Welcome to Happy Willow Tree Psychology, where my life goal is to help you find clarity, compassionate and evidence-based support, and maybe even crack a few smiles along the way. Life can be a bit more than we expected sometimes - or a lot of the time. But you don't have to be alone, and we can take it one step at a time—together. Whether you’re here for a little guidance, reducing stress, learning some skills for our mental health toolbox or just need a safe space to explore your true self, I am here for you.
Mental Health Tip #1: Take a Breather—Literally!
I want to share a simple (not easy!) technique: Practice the Power of Pausing.
In our fast-paced world, we often feel like there’s always something to do or some problem to solve. It’s like your brain is constantly working overtime, and honestly, it's more than we were ever meant to handle alone. It goes against our DNA blueprint. Taking a short break might be exactly what you need to hit the reset button and hop off the hamster wheel.
What is the Power of Pausing?
It’s just what it sounds like—pressing “pause” on the chaos, even if it’s for a minute or two. Imagine hitting the pause button on your favorite Netflix show to take a moment for yourself. It’s a chance to breathe, check in with your thoughts, and just let go of the mental noise for a moment. And yes, it works even better than binge-watching that next episode of the latest True Crime series you're onto...(I mean, can’t hurt to try, right?).
How to Practice the Power of Pausing:
Set a Timer: Pick a time in your day to pause. It could be while your coffee is brewing, during lunch, or before you face the dreaded Monday morning emails. Start with just 2-5 minutes. Baby steps, right?
Mindful Breathing: Close your eyes and take a deep breath. You know, the kind of breath that actually fills your lungs (not the one you take when you’re rushing out the door). Feel your lungs expanding and hold it for a moment. Exhale slowly until you release all the air from your lungs. Take another deep breath. Do this a few times. Notice how your nervous system feels a little more calm.
Check In With Yourself: Ask yourself, “How am I feeling right now?” Whether you’re stressed, tired, or just need a laugh, acknowledging your feelings can make a huge difference. And hey, if you need to tell yourself, “I’m doing okay,” that’s progress!
Release and Reset: After recognizing how you feel, let it go—kind of like hitting the ‘clear’ button on your phone apps. You’ll feel lighter, and more able to focus when it’s time to tackle the next task.
Why Does It Work?
Taking a pause helps you step off the hamster wheel for a second. It’s like hitting the “refresh” button on your browser—your mind gets a little breather, and you can return feeling more focused, less stressed, and maybe even a bit more upbeat. So next time you're caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, try pausing for a moment. It's simple and effective, but easier said than done, I know.
Take the First Step with Me
At Happy Willow Tree Psychology, my passion lies in helping you nurture your mental health in a way that feels right for YOU. Whether it’s through a mindfulness approach, or a more concrete, cognitive approach, or simply using Positive Psychology principles to help you identify your own existing strengths in a safe environment. I’m here to help you grow more resilient, like a willow tree in the wind (*wink wink* I make no promises on the corniness).
Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you’re looking for guidance, support, or just someone to help you navigate this crazy thing called life. I’m here to help, and remember: You don’t have to do it alone!
About Happy Willow Tree Psychology
Happy Willow Tree Psychology is a space where you can feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether you're managing stress, tackling anxiety, or unsure of where to begin, I’m here to help you navigate your mental health journey—one pause at a time.
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