How To Avoid Time Mismanagement When Working From Home
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

How To Avoid Time Mismanagement When Working From Home

Looking for the Light4 Comments

Time mismanagement is one of the most common issues of working from home. It’s very easy for your attention to stray to other things during your regular working hours, leading to work delays and affecting your productivity. You spend time on numerous activities as a remote worker, from your phone and television to home chores and housemates. Does it feel like you hardly have enough time in the day to complete work assignments at home? You may be wasting time on other things. Here are some ways to avoid time mismanagement when working from home. 

Photo by Michelangelo Buonarroti on Pexels.com
Set yourself up for speed

First, you need to ensure that all your work tools, especially your computer and internet connection, are fast and reliable. Unsuspectingly, a slow internet connection and an under-performing computer can drain hours out of your time. Regarding your internet connection, be sure to use the best internet providers that offer fast connection speed, reliability, and affordable packages. 

Declutter your workstation

A cluttered or disorganized workstation can encourage procrastination and waste more of your time than you think. You may think that spending several minutes looking for a pen or paper document shouldn’t be anything to worry about. But such distractions eat into your productivity. Therefore, take the time to organize your workstation, declutter, and keep important things within reach. 

Stay away from distracting websites

With nobody looking over your shoulder to monitor the websites you visit, it’s easy to waste several work minutes surfing distracting websites. Whether browsing your favorite online store or watching viral content from social media, distracting websites can consume chunks of your work time. Statista, for example, reports that the average social media user sinks about 2 hours each day into Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If you find yourself plagued by too many such websites, you can download plugins to block access to specific websites, so you can focus on your work. 

Strategize your time

Try planning your workdays around your tasks and not your clock. Instead of thinking you have the whole day to finish a project, distribute your work tasks to specific times in your day. Consider the work you need to complete each day and set specific goals to accomplish them. For example, do you need to get shopping done and complete a marketing proposal within the day? When you’re most productive, you can assign the first part of your day to completing the marketing project and the latter part of the day to shopping. This strategy will help you focus on completing a task before attending to anything else. 

Learn when to say no

Image Credit

Commitments come from different directions when working from home, and the last thing you want to do is accommodate all of them at once. That phone call from a loved one or that favor request from a colleague can cost you more time than you can spare. Sometimes learning to say no to commitments that eat into your work time is the best way to avoid wasting time.  

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

 

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

Just Pondering

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Bella Grace Field Guide by Stampington

There are so many things a mirror will never reflect back to us. A kind heart, a curious spirit.

What will your mirror never show?

Melinda

What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy-Vitamins
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy-Vitamins

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We have different needs for vitamins as we age and if we have health conditions. What we needed as a child isn’t the same as what we need as an adult. It’s important to know what your body needs and what you get from food. If you don’t get enough from the food you will need to supplement with vitamins.

Vitamins: 

VITAMIN A

GOOD FOR: Healthy eyes and general growth and development, including healthy teeth and skin.
NATURAL SOURCE: Carrots and other orange foods including sweet potato and cantaloupe melons – all of which get their hue from the carotene pigment.

 B VITAMINS

GOOD FOR: Energy production, immune function and iron absorption.
NATURAL SOURCE: This crucial group of nutrients can be found in whole unprocessed foods, specifically whole grains, potatoes, bananas, lentils, chili peppers, beans, yeast and molasses.

 VITAMIN C

GOOD FOR: Strengthening blood vessels and giving skin its elasticity, anti-oxidant function and iron absorption.  
NATURAL SOURCE: Everyone knows this one – oranges! But they’re not the only source – other fruits and veggies packed with Vitamin C include guava, red and green peppers, kiwi, grapefruits, strawberries, Brussels sprouts and cantaloupe.

 VITAMIN D

GOOD FOR: Strong healthy bones.
NATURAL SOURCE: Apart from spending a few minutes out in the sun, which stimulates Vitamin D production, you can get this nutritional must from eggs, fish and mushrooms.

 VITAMIN E

GOOD FOR: Blood circulation, and protection from free radicals.
NATURAL SOURCE: Our favorite Vitamin E-rich food is the mighty almond. You can also fill up on other nuts, sunflower seeds and tomatoes to reap the benefits.

VITAMIN K

GOOD FOR: Blood coagulation – that is, the process by which your blood clots.
NATURAL SOURCE: Leafy greens are the best natural sources of Vitamin K – so make sure you’re eating lots of kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts and broccoli.

 FOLIC ACID

GOOD FOR: Cell renewal and preventing birth defects in pregnancy.
NATURAL SOURCE: There are plenty of scrumptious natural sources of folic acid, including dark leafy greens, asparagus, broccoli, citrus fruits, beans, peas, lentils, seeds, nuts, cauliflower, beets and corn.

CALCIUM

GOOD FOR: Healthy teeth and bones.
NATURAL SOURCE: This mineral is another one that most of us already know – the best sources are dairy products like yogurt, cheese and milk, along with tofu and black molasses.

IRON

GOOD FOR: Building muscles naturally and maintaining healthy blood.
NATURAL SOURCE: You might be surprised to know that clams take the top spot for iron content, followed by oysters and organ meats like liver. For the vegetarians among us, soybeans, cereal, pumpkin seeds, beans, lentils and spinach are great sources of iron.

ZINC

GOOD FOR: Immunity, growth and fertility.
NATURAL SOURCE: Seafoods like oysters are also zinc-rich, along with spinach, cashews, beans and – wait for it – dark chocolate.

CHROMIUM

GOOD FOR: Glucose function – making sure every cell in your body gets energy as and when needed.
NATURAL SOURCE: As long as your diet contains servings of whole grains, fresh vegetables and herbs, you should be getting enough chromium.

To be your healthiest self it’s best to get all of your vitamins from the food we eat and drink but sometimes we don’t eat like we should. that’s where over-the-counter vitamins come in.

Here are some important things to know when buying vitamins:

Are the ingredients non-GMO?

Does it have certifications?

 Is it routinely tested?

How are the reviews?

Our body needs the proper vitamins to work properly and prevent diseases. If you find yourself needing over-the-counter vitamins, don’t get in a hurry. You want vitamins that dissolve properly and don’t have harmful ingredients in them.

Look for the certifications and buy one that is third-party tested if possible, that way you know the result are non-biased.

Melinda

References:

https://www.goodnet.org/articles/11-essential-vitamins-minerals-your-body-needs

My Stalker Almost Got Me Killed
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

My Stalker Almost Got Me Killed

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The first time I was stalked was scary but I was a child and they never confronted me or my girlfriend. They just drove behind us in the car all the way home from school every day. I can still remember the license plate number, NJN637. We never told anybody and one day it stopped.

The second time was very scary and I’ve written about it before. I was a young adult and made some bad decisions in character. He stalked me and my family for six years, even when I thought he was gone, he wrote me after several years to let me know he could still find me. It got so bad that the guy I was dating would go check under the car when we left his house, he was afraid of a bomb. No one should have to live with that fear.

The third and last time was the one that scared me deeply. I was still battling Lyme Disease and was very sick. I also was not very tech-savvy with phones. That will come into play later in the post. I didn’t know anything was wrong until the day Twitter got hacked, it was also the day I got hacked. They were tech-savvy enough to make it look like it was coming from two people I knew. I accused them of this terrible act and hurt them badly. Even WordPress told me one of them was tracking my DNS. I didn’t understand all of that and went about trying to mend the damage.

Then I started getting weird messages on my computer, or I would write something and they would keep changing the first letter. My spell correct doesn’t auto change anything, I know it sounded crazy. One day I was writing Auther and they kept changing it to Luther. So I asked them if they planned to hurt me. I don’t remember all the other questions I asked but I tried to converse with them thinking I could solve the problem.

Then one morning I pick up my IPad and it had all this jibberish written on it, nothing made sense. Sometimes there would just be one letter on a line. I showed my husband who thou he believed me was still a bit unsure of what to think.

You have to understand I was taking around 20 medications for Lyme in addition to my other meds, so there were days I was too sick to take my mental health meds. This added to the problem. Also adding to the problem was my lack of understanding of how my phone worked. I had only texted a few times and still didn’t understand that you could move between phone and texting without losing the person on the phone. This will make more sense in a minute.

In an effort to understand how much danger I was in I kept trying to engage in conversation. I would write text messages but would not send them. Still, the answers would come. They would make sense but they would be giving me names of people at times but I didn’t know who it was.

Every once in a while I would think to send the text. Still, the conversation continued. They didn’t say they wanted to hurt me but didn’t say they didn’t so I was still very unsure.

One day I was texting a friend who said they had been hiking and the stalker jumped into the conversation to say that my friend was lying. I couldn’t understand how they knew I was on the phone or how they could even hack my phone.

One day I was talking with them and felt very threatened and thought they were coming into my house. Not thinking straight and reaching for my home phone I ran outside and ask my neighbor to call the police. I didn’t realize that I could leave the texting and move to the phone to call the police.

Mind you I was in a tee-shirt and underwear only. The next thing I know four police cars and two fire trucks show up.

I start to approach one of the police cars with my phone held high and an officer pulled her gun on me. All the other officers stepped out with no aggressive body language and could see I was stressed out. The fire medics began to check my blood sugar and pressure and ask who they could call. I was calm, I told them my husband’s number was under ICE #1.

The whole time this is going on the woman officer who pulled her gun on me kept saying I was Schizophrenic and she would have me sent to the county hospital. This was very upsetting because the county hospital has a bad reputation and it scared me. I told her I was Bipolar, not Schizophrenic, she kept going on like she knew it all.

My husband arrived about 30 minutes later and assured them everything was ok and that I probably had not taken my mediation because I was so sick.

It wasn’t long after that I asked my stalker how long they had been stalking me and they said seven months. Later they started to give me clues to who it was and I figured it out. It was a woman on WordPress who I had tried to help who was severely mentally ill.

As soon as I figured out who it was and said her name, she stopped.

If you’re ever in this situation, make sure you get the names of the police on the scene and file a complaint. My local police needed some mental health training bad and that officer needed to be reprimanded for parading around saying I was Schizophrenic to all the other officers. She didn’t know what she was talking about and should have diffused the situation and kept her mouth shut.

Several neighbors saw the whole thing and one of them saw her pull her gun.

It was a very scary time and one I will not forget.

Be safe!

Melinda

 

Blogger Highlight-Webb Bloggs-OCD and Me
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Blogger Highlight-Webb Bloggs-OCD and Me

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

WEBB BLOGS

A Blog About Life With Mental Illness

Hello and welcome to Webbblogs! My name is Christina. I am a mother of 3, and a grandmother of 4. I live in California, in the United States. I am a long time mental health sufferer, and a recovering addict.

Here at WebbBlogs you will find my personal stories of the struggles I have been through and continue to go through. You will also find some positive experiences, family life, and some sillyness along the way.

I am trying to not live in fear anymore. With OCD, panic attacks and anxiety, living a life with less fear has been challenging. But, it’s time for me to get out of my comfort zone, share my life’s moments, no matter how embarrassing some may be. It’s time for me to make a change. After all, nothing changes, if nothing changes.

I’ve been following Chistina for a long time and enjoy her post, she’s raw and that helps everyone! Please check out her site. 

Melinda

Looking for the Light

@lookinglight

Everyday Magic 5/1/2022
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Everyday Magic 5/1/2022

Looking for the Light9 Comments

I’m so glad you are enjoying Everyday Magic. I find it a good place to wind down and ask some important questions. 

Bella and Grace by Stampington

It’s important to celebrate all of our victories. No matter how little or silly they may seem to others.

What’s one tiny victory you’ve had lately that you’re especially proud of?

 

Enjoy your day! 

 Melinda

Today in History May,1, 2022
Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History May,1, 2022

Looking for the Light1 Comment

Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.

1963

Gloria Steinem publishes part one of “A Bunny’s Tale” in SHOW magazine

After enduring a brief but grueling stint as a Bunny in Manhattan’s Playboy Club, feminist writer Gloria Steinem published the first half of her landmark account, “A Bunny’s Tale,” in SHOW magazine on May 1, 1963. Steinem’s undercover reporting increased her profile and stripped …read more

1851

First-ever “Great Exhibition” opens in London

On May 1, 1851, the Great Exhibition opens to wide acclaim in the Crystal Palace in London. Inside the Crystal Palace, a giant glass-and-iron hall designed by Sir Joseph Paxton, more than 10,000 exhibitors set up eight miles of tables. Technological wonders from around the world …read more

1997

Labour party returns to power in Britain

After 18 years of Conservative rule, British voters give the Labour Party, led by Tony Blair, a landslide victory in British parliamentary elections. In the poorest Conservative Party showing since 1832, Prime Minister John Major was rejected in favor of Scottish-born Blair, who …read more

1941

“Citizen Kane” released

Months before its release, Orson Welles’ landmark film Citizen Kane began generating such controversy that Radio City Music Hall eventually refused to show it. Instead, Citizen Kane, now revered as one of the greatest movies in history, made its debut at the smaller RKO Palace …read more

1926

Ford factory workers get 40-hour week

On May 1, 1926, Ford Motor Company becomes one of the first companies in America to adopt a five-day, 40-hour week for workers in its automotive factories. The policy would be extended to Ford’s office workers the following August.  Henry Ford’s Detroit-based automobile company …read more

Melinda

“#SoSC” Prompt for Week is “zip, zero, zilch”
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

“#SoSC” Prompt for Week is “zip, zero, zilch”

Looking for the Light2 Comments

StreamOfConsciousnessQuaintRevival2019

 The prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “zip, zero, zilch.” Use one, use ’em all, bonus points if you use all three. Have fun!

This year has been one of growth and disappointment. I decided to expand my gardening horizons and bought bulbs and tubers to start. Well, that hasn’t worked out well. Of the 18 bulbs I planted about nine came up but only one is still alive, the others lay wilted.

Of the tubers, I planted only two have come up so far. They’re about an inch tall but it’s successful in that they are hardy. That’s very disappointing odds for the number planted. I’m not sure I will do the same next year when I got zip, zero, and zilch this year!

This is my magnificent Gardenia bush, it’s my first and it smells out of this world. It has grown and produced so many flowers.

Have a great weekend! See you next week.

Melinda

Join us for the fun and sharing good media stories. 

For more on the Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit Linda Hill’s blog. Here’s the link:https://lindaghill.com

Here are the rules for SoCS:

  1. Your post must be stream of consciousness writing, meaning no editing, (typos can be fixed) and minimal planning on what you’re going to write.
  2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop.
  3. There will be a prompt every week. I will post the prompt here on my blog on Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The’,” or simply a single word to get your started.
  4. Ping back! It’s important, so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below.
  5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back their post. Even better, read everyone’s! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later, or go to the previous week, by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find right below the “Like” button on my post.
  6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get!
  7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views.
  8. Have fun!

 

Fun Facts
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing

Fun Facts

Looking for the Light3 Comments
I’m so glad you are enjoying fun facts, I learn something new or quirky each post and love your comments.

Each year 16 million thunderstorms happen around the world, and at any given moment, there are about 2,000 thunderstorms in progress. (nssl.noaa.gov)

Sweden has 267,570 islands, the most of any country in the world.

Australia contains a number of pink lakes, but the most stunning is the Pepto Bismol-colored Lake Hillier. The color may be the result of certain algae. (australia.com)

At over 29,000 feet tall, Mt. Everest is the highest point on Earth, but it doesn’t compare to the deepest point on Earth, the Mariana Trench, which is over 36,000 feet deep—nearly seven miles—in the Pacific Ocean.

This isn’t exactly a “fun” fact, but there are over 200 dead bodies of climbers on Mt. Everest because it’s so difficult to bring them down. (outsideonline.com)

Enjoy!

Melinda

Autistic Masking — Guest Blogger Change Therapy
Health and Wellbeing

Autistic Masking — Guest Blogger Change Therapy

Looking for the LightLeave a comment

For autistic persons, masking is a complicated and costly survival strategy. It usually entails learning neurotypical behaviours and then imitating them in social circumstances. Masking can sometimes be used to hide activities that people believe will not be approved. People may hide their autism symptoms or traits for a variety of reasons, including advancing their […]

Autistic Masking — Change Therapy
#Weekend Music Share *Recovery by James Auther-I love this song
Celebrate Life · Fun

#Weekend Music Share *Recovery by James Auther-I love this song

Looking for the Light6 Comments

 https://youtu.be/m9DO3zpdWqw

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.

Melinda

Everyday Magic 4/28/2022
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Everyday Magic 4/28/2022

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I’m so glad you are enjoying Everyday Magic. I find it a good place to wind down and ask some important questions. 

Bella and Grace by Stampington

Imagine that this beautiful bench nestled among the trees is at a park near your home and you could visit it whenever you wanted.

How would you spend an hour on this bench?

 

Enjoy your day! 

 Melinda

What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy-Nutritional Health
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy-Nutritional Health

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Staying healthy doesn’t mean you have to eat like a rabbit or cut out all of your favorite foods. It’s like everything else, moderation. Eating healthy is critical for your overall health and doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing approach.  

We are indulged in a lot of daily activities. To carry out these activities a large amount of energy is required. This energy comes from the food we consume. Food is vital as it provides the energy needed for growth, repair, and other life processes. All these come under the life process called nutrition.

What is Nutrition?

“Nutrition is the process of taking in food and converting it into energy and other vital nutrients required for life.”

Nutrients are the substances which provide energy and biomolecules necessary for carrying out the various body functions. All living organisms need nutrients for proper functioning and growth. But they show divergence in how they fulfill this demand. Some animals feed on simple inorganic compounds to meet their nutrient requirement, while others utilise complex compounds. The mode of nutrition varies from one species to another.

Also Read: Nutrition in Plants

Poor nutrition can lead to a lack of energy, digestive problems, food allergies, weight gain, depression and anxiety as well as many of today’s most prevalent chronic diseases like coronary heart disease, cancer and ADHA. Having nutritional knowledge and making informed choices about the foods you eat can help you achieve optimum health over your lifetime.

Nutrition is also about why we choose to eat the foods we do, even when we know they may not be good for us, what is going on at a cellular level and how that affects what we crave and therefore set up food cycles that are unhealthy or damaging. Nutritionists advise people on what to eat and how to modify their diet so they can maintain or restore optimal health or help relieve ill health and combat disease.

Here’s a post I did on Superfoods which can help you jump-start your healthy eating process. Superfoods are a great way to add a big punch to your diet and many have properties to help with health conditions like immune disorders and they boost energy. 

Just making a few changes to your diet can go a long way to a healthier lifestyle. 

Like:

Greens

Lean meat

Fruit

Reduce refined sugar

Beans

Oatmeal

Green tea

This post doesn’t cover all the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy, that’s for another post. 

Melinda

Reference

https://byjus.com/biology/nutrition-modes-living-organisms/

https://www.schoolofhealth.com/nutrition-courses/what-is-nutrition/

https://www.aarp.org/health/healthy-living/info-2022/superfoods-for-increased-energy.html?intcmp=MOA-HLTH-FUTMED-VID-R3-POS2

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

Mental Illness and Me

Looking for the Light20 Comments

I’m very open about having Bipolar Disorder and feel no shame. It’s a serious medical condition that has to be managed daily in order to stay healthy. I’ve been doing very well for several years but had a rough patch a few years ago that took 8 months to find a medication that would work.

 

 

That is one of the biggest challenges. Medication will stop working after some period of time and there is no standard handbook on what drugs to prescribe. At that time I was in bad shape, not suicidal but very dark. It took four different medications before he found one that worked.

I’m very lucky to have had the same doctor for over 30 years and it makes all the difference. He knows me, knows my limits, and knows when I can make decisions on my own with medication.

As an example, for the past two months, I’ve been having a problem with tongue thrusting, it was driving me crazy and making my teeth hurt. It didn’t occur to me that it might be medication but I contacted him anyway. He had me stop one of my stimulant medications and I’m doing better. I also take three stimulants a day so I cut it back to two a day just for now to see if that helps speed things along. I only did this after research that said that stimulant medication can cause this problem. I can’t go without that extra pill for long but for a week or so I will deal with the sluggishness to see if it helps. He trusts me to know my limits and will be ok with me skipping for a week or so. I can only do this because I’m healthy, if I were in bad shape I would not make this decision. 

I’ve had my hard years, many hard years, multiple times. I’ve had 21 Electroconvulsive Treatments and have stayed in-patient at a Psychiatric hospital several times for up to three weeks at a time. Those were hard times and I’m so thankful for my healthy years.

I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder at 19 years old but didn’t take it seriously until my father committed suicide. When I started doing research I found that 75% of children of parents with Bipolar Disorder who committed suicide would commit suicide themselves I took action.

 

 

Staying healthy with a serious mental illness is a full-time job requiring patience, determination, and self-love. I say self-love because that is what you have to have to make sure you’re doing your daily routine and you forgive yourself when you don’t. You have to give yourself a pass and get back on track with your regimen.

Mine consists of nine medications for a total of 15 pills a day, this is not counting medication for other chronic conditions. If I don’t take my medication it causes problems because several of them are addictive drugs and you feel the withdrawal effects right away. I can skip a day, maybe two then my mood begins to spiral down and the withdrawal symptoms start to make me crazy.

I have found that keeping medication in an AM/PM case and close to the bed for bedtime medication is the best way to stay in sync. I try to take all medication at the same time a day and have my medication case right by my chair where I always sit. For me, habits are the best way to manage my medication.

Having a serious medical condition requires you to be honest with the people around you, your loved ones, and close friends. With mental illness, it’s important because oftentimes we can’t see the changes in our mood, and someone else can pick up on the changes.

I know it can be hard to talk about your illness with family and friends, I’ve had the same problem. My Granny couldn’t understand why I couldn’t come over or why I had to go to the hospital. I did the best I could to help her understand that it was the illness, not me.

I told my husband when we first started dating because my ex-husband didn’t believe anything was wrong with me and it caused many problems, ending in divorce. I wanted him to know what he was getting into and if he wasn’t able to take that on we could get it out upfront not a year down the road. 

It can be very frustrating and limiting at times but try to embrace your illness like any other chronic health condition by taking your medication, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and not over-focusing on the negative or hard aspects of the illness. 

I feel it’s critical to set up an environment conducive to being healthy. You have to be honest with yourself and cut out the aspects of your life that are holding you back. Negative talk is a big one, if you think negatively about your illness, you will think negatively about yourself. 

You are not your illness! 

Melinda

Emergency Situations You Should Always Be Prepared For
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health

Emergency Situations You Should Always Be Prepared For

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There is no telling when or where an emergency will arise. That’s why it’s essential always to be prepared for the unexpected. Whether you’re at home, at work, or out and about, there are certain emergencies you should always be ready for. In this post, we will discuss some of the most common emergencies and how to best prepare for them.


Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

A Blackout:

A power outage can happen at any time and can last for a few minutes or several days. If you experience a prolonged blackout, it’s essential to have an emergency plan. Be sure to have some backup lighting sources, like candles or flashlights, non-perishable food items, and plenty of water on hand. Also, have a battery-operated radio to stay tuned to local news and weather reports.

A Fire:

If a fire breaks out, it’s important to act quickly and safely. First, try to extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher if it is safe. If the fire is too large or you cannot put it out, evacuate the area immediately. Be sure to have an escape route planned so everyone,e in your home or office knows what to do and where to go.

A Natural Disaster:

Depending on where you live, you may be at risk for certain natural disasters, like hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes. It’s essential to be aware of the dangers and have a plan in place if you find yourself in the middle of one. Have an emergency kit stocked with non-perishable food, water, a first-aid kit, and other essential items? And know where you can take shelter if your home is not safe.

A Car Accident:

Car accidents can happen at any time, even if you’re a safe driver. If you are involved in a collision, it’s essential to stay calm and assess the situation. If possible, move your car to the side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Once you’re out of harm’s way, call 911 and wait for help to arrive. You might need a lawyer if the accident was severe. Search for a car accident lawyer to get started.

Car Breakdown:

If your car breaks down, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. If you’re on the side of the road, turn on your hazard lights and try to move your car to a safe location, if possible. Once you’re in a safe spot, call for help. Roadside assistance can be a lifesaver in this type of situation.

Financial Emergencies:

We all know that unexpected expenses can pop up at any time. Whether you have a medical emergency or your car needs repairs, it’s essential to have some savings set aside for these types of situations. Having a rainy day fund will help you cover the costs without debt.

No one ever wants to find themselves in an emergency. But by being prepared, you can help reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with them. So be sure to have a plan in place and know what to do in an emergency. And always keep a first-aid kit and emergency supplies on hand, just in case.

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Things I’m Loving
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Things I’m Loving

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I want to share a few products or items I’m in love with right now. Most have been purchased off of Amazon unless otherwise stated. I hope you find a new product to add to your self-care routine.

 

Pipette Balm and Eczema Cream

This product was developed for babies but if you have sensitive skin like I do you might find this helpful. It’s dermatologist tested and hypoallergenic. The baby balm is petroleum-free, free of synthetic fragrances, and cruelty-free. The Eczema Cream is Fragrance-free eczema lotion soothes flare-ups, itchiness, and rough patches and has Colloidal oatmeal and squalane restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. The other thing I love is the line is so affordable.

Neom Bedtime Hero Magnesium Body Butter

This cream is so silky and makes my legs and hands feel so good. I haven’t had much luck with Magnesium products but this one does help me.

  • 100% NATURAL FRAGRANCES – A complex blend of up to 11 of the purest possible essential oils including chamomile, ylang-ylang, and cedarwood, expertly blended to help you feel relaxed and ready for bedtime.
  • The NEOM Scent To Sleep range has been specially formulated to relax your mind and body to enjoy the perfect night’s sleep.

Woolzies Peperment Roll On 

I’ve been fighting nausea since starting a new medication and Peppermint helps ease it. I first learned of the use of Peppermint from The Mayo Clinic while having a procedure and became very nauseous. They gave me a peppermint stick and within a minute I was feeling better. I just roll it across my upper lip and up my nose. it does the trick. And last forever.

Pop Up Flower Bouguet Cards

FreshCut Paper Pop Up Cards, 12-inch Life-Sized Forever Flower Bouquet 3D. I love fresh flowers but they can get expensive every week so I found a great solution. A large 12-inch pop-up flower bouquet in a variety of flowers. I have the Dahlias and Wildflowers. They are perfect to fill in those weeks when fresh flowers aren’t around, they are so pretty. 

Woolzies Sweet Dreams Aromatherapy Essential Oil

I use this in my ultrasonic diffuser and it smells out of this world and it is so relaxing. Just a hint of orange and heavy on the Lavender. It’s called the Sleep Inducing Blend.

Cuccio Cuticle Revitalizing Oil

Professional quality without the professional price. I like the oil, it goes on nice and helps keeps my cuticles moisturized. It’s 100% paraben-free with cruelty-free ingredients, this oil is formulated with plant-based preservatives and highly curated natural ingredients.

Cascade Mountain Tech Trekking Poles – Carbon Fiber Walking or Hiking Sticks with Quick Adjustable Locks (Set of 2)

I am having balance problems again and fell twice in the last month. This time decided I would use a hiking stick instead of my cane. So far it’s worked out great. I’m just using one pole but they will be great if I ever hike again.

Melinda

Just Pondering
Celebrate Life · Fun · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Self-Care

Just Pondering

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 Why don’t adults get recess every day?

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.com

Melinda

Reference:

Live Bold and Bloom

Blogger Highlight-Katie Anna Banana
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Blogger Highlight-Katie Anna Banana

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

https://katieannabanana.wordpress.com

I started blogging to add some creativity to my day. I have some things to share, and I hope you’ll let me share them with you!

I am a reflector. Nowadays it’s difficult enough for me to think about the week ahead, let alone the past. What’s for dinner, what bills are due? I think it’s important to reflect, I believe I’ve shared my views on that before, and there is no better time to do that than the New Year.

Wishing only the best for myself, my loved ones, and my dear WordPress followers in 2022.

Please check out her site and the great posts she’s written. 

Melinda

Practical Steps To Take After A Relationship Breakdown
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Health · Moving Forward

Practical Steps To Take After A Relationship Breakdown

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Whether initiated by yourself or not, the breakdown of a relationship can be hard. You might find yourself in a difficult transition period. A period of adjustment while you get used to how your life looks and feels now. To help you in this transitional phase here are some practical steps you can take after the breakdown of a relationship. 

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels.com

Consider your living arrangements 

If you have been living with your partner one of the first things you might want to think about is how you are going to manage this going forward. It can be a difficult subject that requires a lot of consideration and reason on both parts, especially if your finances/home aren’t legally protected. It is most important to put your mental health and wellbeing first, so ensure the steps you take to protect your health. It might be that the best step is to start looking for properties for rent, moving back in with parents temporarily, or if there are children involved, consider arrangements such as bird nesting to help ensure stability for all. It might be a difficult situation to be in but it will become easier as time goes by, especially if logic and sensibility can prevail. 

Avoid a rebound 

A rebound can seem like a great idea. At a time when you may be feeling emotionally low and in need of a self-esteem boost, looking for some additional attention can seem like the remedy you need. However, it is important to remember that the high you might experience from your rebound will wear off and the feelings you are left with may do more harm than good. A rebound relationship can also seem like a good idea to help numb some of the pain you might be experiencing from the loss of a relationship. Masking the pain does not however make it go away. It is important to work through the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing after losing a loved one to help you move on healthily. 

Be wary of social media 

Social media can be a painful place to spend your time in the aftermath of a relationship. This can be especially true if you share mutual friends. It can be painful to see your former partner out and about and all over social media and if you find it upsetting then take steps to protect yourself. Come off social media for a while or block or ‘hide’ your former partner so you cannot see their updates. While it can be tempting to follow their escapades and be apprised of what they are up to it can prove to have a damaging effect on your mental health and wellbeing. So, be kind to yourself and be very wary of how you use social media post-breakup. 

Do it in your own time

There is no time scale in which you should move on or get over a relationship and don’t be pressured into thinking otherwise. Allow yourself all the time you need to fully heal from your relationship breakdown. 

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Today in History April 24, 2022
Celebrate Life · Fun

Today in History April 24, 2022

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Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.

1953

Winston Churchill knighted

Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, the British leader who guided Great Britain and the Allies through the crisis of World War II, is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II on April 24, 1953. Born at Blenheim Palace in 1874, Churchill joined the British Fourth Hussars upon his father’s …read more

1982

Jane Fonda’s first workout video released

Hollywood royalty, Oscar-winning actress, anti-war activist. Jane Fonda fit all of these descriptions by the late 1970s and 1980s, when she emerged in her latest incarnation: exercise guru. On April 24, 1982, Fonda extended her reach into the home-video market with the release of Workout, the first of her many bestselling aerobics tapes.

1955

The Bandung Conference concludes

The Afro-Asian Conference—popularly known as the Bandung Conference because it was held in Bandung, Indonesia—comes to a close on this day. During the conference, representatives from 29 “non-aligned” nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East met to condemn colonialism, decry …read more

1967

Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov killed when parachute fails to deploy

On April 24, 1967, Soviet cosmonaut Vladimir Komarov is killed when his parachute fails to deploy during his spacecraft’s landing. Komarov was testing the spacecraft Soyuz I in the midst of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union. Earlier in 1967, the U.S. …read more

1800

Library of Congress established

President John Adams approves legislation to appropriate $5,000 to purchase “such books as may be necessary for the use of Congress,” thus establishing the Library of Congress. The first books, ordered from London, arrived in 1801 and were stored in the U.S. Capitol, the …read more

Enjoy!

Melinda

What to Do In a Dental Emergency
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

What to Do In a Dental Emergency

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Hopefully, you never have to deal with a dental emergency. But as with any other serious or urgent situation in life, it’s important that you know what to do if you ever are faced with a dental emergency. Whether you need help, a friend, a family member, a child, a stranger, or anyone else, having a good idea of a dental emergency protocol can help the person receive the help and assistance that they need as quickly as possible. Here’s some information that will help you to achieve this!

Photo by Robert Golebiewski on Pexels.com

What Is a Dental Emergency?

A dental emergency is any dental issue that needs immediate attention. Most often, dental emergencies are situations where you need to visit an emergency dentist in order to alleviate severe dental pain, stop bleeding or save a tooth. Severe infections or abscesses that need to be treated are also dental emergencies. If you feel in pain, have experienced an injury, or have any other worrying symptoms, do not hesitate to follow the steps below.

Prevention

We should all visit the dentist once every six months for a general checkup. This will give out dentists the opportunity to take a look around our mouths and determine if our teeth, gums, and tongue are healthy or not. They can identify warning signs of issues and can book treatment to resolve issues before they worsen. If your teeth feel fine and look fine, it’s still important to visit your dentist to check in on your wellbeing. This can help to prevent small issues from worsening into dental emergencies, such as infections or major decay and tooth ache. You can also prevent dental emergencies stemming from sports or activities that you may engage in, such as rugby, hockey, and more, by having a custom mouth guard created. This will protect your teeth in situations where you could be at higher risk of experiencing an injury.

Dealing With a Dental Emergency


There are countless situations in life that can lead to a dental emergency, from injury to the rapid worsening of a dental-related condition. If you are in unbearable pain or have a severe injury, you may need to visit A&E for direction and pain relief. If your pain or situation is more manageable and you are experiencing any of these issues, and the incident or pain is occurring during your regular dentist’s opening hours, you should start out by calling your regular dentist. They may have an emergency appointment free and will get you in to see a dentist quickly. If the incident is outside of regular working hours, you should call a reliable emergency dentist who operates through the night.

Knocked-Out or Broken Tooth

If a tooth has been knocked out or has been broken, you should:

  • Put the tooth or teeth in milk
  • Pack your tooth socket—where the tooth came out of your mouth—with gauze, a cotton ball, or even a teabag
  • Rinse and save pieces of chipped or broken teeth

Your dentist may be able to repair or save the teeth.

Hopefully, some of the information above has helped you to see what you need to do in cases of dental emergencies. Keep the information in mind should you ever need it!

This is a collaborative post.

Melinda

Autism Awareness Month
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health

Autism Awareness Month

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The core symptoms of autism are:

  • social communication challenges and

  • restricted, repetitive behaviors.

Symptoms of autism may:

  • begin in early childhood (though they may go unrecognized)
  • persist and
  • interfere with daily living.

Specialized healthcare providers diagnose autism using a checklist of criteriain the two categories above. They also assess autism symptom severity. Autism’s severity scale reflects how much support a person needs for daily function.

Many people with autism have sensory issues. These typically involve over- or under-sensitivities to sounds, lights, touch, tastes, smells, pain and other stimuli.

Autism is also associated with high rates of certain physical and mental health conditions.

 

What are the signs of autism?

The autism diagnosis age and intensity of autism’s early signs vary widely. Some infants show hints in their first months. In others, behaviors become obvious as late as age 2 or 3.

Not all children with autism show all the signs. Many children who don’t have autism show a few. That’s why professional evaluation is crucial.

The following may indicate your child is at risk for an autism spectrum disorder. If your child exhibits any of the following, ask your pediatrician or family doctor for an evaluation right away:

By 6 months

  • Few or no big smiles or other warm, joyful and engaging expressions
  • Limited or no eye contact

By 9 months

  • Little or no back-and-forth sharing of sounds, smiles or other facial expressions

By 12 months

  • Little or no babbling
  • Little or no back-and-forth gestures such as pointing, showing, reaching or waving
  • Little or no response to name

By 16 months

  • Very few or no words

By 24 months

  • Very few or no meaningful, two-word phrases (not including imitating or repeating)

At any age

  • Loss of previously acquired speech, babbling or social skills
  • Avoidance of eye contact
  • Persistent preference for solitude
  • Difficulty understanding other people’s feelings
  • Delayed language development
  • Persistent repetition of words or phrases (echolalia)
  • Resistance to minor changes in routine or surroundings
  • Restricted interests
  • Repetitive behaviors (flapping, rocking, spinning, etc.)
  • Unusual and intense reactions to sounds, smells, tastes, textures, lights and/or colors

If you have concerns, get your child screened and contact your healthcare provider

Support

Support Groups

Treatments & Therapies

Melinda

References:

https://www.autismspeaks.org/what-are-symptoms-autism

Every Kid Healthy Week (25 – 29 April)
Celebrate Life · Health and Wellbeing

Every Kid Healthy Week (25 – 29 April)

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Every Kid Healthy Week, from April 25 to April 29this year, is an observance that aims to spread awareness regarding the health of children. This is essential because, to grow up into healthy adults, it is important for kids to be healthy and active from a young age. To ensure parents and children are aware of the advantages of nutrition and wellness, Every Kid Healthy Week is celebrated every year.

FIVE FACTS ABOUT CHILDREN’S HEALTH

  1. The yearly check-up

    Children from ages five to 10 must have a full check-up by a doctor once a year.

  2. Obesity issues

    In the U.S., one in three kids are obese or need to lose weight.

  3. The fatal illness

    Pneumonia is the most fatal illness for children and kills 800,000 children a year.

  4. An active lifestyle

    A child of six needs an hour of vigorous activity, daily.

  5. Many absences

    3.2% of children in the U.S. miss more than 11 days of school annually due to illness or injury.

    WHY A KID’S HEALTH IS IMPORTANT

    1. Children are more sensitive to illnesses/diseases

      The fact is, children are more vulnerable to illnesses and are more likely to lose their lives if not provided with the correct treatment.

    2. Healthy children grow up into healthy adults

      The adolescence stage is the most important time for a young person to consume the correct nutrients as this can help the body to develop to its full potential. An unhealthy child may face numerous health issues in the future.

    3. The social and emotional health of a child is the base of their personality

      Personality development starts at a young age, hence, a disturbed child is likely to grow up into an unhappy adult. To ensure the future generation is happy and healthy, mentally as well as physically, parents and schools need to emphasize a child’s mental health.

      Melinda

      References:

      https://nationaltoday.com/every-kid-healthy-week/
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
Celebrate Life · Fun

Fun Facts That Will Amaze You

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I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird.

 

More people visit France than any other country (Spain is second; the US third). (e-unwto.org)

You can still stay at the world’s oldest hotel, Nisiyama Onsen Keiunkan in Japan, which was founded in 705 AD. (guinnessworldrecord.com)

The longest place name in the word, at 85 letters, is “Taumatawhakatangihangakoauauotamateaturipukakapikimaungahoronukupokaiwhenuakitanatahu,” New Zealand. Locals just call it Taumata Hill. (newzealand.com)

The coldest temperature ever recorded occurred in Antarctica, -144 Fahrenheit, as reported by researchers in a scientific journal in 2018.

The hottest temperature ever recorded occurred in Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California, at 134 degrees Fahrenheit on July 10, 1913. (public.wmo.int)

 Enjoy! 

Melinda