It’s been a weird time for me lately. I keep trying to “feel better” without much luck. One day I will give up a bad habit, and the next I am right back to it (like smoking cigarettes). My motivation levels are low, I avoid what brings joy to my life, and I cannot seem […]
Surface Pressure — Undiagnosed
Month: February 2022
Share Your Beautiful Colours This Rare Disease Day — Guest Blogger Invisibly Me
Rare Disease Day 2022 – A look at what rare conditions are, types of rare disease, the importance of awareness & how we can show our colours.
Share Your Beautiful Colours This Rare Disease Day — Invisibly Me
What Is Delta 8 CBD? And Is It For You?
I’ve reviewed several Delta 8 products and found them to be helpful for stress relief and overall quieting of the mind in order to go back to sleep. I have not felt any type of buzz or high from them and feel very comfortable adding them to my nightly routine.
Let’s explore what Delta 8 is and if it’s right for you.
Like CBD, delta-8 (delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol) is just one of more than 100 chemical compounds found in the cannabis sativa plant. Most people are familiar with THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis that gives you a euphoric high.
The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the production and sale of CBD products (which don’t get you high) on the federal level in the U.S. as long as they contain less than .3% of THC. In theory, this would allow federal legalization of CBD products with delta-8 under those same guidelines, but doctors, like internal medicine specialist Paul Terpeluk, DO, are expressing concerns about delta-8 products because delta-8 is psychoactive and produces same or similar highs as THC.
Is Delta-8 Legal?
Another reason for Delta-8’s growing popularity is that, unlike heavily regulated THC, Delta-8 is legal to use in most states. That’s because it’s extracted mostly from hemp-derived CBD, which is legal to farm across the U.S.
But Delta-8 sits in a legal gray area. Hemp’s legality stems from the so-called federal farm bill (the Agriculture and Nutrition Improvement Act of 2018), which removed hemp and its byproducts from the list of controlled substances. The reason: Hemp’s low THC levels (less than 0.3%). The bill doesn’t mention Delta-8 anywhere. Hemp advocates and others who sell it have used this loophole to legally market Delta-8 products, usually with no age restrictions. As a result, it’s now the fastest-growing product from the hemp industry.
Because there’s little oversight or lab testing on what goes into Delta-8 products, chemists and other scientists have safety concerns. Products labeled as Delta-8 may contain impurities, including high levels of THC. As a result, around a dozen states, including New York and Colorado, are beginning to restrict or ban the use of Delta-8.
Is Delta 8 right for you?
The key is to find a product that is rated and reviewed. I did several searches for the top 2022 Delta 8 Products and worked from those list. When I go to a new site, I check out the company “About Us” information. Then I see where the product is made and if it’s lab tested. From there it’s truly a guessing game but I look for products that are rated by users and read the reviews. I don’t go by price alone but do know that they aren’t cheap and will be cautious if a price is too low.
To Your Health!
Melinda
References:
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-is-delta-8
Today in History February 27, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1827
New Orleanians take to the streets for Mardi Gras
On February 27, 1827, a group of masked and costumed students dance through the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, marking the beginning of the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations.
The celebration of Carnival—or the weeks between Twelfth Night on January 6 and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Christian period of Lent—spread from Rome across Europe and later to the Americas. Nowhere in the United States is Carnival celebrated as grandly as in New Orleans, famous for its over-the-top parades and parties for Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday), the last day of Carnival season.
1936
Shirley Temple receives $50,000 per film
On February 27, 1936, Shirley Temple receives a new contract from 20th Century Fox that will pay the seven-year-old star $50,000 per film. Temple was born in 1928 in Santa Monica, California, and started appearing in a series of short films spoofing current movies, called Baby …read more
1922
Supreme Court defends women’s voting rights
In Washington, D.C., the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, providing for female suffrage, is unanimously declared constitutional by the eight members of the U.S. Supreme Court. The 19th Amendment, which stated that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall …read more
1980
“I Will Survive” wins the first—and last—Grammy ever awarded for Best Disco Recording
After watching it utterly dominate the musical landscape of the late 1970s, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences gave disco their stamp of approval, deciding to give a Grammy award for Best Disco Recording, just as the musical style was preparing to die. The first and final Grammy for Best Disco Recording was awarded on February 27, 1980, to Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive.”
1964
Italian government asks for suggestions for how to fix Leaning Tower of Pisa
On February 27, 1964, the Italian government announces that it is accepting suggestions on how to save the renowned Leaning Tower of Pisa from collapse. The top of the 180-foot tower was hanging 17 feet south of the base, and studies showed that the tilt was increasing by a …read more
Melinda
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
The difference between jam and jelly is that jam is made with mashed up fruit while jelly is made with fruit juice. (bonapetit.com)
Preserves are like jam but made with more whole fruit. Marmalade is preserves made from citrus fruit.
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos were developed by a janitor at Frito-Lay, Richard Montanez, who got the idea after putting chili powder on some reject Cheetos and then pitched it to the CEO. He’s now a successful executive and motivational speaker, and a movie is in the works about his life. (cnbc.com)
Coca-Cola actually sells soup in a can. Bistrone is a nourishing meal on the go, available in two flavors in Japan. (worldofcoca-cola.com)
The biggest pizza ever created was 13,580 square feet, made in Rome, Italy, in 2012. The pizza was gluten-free and named “Ottavia” after a roman emperor. (guinnessworldrecords.com)
Enjoy!
Melinda
I Support Ukraine
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *The Verve – Bitter Sweet Symphony (Official Music Video)
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
Friday Quote 2/25/2022
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Balancing Act — Guest Blogger The River Blogger
“No matter what your age is today, you are an old person in training.” Ashton Applewhite, author and ageism activist Balance is being able to stand without falling to either side. It should be simple, but many people have difficulty holding this basic stance. The good news is that there are ways you can improve […]
Balancing Act — The River Blogger
Of Music and Life — Guest Blogger Explorations in Psychotherapy
Music is ambrosia
Of Music and Life — Explorations in Psychotherapy
Wordless Wednesday*Red
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
Photographs
Melinda
Newly Painted Office
I have to thank my husband for painting my office! We painted it dark green when I moved in over 20 years ago and I was so ready for a change.
This is where I relax with a good-smelling candle to think and write.
I can’t wait for later this week when the temps drop low enough to use the fireplace!
I hope you have a comfy spot to call your own. I’m very blessed to have an extra bedroom to call mine.
Here’s to relaxing!
Melinda
Just Pondering
Happiness looks like………
Happiness feels like………
Happiness sounds like…….
Happiness smells like…….
Melinda
Let’s Celebrate President’s Day
We may not always agree with politics or have voted for the person in the office but I think we can agree we live in the greatest country and having a President of the United States makes all the difference.
Melinda
No Dog Poop In My Park Please —
What is it with people who take their dog to a nice city park then let it crap without picking it up? Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com We’ve been going to the same park several times a week since the pandemic started and I’m amazed by the growing number of mounds of shit in […]
No Dog Poop In My Park Please —
Do You Have Painsomnia?
You’ve probably heard the term or worse yet suffer from Painsomnia yourself. If the term is new to you, here’s the short version. A person experiences insomnia due to pain preventing them from falling asleep or staying asleep.
“Sleep helps our bodies rest and heal, so good-quality sleep is vital for people with chronic illnesses. However, painsomnia can make a good night of sleep feel like a pipe dream. Fortunately, medical researchers are starting to learn more about the condition and how patients can cope.”
I have the type of Painsomnia that keeps me up after waking from pain and makes it impossible to go back to sleep. My sleep medicine has worn off by then and no it’s just pain against sleep, and sleep rarely wins.
I have tried several hacks to help go back to sleep with mixed results. I have an essential oil stick with a Lavander fragrance that’s supposed to relax you but I can’t tell it does any good. The one item that has worked this past week is Delta 8 gummies. I take one right after waking up and they do relieve stress and keep my mind from wondering allowing me to go back to sleep.
I have to point out that I’m living without pain medication right now so it can be a challenge when I have to sleep on my shoulders and hips. No back or stomach sleeping for me.
What can you do if you are struggling with Painsomnia?
Better Sleep Habits
The MD Anderson Sleep Center recommends that people adopt new habits into their nightly routine. These habits help form the foundation for good sleep hygiene:
- Don’t use phones or computers before bed, as the blue light from the screen can disrupt sleep and cause eye strain.
- Avoid taking long naps during the day.
- Make your bedroom cool and dark.
- Avoid eating heavy foods or exercising right before you sleep.
Sleep Aids
If you have trouble sleeping, your healthcare provider may prescribe sleep aids or encourage you to try over-the-counter medications. These drugs can help regulate your circadian rhythm and lull you into slumber. Melatonin supplements help regulate your sleep cycle.9
A study from Cureus journal found that ashwagandha, a medicinal herb, can help people fall and stay asleep.10
Prescription drugs may include benzodiazepines, which are often used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Before you try any new supplements or prescriptions, make sure to consult your healthcare provider.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a treatment that encourages people to rethink and change their behaviors. For people with insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy may help,11
For example, a person without a sleep routine can work with a therapist to start better habits before bed. If anxious thoughts are keeping you up at night, cognitive behavioral techniques can teach you to stop those spiraling thoughts and focus on other, more restful thoughts.
If your painsomnia makes you feel helpless, those worries can make it even harder for you to get sleep. You may blame yourself or blame your body if you’re struggling with painsomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you cope with some of that frustration.
Hypnotherapy
While hypnotherapy is not a proven cure for painsomnia, some researchers have found that hypnosis might improve insomnia.12Hypnotherapy is an alternative medicine where practitioners use hypnosis and the power of suggestion to guide patients through various concerns.
Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for your healthcare provider or your current medications. Some researchers describe hypnotherapy as a sort of placebo. In either case, hypnosis can lull you into deep relaxation. This relaxation may help people with painsomnia fall asleep.
There’s no one size fits everyone but there are options for those who suffer from Painsomnia. I haven’t found the answer yet but did sleep until 2:00 AM this morning.
What hacks do use to help you go to sleep?
Melinda
Ref:
What is Love — Guest Blogger Explorations in Psychotherapy
What Is Love? “Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing, and forgiving. Through good and bad times, it is loyalty. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.” Ann Landers. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” Emily Bronte. […]
What is Love — Explorations in Psychotherapy
Today in History February 20, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1985
Ireland allows sale of contraceptives
In a highly controversial vote on February 20, 1985, the Irish government defies the powerful Catholic Church and approves the sale of contraceptives.
Up until 1979, Irish law prohibited the importation and sale of contraceptives. In a 1973 case, McGee v. The Attorney General, the Irish Supreme Court found that a constitutional right to marital privacy covered the use of contraceptives. Pressured by strong conservative forces in Irish society, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, the government was slow to change the law to reflect the court’s decision, and a number of proposed bills failed before reaching the books.
1998
Tara Lipinski becomes youngest Olympic figure skating gold medalist
On February 20, 1998, 15-year-old Tara Lipinski wins the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, and becomes the youngest gold medalist in her sport. Lipinski donned her first pair of skates at age six. In 1994, at age 12, she won a gold …read more
1962
John Glenn becomes first American to orbit Earth
From Cape Canaveral, Florida, John Herschel Glenn Jr. is successfully launched into space aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft on the first orbital flight by an American astronaut. Glenn, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, was among the seven men chosen by the National …read more
1997
Kramer on “Seinfeld” adopts a highway
An episode of the hit TV sitcom “Seinfeld” titled “The Pothole” airs for the first time on February 20, 1997; it includes a story line in which the character Kramer adopts a stretch of the fictional Arthur Burghardt Expressway through the real-life Adopt-a-Highway program. The …read more
1792
Postal Service Act regulates United States Post Office Department
On February 20, 1792, President George Washington signs legislation renewing the United States Post Office as a cabinet department led by the postmaster general, guaranteeing inexpensive delivery of all newspapers, stipulating the right to privacy and granting Congress the …read more
Melinda
Age is just a number — Guest Blogger Happy Healthy Me – a Journey
‘Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever’ – Walt Disney Do you ever wish you were younger? Or older? It seems that wherever we are in life we’d quite like to be somewhere else! In our teenage years we often wish we were older, maybe so we can get into that […]
Age is just a number — Happy Healthy Me – a Journey
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
The different colors of Froot Loops cereal all taste the same—they’re not individual flavors. (time.com)
What’s inside a Kit Kat? Broken Kit Kats that are damaged during production—they get ground up and go between the wafers inside, along with cocoa and sugar. That’s a way to not let anything go to waste! (today.com)
Pound cake got its name because the original recipe required a pound each of butter, flour, sugar and eggs. That’s a lot of cake—but it was meant to last for a long time.
The difference between jam and jelly is that jam is made with mashed up fruit while jelly is made with fruit juice. (bonapetit.com)
Preserves are like jam but made with more whole fruit. Marmalade is preserves made from citrus fruit
Enjoy!
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *Harry Styles – Landslide with Stevie Nicks (One Night Only at The Forum)
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
Friday Quote 2/18/2022
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Sunset over Gulf Shores
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
The Many Meanings of a Smile —Guest Blogger Explorations in Psychotherapy
“smile though your heart is breaking…”
The Many Meanings of a Smile — Explorations in Psychotherapy
What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy-Mental Health
I believe mental health and physical health are interrelated, you can’t have one without the other. You can be the healthiest person physically but if your mental state is in disrepair it will impact your physical health at some point.
I’m off balance right now and it spills over, causing me to eat emotionally and body shaming. It’s a vicious cycle. My focus is on rewarding the right behavior and not being too hard on myself when I fall.
“Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).[1] Mental health includes subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, intergenerational dependence, and self-actualization of one’s intellectual and emotional potential, among others.[2] From the perspectives of positive psychology or holism, mental health may include an individual’s ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.[3] Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how one defines “mental health.”
To live our best life we have to live a whole life and that requires tending to all of our health needs. Our mental health may seem a challenge for some because they haven’t learned simple ways to support their mental health. Something as simple as spending 10 minutes clearing your mind can help your clarity and relieve stress.
Taking care of our mental health is an ongoing daily function just as important as eating and physical health. You have to keep feeding the brain in order for it to flourish.
Simple ways to support your mental health are:
Talking to someone about what’s stressing you out
Take a nap
A hot bath or foot soak
Use a diffuser with essential oils to help relax you
Go for a walk
Get outdoors, nothing feels as good as fresh air
Meditate
Exercise
Yoga
Alternative Medicine, like a massage or acupressure
Do a puzzle
There are thousands of things we can do for our mental health, the biggest problem is we don’t take the time. We don’t put enough emphasis on the importance of daily habits. Our mind needs to be nurtured every day just as a body does.
Melinda
Reference
Laziness or Depression – Which one is it today? — Guest Blogger The Mental Minute
I sit around some days and wonder if any of my medication actually works. After all, why am I still depressed when I am on anti-depressants? Anti means opposed to or against; therefore, my medication should be fighting against depression. I try to fight the idea that maybe I just need to try another medicine […]
Laziness or Depression – Which one is it today? — The Mental Minute
Happy Valentine’s Day
I remember when as a child my mother would buy a box of Valentine’s cards and we would give them to the kids in our class. In high school, you could buy a card or send a rose to a friend and that was so much fun!
Happy Valentine’s day to all my friends out there and I hope you have a special day. Do something special for yourself!
Melinda
Today in History February 13, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1920
League of Nations recognizes perpetual Swiss neutrality
The League of Nations, the international organization formed at the peace conference at Versailles in the wake of World War I, recognizes the perpetual neutrality of Switzerland on February 13, 1920. Switzerland was a loose confederation of German-, French-, and Italian-speaking …read more
1633
Galileo arrives in Rome to face charges of heresy
On February 13, 1633, Italian philosopher, astronomer and mathematician Galileo Galilei arrives in Rome to face charges of heresy for advocating Copernican theory, which holds that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Galileo officially faced the Roman Inquisition in April of that …read more
1965
First Medal of Honor action
The earliest military action to be awarded a Medal of Honor is performed by Colonel Bernard J.D. Irwin, an assistant army surgeon serving in the first major U.S.-Apache conflict. Near Apache Pass, in southeastern Arizona, Irwin, an Irish-born doctor, volunteered to go to the …read more
1689
William and Mary proclaimed joint sovereigns of Britain
Following Britain’s bloodless Glorious Revolution, Mary, the daughter of the deposed king, and William of Orange, her husband, are proclaimed joint sovereigns of Great Britain under Britain’s new Bill of Rights. William, a Dutch prince, married Mary, the daughter of the future …read more
1914
ASCAP is founded
“If music did not pay, it would be given up.” So wrote Associate Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1917. Holmes wasn’t referring to musicians themselves in that statement, but to places of business in which copyrighted musical works could be …read more
Melinda
What to Do When You’re Feeling Anxious
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can be mild or severe. For some people, anxiety is so frequent and intense that it disrupts their daily lives. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss some ways to cope with anxiety when it strikes.
Identify the cause of your anxiety
This may be difficult, but it’s important to try to identify what is causing you to feel anxious. For example, is it a specific event or situation? A person? Or is your anxiety more general, such as feeling constantly worried and uneasy? Once you have identified the cause, you can begin to address it.
If your anxiety is caused by a specific situation or person, try to avoid that thing or spend less time around that person. However, if your anxiety is more general, there are still things you can do to help manage it. For example, some people find journaling helpful for identifying the source of their anxiety. Other people find relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation helpful in managing their anxiety symptoms.
Talk to a friend or family member about your anxiety
Sometimes, just talking about what’s bothering you can make it easier to deal with those feelings. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to someone close to you, there are many resources available for people with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Your GP is usually the best place to start if you’re looking for professional help; they will be able to refer you if necessary. In some cases, talking therapies such as counseling may be helpful in managing symptoms of anxiety and other mental health conditions like depression or stress-related disorders (like post-traumatic stress disorder).
Take some time for yourself
This may seem like an impossible task when you’re feeling anxious, but it’s essential to find some time each day to relax and focus on yourself. This could be something as simple as taking a hot bath, reading your favorite book, or spending time in nature.
If you’re finding it difficult to take time for yourself, consider setting aside a specific block of time each day that is just for you. During this time, try not to stress about work or other commitments; simply relax and enjoy whatever activity you have chosen. You could also consider a recovery center if you feel like you need to get away for a while and just focus on yourself and your mental wellbeing.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants
Caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants can make symptoms of anxiety worse. So if you’re feeling anxious, try to avoid these things. If you find it challenging to cut out caffeine or alcohol completely, try to reduce your intake at least. This will help to minimize the effects that these substances have on your anxiety levels. Managing anxiety can be difficult, but it is possible. By using some of the techniques we’ve discussed in this blog post, you can begin to take control of your anxiety and start living a happier, more productive life.
In conclusion, there are many ways to cope with anxiety when it strikes. Some people choose not to deal with their anxiety at all, while others prefer specific techniques like breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation. Whatever approach you take, remember that the most important thing is finding what works best for you and your unique situation.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 