If you did not receive the email, you will no longer be able to automatically send your post to Twitter. Apparently, negotiations have broken off. What that means is bloggers from WordPress will have to manually tweet posts.
This is a huge amount of work for some and will likely mean not using Twitter. I wrote Elon Musk two tweets this morning. For all I know he’ll block me or shut down my account but he needed to know we, not WordPress will suffer. This move will save WordPress money but will cost all of us time, time that some chronically ill people don’t have.
Please go to Twitter and send @elonmusk a message letting him know you’re not happy about the change.
I have supported all of his changes to date, but not this one! He’s looking to make more money from corporate users without regard for the people behind the company.
In the beginning of January 2023, I woke up about 5am and walked downstairs to my office. I sat there for a moment and then went over to the bookcase and picked up a copy of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM V). It’s the book mental health care professionals use as […]
Each week I showcase one of my favorite songs. I’m so glad you dropped by, have a great weekend.
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.
Anyone with a new dog wants to stay at home all day and make a fuss of it. Unfortunately, as much as we might want to stay at home, most of us have to go out to work most days. Even if you work from home, there will be times when you have to go out and leave the dog at home. If you have to leave your dog alone in the house, you need to be prepared, and make sure that you can provide your dog with everything it needs, even when you aren’t home.
The length of time that a dog can be left alone will vary from dog to dog. Some dogs struggle with separation anxiety and could become destructive if left for too long, whereas others cope much better. Even if your dog does well alone, you will have to think about how long they can go before needing to go out to wee.
Puppies, especially those who are still being house-trained, shouldn’t be left for very long at all. Two hours a day is around the maximum. Puppies need to be taken out to wee too often to be left for any longer. As they’re not yet used to being separated from you, they may be stressed about being left alone.
An older dog, who has learned to manage without you can go longer between bathroom breaks and can be left for four to six hours. An elderly dog might need you to be around more often. Judge this depending on how their health is, and how often they can go without going to the bathroom. Some senior dogs, like puppies, can’t be left for more than a couple of hours.
Considerations for Dog Daycare
Dog daycare can be a fantastic solution if you frequently leave your pup alone for extended periods. In a daycare setting, your pup will get to socialize with other canines under supervision which can greatly reduce boredom and anxiety levels for him/her. Dog daycare centers provide playtime and activities for your pup to keep them occupied throughout the day. When selecting the best dog daycare houston, it is crucial to evaluate its facilities, staff experience, safety measures, and routines before making your choice. Check for cleanliness and safety within the facility as well as emergency protocols in place. Also, observe how dogs are handled; observe their reactions; do they appear happy, relaxed, and cared for properly? Remember your ultimate goal should be providing your pup with an enjoyable environment in your absence.
What Are The Risks Of Leaving a Dog Alone?
A dog alone will need to go to the bathroom, and if left for too long, you may come home to find they’ve had an accident somewhere in the house.
Even if left outside, your dog could still be in mischief or danger. They could develop separation anxiety, or just get bored, which could encourage them to behave badly in a way they normally wouldn’t. This might be scratching or biting at doors or chewing furniture or clothes left around. Some dogs may overeat to ease boredom. Others might bark or howl, which won’t please your neighbors. A dog kept outside could find a way to escape.
How Can I Train A Dog To Be Left Alone?
Proper training, like the methods on this site, is very important if you’re going to leave a dog alone. As soon as you get a dog, start practicing, so the dog can cope better when you do have to leave it. Start by practicing the ‘Leave & Return’ scenario. This teaches your dog that being home on their own is okay and that you will always come back.
Start by putting your shoes on and go to the door. If you notice that your dog becomes anxious, try to ignore it, so the dog gets used to it. Repeat this step at least three times a day.
When you come home, don’t immediately go to your dog to make a fuss of him. Instead, go about your usual arriving home routine until your dog is calm before greeting him. This helps the dog to understand that coming home is normal, not special. This will help the dog to keep calmer.
When you leave the house, don’t say goodbye to the dog. This can make them want to come with you and worry about being left. If you just leave as though nothing much is happening, they’ll feel calmer about it.
Tips For Leaving A Dog Alone
When you have to leave your dog alone, you can make it easier with some preparation, and some methods to help your dog stay calm and keep your home safe from destruction.
Don’t give your dog free rein of the house, especially when you first start leaving it alone. Instead, leave them somewhere where they’re comfortable. The kitchen is a popular choice, as clean-up is easier in the case of any accidents. Put their bed or crate in the room you’re leaving them in.
Tire the dog out before you leave with some exercise. This could be going out for an early walk before you go to work, or playing an active game together in the garden. If you can tire the dog out, it will hopefully sleep for most of the time that you’re gone.
Leave some food dispensing toys as well as or instead of their usual food bowl. These toys come in different varieties of difficulty, so you can make getting at their food or treats last much longer, to keep them busy while you’re out.
Leave them fun toys to play with while you’re gone. This helps to stop them from becoming bored, so the dog is less tempted into bad behavior, like biting, chewing, or peeing on things.
How Can I Help My Dog With Separation Anxiety?
Some dogs don’t do well with being left alone, no matter how well you prepare. This can be because they have been left for long periods by a previous owner, are not used to being left yet, or because they find being away from you upsetting.
To help with more minor separation anxiety, try not to make a big deal out of arriving or leaving. Ignore your dog when you first arrive home and wait a few minutes before you greet them.
If your dog seems to be upset when you leave, try leaving them some things that smell like you, like recently worn clothes. Just be sure you don’t leave anything that you don’t want to be chewed, just in case.
Try and establish a word or action that you will use every time that you leave the house that tells your dog that will be coming back.
You could also try an over-the-counter product meant for calming a stressed dog if you know the dog gets stressed.
Health Apps have become critical to our daily lives but do you know if your personal information is shared? I recently read that some Apps use your information for research, or sell the information to a third party. Everyone needs to know how their personal information is used, there are enough security risks in life.
Be sure to read the Privacy Policy of any App that collects sensitive information. I’ve written several posts about Health Apps and didn’t know information sharing was an issue at the time. Now I’m informed and so are you.
Read the Privacy Policies of all Apps that capture your personal information. You don’t want an App that is a front for gathering information and passing it along.
In the earliest stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, you can make changes to your diet that will help your kidneys stave off/or slow the progression of the disease.
I’ve only included the basics, so please go to the sites referenced for complete information.
The time to make changes is now, before you get Kidney Disease or if you’ve been diagnosed at the earliest stages.
A kidney-friendly diet should limit sodium, cholesterol, and fat, and instead focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean meats (seafood, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, and soy products), says Maruschak. People who have already been diagnosed with CKD may also need to limit certain other nutrients, she adds.
Here are the basics of diet changes
Portion Your Plate
Limit Your Salt Intake
Be Mindful of Protein
Choose Complex Carbs Over Simple Carbs
Limit Saturated Fats and Avoid Trans Fat
Watch Your Alcohol Intake
Talk to Your Doctor About Whether You Need to Limit Phosphorus and Potassium
Work With a Dietitian
The changes required can seem overwhelming but you can start one at a time until all are part of your Kidney healthy diet.
I was recently diagnosed with Stage 3 Kidney Disease, which means my kidneys are working at 50% and my kidneys are too damaged for them to heal. As I research my own Kidney Disease, I’ll pass along anything important.
Moving to a new town can be challenging. You’re uprooting your life and starting over in unfamiliar surroundings where no one knows you or where no familiar faces exist. However, with an open mind and positive approach, moving can be both enjoyable and beneficial for your mental well-being. It will help to expose you to new people from various walks of life, and there may be exciting opportunities out there that lead to improved quality of life. Here, we will cover everything from how to find housing in a new town to practical advice for making it feel like home in your new environment. So read on for advice on settling comfortably into life in a brand new city and its potential impact on mental health.
A new town can be both exciting and overwhelming. Before making the leap, it is wise to research its characteristics – neighborhoods, parks, and community events are good places to begin exploring your options, as are local schools and businesses. Spend some time getting acquainted with its amenities, such as shopping centers, medical facilities, and recreational activities, so you can form positive associations between yourself and the place you will soon call home.
Find An Experienced Realtor
Whether selling or renting out your current home, consulting with a realtor can be invaluable in the process. Their expertise and market knowledge will ensure you obtain the maximum return for your property sale or rental investment. Finding the best realtor for yourself is key; seek someone who understands your individual needs, who will guide the process in an optimal way, and who will help you find a home in your new town that fits both your requirements and budget.
Declutter Before Moving
Moving can introduce feelings of excitement and anxiety all at once, and decluttering before the big day can make all the difference. While it might be tempting to simply pack everything up and deal with it later, reducing clutter will create a more organized and soothing atmosphere when you arrive in your new home. Not only will you have less to unpack, but you’ll be able to easily find what you need and avoid feeling overwhelmed in your new surroundings.
Get To Know Your Neighbors
Making new friends in a new town may be daunting, but getting to know your neighbors can be one of the easiest ways to build a new community. Remember that building relationships take time; one way of making this transition more manageable is by getting acquainted with your neighbors – they may become your close friends, gym partners, or trusted pet sitters! So take the time to introduce yourself, invite them over for a meal, or offer to lend a hand whenever they need it.
Make Time For Yourself
Take time for yourself by participating in yoga classes, going for leisurely walks, or sitting quietly and meditating – however, you choose. Doing this will allow you to unwind, assess your emotions, and process changes in life more easily. Making this investment in yourself will reduce stress while improving your overall well-being; your mental well-being should be treated just as seriously as your physical well-being, so take the time needed for both!
Technology Makes Making Friends Easier
Moving away from those you love and places you are familiar with can be daunting, particularly when you don’t know anyone in your new town. But thanks to technology, making friends has never been simpler: friendship apps such as Bumble BFF are a great way to meet people who share similar interests or hobbies – you could meet potential friends within seconds by signing up. And who knows, you might just find your soulmate!
Explore Local Attractions
One of the best ways to familiarize yourself with a new town is by visiting its attractions. Take time out to visit landmarks, take part in outdoor activities, and try local eateries; doing this can quickly break down any barriers you might be feeling around meeting new people. It will also provide the opportunity for you to socialize with locals as well as learn about the town’s history while discovering hidden gems that will enhance your life experience.
Final Thoughts
Moving to a new city can be an immensely enriching experience for many, which is why it’s essential that it be done the correct way. Your mental health and well-being should always come first, so use the tips given above to make sure you have a successful transition into your new home. With a little effort, you’ll soon be feeling like a local in no time.
Inflation has driven many people to look for coupons for the first time only to find that coupons don’t come in the mail anymore. Company Savings Programs, Shopping, and Reward Apps are the first lines of defense and there are many to pick from.
The first place to look for cost savings is with the companies you work with. In our case, we shop at Kroger. They have a Loyalty Program that not only gives you coupons but also gives discounts on gas. Who would not want a grocer like that?
Our local CVS (drug store) pays a reward on many items including prescriptions. You sign up for the program and are given a card to use at checkout. Your card is scanned at the beginning of check-out and the money is in your account until the cash-out date. In this case, the reward money can only be used at CVS.
Don’t forget to look at Savings Programs offered directly from the stores you shop at. I belong to the Savings Programs for several of the stores I shop at. The companies offer a small reward for shopping with them and if they work with a company like Ratuken, it’s a double reward.
As far as Apps go, I use the reward Apps PayPal Honey and Ratuken for my online shopping. They are loaded in my browser and automatically pick up if a reward is offered. The rewards are turned into money and stack up fast. The other tip is, companies change the percentage paid by Ratuken regularly. If I don’t need anything right away, I wait until the percentage offered by Ratuken is higher before buying.
Another way to shop is to go straight to PayPal Honey and Ratuken sites and shop from their store list. These are just two Apps but there are many to pick from to meet your needs.
To find out what Apps are right for you, go to the App Store, review what’s available, and look for Apps that offer rewards to the largest number of stores to give you the best opportunity to earn. Make sure to read reviews before downloading.
I want to thank Editor Andrea Marchiano from Trigger Publishing for sending me The Marvelous Magical Door to review. Mental Health books written for children teach by writing in a level they understand and will help you start a conversation on the subject.
About the Author
Leo is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts and has been working in community mental health. He and his wife, Deborah along with their vizsla dog, Scout live on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. They love spending family time with their children and grandson.
Blurb
Sally’s story starts like many children’s do these days: Her mind has started to swirl with negative thoughts, which stop her from sleeping, enjoying her favorite activities or even spending time with her friends. But luckily for Sally, her parents have a plan to make her feel safe and secure once again. All she has to do is step through a marvellous, magical door.
The Marvellous, Magical Door delicately deals with the anxiety and pressure that today’s kids feel. Even if you can’t build your children a magical door of their own, you can use the self-care tips shared in this book to make them feel better – and help them get back to being carefree kids again
My Thoughts
As a parent, you can see the bumps and bruises but not what is spinning in your child’s mind. Young Sally experiences anxiety from the scary images seen at night, loud noises, and even overhearing the evening news.
Growing concerned, her parents look for ways to calm her fears. A great idea is born and they build a magical door for Sally, a door to walk thru that will melt her anxiety away. When Sally opens the door, her mood is lifted by the positive energy surrounding her and the anxious feelings disappear.
In addition to the storyline, the self-care tips help your child to face the world confidently.
I would recommend The Marvellous Magical Door to parents and grandparents alike. The story will build on the foundation of your child’s mental health by getting the conversation started.
Trigger Publishing
TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.
We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Monicle’s Chronicles.
I’m sixty, single and surviving. Too old to work, to young to die. I love being retired and living this monotonous life. I waited a long time to live this way!
Stop by you’ll find interesting post and the prompts followed.
Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “scene”. Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!
At almost 60 with multiple chronic health problems, my days of drama are long behind me. I’ve met many good and not-so-good doctors over the years and have had two bad experiences in the past month.
I finally hit a wall and blew a gasket. My scene wasn’t in public, it was via computer. After being sick for more than half of my life, I’m very clear on what I expect from a doctor and the last two did not fit the criteria.
Melinda
Here are the rules:
1. Your post must be Stream of Consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write. 2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop. 3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started. 4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below. 5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post. 6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get! 7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views. 8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at: Linda G Hill
I want to send a special thank you to Vital Field’s Communications Director Nassia Bitha for sending me the New Anti-Aging Cell. If you’ve read my blog long enough you know that my relationship with Vital Field started over two years ago and I’ve reviewed many of their products. I don’t completely understand the science behind each Cell but all of the reviews I’ve done have been positive.
Who doesn’t want to add a Holistic approach to living your best life?
This post contains affiliate links that may earn me a commission to fund my coffee habit.
About Vital Field
Vitalfield has collaborated extensively with expert scientists and healthcare practitioners in Germany, Switzerland and Austria, with a focus on biophysical and frequency medicine applications. Until early 2018, most of the technology in this field involved significant investments and training before it could be utilized in clinical environments.
Recent scientific breakthroughs have made this treatment accessible to the general public, in the form of miniature, portable and wearable applications that target specific health problems, such as chronic pain, inflammation, cell regeneration, metabolism, and detoxification of the body. Further patented technology discovered in recent years also enabled some of these natural treatment methods to be implanted into wearable materials that could localize the treatment for the long-term, in an extremely cost-effective manner.
About the Anti-Aging Cell
The Anti-Aging Cell actively supports and shows great results with:
Skin tissue elasticity and structure
Stimulation of the connective tissue
Mind & body balance
Flexibility and energy levels
You can read more information about the Anti-Ageing Cell and the complete product line of Frequencell’s here.
Use discount code LIGHT20 for 20% off any Vital Field product.
Once my health improves, I”ll let you know my thoughts. I have confidence in the product based on my experience.
The goal of each of the many available therapeutic approaches is the same: to facilitate the patient’s growth and development. Thankfully, the stigma surrounding treatment has decreased significantly in recent years. Remember that counseling is about making lasting improvements, not just temporary ones. Here are four positive outcomes that are common among those who participate in therapy.
Your sense of value and self-worth is typically formed at an early age. Life events have an impact, and you could develop a negative opinion of yourself as a result. Actually, many people visit therapists to improve their sense of self-worth; it has a significant impact on one’s quality of life. Having a positive self-image can provide you with the strength, confidence, kindness, motivation, and love you need to achieve your goals.
A therapist can assist you in recognizing and changing any destructive thought patterns or actions that may be contributing to your low self-esteem. In general, you’ll be able to improve your connections with yourself by doing things like learning to forgive your harsh judgments of the past. Quitting can be difficult, but professional assistance is available. Things such as The Insight Clinic Neurofeedback Therapy can massively help.
A Heightened Awareness Of Oneself
Self-awareness is a skill not everyone possesses, but therapists may help with that. Try to picture this as a form of “grip on reality.” But it’s not about the obvious, like eating your vegetables; it’s about the problems that may not seem so severe at first. Anyone who wants to get forward in life should work on developing their capacity for introspection. It helps you get insight into your inner workings and gain control over your life by shedding light on your feelings, character, and responses.
In a broad sense, it’s essential for progress. Setting appropriate boundaries and communicating your needs are facilitated by your increased ability to regulate your own emotions. In the end, this can help you feel more connected to your ideals and the people around you. Gaining a deeper understanding of yourself is one of the primary goals of therapy, and therapists may help by providing a secure environment in which you can do just that.
Facilitates The Formation Of Healthier Connections
It’s true that couples at any stage of their marriage or dating relationship can benefit from therapy. The choice to seek assistance rests with the individual, ultimately. knowledge of one’s own approach to others is essential, as is knowledge of how others may approach one. Developing one’s capacity for mutual understanding and improved communication is just the beginning. Improve your relationships by being self-aware about your behavior towards others.
Improved Capacity For Expression
Therapists will work with you to improve your communication skills and the way you interpret the words and tone of others as they relate to your interpersonal interactions. Successful people in business and in life possess strong communication abilities. These include the ability to express oneself clearly, listen carefully, and collaborate with others. You might use them to concentrate on listening carefully and asking pertinent follow-up questions. It will also involve some serious introspection, the likes of which you might not even be aware you’re capable of.
These are just four of the main benefits of therapy. Do you have any more? Please share them below.
I took a minute in the portal for my doctor to see what was new with the practice and discovered I have Stage 3 of 5 Chronic Kidney Disease. I had whiplash and then wrote my doctor. Yes, it’s true. She has told me several times after lab work that my Kidney Function was down but never netted it out. She never said you have Chronic Kidney Disease.
I know this disease intimately because my gramps died from it. He developed Chronic Kidney Disease from years of uncontrolled high blood pressure. This will sound crazy to some but Chronic Kidney Disease is the most peaceful way to die. How bad is falling asleep for two days, then meeting your maker.
It was really four days, two days he was very alert when people came to visit but did tire easily. One the third day we could tell he was going into a coma and said our final goodbyes. He died peacefully, with no pain at the end of the fourth day.
One point*
The doctor gave my gramps a month to live but it was really two weeks. The older you are, he was 92, the time frame may be much less. Talk to the Hospice Nurse and she can give you a better idea.
This was a shock. I went to bed for the afternoon to process everything. Today will be fine because he brought a cupcake home. They always get my mind off my diet and problems.
Each week I showcase one of my favorite songs. I’m so glad you dropped by, have a great weekend.
Corey Kent – Something’s Gonna Kill Me
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.
For those who are not familiar with Ramadan, I recommend finding a video of the celebration. Muslims travel long distances to attend the month-long celebration, and the number of people is mind-blowing. Muslims are one of three religions that believe in God.
Eid al-Fitr, (Arabic: “Festival of Breaking Fast”) also spelled ʿĪd al-Fiṭr, also called al-ʿĪd al-Ṣaghīr, Turkish Ramazan Bayramı (“Ramadan Festival”), first of two canonical festivals of Islam. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting.
Eid al-Fitr is a time of official receptions and private visits, when friends greet one another, presents are given, new clothes are worn, and the graves of relatives are visited.
With around half of all marriages ending in divorce, it is an experience that will, unfortunately, befall many of us at some point in our lives. If you think you might be heading towards a divorce yourself, or you know for certain that it is about to happen, then you will obviously benefit from being as prepared as possible for it. A necessary part of that will be understanding how divorce works. In this post, we are going to look at a few of the main things you might need to understand about getting a divorce to help you through the process.
One thing that it’s good to know straight up is that divorces can take quite a while. Regardless of the specifics of the situation, it can be months before it’s finalized, and throughout that whole time, you are going to be living in a precarious place of not knowing what your future will really look like. So you need to make sure that you are aware of that and ready for it, so you are not too shocked when you are going through it yourself. That alone will help a great deal as well as anything else.
You Need Legal Representation
To go through a divorce, you really do need legal representation. This is important for a number of reasons. First of all, without a lawyer by your side, you probably won’t even be able to get the ball rolling. An attorney is a central part of how you start the divorce process, as well as someone that you need to have by your side throughout the entire process. They will ensure you are well represented and your needs are met, and you are going to find everything a lot less stressful and worrying with their help by your side.
Mediation Can Help
If you have a family and you want to make sure that the kids are affected only minimally, then family mediation can be enormously helpful. This is the kind of thing that can make the entire process so much easier and less stressful, and it really is amazing what a difference it makes. Your kids might have a better sense of what is going on, and that alone is a big part of them feeling better about everything. So seek out some good mediation as soon as possible – you will be glad you did.
There is no doubt that a divorce can be one of the messiest experiences you ever go through. Even when both parties have the best intentions in the world, emotions can get high and it can cause a lot of upset. So you need to make sure that you are as emotionally prepared for this up-and-down process as you can possibly be. As long as you know that it might be a messy process, you are already some way towards being able to deal with it a lot more effectively and easily.
Are You Feeling Overwhelmed and Stressed Out? Don’tDon’t fret – many others feel the same! Organizing your life and taking purposeful steps are all effective strategies for getting life back under control – This blog post will discuss tips to regain your control! This post offers easy tips to organize yourself and rebuild momentum for long-term success in both personal and professional settings – read on if you wish to regain the tools needed to take charge!
Sometimes life can make us feel like we’re spiraling out of control. It’s in those moments that our confidence can take a hit. However, regaining confidence isn’t as intangible as it may seem. One way to do this is to think about what boosts your confidence. It may be feeling good about your body, in which case committing to fitness could be a solution. If it’s the knowledge that makes you feel confident, find people you admire and learn from them or reach out to a mentor.
Assess Your Time Management
Assessing your time management skills is about taking a closer look at how you spend your time and being honest about areas where you may be wasting it. Whether it’s scrolling through social media, getting lost in email triage, or just taking longer than necessary to complete certain tasks. Identifying time traps is crucial to making better use of your day. Once you clearly understand where your time is going, you can start prioritizing the things that matter most to you and eliminating distractions. Remember, time is a finite resource, so make the most of it by being intentional about how you use it.
Organize the Little Things
Organizing the little things is an excellent way to regain control of your chaotic life. With seemingly endless to-do lists and constant stress, our environment can quickly become cluttered, leading to even more anxiety. Starting with simple steps like decluttering your workspace or organizing your sock drawer can promote a sense of order and balance. Repair that windscreen crack and start taking back your life; visit https://agdnow.com/ to learn more about windscreen repairs. Plus, small victories with middle-of-the-road tasks will motivate you to tackle more significant problems. By taking care of these small details, you can regain the reins and feel empowered to handle harder tasks.
Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
Being too harsh on yourself can take its toll on your mental health. Reminding yourself that progress takes time is key. Building routines and taking small steps toward your goals can add up over time to make big differences in life. Don’t be afraid to reassess and try something different if something doesn’t seem to be working; the journey toward improvement should be as rewarding as its end goal, so allow yourself plenty of time.
Life seems out of our control at times, which should serve as an alert that it’s time to slow down and evaluate where we stand in life. When things suddenly crumble all at once, this could be a telltale sign that our balance has shifted out of balance and needs resetting.
Balance is an ever-evolving pursuit and should evolve alongside major life events and the passage of time. Anytime everything seems overwhelming at once, consider it an opportunity to rebuild and get back on track.
Earth Day was first held on April 22,1970 to support environmental protection. Today there are events held around the world with a wide range of events coordinated globally by EARTHDAY.ORG. The official theme for 2023 is Invest In Our Planet.
There are many ways to help the planet:
Reuse Stores
Consignment Shops
Recycling
Car Pool
Don’t litter
Buy in bulk
Turn off the tap
Reduce paper use and junk mail
Replace light bulbs with LED bulbs
Take your own bags when shopping
We all have to do our part to keep our planet healthy.
It may surprise you that more boys and men are diagnosed with Eating Disorders than girls and women? Part of the reason for not reaching out is the stigma around Mental Health support and the lack of education about the disorder.
Eating Disorders are complex and treatment directed toward males can be limited. Helping someone overcome an Eating Disorder requires patience, therapy, or a stay at an in-house treatment center. I’ve only read a couple of books on Eating Disorders and will say it’s a very long road of relapses to reach recovery.
Due to their own stigma parents and family often overlook the early warning signs and do not reach out for help until it’s a crisis.
EATING DISORDERS IN MEN & BOYS
In the United States alone, eating disorders will affect 10 million males at some point in their lives. But due in large part to cultural bias, they are much less likely to seek treatment for their eating disorder. The good news is that once a man finds help, they show similar responses to treatment as women. Several factors lead to men and boys being under- and undiagnosed for an eating disorder. Men can face a double stigma, for having a disorder characterized as feminine or gay and for seeking psychological help. Additionally, assessment tests with language geared to women and girls have led to misconceptions about the nature of disordered eating in men according to the National Eating Disorder Association.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF AN EATING DISORDER
Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms
In general, behaviors and attitudes that indicate that weight loss, dieting, and control of food are becoming primary concerns
Preoccupation with weight, food, calories, carbohydrates, fat grams, and dieting
Refusal to eat certain foods, progressing to restrictions against whole categories of food (e.g., no carbohydrates, etc.)
Appears uncomfortable eating around others
Food rituals (e.g. eats only a particular food or food group [e.g. condiments], excessive chewing, doesn’t allow foods to touch)
Skipping meals or taking small portions of food at regular meals
Any new practices with food or fad diets, including cutting out entire food groups (no sugar, no carbs, no dairy, vegetarianism/veganism)
Withdrawal from usual friends and activities
Frequent dieting
Extreme concern with body size and shape
Frequent checking in the mirror for perceived flaws in appearance
Extreme mood swings
Physical Symptoms
Noticeable fluctuations in weight, both up and down
Stomach cramps, other non-specific gastrointestinal complaints (constipation, acid reflux, etc.)
Menstrual irregularities — missing periods or only having a period while on hormonal contraceptives (this is not considered a “true” period)
Difficulties concentrating
Abnormal laboratory findings (anemia, low thyroid and hormone levels, low potassium, low white and red blood cell counts)
Dizziness, especially upon standing
Fainting/syncope
Feeling cold all the time
Sleep problems
Cuts and calluses across the top of finger joints (a result of inducing vomiting)
Dental problems, such as enamel erosion, cavities, and tooth sensitivity
Dry skin and hair, and brittle nails
Swelling around area of salivary glands
Fine hair on body (lanugo)
Cavities, or discoloration of teeth, from vomiting
Muscle weakness
Yellow skin (in context of eating large amounts of carrots)
Cold, mottled hands and feet or swelling of feet
Poor wound healing
Impaired immune functioning
The list of symptoms is long because it’s all-encompassing.
I encourage you to visit National Eating Disorder Association for a breakdown of the seven types of Eating Disorders and other behavioral and food concerns. Finding the underlying causes requires a trained professional in the right setting, an individual plan, and most importantly support from family and friends.
When looking for the right professional, talk with them about their approach and experience before introducing them to the patient. Finding the right approach may require research and time. It’s important to do this on the front end if possible. An approved method and training will make all the difference on the road to recovery. Disruptions during treatment can interfere with the recovery process making the patient resistant to continued treatment.
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Dear Jo Anne.
My name is Hannah. I am 29 years old, from Australia and I’ve never liked introductions – probably because I’m not very good at them!
I adore blogging and find myself drawn to create pieces that are usually inspired by the difficult stuff. Some of my writing interests include adulthood, grief and loss, lifestyle, fiction, humour, social anxiety, mental health, self-improvement, and media.
Hannah’s site is great! Be sure to stop by and say hello.
lookingforthelight.blog 