Three Ways to Summer Relaxation

•  Enjoy the outdoors: Research shows that just 30 minutes in the sun can boost your mood- so dust off your sunscreen and take yourself outdoors this summer!  Relax by a pool, go on a hike, or lounge with a good book. Enjoying the fresh summer air is important and will help to melt away tension from day-to-day life. Even just opening the windows to let in a soft summer breeze is a great way to connect with the spirit of the season.

•  Try a new hobby: Remember when summer meant a break from school, and you could try new things at summer camp or on a family vacation?  Summer is still a great time to reconnect with your playful side.  Nurture and inspire yourself by learning a new hobby this summer, but do it in a relaxed, rather than goal-oriented way.  For example, if you've always been interested in painting, go ahead and take a class- but instead of evaluating the quality of your work, try to keep your focus on the sheer pleasure of the colors and the canvas, or sharing the experience with your classmates. 

•   Get Lazy: There's a reason for the paeans to "The Lazy Days of Summer!" Something simple like sitting on a blanket in a park with a sandwich and a good book goes a long way for restoring your sense of peace.  In fact, studies have shown that the mind actually needs to go through short periods of idle or even boredom in order to get creative.  Slow down and just enjoy the moment. We often find ourselves rushing through life without stopping to smell the proverbial roses. So this summer, power down and heighten your senses. Breathe in every moment and reflect on what is important and valuable in your life... or just sit and do absolutely nothing-it's actually good for you! 

Summer is nearly here.  Be sure to schedule some relaxation time into your schedule. Step back and idle a bit... you'll be glad you did! 

•  Groups for Singles:  A group for singles who eventually would like to be in a meaningful romantic relationship.  This group focuses on issues like dating confidence, deciding when to become exclusive, being open to different types of people, and having support throughout the dating process.  Many people in my private practice work on these issues individually, and I feel that sometimes it is helpful to share and listen to others who are on the same page.  Participation is limited to 10 registrants.  Click here if you would be interested in joining a Group for Singles.

• Groups for Breakups:  A group for people who have either recently ended, or would like to end, a relationship.  Many people find themselves repeating the same breakup over and over because they can't seem to let go, or they can't quite seem to complete the breakup.  This group offers support and perspective, as well as strategies and ideas to facilitate moving onward and upward!  Participation is limited to 10 registrants.  Click here if you would be interested in joining a Group for Breakups.

• Social Anxiety Group:  This group focuses on issues related to shyness and self-esteem.  We will practice techniques within the group and give each other feedback, as well as try techniques outside of the group and then discuss the results when we meet.  Many people with SA find that being able to share openly in a structured group environment helps them to make progress in terms of being open and comfortable with groups.  Pairing up sometimes during the group for certain exercises also facilitates learning how to gain confidence with one-to-one situations. Participation is limited to 10 registrants.  Click here if you would be interested in joining a Social Anxiety Group.

• Stress Relief Workshop:  This is a short-term workshop of three 90-minute sessions. The workshop offers a sampling of stress reduction techniques such as yoga, meditation, journaling, and other proven methods for managing stress. In addition to learning the techniques as a group, participants will do partner exercises as well as share with the group about their experience of the techniques. Sharing your experience with others, as well as listening to the experiences of others, increases your understanding of the exercise and gives you a sense of perspective. This is especially helpful for people who have tried or wanted to try things like yoga or meditation before but always somehow feared they might be "doing it wrong"- in the group, you get to see that you are a beginner who is making progress and learning just like everyone else! Participation is limited to 15 registrants. Click here if you would be interested in joining a Stress Relief Workshop.

• Goal Attainment Group:  This group is for clients with a direct focus on goal attainment.  Many people find that discussing goals and obstacles in a group format to be helpful.  Group participation facilitates goal attainment through the process of sharing your intention in a supportive atmosphere, and provides accountability as you update the group each week on your progress.  Members also discuss obstacles such as anxiety and procrastination, as well as ways to overcome these barriers.  The group offers a sense of community, which helps to keep goals from feeling overwhelming and provides the chance to celebrate each milestone towards your goal in a supportive atmosphere. Participation is limited to 10 registrants.  Click here if you would be interested in joining a Goal Attainment Group.