Why I went back to therapy...

The new year always brings me moments of reflection. I don't dwell on resolutions or goal setting, but I take time to reflect on the past year. And I realized that the last four months of 2024 felt more challenging and eventful than usual.

Here's a recap:

• I hit a milestone birthday... you can guess which one!
• I reached the 12 year mark of becoming a Naturopathic Doctor, including 4 years of being self employed and working from home.
• I realized the occasional loneliness I was experiencing as a self-employed entrepreneur without any work colleagues since my assistant was on maternity leave.
• My kids started hockey which has been very positive for them, but introduced a new and busy schedule for our family.
• We reached the four year anniversary of my dad's passing.
• I started experiencing some perimenopause symptoms - notably brain fog, forgetfulness, sleep disturbance, night sweats, amongst other changes.
• I pulled back on my engagement on social media - this wasn't the worst thing for my mental health but I now realize how important it is to keep my business thriving.
• The Christmas season was fun but busy and ended with a bang when my son and I got Norovirus.

Long story short, I didn't feel like I was starting January off on the right foot. So I decided to reconnect with my therapist whom I hadn't seen since the spring.

I have always believed in the benefits of therapy. I have been going to therapy since my 20's and although I have had various practitioners over the years, I have always benefited in some way from our interactions.

You don't need a reason to start working with a therapist. In fact, you can approach it much similarly to working with a naturopath - with the goal to optimize your health, particularly your mental wellness.

I have wonderful friends and family whom I can reach out to when I am feeling "off" but I think there are benefits to an unbiased, third party perspective. Someone who you can talk openly with, be vulnerable and learn various tools and techniques to bring to your day to day life.

So after my conversation with her, I reflected on other ways I can take care of my physical and mental health this winter. Here are a few I came up with:

• Bring back slow cook Sundays: I truly enjoy cooking for my family and others. Choosing a recipe, buying the ingredients, prepping the meal. It brings me joy and makes me feel warm and cozy on the weekends.
• Balancing productivity with rest: I am a type-A busy body through and through, but I know rest is essential. As much as productivity makes me feel good, I know relaxation is important to prioritize.
• Creating serenity in my living space: In the winter I love lighting candles, dimming the lights, lighting the fire, and turning on moody music. I also keep my garlands and twinkle lights up until at least February because on the dark mornings and early evenings, they make me happy.
• Prioritize exercise, but making it grounding: I really try to keep a M, W, F morning workout schedule, but this winter, I'm giving myself a bit of slack, especially if I feel like I need to rest more than move.
• Choose social outings wisely: As important as it is to connect with loved ones, check in with yourself whether your social battery is drained or full before you commit to too many events.

I'd love to hear what you are doing this winter to take care of your physical and emotional health. Drop me an email or share with me at your next appointment.