Self-Help Archives - Page 5 of 13 - Healthy Minds Philly®

Finding Harmony: Leah’s Journey of Self-Care and Community Support in Philadelphia

At 29, Leah, a West Philadelphia native, is navigating the complexities of adulthood while embracing her passion for music and mental health advocacy. Her story is proof of the power of self-care, creativity, and community to fostering well-being and heal from anxiety. Leah's journey with anxiety began early. "I started to experience anxiety at 8," she recalls. What others mistook for butterflies because of a crush with a classmate, Leah experienced as the grip of anxiety. Rapidly, her thoughts about a classmate became concerns about all her social relationships: “How [...]

Janine Monico2025-07-21T09:26:48-04:00February 5th, 2025|Anxiety, Lived Experience, Music and Mental Health, Self-Help|

Dancing for Mental Health

Every Friday evening, music and laughter fill the halls of the Polish Home in Philadelphia. At 7 p.m., seven women get together to dance, share stories, and keep their cultural heritage alive. But the Friday dance meeting is not only about tradition and movement. It’s also about community, connection, well-being, and mental health. Did you know that dancing and socializing with friends offer significant mental health and well-being benefits? Dancing can boost your mood, reduce stress, and alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. The physical activity of dancing releases endorphins [...]

Janine Monico2025-07-21T09:26:55-04:00January 30th, 2025|Community, Lived Experience, Music and Mental Health, Self-Help|

A Journey to Well-being through Gardening

Daniel, a passionate gardener, knows about the healing power of gardening for the body and the soul. He started gardening when his kids were born. “[My wife] was big on making sure the kids ate healthy,” he said. He did not know at first that he was so good at it, but soon it became clear that Daniel had a green thumb. “I failed a few times. It was frustrating because I didn't know the things you can do to make something great.” So Daniel watched YouTube videos and asked [...]

Janine Monico2025-01-21T12:28:01-05:00January 17th, 2025|Mental Health, Self-Help|

Meditation Tips for Beginners

Meditation involves training the mind to focus and redirect thoughts. It can help with negative thoughts by redirecting or quieting them. Meditation is often used to cultivate mindfulness, awareness, and an overall sense of calm and well-being. Through regular practice, meditation can reduce stress, improve concentration, promote emotional health, and enhance self-awareness. Types of Meditation Transcendental meditation involves silently repeating an affirmation or mantra. Transcendental meditation mantras are always personal statements, such as “I am loved” or “I am calm.” Repeating the mantra helps achieve a state of relaxed awareness, [...]

Janine Monico2025-01-10T15:26:40-05:00January 10th, 2025|Self-Help|