Feeling stuck in a crisis? Discover the ultimate secrets to turn your tough times into a triumph and emerge stronger than ever! Going through a tough time can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Just like practicing meditation with a group can be helpful, getting support and taking care of yourself…

Journaling is a fantastic way to practice mindfulness and find more calm in your daily life. It’s not just about recording events; it’s about exploring your feelings and connecting with yourself. Here’s how you can make journaling a powerful tool for understanding your day and emotions. Start each journaling session by jotting down three things…

Life can be stressful, whether you’re dealing with school assignments, a big project at work, or just everyday challenges. But don’t worry, there are ways to stay calm and keep your cool. Here are some simple strategies to help you handle pressure with ease. Feeling overwhelmed often comes from having too much on your plate.…

Do you ever feel like your meditation practice is missing something? It might be time to try meditating with others. Practicing meditation in a group offers many benefits that you might not get from meditating alone, and it can make your practice even more meaningful. Meditating with others can help you feel more focused and…

Teens today face immense pressures—from pandemic aftershocks to fears of school shootings and climate change. With suicide rates alarmingly high, finding ways to support their mental health is crucial. One powerful tool is self-compassion, which involves being kind to oneself in difficult moments. Research shows that teens who practice self-compassion are less likely to suffer…

In today’s fast-paced world, kids are not immune to stress. Mindfulness practices can be a powerful tool to help them manage their stress and calm their nervous system. By incorporating simple breathing exercises, children can learn to relax and focus their minds. Below are five kid-friendly breathing techniques you can easily demonstrate and practice together.…

  Do you ever feel like life is moving too fast and you’re missing out on the simple joys of life? Sometimes, it’s hard to appreciate the small things around us. A meditation session in nature can help you feel more grounded and grateful, offering a peaceful escape from daily stress.   To start, find…

We’ve all been there—one moment, everything’s fine, and the next, you’re boiling over with anger. Maybe you snapped at someone you care about, or maybe the stress of the day just got to you. Whatever the trigger, losing your temper can leave you feeling guilty, frustrated, and even more upset. But here’s the good news:…

Do you ever feel like you’re just pretending to be good at something, even when you’re not? That’s called imposter syndrome. It makes you doubt your success and wonder if you really deserve it. Many people feel this way, but don’t worry there are simple steps you can take to feel better about your achievements.…

Anxiety disorders can impair daily living, thus it is critical to understand the many forms and symptoms. Here’s a quick review of four typical anxiety disorders:   1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). GAD is characterized by persistent, excessive worry and anxiety about everyday concerns over months or years. Symptoms include restlessness, weariness, difficulty concentrating, irritability,…

Understanding how to stop negative thinking from spiraling out of control is crucial for managing anxiety. We often find ourselves stuck in a loop of negative thoughts that replay and intensify, leading to stress or even panic attacks. The main culprits in this downward spiral are distort thinking patterns, emotional triggers, and negative self-talk. However,…

What Does Self-Care Really Mean? Let’s Explore Self-care has become a hot topic, especially since the pandemic. We often think of self-care as treating ourselves to a spa day, a manicure, or a quiet afternoon alone. But there’s another important side to self-care that we shouldn’t overlook: taking care of our mental health. When we…

Elisha Goldstein discussed how Mindfulness is trending, but misconceptions surround it, so Elisha wants to set the record straight about the top five myths. Myth #1: Mindfulness is Just for Stress Relief. While mindfulness can reduce stress, it’s more about gaining awareness of your mental, emotional, and physical processes and connecting with others. Stress relief…

Compassion plays crucial roles in our daily lives, influencing how we interact with others and shaping positive outcomes. When we show compassion to those around us, we feel more uplifted and connected. It’s a powerful force for positive change that allows us to move away from negativity and empathize with others.   However compassion isn’t…

Journaling is a powerful tool for self-discovery and emotional wellness. Embrace the power of journaling to unlock your potential for clarity, peace, and personal growth. By capturing your thoughts and feelings on paper, you can bring calm and perspective into your life, helping you navigate life’s challenges with greater ease. Start your journaling journey today…

Meet Dr. Suzie Brown, a remarkable cardiologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Her story is one of unwavering dedication to her patients and an inspiring journey of self-discovery through the power of music. As she underwent rigorous training, Dr. Brown faced the immense pressure of caring for patients during long hours on call while also…

By KC Royster Remaining calm and firm during nervous conversations can seem unachievable. Well, good news: Lili Powell talked through the steps of the three lessons to keep yourself mindful during the conversation. It is essential to regulate your emotional state before starting the conversation and bringing yourself into the present. First, take a deep…

 Have you felt stressed lately? Have you felt a bit unfocused and unmotivated?   Meditation might just be the key to helping you feel calmer and more focused. Meditation can be daunting and unfamiliar; you might often ask yourself what am I supposed to do? Sit in silence and empty my thoughts, what does that…

The Power of Self-Reflection and Fear-Based Decisions By KC Royster Ryan Vaugh discussed how, since the day we were born, we have always steered ourselves toward positive or negative feelings, which leads to extreme actions such as ending relationships, blaming others, and imprisoning ourselves in tunnel vision to avoid shame. Now, we have the Importance…

Note from Ruth: Being kind is nice, right? Of course, but how can we take this “be kind” message and implement it in all our daily interactions? Being kind comes into play when interfacing with someone who has some traumatic experiences that cause them, at some level, to remember the trauma. Emotional triggers can happen…

I am a Social Worker. I am also a mom of an adult child with SMI, specifically bi-polar disorder. My child is 23 and I pray that she welcomes God into her life. That’s the mom in me talking. As a social worker, I want her to get a job, find a great partner who…

How Outdoor Therapy Helps Throughout the pandemic, unique approaches to therapy were developed to continue necessary mental health services while maintaining health & safety protocols. We saw the rise of Telehealth, mobile wellness applications, and here at VCS- in order to stay ahead of the curve- we have decided to add another component to our…

PUENTES: Building Bridges to Stronger Mental Health According to the 2020 U.S. Census figures analyzed by LoHud/The Journal News, the number of Latino/a people living in Rockland County has increased by more than a third since 2010. According to this data, Rockland is home to 66,451 Latino/a, an increase of 17,667 people who share this…

Mental Health Takes Top Role at 2020 Olympics Speaking at the 138th International Olympic Committee Session in Tokyo recently, World Health Organization Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus referenced an overarching goal of the Olympics, far beyond any single athletic event. “More than any other event, the Olympics have the power to bring the world together;…

Child abuse will kill 1,800 children in the U.S. this year. That’s according to the American Society for the Positive Care of Children. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, child abuse or neglect “may stunt physical development of the child’s brain and lead to psychological problems, such as low self-esteem, which…

17th Annual Golf Outing Ahhh golf.  Let’s not forget how good a day outdoors can feel, especially now that coronavirus restrictions have been lifted on a very large scale. Much of the COVID burden has been lifted from our shoulders so there has rarely been a better time to clear your head and embolden your…

COVID-19 & Mental Health The COVID-19 pandemic has been traumatic on so many levels, for so many reasons, for so many people. But now that we are emerging from the pandemic with decreasing cases and deaths, the easing of restrictions and the continued rollout of vaccinations, many of us are experiencing a different kind of…