Category: Feel-Good Products

 

Positivity is gaining that much popularity in recent years, especially among the millennials, developing the tendency of having an optimistic attitude.

Continue reading Positive Psychiatry:  The Joy In Giving

Some of us get happiness from our green friends. Watching something grow from our own backyard can be more than fulfilling, especially for those who love home. There are some who don’t run out of ideas on transforming their house into wonderland, and they just love plants all over.

Continue reading 5 Ways For A Happier And Healthier Gardening

Japan’s shinrin-yoku is making waves in the Western World. How do we do forest bathing the American way?

Continue reading Kicking Stress, Anxiety Out With Forest Therapy

When you were young, your family told you that you could be whatever you want to be, and you believed it. However, as time passed by, you cannot help but think that maybe there will be times when you cannot pursue what you want to do.

There will be times when reality will glare at you and slap you with the realization that your dreams are not practical. After what you have been through, you might also think that you are not good enough for those dreams. These realizations continue to be one of the most hurtful things in the world.

However, as people would say it, having a dream is not supposed to be easy. It is supposed to hurt, and it is supposed to challenge you. Only then can you be deserving of that dream.

So what can you do to attain your heart’s desires?

Be Aware Of Your Dreams

“Self-love is not simply a state of feeling good. It is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth.” Deborah Khoshaba Psy.D. said. With that, you have to acknowledge your hearts’ desires. You can do this by examining yourself. Sometimes, this part comes naturally. Becoming aware of your dreams gives direction to your life because it is what gets you out of bed every single day. Your passion is what moves you to be a better version of yourself. However, it can also be the reason why you will feel powerless, especially at times when reaching for your dreams seems futile.

Embrace Your Emotions

Afraid? In doubt? These emotions will not leave you, especially when you are doing something that makes your heart race. So, what you can do is to embrace those emotions. You have to do it while being afraid and while being in doubt of your capabilities. After all, you can only be brave and muster your courage in times of fear. When you learn to embrace these emotions, which once seemed intimidating, you will start to feel powerful.

Take Action

You cannot conquer your dreams merely by thinking about them. You need to act on them. They do not turn into reality through daydreaming. You have to make a lot of sacrifices to turn your dreams into actuality. It may seem daunting, but you need to convince yourself that you are strong and that you can do anything, especially when it brings you closer to your passion.

Learn From Failures

According to counselor Monte Drenner, “No one likes to fail, but some people take it harder than others.” Accept that there will always be failures along the way . However, it is not enough that you accept them; it is more important that you learn from them. Always remember that going after your dreams has a price. But after all those difficulties and failures, tell yourself that those experiences are all worth it: you grew, and you became a better version of yourself. You will thank yourself for not succumbing to failures.

Understand that you do not need to follow these steps strictly; these are just guides for you, a starting point. In Dr. Nikki Martinez, Psy.D. blog, she says, “If you are struggling with low self-esteem, it is encouraged that you seek some type of help and support to work through this issue, and to help you be the best version of yourself that you can be.” Ultimately, you will be the one who will craft your success story. So, we wish you luck and lots of courage in fighting for your dreams!

 

They say happiness comes from within. By some means, I believed it.

 

My Dreams, My Journeys

It was writing all along that made me feel the congruity in my thoughts.   The satisfaction gives me as I put those ideas together and precisely express my longing dreams into words. It is the voyage – the journey that is in my mind in having to give an abstract entity, a life in an ordinary piece of pen and paper.

 

 

A Piece of Me In My Writings

The very thing I love about writing is that it gives me the opportunity to express myself in words.   It helps me to let go of the illustrative thoughts forming a sense inside of me. According to Lindsey Pratt Psychotherapy, LMHC, “it’s not only the benefit of catharsis in the moment of writing that makes journaling so effective – It’s also reviewing what you’ve written.”

Trust me, writing that deeper part of yourself feels like you just pulled out an arrow piercing your heart, emotions you have been longing to convey. Some studies show daily writing to lessen the chances of having depression and anxiety.  Writings boost your mood into a more positive and happy one.

 

Writing Your Legacy Is Happiness Overload

Writing comes from experiences or information you want to offer with a just degree of accuracy; topics which you want to give and expressions you want to leave the reader behind.  The power of writing gives you the essence and wisdom of past or future generations. Learning about things new to you as you write sometimes brings you your very own happiness. “Happy people make healthier choices,” explains Scott Glassman, PsyD. And I believe that.

By writing and expressing your own words while having to create a structure of your unique thoughts, you obtain great satisfaction that you have accomplished something. This accomplishment establishes a sense of success which leads towards your own happiness.

 

 

Creativity In Many Forms

There are many types of writing whether to inform or explain the subject to a reader, writing to show your opinions and influence a part of him, telling stories and writing imaginatively to paint a picture to the reader.

In any case, starting to write benefits you to a great extent, for your fulfillment and the wholeness of your being – the mind, body, and soul working as one.

 

Mindset Of A Writer

For some, writing can be a hard task.  A person who says writing requires hard work and great inspiration is not the proper mindset if you want to write anything.  Starting to write can be easy as eating a pie; you just have to give time and dedication to begin your work on a series of minute-by-minute progress. This can mean having your own moment in a day just to write.

There is always a joy when you start to write. Not only it makes you happy but it also rests your mind. Andrea F. Polard, PsyD says,  “Mind resting usually doesn’t mean to have no thoughts, but to slow down thoughts and give each thought less meaning.” It is still productive even if it is one word at a time on a day-by-day basis. You can begin by writing about your daily activity, and experience how fun and easy it is.

 

 

Happiness in writing is when you get to enjoy what you are writing about and imparting your thoughts to the world.  It is when you can veraciously communicate your deep 3-am thoughts into letters, sentences, and paragraphs into a blank sheet of paper.

The feeling of gladness when I have written something unordinary or new to me is just one of the best feelings I have in writing.  Tell me yours.

Do you often cry just by watching romantic movies? Do you usually burst into tears of joy? Or are you the type who holds everything in and break down in one go? Whatever you are feeling, you might need a good cry from time to time.

Many people regard shedding tears as a sign of weakness and fragility and something to be ashamed of in public. But crying is, in fact, good for most of us. Here are the reasons why. 

Source: pexels.com

Impact Of Crying On Your Feelings

Geriatric and family mental health expert Dr. Timothy Legg stated crying is a healthy response to humans’ sorrow and frustration. If left unchecked, stress can have negative health implications physically. These may include increased risk of cardiovascular disease, brain damage, digestive issues, tension headaches, and other health issues. It is a good thing crying proves to be beneficial in reducing stress.

Studies show there are other physical benefits of crying apart from being stress relief. It can help in lowering pulse rate and blood pressure immediately after therapy sessions. It also reduces the body’s manganese level, which affects your mood. Elevated levels of the said mineral can be associated with anxiety, irritability, and aggression.

Australian psychologist Christine Bagley-Jones explained emotional tears contain more of some hormones. These direct the human body to release the stress hormone called cortisol. It is responsible for looking after you when you are in trouble or need extra energy. If you do not process cortisol, it can manifest in serious health issues. These can include heart palpitations, hyperventilation, and panic attacks.

Source: pexels.com

Pouring out your emotions through tears also helps communicate the strength and nature of our relationships. It can be used as therapy if you face difficulty in expressing your feelings. Dr. Jackie Chan at the Hong Kong Psychological Counselling Center asserted crying does have a soothing and relaxing effect. It can improve your mood, make you feel better after an emotional ride, and help you gradually calm down. “It does have a soothing and relaxing effect,” he explains. “When we cry, our heart rate and breathing slow down a little and we start to calm down. We might even experience a mood boost after a good cry. Crying is useful for helping people release and express their suppressed or repressed emotions.” Dr Jackie Chan said.

 

Acknowledgment By Organizations

Respected institutions have acknowledged the benefits of a good cry to people’s overall health and well-being. Some schools, businesses, and government organizations have opened crying rooms for staff and visitors.

British police in Nottinghamshire established crying rooms for their female officers and staff going through menopause because they identified mood changes are often associated with menopause. There is also a so-called “cry closet” in the library of the University of Utah in the United States. It is for students studying for their final examinations and searching for a safe space to release stress.

Controlling Your Emotions Well

On the other hand, anything that is too much has always been harmful. Frequent crying, especially at inappropriate times, can be exhausting for the people around you and your loved ones. It may indicate a lack of emotional regulation. People may get weary of you or, worse, may see you as manipulative and attention-seeking. Clinical psychologist Erica Martinez explains “Some people were trained to hold back the tears since childhood (hearing ‘big girls don’t cry’ and such), but that becomes an unhealthy and incongruent response.”

You might find yourself crying most of the time or for no absolute reason. It might indicate a severe mental health issue like depression. When this happens, it is best to get professional help to figure things out and sort your emotions.

Source: pexels.com

“Allowing yourself to be sad and cry means you are not numbing those emotions that you perceive as negative emotions. When we numb selective emotions, we are actually numbing all of them. Allowing yourself to cry will allow for you to experience joy, happiness, and all of the other emotions we are meant for.” says Erika Miley, M.Ed, LMHC. Crying is a means to express your feelings. You are free to cry if you need to, but you must learn how to deal with your emotions well. The most important thing is to let it all out and not hold back.

As a child, our happiness appeared to be much simpler. A happy meal, a trip to the park, or a good game of “hide and seek” was all it took. As an adult, however, the concept of being happy is much more complicated. Certain aspects of life can heavily influence how we feel. Psychologists and therapists have determined 5 of the most significant factors that do so. Let’s take a look.

Physical And Mental Health

Continue reading Therapists Have Identified Five Factors That Affect Your Happiness

Anyone who has taken dieting seriously for the first time tends to want to go to psychologists if they cannot get the desired results on time. After all, many dieticians and fitness instructors set a specific duration as to how long a person should follow a diet or routine. Thus, in case there aren’t a lot of changes physically, the dieter might feel depressed.

Now, more than a handful of appetite suppressant pills can be bought over the counter (OTC) these days. They are supposed to promote weight loss and complete your healthy eating habits. However, discerning which ones are produced by manufacturers who truly know the right ingredients to help you lose weight is not an easy feat. Many individuals try slimming products that often get advertised in TV commercials or online, but their effectivity remains questionable. Hence, below is a comprehensive review of the best OTC dietary supplements in the market.

NatureWise CLA 1250

NatureWise CLA 1250 is a non-stimulating drug that can potentially help consumers to lose their unwanted body fats when taken while pushing through with a healthy exercise and diet. Eighty percent of CLA, which is the main active ingredient of the substance, came from dairy and beef. The liquid is enclosed in a soft gel made using safflower oil.

Saffron Extract 8825 (Vegetarian)

As the name implies, the pill contains extracts from saffron, which promotes weight loss and reduction of overeating. Each capsule weighs 88.85 milligrams, and they are all vegetarian. It entails that the compounds utilized to create the product are plant-based. It does not have caffeine or any stimulant that may cause the client harm either.

Natrogix 100% Pure Natural Garcinia Cambogia With 80% HCA (Hydroxycitric Acid)

The Garcinia Cambogia found in this Natrogix merchandise has 80% hydroxycitric acid that aids people to lose extra weight faster than other appetite suppressants. It has been formulated with the help of organic ingredients and without gluten to increase its potency. The drug also has chromium, potassium, and calcium to assist the body in absorbing every pill faster.

Pure 95% HCA Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Another dietary supplement is filled with a high amount of HCA. Such a compound possesses the ability to stop the enzyme that lets carbohydrates turn into fat. Ninety-five percent of Garcinia Cambogia is in the capsule, so it contains no fillers that can obstruct the substance from taking effect. In this manner, the folks who diligently consume the pills have higher chances of reducing their body fats without a hitch.

Nurture Nutrients 80% HCA Garcinia Cambogia Extract

Nurture Nutrients’ Garcinia Cambogia product holds 180 pieces of dietary capsules in a single pack. Those who have doubts about digesting drugs that are full of synthetic chemicals, preservatives, or yeasts can take advantage of this since it is free from the harmful, artificial ingredients mentioned earlier. It does not have caffeine as well; that’s why the users will not experience side effects like nausea or headaches due to it.

Fat Burner Max

The Fat Burner Max boasts of the potent combination of seven digestive enzymes. They are all designed to improve the consumers’ digestive process. Some of its active ingredients are Caralluma, Cha de Bugre, and Garcinia Cambogia. They have the typical role of detoxifying the body and increasing their energy level while encouraging weight loss.

HERdiet Appetite Attack For Women

All the ladies who wish to watch their diet or diminish their excess fat can benefit from HERdiet Appetite Attack for Women. Some of the essential ingredients the product consists of include: African mango extract that subdues the hungry sensation; raspberry ketones which allows the body to metabolize fatty acids efficiently; and acai berry that can get rid of the toxins caused by free radicals in the environment.

Biloba Labs Tone Lean Fat Burner

Tone Lean is a wholly different appetite suppressant since its final component is known as Yohimbe, a plant extract that has initially become a popular treatment for erectile dysfunction. Because of the ingredient’s natural capacity to make the blood flow, it can ideally create a person lose weight faster. The product contains caffeine, an alkaloid called Bitter Orange (Synephrine), and an alpha amino acid named Phenylalanine.

LMNITRIX MELT Thermogenic Fat Burner And Appetite Suppressant Pills

MELT, a supplement made by LMNITRIX, has been created with various ingredients that allow consumers to control their appetite better without losing a single ounce of muscle. Furthermore, it lets people digest their food well and boost their energy.

Final Thoughts

All the products above promise positive results to the individuals who are dedicated to their weight loss program. However, if we are to recommend which of these are the best appetite suppressant pills, we’d say it is the ones that contain Garcinia Cambogia. After all, recent studies show its great ability to curb someone’s hunger and boost the reduction of fats.

Knowing that someone is suffering from anxiety can be stressful on your part, especially if the other person is someone close to your heart. Of course, the logical thing to do is to offer help and assistance to the said person. You want him to feel better despite his anxious thoughts and emotions. Fortunately, there are tons of ways on how you can make this happen.

 

 

In this article, you will see the different ways on how to meet the said objective. Be sure to take note of the following:

 

Understand What Anxiety Is

 

Keep in mind that anxiety is not only about being nervous at all times. “Anxiety is unavoidable and designed for our survival and protection.” Melissa Berschauer LMFT said. Many factors can lead to this kind of disorder. Being anxious is not a mere feeling but a mental health condition. As such, it is crucial or vital on your part to be more educated about this matter. You cannot make any assumptions or presume certain things. Otherwise, you will only end up frustrating the person who is suffering from anxiety disorder. Take note that more you know about the problem, the easier it would be for you to offer assistance.

 

Think Twice Before Speaking

 

People who have anxiety can be sensitive. As such, the words that they hear from the ones they love may easily offend them. Because of this, it is recommended on your part to think twice before you say anything to them. Do not neglect the importance of being sensitive to their feelings so that you will not add to their issues in life. At the same time, doing this can also make them see that you are sincere in offering your helping hand. If you are not sure about how he would react, it is best to keep your mouth shut.

 

 

Have Meaningful Conversations

 

Are you aware that the mere act of talking about one’s issues, concerns or problems can already be therapeutic? As such, it is best if you will exert efforts to reach out to the other person. Never forget to inform him and make him feel that he can open up to you at any time. Let him feel and know that you are willing to listen to whatever he has to say. Remember that the goal is to have meaningful conversations with the other person. Dr. Aaron Kaplan, PsyD, Clinical Psychologist once stated that “Why talk about your problems including mental health challenges? Just talking about your situation to someone can reduce your stress and help you feel better.” This may be challenging to do, but once you earn his trust and confidence, you can help him let go of some negative emotions through your talks.

 

Do Not Insist Help

 

You need to understand that anxious individuals are not always willing to receive help and support from other people. As such, you may find it a struggle to convince your friend or loved one with anxiety to accept your helping hands. The best thing to do is to avoid insisting help as it can only make things worst. Give the other individual enough time to think about the situation. Be consideration about how he feels about the situation. In so doing, he can see that you respect him as a person.

 

Never Blame Him

 

There are many reasons why a person is suffering from anxiety. Regardless of the cause, you have no right to blame the affected individuals. The disorder may arise because of a traumatic experience in the past or merely because of consistent negativity in one’s life. Whatever the cause is, make sure to avoiding blaming him for how he feels. You cannot make him change overnight. You cannot tell him that the reason for his misery is his own thought. Instead, be there when the other person needs you.

 

 

Seek Professional Help

 

“Misinformation about mental illness shames and discriminates those suffering with depression from getting professional help,” says Deborah Serani, PsyD. But it shouldn’t be that way. If you believe that the anxiety disorder of the person you care about the most has become severe, it is ideal for getting in touch with a therapist or psychiatrist. It can be challenging to do this if the person involved is not willing to cooperate. As such, the first thing that you must do is to let the other individual know about your plan. As much as possible, avoid making choices or decisions without consulting him. Failure to do this can make him despise you for a long time.

 

Always choose to help someone with anxiety. Most importantly, do not forget to take good care of yourself in the process.

 

Source: bioparc.ca

 Often, we are too caught up in a chaotic rollercoaster of activities that begin on Mondays and end on Sundays – and then start all over again, week by week. Time flies fast as we struggle to accomplish priority tasks that are associated with handling our jobs and running the household, driving the kids and other family members to school and work, and going to appointments. Despite that, we would all agree that the best way to show gratitude and love and value for the family is through spending quality time with each other.

Some families strengthen their bonds by planning trips and organizing picnics. These enable them to take a break from their busy schedules and build better relationships with people that matter. But while these are great ideas, practicing daily habits that cultivate more love, appreciation, and value for the family can go a long way in maintaining healthy family connections.

Below is a list of some simple yet meaningful ideas that can bring more joy and love by simply spending time with family daily.

 

Making Time For The Kids

This is easy because children love to be a part of our lives and would love it if we spend as much time as we can with them.

• Let them participate in fixing dinner or cleaning the kitchen or whatever stuff they can do with you. Maybe you need to tidy up the kitchen counter. Get Josh or Belle to help you. You can wipe off the mess, and the kids can throw your trash in the bin. Or if your sink suddenly broke, you can fix it while they go and fetch the screwdriver for you. They will love getting under the sink with you and feel like someone who knows a lot about sinks!

Source: flickr.com

• Make it a habit to have dinners with them. When you get home, spare an hour or so for dinnertime before following up on something that’s work-related. Eating dinner together allows each member to join in conversations and listen about how their day went. It’s a chance for parents to see what’s up with the kids, and it’s an opportunity for the kids to ask their parents questions that they had for the day or the week.
• Do the after-dinner strolls. You might want to do this once in a while, or better yet, every after dinner. Just stroll around the neighborhood and feel a more relaxed atmosphere between you and your kids. They might be able to confide to you about something that’s been bothering them that they could not tell you earlier because dinner was more formal. Walking loosens them up and may allow them to talk about topics that are hard for them.
• Read to them or read together. It doesn’t have to be too long, just as long as you spend a few minutes keeping your kids company in their beds, cuddling together while reading or telling them a story before saying goodnight.

 

Being There For Your Teen 

As your kids become teenagers, time with them is even more vital, as already this phase of their lives is not going to be as easy as their childhood years. You’ll need to find more time and effort for your teens.

• Have small or big talks with your teen. Barb Roba, LMCH says, “Assure that BOTH you and your child are calm when speaking about behaviors. Convey understanding of their feelings and ask them what they think will help them to manage their emotions. Communicating while calm always results in more successful plans.” Always find opportunities to have a conversation, such as when you’re going on a trip together or even when you’re driving her to school. It’s harder for them to open up, so having talks relaxes them and increases their trust in you. Find ways for them to be able to share their lives with you.
• Encourage her to volunteer – with you. This phase of a teen’s life involves finding purpose and a sense of belonging. Instead of thinking about joining fraternities and other organizations that are only meant to mislead your teen, let her choose something that entails volunteering your time to do good in the community, like giving to the less privileged or joining a soup kitchen.
• Support your teen’s passion. If she loves dancing or music, watch her audition. Let her know you want her to grow and succeed in reaching her dreams. Even if there are probably things you don’t like about being a teen, just be there. Try to understand her passion and eventually love it too. She will surely appreciate your presence. You are her rock and strength.

Source: maxpixel.net

• Know her friends. As they are growing up to become adolescents, the social world will become as important to them as their family is, and they will be spending more and more time with their friends too. Susie Raskin MA, LMHC says, “Socializing is incredibly important to teens. It’s part of their developmental process. As anyone that has a teen or worked with teens knows, friendships are crucial.” Instead of worrying where your teenager is, get to know who her friends are and welcome them into your home. You may not like it but, yes, knowing her friends means knowing your teen a little better. So be open to joining some of their chats sometimes.

 

Bottom Line

According to Kimberly Hackett, LMHC, “Cultivating relational health in your parent/adolescent relationship, even when your teen is actively blocking you, takes reinvention, persistence and a willingness to look inward.” Establishing healthy relationships with each other and spending quality time form a foundation for strong families. Amidst your day-to-day chores and challenges, never forget to give a part of yourself every day to your children and the whole family.