Wovengrace Wellness

Stress can influence our actions in ways we may not expect. When you're feeling stressed, it's important to recognize that feeling and know that even though life feels chaotic at that moment, the feeling will pass. Give grace to yourself and those around you as you work through discomfort.

Wovengrace Wellness | Therapy WovenGrace Wellness addresses the whole person -- mind, body, and spirit, by providing holistic, integrated mental health services, counseling, therapy, and yoga

Food is fuel for your body, but it's also fuel for your mind. Just like a car runs better with premium fuel, so do we. McLean Hospital does a fantastic job explaining the relationship between the food we eat and how we feel. Take a look! https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/nutrition

Diet, Nutrition & Mental Health | McLean Hospital The relationship between diet and mental health may surprise you. Discover how food can positively or negatively alter your brain chemistry and emotions.

Nearly half of Americans use some form of creative outlet to relieve stress or anxiety, according to a study by the American Psychological Association. From drawing and painting, to music and dance, there's a million ways to engage with the arts. Not sure what would be best for you? The Cary Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival is this weekend! Head downtown to explore your artistic side.

https://www.carync.gov/recreation-enjoyment/events/festivals/lazy-daze-arts-and-crafts-festival

https://www.psychiatry.org/news-room/apa-blogs/creative-arts-enhancing-mental-health

Lazy Daze Arts and Crafts Festival | Town of Cary

On today's Relaxation Day, remember that it's okay to put yourself first. Take some time to rest and recover from the stresses of life.

Anxiety isn't always obvious. It can catch us off guard, and it can limit our ability to function. Sometimes it feels like an explosion in our chest, and other times it can make us feel off balance. Take a deep breath, take a short break, and remember that you are not alone.

Wovengrace Wellness | Therapy WovenGrace Wellness addresses the whole person -- mind, body, and spirit, by providing holistic, integrated mental health services, counseling, therapy, and yoga

Whether it's new pain, or it's always been there, pain can cause depression and anxiety. In fact, people with severe arthritis are highly likely to be anxious or depressed. Making your mental health a priority can significantly increase your quality of life with pain. Going outside, taking a walk, meeting with friends, and engaging in hobbies can all be beneficial.

If you need a place to start, check out the I'd Rather Walk Meetup Group. With over 3,500 members, they are consistently hosting adventures in parks around the area where people can leave their worries behind, enjoy the scenery, and make new friends.
https://www.meetup.com/idratherwalk/

I'd Rather Walk | Meetup Leave your gripes, worries, and anxieties behind and let's go on a hike! This meetup is for folks who enjoy the outdoors and good company. Some hikes are hard, some are pretty easy. Read more about us here in this recent article in [Cary Magazine.](https://www.carymagazine.com/features/new-year-n

"Technology is great when it works..."

We've all heard this before. Especially when a computer breaks down or malfunctions. But this statement is more accurate than it seems. Technology really is great! And in the past few years, we've made great strides in mental health tech. From apps like Headspace and Calm, to virtual reality goggles that allow an immersive experience without real world dangers, to telehealth and wearable devices. These new concepts allow therapists and counselors to incorporate additional techniques to their practice and significantly increase positive outcomes.

https://www.paloaltou.edu/blog/technology-key-improved-mental-health-future

Technology is Key to Improved Mental Health in the Future | Palo Alto University Do you work in technology and have a passion for mental health and helping others? Technology and mental health is a growing field, and software engineers are needed to develop effective mobile apps, chatbots, and other digital technologies to improve the well-being of the masses.

Tai chi is a slow-motion, low-impact, meditative exercise. It originated in China as a form of martial art, and studies show that it may be beneficial in improving balance, reducing pain, and reducing blood pressure. Want to try it for yourself? Downtown Cary Park provides a free opportunity every Tuesday morning!

https://downtowncarypark.com/things-to-do/calendar/r_FITN0053_010

https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tai-chi-what-you-need-to-know

Tai Chi: What You Need To Know Information about the safety and effectiveness of tai chi for balance and stability, knee osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions.

When was the last time you checked in with your body? Before you head into the weekend, try this quick exercise:

Close your eyes. Take three deep, slow breaths, filling your body full of air, and letting it all go. Now, concentrate on your physical sensations (temperature, pain, the feeling of the floor/chair/bed). Starting at your toes, tense them super tight (hold for a couple seconds), then release and let the muscles relax. Do this to your legs, your belly, then your fingers, your arms, your shoulders, your face, and finally, your head. Throughout this process, try not to tense back up as you move to new areas.

How do you feel? This mindfulness exercise should allow you to become more aware of the tension you've been holding throughout the day, bring you a sense of calm, and pull you into the present moment.

WovenGrace Wellness is growing! If you're a counselor/therapist and you'd like to join supportive team of holistic professionals, we'd like to hear from you. Please see our LinkedIn listing for more details: https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/3982366853/

Change can be terrifying, especially if you don't have support along the way. Our counselors at WovenGrace Wellness specialize in guiding individuals through life transitions like moving, starting college, and stepping onto a new career path. If you'd like someone to walk with you on your journey through life's ups and downs, reach out today for a free 15-min consultation!

www.wovengracewellness.com

Wovengrace Wellness | Therapy WovenGrace Wellness addresses the whole person -- mind, body, and spirit, by providing holistic, integrated mental health services, counseling, therapy, and yoga

Humans tend to struggle with change. We think we should be perfect when we begin something new. But we don't know what we don't know, and we all start out as novices. Just like a rose that's planted as a seed, with time, effort, and nurturing, we can grow to be magnificent.

😴☀☁ Waking up in the morning can be so difficult! Your dreams are pleasant, your bed is cozy, and the room is oh-so quiet. But we all have to start the day at some point. Having a morning routine can be a lifesaver, and it can significantly boost your mood for the rest of the day. Experts suggest something like this:

6:00-6:30 - slowly wake up
6:30-7:00 - open curtains, turn on music, stretch
7:00-7:30 - eat a light breakfast and drink plenty of water
7:30-8:00 - shower and get dressed
8:00-8:30 - walk to work (if possible) for some light exercise
8:30-9:00 - start work by planning out your day

What does your morning routine look like?

“Promise me you’ll always remember: You’re braver than you believe and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A. A. Milne

☁️ Depression isn't always obvious. Do you know what to look for?

Low energy, difficulty concentrating, not sleeping well, and becoming easily frustrated are all symptoms of depression. You may also notice that you're eating more or less than usual, you're struggling to do simple tasks, or you're more fidgety than normal.

If you or someone you know is experiencing depression symptoms, speaking to a professional can be extremely helpful. At WovenGrace Wellness, we want to walk alongside you on your journey. Reach out today for a free 15-minute phone consultation with one of our counselors.

Wovengrace Wellness | Therapy WovenGrace Wellness addresses the whole person -- mind, body, and spirit, by providing holistic, integrated mental health services, counseling, therapy, and yoga

Happy 4th of July, friends! Stay safe, stay hydrated, stay mindful, and enjoy the festivities!

Karen Brown, LCMHC is now in-network with Aetna!

Karen provides holistic counseling and support for individuals who suffer from trauma, anxiety, depression, women's issues, and life transitions. She specializes in CBT, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness, Solution-Focused, and Trauma-informed therapies. To set up a free, 15-minute consultation with Karen, please reach out to [email protected] or call our office at 910.240.3744

Have you visited Esteamed Coffee yet?

Our neighbor in Cary is a 501(c)(3) coffee shop that supports individuals with intellectual, developmental, communication, and/or visual disabilities. They serve amazing coffee, and the atmosphere is so inviting. We usually opt for sweeter drinks like lattes and cappuccinos, but they have smoothies and baked goods too! If you're in the area, and you need a pick-me-up, you should consider making a trip to Esteamed ☕🍪

Esteamed Coffee | Disability Network | Donate | coffee shop | 114 S Academy St, Cary, NC 27511, USA Esteamed Coffee | Disability Network | Donate is a coffee shop and bakery in the Cary/Apex, NC area which employs and supports people with a variety of disabilities. Esteamed Coffee offers delicious hot and cold coffee, smoothies, regular and gluten free baked goods in a warm, community setting.

The Trevor Project is a non profit organization that provides free su***de and crisis prevention support for LGBTQ+ youth. Their hotline is open 24/7, 365 days per year for chat, text, or talk. They also provide resources such as care guides for families and schools, information about sexuality and gender, and connections for young people in the community. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs additional support, please share this resource!

Call 1-866-488-7386 or Text 678-678

The Trevor Project - Su***de Prevention for LGBTQ+ Young People The Trevor Project is a non-profit su***de prevention organization that provides 24/7 crisis support services, research, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ young people.

Did you know it’s International Yoga Day?

According to the Bhagavad Gita, Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self. 🧘‍♀️

Some say, it is the asanas (movement) that brings many people to the practice of yoga. It is the guiding principles that changes our lives. I’m so so grateful to have found this ancient practice that keeps me challenged and growing in many many ways.

Happy International Day of Yoga.

Photo taken by Terri Rice.

Summer is officially here! ☀️

From swimming to hiking, lounging to yoga, the sunshine makes way for more activities, but it also brings the heat. Take care of your body, stay hydrated, and take frequent breaks, but enjoy it while it lasts!

Interested in private yoga sessions? WovenGrace Wellness offers individualized therapeutic yoga for all experience levels. Check out www.wovengracewellness.com for more info.

Happy International Picnic Day!

Sunshine, friends, and good food are all great for your mental health. Take a moment to recharge on the lawn or at a park, and enjoy what nature has to offer!

Gratitude journaling is the act of writing down what you feel thankful for. Maybe you're thankful for the extra 5 minutes of sleep this morning or a really tasty lunch. Taking the time to acknowledge the small joys in life can significantly impact the way you view the world around you.

https://www.calm.com/blog/gratitude-journal

It's 6:00 am, and you need to go to work in 2 hours. You play on your phone for 30 min, then get up, take a shower, get dressed, and head to the kitchen for breakfast. Soon after, you hop in the car and start your commute to the office.

Routines are so important, and having a morning routine may be the key to starting the day on the right foot. According to the National Alliance on Mental illness, having a morning routine can increase your energy, productivity, and positivity, while generating momentum for the day, and reducing decision fatigue.

What is your morning routine? Let us know in the comments!

https://www.nami.org/complimentary-health-approaches/the-power-of-a-morning-routine/

June 7 is National Doughnut Day!

Mental health is more than just therapy and meditation. It's finding what works for you. Sometimes, after a long week, a sweet treat is exactly the pick-me-up we need.

Therapy can be life-changing! It provides a safe space to process emotions, gain insights, and develop coping strategies. At WovenGrace Wellness, we offer teletherapy, so you can access quality mental health support from the comfort of your home. No more traffic or scheduling hassles! Teletherapy is convenient, affordable, and just as effective as in-person therapy. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or just need someone to talk to, therapy can help you live your best life. Don't hesitate to prioritize your mental well-being!


- https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/is-online-therapy-right-for-you
- www.wovengracewellness.com

Kintsugi, or Golden Joinery, is the Japanese art of using lacquer and metal to repair ceramics.

Just like with this beautiful bowl, your fractures and imperfections are a part of you. You may feel broken or defeated now, but your scars lend to your strength.

🌙 Quality sleep is crucial for mental well-being! Lack of sleep can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and stress. Create a calming bedtime ritual, limit screen time before bed, and ensure your sleep environment is cool, dark, and quiet. Sweet dreams lead to sweeter days for your mind! 💤✨

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep-deprivation/health-effects