As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, spring beckons us to step outside and immerse ourselves in nature. Whether it’s a stroll through a garden, a hike along woodland trails, or simply basking in the warmth of the sun, nature offers a simple and therapeutic escape from the stresses of everyday life! Research has…
In today’s fast-paced and demanding world, it’s no surprise that mental health concerns have become increasingly prevalent. The pressures of work, school, relationships, and social media to name a few, can often feel overwhelming, leaving individuals feeling mentally drained and emotionally exhausted. Amidst the constant hustle and bustle of life, taking a moment to pause…
Achieving independence is an important goal of growing up, and one that can be challenging for both teens and parents. As teens start to navigate the world on their own, they’ll face new responsibilities and opportunities, and they’ll need to develop the skills and confidence to make good decisions. Here are some tips to help…
Maintaining open and effective communication with teens is one of the most important aspects of parenting. As children grow into adolescents and young adults, they begin to develop their own sense of self and independence. This can be both exciting and challenging for parents, as it often means that teens may be more likely to…
Exam preparation and test anxiety can be a major challenge for teens during the spring as they prepare for final exams and standardized tests. These high-pressure situations can lead to increased stress and anxiety, making it difficult for teens to focus and retain information. As parents and caregivers, it’s important to understand how to help…
Motivation greatly impacts a student’s academic performance at all grade levels and impacts overall well-being. With unmotivated students, it is important to understand and support them with appropriate measures. Before diving into remedies to improve motivation, it’s important to note that motivation can be greatly affected by learning disabilities and is a symptom of many…
Worry can be tricky. On the mild end, it can be interpreted as helpful or caring and can help a student ace their science quiz by over-preparing. On the other hand, it can become a ruthless dictator that rules your life. Worry is repetitive and masks itself as problem-solving, when it is actually the exact…
Self-care is a commonly discussed concept, and rightfully so. Be it a walk in nature, coffee with a friend, or a date night, taking time to intentionally show ourselves love, care, and respect is critical for well-being. Once you’ve taken care of yourself, caring for the community around you can tremendously enhance your overall well-being.…
Have you ever caught yourself dwelling on something or getting lost in your negative thoughts? If so, you may be experiencing rumination, an action our brains seem to take on without permission and one that can be all-consuming; even (metaphorically) paralyzing. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “rumination involves repetitive thinking or dwelling on negative feelings…the repetitive, negative…
As fall continues into winter, mental health professionals anticipate an increase in depression and anxiety in our communities. Winter is coming: a time when the days get shorter, darker, and colder. Heavier clothing layers come out, and shovels are on hand. We plan for the holiday season: the season that is joyous for some and…
“My child’s standardized test scores are high and they qualified for advanced courses, so why are they struggling in their classes?” Does this question sound familiar? Cognitive intelligence does not always align with academic performance and emotional intelligence. Success can be defined in many different ways and is often achieved when an individual reaches a…
While interacting with the education system, you may commonly hear the term “Executive Function” used to describe mental skills and ways of thinking that help individuals plan, monitor, and successfully execute goals. Executive functions also include processes such as working memory, organization, impulse control, attention, flexible thinking, time management, and emotion control. Essential skills for school success.
We consume daily media coverage of violent acts occurring across the world. These tragic events can cause varying reactions depending on an individual’s age, background, past experiences, and identity. Individuals may also react differently depending on the format in which they receive the information such as viewing disturbing images online, watching/reading the news, or hearing information second-hand through conversation with others.
Summer is officially here: longer days, warmer temperatures, and opportunities abound for outdoor activities here in Northern Illinois. While many are enjoying these outdoor, summertime activities, an overwhelming amount of young people (and many adults) are increasingly staying inside. Between school and home, kids spend over seven hours per day on screens, and according to one…
As we approach National Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week (May 8-15 this year), we are wrapping up our anxiety series with practical information to help you navigate the physical and emotional discomfort that often comes from anxiety. The term “combat” is in the title of this article because actively lowering anxiety often feels just like…
As we continue our series of articles on anxiety, which many more people are experiencing since the start of the pandemic, we need to explore one of the most basic functions of life: breathing. You cannot and will not “pass out” by holding your breath, but hyperventilate for 60 seconds or more and you can…
When people think of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), they often think of the observable compulsion, like checking locks or excessive washing. What goes unrealized is that this is just one dimension of the condition, and that the troublesome compulsion is associated with an equally troubling obsession. When someone with OCD engages in a compulsion (a…
If you’ve Googled the term “anxiety” you know there are nearly 4 billion (with a “b”) results, and with good reason: countless people are trying to understand how to navigate difficult and sometimes new feelings. Back in 2019, the CDC reported that 11.9% of adults experienced symptoms of worry, nervousness, or anxiety but since the…