I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share. I don’t why YouTube doesn’t show the photo cover of the video any longer. Does anyone have the same problem?
Here’s my question to you. If all you see is the Black Video Available graphic, are you clicking on it to watch the video or just passing the post by? If none is comfortable clicking on the graphics, there’s no reason to do Weekend Music Share.
I understand everyone’s concern about scams, I’m overly concerned myself. Let me know your thoughts, it may be time to stop doing the weekend post.
This time I used an old WP Editor and the video graphic worked!!!!! WOW!
This is not the best Tina Turner video but it’s the best quality version of the song I’ve found. I hope you enjoy it.
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 don’t forget to use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
An automobile accident is one of the worst sounds you will ever hear, whether you are the driver, passenger, or even a witness. But what happens after the ambulance arrives and whisk the injured to the hospital? How do you move forward?
A car crash doesn’t usually have to be with another car. It can be with a pole, wall, truck, or even a tree. You not only have to come to terms with loss or the pain of your injuries but there are also legal and insurance matters that you need to deal with. No matter the cause of the accident, you need to let your insurance house know right away. They will let you know what information they need from you to process your claim. Some information they will need is when and how it happened, the other driver’s details and insurance details, and any police statements. If a truck is involved or you are the truck owner, it is best to get an expert trucking witness involved. Because of the impending legal matter, these experts can help you with a report and litigation matters.
PTSD
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not only for war heroes. Anyone who was threatened with violence, death, rape, or severe injury can have PTSD. That includes if you were in a car crash or witnessed a horrible car crash. The traumatic experience causes the psychiatric disorder. There are 4 types of PTSD:
avoidance,
intrusive memories,
changes in physical and emotional reactions,
and negative changes in thinking and mood.
You might not know if you have PTSD. Still, good indicators are if you keep re-experiencing the car crash, having nightmares or flashbacks of the car crash, and even avoidance of the place where the car crash happened. One of the most effective ways to treat PTSD is Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
The survivor of a car crash can be anyone who was involved. Any parent’s nightmare come true is finding out their child was in the car crash and they didn’t survive. The absolute devastation and grief are unthinkable. But life does go on, even if you wish that it doesn’t. It’s hard to celebrate the lives they have lived, even if it was only for a few years. But, you need to realize that you are not alone and that there are people on the sidelines waiting to help you. They are just waiting for you to push on their button. Of course, friends and family are your first line of defense. Still, sometimes you need an outsider to dump your anger, resentment of the world’s unfairness and reveal the scary thoughts running through your head. Psychiatrists are professionally trained to know how to handle and walk you through the healing process. Or maybe you want to talk to people who also went through the same things as you? Reaching out to support groups doesn’t make you look weak. Instead, it will make you come to terms with your new normal without your child in your life.
Your pain doesn’t stop when the car stops dead; there are many steps you need to take after the crash. Whether you are grieving, need legal advice, or treatment after a car crash, you need help. Any kind of help is available with a few clicks of the button.
Business cars are typically seen as executive vehicles, usually German-made and quite flashy. You drive them to give themselves a good reputation, almost showing off when you meet clients. By all means, there are benefits that come from owning a business car. However, have you ever thought about owning a business van instead? Vans are very different from cars, and they can provide you with some substantial benefits as well. So, let’s take a look at what you can gain from driving around in a van:
A van gives you the opportunity to operate a portable business. In essence, you can carry supplies and equipment in your van, basically running your business from it. A lot of the new Vauxhall vans for sale include more than enough space for you to convert the back of your van into a portable base of operations. You can sell products from your van, use it to complete jobs – the opportunities are endless. It gives you an excuse to step out of the office and conduct work on the go.
Access more customers
Following on from the previous point, having a mobile business means you can access more customers. Now, you can actually travel to people’s homes and provide your service via your van. With a car, you perhaps lack the space to carry all of the resources needed to conduct your work. A van gives you all of this space, so you can start offering call-outs and come to people’s homes at a short notice. Instead of operating a static business where people might come to you, you can start going to them.
Improved marketing opportunity
With a car, you don’t really want to go over the top with the branding. As mentioned in the introduction, the main purpose of an executive car is to look fancy and impressive. So, slapping your logo on the side will pretty much defeat the purpose of it. Instead, you can get a van and use this to promote your business when you’re on the move. No doubt you have seen so many small vans around your local area, all of which are heavily branded.
You see, there’s more than enough space on the sides of the van to place your logo, along with other contact details. This can include your telephone number, email address, website URL – and even a QR code for people to scan. A van delivers excellent marketing opportunities for you to consider, so you can promote your business while you drive around. Again, this can link to the previous point in that promoting your business via your van means you could get more customers.
Overall, a van for your business presents some significant advantages over a simple business car. Specifically, it is more practical in the sense that you can do more with a van and can operate your business from it. You tend to see more practical benefits from a van than you would a car, which is normally just for show.
Now more than ever, thanks to the pandemic that’s swept across the world and derailed many businesses, it’s important to maintain or improve your business’s performance. As the owner of a small business, you may think that you’re already doing all you can, or you think things are going well. While that may be the case, complacency is a fast road to disappointment. SMEs need to be constantly changing, adapting, and growing to survive against the giants out there. So, whatever your business, there are a few things you can do to make sure you’re always working towards the next goal.
Coasting isn’t an option as an SME owner. So, ensure to have a clear business plan for the next month/quarter/financial year. You can create your own business plan, or work with online tools to help you set it out and get the most out of it. By specifically planning what exactly needs to get done, you can then free yourself up to see what you could dream of getting done.
Get dreaming
Once your official business plan is in place, allow yourself the space to dream big. If you have colleagues you work well with, carve out time for some blue-sky thinking away from the stresses of day-to-day business. Once you have these dreams and ambitions, get them up on the wall in front of you on a whiteboard. You can inspire yourself and your employees to work hard to achieve these ambitions.
Get marketing
Businesses need marketing. Fact. No matter how well you feel yours is going, there’s probably more you can do. Consider checking out your competitors – do they run really effective social campaigns? Are they attracting interest with competitions or promotions? Have they bought up any advertising space? There are so many avenues out there to consider, so ensure your marketing plan is up to scratch and working as hard as it can.
Funding
Consider whether your business is eligible to receive any funding or investment to assist your business’s growth. You can either do this yourself, by researching and reaching out to investment firms, angel investors, or government bodies, or you can employ the help of investment advisors such as Clark Street Associates Skywater. Advisory firms such as these can assist businesses to discover funding opportunities – be it publicly or privately – that they may be eligible for.
Motivate your employees
To improve efficiency and boost morale, you have to invest in your employees. Without them, your business couldn’t run, and a happy workforce makes a world of difference. Another bonus is that word often gets out, and people respect businesses that take care of their employees. So, consider what you can do for your workforce – whether it’s offering flexibility, helping them develop their skillsets through courses, or incentivizing your staff through competitions. What works on some employees won’t work on others, as each is different, so get to know your team and create solutions to suit them.
Rustic decor and home furnishings can be tricky to create. It’s a unique style that not everyone can pull off well. But when done right, rustic decor can give your home a warm, inviting feel. This blog post will discuss three ways you can make your house look rustic without breaking the bank!
Wood designs are a great way to give your house that rustic feel. You can either use natural wood or treat it with different stains and finishes to achieve the desired look you’re going for. For example, if you want an old, weathered look, paint it black and let nature do its thing!
Wooden benches are for the porch or deck. Of course, designing an outdoor patio can be more challenging due to external influences, but the help of Austex Fence & Deck can give you beautiful options that will bring life, brightness, and nature to your home. For example, you can place a wooden bench seat in front of a large window to let natural light into your house and give it an inviting feel!
Reclaim Earthy Color Paints
Earthy colors are calming to the eye, which is excellent for a rustic style! The best part about these paints, like other interior paint, is that they’re all one color you can mix with others to create your custom hue!
Earth tone shades will give any room in your house an antique feel. Pair this type of wall color against wooden accents or even reclaimed wood furniture pieces and see how much better off it makes your space look.
Build an Indoor or Outdoor Fireplace
Most people don’t have the luxury of having an outdoor fireplace but still want that rustic feel in their home. You can achieve this by building a fireside indoors! It’s easier than you might think, and here are some tips to help make sure your indoor fireplace is successful:
Outdoor fireplaces typically need more maintenance than those within the house because of their exposure to nature. They also tend to be larger, which means it will take longer to heat up enough for use during colder months. If these things aren’t an issue, then building one outside may work best for you!
It would help if you built indoor fireplaces on a level floor or base not to risk any potential accidents. Remember to keep it clean and free of any debris so that the fire will burn safely. Keep in mind; some houses require a permit to build or modify these firesides! Check with your local building codes before starting this project.
DIY Projects
Rustic decor can be expensive to create, but it doesn’t mean you have to break the bank! In contrast, you can do some of these DIY projects around your house for a fraction of the cost.
Owning a vehicle makes life so much easier. Being able to go wherever you please and whenever you want brings a strong feeling of freedom. Having a car also makes it so much simpler to carry out everyday tasks such as running errands and getting to appointments. But, to get maximum enjoyment out of time spent in your car, it needs to be looking great and running at its best. For many people, a car is so much more than a means of transport; it reflects their identity and provides a status symbol. If you want to make a positive impression on everyone you meet, keeping your car looking good is a big part of this. Keeping your vehicle in perfect condition is also beneficial from a re-sell point of view. You are far more likely to get a reasonable price for your car if it is well looked after and maintained. If you are keen to get your vehicle looking at its best and performing well, why not give these tips a try?
Having your car serviced regularly is an excellent way to keep it finely tuned and running at its absolute best. Scheduling a regular service will help ensure that potential issues are detected early and are then repaired before they become a more severe problem. Having maintenance services carried out on your car also allows it to run more efficiently, as everything will be working as it should.
Give the Interior a Makeover
Worn tatty seats, damaged carpet, and a dusty dashboard are familiar sights in many people’s vehicles. Taking care of these signs of wear and tear can help make driving your car a far more comfortable experience. Giving the interior a makeover is also an excellent way to preserve your car’s value. If you are concerned that the inside of your car is beyond repair, don’t worry! There are many ways to get your interior looking new again. If the ceiling of your vehicle is looking damaged, stained, and is coming apart, this can be resolved with a headliner replacement. Your seats can also be repaired; if the fabric is the problem, you could get them re-upholstered, or car seat covers could resolve the issue at a lower cost.
Take Care of the Exterior
Faded paintwork, dents, and scratches are all issues that many car owners are faced with. But, these are all issues that can be resolved. You may be able to repair some scratches yourself at home using a paint repair kit or specialist polish, but take care if you try this so that you don’t make it look worse. If you plan to keep hold of your car for a long time and really want to give it a makeover, you could consider having it resprayed or getting a vehicle wrap. Both these options could help you to achieve the perfect finish you are looking for and ensure you have a car that you are proud to drive.
Are you looking at investing but not too sure if traditional investment routes are for you? There has never been a better time to invest than 2021 in pretty much anything except stocks and shares.
In a nutshell, investing is risky. You may not get back what you put in, or indeed anything at all, and not investments are legal or even advised. However, if you want to invest, you need to make sure you have done your research first before putting down any money, so you are happy with the risks associated with investing in your chosen method.
So what are great options for investing that don’t involve gambling on the stock market?
Vintage Cars
Most specifically, JDM (Japanese Domestic Motors). If you are a fan of the Fast and Furious movie franchise and dream of pulling off some of Paul Walker’s signatures, moving or driving the exact Nissan Skyline model from Gran Tourismo, then finding a good quality, low mileage JDM import can be a great investment opportunity. JDM cars are legal in the US once they become over 25 years old, and they make a great investment for any drag racing fan.
Watches
Classic Cartier, Rolex, and Omega watches are some of the high-quality brands that hold their value and, in some cases, increase depending n the condition and the model. Highly sought-after designs and designers are great investment pieces and can enhance a collection or an investment portfolio.
The best watches to invest in for 2021 include;
Rolex Daytona Platinum Ice Blue Arabic Dial
Rolex Day-Date 40 60th Anniversary 18ct White Gold Olive Green Dial
Longines Vintage Chronograph, Circa 1940-the 1950s
Custom Diamond Set Patek Philippe Nautilus Rose Gold Watch
Omega Speedmaster “First Omega in Space”
Commodities
Agricultural products, oil, natural gas, precious and industrial metals, and other natural resources are examples of commodities. Commodities are considered an inflation hedge since they are not affected by public equity markets. Furthermore, the value of commodities grows and falls under supply and demand—greater demand for commodities leads to higher prices and, as a result, higher profits for investors.
Real Estate Crowdfunding
Another way to diversify your real estate investment portfolio is to use a crowdfunding platform. These choices have grown in popularity over the years and allow you to invest in real estate without the inconvenience of owning or maintaining the property. To gain access to some platforms, you must be an accredited investor, while others do not. However, there are other solutions to consider.
Investments value can differ from platform to platform, with some offering investments from as little as $10. it is a great way to build up your portfolio without funding the cost of purchasing real estate yourself.
Gold
Investing in gold has always been a great option. Gold usually holds its value and is often seen as a good asset to invest in. If you’re a modest investor or a first-timer, it’s best to stick to direct gold investment strategies. This usually entails purchasing gold bullion in the shape of coins, bars, or other real gold forms. A gold allocation of 5% to 10% is considered good for an individual’s portfolio. When it comes to investing in gold, it’s also critical to understand the elements that influence gold prices.
I made that up while trying to explain to an employee that it doesn’t matter what we think, it’s what our client thinks. If they think it’s real, it’s real to them. We can’t tell them they are wrong, we have to change their perception.
Aging is part of life and inevitable, but that doesn’t mean the transition will come easy. You’re not alone if you’re worried about your future and getting older.
Many challenges come with aging and no longer being tied to a job, depending upon when you choose to retire. One essential aspect of your overall well-being and health is your mental health and your mind. Stay sharp, with it, and excited about life by applying the following tips. This way you can prepare for your future with a positive outlook and enthusiasm instead of worry.
Stay on A Sleep Schedule
You can stay mentally well as you age by sleeping well and getting enough rest. It may help to stay on a sleep schedule and get up and go to bed around the same time each day. While you want to get enough sleep you also don’t want to sit around all day and stay in bed all the time if you want to keep mentally well. The right amount of sleep will help repair your mind and body and ensure you feel your best and can function well each day.
Choose the Right Living Conditions
You’ll feel mentally better when you’re taking good care of yourself and not stressing about surviving and getting by each day. Stay mentally well as you age by choosing the right living conditions for your health and situation. For instance, independent living may be an ideal option for you versus assisted living if you can handle daily self-care activities but want to live with others your age and maintain a social life. You can learn more online about the benefits of this type of community and what’s best for you so you can make the right choice and enjoy your later years.
See Your Doctor
Another way to stay mentally well as you age is to visit your doctor regularly. It’s important that you have frequent checkups as you get older and that you’re both on the same page. Not only is visiting a physician important for your physical health but you may consider seeing a therapist if you feel your mental health is slipping or you’re feeling depressed and down. Take good care of yourself by being responsible in this area and not waiting until you’re sick, ill, or uncomfortable to make a phone call and schedule an appointment. Be open and honest with your doctors so they can help you and come up with the best treatment plan for your condition or situation.
Exercise & Eat Well
It’s not just about what you think when it comes to your mental health. Your body also plays a role in how you feel mentally and physically. Therefore, commit to exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet to stay in the best condition possible overall. Exercise will help you manage and reduce any stress you’re feeling and cope with any anxiety you have about getting older. Between diet and exercise, you’ll be on the right path to ensuring you can maintain and even boost your mental health in the long run. You’ll also have more energy and will be in a better mood when you eat well and exercise.
Challenge Your Mind
It’s also essential that you challenge your mind daily if you want to stay mentally well as you age. It may be that you wake up and complete crossword puzzles or that you read books and take in new information. You’ll be getting smarter and wiser for it and helping to keep your mental health intact. You may also find these types of activities and various brain exercises to be not only challenging and interesting but fun and exciting. There are also many apps and activities you can download on your phone so you can challenge your mind when you’re on the go and no matter where you are throughout your day.
Socialize & Stay Engaged
Another way to stay mentally well as you age is to socialize and stay engaged with life and your surroundings. Build and nurture relationships with others and get out there and find activities you enjoy doing and that helps you stay connected. Keep a social calendar of events and make sure you’re making plenty of time for friends, family, and fun hobbies and gatherings. It’ll put a smile on your face and make you feel more relaxed and help you enjoy life more. It can be easy to isolate and distance yourself when you get older and aren’t working but this may soon make you feel lonely and disconnected. Make an effort to socialize and interact with others and you’ll likely find you feel a lot better mentally.
Ask for Help
You should never be ashamed or afraid to ask for help when you need it. You may harm your mental health unintentionally if you try to complete your entire to-do list of tasks and take care of your health needs all by yourself. Everyone needs help once in a while and you shouldn’t be shy about asking for it from the people who love you. Reach out and let people know what you need and what will make your life easier. Not only may you need physical help but it might be that you want emotional help or support if someone you love passes away or you’re dealing with managing all the changes that are occurring in your life.
Volunteer or Care for Others
Sometimes caring for others and lending a helping hand is all you need to turn around your attitude and outlook for the better. Improve your mental health and well-being by volunteering your time or donating your money to a cause that’s special and meaningful to you. Giving back is an excellent way to put a smile on your face and make you feel like part of a larger community and world. You’ll not only feel good about yourself for doing so but you may also meet new and unique people in the process who will give you a fresh perspective on life.
Avoid Too Much Alcohol
Drinking too much alcohol can be detrimental to your health over time. It can especially harm your mental health and mood. Therefore, stay mentally well by avoiding drinking too much alcohol and finding other ways to relax and spend your time. For you it may be taking walks in nature, reading a book, or taking a warm bath. Commit to drinking more water and hydrating so you feel full of energy each day. You may be prone to skipping your workouts or choosing unhealthy and fatty foods if you drink a lot of alcohol as well.
Talk About Your Problems
You might be feeling overwhelmed or anxious because you have problems you’re dealing with in your life. You may be more inclined to keep issues to yourself and not open up if you live alone in your older years as well. However, if you want to stay mentally well then it’s wise to be more vulnerable and talk about your problems and what’s going on in your life. You’ll feel much better after getting this information off your chest and out into the open. Reach out to people who you trust and who are willing to offer advice and support when you need it.
Independence is something that most people strive for in some way. Being independent doesn’t have to mean being alone all the time or never asking anyone for help. But it does allow you to cope on your own and to be able to pursue the things that you want without having to rely on other people all the time. If you want to be more independent, some of the things that can help you to do it are practical things that are useful to have. Other essentials to help you gain more independence are skills that you can learn. Take a look at some of these things that could help you.
Being able to go where you want definitely helps you to be more independent. It helps you to get a job where you want, without having to rely on other people or public transport. It means you can go out when you feel like it, whether it’s to see friends or go grocery shopping. Getting your driver’s license is a must if you want to increase your independence. Looking at used cars for sale will also help you to get your own vehicle at an affordable price. With your own car, you can drive whenever and wherever you need to.
Your Own Money
Financial independence is a huge part of being a more independent person. Even if you share your finances with a spouse or partner, it’s still a good idea for you both to bring in income and to have your own spending money or savings. You might use a joint account for your shared expenses, but have a separate bank account for extra spending money. Taking control of your finances can help you to maintain independence, from setting up a savings account to ensuring you have an emergency fund.
Your Own Goals and Dreams
Independence is also about independent thought and creating your own path for yourself. Do you want to decide what to do with your life, or do you just want to follow other people’s suggestions? By ensuring you have your own dreams and goals, you can go after what you want and build an independent life for yourself. That might include what you want to do for your career or goals that you want to set in your personal life, such as having a family or going traveling.
The Ability to Spend Time Alone
Some people love to be alone, but others struggle not to be around other people. However, being unable to spend time with yourself can be unhealthy. Sometimes it leads to people hopping from relationship to relationship so that they never have to be single or not being able to spend even a few minutes without someone else’s company. But learning how to be on your own, love yourself, and even take yourself out on dates can be very healthy for your independence and self-esteem.
To become more independent, work on the skills, mindset, and practical things that will help you to be less reliant on others.
In a search and rescue scramble that gripped the world’s attention for more than two weeks, the last of 12 Thai youth soccer players and their coach are safely rescued and transported to a local hospital on July 10, 2018. On June 23, 2018, Ekkapol Chantawong, 25, and his players, …read more
In Auckland harbor in New Zealand, Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior sinks after French agents in diving gear plant a bomb on the hull of the vessel. One person, Dutch photographer Fernando Pereira, was killed. The Rainbow Warrior, the flagship of international conservation group …read more
On July 10, 1943, the Allies begin their invasion of Axis-controlled Europe with landings on the island of Sicily, off mainland Italy. Encountering little resistance from the demoralized Sicilian troops, the British 8th Army under Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery came ashore …read more
The United States Patent Office issues the Swedish engineer Nils Bohlin a patent for his three-point automobile safety belt “for use in vehicles, especially road vehicles” on July 10, 1962. Four years earlier, Sweden’s Volvo Car Corporation had hired Bohlin, who had previously …read more
On July 10, 1850, Vice President Millard Fillmore is sworn in as the 13th president of the United States. President Zachary Taylor had died the day before, five days after falling ill with a severe intestinal ailment on the Fourth of July. Fillmore was only the second man to …read more
If you are like most people, you try as much as you can to avoid the thought of selling your car because you are holding on to an emotional viewpoint. However, cars come in the category of our most significant assets, but the ones that decrease in value. You might sometimes drive your vehicle thinking that it is in perfect shape, while the people around you clearly see that it is not. This means that you need to be smart enough to know when the ideal time to sell your car is.
The following are some signs that will let you know when it is time to sell your car:
You hear some strange noises
It is very wise to pay attention when your car starts making some strange sounds. A vehicle that screeches when braking means that the braking system, or rather the brake pad, is rubbing upon the rotor. On the other hand, a squealing sound coming from under the bonnet can indicate a loose or worn-out serpentine belt.
There are many other sounds that a car can make to indicate there is trouble, and none of them is pleasant. Strange sounds mean that your car is trying to tell you something, so listen carefully and act fast. Take your car for an inspection to identify the problem.
It no longer meets your needs
Life changes when you get married and start having kids. You cannot just go driving around in a deathtrap. So if you own a smaller car, you will need more space for your growing family. You might want to consider selling your car and buying a new one, preferably an SUV or a minivan.
Repairs cost more than the actual value
An aging car means more and more problems. The value continues to decrease, and every visit to the mechanic gets more expensive and finally starts taking over the actual buying price of the car. Car issues like engine and transmission problems can make a big hole in your pocket and significantly lower your car’s value.
At first, the repairs might seem like the best thing to do; besides, it’s just the engine and transmission. However, soon enough, other problems start to arise and crawl on your budget. This is a clear sign that you will need to sell that car as quickly as possible. It’s better to have a new car than an old one that requires many repairs.
It doesn’t feel safe anymore
The safety and well-being of your family are of the highest significance than the value of any car. It is time to sell a car that starts to show significant safety problems. Your vehicle doesn’t necessarily have to be old to tumble on major safety standards; it can be one of those cars that are due for a recall due to jeopardized factory standards or behind safety improvements. So, using this type of car will mean that you are putting yourself and your loved ones at risk and the other road users too.
Tire treads are deteriorating unequally
Uneven or premature tread wear can sometimes be caused by something as simple as overinflated or underinflated tires. However, sometimes, it could indicate an even bigger problem, like in the suspension. Keep in mind that suspension problems can be more complex and even expensive to fix. It might now be time to sell your car.
The Rust is Visible
Oxidation is a ruthless and troubling thing as it can spread like a rash on your car. You can solve this problem, but once it starts to spread, it gets harder to restrain. Rusting can spread to almost every part of your car, including the doors, suspension, exhaust, and unprotected undercarriage.
Remember that rust is one of the things that savvy car buyers check for when buying a car. So, whenever you notice rust, consider selling your vehicle before it spreads to other places.
It is still in good condition, and you want a new car
If you want to sell your car with less stress, it is better to do it when everything is still in good condition. This is because it can be way harder to sell a car that has many mechanical issues. Besides, when buyers realize the car needs repairs, they tend to ask for a deduction of the repair costs from the asking price.
Final Thoughts
Is your car spending a lot of time in the mechanic store rather than on the road? If yes, it is time to sell it. However, before you buy another car, it is essential to determine the value of your car to decide whether it is worth repairing or just selling it.
Are you planning to purchase your first motorcycle? While this can be an exciting moment, you need to consider several things to make an informed decision. You don’t want to make some mistakes that could cost you the investment. If you don’t know where to begin, you shouldn’t worry because this guide got you covered. It outlines vital tips anyone may need to know before purchasing a motorcycle.
It is essential to complete a motorcycle safety course to improve your safety on the roads. Much like driver’s training, this will ensure your safety and that of other motorists. Remember, you’ll be one of the most exposed bikers out there – so play it safe!
Are you an experienced motorcyclist? You may want to consider a refresher course and enhance your skills. If you already have a bike and are looking to accessorize it, you may want to check this website for great offers.
Motorcycle Insurance
Like when purchasing a family car, before you buy your new bike, you’ll need to make sure you have insurance as well. In many states, motorcycle insurance is mandatory, so this will be an additional cost on top of the purchase price. So why do you need insurance cover? It can protect you in many instances, including if you cause property damage or injure someone unintentionally.
One of the most critical motorcycle insurance covers includes liability coverage for protection against property damage and personal injury lawsuits. Other policies you may need after purchasing your motorcycle include:
Comprehensive insurance
Medical coverage
Collision coverage
Underinsured and Uninsured motorist policy
Should You Buy from a Dealer or Private Owner?
Whether you want a used or new motorcycle, you can buy from a private seller or a dealer. Evaluate your needs and choose what you think suits you. For example, a dealer can offer more comfort because their motorcycles may come with a warranty and assurance. On the flip side, a bike from a private seller could be less costly.
The Size of the Motorcycle
The size of the bike you want to buy is an essential consideration that you shouldn’t ignore. How do you know your proper size? First, know why you want to buy the bike. This way, you can understand the best motorcycle size you may need. For example, do you need a motorcycle for commuting and avoiding daily traffic? You may consider a small bike. On the other hand, for sports, a heavier bike can serve you better.
Consider Your Physique
If you’re like most bikers, chances are you want a motorcycle that you can use with utmost comfort. This is where your physical body comes into play. For example, you don’t want a bike that’s too tall or too small for you. The best way to ensure the bike you purchase won’t be uncomfortable is riding to test it before committing to the purchase.
Availability of Parts and Accessories
With a motorcycle, you can customize it according to your personality and needs. The good news is you can check the available accessories in the market and accessorize your bike. So whether you want highway bars, saddlebags, custom exhaust, backrest, or windscreen, the market has everything you may need.
Conclusion
If you evaluate your needs and establish what you want, purchasing your first bike shouldn’t be challenging. Consider these factors for your next purchase and avoid common pitfalls.
I’ve read books most of my life and some have made an impact on me personally and others professionally. Several of the books below are religious but are great reads that could change your life. Here’s a small list of books you may want to check out.
The Worst Hard Time by Timothy Egan
If you live in Texas or want to know about life in Texas during the 1930s, this is the book to read. When I bought the book I had not heard about the Dust Bowl so the book was a huge surprise. I can’t imagine living in drought, depression, and hopelessness. One story that sticks with me is an entire family was coming back from church and a dust storm blew through and killed the entire family, just suffocated them in the vehicle. Another story that hangs with me is how everyday people would take wet towels and put them in windows to prevent the dust from coming into the house. You have to remember this was also in the heat of summer when you could not open your windows.
Seven Choices by Elizabeth Harper Neeld, Ph.D.In
I bought Seven Choices when my gramps died. His death knocked the air out of me and I did know how to move forward. I had my therapist but knew I needed something extra to help me walk thru the phases of grief. It’s an interesting personal story and the learning you get is thru the learning she finds in her own life. The book helped me so much I know if I need it again it will be there.
Mad Mary by Liz Curtis Higgs
Mad Mary is a religious book that takes you by surprise. The book portrays Mary Magdalene as a homeless woman who people think has a mental issue. They shun her and treat her poorly. It’s an easy read and the bottom line is you never know who someone is and who you are treating badly. I have the highest regard for Mary Magdalene so it makes the book more special.
The Passion of Christ
I read this book after seeing the movie and I was surprised I could cry even more. What can you say? The story of Jesus’ death is profound, leaves me speechless, and sobbing. If you want to read about the last of day of Jesus life, his journey of carrying the cross to his final resting place this is the book for you
Man Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
I was blessed with a great teacher in boarding school who gave me books that changed my life. The most important book was Man’s Search For Meaning. I read this book at 13 years old and have read it many times since. How can you not appreciate the life you have after reading what Viktor Frankl went thru to stay alive. Viktor is a Holocaust survivor and an extraordinary man. He managed to engage his mind every day to keep learning in order to stay sane. This is a must-read book for everyone of all ages.
Shock by Kitty Dukakis and Larry Tye
Kitty Dukakis suffered terrible depression during her husband’s time in politics and she reached a point where she couldn’t go on any longer. Just like you or I, she checked herself into a Psychiatric Hospital and received Electroconvulsive Treatments in order to come out of her darkness. She raw, not pretenses, no special treatment just a patient who is suffering from severe depression. I read this the first time shortly after I spent time having ECT treatments myself. It was comforting to read about someone who is in the same place, same struggle, and see them come out on the other side.
90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper and Cecil Murphey
This is a short read book that will have you pulled in from the first minute. It’s a true story about a horrific car accident and the extraordinary measure the medical staff went thru to save Don’s life. During that tie, Don dies and he shares his account of his journey to the other side. It will open your eyes, make you remember life is short, and say what you have to say today not tomorrow.
Hope you find something you may not have heard of and want to take a look at it.
By changing your focus, you can find people with a track record for tackling and overcoming challenges, says HR consultant Suzanne Lucas.
This post is part of TED’s “How to Be a Better Human” series, each of which contains a piece of helpful advice from someone in the TED community; browse through all the posts here.
“Talent” is a prized commodity in the business world. Instead of employee assessments, now there are talent assessments. Companies used to have directors of recruiting; now they have directors of talent acquisition. What do senior leaders worry about most? Talent shortages.
Well, it’s time for organizations to stop fixating on talent and to focus on skills instead, says Suzanne Lucas. AsLucas, an HR consultant and writer of the Evil HR Lady blog, explains, “When we use the word ‘talent’ to refer to employees, what we’re implying is you need to have the knowledge, skills and abilities to do the job perfectly from day one.”
Lucas arrived at this conclusion thanks to a close friend with a unique profession — she’s a professional organist. One day after a fantastic performance, Lucas gave her “what I thought was a compliment,” she recalls. “‘Liz,’ I said, ‘You are so talented.’ ‘Thanks,’ she said. ‘But I’m actually not more talented than most people; I’ve worked very, very hard to get to where I am today.’”
Her reply opened Lucas’s eyes to the role of learning, effort and practice in our professional development. Yes, there are prodigies among us: “Mozart wrote his first minuet at five,” she says. Still, many great achievements — just like her friend’s performance — are the result of hard work. “It took Lin-Manuel Miranda a full year to write a single song for his musical Hamilton,” Lucas says.
So the next time you’re filling a job, shift how you evaluate applicants.Lucas explains, “We need to not only look at ‘Does this person already know how to do something?’ but ‘Can she learn it’?”
How can you tell if someone can learn something? “Well, have they learned hard things in the past?” asks Lucas. “Do they know similar things? Do they have a history of recovering from failure? Somebody that has failed and then succeeded has demonstrated they have the grit and guts necessary” to tackle and overcome new challenges. As we face a future of great uncertainty in terms of the kinds of jobs available, the people who can learn new skills — especially those with resilience and a growth mindset — will be among the most valuable.
Screening candidates for skill rather than talent might take you more time. You’ll need to look more closely at people’s resumes and cover letters and possibly even read between the lines. But the extra effort will be worth it, says Lucas. “When we remove talent from the equation, it’s easy to see that just about anybody can learn just about anything with hard work and dedication,” she says. “When businesses are willing to invest in training and development, they’ll find that the talent shortage disappears because it never existed in the first place.”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daniella Balarezo is a Media Fellow at TEDx. She is also a writer and comedian based in NYC.
When people are trying out a new therapist, they often tend to put the therapist in the driver’s seat during their initial sessions. But this isn’t quite right — the client should be an equal partner too. What else should people keep in mind during that process? And how can they figure out if a therapist is right for them?
To answer these questions, Brianne Patrice, executive director of Sad Girls Club, a nonprofit dedicated to destigmatizing mental health and wellness in the Black and brown community, spoke with Taylor Blossom, clinical mental health therapist and practitioner at Well WildFlower. The following advice was adapted from that conversation.
1. If you’re a person of color or a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or another specific community, think about how important it is for you to find a therapist who identifies with your lived experience
In most cases, you’re going to foster a relationship easier and quicker with someone who is similar to you. I don’t think it’s impossible to find an excellent therapist who is different from you, but I do think it’s easier to do therapy with someone who’s more like you, especially if it’s your first time easing into that space.
You should also consider your particular issues. For instance, if you’re going to therapy because the world is feeling heavy and you’re trying to process and navigate what it means to be a Black person, then a Black therapist will likely be of most benefit.
Personally, as a woman of color, I will only see a therapist of color because I think all my experiences are shaped by that context in my life. But not everybody thinks like that, so consider your issues and how they affect you.
2. In your first session, ask the therapist about their style
I love it when first-time clients ask about my therapeutic framework, which is basically a therapist’s perspective and how they think problems are best solved. There are several different therapeutic frameworks — some common ones are psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioral therapy and person-centered therapy.
But I know when I first started therapy, I had no idea what a therapeutic framework was. So another way you can find out their approach is by asking them: “How do you do therapy?”
Their answers — whether it’s to the therapeutic framework question or to the “how do you do therapy” question — will tell you how they intend to work with you. For example, I’m a person-centered therapist so in our time together, I’m going to want to talk about all of the aspects of your life. It’s my treatment plan to address all of you, the whole person.
Meanwhile, a cognitive behavioral therapist will ask you about your thoughts and the behaviors that go along with them, while a psychoanalytic therapist would want to explore how you grew up and how you feel like that’s impacting you now.
If you’re going into therapy with a clear intention of what you want to work on in yourself, you’re going to want a style that goes along with that. In this case, it can be worth your doing some research on frameworks beforehand. But if you’re unsure about what you want to explore, you may find that different frameworks or styles could work for you.
Also, ask your therapist about what sort of homework they typically prescribe to clients and what activities they like to do in their sessions. Many therapists do more than just talk — they may incorporate art therapy, movement therapy, sound, healing or meditations.
3. And expect to be asked about your previous experiences with therapy
One of the first questions a therapist will ask when meeting a new client is: “Have you been in therapy before?” If your answer is yes, their next question will usually be: “What worked for you and what didn’t?” And if your answer is no, the next question should be, “What do you think your goal is for this space?”
So before you go into your first session, think about how you’ll respond because how you answer these questions will be incredibly helpful — both for you and for your therapist.
4. If you’ve never been to a therapist before, here’s how to figure out the right type of person for you
One way to evaluate whether they’re a good fit for you is to think about who you normally ask for help in your life — whether it’s a sibling, parent or close friend. What about that relationship and how they relate to you are most helpful to you?
Some people just need to vent, other people want feedback, other people want tools and to know what they can do next, and others want a mixture of both. If you already know what helps you, then you can know what kind of therapist you’re looking for.
Keep in mind that therapy is 100 percent your time. Your therapist should not have their own agenda. They should not have anything but themselves and their internal resourcing to show up and respond to what you’re bringing up.
5. Give yourself six sessions to see whether they’re a good fit for you
In the US, six sessions is typically the minimum amount of time that therapists are given to come up with a diagnosis (something they need to do for these sessions to be covered by health insurance). But even if your therapist is not covered by health insurance, six weeks is still a good amount of time to spend with them.
Why? It’s because we’re ever-evolving as people. At your first session, even though you’re being vulnerable, you’ll likely show up as the best version of you. In other words, the therapist will be in the teacher seat and you’ll be in the student seat, trying to be the best student possible. Even though you may not consciously be playing that role, it’s what most of us have internalized.
Over six sessions, the therapist can observe how you fluctuate. They’ll get more information about how you handle problems outside of therapy and in the real world, which can give them insight into an appropriate treatment plan. And by treatment plan, I don’t mean something as formal as “We’re going to talk about X for X weeks and then do Y.” I just mean how we’re going to deal with whatever is showing up for you.
For a therapist, with some clients it’s easier to see where you’re headed sooner. Some people show up to therapy more ready to do the work than others; they already have their questions and areas to explore. Other people are like, “I’m just here because I feel like I should be, but I don’t know what I’m looking for.” There is no one right way, so I think trying each other out for six weeks should be a standard. That said, if you feel they are absolutely wrong for you, it’s OK to stop seeing them sooner.
6. Your six sessions are over, and the therapist isn’t right for you — be direct
Make your exit similar to how you’d end any other relationship in your life — with respect and with transparency. In your last session, the top three things you should communicate are 1) what didn’t work for you; 2) why you feel now is the time for you to terminate therapy with them; 3) and what you think the therapist could improve on. Since they are someone who’ll be seeing other clients, you want to help them help the next person who will come to them.
Try not to ghost on your therapist. If I were seeing you every week for six weeks, I’m going to worry about your mental health if you’re just gone.
Yes, it will be awkward to give them criticism, but if you can’t model that awkwardness in therapy — which is a safe space for you to do just that — how will you do it in the other parts of your life?
7. When you find the right therapist …
My number-one takeaway is to allow therapy to act as a model space for the rest of your life. It’s your space, so make it yours. It’s the one time and place you get to be as vulnerable and as open as you want, without consequences. So use it to try out some of those things that are uncomfortable for you in the real world.
This post is part of TED’s “How to Be a Better Human” series, each of which contains a piece of helpful advice from people in the TED community; browse through all the posts here.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
Brianne Patrice is a mental health advocate and sensuality doula. She is the executive director of Sad Girls Club, a nonprofit dedicated to destigmatizing the conversation around mental health and wellness within the black and brown community and is founder of Twenty Nine Thirty, a restorative community connecting the dots between sensuality, sexuality, healing and wellness.
Taylor Blossom is a clinical mental health therapist and practitioner whose work specializes in therapeutic consulting, workshop facilitation, and guided meditations for individuals, groups, and companies. Through her impassioned belief that there is space for us all to blossom in the direction of the highest good, Taylor works as the Founder and CEO of Well Wildflower – a community wellness garden for Black women and women of color, host of the hit well-being podcast The Blossom Pod, and a Soul Sessions facilitator for Sad Girls Club.
Most of us have been in its grip before — the alarm goes off, our mind starts whirring away, and before we know it, we’ve done a freefall into worry. Neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett has been there, too, and she tells us how we can stop the spiral.
This post is part of TED’s “How to Be a Better Human” series, each of which contains a piece of helpful advice from someone in the TED community. To see all the posts, go here.
How often does this happen to you?
“You wake up, and as you’re emerging into consciousness, you feel this horrible dread, this real wretchedness. Immediately, your mind starts to race,” says neuroscientist Lisa Feldman Barrett. “You think about all the crap that you have to do at work — you have that mountain of email which you will never dig yourself out of, the phone calls you have to return, and that important meeting across town. You’re going to have to fight traffic, you’ll be late picking your kids up, your dog is sick, and what are you going to make for dinner? Oh my God. What is wrong with my life?”
OK, you may not have the dog, the kids or the meeting across town, but what about the rest — the cascading catalog of to-dos, the sinking feeling that you’re behind even before your day has started, and the headlong tumble into despair?
Whew.
According to Barrett, those last two sentences of the above scenario — the “Oh my God. What is wrong with my life?” part — are especially treacherous. Why? Because too often we come to the sweeping and inaccurate conclusion that our life stinks.
But we don’t have to take this misery lying down, says Barrett. Through her research at the Affective Science Laboratory at Northeastern University in Boston, she has come to some mind-shaking realizations about human emotions. Contrary to what many of us think, our emotions are neither hard-wired into our brains nor are they out of our control. Instead, our emotions are guesses that our brains generate on the fly, based upon our past experiences.
As she explains in her book How Emotions Are Made — read an excerpt here — “Anytime you feel miserable, it’s because you are experiencing an unpleasant effect due to physical sensations. Your brain will try to predict causes for those sensations, and the more concepts you know and the more instances you can construct, the more effectively you can recategorize to manage your emotions and regulate your behavior.”
When we start that AM spiral into anxiety, as Barrett explains, “Your brain is searching to find an explanation for those sensations in your body that you experience as wretchedness.” But, she adds, “Those sensations might not be an indication that anything is wrong with your life … Maybe you’re tired. Maybe you didn’t sleep enough. Maybe you’re hungry. Maybe you’re dehydrated.”
So, the next time you feel gripped by morning dread, she suggests you ask yourself: “Could this have a purely physical cause?”
Check in and see: What’s going on with your body? When the alarm went off, were you roused from a deep sleep and you’re rattled as a result? Or, perhaps you’re too hot, too cold, achy or itchy …
Barrett says, “You have the capacity to turn down the dial on emotional suffering and its consequences for your life by learning how to construct your experiences differently
Nature is a powerful force, and increasingly people are turning back towards nature to help keep themselves healthy and to enrich their lives. After years of relying on mass-produced items, many consumers are turning to handmade and natural alternatives. Incorporating more of nature into your daily life can bring many benefits to both your health and wellbeing. Take a look at some of the ways you could bring more of nature into your life:
Getting out into the fresh air is an excellent way to instantly boost your mood and help you reduce your stress levels. Ecopsychology is an area of study that focuses on the many benefits that can be gained from spending time in a natural environment. If you are able to visit a forest, take a walk through a park, enjoy a trip to the coast, you will be able to enjoy the positives that being outdoors and surrounded by nature brings. However, even if you cannot travel outside, simply stepping out into your backyard or even adding some indoor plants to your home can create a positive connection to nature and help your wellbeing.
Eat Natural Foods
Switching from a diet of processed foods to a natural, additive-free diet is something that many people find helpful. Avoiding highly processed foods can help you avoid that sluggish feeling that many people get after eating convenience foods. Swapping processed foods for whole natural foods has the added positive that you will be eating more nutrients your body needs while cutting out many of the additives that can harm your health. Some people also like to try taking supplements and look for products such as CBD hemp oil for sale when changing their diet. It is a wise idea to speak to your doctor before making any dietary changes or taking supplements to ensure they are suitable for you and are safe to use with any medication you currently take.
Natural Skincare
Getting back to basics with your skincare routine can be a useful opportunity to save money and incorporate more natural products into your daily life. Switching from expensive moisturizers and products with complicated ingredient lists and choosing natural moisturizers can be a great way to experiment with living life more naturally. Nowadays, natural skincare and beauty products are widely available to buy in stores. Still, if you are interested in taking your interest a little further, you could try following some skincare recipes and making your own.
Clean Naturally
If you are concerned about the chemicals that are contained within some household cleaning products, you may want to extend your interest in natural alternatives to your household chores. Choosing products that naturally clean your home can be a handy way to avoid the strong smell of chemicals. You may be able to find natural cleaning products in your local store, but be sure to check the label to ensure they are as natural as they claim to be before you buy them.
I’m a believer that every bump in the road prepares us for the next challenge in life but wouldn’t it be nice if we could go back and talk to our younger selves.
My angst started as a small child, as many of you know I was a child of emotional, physical, and sexual abuse. I spend many hours talking to myself trying to make sense of the pain in my life. I would tell that child, your day will come when people who love will walk into your path and change your life forever. You are loved and with love and therapy, all wounds heal.
I would tell that heartbroken teenager that sex doesn’t mean love and love doesn’t always mean love. I cried so many times played across my bed when I found out my boyfriend had cheated on me. My granny consoling me that he wasn’t the right one and the right man would come into my life. If she just had a magic wand to tell me when he would and how long it would take.
When you’re starting your career you’re going to get crappy work, that’s a fact of life. It’s what you do with it that makes the difference in your future. Embrace the worst task, do them to the best of your ability and do it for yourself, not for anyone’s recognition. IF you can do the worst jobs, the ones everyone else pushes aside, someday these skills will pay you back 10 fold.
If you get the chance to take a job you are scared of, you feel is out of your league, take it. Giving it a sincere effort and not succeeding is not failure.
In my 20’s I bought a house, the rent was less than renting an apartment so it sounded like the right decision. Little did I know about all the other expenses that come with keeping up a house. Don’t be fair to eat chicken noodle soup and bologna sandwiches to reach your dream.
During some dark depressive times, I didn’t want to go on. The fight wasn’t worth it, it took too much energy. I loved my family but could not see any light in my life and could not get out of bed. I would say to that woman, listen to your doctor, be honest, listen to that deep voice in your heart and follow it. Fight for life and keep fighting for the life you want.
For the woman I am today, I would say. Don’t be afraid of the future, your health, don’t stop living just to avoid any danger. You have to live, life is worth living and you have to dig deeper for your purpose in life.
A paper in press in General Hospital Psychiatry, and written by Yosaee and colleagues (from Iran and the UK), reports evidence for the benefits of zinc in depression.
What is Zinc?
Zinc is a micronutrient (an essential mineral needed for growth and development). Zinc plays a role in many physiological processes, such as DNAsynthesis, protein production, cell growth, healthy immune function, sense of taste and smell, and the functioning of countless enzymes. Food sources of zinc include animal proteins (e.g., chicken, red meat, and seafood, particularly oysters), but also whole grains, nuts, and legumes.
Zinc supplements have been used for the treatment of a variety of conditions (e.g., colds, wound healing, diarrhea). However, consuming too much zinc can be harmful, so zinc supplements are not usually recommended for healthy people unless they do not get sufficient zinc from food sources or have trouble absorbing zinc.
For example, zinc supplements are sometimes recommended for vegetarians and vegans, individuals with alcohol problems and certain digestive conditions (e.g., inflammatory bowel diseases), and pregnantwomen.
Low zinc levels have been linked with a variety of health conditions (e.g., skin conditions, infections), including mental illness, especially depression. The review by Yosaee et al., described below, investigated the relationship between zinc and depression.
A Review of the Link Between Depression and Zinc Levels
The review began with a search of several databases (e.g., PubMed) for keywords “depression” and “zinc.” Original observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in adult populations were included if they used depression as an outcome and zinc as an intervention or exposure factor.
The search resulted in 4,245 articles, from which 13 observational investigations (four cohort and nine cross-sectional designs) and seven RCTs met the final criteria.
Characteristics of the RCTs: 319 participants; 2-12 weeks in duration.
Characteristics of the observational research: 27,296 participants in cross-sectional investigations and 15,852 in cohort investigations.
The meta-analysis of the seven RCTs showed zinc supplementation was associated with a reduction in depression [weighted mean difference (WMD) = −4.15 point; 95% confidence intervals (CI): −6.56, −1.75 point; P < 0.01)].
Furthermore, zinc supplementation reduced depression scores in patients with depression who were not receiving antidepressants.
The results from the four cohort studies showed the highest zinc intake was linked with a nearly 28 percent reduction in the risk of depression [Relative Risks (RR): 0.66; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.82)].
And an analysis of the nine cross-sectional studies found having high zinc levels (serum zinc concentration combined with dietary zinc) was inversely linked with the risk for depression [RR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.51, 0.70].
In summary, data from different types of studies showed an association between zinc levels and depression.
So, why might zinc be related to a lower risk for depression? The potential mechanisms are speculative and complicated—involving a variety of factors, like oxidative stress, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurogenesis, cortisol, neural plasticity, and the endocrine and immune system.
Concluding Thoughts on Zinc for Depression
Here is a summary of the main findings of the meta-analysis:
Many depressed individuals appeared to have zinc insufficiency or zinc deficiency (determined by the amount of zinc in their blood and diet).
In cohort investigations, a 28 percent reduction in the risk of depression was seen in those with the highest zinc intake.
In patients with depression who were not treated with antidepressants, zinc supplementation significantly reduced depression.
The antidepressant effects of zinc supplementation were most pronounced in patients with mild to moderate depression.
The researchers note their findings may not be generalizable to healthy individuals (e.g., those without depression). Furthermore, most of the studies used in the analysis were limited in geographical location. Though some of these came from multiple countries (e.g., Germany, Finland, the U.S.), the majority were conducted in Iran and Australia. Therefore, one must await the replication of these findings. And given the correlational nature of the data (i.e. correlation does not mean causation), firm conclusions regarding the effects of zinc on depression cannot be drawn.
Nevertheless, this is not the first review to have observed a link between zinc and depression.
For instance, a 2013 meta-analysis noted depression correlated with lower blood concentration of zinc. That review, based on data from 1,643 depressed patients, concluded, “zinc concentrations were approximately −1.85 mmol/L lower in depressed subjects than control subjects,” and “greater depression severity was associated with greater relative zinc deficiency.” A more recent meta-analysis also found dietary zinc intake was linked with a lower risk for depression. In short, the relationship between zinc and depression is worthy of further research.
If you are depressed and are considering taking zinc supplements—especially if you are not getting enough zinc in your diet or have trouble absorbing zinc—please consult your physician first. As noted earlier, taking too much zinc is harmful, so it is important to determine how much zinc your body requires.
Arash Emamzadeh attended the University of British Columbia in Canada, where he studied genetics and psychology. He has also done graduate work in clinical psychology and neuropsychology in the U.S.
Looking for the Light 