Here’s Some Ways To Help Alleviate Your Anxieties

August 14, 2021 Looking for the Light4 Comments

Anxiety, chronic pain, and depression are among some of the most common issues in the world and a lot of medicines do not fully assist with these symptoms. That is why there are plenty of alternatives that can assist, such as CBD. There are plenty of different types of CBD and they work in different ways. They can also be ingested in many forms. Why not take a look at CBD Living Gelcaps to see the benefits. Taken as supplements may be just the boost your health needs.

CBD has proven benefits on the body and they are renowned as an essential supplement that supports a healthy immune system, which can benefit your body and boost your natural defenses. Vitamin C supports all aspects of immune function needed for optimal antibody production, whilst Vitamin D is important for improved resistance, and Bilberry is packed with antioxidants that are beneficial to improving the overall immune system. By keeping your immune system healthy, you are keeping your body healthy as the immune system is key to keeping our bodies working healthily. Anxiety and depression often come hand in hand and you can look at some of the ways in which they can affect daily life.

Rapid heart rate
Palpitations
Chest pain or tight chest
Headaches
Sweats
Fear
Mental symptoms such as entrapment, doom, or fear.

You should always talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms as there are plenty of ways in which you can help yourself to overcome the symptoms. They are certainly not pleasant and can affect daily activities, including work, which is why taking supplements and also maintaining a healthy lifestyle can really help. Distraction is a huge key for people with anxiety and depression. Focusing on other things and looking at the benefits of new tasks and new adventures. When you don’t have access to your doctor or therapist, then there are some little things that you can add to your life just to give yourself that little boost when you need it.

Listen to music that is upbeat and inspires you.
Have a real laugh! (With friends if possible)
Take a walk around the park or the streets.
Declutter things, keep things simple in the house.
Give someone a hug and start smiling more, it helps reset the brain.
Think about the good things that you have and when things went well.
Allow yourself time to talk things through.

Talking through problems is so important because a problem shared is a problem halved and without this mentality, you will block things in your mind and keep yourself from progressing further. You need to be open to talking and to appreciate that mental health issues are common and you are never alone. With the help of CBD supplements and a great network, you are on the way to recovery. If you feel you have nobody to talk to then be sure to look at places online to help you where you can join online groups and forums.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Are You SUPERSTITIOUS? It’s Friday The 13th

August 13, 2021August 13, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I’m not superstitious but there are many that are so I gathered this information for you. Enjoy your scary day.

I wish there was a photo of the Catacombs in Paris, France on my computer, those are creepy and you can tell by the expression on my face it felt weird being with thousands of centuries-old human remains.

One Thought

Friday the 13th is considered an unlucky day in Western superstition. It occurs when the 13th day of the month in the Gregorian calendar falls on a Friday, which happens at least once every year but can occur up to three times in the same year. For example, 2015 had a Friday the 13th in February, March, and November; 2017 through 2020 had two Friday the 13ths each, and the years 2021 and 2022 will both have just one occurrence each.Wikipedia

Interesting enough I found alternative thinking.

For centuries, Friday the 13 th was considered the day of the goddesses. It was the day to recognize and celebrate the divine sacred feminine and the cycles of endings and beginnings, death and birth that she inherently represents. Friday the 13 th was in essence a day to celebrate the feminine aspects and souls always present in our lives. Elephant Journal

Have a great day!

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Help Yourself to Find Inner Peace and Calm

August 13, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

It can be quite common to have some racing thoughts and to find yourself worrying about different things constantly. In the modern world that we live in, this can be quite a normal feeling. But when you have an anxious mind, it is something that can take over and be quite distressing. There is some good news, though. There are many simple things that you can do to calm your mind and calm your thoughts. If you want to get some inner peace of mind and to truly feel calm, then here are some of the things that you can do to help do just that.

image

Listen to your favorite music

There have been some studies into music and the impact that it has, and these studies found that relaxing music can help people to be calmer. In the studies, with a focus on children with ADHD, the relaxing music helped them to feel calmer and feel more focused. But if you prefer to listen to more upbeat music, then it can still have a calming impact on you, if it is music that you like and enjoy. It can be a good way to focus on something else for a little while and can help you to have real peace of mind.

Deep breathing

By focusing on your breathing, you will not be focused on other things, as you need to concentrate in order to listen to and be in control of your breathing. By taking some deep breaths, inhaling, and then exhaling, you will not only fill your body with lots of lovely oxygen, but you will have a way to instantly feel calmer. This can be something you can do in the car, at work, on the train, or cooking dinner, so it can be something to implement into your life each day, as the need arises.

Find peace and justice

It can be hard to feel calm and peaceful if you are holding onto a lot of sadness, bitterness, or resentment. If you are harboring feelings like that, then it can be difficult. Instead, think about what can be done instead. You might want to look for top wrongful death attorneys if a situation in your life is leaving you with anger or despair, through the loss of a loved one. You may feel resentful towards an individual and need to practice forgiveness. Doing these things could help to give you the peace and clarity that you are looking for in order to have greater peace of mind.

Get outdoors

Staying indoors too much isn’t a good thing. It can be a trigger for anxieties and not help to calm them in any way. When you spend time in nature, whether that is in the woods, out by the ocean, or walking in a park, you can feel happier and healthier. There is a lot of peace that can come from nature, walking, relaxing, listening to bird songs, and so on.

Learn to be accepting

In order for us all to have peace of mind, then acceptance is something that really is critical. By accepting your situation, as well as realizing that there are many things that you have no control over, you can learn to tolerate different areas of uncertainty in your lives. When you accept what you can control and what you can’t control, it can help give you a clearer mind and reduce some of those anxious feelings that you can have.

Self-care and self-love

There is no getting away from the fact that if we like ourselves, then we can have much greater peace of mind. When we feel happy within ourselves, we can feel more at ease with the world around us, even if there are some elements that are less than ideal. If we take the time for self-care and take steps to improve self-love, then it can give you much more inner peace, which will mean more confidence and fewer insecurities about ourselves.

Check up on your health

It makes a difference to check on your health and to find different ways to look after yourself. By being able to let go and not being able to take care of ourselves in this way, it can indicate a lack of respect for yourself. This can then lead to some consequences of your own impacting not only your level of health but your life overall. By doing what you can to keep healthy and to make the most of what you have, you are being kind to yourself and it will make a difference.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share *U2 with Mick Jagger & Fergie sing Gemme Shelter

August 13, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Original Rolling Stones Version below. You’ll have to watch on YouTube for some reason.

Welcome back to Weekend Music Share; the place where everyone can share their favorite music.

Feel free to use the ‘Weekend Music Share‘ banner in your post, and don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health

Friday Quote

August 13, 2021 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Have a great weekend!

So glad you stopped by today and look forward to hearing your comments.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Sheltering In Place? I’m Used To Staying At Home

August 12, 2021 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Being stuck at home is new to many people. But I started sheltering in place in 2013 when I was diagnosed with Lyme disease. I spent three years on IV therapy, seven days a week, and walked only to the bathroom and back. The years after IV therapy was just as rough.

I required assistance with everything. The pain was unbearable–going to the bathroom, taking a shower, walking down the stairs were so difficult. Mentally I struggled, too, trying to remember to make appointments and phone calls I needed to. I couldn’t even handle putting my medicine in the case each week without mistakes. I felt so much guilt. I thought my husband would leave me as soon as he could, or maybe he would have an affair. Why couldn’t I keep up with showering and fixing my hair? When was the last time I wore makeup?

But I have learned to overcome my guilt by dealing with facts, not fears, and knowing I can handle whatever reality throws my way.

In addition to Lyme disease, I’ve been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, cognitive dysfunction (which includes lack of balance), and dementia. Dementia is the real kicker. There are a host of other ailments I suffer from, and I’m sure I will have more as the years pass. I was told early on that Lyme would cause problems that seem unrelated for years to come because there is no cure and my immune system remains compromised. This past month I found that to be true again when.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

I was diagnosed with a new immune disorder, hypogammaglobulinemia. Hypogammaglobulinemia is a problem with the immune system that prevents it from making enough antibodies called immunoglobulins. Antibodies are proteins that help your body recognize and fight off foreign invaders like bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Without enough antibodies, you’re more likely to get infections. People with hypogammaglobulinemia can more easily catch pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections than a healthy immune system.

This makes the COVID-19 pandemic especially scary for me. I get stressed out when I watch more than an hour of news a day, or see people not wearing masks.

In general, though, I’m very used to having to stay at home. I quit driving years ago and have only driven a handful of times in recent years. It’s not that I couldn’t drive, but my husband came along to take notes at appointments since my memory is not what it used to be. Don’t get me wrong. I miss the independence of driving without my husband having to take off work. I also miss being able to see my hairstylist, getting a manicure, and finding great spots for taking photos.

I have to get out of the house for my mental health, at least a little bit, regardless of my immune deficiencies. We still go for a Starbucks run as often as possible. We have a whole sanitation process down, including wiping down his mask, credit card, steering wheel, and both of the top of our cup to the bottom. We take all precautions when he brings groceries in and packages, we wash our hands immediately and wash again after putting everything away. He doesn’t want me to get sick, and I know he does everything possible every time he leaves the house.

I’m ready for this to pass and it will pass, but for now, I’m staying calm and entertained indoors as best as I can. I hope you can do the same.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Living Beyond Pain

August 12, 2021August 12, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

This is a great video I found and it helps us see we can move forward living with pain.

https://youtu.be/M1rgHqpWa9A

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Make Sure Your Chronic Condition Doesn’t Veer Your Driving Off Course

August 12, 2021August 12, 2021 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Whether you’re dealing with a new chronic diagnosis or are noticing new symptoms relating to an existing condition, your ability to stay safe on the road often correlates directly with your understanding, and address, of road-based risk factors. As well as being the only responsible way to stay safe on the road, making sure that you tick all the necessary safety boxes can also provide you with the confidence necessary to tackle any journey. Here, we consider a few simple ways to make sure that, whatever chronic condition you’re dealing with, it never has a chance to veer your driving, or your safety, off-course.

Always talk to your healthcare provider

Even if you think that your condition won’t affect your driving, there are sometimes surprising ways for symptoms to correlate with road-based risks. As such, talking things through with your healthcare provider before you get behind the wheel is essential, especially in areas like Utah where medical sign-offs are a licensing requirement.

Even if that isn’t the case in your state, your doctor is the best possible person to make you aware of the risks, and also adjust your treatment plan with road-based safety in mind. It’s also important to note that, if a doctor tells you they simply can’t see you driving safely, you need to take their word for it. You may feel like you’re in control, but chronic conditions can take even those of us who have dealt with them for a lifetime by surprise. If your doctor is advising you against this course of action, then rest assured they’ll have a good reason for doing so.

Seek comprehensive insurance

Insurance is fundamental for every driver and guarantees that, if the worst happens, you have the financial backing to pay for repairs. However, many insurers will have get-out clauses for things like chronic illness, especially if they deem that your condition caused the accident. Obviously, declaring your condition right away is the first step here, but small print in standard insurance contracts can still sting. Seeking comprehensive policies is a far better option because, even if they don’t specifically cater for chronic conditions, plans like no fault car insurance are far more likely to provide the coverage you need. Your road-based anxiety will certainly lessen knowing that you have this reassurance behind you.

Avoid driving with symptoms

Regardless of your condition or its particular manifestations, even mild symptoms or flare-ups provide clear warning signs that you shouldn’t get in the car and can include anything from pain in a localized area or high levels of anxiety, right through to vision problems, fatigue, and more. In each instance, it’s far better to take a little time and wait until you’re feeling more capable of tackling things.

This point can be especially hard to adhere to given that there is such a scope of symptoms across the chronic spectrum, and it’s all too easy for someone with say, diabetes, to assume that they’ll be fine to drive even if they’re feeling a little shaky. The reality, though, is that chronic conditions of all shapes and sizes have one thing in common, and that’s their need for immediate treatment, or self-care, as soon as things start to go downhill. If you’re behind the wheel, there’s no way you can ensure those essentials, and so there’s no question that you’ll be putting your health, and that of those around you, at risk.

Carry a medical ID

So far we’ve discussed how your chronic condition may directly affect your driving, but it’s also essential to note that, if you are in an accident, you need to guarantee treatment that keeps your condition or any medications that you’re taking in mind. Unfortunately, in extreme cases, often life-saving treatment will be administered at the scene and may do more damage than good if your condition isn’t known at this stage. That’s why anyone driving with a chronic condition should also carry a medical ID, which is readily available to buy online. These essential pieces of kit outline everything from your medical history, to your existing treatments, and any further points of interest about your condition. Keeping this either in your wallet, your dash, or your smartphone, makes it far more likely that medical professionals will treat you in accordance with your needs.

Chronic condition or not, the ease and freedom offered by driving are very much within reach. Simply keep these tips in mind to make sure that you’re as safe as possible while you get stuck in.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Happy World Youth Day

August 12, 2021August 12, 2021 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Let’s celebrate our youth!

World Youth Day is commonly celebrated in a way similar to many events. The most emphasized and well known traditional theme is the unity and presence of numerous different cultures. Flags and other national declarations are displayed among mainly young people to show their attendance at the events and proclaim their own themes of Catholicism. Such is usually done through chants and singing of other national songs involving a Catholic theme.

Over the course of the major events taking place, national objects are traded between pilgrims. Flags, shirts, crosses, and other Catholic icons are carried amongst pilgrims which are later traded as souvenirs to other people from different countries of the world. A unity of acceptance among people is also common, with all different cultures coming together to appreciate one another.

Other widely recognized traditions include the Pope’s public appearance, commencing with his arrival around the city in the “Popemobile” and then with his final Mass held at the event. A festival in Sydney (2008) recorded an estimated distance of a 10-kilometre walk as roads and other public transport systems were closed off.

Pope Benedict XVI criticized the tendency to view WYD as a kind of rock festival; he stressed that the event should not be considered a “variant of modern youth culture” but as the fruition of a “long exterior and interior path”.^[1]

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

August Chonic Illness Writing Prompts

August 12, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

This month’s August Chronic Illness Writing Prompts by A Chronic Voice are Wandering, Catching, Compartmentalizing, Regenerating, and Visiting.

I chose three this month, Regenerating, Wandering, and Compartmentaling to write about. You will see Regenerating is where I feel the most passion.

I’m feeling so regenerated in life and my future. I have made a plan to start putting myself first in more ways outside of the house as soon as this nasty COVID pandemic is over. I did get my hair cut after four years and it feels great. I now look in the mirror and see the old me, one who cared more about the way I looked.

I even bought a do it yourself ear piercing kit and we pierced my upper ears, it feels great to have jewelry to wear. Such a big difference from no jewelry for years.

I haven’t had a flair in some time and my pain levels are down which gives me the opportunity to get outside and take care of mundane things like running errands but also stopping in for my favorite smoothie and getting a Mani/Pedi for a change.

It also gives me freedom, now I can make my own appointments, which I did to get my teeth cleaned without asking if my husband can drive me. It’s a freedom I haven’t felt in many, many years. I drove myself to the doctor recently and quite enjoy driving again.

I also had a birthday last month and it feels great to be more settled.

My About Me page on my blog was written in 2014. It was not applicable to who I am or what my blog is about so I updated it.

The COVID pandemic has me lost, I feel like I’m wandering the desert waiting for a vehicle to come by to rescue me. I am very cautious not only because of COVID but also my Immune Deficiency Disorder puts me at greater risk for everything down to the common cold. My doctor said I should wear a mask for the rest of my life, that sounded crazy prior to the pandemic but now it seems so natural.

When you have been sick for so long, for me it’s been since 2010, you have to divide your life up into pieces in order to stay sane, or I do. Even though I’m still very sick with my Immune Deficiency Disorder, I’m not letting it rule my life. It is an illness I may have for the rest of my life and that is something I accept. When dealing with my doctor or lab appointments I have to wear my Medical/Chronic Illness hat but outside of those appointments, I work hard to do what I have to do to stay well/safe and not let it roll over into my other side of my life.

I would love your feedback on my post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How Spoiling Yourself Can Really Help You And Those Around You

August 11, 2021August 11, 2021 Looking for the Light2 Comments

In this world, we have to do all we can to make sure we enjoy ourselves. Life is full of responsibilities, setbacks, heartbreaks, and awkward moments. There are times where we must work very hard in order to achieve what we want. Some things will go our way, and some things will not go our way. The best thing to do is to ensure that we’re enjoying ourselves all along the way. If you enjoy yourself through bad times, it’ll make those times a lot better than you initially expected. If you are miserable throughout the good, then it’ll bring you and everyone else around you down.

How can you spoil yourself, though? Well, there are so many things you can do. While life isn’t what is made out on social media, it can still be turned into something that you just did not ever expect. It really is what you make it, so go out and try to do what you can for yourself. It’s not selfish to want the best, so never worry about putting yourself first. Whatever you can think of, try to head towards. If it makes you happy – and it’s not hurting anyone else – then you should be good to go! Here are a few reasons why spoiling yourself WILL help your life and the lives of those around you:

You’ll Naturally Get A Boost

If you get what you want out of life, then you’re going to feel so much better about what this existence has to offer. It may be a slight boost if you’re going through a tough time, but it’s a boost nonetheless. Whether you’re buying vintage jewelry or heading on a vacation somewhere, it’ll make you feel so much better. This can then put you on the right track towards even greater things.

You’ll Be Able To Do More For Others

When you’re feeling better about life, you’re able to help others out. You could have all the best intentions in the world, but it doesn’t matter if you’re not in the best place mentally and physically. They say that you can’t pour from an empty glass, and it’s absolutely true. So rest yourself or enjoy yourself as much as you can.

You’ll Get A Different Perspective On Life

When you do not do things for yourself and you just sort of live life how you think you’re supposed to live, you can get somewhat of a negative perspective on things. You can view life through a pretty boring and pessimistic prism. If you head out and buy that Jewelry Irish that you’ve craved for a while or you put yourselves in a better home for the future, then you’re obviously going to see life – and your future – as a much more positive thing.

There Will Be A Feel-Good Factor For A While

If you have a feel-good factor for even a short amount of time, you’re going to be able to get more things done. A positive life is what we all need, and spoiling yourself is a sure-fire way of getting that kind of feeling.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

A New Way To Think About The Transition To Mohterhood

August 11, 2021August 11, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

https://www.ted.com/talks/alexandra_sacks_a_new_way_to_think_about_the_transition_to_motherhood?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare

Fun

Wordless Wednesday*Merced River At Yosemite National Park

August 11, 2021 Looking for the Light4 Comments

So glad you’re here, you make me smile and feel good inside. Keep the comments coming.

Historical artifacts create an area of historic and cultural significance along the river. The continuum of human use along the Merced River and South Fork of the Merced River encompasses millennia of diverse peoples, cultures and uses. American Indian and late 19th-century American cultures flourished along these rivers, because they provided reliable, year-round water. Evidence that reflects trade, travel and settlement patterns abounds in an intricate and interconnected landscape of archeological sites representing this cultural history.

The Wawona historic resources includes one of the few covered bridges in the region. The National Historic Landmark Wawona Hotel Complex includes one of the largest existing Victorian hotel complexes in a national park and one of the few remaining that remains largely representative of its original configuration.

From its source on the south side of Mount Lyell at 13,114 feet, through a glacially carved canyon within Yosemite National Park, the river flows downstream to Lake McClure Reservoir. The Merced, including the South Fork, flows through exceptional scenery—glaciated peaks, lakes and alpine and subalpine meadows—in alternating pools and cascades. Wildflower displays are spectacular. The South Fork possesses one of the few remaining pristine Sierra Nevada fisheries with self-sustaining populations of rainbow, eastern brook and brown trout. Archeology and wildlife are also noteworthy.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How To Stay Safe On Social Media

August 10, 2021August 10, 2021 Looking for the Light5 Comments

Whether you are a business owner or not, you need to do all that you can to stay safe on social media. Social media is a wonderful addition to our current daily lives, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t need to take measures to stay safe. Everything that you put out there is saved – even if you delete it from your profile, someone will always have a copy of it. We use social media as readily as we do our toothbrushes, so it makes sense that we would want to keep our information safe.

Online safety should be a part of mainstream education these days. Identity theft is a huge problem, and our information isn’t as safe as we thought. Plenty of business owners have been caught out by posts that they made before they were relevant and it’s these posts that can drive people away. You can learn how to create a second Instagram account to remain private just for your friends and family, but your information is still out there for all to see. Everything you post can be used against you and while that’s a sad state of affairs, it’s vital to be aware of how your information is used. There is a big tradeoff between the convenience of social media and the privacy you want to achieve and that means that you need to be aware of your own personal safety online. So, with this in mind, here are some of the best ways that you can stay safe on social media.

Image source: Pexels

Always keep your antivirus software up to date. You need to block potential threats to your information, and the best way to go about this is to make sure that your computer is covered in the first place.

Avoid using any public WIFI connections if you can. Coffee shops and public arenas with a WIFI login are not safe and they’re not encrypted. So, if you log in with your banking details, someone somewhere is going to know about it and can pull that information from you.

Always type an address into the search bar rather than click links – unless they’re trusted, of course. You need to avoid phishing attacks and these often come in the form of links in your email.

Don’t share your passwords with anyone, even people you trust. Log in for them if you must, but never share passwords. It’s a bad idea to share anything that you don’t want being interrupted.

Don’t use any social media at work. You need to keep your social media life separate from your working life. You can have a working account for Instagram, but anything personal needs to be just yours and a second account is a good way to remain safe.

Check your settings online and make sure that your posts are encrypted. You should ensure that you are protected as much as possible. Encrypting your posts is a tool that a lot of social media sites use for protection.

Watch your mouth – or fingers? Either way, whatever you say on social media can and will come back to bite you and we cannot stress this enough. It’s marketing 101 – even if it’s personal marketing. If you want to make sure that you are seen as a good person online, make sure that you’re not putting anything out there that you cannot take back.

Make up a master list of passwords and don’t ever use the same password twice. If you do, you are weakening the strength of your passwords in general. Keep this list somewhere safe that others cannot access.

Never accept friend requests from people that you don’t know. While it’s nice to make new friends, it’s never nice to accept a request from a stranger who then uses your information in a negative way.

It’s important to check out what’s posted about you online, so every now and then it’s a good idea to Google yourself. Every now and then, check out what’s found on search engines about you so that you can make the best possible decisions about your posting going forward.

Where possible, go Incognito. Users are tracked with every website they use even when they leave social media. Going incognito prevents you from being tracked. The more we search online, the more the cookies find us!

Social media is great, but it has the potential to go very wrong very quickly. Take the time to protect yourself and don’t be blind to the dangers.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Make Healthy Changes Today And See A Difference In Your Health

August 10, 2021August 10, 2021 Looking for the Light2 Comments

A few changes can lead to significant benefits. This also applies to our health. Making some changes in our daily life we can put the first elements in motion for a complete rebirth. If you suffer from a chronic illness, it is even more important to start looking after your health and boosting your immune system. If you have a disability, even if you use a mobility scooter, you still try to move, only gently, if possible. Mobile scooters give disabled people the independence that they deserve and coupled with an excellent diet and lifestyle, you can start to regain some confidence and happiness.

Eat your veggies

Vegetables are divided into two categories: starchy and non-starchy. Starchy vegetables are potatoes, corn, and beans, non-starchy are spinach and other leafy vegetables, carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower. Starchy vegetables have more calories than non-starchy ones. So by filling half the plate with non-starchy vegetables, you ensure that you will receive all the necessary nutrients, water, and fiber, but without any extra calories. It’s an easy strategy not to bother with calorie and portion counting. Processed carbohydrates have almost no nutrients and no fiber. The only thing they have is calories that can make you gain weight.

In fact, a diet rich in processed carbohydrates – white bread, buns, white pastries, sweets, etc. – can increase the risk of developing type II diabetes and heart disease. Get rid of the bad habits! Unprocessed carbohydrates such as brown rice and whole grains enhance your diet with “good” calories, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fatty fish such as salmon is an excellent source of omega – 3 fats, which are essential for good heart health and reducing inflammation in the body. They also enhance mental health. Drink green tea because this is going to be important to those with disabilities as it helps work as a toxin remover.

Disconnect from everything one hour before bedtime

Quality sleep is the alpha and omega for health. And one of the things that destroy it is technology. Devices that emit “blue light”, a type of wave that is common during the day, “confuse” the brain, making it think it is morning. So by avoiding screen time before bed, you can improve the quality of sleep.

Sleep at the same (approximately) time every day

In addition to poor sleep quality, many people have trouble sleeping. This is largely due to poor rest planning. Having a specific time when you fall asleep, you train your body clock so that you can fall asleep more easily. At the same time, scheduled bedtime has a positive effect on concentration and memory.

Limit socializing with negative people.

Even a little negativity is enough to get you down. Try to spend more time with happy and optimistic people. If you have negative people in your inner circle, try to convey some of your positive thinking to them and change the direction. The rest is up to you and the way in which you treat yourself. Don’t be hard on yourself and appreciate all the little things. Remember self-care is not selfish.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Let’s Celebrate National Book Lovers Day

August 9, 2021 Looking for the Light4 Comments

For all the book lovers out there, this day is for you! Celebrate by picking up an old favorite or starting a new one from your pile!

I have a hard time reading these days but do have two new books on Audible ready to go! Now I must make time for myself to sit alone and enjoy the new wonders awaiting.

Have a great day!

Melinda

Men & Womens Health

How to Help the Kids Make the Most of Home Learning

August 9, 2021August 9, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

There may be many reasons why your child needs to work from home. It could be because of the current Pandemic, or maybe the reason is far more personal to you, or maybe they have a lot of catching up to do for the exams. Whatever the reason, you can help your child learn by being a great parent and supporting your child. Studying, especially alone, can be quite a boring and tiresome experience for your child. But, just because the teaching is being conducted over the web does not make it any less relevant. You can assist your child and help them see the benefits of concentrating, and you can keep an eye on them too, which is a bonus. You may even be able to sit in, off-camera, for extra support if your child is struggling with a specific subject. Anyway, here are some ideas to help you help your child learn online.

Image from Pixabay

Be Interested

Be sure you ask as many questions as you can. This could be a fantastic way to help them retain information. Perhaps ask them what they are doing tomorrow or what they have done today. Work out how their routine works so you can work around it. Even if your kid is on the quiet side, try and get them to offer as much as they can. Ensure you discover if they are struggling with anything. This way you can find extra help, or even contact the teacher yourself.

Sleep

Do not underestimate how important a regular sleep-wake cycle is, even if they are only home learning. It is no excuse to be up all night playing x-box. By making sure they are going to bed on time, you can be sure that they will have more energy and enthusiasm come the daytime. Having their brightest mindset can go a long way to achieving good results.

Healthy Eating

Remember, healthy eating is just as important as sleep. Ensure they are having a properly balanced diet and reduce their sugar intake too. Sugar can make children buzz then crash, which is hard for learning. So you want to cut the sugary sodas too. It can also lead to other health complications to boot. For some good food choices think, healthy juices for drink and nuts, eggs, and some yogurts as snacks for the kids, if they need some.

The Tools

If your child is going to be learning from home, make sure they have all the tools for the job. Do not expect them to use a smartphone and get the same results as they would from a PC or laptop where they can easily see the lesson. They will need to plug in with earphones, and a camera is a good asset too, so the teacher can see them.l Also, you need good software. The LanSchool distance and hybrid learning software for K-12 is a great choice and can help them. Just because they are not going to school doesn’t mean they don’t need pens, pencils, calculators, protectors, etc., as well.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Men & Womens Health

Add On Interview With David Kanigan — For the Love of Art

August 9, 2021 Looking for the Light4 Comments

It’s close to a year since I talked with David Kanigan about photography and wanted to do an Add On interview to catch you up to date. So much has changed in David’s life with regard to photography. I interviewed David Kanigan right after he bought his new camera which was about the time COVID […]
Add On Interview With David Kanigan — For the Love of Art

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Monday Thoughts

August 9, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Go to bed at 9:00 p.m.

Wake up 12:30 a.m.

Have two cups of coffee

Check WordPress

Buy new reading glasses at Amazon

Drink a glass of water

Eat a carrot to help me go back to sleep

Go back to bed 2:00 a.m.

Take two Tylenol

Lay awake waiting for sleep

Get out of bed at 2:30 a.m.

Write this post

Wonder when sleep will come

Photo by Acharaporn Kamornboonyarush on Pexels.com

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Book Review Navigating Panic Attacks By Dr. Rita Santos

August 9, 2021July 8, 2025 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Blurb

Author Dr. Rita Santos is a clinical psychologist who specialises in cognitive behavioural therapy, anxiety and anxiety disorders.

One of the key symptoms of anxiety is panic attacks. However often, or infrequently, you experience them, it is possible to take steps to change how you react. There are ways that you can loosen their grip, potentially even stopping them from happening altogether.

Dr. Rita Santos will you help you to discover how to:

Understand what panic attacks are and why they happen
Identify your warning signs and personal triggers
Open dialogue with family and friends
Recognise and manage your anxious anticipation surrounding panic attacks
Practice tailored self-care with the aim of reducing the number of panic attacks you have.

Using these practical strategies, you can promote understanding, self-awareness, and self-care.

My Thoughts

Wellbeck has done it again! They brought us another great self-help book with tools we can implement right away and use for future reference as needed. Dr. Rita Santos gives you real-life examples and tools to use in helping you deal with and overcome Pank Attacks.

She covers topics like:

Communicating with others

Laying out a self-care plan

Recognizing triggers

and much more.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who has Panic Attacks or to help you to understand and communicate with a friend or loved one who does. It’s real-world tips that are easy to implement.

Wellbeck Publishing

Wellbeck Publishing Group is an exciting, fast-growing independent publisher based in London, dedicated to publishing only the very best and most commercial books spanning a number of genres and categories, from leading authors and well-known brands to debut talent. We live for books that entertain, excite and enhance the lives of readers around the world.

From building our boutique fiction and narrative non-fiction lists to shaping our world-renowned illustrated reference, gift and children’s titles, our aim is to be a market-leader in every category in which we publish. Our books and products come to life for adults, children, and families in 30 languages in more than 60 countries around the world, selling through a variety of traditional and non-traditional channels. We are constantly looking for new ways to deliver our exceptional content and new ideas to inspire readers and listeners everywhere.

www.wellbeckpublishing.com

I highly recommend the book and hope you will check it out. It could make a difference for you or someone you love.

Happy Reading

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Celebrate International Cat Day With Me

August 8, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I love cats and have had some wonderful companies over the years. Now that we know my husband is allergic, so there goes my new cat fantasy. I’ve had mostly Siamese and grey short hair cats.

Here’s a photo from my last beloved Siamese, Truffles. He was a Lilac Point Siamese I, fortunately, found him at the shelter at six weeks old.

We had a routine every day, I would go into his gated-off room, can’t let the dogs in, and we would lay on the floor and play kitty crack. It was our special time. We would play the blinky game and he would fall asleep.

I lost him to kidney failure, but he had a great long life. I miss him dearly.

Laying on my old desk as I worked my eBay business years ago.

Melinda

Men & Womens Health

Please Give A Big Welcome To Brad Gillespie Who Joins Survivors Blog Here — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative

August 8, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

I’m so happy to share that Brad Gillespie has joined Survivors Blog Here. He embodies everything we stand for, adversity, strength, and moving forward with his life. Brad has been diagnosed with Adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN). […]
Please Give A Big Welcome To Brad Gillespie Who Joins Survivors Blog Here — Survivors Blog Here Mental Health Collaborative

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health

Today in History

August 8, 2021 Looking for the Light3 Comments

Welcome to the weekend edition of Today in History. Thanks for all the great feedback. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.

1974

In an evening televised address on August 8, 1974, President Richard M. Nixon announces his intention to become the first president in American history to resign. With impeachment proceedings underway against him for his involvement in the Watergate affair, Nixon was finally bowing to pressure from the public and Congress to leave the White House.

2009

Sonia Sotomayor is sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. On August 8, 2009, Sonia Sotomayor is sworn in as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. Born in the Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, Sotomayor is the first Hispanic justice to serve on the nation’s highest court. Sotomayor’s mother was an orphan from rural Puerto Rico. Her …read more

1844

Brigham Young chosen to lead Mormon Church after Joseph Smith, the founder and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or Mormonism, and his brother, Hyrum, were murdered by an angry mob in an Illinois prison six weeks earlier, Elder Brigham Young is chosen to be the Church’s next leader. The …read more

1879

Emiliano Zapata, a leader of peasants and Indigenous people during the Mexican Revolution, is born in Anenecuilco, Mexico. Born a peasant, Zapata was forced into the Mexican army in 1908 following his attempt to recover village lands taken over by a rancher. After the revolution …read more

1986

Spike Lee’s first feature, “She’s Gotta Have It,” premieres on August 8, 1986, actor, writer and director Spike Lee’s first feature-length movie, She’s Gotta Have It, opens in theaters around the United States. Made on a shoestring budget, She’s Gotta Have It was a comedy about a young African American woman in Brooklyn, New York, and her …read more

Melinda

Men & Womens Health

Home Types You Should Consider For Your Family

August 8, 2021August 8, 2021 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Every family needs a safe and secure place to call home – this is why housing is a significant global issue, as many families seek decent and affordable accommodations. According to the World Property Journal, the US real estate market is worth about $33.6 trillion. There are several residence options suitable for families. Are you keen to learn about the different types of homes best suited to your family? Here are six home types you should consider.

Single-family homes are one of the most popular housing options among American families. These homes are designed for one family only. There are numerous benefits of single-family homes that make them worth considering. They offer more privacy than other housing options since you do not share any walls. Personalizing your landscape in a single-family home is even more effortless compared to other home types. Therefore, it would help if you consider single-family housing when looking for your family’s perfect accommodation.

A condo living space is a single unit in a larger building or housing community. Condos are usually located in the heart of cities, unlike many single-family homes and apartments. The benefits of condominium living are worth considering for your family. Condo residents typically enjoy easier access to major roads and public transport systems. Convenience is another key benefit of condos because facilities like malls are easily accessible due to the dense area population. There is an excellent provision of security in condo buildings due to the presence of round-the-clock security personnel. Many families that chose condos agree that it is a great place to raise kids because of child-friendly amenities and vibrant community life.

Apartments are living spaces within larger buildings and housing communities, differing from condos because you would have to pay rent. Apartments provide a cost-effective housing option for families, as the exorbitant home prices on the market are overwhelming for many. The perks of apartment living include access to amenities like pools and gyms, which single-family homes usually do not have. You can also have quality family time since you do not have to spend time on yard work, as apartment owners hire professionals to take care of the property. The apartment home is also financially flexible, as the rent is usually yearly. Not owning the place also allows you to relocate should the need arise.

Statista data projects that US multifamily buildings will be worth almost $80 billion by 2022. Multi-family homes are single buildings with more than one dwelling unit that serves as homes to one or more families. Duplexes and triplexes are typical examples of multi-family homes. These units differ from condos because the various units cannot be purchased, as one person owns the building. It would be best to choose multi-family housing as a long-term investment to give you rental income. This rental income will increase your cash flow and help you to defray your housing cost. Also, multi-family homes allow for comfortable living with other family members together but separately. Securing a multi-family home mortgage is also easy because of your potential to generate income as a landlord. If you want to make and save money, these homes would be the perfect choice for you and the family.

A 2016 study showed that the ranch-style home is the favorite of American homeowners, being the popular pick in thirty-four states. These houses are known for their simple single-story design, with low-pitched roofing, plenty of windows, and attached garages. Many homeowners mentioned the size, layout, and functionality as elements they like about this type of house. Ranch homes have open floor plans, meaning living spaces are not too compartmentalized. The typical ranch house design offers a seamless transition between the indoors and outdoors due to the many windows and glass doors that lead into your backyard. Also, ranch homes are easy to maintain and energy-efficient. It would be best to consider ranch housing if these features and benefits appeal to you and your family.

Townhomes allow you to experience both condo living and single-family housing in one building. They are usually described as a single-family home sandwiched between or next to similar single-family homes. Unlike the condominium residents, townhouse residents own both the interior and exterior space. But, like condos, there are few maintenance responsibilities. Townhome communities are also safe, peaceful, and quiet. These homes cost less than houses, and many real estate experts agree that they are better investments than apartments. Finally, consider townhouse living because of your access to many amenities and recreation opportunities.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Just Pondering

August 7, 2021December 14, 2025 Looking for the Light9 Comments

If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be and why?

Melinda

Men & Womens Health

Parenting Tips You Need to Work On Right Now

August 7, 2021August 7, 2021 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Being a parent is never easy, and this is something you need to make the most of right now. Try to do as much as possible to figure out what it takes to be a better parent. There are so many things you need to keep in mind that can play a part in this, and it is important to make sure you do what is best for your kids.

You need to do as much as you can to come up with ideas that will help you to be the best parent you can possibly be. There are many things that you need to keep in mind, and it is important to make sure you move forward in the best possible way and look to make the right decisions for your kid’s life right now.

There are a lot of financial decisions that you need to be making as a parent, and they are essential in helping to raise your family in the right way. You need to look at the places you can cut costs and save money as much as possible in the day to day life. You also need to try to make use of things like the child support payment calculator to work out important figures. You need to get a better handle on your financial situation because this is one of the best ways of being able to take things to the next level and work on being able to improve the family finances long-term.

It is important as a parent to be able to talk to your child about tough topics and broach important issues with them. Kids are inquisitive, and they will ask about things you may not expect them to ask. This is something that you need to try to make the most of, and use these opportunities to talk about the essentials right now. Talking with kids about terrible things is actually a really important part of parenting, and they need to be able to have these experiences and conversations in an honest and straightforward manner.

Encouraging your children is really important, and you need to be looking to do as much as possible to focus on this. Your kids will have certain talents, and it’s important to encourage and nurture these, but you have to be aware of pushing them too much and forcing them into things they don’t really want to be doing. This is something that a lot of parents tend to struggle with, and it’s a hurdle you need to try to overcome as much as you possibly can moving forward.

Try to do as much as possible to come up with ideas that are going to help you take things to the next level as a parent. There are a lot of things to think about here, and it is important to make the most of them.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Important Tips For Finding Your Dream Home

August 7, 2021November 27, 2021 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Whether you’re just getting on the property ladder or you’re moving to a larger home, finding the right property is essential. When you’re searching for your dream home, you don’t want to rush the process. By taking your time and waiting for the right property to come on the market, you can be sure that you’ve truly found the property of your dreams. To help you plan your search, take a look at these top tips now:

Know What You’re Looking For

Before you start viewing properties, spend some time thinking about what features your dream home should have. It’s easy to be swayed once you start looking at homes, so taking the time to prioritize your ‘must-have’ features will ensure you have a clear idea of exactly what you’re looking for.

Get Financing in Place

You don’t want to find your dream property only to miss out because you don’t have the funds ready. By getting the financing in place now, you can ensure you’re ready to make an offer as soon as you find your dream property. Many mortgage firms and banks offer pre-approval, so you can get a mortgage lined up, ready for when you can complete a purchase.

When you are looking for the right loan for your home, it’s important that you understand everything that you need to know about the lender. The more information you have, the easier you will find it to trust that you are making the right decision for your future. The best companies such as New Century are an open book and you’ll find plenty of info about them online.

Choose the Right Location

No matter what features a property has, it won’t be right for you if it’s not in a good location. Consider your commute to work, how close you are to amenities and, if you have them, what your kid’s journey to school will be like. By choosing the right location for your next home, you can ensure you have the lifestyle you’ve always dreamt of.

Stay Up to Date

When a dream home comes on the market, it probably won’t be available for long. Once you’ve decided what location you’re looking at, stay up to date with what properties are on the market. Fortunately, the internet makes it easy to keep on top of new properties. By searching for https://www.camijoneshomes.com/kansas-city-homes-for-sale/, for example, you can see the latest homes that are available. With regular checks, you’ll be the first in line when your dream home is listed for sale.

Think About Your Future

If you’re buying a dream home, then you want to think long-term. Imagining your future and how your lifestyle might change will give you an idea of how your dream home should look, feel, and function. The potential to increase the size of the property might be useful if you want to start a family, for example. Alternatively, the proximity to the local business center might be advantageous if you’re thinking about a change in your career.

Searching for Residential Real Estate

If you want to locate your dream home, it can be beneficial to build a good working relationship with local realtors. They’ll be the first to know when a property is coming on the market and can let you know when something fits your criteria. By moving quickly, you can ensure that you’re in a position to make an offer when the property of your dreams comes on the market.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Mental Health Haven: 4 Ways To Create One In Your Home

August 7, 2021August 7, 2021 Looking for the Light4 Comments

It’s an unfortunate fact that many people are not able to get the mental health support they need. Unfortunately, this can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, making physical and mental health worse. But you don’t have to let this happen. There are four easy ways that anyone can create a haven for themselves inside their home, no matter how big or small it may be. You’ll feel better after reading this article on how to do it.

Let In the Natural Light

The natural light of the sun can have a significant impact on your mood. Unfortunately, you may spend so much time looking at screens that it’s essential to find ways to let in as much nature and sunlight as possible.

Consider renovating your house with the help of home builders to accommodate natural light through large windows, skylights, and other features.

Open up curtains during daylight hours, keep windows open when you’re home, or try using an app like flux to reduce the effects of electronics on your sleep cycle.

Do you use artificial light after dark? Consider using a small candle or lamp instead, and opt for warmer lighting like candles. Lighting that is too bright can cause tension headaches.

Natural light is best for helping to balance out hormone levels during the winter months, which is a good time for restoring serotonin levels in your brain. Consequently, this helps you manage anxiety at home, stress, and other discomforts.

No matter how you do it, make sure that you get some natural light!

Make Your Bed a Sacred Place

Your bed is a sacred place, so why not make it as cozy and comfortable as possible? You can do this by stretching out your body to create an energy of openness. This will help you avoid feeling closed off or trapped at night when going to sleep.

Claim a Personal Space

Claim a personal space and make it your own. Make this area the place where you recharge, whether that’s sitting in silence or by reading a book. This is also an excellent spot for therapy dogs to hang out when they’re visiting.

If you have trouble getting started with decluttering, ask someone else for help setting up a donation box. By donating the things you no longer use, it feels like you’re shedding your old self and embracing your new one – just what mental health needs.

Make It Clean

If you live in a mess, your brain will never be at peace. Cleaning up is not just about the dirt and dust; it’s also about the mental clutter that affects your mood. The process of decluttering clears away space for mindful reflection and self-care.

It feels good to have a place where everything has a place. Therefore, living in a clean and organized area is good for your brain.

Conclusion

There is no right or wrong answer to the question: “What does mental health look like?” It looks different for every person. For some people, it means going outside and exercising in nature. For others, it may mean spending time with a friend over coffee at their favorite cafe. So, do what makes sense for you and helps uplift your mental health.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda