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Beat Stress with These Top Tips

If you’ve ever visited with a psychologist or therapist in Highlands Ranch, you know that we meet with people who are struggling with all sorts of different challenges. Sometimes people come in with specific concerns or life issues that they would like to work on, other times, they come with a simple request: “I’m stressed and I want it to stop!”

Stress is a normal part of life, and I have yet to meet anyone who has never experienced stress. Stress helps us to identify the need to take action, whether that is getting that big project done at work before your boss gets angry, helping your kids learn and behave effectively at school, or dealing with your romantic partner. However, if your life contains too much stress, you may find yourself becoming irritable, angry, and having more health problems! Fortunately, working with a psychologist in Littleton can help you to fix these stress areas and feel better. While you’re waiting for your next appointment, try these top stress busters.

  1. Get moving! If your idea of exercise is the long walk to the garage to get into the car, you’re probably not getting enough exercise. Walking for just 30 minutes a day has been found to improve mood and relieve stress. It can also help you to sleep.
  2. Budget your energy. You make a budget for your finances, why not your valuable time and energy? Lists or planners can be helpful for this, because you can write down what you need to do each day—and what you would “like” to do, if you have time. Focus on getting the needs done, and don’t feel guilty if you skip the “like to do” section—if you have budgeted your time and energy well, this will fit in another day.
  3. Read a book. The act of reading promotes quiet, calm, and focus—all stress-relieving things! Just 20 minutes of quiet reading can lower stress by up to 68%, making this classic leisure activity even more effective than listening to music or drinking a hot cup of tea.
  4. Embrace nothingness. Many American households operate like Times Square—always on, always bright, and always loud! If you feel like you can’t get a moment of peace, it’s probably because you can’t. Change that by dedicating at least 10 minutes a day to quiet. Whether you do this at night after the kids have gone to bed or make it a family tradition, taking just a few minutes to relax, breath, and think without the constant stimulation can reduce stress effectively.

If you have tried these things and they don’t work, or if you feel like your stress is unmanageable on your own, contact a psychologist. Dr. Lazarus and Zeke, his trained therapy dog, provide animal assisted therapy for clients in Littleton and Highlands Ranch. You can live a relaxing, fulfilling life in spite of stress!

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How To Help Your Child Succeed Financially

As tax season is upon us, finances are one of the biggest things on many people’s minds. Many people would be surprised to know that many parents talk with their child psychologist in Littleton to figure out when, how, and why to talk with their kids about finances. Read on to find out expert advice for helping your children grow to be financially successful.
Be Responsible
The first thing you must consider when talking to your children about finances is if it is responsible to do so. While therapists in Highlands Ranch don’t like to start with a list of things not to do, it is important to keep the safety and integrity of your child at the utmost importance. As such, do not share frightening financial news with children who are not old enough to understand it, do not “guilt trip” your child by pointing out how much money they cost you, and for families of divorce, do not criticize your ex’s financial skills or contributions. In fact, don’t mention those at all!
Be Transparent
Keeping the above caveats in mind, you should try to be somewhat transparent with your children about finances so that they can see how handle them. For example, it is perfectly acceptable to tell your child “we are not going to buy that very expensive iPhone now, because it costs $700. We are going to buy you a nice refurbished one so we use our money wisely.” In general, you can also give your children an idea of the way adult finances work, such as explaining why adults have so many bills to pay, and explain that payment is like a reward for good work.
Set a Good Example
If you want to raise a child who grows up to be good with finances, start early. Set good examples, such as showing your child how the bank works and talking about why we save money instead of always spending it. Handle your debts promptly and make it clear that money must be respected, as must borrowing from friends or family members. Show your children what’s important by putting priorities first—even if that means waiting on new clothes or gifts. Promote the value of time and energy instead of just encouraging mass consumerism. Always convey an attitude that you, as a responsible parent, have the finances under control
Give A Chance to Practice
One of the things that child behavior psychologists in Littleton enjoy is giving kids a chance to practice and get hands-on skills with what we learn! To raise a financially responsible child, consider starting them with a junior savings account that earns a little interest. Most children enjoy visiting the bank, and most bank staff are happy to explain some things in a child-friendly manner. Use this account to work toward meaningful goals or purchases, and let your child experience the pride of watching their account grow. Praise efforts to delay gratification and spend wisely. Of course, if your child would rather spend, let them—this is all part of the experience.
For more tips on teaching your children life skills at any age, check back on this blog often. For a custom solution and advice, set up an appointment with a child psychologist today.

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