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August/
September 2025
Less Stress, More Intentionality, and a Mindset Shift
For many of us summer brought a reprieve from a hectic school schedule and meaningful memories on vacations and time with family. For others of us this summer brought incredible stress and grief, from the flooding in the Hill country or upheaval in our own lives. Many of us are entering this new Fall season full of anxiety and stress.
Stress from grief, loss, and uncertainty can create a lot of anxiety in our lives. I know this from personal experience. For years I had difficulty relating to people struggling with anxiety…I wasn’t an anxious person and felt like I had good control over my thoughts and emotions. But then I started to have trouble breathing, in very mundane moments, and I thought I had the flu. I had scans done thinking something was wrong with my lungs or even my heart. But my doctor asked if I was under a lot of stress. I confirmed yes, I felt stressed, but don’t we all? Then she asked if I knew what a panic attack was—I was dismayed and embarrassed! I’m having panic attacks?! I thought I had walking pneumonia. Where was this coming from and what did it mean?
We are all under a lot of pressure in our lives and it shows up in many ways. Stress is the body’s response to anxiety and can often manifest itself through panic attacks or other significant bodily symptoms. But we don’t have to live this kind of suffering, and we can feel differently—I promise! Understanding how anxiety works will help you to manage and deal with your stress and begin to live more fully and freely. In this month’s we’ll unpack The Anxiety Cycle, which is key in understanding how anxiety works, what is happening in our bodies, and how to calm the body in order to calm the mind.
Many of us feel stressed this time of year and especially in August because of what shows up—dread. The sense that the slow pace of summer is over, vacations and relaxation are gone, and “real life” is just around the corner. Traffic picks up as do our schedules, and many of us dread what comes this month.
But here’s the reframe: if you did summer right, it shouldn’t feel that different from your “normal” life. The transition shouldn’t feel like a crash but a gentle shift. And let’s remember that September is still a warm weather month for us! The light will still linger into evening. And you haven’t missed your chance. Take some time to consider how to weave in your summer mindset into this new Fall season.
In other news, The Barnabas Center had an uplift of sorts this summer—we did renovation of our offices, added a dedicated play therapy and group therapy room, and expanded our waiting area. Below you can see some before and after pictures.
We would love to help you consider what God is doing in your life this Fall season, help you reconnect with yourself or others, and support you in whatever stress and anxiety is present. Please reach out to us to schedule an appointment and take care of yourself this month!
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