Self-Help Archives - Healthy Minds Philly®

The Art and Benefits of Nature Journaling

Nature journaling is a timeless practice that offers a deep connection with the natural world. What is a nature journal? At its core, a nature journal is a personal notebook where you record your observations about nature through sketches and notes. Imagine it as a mix between a diary and a sketchbook, where you capture the beauty and details of the natural world around you. You can also write about your thoughts and feelings, making it a personal and reflective experience. Whether you’re exploring your backyard, a park, or a [...]

Janine Monico2024-07-18T12:31:11-04:00July 16th, 2024|Anxiety, Depression, Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress|

How to Keep Your New Year Resolutions for Better Fitness, Healthy Eating, and Mental Health in 2024

Fitness and good food are important for your mental health. Research suggests that exercise helps lower anxiety and improve mood. And we know foods impact the way we feel. New Year resolutions are an opportunity to set fitness, nutrition, and mental health goals for 2024. But the reality is many of us fall short of our goals by Jan. 3. As a trainer, I want to share simple tips that will help you stick to your resolutions for better mental health, diet, and fitness. Let me tell you about my [...]

Janine Monico2024-01-03T09:35:55-05:00January 3rd, 2024|Holidays, Self-Help|

What’s the deal with self-care?

You’ve probably heard the term “self-care” tossed around, but you may have no real concept of what it is. If so, you are not alone. What self-care actually is – versus what society insinuates it should be – are two different things to many of us. Self-care can be defined as broadly as “care for oneself” (Merriam-Webster) or as specifically as “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress” (Oxford English Dictionary). I would argue that most of [...]

Janine Monico2023-07-19T13:53:01-04:00July 24th, 2023|Self-Help|

Beleaf it or not: Plants make you happy! The effects of nature on mental health

Have you noticed a difference in your energy and mood after interacting with nature? How about going for a walk through your favorite park or smelling your favorite flower? Do you leave feeling more relaxed? Calm? Have a smile on your face? If you tried any of those activities and noticed a positive and uplifting shift in your energy and mood, your mental health likely was positively impacted by nature. Nature and mental health are more closely connected than you may think. Did you know spending time in nature outdoors [...]

Janine Monico2023-04-30T09:41:17-04:00May 1st, 2023|Mental Health, Self-Help, Stress|