A quick Google search of ‘minimalism’ will bring up everything from home decor to living practices. However, there is so much more to minimalism than just the hype.

Leading psychologists from Maryville University explain how social and cultural factors contextualize human behavior which affects how people behave in their environment. And if we're looking at human behavior today, we're seeing a renewed focus on wellness and substantial experiences. Part of it can be chalked up to the many years that people have been spending too connected to technology and caught up with trends.

True enough, our social media feeds often dictate our desires and purchases, tricking our minds into buying the next popular thing. This is despite the fact that we have little need for most of the things we actually consume. In this regard, minimalism is hailed as the answer to living a more meaningful life in a world inundated with material objects.

People are drawn to minimalist living because of its mental benefits, among other perks. Practitioners also mention that this change has given them a wider appreciation of their surroundings and the people around them.

The reasons behind minimalism

Learning to live a minimalist lifestyle requires more than just consuming and buying less. In order to really appreciate what minimalism stands for, you need to understand the reasons why people have chosen this lifestyle. As we said, it goes way beyond trends, and taking on a holistic point of view assures you can maintain it as an entire lifestyle.

Up until recently, the term minimalism was used to describe art movements and certain design techniques. The idea of simple living has been found in old religious doctrines, but the widespread adoption of such a lifestyle rose back to prominence in the wake of a post-Industrial, consumerist society.

It's hard to pin down the emergence of minimalism to a particular figure, but most people credit filmmakers Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus as the inspiration for starting their journey. The two call themselves "The Minimalists." Throughout the course of their career, they have produced books, podcasts, and documentaries all centering around how to live a simpler lifestyle.

Minimalism in modern times

Marie Kondo is perhaps the most influential minimalist today. Her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up can be seen in households all over the world, while her show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo continues to draw in new audiences. Kondo’s “spark joy” philosophy encompasses much of the emotional gravitas behind a minimalist lifestyle.

The convenience of shopping, the culture of trends, and other factors have all resulted in a mentality built on instant gratification. But in the end, we often don't even give these items much of another glance. Wellness coach Elizabeth Scott also links physical clutter to increased stress levels and overall poorer health, which is exactly why more people now are looking to alleviate this.

On top of this, people all over the world are adopting minimalism as a small way to help the environment. It goes without saying that the worst effects of climate change can only be solved by institutional changes, but individual efforts like these can make an impact too. Not only that, The Guardian reports that climate change is leading to serious health issues across the globe. Some of its effects include the spread of disease and hampered development in children. The psychological effects of minimalism draw people in, but this link between minimalism and the environment can be equally powerful.

Some changes you can adopt

Adopting a truly minimalist lifestyle can take years of undoing old habits, but it’s not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to start to become a minimalist:

Clothing

Shop at secondhand and vintage stores as much as possible. The very least you can do, of course, is to say no to fast fashion. If you're feeling crafty, you can even try to remake old clothes and turn them into something new.

Learn to mend your clothes. Basic sewing skills can do wonders in saving a garment that would have otherwise ended up in the trash.

Simple environmental friendly minimalist marble wallet designs.

Buy with intention. Not only should you buy only what you really need and want (some suggest waiting a few days to see whether or not you want to buy an item), but you should also invest in quality pieces that will last you for years.

Home

Look into environmentally friendly cleaning products. Or better yet, make your own. For instance, this homemade vinegar solution by guest contributor Jane Sandwood can be used to clean hard surfaces.

Declutter each room. From your living room to your bedroom, be critical and really think about whether you want these items in your life.

Stick to what your storage allows. Make it a habit of looking at your cabinets and shelves and making sure that whatever you buy can fit in them. If you need to buy extra storage, you may be buying too much.

Food

Buy in bulk. Getting nuts and dried fruit in bulk minimizes the amount of plastic wrappers you have lying around. And if you want to bring a snack in your purse, place these in a reusable container.

Eat what you can consume. Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to climate change but is also one of the most easily avoidable.

Bring reusable cutlery and water bottles. However, an article on Vox stresses that buying sustainable products can actually lead to a slippery slope of purchasing more than what you need, so the key is to buy just one cutlery set and one reusable bottle that you’ll always carry with you.

Lifestyle

Lessen your social media usage. Constantly being updated on the latest fashions can pressure you into buying more things for the sake of appearances.

Declutter your inbox. Practicing mindfulness even when it comes to your email can help clear your mind. Writer Elan Morgan suggests classifying your emails according to folders in order to see what you can delete.

Be patient with yourself. Try to adopt minimalist choices little by little rather than overhauling your entire way of living. Understanding what kinds of changes best suit your life will grant you a greater appreciation of this new mindset, but forcing huge changes too quickly may make you frustrated.

Other resources

Minimalism’s popularity means that there are lots of resources available for those who want to learn more about the cause. The Netflix documentary Minimalism is a great place to start, but there are lots of documentaries, books, and podcasts that you can learn from.

The True Cost is another documentary that details what the world of fast fashion is all about. This is a great resource for understanding the human and environmental costs that fuel today’s materialism.

The Slow Home Podcast with Brooke McAlary teaches the philosophy behind slow living, a phrase that’s often used in tandem with minimalism. This podcast is geared more towards overall lifestyle choices.

Andy Courier’s The Abundance of Less chronicles the lives of ten Japanese men and women who have adopted a more mindful way of living in response to Japan’s increasingly urban lifestyle. Courier’s book ties in discussions on spirituality and philosophy, making it a good resource for those who want to connect with minimalist living on a more emotional level.

The frustrating and wonderful thing about minimalism is that it’s an ongoing process. The more you adopt mindful lifestyle choices, the more you’ll be able to see which other parts of your life can be changed for the better.

This piece was exclusively written for mikolmarmi.com

Guestpost By H. Sauvageot

The outdoors have a remarkable effect on our mental health. So much, so that mental health experts encourage us to spend mindful time outdoors.

Whether you want to try something new and add some movements to your routine, here are some physical activities that you can do outdoors:

Cycling

Cycling is an excellent outdoor activity for people of all ages. Aside from giving your body a reason to move, it is also relatively easy to get started. All you need to do is find a bike that is appropriate for your height and then learn how to ride it.

 And once you get the hang of it, you can cycle around the neighborhood or the nearby park.

There are even those who would bring their two-well ride to a bike trail for extreme adventure! However, keep in mind that there are different kinds of bikes, and what's ideal for the road may not be suitable for the trail. If you want to cycle for fitness, attach a power meter to your bike, so you can track your progress and reach your fitness goals.

Hiking

One of the most popular outdoor activities that people do around the world is hiking. After all, hiking is an activity that won't only get you outside.

It's the activity that will get you deep into nature where beautiful sights are out of reach with other means.

Hiking lets you go deep in nature and see not only natural sights but also wild animals. You can again do either a day hike or even a hike that will take you weeks to finish. It depends on your availability and skill level.

Of course, you should make sure that you have all your equipment, like hiking poles and your food and drink. After all, you also want to ensure that you're physically okay and safe while taking care of your mental health when you go hiking.

Even if you believe it to be an easy trail, it won't hurt to be safe and bring all of the essential hiking tools you need.

Rock climbing

If you're looking for a more exciting outdoor activity, you might want to consider rock climbing. Rock climbing is an excellent idea for people who are already physically fit and want something a little more out of the norm 

However, even if you're not physically fit yet, rock climbing is still something you should try. 

Of course, you can't go out rock climbing any old rock formation you see if you don't have the experience. Luckily, there are specific places that teach people how to rock climb.

 If you want to climb less high-up formations, you can start by going bouldering instead. It is similar to rock-climbing, except you don't have to go to higher places much.

Swimming

There's nothing like wading around in the water to give you that peaceful and serene feeling. So if that's something that gives you peace, you should consider recreational swimming. 

If you live in a place near safe bodies of water, like rivers or lakes, make the most out of it and go swimming when you can.

The sound of flowing water or the stillness of the lake can be calming. Thus, it can help you mentally relieve yourself for a while when you're there.

Going for a swim will not only soothe your body during the summer season; it can also help you calm yourself while also getting your body moving.

Paddling

Speaking of being around the water, you might also want to consider paddling as an alternative activity to swimming.

There will be days when you don't want to soak in the water and days when it's impossible to do so without exposing yourself to impractical conditions. That's where paddling is the most useful. 

You can still surround yourself with the calming effects of being around the water without having to soak yourself in it. It also helps you exercise your upper-body because of all the paddling you're doing.

Depending on where you're doing this, you can also find and reach curious spots that you wouldn't otherwise visit when swimming.

If paddling is not your thing, try sailing or boating instead. It’s just as relaxing, and it allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and stop by many places. Some people have made sailing a way of life after discovering the benefits of this lifestyle. 

Before you set sail, make sure to get your vessel checked, update all the lighting features for your safety at night, and stock up on essentials and emergency supplies. Also, let your family or close friends know where you are, so they can locate you in case something happens.

Yoga

Although yoga is an activity that you do in one place, it doesn't mean that you can't take it outside.

You'll find that doing yoga outdoors is even more relaxing than being stuck inside a studio or in your bedroom. Since yoga focuses a lot on breathing, being outdoors helps you get better at your breathing exercise. And this can have a positive impact on your mental health.

If you haven't done it yet, consider grabbing your mat outdoors to do yoga. 

Over to You

There are many things that we can do to improve our physical and mental health. It is also about finding an activity you love and making a habit out of it.

And if you found something that you love to do or would like to try, consider doing it outdoors. You would be surprised at how a change of environment can boost your well-being.

Natural crystals form like any other natural stones, which is based on geological conditions.  Every crystal is unique just like people, based on size, shape, color and region they formed.  Good quality natural crystal gemstones carry an innate energy. Based on the crystal's physical condition, appearance and color tones will dictate the level of vibrations. In crystal healing terms, this is the crystal energy. 

Every gemstone has a different purpose in the crystal healing world. For therapeutic matters, some natural crystals act as a transformer or harmonizes of "energy".  The practitioner may use the crystal to amplify, focus and heal by channeling.  

What is Crystal Energy

Crystal healing is a type of alternative therapy that uses precious gemstones to bring balance to an individual's life and mind. Crystals are said to have a unique and consistent frequency and energy field that gives them special properties. It's what we need in this modern busy world to channel our thoughts and feelings in a positive manner.  To stimulate the mental and creative process of your brain.  

Used in the right way, the electro magnetic vibrations of the crystal, whether it's courage, strength, calmness, energy, sleep, etc. can harmonize the body. 

Maybe it's another method for you to find a new you.

2 Common Methods For Therapeutic crystals 

1.  Original crystal rock form from the Earth.

2.  Fashionable stones, such as necklaces, stone bead bracelets, pyramids or rings.

Anybody Can Use Crystals

Crystals can be used for spiritual purposes, healing purposes, fashion styling or home decor. 

Anyone that appreciates the properties of crystals can use them. And there are several blogs and informative books available on this subject. 

If you intend to use the energies of the crystals, you should learn how to choose crystals.  

There are many ways you can identify the right crystal. Intuition is one of them. It is as simple feeling out a connection with the gemstone. Also, most people who are seeking out a crystal already has a specific issue they want the crystal to overcome. 

So you would need to identify the issues you are having, and then seek the crystal solution.

If it's for fashion or home styling purposes. Crystals are the perfect stones, as it is the most vibrant in colors in the geology world. 

Choosing The Crystals

You can find a lot of gemstone guides in our blog, or Google crystal healing to find more information on the right gemstone. 

But the most valuable tool in finding the right stone is yourself.  Imagine that you have a fever, instinctively and through education, you know you need to take fever medication. Usually a Tylenol or Advil, depending on how your own preference.  Same will come with choosing the crystal. You will identify what is imbalanced in your life. Then you will come across a few stones that carry properties you need to balance the energies in your body. 

And when you're deciding amongst those stones, you instinctively will be drawn in by that stone when you see it.

Our suggestion is whatever crystal you choose, wear it, or display it for a few days to see how it makes you feel. Do you see this stone belonging by your side or not?  

The decision will be clear when it happens. 

Gemstone Maintenance 

Simple maintenance is easy. Just need warm water with a little bit of dishwashing soap to clean your stones. Make sure you do not use any powerful cleaners, bleach or acidic that could damage your gemstone.

In terms of crystal healing practice, it is said to cleanse the stone after each use by burning white sage and smoking the stone.  You can also leave it directly under sunlight to re-charge the stone's natural energy by absorbing the Sun's rays. 

Celebrity Gemstone Choices

Adele

If you didn't know, this singer has been quite opened about her battle with stage fright.  She has mentioned before that she uses crystals to calm her nerves before each show. 

Miranda Kerr

This superstar has kept her crystals very close to her heart. She's mentioned in interviews that she keeps a rose quartz in her handbag and in her bra. 

Jenna Dewan

This actor and dancer has expressed her love for crystals. If you browse through her instagram, you'll find previously posted photos of her collection of crystals. 

Naomi Campbell

This supermodel is said to carry a rose quartz as well in her bag. This beautiful pink stone is the symbol of protection and love.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham mentioned in an interview with Allure that she is a superstitious person, and carries crystals with her as protection. She has all kinds of crystal gemstones. 

The importance of mental health can’t be understated; after all, mental health tends to shape how we behave, think, and feel, even if we don’t realize it.

Taking care of mental health is just as important as taking care of physical health. That may seem like a tall request, though, especially if you consistently manage mental health symptoms.

But, did you know that something as simple (yet prevalent) as color can impact your mood and, by extension, your mental health?

Experimenting with colors is a fantastic and easy way to express yourself, change the physical appearance of your home, or encourage a specific emotional response from either yourself or from your family and friends.

You can combine colors with design choices to boost the look of your space - even something as simple as redecorating can create a much more inviting, calming atmosphere. 

Of course, as wonderful as color can be, it doesn’t necessarily replace the advice and guidance of a mental health professional. Color psychology and therapy are both present even in professional treatment, so if they’re something you’re interested in, it’s always beneficial to reach out for assistance.

What is color psychology?

Color psychology involves understanding how different colors can impact people in different ways.  

For instance, have you ever noticed that certain rooms - particularly those with cooler color schemes - tend to make you feel more at peace? Color psychology seeks to answer these sorts of questions and help you understand how colors impact your overall mood.

Although each color is typically associated with an emotion, people have various interpretations that may alter the meaning of a color. 

Red, for instance, may symbolize anger to some, but for others, it can provoke positive memories or light up a space. 

How Color Impacts Everyday Life

Color surrounds us, both in the natural world and in our homes. Deliberately seeking out those that make us feel the best can significantly impact our livelihood.

Color therapy in particular associates color with a person’s emotions. These colors are typically broken down into two main categories: warm and cool. 

Warm Colors

Red

For most, red is a passionate color. It can provoke intense emotions, including anger, but it can also command an individual’s attention and increase focus. 

For instance, when writing, highlighting a phrase or section in red can very easily and successfully direct a reader’s attention to that area. It can also communicate urgency, caution, or act as a warning.

Orange

If you want to feel refreshed and creative, orange is the color for you! Many individuals tend to feel adventurous, excited, or energized when exposed to orange in some way.

Since orange often relates to or inspires images of citrus fruits, people typically think of the color as a symbol of rejuvenation, which makes them feel safe and secure.

Additionally, orange’s association with food could also make you feel a little hungry. Thus, many restaurants utilize orange as part of their marketing initiatives. 

Yellow

Representing happiness, clarity, and energy, yellow can help a person feel happier even if something is bothering them. 

Children’s advertisements frequently use yellow to grab the attention of their audience because of its bright aesthetic.

Much like red, too much yellow can lead to negative effects. These sorts of colors can feel more intensely stimulating, and constant exposure to them may have the potential to make some individuals feel on edge.

Cool Colors

Blue

Blue is associated with feelings of serenity, peace, and contentment. Many things that are blue in the natural world - the sky, water, etc. - are also related to these feelings, so it makes sense that the color itself may carry this connotation.

Unlike red and similar colors, blue is predominantly calming. Many individuals find that using blue in bedrooms, bathrooms, or other spaces in the home creates a comfortable atmosphere. 

Blue can also help combat stressful situations. Try creating a study or work space that incorporates blue in some way - you may be surprised by just how much it can change the “feel” of the area!

Green

The color green is commonly associated with nature and money. Green can symbolize life and vitality, which ties back to nature, but it also commonly relates to personal growth (including financial stability). 

By surrounding yourself with green, you may feel more in touch with the world around you and, as a result, more at peace or focused. Green out in the natural world from plants and scenery can also be incredibly calming; even something as typical as taking a walk outdoors can be refreshing.

Different shades of the green can promote various levels of serenity. These sorts of emotions can promote reflection, which can certainly help you better understand and manage stress or other similar emotions.

Purple

The color purple typically helps promote feelings of wisdom, luxury, and creativity. Purple also stands out from other colors by being unique to look at. 

When a person sees a rainbow, oftentimes, their eyes are drawn to the purple or violet bands of light. It’s an inviting color that emits feelings of coziness and relaxation. 

Interestingly, purple is a mixture of red and blue, thus the color combines the intense feelings of red with the serenity of blue, resulting in a color that helps encourage creativity while also having a sense of mystery. 

Conclusion

Color psychology seeks to understand color itself and how it uniquely impacts the mind. By purposefully incorporating certain color schemes into your life, whether in your home or by exposing yourself to nature, you can manage or inspire specific emotions. 

Since people’s perceptions of colors differ depending on their upbringing or personal experiences, your personal associations with color may be different than what’s been outlined in this guide.

Experimenting is often the best way to find out what works for you and what tends to produce the best results. 

Color therapy or color exposure is perhaps one of the easiest and most accessible ways to begin impacting your mental health for the better. 

Different colors can have different effects on the way you feel, the decisions you make, and the ways in which you interact with others, both consciously and subconsciously. You might think about these things more consciously when you are designing a home or painting your nails. Your color choices can inherently reflect the way you want to feel inside. 

In order to make significant progress with your mental health, you may want to get support from professionals at MyTherapist, but for a short-term mental health boost, consider your color scheme! 

In this article, we will review some of the main colors you may encounter on a daily basis and what effects they could have on your mood. 

Keep in mind that some people may see certain shades of colors differently than others, but we will be discussing how the majority of people respond consciously and subconsciously to the colors listed below, as well as how to implement color change into your daily life. 

10 Colors and the General Associated Emotional Responses

1. Blue: Blue is often viewed as a color of serenity. Perhaps it evokes memories of the water or sky, and can therefore be a calming color. It is known for being trustworthy, dependable, intelligent, and professional. It is a favorite color for many, which makes it feel universally peaceful and promotes security. 

2. Red: A fiery color (literally), red is frequently seen as exciting, passionate, and bold. In some cases, it might evoke feelings of danger and anger, and in other cases, it might represent love and desire. Oddly enough, red is known to make you feel hungry. It can be a slightly more divisive color because of its boldness.       

3. Green: For many people, green is automatically associated with the Earth. It might make you think of grass and trees, which makes you think of growth, balance, and freshness. Green can also remind people of money, and be a representation of greed or abundance. Health and wealth are the two best words to describe the presence of green.

4. Yellow: Like the sun, yellow is frequently seen as a bright, cheery color that can cause you to feel happy and enlightened. It can be an optimistic color and one that makes you feel warm. That said, some people find yellow overwhelming or too bold for their taste. For some, the brightness is better admired from afar, or in small doses.

5. Orange: Orange, like yellow and red, is a brighter color that can inspire feelings of warmth. The vibrancy and playfulness of orange will often grab attention and can encourage enthusiasm. 

6. Purple: Historically, purple has been associated with royalty. For that reason, purple might feel like the color of importance. Whether individually or spiritually, purple can feel like an upscale color that represents empowered creative thinking.   

7. Pink: Pink might feel feminine and childish to some, but pink is a powerful color that demands attention. It can instill a sense of confidence or cheeriness, while also feeling soft and inviting. 

8. White: White is often seen as a color associated with cleanliness and organization. People who value simplicity and minimalism appreciate white for its purity and innocence. 

9. Black: Black has many positive connotations. It can be seen as elegant, classy, and powerful. It might inspire feelings of being protected and well-respected. Others may find black to be depressing or claustrophobic and can be another color best utilized in small doses (like furniture, rather than wall paint).   

10. Brown: Similarly to green, the color brown is often associated with Earth. It is appreciated for its ability to make you feel more grounded and is often thought of in terms of longevity and simplicity. 

Color Schemes to Go For

While these colors are all described in terms of their positive associations, each color also has its own negative associations. If any particular color does not resonate well with you, that is up for you to decide. 

Otherwise, here are a few color schemes to try in order to boost your mental health.

• White + Tan + Orange
• Green + Orange + Yellow
• Blue + Tan + White
• Blues + Yellows
• Green + Purple + Brown
• Gray + Pink + Cream
• Red + White + Gray + Gold
• Back + Green + Gold
• Pink + Red + White
• Blue + Orange + Brown

Whether you choose to implement these as accents for a color scheme in your bedroom, living room, wardrobe, or artwork, the combination of these color schemes could present positive associations from each color and therefore boost your mental health. 

Where to Implement These Colors

If you are designing a home, you might be considering how to implement these color schemes in the house. For some, aiming for a cleaner color scheme might mean that they include a lot of white in their home; perhaps that means painting the walls white or selecting white accents. 

A room that includes colors such as navy, purple, brown, and maroon might feel quite studious. For that reason, those colors can be well suited for a solid work-from-home atmosphere. 

For those who get their creative juices flowing, a combination of brighter colors might work well for your living room or personal space.

If you are considering how to implement these color schemes on your person, look no further. The color scheme for your wardrobe or nails can have a direct effect on how you see yourself and how others see you. 

For example, there is a personality trait of black, such as if you wear a lot of blacks, you might enjoy being perceived as serious, knowledgeable, and classy. If you wear a lot of yellow, you might enjoy being perceived as being happy, bright, and confident. 

Our color choices are intentional, whether we realize it or not. The good news is you can always switch it up. Do not tell yourself that there is a color that you cannot wear! There is a shade of every color that will compliment you well. 

More importantly, find color schemes that make you feel good. Colors are our friends, and we can use them accordingly to boost our mental health on a daily basis. 

When you are thinking about taking advantage of therapy for your mental health, there are many techniques and options that a professional therapist may recommend. For example, depending on your symptoms, there are a number of ways that a doctor will use to treat depression. One popular type of therapy utilized for depression is cognitive therapy.

What Is Cognitive Therapy?

When you hear the term cognitive therapy, this refers to a type of therapy that is used to treat certain mental disorders. You may also hear it referred to as CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy. It works by addressing thoughts and moods and attempting to change them. When you work with a therapist, they may be able to help you change how you think and act in certain situations. Here are some facts about this type of therapy that you may be interested in.

• This therapy was developed in the 1960s. A psychiatrist name Aaron Beck tested a way to help people think differently. His aim was to change the patient’s thoughts that they normally internalize without thinking about it.

• Cognitive therapy is effective in person or online. The principles that are addressed during therapy are able to be utilized whether you are meeting with a therapist in person or if you opted for an online therapy resource. Either way, it may be able to make a difference for your mental health.

• Many therapists use this type of therapy. This is a therapy that is quite popular. There are likely many psychiatrists in your area who will be able to utilize this therapy if you need it.

• It can be used for numerous mental health issues. This therapy can be beneficial for people that experience a number of mood disorders including, depression, PTSD, OCD, and anxiety.

• There are many books and articles on the subject. There is a wealth of information about this type of therapy, which you can look into if you want to. You may want to look at books on it or complete an internet search to find out additional details.

• May require homework. There may be times throughout your treatment where you are asked to do assignments at home. It is important to follow through with these, so you have the best chance at making a change.

• It is considered a short-term therapy solution. In many cases, cognitive therapy is only utilized for 20 sessions or less. This is something to consider if you want to talk to your psychotherapist about this type of therapy.

What To Expect

When you are utilizing cognitive therapy, there a couple of things you can expect as you go through your treatment. One is that after a few sessions, you may see some of your symptoms lessen or disappear. If you use a journal to check your symptoms, you may be able to detect a difference through the process of cognitive therapy.

Another thing to expect is that your therapist can choose to use this treatment with or without the use of prescriptions. This is a subject you should discuss with your doctor, and you can decide together whether medicines are something that you would like to try. Keep in mind that with all types of prescription pills, there is a chance that you will see side effects. This is something else that you may want to record in a journal, so you will be able to note differences as they come up.

There are likely many psychiatrists in your area who will be able to utilize this therapy if you need it. You can also find cognitive behavioral therapists through online platforms like BetterHelp.

Overall, taking advantage of cognitive therapy can be a positive thing for your mental health. Be sure to listen to your therapist and put an adequate amount of time and energy into it, and you should have the best chance to see results.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

When you are looking for the right therapist, it can be difficult to find one that you want to work with. However, there are a few things you can do, in order to find someone that you feel comfortable working with, so you can get the most out of your therapy. Here are some tips to follow.

• Check within your insurance plan. If you have health insurance, the first thing you should do is to find out which doctors you can go to and be covered. You may also want to check out exactly what the specifics are when it comes to mental health and your healthcare coverage.

• Ask around. When you are certain that friends and family members have worked with psychiatrists in the past, you may want to ask them if they have any recommendations. They might be able to tell you about issues they had with certain therapists or positive experiences that they have had as well.

• Look into professionals in your area. Another method to employ when searching for a therapist is to research what doctors are available in your area. You can do a simple online query to find out what therapists are nearby, what their specialties are, and other specifics to give you an understanding of if they will be able to help you. Alberta residents who survived accidents or abuse look for a Calgary therapist for trauma who will provide a safe and empathetic environment for healing. These professionals specialize in evidence-based approaches to help individuals process their experiences and rebuild their lives with resilience and confidence.

• Consider online options. You may not be aware that there are numerous resources available when it comes to online counseling. In many cases, this is a less expensive option versus face-to-face therapy. This can be more feasible if you are not covered by insurance. Online therapy allows you to interact with a counselor when it is convenient for you, through text, chat, video calling, or other ways, depending on the company. If you are unable to leave your home or don’t have many therapists in your area, this may be a good option for you to investigate.

• Trial and error. Sometimes you will need to meet with a therapist to find out if you like them. If you have a session and feel comfortable, they may be the therapist for you. If you don’t feel like you can trust them, you may need to keep looking. This is another great aspect of online therapy. With many resources, you are able to switch counselors any time you want to, so you can find one that is a good match. This may also be possible with traditional therapy, but you will need to ask questions ahead of time to know for sure.

• Be Honest. There are many reasons that someone may seek out therapy. If you are serious about therapy, you need to make sure that you do everything you can to find a doctor that you want to work with. If you are rejecting every therapist you see, you may need to reevaluate whether you will be able to follow through with your therapy goals. Once you determine you are, it may take a while to find a therapist that you like. Hang in there and keep trying until you find one that you are sure you can work with. There is plenty of help out there for you.

Overview

When you are looking for a therapist to help you work through issues you are facing, you want to be sure that you find one that you can work with. This may take a bit of work, but it is worth it, since the right counselor can make a big difference in your life. Follow these tips to have a better chance at finding the therapist for you.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

Once you take the proper steps to seek therapy, whether your sessions are in-person or online, there are ways that you can make the most of it. After all, you don’t want to be going to therapy if it isn’t doing you any good. Here is a list of things that you can try, in order to get the most out of seeing your therapist.

Find A Therapist You Like

While it may be difficult to accomplish, do your best to find a therapist that you like. If you meet with someone you don’t like, feel free to keep searching until you find someone that is easy to talk to. Even if you are utilizing online therapy this is important, and some companies allow you to change your therapist as many times as you need to, without incurring any additional fees. Once you have found a professional that you trust and are willing to talk to, you are well on your way to getting the most out of your sessions.

Determine Your Goal

Another thing that you should do is be honest with yourself about what you want to accomplish with your therapy. Once you have a goal in mind, you can take all the steps on the way to achieving that goal. You will also be able to discuss your endgame with your therapist, so they can assist you in meeting your objective as well. Additionally, they will be able to tell you if your goal is suitable, or needs to be adjusted.

Consider All Forms of Therapy

Group therapy, virtual therapy, and other forms of treatment are available if you feel like traditional one-on-one sessions aren’t working for you. If your issues include medical conditions such as PTSD or a mental health disorder, consider supplementing your regular sessions with ketamine therapy or other alternative treatments. This can help you overcome obstacles and improve your overall well-being. Keep an open mind and discuss all options with your therapist. There are many things you can do to get the most out of therapy, even when taking advantage of free online therapy sessions.

Put In Effort

As you continue to work with your counselor, it is important to do what they say. If they offer certain suggestions or ask you to do homework, complete these tasks. When you don’t listen to what your therapist tells you, this may be counterproductive. Remember that you opted to get mental health support because you thought that something needed to change or be addressed in your life, so it is necessary to do the work to change these things.

Journal Your Thoughts

Writing down your thoughts can also be something that can help. Not only will this allow you to get your feelings down on paper, but this will also give you topics to discuss with your therapist. If something is bothering you, simply jot down a few notes, so you are able to address them in the next session. Besides that, your therapist may ask you to write certain things down and to share with them.

Check Out Non-directive Therapy

A nondirective therapy approach may be what you are seeking when you start to work with a psychiatrist. With this type of therapy, you are in charge of how the sessions go. Your therapist will allow you to talk about whatever you need to talk about and won’t interrupt unless they have something to add or a suggestion. There are many finer points that go along with this type of therapy as well.

Be Honest

You need to make sure that you are honest in every session. You are unlikely to see a benefit from therapy if you are not being open and honest about how you feel, what you want to work on, and your experiences. You may have a difficult time talking about traumatic events or instances that leave you feeling quite emotional, but keep in mind that these occurrences are precisely why you opted to attend therapy. You likely wanted to feel better about these things and need help to do so. Allow your therapist to lend a hand with these concerns, so you have the best chance at changing your feelings and behaviors.

Overview

There are many things you can do to get the most out of therapy. Overall, you should be sure to put in some effort and be open and honest with your therapist. If you don’t like the one you see, you should keep looking until you find one that you feel you can talk to about anything. With these tips you can get the most out of therapy, and you can also be sure that you are properly investing in your mental health.

Chances are that you have plenty of gadgets in your home. Some may help you with your chores, while others are strictly for entertainment. Have you ever considered using some of your high-tech gear to take advantage of online therapy? Here’s a look at online therapy, to see if these sites are worth your time.

Are All Therapy Websites The Same?

If you have never utilized therapy or reached out for mental health support, you may be wondering are therapy websites a scam? The truth is that there is no way to know for sure if all the online sites that promise therapy online are legit or not. There may be some sites that aren’t as above board as others are. However, there are some things you can look into by doing a little research, which can help you determine if they are real or not. Keep in mind that some online therapy sites and apps like BetterHelp are legitimate, and you can get effective treatment when you use them. Check into these details to learn more about the sites you are interested in.

• Investigate information about the counselors or therapists they employ. An above-board site will tell you about the qualifications that their therapists have or how they are selected. If they don’t specify any certifications or anything like that, stay clear of the site you are looking at.

• Read about their payment policies. If they are vague about the amount they charge, what services you get for your money, or there is no information about how you will be billed, this is a red flag.

• Check for medical stamps or banners on their pages. Usually, a legitimate site will have special links or badges that lead back to medical organizations.

• Read about their specialties, to see what conditions they can help with. If these seem too good to be true, they likely are. Not all mental health conditions can be addressed in an online setting.

• Look at any reviews that they have available on their page. When companies don’t shy away from placing reviews on their page, this is a good sign. However, when all the reviews seem similarly worded or you feel like they might be fake, you should listen to your intuition.

• Complete a few internet searches to see what others are saying about the site. Sometimes when you do an internet search for a company, you will see information about other people’s experience with the site. Read through any of these you see and make your best judgement.

Ways Online Therapy Can Help You

In the 21^st century, many aspects of life are digital. You may do most of your shopping online, work remotely from home, and even video chat with your family members when you are unable to visit with them. This is why online therapy can be effective in your life. Utilizing online therapy options allows for you to get help in a setting that you are comfortable with and in a way that feels right to you. Some apps let you chat, email, text, and video call, or a mixture of these.

When you are able to use your phone to interact with a therapist, it can be as private as possible. No one has to know that you are going to therapy, and you are able to work with a counselor at times that fit into your schedule. The fees pertaining to online therapy are affordable, especially when you compare them to traditional forms of therapy.

Another positive aspect of online therapy services is that it allows therapy to be available, regardless of where you live. If you have an internet connection or a cell phone, you will be able to work with an online therapist, even in places where there are no psychiatrists in the area. This allows people to have access to mental health help that they may have never had before.

The Takeaway

When you are looking into online therapy, you should know that it is not a scam, but there may be websites that are not legitimate. Do your due diligence to find one that you want to work with and check out their website and credentials. You can also check for them on social media sites, to read about how they interact with their followers. This can give you a good idea if they are a company you want to trust for your therapy.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

Anytime you are considering making a positive change for your overall health, you should also think about addressing your mental health as well. Mental health is something that is not always considered a priority, but in reality, it can affect a number of aspects of your life. This is why you should keep an eye on your mental health. Here are some ways to do just that. When you work towards the things on this list, you may feel that you are happier and more relaxed, which is good for your wellness and your mental health.

1. Do things you enjoy. You need to do everything you can to make sure that you are having fun sometimes. If you spend a lot of time at work, school, or taking care of your family, it might be hard to find the time to do an activity that is entertaining for you. However, you can do something as simple as going for a walk or spending some time outside, and it can make a difference in your mood.
2. Look into therapy when you’re ready. Once you are ready to reach out for mental health support, you should do so. There are many types of therapies that can be beneficial in your life, depending on the reason why you want to meet with a counselor. For example, cbt therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy, is designed to help you change how you think and act in certain situations, and can also help you lower your anxiety and stress.   You can visit www.betterhelp.com/mental-health/ for resources on mental health and more. If you find yourself in immediate need of assistance, a crisis stabilization facility can provide urgent care and support. These facilities are equipped to handle various mental health emergencies, offering a safe space and professional help when you need it most.
3. Get some sleep. If you are not getting enough sleep, you need to do your best to start getting the proper amount. An adult should get between 6 and 8 hours of sleep at night. The best way to do this is to give yourself a strict bedtime, much like you would a child. Then make yourself stick to it and see if you are able to get the sleep that you need.
4. Address your stress levels. When your stress levels are high, you should do what you can to figure out why this is the case. If you have too many things on your plate, you may need to get someone to help you complete some of these tasks. If you are stressed out because of things happening in your life, this may be something to discuss with your therapist. You can also try other techniques to help you relax like a hot bath, a massage, or meditation. It can be helpful to ask people that you know how they relax, and they may be able to offer you additional ideas.
5. Exercise regularly. Exercising regularly can also be good for your mental health. When you get moving, your body is able to burn off excess energy and you may find that you are better able to process your thoughts and work through issues that were bothering you. Exercising even a couple hours a week may be enough to make a difference. Another option is to go on an adventure in yoga retreats in the UK and participate in the yoga sessions. It will help your mental and physical health. Moreover, take benefit and enjoy the calming and the fresh air that comes from nature.
6. Maintain a healthy diet. Eating right can provide you with many of the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy and this includes your mental health. Eat a balanced diet and keep your guilty pleasure foods at a minimum. You can also think about learning how to cook some of your favorite dishes, so you will be able to make them healthier, instead of ordering them from a restaurant.
7. Don’t isolate yourself. There are times when you may feel like you want to be alone or you don’t want to talk to anyone. This is okay but you should also do your best not to isolate yourself. Take the time to talk to people you care about and visit with them when you are able to, so you can keep up with your most important relationships. This can also keep your support system intact.
8. Visit your doctor. You should also have yourself checked out by your doctor. Once you meet with them, you can be sure that you are in good health and aren’t experiencing any physical ailments. If you are, you should be sure to get any treatments that are recommended.
9. Keep at it. When you are having bad days, be sure to stick with it. At times, you may have hard times or encounter stressful situations, but these will pass. Once you follow the other tips in this list, you should be able to stay on track. Take a few minutes to slow down and relax when you need to and call your therapist if you need more assistance.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

Mental health is incredibly important to our overall well being. It is an often-under discussed topic. Despite this, it has an impact on the lives of so many people across the world. In fact, in the USA alone, over 50 million people struggle with some sort of mental health issue or illness. These range from mild cases, to those that are incredibly severe.

While many people will attempt to deal with their mental health problems on their own, this isn’t always the best idea. There are resources and professionals that can help, but many will, unfortunately, come with a steady cost. That is, unless you have the right health insurance plan.

If you are looking for a health plan and suffer from mental health issues, be sure to find a plan that can offer assistance. But just how will a health insurance plan help treat mental health? Well, that is exactly what this article is going to examine a little more closely.

Without any further ado, let’s go over a few ways that health insurance can help treat mental health.

By Helping You Save Money

The first way that having health insurance can help treat mental health issues is that they can help make everything less expensive. One of the biggest reasons many people will avoid treating their mental health issues comes down to not being able to afford it out of pocket. For example, a single session of therapy can often cost well over $100 if you are paying for it on your own. This is simply too much for many people to comfortably afford on their own.

Also, many people are simply not aware that many health insurance plans will cover essential mental health services. While this health insurance will come with its own costs, these costs will generally be much more affordable than having to pay for things like therapy and medication out of pocket.

If you cannot afford health insurance, have been denied coverage, or don’t have it for another reason, there may be other solutions in place to help control the costs. These can vary on a number of factors, such as where you live, so be sure to do some research. A simple search of “mental health services” and your state should be a good way to get pointed in the right direction.

By Getting You Connected With the Right People and Programs

In addition to saving you money, having health insurance can help connect you with the right people and programs, to get the assistance you need. Many of these insurance companies will have helpful resources, outlining the services they provide and how you can get more information. This can help you choose the right therapist or the right program that you’d like to join.

Choosing the right therapist or psychologist to work with can be a huge factor in the success or failure of your therapy. You want to work with someone who is educated, experienced, and someone that you feel comfortable being completely honest with.

When you decide which specialists to see, be sure to know whether your plan allows you to visit out-of-network providers. If not, in order to receive the lowest costs, you will need to visit a therapist or professional who works with the insurance company and is in their network.

By Getting You the Medication You Need

A health insurance plan can also help by getting the medication and prescriptions you need. Some mental health issues can be dealt with without the need for medication, but this isn’t always the case. People may require antidepressants, anti-anxiety medication, mood stabilizers, and a variety of other options to treat their illness and control their symptoms.

Unfortunately, many medications are quite expensive to purchase, which is why health insurance is a good idea. It can give you affordable access to the prescriptions you need and can get you in touch with those who can prescribe them and work with you to improve your situation.

Every Plan is Different

So while there are many different ways that health insurance can help treat mental health issues, it is important to be aware that every plan is different. Just because someone has things like therapy or anti-anxiety medication covered by their insurance plan, doesn’t mean you will.

You need to go through the details of your plan with a fine-toothed comb to make sure that your plan includes the type of mental health services that you want to use. However, if you have purchased your plan from the marketplace, it is required to cover essential services, which mental health assistance is included in.

If you cannot find the details of your plan online or in your records, don’t hesitate to reach out to the insurance company themselves, to ensure you are aware of what is included and covered.

In conclusion, we hope that this article has been able to help you learn just how health insurance can help treat mental health issues.

Guest post by: 

Ashley Lipman