Breathing Doesn’t Work For Me
Champaign Counseling Champaign Counseling

Breathing Doesn’t Work For Me

Intentionally breathing a bit deeper (also, doesn’t have to be deep enough to blow out 98 birthday candles) and exhaling longer sends signals to the brain that say “things are going to be ok,” so the brain stops sending stress hormones and fight/flight signals to the body. The brain is able, slowly, to tell the heart to beat regularly instead of rapidly, the lungs to breathe normal instead of shallow and muscles to be at ease instead of tensing. This is a physical process that takes time, minutes not seconds.

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This is Your Brain on Meditation
Champaign Counseling Champaign Counseling

This is Your Brain on Meditation

If you hear the word “meditation” and think “that’s not for me,” “I can never get my thoughts to quiet down,” or “I don’t have time for that,” you are far from alone. You might picture someone sitting (or laying) with their eyes closed and an unmatchable willpower to simply send their thoughts packing. While this image isn’t entirely wrong, it certainly isn’t the only type of meditation.

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10 Fun Sober Summer Activities for People In Recovery
Champaign Counseling Champaign Counseling

10 Fun Sober Summer Activities for People In Recovery

Summer is here, and it's the perfect time to enjoy the sunshine and have fun with friends and family. If you're in recovery and looking for fun and creative activities that don't involve alcohol or drugs, there are plenty of exciting things to do. Here are 10 fun ideas to make your summer memorable.

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You’ve Heard of Fight or Flight… But What About Freeze?
Champaign Counseling Champaign Counseling

You’ve Heard of Fight or Flight… But What About Freeze?

Fight, Flight, and Freeze are the three responses that are biological instincts to protect us when our lives are in danger. However, what we find sometimes is that we experience fight, flight, or freeze even when there is not a threat to our lives.

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