Stress at Work? Davenport Psychology Can Help

For the average worker, stress at work isn’t usually something that goes away with time and patience.

So whether you’re currently going through a stressful time or just trying to avoid future stress, it can be helpful to look into what Davenport Psychology has to offer in terms of work-stress solutions.

We can help with everything from stress management techniques and therapy to dealing with workplace burnout. So no matter what kind of work-related stress you’re facing, our experienced Psychologists can help put things back on track.

In this blog post, we will let you in on the solution we offer so you can be the best version of yourself. But, before we go any further, we need to answer some frequently asked questions.

What Kind of Therapist is Best for Work-related Stress?

Clinical psychologists or psychotherapists are generally the best mental health professionals dealing with work stress or any stress. First, they focus on you to identify the triggers that lead to stress.

Then, with a bit of collaboration from you, they develop a plan to address those stressors. It’s not uncommon for people in need of counseling to be directed to a psychotherapist or talk therapist for work stress.

Before you select a therapist, we recommend that you ask them what specialties they are familiar with so you know if they can help you. For example, many experts might implore CBT, while others may be specialized in psychodynamic therapy.

Additionally, some therapists specialize in stress and anxiety-related mental health conditions.

While most psychologists and psychotherapists are most helpful in assisting their clients with changing their behavior to respond to stressful situations, sometimes these people need to turn to other mental health professionals.

What Therapies Work for Stress?

While stress is usually a norm in our everyday life, recurring stress that disrupts your daily activities and overall well-being are not. Stress can surface in various ways, including anxiety and difficulty sleeping

Stress can be exhausting, but therapy can help you manage it more effectively. Some types of treatment may even teach you how to deal with future stress. Here are some solutions or therapy we offer here at Davenport Psychology for work-related stress and anxiety.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Because it tackles your thought patterns and behaviors, CBT is one of the most prevalent types of therapy accessible. The therapist will assist you in identifying your stressors and developing better responses to decrease the impact of your triggers.

CBT can be employed either short-term or long-term. It makes it helpful in treating chronic mental health disorders and coping with traumatic experiences and other sources of acute stress.

Psychodynamic therapy

As CBT does, psychodynamic therapy tries to help you recognize specific thought patterns that might dictate how you behave. Unlike CBT, though, psychodynamic therapy is usually a long-term commitment.

Due to this, it may be better suited for coping with stress from long-standing issues entangled with other health issues such as anxiety and depression.

Behavioral Therapy

Behavioral therapy places more attention on your actions, not your thoughts.

With this type of therapy, your past behaviors dictate your behavior. Changing your reactions to stress now will allow you to make new habits and, potentially, reduce your stress level.

In addition to anxiety, phobias, and ADHD, behavior therapy is ideal for long-term triggers of stress such as traumatic events.

Exposure Therapy

You might want to consult a professional if you have a mental health condition that makes you fear certain situations, places, or people in a working environment.

One type of therapy we offer for this is exposure therapy. If you practice avoidance to avoid more stress, it can only worsen your stress and anxiety-related disorders.

Exposure therapy aims to allow you to confront triggers you had previously attempted to avoid gradually. The aim is that, with time, you will grow used to these triggers and come to feel less panicked when they happen.

Rather than just relying on therapy, there are other steps our experts recommend for you, so both parties walk hand-in-hand.

Excess regularly: Doing light exercises like walking for thirty minutes each day can reduce stress and elevate your mood.

Incorporate relaxation into your routine by committing at least five minutes of calm, uninterrupted time to take a few deep breaths each day. Ideas include taking a bath, doing some yoga poses, taking deep breaths, or reading a book.

Keep socially active: Staying in touch with friends and family for in-person outings can help, but communicating over the phone or on social media can stave off social isolation and stress.

Reassess your priorities: Pay attention to your daily responsibilities, regardless of what you don’t accomplish. In addition, do not take on tasks you do not need to and hand over duties when you are feeling overworked.

How Davenport Psychology Can Help

At Davenport Psychology, we can help you develop coping mechanisms and strategies that work for you. We can also provide stress management and life coaching to help you better manage your time and energy—the critical ingredients for reducing stress in your workplace.

Our services are always online and in-person, so we have a solution that works for you, whether you’re looking for one-on-one therapy or group counseling sessions.

Our core goal is to help you reach peak performance so that when it comes time to review your performance reviews, there’s no doubt about how much value you bring to your organization. Call us today 941-321-1971 offices Sarasota and Venice.

Wrap Up

Stress at work isn’t necessarily something to worry about if you can manage it yourself. But if stress regularly causes you distress and has become a problem, it may be time to get help.

A stressful environment that isn’t addressed may contribute to or exacerbate mental health issues. It could be depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

Unmanaged stress can lead to other indirect consequences such as digestive troubles, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders. Over long periods, chronic stress is linked to medical problems.

Therapy can be a priceless way to reduce work stress. It is also invaluable with stress-related mental health conditions and chronic health conditions.

How to Manage Work Stress and Still be Successful

Work-related stress affects everyone who works at any job at some time or another. Regardless of how much someone loves their work, stress is a natural and unavoidable consequence. You may initially feel compelled to fulfill a deadline or complete an ambitious task. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can have damaging effects — from loss of attention to emotional distress.

Long-term stress is becoming increasingly prevalent, and the American Psychological Association (APA) has found that a majority of Americans are stressed at work each year. Stress will always emerge, to a degree, at work, no matter how careful you are. You can, however, use strategies to control the stress it may cause.

Common Causes of Work-related Stress

In some cases, various factors might go hand-in-hand with work-related stress. Some common workplace stressors are:

Low salary
Out of balance workloads
Few opportunities for professional growth or advancement
Lackluster or frustrating work.
Inadequate social support
Not having the necessary control over their job-related decisions
Inability to balance between conflicting demands or unclear performance expectations.

Effects of Uncontrolled Work Stress

Although we may go home at the end of the day and not be concerned about work-related tension, persistent stress can harm our health and well-being. Workplace stress affects you, resulting in headaches, stomachaches, sleep disturbances, short tempers, and difficulty focusing. Anxiety, insomnia, a weakened immune, and high blood pressure

All of this contributes to depression, obesity, and heart disease conditions. Complicating matters further, those who suffer from excessive stress often try to handle it by eating unhealthy food, smoking cigarettes, and abusing drugs and alcohol.

Ways to Manage Stress and Still be Successful

1. Track your stressors

If you keep a diary for a week or two, you’ll notice which events have the most impact on your stress level and what your reaction is. Whatever happens, don’t forget to include details about the situation (e.g., who was involved), your emotions at the time, and anything else that comes to mind such as your thoughts before, during, and after the more stressful times.

2. Develop healthy responses

Fight stress by making healthy decisions. There’s never a good time for greasy fries or an alcoholic drink when you’re stressed. The benefits of activity are well-known, therefore make every effort to exercise at least once a day, but if you can’t go to the gym, any physical activity is better than nothing.

It would also be beneficial if you made time for reading, performances, and spending time with your family and friends or other activities that make you happy.

Good sleep habits are also crucial for healthy stress management. They include limiting caffeine intake late in the day and reducing the number of stimulating activities before bedtime.

3. Establish boundaries

stressed black girl covering ears — Photo by Monstera on Pexels.com

It’s easy to feel compelled to be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week due to digital technology. Make sure you maintain some boundaries by taking care of yourself. Here’s an example: Not checking your email at home in the evening or refusing to answer your phone during dinner is one way to create limits.

Although everyone has their own ideas about how they would like to balance their home and job lives, establishing some boundaries between these realms may help to decrease the incidence of stress as a result of work-life balance.

4. Take time to recharge

To counteract the harmful effects of stress and overwork, you need time to re-energize and return to your prior level of performance. Recovery can be aided by taking vacations from work or staying away from it for extended periods of time. That’s why it’s important to unplug now and again.

If you have a lot of vacation days, it would help if you didn’t waste them. Relax and rejuvenate so you come back to work refreshed and revitalized. If that’s not possible, turn off your smartphone and turn your attention to other things for a little while.

5. Learn how to relax

closeup photography of stacked stones — Photo by Shiva Smyth on Pexels.com

Meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness practices can assist you in melting away stress. Begin by focusing on basic tasks like as deep breathing or walking for a few minutes each day.

Developing the ability to focus single-mindedly on a single activity without getting sidetracked takes time and experience. Then, once you’ve mastered it, you’ll discover that it applies to everything in your life.

6. Talk to your supervisor

Employees who are in good health at work will always be more productive, so it’s in the employer’s best interest to create a healthy working environment. It may begin with a discussion with your supervisor.

There are some complaints that you don’t need to worry about because you can find a way to reduce stress on the job. This will help you to do your best work.

A strategy may include measures such as exploring any available corporate wellness tools that you can utilize, as well as steps aimed to enhance capabilities like time management.

Also, it is essential to understand what your employer expects of you, get necessary resources or support from your coworkers, challenge yourself by adding new tasks to your job or make your workspace more comfortable and less stressful.

Get Some Support

It will help you maintain a healthy amount of stress if you allow reputable pals and relatives to assist with regular activities. Employers also have resources that can assist you to lower your stress levels.

Their resources may include online information, on-site counseling, and a referral to a mental health professional if needed. Finally, if you continue to feel like work stress is getting in the way of your life; consult a psychologist who can help you find a way to manage your stress and break out of unhealthy patterns.

Call for Help Today | 941-702-2457

Davenport Psychology- Sarasota 1608 Oak St., Sarasota, FL 34236

Davenport Psychology- Venice 1224 Ridgewood Ave., Venice, FL 34285

Clinical Psychologist in Sarasota – Supporting Others Can Help You Live Longer

A clinical psychologist in Sarasota will tell you one of the best ways to help people live longer and healthier lives is to show them love and support.

However, you can also benefit from this practice in many ways, so much so that you’ll feel as though you’re living longer because you get more out of life by caring for others.

Supportive relationships are one of the essential components of living a long and healthy life. In addition, this kind of relationship can help people avoid diseases that would otherwise lead to an early death.

Dr. Charles Davenport, a clinical psychologist in Sarasota, highlights how giving love and support (supportive relationship) can help you live a healthier and longer life.

Giving love and support to others can help you be healthier

A pretty good argument shows that giving others love and support can also make you healthier. It has been proven in multiple studies, especially regarding our immune system. We have adaptive immunity, which means we get sick quickly when we’re under stress.

The primary way we get stressed? Stress could come into play when we feel insecure about our relationships or worried about other people not liking us.

Scientists call this phenomenon tend-and-befriend. In times of insecurity, women are more likely to focus on close relationships with other women (who help protect them). At the same time, men tend towards work or protective behaviors like building shelter for their families.

Remember that giving love isn’t just about helping others or doing nice things for them. It also means ensuring you take care of yourself first; otherwise, you can’t be there for anyone else.

People who help others (and they don’t have to be family members, so even something as simple as lending an ear to a struggling stranger goes a long way) are generally healthier than those who focus on themselves.

It protects against depression

A study found that older adults who provided significant caregiving or other support for someone else were 43 percent less likely to develop depression than those who didn’t. In addition, feeling needed and helping others were associated with lower stress levels.

The message: there are many benefits of caring for another person, physical health included. So if you can make it work in your life, consider taking on more responsibility—even a little will do.

Do what works for you; don’t go overboard by taking on more than you can handle but aim to give as much love and support as possible.

Increases self-esteem

Research from Harvard University has found that individuals who feel a sense of purpose are more likely to live longer. In other words, how you choose to spend your time matters.

If you need an ego boost, getting involved with a charity or cause close to your heart can do wonders for your body and mind. A 2012 study found that people who self-reported higher levels of altruism were 12 percent less likely to die during the study period.

The researchers also determined that individuals with high levels of empathy had a 15 percent lower risk of death. Other studies have found similar links between altruism and longevity.

The positive effects of kindness last forever

Kindness isn’t just a virtue; it’s a secret weapon for longevity. For example, a study found that volunteers who were instructed to spend just three minutes a day on selfless tasks such as writing thank-you notes or helping others saw lower blood pressure than those who took part in healthful activities like exercising or meditating.

The bonus is that kindness isn’t costly; it can help us keep our existing friends and make new ones.

Try to volunteer for a cause you care about now and then, whether it’s raising money for a local non-profit, distributing supply during a disaster, or mentoring at your children’s school.

Conclusion

Let’s face it, we all like doing things for other people. When someone does something for us, it feels good – but when we do something for others, it makes us feel even better.

Research suggests that giving others love and support can help you live longer. So, you benefit when you support others other than yourself.

Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, or PSTD? Our clinical psychologist in Sarasota and Venice can help you get back your life together.

Perhaps you want to fix your marriage; Dr. Charles Davenport, a licensed marriage counselor in Sarasota, will be happy to help your relationship

Thanks for joining us today on our post. We hope it was helpful, and if you have anything to share with us, feel free to leave them in the comment below.

From a Psychologist in Sarasota – Myths About Gifted Children

Dr. Charles Davenport, a licensed psychologist in Sarasota explains the various myths about gifted children so you don’t fall for the gifted label.

People often think that all gifted children are more intelligent than the average child their age or that they’re more creative or inventive than others.

However, these are just a few myths about gifted children that aren’t true at all. Here are eight myths about gifted children and why they’re not true.

Gifted children will succeed in life no matter what

It’s important to know that giftedness is not an indicator of success. Being gifted doesn’t mean a child will be successful, and being a successful adult doesn’t mean they were gifted.

Psychological testing conducted by psychologists in Sarasota has revealed that many factors go into determining how someone turns out, including genetics, environment, and chance. As a result, plenty of successful adults weren’t considered gifted as kids. And plenty of gifted kids don’t end up doing anything noteworthy with their lives.

Gifted children love school and get high grades

School is a good fit for some gifted kids, but not all of them. Some gifted kids struggle in school because they are bored or frustrated by their classes. Others are so smart that they finish their work quickly, leaving them with nothing to do in class.

If a gifted child is struggling in school, there are often accommodations they can be given to help them avoid depression and succeed. But, often, these students need to find another way to learn.

Gifted children are good at everything they do

Just because a child is gifted doesn’t mean they will succeed in every area of life. For example, some gifted kids struggle with social skills and might have trouble making friends.

Others might be so focused on one area that they don’t develop other skills. So it’s essential to encourage your child to explore different areas and try new things, even if it means failing sometimes.

Gifted children have trouble socially at school fitting in

Many gifted kids find it easy to make friends, but some struggle with social skills. If your child is having trouble making friends, they might need help learning how to interact with other kids.

Sometimes, it can be helpful for gifted kids to spend time with other gifted kids to relate to and learn from each other. Parents also need to encourage their children to try new things and experience different types of people. It will help them develop a broader view of life and overall social skills.

Gifted children tend to be more mature than other kids their age

Giftedness is not a maturity level. While some gifted kids are responsible and serious, others are silly and playful. And while some gifted children like to play with toys designed for younger kids, others prefer to play with toys designed for older kids.

Unfortunately, there’s no way of knowing how your child will turn out based on their current behavior or interests.

Gifted children are always well-behaved and compliant

Some gifted kids are very well-behaved, but others can be difficult. A child being smart doesn’t mean they will automatically do what you ask. It’s essential to set clear expectations for your child and consequences for not following directions.

If your child is struggling with obedience, it might help to find ways to make them more accountable for their actions or give them more freedom in exchange for good behavior.

Innate curiosity causes them to be self-directed

Giftedness is not a personality trait. Just because a child is curious doesn’t mean they will automatically learn how to do things independently. Parents and teachers must guide gifted kids in learning new skills and understanding concepts.

Sometimes, it can help if you let your child take an interest in something that interests you, too. Then, you can share your knowledge with them and help them develop their skills.

All children are gifted

Giftedness is not a trait that all kids have. If your child doesn’t love school or excel at everything they do doesn’t mean they aren’t smart. If you think your child is gifted, talk to them about their interests and strengths so you can find out more about what makes them tick.

While some parents worry that their child isn’t intelligent enough, others fear their child is too clever for their good. Both situations can be stressful for parents and kids alike, but it’s important to remember that being gifted is a gift.

Conclusion

As you can see, not all gifted children are alike. While some may share similar characteristics and interests, others have different personalities and preferences.

However, one thing that all gifted kids do have in common is a willingness to learn new things and explore their talents. For example, suppose your child is interested in learning more about their giftedness.

In that case, they can join a local gifted association or support parents of gifted children. Here, they can talk to people with similar interests and connect with people who share their struggles.

Are you looking for the best clinical psychologist in Sarasota, or perhaps you want to talk to a psychologist in Venice? Then, you can visit our offices in Venice or Sarasota for the best mental health care.

5 Health Tips for Caregivers From a Psychologist

Anyone who’s been a caregiver knows how easy it is to take on too much and not give enough time and attention to rest and recover. This can quickly lead to stress, depression, and sometimes even anxiety.

When you’re caring for someone you love, it can be easy to get so caught up in taking care of others around you that you forget to care for yourself.

If this sounds like you, don’t worry; there are ways to help you put your own needs first while still helping your loved one out.

You’re taking care of someone else, leaving you with little time or energy to take care of yourself.

But, here are five tips from Dr. Charles Davenport, an experienced psychologist in Sarasota, Florida, that will help you avoid burnout and ensure you stay healthy as a caregiver.

1. Set Manageable Self-Care Goals

It can be challenging for caregivers to know when to shift gears. That’s why it’s crucial to set goals that work with your lifestyle and current challenges.

For example, if you’re a parent caring for an elderly parent while also taking care of your own family, one goal might be committing at least three nights each week to leaving early from work to be home in time for dinner with your children.

Over time, you may realize that it makes sense for family members or friends to help out more often to meet different self-care goals, but even small steps will help you achieve better overall health.

You might find it helpful to check in with yourself regularly by writing down your goals and evaluating your progress in a journal.

Individual therapy with a psychologist can also be of great help.

2. Rethink the Idea of Self-Care

There’s no manual for how much self-care is too much or too little. How you take care of yourself depends on the day, your health, and what your family needs from you.

In addition, there’s always a chance that if you’re not taking care of yourself well enough, it could become harder to help someone else at all (especially a loved one).

Sometimes self-care looks like resting. Other times it means taking the time you need to do something for yourself. If nothing else, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it, and don’t wait until it’s too late!

Don’t let the idea of self-care as an afterthought stop you from doing what works best for your well-being.

3. Don’t Take Everything Too Serious ( Forgive Yourself)

There are always days when we feel overwhelmed by stress. When your family member is struggling with a disease, illness, or injury, it can be hard not to take those feelings personally. You worry that you’re somehow at fault for their suffering.

If you’re feeling guilty about things you can’t control, start by forgiving yourself for these moments of weakness. You are not responsible for someone else’s illness or injury.

Remind yourself that you are doing everything in your power to help and that there is nothing more you could do even if you wanted to.

Once you’ve forgiven yourself, forgive others: It can be difficult to find compassion for others when struggling with ourselves.

But, as a caregiver, it’s important to remember that other people may not understand what you’re going through.

They may not realize how much stress they’re adding or how their words or actions affect you. So be kind and forgiving towards them, too, knowing that they likely have good intentions but don’t know any better.

4. Take care of your health and happiness

It can be hard to remember what’s essential for your health and happiness as a caregiver. Like caring for someone else, you have obligations, but you also have needs.

It’s often a good idea to find ways to take care of your physical and mental health and nurture relationships with others who can offer support.

Both you and your loved one (or others in your life) must do all you can to stay happy and healthy!

Make out time for exercise. If there are ways for you to get out, go for a walk, or go on a run, try it.

Even if it doesn’t feel like it helps, remember that physical activity can benefit you. For example, taking a quick walk around your neighborhood is good for your body and mind.

5. Connect With Your Loved ones

Your loved ones are your support system, but sometimes it’s easy for us to forget that. Our responsibilities as a caregiver often result in us being focused on others so much that we can easily neglect our needs. This can easily lead to career stress if left unchecked for long.

Make sure you’re not only doing things for yourself but also prioritizing time with those who matter most.

This can be a dinner or just a call once in a while. It’s easy to feel like we have little control over our lives when we are caregivers because so much is on our plate.

It can sometimes be a pain to stay motivated and connected when life has taken on such an unexpected role, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Staying involved will help you remain connected with your family and friends even if they aren’t physically present. A simple way to do that is by following their activities online via social media.

Wrap up

No one is immune from caregiver burnout, but learning how to take care of yourself will help you survive and thrive as a caregiver.

It can help you take care of yourself by giving you an outlet for your frustrations and allowing you to be present in your loved one’s life as well.

Remember that taking care of yourself doesn’t mean neglecting your responsibilities. Instead, it means taking time to do things that nourish you to have more energy to devote to those who need it most.

And remember, you are not alone! So many caregivers feel overwhelmed or like they are struggling with burnout at some point during their journey; there is support available if you need it.

If you’re a caregiver living in Florida struggling with stress, depression, or your marriage, it is always better to seek help from local experts. You can reach out to a local psychologist in Sarasota, Florida.

You can also contact psychologists in Venice.

Anxiety Therapist in Sarasota: How to Ease Back into Life after a Vacation

Anxiety therapist in Sarasota will always tell you that vacations are one of the best ways to refresh and recharge your mind, body, and spirit.

The trouble comes when you return home and suddenly feel like you can’t accomplish anything because you’re just not into it anymore.

This phenomenon occurs because the relaxation your vacation produces bleeds over into your work life, making your work less enjoyable than before you left on vacation.

As you go back to work following your vacation, here are some tips from Dr. Charles Davenport, a licensed anxiety therapist in Sarasota, to help ease back into the swing of things so that your productivity doesn’t go out the window.

Prep before you go on vacation

If you’re leaving for vacation, you can do a few essential things at home before you go. For example, if you have an aquarium or other pets that require your attention daily, ensure your neighbor or another family member is on board with taking care of them while you’re away.

If not, set up automatic feeders and cleanings, so they don’t need human intervention while you’re gone.

Also, remember to leave bills and mail at home. It may seem like your vacation can wait until after reading your latest electric bill, but once you get back home, it will be easy to get back into your usual routine—as long as nothing urgent comes up in your absence.

Return home with a plan

Coming home from a vacation is filled with mixed emotions, says Swapnil Gohil, an anxiety therapist in Sarasota.

It’s time to come back to work and put on your game face, but part of you wants nothing more than to lay back down in that hotel bed.

Instead of letting yourself feel guilty about that, think about how you can incorporate some of your vacation-style relaxations into your daily life when you get back home.

For example, if you liked having all your meals planned out for you while away, take five minutes every morning to plan out what you’ll be eating for dinner that night and schedule any necessary chores.

You might find it’s just enough structure—and mental break—to ease yourself back into your daily routine without feeling like you need another vacation immediately after coming home from one.

Give yourself a buffer before re-entry

You’re human. That means you can expect some post-vacation blues or travel stress, no matter how much fun you had on your trip. The feeling is normal and will likely dissipate in just a few days (but give it up to two weeks for it to pass completely).

But you can do a few things during that time to make sure you feel like yourself again when you finally get back into work mode.

First, schedule a buffer period before jumping back into your usual routine. It doesn’t have to be an entire week—just one or two days of hanging out at home doing whatever you want can help ease you back into life.

Secondly, try not to look at any social media accounts or read news stories about what happened while you were away until after that buffer period.

Finally, set alerts so they don’t pop up on your phone while you’re relaxing at home.

Adjust your mindset

robot pointing on a wall Davenport Psychology Sarasota FL

There are those moments when we feel like life is moving too fast. But after vacation, it can be easy to enter catch-up mode and push yourself harder than ever. So take some time before you get back into your routine to plan for any stressors that might come up.

Ask yourself what situations might throw off your routine, and set aside time during your day to deal with them as they happen instead of ignoring them and letting them build up until you have no choice but to handle them later in an emergency.

Let those feelings linger

Once you’re back at work, allow yourself some downtime. Take your lunch hour and indulge in your favorite television show, or stay in on Friday night for date night with your significant other.

Whether you spend your time away from work relaxing by yourself or enjoying friends and family, there are ways to carry over those positive vibes from vacation.

These feelings can help lower stress levels and combat depressive symptoms; they may even have physical benefits such as lower blood pressure.

Don’t be afraid to lean on these benefits of relaxation when returning to your routine, but don’t think you need them all the time! Over-relaxing is not ideal for anyone’s health! Be active!

It’s a great idea to bring a little bit of vacation home with you

To help ease your return, get some small souvenirs of your trip home with you; they’ll serve as a daily reminder of just how good life can be.

Not only will these items serve as constant reminders, but they’ll also come in handy later when you’re trying to get back in touch with that relaxation mindset.

For example, bring an inexpensive beach towel home and give yourself easy access to it during stressful times. It will remind you of everything you left behind and help ground your experience after vacation.

Conclusion

We’ve covered some essential points in today’s post. First, vacations are meant to be fun and relaxing! However, when we spend too much time away from everyday life, we sometimes experience what’s commonly referred to as the relaxation hangover.

It happens when you go on vacation and enjoy yourself tremendously. Then come back home and feel some emptiness or even depression.

You can reduce or eliminate these negative feelings by following simple steps and planning. We’ve outlined several valuable techniques that will enable you to come back home feeling like yourself or even better than before.

Are you suffering from anxiety or depression? Our anxiety therapist in Sarasota will love to help you bring out the best version of yourself.

Perhaps yours has to do with issues in your marriage. Dr. Charles Davenport, a licensed marriage counselor in Sarasota, will be delighted to help you fix your relationship.

Thank you for reading our post. We hope it was helpful, and if you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment below. Happy travels!

A Psychologist in Sarasota – How to be more resilient

Have you ever thought about reaching out to a psychologist in Sarasota? Yeah, that’s because you want the best version of yourself.

Everyone experiences challenges in life. Whether it’s something big like losing your job, moving away from your family or something smaller like losing your keys.

Stress can quickly become overwhelming for some people, resulting in anxiety, career stress, and other mental health issues.

Even though these events are expected and seem to happen to most people, they can still be challenging to handle. Yeah, especially if you don’t know how to deal with them effectively.

Thankfully, this post will shed light on how a psychologist can build a stronger you and become more resilient.

As a bonus, Dr. Charles, a licensed psychologist in Sarasota, Venice, will also share some tips on how you can become more resilient.

What does resilience affect your mental health

The best way to understand resilience is to look at its opposite. That’s vulnerability. If someone has a low level of resilience, they are likely to struggle if something goes wrong.

They will be ‘vulnerable’ and much more likely to experience not only destructive mental health issues but also physical health problems.

On the other hand, a person with high levels of resilience will be less physically and mentally likely to suffer from hardships.

Although that does not mean they won’t feel pain and distress, it means they have effective coping strategies. For example, they don’t contemplate negative events for too long and do not allow themselves to be overcome by negativity too often.

Why do we struggle to cope sometimes?

When you’re going through a tough time, it’s easy to feel as though there’s no way forward, that all your options are equally bad, and there’s nothing left but misery and self-pity.

In many cases, though, difficult times pass relatively quickly—but we stay stuck thinking about them for much longer. There are two reasons why we struggle to get back on track after a challenging experience:

Dwelling on negative thoughts creates a downward spiral.
Our beliefs about setbacks create an unhelpful self-fulfilling prophecy that makes us vulnerable to even bigger struggles when times get tough again.
Our expectations of what we’re capable of limit us.

How Talk Therapy from a psychologist can help

Therapy is one of many treatments available for various mental health issues and psychological concerns, such as depression, anxiety, personality disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The benefits of therapy are numerous; just some include boosting self-esteem, reducing stress, and increasing overall well-being. However, it’s important to remember that therapy doesn’t cure patients of their problems.

Instead, it teaches them new coping mechanisms and workarounds for things that may be interfering with their lives or happiness. Yes, it doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not a magic cure, but that doesn’t mean you won’t start seeing improvements immediately.

Your first session or two are likely to be assessment appointments; there, your therapist will ask some questions about what brings you into therapy, why your current methods aren’t working, and other details so they can get a good sense of where to begin.

They may even recommend specific courses of action for further self-help, such as joining a support group or using another approach, which is why you must be honest and open about your struggles.

Here are some tips from Dr. Charles Davenport, a licensed psychologist in Sarasota to make yourself more resilient

Admit when you’re struggling

Being honest about your feelings is an essential first step toward getting back on track. The sooner you acknowledge that things aren’t going well and that you are feeling overwhelmed, sad or anxious, the sooner you can start working towards a solution.

Don’t beat yourself up

It’s easy to feel like we should be able to handle everything that comes our way without breaking a sweat, but no one is invincible. So if you find yourself beating yourself up because of something that has happened, try writing down all your negative thoughts so they don’t continue repeatedly playing in your head.

Then take some time to challenge each thought by asking questions such as, is it true? What evidence do I have for believing it? Is there another way of looking at things? Must I feel bad about this all the time? Asking yourself questions like this can help build some positivity.

Take some time to relax

The biggest mistake we make when stressed is trying to deal with all of our problems head-on and by doing everything ourselves. Remember that one person cannot take on every difficulty they encounter, and trying will only make things worse.

Instead, try spending some time relaxing or engaging in a hobby such as cooking or taking a walk outside; studies have shown that these activities can reduce stress levels and build confidence.

Seek help from a local psychologist in Sarasota

Psychologists are trained to help people deal with their problems and have access to numerous tools that can aid your recovery, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

CBT is one of many talking therapies that treat mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression.

It may feel weird to talk to a friend or family member about your struggle, but talking to a psychologist is a more viable option because they don’t just listen to those problems but come up with approaches to help solve them.

“A lot of the individuals who had few sessions with us here at Davenport psychology shared lovely testimonies on how they were able to get their life back on track with our support” That can also be you with the right help.

Conclusion

Understanding what resilience is and developing it isn’t easy, but overcoming life’s big and small difficulties is vital.

By harnessing resilience, you stand a better chance of achieving your goals and becoming happier, healthier, and all-around better at dealing with whatever comes your way.

So, if you live in Sarasota or Venice and you’re struggling with your relationship, you should get in touch with a Sarasota marriage counselor. That’s because a local expert will be more of help.

Lastly, anxiety should not be ignored for too long. Try to reach out to a anxiety therapist in Sarasota or a clinical psychologist in Sarasota if you a serious mental health problem.

The Psychology of Summer Vacations from a Clinical Psychologist in Sarasota

Are you thinking about taking your next summer vacation? Well, here is what a clinical psychologist in Sarasota has to say before you pack your bags.

Summer vacation used to be the best part of the year because it meant no school, no responsibilities, and plenty of time to play outside with friends and family members.

Unfortunately, our schedules have made it much more difficult to enjoy this time of year as much as we should, making it too easy to fall into a slump when the summer months finally arrive.

You can take some significant steps to ensure that your vacation is as enjoyable as possible so that you can return feeling refreshed, relaxed, and rejuvenated instead of exhausted.

Visualize What You Want Before You Go

When planning your summer vacation, it’s important to visualize what you want. Think about what you hope will happen during your time off and what activities you want to participate in.

It may seem like a waste of time, but it can help ensure your realistic expectations.

For example, if you dream about lying on a beach all day with a book in hand but realize that there aren’t any good beaches near you, it might be better for your mental health (and wallet) to plan an activity-filled trip instead.

Do something different each day

It’s easy to get stuck on vacation. To avoid that, try doing something new every day. It could be as simple as visiting a new restaurant or exploring a new part of town.

The goal is to keep things interesting and make sure you’re not spending all your time on one activity (like spending the entire day playing soccer). If you’re traveling with others, try doing fun things for everyone.

If you’re traveling alone, don’t feel like you have to do everything by yourself—make friends with other people who are also traveling alone.

Go someplace different each year

If you’re planning on taking a summer vacation, it’s a good idea to try going somewhere new. You don’t have to go far—an hour or two away can make all the difference.

The goal is that your vacation feels fresh and exciting, so you won’t feel like you’re doing exactly what you did last year.

Also, if you have kids, plan at least one trip where they aren’t allowed to bring their devices (or cut them off for a few hours). That way, they won’t be able to spend all their time playing games and watching movies on their phones.

Disconnect from work

A clinical psychologist in Sarasota or anywhere in the world will tell you how crucial to disconnect while you’re on vacation. Not only will it help you feel more relaxed, but it can also help you stay away from your phone and computer for longer periods.

If you’re worried about missing out on something at work, ensure someone else knows what’s going on and check in with them before leaving.

You should also let your boss know that you won’t be checking email or voicemail while you’re gone—and, if possible, set up auto-responders so people know when they can expect a response.

Live in the moment and savor the experience

One of the best parts about summer vacations is that they don’t last forever. So, it’s important to enjoy every minute. So, instead of constantly thinking about what you must do when you get home, focus on what you’re doing right now.

If you’re with friends or family, try not to think about work—and if you are thinking about work, try not to let it ruin your time off. Instead, use your vacation as an opportunity for relaxation and reflection.

Use all of your vacation time

It’s important to use all your vacation days, even if you don’t feel like you need them. Not only will it help keep you sane, but it can also help prevent burnout. You can quickly get burned out if you work full-time and have a lot going on outside of work.

Taking a break from work is vital for both your physical and mental health. If you aren’t taking enough time off, that can lead to stress and other problems down the road.

Spend a lot of time resting

It is essential to get enough sleep while you’re on vacation. It won’t only make you feel more rested, it can also help prevent jet lag.

If you’re traveling somewhere new, try going to bed early and waking up early so your body can adjust (and, if possible, try not to drink too much alcohol). The goal is that when you return home, you won’t feel like a zombie.

Conclusion

Taking a vacation is vital for your mental health. It’s also good for your physical health and can help prevent career-stress

and burnout. If you want the best out of your time off, try doing something new and spend less worrying about work.

You should also ensure you’re getting enough sleep and using all your vacation days—even if you don’t feel like you need them. Finally, remember that vacations are fun, so try not to let work ruin them!

Are you looking for the best psychologists in Venice, or perhaps you want to talk to a clinical psychologist in Sarasota? Then, visit our office in Venice or Sarasota for the best mental health care.

Tips from an anxiety therapist in Sarasota for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder on July 4th

Have you ever visited an anxiety therapist in Sarasota because of anxiety disorder?

Post-traumatic stress disorder, also called PSTD, is an anxiety disorder that develops after a terrifying ordeal involving physical harm or its threat.

Most often associated with war veterans, survivors of rape and abuse, and others involved in life-threatening situations.

PTSD causes sufferers to relive their trauma through flashbacks and nightmares, which can leave them emotionally, paralyzed and trigger intense feelings of panic.

Although it may seem like PTSD isn’t curable, it is treatable if you can visit a licensed anxiety therapist in Sarasota or in your area of residence.

In this post, we’ll share some tips from licensed psychologists in Sarasota on what to do if you’re suffering from post-traumatic stress.

Tip1: You have to challenge your sense of helplessness

PTSD recovery is a gradual and continuous process. Healing does not happen overnight, and the memories of the trauma never totally go.

This might make life appear challenging at times. However, there are numerous methods you may take to manage the leftover symptoms and lessen your anxiety and panic.

Addressing your sense of helplessness is critical to recovering from PTSD. Trauma makes you feel helpless and vulnerable. It is essential to remember that you have strengths and coping abilities that can help you get through difficult circumstances.

Tip 2: Get moving

Exercise does more than just release endorphins and enhances your mood and attitude when you have PTSD.

Exercise can assist your nervous system get “unstuck” and moving out from the inertial stress by paying more attention to your body through regular exercise.

Instead of concentrating on your thoughts, focus on how your body feels. For example, think about your feet striking the ground or focus on breathing.

Tip 3: Reach out for support

PTSD might cause you to feel isolated from others. For example, you may isolate yourself from social activities and loved ones.

However, maintaining connections with people who care about you is critical. You are not compelled to talk about your situation if you don’t want to, but the loving support and company of others are essential to your healing.

Tip 4: A Healthy Lifestyle will do a lot of good

PTSD symptoms may be hard on your body, so it’s critical to look after yourself and create some good living practices.

Take some time to unwind: Deep breathing, meditation, massage, and yoga are all relaxation techniques that help trigger the body’s state of relaxation and alleviate PTSD symptoms.

Stay away from alcohol and self-medications: When dealing with painful emotions and traumatic experiences, you may be tempted to use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. However, drug abuse exacerbates many PTSD symptoms, interferes with therapy, and can exacerbate interpersonal issues.

Begin your day correctly with breakfast: Maintain your energy and mental clarity throughout the day with balanced, healthy meals.

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for emotional wellness, so include foods like fatty fish, flaxseed, and walnuts in your diet.

Limit processed foods, fried foods, refined carbs, and sweets, which can aggravate mood swings and create energy changes.

Get adequate rest: Sleep deprivation can cause rage, irritation, and mood swings. So it would help if you aimed for good hours of sleep.

Seek help from a licensed psychologist

Happy July 4th from Davenport Psychology.

People suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder experience a host of emotions, including anger, anxiety, depression, and guilt. In addition to professional help, there are many ways that you can treat PTSD on your own.

The most important thing is knowing how to cope and taking steps to help yourself feel better as soon as possible.

A psychologist can recommend individual therapy, counseling, psychological testing, and medication to help mitigate these symptoms and improve your mental health.

It’s more beneficial to reach out to counselors or psychologists in your locality. For example, if you live in Sarasota, reaching out to marriage counselors in Sarasota is a more viable option.

Self-care in milder cases can significantly reduce symptoms or prevent them altogether if practiced regularly. The following tips have been shown to help those coping with PTSD on their road to recovery.

Conclusion

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental illness that can have a debilitating effect on your life. The symptoms can be overwhelming, and it’s important to know how to cope.

If you or someone you love has PTSD, there are many ways to treat it and recover. Seek professional help if necessary and practice self-care to feel better as soon as possible.

Are you looking for the best psychologist in Sarasota, or perhaps you want to talk to an anxiety therapist in Sarasota about your mental health? Then, visit our office in Venice or Sarasota for the best mental health care.

The Numerous Benefits of Play on Mental Health

Most parents understand the benefits of play on mental health and how it helps their children acquire essential life skills. But did you realize that fun activities are also crucial for adults?

Fun has many benefits, including reducing depression, and career stress, better relationships, and improved mental health.

When you hear the term “play,” you usually envision a group of youngsters running about, laughing and cheering as they chase a bright ball.

But the play goes beyond all of that, and it is not limited to a specific age range. Play is just participating in activities for enjoyment and recreation, which can reduce anxiety.

Play is for everyone

Former British Prime Minister David Cameron admits to playing games like Angry Birds on his phone to unwind after a long day.

Soccer player David Beckham said Lego sets saved his life by acting as psychological testing for brain damage he got in a plane accident. Barack Obama stated that he relaxes by playing basketball or golf.

Aside from the fact that it is something you like, the best thing about playing is that it benefits your general wellness and influences your health.

For actors or athletes, the benefits of play are numerous as it can improve their acting performance psychology.

In addition, it can boost your creativity, emotional well-being, and problem-solving abilities.

It is Vital to Your Health

Play is vital in our development as children, and it remains an essential part of life into adulthood.

Davenport Psychology, with one of the finest Sarasota psychologists in the person of Dr. Charles Davenport, highlighted that fun activities are beneficial to individuals and married couples.

If you’re looking to boost your relationship with your spouse, try introducing some fun activities mentioned by Dr. Charles, who has been a Sarasota marriage counselor for more than a decade.

Outlined below are some benefits of play on mental health, both physically and mentally.

Improves memory

Playing games can improve our capacity to learn new things and help us remember old information.

Research suggests that playing memory-based games—like puzzles or online word games—helps train our brains to more easily recall everyday information.

In a study, older adults who played a version of Tetris reported less confusion and had better attention and memory over time than those who didn’t play.

Prevents depression

A common misconception is that adults do not need play. Indeed, we generally outgrow many games from childhood, but physical activity—one of life’s most critical elements—is a form of play.

Moving our bodies and challenging ourselves physically and mentally may help prevent depression. It can even help people recover from stress.

Reduces stress

Research has shown that stress-related problems link up with weight gain, decreased sleep quality, and other factors in adults. Taking time to unwind can help prevent these issues.

Incorporating playtime into your life will likely help you reduce stress levels, among other things. Enjoying yourself may also make you more attractive.

Research has shown that happy people are seen as more attractive than less happy individuals, encouraging others to be more welcoming toward you.

More Productivity

fun activities can help adults become more productive. It allows adults to explore and learn in a free-form way, which we tend to lose as adults (either by our choice or by external pressures).

It makes us more open to new ways of thinking, which helps us solve problems creatively and discover new opportunities.

Play can also boost our creativity and encourage innovation, fostering a better work environment where people are more inspired and engaged.

In addition, research has shown that innovative companies have a more playful culture.

Play For Adults Promotes Vitality

adult couple playing with gaming floor mat

Fun is distinct in that it “generates optimism, craves novelty, makes endurance enjoyable, leads to mastery, provides the immune system a bounce, and builds empathy.” Play can also help to foster a sense of community.

Outdoor leisure and play, for example, are important components of certain drug and alcohol treatment clinics’ rehabilitation programs. It’s a technique to pique a person’s interest in sober activities.

Adventure therapy, for example, encourages participants to participate in outdoor activities while collaborating with others to problem solve and conquer difficulties.

And while it is part of therapy, it is also a type of play that helps people work on their addiction while having fun.

Outdoor leisure advantages include greater attention span, improved relaxation, less anxiety, lower blood pressure, and a lower chance of depression.

Adventure therapy is just a phrase for what is known as experiential education. Play is no exception. While playing, you may gain life skills and enhance your health.

Wrap up

The bottom line is that getting in touch with your inner child is good for you. And the benefits of leisure activities on mental health cannot be overemphasized.

It helps you reconnect with yourself, have some fun, and look at life differently. We need to remember what it was like when we were kids if we will truly grow up.

So make time every day for some fun activity so that you can live a longer and happier life.

Nevertheless, if you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, career stress, or battling your marriage, reach out to a local psychologist in Sarasota, Florida.