#and deserve a therapeutic environment in which they can cultivate a healthy sense of self

[bonni]

I. already kind of regret choosing to write a huge paper about play therapy as an alternative to ABA. almost all of the research I have found into play therapy treatment has presented it as something that should be provided in addition to ABA for supposed behavioral benefits, which is fucking asinine. the number one goal of child-centered play therapy is to cultivate an environment of self acceptance, and ABA is completely antithetical to that. if I have to read one more fucking article that talks about how play therapy did or didn't have an impact on the amount of eye-contact a child made at home as if anyone should give a shit about that I'm going to kill us all with hammers

#chatter #don't get me wrong though i have a LOT of material for a paper #i'm really going to tear into these studies and explore the hypocrisy of combining these two therapy types #& present child-centered play therapy as something that should be explored bc of the fact that children with autism are often ostracized #and deserve a therapeutic environment in which they can cultivate a healthy sense of self #and at least half of this paper is going to tackle medical abuse and the autism industrial complex #i'm still excited to go off i just. ggghdg i hate psychiatry so much i hate academia i hate medical research fuck all of this

[vitaae-avis]

Mental Health Matters: Strategies for a Balanced Mind

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to overlook the importance of mental health. Just like physical health, mental well-being is vital for leading a fulfilling life. The stresses and challenges of daily life can take a toll on our mental state, but there are strategies and practices we can adopt to promote a balanced mind and emotional resilience. In this article, we will explore several effective strategies for maintaining and improving mental health.

Prioritize Self-Care

Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity for mental well-being. Dedicate time each day to do something that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. It could be as simple as reading a book, taking a bath, or practicing mindfulness meditation. Prioritizing self-care helps reduce stress and promotes mental clarity.

Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation techniques can help you stay present and reduce anxiety. These practices involve focusing your attention on the present moment, which can be incredibly calming. Even just a few minutes of daily meditation can have a profound impact on your mental health.

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity is not only beneficial for your body but also for your mind. Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Regular exercise has been linked to reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Find an activity you enjoy, whether it's walking, dancing, or yoga, and make it a part of your routine.

Cultivate Healthy Relationships

Positive social connections are essential for good mental health. Surround yourself with people who uplift and support you. Make an effort to maintain and nurture your relationships. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with friends and loved ones can provide valuable emotional support. Discover more

Set Realistic Goals

Setting and achieving goals can boost your self-esteem and provide a sense of purpose. However, it's important to set goals that are realistic and attainable. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable steps, and celebrate your achievements along the way.

Limit Stressors

Identify sources of stress in your life and take steps to minimize or manage them. This might involve time management techniques, learning to say no when necessary, or seeking professional help if stress becomes overwhelming.

Get Quality Sleep

Quality sleep is crucial for mental health. Lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a calming bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment is conducive to rest.

Practice Gratitude

Cultivating a sense of gratitude can improve your outlook on life and boost your mental well-being. Each day, take a moment to reflect on things you are grateful for. This simple practice can shift your focus away from negativity and towards positivity.

Seek Professional Help When Needed

There's no shame in seeking help from a mental health professional if you're struggling with your mental well-being. Therapy and counseling can provide valuable tools and coping strategies to manage mental health challenges.

Engage in Creative Activities

Engaging in creative activities like art, music, or writing can be therapeutic and help you express your thoughts and emotions. Creative outlets can serve as a form of self-expression and stress relief.

Conclusion

Your mental health is a precious resource that deserves your attention and care. By incorporating these strategies into your daily life, you can promote a balanced mind and emotional resilience. Remember that it's okay to ask for help and prioritize your mental well-being. With the right tools and support, you can lead a happier and more mentally healthy life.

[sdsucounseling]

Four Types of Fitness to Help Build Physical and Mental Strength

 Fitness is one of the key components for maintaining well-rounded physical and mental health. Both of these play a fundamental role in the development of intrapersonal strength. There are a variety of exercises that cultivate a balance between internal and external needs. Each of them is designed with unique characteristics that help individuals build a positive relationship with exercise. Below, is a list of four common types of fitness that can be used to support your physical and mental growth.

1. Cycling

Cycling is a prime example of an exercise that works to challenge both physical and mental strength. In recent years, indoor cycling has gained an immense amount of popularity due to the increase in community spin classes. Spin classes are a form of cardiovascular exercise that utilizes intensity and endurance. Cardio is typically labeled as tedious and tiresome, but cycling is an exception to these lackluster qualities. During a class, people are led by an instructor through a series of stationary bike circuits. The circuits include periods of fast and slow pace intervals. At any time, the participants can adjust the bike’s resistance in order to accommodate their preferred level of difficulty. Upbeat music and rhythmic motions are used to distract participants from the fatigue they may be experiencing. The instructors strive to create an enthusiastic, engaging environment that pushes people to the best of their abilities. Spin classes allow people to get lost in the beat of the music and drain themselves of mental stressors.

Luckily, the Aztec Recreation Center has a wide range of cycling classes. These classes have some of the highest attendance rates, which is why they are offered at various days and times throughout the week. If you are not able to attend a group class, they also have bikes in the multi-purpose room that are open for everyone’s convenience!

2. Running

Running is a classic, yet controversial approach to exercise. Many people appreciate its simplicity, but others dread its monotonous movements. Despite these differences, running remains to be a reliable source of physical and mental self-care. It is a cardiovascular exercise that primarily strengthens lower body muscles. One major benefit of running is the variety of customizable speeds and distances. If a long-distance jog does not appeal to someone, they still have the option of experimenting with things like a short distance sprint. One thing to note is that while all exercise has the potential for injury, running is known to be especially taxing on the joints. Prior to a run, it is crucial to incorporate a proper warm-up regime that will help prevent injury. Beyond the physical component, running is also an excellent source of mental exercise. The motions are instinctive, which makes it easier for people to clear their mind and let their feet lead the way.

The Aztec Recreation Center does not have a class designated for running, but they do arrange an Outdoor Bootcamp that incorporates running circuits into the workout. In addition to this class, the gym’s track is also open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7-9pm!

3. CrossFit

CrossFit is another unique form of exercise that provides its participants with a challenging, yet therapeutic environment. It is relatively new amongst the fitness community but has gained an immense following from people all around the world. They form tight-knit communities that welcome diverse groups of people to come and join their workouts. No matter your experience level, gender, or age, the exercises are created to accommodate anyone who wishes to join. CrossFit uses a combination of strength training, gymnastics, Olympic lifting, and cardiovascular circuits. Most of the workouts are performed in groups, which generates a constant sense of perseverance and comradery. CrossFit embraces physical and mental capabilities; it promotes skills that participants can use beyond the gym.

The Aztec Recreation Center has one CrossFit group fitness class, called AztecFit, that is offered a couple times each week in the Performance Center. If you prefer to try a community-based CrossFit gym, there is a vast number of them throughout San Diego County! You can contact a local gym near you and ask about the options they have for people interested in trying it out for the first time!

4. Yoga

Yoga is one of the most prominent sources of mental and physical self-care. Many people recognize its association with mental well-being, which may be the root cause behind the stigmas surrounding its physical relevance. Yoga is often disregarded as an easy form of exercise, but in reality, it provides some of the highest levels of physical difficulty. The poses require equal amounts of strength, balance, and flexibility. Most of the movements are strictly body-weight, but that does not take away from the challenge. It requires dedicated practice in order to achieve proper technique, however, that does not mean you need to be an expert to participate. Yoga teaches its people about the importance of mindfulness both inside and outside the studio. A serene atmosphere with calming music and comforting materials allow the participants to stimulate their mind and body. Yoga is a beam of positive energy in the fitness community that proclaims the message of overall wellness.

There are many yoga classes at the Aztec Recreation Center, which include a variety of styles such as, power, vinyasa, strength, and deep stretch yoga! All of these classes provide their own free mats and blocks for participants to use during class.

Exercise is an essential component of maintaining a happy, healthy lifestyle. If you explore all of your options, it will be easier to identify the one that best suits your needs. Once you find something you enjoy, the exercise can feel gratifying, opposed to burdensome! Fitness is not meant to be miserable. It should be used as a form of expression that provides you with physical and mental relief. Always remember that your well-being deserves to be treated with love and respect; exercise is just one of the many ways to provide it with that support.

#sdsu