all doing the best we can during a very unusual and not normal time we can ground our nervous systems, just a little bit, into ease and grace during tumultuous times.

Social health refers to the quality of our relationships and our sense of community. It's more than just having friends or family; it's about feeling connected, supported, and valued in meaningful ways. Social connectedness is essential for our emotional and psychological well-being, and it can also significantly impact physical health. Research shows that these connections are not merely beneficial but are as essential as other basic needs.

Now, a new research study published in Cell Reports Medicine January 2023 found that slow and deep inhales through the nose followed by slow and full exhales through the mouth (‘cyclic sighing’) was most effective at improving mood and reducing anxiety - even more effective than mindfulness meditation - when practiced at least five minutes per day for 28 days.

If you are looking to improve your mood, de-stress or enjoy some non-screen down time, push aside any thoughts that keep you inside and break through to get outside.   The more your break through the thoughts that keep you inside, the easier it will get as your body will crave the pleasant sensory experiences that awaits you … outside.