Happiness looks like………
Happiness feels like………
Happiness sounds like…….
Happiness smells like…….
Melinda
Let’s Celebrate President’s Day
We may not always agree with politics or have voted for the person in the office but I think we can agree we live in the greatest country and having a President of the United States makes all the difference.
Melinda
No Dog Poop In My Park Please —
What is it with people who take their dog to a nice city park then let it crap without picking it up? Photo by Helena Lopes on Pexels.com We’ve been going to the same park several times a week since the pandemic started and I’m amazed by the growing number of mounds of shit in […]
No Dog Poop In My Park Please —
Do You Have Painsomnia?
You’ve probably heard the term or worse yet suffer from Painsomnia yourself. If the term is new to you, here’s the short version. A person experiences insomnia due to pain preventing them from falling asleep or staying asleep.
“Sleep helps our bodies rest and heal, so good-quality sleep is vital for people with chronic illnesses. However, painsomnia can make a good night of sleep feel like a pipe dream. Fortunately, medical researchers are starting to learn more about the condition and how patients can cope.”
I have the type of Painsomnia that keeps me up after waking from pain and makes it impossible to go back to sleep. My sleep medicine has worn off by then and no it’s just pain against sleep, and sleep rarely wins.
I have tried several hacks to help go back to sleep with mixed results. I have an essential oil stick with a Lavander fragrance that’s supposed to relax you but I can’t tell it does any good. The one item that has worked this past week is Delta 8 gummies. I take one right after waking up and they do relieve stress and keep my mind from wondering allowing me to go back to sleep.
I have to point out that I’m living without pain medication right now so it can be a challenge when I have to sleep on my shoulders and hips. No back or stomach sleeping for me.
What can you do if you are struggling with Painsomnia?
Better Sleep Habits
The MD Anderson Sleep Center recommends that people adopt new habits into their nightly routine. These habits help form the foundation for good sleep hygiene:
- Don’t use phones or computers before bed, as the blue light from the screen can disrupt sleep and cause eye strain.
- Avoid taking long naps during the day.
- Make your bedroom cool and dark.
- Avoid eating heavy foods or exercising right before you sleep.
Sleep Aids
If you have trouble sleeping, your healthcare provider may prescribe sleep aids or encourage you to try over-the-counter medications. These drugs can help regulate your circadian rhythm and lull you into slumber. Melatonin supplements help regulate your sleep cycle.9
A study from Cureus journal found that ashwagandha, a medicinal herb, can help people fall and stay asleep.10
Prescription drugs may include benzodiazepines, which are often used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Before you try any new supplements or prescriptions, make sure to consult your healthcare provider.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a treatment that encourages people to rethink and change their behaviors. For people with insomnia, cognitive behavioral therapy may help,11
For example, a person without a sleep routine can work with a therapist to start better habits before bed. If anxious thoughts are keeping you up at night, cognitive behavioral techniques can teach you to stop those spiraling thoughts and focus on other, more restful thoughts.
If your painsomnia makes you feel helpless, those worries can make it even harder for you to get sleep. You may blame yourself or blame your body if you’re struggling with painsomnia. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you cope with some of that frustration.
Hypnotherapy
While hypnotherapy is not a proven cure for painsomnia, some researchers have found that hypnosis might improve insomnia.12Hypnotherapy is an alternative medicine where practitioners use hypnosis and the power of suggestion to guide patients through various concerns.
Hypnotherapy is not a replacement for your healthcare provider or your current medications. Some researchers describe hypnotherapy as a sort of placebo. In either case, hypnosis can lull you into deep relaxation. This relaxation may help people with painsomnia fall asleep.
There’s no one size fits everyone but there are options for those who suffer from Painsomnia. I haven’t found the answer yet but did sleep until 2:00 AM this morning.
What hacks do use to help you go to sleep?
Melinda
Ref:
What is Love — Guest Blogger Explorations in Psychotherapy
What Is Love? “Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing, and forgiving. Through good and bad times, it is loyalty. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.” Ann Landers. “Whatever our souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” Emily Bronte. […]
What is Love — Explorations in Psychotherapy
Today in History February 20, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1985
Ireland allows sale of contraceptives
In a highly controversial vote on February 20, 1985, the Irish government defies the powerful Catholic Church and approves the sale of contraceptives.
Up until 1979, Irish law prohibited the importation and sale of contraceptives. In a 1973 case, McGee v. The Attorney General, the Irish Supreme Court found that a constitutional right to marital privacy covered the use of contraceptives. Pressured by strong conservative forces in Irish society, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, the government was slow to change the law to reflect the court’s decision, and a number of proposed bills failed before reaching the books.
1998
Tara Lipinski becomes youngest Olympic figure skating gold medalist
On February 20, 1998, 15-year-old Tara Lipinski wins the gold medal in women’s figure skating at the Olympic Winter Games in Nagano, Japan, and becomes the youngest gold medalist in her sport. Lipinski donned her first pair of skates at age six. In 1994, at age 12, she won a gold …read more
1962
John Glenn becomes first American to orbit Earth
From Cape Canaveral, Florida, John Herschel Glenn Jr. is successfully launched into space aboard the Friendship 7 spacecraft on the first orbital flight by an American astronaut. Glenn, a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, was among the seven men chosen by the National …read more
1997
Kramer on “Seinfeld” adopts a highway
An episode of the hit TV sitcom “Seinfeld” titled “The Pothole” airs for the first time on February 20, 1997; it includes a story line in which the character Kramer adopts a stretch of the fictional Arthur Burghardt Expressway through the real-life Adopt-a-Highway program. The …read more
1792
Postal Service Act regulates United States Post Office Department
On February 20, 1792, President George Washington signs legislation renewing the United States Post Office as a cabinet department led by the postmaster general, guaranteeing inexpensive delivery of all newspapers, stipulating the right to privacy and granting Congress the …read more
Melinda
Age is just a number — Guest Blogger Happy Healthy Me – a Journey
‘Laughter is timeless. Imagination has no age. And dreams are forever’ – Walt Disney Do you ever wish you were younger? Or older? It seems that wherever we are in life we’d quite like to be somewhere else! In our teenage years we often wish we were older, maybe so we can get into that […]
Age is just a number — Happy Healthy Me – a Journey
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
The different colors of Froot Loops cereal all taste the same—they’re not individual flavors. (time.com)
What’s inside a Kit Kat? Broken Kit Kats that are damaged during production—they get ground up and go between the wafers inside, along with cocoa and sugar. That’s a way to not let anything go to waste! (today.com)
Pound cake got its name because the original recipe required a pound each of butter, flour, sugar and eggs. That’s a lot of cake—but it was meant to last for a long time.
The difference between jam and jelly is that jam is made with mashed up fruit while jelly is made with fruit juice. (bonapetit.com)
Preserves are like jam but made with more whole fruit. Marmalade is preserves made from citrus fruit
Enjoy!
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *Harry Styles – Landslide with Stevie Nicks (One Night Only at The Forum)
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
Friday Quote 2/18/2022
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Sunset over Gulf Shores
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
The Many Meanings of a Smile —Guest Blogger Explorations in Psychotherapy
“smile though your heart is breaking…”
The Many Meanings of a Smile — Explorations in Psychotherapy
What Your Body Needs To Stay Healthy-Mental Health
I believe mental health and physical health are interrelated, you can’t have one without the other. You can be the healthiest person physically but if your mental state is in disrepair it will impact your physical health at some point.
I’m off balance right now and it spills over, causing me to eat emotionally and body shaming. It’s a vicious cycle. My focus is on rewarding the right behavior and not being too hard on myself when I fall.
“Mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community”, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).[1] Mental health includes subjective well-being, perceived self-efficacy, autonomy, competence, intergenerational dependence, and self-actualization of one’s intellectual and emotional potential, among others.[2] From the perspectives of positive psychology or holism, mental health may include an individual’s ability to enjoy life and to create a balance between life activities and efforts to achieve psychological resilience.[3] Cultural differences, subjective assessments, and competing professional theories all affect how one defines “mental health.”
To live our best life we have to live a whole life and that requires tending to all of our health needs. Our mental health may seem a challenge for some because they haven’t learned simple ways to support their mental health. Something as simple as spending 10 minutes clearing your mind can help your clarity and relieve stress.
Taking care of our mental health is an ongoing daily function just as important as eating and physical health. You have to keep feeding the brain in order for it to flourish.
Simple ways to support your mental health are:
Talking to someone about what’s stressing you out
Take a nap
A hot bath or foot soak
Use a diffuser with essential oils to help relax you
Go for a walk
Get outdoors, nothing feels as good as fresh air
Meditate
Exercise
Yoga
Alternative Medicine, like a massage or acupressure
Do a puzzle
There are thousands of things we can do for our mental health, the biggest problem is we don’t take the time. We don’t put enough emphasis on the importance of daily habits. Our mind needs to be nurtured every day just as a body does.
Melinda
Reference
Laziness or Depression – Which one is it today? — Guest Blogger The Mental Minute
I sit around some days and wonder if any of my medication actually works. After all, why am I still depressed when I am on anti-depressants? Anti means opposed to or against; therefore, my medication should be fighting against depression. I try to fight the idea that maybe I just need to try another medicine […]
Laziness or Depression – Which one is it today? — The Mental Minute
Happy Valentine’s Day
I remember when as a child my mother would buy a box of Valentine’s cards and we would give them to the kids in our class. In high school, you could buy a card or send a rose to a friend and that was so much fun!
Happy Valentine’s day to all my friends out there and I hope you have a special day. Do something special for yourself!
Melinda
Today in History February 13, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1920
League of Nations recognizes perpetual Swiss neutrality
The League of Nations, the international organization formed at the peace conference at Versailles in the wake of World War I, recognizes the perpetual neutrality of Switzerland on February 13, 1920. Switzerland was a loose confederation of German-, French-, and Italian-speaking …read more
1633
Galileo arrives in Rome to face charges of heresy
On February 13, 1633, Italian philosopher, astronomer and mathematician Galileo Galilei arrives in Rome to face charges of heresy for advocating Copernican theory, which holds that the Earth revolves around the Sun. Galileo officially faced the Roman Inquisition in April of that …read more
1965
First Medal of Honor action
The earliest military action to be awarded a Medal of Honor is performed by Colonel Bernard J.D. Irwin, an assistant army surgeon serving in the first major U.S.-Apache conflict. Near Apache Pass, in southeastern Arizona, Irwin, an Irish-born doctor, volunteered to go to the …read more
1689
William and Mary proclaimed joint sovereigns of Britain
Following Britain’s bloodless Glorious Revolution, Mary, the daughter of the deposed king, and William of Orange, her husband, are proclaimed joint sovereigns of Great Britain under Britain’s new Bill of Rights. William, a Dutch prince, married Mary, the daughter of the future …read more
1914
ASCAP is founded
“If music did not pay, it would be given up.” So wrote Associate Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes in a landmark Supreme Court decision in 1917. Holmes wasn’t referring to musicians themselves in that statement, but to places of business in which copyrighted musical works could be …read more
Melinda
What to Do When You’re Feeling Anxious
Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry, or fear that can be mild or severe. For some people, anxiety is so frequent and intense that it disrupts their daily lives. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this blog post, we will discuss some ways to cope with anxiety when it strikes.
Identify the cause of your anxiety
This may be difficult, but it’s important to try to identify what is causing you to feel anxious. For example, is it a specific event or situation? A person? Or is your anxiety more general, such as feeling constantly worried and uneasy? Once you have identified the cause, you can begin to address it.
If your anxiety is caused by a specific situation or person, try to avoid that thing or spend less time around that person. However, if your anxiety is more general, there are still things you can do to help manage it. For example, some people find journaling helpful for identifying the source of their anxiety. Other people find relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation helpful in managing their anxiety symptoms.
Talk to a friend or family member about your anxiety
Sometimes, just talking about what’s bothering you can make it easier to deal with those feelings. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to someone close to you, there are many resources available for people with mental health issues like anxiety and depression.
Your GP is usually the best place to start if you’re looking for professional help; they will be able to refer you if necessary. In some cases, talking therapies such as counseling may be helpful in managing symptoms of anxiety and other mental health conditions like depression or stress-related disorders (like post-traumatic stress disorder).
Take some time for yourself
This may seem like an impossible task when you’re feeling anxious, but it’s essential to find some time each day to relax and focus on yourself. This could be something as simple as taking a hot bath, reading your favorite book, or spending time in nature.
If you’re finding it difficult to take time for yourself, consider setting aside a specific block of time each day that is just for you. During this time, try not to stress about work or other commitments; simply relax and enjoy whatever activity you have chosen. You could also consider a recovery center if you feel like you need to get away for a while and just focus on yourself and your mental wellbeing.
Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants
Caffeine, alcohol, and other stimulants can make symptoms of anxiety worse. So if you’re feeling anxious, try to avoid these things. If you find it challenging to cut out caffeine or alcohol completely, try to reduce your intake at least. This will help to minimize the effects that these substances have on your anxiety levels. Managing anxiety can be difficult, but it is possible. By using some of the techniques we’ve discussed in this blog post, you can begin to take control of your anxiety and start living a happier, more productive life.
In conclusion, there are many ways to cope with anxiety when it strikes. Some people choose not to deal with their anxiety at all, while others prefer specific techniques like breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation. Whatever approach you take, remember that the most important thing is finding what works best for you and your unique situation.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
German chocolate cake doesn’t come from Germany. It was named for a person, Sam German, who created a type of baking chocolate for Baker’s in 1852. (npr.org)
Hawaiian pizza was created in Ontario, Canada, by Greek immigrant Sam Panopoulos in 1962. (cbc.ca)
Almost all commercially grown artichokes, 99.9 percent, come from California. One town in particular, Castroville, is nicknamed “the Artichoke Capital of the World.” (visitcalifornia.com)
The different colors of Froot Loops cereal all taste the same—they’re not individual flavors. (time.com)
What’s inside a Kit Kat? Broken Kit Kats that are damaged during production—they get ground up and go between the wafers inside, along with cocoa and sugar. That’s a way to not let anything go to waste! (today.com)
Enjoy!
Melinda
#Weekend Music Share *Paula Abdul – Straight Up (Official Music Video)
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
Friday Quote 2/11/2022
So glad you stopped by today, I look forward to your comments each week.
Melinda
Waking up right with good sleep hygiene —Guest Blogger The Mental Minute
Sleep and I have a bizarre relationship. It takes me forever to fall asleep most days because I simply cannot turn my mind off. Either it’s filled with anxiety-ridden worry-thoughts like Are you SURE you turned off the stove? Or a slew of self-defeating thoughts like What if you aren’t good enough? I would stay […]
Waking up right with good sleep hygiene — The Mental Minute
How to Nurture your Gifted Child —Guest Blogger bryandunst
Bryan Dunst discusses how you can nurture your gifted child.
How to Nurture your Gifted Child — bryandunst
My Fav Alternative Medicine Hacks
It takes more than eating right and taking medication to stay healthy and be our best selves physically and mentally. Alternative Medicine has been used for thousands of years and if truth be told, since the beginning of time. 
What is Alternative Medicine?
It’s complementary to Traditional Medicine which we are most familiar with. The two can work hand in hand to provide a total health solution. Some forms are Homeopathy, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Natural Medicine, Naturopathy, Ayurveda, Biofield therapy, Bioelectromagnetic therapy, Chiropractic and Reiki.
I don’t buy into all the methods of Alternative Medicine but believe in those I’ve seen results for or studies results. These are my favorite Alternative Medicine hacks to help augment Traditional Medicine which I rely heavily on.
Supplements:
Collagen, Ginseng and Probiotic and Multi-Vitamin
Chiropractor
2-3 times per week
You can also book weight loss or quit-smoking hypnosis
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Massage
Full body and head
Reflexology
Essential oils
Nightly as a part of my bedtime routine
Hemp Pain Relief Cream
Part of my bedtime routine
Magnesium Pain Cream
Part of my bedtime routine
What types of alternative medicine hacks do you use to stay your best self?
Melinda
Wordless Wednesday*Deep Water
Thanks for stopping by today, I appreciate your comments each week.
Melinda
How Mindfulness Can Help Trauma Survivors — Guest Blogger tiny musings
Being a trauma survivor myself, mindfulness has always been integrated into my treatment. Recently I was enrolled into a mindfulness based CBT group where I’ve met like minded people who are struggling with trauma and struggling staying present. So, what is trauma and why is mindfulness so important in regards to it? According to the […]
How Mindfulness Can Help Trauma Survivors — tiny musings
Make Fresh Homemade Pasta — Guest Blogger Everyday Lillie
There is no comparison between fresh homemade and dried storebought pasta. Try these two recipes for homemade pasta – one vegan and one with eggs.
Make Fresh Homemade Pasta — Everyday Lillie
Today in History February 6, 2022
Welcome to the Weekend Edition of Today in History. I’m so glad you’re enjoying the post. Have an awesome weekend.
1952
King George VI dies; Elizabeth becomes queen
On February 6, 1952, after a long illness, King George VI of Great Britain and Northern Ireland dies in his sleep at the royal estate at Sandringham. Princess Elizabeth, the oldest of the king’s two daughters and next in line to succeed him, was in Kenya at the time of her father’s death; she was crowned Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953, at age 27.
1928
Woman claiming to be Anastasia Romanov arrives in the U.S.
On February 6, 1928, a woman calling herself Anastasia Tschaikovsky and claiming to be the youngest daughter of the murdered Russian czar Nicholas II arrives in New York City. She held a press conference on the liner Berengaria, explaining she was here to have her jaw reset. It …read more
1937
“Of Mice and Men” is published
John Steinbeck’s novella Of Mice and Men, the story of the bond between two migrant workers, is published. He adapted the book into a three-act play, which was produced the same year. The story brought national attention to Steinbeck’s work, which had started to catch on in 1935 …read more
1891
Dalton Gang commits its first train robbery
The members of the Dalton Gang stage an unsuccessful train robbery near Alila, California–an inauspicious beginning to their careers as serious criminals. Bob, Emmett, and Grat Dalton were only three of Lewis and Adeleine Dalton’s 10 sons. The brothers grew up on a succession of …read more
1943
Mussolini fires his son-in-law
Wary of his growing antiwar attitude, Benito Mussolini removes Count Galeazzo Ciano, his son-in-law, as head of Italy’s foreign ministry and takes over the duty himself. Ciano had been loyal to the fascist cause since its inception, having taking part in the march on Rome in …read more
Melinda
18 reasons why walking is good for you! — Guest Blogger Happy Healthy Me – a Journey
‘Walking is a man’s best medicine’ – Hippocrates You’ve no doubt heard that we should all be aiming to walk 10,000 steps every day. But did you know that this figure actually came about from a Japanese advertising slogan, rather than being based on medical science? Honestly – google it!! The important thing is that […]
18 reasons why walking is good for you! — Happy Healthy Me – a Journey
Fun Facts That Will Amaze You
I’m so glad you are enjoying Fun Facts. I learn something new each week, even if it’s weird. I love hearing your comments!
It’s impossible to hum while holding your nose (just try it!).
Skin is the body’s largest organ.
The earth’s circumference is 24,900 miles. (nasa.gov)
All of an adult human’s blood vessels, if laid out end to end, would be about 100,000 miles, so they could encircle the earth four times. (fi.edu)
According to recent research, the human nose can distinguish at least a trillion different odors. (nature.com)
Enjoy!
Melinda
4 Mental Health Benefits Of Gardens
It’s hard to believe that two centuries ago, most people didn’t have access to a garden. The best they could hope for was a park. Today, though, things are different. The majority of people have a garden at the back of their home where they can feel a little closer to nature.
And that’s good news: gardens can work wonders for your mental health. Here’s how:
They Improve How You View Yourself
For some people, just watching seeds they’ve planted grow into full-grown plants can be an extremely edifying experience. You’re doing something that is allowing life to flourish – and that can make you feel great. Spending time in nature to better your mental health is ideal and recommended, which is evident from the Second Nature Utah Reviews. Going to an outdoor therapy retreat can be incredible for your well-being and mental health, which is something you might wish to try if you want to work on yourself.
They Let You Relax
Do you remember lounging around in summerhouses while you were young, reading a book without a care in the world? If so, you’ll know all about the incredible calming powers of gardens.
Just spending a couple of hours in the garden can be enough to allow the stress to drain from your body. The person who steps back into the house after lounging in the sun is not the one who stepped out of it two hours before.
They Encourage Exercise
Because you have more space, you’re much freer to move your body in the garden than you are in the house. In turn, this helps to elevate your mood. Your brain releases a host of feel-good hormones that circulate around your body, changing how you feel.
They Make You Feel More Connected To Nature
As modern humans, we’ve largely lost our connection to nature. We’ve forgotten that we’re not just strange aliens who arrived on Earth out of the blue but instead products of this planet. As such, we’re at our best when we’re in nature, enjoying its surroundings.
Sometimes, though, we forget this, particularly if we live in giant modern cities. Our built environment does not resemble nature and can leave us feeling alienated and lost, without really knowing why.
Having a garden helps to reverse this by putting you back in touch with your roots, if only in a small way. Many people report feeling sensations of biophilia when out in nature — the profound sense that “this is where I should be.” This alone can be enough to transform your mental health, reminding you that nature is bigger than it appears on the television screen.
Wrapping Up
Of course, even gardening comes with risks. Make sure that you don’t spend too long out in the sun to avoid skin damage. Drink plenty of water when outside.
Gardening can lead to a host of bacterial and insect-borne illnesses. These include:
- Tick bites can lead to serious conditions, such as Lyme disease
- Legionnaires disease from bacteria in the soil or compost
- Tetanus and sepsis infections that result from dirt entering open wounds
- Itching, blistering, or rashes from poisonous plants
So long as you protect yourself, you should be safe in the garden. Simply spending more time outdoors can work wonders for your mental health, particularly if your job requires you to be in the office all week.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
lookingforthelight.blog 