Research shows that by simply being around an animal provides people with benefits to their mental health and wellness. Caring for a pet on a regular basis can have a positive impact on mental illness symptoms, such as an increased ability to effectively manage emotions, a decrease in stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as higher levels of self-esteem and increased social interactions. In this short blog article, you can find out about how animals can improve a variety of mental health symptoms, as well as discover some important factors to consider before purchasing a pet.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Therapist-guided Audio
Included in this blog is a 27 minute audio file, narrated by a Jackson, MS therapist who will guide you through the effective and widely-recommended relaxation technique, Progressive Muscle Relaxation. If you prefer to read the technique narrated by the counselor, we’ve included the audio file transcript for you.
Stress: What is Stress and How to Manage It (Part III)
“What can I do about all of this stress in my life? It is too much- something has got to give.” We understand where you are coming from. In Part I of this 3 part series, we reviewed what stress is, good vs. bad stress, problems that stress can cause in your life, the negative impact that chronic and high stress levels can have on our physical and mental/emotional well-being. In Part II and Part III (this one), we cover 11 physical and cognitive means that you can use today to begin to combat your stress. If you want a happier and more fulfilling life, read on as we wrap up this blog series on Stress and Ways to Manage Stress.