So, life is very weird right now. To be fair, it's always had a certain level of weirdness. But, this is an unseen level of weirdness. Many things about our lives look different. Some of us are working from home while others are braving the conditions and going into work (thank you for what you do). In addition, our daily activities look different, too. Depending on your area, going anywhere without a mask simply isn't allowed. And now, just about every activity has been modified. We've all seen the "drive-by birthday parties" on social media. Don't forgot about the driveway graduation ceremonies. What about vacations? Eh, maybe not this year. On top of these activities, our interactions are. . . honestly, very odd. Giving hugs or standing near strangers in the grocery store are things of the past. This is a lot to deal with, and you're probably feeling overwhelmed. Checking our stress-o-meter, it reads, "Stress level: 100."

This is an intensely stressful time for us all!

Yes, we all know this. So why am I bringing it up? Because right now, almost all of us are impacted on some level. Severe for some, while practically nonexistent for others. If you're being impacted by the pandemic, you might be experiencing some symptoms of anxiety that you haven't had before. If you had anxiety before the pandemic, it could be worse than it was before. If anxiety is not something in your life whatsoever (lucky you), I feel confident to guess that you're feeling more stress than you did before.

So far, we're on the same page about this stress, anxiety, worry, and overwhelm.

1. A global pandemic is, indeed, occurring.

2. Some, or most, aspects of life look different.

3. We're all impacted on some level.

4. Stress is probably more evident.

How Does This Stress Impact Us?

We know that there's not much we can do to control the circumstances outside of ourselves. Right now, many things are out of our control. And, that can be really tough to navigate. Feeling like your circumstances are out your control can increase your stress level dramatically. Some stress symptoms you may notice can include:

• Having a hard time falling asleep

• Difficulty concentrating

• Feeling on edge or more emotionally reactive

• Not enjoying the same activities you used to love

None of that is fun to deal with. However, there are some things that we can do in our everyday lives to help us through it.

How Movement Can Help Lower Stress

Research shows us that incorporating movement in our daily lives can help reduce our cortisol levels. What does that jargon mean? Cortisol is a hormone that is realized in response to the body experiencing stress. Moving our body helps reduce our level of cortisol. Lower cortisol means better sleep, improved concentration, and emotional regularity.

Does this mean you need to run 7 miles a day just to get through life? Of course not. But, it does mean that intentionally engaging in activity can help you deal with the effects of stress. A great example is going for a walk on a nearby trail. Getting some sunshine can help lower your cortisol levels, too. So really, you can't go wrong!

Seeing a Counselor in Alabama Can Help

I know you've heard this more times than you can count. "You should see a counselor", or, "talking to a counselor can really help." Well. I hate to break it to you, but there is truth to that. Working with a counselor gives you the opportunity to explore the issues that are bothering you in a nonjudgmental space. Many people enjoy hearing insight and problem solving with someone whose role is to be an objective sounding board. In my approach to counseling, I value a collaborative relationship. This means that I will not just sit there and stare at you. As a counselor, I will offer perspectives that you may not have considered before. And, teach you some skills to help cope with what life throws at you.

Movement + Counseling = Walk and Talk Therapy

What a fun equation! Combining the benefit of movement, such as walking, with seeing a counselor can be a great solution to help you deal with your stress. Currently, I am providing walk and talk therapy on the Eastern Shore Trail. To learn more about the details of what walk and talk therapy looks like, check out my page dedicated to it. Walk and talk therapy provides many benefits. You can still receive quality mental health services all while increasing your movement. Walk and talk therapy is a great way to shake up your routine and, literally, smell the roses.

Begin Walk and Talk Therapy in Fairhope, AL

Stress can have harsh impacts on us. It can creep into areas of our lives that simply doesn't belong. On top of that, stress can have negative impacts on our physical and mental health. However, seeing a counselor in Alabama for walk and talk therapy on the Eastern Shore Trail can help! When you're ready to begin your journey with me through counseling, follow these steps:

1. Schedule a consultation.

2. Get to know me, Julia, as your new counselor in Alabama.

3. Increase your movement and lower your stress level!

Other Services for Counseling in Alabama

Walk and talk therapy isn’t the only service I provide. Currently, my Fairhope counseling clinic is closed. So I have transitioned to providing online therapy in addition to walk and talk therapy. Regardless of the platform or location, I can still provide you with great services. I offer therapy for anxiety and chronic stress. I also work with many people experiencing trauma/PTSD or dealing with trauma from childhood. Additionally, I provide EMDR therapy. I look forward to our work together!