Mindfulness

Blog Posts

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Coping with back to school anxiety
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric diagnosis in school-age children worldwide. Anxiety may appear in different forms, including...
cars lined up on a road with text back to school proceed with mindfulness
Back to school: proceed with mindfulness
As the new school year approaches, it’s completely normal for both parents and children experience a rush of emotions. Sadness that the carefree days...
Text says "Family Financial Feuds: Train Your Brain" with an image of a barbell
Train your brain
In this Family Financial Feuds episode, I had a mind-opening conversation with Karla Belzer about the role mindfulness plays in reducing stress about...
person sitting on mat overlooking a lake
Using mindful movement for stress reduction
Since we are still acknowledging Mental Health Awareness...
Food Journal, healthy foods and sweet desserts
Healthy eating – Is more than you realize
Many of us do not spend much time thinking about our health or our state of wellbeing. Unless, of course, we or someone we care about is dealing with...
sunlight through ice covered trees
Positive Change Can Make a Difference in Your Community
As I type out this article, I can’t stop thinking about my drive to work today. After days of clouds, ice, snow, and more clouds, the sun shone...
mindful eating for health
An evidence-based look at mindful eating and health management
Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, known for founding the 8-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course, defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a...
bench with paper bag that has inspirational saying on it
Feeling grateful during difficult times
Things have not been easy for any of us during these past few months – or “unprecedented times.” We may feel like we’ve had many losses: loss of...

News Releases

Mental health in the mainstream; teens can help themselves and others
The topic of mental health has become widespread, but what does it really mean? What role should teens play in normalizing the conversation or helping others?  Teenagers especially need to know they can take charge of their well-being. Illinois Extension wants to help them maneuver the...
Strive to Thrive series will teach youth fundamentals to help them flourish
MARSHALL, Ill. – All youth should feel a sense of purpose, joy, and direction in their lives. Sometimes though, it may seem like some aren't as engaged as they could be. Illinois 4-H knows the importance of thriving and is offering four online workshops for all youth ages twelve and older to...
Teens & Mental Health: Study finds 7 in 10 teens struggle with mental health
JOLIET, IL – Walk into a youth group, a school classroom, or a sporting event and you will likely see normal, everyday health teens.  You can easily count 10 teens who seem reasonably healthy on the outside.  But according to a new study, 7 of those teens could struggle with mental health. ...

Staff