Category: Men & Womens Health

10 Ways to Find Support When You Live Alone with Chronic Illness
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

10 Ways to Find Support When You Live Alone with Chronic Illness

Looking for the Light6 Comments

by Beth Ann Mayer

•••••

Medically Reviewed by:

Tiffany Taft, PsyD

Living alone with a chronic illness can make it hard to get support. Some may worry about burdening others or explaining their condition, but there are people who want to help.

Not all chronic conditions are apparent, and their “invisibility” can make asking for help a challenge.

People living alone may feel this most, without a partner, family, or roommates who understand their daily routines and consistent needs. 

If this describes you, you may find yourself with another task on your to-do list: finding the support you need.

Read on for tips on how to get your needs met, even when living alone with chronic illness.

1. First, know it’s OK to need help (and you’re not a burden)

People with chronic illness may be reluctant to seek help for several reasons.

“People don’t want to be a burden on others,” says Marzena Gieniusz, MD, an internist. “I hear this a lot in my practice, even when there are people willing, able, and happy to help available.”

Part of this involves cultural expectations and norms.

“Our culture places high emphasis on independence and autonomy,” says Rehan Aziz, MD, a psychiatrist. 

Sometimes the issue is communicating what you need.

“Many people with chronic illnesses also face the challenge of their conditions being ‘invisible,’ which can lead to misunderstandings about the severity of their needs,” says Clorinda Walley, president of Good Days.

Still others may simply prefer being alone.

“Living alone can provide a moment of solitude — a reprieve from the intensity of medical spaces and constant interactions with others,” says Gabriel Cartagena, PhD, a clinical psychologist. “Living alone can also provide individuals with space to pause, reflect, and process their thoughts and experiences.”

2. Reflect on your relationship to asking for help

Cartagena recommends starting with self-reflection as you embark on your journey to find the support you need.

You can ask yourself questions like:

  • Has it been uncomfortable for me to ask for help? If so, why?
  • What does it mean for me if I do ask for help?
  • What do I worry about losing if I ask for help?
  • What difficulties might I have if I don’t get the help I need right now?

This reflection can be a key first step to understand what it means to you to ask for help, and why you may feel reluctant to do so. 

Cartagena says the next question to ask yourself is: “Who do I feel I can trust?”

The answer may be a family member or friend. It may be challenging to ask, but you can try reframing your thoughts.

“People like to feel useful and will often be happy to be able to help in a practical way,” says Hannah Carmichael, the director of the Living Well Alone Project. 

3. Be specific about your needs

While people may be eager to help, they’ll likely look to you to hammer out the what, when, and how. The good news? You’ll be able to advocate for your actual needs.

“The more specific you can be, the easier you make it for others to help you,” Carmichael says. “This gives the person you’re asking much more certainty about exactly what you need and clarifies their role.”

For example, “Rather than ‘I’d really appreciate some help with a bit of shopping at some point,’ try, ‘Next Thursday, would you be able to drive me to the shopping center at 3 p.m., and stay with me while I pick up a couple of birthday presents?’” says Carmichael.

Carmichael suggests asking different people to help with different tasks. Think of assembling a village like a coach putting together a team — everyone has a unique skill set and availability. This step can also prevent overloading one person.

For instance, a person who loves cooking may be able to assist with meal prep. A friend who enjoys driving might be willing to give you a lift to the doctor. An assertive but tactful friend could be a good advocate for you in the emergency room.

Think of assembling a village like a coach putting together a team — everyone has a unique skill set and availability.

5. Build a village near your hometown

You may not have family and friends around who can help, or perhaps you’re looking for new connections.

“When you live alone, you don’t have anyone ‘on hand’ to keep you company,” Carmichael says. “That means that the responsibility is on you to find people to be friends with, and it’s also on you to grow and maintain those relationships.”

Here are some tips to get you started.

Look online

Online resources can help set you up for in-person social support.

“Look on Meetup [and] on local Facebook groups for activities taking place that don’t need you to travel too far from home,” Carmichael says. “You might be surprised at how much is going on.” 

Local notice boards at a library or community center may also spark ideas.

Keep an open mind

It can be beneficial to try something different. 

“You never know, that local talk on the history of bridges in your area might turn out to be a lot more interesting than you think, or at least, a chance to meet new people,” Carmichael says.

Get into a routine

One of the easiest ways to build new connections is to encounter the same people daily. It’s not always luck. 

“Try to walk the dog or go for a stroll at the same time each day, and see how quickly you start to spot familiar faces,” Carmichael says.

6. Look into community-based programs

You may have organizations within your community with people who have already volunteered to help.

“Some communities have volunteer programs that offer free assistance with tasks like grocery shopping, transportation, and home maintenance for individuals with chronic illnesses,” says Aziz.

Aziz recommends services like Meals on Wheels. However, the nonprofit generally serves people 60 and older. 

Local churches, mosques, synagogues, and other volunteer-based organizations may also have services accessible to people regardless of age. A healthcare professional can point you to organizations within your community.

7. Find support online

One of the benefits of living in the Digital Age is that it can connect you with people you might not normally meet. 

“Face-to-face interactions are great, but they’re not always possible when you’re living with a chronic illness,” says Carmichael. “There are some brilliantly friendly, supportive groups on Facebook, for example, if you take the time to look for them.”

Carmichael suggests searching for groups geared toward people with your condition or even hobbies and interests.

Aziz agrees that online groups can be a useful tool.

“Virtual support groups and forums can be valuable resources for connecting with others who share similar challenges and experiences,” Aziz says.

If you haven’t already, give Bezzy Communities a try.

8. Use delivery pharmacies 

Gieniusz says it can be a challenge to stay up to date with medications, which can be critical to managing a condition. Compounding matters, you may be using different pharmacies for different medicines.

“Using a delivery pharmacy to ensure medications are at your door and on time can help make managing chronic illness easier,” Gieniusz says.

Major pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS also offer delivery services. 

9. Let them know you value their help

Simple acknowledgments of someone’s efforts to help you can go a long way in community-building.

“It’s important because it not only shows recognition but also encourages a continued support network,” Walley says.

Carmichael agrees.

“Think about what you can offer in return so that the relationship feels more reciprocal,” Carmichael says. “Even if your condition means you won’t be able to help them with practical tasks, you could perhaps offer a cup of tea and a chat about something on their mind.”

Walley says thank you notes or simply saying or texting “Thank you” are often enough.

Simple acknowledgments of someone’s efforts to help you can go a long way in community-building.

10. Enlist help through national nonprofits 

National nonprofits can connect you with organizations in your area.

Some options include:

Aziz says you may also find help through organizations specific to your condition(s), like the American Chronic Pain Association and American Cancer Society. Some also offer support groups. 

Takeaway

Living alone with a chronic condition can be both practically and emotionally challenging.

Even if you can’t afford in-home aid, resources are available. 

From the wider community to national organizations, there are people out there who want to provide support. Sometimes, but not always, all it takes is asking.

Medically reviewed on March 20, 2024

5 Sources

These are some great ideas and many will take time but the payoff can make all the difference in your life.

Melinda

August Awareness Days
Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

August Awareness Days

Looking for the Light7 Comments

The main days and months you should know about for August are:

National Black Business Month August 1
World Lung Cancer Day August 1
Esther Day August 3
World Elephant Day August 12
National Nonprofit Day August 17
Remember Slavery Day August 23
Women’s Equality Day August 26
Anniversary of the March on Washington August 28
National Grief Awareness Day August 30

National Breastfeeding Month

National Civility Month

National Dog Month

National Hair Loss Awareness Month

National Immunization Awareness Month

National Make-a-Will Month

National Road Victim Month

National Traffic Awareness Month

National Wellness Month

Psoriasis Awareness Month / Psoriasis Action Month

Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS) Awareness Month

Transgender History Month

World Cancer Support Month

‍Melinda

Reference:

https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/august-awareness-days-months

True Crime As True Lyme: Tick Bite Leads To Murder-Suicide
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Tick Borne Illnesses

True Crime As True Lyme: Tick Bite Leads To Murder-Suicide

Looking for the Light9 Comments

Tortured by Lyme disease, a young man killed his friend and himself. He is not alone.

by Mary Beth Pfeiffer, Trial Site News

For decades, Lyme disease physicians have seen a small share of late-stage patients with symptoms far beyond the physical ravages of a tick bite.

These patients, estimated to be 1 percent of chronic Lyme psychiatric cases, manifest brain disorders so intractable that they become violent, even homicidal.

Now, a new article in the science journal Heliyon validates these observations and reveals possible mechanisms driving them. It tells the horrific story of a 32-year-old man whose tickborne infection at age 14—one of several—went unrecognized until it was unresponsive to treatment.

Failed by short-course antibiotics that mainstream medical guidance swears by, he descended into substance abuse, as many chronic Lyme patients do, to ease his anxiety, depression, and physical pain. READ MORE  

A patient with psychiatric manifestations of Lyme depicted his pain in this painting. He would later commit suicide. (Photo by permission of Dr. Robert Bransfield.)

Mary Beth Pfeiffer is an investigative journalist and author of Lyme: The First Epidemic of Climate Change. 

(Note: The important work discussed in this article came about because the family trusted the Lyme Disease Biobank with this young man’s body. Furthermore, Bay Area Lyme Foundation funded this research. Click here to learn more about the biobank.)

I have never heard of the psychiatric manifestations of Lyme but can certainly understand it. When your body is invaded and attacked every minute causing severe pain in many areas of the body, understand the feeling of losing your mind. The Lyme Spirokeetes set up house in my brain, eating away at my memory, and balance and causing havoc on my entire body. No amount of pain medication can give relief, it’s non-stop. Thank goodness it’s a very small percentage of Lyme patients that are affected by Psychiatric Manifestations.

Melinda

What Science Says About the Link Between Fibromyalgia and Migraine Episodes
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

What Science Says About the Link Between Fibromyalgia and Migraine Episodes

Looking for the Light2 Comments

While it’s not yet fully understood, research shows a strong connection between fibromyalgia and migraine symptoms. 

In 2021, chronic pain affected over 51 adults in the United States alone. Over 17 million of those adults experienced debilitating chronic pain that restricted their daily activities.

Both fibromyalgia and migraine episodes can cause chronic pain that makes it difficult to function from day to day. And for people who have both conditions, research suggests that fibromyalgia may even make migraine symptoms worse and more frequent.

Below, we’ll explore what science says about the relationship between fibromyalgia and migraine, including what treatment options are available for both.

Is there a connection between fibromyalgia and migraine episodes?

Research shows that fibromyalgia and migraine often occur together and that fibromyalgia can affect the frequency and severity of migraine episodes in people who have both conditions.

The following studies demonstrated a connection: 

  • In one study from 2019, researchers found that migraine symptoms were twice as prevalent in people with fibromyalgia versus those without. And in study participants who experienced migraine episodes, the risk of fibromyalgia was up to 1.5 times higher.
  • A similar study found that over 30% of participants with migraine symptoms also had fibromyalgia, with the condition being more prevalent in those with chronic migraine and migraine episodes with auras.
  • Several studies also found that fibromyalgia may affect migraine frequency and severity. In one study from 2018, fibromyalgia was associated with higher headache severity and higher migraine-related disability.
  • Another study from that same year found that participants with both migraine and fibromyalgia experienced more frequent and painful migraine episodes, as well as lower quality of life.

Most of the studies on fibromyalgia and migraine don’t distinguish between different migraine types, such as complex or ocular migraine. However, some of the research does suggest that people with chronic migraine and migraine with aura may be more affected.

What’s happening in the brain when you have fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia is a chronic health condition that’s characterized by body-wide pain and tenderness, chronic fatigue, and difficulty sleeping.

Researchers aren’t entirely sure of what causes fibromyalgia, but evidence suggests that it affects the way the nerves of the brain receive and transmit information related to pain. Because of this, people with fibromyalgia appear to be more sensitive to pain than those without the condition.

What medications help with fibromyalgia and migraine episodes?

First-line treatment for fibromyalgia and migraine generally involves medications that reduce pain.

While there’s no cure for fibromyalgia, there are four medications commonly prescribed to help manage pain:

Research has shown that roughly a quarter of people living with fibromyalgia can find pain relief with these medications.

Migraine treatment also involves a combination of pain medications and other medications that may be helpful for reducing migraine frequency. Medications for migraine include both preventive and acute episode medications.

Preventive medications include:

Acute migraine episode medications include:

If you have both fibromyalgia and migraine, a combination of medications may help reduce your symptoms. However, you and your doctor will work closely together to decide which treatment options work best for you.

Alternative treatments for fibro pain and migraine episodes

Complementary and integrative treatments may also be helpful in reducing pain and improving the quality of life in people living with fibromyalgia and migraine episodes.

One review from 2020 ound that acupuncture was beneficial for reducing pain in people living with chronic pain conditions, including chronic migraine. And additional research suggests that acupuncture may also be helpful for reducing pain due to fibromyalgia.

In another review from 2019 researchers found that activities like yoga and tai chi appear to help reduce migraine frequency and severity. Research also suggests that activities like yoga may be helpful in reducing fibromyalgia pain and improving functioning and mood.

Other complementary treatments that may be helpful for chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and migraine include therapeutic massage, mindfulness, and certain supplements. However, researchers are still exploring just how effective these approaches can be for these conditions. 

Living with fibromyalgia

Over 4 million adults in the United States — or roughly 2% of the population ― live with fibromyalgia. If you or someone you love has been recently diagnosed with the condition, you can check out these resources that offer education and support:

Takeaway

Research shows that fibromyalgia and migraine commonly occur together and that having one of these conditions may increase the risk of having the other. 

Studies also show that for people who experience migraine episodes, fibromyalgia may affect the frequency and severity of those episodes.

Medication is the most common treatment approach for helping manage pain in both fibromyalgia and migraine. However, several other complementary approaches could be beneficial for reducing chronic pain levels and improving the quality of life in people with both conditions.

I know the pain of both Fibromyalgia and Migraines and they are both difficult to manage. I found that a multi-prong approach works best for me along with good sleep habits and daily self-care practices.

Melinda

Wordless Wednesday-Red Roses In Antique Ball Canning Jar
Celebrate Life · Family · Family Cookbook · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Wordless Wednesday-Red Roses In Antique Ball Canning Jar

Looking for the Light7 Comments

I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.

This was one of my Grandparent’s canning jars and it’s the perfect size for flowers. I have all of their canning jars even though we have done very little canning. There’s something special about them, they hold memories of my canning green beans with my Gramps and of course, eating out of the jars year round. They also canned lots of tomatoes, okra with tomatoes and jelly. There is no comparison to the taste of food out of a canning jar, a can food will never measure up.

Melinda

 

 

Anemia: How I Handle It And The Different Types
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health

Anemia: How I Handle It And The Different Types

Looking for the Light13 Comments

Anyone can have a short bout of Anemia during their life, young girls and women can also get Anemia from their menstrual cycle, vegans have to ensure they eat plenty of alternatives to red meat and there are health conditions that can be serious to your health. I’ve had Anemia on and off most of my life but in recent years it’s an ongoing problem. I don’t eat enough red meat although I’m not vegan and I don’t eat many leafy greens.

Many people may not even know they are Anemic because they have a mild case and they bounce back. I on the other hand can’t seem to shack it even while taking an iron supplement, a good one at that. I have taken prescription iron but it doesn’t help any better than over-the-counter. Three key symptoms are hard to deal with, severe leg cramps, fatigue and I’m always freezing. When I sleep at night, I pull the covers over my head and this week started wearing wool gloves to bed. It’s way into the early morning before my hands thaw and no longer feel like ice.

During the day I wear a tee and sweatshirt and when I’m in my office I have a wool blanket over me and wool gloves on and still shiver. I have a sheepskin run over the back of my chair to add warmth and have my vent half closed. Nothing seems to matter and it’s in the dead of summer here in Texas.

I eat red meat a couple of times a month but I like a variety of meat and eat fish every week as well. It’s not like I don’t eat greens but because I’m so cold salads haven’t been on my menu and I prefer hot foods. I’m eating soup for lunch most days to keep me warm.

I also have the Immune Disorder Hypogammaglobenlemia which is the lack of red blood cells and hemoglobin to carry oxygen to my body. I’ve been taking monthly Antibody Infusion treatments since the Spring. My red blood count is still very low and I may have to continue to take Infusion Treatments for years maybe all my life.

An Overview of Anemia

Anemia is a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to all other organs in the body. Having anemia can cause tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath.

There are many forms of anemia. Each has its own cause. Anemia can be short-term or long-term. It can range from mild to severe. Anemia can be a warning sign of serious illness.

Treatments for anemia might involve taking supplements or having medical procedures. Eating a healthy diet might prevent some forms of anemia.

What Are The Different Types Of Anemia?

  1. Aplastic anemia
  2. Iron deficiency anemia
  3. Sickle cell anemia
  4. Thalassemia
  5. Vitamin deficiency anemia

Here Are The Symptoms Of Anemia

Anemia symptoms depend on the cause and how bad the anemia is. Anemia can be so mild that it causes no symptoms at first. But symptoms usually then occur and get worse as the anemia gets worse.

If another disease causes the anemia, the disease can mask the anemia symptoms. Then a test for another condition might find the anemia. Certain types of anemia have symptoms that point to the cause.

Possible symptoms of anemia include:

  • Tiredness.
  • Weakness.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Pale or yellowish skin, which might be more obvious on white skin than on Black or brown skin.
  • Irregular heartbeat.
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness.
  • Chest pain.
  • Cold hands and feet.
  • Headaches.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, check with your doctor right away.

Melinda

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20351360

From Family Cookbook-Saucy Beef Over Rice
Celebrate Life · Family · Family Cookbook · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

From Family Cookbook-Saucy Beef Over Rice

Looking for the Light5 Comments

The family cookbook contains recipes, my Granny’s & Gramps used often and is the type of food I grew up on. Many with veggies and tomatoes from the garden. Good ole Southern food like my Gramps dumplings, to Grannies pecan pie.

This recipe was a staple on the days Granny worked. She cleaned new houses with her Sister-in-law for construction companies. Granny did it to buy me clothes that were more in line with what my classmates were wearing until I could work myself to pay for my clothes. She would leave early in the morning and arrive back home in time to make the dish for supper.

What you need

Reynold’s Wrap Oven Bag Large size 14X20

2 TBS flour

1 can 14 1/2 oz stewed tomatoes

1 envelop of onion soup

1/2 cup water

1/4 TSP pepper

1 pound beef sirloin steak, cut into thin strips

2 cups hot cooked rice

Set oven to 350 degrees

How to make

Shake flour in a bag and place it in a 13x9x2 inch baking pan

Add undrained tomatoes, soup mix, water, and pepper.

Squiggle bag to stir all ingredients

Add beef strips to bags

Arrange the beef strips and ingredients evenly on the pan

Close the bag with a nylon tie

Cut 6 slits in the top of the bag

Bake for 40-45 minutes until tender and serve over rice

Yummy!

 Melinda

Blogger Highlight-Nutsrok
Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Nutsrok

Looking for the Light9 Comments

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their blog with you. This week we highlight Nutsrok.    

Nutsrok

The humor and humanity of storytelling

Now that I’m done with the bothersome business of the workday world, I am free to pursue my passion, capturing the stories I’ve loved all my life. The ones you’ll read on my blog are good old Southern stories, a real pleasure to relay. Here in the South, we are proud of our wacky folks. I’ve preyed shamelessly on my family, living and dead, friends, neighbors, and acquaintances, often changing names to protect the innocent and not-so-innocent. My mother illustrates my blog. I come from a rollicking family of nuts, hence the name of the blog Nutsrok Enjoy.

We’ve been following each other for a short time but we became fast friends. We have so many things in common and our families were poor and raised in tough conditions. Linda is hilarious, she makes me laugh daily and she is attentive by replying to her comments. She is part of the community, and her writing and professional life are impressive. She wrote her first book in 2016 and her mother illustrated it, she was 96 years old. What a treasured memory. Be sure to check out both of her books.

Everything Smells Just Like Poke Salad

by Linda Swain Bethea (Author), Kathleen Holdaway Swain (Illustrator)

Born to a struggling farm family in the deepest of The Great Depression, Kathleen enjoys a colorful childhood, enhanced by her imagination, love of life, and the encouragement of her family.

She’s determined to build a better life for herself, getting herself into hilarious situations all along the way. Distinguishing herself in school and the community, she never takes her eyes off her goal.

Just as she’s about to get started, she meets Bill, the man who is going to help her on her way. Everything changes. And then changes again. The true story of a remarkable woman who will inspire you, make you laugh, and see life from a new perspective.

 

Just Women Getting By Leaving a Legacy of Strength

by Linda Swain Bethea (Author)
 
WOMEN OF STRENGTH, FORTITUDE, AND BRAVERY In this collection of six serials, Linda Swain Bethea weaves narratives of women through several centuries. The stories span from 1643 to 1957. Beginning in England in 1643, a young couple travels to Jamestown, Virginia, to begin a new life on the American frontier. The rest of the stories travel from West Texas to North Louisiana to the Texas Panhandle to East Texas. Disease, death, starvation, and prison are faced with stoicism and common sense, and always, with a sense of humor. The women in each tale stand tall and possess the wisdom and tenacity to hold families together under the worst conditions. Through it all, they persevere, and Linda Swain Bethea’s storytelling is a testament to the legacy they left. Conversational and homey, you’ll fall in love with the women of Just Women Getting By – Leaving a Legacy of Strength, which celebrates the courage of those women who had no choice but to survive. BUY THIS BOOK TO BE CAPITIVATED BACK TO A TIME WHEN GIVING UP WAS NOT AN OPTION.

About the Author

Linda Swain Bethea grew up in a family with a strong story-telling tradition, and she always knew she had stories that needed to be told. Writing called to her, even while working for thirty years as a Registered Nurse.

I ask Linda to share her favorite post and you will like this one.

Awful Christmas

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Announcing Champions of Resilience By Guest Blogger Shedding Light on Mental Illness
Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Survivor

Announcing Champions of Resilience By Guest Blogger Shedding Light on Mental Illness

Looking for the Light2 Comments

I wanted to let you all know I’ve recently launched a video podcast called Champions of Resilience. It’s a transformative channel where we delve into the inspiring stories of individuals who have triumphed over adversity. On my web page you’ll find the links to my most recent episodes, a little bit about the show and why … Continue 

Congrats to Amy, no doubt she will continue to advocate and inspire others as she has me for many years.

http://amy-gamble.com/2024/07/25/announcing-champions-of-resilience/
Melinda
What Causes Procrastination? It’s More Complicated Than You Think
Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

What Causes Procrastination? It’s More Complicated Than You Think

Looking for the Light16 Comments

I have thought about this topic for a long time, I have someone in my life who has procrastinated since I met them. I thought it was time to find the scientific reason to better understand their behavior.

6 Common Causes of Procrastination

The roots of procrastination are more complex than you might guess.

Posted October 15, 2019 |  Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

Psychology Today

A growing understanding has emerged that procrastination is underpinned by emotional issues. The gist of this argument is generally that people who procrastinate have poor distress tolerance. When faced with a task that stirs their negative emotions, they freeze and retreat rather than work through their feelings to pave a way forward. While this is part of what causes procrastination, the causes are more multifaceted. Let’s look at six diverse roots of procrastination.

1. Decision fatigue.

If you need to make decisions constantly, you might find that you put off very small ones. For instance, I’ve been wanting to buy a heart rate monitor for the gym. I picked the one I want to get, but as I was about to add it to my cart, I realized I needed to choose between the two sizes offered. At that point, I hit a brick wall of decision fatigue and haven’t gone back to the purchase in over a week.

2. Difficulty with planning and sequencing.

On a neuro-cognitive level, some folks aren’t good at planning out multi-step processes. This difficulty is especially prominent in people who have ADHD, but there are plenty of folks who don’t have ADHD, and who are otherwise very smart, for whom breaking up a complex task into a series of steps isn’t a strength. For some people taking a birdseye perspective on a task, seeing the steps, and seeing a place to start is obvious. For others, it’s not.

3. Relationship-related procrastination

Procrastination tends to cause relationship stress, especially when couples are more established, are making life decisions together, and are reliant on each other for important tasks like filing taxes.

If one person in a relationship tends to procrastinate, there will often be a tug-of-war involving nagging, resentment, stress, and both individuals feeling unsupported in completing tasks involving shared responsibility. The more pressured the procrastinator feels, the more they may dig their heels in and refuse to do anything that’s asked of them.

While it’s obvious how a procrastination tug-of-war can lead to arguments, a less obvious, but at least as important, consequence is that this tug-of-war can lead to an erosion of relationship closeness. For instance, if whenever the couple spends time alone together the resented to-do’s get raised, it’s a disincentive for spending time together.

All this can create a vicious circle of higher negative feelings and lower positive feelings (such as lower emotional trust) in the relationship.

4. Depression-related procrastination

I wrote a previous post about how depression and procrastination are linked. In short, when people are depressed they’ll tend to procrastinate over all types of tasks, whether they’re simple or complex, fun or tedious. People with depression often experience a lot of rumination (negatively-toned overthinking), and they often lose confidence in their capacity to be reliable friends, partners, coworkers, etc.

5. Anxiety-related procrastination.

When people are putting off tasks due to the negative emotions raised by the task, anxiety is often part of the picture. Even when, on the surface, a person doesn’t want to do a task because it’s boring, boring is often code for hard (e.g., kids who find math ‘boring’ often really mean it’s hard).

Another link is that performance-anxiety often leads to a person taking a perfectionistic approach to a task, which then makes the task unnecessarily daunting. This article outlines other links between anxiety and procrastination.

6. Creativity-related procrastination.

Many types of creative work (very broadly defined) benefit from people taking some time away from the project and looking at it with fresh eyes. Sometimes you can achieve a state of having fresh eyes with simply a night of sleep. Other times it can be useful to have a couple of months pass before you revisit a project. Taking significant time away from a project can be both procrastination and creatively useful. Often there isn’t a clear distinction. You might both feel the nagging feeling that’s the hallmark of procrastination and creatively benefit from the break.

When people do creative work, they don’t do it in a mental vacuum. Part of the creator’s lens is determined by what’s going on in the world and what’s going on in their life at the time. Life experiences, including mundane ones, can lead to drawing on different analogies, etc. This contributes to why seeing a project with fresh eyes can be useful.

7. Bonus: A combination.

Often more than one factor contributes to procrastination. There can be elements of habit to it as well, such as always waiting until three days before the due date to write a report for work. This isn’t necessarily a bad pattern if it’s a system that works well for you.

Solutions:

  • When it comes to procrastination, look for any type of it that has significant costs to you, whether it’s in terms of relationship stress, personal stress, or reduced quality of work.
  • Find go-to strategies that get to the root of the issue. For instance, shrink and simplify the scope of the task if perfectionism is an issue. If planning and figuring out where to start is hard for you, talk this through with someone who is good at it, and develop a checklist for the next time you need to do a similar task. If depression is an issue, seek treatment, and so on.
  • Develop a variety of strategies for overcoming procrastination so that, in any situation, you have one that feels doable and relevant in that situation. For instance, in The Healthy Mind Toolkit, I outline 21 strategies for getting past procrastination and seven of those are excerpted here.

About the Author

Alice Boyes, Ph.D., translates principles from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and social psychology into tips people can use in their everyday lives.

I knew it had to be more complicated than being lazy and have read recently that the person feels shame and I had to better understand it.

Now that I have more information I can empathize and try to help the person in my life seek help, if they will listen. It’s not easy to hear these things about yourself and it’s easy to push them down.

Melinda

Apricot Fruit and Chamomile Infused Custard Clafoutis By Guest Blogger The Sifted Field
Celebrate Life · Family Cookbook · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Photography

Apricot Fruit and Chamomile Infused Custard Clafoutis By Guest Blogger The Sifted Field

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Yummy! 

A summertime indulgence, filled with fresh fruit and flavors of fragrant vanilla and calming chamomile, this clafoutis dessert is a French country classic! Bake this up tonight for a simple and sweet ending to a summer meal. Click thru to try this inspired dessert tonight….

https://thesiftedfield.com/2024/07/26/apricot-fruit-and-chamomile-infused-custard-clafoutis/
Melinda
NAMI Texas Advocacy Newsletter July 25, 2024  
Celebrate Life · Communicating · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Mental Illness · Self-Care

NAMI Texas Advocacy Newsletter July 25, 2024  

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Hello Advocates,  Happy Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!  In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives officially declared July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. Bebe Moore Campbell was a mental health champion who used her experience to highlight the profound impact that culture, community and connections have on mental health.  Minority Mental Health Awareness Month is crucial for many reasons: Health Disparities: Minority communities often face significant disparities in mental health care, including limited access to services, lower quality of care, and higher levels of stigma associated with mental health conditions. Raising awareness helps address and reduce these disparities. Stigma Reduction: Many minority communities experience higher levels of stigma surrounding mental health conditions. Awareness initiatives can help break down these barriers, encouraging individuals to seek help and support without fear of judgment or discrimination. Cultural Awareness: Mental health awareness in minority communities promotes the need for culturally sensitive care. It emphasizes the importance of understanding cultural differences and tailoring mental health services to meet the unique needs of diverse populations. Advocacy and Policy Change: Highlighting the specific mental health needs of minority communities can drive advocacy efforts and inform policy changes aimed at improving mental health care equity. For example, this may include funding, more inclusive programs, and systemic changes that strengthen support for BIPOC individuals. Fast Facts:Asian American and Pacific Islanders: Non-Hispanic Asian American adults are the least likely population to receive mental health treatment for their mental illnessIn 2022, only 36.1% of Asian adults with mental illness received treatment9% of Asian Americans are not fluent in English and limited availability of culturally appropriate mental health care creates a significant barrier when trying to access careBlack/African Ancestry Communities:In 2022, only 37.9% of non-Hispanic Black or African American adults with mental illness received treatmentProvider bias, whether implicit or explicit, and lack of cultural sensitivity often results in misdiagnosis and inadequate treatmentWhen expressing symptoms related to mood disorders, Black people are more likely to receive a misdiagnosis of schizophreniaHispanic/Latin Americans: Nearly half of Hispanic and Latino young adults ages 18-25 with a serious mental illness do not receive treatmentAccording to the Kiser Family Foundation, in 2022, 18% of nonelderly Hispanic people had no form of health insuranceCompared to the U.S. average of 50.6%, approximately 39.6% of Hispanic or Latino adults with a mental illness receive treatment each yearBebe Moore Campbell used her voice to pave the way; what an honor it is that advocates like you and I have the opportunity to keep her legacy alive by continuing to advocate for a more inclusive, equitable, and effective mental health care system that serves all individuals, regardless of their background or identity. With gratitude,The NAMI Texas Public Policy Team Source material and further information can be found on NAMI National’s 2024 Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit.————————————————————————————————————————————–P.S. As I transition out of my fellowship with NAMI Texas, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to each and every one of you. It has been the honor of a lifetime being a part of the NAMI Texas Team and the community of incredible advocates that it encompasses. Having the opportunity to be in conversation and spaces with such passionate, driven and welcoming advocates like you is truly an indescribable feeling. While I will no longer be on staff, I have every intention of staying engaged with NAMI Texas and all of you.  Thank you for your kindness, support and willingness to share your stories with me over the last two years. You have made an everlasting impact on me, and I am so thankful for that.  With love and gratitude,Hannah 
 Staff Spotlight: Meet NAMI Texas’ New Peer Policy Fellow! Join us in welcoming our newest team member, Christine Busse! Christine joined NAMI Texas as a Peer Policy Fellow in July 2024. She holds a master’s in social work from the University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Neuroscience from St. Edward’s University. Her professional journey includes nearly four years as a Registered Behavior Technician, providing Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) therapeutic services to youth with special needs.  During her graduate studies, she honed her research and data analysis skills as a Graduate Research Assistant on the Bexar County Fostering Educational Success project, evaluating programs supporting foster care alumni. She gained valuable policy experience through internships at the National Association of Social Workers – Texas and the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, actively participating in the 88th Texas legislative session. Most recently, Christine served as the Planning and Policy Coordinator at the Texas Homeless Network. These diverse roles provided Christine with strong experience in mental health and substance use policy, education, and behavioral health workforce challenges. She developed expertise in policy research, strategic advocacy, and legislative processes. As a lifelong Texan and Lebanese American with lived experience of mental illness, Christine is passionate about bridging the gap between research, policy, and lived experience to enhance effective mental health policies and support systems. She is committed to fostering community resilience and well-being to build a stronger, healthier Texas for all. NAMI National’s #Vote4MentalHealth Pledge Mental health impacts nearly all aspects of our lives. And at NAMI, we advocate on a wide range of policy priorities, from health care to criminal justice to housing and beyond. No matter the topic, we know that mental health matters. Your vote in the upcoming elections matters, too. Every elected official – from the president and Congress to county commissioners and city councilmembers – has influence on issues impacting people affected by mental health conditions. That’s why it’s so important to understand how voting impacts mental health. Take the first step: click the following link to pledge to #Vote4MentalHealth this November.  NAMI won’t tell you who to vote for. We encourage you to research candidates on your ballot, decide what issues are most important to you, and cast your vote this election season. July 2024 Health and Human Services Report: Behavioral Health Advisory Committee FY 2023 Annual Report Senate 2024 Interim Legislative Charges: Notice of Public Hearing Thursday, September 5, 2024, at 9:00am Senate Finance Committee (E1.036) Mental Health Services and Inpatient Facilities: Monitor the implementation of Senate Bill 30, 88th Legislature, Regular Session, with regard to appropriations made for expanding mental health services and inpatient facilities across the state. Report on the progress of inpatient facility construction projects. Assess and report on the effectiveness of spending on mental health services. You can view the full hearing agenda, here. Wednesday, September 18, 2024 Senate Health & Human Services Committee (E1.012) Children’s Mental Health: Review care and services currently available to the growing population of Texas children with high acuity mental and behavioral health needs. Make recommendations to improve access to care and services for these children that will support family preservation and prevent them from entering the child welfare system. Access to Health Care: Evaluate current access to primary and mental health care. Examine whether regulatory and licensing flexibilities could improve access to care, particularly in medically underserved areas of Texas. Make recommendations, if any, to improve access to care while maintaining patient safety. You can view the full hearing agenda, here. You can review the list of Interim Charges in its entirety, here.  House 2024 Interim Legislative Charges: Notice of Public Hearing Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at 10:00am Youth Health & Safety, Select (E2.014) Update: the originally scheduled July 7th, 2024, hearing was cancelled due to Hurricane Beryl.  The committee will meet to hear invited testimony only on the following interim charge: Behavioral Health Services for At-Risk Youth: Evaluate programs and services currently available to children and families that are either involved with, or at high risk for becoming involved with, the foster care and juvenile justice systems. Study the current barriers for accessing community-based behavioral health services for children with intense behavioral health needs, with an emphasis on ensuring that parents do not have to give up custody of children to gain access to services. If you would like to submit written comments related to the above charge you may do so until the hearing is adjourned by visiting this link.  You can view the full agenda for the July 31st hearing here.  You can review the list of Interim Charges in its entirety, here.  Public Policy Platform Development Input Our 2025-2026 Public Policy Platform surveys have concluded. Thank you much for your time and input on these important matters! We could not do this work without all of you. Stay tuned for our Public Policy Platform which will be published in the fall.  NAMI Texas Conference: Celebrating 40 Years of Hope and HealingEvery year, NAMI Texas hosts an Annual Conference and Awards Celebration. These events bring together individuals living with mental illness, family members, professionals, and the general public to highlight the latest updates in the mental health field, exchange information, and celebrate the year’s successes. With exciting keynotes, informative workshops, a lively exhibit hall, Continuing Education Credit, networking opportunities, and special surprises, the Conference has something for everyone. This year, we are celebrating 40 Years of Hope and Healing. We could not be more excited to be bringing the Conference to West Texas. All Conference events will be held in the heart of bustling downtown El Paso, primarily in the beautiful El Paso Convention Center. There are many nonstop flights to El Paso from major Texas airports. The local Affiliate in the area, NAMI El Paso, is eager to welcome Texans from across the state. We hope you will join us in November for this extra special celebration!  Early Bird Ticket Sale Alert! Purchase your ticket today in order to take advantage of the early bird ticket special! These discounted tickets will be available through September 1st, 2024. Click this link to purchase.  2024 NAMI Texas Annual Conference Call-for-Presentations! All topics related to mental health are welcome, but the Conference Planning Committee has identified the following 4 thematic categories of particular interest: 1.) Children, Youth, & Families, 2.) Underserved Populations, 3.) Criminal Legal System, and 4.) Innovation and Creativity. For further details and to access the form, check out the call-for-presentations webpage. The deadline to submit a workshop proposal is August 2nd, 2024.  NAMI SMARTS Classes Grassroots advocacy is about using your voice to influence policymakers and make a difference. Turn your passion and your lived experience into advocacy for mental health with the NAMI Smarts for Advocacy training. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy will enhance your advocacy skills and help you shape a powerful and personal story that will move policymakers. NAMI Smarts for Advocacy gives you step-by-step tools and the hands-on practice you need to feel confident and ready to make a difference. The NAMI Texas Public Policy Team does not currently have any classes scheduled. Be sure to keep an eye on our calendar for forthcoming classes.  
If you have anything you would like to share with NAMI Texas advocates in these emails, please send the information to policy.fellow@namitexas.org

–       Hannah Gill and the NAMI Texas Public Policy Team
 
Mental Health in the Media A look at the Texas mental health workforce shortage“Today, 246 of Texas’ 254 counties are wholly or partly designated by the federal government as “mental health professional shortage areas,” and that’s in a state where roughly 5 million people do not have health insurance. This has had a particularly dire effect in rural, border, and frontier counties in Texas, as some regions might have only one mental health professional or none. If you look at the raw numbers, we don’t have enough providers, even if they were evenly distributed,” said Alison Mohr Boleware, the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health policy director.” Sherman PD teams up with Texoma Community Center on mental health co-response team“The Sherman Police Department and Texas Community Center have teamed up to make a mental health co-response program. TCC Assistant Director of Care Coordination, Tori Dyess, said the program was made possible through a grant. “We reached out to Sherman Police Department, and decided to collaborate to create a team that was embedded with them,” Dyess said. The TCC has qualified mental health professionals stationed at the police department seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The program’s goal is to get effective mental health care to those in crisis faster.”  Employment may be key to veterans’ mental health, UTEP study finds“EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A new study authored by two University of Texas El Paso researchers is showing employment may be key to emotional wellbeing for veterans. The study was published in the June issue of scientific journal ‘Stress and Health’. The researchers looked at 517 veterans experiencing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the study, employment correlated with positive emotional wellbeing in veterans struggling with their mental health. The study also said unemployed veterans were twice as likely to experience depression.” Gov. Abbott Announces 7 New State Hospital Projects, Including $1B+ for Two in North Texas“Seven new state hospital projects—including new ones in Wichita Falls and Terrell—have been announced to better serve people in need of inpatient psychiatric services. Gov. Greg Abbott said the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) projects are funded by $1.5 billion approved by the Texas Legislature in 2023 to expand, renovate, and build new facilities across the state.” How many people are receiving mental health treatment in Texas
“More than 5 million American adults were receiving mental health treatment at a state-monitored mental health facility in 2022, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services released in April, an increase from last year. However, access to treatment can largely depend on where someone lives or what kind of insurance they have. More than half of adults receiving treatment lived in just 10 states, as many Americans lack access to mental health care.”
NAMI Texas is a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of all individuals living with mental illness and their families. Please visit our website at NAMITexas.org for more information. Help support our advocacy efforts by donating to NAMI Texas at https://namitexas.networkforgood.com/

Melinda
Daily Writing Prompt
Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Daily Writing Prompt

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What’s the story behind your nickname?

This is a fun prompt. I have only had a few nicknames, but I enjoyed them; one is precious to me. My Gramps called me Pud all my life, it was an endearing one, not sure if it came from pudding or was an old-time term but I miss his voice calling my nickname. No one else called me that, it was special between us.

My younger step-brother had a horrific life, their mother was a drug addict and would leave them at home alone for weeks at a time. No food, no water, and P lived in the same diaper. It’s disgusting to think any mother could treat her children that way. Both of my step-brothers had regressed in age and P had gone back to being a baby from the trauma. My step-father gained custody of them and they came to live with us, the discovery of two children was a shock to my mother’s system. P had to learn to talk again, which was very difficult for him. My mother always called be my my middle name, Melody and P had problems saying so he called me Mody. He was a precious soul and his life ended tragically just as it had started.

I may have had other short-term nicknames but I don’t recall them. Of course, I’ve been called many things, and not all of them nice but when you speak your mind that is going to happen.

Any nicknames from the past you a particularly fond of?

Melinda

My No Diet Weight Loss Journey Started 25 Months Ago-What A Ride It’s Been
Celebrate Life · Family Cookbook · Health and Wellbeing · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

My No Diet Weight Loss Journey Started 25 Months Ago-What A Ride It’s Been

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I’m 5 ft 7 inches and was a normal weight until I turned 28 years old. At 28 I was diagnosed with Treatment-Resistant Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety. The diagnosis wasn’t a huge surprise since my father had committed suicide months earlier and we both had struggled with depression. One of the downsides of having a mental illness is that many medications make you gain weight, with each medication I tried, it was 20-25 pounds. That can weigh you down but I learned quickly that my vanity was not as important as my mental health.

I tend to be more depressive than manic so my protocol includes many stimulant medications. There were many times I would lose large amounts of weight and was skinny again. Although short-lived, once your body adjusts to the stimulants the weight loss stops. The last medication that brought me out of a deep depression caused me to gain 40 pounds and it took effort to lose that amount of weight. I lollygagged for a couple of years until I went to see one of my doctors and had to weigh. I was shocked at what the scale said.

You also need to know I have some baggage here because my mother is obese and my abuser. I wanted to be nothing like her, I must have seen her that day on the scale.

I was determined to lose weight the right way this time, with no diet, no program food just eating what I liked but in smaller portions. I set a goal of losing 40 pounds with 50 pounds in the background. First, I cut all meals in half and cut out snacking unless I was truly hungry. When I needed a snack it was nuts because they are good for you.

The first 20 pounds were hard but not nearly as hard as the next 20 pounds. After reaching 20 pounds, I cut my meals in 1/3 and continued to eat a piece of chocolate at lunch and dinner. I also allowed myself dessert on the weekends. There was no depriving myself of the foods I loved, my diet didn’t change just the amount of food I was eating.

Last August, I had reached my goal of 40 pounds and was working on 10 more pounds. Then life got in the way. I was hospitalized in December of 2023 and had a traumatizing experience by being told that my kidneys were shutting down and that I would not live until my check-out date. Logically I knew better but we were in complete shock. I called my brother to say goodbye which was very difficult and my husband and I just cradled each other. A short time later, I came to my senses and said there was no way my GFR was 20! Of course not, a lazy lab tech didn’t run the test a second time and the doctor didn’t even question it. I never received an apology.

After leaving the hospital I continued to lose weight and after 25 months I am 70 pounds down. Being this skinny is not a choice, you would be surprised at what I eat although I can’t eat as much as I did in the beginning but that’s expected. I’ve been having major issues with my Esophagus for a couple of months and a month after going to the ER, I’m worse. I’m taking two additional medications but still have problems eating or keeping food down. It doesn’t seem to be as urgent to my doctor. I’m still working on it.

Yes, you can lose weight the right way without restricting yourself and in turn, sabotaging your efforts. There are no shortcuts, no quick fixes, and only one permanent solution. Set your goal for the long term, change your eating habits, and pay attention to why you eat and enjoy yourself at the same time. I can’t imagine lunch or dinner without chocolate, I just eat one piece.

You can do it.

Melinda

The strong voice of a teenager with Lyme disease
Chronic Illness · Family · Health and Wellbeing · Infectious Diease · Medical · Men & Womens Health · Tick Borne Illnesses

The strong voice of a teenager with Lyme disease

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When my daughter Rachel was 13, she suffered a seemingly simple injury that led to an outbreak of inexplicable, debilitating, body-wide pain. This left her bedridden and needing a wheelchair.

Refusing to believe doctors who claimed either that she was “faking it” or that nothing could be done, our family searched for answers until we at last found the underlying cause—unrecognized chronic Lyme disease and co-infections.

We were lucky enough to find a knowledgeable Lyme doctor within two hours of our home and we started on the long hard slog to getting her better. But we soon found that medical treatment was only part of what our family needed.

There were so many other needs: how to keep Rachel from spiraling into depression, how to continue her education when she was too sick to attend school, finding out what foods supported the healing process best—and which of those she was willing to eat.

As it turns out, one of the most helpful therapies Rachel undertook was something she figured out on her own. Throughout those dark days, she recorded her daily experiences in a journal. It chronicled the bad—her anger at the doctors who didn’t believe her, her despair at ever getting past the pain. It also recorded good times with friends—lip-synching to Hannah Montana songs, visiting the beach to try out a beach wheelchair (yes, those are a thing.) That journal became a lifeline for her, and in my view, was as important as the many different treatments she went through.

In time, Rachel’s health improved—she left the wheelchair behind, graduated from high school and college, and embarked on a career and marriage. For many years, she avoided even looking at the journal, not wanting to revisit those traumatic times.

But then, she decided to share the story with others, and the two of us collaborated on Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease. The main narration is based on the journal, interspersed with additional passages by me, giving the mother’s perspective of what was going on.

Capturing the right voice

In the months since publication, we’ve garnered a lot of positive feedback. Here’s one of my favorite reviews, by a judge from the Benjamin Franklin Award competition:

Finding Resilience is a wonderfully written book (by both mother and daughter) that chronicles a teenager’s struggle with both Lyme disease and the medical establishment too unwilling to consider the—at the time—difficult diagnosis. What makes this book so strong is the voice. It’s often difficult for an adult to capture the right voice when writing about earlier experiences, but Rachel Leland does it expertly. At no time did I waver in believing that a teenager was talking to me in real time, as a teenager. This is hard—exceptionally hard—to do well…The mother’s voice, too, is appropriate throughout. All of this worked so effectively that I found myself as a reader on the same emotional rollercoaster they were on.

That’s exactly what we were going for—the shared perspective of a teenager and her mom on this hideous disease and what it takes to get through it. We hope you’ll find it informative and inspiring. Click here for more info about the book.

TOUCHED BY LYME is written by Dorothy Kupcha Leland, President of LymeDisease.org. She is co-author of Finding Resilience: A Teen’s Journey Through Lyme Disease and of When Your Child Has Lyme Disease: A Parent’s Survival Guide. Contact her at dleland@lymedisease.org.

A story that pulls all the heartstrings, such anguish, and a parent’s worst nightmare for their child.

Melinda

Homemade Pink Peony Sugar Scrub Recipe with Bramble Berry
Celebrate Life · DIY · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Homemade Pink Peony Sugar Scrub Recipe with Bramble Berry

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Peony Sugar Scrub Recipe

You may recognize Bramble Berry from the pages of Willow and Sage! We are so thrilled that they are sharing one of their latest and greatest skin-care recipes on our blog today. Learn how to make this nourishing and beautifully-scented Pink Peony Sugar Scrub below.

Pink Peony Sugar Scrub Recipe

This Pink Peony Sugar Scrub leaves skin feeling soft and smooth. Skin-loving cranberry butter and champagne extract are whipped together with Foaming Bath Butter to create a smooth base for the sugar. Foaming Bath Butter lathers with water, so the scrub washes off the skin without an oily residue. To use, apply the scrub to wet skin, gently rub in circular motions, and wash away. 

A touch of Hot Pink Mica gives the scrub a lovely pink color. It’s made with Pink Peony Fragrance Oil from Bramble Berry’s Soirée Collection. The fragrance is a modern floral mix of lemon, rhododendron, honey, peony, and white musk.

Find all the ingredients here

Three 8 oz. Bail Jars
10 oz. Foaming Bath Butter
2 oz. Cranberry Butter

2.5 oz. Champagne Extract

8 mL Pink Peony Fragrance Oil

15 oz. Sugar

1/16 tsp. Hot Pink Mica

Watch how to make it at https://www.youtube.com/embed/KJ6NpMIg8MA

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, add 10 ounces of Foaming Bath Butter and 2 ounces of cranberry butter. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until they’re completely combined and smooth.

Add 2.5 ounces of champagne extract and 8 mL of Pink Peony Fragrance Oil. Whip the ingredients until smooth. 

Add 15 ounces of granulated sugar and about 1/16 teaspoon of Hot Pink Mica. Use the mixer to thoroughly incorporate. 

Spoon the mixture into jars. 

To use, apply a small amount of the scrub to damp skin, gently rub in circular motions, and rinse off. Enjoy!

Bramble Berry offers high-quality handcraft supplies sourced from around the world for all your skin-care project needs! Visit their website at: brambleberry.com

Related Posts

The Art of Candle Making A Glimpse Inside Willow and Sage Autumn 2019 A Glimpse Inside Willow and Sage Winter 2020 Q&A with a Skin Care Expert Previous Post Next Post

Enjoy

Melinda

Repost from 2021

International Self-Care July 24th
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Music · Self-Care

International Self-Care July 24th

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This is definitely one of the most important awareness days in July and year-round for the matter. Our mental health plays a key role in how we function daily and in our relationships. If we are happy, life is better and those around us enjoy the benefits too.

International Self-Care Day is celebrated on July 24. It stresses the importance of self-care as the cornerstone of wellness. On this day, individuals throughout the world are encouraged to make self-care a part of their everyday routines and turn it into a priority. It is a milestone, and an opportunity to raise further awareness of the benefits of effective self-management of health.

Self-care has become incredibly important as people realize the need to take care of themselves and put themselves first. This has made people talk about it and increased the interest of others to take control of their health and wellness by prioritizing themselves. Today, we urge you to practice self-care, even if all you do is take a walk.

There are so many ways to give yourself a self-care break every day, it doesn’t just mean a long bath. Self-care comes in many forms and meets everyone’s needs for a mental health break and a treat for yourself. The breaks can be small short time outs you fit in when you can, it’s not always some big deal to fuss about. Yes, I like to fuss about occasionally but what’s important to me is the breaks I can fit in throughout the days that make me happy.

Some Ideas

Cup of your favorite coffee or tea to enjoy without multitasking, just taking in the flavors and smells.

Driving a clean car, one that is not full of fast food bags and dusty with mirrors you can barely see out of.

Cooking yourself and maybe someone special a great meal to enjoy without the TV on. Have some real conversation.

Burning your favorite candle.

Hanging Fresh Eucalyptus and Lavender in your shower.

There are millions of things you can do, the key is to take a break, for 10-15 minutes and focus on enjoying yourself. Clear your mind and be in the moment for that short period of time. I also suggest taking self-care one step further by taking longer breaks to relax and enjoy yourself. A long hot bath is great but for some, it’s a long run or working in the yard. Do what makes you feel good and allows you to free your mind.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Communicating · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Photography · Travel

Sending A Special Thanks To Denmark, Guatemala, Australia, Chile and Bosnia & Herzegovina

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Thank you for visiting my blog and allowing me into your life, it’s a great joy. Every country is different in the best of ways, each offers something special to travelers and the people who call it home. I have been to Sydney, Australia, and would go back in a heartbeat if I could fly via Air Emirates. The people were warm, very much like Texas, very helpful and courteous. Here is a photo of the Sydney Harbor Bridge.

 

You color my world.

Melinda

Blogger Highlight-Popsicle Society
Celebrate Life · Family Cookbook · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Photography · Travel

Blogger Highlight-Popsicle Society

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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 the blog Popsicle Society.   I have followed Ribana for years, vicariously through her delicious recipes and awesome food photography.  One thing about her cooking that I love is that she makes good food by taking the freshest ingredients and making them yummy! I would love to be a guest at her table. She and her husband made a recent move to Phuket and have expanded their marketing business into a full-time effort in paradise. 

POPSICLE SOCIETY

My journey of food, travel and inspiration

Hi, I’m Ribana!

I am a nutritionist, pastry chef, recipe developer, food writer, and ultimately a passionate home cook. I curate and develop recipes that are high on nutrition. I develop and test cost effective, nutritious meals using quality ingredients to help people improve their everyday eating experiences.

I love traveling, cooking and enjoying this beautiful nature. We have a wonderful world.

Life is not always easy  but give us the opportunity. It is a continue experience, a journey with no map and no rules.

We’ve engaged in this never ending adventure! Let’s enjoy the trip and see where will take us.

Check out Ribana’s free book, PASTA, MY FOOD JOURNAL.

Here are a few of my favorite photos from Ribana’s blog.

After a storm, unfortunately this is how it looks Kamala Beach, Phuket

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watching the waves flex their muscles at Kamala Beach, Phuket

Here’s one of my favorite recipes. 

Homemade Gluten-Free Italian Almond-Orange Cake Recipe

If you love life, you have to check out her site. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

 

Plastic Free July
Celebrate Life · Communicating · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Plastic Free July

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Plastic Free July® is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution – so we can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities. Will you be part of Plastic Free July by choosing to refuse single-use plastics?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 35.7 million tons of plastic was generated in 2018 alone, and that number only rises every year. That’s why Plastic-Free July is so important.

Plastic-Free July is a collective one-month effort dedicated to consuming little to no plastic. Throughout the 31 days of the month, it can be truly shocking to discover how much plastic has become engrained in your daily routine. Mostly because there’s plastic in places you would never expect.

While there are obvious sources of plastic—like in single-use water bottles and food packaging—plastic creeps into our lives in other ways, too. It’s in band-aids, chewing gum, nail polish, and beyond, so entirely ridding it from your life isn’t easy.

The good news is by becoming more aware of plastic throughout July, you’ll know how to better avoid it in the months to come.

Here are a few ideas on how to reduce plastic around your household.

Use Insulated tumblers and coffee mugs instead of bottled water or coffee shop cup

Take a reusable grocery bag with you

RECYCLE-rent extra recycling can if needed

Reuse plastic bags is possible

Reuse plastics when possible

If you’re a crafter, look at all the ways plastic can be upcycled

Buy plastic that can be recycled in your area

We have to do our part so future generations will have more than landfills to deal with.

Melinda

References:

https://www.plasticfreejuly.org

https://brightly.eco/plastic-free-july/

 

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

Deep Thoughts

Looking for the Light15 Comments

In this fast-paced social media world, it can be difficult to find the time to look within or back in time. I hope you find these quotes and questions interesting. So glad you stopped by today!

“To be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter…to be thrilled by the stars at night…to be elated over a birds nest or a wildflower in Spring…there are some of the rewards of the simple life”

John Burroughs

 

Melinda

Join Me For The Party of 2024, It’s Everything You Can Dream Of
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Music · Self-Care · Travel

Join Me For The Party of 2024, It’s Everything You Can Dream Of

Looking for the Light7 Comments

I want you to think of a party for everyone including the kids. It’s a huge party outside of town with the perfect weather and tents that are all different depending on your desires. Each is catered with the finest foods and is made to order, Anything you want it’s on the menu. Drinks flow freely and are handled by the finest wait staff who can handle your every request. Outside there are so many activities, a race track for car lovers, axe throwing, chess, and card games. Fun circus games with nice prizes, of course all free. There are all types of activities for kids like scrapbooking, jewelry making, legos, you name it, it’s available for the kids to have a great day. There will be live entertainment from a variety of bands and everyone will hear the music they like.

The party is September 4th, 2024, and starts at dawn and goes to who knows when. After the sun goes down it’s more adult-focused and no doubt the kids will be worn out by then.

Some of the tent ideas are:

Spa tent

Cat tent

Massage tent
Tantric Tent
Infinity Tent
Floating Tent
Time Tent

What I need from you is more ideas for tents, what is it that you would like to indulge in?

As I gather more information about the tents I’ll be explaining what is inside of them. I’ll do this in another post. This is a huge party for the Blogosphere so I need help quickly to continue planning. It’s a worldwide party and everyone is invited. The party is inviting to everyone, we’re all there to enjoy ourselves and not judge others. It’s about peace and harmony, enjoying each other’s company as human beings, and being civilized. No weapons are allowed as this is a harmonious event.

This is the first image I created to give you a look at the layout and the massive nature of the party. The only difference is the tents will be closed not open air as in the image.

 

A huge outdoor party with several large tents and activities happening outside including a race track and a stage for live music performances and food trucks around the tents and a photo booth for fun memories. Image 1 of 4
So start firing ideas off to me so I can plan for everyone.
Melinda
Things I’ve Learned In 61 Years Part One
Celebrate Life · Family · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Things I’ve Learned In 61 Years Part One

Looking for the Light11 Comments

Your family is yours for life, you don’t have to like them.

The previous generation’s mistakes don’t have to continue, you have a choice.

Times have changed, women don’t have to be housewives and serve their husbands hand and foot.

Having a life away from your family is the healthiest thing you can do for yourself.

There is no perfect and why knock yourself out trying. Do the best you can.

Toxic is toxic, cut all toxic relationships and habits from your life.

Don’t overfocus on your health issues, accept them and stay on top of but don’t wallow.

If you are to move forward in life you have to quit looking back. Deal with your issues and move on. Don’t wallow.

There is no bad or good day of the week, each day is a fresh start. If you expect a bad day that’s what you’re going to get.

When life seems to be going wrong, redirect your thoughts to what is going right.

Life is short, we were never promised it would be easy and quit feeling entitled, you’re not.

Find something no matter how small that makes you happy, it’s often the small free things that bring joy.

To be accomplished in life you have to focus on others, not your own needs. That makes you self-centered.

Learning about others is a joy in itself. You never know what you have in common.

Always thank someone for a kind gesture, it also makes you feel better.

The less you judge others, the less you judge yourself.

Melinda

Rare Symptoms You Might Have with Fibromyalgia
Celebrate Life · Chronic Illness · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Rare Symptoms You Might Have with Fibromyalgia

Looking for the Light7 Comments

I’ve charted my struggles with Fibromyalgia for years and it can be debilitating for months, then give you a reprieve just long enough to enjoy and it’s back again. I have been fortunate to not have any major issues in 2024 and it’s a good thing, I have had enough to deal with. I have Restless Leg Syndrome and it can make it so hard to fall asleep, it’s nerve-wracking. I also have Neuropathy in my feet which burn quite bad. I do caution against some of the medications listed below, they are used off-market meaning they’re being used for something they are not approved for, and this is the case with Cymbalta which is a mental illness medication, the side effects are high, and some are dangerous. Anytime you take medication read the Full Prescribing Instructions, not the cliff notes. I’ve taken Cymbalta for my Bipolar Disorder and it’s a rough drug. I was not able to take due to side effects. After spending thousands on medications, and not being able to take them, I now ask the doctor what medication they plan to prescribe and why. Then I ask them to hold off sending the script into the pharmacy while I read the Full Prescribing Information which is available on the manufacturer’s website. After I feel comfortable trying the medication, I have them call the pharmacy. It may sound like a lot of work but you get out what you put in on the front end. Gone are the days of blindly taking a medication a doctor prescribes. 

—————–

Fibromyalgia can lead to unusual symptoms in some people. Knowing the range of symptoms this condition can produce may help with diagnosis and treatment.

Experts estimate that around 4 millionTrusted Source adults in the United States have fibromyalgia. This condition causes widespread pain, brain fog, and mood changes. However, there are many more, less common signs a person may experience.

Keep reading to learn what additional symptoms may be a sign of fibromyalgia, what causes them, and how they can be treated.

Can numbness and tingling be a sign of fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia may cause numbness and tingling, also called paresthesia, in the extremities (arms, legs, hands, and feet) due to the nerves being overly sensitive or compressed. It may feel like a burning or prickling sensation.

Treatment for paresthesia is aimed at addressing the root cause. In this case, fibromyalgia can be treated with various medications that address nerve pain and inflammation

You may manage paresthesia at home with over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications and topical pain relievers.

Can restless leg syndrome be a sign of fibromyalgia?

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) may cause uncomfortable feelings (itching, throbbing, etc.) in the legs and an urge to move the legs. RLS is associated with sleep disturbances, which can affect up to 99% of people with fibromyalgia.

RLS cannotTrusted Source be cured but is managed with things like iron supplements, antiseizure drugs, benzodiazepines, and — in severeTrusted Source cases — opioids. Drugs to increase dopamine (dopaminergic agents) may also help but cause side effects if they’re used long-term.

Managing RLS at home involves:

  • avoiding smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming caffeine
  • following good sleep hygiene habits
  • getting regular exercise, including stretching
  • taking warm baths
  • using heating pads or ice packs

Can sensitivity to touch be a sign of fibromyalgia?

Hypersensitivity to touch, also called allodynia, may be caused by mixed messages from the neurons in the brain sending pain signals when there is no real pain. ResearchersTrusted Source explain that the true cause is mostly unknown.

Allodynia is treated individually. You may work with a pain clinic to get physical therapy, psychological support, and oral medications (like calcium channel antagonists, NSAIDs, etc.) for the pain. 

Without treatment, allodynia may get worseTrusted Source over time. You can manage it by working on stress relief and accepting that the pain may not go away completely.

Other uncommon signs and symptoms

Fibromyalgia affects each person in a different way. Beyond the usual symptoms, there are various other less common signs of fibromyalgia.

They may include:

Treatment may be targeted at the specific symptom(s), or your doctor may suggest treatments for the fibromyalgia itself.

Medications include:

When to talk to your doctor

Make an appointment with your doctor if you experience symptoms that concern you or interfere with your everyday life. Even if your symptoms are not related to fibromyalgia, they may be a sign of some other medical issue that needs attention.

Melinda

Reference:

https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia/rare-fibromyalgia-symptoms?utm_source=Sailthru%20Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=fibro&utm_content=2024-07-16&utm_term=s:hl_n:fibro&apid=36735751&rvid=7f053d6ecf820dccd09e4914833cbd49bdfe95bb517404ee9b41601767d1bace#other-symptoms
Why Houseplants Are Good For Your Mental Health
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Why Houseplants Are Good For Your Mental Health

Looking for the Light30 Comments

I know firsthand how houseplants can be good for my mental health from the joy and rewards I get from my houseplants but I have not researched the topic.

Here are a few photos of my plants and you can see I work hard to keep them healthy and alive. I had a difficult time learning how to not over-water succulents but I have come a long way, only killing two recently.

Copilot had some interesting ideas about mental health and houseplants.

Houseplants offer several mental health benefits, making them more than just stylish decor. Here’s how they can positively impact your well-being:

  1. Improved Mood and Well-Being: The visual presence of houseplants, whether it’s the calming green foliage or the beauty of ornamental flowers, can make you feel more relaxed, secure, and happy1.
  2. Increased Compassion and Patience: Caring for plants encourages empathy and patience, as you learn to nurture and tend to their needs.
  3. Enhanced Self-Esteem: Successfully caring for houseplants can boost your confidence and sense of accomplishment.
  4. Reduced Stress: Being around indoor plants has been linked to reduced stress levels and improved mental health. Even just being in the presence of indoor plants can lead to better cognitive performance, lower physiological stress, and greater pain tolerance2.

So, consider adding some greenery to your living space—it’s good for your mind and body! 🌿🌱34

I agree, just a plant or two can liven up your space and motivate you to care for the plant and watch it grow. It will love you back. 

Melinda

Sending A Special Thanks To The United States, Zambia, Argentina, Cambodia, Cameroon and South Korea
Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Travel

Sending A Special Thanks To The United States, Zambia, Argentina, Cambodia, Cameroon and South Korea

Looking for the Light2 Comments

I am honored that you have taken the time to visit my blog, there’s nothing like hearing the diverse feedback from around the world. I want to give a special shout-out to my home country, The United States. I was born in Dallas and now live north of Dallas in Plano. I can’t imagine living in another country and I’m sure you feel the same way about your homeland. I appreciate you. :)

 

Melinda

Blogger Highlight-Divine Spirit
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Divine Spirit

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their blog with you. This week we highlight Devine Spirit.

                                                                       

Divine Spirit

I am a wanderer, wandering aimlessly through oceans of thoughts, valleys of emotions and deserts of imagination. Writing is a newly unearthed passion of mine which I do on those moments when the duties of life and burdens of tasks had left me for a brief rest of their own. I live in a very rural village in a very tranquil territory with few people who I adore and enjoy being with.

On those moments when I get a little free time, my fellow beings can find me reading inspiring writings that helps to keep my head above the water in turbulent times. I am also an avid observer of human emotions and chooses observation over talking.

God is the most important part of life and I describe myself as a person bearing the sacred blessings of God.

~Devi Bhagavati

A brief about me and my blog:
 
I am Nita, a happy-go-lucky lady living in India, the land of Spirituality. I am a person, who is always silently looking out to the Universe looking for answers. Life in this world amazes me with its treasure of happiness, pain, and equal surprises finding its way to me. When everyday life and duties hold onto me, I sometimes have this unwavering desire to note down my thoughts that appear out of the blue and haunt the corners of my mind forever. In the blog, I am trying to find the answers to my innermost thoughts, bringing joy, bliss, and peace to my heart. I am grateful to all of you for being part of my soul’s journey to ultimate divinity.
 
Here is a link to a post she finds meaningful. 
 
 

Her words are like a flowing river, calming and yet invigorating. Please stop by her blog and say hello.

Melinda

Looking for the Light