Inspired Life Wellness Clinic, PLLC

02/02/2026

Groundhog Day: When We Let a Rodent Decide Our Mental Health

Ah yes. Groundhog Day is tomorrow, 2/2/2026.
The one day a year we gather around our screens, clutch our coffee, and ask a chubby weather hamster with commitment issues to tell us if life is worth living yet.

No pressure, Phil.

For anyone dealing with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Groundhog Day feels less like a quirky tradition and more like a psychological checkpoint. Not because the groundhog actually controls the sun—but because symbolically, it means something important:

👉 Winter has peaked.

And that alone deserves cautious optimism.

🧠 Why Groundhog Day Feels Like a Mental Health Turning Point

Let’s be clear:
SAD does not magically vanish because a groundhog sees—or doesn’t see—his shadow. Science would like a word.

BUT… Groundhog Day happens right when:

Daylight is noticeably increasing

The worst of winter fatigue has fully set in

Our patience for darkness is absolutely gone

By early February, we’re finally gaining enough light for our brains to whisper, “Wait… is this… hope?”

That’s not nothing.

☀️ Light: The Actual Hero of This Story

Seasonal affective disorder is closely tied to lack of sunlight, which affects:

Serotonin (mood regulation)

Melatonin (sleep cycles)

Energy levels

Motivation to do literally anything besides nap

After Groundhog Day, daylight increases faster each week. Even if it’s subtle, your brain starts getting the memo.

Translation:

Mornings feel slightly less brutal

Afternoons stretch a bit longer

You may briefly consider leaving the house

Huge wins.

About That Groundhog…

Does a groundhog have meteorological credentials?
No.

Is he wildly inconsistent year to year?
Yes.

Do we care?
Also no.

Groundhog Day isn’t about accuracy—it’s about permission. Permission to believe that winter won’t last forever, even if your driveway still looks like a frozen tundra and your motivation is buried somewhere under a blanket.

💡 What You Can Do With This Momentum

Think of Groundhog Day as the emotional equivalent of cracking a window open.

Try:

Getting outside earlier in the day (even if it’s cold)

Opening blinds like you mean it

Restarting light therapy if you use it

Adding small routines back into your life—slowly

You don’t have to feel amazing.
You just have to feel slightly less terrible.

Progress.

🌱 The Takeaway

Groundhog Day isn’t the end of winter.
It’s the beginning of the end.

And for those navigating seasonal affective disorder, that matters. A lot.

So whether Phil sees his shadow or not, remember:

The days are getting longer

The light is coming back

Your brain is slowly thawing

And honestly?
That’s more reliable than any rodent.

Happy Groundhog Day.
Spring is loading… eventually. 🧡

If you are struggling to see the hope, give us a call, we are here to help - 701-989-4354

01/31/2026

Inspire Your Heart With Art Day: Why Creativity Is Good for Your Mental Health

There are days when words fall short — when emotions feel too tangled, stress too heavy, or life simply too loud. That’s where art steps in.

National Inspire Your Heart With Art Day is a reminder that creativity isn’t just something to admire in museums or galleries. It’s something we need. Art speaks when we don’t have the language, and it heals in quiet, steady ways that science is only beginning to fully understand.

🎨 Art and Mental Health: More Than a Hobby

Research consistently shows that engaging in creative activities can:

Reduce anxiety and stress

Improve mood and emotional regulation

Increase feelings of purpose and accomplishment

Create a sense of calm and focus similar to meditation

Art gives our minds a break from problem-solving and worry. It pulls us into the present moment — into color, texture, rhythm, and flow. When we create, our nervous systems often settle, our breathing slows, and our thoughts become gentler.

🧵 Quilting: My Art, My Therapy

For me, quilting is more than fabric and thread — it’s how I manage my mental health.

When I quilt:

My hands stay busy, which quiets anxious thoughts

Patterns bring order when life feels chaotic

Choosing fabrics becomes an act of self-expression

The repetitive motion of stitching is grounding and calming

Each quilt tells a story — not just in its design, but in when it was made. Some quilts hold joy. Others hold grief, patience, or perseverance. All of them hold pieces of me.

Quilting allows me to create something tangible when emotions feel abstract. It reminds me that broken pieces can still become something beautiful — maybe even because they were broken.

💙 Art Doesn’t Have to Be “Good” to Be Healing

One of the greatest myths about art is that it has to be impressive to matter. It doesn’t.

Your art doesn’t need to be perfect, productive, or profitable.
It just needs to be honest.

Whether it’s quilting, painting, doodling, baking, writing, woodworking, or music — the act of creating is what nourishes the heart, not the result.

🌿 An Invitation for Today

On Inspire Your Heart With Art Day, give yourself permission to:

Create without judgment

Use art as rest, not performance

Let creativity be part of your self-care

Make space for beauty — even on hard days

Art won’t solve everything, but it can make the weight lighter. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

So today, pick up the fabric. Or the pen. Or the paint.
Inspire your heart — and let it help carry you forward.

And if life still feels too heavy, give us a call, we are here to help - 701-989-4354

01/30/2026

Finding Calm in Uncertain Times: Managing Financial Anxiety

By Chris Aman MBA, MSN, APRN, NP-c

January often brings a sense of reset — but for many North Dakotans in 2026, it also brings financial worry. From unpredictable markets and agricultural challenges to rising costs of living and national economic anxiety, money pressures are affecting mental well-being across the state and country.

In surveys from late 2025 and early 2026, nearly 6 in 10 Americans reported anxiety about their personal finances, with uncertainty about the year ahead contributing significantly to stress levels. Personal finances ranked highest among common concerns — even above job security and physical health.

Here in North Dakota, stressors are particular to our local economy:

Agriculture, a backbone of the state’s economy, is under prolonged financial strain. Experts report that many farmers face minimal profit outlooks and rely on short-term financing to stay afloat.

Consumer prices and tariff effects have unsettled families, with inflation denting holiday spending and daily costs.

Although unemployment remains low (~2.6%), labor market tightness and varying sector-specific employment prospects still create financial uncertainty for households and workers alike.

These economic conditions can leave even resilient communities feeling overwhelmed.

Why Money Worries Hurt More Than Your Wallet

Financial stress isn’t just about numbers on a page — it affects mind and body. Studies find that persistent financial anxiety is linked with:

Difficulty sleeping

Emotional distress, anxiety, and lower overall well-being

Hesitation to seek help due to cost concerns

Physical symptoms (headaches, tension)

Increased barriers to accessing mental health care because of cost pressures

Many people also feel socially isolated in their worries — surveys show a majority of adults feel alone in managing money concerns.

Practical Ways to Manage Financial Anxiety

Here are positive, evidence-based strategies that people can use now to reduce financial worry and reinforce emotional stability:

⭐ 1. Start With Small, Actionable Steps

Anxiety thrives in uncertainty. Instead of focusing on big unknowns, identify one realistic action you can take today — such as organizing bills, reviewing your budget, or setting up automatic savings. Breaking large tasks into tiny steps gives you back a feeling of control.

💬 2. Talk About It

You don’t have to manage stress alone. Open, honest conversations with trusted friends or family about money worries reduce shame and help you reframe problems collaboratively.

🧠 3. Separate Feelings From Facts

Anxiety can amplify “what-ifs.” Try journaling financial facts (income, expenses, debts) apart from emotional reactions — this can clarify what is realistically solvable versus what is perceived fear.

🧘 4. Integrate Mind-Body Practices

Simple habits — like daily walks, mindful breathing, or light stretching — reduce the nervous system’s stress response and help calm anxious thoughts.

Research also shows that financial wellness support programs (often available through workplaces or community groups) can have profound impacts on mental health.

📚 5. Build Financial Literacy (Even Bit by Bit)

Understanding basic financial planning — budgeting, emergency funds, debt prioritization — empowers decision-making and reduces emotional overload. Even free online resources or community workshops can make a difference.

When To Seek Professional Support

If financial stress begins affecting daily functioning, relationships, or sleep to the point where it feels unmanageable, talking with a therapist or counselor trained in stress and money concerns can be helpful. Many communities now offer sliding scale options or telehealth services to make care more affordable.

Fostering Resilience in Our Communities

Financial anxiety is common, and you’re not alone — virtually every North Dakotan household feels some strain right now. Acknowledging this shared experience reduces stigma and opens space for mutual support.

Whether you’re juggling farm expenses, saving for your family’s future, or simply struggling with rising prices, grounding yourself in realistic action, community connections, and self-care can help you navigate 2026 with greater confidence and calm.

Readers: What’s one small financial step you’re taking this month to ease your stress? Share it in the comments below — let’s support one another.

If you're struggling with anxiety and are ready to talk, give us a call, we are here - 701-989-4354

01/28/2026

It’s nearing the end of National Chocolate Cake Day, but there is still time!
Yes, this is the news. Yes, it matters.

In a world where the economy is confusing, the weather is rude, and your to-do list keeps reproducing overnight, National Chocolate Cake Day arrives like a therapist… but cheaper and with frosting.

Let’s talk mental health, because chocolate cake is out here doing the Lord’s work.

🧠 The Very Scientific* Mental Health Benefits of Chocolate Cake

(*“Scientific” meaning: emotionally accurate.)

Instant mood lift: One bite and suddenly your problems are still there, but they feel less personal.

Mindfulness practice: You cannot spiral while fully focused on moist chocolate layers and buttercream. It’s impossible.

Stress reduction: Chewing cake gives your jaw something productive to do instead of clenching through another news headline.

Dopamine delivery system: Chocolate = joy. Cake = commitment to joy.

🍫 “But Isn’t Cake Unhealthy?”

Listen.
So is chronic stress.
So is pretending everything is fine while quietly screaming inside.

Chocolate cake isn’t the problem. Lack of cake is the problem.

🎉 Why We Should ALL Jump on Board

It requires zero planning

It involves no personal growth

It does not ask you to “set intentions”

It tastes like validation

This is not about indulgence.
This is about self-care with crumbs.

So today, honor your mental health the responsible way:

Eat the cake

Eat it without guilt

Eat it without explaining yourself

If anyone questions your decision, simply say:
“I’m prioritizing my emotional well-being.”

Then take another bite.

Happy National Chocolate Cake Day.
You deserve it. 🍰😌

And, if you want to further address those mental health concerns, give us a call at 701-989-4354, we are here for you, minus the cake.

01/26/2026

Holding Steady When the World Feels Like It’s in Chaos
by Chris Aman MBA, MSN, APRN, NP-c

There are moments when the world feels loud, uncertain, and frightening all at once. News cycles spin endlessly. Conversations feel tense. The future seems unclear. And many people quietly wonder, “What am I supposed to do right now?”

If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward—you’re not weak. You’re human.

Times of fear and uncertainty have a way of shaking our sense of stability. They can make even the strongest people feel unmoored. But while we may not be able to control what’s happening around us, we can take care of what’s happening within us.

Focus on What You Can Control

When everything feels out of control, grounding yourself in what is within reach can calm the nervous system.

You can control:

How much media you consume

How you care for your body (sleep, food, movement)

How you speak to yourself

Where you place your attention and energy

Small, consistent choices—like stepping outside, breathing deeply, or turning off the news for an hour—can help your mind settle. Control doesn’t mean ignoring reality; it means choosing not to let fear run your life.

Anchor Yourself in Faith

For many, faith becomes an anchor when the world feels unstable.

Scripture, prayer, meditation, and worship remind us that we are not carrying the weight of the world alone. Faith doesn’t promise easy answers—but it offers presence, hope, and perspective when answers are hard to find.

Leaning on God (or your faith tradition) can look like:

Praying honestly, even when words feel messy

Sitting quietly and breathing in peace

Remembering that God’s faithfulness outlasts current circumstances

Trusting that light still exists, even when you can’t yet see it

Faith is not denial—it is courage to keep standing when certainty is gone.

You Were Not Meant to Do This Alone

Fear thrives in isolation. Support weakens it.

Whether it’s a trusted friend, family member, counselor, pastor, or support group—connection matters. Talking things through doesn’t make problems disappear, but it makes them feel more manageable.

If you don’t know where to start:

Reach out to one safe person

Ask for prayer or practical help

Say “I’m not okay” out loud

Accept support without guilt

Seeking help is not a failure of faith or strength. It’s an act of wisdom.

Be Gentle With Yourself

In uncertain times, productivity may dip. Motivation may waver. Emotions may feel unpredictable.

That’s okay.

You don’t need to have everything figured out. You don’t need to make big decisions while your heart is racing. You are allowed to slow down, rest, and tend to your mental health without apology.

Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is simply show up for today.

A Quiet Reminder

The world has been through chaos before—and humanity has endured. So have you.

You are still here. You are still breathing. And you are still held—by faith, by community, by something greater than fear.

When uncertainty feels overwhelming, return to what grounds you:

What you can control

What you believe

Who supports you

Hope does not require certainty. It only requires willingness to keep going.

And that—you are already doing.

If you need someone to talk to, we are here to listen - 701-989-4354

01/26/2026

❄️ North Dakota Winters Are Long—and Your Mood Can Feel It ❄️

If you live in North Dakota, you know winter isn’t just cold—it’s dark. And for many people, that lack of sunlight can seriously affect mood and energy. This is called Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

📊 Why It Hits Hard Here:

About 1 in 5 people experience seasonal mood changes

5% of adults have full Seasonal Affective Disorder

Symptoms peak December–February, when daylight is shortest

SAD is more common in northern states like North Dakota

🧠 Common Signs:

Low energy or motivation

Sleeping more but still feeling tired

Carb or sugar cravings

Feeling down, foggy, or withdrawn

✨ What Helps During ND Winters:
☀️ Get outside during daylight—even short exposure helps
💡 Use a light therapy box in the morning
🚶 Move your body (walking counts!)
🥗 Eat balanced meals; watch excess sugar
🛏️ Keep a regular sleep schedule
🤍 Stay connected—even when you want to hibernate

📞 When to Reach Out
If winter feels heavier than usual or starts affecting daily life, support can make a real difference. SAD is real, common, and treatable. We are here, 701-989-4354

💙 You’re not weak—you’re human, living through a North Dakota winter. Share this with someone who might need it.

01/20/2026

👏👏

01/11/2026

If you have a book of mine, any book, open it every day this month and see what the random-page message is.

Give each passage time to ruminate and reveal itself to you. The book always knows.

How does it work? In the same way that drawing an oracle or angel card works. In the same way we see signs and synchronicities show up just when we need them.

Guidance is around us, a thing we just know but will never truly know. You choose the page you need. You’re drawn. You just know.

Today’s message for anyone who doesn’t have a book, is above.



D ###

01/04/2026

I love her writing ❤️

For many, January is a hard, cold month…

When everyone is setting new goals, laying down righteous ground rules and striving to become a better version of themselves, some of us are fighting to find our feet each day...

You see, December is a month of giving, and some of us, come January, are completely and utterly spent.

A month of remembering everyone, and remembering absolutely everything.

A month of including everyone and of reaching out to each and every person we have ever known.

A month of reaching breaking point every day trying to have fun, to be the ultimate hostess, to be the perfect guest.

A month of stretching ourselves financially, emotionally and of letting our boundaries be breached by many... in the spirit of the season.

And then January hits and bam... before we can even begin the arduous task of clearing away the festivities, we are expected to jump on the ‘new year, new you’ bandwagon and transform ourselves entirely.

For some of us this is just too much.

January is the darkest and most depressing month of the year and for many sensitive souls, the barrage of ‘advice’ on how we ‘should’ be living, is just too much.

So perhaps this is a safe place to say that maybe it’s okay to take a week or two to recover and to just be kind to ourselves before demanding better.

And for those of us who really do fall low in the darkest month of the year. For those of us who have given too much and to whom the future looks bleak - perhaps this is the right place to say - you are absolutely fine the way you are. Just stay.

Take some time to breathe.

Take some time to not think about anything much at all except breathing in and breathing out.

Take some time to build back up, not tear your yourself down.

For many, this month is a mountain that looks unclimbable.

Be kind, my friends. Always.

Donna Ashworth

01/01/2026

Memories are timeless treasures of the heart. Take the good ones with you into the New Year.



Healing Hearts
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10/27/2025