Blake Pennington

Blake Pennington
Budgeting for the Holidays

Budgeting for the Holidays

Planning ahead can help alleviate some of the stress that accompanies this very exciting, but busy, time of year. When you have enough money saved, giving gifts is a much more enjoyable experience all around. You can concentrate on getting the right gift for that family member or friend, instead of feeling overwhelmed by having … Read More

Stress Management: Ways to Cope

Stress Management: Ways to Cope

Every year on October 10, World Mental Health Day is observed with the goal of raising awareness of mental health and driving positive change for overall mental well-being. Practicing stress management techniques that help you process and cope with stress is a key way to maintain mental health. Coping is a natural process everyone does … Read More

Managing Emotions During Times of Conflict

The recent conflict that erupted in Israel and Palestine may be causing a wide range of powerful thoughts, feelings and opinions. Below are some common reactions, things to keep in mind, and coping strategies you may find useful. Common Reactions: Shock—feeling that this is “unreal” Range of responses from emotional outbursts or crying, to no … Read More

Achieving Recovery: The Positive Benefits of Sobriety

Achieving Recovery: The Positive Benefits of Sobriety

Deciding to Quit Drinking Being sober can have a positive impact on all aspects of an individual’s life, allowing for greater overall satisfaction and well-being. While every person’s journey is unique, reaching out for help and utilizing available resources can greatly increase your chances of achieving and maintaining sobriety. Benefits of Quitting Alcohol can have … Read More

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and discuss this highly stigmatized topic. This month is dedicated to providing hope and information to people affected by suicide. Suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can impact anyone regardless of age, gender or background. In fact, suicide is often the result of an untreated … Read More

Avoiding the Negative Effects of “Scrolling”

Avoiding the Negative Effects of “Scrolling”

With over six billion people worldwide currently using smartphones, social media can have a global impact. Social media apps and websites have many positive attributes, like staying connected to loved ones, however it’s important to ask yourself if the time spent scrolling is also having a negative impact on your mental health. There are several … Read More

Resetting Your Goals for the Second Half of the Year

Resetting Your Goals for the Second Half of the Year

While January might seem like it was just yesterday, the reality is that the half-year mark has passed and we’re closer to the end of the year than the beginning. If you’re like most people, those early-year goals were forgotten months ago. But you still have months to make significant accomplishments by the end of … Read More

Tips for Becoming More Active as a Family

Tips for Becoming More Active as a Family

Physical activity is important for children and adults of all ages. Being active as a family can benefit everyone. Adults need two and a half hours a week of physical activity, and children need 60 minutes a day. Follow these tips to add more activity to your family’s busy schedule: Set specific activity times. Determine … Read More

Grounding Techniques

Grounding Techniques

After a stressful event, it’s normal to experience flashbacks, anxiety, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Grounding Techniques help control these symptoms by turning attention away from thoughts, memories, or worries, and refocusing on the present moment. 5-4-3-2-1 Technique Using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, you will purposefully take in the details of your surroundings using each of your … Read More

Mental Health: What’s Normal, What’s Not

Mental Health: What’s Normal, What’s Not

Many people who have mental health conditions consider their signs and symptoms a normal part of life or avoid treatment out of shame or fear. If you’re concerned about your mental health, don’t hesitate to seek advice. With appropriate support, you can identify mental health conditions and explore treatment options, such as medications or counseling. … Read More