I won’t say I have a green thumb but I do have close to 30 indoor plants that need care on a daily or weekly basis. I’ve also killed half as many while learning how to grow succulents. There are many flowers outside and two tomato beds which bring so much joy watching them grow. I also love watching the little grey lizards
Melinda
Statistics indicate that juvenile crimes increase by 35% in the summer months. As if that’s not bad enough, the ever-present allure of screens means that the average teen now spends over seven hours a day behind electronic devices during summer. These alarming statistics make parents wonder how to engage their kids during those long, hot months. If you’re a worried parent, here are four ways to keep your teenager busy during summer.
A study revealed that summer jobs can reduce teen crime by 43%. Therefore, a part-time job is an excellent way to keep your teenager busy. It equips them with many useful skills while keeping them away from trouble. Moreover, a paid part-time job will teach them about financial management at a very early age. They can learn how to save money, buy basic things, and be independent. The right job will teach your child how to work with people and manage their time. Plus, the skills they acquire will stick with them for life.
Summer break provides an ideal opportunity for teenagers to explore their creative sides and develop new skills. You can encourage your teenager to pursue artistic activities after getting a job. Depending on their time, your teen can combine their job with a creative activity. Consider enrolling your child in a summer art class, a creative writing workshop, or a music class. These activities keep them occupied and foster self-expression, boost confidence, and provide a platform for personal growth. And believe it or not, allowing your teen to explore their artistic side can create a healthy outlet for stress and improve their emotional well-being.
Giving back to communities through volunteering is one of the most emotionally-rewarding ways for a teenager to spend summer. Some studies have shown that volunteering instills a sense of responsibility and empathy while enhancing self-esteem and personal growth. It also gives them a sense of purpose, even at a very young age. So, encourage your teenager to identify causes they are passionate about and connect with local organizations that offer volunteer opportunities. From environmental cleanup projects and community service to volunteering at a local shelter, these activities will keep your teenager busy and contribute to their development.
Depending on where you live, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find a positive local club or youth group for your teenager. You can find a scouting club, an academic, agricultural, or faith-based group for your teenager to join. Regarding a faith-based group, for example, your teenager can join a local church group for teens or youth, created to nurture spiritual growth, faith, morality, and good behavior. Of course, some religious institutions have a bad rap for sexual misconduct and abuse, so conduct a background check before signing up your child. And should the worse happen, don’t hesitate to let a religious institution sexual abuse lawyer help you.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
I was kindly gifted an advanced copy of Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness, Proven Strategies for Discovering Happiness, Meaning, and Fulfillment by Christopher Martin from NetGallery for a review.
Published 2021
I am a school psychologist, husband, father, and – pertinent to this website – an author who has multiple invisible chronic illnesses.
And an invisible chronic illness is a beast. On top of draining you physically, a chronic illness can impact all aspects of your life ranging from causing financial hardship to harming your relationships to dampening your spirits. Try to be cheerful when you have this unremitting “monkey on your back” known as an invisible chronic illness that constantly demands your attention 24-7. Needless to say, it’s easy to let yourself and others down.
Plus, your family or friends can’t see your illness, as it’s invisible, and they may not understand. Most with an invisible illness are familiar with “advice” ranging from “stay positive” to “you look good” to “Have you tried ___ for your condition?” Yup, you probably have, and it didn’t work.
On top of that, best wishes in accessing (and maintaining) high quality medical care when you are too tired to even take care of yourself.
Welcome to the world of an invisible chronic illness. I should know. I suffer from multiple invisible chronic illnesses, including a primary immune deficiency disorder and bronchiectasis.
But it doesn’t have to be this way – for you or for me. While I am not cured of my illness, I enjoy a fulfilling life and experience ongoing joy, peace, and happiness. Because of outstanding medical care, extensive self-educating and self-care, a supportive family, and a strong faith, I effectively manage my chronic illnesses. But I didn’t want to be the only one to benefit. It was my goal, in turn, to give back to others by doing what I love to do: authoring books on these conditions.
“Finding Joy is a vital guide on how to best manage and navigate life with a chronic illness.”—James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
“Finding Joy provides a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for not only coping with chronic illness, but personally optimizing self-growth and resiliency from the experience.” —Joanne Joseph, PhD, professor of psychology and interim dean of the College of Health Sciences, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and author of The Resilient Child: Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s World
* How can you experience those good thoughts and feelings, enjoy life to its fullest, and de-stress when faced with relentless physical suffering?
* How can you enhance your relationships, find support, respond to the naysayers, and possibly even help them understand you and your illness?
* When seeking medical care, how can you get the answers you deserve, and access and maintain quality healthcare?
“”Finding Joy is absolutely phenomenal. Chris Martin’s heartfelt approach offers numerous meaningful strategies to thrive when faced with the many unseen and unrecognized issues of living with an invisible chronic illness.””—Heather Lewis-Hoover, MS, CAS, school counselor
““Finding Joy is a vital guide on how to best manage and navigate life with a chronic illness.””—James Nestor, New York Times bestselling author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art
“Finding Joy provides a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap for not only coping with chronic illness, but personally optimizing self-growth and resiliency from the experience.” —Joanne Joseph, PhD, professor of psychology and interim dean of the College of Health Sciences, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, and author of The Resilient Child: Preparing Today’s Youth for Tomorrow’s World
I think Chris says it best, the diagnosis is a step forward, it’s not the last.
Finding Joy with an Invisible Chronic Illness is a great find, one for all to read, patients, loved ones, and, family members. It is a simple and practical approach to taking control by understanding how we think and what we have control over when it comes to our chronic condition and healthcare treatment.
Enjoy Reading,
Melinda
For me, it’s a combination of qualities that build a solid friendship. Honesty and a shared confidence are critical to me. When I having a conversation it’s between us only unless we discuss other wise. Truth is the foundation of all relationships to me, I don’t have time for fake friends.
Melinda
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
WOW!!!! What can you say?
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
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 use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
My parents were not active in church when I was little, so I would ask different neighbors if I could go to church with them. I was baptized but felt no connection to a church. At 14 years old I converted to Catholicism and was active in the church for many years. I’ve realized that going to church doesn’t define my relationship with God. I practice religion directly with God.
Melinda
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
I’ve planted basil and mint in the beds to deter pests.
Melinda
Arthritis is a condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness. Though there’s no cure, you can use natural treatments such as heat and cold therapy to slow its progression and manage symptoms.
Heat and cold therapy are common treatments for arthritis due to their ability to alleviate pain, discomfort, and stiffness in joints, muscles, and soft tissues. The treatments may help to improve mobility, increase flexibility, and boost blood circulation, which may bring you immediate relief. Heat and cold therapyTrusted Source may also be slightly beneficial in improving function and quality of life.
You can use a combination of heat and cold therapy based on your symptoms and which treatments you find most effective, convenient, and enjoyable. Depending on time, convenience, and preference, you may add some of these therapies to your routine. Aim to do heat or cold treatments a few times daily.
Continue reading to learn more about the various types of heat and cold therapy. These simple treatments may relieve arthritis symptoms and help you to feel better.
Cold therapy, or cryotherapy, decreases blood flow to the affected area, which can reduce swelling and inflammation. It may have a numbing effect and help to relieve pain. However, it may exacerbate muscular tension.
In general, cold therapy is best for painful, inflamed joints, making it the best option for acute pain, inflammation, or swelling. It may be beneficial to do cold therapy after exercise or physical activity that causes discomfort. For best results, elevate the affected area.
Do not use cold therapy if you have poor circulation or a sensory condition such as diabetes that inhibits your ability to detect particular sensations. Talk with your doctor before using cold therapy if you have cardiovascular or heart disease.
To prevent nerve, tissue, and skin damage, do cold therapy for a maximum of 20 minutes. Continually check to make sure you can feel sensations in the affected area.
Apply a bag of frozen food, a bag of ice, or an ice pack to the affected area. You can also freeze a wet towel or sponge before applying it to the affected area. Wrap a towel around your ice pack to protect your skin.
Apply the pack for up to 20 minutes at a time. Stop the treatment if your skin begins to feel numb.
Check out some of the best ice packs for joint pain here.
Use an ice cube to massage the affected area. You can make a large ice block by freezing water in a paper cup.
Have a towel handy to absorb excess moisture.
You can take a full or partial ice bath to reduce inflammation and muscle pain. Stay in an ice bath for a maximum of 15 minutes.
For an option that’s less extreme than an ice bath, take a cold bath or shower. According to a 2017Trusted Source study, cold mist showers may help to reduce pain in people with chronic inflammatory arthritis.
There are several types of heat therapy, called thermotherapy, options for arthritis. Heat therapy improves circulation and causes your blood vessels to expand. This helps your body to deliver more blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the affected area, which may reduce inflammation, stiffness, and pain. Heat therapy may also improve mobility, which makes it easier to relax, loosen up, and move.
If a heat therapy session causes swelling, redness, or inflammation avoid further treatments until your symptoms subside. Avoid using heat therapy during a flare-up or the acute stage of an injury. Talk with a healthcare professional before using heat treatments if you have heart disease or high blood pressure.
Do not use heat therapy if you have any of the following conditions:
Hot showers may be beneficial to prepare for exercise or the day ahead. They may alleviate stiffness, improve mobility, and increase flexibility. Make sure the water isn’t too hot, especially if you have any cardiovascular concerns.
Apply a hot water bottle, electric heating pad, or homemade heating pad to the area of concern for up to 20 minutes at a time. For a full-body treatment, use an electric blanket.
This therapy is not suitable for people who have diabetes, have impaired sensation, or have had a stroke.
Swimming and exercising in warm water allows you to build muscle strength, improve flexibility, and increase mobility while reducing compression to your joints. This may help to ease discomfort and alleviate stiffness.
If you live near a warm body of water, take a dip in a natural setting. Otherwise, find a heated pool in your area. Aim to spend at least 20 minutes in the water.
Take a warm bath to relax and release tension or pain. For more benefits, add ingredients such as baking soda, Epsom salts, or essential oils. You can bathe for up to 2 hours.
You can use a dry sauna, infrared sauna, or steam room to improve circulation and alleviate stiffness.
The results of a 2018Trusted Source review suggest that consistent use of a dry sauna is beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis as well as chronic pain syndrome. It may also help athletes to improve performance.
You can stay in a dry sauna or steam room for up to 15 minutes though you may want to begin with shorter sessions. Give yourself plenty of time to cool down in between sessions.
If you’re pregnant, talk with your doctor before using a sauna or steam room.
This treatment may help to boost circulation, receive tension, and alleviate stiffness.
To do a paraffin wax treatment, dip your hands or feet in hot paraffin wax and cover the area with plastic or a towel. After 20 minutes, remove the wax. Pay attention to how your skin reacts and look out for any adverse reactions.
Many people find it beneficial to alternate between heat and cold therapy. You can switch between hot and cold therapies throughout the day. Usually, it’s best to wait at around 20 minutes between sessions, though you can also alternate between hot and cold water in the shower. Always start and finish with a cold treatment.
Talk with your doctor before alternating between full-body treatments such as an ice bath and a sauna or hot tub.
If you’re looking for remedies for arthritis to add to your existing treatment routine, heat and cold therapy are great options. You can use hot and cold therapies to manage symptoms of arthritis and improve your overall comfort.
Heat treatments help to relieve stiffness, improve circulation, and increase flexibility. Cold treatments alleviate pain and inflammation, which make them useful to do following physical activity. The effect of heat and cold therapy may only last a few hours, though over time they may help to reduce the severity of pain and keep symptoms at bay for longer.
Choose the remedies that yield the best results and add them to your self-care routine. Always make sure to protect your skin since hot and cold therapy have the potential to cause skin damage. Talk with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy, especially if you have any additional medical conditions or take medications.
Melinda
Reference:
Memorial Day is celebrated in many ways but let’s not forget what the meaning of the holiday is about. It’s a day to honor service members who gave their lives for our country, that means you and me. As you enjoy the long weekend, please remember the service members who gave their all.
Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the U.S. dedicated to honoring military personnel who lost their lives in service to the country
The holiday originated after the Civil War, evolving to encompass all U.S. wars, and is observed on the last Monday of May each year
While often associated with barbecues and gatherings, the true essence of Memorial Day lies in remembrance and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice
NORFOLK, Va. (AP) — Memorial Day is a U.S. holiday that’s supposed to be about mourning the nation’s fallen service members, but it’s come to anchor the unofficial start of summer and a long weekend of travel and discounts on anything from mattresses to lawn mowers.
Iraq War veteran Edmundo Eugenio Martinez Jr. said the day has lost so much meaning that many Americans “conflate and mix up Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, July Fourth.” Social media posts pay tribute to “everyone” who has served, when Memorial Day is about those who died.
For him, it’s about honoring 17 U.S. service members he knew who lost their lives.
“I was either there when they died or they were soldiers of mine, buddies of mine,” said Martinez, 48, an Army veteran who lives in Katy, Texas, west of Houston. “Some of them lost the battle after the war.”
From what I’ve seen over the past 20 years, he is correct.
The freedoms we enjoy today are because of the brave men and women who made a commitment to fight for our country through thick and thin and died defending us.
Melinda
References:
https://apnews.com/article/memorial-day-meaning-origin-048c817cd6b2dc2f728415b44385b2ee
Boy, it’s interesting how age can make a difference in how you answer this question. To me having it all is not in material things however nice they are, it’s about loving ourselves and others, having a balanced life and finding joy each day.
Is it attainable?
You might not find joy every day but the foundation guides us through. God never said life was easy.
Melinda
Children love being outdoors, and allowing them to do that promotes a wide range of skills they can use later in life such as gardening, appreciating nature, and also roleplay. Your children mean everything to you and as a parent, you want to do everything in your power to protect them. So when it comes to creating a safe space in your garden, you’ll want to rest assured that if you need to nip to the bathroom or cook their dinner that they aren’t doing to hurt themselves. This dread can be made worse by things in your garden that they could potentially hurt themselves on.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at how you can make sure your garden is child-friendly so they can continue to learn and thrive – without you being constantly worried.
A parent’s worst nightmare is the thought of their child wandering off out of the safety of the garden. If you don’t already, put up some safety fences with a lockable gate to ensure their safety.
This doesn’t just mean the perimeter of your property either, put up safety fences around ponds and flower beds to prevent them from falling in and hurting themselves.
Whether you’ve just moved in and noticed a lot of animal muck, or your pets have had free reign for a while, the last thing you want is for your children to accidentally pick them up or even worse, get it anywhere near their faces. Using a company like Swoop Scoop not only prevents you from the nasty job of clearing this up but also ensures that nothing is missed. While a bit of dirt never did anyone any harm, children shouldn’t pick feces up.
If your kids run wild when they’re in the garden, you’re probably constantly flinching when they go anywhere near any sharp-cornered furniture. To avoid this issue altogether, switch to rounded garden furniture.
If this isn’t an expense you can afford, you can add corner protectors to your furniture to prevent any serious damage. And of course, you could ban that area of the garden, but we know what kids are like!
All kids love rolling around outside, but if your garden is paved or has lots of stones, you may be worried your children might hurt themselves. Consider contacting a turf company to create a grassed area for your children to enjoy and eliminate this worry.
Finally, while this may seem obvious if you have items in your garden that you still want to enjoy but may be harmful, buy a shed to lock them away when the children are playing. These could be items like garden ornaments, BBQs, potentially dangerous garden furniture, or even garden tools. Locking them away will give you the peace of mind that when your children are playing, they’re going to be as safe as possible.
This a collaborative post
Melinda
Repost
I would love to talk with my granny for hours, asking all the questions that have come to mind after her death. I do talk with her but it’s a one-sided conversation for now but I know we’ll be together again.
Melinda
I have many sentimental items placed around the house that would sting if they were lost in a fire but the most dear items I have are the photos of my grandparents, their parents, and those of me and my husband. Losing those would be devastating yet in the big picture items are not what we need to survive.
Melinda
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
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 use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Yes, I have several collections:
Cameras
Books
Art
Antique furniture
Antique photos
Houseplants
I have more than I can enjoy in a week. The houseplants, probably up to 35 now, take dedicated time twice a week.
Melinda
You may learn interesting facts and chances are you will laugh at least once.
American flags left on the moon will eventually get bleached white by the sun.
While they are hibernating, bears do not urinate. Their bodies convert waste into protein.
White-faced capuchin monkeys greet each other by sticking their fingers up each others’ noses.
Gummy bears were originally called “dancing bears.”
New Zealand has more cats per person than any other country in the world.
The hagfish is the only animal that has a skull but no spine.
People weigh less if they stand at the equator than if they stand at the North or South poles.
At their closest points, the U.S and the Soviet Union are over 2 miles (3km) apart.
The yo-yo was originally a weapon used in the Philippine jungle.
Victor Hugo’s novel Les Miserable contains a sentence that is 823 words long.
Enjoy!
Melinda
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
Melinda
Mental health is wealth, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month, which is celebrated in May. The stigma around mental health and treatment has long existed, even though this has started to change. Still, people hesitate to seek help or even talk about it with their loved ones for fear of being judged and facing unnecessary backlash. Simple logic dictates that if we are hurt anywhere, we must seek treatment to get better. This applies to both our mental- and physical well-being. While Mental Health Awareness Month is celebrated in the U.S., a more universal day is also celebrated by the WHO on October 10, and it is known as World Mental Health Day.
When living with a mental health condition or facing a mental health concern, it’s common to feel like no one understands what you’re going through. But many people overcome the mental health challenges they face. You aren’t alone – help is out there, and recovery is possible.
IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS: Text “MHA” to 741741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to reach a trained crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year. Spanish speakers: 1-888-628-9454. Deaf & hard of hearing: TTY users, use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder when I was 19 years old but didn’t take it seriously until my father committed suicide in 1992. After a few doctors who gave me way too much medication to work, I found my current doctor.
He’s a Psychopharmacologist and I’m so lucky to have found him. A Psychopharmacologist goes through additional training on top of being a Psychiatrist. One of the most important reasons to see one is if they understand the brain better and which medicine will interact with the part of the brain affected. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of what type of medication you need for your specific symptoms.
If I could make one parting suggestion, it would be to include a loved one in all of the appointments with your doctor. To make sure my husband understood what I was going through and felt it was best to hear it from the doctor’s mouth. It’s been a lifesaver.
Melinda
References:
I was kindly gifted a copy of One Step At A Time, My Eating Disorder Dairies by Francesca Giacomozzi from Soraya Nair at Cherish Editions for an honest review. Thank you, Soraya.
“Francesca Giacomozzi has lived in the UK since April 2016.
After quitting a full-time job that wasn’t fulfilling her, she studied to become a yoga teacher and reflexologist and now owns her own yoga teaching and massage therapy business.
Her drive to help others overcome mental health issues has pushed her out of her comfort zone, leading her to raise awareness about eating disorders as a daily mission.
Francesca has two degrees and can speak five languages.”
Excerpt From: Francesca Giacomozzi. “One Step at a Time.” Apple Books.
“My long-winded journey into a fuller and healthier self. Written with the hope that if you are lost, you will soon be found. This is the honest and unfiltered truth about me and my experiences as a warrior in eating disorder recovery. All the people mentioned in this book are real, and therefore have been made anonymous unless they provided consent to be spoken about by name.”
_______
Francesca Giacomozzi found herself on the verge of a crisis, exhausted from waking up day after day without a sense of purpose. Determined to get her life back on track, she decided to take on a challenge to engage both her mind and body: a two-week walk along the South West Coastal Path.
She invested in kit and prepared – or so she thought – for the solo trek. Little did she know, her journey would leave her with a completely different outcome to the one she expected. Her diary pages are filled with two tales: what happened on the trail, and how it made her feel on the inside.
When you’re faced with your demons, you have two paths you can take. You can tackle them head-on or you can turn and run. Francesca found herself at a crossroads and decided to face her demons in the most interesting way. She set out to trek 360 miles across England to find herself and found so much more.
Armed with her diary, she sets out and discovers the generosity of others feeds her need for food. When you struggle with an eating disorder, you over focus on food and look for an emotional fulfillment which doesn’t come. Fran struggles with her thoughts and self loathing along the way but as she reaches her destination there is a new sense of self. A sense she can overcome and ask for help.
Ask for help she does, she sees a therapist for the first time and starts a new, more informed and self assured chapter. I beleive she is living her best life and inspires others with deep rooted struggles that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Fran sprinkles in poetry throughout the chapters. She is a great writer and the book is a fast read, you can’t wait to see what adventure she will encounter next. You can also fully relate to the insecurities she feels about herself and in social situations.
I struggled with an eating disorder for years and can say this book hit home. It’s real and gives a look at the true mental and physical toll an eating disorder can take in the body.
This book is a great read for most types of mental health struggles, not just eating disorders. The guilt, anger, insecurities and shame are universal.
I highly recommend One Step At A time and give it 5 stars!
Cherish Editions is the self-publishing division of Trigger Publishing, the UK’s leading independent mental health and wellbeing publisher.
We are experienced in creating and selling positive, responsible, important and inspirational books, which work to de-stigmatise the issues around mental health, as well as helping people who read them to maintain and improve their mental health and wellbeing. By choosing to publish through Cherish Editions, you will get the expertise of the dedicated Trigger Team at every step of the process.
We are proud of what we do, and passionate about the books that we publish. We want to do the very best for you and your book, holding your hand every step of the way.
Happy Reading!
I know you will enjoy the book as much as I did and encourage you to pick up a copy today.
Melinda
As a parent, there will be very little in life that is more important to you than your family. And because of this, you will want to be sure that they are happy and live good lives. However, that can sometimes be hard to work out. Maybe you’re not sure what you need to do to make that happen? It can seem more complex than it needs to be. Because one sure-fire way to make sure that they live a good life is to keep them healthy. Let’s take a look at ten different ways that you can make sure that your whole family stays as healthy as possible.
For starters, you will want to make sure that this is a priority for you. It’s easy to just let things slip by the wayside or for you to think that this is going to need way more time and attention than it does. In fact, being healthy can just become a natural part of your lifestyle and routine. But for that to happen, you have to proactively make it a conscious priority.
It’s also a great idea to make sure that you’re educated on health issues. There will always be concerns that you might want to be aware of. Sometimes, you won’t always know when something is wrong, and being aware of what could be is a great idea. You might not recognize adult cradle cap or food allergies, but if you’re staying in the loop you’ll know more and what to look out for. Even just reading up on nutrition and health, in general, can put you in a great position.
Then, you might want to be sure that you’re seeing your doctor and dentist as much as possible. Staying on top of your visits is just a quick and simple way to make sure that you’re all healthy. It’s a great way to avoid any issues and catch anything before it’s bad too.
One of the greatest ways to stay healthy is to make sure that you’re all ticking off the proper nutrition that you all need. This doesn’t mean you have to eat super crazy healthily, but looking to get as much fruit and vegetables into your diets as much as possible can make such a difference to your health.
Whether you know it or not, there are so many toxins in life that we can all be exposed to on a regular basis. And so, it’s important for us to make sure that we’re doing what we can to limit that. Minimizing toxins can be such a small way to make sure that you have a huge impact on your family’s health for years to come.
It’s never too good of an idea to live a life of extremes. Of course, you don’t want your children to be unhealthy. But at the same time, you’re definitely not going to want them to go to extremes and be on the other end of the scale. Because being uber strict with healthy eating can also lead to issues. So, as with anything, you will want to find a good balance. Do this with food, exercise, and your attitude to health and life in general.
Then, when it comes to the exercise you want your family to do, it’s a great idea to try and make it fun. If you’re a drill sergeant with workouts, it can be quite tough. So try to mix things up and have fun with it. Think about different sports you can try out or games you can play. Even rollerblading or hiking or different things out in the wild can be a great way to work out and stay fit as a family.
If your home is a stressful place to be, it’s going to make your family feel stressed out. That’s never going to be an ideal situation for anyone. So, instead, it’s a good idea to make sure that you’re creating a relaxing space instead. You can manipulate the environment in so many ways and it can be a great idea for you to allow everyone to feel relaxed and able to rest in your family home.
It’s also a great idea to make sure that you can all communicate well as a family. This isn’t something that all families make a priority, but it definitely should be. If you can have better communication as a family, it can bring you closer together. It can also mean that you feel happier together and that you’re able to talk and air issues – whether with each other or in general. A close happy family can be so much healthier. It can make a much bigger impact than you’d think.
Finally, you should make sure that you’re looking at health holistically and not just on the surface. Sure, seeing your doctor is important – and so is what you eat and how much you move. But the mind is also vital too. Mental health should be made a priority. Making sure that you’re all happy and looking after your minds is key. Encourage rest and self-care. Make sure everyone knows it’s okay not to be okay. Because you can make life great together and get through it all together.
It’s always going to be important for you to make sure that your family is happy and healthy. But approaching that may not look the way that you think it should. Instead, you can approach this in so many different ways that can go on and make such a huge collective difference. So take action today, enjoy the process, and know that you’re doing your best to keep your entire family happy and healthy.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Repost
I’m retired now but I remember how hard it was to have balance in life while working. In the early part of my career it was easy but as I reached closer to the top it was impossible for me, I didn’t have balance. That’s one of the rewards of retirement, ever day is balanced.
Melinda
Melinda
If you’re something who suffers from overthinking, you’re not alone. Rumination is a leading cause of anxiety and depression.
Fortunately, there are numerous things you can do to get out of your head and back into the world as you used to know it. It’s just a question of practicing the right activities. Do what works for you.
If you are someone who enjoys the company of others, invest more time in socializing. Focusing on other people and their needs can help to take your mind away from internal thoughts.
One option is to join a club of people with shared interests. Doing something with others can be an excellent way to focus on something new and get more enjoyment from life.
The other approach is to surround yourself with friends and family and do something productive together.
Another approach is to spend some time exploring the wilderness. Being in nature can have a profound healing effect on some people, helping them feel more grounded and connected to human origins.
You can try hiking, camping or even cycling. Experiencing nature in reality and not through a screen is a fundamentally different animal.
You could also try something thrilling, such as off-roading. Focusing on the track ahead of you while you drive an overpowered 4×4 helps to eliminate ruminations and makes you feel alive again.
Just make sure you have the proper supplies. Driving a hard-top Roxor requires having the correct Roxor accessories. Not being prepared could increase anxiety.
Another approach is to get lost in a good book. Spend some time rifling through the pages of a famous novel you haven’t read yet and absorb yourself in another world. Don’t let the same thought patterns dominate your life.
Travel can also be a fantastic healer if you have the financial ability to engage in it. Seeing new places and meeting new people gives you a fundamentally different perspective on life, letting you get more out of it.
You can also try learning something new. Taking up a new hobby or skill can be a wonderful distraction from the thoughts and images swirling around in your head.
The more cognitively demanding the task, the better it tends to be at eliminating rumination. Writing is high up on the list, as is dance, learning a musical instrument, and creating artwork. Pick something that feels uncomfortably difficult so that it takes up more of your mental resources, leaving less for pondering unpleasant thoughts.
You might also want to start journaling, something many therapy patients find helpful. Writing down your thoughts can be therapeutic and helps you sort out your feelings in your mind.
Finally, you can try puzzles and games. These can force you to return to the moment and have fun, something that might be lacking in your life if you struggle with intrusive thoughts. Find games that satisfy you when you solve them.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
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 use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
It is important to acknowledge that women’s stereotypes still exist and need to be challenged for us to promote growth. This blog post will discuss 5 of the most persistent women’s stereotypes and how they limit and reduce women’s potential.
We will also explain why it is important to break these clichés in order for us to continue to progress and promote gender equality.
This is one of the most common stereotypes about women, and it’s simply not true. Women are just as capable as men with cars, whether in terms of knowledge or skill. Many women have played a decisive role in bringing the automotive industry forward, such as Florence Lawrence, who created the brake lights, for instance.
Women are taking on DIY car repair projects and are becoming experts in their own right as much as men. Women are often seen as passive passengers, but the reality is that they can be just as involved and knowledgeable when it comes to cars.
The first step in breaking this stereotype is for women to become more directly involved and knowledgeable about cars. This can start with simply becoming more familiar with the specificities of their vehicles via the owner’s manual. You can also buy a manual online if there is none with your car, such as here for the Ford Transit Connect owner’s manual. Learning about basic car maintenance, researching car parts, and troubleshooting easy faults are steps supported by the manual that can dismantle this cliché.
The stereotype that women are weak has been perpetuated by society for centuries. This notion has been reinforced by the fact that biologically speaking, women have less muscle mass than men. However, this does not mean that women cannot be strong. In fact, with proper strength training, they can become incredibly strong. Take a look at some of the strongest women in history, starting with Abbye Pudgy Stockton, who balanced her husband above her head.
The stereotype that women are not good at math has been around for centuries. Its origin dates back to the 1600s when it was believed that women did not possess the intellectual capacity to comprehend complex mathematical concepts. This idea was perpetuated through cultural beliefs and stereotypes that favored men in intellectual pursuits.
Ultimately, the stereotype that women are not good at math or science, in general, is both outdated and incorrect. Girls and women can be just as talented in mathematics as their male counterparts, but they may need more resources and encouragement to reach their full potential.
Studies have found no difference in intelligence or math ability between men and women. The same studies have also found that girls typically perform better than boys in elementary and secondary school mathematics courses. The real issue is that girls and women are often held back from pursuing careers in the sciences due to a variety of gender-based barriers. These include a lack of access to high-quality education, a lack of support from family and peers, and even a lack of female role models in the sciences.
It’s time to break the stereotype that women aren’t good leaders. While it may be true that there are fewer women in leadership roles than men, this does not mean that women cannot lead effectively and successfully. History counts many successful female leaders, and countless modern businesses have also chosen female CEOs as their heads.
In fact, research suggests that women tend to have different qualities that make them better leaders. For example, studies show that women have greater emotional intelligence, which can be an advantage when leading a team. They are also more likely to focus on collaboration and communication, which helps to create an open and productive work environment. Additionally, research indicates that female leaders are more likely to be seen as nurturing and supportive of their employees, leading to higher morale and greater productivity.
This is an important stereotype to break. More and more women choose against having children for a variety of reasons. They are often at the receiving end of harsh criticism. Social expectations have not evolved during the past centuries and continue to perceive women’s role as being a mother. Motherhood doesn’t define an individual’s purpose in life. Women can be anything they want to be, whether this includes being a mother or not. Not having children doesn’t make you any less of a woman.
Sisters, mothers, and besties, it’s time to unite our voices and break these stereotypes, one after the other.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
Soon to be Mandaville flower, it’s a cool looking critter to me.
Melinda
Hello Tuesday! One improvement I am currently working on is spending more time outside with Mother Nature. The sunshine and fresh air helps my mental health for the entire day.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 