thank you to the @hmsacharity for having us back another year 🙏

The feedback has been phenomenal, and it has really hit me in the feels today 🥰

We will compile the feedback and see what we need to tweak for next year.

Kim

We are hunkering down for the duration, and I hope you all do too.

So, with all of the crazy weather going on outside right now, let's have a little think about some good stuff to lift our moods 🧠

What's been good this week?

Big or small, I'd love to hear it if you are willing to share 💜

Kim

I know how much work it takes to keep managing and staying on track 💜 What are your best or favourite self-management strategies? Perhaps your experience will help others 🥰 Kim

#mentalhealth #emotions #neuroplasticity #EmotionalHealth #stress #anxiety

And yes, it can feel like a full-time job in managing all of this, especially when our world becomes very stressful. Sometimes we can't do it alone and need professional support from folks like myself who 'gets it', and that's OK too.

So, how do we know if it's our chronic illness symptoms or a stress bucket symptom? That takes time, patience, and a lot of self-care, self-compassion, and self-management.

✨️Dizziness: Anxiety can make a person feel emotionally unsteady, which may cause dizziness. ✨️ Headaches: Anxious or stressful feelings are a common trigger for headaches. This is just to name a few.

✨️Changes in appetite: Negative emotions can lead to overeating of energy-dense foods and decreased consumption of healthier options. Others completely loose their appetite.

✨️Pain and muscle tension: Emotions can cause physical symptoms like muscle tension or pain. Struggle with coat hanger pain? Yes, it could be mechanical, it can also be stress-related.

✨️Weakened immune system: Poor emotional health can make you more likely to get sick. If we are stressed for extended periods of time, this can wear out our immune system and lead us to be more susceptible to coughs, colds, etc.

Emotions can have a number of physical effects on the body, including: ✨️ Fight-or-flight response: When you experience stress, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. This prepares your body to fight or flee.

Yeay! We have another fluffy relaxation mascot! Your cat, not you, of course lol ;)

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#Neuroscience #Brain #Therapy #Science #neuroplasticity #NeuroscienceFacts #brainhealth #MentalHealth #BrainPower #BrainDevelopment #Stress #StressRelief #StressManagement #Anxiety #StressAwareness #BrainFacts #Therapist #OnlineTherapist #Focus #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #Disability

When we are having a tough time, it's those times we need to dig deep and really look for the good stuff. Even if it's a nice cup of tea or coffee ☕️

Kim Clayden - the #FloatyTherapist ⚓

Taking a few moments each day to document some good things that have happened each day is a step closer to a more positive outlook.

Neuroplasticity at its finest 👌

One powerful tip is writing down whats been good, which can actually shift your brain's activity towards more positive thought patterns.

Positivity is a skill to practice. It comes more easily to some than others.

When we have chronic illnesses or disabilities, we focus a lot on managing our physical symptoms.

Don't forget your wonderful brain, too! 🧠💜

What do you do to manage your stress bucket? 🪣

Kim - the #FloatyTherapist ⚓