Yesterday, I Was A Champ!

March 2, 2023 Looking for the Light20 Comments

My health has held me back for a long time but the last 6-8 months have been hell. It’s also had an impact on my mental health. I’m inside every day unless going to doctors and the salon, and the natural effect of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) has added to my depression.

Today was the best day since I don’t know when. First I got up standard time and took all my medications, (Pat on the back). Then I got busy, and with the help of hubby, we changed the sheets and cleaned the entire bedroom. That feels so good!!!!!

I watered the inside plants and started cleaning up outside to be ready for Spring. I trimmed the rose and cleared the debris from the Lillies and several other flowers and plants.

I still have several plants, about 10 that I’m still protecting from the cold in the garage but they are all growing leaves. There is also another small rose bush and a mum to prepare. That’s for another good day.

I’ve included some photos for your entertainment. This amount of work was completed before noon before I became ill. My Fibromyalgia cooperated today.

Lillies

Small Rose

Beautiful Ivy

Monstera

Silver Satin Pothos

Huge Orchid

Small Rubber Tree

My favorite ZZ plant, it’s over 3 ft tall.

Mum

Most afternoons I rest in bed but not today. It’s 3:00 pm and I’m still going. I’m celebrating this day because they happen so rarely. Today I can feel good about all that was accomplished and I don’t feel the guilt that I often feel for spending so much time in bed.

Wishing you a great day, however, you spend it. You have good days ahead.

Melinda

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

Deep Thoughts

February 28, 2023 Looking for the Light8 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!

Continue reading →

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

Blogger Highlight-Windy’s Journey

February 27, 2023 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Wendy’s Journey.

Windy’s Journey

A Chronic Illness Blog By: Windy Johnson-Cumberbatch, CPC

My name is Windy Johnson-Cumberbatch. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Lyme Disease and later Chronic Fatigue Syndrome in the summer of 2014 after over a decade of severe illness and countless misdiagnosis. I had Fibromyalgia prior to contracting Lyme Disease and the co-infections that came along with it.

Be sure to check out her blog, it’s very helpful.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Chronic Pain · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

Small Lifestyle Changes To Make When Living With Chronic Pain

February 23, 2023October 10, 2025 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Living in constant pain can make you feel like you are alone and there is no one who understands what you are going through. Chronic pain conditions vary and each person living with chronic pain will have their own pain thresholds and triggers. At times, it may seem like there is nothing you can do, especially when traditional pain medication doesn’t have any effect. It is at times like this when people try other methods of medicating.

For some, different types of pains and symptoms can be managed or even eradicated with a few changes to your diet. It may seem futile however if nothing else is working you have nothing to lose by trying. Adapt what you do during your day-to-day life to see if different things affect your pain level. For example, many chronic pain patients credit the sun and warmth for lowering their pain levels. For this reason, it could be worth looking into how you can increase your vitamin D intake and get more sun into your life.

Many people find adding exercise into their lives can help with certain types of pain. Working up slowly to adding beneficial exercise to your daily routine as and when you can help you to look after your body despite your pain levels. Yoga, pilates, and simple stretching exercise will help you to remain fit and supple and in some cases decrease your pain levels.

There is no scientific evidence that links drastic diet changes with the eradication of pain from chronic pain conditions. However, it is thought that certain types of foods can inflame the body in different ways making pain worse. From cutting out dairy to reduce additional IBS symptoms or abdominal pain to avoiding nightshade foods to reduce pain and inflammation for Fibromyalgia, arthritis, and more.

There have also been suggestions that eating clean and switching to a more plant-based diet can help control pain levels. While fatty and processed foods aren’t healthy for anyone when overconsumed, there is nothing to lose by changing up your diet and eating a more natural diet, and reducing your meat, specifically red meat intake.

Many chronic pain sufferers will all tell you that sleeping is a problem. It’s a vicious circle to be told you need to get more sleep yet sleep is elusive due to your pain. But by creating as relaxing a sleep environment as can help you to relax even if you can’t sleep. Your body repairs itself during sleep and getting good quality sleep remains important despite your health condition.

Find your optimal sleeping temperature and noise level, try using a white noise app if you needed, and also use comfortable bedding. Set your limits for screen time and electronics and try to create a relaxing bedtime routine that indicates you are ready for sleep. This won’t always be possible but it is worth persevering to help you improve your sleep quality.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight- Your Plate or Mine

February 20, 2023 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Your Plate or Mine.

Your Plate or Mine

I write poems and short prose about love and inspiration. I use different types of poems to highlight and I enjoy the writing prompts from other poetry and blog sites.

Check her out!

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Self-Care

5 Simple Steps For Dealing With Mental Health Challenges

February 19, 2023January 23, 2025 Looking for the Light8 Comments

Mental health issues affect one in four people. This could range from stress, anxiety, and depression, to severe mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or borderline personality disorder.

Often, it can be hard to understand the cause of these mental health problems. They may be triggered by something that has gone on in your life such as the loss of a loved one, or a big change such as moving to a new city, or a career change. Whatever the cause, you must practice self-care.

But what can you do to treat your mental health problems?

Here are some steps you should take if you are experiencing any mental health difficulties in your life.

Speak To Your Doctor

If you are struggling with stress, anxiety, or depression in your life, then you should speak with your doctor at the earliest possible opportunity. Your doctor should talk you through what is happening in your life in order to understand whether you should be treated with self-care,

antidepressant medication, or whether you would be a suitable candidate for talking therapy such as cognitive behavior therapy.

Speak To A Counselor

If you can speak with a counselor, do so. You may be able to get referred to one by your doctor. If not, there are plenty of specialist counselors that will be able to take you on.

Different counselors and therapists will have their own approaches to dealing with mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Make sure that you are happy with the counselor’s approach before you commit to a course of sessions with them.

Use CBD And Other Alternative Treatments

One of the areas that there is growing research into is the use of alternative treatments such as CBD. CBD comes from the same plant as cannabis except it doesn’t have any of the psychoactive ingredients cannabis does. It just relaxes you and relieves symptoms of stress and anxiety.

Another alternative treatment option may be psychedelics. You can read more about this at psychedelicspotlight.com.

Eat Well

There is a lot that can be said about the way that you eat. By making sure that you are eating a balanced diet, you will be able to help to give yourself the energy that you need to keep going.

To fight off stress and depression with your diet you should look at getting your starch fixed with whole grains and beans. You should be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. Instead of eating red meats, you should eat fatty fish like salmon or tuna. Finally, add in healthy fats, such as raw nuts and olive oil.

Exercise

Exercising is a great way of clearing your head. It gives you endorphins, a feel-good hormone that will balance out the stress hormones your body will naturally produce.

Start small. Even going for a short walk will be very helpful.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Throwback Thursday

February 16, 2023 Looking for the Light5 Comments

Here’s a triple of Shaggy, along with Guest Sting. Both have the most unique voices. Have fun, kick back, and jam until you have a big smile.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Tips To Improve Your Wellbeing This Winter

February 15, 2023February 15, 2023 Looking for the Light8 Comments

Many people can fall into a slump during the colder winter months when there is less sunlight and motivation is low, but there are some easy ways to lift your spirits.

Create a vision board

A good way to raise yourself from a slump is to create a vision board. A vision board is a collection of images and keywords that you design and assemble on a large piece of paper, for example, which visualizes your hopes and dreams for the future. Vision boards are motivational, particularly when you lose sight of what you are working for. They are equally beneficial when life becomes a little monotonous.

Some ideas to include in a vision board are career aspirations, travel plans, and personal growth targets.

Making a vision board can calm your mind, as it taps into your creativity and helps you focus on your current action. Plus, seeing your finished work day after day is sure to encourage inspiration.

Photo by Mikechie Esparagoza from Pexels

Chat with a friend or companion

It’s important to reach out to friends, relatives, or companions when you are feeling low. Even if you are feeling cheerful, getting in contact with someone you have not spoken to in a while might raise their spirits without you even realizing it.

As we get older, we tend to get stuck in our daily routines and forget that life is about connections and relationships. Older adults can especially yearn for a chat, or for a helping hand, which is why Seniors Helping Seniors is an invaluable service.

Photo by Sam Lion from Pexels

Practice physical fitness activities you enjoy

‘Going for a run’ is easier said than done for a lot of us. Especially in the cold, wet weather, running can be a real drag. However, there are plenty of alternative sports and fitness activities that will make you forget you’re even exercising – you’ll be having that much fun.

For one, dancing is a great way to release energy and work up a sweat with a smile on your face. You don’t need a studio to let your hair down, dancing in your room is encouraged. Whack on your favorite tunes and spend 20 minutes to an hour moving about to the music.

If mobility is an issue for you, swimming is an excellent way to stay fit and prevent any muscle or joint discomfort.

Walking and power-walking are also other ways to get your daily exercise without it seeming too strenuous. For those busy days, this activity can tie in with work or socializing, as you could schedule a walking meeting or catch-up. Or, if you need a break from everything, going for a solo walk is a sure way to clear your head. You could even find a scenic route and make a trip out of it, rather than just walking around the block.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

Do something that makes you laugh

A simple way to distract yourself from the winter blues is to have a giggle. So, get comfy and pick a comedy film or stand-up show you know you will like, and even if you can’t muster a belly laugh, just feeling yourself smile can brighten your mood.

There are also plenty of apps and old-school games that will have you rolling on the floor laughing with friends or family. For smartphone users, try Heads Up!, it’s like a digital version of charades that can be played anywhere. Or if you’re at home, a card game like Snap or Uno is sure to cheer you up.

Maximize your sunlight hours

Going to bed early is never more important than in the winter. Our well-being depends on us getting a decent amount of sleep. For some people that means 8 hours of shuteye, for others, it’s more.

Find out what works for you, and go to bed at a time that allows for a full 8+ hours of sleep until daybreak, so the sunrise works as a natural alarm clock. Seeing a full day’s worth of sunlight can improve your mood dramatically. This is because catching the sun’s rays each day is associated with an increased level of serotonin in the body, a hormone that stabilizes our feelings of well-being.

Photo by Jonathan Petersson from Pexels

Journal or talk it out

If you have considerable worries, or stress is getting on top of you. It’s a good idea to let out your thoughts and emotions either via pen or verbally with a counselor or therapist. Writing or talking about it can help you release negative feelings and therefore improve your well-being.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Happy Valentines!

February 14, 2023 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Have a heart full of love to day.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How Can You Maintain Your Mental Health When You Have A Stressful Job?

February 14, 2023September 27, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

If you have a stressful job, you might find that your mental health is taking quite a beating every now and then. The good news is that there are things that you can do to maintain your mental health even when you have a stressful job so that you don’t find yourself so close to burnout all of the time. Now, you might think this isn’t possible, but we can assure you it is. In this article, we’ll be talking about some of the ways you can succeed in doing this, so keep reading if you would like to find out more.

Ensure You Have A Job You Like

First, it helps if you ensure that you have a job that you like. If you’re constantly trying to manage your mental health but you’re stuck in a job that you hate, then this is going to make things harder. Stress can be handled, but the fact that you hate your job on top of this is going to make everything worse, and it’s going to make it more difficult to come out of the other side.

So, the first thing that you should be doing then is moving into a job that you like. Even if you’re out there locking down mortgage protection leads, as long as you like it, you’re going to have a much better chance of maintaining your mental health in the long term. This will reduce the amount of stress that you feel already as you will be happier in what you are doing!

Learn Some Calming Techniques

Another thing that we recommend is that you learn some calming techniques. You want to look into things like breathing exercises so that you can step away from the situation when things start to become overwhelming. When this happens, it helps if you remind yourself of the things that make you happy, think about them, and bring some calm into your life. Stress can only be combated by calm, anything else is going to make it worse.

It might even be worth speaking to someone about how you are feeling as they may have some more suggestions on what you can do.

Don’t Stress Yourself Out Too Much

Last but not least, we know that it’s hard, but try not to stress yourself out too much. There’s a difference between working hard and spreading yourself too thin. Our recommendation is to find someone that you can look up to in your industry like Paul Ognibene in real estate development and look into their path to success. If you can plan out a course of action on how to get to where you want to be, you may find yourself becoming less stressed and more focused.

We hope that you have found this article helpful, and now see some of the things that you can do to maintain your mental health when you have a stressful job. You can keep a hold on your mental health without having to give up your job, helping you to live the best life possible! We wish you the very best of luck with this and hope that you see success in trying out these things.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight-Crippled Cowgirl

February 13, 2023 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 site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Crippled Cowgirl.

Crippled Cowgirl

I’m child number three of eight, Catholic in case you’re wondering, the lost child if you follow family dynamics. It fits.

We were raised on a stunningly beautiful cattle and hay ranch in the Flint Creek Valley of southwestern Montana. Whomever came up with the term “Free Range Children” unknowingly described us to the tee.

Be sure to check out her interesting blog and outlook on life.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Dog’s Health: A How-To Guide

February 10, 2023 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Dogs are a part of the family for many people, and it’s important to make sure they stay healthy. There are many simple ways to boost your dog’s health without spending a lot of money. That said, this blog post will discuss four easy ways to keep your furry friend happy and healthy!

1) Feed a Balanced Diet

Feeding a balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to keep your dog healthy. This means providing them with the essential nutrients they need while avoiding excessive amounts of certain foods. High-quality dry and wet food, as well as treats, should be included in your pup’s diet. You may be wondering is seaweed good for dogs, but even this food can provide a range of health benefits for your pup!

When it comes to feeding your pup, it’s important to consider their size, activity level, age and any other health concerns when selecting the right food. Make sure that these are formulated for dogs specifically and do not contain any ingredients that could harm them. Additionally, ensuring that your pup receives adequate amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates and vitamins for their stage in life is important for their growth and development.

As always, provide fresh water daily, monitor their weight and consult with a veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns about what to feed them. With a balanced diet tailored to your pup’s needs, they will be able to live a long and healthy life!

2) Exercise Regularly

Just like humans, dogs need regular exercise to stay healthy. Depending on the breed and size of your dog, this can range from short walks around the block a few times a week to longer trips to the park or beach. Exercise is important for not only physical health, but also mental stimulation, preventing boredom and helping them release any built-up energy.

If you live in an area with cold winters it’s important to be mindful of when you take your pup out so they don’t get too cold. Additionally, using a harness instead of a collar while walking can help protect their neck from strain if they pull on the leash or try to run away. With regular exercise your pup will have the energy they need to stay healthy and active!

3) Provide Mental Stimulation

Mental stimulation is just as important for your dog’s health as regular exercise. Whether it’s playing fetch or providing interactive toys, dogs need to use their minds in order to stay alert and mentally engaged. Providing mental stimulation can also help reduce destructive behavior and keep them from getting bored.

One way to give your pup mental stimulation is by playing games with them, such as hide-and-seek or tug-of-war. These activities can not only be fun for both you and your pup but also encourage problem solving and reward-based learning. Additionally, food puzzles are a great way to provide mental stimulation while also giving them some treats! Through the use of these types of puzzles, your pup will have to think about how to access the treats hidden inside, helping stimulate their brains and developing problem solving skills.

Another way to provide mental stimulation for your pup is through obedience training and agility courses. Training sessions can help build confidence while providing structure, while agility courses can help promote focus and physical coordination. Both activities are a great way to give your pup the mental exercise they need while also strengthening the bond between owner and pet.

4) Maintain Proper Grooming Practices

Grooming is an important part of keeping your dog healthy in both mind and body. Depending on the breed, length and type of fur, grooming may need to be done more frequently than others. Make sure to brush your puppy’s coat regularly to remove dirt, debris and any mats or tangles. Additionally, keeping their nails trimmed short as well as their teeth clean can help protect them from potential health issues.

In conclusion, there are many simple ways to boost your dog’s health that don’t require a lot of money. From providing them with a balanced diet and regular exercise to mental stimulation and proper grooming, these four tips can help ensure that your pup stays happy and healthy for years to come!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Starting Fresh In 2023 For Better Mental Health

February 9, 2023November 1, 2023 Looking for the Light13 Comments

Whether it be a change to your lifestyle, health or career – 2023 is a time perfect to change, and here are some of the ways you can make a change in your life next year for the better.

Get a new place

By now, most of us are sick of our own homes. Being stuck inside for 9 months has been hard for all of us and many of us have already started to look at houses and apartment rentals in our area. If you want to make a fresh start next year, moving house isn’t a bad idea. Let go of the bad memories of the past and move forward in a positive way by buying or renting a better living space for yourself. Being able to live somewhere new can do wonders for your mental health.

Photo by Public Domain Pictures on Pexels.com

Start exercising

If you want to make a positive change to your physical and mental health in 2021, you need to get up and get moving. There are lots of ways you can stay fit without the need for a gym, and here are just a few of the things you can try:

Walking
Running
Cycling
Yoga
HIIT Workouts
Body Combat
Dance Workouts

Change up your routine by adding a 30-minute workout to the start of your day, and soon see the benefits it brings in terms of energy and well-being.

Change up your diet

One great way to make a change to your life without committing to anything crazy is changing your diet in small ways. From substituting white for brown bread and rice; to eating less meat and dairy; there are many brilliant things you can do to change your diet for the better. Consider finding foods that are good for the gut and for your heart such as sweet potatoes and peppers, and add these things to your diet for a healthier body. You don’t have to overhaul your whole diet right away, just make small changes as you go.

Find a new hobby

We all need to have hobbies in our lives. When you spend all of your time working, eating, and sleeping – you will soon become bored with your life and your mental health can plummet. Change up your daily routine by spending time doing something new. It could be baking, writing, painting, a new sport, or anything you like. Bring something new into your life that you haven’t tried before and this could open you up to so much more in the future.

Make Some Changes For Your Happiness

In order to improve your mental health, you need to start making changes that are going to make you happy, as well as the ones that are just good for your health. This can be anything that you want, as long as it brings you some level of newfound happiness into your life. For example, if you decide that you are interested in living a more eco-friendly life, then looking at the advice of someone like Stephen Troese Jr is a great place to start. Or, you might simply want to start being more social with your friends again. There are plenty of options!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Celebrate The Tiny Victories

February 8, 2023 Looking for the Light4 Comments

It can be difficult when you have a chronic illness or mobility challenges to remember this is your life now. It’s not yesterday, your mindset has to change and it’s not easy to accept. I’ve been struggling for a long time and today I forced myself to look at what I accomplished in a micro view.

The smallest victory is a victory. I had to force my eyes to look closely at the tiny victories and give myself a pat on the back. We can get caught up in our illness, and what we can’t do, and that can weigh on our shoulders. If you can see one victory in a day, it’s a good day.

Tuesday

Took medication

Put laundry away except for what’s in the machine

Talked with pharmacy

Talked via email with my Psychiatrist

I woke up at 10:00 am instead of noon

Brushed teeth

Wrote half a post.

Yesterday was a good day, I accomplished more than the day before. Another way to stay positive is to look at what you’ve done, not the long to-do list. Look for the tiny chores every day to keep the positive mindset alive.

To some, this looks like a long list and others think it is no big deal. The truth is, It Doesn’t Matter What Others Think! You have to chart your own course.

How do you stay focused on the tiny victories?

Melinda

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

Deep Thoughts

February 7, 2023 Looking for the Light3 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!

Continue reading →

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

Blogger Highlight-Agnes 22

February 6, 2023 Looking for the Light10 Comments

Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Agnes 22.

Agnes 22

Hello my name is Agnija and I write about emotions. I write exactly what I feel and that makes me happy. Each one of us are unique and that’s what is reflected in my writing. How people interact, react and feel is the essence of my blog. I’ll be so glad if you take a few minutes of your time to read my blog.

Be sure to stop by her blog!

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

3 Tips For Dealing With Conflict

January 30, 2023January 30, 2023 Looking for the Light8 Comments

Conflict, while of course the foundational point of many stories we like to read, watch or even play, is not altogether that fun in real life. Unfortunately, you’re probably going to deal with conflict in some form or another during the course of your life, possibly many times over.

Of course, conflict is a spectrum and can come in many firms. It may take shape as a mild disagreement over a parking space, or perhaps having to tell your child off because they’re not staying in bed after putting them to sleep.

Sometimes, however, conflict can be more intensive than we had expected, and in order to properly go through it and contain it, it’s important to know where to begin. Some of the advice below will hopefully help you if you find yourself in a situation like this, allowing you to move forward with confidence:

Never Escalate

Conflict can get out of hand quite quickly, for instance, it’s not uncommon to see people pushing and shoving one another, and even breaking out into fights, over Black Friday sales where everyone is trying to push in and get the item they wish for. The truth is, though, that escalation can be in your control to some degree.

Avoid name-calling, or trying to ‘win’ the battle of who can say the most cutting thing. Instead, be clear, hold eye contact, and be firm in your speech. Remember that you don’t have to answer their questions, or reply to everything they say. If the person is irrational, it’s best to leave the situation. Even martial arts classes will teach their practitioners that leaving possible conflict are thousands of times better than a disagreement escalating into a fight. Note that this doesn’t mean standing up for yourself, it just means being realistic about the situation and always looking for an escape if necessary.

Understand Your Rights

Your rights are your rights, and you are permitted to exercise them. That’s what they’re there for. In some cases, you may be able to use professional help to better orchestrate a defense or seek compensation, such as with this car accident lawyer at Eric Ramos Law, PLLC.

Alternatively, reading up on the law about filming in public can help you shoot your travel video with a friend, and understand your exact rights should someone call a law enforcement official who instructs you to stop. Your rights help you understand when to press an issue, when to defend yourself, and when to comply.

Document The Issue

A dashcam, a mobile phone, or even making sure you’re in the coverage of a CCTV camera can help you better ensure that the situation is being covered and that if needed, you have the chance to refer back to this when required.

For instance, if you see someone keying your car, record them clearly instead of running out to confront them first. It will help you ensure transparency and also prove that you haven’t caused additional harm in the situation. This way, law enforcement will choose your side if they need to be involved.

With this advice, we hope you can better deal with conflict if it finds you.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Just Pondering

January 24, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington

“You don’t always need a logical reason for doing everything in your life. Do it because you want; Because it’s fun; Because it makes you happy.

unknown

Melinda

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

How Starting A Garden Could Change Your Life

January 24, 2023January 24, 2023 Looking for the Light7 Comments

Being lost in life is par for the course; while it can feel like you’re the only one who understands it, in truth, everybody does on some level. The COVID-19 pandemic has truly made us all question who we are, and what is important to us. This can lead people to feel lost in their lives, or frustrated with the feeling that they have no control over what goes on around them.

There are so many ways to cope with change, but one surefire way to center calm in your life is to start a garden. You don’t have to have a huge amount of space or much experience – and in this blog, we’re going to show you how.

The psychological benefits of gardening

Psychologists have studied the psychological benefits of gardening for years. Gardening is often an activity that is practiced in rehabilitation facilities, elderly care centers, and mental health recovery centers because it helps people nurture the growth of living things.

The psychological benefits of gardening include:

Relaxation. Using your hands to dig in the earth and make small steps towards a beautiful garden can be very relaxing. Plus, the color green is said to be calming to the human brain, too!
Community. If you garden in a communal space, you can share the activity with like-minded people and grow into a new community. The COVID-19 pandemic has made people feel very isolated, so this sense of communal wellbeing is very important in 2021 and beyond.
Gardening is an outdoor activity that gets you moving. Fresh air and exercise have numerous health benefits in themselves, and gardening is the perfect excuse to do both!
Gardening helps you concentrate and engage with tasks in a healthy way. If you are recovering from a big change in your life, gardening can help you focus, and ultimately engage with new tasks in a meaningful way. Gardening is made up of small, simple tasks that can aid your brain’s recovery.

Tips for starting a garden in a small space

If all this sounds good to you, but you only have a small yard or even just a balcony, you might be thinking, ‘There’s no way I can start a garden in such a tiny space.’ Well, luckily, you’re wrong about that!

Firstly, find plants that are easy to grow in pots. These could be herbs, flowers, house plants, or even small vegetables, as long as they are able to grow in a potted environment rather than in the ground. This makes them easier to maintain in a small garden.

Next, you should research through reading books or watching YouTube videos, how to maintain your plants through hydration, the right kind of soil, and the right light levels. This research will help you expand your garden gradually as you cultivate these important skills for life!

If your garden gets out of control, you can contact local lawn fertilization and weed control services to help tame the wild beast!

Final Thoughts

Having a garden can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, burnout, or lack of focus. Plus, you’ll have a beautiful little green space that you can keep nurturing for years to come.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Blogger Highlight- clover and ivy

January 23, 2023January 22, 2025 Looking for the Light4 Comments

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

clover and ivy

The day-to-day ordinary parts of life come and go, and these events often pass as if they’re not consequential. Then there’s a blink, an instant we observe something ordinary that brings solace and breathes life into us, regardless of the news of the day.

These restorative ordinary parts of life are often what we find outside, in nature, and that’s what I aim to present in my blog. Trusty elements in the natural repetitive cycles we can note and depend on for comfort and reassurance. Elements we can go to when we need grounding. My tiny garden, the blue jay outside my window, water moving over worn stones in a running creek in the middle of the woods, the scattering of bright stars set in a dark sky among the top branches of the tallest trees, a fresh green leaf at the beginning of spring. These are elements that tell us, life is okay, things are as they should be.

You must stop by Clover and Ivy, it’s like taking a self-care moment for yourself.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

The Stigma of Addiction — Guest Blogger diary of a depressed graduate student

January 21, 2023 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

It was a hot summer in a small town on the Cape when, as I was holding my mother’s hand, I saw a homeless woman straight ahead who looked ill and was asking for money. To this day, I cannot remember much of my childhood, yet I still can picture that woman’s face. I asked […]
The Stigma of Addiction — diary of a depressed graduate student

Celebrate Life · Fun · Mental Health

Diffuser Blends Make Great Gifts

January 20, 2023November 27, 2023 Looking for the Light4 Comments

With Valentine’s around the corner, I wanted to share a gift idea. These recipes are easy to make and everyone will enjoy getting one.

Stampington

New Buds

1 drop spearmint

2 drops lemongrass

3 drops and lavender

April Showers

3 drops lemon grass

4 drops eucalyptus

5 drops lemon

Fresh Laundry

1 drop clary sage

2 drops mint

3 drops pine

Spring Cleaning

2 drops peppermint

3 drops wild orange

3 drops lemon

Ocean Breeze

1 drop spearmint

1 drop ylang ylang

2 drops wild orange

3 drops of tangerine

Goodbye Allergies

2 drops frankincense

2 drops lemon

3 peppermint

3 drops lavender

Herb Garden

3 drops rosemary

3 drops lavender

3 drops mint

Spring Bouquet

2 drops geranium

2 drops lavender

2 drops clary sage

2 drops chamomile

There weren’t any instructions for how to dispense. My suggestion is a guess, if you’re a regular crafter you may have a better idea. Let me know.

Melinda

Celebrate Life · DIY · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

5 Creative Projects To Help Focus Your Mind

January 19, 2023December 10, 2024 Looking for the Light18 Comments

A creative project is a great way to focus your mind and spend some downtime. Art, gardening, craft, and DIY are all very therapeutic. You’ll feel more relaxed and gain some perspective. Creativity is the perfect way to channel stress and anxiety. Put your overactive mind to good use and make something you’ll cherish forever. There are plenty of different kinds of ideas depending on your interests. Here are five creative projects to help focus your mind.

Paint by numbers

Paint by Numbers is an example of a trendy craft gone viral during lockdown. It is incredibly therapeutic and relaxing, and not just for kids anymore. Even though you’re following instructions, it still requires a lot of patience and hard work. Paint by numbers is a good compromise if you like art but aren’t necessarily an experienced painter. You’ll be able to enjoy the results without being a natural artist. You can display your painting proudly for all your family and friends.

Winter Flowers

There are several reasons why gardening is so therapeutic. It’s a great way to get back in touch with nature and gain some perspective. Sun and fresh air also go a long way. Even when the seasons start to change, this doesn’t mean you have to be a fair-weather garden. There are plenty of winter flowers you can plant such as pansies and jasmine that grow all year round. If you want to keep it inside you could even build your own mini zen garden, or decorate the house with plants.

Customize your car

If you’re the type that likes to get your hands dirty then why not sink yourself into a project in the garage? Customize your car to your liking this fall. Automotive Stuff is an example of a site where you can find your own parts. You can even trade car parts online with other car owners. If you prefer, start small with the interior, or even work under the hood. If you’re passionate about cars you could invest in a used vehicle to revamp.

Make your own bath products

You’d be surprised how many simple products you can make at home. All you need is some essential oils and a couple of household ingredients, and you can make a variety of bath products. This is a more eco-friendly option as well, not to mention thrifty. If you want to use your creativity to make something you’re going to use, then bath products are ideal. You can even give them as gifts to your family and friends.

Upcycle your furniture

Whether you decide to flip the furniture or keep it, it’s easy to see why upcycling has become such a popular pastime. You could invest in some second-hand furniture at your local thrift store and turn it into a creative project. For example, you could find an old photo frame, print your Domonique Rodgers NC State print, and hang it on the wall. Creating Upcycling is a fun way to revamp furniture or repurpose other items. Perhaps you can find a new use for some old things around the house. It’s very therapeutic and satisfying.

This a collaborative post.

Melinda

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Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

The DEA Is Coming After Your Medication Next

January 19, 2023 Looking for the Light7 Comments

I had an Orville moment while talking to my pharmacist last week. One of the medications I take is on long-term backorder, WTF? No surprise, the DEA is now going after Mental Illness patients. They failed at curbing deaths from street drugs, let’s see how they can mismanage this focus project.

My pharmacist said the DEA went to manufacturers last year and ask them to cut or curb the production of my much-needed and addictive medication. Pharmacies don’t have a product their clients need and have a legal prescription for, but the DEA which has no medical background is coming in and cherry-picking drugs, then overriding the doctors and leaving patients without medication.

I’m scrambling now for an alternative. I’ve taken this drug for at least 20 years and need it to get out of bed. The DEA has hit the stimulant group first, it’s bad enough I can’t get the drug but think about parents who can’t get the medication for their kids. There’s a huge group who take stimulant drugs for ADD/ADHD.

I don’t know if the Truepill case is where it started from, no clue. Because of their unlawful practices, many will be left high and dry. I wholeheartedly believe unethical doctors like this will need to get the harsher sentence possible for the harm they’ve done.

DEA Serves Order to Show Cause on Truepill Pharmacy for its Involvement in the Unlawful Dispensing of Prescription Stimulants

WASHINGTON — Today, DEA served an Order to Show Cause on Truepill, a retail pharmacy that is alleged to have wrongfully filled thousands of prescriptions for stimulants used in the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Truepill was the pharmacy for telehealth companies, including Cerebral, that marketed ADHD treatments, including Adderall ® and its generic forms, directly to consumers using Internet advertisements and social media. Cerebral arranged for patients to receive prescriptions for ADHD treatments through a telehealth visit, and for Truepill to fill those prescriptions.

“DEA will relentlessly pursue companies and pharmacies that seek to profit from unlawfully dispensing powerful and addictive controlled substances at the expense of the safety and health of the American people,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The men and women of the DEA remain committed to ensuring that every American can access essential medicines when they are lawfully prescribed and dispensed.”

According to the Order to Show Cause, between September 2020 and September 2022, Truepill filled more than 72,000 controlled substance prescriptions, 60 percent of which were for stimulants, including generic forms of Adderall®. In numerous instances, Truepill dispensed controlled substances pursuant to prescriptions that were not issued for a legitimate medical purpose in the usual course of professional practice. An investigation into Truepill’s operations revealed that the pharmacy filled prescriptions that were: unlawful by exceeding the 90-day supply limits; and/or written by prescribers who did not possess the proper state licensing.

An Order to Show Cause is an administrative action to determine whether a DEA Certificate of Registration should be revoked. Until a determination is made, this action does not affect a registrant’s ability to handle or distribute a controlled substance.

If you take a medication that is addictive or has to stay in safe at the pharmacy, your drug may be next. I see them going after stimulant drugs, sleep drugs, and Xanax. I’m pulling this out of thin air, I don’t have any data from the DEA other than this article. This is my best guess. I hope I’m wrong because I take all of those types of drugs too.

Melinda

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

Deep Thoughts

January 18, 2023 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

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 →

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

Blogger Highlight-Smirk Pretty

January 16, 2023 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 site with you. This week we highlight a new blogger, Smirk Pretty.

Smirk Pretty

I design rich, active learning environments and facilitate conversations that draw on the collaborative capacity of people and teams. My diverse approaches are grounded in reflective practice as we come together to articulate our purpose and the values driving us. I seek to cultivate the relationship-oriented leadership skills of students and teams, engage questions about our shared future, and create opportunities to put innovative ideas to work. With a commitment to mentoring emerging leaders, my current focus is on improving educational equity and drawing voices from the margins to the center of every critical conversation.

Her blog is very unique and you will want to see her site.

Melinda

Looking for the Light

Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Just Pondering

January 14, 2023 Looking for the Light2 Comments

Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington

Happiness looks like?

Happiness feels like:

Happiness sounds like:

Happiness smells like:

Melinda

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

23 Small Things to Improve Your Wellness — Guest Blogger Olive Tree Saints

January 12, 2023 Looking for the LightLeave a comment

Small changes can really add up when it comes to wellness. Here are 23 small things you can do this year to improve your wellness.
23 Small Things to Improve Your Wellness — Olive Tree Saints

Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Mental Health

13 Ways To Ensure Your Children Are Happy & Healthy

January 11, 2023July 5, 2023 Looking for the Light6 Comments

When you find out you are going to become a parent it can be very daunting. You never know what to expect or what type of child you are going to have. Every child will have a unique personality and it is up to you as the parent to nurture this. There is a whole ongoing debate still to this day about whether it is down to nature vs nurture. You may be wondering how you can encourage your children to be happy and healthy. There are so many stories in the media regarding this but it can send a lot of mixed messages. The best thing you can do is follow your gut instinct as a parent, this will never steer you in the wrong direction. Take a look below to find out some helpful tips and tricks on how to ensure your children are happy and healthy.

Focus On Diet

One of the most important things you will hear professionals talking about is children’s diets. A healthy balanced diet is paramount for your child’s development. Letting them constantly eat junk food and fizzy drinks is not only bad for their physical health but their mental health as well. If you have a busy lifestyle and it is easier to grab and go then how about pre-making some healthy homemade meals that you can simply take out of the freezer in the evenings? Children should also be enjoying five pieces of fruit or veg a day. This will give them the added vitamins and minerals their body needs to function and thrive.

Get Them Outside

Physical activity is also important for your children. Without running around they will turn into couch potatoes. These days with so much tech floating around it can almost seem impossible to get the children to leave the house. If you find something they are interested in doing, such as going to the park then they will be more than happy to go for a run-around. Better yet, you could get some of their school or nursery friends together and they can all have fun at the park while you chat with the other moms.

Supplements

If you feel your children don’t have a healthy diet and they are in need of some extra help then you can get them a child supplement or multivitamin to take daily. These will contain the necessary amounts of vitamins and nutrients that your children are potentially missing out on. A lot of children aren’t keen on eating vegetables or fruits so a multivitamin will provide them with the goodness they are missing. The good thing about children’s multivitamins is that they come in gummy bear form with a variety of flavors. Can’t get them to eat veg but you can get them to eat a gummy bear!

Hydration

It can be incredibly difficult to get your child to drink water. They get to a certain age and decide they no longer like it. However, seeing as more than 60% of their little bodies are made up of water, it is essential they are replacing what is lost through the day. You don’t want your child experiencing signs and symptoms of dehydration. They will present with lethargy, moodiness, and a headache. Encourage your children to drink water by investing in some cool water bottles, they will want to show these off at school. Quite a lot of schools have a water-only policy in place meaning you can’t supply them with juice for school. Children should be aiming to drink around six glasses of water a day to stay hydrated and healthy.

Protect From Bad Habits

When you have children you want to protect them their whole life. However, quite a lot of parents forget that smoking and drinking around their children is a terrible habit. It is one that they will pick up on rather quickly and you don’t want them to copy you. If you do want to smoke then this should be done outside of the house, in the garden perhaps. That way you are not exposing your children to secondhand smoke which can lead to childhood illnesses and complications with their immune systems.

Talk To Your Children

Something else to think about is how important it is to talk to your children. When they are babies they learn how to communicate by copying the adults around them. Don’t stop talking to your children just because they can hold their own conversations with others. If your children come to you with any sort of problem or they simply just want to tell you about their day then ensure you are listening. Children can tell when they have your full attention by your body language and what you are saying to them. Talking and listening to your children ensures they know they are able to approach you at all times in case of a problem they cannot solve.

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Seek Professional Help

As children get older they are far more susceptible to feeling the effects of their hormones. They are also more at risk of mental health conditions than younger children. If you notice your children feeling down or being sad a lot of the time then speak to them and see if they will tell you what the problem is. If they don’t and you want to get your children the help they deserve then you could seek out a counselor or look up Second Nature Utah reviews for more therapeutic programs. If your child has additional needs then this puts them at a greater risk of developing mental health conditions. Bipolar disorder in children is becoming increasingly common.

Get Enough Sleep

Sleep is so important for children, depending on the age they need around eight to thirteen hours of sleep each night. If they are not getting this then they can be grouchy and irritable for the rest of the day. If your child is still young enough for naps then make sure you are encouraging this. It will give them a little recharge so they can get through the rest of the day without any hiccups. If your children are struggling to get to sleep then think of ways you can help with this. You may decide to do some light meditation with them to help them drift off to sleep naturally.

Check-Ups

Children will rarely be called for check-ups as doctors just assume that you will take them in if there are any problems. Babies and young children will be called for developmental checks, you should go to these as they will highlight any potential developmental delays your child might have. You should also register your child at a dentist and the opticians, you never know when you may need to attend an appointment there. You can check out the best ones in your area by doing a quick internet search or asking other moms for recommendations.

Read With Your Child

Reading is something that a lot of adults enjoy doing but you can guarantee they didn’t all enjoy it as a child. Learning to read can be tricky but in the end, it will be so rewarding. Watching your child grow and develop is one of the best things about being a parent. You can encourage their love of books by reading with them from a young age. It can be common to read a book with your child at bedtime as part of their nightly routines. Reading will give your child a steady foundation for continuing this learning when they start school.

Take Away The Tech

Children need a break from technology every so often, it is bad for their brain and their vision to be staring at a pad or tablet all day. If your child is tech dependent then it may be necessary to put a temporary ban on technology to prove to them they can live without it. It will be a struggle the first couple of days but it will be worth it and a great lesson to teach. You can put strict timings in place for screen time. If your children struggle with time then you can even set an egg timer as a visual so they know how long they have left.

Support With School

There is nothing better that you can do as a parent than support your children with their school work. If they come home and need a helping hand with some homework or a school project then it should be all hands on deck. Your children have come to you for help as they deem you capable and knowledgeable. Don’t let them down by being too busy to help when they need it most. If you don’t understand what to do then you can always do a quick internet search to see if someone else explains it better than the sheet of paper.

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We hope you enjoyed reading this article and that it gave you some helpful advice on ensuring your children are happy and healthy. Remember, children are just small humans. They all have feelings and it is okay to not be okay sometimes. You need to teach your children the importance of this, if they are having an off day then this is alright.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

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

Book Review I Can’t Have That I Have Allergies by Katie Kinsella

January 9, 2023January 20, 2023 Looking for the Light1 Comment

I want to give a special thanks to Managing Editor Soraya Nair for sending me I Can’t Have That I Have Allergies by Katie Kinsella for review.

Blurb

All the animals in the woodland are headed to a party – that is, except Hedgehog, who can’t attend because of his food allergies. But one of his kind friends, Deer, decides to learn more about his condition, and she comes up with a plan so that Hedgehog can safely celebrate, too!

I Can’t Have That, I Have Allergies is a sensitively written story by a mother whose daughter has life-threatening allergies. It will enlighten those unfamiliar with the severity of such allergies, and it will help children who suffer from them to know that they aren’t alone.

My Thoughts

Have you missed school on a special day? You were probably sad that you could not participate in the fun. The Hedgehog has a similar story, he has severe allergies which limit what he can eat. It’s not fun going to a birthday party and not being able to eat cake.

As each of the Hedgehog’s friends stop in on the way to a birthday party, he explains why he can’t go to the party. His friends go on their way but they have a big surprise for him. They cared so much for their friend, they contacted his mother to get a list of what he can’t eat and they made a cake he could. They show up at Hedgehog’s house and have a big Birthday party which allows the Hedgehog to have fun and not worry about what he can or can’t eat.

The book does an excellent job of describing Allergies children can understand. I think the bigger picture is when Hedgehog share’s with his friends why he can’t go, they didn’t abandon him, they embraced him instead. It’s important for kids to know they can talk about their problems instead of keeping everything in.

For every parent who has a child with Allergies of any kind, this is the perfect book to show if you share what is going on with your friends they will have your back.

Trigger Publishing

TriggerHub.org is the first mental health organization of its kind. We are bringing mental health recovery and balance to millions of people worldwide through the power of our books.

We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.

Melinda

Looking for the Light