Posts with the category “relax-the-mind”

Awakening to the Joy of Small Moments: Overcoming Negativity Bias through Mindfulness
by Angie Kingma on January 1st, 2024
Embracing the Simple Pleasures of Everyday LifeHello, fellow health and wellness enthusiasts! As we approach the new year, what better time to explore a transformative concept perfect for starting the year on a positive note? In this blog, we're delving into a transformative concept: the power of noticing and cherishing small, pleasant moments in our daily lives. This practice, deeply rooted in mi...  Read More
The Science Behind Fall's Effects on Mental Health
by Angie Kingma on October 1st, 2023
The golden hues of falling leaves, the cozy embrace of a chunky sweater, and the first sip of a pumpkin spice latte — the fall season is known for its charm and picturesque beauty. However, beyond the aesthetic and romanticized depiction of autumn, for some it can also bring with it a shift in our mental well-being. Understanding the impact of the fall season on our mental health can be important ...  Read More
The Backpack of Worries: Learning to Unpack and Lighten the Load
by Angie Kingma on September 1st, 2023
It's that time of the year again. The aisles of stores are lined with fresh notebooks, vibrant pens, and, of course, brand-new  Read More
The Power of Laughter: A Mindfulness Approach to Health and Happiness
by Angie Kingma on August 1st, 2023
Q: Why do mindfulness students love going to airports?A: Because they might get a free body scan!Laughter is a universal language that has the ability to uplift us, connect us with others, and infuse our day with positivity. From a mental health perspective, laughter serves as a balm, a restorative force that reduces stress, anxiety, and depression while boosting our mood and outlook on life. As t...  Read More
Walk and Talk Therapy: A Step Forward in Mental Health Care
by Angie Kingma on June 28th, 2023
As a psychotherapist with 23 years of experience, I've had the privilege of working with many clients, each with their unique needs and circumstances. I've found that not all therapeutic modalities suit everyone. That's why I'm constantly exploring different approaches that cater to my clients' diverse preferences. One of these innovative strategies is "Walk and Talk Therapy," a method that's been...  Read More
Embracing the Present: A Dive into Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
by Angie Kingma on June 1st, 2023
As the pace of life quickens, and with an overwhelming influx of information and stimuli, maintaining a healthy state of mind can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. However, amidst all these challenges, a beacon of hope emerges in the form of an increasingly popular therapeutic approach - Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). This is now an evidence-based 8-week program that now has decad...  Read More
A Deep Dive into the Transformative Power of Brainspotting
by Angie Kingma on May 1st, 2023
Brainspotting therapy is an innovative form of therapy that is gaining popularity among mental health professionals and clients alike. Colleague friends who have been trained in both EMDR and Brainspotting shared that they had been preferring Brainspotting, which prompted an interest in getting trained.  After two years and three levels of Brainspotting training and consultation, I am now a Certif...  Read More
Mindfulness To Help Cope with the Winter Blues
by Angie Kingma on March 1st, 2023
As the winter months drag on, many of us tend to experience a dip in our mood and energy levels. In some cases, this can develop into a more serious condition known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). However, there are some ways to overcome the winter blues, and one of them is through mindfulness. In this blog post, we will explore how you can use mindfulness to boost your mood, and also touch ...  Read More
Mindfulness in the Workplace: Strategies for Staying Present and Productive on the Job
by Angie Kingma on February 1st, 2023
Unfortunately, mental health problems are a growing concern in Canada. In fact, at least 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health  Read More
Bell Let's Talk Day - Attitude is Everything: How Flexible Thinking Can Improve Your Mental Health
by Angie Kingma on January 25th, 2023
As we commemorate Bell Let’s Talk Day, it’s the perfect time to think about what mental health is all about. Mental health is obviously a complex thing. It’s not simply the absence of mental illness symptoms but it’s about feeling balanced physically, emotionally, relationally and spiritually. But each individual is so different and what’s right for one person might not be right for another. That ...  Read More
Balancing Change with “Radical Acceptance”: Getting Unstuck and Moving Forward in Life
by Angie Kingma on January 3rd, 2023
Although at this time of year, many people are talking about trying to make things different, there is actually significant value which exists in accepting reality just as it is.The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I change” ~ Carl RogersAccept myself…as I am??? (yikes!) This is a challenging concept for so many and for others it can feel impossible. Self-criticism ...  Read More
How to Prepare Yourself Now for Holiday Season Stress and Anxiety
by Angie Kingma on December 5th, 2022
The holidays are a time of happiness, joy, and celebration. But for many people, they can also be a time of stress and anxiety. If you're already starting to feel overwhelmed this holiday season, don't worry, you’re not alone. There are things that you can do to tap into your inner peace and boost your mood before, during and after the festivities.Where does most holiday stress come from? What can...  Read More
Taking Care of Yourself on World Mental Health Day
by Angie Kingma on October 10th, 2022
One thing we know for sure, is that life is filled with ups and downs. The up times bring happiness, joy and satisfaction, as well as hope that the good times will last as long as possible. Yet, no matter how blessed you are, challenges are part of life. The down times can obscure those feelings of peace and important to...  Read More
5 Ways to Support and Improve Your Mental Health This Summer
by Angie Kingma on July 1st, 2022
If you’ve had some extra stress lately, maybe some anxiety or overwhelm, you’re not alone. You might’ve had some low mood symptoms, as it’s not uncommon, even when the weather is warmer. From a mindfulness perspective, all of these mood states and emotions are welcome  Read More