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!
Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”Category: Mental Health
Let’s Ring In The New Year And The New Opportunities Coming Our Way!
If you’ve read my blog for a long time, you know I don’t believe in Resolutions. Resolutions are wish lists, which you write down and never look back on because you’re not vested in making real goals for yourself. Pie in the Sky wishes are not going to come your way unless you have skin in the game to make each goal on the list happen.
Don’t put pressure to knock each one off of the list. Commit to a goal and work to make it happen. Some goals may take the entire year to complete, so be patient. Then pick another goal and put a plan in place to accomplish the goal which may involve asking someone for help.
Because of my health issues, I’m realistic about how long the list of goals is. I approach it like work, some goals have to be met, and those beyond meeting your goals are stretch goals. I’ll add a couple stretch goals but don’t feel like I failed if I did not meet them.
2023 has been extremely stressful along with many new diagnoses. My mind has already shifted to 2024. My first goal is to turn my attitude back to being positive. To do that I have two hospitals to file a complaint on and that will help release the scars both hospitals left behind. I feel this is the foundation goal and the others are built from there.
What I know for sure is that in 2024 each of us has new opportunities our way. We have to have open eyes and open hearts to see through the scammers and garbage to see the real opportunities.
I’m not against the parties and excitement of New Year’s Eve, I spent many years indulging myself. After many years with Chronic Illnesses, I look more logical this time of year brings. I want to have goals to help keep my mind focused on where I want to be at the end of 2024.
It’s so funny, I met my husband at a New Year’s Eve party. We were the oldest people there so we sat outside around a fire and smoked a cigar. We just celebrated 22 years of marriage.
Be super safe this holiday if you are out in crowds, wear your mask and if you’re prone to drink passed your limit make sure you have a ride. Life is too short for us to bring negativity or illness into our lives.
Melinda
What’s Your Mood Today?
Introspective
Melinda
Want to help your resolutions stick?
Dec 21, 2017 /
Make this one-word change
Psychologist Susan David explains why a simple switch from “I must go to the gym three times a week” to “I want to go to the gym three times a week” can put your goal within reach.
Ted was a London-based client of mine who became a good friend. He was forty pounds overweight and, because he traveled a lot for work, he found it difficult to get into a healthy routine. After a long flight, he’d show up at a hotel tired, hungry and missing his family. He’d seek out comfort in a cheeseburger and a couple of beers, then he’d graze from the minibar. His wife and doctor were after him to lose weight and exercise, but somehow, knowing what he “had to” do never got him to do it.
Ted married late in life, and he and his wife adopted a boy from Romania named Alex. Alex had been orphaned at a young age and had spent his early years in heartbreaking circumstances. He’d barely been held, touched or spoken to, and was so malnourished he developed long-term learning disabilities.
Despite these difficulties, Alex was a very talented artist. One day, when he was 10, he drew a picture of himself alone, desolate and abandoned. He titled his picture “The Orphan.” Ted was not surprised at the theme — Alex often depicted his early memories — but this time, Ted noted that the figure in the picture was a young adult. When he asked Alex about it, his son began to cry. He said he “just knew” his dad would die because of his poor health habits, leaving Alex fatherless again.
In that moment, Ted later explained to me, he went from feeling that he “had to” change his health habits to feeling that he “wanted to.” He was motivated to get healthy out of love for his child and the desire to see Alex grow up. Ted began to make small changes — ordering salad instead of fries, placing the minibar candy out of sight, and exploring cities on foot rather than by cab — and those changes added up. He lost weight and has kept it off, because he wants to.
When we’re compelled by a wagging finger instead of a willing heart, we end up in an internal tug-of-war between good intentions and less-than-stellar execution.
When we double down on discipline and willpower, this rarely leads to the best results. You may drag yourself to the gym, but how often does that lead to you sticking with an exercise routine? You may call up your relatives out of obligation, but how often do you have a meaningful conversation? When we’re compelled by a wagging finger instead of a willing heart, we end up in an internal tug-of-war between good intentions and less-than-stellar execution.
Twenty-five hundred years ago, Plato captured this inner conflict with his metaphor of a chariot being pulled by two very different horses. One horse was passion — our internal urges — and the other was intellect — our rational, moral mind. Plato understood that we are constantly pulled in two opposing directions by what we want to do and what we know we should do. It is our job, as the charioteer, to tame and guide the horses in order to end up where we want to be.
Modern neuroimaging tells us that whenever the impulsive, reward-seeking system in our brain (passion) conflicts with our rational, long-standing goals (intellect), our brain tries to — pardon the pun — rein things in. Let’s say you’re trying to eat better. You’re at a restaurant, and you spot chocolate mousse on the dessert tray. That triggers activity in your nucleus accumbens, an area of the brain associated with pleasure. You want that chocolate mousse. But, no, you remind yourself, I can’t have it. As you muster up the strength to pass on dessert, your inferior frontal gyrus, a part of the brain associated with self-control, kicks in. With both areas activated, our brain is fighting with itself while we try to decide whether to dig in or abstain.
To make matters more complicated, our baser instincts have a head start. According to brain imaging, when we’re faced with a typical choice, basic attributes like taste are processed on average about 195 milliseconds earlier than health attributes. This might explain why, in one study, 74 percent of people said they would choose fruit over chocolate “at some future date,” but when fruit and chocolate were put in front of them, 70 percent grabbed the chocolate.
Want-to goals reflect a person’s genuine interest and values, while have-to goals are imposed, often by a nagging loved one or by our own sense of obligation.
Fortunately, there is a tiny tweak we can make to help us sidestep this competition between the two horses. Like Ted, we can position our goals in terms of what we want to do, as opposed to what we have to. When we tweak our motivation in this way, we don’t have to worry about which part of us prevails — our passion or our intellect — because our whole self is working in harmony.
Want-to goals reflect a person’s genuine interest and values (their “why”). We pursue them because of personal enjoyment, because of the inherent importance of the goal, or because the goal has been assimilated into our core identity. But most important, these goals are freely chosen by us.
Have-to goals, on the other hand, are imposed, often by a nagging loved one (“You’ve gotta lose that gut!”) or by our own sense of obligation, sometimes related to avoiding shame (“Good grief! I look like the Goodyear blimp! I can’t go to the wedding looking like this!”).
You can choose to eat a more healthful diet out of feelings of fear, shame or anxiety. Or you can choose to eat well because you view good health as an important quality that helps you feel good and enjoy life. A key difference between these two kinds of reasons is that although have-to motivations will allow you to make positive changes for a while, eventually that determination is going to break down.
Studies show, for instance, that two people with the same goal of losing five pounds will see that same serving of chocolate mousse very differently depending on their motivation. The person with a want-to motivation will physically experience it as less tempting (“The dessert looks nice, but I’m just not that interested”) and will perceive fewer obstacles in sticking to the goal (“There are other, healthier options on the menu”). Once she’s tweaked her motivation, she no longer feels like she’s struggling against irresistible forces.
Want-to motivation is associated with lower automatic attraction toward the stimuli that are going to trip you up — the old flame, the martini passing by on a waiter’s tray — and instead draws you toward behaviors that can help you achieve your goals. Have-to motivation, on the other hand, actually ramps up temptation because it makes you feel constricted or deprived. In this way, pursuing a goal for have-to reasons can undermine your self-control and make you more vulnerable to doing what you don’t want to do.
I’m not suggesting we should all simply think positive and ignore real concerns. If you can’t find a want to, then that could be a sign that change is in order.
If life is a series of small moments, each of which can be adjusted ever so slightly, and all of which, in combination, can add up to significant change, imagine how much ground you could gain by employing this simple tweak and finding the want to hidden in the have to. We all fall into these subtle traps of language and think, “I have to be on dad duty today,” or “I have to attend another boring meeting.” When we do this, we forget that our current circumstances are often the result of earlier choices we made in service of our values: “I want to be a father,” or “I love the work that I do and want to excel at my job.”
To be clear, I’m not suggesting we should all simply think positive and ignore real underlying concerns. If you can’t find a want to in some particular facet of your life, then that could be a sign that change is in order. If you entered your field because you wanted to make a difference in the world but your company is focused more on the bottom line, it may be time to switch jobs. Or if you’ve come to realize that your significant other is not the person you thought he was, you might need to seek a new relationship. Finding a want to is not about forcing any particular choice; it’s about making it easier to choose things that lead to the life you want.
Excerpted with permission from Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change, and Thrive in Work and Life by arrangement with Avery Books, a member of Penguin Group (USA) LLC, a Penguin Random House Company. Copyright © 2016, Susan David PhD.
This is a book you might want to add to your shelf or audio to rely on as you face each challenge of “have to” and “want to”.
Melinda
Deep Thoughts
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!
Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”
How to Boost Your Mental Health When Encountering Burnout
Encountering burnout can be a challenging and often overwhelming experience. It typically results from prolonged stress and can manifest as emotional exhaustion, reduced performance, and a lack of motivation. Boosting your mental health during these periods is crucial to recovery and overall well-being. Here’s a comprehensive guide on uplifting your mental health when dealing with burnout.
Recognizing and Acknowledging Burnout
The first step in addressing burnout is recognizing and acknowledging its presence. Burnout can sneak up gradually, making it difficult to identify until it becomes severe. Common signs include constant fatigue, irritability, diminished job performance, and a general feeling of disillusionment. Acknowledging that you are experiencing burnout is not a sign of weakness but rather the first step towards healing and recovery.
Prioritizing Self-Care and Rest
Self-care is vital in combating burnout. This means prioritizing activities that replenish your energy and bring you joy. It could be as simple as reading a book, taking a long bath, or engaging in a hobby. The key is to engage in activities that are for you and about you.
Rest is equally important. This includes getting adequate sleep, as sleep deprivation can exacerbate symptoms of burnout. Creating a bedtime routine, ensuring your bedroom is a comfortable and calming space, and avoiding screens before bedtime can improve the quality of your sleep.
Setting Boundaries and Reducing Stressors
Setting boundaries is crucial in preventing and managing burnout. This might involve saying no to additional responsibilities, delegating tasks, or setting limits on your work hours. It’s important to communicate these boundaries to colleagues, friends, and family so they can support you in maintaining them.
Identifying and reducing stressors in your life is also important. This could mean reevaluating your workload, addressing conflicts, or changing routines that contribute to stress. While not all stressors can be eliminated, managing them effectively can significantly reduce their impact on your mental health.
Seeking Support and Building a Support Network
Dealing with burnout can be isolating, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Seeking support from friends, family, or colleagues can provide a sense of community and understanding. Sometimes, just talking about what you’re going through can be incredibly relieving.
In some cases, professional help may be necessary. This could be in the form of counseling or therapy, which provides a safe space to discuss feelings and develop coping strategies. Support groups can also be beneficial, providing a platform to share experiences and learn from others who are going through similar challenges.
Engaging in Physical Activity and Mindfulness Practices
Physical activity is a powerful tool in boosting mental health. Exercise releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It doesn’t have to be intensive; even a daily walk or light yoga can make a significant difference.
Mindfulness practices like meditation and deep breathing exercises can also be beneficial. They help in managing stress, improving focus, and fostering a sense of peace. These practices can be particularly helpful in moments of overwhelm, helping to ground and center you.
Considering Nutritional Supplements
In certain cases, nutritional supplements can support mental health. Products from science.bio supplements, for example, offer a range of supplements that can assist in managing stress and improving cognitive function. However, it’s important to approach the use of supplements cautiously and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Supplements should complement, not replace, other strategies such as a balanced diet, exercise, and adequate sleep.
Overcoming burnout and boosting mental health requires a multifaceted approach. It involves recognizing the signs of burnout, prioritizing self-care and rest, setting boundaries, seeking support, engaging in physical activity and mindfulness, and potentially incorporating supplements. Remember, recovery from burnout is a gradual process, and it’s important to be patient and kind to yourself as you navigate this journey.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
8 Things We Should Normalize For Trauma Survivors By Friend and Guest Blogger Don’t Lose Hope
Just Pondering
Thank You To All My International Readers
Every day when I see the countries that have visited my blog, I’m grateful. It’s a moment with no walls. Most of us have never talked but I feel your soul. Some of us do talk every day but unless I go to your blog, I don’t know what country you are from.
Today someone from Ukraine stopped by and my heart went through the roof. With the destruction of the war and the toll on the people, I felt blessed that one person was able to put the war to the side for one minute. Thank you.
I want to shout out to the people of Ukraine, the bond, the strength, and most importantly helping each other, and not leaving their neighbors behind is enviable. Ukraine is a very special country and one day I would love to visit to feel your spirit. There is no doubt in my mind Ukraine will rebuild and be stronger for it. President Zelensky is one hell of a man and leader. I love his down-to-earth nature and visiting leaders in his camo! WOW. No pretenses from him. If only America would learn from him.
So far this year, 116 countries have visited my blog, that’s mind-blowing! Many countries surprise me, like China, Russia, and several Middle Eastern countries. Thank you for letting me in your life even for a few minutes.
2023 has been the most challenging for my health and each of you is like a shot in the arm, like medicine.
I’m sending the best wishes your way and praying for your health and happiness.
Melinda
What A Beautiful Day!
I left the hospital a couple of hours ago, I thought about how you have pulled me through one of the most difficult years personally.
Bono’s. voice share my joy!
Melinda
8 Activities That Get You Out Of Your Head
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.
Socialize
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.
Explore The Wilderness
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.
Go Off-Roading
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.
Get Lost In A Good Book
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.
Start Traveling
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.
Learn Something New
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.
Start Journaling
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.
Puzzles And Games
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
R
What’s Your Mood Today?
Thinking about the old days over the weekend, I know how blessed I am to have the experiences. I’ve added a few photos of a couple of adventures. It began at two years old.
Melinda
What Are The Signs A Friend May Be Feeling Stressed Or Anxious?
We, humans, are complicated creatures capable of expressing thousands of emotions. This site shows you that anxiety and stress are common across the natural world, and animals have many ways of showing it. Unfortunately for us, humans can also be very good at hiding those emotions, so it isn’t always possible to tell how a loved one or friend is feeling. Here are a few common signs that may suggest your friend is feeling more anxious or stressed than normal.
Irritable
If you have noticed that small things seem to be bothering your friend more than usual, this could be a symptom of stress or anxiety. The Calm Clinic suggests that irritability is a common sign of anxiety and can cause people to unexpectedly get upset or even lash out. If your friend has displayed these symptoms, do not be afraid to quietly and sympathetically tell them you have noticed a difference in their behavior and ask if there is anything you can do to help. They may not have noticed the change yet themselves, so give them time and space if they need it to think about their behavior and any reasons that might be causing them to feel more irritable.
Not Sleeping
If your colleague at work is constantly reaching for the coffee, making silly mistakes, and looking exhausted, they may not be getting enough sleep. Anxiety and stress can throw off sleep patterns very quickly. According to Medical News Today, the link between stress and sleep deprivation is very common, with only 35% of Americans getting the correct amount of sleep. A lack of sleep can cause mental health problems to worsen and deepen, so sleep deprivation must be tackled. Again, this is a case of having a quiet word and asking if there is anything that keeps them up at night. If there is a worry often sharing it confidentially can help a friend to put things into perspective. Assure your friend that any discussions can be confidential, and you would only ever break confidentiality if you were worried they may harm themselves or others.
Diet Changes
Our diet can fluctuate wildly due to stress and anxiety. Some people may overeat or reach for junk food over healthier options. Others swing the other way and may cut out food altogether. Of course, dietary changes are not always linked to mental health. Only raise the question with a friend if you feel the pattern has been sustained over a substantial period, and if you suspect stress or anxiety may be the trigger for the dietary shift. You can help someone by offering to cook meals or to share lunches with them. Even a few meals in a freezer that they can reach for when they don’t have the energy to cook can make a huge difference to someone’s overall well being.
If your friend does let you know that they are feeling more anxious or stressed than usual, then reassure your friend that there are easy steps you can both take together which will help. Look online for expert advice and positive stories from those who have been in similar situations.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Shedding Light On Mental Health
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 Shedding Light On Mental Heath.
Shining a light on Mental Illness
Hi and welcome to my blog “Shedding Light on Mental Health.” My name is Amy Gamble and I am a National Award winning Mental Health Advocate focused on educating others about Mental Health related challenges.
I live with bipolar disorder and PTSD. My journey has been very long and difficult, but I was able to overcome my mental health challenges and recover.
I try to offer hope in my blogs as well as share insights.
Amy and I have followed each other for years. I’m overjoyed she has jumped over her challenges. What she didn’t say is that she is an Olympian and respected Speaker. You have to visit Amy’s blog.
Melinda
Deep Thoughts
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!
Continue reading “Deep Thoughts”Just Pondering
My Life Needs An Overhaul
A Little Backstory
My life is blessed, I understand life is about ups and downs and how we respond can change our life’s course. With the ups and downs I’ve experienced, my backbone is much stronger which helps when I feel pushed around, lately by doctors.
My new Psychiatrist who I’ve only met once in person and one video call. We haven’t established a relationship, that takes time. Every time we’ve talked, I leave with more questions. He’s all business which is great but he interrupts me and keeps on talking until he changes the subject, not anymore! At times I feel like he’s charted my future and I won’t fit a peg. Our meeting in January will not be more of the same. I’m taking back control of the topic even if I have to wait until the end of the meeting.
I want a collaborative relationship, which means I am a blank slate and WE fill in the blanks as we go. Taking a predefined peg board and pushing me into the holes will not work and it’s focused on what you want not what I need. He is up on new studies and he likes to mention them as if they are the only way to treat a patient. I will continue seeing him because finding another Psychiatrist is hard, they need extensive training on Bipolar Disorder.
My Life
When I look forward, all I see is the same
I have no extended family
No friends
The only people I see are doctors and my hairdresser
I can only drive in a 3-4 radius of the house due to cognitive impairment and Agrophobia
Have to coordinate schedules when I need my husband to take me to appointments
Lack of joy and hobbies
My Hobbies
Blog
Photography
Bird watching from the kitchen window
Green Thumb inside and out
Ancestry
Reality
Driving limited
Agoraphobia
Dealing with multiple chronic illnesses
Cognitive Impairment
:(
This is a glimpse into my daily life or the lack of it. It’s hard to rebuild your life with several chronic illnesses, cognitive impairment, and Agrophobia. I’m building a new Bucket List that fits my new life. I kept fooling myself that I could complete my old list but it’s not possible now.
If you don’t already have a Bucket List I encourage you to start one, it may change your life.
I work hard not to think about what I can’t do, and stay focused on the here and now.
How do you deal with life challenges?
I can’t wait to see how you respond, and what I can learn from you.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Olive Tree Saints
Thank you for the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their blog with you. This week highlights the blog of Olive Tree Saints.
Olive Tree Saints
I’m a child of God, wife and mother. I’m also an incredibly flawed Christ-follower who wants to be available to God for whatever He gives me to do in this later chapter of my life. That means taking care of my wellness so I’m ready when He calls.
As someone who lives with fibromyalgia, I know how hard it can be to start and stick to a wellness plan, especially if it’s not personalized for you. I’m here to help you with that!
Terri is a certified Personal Trainer, Health Coach, and Nutrition Coach who wants to help others be as healthy as possible for them.
Terri loves life, and she’s inspiring. You have to check her out.
Melinda
Life Is Too Short For Stress That Steals Your Joy
I’ve been out of the workforce since 2005 to help take care of my Granny who had Dementia. My previous positions were in Executive Sales, a high-stress job. Since my Granny’s death, there have been many stressful times, too many to count but we made it work, or work it out.
Now I’m 60 years old with multiple chronic illnesses including Chronic Kidney Diseases and severe balance problems. I am Agoraphobic and have cognitive impairment which means I only drive within a 3-4 mile radius of the house.
When I learned about the Kidney Diseases my attitude about life changed. I don’t let the littlest things stress me out.
I’ve become a laid-back person after receiving news about my Kidneys, hearing you have 2-5 years to live will kick you in the arse. I’m not taking medication, doing dialysis, or getting a Kidney Transplant. I’m waiting my turn to enter the Pearly Gates and working to be in the moment.
I am more apt to say what’s on my mind, eliminating stress is a daily goal, making sure I’m getting enough sleep, and letting things blow over instead of engaging in conversation. To net it out, I have little joy in my life and at times angry at all the chronic illnesses I have.
I finally accepted that my current Bucket List isn’t relevant anymore and have started a new Bucket List. It’s short now but will grow.
Life is too short for stress to steal your time and affect your mood.
Melinda
Thoughts Of An Abused Child
I’ve kept these thoughts to myself but this post came together as thoughts of my childhood and teenage years. My life didn’t get better until I went to boarding school and went to live with my grandparents 14 years old.
“how many times can I scrap the food off my plate and spit the rest into my napkin before an explosion happens”.
“no way will I invite anyone to the house, it would probably be the last time I see them”.
“why me and not my brother, I forgot he’s the chosen child”
” house is an explosion to happen, either I get beat or she gets it, it will happen”
“you cut my hair so bad, probably on purpose”
” I can’t make any noise so most of the time I’m in the closet.”
“I won’t make friends because I don’t want anyone to find out.”
“you tried to kill me at 6 months old by leaving me in the bathtub and going downstair to talk to granny, you left me to die?”
“you always tell me how much you hate my father and I’m just like him. Does that mean you hate me? I think so.”
“my first attempt at suicide was at 9 years old.”
“you abused me starting at 6 months old, you’re a monster”
“out of sight, we called him Hitler.”
“because you were forced to marry Daddy when you got pregnant, might I add that you were engaged to someone else?”
“you let your mother and her mother say such horrible things like, I was a mistake, you’ve ruined your mother’s life time after time.”
“you didn’t tell me anything about menstruation. I went to the bathroom at school and totally freaked because something was wrong with me. A teacher had to come get me.”
This is all I can write, so many emotions to deal with. Sharing is good for others in the same place or know someone living with domestic violence.
Melinda
Melinda
Easy DIY Moisturizing Detox Bath Soak
From Brindin.com
Relax in an all-natural moisturizing detox bath that soothes dry skin while you de-stress. This bath soak has the beautiful look and feel of fresh snow PLUS it leaves skin feeling silky soft and promotes better sleep.
- Magnesium Sulfate: Popularly known as Epsom Salt. Magnesium is used for treating anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, leg cramps, migraine headaches, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), restless leg syndrome, skin infections and more.
- Sodium Bicarbonate: Popularly known as Baking Soda. Sodium bicarbonate makes bath water alkaline which soothes irritated skin, relieves pain or itching, and leaves the skin feeling silky.
- Virgin Coconut Oil: Virgin coconut oil is pressed from the “meat” of the coconut. It has a high content of lanauric acid which is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial. It aids in skin healing and moisturizing.
- Sweet Almond Oil: Almond oil is pressed from edible almonds. It is rich in Vitamin E, monounsaturated fatty acids, and proteins plus minerals and vitamins. It is good for moisturizing and healing skin.
- Essential Oils:
- Lemon Essential Oil is distilled from the peel of the lemon. It is high in d-limonene, a powerful antioxidant. Lemon oil is nourishing to the skin, improves mood, and supports the immune system.
- Peppermint Essential Oil is derived from the leaves of the peppermint plant. It helps increase blood flow to the skin, is muscle-soothing, and has a mentally relaxing effect
- Rosemary Essential Oil is distilled from the fresh flowering tops of the fragrant evergreen plant. It is used to stimulate blood circulation, relieve headaches and muscle aches, reduce stress, and boost the immune system.
This all-natural moisturizing detox bath soothes dry skin while raising magnesium levels to aid in de-stressing. This bath soak leaves skin feeling silky soft and supple and promotes better sleep.
Makes: 5 baths
INGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup Coconut Oil (melted)
- 1/4 cup Almond Oil
- 40-80 drops Essential Oils (lemon, rosemary, peppermint)
- 3 cups Epsom Salts
- 2 cups Baking Soda
INSTRUCTIONS
- Whisk together the melted coconut oil and almond oil.
- Stir in essential oils. (10-20 drops lemon, 10-20 drops rosemary, 20-40 drop peppermint)
- Add Epsom salts and baking soda, and stir to combine.
- The bath salts will have the texture of fresh snow.
Store in an air-tight jar.
HOW TO TAKE A MOISTURIZING DETOX BATH
Take a magnesium bath at night just before going to bed for best results. The magnesium will help you relax while the moisturizing ingredients soothe and soften skin.
To prepare a bath: Fill the tub with hot water. Add the Magnesium Detox Bath salts then soak for 20-30 minutes. Add music, candles, a good book or an interesting podcast to make bath time more enjoyable.
Make sure to have a cold glass of drinking water within reach to rehydrate during the bath. After soaking pat dry and go to bed.
DETOX BATH WARNINGS
If you have any medical conditions or take prescription medicines you should consult with your doctor before taking a moisturizing detox bath. Hot bath water can cause dehydration and dizziness. You should drink lots of water while taking a detox bath and never take a detox bath when using drugs or alcohol.
Enjoy!
It sounds very easy to make and it’s great that you can make 5 baths worth per batch. Makes a great gift too.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Live & Learn
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 of Live & Learning.
Live & Learn
I can’t sleep
I grew up in Ootischenia, a small town in British Columbia, Canada – population of 500. I grew up fishing, playing hockey and tormenting my younger brothers. Under firm parental guidance, I learned the “life trades” of discipline, work ethic and execution. Fast forward more than 20 years of working and leading in large U.S. companies. A learner.
I have followed David for years, interviewed him twice and his photography will blow your mind! He can be funny and their dog, Wally writes the best post.
Live & Learn is a site on many topics and tons of photos you have to see. David has inspired me for years. I bet you will want to follow him.
Melinda
The Problem with Memory by Don’t Lose Hope
Just Pondering
Everyone needs time to themselves for a while. Perhaps it’s to do deep thinking, to relax, or just enjoy some peace and quiet.
Where is your favorite place to go when you need to be alone?
My office with the door shut and enjoying the smell of candles.
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
Just Pondering
What song lyrics perfectly capture who you are as a person?
Pharrell Williams – Happy (Video)
Melinda
Field Guide by Stampington
10 Christmas Gift Ideas for Your Stressed-Out Friend
This year has been turbulent, to say the least. The risk of illness, and losing your job, it’s enough to make the calmest of people feel stressed and anxious inside.
Everyone has undoubtedly experienced struggles this year, your friends included. And so, if you’re wondering what thoughtful gifts to buy this year to cheer up your closest, the solution lies in getting them something that will help bring on relaxation. And below, we’ve got just the ticket, in the form of 10 gift ideas to consider giving this year.
Photo by Kim Stiver from Pexels – CC0 Licence
Pajamas
Pajamas are the ultimate pieces of clothing associated with relaxation and sleep. Gift your friend some super-soft pajamas to snuggle into this Christmas, and you’re sure to increase their comfort and make them feel more relaxed in an instant.
Vape Pen
Vape pens such as bloom farms rose gold highlighter are a sleek and handy gift for your friends who like to vape. Don’t forget to add CBD solutions to the present, too (CBD calms nerves and anxiety).
Weighted Blanket
Find a snuggly blanket for your friend, preferably one that feels heavy. Heavy blankets help to reduce anxiety in sufferers because they emulate the feeling of a big warm hug.
Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is an essential oil that can help your best friend unwind. Lavender is a natural sleep aid, which can tempt over-thinkers and anxious friends to sleep with ease.
Dark Chocolate
Chocolate will never go down a miss with anyone. The delicious edible is also proven to positively impact a person’s well-being, improving their mood and immunity.
Therapy Putty
Therapy putty is the perfect gift for your friend who needs stress relief on the go. Squishing therapy putty between your fingers is great for reducing stress levels and can help your friend feel more at ease.
Journal
Stress and anxiety strike at any moment. Often at inconvenient times when there’s no one around to talk to, to help rationalize and organize their thoughts. As a remedy, gift a journal to your overthinking friend so that they can write down what they feel when you’re not around to listen.
Plant
A few indoor plants are well-known for reducing stress. Greenery, in general, is excellent for your well-being. Snake and basil plants have calming properties that put their owners at ease. If your friend has office space at home, suggest they pop it on their desk to help them manage their stress throughout the day.
Bath Bomb
A scented bath bomb will encourage your friend to use your gift by taking a hot bath, which is all part of your ploy to help them relieve stress.
Candle
A soothing aroma can make a world of difference to how we feel. And having flickering candles around the room is relaxing to see. From tea lights to a large Yankee candle, there are a lot of candles out there that would make an ideal relaxing gift for your friend.
Suppose your friend is going through a rough patch or seems particularly down or stressed as of late. You don’t need to wait until Christmas to send them one of the thoughtful gifts above. For most of the ideas above you can order online and get sent directly to your friend. It’s just a case of picking your gifts and shipping them over.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Blogger Highlight-Cindy Knoke
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series. I’ve enjoyed sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Cindy Knoke.
Cindy Knoke
Photography, Birds and Travel
My closest neighbors are coyotes (packs and packs of them and they are HUNGRY), rattlers (lots and lots of them and they are MEAN), and free range cows/bulls (the bulls aren’t too friendly either).
Forget cell phones. They don’t work out here. Forget GPS, it misdirects.
It’s best not to wander too much out here, the people (and their dogs) are kinda twitchy.
To reach The Holler turn right at the reeking chicken farm, proceed down a bunch of pot-holed semi-streets/dirt roads, past the abandoned refrigerators and occupied old RV’s and then things get kinda dicey.
My friends usual reaction to the trip to The Holler is, “You’ve got to be kidding!” Or, “Next time let’s meet half way.”
I have known Cindy for many years, she’s kind, smart, loves to travel, and is an excellent photographer.
Melinda
How Do You Heal From Trauma?
I had a conversation with my Therapist about healing from trauma recently. I asked her, if a traumatic memory is triggered and there is no emotion or pain associated with it does that mean it’s not traumatic anymore. She explained that the memory is still traumatic until I attach a memory to it.
Everyone has trauma in their life. It could be the death of a loved one, a horrific car accident, losing your job, or any other trauma you can think of including chronic illnesses. Many people push the trauma down and go about their business. When I was younger most of my worst traumas were in a box. It’s a survival method and not the recommended way to heal!
I started seeing my Therapist 30 years ago, and we’ve slowly talked through most of my trauma. Healing is a slow process but a necessary one. I’m sharing my slimmed-down description of the process. Healing also includes self-care, lots of self-care, and giving yourself grace.
Healing Process
The first step is acknowledging the trauma.
You need to talk to a Therapist about the trauma in great detail. This can be difficult which means you may talk about one trauma for a month or more.
Once you’ve talked through the trauma it’s easy to think you’re healed. Not so.
The final step to healing is taking each trauma and adding emotion to it. This is a tough part. You have to mentally go back to the trauma and feel the emotion felt at the time and process it.
She reminded me that I had to relive the trauma and feel the emotion. I didn’t have to think about it, I’m not going back. Why? My daily life is not affected, the memories rarely come up, if at all, and I can deal with that. In the future, if a memory hits hard and stays with me, I will take the next step.
We all deserve to live our best life and you have to make your own decisions. You’re in charge, if you are not ready to talk, don’t talk. Please know that all traumatic memories stay with you until you process them. Once you are ready to talk, go at your own speed, healing is no marathon.
At times of trauma and stress, individuals may turn to drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism in an attempt to ease pain or escape overwhelming emotions related to their experiences. While such substances may provide temporary relief, reliance on substances often complicates healing journeys further, leading to further emotional and physical problems. Recognizing such tendencies is key, as this allows individuals to explore healthier coping strategies. Getting assistance from professionals such as therapists, support groups, and facilities like Woburn Addiction Treatment may lead to more constructive routes toward healing while stressing that healthy alternatives exist despite the challenges you experience.
To achieve healing of any type, you have to feel positive toward your Therapist in order to build trust in them. It may take seeing several before meeting a person you click with. Once you trust them, stay with them.
My version of healing from trauma may sound easy but I assure you it’s not. My mother left me in the bathtub at six months old and went downstairs to talk with my Granny before being asked where I was. The trauma builds from there and I survived with the help of my Grandparents and my Therapist.
The process of dealing with trauma can bring up other unpleasant emotions relating to these memories, such as anxiety. Going back and reliving events from the past prevents you from repressing them as you normally would. It feels like blood-letting while you’re doing it, but it is also one of those things that’s essential. If you don’t go through it (preferably with the help of a therapist), it’ll all stay inside you and you won’t get better.
Even if you’re not ready to deal with the tough stuff, there are many benefits to having a Therapist to talk to. My Therapist has helped me deal with so much more than trauma.
Melinda
What’s Your Mood Today?
The Steps to Take to Improve Your Self-Worth
Many people struggle with confidence and self-worth, and if you’re one of those people, there are lots of things you can do to start reversing the situation. Taking positive steps in the right direction will enable you to start feeling better about yourself and more confident on a day-to-day basis. We’re going to talk now about some of the steps you should try to take.
Practice Forgiveness
First of all, you need to get into the habit and mindset of forgiving. It’s impossible to feel positive about yourself if you’re forever hanging onto old resentments and things like that. They’re not going to help you to move forward and focus on your own well-being and self-worth. There really is no benefit to be found from carrying around grudges and resentments with you.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
One thing that many of us are guilty of us is comparing ourselves to others. But it’s something that’s not healthy and not positive in any way at all. When you compare yourself to someone else, whether you’re focusing on the good or the bad, it sets up the wrong paradigm. You don’t need to measure your own success and worth by that of someone else. It’s a negative way of looking at the situation.
Get Into the Habit of Exercising
Exercising is good for the body and the mind. You tend to feel invigorated and positive after you’ve been exercising, whether that means going for a short job around the park or a long session in the gym. It’s entirely up to you what kind of exercise you do and how you balance it, but you should certainly try to exercise a little more if you can. You’ll notice the difference it makes.
Do Your Bit to Help Those Less Fortunate Than You
There are so many people who are worse off than yourself, even when you feel like your life is pretty tough. If you want to feel better about yourself and the impact you’re having on the world, you should think about how you can do things such as help the homeless or volunteer your time and effort in other ways. That way, you’ll be having a positive impact on the world.
Carry Yourself with Confidence Each Day
The way in which you carry yourself and conduct yourself in your day-to-day life can help to move your feelings of self-worth in the right direction. Try to be as confident as you can each day. Acting confidently will breed inner confidence and that’s what you’re looking for right now. It’s within your power to change these things.
We all deserve to feel a higher sense of self-worth, so if this is something that you’ve been struggling with recently, you should do what you can to change that. And the tips we’ve discussed here will certainly make that possible for you, so try to implement them in your day-to-day life.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 