LIFE IS BETTER WITH ANIMALS & THE RIGHT RESOURCES

Written By Eric Litwiller, Director of Development & Communications Mental Health Association of Kansas

Written By LynnLee Schmidt, COO Tanganyika Wildlife Park

Regardless of how you choose to reconnect, we encourage parkland with hiking, biking and equestrian trails is a great place to reconnect with wildlife and enjoy bird watching. When you think of Kansas, you think of prairies, but you can get lost in the forest at this park. many, these moments are the direct result of a specific circumstance; the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, moving to a new city, etc. These numbers, however, reflect the percentage of our community who feel symptoms so strongly that it materially impacts our ability to perform

When anxiety is no longer about how much the vehicle repairs might cost and instead becomes a daily companion that affects our ability to sleep, maintain steady employment or social relationships, or feed or bathe ourselves, it’s possible that we have crossed the line from a situational concern into a mental illness. This is not a hard-andfast line with specific landmarks along the way. However, sudden and drastic behavioral changes and the inability to maintain our quality of life due to anxiety taking up large chunks of our day is a reasonable benchmark for concern.

Before your mental health issue reaches that point, there are several lifestyle changes that anyone can make, and MHA encourages the use of any and all healthy and sustainable coping skills in order to help people stay on track

Nature in general — just viewing a park or green space from a window — has been shown to increase the brain’s production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine and endorphins while lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol. And being around animals — domestic pets especially — decreases the feelings of loneliness and isolation that are a large detriment to good mental health.

GYMS: PERSONAL TRAINING

BARRE AND PILATES

Barre Forte 11444 E. Central AND 2835 N. Maize Rd., #167 316-779-8066

MARTIAL ARTS AND BOXING

Alley Boxing Club 3076 S. Hillside 316-299-3575

YOGA

Amavi 2424 N Woodlawn St Suite 101 amaviict.com

Ganesh Yoga Studio 8336 E. 21st St., #100 AND 7348 W. 21st St., #112 2564 N. Greenwich, #400

“Valhalla Barbell Club is more about the atmosphere and culture, less about the equipment. I just care about people being happy and being taken care of.” – Dal Gains

Flow Foundry Studio 316-247-2343

Home And Gifts

Boutique 5

Nestled in the Gallery Alley in downtown Wichita, they offer in-house printing, cutting and design services for all your paper needs. If you’d rather save some trees, digital copies are also available.

Jewelry Savers

Family-owned full-service jewelry store since 1971. You’ll be hard-pressed to find customer service this good. They offer custom designs and on-site repairs.

Old Town Architectural Salvage

The place to go for one-of-a-kind items, including architectural, vintage and antiques. From drawer pulls to jewelry to historical windows and doors, collectors of all types will find something special.

Distinctive tableware, designer jew elry, bridal registry and fresh florals. They also have free local delivery and

Located in the heart of downtown and opened one weekend a month, this super “unique” home and decor spot special izes in antiques, repurposed goods and

Located in downtown Wichita, open can find furniture, pillows, bedding, accessories and design services. This is a great spot for seasonal decor as well.

Others

BICYCLE X-CHANGE

A cycling staple for over 45 years and voted Wichita’s Best Bike Shop for nine years in a row, you’ll find an enormous selection of bikes. They also offer components, clothing, accessories, maintenance, and racing information.

BRICK & BUSTLE BRIDAL SHOP

Beautiful off-the-rack bridal gowns at a discounted price point.

Dead Center Vintage

Located in the heart of downtown, you’ll find vintage clothing for all genders, ages and sizes.

Grow Giesen Plant Shop

Born from a passion for all things plants, owner Heather Giesen started with one plant, which led to a greenhouse in her backyard. She has served the Wichita community since 2000 and offers cactus, succulents, houseplants, unique plants, classes, DIY plant bar and so much more.

owned bikes, Riding Academy for beginners and advanced riders and all the gear.

WATERMARK BOOKS & CAFE

An independent bookstore located in the charming College Hill neighborhood that carries a variety of books, gifts, and host to several events and book signings.

Women

Aspen Boutique

A contemporary staple for 30 years, they offer unique and eclectic clothes, shoes, jewelry and gifts.

Clifton Collective

LBD

You’ll find so much more than little black dresses. Their talented staff of stylists shine at finding just the right items to help you look and feel your best.

ROBIN’S

Located in historic downtown El Dorado, this short drive is worth it! You’ll find unique fashion items that you won’t find anywhere else.

Clothing with an edge. To-die-for accessories. A little something for home.

An upscale consignment boutique located in uptown. You’ll find high fashion and brand-name clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry and handbags. Be sure to greet the shop cat perched on the front porch!

A unique retail destination that ignites the best local shopping in Wichita. You’ll find the largest selection of Wichita swag at the Workroom. Show that ICT pride! They also offer custom sewing and

“I’m a huge advocate of supporting community