Blake Pennington

Blake Pennington
Vacations in countryside. Silhouettes of family with dog walking on meadow at sunset.

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 2½ 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 time slots throughout the … Read More

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Spring Cleaning For Your Mind

Spring is a great time of year to get rid of things we don’t need. Just as we clean out our homes, we can also tidy up our minds by removing racing thoughts or negativity. Just like old clothes, there is no reason to hold on to these thoughts. Practice Mindfulness to help quiet your … Read More

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The Relationship Between Stress and Communication

Stress is a common part of everyone’s life. Simply put, it is how our body reacts to something that is currently happening or has happened to us in the past. This reaction can cause physical and/or mental strain. Communication Stress can easily manifest itself through communication. When someone is stressed, they may become frustrated or … Read More

Continuing the COVID-19 Conversation with Children

Continuing the COVID-19 Conversation with Children

Continuing the conversation with your children regarding COVID-19 can seem confusing and stressful at times.  With as much fear and anxiety as adults feel, remember that children have their own concerns that they need help processing. With mindful, age appropriate conversations and positive behaviors, some of the fear and anxiety your children feel can be … Read More

Improving Mental Health with Healthy Relationships

Improving Mental Health with Healthy Relationships

As social creatures, we depend on contact with others to survive. Our self-awareness drives us to connect with others and form caring relationships. This desire isn’t limited to romantic relationships, but also includes our relationships with friends, family and colleagues. Since we spend the majority of our time around others, its important to maintain positive … Read More

The Interplay Between Health & Financial Wellness

The Interplay Between Health & Financial Wellness

Believe it or not, financial stress can have an impact on your physical health. The connection between the two can have a larger effect than you might think. While we’ve all faced stress in various aspects of our lives, financial stress can often be chronic. Connection of Physical & Financial Stress Financial stress is an … Read More

Why is Mental Health Important

Why is Mental Health Important

What is mental health? Mental health includes your emotional, psychological and social well-being. It affects how you think, feel and act as you cope with life. It also helps determine how you handle stress, relate to others and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. … Read More

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Understanding Gratitude

Gratitude is a positive emotion that occurs when you understand and acknowledge that the positive experiences you have in life, small or large, are not owed to you but are gifts. It is the opposite of taking things for granted. The experience of this emotion on a regular basis has been shown to have very … Read More

Battling Stress and Depression During the Holidays

Battling Stress and Depression During the Holidays

The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it’s no wonder. The holidays present a dizzying array of demands — shopping, cleaning and baking, to name just a few. Add to that the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have drastically changed any holidays plans. With some practical tips, you can minimize the … Read More

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Reasons to Go Tobacco-Free

When a strong craving hits, it can be easy to lose sight of the benefits of quitting. You might lose your focus, but there is no good reason to use tobacco. Remind yourself of the rewards of quitting to help yourself stay on track. 20 minutes: heart rate and blood pressure drop 2 weeks-3 months: … Read More