Trouble at home? Heed the advice of a mental health counselor
Turn over a new leaf every day by turning over a cup at night.
This is a strategy Creative Relationship Center Founder Wendy Pegan, LMHC uses with some of her clients. An empty cup on your nightstand symbolizes a container that holds your thoughts, feelings and emotions. In the morning, you turn it face up so it’s open and exposed, signifying you’re ready to take on a new day with a clear mindset, fresh perspective and positive attitude. When you go to bed at night, you flip it over—emptying its metaphorical contents as you let go of any unwanted stress, anger, fear or doubt. As Pegan puts it, it’s important to start every day with “a mantra of self-forgiveness.”
This mindfulness practice is meant to help you become the best possible version of yourself—both for you and those around you.
As the days in quarantine continue to pile up for many people, Pegan says it’s more important than ever to work on improving your own mental health.
“The tension in people's homes right now is tripled—not doubled—tripled,” said Pegan. “For people who used to get out of the house for eight hours and have stressors come from somewhere else—work is home with them, school is home with them. Whose job is it to take care of the children? Whose job is it to feed the pets? It creates more problems.”
According to Pegan, getting back into a routine could be extremely beneficial.
“Everyone needs a schedule. Switching people’s mindsets is a big part of what’s happening right now. They need to change their clothes, shower, shave their legs. The mental states of many people are at their worst right now, and mental health issues have to be dealt with.
“There are so many wonderful things that families and couples can be doing right now. It's a great opportunity to teach your kids some mindfulness and work together to help them calm down. It’s hard to remember your best self when you're not your best self.”
How alike are you and your family? For a fun quarantine distraction, take this free personality test from 16 Personalities, recommended by Pegan herself.
