Better Mental Health: Princeton Counseling Service

Professional, caring counselors for the challenging times in your life.

10 Affirmations to Add to Your Daily Routine

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Words have power, and the way we talk to and about ourselves can have a significant impact on our thoughts and behaviors. That’s where affirmations come in—repeating certain phrases to yourself can boost your self-esteem, reduce your stress, create a more positive mindset, motivate you to take certain actions, and improve your overall well-being.

So, how can you start taking advantage of all the benefits that affirmations can offer? Begin by choosing the phrases that will best serve your needs. Here are 10 ideas:

  1. I deserve to be happy.
  2. I’m strong enough to get through this.
  3. My body is beautiful.
  4. I trust myself.
  5. I’m going to be alright.
  6. I can do whatever I put my mind to.
  7. I’m proud of myself.
  8. Today is going to be a great day.
  9. I’m worthy of love.
  10. I’m at peace with the things I can’t control.

Once you’ve selected the affirmations you want to use, decide how you want to incorporate them into your routine—maybe you can say them as you’re getting ready in the morning, commuting to work, or winding down before bed. Many people find it helpful to recite their affirmations out loud, but you can also say them to yourself, if preferred. No matter what, it’s important that you repeat them daily, since doing so makes it easier for your brain to adapt and create new thinking habits.

Ready to Start Incorporating Affirmations Into Your Life?

If you’d like to learn more about affirmations and the effect they can have on your well-being, contact us today and request an initial consultation. Our therapists believe in the power of affirmations and can recommend some options that will serve your specific needs.

Filed Under: daily routine

Rumination: What It Is & How to Stop Doing It

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Rumination involves obsessively thinking about negative experiences and feelings. Some people replay events that occurred in the past, while others worry about situations that could potentially occur in the future.

Rumination tends to have a snowball effect—certain mental health conditions (including generalized anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder) can cause someone to ruminate, and rumination can in turn worsen the symptoms of those conditions. Rumination often causes people to feel anxious, stressed, and depressed and makes it difficult for them to think, process their emotions, and sleep.

How to Stop Ruminating

Rumination often becomes more intense over time, so when you start experiencing negative thoughts, it’s important that you attempt to stop them from progressing. You may want to try:

  • Distracting yourself by exercising, doing chores, or calling a loved one
  • Moving to a new location (for example, taking a walk or visiting a coffee shop)
  • Meditating and practicing deep breathing exercises
  • Challenging the validity of your thoughts (for example, asking yourself whether there’s any proof supporting your worries)
  • Taking steps to actually resolve the problem that’s causing you to worry (for example, managing stress at home by creating a household to-do list)

You should also pay attention to triggers that cause you to start ruminating and take steps to avoid them. For example, if you tend to ruminate late at night, try going to bed earlier or participating in an evening activity that will distract you from your thoughts. And when you do start to ruminate, acknowledge what’s occurring and remind yourself that it’s not healthy.

Has Rumination Taken Over Your Life?

If you’ve tried the strategies listed above but still find yourself ruminating, you may want to consider reaching out to a professional. The therapists on our team are highly experienced with rumination and can provide you with personalized advice designed to help you stop ruminating and start living a healthier, happier life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a date and time that fits into your schedule.

Filed Under: ruminating

How to Improve the Quality of Your Sleep

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Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? If so, you’re not alone. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 50 to 70 million Americans have sleep disorders. Unfortunately, failing to get enough high-quality sleep on a regular basis can impact your mood, impair cognitive function, and increase your risk of developing health conditions like dementia, heart disease, obesity, and strokes.

So, what can you do to help ensure that you get a good night’s rest? Here are eight tips for how to improve the quality of your sleep:

  1. Wake up at the same time each morning and go to sleep at the same time each night.
  2. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
  3. Incorporate exercise into your daily routine (but be careful to not exercise too close to bedtime).
  4. Avoid taking long naps, especially in the afternoon.
  5. Stop drinking caffeinated beverages at least eight hours before bedtime
  6. Don’t drink alcoholic beverages or consume large meals right before going to sleep.
  7. Avoid watching TV, scrolling on your phone, and using other electronics at bedtime (instead, you might want to try reading a book).
  8. Take steps to reduce stress (for example, meditating or attending therapy).

Start Enjoying a Better Night’s Sleep

If you’re ready to take the next step with improving the quality of your sleep, contact us today. Our therapists have extensive experience treating anxiety, depression, and other conditions that can interfere with sleep. When you call, we’ll tell you more about our practice, answer your questions, and schedule a consultation at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

Filed Under: sleep

Why Does Exercise Reduce Stress?

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If you’re looking for a way to relieve stress, you’ll want to consider incorporating exercise into your daily routine (with a doctor’s approval). Exercise is renowned for being an excellent stress reliever, but how exactly does it affect stress levels? Exercise can:

  • Increase endorphin production – Your pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce endorphins, hormones that can help reduce your stress, relieve your pain, and boost your mood. Exercise stimulates your body to produce more endorphins, making it a great stress reliever
  • Improve your sleep – Studies show that a lack of sleep can cause someone to feel more stressed. Fortunately, exercise can help you get a better night’s sleep, which can in turn keep your stress levels down
  • Take your mind off your worries – When you’re feeling stressed, it can be hard to think about anything else. But because exercise forces you to focus on your body’s movements, it can serve as a stress-reducing form of meditation.

If you’re not used to exercising, be sure to start off slow. After all, if you end up injuring yourself, you won’t be able to enjoy any of the stress relief benefits listed above. Also make sure to choose a workout that you’ll enjoy—remember that any physical activity can qualify as exercise, so if you’ll be more likely to stick with a routine that involves dancing rather than jogging, go for it.

Still Need Help Reducing Your Stress Levels?

If you’ve tried incorporating exercise into your daily routine but you’re still feeling stressed, you may want to consider speaking to a therapist. Luckily, you can rely on the experienced team at our practice. We understand the toll that stress can take on a person’s life, and once we’ve learned about your specific circumstances, we’ll be able to provide you with customized advice. Contact us today to get started.

Filed Under: exercise

3 Tips for Starting a Self-Care Routine

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You’ve probably heard of “self-care Sunday,” a recent trend that involves devoting one day a week to nourishing your mind and body. Whether you want to start practicing self-care on Sundays, Wednesdays, Fridays—or every day—good for you! Depending on the practices you adopt, self-care can boost your mental and emotional health, enhance your physical health, strengthen your relationships, and improve your overall quality of life. Here are three tips to consider when starting a self-care routine:

1. Think About Your Goals

The thought of tackling all areas of your life at once can feel overwhelming, so decide what you’d like to focus on first. Once you’ve identified your goals, consider what activities will help you achieve them and where you can turn for support.

2. Block Off Time

You probably don’t hesitate to set aside time for school, work, and family obligations, but self-care is just as important. Block off a set amount of time—whether it be an hour or a full day—and commit to following through with your plans.

3. Start Attending Therapy

Many people think of self-care as something they do on their own, but speaking to a therapist is one of the best things you can do to improve your mental and emotional health. Luckily, you won’t need to look far to find a qualified therapist near you. Our caring team is highly experienced and can provide you with personalized recommendations that are tailored to your specific goals. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.

Filed Under: self care

3 Types of Boundaries

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You may have heard about the benefits of setting boundaries with family, friends, and coworkers—by communicating your needs and wants, you can boost your self-esteem, prioritize your mental and emotional health, and improve your overall well-being. In the long run, boundaries can also enhance the relationships you have with those around you since they can help you feel respected instead of resentful. But did you know that there are numerous types of boundaries? Here are three of the most common:

  1. Physical boundaries – You communicate how you want to be touched and how much personal space you need. For example, you can let a colleague know that you’d rather shake hands instead of hugging or kissing. This doesn’t just apply to your body, either—you can also let your in-laws know that you don’t feel comfortable having them enter your bedroom while they’re babysitting.
  2. Material boundaries – You communicate when you’re willing to lend out money and possessions and how you want them to be treated. For instance, you can let a friend know that you can’t afford to lend them more than $100. Or, you can tell your son that he can only borrow your car if he returns it with a full tank of gas.
  3. Time boundaries – You communicate how you want to use your time. For example, you can tell your boss that you can’t stay past the end of your scheduled workday. Or, you can ask your spouse to refrain from calling and texting while you’re having dinner with friends except in case of an emergency.

Start Setting Boundaries in Your Life

If you need help implementing any of the boundaries described above, contact us today and ask to schedule a consultation with one of the skilled therapists on our team. We understand the many benefits that healthy boundaries can offer, and we’ll work with you to identify the steps you’ll need to take to set them in your life.

Filed Under: boundaries

Stress Baking: How Baking Can Help Relieve Anxiety

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If you’re often overwhelmed by worry, you’ve probably looked into steps you can take to relieve your anxiety, and you might have come across something known as “stress baking.” Does baking really help reduce anxious thoughts? For many people, it does! Here are a few reasons why baking can be a great stress reliever:

  • Baking forces you to focus on step-by-step instructions, which can help take your mind off the thoughts that are causing you stress.
  • Many people with anxiety feel that they lack control over the world around them, and baking helps them regain a sense of power.
  • Baking often requires repetitive motions—for example, stirring batter or kneading dough—which can be calming.
  • If you baked with your parents or grandparents as a child, making the same recipes as an adult can help you recall those happy, soothing memories.
  • Many people share their baked goods with loved ones, and the resulting social interaction can also help reduce anxiety.

Of course, it’s important to remember that stress baking isn’t always an answer to anxiety. If you’ve tried baking or other stress-relieving techniques and you’re still experiencing anxious thoughts, it’s important to consult with a professional.

Are You Living With Anxiety?

If anxiety has taken a hold on your life, we may be able to help. We have extensive experience treating anxiety, and in addition to stress baking, we can recommend other steps you can take to feel less anxious. Contact us today and let us know a date and time when you’ll be available for an initial therapy session.

Filed Under: Anxiety

Debunking 3 Myths About Introverts

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Are you an introvert? People with this personality type tend to feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and feelings rather than what’s going on around them, and they often feel re-energized after spending time on their own.

Society often paints introverts as being shy, submissive individuals, but is this really true? Below, we debunk three common myths about introverts.

Myth #1: Introverts Are Antisocial

People often assume that introverts don’t enjoy spending time with others, but that’s typically not the case. Many introverts enjoy socializing, but simply prefer hanging out with a few close friends versus a large crowd of people. That’s not to say that they can’t have fun at parties, too—they just may need to spend extra time on their own afterward to recharge their batteries.

Myth #2: Introverts Are Self-Conscious

Introverts are often portrayed as shy, nervous individuals who lack confidence. But, in reality, introverts can be incredibly confident—it just might require extra energy on their part. Many introverts describe feeling exhausted after being “on” for hours at a time.

Myth #3: Introverts Aren’t Good Leaders

People often assume that introverts won’t excel as leaders because leadership usually requires a great deal of social interaction. But introverts can be excellent leaders so long as they have the opportunity to recharge at the end of the day. In fact, because introverts tend to be creative thinkers, they can often develop innovative solutions to problems, a quality necessary for leadership.

For More Information

If you’d like to know more about introversion, we invite you to attend an appointment with one of the knowledgeable therapists on our team. We have extensive experience working with introverts, and we’ll be happy to discuss the realities of introversion and how this condition is often misrepresented in today’s world. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session.

Filed Under: Introvert

Setting Boundaries When Working From Home

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Healthy boundaries are a crucial part of all relationships—they help instill respect, trust, and safety—and work relationships are no exception. In fact, failing to set boundaries at work can cause stress, lead to burnout, and impact your productivity.

Unfortunately, with the influx of remote jobs that began during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s become harder than ever to set boundaries with bosses and colleagues. After all, it’s not as easy to end your workday when you always have the ability to log back on to your computer from the comfort of home. Don’t worry, though—it’s still possible to set boundaries while working from home. Here are some tips for how to do so:

  • Create a work schedule for yourself and stick to it—just because you can check your emails in the evenings and on weekends doesn’t mean you have to.
  • Schedule vacation days for yourself even if you don’t have anything specific planned.
  • Create a home office—even if you don’t have a spare room available, you can designate a certain area of your home as your office—and commit to working only in that space.
  • Don’t be afraid to let your manager and teammates know if you’re stretched too thin and can’t take on an additional assignment (but be sure to communicate that to them as early as possible to avoid missed deadlines).

Start Improving Your Work-Life Balance

Setting boundaries can be difficult—especially with your bosses and colleagues—but an experienced therapist can help. Contact us today to schedule a therapy session. We’ll be happy to discuss any issues that you’ve been experiencing while working from home, and once we’ve learned about your unique circumstances, we can offer you tailored advice on how to set necessary boundaries.

Filed Under: work-life balance

The Problem With Perfectionism: How to Embrace Imperfection

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Perfectionism—the tendency to demand flawlessness from yourself or others—can often be a positive quality. Perfectionists tend to be highly motivated and ambitious, and thanks to their close attention to detail and their willingness to work long hours, they often excel at school and in the workplace.

However, perfectionism also has a downside. In some cases, perfectionists can be overly critical, taking an all-or-nothing mindset and failing to accept anything that doesn’t meet their (sometimes unattainable) standards, no matter how much time and effort went into the work. Perfectionists also tend to base their own self-worth on their performance abilities, which can be damaging if they don’t deliver perfect results. In fact, studies have shown that perfectionists often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, and are more likely to become burned out.

Tips for Embracing Imperfection

Perfectionism can be difficult to overcome, but it’s possible to do so. Here are some tips for how to manage perfectionist tendencies:

  • Set more realistic goals.
  • Reduce how much effort you’re putting into tasks and pay attention to whether anyone notices any difference in the results.
  • Try to think of mistakes as learning opportunities.
  • Recognize when you begin to think like a perfectionist, and then challenge those thoughts.
  • If seeing pictures and videos of people leading seemingly perfect lives triggers you, remind yourself that their posts are likely curated (and if that still doesn’t work, try taking a break from social media altogether).

For More Information

Do you suspect that you might be a perfectionist? If so, we invite you to schedule an appointment with one of the knowledgeable therapists at our practice. We’re highly experienced in treating patients who struggle with perfectionism, and we can supply you with personalized advice that will help you embrace imperfection and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to get started.

Filed Under: perfectionism