3 Places That Will Make You Flock to Pennsylvania to Boost Your Mental Health

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3 Places That Will Make You Flock to Pennsylvania to Boost Your mental Health

[Guest post by Jennifer Scott. Jennifer is a life coach and blogger from Walnut, CA. You can learn more about her at Spiritfinder.org or email her at jennifer@spiritfinder.org Thanks for contributing, Jennifer!]

Practicing self-care and boosting your mental health can do a world of good for your overall well-being. If you suffer chronic stress, your muscles are tense for prolonged periods and trigger stress-related disorders like tension headaches and migraines. You also breathe more heavily and can trigger pre-existing conditions such as asthma or emphysema, or you can experience hyperventilation that triggers panic attacks.

Other physical effects of chronic stress include long-term issues for your heart and blood vessels, gastrointestinal issues, and reproductive problems. That’s why you need to take steps to improve your mental health.

If you only know Pennsylvania for Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, you may not consider it a mecca for mental health because of the hustle and bustle of the cities. But, Pennsylvania is a gorgeous state teeming with state parks and nature preserves, beautiful bodies of water, and retreats that will help you unwind and unplug. There are hundreds of destinations across the Keystone State that can improve your mental health, and we share a few of our favorites.

1. Historic Sites That Welcome You to Take in the Scenery at Your Own Pace

Walking not only benefits your physical health by burning calories to combat obesity and reduce the risk of heart disease, but it also relieves stress. Walking calms the brain, and walking in natural areas puts it into a meditative state.

Moreover, walking in nature and spending time outdoors relieves stress and improves memory, attention, and energy levels. It also increases endorphins that reduce stress hormones and combat depression.

For these reasons, visiting historic sites in Pennsylvania that welcome you to walk and learn at your own pace is an ideal way to boost your mental health. Historic sites like Eckley’s Miners Village, where you can walk the grounds of the historic village and learn about coal mining in the 1840s and 1850s, is an ideal destination for those seeking a mental health boost.

Gettysburg is another perfect historic place to visit in Pennsylvania; walk the battlefields, participate in the historic Gettysburg walking tour, and learn more about life during the Civil War. 

2. Bodies of Water That Invite You to Relax

Many people head to the ocean when they want to relax, but Pennsylvanians know that kayaking on one of the many streams or rivers or renting a boat on Lake Erie is a way to avoid the crowds and relieve stress more effectively. There are many vessel options on Lake Erie, from jet skis to fishing boats, to kayaks and canoes, to paddleboards.

If you prefer to relax beside the water instead of on it, spend time at Presque Isle State Park. A National Natural Landmark and a top PA vacation destination, Presque Isle State Park features sandy beaches and outdoor recreation for relaxation seekers. Visitors can swim, boat, bike, surf, or fish. If retail therapy boosts your mood, enjoy spending time at Presque Isle Gallery & Gifts in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center (TREC).

3. Retreats to Rent for a Weekend or an Extended Stay

Because nature has the power to boost your mental health, immersing yourself in the great outdoors by renting a retreat for a few days is an ideal choice for people who want to unplug. You may choose a bed and breakfast, spa-type retreat, or cabin depending on the type of getaway you prefer to help you relieve stress. Pack some books, your favorite snacks and beverages, and prepare to enjoy some time in the PA mountains.

Many of the retreats in the Pennsylvania mountains are mere steps from hiking and biking trails, so you also can relieve stress by walking or pedaling through the Keystone State. Best of all, Pennsylvania is gorgeous during all four seasons, so you can plan a trip any time of year. In fact, you may want to make a quarterly reservation so you can watch your favorite spot transform itself from one season to the next.

Spending time away from the routine and stress of daily life is an ideal way to boost mental health. Pennsylvania is one of the best destinations for doing just that, thanks to its historic sites that feature walking tours, bodies of water that promote relaxation, and retreats that take you away from it all.

Are you interesting?

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conversation

Lately, I've been pondering the question: "Am I and interesting person?"

Sometimes, I feel like I'm always asking and concerned about others, but that very few times do I feel others are concerned about and interested in me.

The other day, I was at the bank and the teller asked me what I was doing for the rest of the weekend. I proceeded to briefly tell him and then reciprocated with the same question. He smiled and excitedly told me about his plans to go to a comic book convention with friends.

When he finished, he looked at me and said: "You know, I've worked here for a month now and out of everyone that's coming in to do business, you're the only one that's ever asked me about myself. Thank you for that."

We chatted some more and I told him I feel like people don't mean to be on interested in others, they just are too busy with their own lives and busy schedules to notice what's right in front of them.

Gone are the days when everybody knows everybody at the grocery store. Heck, some of us don't even know our neighbors! It got me thinking about a book I read years ago called "Winning With People." I read in there that "People are interested in people that are interested in others." I believe that used to be and maybe still is true to some extent, but not entirely.

Friends, let's make it a point to get to know each other again. Say hello and ask your local cashier or neighbor how they are and really stop to listen. Try it once a week or even once a month! I bet you'll feel a change within and maybe become a bit more interesting yourself!

Tell me what you think, I'd love to hear from you!

Blessings, Health, and Happiness to you,

Joelle

What is guided meditation?

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Guided meditation/relaxation simply put, is meditation/relaxation with help from another person. Usually someone who is trained or has been practicing for a certain amount of time. It’s an easy way to learn how to relax your mind and body and can be helpful in learning how to focus on your inner and outer self.

I’ve been practicing guided relaxation for over 10 years and have also integrated it into sessions with my clients. I was first introduced to it in graduate school by one of my professors. It’s been a helpful tool that can bring about many positive and rejuvenating changes.

Some of the ways it can help:

  • Alleviate anxiety

  • Decrease depression

  • Decrease blood pressure

  • Lower cortisol levels

  • Improve quality of sleep

  • Improves brain function

  • Helps with anger issues

  • Increase self-confidence

  • Assist with closure in certain seasons of life

There are however, certain scripts that should only be practiced with a Licensed Therapist, such as closure assistance or trauma-related scripts. This is because deeper issues that may illicit various emotions are best experienced with someone who is able to assist with processing what one has just experienced.

Overall, guided meditation/relaxation is a great way to get to know yourself better. You can take some of the things you learn and practice them throughout your day. When you’re winding down at night, you can think back to a helpful point in the meditation or a peaceful place you may have created in your mind to help you sleep better, maybe you’re feeling stressed and a certain word or color you thought of could help ease your mind, or while taking a walk, you can be more aware of your surroundings by focusing on sounds and smells or anything that may be familiar from a previous guided meditation.

There are simple apps that you can download on your phone and listen to in order to relax also. Practicing some of the more simple ones at home, can help with in-session guided relaxations too.

No matter what you choose, you’re sure to walk away feeling better that you’ve taken some time for yourself and your mind and body will thank you for learning something new!

You can experience one of my short, simple relaxations here. You’ll be on your way to a healthier, more relaxed you.

Questions and comments are always welcome, I’d love to hear from you! Blessings, Health, and Happiness,

Joelle





 

Restorative Sunlamps

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“Light is a powerful healer, tonic, germ killer, remedial agent, and relaxer, especially when it is used in conjunction with other healing modalities. Scientists are now discovering a great connection between light and health. They have found that natural light has a very significant effect on our immune system. Light is already being used for treating various diseases of the blood and skin, and for curing certain kinds of depression and nervous disorders. ”
— Source

Restorative sunlamps are used for light therapy, in which you sit or work near a device called a light therapy box. The box gives off unique spectrum of bright light that mimics natural outdoor light.

Light therapy is thought to affect brain chemicals linked to mood, sleep, hormones and overall wellbeing. Using a light therapy box may also help with other types of depression, sleep disorders and other conditions.

Research has shown light therapy to be helpful in treatment of a variety of health conditions such as:

  • Seasonal Affect Disorder (SAD)

  • Depression & Anxiety

  • Acne & Rosacea

  • Addition Recovery

  • Vitamin D Deficiency

  • Boost the effects of Antidepressants

  • As a substitute for antidepressants during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

  • Insomnia

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

  • Premenstruel Syndrome

  • Attention Defecit Hyperactivity Disorder

Our sunlamps are made from solid poplar wood with doctor recommended 10,000 LUX Bulbs. Recommended duration for use is just 15-30 minutes per day.

Ask how you can get your own restorative sunlamp to compliment your health and wellness journey!