Kim Clayden of Online-Psychotherapist.com

I took a picture of my current Crochet project in front of me with the spring sunshine in the sky :)

Happy first day of spring! 💜🌸🌺🌻🏵🌼💜

Crochet and spring sunshine 🌞

What's been good for you this week?

Kim
.
.
.
.
#Crochet #Imbolc #FirstDayOfSpring #Spring #SpringTime #StDavidsDay #Crocheting #CrochetBlanket

thank you to the @hmsacharity for having us back another year 🙏

The feedback has been phenomenal, and it has really hit me in the feels today 🥰

We will compile the feedback and see what we need to tweak for next year.

Kim

We did it! 🎉🎉🎉

We managed to answer ALL the questions at the last of our living well with series!

A HUUUUGE thank you to @jboccytherapy for running the series with me and offering all of their OT tips and strategies! 💜

Also, a

We are hunkering down for the duration, and I hope you all do too.

So, with all of the crazy weather going on outside right now, let's have a little think about some good stuff to lift our moods 🧠

What's been good this week?

Big or small, I'd love to hear it if you are willing to share 💜

Kim

I hope everyone is managing to keep safe and staying indoors 💜

We moved to a safer spot to find some shelter from the wind, but our internet connection is patchy.

I know how much work it takes to keep managing and staying on track 💜 What are your best or favourite self-management strategies? Perhaps your experience will help others 🥰 Kim

#mentalhealth #emotions #neuroplasticity #EmotionalHealth #stress #anxiety

And yes, it can feel like a full-time job in managing all of this, especially when our world becomes very stressful. Sometimes we can't do it alone and need professional support from folks like myself who 'gets it', and that's OK too.

So, how do we know if it's our chronic illness symptoms or a stress bucket symptom? That takes time, patience, and a lot of self-care, self-compassion, and self-management.

✨️Dizziness: Anxiety can make a person feel emotionally unsteady, which may cause dizziness. ✨️ Headaches: Anxious or stressful feelings are a common trigger for headaches. This is just to name a few.

✨️Changes in appetite: Negative emotions can lead to overeating of energy-dense foods and decreased consumption of healthier options. Others completely loose their appetite.

✨️Pain and muscle tension: Emotions can cause physical symptoms like muscle tension or pain. Struggle with coat hanger pain? Yes, it could be mechanical, it can also be stress-related.

✨️Weakened immune system: Poor emotional health can make you more likely to get sick. If we are stressed for extended periods of time, this can wear out our immune system and lead us to be more susceptible to coughs, colds, etc.

Emotions can have a number of physical effects on the body, including: ✨️ Fight-or-flight response: When you experience stress, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels. This prepares your body to fight or flee.

How do emotions affect our bodies?
Emotions are SO powerful, never forget the impact they can have on our bodies. Learning about this connection is incredibly important for managing our symptoms, as our chronic illness creates stress on our bodies, we already have so much in our stress bucket

I do look like a proper grown-up with my mittens on elastic! 🤣💜

I love them. Soooo warm.

Here's a few pics from today's travels. We left the Ashby canal and moved onto the Coventry canal :)
.
.
.
.
#Narrowboat #Narrowboating #Narrowboater

🎉🎉🎉

Festive scene with logos of a number of high street shops participating in gayl

Shopping online this festive period? 🎄🎁⛄️

Raise free donations for Hypermobility Syndromes Association when you shop 6,000+ stores online using Give as you Live Online! > www.giveasyoulive.com/join/hypermo...

Thank you 🙏💜
.
.
.
#GivingTuesdayCampaign #GivingTuesday

This was hours of work getting Dr Bull's brain child into a handy guide but here it is! 🎉🎉🎉

Please share far and wide 🙏 💜
www.hypermobility.org/news/launch-...

Yeay! We have another fluffy relaxation mascot! Your cat, not you, of course lol ;)

.
.
#Neuroscience #Brain #Therapy #Science #neuroplasticity #NeuroscienceFacts #brainhealth #MentalHealth #BrainPower #BrainDevelopment #Stress #StressRelief #StressManagement #Anxiety #StressAwareness #BrainFacts #Therapist #OnlineTherapist #Focus #ChronicIllness #ChronicallyIll #Disability

When we are having a tough time, it's those times we need to dig deep and really look for the good stuff. Even if it's a nice cup of tea or coffee ☕️

Kim Clayden - the #FloatyTherapist ⚓

Taking a few moments each day to document some good things that have happened each day is a step closer to a more positive outlook.

Neuroplasticity at its finest 👌

One powerful tip is writing down whats been good, which can actually shift your brain's activity towards more positive thought patterns.

Positivity is a skill to practice. It comes more easily to some than others.

Did you know your brain is capable of incredible change? 🧠

Neuroscience-based tips can truly help you improve your mental health 💜

By understanding how your brain responds to stress, you can develop effective coping mechanisms.

It's like having a toolbox for your mind! ✨️

When we have chronic illnesses or disabilities, we focus a lot on managing our physical symptoms.

Don't forget your wonderful brain, too! 🧠💜

What do you do to manage your stress bucket? 🪣

Kim - the #FloatyTherapist ⚓

Things like movement, relaxation, mindfulness, self conpassion, and even gratitude and noting whats been good can positively impact brain function.

These activities can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to a greater sense of well-being.

Neuroscience shows us that our brains are constantly changing, even in adulthood.

This means we can actually improve our mental health by adopting new habits! 💪