Laughter – Best Medicine: TGIF

From Dr. Michele Finneran-

“TGIF, Everyone! The 3 R’s – Rest, Rejuvenation and Relaxation!

Many people wonder what the best medicine is for mental health? I would have to say laughter! With laughter- there are no side effects, it does not cost money and the intention is to make you feel good. A good belly laugh releases chemicals in the brain that promotes a euphoric state, which is a stress release.

Oftentimes, people take life and their jobs so seriously….that’s why it’s important to have moments when you let your hair down and watch a comedy, go to comedy show, or be around people that have a wonderful senses’ of humor.
I am talking about not giggles or ha-ha moments, but full blown laughs from the gut that leave you crying. I call it the “uncontrollable laugh.”

Make some time this weekend to engage in humor and feel the stress slip away. It is the totally the best medicine that could be prescribed. If you are having trouble finding your happy place (or happy space and) letting loose a little, then contact Dr. Michele Finneran with Vecc and Associates. Dr. Finneran can help center you in a more uplifting and jovial state by making suggestions of the benefits of laughter….and how to attain it by surrounding yourself with humorous people.”

#laughteristhebestmedicine
#bellylaugh
#tensionreleaser
#lol
#veccandassociates

Restructuring your Organization

From Dr. Michele Finneran-

“A few years ago, I did a training for medical supervisors at a rehabilitation center in Tamarac, Florida. It was a wonderful experience, where I was able to speak to them about burnout and taking care of themselves (while professionally managing a team). Public speaking can be nerve-wracking, but I find when you prepare and practice your material, it reduces anxiety and fear. I was somewhat intimidated because I was in front of their administration. However, I reminded myself that I was the expert in this topic and I was able to articulate what I needed to say in a professional manner. Public speaking is the #1 fear of so many people, because so much comes into play…. “What will they think of me?”, “How do I sound to other people?” and “How can I make this training or meeting a success?”, as well as the overall feeling of being judged. Remind yourself that YOU are the expert, you are training them and come prepared and practiced up. If your organization needs training or your company needs to know how to effectively run a meeting and/or possibly an organizational restructure….please contact Dr. Michele Finneran with Vecc and Associates to set up an initial meeting. I look forward to meeting you!”

#publicspeakingfears
#beingtheexpert
#restructureyourorganization
#veccandassociates

Mid Week – Self Discipline

Midweek Check In-
Self-Discipline

From Dr. Michele Finneran-

“In this midweek post, I want to highlight what it means to be disciplined in all spheres of your life. Giving yourself some strict guidelines to follow (in order to better your health, finances, relationships, work, etc.) is extremely important and self gratifying. Self-discipline means that you are under your own regime, you follow without any temptations and you are doing it consistently and loyally. It takes a certain way of strict thinking to make this a staple in your life. However, by doing so, you can easily upgrade any sphere of your life that needs modifying. It is a wonderful strategy of dedication and commitment to yourself…and even to prove to yourself that you can demonstrate self-discipline in your life.

You can do this by picking one area that you want to improve on and then thinking of a plan as to HOW to improve this. Once this game plan is set, its go time!
It’s time to put the work and effort into action. By doing this consistently, it becomes a part of your daily life, which is a good thing. Self discipline is a state of mind that you set forth (in yourself), in order to get the things you want out of your personal or professional life. If you need to set a HOW-TO strategy to make this happen, feel free to contact Dr. Michele Finneran with Vecc & Associates to learn the basics of self-discipline.”

#disciplineregiment
#upgradingyourlife
#takingaction
#strategicplanning
#veccandassociates

Let Go of Anger

“Want to Stay Healthy As You Age? Let Go of Anger” – Article for Time by Jamie Ducharme

Article Synopsis and Discussion by
Dr. Michele Finneran-

“A small, new study published in the Journal of Psychology and Aging, suggests that anger, more than sadness is linked to negative health effects in older people, potentially by contributing to inflammation and chronic disease. The theory points out that all emotions -even negative ones, play an important, evolving role throughout a person’s life.

While working with many clients suffering from anger management issues, I feel that this article is reflective of individuals who cannot control their anger and experience physical issues. Anger management clients seem to have more physical ailments such as gastrointestinal problems, migraines….just to name a few. Bottled up and/or explosive anger manifests in severe physical symptoms and chronic medical issues. Anger is actually a secondary emotion, while the primary emotion is fear or anxiety. However, western society is so acclimated to anger. Therefore, as a culture, we turn immediately to those secondary emotions which can cause long lasting physical symptoms, if anger is not resolved. If you feel that your anger is affecting your physical condition, please contact Dr. Michele Finneran with Vecc & Associates.”

#agingandanger
#resolutionofanger
#physicalhealthandyouremotions
#veccandassociates

http://time.com/5584263/anger-sadness-aging-adults/

About this website

TIME.COM

Want to Stay Healthy as You Age? Let Go of Anger

It may be more damaging than sadness

Motivational Monday – Be Fearless

Be fearless. Have the courage to take risks. Go where there are no guarantees. Get out of your comfort zone even if it means being uncomfortable. The road less traveled is sometimes fraught with barricades bumps and uncharted terrain. But it is on that road where your character is truly tested And have the courage to accept that you’re not perfect nothing is and no one is — and that’s OK.” – Katie Couric

Motivational Monday!
From Dr. Michele Finneran-
“On this day, have the motivation to begin your week with courage and intelligent risk taking…even if it is uncomfortable. Let’s make this Monday matter!”

Ride your bike to work week

Today is National Ride Your Bike to Work Day!

From Dr. Michele Finneran-

“TGIF, everyone! It’s Friday…time to rest rejuvenate and relax! Today is “National Ride Your Bike to Work Day”. The benefits of doing this are great: it saves money on gas, decreases elevated pollution from our environment and you get a full workout prior to starting your day. This may not be realistic for everyone, depending on what type of area you live in. However, even on a nice sunny day, the significance of getting outdoors for a low impact, cardiovascular workout might make you feel accomplished and empowered. There is something about doing workouts outside- the greenery, the air, the sunshine and just being one with nature that seems uplifting. This all seems like something people would want to take advantage, especially on a weekend. Make your weekend enjoyable and fun by incorporating a refreshing bike ride to work or wherever you might see fit. If you need more suggestions to create more spontaneity for your weekends and make them more exciting…. so you are living life to the fullest, the. contact Dr. Michele Finneran with Vecc and Associates for further consultation. Happy Friday, everyone!”

#rideyourbiketoworkday
#healthylifestyle
#veccandassociates

Cycle of Violence

From Dr. Michele Finneran-

“As of current, my proposal went through a peer review board through the academic publisher. The feedback I received was to develop and put in more information with the chapters that I submitted. Currently, I am in the process of doing this request.

In interviewing 20 domestic abuse survivors from the Broward county area, it was the most enlightening academic experience I had throughout my years of school. To ask important questions and to have survivors open up and share their stories of abuse was truly eye opening. It reinforced the fact that domestic violence does not exclude anyone. In addition, there are warnings or red flags such as controlling behaviors, financial abuse, using the children against, belittling and constantly critiquing, etc. These are just a few signs to look out in unhealthy relationships. If you want to learn more or if you are in a potentially unhealthy relationship, check out “The Cycle of Violence”. This cycle represents abuse, then the honeymoon phase (“ I’m sorry’s”, gift giving, etc,) and then cycling back to tension building where abuse will occur eventually as a part of this cyclical pattern. To leave this pattern, is the most dangerous part of the process and that is when an “escape plan” needs to be formulated. This is called a “Safety Plan”, that put the safety needs of women and children first without prior knowledge of the abuser. Another heightened abuse pattern, happens when women are pregnant. The attention is off the abuser, onto the unborn child and jealousy and rage kicks in for the abuser. This is also where the abuser can become more volatile in nature. In a future post, we will examine healthy relationships and how to have a healthy relationship vs. toxic abusive dynamics. If you feel you may need some help within your relationship and want some guidance and clarity, please contact Dr. Michele Finneran with Vecc and Associates to assist you!”

https://www.psychotherapist-services.org/

#cycleofviolence
#safteyplans
#healthyrelationships
#veccandassociates

Men’s Health

From Dr. Michele Finneran-

“This is your midweek check in, men!
Reports have shown that men are less likely to go to the doctor. It could due to be fear they don’t want to admit or maybe its fear in hearing a horrible outcome. The importance of men going to the doctor is being proactive about their health and why is that they do not attend as much as women are key health issues! Men- This is about taking care of yourself and getting the treatment that is needed in order to feel well. Men calling to make an appointment to seek therapy is much less common than women, so we need to encourage our men to take care of themselves both physically and mentally. Men need to care about their physical and mental health as an important part of their overall taking care of themselves.”

#menshealth
#nofearofdoctors
#takingcareofhimself
#veccandassociates

Infertility & Depression

Article Synopsis by Natalie Vecchione, Social Media Coordinator with Vecc and Associates-

”Perhaps, before summarizing this well-written and important article, I can share my experience as woman, who has experienced infertility and depression. Twenty three years ago, my husband and I began fertility treatments, which continued for about three years. Although my husband and I were young and early into our marriage, we were told that fertility treatments were necessary and the only chance we would have for my becoming pregnant, since I had already had diagnosis of severe endometriosis. For those three years, our lives were consumed with getting pregnant. It seemed like all of our friends, co-workers and relatives were either pregnant or already had children. We constantly were asked “So, when are you two going to have kids?” It was our primary goal. We let it define us and looking back…..I realize it opened a door to additional stress, anxiety and ultimately depression at the time, for me.

This article clearly identifies how infertility is linked to depression, some of the reasons individuals with infertility struggle with depression, symptoms/treatment of depression and how to find support.

While reading this important and insightful article, a few things really struck a chord with me. Key things that I would have told myself 23 years ago, while we were undergoing our fertility treatments:

1. Stress- Infertility can be a stressful (emotionally, physically and financially) and all-consuming experience, especially when there is pressure to become pregnant. Being able to identify the stress (and anxiety) that comes along with infertility is so necessary to identify what can help you through this experience. Also, knowing when to seek out a therapist or counselor to discuss this stress and identify healthy coping mechanisms is key!

2. Embracing a healthy lifestyle, finding a new-shared hobby/activity and trying new activities to build new, shared interests. Doing these things are not only helpful, but they ‘can help re-balance a couple’s life’. At the time, my husband and I did that somewhat…..but looking back at our infertility journey, our doing new things and having new things to look forward to (more often than we did) would have really helped in recharging our batteries!

3. Finding support from others with similar experiences. Thankfully, there are more infertility support groups (in person, online and through social media) than there were 23 years ago! RESOLVE, The National Infertility Association, is an extremely helpful resource in providing support groups, resources and helping those with infertility struggles know that they are not alone!

This article is a great reminder, for anyone with infertility struggles, about the importance of taking care of your mental health and being honest with yourself (and significant other) about the stress, anxiety and depression that can accompany infertility.”

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323557.php

About this website

MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM

Infertility and depression: Symptoms, treatment, and support

Trying to get pregnant can cause extra pressure and stress in a person’s life, so depression is a common side effect of infertility. Learn more about coping here.

Motivational Monday – Men’s Support

Motivational Monday- Men’s Support!

It is important to recognize how men need to be supported throughout the course of time. Men (who have friends who are male) will find support, comradeship and help in learning to sustain and to have healthy adult relationships. Many men fear having male friendships, because they think it might interfere with their intimate relationships. Both men and women need the ability to have both independence (from each other and being able to do things outside of the scope of their relationship) AND interdependence (meaning doing things together with your partner, just the two of you). Some men might need encouragement to not be influenced by others and to be his own person with confidence and esteem. Whenever I counsel a male client, I often sense they’re being more nervous and not at ease with talking about their feelings…at first, until they feel more comfortable. Let’s figure out ways in which to support our men with their male friendships, intimate relationships and when they’re seeking counseling! If you are someone who might benefit from opening up and sharing and talking to someone neutral, then contact Dr. Michele Finneran at Vecc and Associates for a free 30 minute consultation.

#menssupport
#motivationalmonday
#veccandassociates