Mental Health – Page 8

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

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

How to Beat Depression: 5 Counterintuitive Ways

Mental Health, Mind

How to beat depression is a topic that has been talked about so much. Is there anything else that we can add to the discussion?

For those who have not been in that sh#thouse of the well of depression, their answer would probably be no. For those who have experienced depression in varying degrees, there is always something to look at, analyze, and talk about.

Depression is hard to describe in itself. It’s hard to understand. It may come and go. For the sufferer of depression, it is a constant battle.

There are many “cures” and tips on how to beat depression, but they usually run along the same veins. In this post, let’s look at ways to tackle depression which may be counterintuitive.

Acknowledge your need for need.

Depressed people withdraw into their own world. It’s easier to stay in that funk and not face what’s really causing their emotional state. While many cases of depression cannot be fully treated without medication, there is a first step that any depressed person has to take: to acknowledge his/her state.

Corollary to this is the concept that depression is closely related to a need for need.

What does this mean?

Depressed people have a need for something although it varies from person to person. It could be a need to feel useful or needed. It could be a need for help in times of weakness. It could be a need for companionship.

Whatever that need is, it is important for a depressed person to acknowledge this and break through society’s idea that needing help is a sign of weakness. Don’t be ashamed of how you feel.

Don’t shield yourself from depression and feelings of loneliness.

[tweetthis url=”https://www.thedailymind.com/?p=3479″]Accepting that loneliness and depression exists in your life is the first step toward beating it![/tweetthis]

Avoid sugar.

But sugar gives you energy and makes you feel better, right? That’s true; but there is also the fact that after that surge of “feel good”, you’ll crash. Then you fall right back to that hole you detest.

That’s not to say that you should totally not consume sugar. As with most things, moderation is key, but probably even more so with those suffering from depression. The AHA recommends 6 teaspoons of sugar a day for women, and 9 teaspoons for men.

Get your butt off that sofa.

For people who are not suffering from depression, this is an obvious thing to do. For those who are in a bad place, however, the intuitive action is to stay inside, holed up.

A reason that often comes up is that they won’t be good company anyway. They don’t want to drain their friends’ energy.

Don’t fall for that trap. Go out. Meet friends. It will be difficult to get on your feet, take a shower, and walk out the door, but you’ll thank yourself after.

More than meeting with friends, getting your butt off that sofa means get some physical exercise. You don’t have to go to the gym and workout like you want to be a champion weightlifter. A 20-minute walk everyday (or every other day, if that’s what you can manage at first) will do you wonders. Mental health is improved, and stress is relieve.

There’s science behind this: endorphins, which are chemicals released in the brain when you engage in physical activity. These chemicals reduce your perception of pain and give you an overall positive feeling.

So if you think that talking a walk will only tire you and drain your energy, think twice.

Don’t spend a lot of time on social media.

Social media is a way of interacting with other people without having to actually go out. At least you’re interacting, right? That should help with your depressive feelings.

Nopes.

If you think this is one of the suggestions on how to beat depression, you couldn’t be more wrong.

Research has shown that “people do not advertise their negative traits on their social profiles, nor do they pose unflattering pictures. Because of this strict control of the way we are viewed, we are often fooled into believing other people’s lives are much better than our own.”

[tweetthis ur=”https://www.thedailymind.com/?p=3479″]What is essential to remember is they too wear masks, the way I do, the way everyone does.[/tweetthis]

Don’t meditate for prolonged periods.

But doesn’t everyone know that meditation is good for you? Of course, but it doesn’t mean you have to spend more time you feel is necessary on meditating.

Alan Watts, author of The Meaning of Happiness (1940) and The Wisdom of Insecurity (1951), was rather controversial in how he interpreted zen and tried to “bring” its concepts into the Western world.

…he dismissed the core Zen idea of zazen (which meant spending hours seated in contemplative meditation) as unnecessary. ‘A cat sits until it is tired of sitting, then gets up, stretches, and walks away,’ was his forgiving interpretation of zazen.

More tips on how to beat depression:

How to Beat Depression: Take Baby Steps

15+ Quotes to Beat Depression

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