This was one of the most popular posts last year and now is a good time to update, almost eight months into the year and some of my routines have changed, yours probably have too. New Year’s Resolutions or goals as I call them, can start to lose their luster and get thrown out the window by summer so now is a good time to examine where you are.

The key to lack of motivation is understanding what’s missing, what is the root cause of the lack of interest in pushing forward with your goal. We have to constantly reassess as life and our health change, as life, and health changes so do our goals. Maybe your goals are outdated and no longer fit where you are today.

I have Chronic Lyme Disease, Fibromyalgia, and Hypogammaglobulinemia., which is an Immune Deficiency Disorder however, I’ve been fairly healthy. Insurance has rejected my claim for Plasma Infusion Treatments so I haven’t been able to start treatment. As I mentioned before, my immune disorder means my body doesn’t make enough antibodies. It’s like needing 23 players on the field and I only have 11. It’s a losing game but I’m not sick enough for insurance. The same ole, wait till it cost three times as much to take care of you. 

 I do chalk my good health to some lifestyle changes including learning to forgive and giving myself some grace. If I get off track, I can’t beat myself up or feel quilt. I don’t own an alarm clock and have not found a need for one. I’m fortunate to not work or I would be in big trouble. 

For me, self-care is the things we do every day to stay healthy, not just the special treatments we spend taking care of ourselves. I’m learning more about the importance of how my mental health plays an important role in my physical health, they are very intertwined. 

Here are some simple but steps I work hard to accomplish every day, there are days when I don’t get outside or go to Starbucks but as a general rule this is my daily schedule.

Daily

One big change you will notice if you read my original post is I’m taking far fewer supplements. I go thru phases and now I don’t want to take that many pills. 

Taking all of my medications is critical to my physical and mental health. Just one day of skipped medication can throw off my system and wreck havoc on my Bipolar Disorder. 

Women’s over 50 Multi-Vitamin with Calcium.

Mixinolin 2%, for Hair Loss, twice a day. (It works)

Biotin for healthy hair which also boosts my self-image.

Manuka Honey, Certified UMF 20+ (MGO 850+)  One tablespoon per day.

Use Vegan CBD products.

Eat fresh fruit, most weeks four pounds of fruit, strawberries, blueberries, and sometimes mangos and yogurt for lunch and/or dinner every week. 

We have meal kits, Home Chef, delivered three days a week. I pick the healthiest options with a medium level of preparation. That way dinner prep is easy and not stressful. We cook together which takes the load off of me. 

Eat dinner by 6:00 PM every night. 

We go to the Starbucks drive-thru for a coffee. We take the dogs with us and it’s like a family outing. When time allows we take them for a short walk at the park. This is where I get my exercise each day, or however many days I can. Now that it’s triple digits in Texas we are not walking in the afternoon. Most days it’s walking the stairs for exercise and for recovery after my knee replacement surgery. Now that it’s triple digits in Texas we are not walking in the afternoon. 

I reduce stress by meditating several times a day for at least 5 minutes. Nothing fancy, no special location in the house, just in my chair or wherever I am. I don’t know a particular method, I just work to clear my mind and let everything go. 

Only watch one hour of news, 30 minutes local, and 30 minutes national per day! Any more than an hour is regurgitated and adds to the stress level. 

Limit my Social Media time and involvement. You won’t find me chatting with people all hours of the day and most days not chatting at all. Just posting and helping others by retweeted. 

During the day I light an aromatherapy candle, placed somewhere I won’t forget it’s burning.

In spite of COVID, I still schedule critical doctor’s appointments and lab work.

Getting outside for fresh air even for 10 minutes. Just hearing a bird call can change the outlook on my day.

Nature! There are several bird feeders and a birdbath at the kitchen window. I get to see the birds, woodpeckers, and squirrels, it’s great entertainment. 

Bedtime Routine:

Go to bed 1to 1.5 hours before my husband. During that time, there is no sound, no computer, no phone, nothing! I lather up with my CBD and hand creams. I bought a new UltraSonic Aroroma diffuser, what a difference it makes! It’s not noisy like my old one. It has three timers settings and an auto shut-off if the water runs out. I found a great Essential Oil mix called Dream and I let it run for an hour, it’s so relaxing. I’m usually nodding off by the time my husband comes to bed. 

That extra time gives my mind a chance to wind down, get all the ramblings out, and let my mind completely calm down. At bedtime, I take my sleeping meds and another round of CBD cream. I’m now ready. Rarely do I have trouble going to sleep. 

I don’t accomplish these every day, it’s impossible to always have the motivation to do what’s best for our health. Looking at the big picture each week I can see if I’m focused on the right things, if not I have to ask why. Sometimes it’s just that life gets in the way. 

There’s no one size fits all to have the best healthy life but we all can take steps every day to push ourselves forward.

Melinda

Clear A Space

The first part of this journey is going to involve clearing a space for your pilates area. You won’t need too much room for this, with just enough space for you and your friends to do your exercises while maintaining proper social distance. The more people you have, the more space you will need, and this can often mean having to break into parts of the garden that can long be taken over by nature. Tree removal, weed services, and even landscaping companies can help you with this process, making it possible to make a good start on this side of your garden.

Add Some Ambience

Once you’ve made space, it will be time to start making your garden feel extra relaxing. There are loads of ways to do this, but you want to make sure that your changes are ambient, rather than sticking out and demanding attention. Water fountains, wind chimes, and speakers can be used to generate sound that will make your garden feel natural and open, while different materials can be used to highlight different aspects of your garden. Many people go over the top when they are doing this, but it is worth keeping in mind that you’re trying to capture nature, rather than making your space feel like a disco.

Start Planning

Planning your pilates area will always be a good idea as you go through this process. You need to think about when you’re going to use it, building a routine that will make it easier to keep up with your exercise. Alongside this, though, it can also be good to think about who will be joining you for each workout. Having friends to enjoy a space like this with you will always improve the way that it feels and the use you’re able to get out of it. Of course, though, you will need to take the first step and invite people if you’re going to find success.

With all of this in mind, you should be feeling ready to get started on making your garden perfect for pilates. Having a space for activities like this can make it much easier to keep on top of them and continue your good work. Of course, though, at the same time, and a lot of people find themselves struggling when they get to points like this, and you may need some help from friends along the way.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Getting into a fitness routine, pushing yourself, and reaching your goals takes a lot of time and energy, as well as a big commitment to yourself and your health. So when your health suffers, either through an injury or an illness, it can really set you back and put you right back at square one.

Feeling like you’ve got to start over with your fitness is a common feeling, and it can really affect your confidence. Whether you feel like you can’t do it or that things are harder than they used to be, it’s important to get back on that horse. Exercise will help improve your physical health and boost your mental health, and it can be a welcome part of your routine once you’ve found your feet again.

Here is some advice to help you regain the confidence to work out when you’ve suffered a setback.

While it’s understandable that you’ll want to be back where your fitness used to be, it isn’t going to happen overnight. If you try to move too quickly, you could end up injured or losing further confidence from not getting the same results as you once did.

Set yourself some manageable goals

Start by setting yourself some manageable fitness goals, aims you can work towards slowly, helping you to regain technique and basic fitness first. From increasing the times of your workouts to making it to the gym a certain number of times a week, start with goals that are realistic before building up to bigger ones.

Choose workout clothes that help your performance 

The workout clothes you wear can help you feel more confident about working out. You should choose items that are comfortable, supportive, and can help keep you cool too. Treating yourself to some new outfits will help you feel in a better mindset for working out. Brands are more attune to the different needs of people now, so you can find great selections for curvier shapes, as well as amputee leggings and other items that can help give you a boost. Always make sure you have the right type of shoes for your workout to make sure you’re better protected against injury.

Ease yourself in, and consider working with someone else

Fitness is something that needs to be built up over time. So if you’re getting back into things after a long period away, ease yourself in gently. Walking and swimming can be gentle, effective exercises to start until you’re feeling fitter and stronger. Take a look at fitness plans from others in your position to see how they’ve eased themselves back into exercise.

It can also help if you work out with someone else, such as a friend or personal trainer who can help make sure you’ve got the right form to prevent injury, as well as help you train as needed. 

If, for any reason, you feel pain – stop! Consult your doctor or take a rest to stop yourself from overdoing things.

Exercise is something that can help you begin to feel a semblance of normality, helping you form a routine and get back into activities that you once enjoyed. Take it slow, put your health first, and soon you’ll see your confidence creeping back up as you start to reach your goals once more.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Are you currently feeling lost, not knowing what to do or where to go? While you may be confused and unsure of yourself in certain moments, you have much more clarity than you may be willing to admit. The feeling of confusion arises when you have too many conflicting thoughts running through your mind, and you do not have a way to hold them back and keep them at bay.

But life is full of ups and downs. So, it is not a surprise that anyone can fall victim to confusion. Even though you may feel all alone, you are not. Try focusing on persevering and getting through the problem.

But how do you go about it? What should you do when you are feeling lost and confused with life?

Be Honest with Yourself and Accept the Situation

Running from problems never solves anything. Rather than pretending that everything is okay, admit that you have a problem and take responsibility for it. You will only make the situation worse by ignoring it. The first step towards solving any confusing situation is by admitting that you have a problem. Only then can you get clarity of the confusing situation that you are facing and find a solution.

Relax and Avoid Panicking

Every time you run from a problem, there is a high probability of panicking and developing anxiety—panic and fear sets in when you start becoming afraid. If you allow it to drive you, you may create negative thoughts that may lead you to make the wrong decisions.

Instead, it would help if you strengthened yourself to face the problem through relaxation. Relaxing helps to quiet your mind making you feel calm and peaceful. Relaxation is not only good for overcoming confusion but also for stress relief. Some relaxing methods you can use include practicing mindful meditation, listening to soothing music, soaking in a warm bath, and breathing exercises.

Focus on What you Know

When confusion sets in, your mind may be thrown through a web of repetitive and consistent thoughts without a beginning or end. To get yourself out of such a situation, you should focus more on first solving what you can understand. Only then can you slowly lift off the cloud of confusion that hovers over your life.

Be Patient

Confusion is a sign that you need to take some more time before making a decision. You should accept and be at peace with the fact that you may not have all the answers. Instead of rushing to make a decision when your mind is clouded with confusion, you should take a step back and consider listening to your gut feeling.

You do not have to make your decision quickly. Take your time until you are comfortable and confident enough to trust your gut.

Take Away

Apart from stress, panic disorder, and anxiety, several other reasons may lead to confusion. For this reason, you should seek medical attention if you or anyone you know shows signs of confusion and anxiety. It may not be very comforting at first, but you can quickly deal with it by taking immediate action to boost your mental health. 

Being stuck in confusion is not necessarily bad. It highlights that no matter the path you decide to take, you will overcome the feeling of being lost.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Driving is highly convenient and it is the easiest way of getting from A to B. Public transport can be useful, but you rely on the stations being positioned perfectly, and there will always be delays. Another alternative is to get a taxi or an Uber, but you also have to deal with possible waiting times, alongside annoying drivers and extortionate prices. 

No, nothing is easier than hopping in your car and driving to wherever you need to go. Nevertheless, you have to recognize that there are times where you should not get behind the wheel of your car. It is simply unsafe for you to do so in certain circumstances, and here are some clear warning signs that you should either walk, book a cab, or find the nearest train/bus home:

You can’t keep your eyes open

A lot of the instances on this list may relate to times where you have been out having fun with friends. However, there could be instances where you finish a day of work and it is unsafe for you to drive. Have you had a really tough day that started early and finished late? Were you on your feet the whole time using up a lot of energy? If so, you might be so physically exhausted that you can barely keep your eyes open. Were you borderline falling asleep at work before it was time to leave? This is not a good sign at all!

You can relate this to other aspects of your life as well – even if you’re home and you feel tired, it’s not a good idea to head out and pick someone up, no matter how much they pester you. Tiredness kills, just ask any elite car accident lawyers and they will back this up. Too many accidents and deaths are caused by someone falling asleep at the wheel. You may feel like this won’t happen to you, but it is not worth it. Don’t drive your car – find another way home safely, or spend the night in your vehicle and drive in the morning. 

Your reactions are slow

This is more of an issue for people of a certain age, though there are situations where it can apply to younger people too. If you have reached an age where your reactions are exceedingly slow, do you think it is wise to get behind the wheel of a car? In some countries, tests are done every year to ensure that elderly people still have the reactions to drive. When they no longer do, their licenses are revoked. It sounds harsh, but it’s further proof that you can’t drive if your reactions are too slow. 

For younger people, there can be all sorts of scenarios where your reactions are slower than usual. For instance, perhaps you have just been to the dentist and the effects of anesthesia are still lingering. Your mind isn’t as fast as it usually is, and your reactions have slowed down. Of course, there are other reasons your reactions can be slow, but we will discuss them in the next point coming up. 

You’ve been drinking alcohol

Have you had any alcohol to drink? There is technically a limit that determines how much alcohol you can drink before it is unsafe to drive. Nevertheless, a good rule of thumb is to just avoid driving if you’ve been drinking. The problem with the limit is that it has to apply to the entire population. You may feel the effects of alcohol after just one drink, even though you’re under the limit and technically safe to drive. 

As mentioned above, a key sign that you are feeling the effects is if your reactions slow down. Of course, slurred words and just a general feeling of tipsiness will also be key warning signs. Don’t get in your car and drive if you have been drinking, it is much safer to find alternative ways of going home. 

You’re too stressed

Got a lot on your mind? If that’s the case, maybe it’s a good idea to avoid driving until you feel more relaxed. Stressed driving means you’re driving while distracted, which could lead to accidents. Before you drive, focus on breathing deeply and finding a more zen state. Avoid thinking about other things and you should be good to go. 

The next time you spot any of these warning signs, take a step back from your vehicle. It is not safe for you to drive, and you need to find a different way of getting home safely. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

How did self care day get it’s start and what’s it all about.

 We celebrate International Self–Care Day. This day was established in 2011, and the focus is on the awareness of the importance of self-care and empowering people with the knowledge and ability on how to be active participants in their own wellness.

Selfcareday.com

Whether you spend it on a hike, with your pet, or curled up with a good book, taking time to care for yourself will go a long way towards improving your mental health.

It builds confidence, relieves stress, and lays a foundation for wellness. On July 24th, Self-Care Day, and everyday, Crisis Text Line wants you make time for what matters.

Have a great Self Care Day and please be sure to take extra time for yourself, no-one is more important than you and your health.

Melinda

Another information packed video from TED.

Melinda

Driving gives you a lot of freedom. When you own a car, and you’ve got a driver’s license, you can get on the road and drive to any destination you want, whenever you want. You don’t need to rely on public transport or family and friends to take you places.

That all sounds great, however driving a car isn’t without its disadvantages. Some people don’t realize that driving can negatively impact their mental health in several different ways. Take a look at the following examples; some of them might apply to you:

1. Other People’s Bad Driving

It should come as no surprise that the top reason for many people experiencing a negative impact on their mental health from driving is other people’s bad driving. A momentary lapse in concentration, for example, is enough to cause a multi-vehicle collision.

Both new and seasoned drivers will find it stressful to drive at times because they have to keep perceiving the actions of other road users. As a result, that can also make those anxious drivers feel exhausted by the end of their journeys.

2. Car Accidents

Let’s face it: getting involved in a car accident is never a pleasant experience for everyone involved. While many collisions are minor and don’t cause lasting effects, some car accidents can be pretty severe and potentially life-changing.

For some people, getting involved in a car accident means using a car accident lawyer to claim compensation for vehicle damage and medical bills, taking time off work, and even mentally preparing themselves for driving again. Car accidents can be very stress-inducing.

3. Range Anxiety

It’s no secret the future of driving will involve having a car or truck that doesn’t contain a gas or diesel engine and instead contains batteries and electric motors. There are many EVs (electric vehicles) on the market these days already.

The problem is, most vehicles don’t offer long ranges like what you might expect from gas and diesel engines. At present, only car brands like Tesla offer long ranges from their EVs – but at a price.

Range anxiety can severely impact people’s mental health because they fear “breaking down” far away from home or a familiar destination. Still, as technology develops, the fear of range anxiety should decrease soon.

4. Unfamiliar Vehicles

If you buy a new car or you have a job that involves driving different vehicles each, it can take some time to familiarize yourself with “new” cars. For example, you’ll have to spend time learning the controls and dealing with different ways to change gears.

Driving unfamiliar vehicles can add varying levels of stress and anxiety to a person, depending on their past driving experiences. It can be easy to advise people with such stresses to avoid driving unfamiliar cars and trucks. However, it’s often unavoidable for them.

5. Unfamiliar Locations

When you drive your car or truck in your local area, you will understand and quickly memorize the roads and potential hazard zones. You’ll also familiarize yourself with various shortcuts to avoid traffic, for instance.

Unfortunately, many road users can find traveling to unfamiliar destinations very stressful and anxiety-inducing. They will also feel pressured to avoid taking wrong turns by always studying their GPS, and they’ll find it hard to “tune out” passengers talking in their vehicles.

As you can appreciate, people that experience such stress and anxiety should avoid jobs where their work often takes them to unfamiliar locations. Otherwise, they could do their mental health more harm than good.

6. Unfamiliar Passengers

Getting a job as a cab or Uber driver might seem like an excellent way to make extra money on the side of a day job. It may even seem like a suitable career option for people looking for a flexible way to earn a living, especially if those individuals enjoy driving.

The sad truth is some people new to driving cabs might end up feeling anxious about ferrying around strangers in their vehicles. As you can appreciate, there can sometimes be a significant health and safety risk of picking up passengers you’ve never met before.

Attacks on cab and Uber drivers are rare, but they do happen. If you’re someone that feels anxious about putting yourself in a potentially unsafe situation like that, it can make sense to look for an alternative option, such as fast food delivery.

Final Thoughts

Driving can be an enjoyable pastime. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that some people can get negatively impacted by their experiences.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda