2016: Simplify, Streamline, Selfcare

After a very long and productive meeting on Tuesday, Rachel and I established  three key words for the new year. Simplify, Streamline, Self-care I have been in an constant state to growth, movement, and just trying to keep up over the past several months and needed to take a moment to assess where I’m at and what the next steps are.  Personally, I think the business will continue to grow and develop without much extra work, which is good because I’ve run out of hours in the day to add new tasks.  That’s not to say that I won’t be working, but that I’m  attempting to not take on anything EXTRA that will distract from the awesome growth that is happening and instead use any additional time I have (outside my normal work load) to focus on enhancing what is working and eliminating or adjusting what is not.   In 2016, I believe we can ALL benefit from is implementing the words above.  I have decided to adopt these words as not only a work motto but as a personal theme Read More

Love Yourself: How do you self care?

This morning I made one of the best decisions I have made in a while. When I stepped outside to let the dog out, the sun was shining. It was cold, yes, but the sun was bright, smiling, and warm. I decided to take advantage, throw on my running shoes and head out for a short jog. I grabbed my fleece, my ear band, and sunglasses and hit the road!  And it felt GREAT! I didn’t go very far, very fast, or hit any personal records, but simply getting outside, clearing my head, and being active got my day off to an amazing start.   I didn’t realize how much I missed just jogging outside.  For me, that is a form of self care.  I don’t just mean in the physical sense of taking care of myself.  It’s also emotional and mental self care. It has been a crazy busy few weeks and there are no signs of slowing down!  I’m excited for what is to come in the next couple months but it is going to mean a lot Read More

Find Balance pt. 2 – Taking Time Away

Your time spent outside the office is just as important as your time spent in the office working. It is essential to take care of yourself, rest, and refuel on a regular basis.  Taking time away from your work can be an amazing opportunity to unwind, refocus, and even come up with solutions to problems that have been troubling you at work. Last week, I was feeling absolutely spent.  By Tuesday morning, I thought/hoped it was already Friday.  By brain felt fuzzy and I couldn’t focus on a single thing.  My emails were piling up but I felt completely unmotivated.  I needed a break. One thing I do to help avoid burnout is to take time away!  You don’t have to go far, heck you could even hang out on your couch, but take time away to do something you love and NOT think about work for at least 24 hours. I took this past weekend to travel to Southern Illinois.  While there, Chad and I hit the wine trail, went to a beach, explored some small towns, cooked delicious Read More

Finding Balance – Physical Wellness

I’m not going to lie, there is a TON going on in my world right now.  This year I’ve taken on several large projects (including my wedding) on top of my already nearly full-time case load.  All I can say, is thank goodness I don’t have kids yet! Perhaps, in the future, yes, but I don’t know how moms do it!  Kudos to all those moms out there who are doing it all!  You are truly amazing (and Happy Belated Mother’s Day!) Because I’ve taken on SO MUCH this year, I’m having to find ways to make it all work.  I was talking to a friend the other day who knew exactly the feeling of not giving any one thing your ALL and trying to play catch up on every front.  It’s tough and I really dislike feeling that way. So, I’ve started taking some initiative.  As therapists, we preach about self-care.  How many people actually take the time to stop and take care of themselves though?  I believe it is incredibly important, so I’m working to restore some sense Read More

We Are… Healthful

Music Therapy is not only a wonderful resource for individuals with special needs or illness, it can also be a great tool for people seeking health and wellness.  When I have explained music therapy in the past, a typical response has been, “That makes sense!  Music definitely can change my mood, motivate me, or help me relax depending on what I’m listening to!”  While individual music listening isn’t the premise of music therapy, I can certainly see where people make the connection.  They are right, music can help with mood, motivation, and relaxation in every day life,  but there are many more benefits to working with a music therapist. Healthy individuals can use music thearpy for stress reduction via active music making, such as drumming, as well as passive listening for relaxation. Music Therapists can facilitate interventions for stress management and relaxation.  Music Therapists can also work with clients who are grieving, dealing with chronic pain, chronic illness, depression, stress, or who are looking for spiritual or personal growth.  Music therapy can also be used in assisting labor and delivery. Some Read More