It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Dec 15, 2017 / Bill Bernat
When I lived with severe depression and social anxiety, I found it extremely difficult to talk to strangers. Yet the one conversation that uplifted me more than any other occurred in the dining hall of the mental health wing of a mountain-town hospital. I met a woman who told me that a few days earlier, she’d driven her Jeep Wrangler to the edge of the Grand Canyon. She sat there, revving the engine and thinking about driving over.
She described what had been going on in her life in the days and months leading up, what her thoughts were at that exact moment, why she wanted to die, and why she didn’t do it. We nodded and half-smiled, and then it was my turn to talk about my journey to our table in that fine dining establishment. I had taken too many sleeping pills. After the doctors treated me, they were like, “Hey, we’d love it if you would be our guest in the psych ward!”
That day, she and I talked shop. She allowed me to be deeply depressed and simultaneously have a genuine connection to another person. For the first time, I identified as someone living with depression and I felt, oddly, good about it — or rather, like I wasn’t a bad person for having it.
Now, imagine one of the people at that table was a member of your family or a close friend who told you they were really depressed. Would you be comfortable talking to them?
Depression doesn’t diminish a person’s desire to connect with other people, just their ability.
The World Health Organization says that depression is the leading cause of ill health and disability worldwide, affecting more than 300 million people. In the United States, the National Institute of Mental Health reports 7 percent of Americans experience depression in a year. But while depression is super common, in my experience most folks don’t want to talk to depressed people unless we pretend to be happy. So we learn to put on a cheerful façade for casual interactions, like buying a pumpkin spice latte. The average barista doesn’t want to know that a customer is trapped in the infinite darkness of their soul.
Depression doesn’t diminish a person’s desire to connect with other people, just their ability. And despite what you might think, talking to friends and family living with depression can be easy and maybe fun. Not like Facebook-selfie-with-Lady-Gaga-at-an-underground-party fun — instead, I’m talking about the kind of fun where people enjoy each other’s company effortlessly, no one feels awkward, and no one accuses the sad person of ruining the holidays.
There’s a chasm that exists. On one side are people with depression, and on the other side is everyone else and they’re asking, “Why you gotta be so depressed?”
I’ve noticed there’s a chasm that exists. On the one side are those people living with depression, who may act in off-putting or confusing ways because they’re fighting a war in their head that nobody else can see. On the other side is everyone else, and they’re looking across the divide, shaking their heads, and asking, ‘Why you gotta be so depressed?’
I began battling depression when I was eight, and decades later, to my surprise, I started winning that battle. I shifted from being miserable much of the time to enjoying life. Today I live pretty well with bipolar disorder, and I’ve overcome some other mental health conditions, like overeating, addiction and social anxiety. As someone who lives on both sides of this chasm, I want to offer you some guidance based on my experiences to help you build a bridge across. I’ve also talked to a lot of people who’ve lived with depression to refine these suggestions.
Please don’t let our lack of bubbly happiness freak you out. Sadness doesn’t need to be treated with the urgency of a shark attack.
Before I get to the do’s, here are some some things you might want to avoid when talking to someone who’s depressed.
Don’t say “Just get over it.” That’s a great idea – we love it — but there’s just one problem: we already thought of that. The inability to “just get over it” is depression. Depression is an illness, so it’s no different from telling someone with a broken ankle or cancer to “just get over it.” Try not to fix us — your pressure to be “normal” can make us depressed people feel like we’re disappointing you.
Don’t insist that the things which make other people feel better will work for us. For example, you cannot cure clinical depression by eating ice cream, which is unfortunate because that would be living the dream.
Don’t take it personally if we respond negatively to your advice. I have a friend who, about a year ago, messaged me saying he was feeling really isolated and depressed. I suggested some things for him to do, and he was like, “No, no, and no.” I got mad, like, “How dare he not embrace my brilliant wisdom!” Then I remembered the times I’ve been depressed and how I thought I was doomed in all possible futures and everybody hated me. It didn’t matter how many people told me otherwise; I didn’t believe them. So I let my friend know I cared, and I didn’t take his response personally.
Don’t think that being sad and being OK are incompatible. Please don’t let our lack of bubbly happiness freak you out. Sadness does not need to be treated with the urgency of a shark attack. Yes, we can be sad and OK at the exact same time. TV, movies, popular songs and even people tell us if we’re not happy, there’s something wrong. We’re taught that sadness is unnatural, and we must resist it. In truth, it’s natural and it’s healthy to accept sadness and know it won’t last forever.
Talk to a depressed person as if their life is just as valuable, intense and beautiful as yours.
And here are some do’s.
Do talk to us in your natural voice. You don’t need to put on a sad voice because we’re depressed; do you sneeze when you’re talking to somebody with a cold? It’s not rude for you to be upbeat around us.
Do absolve yourself of responsibility for the depressed person. You might be afraid that if you talk to them, you’re responsible for their well-being, that you need to “fix” them and solve their problems. You’re not expected to be Dr. Phil — just be friendly, more like Ellen. You may worry that you won’t know what to say, but words are not the most important thing — your presence is.
Do be clear about what you can and cannot do for us. I’ve told people, “Hey, call or text me anytime, but I might not be able to get back to you that same day.” It’s totally cool for you to make a narrow offer with really clear boundaries. Give us a sense of control by getting our consent about what you’re planning to do. A while back when I was having a depressive episode, a friend reached out and said, “Hey, I want to check in with you. Can I call you every day? Or, maybe text you every day and call you later in the week? What works for you?” By asking for my permission, she earned my confidence and remains one of my best friends today.
Do interact with us about normal stuff or ask us for help. When people were worried about a friend of mine, they’d call him and ask if he wanted to go shopping or help them clean out their garage. This was a great way to reach out. They were engaging with him without calling attention to his depression. He knew they cared, but he didn’t feel embarrassed or like a burden. (Yes, your depressed friends could be a good source of free labor!) Invite them to contribute to your life in some way, even if it’s as small as asking you to go see a movie that you wanted to see in the theater.
This is, by no means, a definitive list. All of these suggestions are grounded in one guiding principle: speaking to someone like they belong and can contribute. That’s what allowed the woman in the Jeep Wrangler to start me on my path to recovery without even trying: She spoke to me like I was OK and had something to offer exactly as I was at that moment. Talk to a depressed person as if their life is just as valuable, intense and beautiful as yours. If you focus on that, it might just be the most uplifting conversation of their life.
This piece was adapted from a talk given at TEDxSnoIsleLibraries2017.
Bill Bernat is a technology marketer, Comedy Central comedian, and The Moth Radio Hour storyteller living in Seattle. He brings awareness and humor to mental health in his award-winning show, Becoming More Less Crazy. He also leads storytelling workshops and fundraisers for nonprofit organizations.
Melinda
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Money can be one of the worst things for making you worry; indeed, a lot of people can feel like their mental well-being has been effectively ruined by their financial insecurity. It’s a very serious thing – almost half of the people currently in debt also report having mental health issues.
If that also sounds like you, being able to take more control over your finances is key to achieving greater peace and stability in your lifestyle. Of course, learning to live with and/or manage your money worries is only part of the solution, but it’s essential to do. But don’t worry, you don’t have to take this challenge on alone – here are some tips for stopping your money worries from overwhelming you.
Don’t ever let your finances go unchecked; face your fears and confront the problem head-on by keeping up with how your bank account, credit scores, and any other financial platforms you’re a part of our functioning.
Because when you’re aware, you’re in control. You’re able to face the problem and prevent it from becoming a bigger problem before it ever gets the chance. And you can make this easy for yourself. For example, if you’ve got car insurance to pay for, be sure to make it easy to check in by using something like a direct auto insurance account to keep up to date straight from your phone.
The next step is to be realistic, which can be a hard thing when you’re finding it very hard to face the reality of your finances. However, when you’re realistic, you’ll be able to put together a workable budget, that allows you to take care of yourself and pay for any debt and other financial obligations you have.
Start with your income, and then take away your expenses, both fixed and variable. If this all fluctuates, use a monthly average. Whatever you’ve left over is what you can put towards those credit card bills, and use to bump up your credit score bit by bit. Even just a couple of regular debt payments can turn it green again.
Finally, if you’re someone who has serious money worries, don’t let yourself be alone in facing them. Talk to friends and family about them, or work with a professional such as an advisor, who could help you to see the light in your struggles.
Most of all, make sure you feel supported, and like you’ve got some strength behind you. Even if you need someone to be there with you when you check your bank account for the first time in months, ask someone to come round and sit with you. It could really change how you see your finances.
Money worries can be overwhelming, at their worst. Be sure to reach out for help, and always try to face your fears, as you have the power to take control of a problem like this.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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Making plans for the future is something that’s natural to do. It keeps you moving forward, helps you stay motivated, and makes you work harder too. But life can be unpredictable, and sometimes it’s those unexpected events that can bring the most difficulty, especially financially.
Having a plan for emergency situations can help your family stay afloat, even when things are difficult. Take a look at the following tips to help you get your finances in order and feel prepared for whatever might come your way.
Having an emergency fund can bring you a lot of benefits, serving as a cushion if you ever face a financial emergency. Being unable to work or facing unexpected medical expenses can really hit your finances, but your emergency fund will see you through.
It’s worth reading all about emergency funds to learn more about them and to see how to get one started.
Your home is one of your biggest investments, and you never know when you might need to lean on it in the future. By expanding or renovating your home, you could increase its value, giving you a nest egg for the future.
Another reason to consider expanding your home is to cope with future situations. You may need to take care of an elderly parent or support a loved one after an accident, and additional space could help make things a little easier.
There are different types of insurance that can help you plan for future emergencies. Health insurance is a must to make sure you’re covered against accidents and illnesses while having some life insurance can be critical for your family if the worst were to happen.
There is also insurance in place to help you should you need to take a leave of absence from work. Explore the different levels of cover that are out there to make sure you’ve got all the protection you need.
Have you worked out a financial plan for your retirement? It can help you work out how much money you’ll need to live on once you’ve finished work. Making investments and savings now can benefit you a lot in the future when that money becomes necessary.
While working out your retirement plan, you’ll need to consider different possibilities, including if you’re faced with ill health. Home health care and other expenses can have a big impact on your future finances, so you’ll want to plan for them, just in case. With a retirement plan in place, you won’t have to worry about your future.
You can never predict where life will take you, but it’s good to have a plan in place so that your future is taken care of. Careful financial planning will put your mind at ease so that you can focus on enjoying every moment.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
The last photo looked great in the Editor but it’s blury here, I included so you could see the entire arrangement.
Melinda
I want to thank Andrea Marchiano, Managing Editor at Trigger Publishing for sending me Back Yourself by Lildonia Lawrence for review. The publish date is April. The book is about Lildonia’s experiences with racism, the racism she’s seen, and she shares a traumatic experience that gave her the idea for the book.
Lildonia has been working as a mental health and well-being coach since 2010 and she has experienced racism herself. This particular day cemented the idea for this book. Lildonia went to the nearby Recreation Center to use the hot tub, she had encountered verbal abuse in the way of racial slurs in the past but on this Monday there were eight men and two women already there. She took her place and these thugs ripped into her until she was crying, her teacher came over to see if she could help and they started demeaning the teacher the same way.
One mission of the book is to educate people on how black people and people from other countries with dark skin are treated. She counseled students at university and heard many stories of how people were new to the school and the dorm hall was all white people. He tried to mingle and introduce himself but he was not accepted by his classmates, leaving him feeling very alone and frustrated.
Another case study was on a man who started a new job in Italy. He was a black man who had been adopted by an Italian father and a French mother. When he told his co-workers that he was from Italy his boss said so-so Italian. The boss never let up.
There is a lot to learn from the book even if you haven’t experienced racism.
We live in a multicultural world where everyone needs to be treated equally. Many people can make offensive or racist comments and not know it, that’s when it’s time to extend some grace and not admonishment.
At Trigger Publishing, our mission is to empower individuals on their mental health journey through the power of lived experience. We are dedicated to publishing real stories by real people, showing our readers that they are not alone and that recovery is possible. Our books and digital solutions, available through our parent brand Trigger Hub, provide hope, support, and practical tools for mental wellness.
Melinda
When you’re a parent, the last thing that you want to worry about is whether or not your kids are receiving quality medical care. Unfortunately, there are many instances where people have gotten subpar care because they didn’t know their rights.
It’s essential to be proactive and ensure that your family has access to medical treatment while also ensuring it is safe and sound. In this blog post, you will get information on how to do just that!
Having regular checkups is something that everybody should do. Even if you feel well, it is always good to make sure your body is functioning the way it should be and take steps towards any issues before they become serious problems.
If, for example, your family has a history of certain conditions like cancer or diabetes, regular checkups are something that everyone in your family needs to do regardless of their age or health status. Checkups will allow doctors and nurses to catch things early on while still fixing them efficiently instead of waiting until more extensive damage is done.
Asking questions is essential. Your doctor will not think you are troublesome, and it is their job to answer your questions anyway! If they do not, ask another doctor until someone can provide satisfying answers that give you peace of mind. The same goes for nurses and other medical professionals: the more information all parties have available about your treatment plan, the better care everyone gets as a result.
If something goes wrong due to a breach on the doctor’s part, you can always seek legal advice from a medical malpractice attorney to help you acquire damages for violation. By doing so, you will not be negligent about your medical rights.
Your healthcare providers should understand that you are a vital part of the medical team. You should ask questions and communicate with them about any concerns you have without feeling judged. Staff members at hospitals and clinics should treat you with respect.
When doctors order tests for you as a patient, they need to explain what they are for you to make informed decisions. If there’s something wrong with how things work in this area, speak up! Like other rights citizens enjoy, your right to advocate for yourself will only strengthen if you exercise frequently.
Other medical rights include having access to quality healthcare providers and receiving advice on navigating the system. You also have the right to get satisfactory answers to your questions concerning insurance coverage and everything you need to be an active participant in making good choices about taking control of your well-being.
In conclusion, it is crucial to make sure that your medical care providers do everything they can to protect you from harm. Remember, this means not just getting treatment for a severe injury or illness — it also includes making sure you have all the information and resources available to take steps toward preventing health issues before they become emergencies.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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Hi, I’m glad you stopped by and I look forward to seeing you soon.
I can smell the chocolate already.
Yields About 11 Treatments
Small bowl
1 TB. pure coco powder
1 TB. coconut milk powder
1 1/2 TB. white kaolin clay
Spon/Silicon spatula
2 oz airtight container
Small mask/pinch bowl
Face mask brush (optional)
In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients until fully incorporated. Use the back of a spoon or silicone spatula to break up any clumps. Once the mask base is well blended, pour it into a container with a lid.
Place 1 teaspoon of the mask base in a small mask or pinch bowl. Add 1/2 teaspoon of warm water, and stir until smooth. Apply to your face and neck with a face mask brush or your handstand let sit for three to five minutes. Gently remove with a damp cloth, rinse your face with warm water. Use the mask one or two times a week for a luxurious, moistering antioxidant treatment. The shelf life is about 12 months.
Melinda
Willow & Sage by Stampington
What a great way to live, spend time with family and friends, have a meal, and enjoy conversation. The priorities are different in the countries that practice hygge.
A warm atmosphere
Hard to pronounce, hygge (“hooga”) is difficult to explain, too. In brief, hygge is about taking time away from the daily rush to be together with people you care about – or even by yourself – to relax and enjoy life’s quieter pleasures.
Hygge is often about informal time together with family or close friends. Typically, the setting is at home or another quiet location, or perhaps a picnic during the summer months. It usually involves sharing a meal and wine or beer, or hot chocolate and a bowl of candy if children are included. There is no agenda. You celebrate the small joys of life, or maybe discuss deeper topics. It is an opportunity to unwind and take things slow.
In both Danish and Norwegian, hygge refers to “a form of everyday togetherness”, “a pleasant and highly valued everyday experience of safety, equality, personal wholeness and a spontaneous social flow”.[6]
Melinda
References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygge
https://denmark.dk/people-and-culture/hygge
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
What’s your mood today?
I’m feeling good and cozy. The fireplace is on and I’m wrapped in a throw.
I hope this post finds you happy and healthy.
Melinda
I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
Picasso, Washington, D.C. 2015
Melinda
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. I’m so glad you stopped by today!
The world is a stage, the play goes on,Daylight fades, then comes the dawn.We laugh, we cry, we love, we fear,But is it real or just unclear? A shadow moves, but is it there?A whisper floats upon the air.The things we chase, the dreams we weave, Are sometimes tricks that make us believe. A mirror shows … Contin
It’s such a great privilege you have stopped by my blog, and I always look forward to your return. I accomplish my lifelong goal of seeing the world through your eyes. It’s a big beautiful world out there.
Thank you for allowing me into your life, if only briefly. I appreciate you stopping by and hope to see you again.
Take good care.
Melinda
I’ve included a link below if you would like to see the complete list.
American Heart Month
Black History Month
National Cancer Prevention Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month
World Cancer Day 4th
Safer Internet Day 8th
National Donor Day 14th
International Childhood Cancer Day 15th
Random Act of Kindness Day 17th
Day of Remembrance 19th
World Day of Social Justice 20th
National Eating Disorders Awareness Week-Last week of February or the first week of March
You can find the complete list HERE.
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/february-awareness-days-months
Pets keep loneliness at bay for millions of people and can help with our overwhelming thoughts and while we are more than aware of how a pet can help us with our well-being, we must remember to return the favour. Supporting your pet’s mental health is essential. The pandemic has made us a lot more anxious, but what about our pets? Our pets’ behaviour might change intense situations. But what can we do to make sure that, if we notice our pets having any signs of poor well-being, that we support them?
Providing mental stimulation is crucial. If you are currently stuck at home, you can hide treats and toys around the space to provide that all-important exercise and mental stimulation. But when life returns to normality, give them the benefits of a variety of scenery. Taking them to explore new scenery is as important to your pet’s mental health as it is to you.
Ensuring that they remain agile is essential. Building up their agility will teach them something new and stimulate them. If your pet needs to stay indoors, you must remember that their exercise should not suffer. You can also incorporate new toys on a heavy rotation. A variety of interactive toys can keep your pet interested and stimulated. There is a lot to consider. And when you start to stimulate their senses, you give them that all-important distraction.
Fresh air is important, as well as light and exposure to a variety of senses. Giving them exposure to different smells and sounds provides simulation. You have to remember at this point if your pet’s behaviour changes or they get frustrated, you may need to change your approach. If you are not taking your dog out much at the moment, you need to remember that the variety of noises and smells may frustrate them at not being able to go outside.
A physically and mentally stimulated pet will be happier and healthier. Observing changes in their behaviour gives you the opportunity to spot if their mental well-being is being impacted. You should always contact a vet if you are concerned, but the solution might be closer to home. You could give them more treats if you feel you’ve been cutting back recently. There are also other ways to stimulate them, such as the soothing sounds on My Dog’s Favourite Podcast available on Spotify. It is an audio treat for your dog that could help to calm their anxieties.
Stimulation is crucial, but we have to remember when we are trying to look after our pets and mental health that we are more observant. They could be taking their cue from us, in which case, it’s essential to focus on creating a healthier environment for everyone. We can look after our pet’s mental health. In many ways, it is simple.
Melinda
Repost
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
Personal budgeting is a powerful tool, but few know its value. You see, most people get upset when they hear that they have to make a budget for their expenses. It is associated with discomfort and headache. Just as it is linked to diet to hunger and limited food, this is because most people only resort to budgeting when things get tough and there are difficulties, just like with someone who, because he has gained a lot of weight, decides to lose weight. But this is not precisely the case. A personal budget is a necessary tool that we must learn to use in our lives. Its mission is not to make you limit your expenses but to help you set aside more money or spend it more efficiently.
Most people who do not have a budget spend more than they need each month, this exaggeration has significant implications as it limits their future economic power. The result is that they have less money left, but also create more fixed costs if the purchases are made with installments and credit cards. But when you plan how much you will spend each month and know in advance where they will go, it is easier to restrain yourself and realize when you are overdoing it. For this reason, make your own personal budget so that you know where you are. If you have types of subscriptions, then look at reassessing them. If you have car costs, then look at honest car service to ensure that you are always keeping the necessities at a lower price.
A personal budget is essentially a plan that helps you prioritize where you spend your money. This means that when you create an account, you are essentially shifting your focus to the things that matter most to you. This can be repaying a loan, raising enough money to get a home, or starting your own business. The budget essentially creates the plan that you will follow and allows you to monitor your progress.
People who do not use budgets will not have as much money in savings. Also, planning how you will spend your money each month helps you to avoid infringing on your existing savings. By doing things this way, you can gradually increase the money you have set aside. And the more that you save, the more you will start to feel more comfortable with your finances and of course your future. This will assist you with your home too.
Budget work is to help you be flexible. By recording the income and expenses in detail, you can see how you can transfer money from one expense category to another. It also helps you identify issues that may arise and make the necessary adjustments.
If you feel that you do not have control over your finances and you are always wondering where your money and salary have disappeared, your budget will help you to recover it. By setting your financial priorities and seeing on paper how you spend your money during the month, you better understand habits and patterns that hurt you. This way, it is easier to know where to stop. Having a definite plan for the month, you know what to do and what not to do, and it is easier to think about the future. Make your plans and prepare. The budget is probably the most essential tool you need to change your financial future and gives you the power to make changes right away.
Personal budgeting is not difficult to set up. We are not talking about a budget drawn up by a multinational or a state, where the responsibilities are significant, and the variables are many. We are talking about the account that will help you maintain order in your finances.
So if you start using it regularly, you will see that it is something simple. You can make it even easier and instead of using pen and paper, take advantage of technological advances using a corresponding application. As with anything new, you may be skeptical or feel that you do not have to bother analyzing your finances. But try it for a few months. As you apply it, you will see that you will become more familiar and it will be easier for you to manage your money properly.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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I’m glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday and I hope to see you soon.
This was their first year so the blooms weren’t huge.
Melinda
Your health and wellness are important factors when it comes to how you feel each day and what you’re able to achieve in life. You must have a lot of natural energy and be in a positive frame of mind if you want to be well and excel.
While not every day will be great, it’s in your best interest to find more stability in your life and mental state. Doing so isn’t always easy but it is possible. Your mental health matters and the only way to make sure you can boost and improve it is to work on it and take actions that help you to achieve this goal.
Keep active if you want to boost and improve your mental health. Exercising and living a healthy lifestyle is good not only for your physical body but also for your mind. Happy chemicals are released when you workout and you’ll notice that you’re in a better mood after you break a sweat. Find activities you enjoy doing and that help you work and challenge different muscle groups. You’ll not only be a happier person for making this change but you’ll also be in better shape and feel more confident in your body.
Another way to boost and improve your mental health is to learn new information regularly. Challenge your mind by studying and reading articles and blogs from some of the top leaders out there like Dee Agarwal. Learning not only makes you smarter but it makes you feel good and gives you a sense of accomplishment. Open up your mind to taking in new information and remain curious so that you can expand your knowledge and education and stay mentally well.
It’s also in your best interest to get in the habit of talking about your feelings if you want to boost and improve your mental health. Be vulnerable and open with those you trust and let them into your troubles and what’s on your mind. They can be there to listen or also offer advice and input if that’s what you want. It’ll feel good to get what’s bothering you off your mind and out into the open. You won’t have to carry around so many burdens and will likely notice that others feel the same way you do and can relate or have had similar experiences as well. You can’t be afraid to ask for help and should do so when you need it so that you feel less alone.
Do more of what you love if you want to boost and improve your mental health. Start living for yourself instead of others and do what puts a smile on your face. Make more time for hobbies and activities that you enjoy and say no to others when they request your time and attention and you can’t give it. Find a job you love and that puts your skills to use and challenges you daily. You’ll feel much more fulfilled and be in a better place when you’re spending your days doing what pleases you.
Your diet and what you eat also play a role in how you feel and your mental health. Some foods can ignite or reduce anxiety, for example. Commit to eating a nutritious diet full of leafy greens, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. It may help to get in the habit of cooking for yourself at home so you have more control over the ingredients and portion sizes. Also, pay attention to what you’re drinking and stick to having more water and tea and less caffeine, alcohol, and sugar if you want to maintain good mental health.
One of the best ways to slow racing thoughts and boost and improve your mental health is to take the time to meditate and reflect often. Find a quiet place in your home or head out into nature and listen to a guided meditation that will help you feel relaxed, centered, and at ease.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
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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. The good news is there are steps you can take to help deal with these challenges.
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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.
Here are some steps you should take if you are experiencing any mental health difficulties in your life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Repost
I want to thank Andrea Marchiano, Managing Editor at Triggeer Publishing for sending me How The Successful Deal With The Stressful by Mark Simmonds for review. The publishing date is the end of March.
What better way to start 2025 than with a book that shares how successful people set strategies to achieve big goals?
Mark has laid out the book by taking famous individuals and sharing their stories of diversity, how they turned their lives around, and how they’ve been successful. It’s an inspirational book full of ideas to change your life, move up the chain, and be happier. This is a book to keep on your bookshelves. Many stories share a personal and will warm hearts to hear their words.
The participants in the book are raw, inspiring, and energizing, they will leave you with new ideas to apply to your own life.
Achieve more and stress less by simply getting started.
Keep sane by separating the urgent from the important.
Maximizing your productivity by mixing up your day.
Create more opportunities by loving life’s challenges.
This is a must-have book for everyone not just professionals, the words of wisdom in the book are life lessons you can use at any time in life.
At Trigger Publishing, our mission is to empower individuals on their mental health journey through the power of lived experience. We are dedicated to publishing real stories by real people, showing our readers that they are not alone and that recovery is possible. Our books and digital solutions, available through our parent brand Trigger Hub, provide hope, support, and practical tools for mental wellness.
Melinda
Here are a few products I’m loving with right now. I hope you find a product to add to your household or self-care routine. The list may also give you ideas for a surprise for friends, and family. Most products are found on Amazon. I am not an Amazon Affiliate, the links do not cost you more and I don’t make a commission off the products.
10,000 Lux, UV-Free, LED Bright White Light with Adjustable Brightness, Countdown Timer, & Detachable Stand – Boost Mood, Sleep, and Focus. Customizable Lighting Experience: Personalize your light therapy with 3 brightness settings and a convenient countdown timer programmable up to 1 hour in 15-minute increments.
I was feeling the Winter Blues so I purchased one and started using it today. I’ve had Therapy Lights in the past and they did help.
Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler with Handle & Straw 30 oz | Twist On 3-Way Lid | Cupholder Compatible for Travel | Insulated Stainless Steel Cup | BPA-Free | Azure.
YOUR DREAM TUMBLER: Whichever way your day flows, the H2.0 FlowState tumbler keeps you refreshed with fewer refills. Double wall vacuum insulation means drinks stay cold, iced or hot for hours. Choose between our 14oz, 20oz, 30oz,40oz and 64oz options depending on your hydration needs. The narrow base on all sizes (except 64oz) fits just about any car cup holder, keeping it right by your side.
I have been using Mica insulated tumbers for years but after my surgeries, they were too hard to lift. I wanted a handle to help me lift and boy do this help.
For Bedroom, 2.5L Tank for Large Room, Easy to Fill & Clean, 28dB Quiet Cool Mist Air Humidifier for Home Baby Nursery & Plants, Auto Shut-off and BPA-Free for Safety, 25H
𝙁𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝘼𝙡𝙡 𝙉𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩: Runs for up to 25 hours on low thanks to its SUPER LARGE capacity of 2.5 liters. The soothing moisture helps quickly relief congestion and dry throat. 𝙀𝙖𝙨𝙮 𝙏𝙤𝙥-𝙁𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝘿𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙜𝙣: LEVOIT listened to feedback from humidifier customers and upgraded to a easy top-fill design. No need to turn the water tank over or spilling water all over the place. Just ONE-STEP to remove the cover and easily fill the tank.
With the heater running non-stop my flowers needed humidity, and the size was perfect. and had a small footprint yet a large tank.
From Willow & Sage from Stampington
Dried Rosehips
Spice grinder/Mortor & pestle
Glass jars
Organic jojoba oil/carrier of your choice
Cheesecloth/Muslin
Glass dropper bottles
Making this oil is so simple! Grind the dried rosehips either in a spice grinder or using a mortar & pestle to break them open and reveal the seeds. Fill the glass jar halfway with the crushed rosehips and cover with jojoba oil on top so there’s no room or air.
Secure the lid, and let it sit in a cool dark place for six weeks. When ready, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or muslin into the pouring vessel, and transfer to glass dropper bottles. This oil should stay shelf-stable for over a year.
This infused oil is great for your skin since it’s high in vitamin C, fatty acids, minerals, and antioxidants. A little goes a long way.
Enjoy.
Melinda
Thank you for joining me for this week’s Friday Quote.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m glad you joined me for another edition of Weekend Music Share this week.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
lookingforthelight.blog 