Important Decisions You Need to Implement For a Healthy Body and Mind

Life is a balance of many factors. To live a healthy, happy life, it’s essential to make the right decisions. If you want to enjoy good health and peace of mind, you need to make some tough choices in your diet and lifestyle. In this post, we will talk about some critical decisions that are essential for your well-being.

fresh fruit

1 Eat Nutritious Food 

Eating a nutritious diet is one of the most important decisions you can make for good health. If you overeat sugar and saturated fats, your body will accumulate fat cells, leading to weight gain. You’ll also feel tired because your blood glucose levels fluctuate, which means your energy stores within your muscles are being depleted faster than they should be.

A healthy diet includes:

  • Lots of vegetables.
  • Fruits.
  • Lean proteins from fish or poultry.
  • Whole-grain carbohydrates such as brown rice or quinoa instead of white bread products like pasta and chips.

These types of carbs contain fiber which helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Of course, healthy eating habits require discipline, but if you stick with it over time, there’s no doubt that you’ll feel better.

2 Exercise Daily 

The next most important decision you need to implement is exercise. Exercise at least five times a week for 45 minutes each time, but if you’re starting, aim for 30-minute sessions three days per week. If your schedule doesn’t permit that much downtime in the morning or evening, try exercising on your lunch break instead. Exercise will help ensure that all of the body’s systems are working correctly and enhance numerous bodily functions, including regulating blood pressure levels throughout the day and strengthening muscles while boosting bone density. Regular physical activity also helps manage stress, so it’ll keep anxiety symptoms under control – something that can be beneficial when trying to fall asleep at night too! So get moving more often by making this critical decision.

3 Reduce Alcohol Intake 

The third decision you need to implement is to reduce alcohol intake. If you overuse alcoholic beverages, it can lead to numerous health problems, including liver disease and cancer, so we recommend cutting back or even stopping altogether depending on your situation. When you drink excessively, not only will it damage many of the body’s organs but also cause mood swings and depression symptoms, which may make getting a good night’s sleep difficult, if not impossible at times. The Real-World Impact On Your Brain and Body is also highly noticeable when your body withdraws from alcohol. 

If there are medical reasons that prevent you from drinking, don’t start now because this critical decision could save your life! But if it’s something like social situations where people enjoy having a few drinks after work with friends, try suggesting other activities instead, such as going out for a nice dinner.

Making healthier lifestyle decisions can considerably impact your life, including longevity, physical health, and mental well-being. When you feel good about yourself, it’ll also boost confidence levels, leading to better relationships with others!

7 Ways To Naturally Improve Your Libido

cute couple

Several factors could affect your libidos (or sex drive), such as relationship issues, health challenges, and aging. While low libido isn’t a problem, it can harm a person’s relationships and self-esteem. Fortunately, there are safe and easy ways of improving your sexual hormonal imbalances to create healthy libido levels. This article looks into some of the most effective natural approaches for men and women to enhance their libido.

 

  • Regulate anxiety 

 

When you’re stressed, it’s challenging to feel and reciprocate sexual desire. Anxiety has been shown to exacerbate sexual dysfunction. Anxiety disorders come in a variety of forms, and each person responds to them in different ways. If you suffer from anxiety and are also concerned about your sexuality, it might feel like a double-edged blade, affecting your libido even more. You can deal with anxiety by choosing from an array of treatments such as anti-anxiety medication or natural techniques such as meditation and yoga. You can also listen to music, get a massage, or do an activity that keeps you relaxed and in a good mood.

 

  • Use herbal remedies 

 

Although some natural therapies may boost your libido levels, many are not as effective. The risks outweigh the benefits for some of these therapies, while others may be successful and have adverse side effects. Therefore, it is advisable to use herbal remedies. Several natural herbs and adaptogens (substances that have been found to relieve depression and fatigue) have been shown to increase the production of various hormones, from those responsible for libido to virility and fertility. A commonly known and effective herb is Maca, which is exclusive to Peru. This adaptogenic herb is known to increase endurance, vitality, increased fertility, and increased libido. You can read more about it here- Maca: top benefits of this amazing adaptogenic herb. Ginseng and Ginkgo Biloba are two other herbs that can help you. However, if you want to explore other herb remedies, it is important to research to get the results you hope to achieve. 

 

  • Get good sleep

 

Poor sleep can cause low libido and sexual dysfunction. This is because the body’s internal clock regulates hormone secretion, and sleep patterns are thought to aid the body’s determination of when to produce sex-related hormones. Feeling weary when you get into bed saps your libido. As a result, obtaining enough sleep can help mood, energy levels, and libido. If you have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor about treatment options. You might try strategies to enhance your sleep habits if you have a smaller problem, such as insomnia from time to time or racing thoughts while you try to sleep.

 

  • Eat balanced and nutritious diets

 

Your sex drive can be boosted by eating a balanced diet that promotes good circulation and heart health while avoiding foods that can lower libido. Physical, sexual function might be affected by metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. The polycystic ovarian syndrome can also impact hormone levels, which can cause libido problems. Eating a diet rich in veggies, low in sugar, and high in lean meats will help you prevent libido issues.

 

  • Regular exercising 

 

Physical activity has many benefits for our bodies, but you can also add a higher sex drive to the list. Increasing libido through exercise has been shown. Positive body self-image, improved cardiovascular health, mood, higher sympathetic nervous system activity, and improved endocrine system activity are just a few ways physical activity might help raise sexual desire. There are no rules regarding what fitness-increasing activities one should undertake if they are exercising to improve their sex drive, just as there are no laws about which forms of exercise are better than none.

 

  • Improving the quality of your relationship

 

The longer you’ve been in a relationship, the more likely it is that you and your spouse or partners’ sexual chemistry has waned. It may be tough to get into the mood to be intimate with your spouse if you don’t feel sexual or thrilled about them. Working on your relationship as a couple can help you resolve this. You can attempt sex therapy, couples counseling, date nights, vacations, or more intentional touching as a pair. You’re more likely to desire to be sexual with your partner if your relationship is emotionally satisfying to you.

 

  • Manage your stresses proficiently 

 

There is nothing more unattractive than a stressed-out body. It’s critical to have a grasp on your stress levels when dealing with low libido. It’s easier to enjoy a sexual experience when we’re relaxed and easygoing. Making lifestyle modifications that lessen stress in your life may be beneficial. You can also try adopting some stress-relieving hobbies, such as regular massages, adequate exercise, and meditation.

Too Lazy to Workout? Time To Change Your Fitness Game With These Amazing Tips

It’s easy to be lazy. It’s even easier when you’re tired, sore, or just not feeling it. But if you want that beach body before summer arrives, then now is the time to start taking action! There are many ways to get motivated and stay on track; here’s a list of tips for those who need help getting started.

weight lifting

Master the Basics of Exercising

The first step is to master the basics of exercising. The more you know about how your body works, where it’s coming from, and what happens when you work out harder or longer, the better equipped you will be to take on a new fitness journey! 

Working out for many people means going for long runs at night because that’s what they have always done. However, if this does not give them pleasure, they are less likely to continue with their workout regimen over time, resulting in them becoming unfit quickly.

When starting a routine, do some research online. For example, you can check out this site https://steelsupplements.com/blogs/steel-blog/7-best-lower-chest-workouts-for-pec-definition-1 for some fantastic lower body exercises.

Also, you can watch some YouTube videos or read online tutorials to understand each exercise and how it works for your body.

The more knowledge about different exercises you have – the better! 

Consider Exercises You Enjoy

Considering the exercises that you enjoy is going to be a considerable part of the whole process. 

It is going to help you enjoy your workout and get more out of it. If there are things that you hate doing at the gym, do not feel like you have to force yourself through them- instead, find exercises that work for you! 

There are so many options here; take a look around at different types of workouts online until something catches your eye! Today, there are so many kinds of exercises. For example, you can choose to work out by running outside or lifting weights in a gym. If you don’t like the idea of either option, then consider other forms of exercise such as biking or swimming, which might be something that interests you more.

Play Music While Working Out

Music is a great way to pass the time and stay motivated. For example, a study in Psychology of Music found that listening to upbeat music before working out can help people work harder during exercise, while slower tunes have the opposite effect; slowing down your workout routine. But, of course, if you’re short on cash or don’t want anyone else involved with picking your jams, there are plenty of apps available for download which let you create playlists from songs stored on your phone!

Consider choosing a playlist that matches your energy level.

Read Inspiration Fitness Journeys To Stay Motivated

Reading inspirational fitness journeys can help keep you motivated and inspired to work out. This can be very important if you are trying to find some fun new ways of exercising to keep your workouts interesting and exciting for many years to come.

For instance, if you are a runner or enjoy running in the park, reading about other people’s inspirational fitness journeys may inspire you to find new trails and routes that can help keep your workouts fun. This is also perfect for staying motivated by seeing excellent results from following these exercises over time.

You could even read some inspirational fitness journeys before starting with any strenuous workout routine so that it keeps things interesting while helping you avoid getting bored.

Have a Workout Partner

This is an excellent tip for anyone who needs support to stay motivated. 

You can work out with your family or partner and even bribe them with some reward if they help keep you on track! Plus, it’s nice being able to share the experience. You can work out together or even split up different exercises, so no one gets bored! 

Having friends at the gym could help make workouts more enjoyable too. Plus, it makes working out just like hanging with friends, which is always good.

Consider Hiring a Fitness Coach 

A fitness coach is one solution for your fitness journey – this is an individual who makes exercise plans, gives you feedback on your workouts, and provides nutritional guidance. Not only will you be more accountable for showing up to the gym, but a trainer can also keep you motivated throughout your journey by pushing harder than what would have been possible with just yourself! 

If hiring one seems too expensive or time-consuming, there are many other options available such as joining a group class at a gym that offers free sessions, asking friends to work out together, or even checking out YouTube channels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several tips and tricks to help you get started or reinvigorate your workout routine. Working out doesn’t have to be a chore! Consider these options before resorting back to the couch.

Why De-Stressing Is More Than Just A Lifestyle Choice

relax

The experience of stress is presented to us these days almost as something that we need to accept as part of life. Indeed, even the concept of de-stressing is viewed as a lifestyle choice: call it what you want, be it self-care, pampering or anything else, but it often feels as though you’re just expected to accept that stress is going to be there. It’s a negative experience and we all wish it didn’t happen, but hey, it’s a good excuse to buy scented candles.

The truth of the matter is that stress really isn’t something we should accept and wave away with the promise of self-care. The truest form of self-care is seeking to eliminate stress altogether. And that sounds difficult, because it is, but let’s imagine for a moment that you had asbestos in your loft. You know how dangerous asbestos is, and all the health issues it can cause, so even if it took a lot of time and money to have it removed, you’d go ahead and get it out of there. Well, let’s look at some of what stress can do to you, and why it’s important to see de-stressing as more than just a lifestyle step, but an essential decision.

Stress messes with your hormones

One of the primary responses to a stressful situation sees our bodies produce more of a hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol has its uses – it stimulates our energy production and our focus, allowing us to act decisively in perilous situations. However, it is not meant to be produced in large quantities on an ongoing basis, and when it is present for a prolonged period it leads to imbalances – the results of which can get pretty serious.

Particularly in men, an overproduction of stress hormones can lead to increased hair loss. While this is something that can be handily treated with a course of Regaine or similar, it’s no surprise that the issues don’t end there. Weight gain and high blood pressure are both significant risks from stress-related hormonal imbalance. So, too, is insomnia. And even if all of these sound like quite nebulous threats, bear in mind that these hormonal imbalances can cause you to be more prone to infections – something you can’t battle with positive thinking. For women, there is also the significant concern of what stress can do to the menstrual cycle – periods can be delayed, lighter, heavier or even missed entirely.

Stress can cause and aggravate digestive issues

It’s thankfully less prominent these days, but there is a mindset that considers stress to be something that is “all in the mind”. Even if that were true, something that affects your mind can be awful to deal with. But also, it’s definitely not true. Stress has been proven to affect human digestion in a number of ways, and it shouldn’t even be a surprise given how we often refer to stressful situations.

We all know the phrase “to have butterflies in your stomach”. It refers to a situation of nervous anxiety where it feels as though our stomach is unsettled and jumpy. The reason it feels that way is that our digestive system is home to a system of nerve endings and neurons that is larger and more intricate than any outside our brains. In times of particular stress, the blood flow is redirected away from the stomach, compromising its ability to process food, and this can cause and aggravate a wide range of disorders from IBD and GERD, all the way through to stomach ulcers – which can be serious enough to have fatal consequences.

Stress affects the heart

As we’ve already noted, the impact of stress on the mind and body has far-reaching consequences, many of which are to do with hormones and other compounds. These ingredients make their way around the body in the bloodstream, and when we are experiencing stress and its myriad health effects, it should come as no surprise that the heart is performing at a higher intensity than usual. Monitor your pulse during a time of extreme stress and you’ll see that it is hugely accelerated. It won’t be a surprise to learn that this affects the functionality of the heart itself.

For one thing, overwork is detrimental to the function of any bodily organ, including the heart. The organ itself is weakened, but that’s just part of the issue. With increased cortisol production, along with the increase in blood pressure will come higher levels of blood sugar, triglycerides and cholesterol. All of these are potential contributing factors to both heart disease and an increased likelihood of heart attacks. The narrowing of blood vessels that results is also a factor of concern for other serious issues including strokes. All in all, prolonged stress has serious consequences.

So what is the solution?

De-stressing is a vitally important aspect of life, far more important than the way we often talk about it may make it seem. Self-care has come to mean occasional spa trips and binge-watching something new on TV, and both of those things are worthwhile, but won’t make much of a difference on their own. Truly de-stressing will mean a change of mindset: yes, work is important, but it must remain within work hours and not be brought home; problems need to be brought out into the light and solutions found, rather than trying to suppress the worry you’re going to feel no matter what.

It may be impossible to live a life that is free from stress – it’s a downside of having emotions. The essential lesson you need to learn is that stress does its real damage when it is allowed to build. You may not relish the idea of talking to a boss or a friend and asking for help or understanding about a commitment you might need to rethink. However, think about it in terms of the stress you can lift off of you, and the health problems that stress could otherwise cause. It’s not weak or selfish to focus on yourself when you’re stressed – it’s for the best, for everyone.

3 Ways You Can Improve Your Confidence Today

Your confidence has likely been through ups and downs in your life. Nobody is confident all the time; life knocks us down sometimes, either physically or mentally, and we have to do the work of climbing back up. Even people who appear to be confident all the time struggle with their self esteem behind closed doors.

yoga with kids

If possible, you should see if you can figure out what the root cause of your confidence issues is. Sometimes this is easier said than done, but there might be a concrete reason while you’re struggling. For example, if you were recently injured, then the change in your lifestyle and circumstances might have knocked your confidence.

The upside with finding a reason is that you can do something about it. For example, if your injury is because of an accident at work, then a workers compensation lawyer might be able to help you to get compensation. It won’t solve everything, but it does help. However, sometimes you can’t find one single cause for your low confidence. The good news is that you can still do something about it.

If you are experiencing a downturn in your confidence, it’s time to start making changes. While there’s no quick-fix to a period of low self esteem, the following tips can help strengthen your resolve and make baby steps towards confidence progress.

Make the changes you’ve been wanting to make for a while.

If you have wanted to make changes to your life for a while, and they are weighing on your mind and affecting your confidence, there is no time like the present. You could have been putting off a big shift because the idea of it is just too scary.

Whether this is a small change, such as getting invisible braces or dying your hair; or larger changes, such as leaving an unhappy relationship or moving house; you deserve to have a life you love. Making changes is never easy, but the trade-up for these scary moments is getting a life you actually want to live. 

‘Fake it til you make it’ with your body confidence.

Body confidence is one of those lifelong challenges that never stops being tricky. Sometimes, the best policy is to fake it til you make it. Ask yourself, ‘What would I wear today if I loved my body?’ then wear the outfit. Ask yourself, ‘What would I do today if I weren’t self conscious about my body?’ then do that activity. Try to act like you love your body, even if, right now, you don’t. You’d be amazed at how much this mindset can help actually shift how you feel about your body in the long term. 

Seek guidance to figure out the cause of your self esteem problems.

If you have been struggling with your confidence for a long time, perhaps this is a sign you need more professional help. Counselling and psychotherapy have been instrumental in changing so many people’s lives, and you could be one of them.

Speaking to a professional about your deepest, darkest fears is tough. It’s not easy to open yourself up to a total stranger, even in a safe environment. But digging deep and realizing that you deserve to have a wonderful, shame-free life might be the motivation you need to start this scary, but worthwhile journey. 

Searching for a therapist can be tricky; there are different types of therapy that all have specific price tags and requirements. Speak with your doctor to find the best type of therapy for what you are going through.

Final thoughts…

Feeling like you lack confidence? Use this guide to help you out. You deserve to feel great about yourself, but sometimes you need to take a journey before you reach that place. 

 

Summer Hydration Tips In Miami

hydrate

One of the most important things you can do to stay healthy in the Miami heat is to ensure you remain hydrated. Whether you are visiting one of the spectacular beaches, sightseeing, or dining along the coast, check out some of the summer hydration tips below: 

Don’t Get Thirsty

Everyone knows that drinking water is important, but did you know that when you start to feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated? It’s a good idea to keep a water bottle handy, so you are able to sip on it throughout the day. If you start to show symptoms of dehydration it’s important for you to consider things such as IV therapy packages or seeking additional medical help. 

Drink Water Before, During, And After Exercise Or Going Outdoors

Remaining hydrated doesn’t necessarily mean you should only drink water while you’re exercising or going outdoors. It is important that you also drink plenty of water before, during, and after exercising or spending longer times outdoors. Doing this makes sure your body is properly hydrated and prepared for heat exposure before taking your first steps outside. Drinking water while out and about helps you to replenish lost fluids during exercise or while you were outside. Drinking it after continues to help your body replenish lost fluids.

Take Regular Breaks 

Even if you don’t feel ready for a break or dehydrates, it’s is best if you try to spend around 10 minutes in the shade every hour. This can help your body recover from extreme heat, especially in Miami. If you are spending the day at the beach, spend a few minutes under an umbrella, awning, or patio. If you’re at a theme park, find a shaded spot such s trees, a shop, or a restaurant. If you have young children with you or someone who is considered vulnerable, you may want to take more regular breaks and avoid the hottest part of the day. 

Effects Of Dehydration

Dehydration is where you lose too much body water. The loss can cause disruption to your metabolic processes which can make it more difficult for your body to digest foods and store calories, this ultimately causes extreme fatigue in the body. Getting a vitamin mobile IV drip in Miami can help hydrate your body while fueling it with the nutrients it needs to help restore proper metabolic function. IV therapy allows for a higher absorption rate of vitamins than oral supplements by delivering nutrients and hydrating fluids directly to the bloodstream.

Dehydration happens when the amount of water lost is higher than the amount of water taken in. Therefore spending long periods of time is the Miami heat, when walking down Miami Beach or trying to get a tan, make sure you take the steps to remain hydrated. 

 

Dehydration can lead to:

Headaches 

Dizziness

Fainting

Confusion

Rapid heart rate 

Seizures

Death

 

Symptoms and signs to look out for include: 

Decreased urine volume or abnormally dark urine

Unexplained tiredness

Loss of appetite

Dry skin (you no longer sweat)

Irritability

Rapid breathing

Dizziness

If you think that you or anyone else is experiencing any signs of dehydration when in Miami, make sure to drink more fluids and look for medical attention when needed. Do you have any other tips that could help? Please share some of them in the comments below. 

Pandemic Lockdown Weight Gain & the Medical Reasons for it

At a time when Americans should have been focused on their health, as a population they were anything but. During the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown the average American gained two pounds a month, according to a study published in the The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA Network Open).

But the reasons for this trend were the result of brain chemistry that evolved in humans over the millennia, according to well respected neurologist, Dr. Steven Goldstein, founder of the Houston Healthcare Initiative. He described these on his regular podcast that can be heard on Apple PodcastsAudacyHouston Healthcare Initiative, iHeartPodcast AddictPodbeanBacktracksSoundcloud, and just about anywhere podcasts can be heard.

Stress & More Stress

Dr. Goldstein told his audience that the main reason for the weight gain was related to stress. “The main reason is stress, especially given the really bad news about the seriousness of the pandemic and the controversies about different treatments early on,” he told his listeners. “That was stress of a long duration which exacerbated the physiological accompaniments of stress.”

Fight or Flight Responses

As part of the ‘fight or flight’ response, the human brain goes on high alert. To maintain a high state of alertness requires more energy for the brain in the form of calories. “Heightened states of stress and anxiety like this require more calories to keep the brain on high alert, Dr. Goldstein stated. “We eat sugar to get a boost of energy. Sugar gets converted to energy faster but does not last long, requiring more sugar. It is a cycle that is unhealthy short term, but really bad long term.”

Long Term Fear of the Unknown

On top of that stress was the unknown. No one living had ever experienced anything like the Covid-19 pandemic and closure of practically everything. According to Dr. Goldstein, not knowing was a huge problem for the American psyche. Research shows that the unknown makes people more stressed than when they know something is about to happen. “In late March, April, and May of last year we really didn’t know what we were dealing with, in terms of how contagious the Covid-19 virus was or how potentially fatal it might be,” Dr. Goldstein said. “Obviously then, the unknowns of the virus and the dramatic worldwide lock downs were things none of us had any experience with and that is the perfect recipe for stress, anxiety and the overeating that accompanies both.”

To Flee or Not to Flee

Stress like this is in reaction to the ‘fight or flight’ response that is hard-wired into the consciousness of humans. According to the web site Psychology Tools, the fight or flight response is ‘an automatic physiological reaction to an event that is perceived as stressful or frightening. The perception of threat activates the sympathetic nervous system and triggers an acute stress response that prepares the body to fight or flee.’ When the duration of this automatic response is months or even over an entire year, part of the evidence that Americans endured all this stress is registered on the scale.

Brain Chemistry

So what in the human psyche links eating with stress? “Humans evolved such that when faced with stress, the body does what it must to keep the brain on high alert,” Dr. Goldstein reported. “It decreases levels of some hormones and brain chemicals to discourage behaviors that won’t help in an urgent situation, and it increases other hormones that will.” Dr. Goldstein added more details, “our ancestors had to outrun predators and other humans or be ready to fight them. Thus, we evolved to release adrenaline in response to the fight or flight response. From an evolutionary perspective, that stress responses are tuned to environmental uncertainty suggests that they gave people a better chance at survival, depending on who or what was chasing you.”

A Gut Feeling

Dr. Goldstein also explained that there was a connection between the brain and the stomach. “The brain is connected to the gut through a two-way communication system called the vagus nerve,” he said. “When you are stressed, your body inhibits the signals that travel through the vagus nerve and slows down the digestive process.”  Eating for comfort can be a natural response to stress, but when combined with the lower motivation to exercise and consumption of low-nutrient, calorie-dense food, people can and did gain weight.

About the Houston Healthcare Initiative

The Houston Healthcare Initiative podcast with Dr. Steven Goldstein is an information vehicle for people who want to know all medical options for themselves and are interested in reforming the healthcare industry. To learn more about the Houston Healthcare Initiative please visit www.houstonhealthcareinitiative.org.

Dealing with Back-to-School Struggles Now – Pandemic Pandemonium

 

back to schoolWas your child having difficulty managing at home or distance learning? Is he or she worried about going back to school? I can tell you, my youngest is in a panic about going back, he’s very worried. While at home learning was necessary for both the safety of the children and the teachers and staff, it has definitely had it’s negative effects on quite a few of the kids. Socialization, a sense of normalcy, routine, etc. Being stuck at home was hard on everyone, and it seems that the kids took it extremely rough. If your child is returning to school this fall, check out these tips from Dr. Bregman, child psychiatrist, starting next sentence.

While the Covid-19 virus has been less of a medical concern for children than adults, statistics show that it is taking a major toll on their mental health. Children’s hospitals across the country are showing a significant surge in admissions for everything from generalized anxiety to suicide. 

Returning to school in August may be much more challenging than the typical “end-of-summer bummer.” Parents will be paramount in helping them through obstacles and the time to start is now.

Children who suffer from pre-existing mental health disorders like anxiety/OCD, PTSD, or depression are expected to have the hardest time when school resumes. But what about children who didn’t have mental health issues prior to the pandemic? 

In my private psychiatry practice, I am now seeing a children’s version of Cave Syndrome, a term I coined which describes people with a fear of leaving their house (or cave) due to stressors that developed or worsened during the pandemic. Unlike adults with Cave Syndrome who are fearful of leaving the house to go to work or run errands, kids with Cave Syndrome are worried about returning to school.

New Factors

Even children without a tendency towards anxiety have seen their routines get disrupted. Some

have seen their family suffer from Covid-19, lose their jobs, and experience financial difficulties. With more than 600,000 deaths nationally, there are few people who haven’t been impacted by loss.  

Everyone was talking about the “new normal” a few months ago. Well, there’s nothing normal about it. Now we’re seeing the consequences when treating young patients for anxiety and fear-based problems they may never have developed if not for the pandemic. In a way, it’s an arrested childhood development.

Recognize Your Child’s Concerns

You can spot difficulties by observing your child closely. Do they make excuses to stay at home? Do they talk frequently about not wanting to return to school? Are the choices they make based in fear and anxiety as opposed to rationality and necessity? If they seem like they would rather be grounded than return to school, they may need professional help.

Guidance to Move Your Child Forward

You know your child better than anyone else. The most important thing you can do immediately is to talk to him or her privately. Speak to them with honesty, love, and caring. Let them know that it’s ok to have these feelings and that you will be there to support them every step along the way. It’s also good for them to realize they are not alone in feeling anxious and fearful at this time.  

For younger children, talk to them about the first day of school with a sense of levity and good humor. Framing it in a positive light may work wonders. In addition, you can give him or her something from home, a memento, to hold onto as a comfort mechanism.

[Read more…]