Wednesday, March 13, 2024

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of Chasing Feel Good Vibes

We always seem to be on a constant quest for happiness and well being. And to achieve this pursuit, we often explore various methods to boost our mood. These may range from proven techniques like yoga or mindfulness practices, to more unusual alternatives like finding simple comfort in watching paint dry. Let's discuss some of the good, bad and ugly ways that people try to elevate their feelings of well being.

 

Photo by Marc Najera on Unsplash


The Good: Tried and True Methods

  • Exercise: Breaking a sweat can release feel good endorphins. From high intensity interval workouts and yoga classes to nature walks and running marathons, regular physical activity has proven its mental health benefits countless times over.

  • Eating Healthy: Eating is the foundation of life, and it has long been noted that a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can significantly boost our emotional well being. Nutritional psychiatry is also becoming an emerging field that highlights the connection between diet and mental well being.

  • Meaningful Connections: Humans are social creatures. And genuine, meaningful interactions with friends, family or even pets can significantly boost our mood and give us a sense of belonging. In an age where digital isolation reigns supreme, engaging with someone directly can be refreshingly transformative.


The Bad: Quick Fixes with a Catch

  • Retail Therapy: While purchasing something new can provide a temporary high, its effects can quickly fade away, leaving behind potential financial strain and the realization that happiness cannot be bought.

  • Binge Watching: While binging can feel therapeutic in the moment, too much screen time leads to sleep disruption and feelings of being wasteful with our time. It also results in fewer opportunities to experience life first hand and build connections in person. As with anything, moderation is key.

  • Junk Food: Junk food is a form of retail therapy for your taste buds. Although the instant gratification you get from eating it can provide short term happiness, the long term effects on your physical health and mental well being can be devastating. Treats are acceptable in moderation, but eating healthy is key for maintaining your overall well being and happiness.


The Ugly: Downright Harmful Methods

  • Substance Abuse: Using drugs and alcohol to enhance your mood can quickly lead to dependency. And this can have serious health and social consequences that will far outweigh any temporary relief you get from them. Click here for further drug detoxing info.

  • Extreme Overuse of Social Media: While excessive use of social media may appear less detrimental to your mental and physical health than substance abuse, social media's endless search for validation and comparison can have serious repercussions for your self esteem and well being.

  • Overworking: Living in a culture where we always seem to be busy, it's easy to develop the habit of overworking in order to feel valued or accomplished. This habit often leads to feelings of burnout and it affects both your physical and mental well being.


Conclusion: A Balanced Path to Well Being

Understanding and embracing all that's good while ignoring or rejecting what's bad and ugly is key to finding true happiness. Real and lasting satisfaction comes from engaging in physical activity, healthy eating habits and meaningful social interactions. Quick fixes won't deliver lasting happiness. Genuine well being lies in sustainable, healthy habits rather than those short lived momentary highs. So you need to find a good balance between the two.

 

 

 

This is a contributed post. 

 

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

What You Need To Know About Alternative Medicine

Lately, alternative medicine has been growing in popularity. People are curious, eyebrows are raised and discussions are heating up. If you're curious about alternative medicine, read on for a fair and balanced look at the realm of alternative treatments.


Image: Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pexels

Understanding Alternative Medicine

It's time to dive into the alternative medicine rabbit hole. It's a mixed bag, with enthusiasts on one side and a bunch of skeptics on the other. That's what makes the world of alternative medicine a bit of an enigma – a puzzle just waiting for someone to come along and connect the dots.

The Science Behind Alternative Medicine

There have been scientific studies investigating the effectiveness of various alternative therapies. Some therapies (such as acupuncture) have the results of several studies supporting them, while others find themselves standing solo in a sparse field of evidence. It's like a scientific rollercoaster – thrilling, but with a few loops of uncertainty.

Exploring Specific Alternative Therapies

Let's look at the specifics of some well known alternative therapies:

Acupuncture: Originating from the ancient wisdom of traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is like a concert conductor, aiming to harmonize the body's energy flow. It's known for its solo performances in pain relief and stress management.

Herbal Remedies: Nature's medicine cabinet – herbs are the seasoned chefs in the kitchen of healthcare. They mix up natural ingredients to whip up a concoction that offers relief and well being. But keep in mind that moderation is key. It's all about finding the right dose and combination for the perfect recipe.

Controlled Substances: In the garden of alternative therapies, some plants are fenced off. Let's look at some of them:


  • Psilocybin: Found in certain varieties of mushrooms, psilocybin isn't just a relic of ancient rituals; it's stepping into the limelight of modern therapy. It's used in controlled settings, particularly in mental health treatment.


  • Ketamine: Once the star of the anesthesia show, ketamine is also entering the mental health arena. Imagine it as a quick change agent, offering rapid relief from the heavyweights of depression and anxiety, all in controlled doses.


  • Cannabis: This is the herb that's both hailed and side eyed. From pain relief to relaxation, it has a vast repertoire of uses. But how long cannabis lasts in your system depends on things like the quantity consumed, how often you indulge and your body's unique composition.

Making Informed Choices

Before going all in, ensure your choices are well informed to avoid mishaps along the way.

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Navigating these waters calls for a seasoned captain. Healthcare professionals are the compass that can help steer clear of choppy waters, ensuring that you get through your journey safe and sound.

Personal Health Considerations

Your health journey is uniquely yours, like a custom tailored suit that fits you and only you. Consider your health history, current conditions and the terrain ahead. It's all about finding the right fit.

Role of Research and Evidence

Knowledge is power. Dive into research, ask questions and weigh the evidence. It's like gathering your gear in preparation for an adventure to ensure that you have a safe and successful journey.

Conclusion

Alternative medicine is a bit like a spice rack in your kitchen, waiting to add a dash of diversity and potency to your healthcare journey. Balance is key, so embrace what works and let go of what doesn't. All while keeping an open mind. The healthcare journey is a winding road and alternative medicine is a fascinating pitstop along the way.

 

 

 

This is a contributed post. 

 

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Encouraging Your Child Not To Give Up An Activity

It feels inevitable, doesn’t it? When your kid gets involved in a new activity, there usually comes a day when they say they don’t want to do it anymore. As a parent, you don't think much of it the first or second time it happens. However, by the fourth or fifth time they decide they want to give it all up, you might be getting a bit frustrated. 


But how are you supposed to encourage them to continue playing what was once their favorite sport, or to keep attending the pottery club they once were super excited for? Read on for some tips that might help. 


Pexels Image - CC0 Licence


Only Try One Activity at a Time


If your child only has one thing to do after school, they’re not going to get overwhelmed. That makes them much more likely to stick to the activity and enjoy it. They’re not going to be too tired to keep up, or constantly thinking about how many other things they need to do before they go home. School, club, home, over! 


It’s nice to get your kids involved in as many extra-curriculars as possible. You’re only thinking about how much fun they can have, and preparing them for their future. Extra-curricular activities do look good on a college application after all. But if their schedule is too busy, they might start feeling overwhelmed and decide that they don't want to do any of it. So it's a good idea to stick to one thing at a time.


Don’t Take it Too Seriously


When you take an activity too seriously, your child is going to find it hard to keep up with the way you feel about it. They might feel like they’re being forced into doing something they don’t want to do, and that you actually enjoy the activity more than they do. Kids do pick up on it when adults try to live vicariously through them!


And while it’s nice to print out baseball lineup cards for your child’s little league team, and it’s good to get excited on the sidelines when they score a goal in soccer, make sure your enthusiasm matches theirs. You don't want them to feel like you’d be disappointed if they decided to stop, so be careful with the way that you try to encourage them. 


Talk About Why They Want to Quit


If it comes to a point where your child absolutely refuses to keep going, you’re going to have to bring out the big guns: talking to them about their decision. So, why do they want to quit? What’s going on at the club or activity that has destroyed their joy in it? 


Talk about it. And don’t be judgemental about the reasons they give you. You can discuss ways you can support them. It might be a good idea to insist that they give it another chance by going for a few more sessions, but if they're truly miserable, it’s time to pull them out. 


If your child is finding it hard to enjoy an activity that they're involved in, you should consider the points above as you decide you're best course of action. 

 

 

This is a contributed post.

Monday, November 13, 2023

Protecting Your Bulbs When Winter Planting

If you're planning to plant new bulbs and new flowers this winter, it's important to know how to protect those bulbs from the frost. Planting through the winter months can be a challenge, but if you want your flowers to start blooming during early spring, you need to make sure those bulbs are protected when the frost hits.


The last thing you want is for the bulbs to be damaged by the cold winter weather, so planting your bulbs is going to be a process. Let's discuss a few tips that can help you get your bulbs off to a stronger start and keep them protected from the frost in the winter.

 

Image Source:  Pexels


  • Dig deeper. If you want to protect your bulbs, you need to bury them deeper than you normally would. If you plant them too shallow the bulb will freeze over. You want to keep the bulbs away from pests like squirrels too, who might dig them up. Tulips, for example, need to be planted three times the height of the bowl. So if you go too shallow, you're going to risk your plants not flowering.

  • Never forget to mulch. A good layer of mulch will help to protect your bulbs. If you forget to add the mulch, your bulbs won't sprout when they should. You can mulch as soon as your bulbs are in the ground, especially when the soil is cool but not quite frozen. This will not only ensure that your bulbs are protected from frost, it will also help to optimize the soil temperature and retain moisture in the ground. Mulching is good for your whole garden, but especially over the topsoil where you plant your bulbs.

  • Use a cloche. You need to have netted garden cloches to help the freshly planted bulbs to grow. A cloche will help to protect them from the cold and wet weather and protect from heavy snows, giving the bulbs a chance to grow while they can.

  • Plant indoors when you can. A good way to protect your bulbs from the winter is to plant them in a greenhouse rather than in the ground. Alternative options like this can keep your bulbs safely away from the frost and give you time to grow and nurture them correctly. As a result, you'll end up with some beautifully scented flowers.

 

If you want your garden to grow this winter, then you need to protect your bulbs and ensure that your spring garden sprouts up when it should.

 

 

This is a contributed post.

Monday, October 30, 2023

Managing ADHD

Living with attention deficient/hypersensitivity disorder (ADHD) doesn't need to hinder your life or happiness. Let's discuss some of the best things that you can do on a daily basis to make living with ADHD more comfortable.


Photo by Tara Winstead  

 

Always Carry a Fidget Pen

 

When you live with ADHD, you might feel the need to fidget when you're in public, at work or at home. This is due to built up energy. A fidget pen is a great thing to put in your bag or the pocket of your jeans to help you release your excess energy when you feel overstimulated. You might feel like people are staring at you when you play with a fidget pen in public, but in reality no one is looking that closely at you. It's just your mind playing tricks on you and making you feel even more stressed. So go ahead and play with that fidget pen to release the pent up energy and calm your mind.


Step Outside Into Nature

 

If have a garden, make sure you use it on a daily basis. Place a comfortable chair in a sheltered area so you can go out and sit no matter what time of year it is or what the weather is like. There are many benefits to having a garden, especially for those with ADHD. Whether you experience excess energy or need to clear your overstimulated mind, stepping out into the garden and spending time in nature is a great way to feel calmer and make yourself feel more comfortable. Getting fresh air is great for both the mind and the body. It can alleviate stress and control cycles of poor behavior.


Don’t Forget To Eat

 

Not eating enough can amplify anxiety and cause unnecessary stress. Those with ADHD can often forget to eat due to a lack of routine and forgetfulness. If you tend to forget to eat, try to establish a regular eating routine. You should eat every few hours so you avoid being hungry and, in turn, the unnecessary stress that hunger can cause. A good way to avoid getting hungry it to snack in between meals. Eating every few hours will ensure that your body and brain won't be deprived of energy.


Get Plenty of Sleep

 

One daily habit that can help you manage ADHD is getting plenty of sleep. It might feel difficult to sleep with ADHD because you have so much excess energy. But if you know how to release this energy throughout the day and before bed, it can help you to relax and drift off into a long and peaceful sleep. It's recommended for children and adults to get between seven and nine hours of sleep every night so that your body and mind can relax as much as possible. If you tend to feel overstimulated before bedtime, try turning off your screen at least one hour before you go to bed. You can also meditate before sleeping and take a nice relaxing bath to help your mind and body feel relaxed enough to go to sleep.


Exercise

 

Exercise is a great way to relieve built up energy, and it's ideal for those with ADHD. Even if you don't like to exercise, it's a great idea to exercise as much as you can throughout the week to relax your mind and body. Your body can hold a lot of tension if you avoid working out, but it's easy to release it by performing gentle stretches and doing cardiovascular activities and yoga. Your exercise routine doesn't have to be intense in order to gain the benefits. Gentle and consistent exercises can help release the energy just as well, and it will also help with sleeping. 


Set a Routine and Improve Your Organization

 

It's common for those with ADHD to be forgetful and unorganized, which can hinder their routine and cause unnecessary stress. Setting and maintaining a routine, as well as improving your organization, will help make ADHD easier to live with on a daily basis. For instance, setting yourself visual reminders is a great way to ensure that you never forget to do anything. Writing a list of everything that you need to do that day is also a great way to keep structure and organize your mind so that your ADHD doesn't overwhelm and overstimulate you. Having a routine and being as organized as possible will help you manage your ADHD.

 

 

 

This is a contributed post.