Professional therapy for personal healing.

AD Counselling and Wellness, counselling, therapy and healing,
providing affordable, accessible professional support, Newtownabbey, Belfast, Co. Antrim & surrounding areas.
Blog
Blog
Blog
Theraputic Techniques & Meditations
Posted on 3 May, 2020 at 14:20 |
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Ashleigh's Beach
Posted on 3 May, 2020 at 14:05 |
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Managing Wellbeing
Posted on 27 March, 2020 at 6:50 |
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Infectious disease outbreaks, like the current Coronavirus (Covid 19), can be a scary and uncertain time for everyone, this can have an adverse effect on our mental health. During times like this please remember it is natural to feel worried and express concern. While it is important to stay informed, there are also many things we can do to support and manage our mental wellbeing during such times. Here are some tips I hope may to look after your mental health at a time when there is much discussion of potential threats to our physical health.
Try to avoid speculation, avoid social media, unhelpful threads or people. Be careful what you share online, .While it is good to raise awareness however false information can be damaging. Ask yourself is this helpful or may this raise hysteria? Be mindful of what conversations you involve yourself in online. Rumour and speculation can fuel anxiety. Having access to good quality information about the virus can help you feel more in control. You can get up-to-date information and advice on the virus from Gov.UK or NHS.uk. – only follow reputable advise through the situation. Keep up to date with events including recovery statistics and stories from those whom have experienced it.
Follow hygiene advice such as washing your hands more often than usual. You should do this whenever you get home or into work, blow your nose, sneeze or cough, eat or handle food. This will implement as form of control within. If you can’t wash your hands straightaway, use hand sanitiser and then wash them at the next opportunity. Carry hand sanitizer and tissues, this is a comfort. (You should also use tissues if you sneeze and make sure you dispose of them quickly; and stay at home if you are feeling unwell) Please be advised this informaiton is changeable adapted from WHO advice 11th March 2020). For up to date information https://www.who.int/
It is a good idea to stick to your daily routine, even if you do have to stay at home routine is extremely helpful where possible, spend a little time creating a schedule of activities, include some journaling in your schedule to help you offload some of those thoughts and feelings. You may also like to focus on the things you can do if you feel able to: stress management techniques, keep active. Eat a well balanced diet, use mediation, creative activities, cooking, reading, as a form of self care. Spend a little time each morning setting out your day. it is also important to focus on gratitude during troublesome times, wrtie 3 things daily you are grateful for.
Try to stay connected. At times of stress, we work better in company and with support. Try and keep in touch with your friends and family. Talk about other news than the virus. Talk to your family. Involving our family and children in our plans for good health is essential. We need be alert to and ask children what they have heard about the outbreak and support them, without causing them alarm. Talk about your feelings as a family work out a plan to prepare for this time.
Be kind, look to the good, at tough times it is natural to look at the negatives but if you look around you will see so many people reaching out and helping others. Where possible you too may wish to get involved in reaching out, call an elderly relative, text a friend to check in, pick up an extra tin for the food bank, good deeds and kindness are good for our own wellbeing as well as helping others. Always look to the good.
Before You
Posted on 12 January, 2020 at 3:35 |
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Coping with Greif
Posted on 5 December, 2019 at 15:10 |
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Sobriety �?? What can it do for me? I still want to go on the sesh
Posted on 1 December, 2019 at 9:55 |
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Don't believe everything you think
Posted on 9 September, 2019 at 4:15 |
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NEW YEAR NEW YOU???
Posted on 28 December, 2016 at 7:45 |
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With 2017 upon us many people are setting goals in order to embark on the New Year with a fresh mindset. If you are among those who set resolutions for self improvement please consider carefully if these resolutions will be beneficial to your physical, emotional health and general well being. Set yourself goals, task & treats to fulfil your year but remember to be realistic, here's some tips on making those New Year's resolutions stick
Start Small. Make simple resolutions you will be sure to keep. I.e. if you aim is to get physically fit aim to exercise 2-3 days a week rather than 5-7. By completing this you will gain a sense of achievement perhaps pushing you to up your goal.
Take it slow and change one behaviour at a time. Habit and behaviours develop over time therefore replacing unhealthy behaviours with healthy ones require time. Don't get overwhelmed and take on too much, you are setting yourself up for failure.
Talk about it. Explain to your circle just what you are aspiring to achieve. For example if your goal is to cut down on alcohol intakes explain to friends you may not be socialising in bars etc for a while but are happy to do other things.
Consider joining a support group to reach your goals. Sharing your struggles and successes can make your journey much easier.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Perfection is unattainable. Sometimes things pop up and you may fall off the wagon, eat too much or miss the gym, always make self care a priority and remember moderation is key.
Seek support if you feel overwhelmed or unable to meet your goals on your own, consider seeking professional help. Counsellors are trained to understand the connection between the mind and body, can offer strategies on how to achieve your goals as well as explore your feelings and emotions that surround them.
Last but not least celebrate your strengths and achievements as you go you’re doing your best
Tis the season to be Jolly??
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Christmas is said to be the "most wonderful time of the year" filled with with "magical moments" and "joy"...
Unfortunately Christmas can also be a stressful, depressing and for those missing loved ones or reflecting on a difficult year an extremely sad time. We set ourselves unrealistic exceptations on how things should be at Christmas time usually based on what we see onTV or the small glimpses of merriment people choose to share with us on social media, therefore it is important to keep a reality checkout throughout the festive period. Don't be ashamed to share your feelings and speak out if you are struggling, there is always someone willing to listen. Should you need additional support please get in touch.
Go easy on yourself, enjoy the break , eat , drink (in moderation) and be merry, much love ❤