Become a ClientCareers

Blog

Looking For Happiness

Looking For Happiness?

Ryan Scott
, , ,

Pull out your map, the quest to finding happiness starts today.

Know Something Positive is Waiting For You

What’s around the corner is a mystery.

If you want to be happy, you have to remind yourself that something positive is waiting for you.

You can either wait for that corner to show up, or go out and find it!

Surround Yourself with Happy People

Happiness is contagious!

Whether you realize it or not, the people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your mindset and overall happiness.

When was the last time you spent the afternoon with a positive and upbeat friend? It may be time to give them a call.

Remember Positive Memories

You wouldn’t be the person you are today without overcoming all those obstacles. You know which ones!

Sure, going through the situation may not have been fun at the time.

But think back to how you felt when you finally overcame it. Pretty proud right?

Overcoming challenges builds resiliency, increases confidence, and can change your life for the better.

Come on, let’s take a stroll down memory lane.

Read Morechevron_right
Most People With Social Anxiety Crave These Things

Most People With Social Anxiety Crave These Things

Ryan Scott
, ,

Just because you have social anxiety, doesn’t mean you don’t crave connection, growth, or confidence. Sound interesting? All you have to do is keep on reading.

Connection

Relationships are such an important part of life. They give us meaning, a sense of security and happiness.

It’s completely normal to feel uncomfortable when trying to meet new people. But the more you practice, the easier it’ll become.

Growth

Personal growth is the recipe to a better and happier you. By reading this article, you’re already one step in the right direction.

Confidence

Confidence isn’t something that develops overnight. It takes time, dedication and bravery.

Those of us with social anxiety, often want to appear confident in social situations.

Every single social interaction is the perfect opportunity to practice.

Make small talk with your sales associate. Ask a stranger for directions. Practice makes perfect.

Read Morechevron_right

Here’s Why Trees Make Us Happy

Ryan Scott
, ,

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to de-stress, try spending more time in nature surrounded by trees. It can be very therapeutic.

Trees Improve Your Health

It’s about time to add trees to your gratitude list.

Not only do they release oxygen, but they also have the power to improve your health.

Studies show that spending time in forests can improve our immune system and heart health.

An apple (and a tree) a day keeps the doctor away.

Trees Make Us More Generous and Trusting

Think this sounds too good to be true? Well, just listen to this experiment.

One group of university students were instructed to look at a building for one minute.

While the other group of students were asked to look at a group of eucalyptus trees for one minute.

The group who studied the trees felt awe and a sense of wonder.

I think we can all agree, that was a minute well spent.

No Act Is Too Small

Being around trees isn’t an all or nothing activity.

So, camping or hiking may not be for you – and that’s okay!

Visit the park over lunch. Look out the window throughout the day. Plant a tree in your yard.

Read Morechevron_right
The Secrets to Successfully Developing Your Child's Confidence

The Secrets to Successfully Developing Your Child’s Confidence

Ryan Scott
, ,

As a parent, of course, you want your kids to be confident.

The thing is, getting started can be a little tricky. There’s no set in stone rule book. However, there are quite a few techniques that can work wonders on your child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Help Them Say Goodbye to Self Judgment

Sometimes once a negative thought enters our mind, we just can’t seem to part ways with it.

Sound familiar? No need to worry.

This is where mindfulness comes into the picture.

Mindfulness is all about focusing on the present moment.

Think your child is too young to practice mindfulness?

Think again…

Studies show that preschool aged children who practice mindfulness have decreased stress levels.

Compassion

Did you know kids as young as 3 years old can feel compassion?

Yup, it’s true.

The world is their classroom.

Your kids look up to you. Your everyday words and actions impact them more than you may think. One of the best ways to teach them compassion it to show it to them regularly.

It’s officially time to say goodbye to the question “Am I good enough?”

Read Morechevron_right
Am I Hungry

Our next 12 week Fall group is starting soon!

Ryan Scott

Emotional and Binge Eating Group

Dates: August 27th – November 26th, Tuesdays 12pm-1:30pm & 6-7:30pm (two separate classes)

Are you:

Tired of trying to control your thoughts about food and eating?

Unhappy with binges, yoyo dieting, negative self talk and self loathing?

Struggling with stress, anxiety or boredom and trying to quiet it with food?

Ready to heal yourself from the INSIDE out and feel confident?

Wanting to think differently and overcome sabotaging thoughts?

If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then the Am I Hungry? (AIH) group is for you.

AIH is a data driven, mindful approach to eliminate the pain of constant dieting, self loathing and binge or emotional eating.

The comprehensive Am I Hungry?® Mindful Eating for Binge Eating Program is a clinically proven treatment that has been shown to stop binge and emotional eating.

The group is led by Laurene Larson, LPC, a certified AIH Therapist. Laurene is enthusiastic about the group approach to redefining one’s relationship to food and building a healthy and positive self concept. Laurene is a published writer in the area of body acceptance, emotional eating and in diagnosing and treating Binge Eating Disorder. She is an expert on CBT, and implements both CBT and DBT into her work with the AIH groups at Vista.

Read Morechevron_right
How To Make Your Kids Feel Loved

How To Make Your Kids Feel Loved

Ryan Scott

Here are some warm and nurturing messages worth repeating to help your children feel loved.

Kids Just Want To Be Loved

Kids want to know their parents love them no matter what.

Don’t be afraid to remind and show them just how loved they are. Even if they change. Even if they make a mistake – the love isn’t going anywhere.

How To Express Emotions

The only way babies can communicate that something is wrong is by crying.

Once your kids get old enough, you as a parent have to teach them alternative ways to express their emotions.

Be Open & Honest

It’s normal for kids to feel alone and confused. Like no one understands what they’re going through on a daily basis.

Everybody has feelings.

You know that.

But your kids may not.

Books, movies and open conversations are all great ways to teach them about emotional problem-solving.

Conversations

Life is full of challenges, and it’s important your kids understand that.

Share your experiences and let them know you’ve been there.

Mistakes aren’t the enemy, but a learning opportunity.

Read Morechevron_right
It’s Okay To Spend Time Alone If You Want!

It’s Okay To Spend Time Alone If You Want!

Ryan Scott

Does spending time alone give you an energy boost? Do you ever feel uncomfortable around others? If so, keep on reading.

A Few Reasons People Like Spending Time Alone

1) It sparks creativity.

2) Being around others makes them anxious.

3) Alone time can increase energy levels.

Can you relate?

Wanting to Spend Time Alone is Normal

Just because you like spending time alone doesn’t mean you lack social skills. It’s just the way your brain is wired.

Some of us work better independently and need a substantial amount of alone time to recharge.

Keep in mind, too much of anything isn’t good. Life is all about balance. But at the same time, you have to listen to your gut.

If you know you need at least 30 – 60 minutes a day of alone time, try waking up a bit earlier or spend half of your lunch hour alone. It’s all about doing what’s best for you.

Read Morechevron_right
How Walking Can Change Your Life

How Walking Can Change Your Life

Ryan Scott
,

Still can’t decide if you should buy that treadmill? The answer is yes.

We get it. Simply thinking about exercise can be overwhelming. Carving out even 8 minutes a day to walk can help prevent future mobility issues.

Set Reasonable Goals

You know what happens when we set unrealistic goals such as jogging one hour a day? Exactly – it overwhelms us, so the task almost never gets done.

Don’t get us wrong. Jogging an hour a day is a great long term goal. But don’t forget, you have to walk before you can run.

Research

The Feinberg School of Medicine recommends 56 minutes of moderate activity a week.

That number may scare you a bit. But there’s no need to worry. All you need to do is break that number down. Exercising eight minutes a day sounds much easier than 56 minutes a week – don’t you think?

This new lifestyle may take some time to get used to. Trust us when we say it’ll be worth it in the long run. (no pun intended)

Read Morechevron_right

How To Help Kids With Autism Symptoms Succeed In Sports

Ryan Scott
, ,

Calling all coaches! Wondering how you can encourage students with autism to participate in physical activity? Keep on reading…

The Right Environment is Key

Children with ASD symptoms need to feel comfortable in their surroundings. If you’re not sure how to go about that, try and get them familiar with the equipment. Explain how the equipment works and why you love it. You can even go the extra mile and incorporate visual cards. Sometimes kids with ASD symptoms respond better to visuals than words.

Use Specific Instructions

Don’t be afraid to go into detail. Here’s an example. You can either say…

“Okay, time to dribble kids”

Or

“Bounce the ball up and down 15 times.”

Being specific will give them a clear vision of the final goal.

You Can Do It

Physical activity can help children on the spectrum with their confidence, social skills, and overall well being.

Now, the coaching process may be different than what you’re used to.

But by following these techniques, you can completely transform their physical education experience.

Read Morechevron_right

Giving Never Gets Old

Ryan Scott
,

Sure, purchasing something nice for yourself can feel good in the moment. However, as time goes on that feeling will fade. Studies show that spending money on someone else can significantly increase your mood and overall happiness. Here’s why…

Special Occasions

Think about it. Doing something outside your routine is exciting because it’s new. Going out for dinner every night may make you happy for a week or two. But, it’s only a matter of time until eating out becomes apart of your routine or even boring.

What Happens When You Treat Someone Else

There was a fascinating study done recently all about giving.Here’s a rundown. All participants got $25 to spend. Half the group was instructed to buy something for themselves. While the other half were told to spend the money on somebody else.

Want to guess which group experienced happiness longer?

Read Morechevron_right
Guided Sleep Meditation

Guided Sleep Meditation For Beginners

Ryan Scott

When we feel stressed or anxious, falling asleep isn’t exactly easy.

Guided sleep meditations are a great resource to take advantage of if you have trouble sleeping.

Why Sleep Meditation

Mediation is all about getting out of your head and appreciating the present moment.

No need to worry about that embarrassing thing you said 7 years ago. No need to worry about that big presentation at work tomorrow.

All you have to do is relax your body and slow down your mind.

Breathing Exercises

You may not know this, but there are right and wrong ways to breathe.

If done wrong, your breathing can actually make you more anxious.

A great hack is to slowly count as you breathe.

Visualize

Visualizing you’re at the beach, is almost as relaxing as the real thing.

Close your eyes. Image the waves hitting the shore or the sand between your toes.

Sweet dreams.

Read Morechevron_right
Helping Your Friend Through Anxiety

Helping Your Friend Through Anxiety

Ryan Scott
,

Have someone in your life who suffers from anxiety? If so, check out the link below for seven ways you can help them get through it.

Offer Support: Sometimes, all we need is someone to listen to us. Have you ever had a bad day? Trick question! We all have. In life there will be those situations where you just don’t know what to say. What you can do is listen!

Encourage Them To Challenge Their Thoughts: Those with anxiety, often struggle with black and white thinking.

Here are a few questions you can ask that may help switch their mindset.

1) What’s the worst that can happen?

2) How likely is that outcome?

3) How can we turn this negative into a positive?

Ask Them What They Need: Everyone has different ways of coping with anxiety. You’re not a mind reader.You may not know what someone else needs unless you ask. The answer may surprise you.

Read Morechevron_right