Dear Moving Forward Community,
I hope this finds each of you well.
The weather is warming up and May flowers are coming into sight, with high hopes for what the next few months will bring. With this warmer weather, many still working from home, and a number of kids still participating in virtual schooling at least a few days each week; it is the perfect time to start engaging in more outdoor activities or to take activities you normally do inside to the great outdoors.
The continued challenges that the Covid-19 pandemic imposes on all causes the need for individuals to continually adapt to and remain open to the unknown ahead. Studies show a direct link between the feeling of calm in the midst of chaos and time spent outside, for both adults and adolescents. With this, below are a few ideas on how you and your family can get out of the house and into nature, as well as a warm welcome to Moving Forward PLC's newest therapist.
As always, the team at Moving Forward remains here to provide support and assistance. We continue to offer both in-person and virtual session options for new and current clients.
Sincerely,
Michele Cole, PhD, LCSW
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Navigating the Re-opening of Society
While navigating the road to our new normal it is important to still make time to prioritize yourself and for reflection. By continuing to prioritize the self care and reflection time we became accustomed to in the past year, comes clarity and the ability to stay calm in our now increasingly busy society. A clear and peaceful mind is critical now more than ever as society navigates through the uncertainty of reopening and lessening restrictions surrounding the Covid-19 pandemic. With this, it is important to normalize anxiety that may surround the reopening of greater society as well as the re-entering into society as individuals.
In addition to boosting adult's mental health, time in nature provides a plethora of benefits on children's development. Studies show that these benefits include improved physical health, cognitive health, emotional health (increases in self-esteem), social skills, play skills (increases in creativity), and mental health (deceases in hyperactivity and better overall moods).
Below are a few fun ways for you and your families to ground yourself by being in nature, or to socialize with others in the warm weather that spring brings.
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~ Go for a Walk (alone or together!)
On your own, with your dogs, with a friend, or with your entire family walking can increase your mood, give you time to reflect and provide low impact exercise for all ages. Take a short slow stroll in your neighborhood or check out these scenic walking trails near Alexandria, VA.
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~ Take A Hike
Grab a friend or family members and truly surround yourself in the purest form of nature. Take an afternoon to venture to one of these local hiking spots.
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~ Bike or Rollerblade
Rollerblading and biking are yet another form of exercise that the entire family can participate in. Take a break from traffic and bike to a beautiful picnic spot or head to your favorite casual restaurant to relax and refuel before the journey home. Click here for destination ideas.
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~ Go To A Dog Park
Whether you have a happy and friendly dog of your own or are simply a dog lover; take an hour or two to visit a local dog park. Dog's happy disposition and energy will elate your mood in no time. Click here for a few local dog parks.
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~ Drive-In Movies
Get out of the house for an outdoor movie theater experience! Open your car windows at a drive in movie theater; or create your own backyard theater with a projector, blankets and a large buttery bowl of popcorn! Click here for a drive-in movie theater in Rockville!
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~ Outdoor Shopping Malls
Window shop or treat yourself with a fun purchase (you deserve it) in Georgetown, Crystal City or Old Town's outdoor shopping malls.
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~ Make It A Picnic!
~Yards Park
~ United States National Arboretum
~Theodore Roosevelt Island.
~Meridian Hill Park
~ Georgetown Waterfront Park
~Glen Echo Park
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Please Welcome Aimee Chase!
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Aimee Chase, MA, MA, NCC
Aimee is a Licensed Resident in Counseling in the Commonwealth of Virginia who is currently earning hours towards LPC licensure. She has experience working with adolescents, adults, and families in both inpatient and outpatient settings. With this, she enjoys working with clients of all ages who are coping with anxiety, ADHD, depression, low self-esteem, complex grief, addiction, life transitions, co-dependency, identity and existential issues. Aimee's approach is holistic and person-focused in nature, with influences from attachment theory, existentialism, and cognitive-behavioral theory.
We are thrilled and honored to have Aimee join our team!
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