Mental Health – Page 6

Food to Avoid If You Have Depression

There is the old saying that “you are what you eat”, and it studies have shown that the food we eat may have effects on our mental state as well.

If you’re struggling with depression or anxiety, you may already be seeing a therapist. You may be taking medication to deal with chemical imbalances in your brain.

But have you taken a close look at what you eat on a regular basis? Perhaps what you are eating isn’t helping your depression at all.

Why don’t we take a look at food to avoid if you have depression? [Read more…] about Food to Avoid If You Have Depression

Originally posted on January 12, 2016 @ 8:00 am

4 Things to Do Before Bed That Will Make the Next Day Awesome

Body, Mental Health, Mind

We all live busy lives. There are times when days just go by in a blur, leaving us wondering what the heck happened. What we’ve done. What we’re doing with our lives.

Then there are those moments when we feel as if the weight of the world were on our shoulders. Days when all we look forward to is going to bed and sleeping it all away – only to find difficulty falling asleep or having a restless night, which in turn results in another draining day full of tasks to complete. [Read more…] about 4 Things to Do Before Bed That Will Make the Next Day Awesome

Originally posted on January 6, 2016 @ 8:00 am

Practice Mindfulness to Improve Mental and Physical Health

Mental Health, Mind, Mindfulness

Today, the world is a quite busy place with no time for literally anything. You have to be great at multitasking if you really want to get anything done. For example, you may be watching TV and at the same time calculating your monthly budgets, you may be planning your day while commuting to work, or even be doing the laundry while caring for your children. In the rush to accomplish your daily tasks, you may end up losing your connection to the present and end up losing focus on what is important – you! If you do not agree, take a step back and wonder, how are you really feeling this morning, or have you noticed the shape you are in – emotionally and physically? If you feel you are lacking something, read on this article to find out how to use mindfulness to bring back the connection to yourself. [Read more…] about Practice Mindfulness to Improve Mental and Physical Health

Originally posted on December 21, 2015 @ 1:59 am

Techniques to Fight Work Stress and Anxiety

Mental Health, Mind

Stress is a constant in life, but it doesn’t have to have such a strong negative impact on us. That is, if we know how to handle it properly. Studies have shown that prolonged stress and anxiety that remains unaddressed can lead not only to mental issues but to physical decline as well.

One major source of stress is work, with several factors coming into play:

relationship conflicts between colleagues
the pressure to deliver
the pressure to earn more to provide for the family.

And that’s just a few of them.

In fact, studies have shown that there were 487,000 reported cases of illness related to work stress, depression and anxiety between 2013-14! That’s compelling evidence for the need to fight work stress and anxiety.
[Read more…] about Techniques to Fight Work Stress and Anxiety

Originally posted on November 24, 2015 @ 8:00 am

5 Things to Think About When You’re Depressed

Inspiration, Mental Health, Mind, Spirit

Depression sucks. Period. Or, rather, that’s the understatement of the year.

Having the blues is one thing, but being clinically depressed is something else. Some days may be awesome, but when a depressive period hits, it feels like nothing – nothing – is right in the world, that there is no point to this life.

But it doesn’t have to be like that. That’s why people who have depression need help – whether from family and friends, professionals, or both.

One can only receive so much input from external sources, though. At the end of the day, especially when you are particularly feeling so low, you will have to deal with your depression from inside. One way to deal with a depressive period is to think about things that will get you through.

Quotes to Beat Depression

Here are 5 “beat depression thoughts” that will help. Mind you, these aren’t meant to replace your meds (if you are on them) and your therapist (if you have one). They do effectively help you get through each day, hour, and minute…

Think…

This period will end

While there are varying degrees of depression, if you are undergoing some sort of therapy, the depressive period will end. Even those with clinical depression who have been in a rut for months or years know that there are moments of hope, maybe even joy. Think of that. Hold that thought, and keep hanging on to it.

The people you love and who love you the most

When you feel that happiness will forever be out of your grasp, when you feel that there is no point to your life, think about the people who you love. Much more, think of those who love you.

You may think that no one appreciates or loves you, but the chances are you are wrong. Deep inside, you know that they (whoever they may be) care for you.

Dig deep. You might be surprised at what you discover, and, at the very least, you have something positive to focus on other than how bad things are.

You’re not alone

Your family and friends are there for you – even if you may not realize or acknowledge it. But more than that, think of this: there are other people experience the same thing you are.

In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health reports:

In 2013, an estimated 15.7 million adults aged 18 or older in the U.S. had at least one major depressive episode in the past year. This represented 6.7 percent of all U.S. adults.

You are not alone. Others are going through similar situations and are fighting. Fight with them.

The bad times you’ve gone through – and conquered

How often have you had major depressive episodes? The fact that you’re reading this means you’ve gone through those episodes in the past – maybe not unscathed, but alive. You’ve learned some things. Maybe you’ve come out stronger.

One thing is for sure: you’ve gotten out of the rut many times. You can do it again.

It may not be now. It may not be today. Maybe not even tomorrow. But you will.

The heart of life is good

This may very well be the most difficult idea to hold on to in the midst of a depressive episode. How can life be good when you can’t even summon enough strength to get out of bed?

It’s one of those things that you have to try to believe, at the very least. Thinking of the good moments in your life will help. It will be a gargantuan task, I know, but try. It’s better than nothing. You’ll want to give up. You may not even want to start.

But think of rainbows. Butterflies. The beach. Christmas with your kids (or nephews/nieces). Picnics.

Heck, think of unicorns! Whatever makes/has made you happy!

I’m not being crazy here, but my point is that are things in nature and life that will show you that at its very core, life is good.

Depression is an awful, complicated thing, and there’s no guarantee the above “beat depression thoughts” will get you out of an episode as soon as you want. But the key is to keep trying – even if you stay in bed all day, try to fight the episode in your head.

Good luck!

Originally posted on September 22, 2015 @ 8:00 am

6 Relaxing Hobbies That Will Relieve Stress

Meditation, Mental Health, Mind

Are you living a life of stress? Does it seem that stress is all you can feel day in, day out?

Then you need to examine your lifestyle. Perhaps your work is taking over your life. Perhaps you have issues about taking on the burden of everyone around you – even if you don’t have to. Perhaps you just need to take a break from everything and carve out some “me time”.

When was the last time you spent time doing something that you really enjoy? If you can barely remember, or if the instances are far and few in between, then I suggest making an effort to make time for this activity.

If you think you need something new, here’s a bit of help: some relaxing hobbies that will relieve stress.

Painting

Not everyone is skilled in painting, but even if you don’t know anything about color palettes and brushes and whatnot, it’s worth a try. Look for classes in your area, sign up for one, and find out if painting is for you. You might be surprised at the results.

Photography

These days, everyone can be a photographer. While the hardcore hobbyists have expensive equipment, which you might not want to invest in just yet, you can easily use your smartphone. Photography is definitely a relaxing hobby, as there are endless choices for subjects – and there should be at least one that you are interested in.

Cooking

If you like your food, why not up the ante and challenge yourself in the kitchen? You might already be making your meals every day, but if you see that as a necessity – one has to eat after all – it probably isn’t relaxing at all. Instead, you might see it as a chore.

Why not turn things around and make cooking a hobby? Browse cooking/recipe sites and buy cooking/foodie magazines. Look for recipes that make your mouth water, and go for it!

Gardening

It has been proven time and again that gardening is one of the best relaxing hobbies. Before you ditch the idea, give it a try. Gardening outside exposes you to the health benefits of the sun. The mere act of tending to your plants (you can even talk to them) also helps you relax.

And, who doesn’t like seeing flowers grow and brighten up your surroundings? If you grow some vegetables or herbs, you’ll have the added satisfaction of consuming them.

Ikebana

Ikebana is the ancient art of flower arrangement, a distinctive part of Japanese culture. Learning and practicing Ikebana will not only help you relax, but give you a sense of achievement and an appreciation for beauty for it is not simply putting a bunch of flowers in a vase, but an art form and philosophy that highlights how nature and humanity come together.

Transcendental Meditation

Founded by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi in the 1950s, Transcendental Meditation, or TM, is a technique that requires the use of sound or a mantra that is practiced twice every day for 15 to 20 minutes. The TM technique is supposed to bring your body to a relaxed state and profound rest. If you take up this as hobby and do it regularly, you’ll find that your life doesn’t have to have much stress.

Originally posted on May 13, 2015 @ 8:00 am