How Do We Beat the Blues? Sanford’s Collaborative Care Team Gives 21 Tips!
Some of our favorites from the Instagram #IGETIT campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month.
During Mental Health Awareness Month this May, Sanford Behavioral Health had an opportunity to showcase some of our staff members doing what they do best to beat the blues and reset. The Instagram #IGETIT campaign was in coordination with JACK Mental Health Advocacy and Kevin Bacon’s Six Degrees.org to create a community and offer resources for mental health care.
Spending time with pets and children often came up as de-stressors for our team, but we also enjoy activities like flower arranging, kayaking, and water polo. Even our therapy dogs participated! Thanks to JACK MHA (a non-profit that provides access to care and children’s summer camps for those with OCD and related disorders) for the invitation to join the fun. We learned something new about ourselves, and we’d like to share it with you.
How Do We Beat the Blues? 21 Tips from the Experts
1. Gone Fishin’
When the mental health “going gets tough,” the tough go fishing! Sanford Founder David Green and Executive VP Alec Green love the fresh air, exercise, fast water, and camaraderie. Kayaking on a fast-moving river increases dopamine and provides a reset, even on the most difficult days. The beauty of nature can reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression. Paddling boosts mood, improves attention, enhances creativity, and fosters well-being.
2. Cuddle My Kitties
When Resident Support Specialist Nia Brown-Edwards is not supporting Sanford residents in treatment, she spends time with her cats. Nia says, “My cats keep me grounded. Their soft fur, melodic purring, and sweet faces bring me right back down to earth when I’m feeling anxious. Cats offer companionship, comfort, and a calming presence, which helps reduce stress and increase overall well-being.
3. Beachtime
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Hilary Fowler prioritizes walks on the beach with her son on a beautiful day. Beach walks help her connect with nature and her family away from screens and distractions. Being near “blue spaces” has a positive impact on mental health and improves cognitive function. It also soothes a troubled mind and promotes relaxation. When you are near water (and Michigan has 63,000 lakes), you feel calmer and more at ease.
4. Family (and Pizza – Lots of Pizza)
When we asked CEO Tracy Rogers what she did when she was in a funk, she said, “Pizza! A lot of Pizza!” Alas, no photo. But we like the pictures of Tracy with family – Tracy is a big people person, and family can be excellent advocates when you are feeling off kilter. It’s why we provide family therapy at Sanford Behavioral Health and stress the importance of family recovery. A supportive family environment offers emotional stability, deep connection, and a sense of belonging.
5. Music and Playing an Instrument (with your child as a bonus)
Substance Use Disorder Program Manager Garrett Dunn says, “This is a picture of me doing something I love – playing drums with my son! Music has been a comfort to me throughout my recovery journey and is a huge part of my life. In fact, I get goosebumps when I listen to certain music (frissons or aesthetic chills).” Music therapy can serve as a creative outlet for self-expression, particularly for individuals who struggle with verbal communication. Music can regulate mood, manage emotions, reduce cravings, and increase motivation!
6. Flower Arranging
When the world gets her down, Sanford Founder Rae Green arranges flowers. Why? Beautiful bouquets reduce stress, foster a sense of accomplishment, and improve mood. Moreover, viewing beautiful buds elicits positive emotions and fosters a connection to nature. Flowers can trigger the release of “happy” brain chemicals, such as dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin, which further enhance a positive state of mind.
7. The Double Whammy of Closeness to a Grandchild
Marketing Director Marilyn Spiller says, “As a person in recovery from a substance use disorder, my relationship with my granddaughter is perhaps my most deeply affecting. She embodies what it means to recover one’s mental health. My time spent alone with her (something that would have never been allowed during my active addiction) is pure joy.” Double whammy? Studies have shown that time spent with a grandchild has a positive impact on a grandmother’s mental health, cognitive function, and overall longevity!
8. Dancing!
What is it about a great song and dancing all by yourself that beats the blues every time? Senior Director of Strategic Growth Rebecca Wolfslau (Wolfi) says dancing is her go-to when she wants to “get” happy or creative. Dancing releases endorphins and reduces stress and anxiety, so turn up the volume and dance like everyone is watching!
9. Water Polo
Lead Eating Disorder & Mental Health Access Coordinator Erin McDowell says, “Swimming and playing water polo are powerful tools for me in my eating disorder recovery because they shift the focus from appearance to strength, skill, and teamwork. These activities promote body appreciation, reduce anxiety, and offer a sense of accomplishment and connection that supports my healing and self-worth.” Erin is often the first person an individual hears when they call Sanford Behavioral Health. Her knowledge of eating disorders and empathetic approach can be the catalyst someone needs to commit to getting treatment.
10. Even Therapy Dogs Need a Break
When Apol needs to unwind and relax, she takes to the pool: sun, stillness, and a favorite raft. Lola likes to make an event of smelling the roses! Sanford therapy dogs Apol and Lola are integral to the team. They are masters at reading body language and offering a calming physical connection that humans cannot emulate. Therapy dogs can add comfort to discussions and help process difficult emotions. Apol and Lola have an Instagram account – please follow us at @therapydogsofsanford (scan the QR code below).
11. Hanging with Grover
Sanford Human Resources Manager Sam Domine says, “I relax and unwind with my furry pal Grover. Whether it’s discovering new hiking trails or relaxing in a hammock with a good book, Grover is my go-to.” As mental health professionals, we know that petting a dog can lower stress hormones (cortisol) and increase bonding and relaxation (oxytocin). A pet dog can reduce loneliness, increase physical activity and social interaction, and provide a sense of purpose and emotional support. You’re a good dog, Grover!
12. Nighttime Walks with Boss
Chief Operating Officer Katie Vokes says, “Nighttime walks with my dog Boss always get me out of a funk.” Intentional solitude (with Boss for company) is a good opportunity for self-reflection, stress reduction, and personal growth. After a long day (and putting the kids to bed), walking provides a chance to unwind and decompress. Walking after dinner can also help with sleep hygiene by improving digestion, reducing stress, and regulating circadian rhythm!
13. Kayaking in the Sun on the River with Family – three for one benefits!
Community Outreach Liaison Isaac Gonzalez says, “water, a river, a loved one, and sunshine” float his boat. Kayaking is beneficial for mental health; the rhythmic paddling is meditative, which helps clear the mind and reduce anxiety. Exposure to sunlight can boost mood, improve sleep quality, and reduce stress. Hanging out with a loved one? Supportive relationships reduce depression and increase overall well-being.
14. LOVE
Studies have shown that love triggers the release of multiple neurotransmitters and hormones that impact our physical and mental health. Healthy relationships are characterized by mutual support, understanding, and respect. All you have to do is look at this picture of Sanford Director of Finance & Accounting, Greg Long, and his son to see the trust, one of the most important pillars in any relationship. We LOVE this photo.
15. Acceptance
Director of Risk Management & Provider Operations, Shelby Kendrick, says, “When I think about my recovery journey, I think of acceptance. Acceptance plays a significant role in my life. It’s vital because you can ruin the enjoyment of life by not being present in the moment. My worst days in recovery are still something I could not have dreamed of in active addiction.” Speaking of enjoying life, Shelby loves spending time with her husband and two sons (pictured above) outdoors, gardening, riding in RVs, and boating (all good activities for better mental health).
16. Belly Laughs and Funny Faces
When it comes to staying grounded, Lead Patient Financial Counselor Sam Maywalt says, “I beat the blues by traveling the beautiful state of Michigan, and my girls and I love making silly faces to keep the belly laughs coming!” Laughter is beneficial for mental health because it triggers physical changes in the body. Laughter enhances oxygen intake, activates and relieves the stress response, soothes tension, improves the immune system, relieves pain, and boosts mood. Now that’s something to chuckle about!
17. Anticipating Family Time
As a person in long-term recovery, Matt VanLiere says family time significantly impacts his mental health. Family provides a sense of belonging, emotional support, and stability. Matt says, “At my most difficult times, anticipating a camping trip or other family activity releases the good brain chemicals and gets me back on track.” Research indicates that anticipating positive events (like a trip to the lake) can lift spirits, reduce negativity, and contribute to well-being.
18. My Dog, Douglas
Clinical Director Tessa Sterling says, “I absolutely love spending time with my dog, Dougas. It’s nearly impossible to take things too seriously with this hilarious, kind, sweet creature in my life. He brings joy and excitement to everything he does, which is contagious to humans around him, too!”
19. Sunshine
It’s a Michigan thing. After a long winter, the answer to the question, “How do you beat the blues?” might be, “Sunshine.” It seems to be working for our Director of Admissions, Jacob Passerman; he’s positioned himself in a beam of light. Jacob’s admission team often receives calls from those who are disclosing a mental health concern for the first time. Jacob thinks his personal recovery journey is helpful when working with clients and the admissions team. He says, “We can’t keep what we have without giving it away.”
20. Community
Founder Rae Green says, “When people come into treatment, there is a lot of fear. Some fear is related to integrating into an entirely new group of people, both peers and professionals. Therapy dogs Appolonia and Lola help break down barriers, allowing Sanford clients to interact and create connections more quickly and comfortably with others.
21. Turning Mental Health Awareness into Action
The theme for Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 was “turning awareness into action.” At Sanford Behavioral Health, we work every day to provide access to quality mental health care. Our team advocates for policies and programs that support mental health, and every one of us works to reduce stigma associated with mental illness. (As evidenced by the number of Sanford team members who are openly in recovery.)
All our programs at Sanford Behavioral Health prepare those in our care for the long haul, providing them with tools to build resilience. Clinical Director Tessa Sterling says it best, “If you’re not feeling 100%, then you could have a mental health issue. Most people don’t learn effective coping or healthy communication strategies. We want to provide access to specialized programs that support mental health and well-being.”
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, or a mental health condition, don’t wait to change your life. Click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist about our programs. A real person answers our phones 24/7.
