Thrive Counselling
254 Edmonton St. #200 R3C 3Y4 Winnipeg, MB, Canada

Our lovely deer visitor photos are courtesy of Maria-Isabel Toro-Vidal.

December - a time of connection. Slow down and take time to connect not only with family and friends but also with yourself.

There are so many layers to loss and it can leave us feeling overwhelmed. It may also feel difficult to get motivated to do much of anything; especially right now when many of us are at home 24/7. Finding a bit of a routine will help with something feeling predictable. Be kind to yourself, even if it's a small step of getting your sleep routine back on track, or eating meals at the same time, or just taking a shower. Going for a walk, whether around your neighbourhood or at a park can be helpful with some fresh air and a change of scenery. Be kind and gentle to yourself.

As we move through November, we continue to be met with uncertainty in our world. Many of us are grieving a loss, whether it's a loved one, financial concerns, relationships/socialization, or just grieving the routine and life we used to have. If you are moving through loss, try to alternate between allowing those dark emotions in and giving them space in your day; and also finding activities that will be rejuvenating; like yoga, meditation, walking or reconnecting with a hobby. Talking to people may be hard as well, but during this time of isolation, try to connect with at least a couple of people you trust by phone or video. Peace to everyone.

Laughter. We never seem to have enough. On this beautiful first day of autumn, I encourage you to connect with that silly part within you and find a friend or family member that you can laugh with. Laughter gives us not only a physical (relax those shoulders!) but also an emotional release. Laughter can also create vulnerability. Give yourself a silly face the next time you look in the mirror and really laugh!

Sometimes we feel we cannot sit still and it’s hard to slow down the thoughts flying around in our brain. Here are a couple of ideas to help us find our flow and release anxiety. Move Try yoga or another form of exercise for a month. Commit to 3-5 times per week. This gives us the opportunity to feel the benefits. Aim for 30 minutes, even if we need to break it up into 10-minute segments. Get plenty of Z’s try to follow the same schedule and avoid napping if possible. Hit Play Find music that brings on the calm and create a playlist Releasing some stress out of our bodies will help us be more present for ourselves and everyone else.

Our body will follow our brain. Stay in the now. Breathe out the anxiety. Join us on Thursday August 6 from 7-9 pm for a free Zoom workshop focused on anxiety limited in-person spots available too. We will look at understanding anxiety, how we get triggered and how to shift that, and tools so you can be present in your life. Contact our our office to register. www.thrivewinnipeg.com

Join us on August 6 from 7-9 as we offer another FREE workshop focused on Anxiety. Registration is required and space is limited. We are aiming to offer this workshop in-person (limited spots) as well as through Zoom. Please contact our office to register.

I love this quote from Brené Brown, which speaks to the masks we all wear sometimes to fit in, What’s the greater risk? Letting go of what people think or letting go of how I feel, what I believe, and who I am?