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Ascoltare le proprie emozioni,ti rende libero .
A volte non ci rendiamo conto che la vita è nostra e che non dobbiamo vivere per compiacere gli altri .
Alla fine quel poco che ci rimane ,nel bene o nel male siamo noi ..
Quindi amiamoci !
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Mental health vent: on being neurodivergent, Kokobot and counterproductive “help”
So, I recently looked up the #Depression tag and was immediately messaged by Kokobot, Tumblr’s officially partnered mental health counselling provider. In typical late-capitalist fashion, it was absolutely atrocious at its job, and not-so-secretly a scheme to harvest people’s user data. User @viridianriver made a fantastic post where they summarise the issue better than I ever could, give it a read:
https://www.tumblr.com/viridianriver/722834494910038016/kokobot-the-airbnb-owned-tech-startup-data?source=share
Highly unethical shit and revolting all around. Whoever from Tumblr staff decided this was a good idea should be fuckin’ ashamed of themselves.
But this saccharine, performatively gentle parasite of a bot made me reflect on some of the ways people in real life have failed me when I’ve brought up my mental health problems. Aside from the struggle of finding a therapist who understands my style of thinking and the type of guidance I need (I’ve been through 4 different ones), I’ve often ran into an invisible wall when openly speaking to friends and family.
I’ve been meaning to write something like this for a while, and Kokobot gave me the push to articulate some of my observations - about what is helpful, what isn’t helpful, and some general patterns in how people have addressed my mental illness.
Anyway, here’s my honest advice:
[DISCLAIMER: I am not a professional. This is just an opinion based on my personal experience. Take everything I say with a tablespoon of salt.]
Seek out other people who have struggled with the same (or similar) problems as you. These are the people who are best equipped to empathise with you and see things from your perspective. I know it may sound impossible at first, but you gotta try.
If your school / university has a counselling service, see if they run any support groups. If not, check to see if there’s something hosted independently by students or local organisations. You preferably want to talk to someone you can trust, like a family member, friend or close colleague. If there is absolutely nobody in your real-life environment you can turn to, then confiding in a stranger online is a “good enough” substitute. Obviously, maintain a good level of caution when speaking to anyone you don’t know - don’t reveal identifying information like photos, names or addresses. If your problems involve something very specific or personal, use analogies and fake names.
The reason I put emphasis on contacting others who have gone through similar issues is that people without that perspective, even if well-intentioned, can actually worsen the situation with their attempts to help.
For example, if you speak openly about your suicidal thoughts (even if you make it very clear that it’s only casual suicidal ideation, with no clear “plan” or strong compulsion to actually do it), people may panic and call emergency services, which can lead to you having to spend half an hour explaining to confused cops and medics: “no, I’m fine, I’m not about to kill or injure yourself, the caller misunderstood me, no, I don’t need a Diazepam injection, no, I don’t want to see a physician...” and so on.
Trying to open up to people who lack the proper perspective will, ironically, increase your frustration and isolation as they adopt an overprotective, patronising attitude. Your negative thoughts will be treated as aberrant and pathological (even if they are well articulated and backed with arguments), and therefore quickly dismissed as “the illness talking”. The condition will basically be used to discredit your autonomy of beliefs, and you will be pressured to adopt the standard, “healthy” attitudes and desires.
Paradoxically, while acting as if your mental illness has completely taken over your thoughts, they will also heavily underestimate its severity and treat it as an issue of “willpower”. You may hear suggestions for things like mindfulness exercises, breathing techniques, meditation, a healthier diet, homeopathic treatments, etc. While these may help in some cases (especially eating healthy), they completely ignore the fact that people on the spectrum or with attention disorders may be straight-up neurologically incapable of focusing on some of these these tasks. (This is anecdotal, but I have attempted about a dozen guided meditations + yoga, and each time it feels like being put in a straightjacket while some pretentious twat tries to gaslight me about what I’m feeling to the tune of the most annoying, cliche “relaxation” music imaginable. It’s impossible to feel anything other than frustration.)
The worst part about this is that these very deliberate displays of “care” and “sympathy” usually dehumanise you by refusing to meet you where you’re at and discuss things on your own terms.
If you’re feeling depressed because of socio-political issues like climate change, racism, economic exploitation and inequality, instead of helping you channel your frustration into action - telling you how to network with local activists, offering to read political theory with you, etc. - they will view the social concern itself as the issue and nudge you towards supressing it (saying things like “focus on your own life, then worry about politics”). Instead of trying to politically empower you, they want you to surrdener to disempowering political apathy.
If you’re feeling depressed due to difficulties with an academic or personal project, you’ll hear vague non-advice like “be kind to yourself” and “don’t push yourself too hard”, with zero actual interest in learning about the specifics of what you’re struggling with. If you’re a writer, for example, these people won’t bother to read your work, and if you ask them to give you some feedback on a draft, they’ll agree before procrastinating it into oblivion.
And don’t even get me started if your sadness stems from philosophical reflections. Most people are extremely illiterate in even conversational-level philosophy, making constant appeals to anecdotes, mysticism and “common sense”. It’s often a struggle to get them to question something they take for granted, much less make them logically evaluate the coherency of a philosophical principle.
You get the point. People say they want to help, but they seemingly want to do that without making any commitments or getting to know anything difficult about you. They can be incredibly overbearing in terms of suggesting broad, overarching lifestyle changes, but when it comes to specific habits and behaviours you yourself want to change, where you could really use a bit of coaching or encouragement, they don’t even examine it.
I understand that the kind of help I’m asking for is incredibly labour intensive and difficult - especially if someone is struggling with a highly technical skill (in which case it may be downright impossible; how are you supposed to help a friend stuck on a programming task without being a programmer yourself)? But if these people are not willing to do that, then the least they can do is shut up with their patronising self-help platitudes. It feels more alienating and depressing to constantly hear stock responses like “it will get better” than just not talking about it at all.
So yeah, look for others who have gone through the same thing. Seek practical, actionable advice instead of vague, feel-good nonsense. Don’t bother talking to those who obtusely fail to understand your condition and condescend to you - it will just exhaust you.
Those are my two cents, and better mental health advice than anything Kokobot will ever give you. Peace.
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Why postpartum depression went untreated for thousands of years
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Yoga and Meditation Classes Sydney
Yoga cultivates health and wellbeing through movements, postures, breathing exercises and relaxation. It also promotes emotional strength and mental clarity. Adding meditation to yoga classes is an easy way to give students the chance to still their minds.
Hum Studio Sydney offers free introductory meditation classes and a four-session course that teaches Vedic meditation. Its weekly sessions attract meditators from all around Sydney.
Improve your mental health
Yoga meditation has been shown to reduce stress, improve balance and flexibility, improve posture, increase strength and stamina, and alleviate back pain and indigestion. Regular meditation practice also reduces anxiety and promotes better sleep patterns. It can also help improve concentration and memory.
Yoga is a powerful tool to take control of your mental health and boost your selfesteem. It teaches you to focus on the present moment, to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgement. It is an excellent exercise for improving mood and reducing depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, and alcohol dependence.
Many temples and churches offer free meditation classes in Sydney. These are suitable for those who have never meditated before as well as those with some experience. These classes are facilitated by Gigi, an experienced counsellor, lifeskills coach and yoga teacher. They combine muscle strengthening and toning postures with breath exercises and relaxation techniques. Gigi’s extensive experience across many holistic wellness modalities will ensure that you learn much more than just meditation.
Build self-confidence
Yoga is a holistic practice that encompasses body, breath, mind and spirit. It’s a great way to increase strength, improve flexibility and boost energy levels. It also helps reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Moreover, it builds self-confidence by helping an individual make friends with themselves and trust their own feelings. Meditation classes in western Sydney also help an individual increase their level of self-worth and dignity. These benefits lead to increased work productivity and happiness.
Adding a short meditation to the end of a yoga class is a good way to introduce this practice to beginners. A basic form of meditation is mindfulness, which involves focusing on the breath and being in the present moment. Other techniques can include visualization and repetition of mantras. For best results, choose meditations that are safe and easily accessible to students with varying levels of experience. This includes avoiding techniques that require the student to hold their breath, host challenging mudras (hand/eye positions) or require body locks.
Reduce stress
If you’re looking for a way to minimize stress levels, meditation is an excellent option. It can improve decision-making, tolerance, and help you find inner peace. It can also help you focus on the tasks at hand and increase work productivity.
Regular yoga classes are an effective way to improve balance, flexibility, strength, and posture. They can also boost energy levels, reduce back pain, promote weight loss, and cure insomnia. They can even increase the immune system and lower blood pressure.
There are several different yoga classes in Sydney, including free ones at temples and churches. These free classes are a great way to get a feel for yoga and meditation classes Sydney without spending money. These classes combine muscle strengthening and toning poses with breathing exercises and relaxation techniques. They also improve concentration and short-term memory. These skills are beneficial in both the workplace and in everyday life.
Improve your posture
A regular yoga practice can improve posture and strengthen the muscles needed to support the spine. Poor posture can lead to a number of ailments including stiffness in the knees, hips, and back. In addition to the physical postures, yoga also includes breathing exercises, relaxation, and meditation. The practice of yoga and meditation can help to cultivate a healthy body, mind, and spirit.
Many poses in yoga require balance. The balance poses challenge the stability of the entire body and can help to improve posture and reduce aches and pains in the joints. Yoga also helps to increase proprioception, the ability to sense where your body is in space. This is important because good posture allows the energy channels to flow freely, without any rigid muscle pressure blocking them.
Yoga is an ancient practice that promotes health, strength, and emotional wellbeing. The combination of movements, postures, and breathing techniques can also improve posture. In Sydney, the Bondi Meditation Centre offers a free introductory class and weekly evening sessions for beginners.
#yoga and meditation classes Sydney#disability services ndis#yoga and meditation#ndis disability services#yoga meditation
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Are there any long-term health benefits to losing weight through exercise and healthy eating habits?
Yes, there are numerous long-term health benefits to losing weight through exercise and healthy eating habits. Here are some of the key benefits:
Improved Cardiovascular Health: Weight loss can lower the risk of heart disease, reduce blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels. Regular exercise strengthens the heart and improves circulation.
Better Blood Sugar Control: Healthy eating and weight loss can help prevent or manage type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing blood sugar levels.
Reduced Risk of Certain Cancers: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can lower the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancer.
Enhanced Joint Health: Weight loss reduces the stress on weight-bearing joints, which can alleviate symptoms of arthritis and prevent joint damage.
Improved Mental Health: Regular physical activity and a nutritious diet can enhance mood, reduce anxiety and depression, and improve overall mental well-being.
Better Sleep: Weight loss and regular exercise can improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of sleep apnea.
Increased Longevity: Maintaining a healthy weight is associated with a longer lifespan and a lower risk of premature death from various causes.
Enhanced Immune Function: A balanced diet and regular exercise can strengthen the immune system, making the body more resistant to infections and illnesses.
Higher Energy Levels: Weight loss and fitness can lead to increased energy and reduced fatigue, making daily activities easier and more enjoyable.
Improved Digestive Health: Healthy eating habits can promote better digestion and reduce the risk of gastrointestinal problems like acid reflux, constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Better Mobility and Physical Function: Weight loss can improve physical function and mobility, making it easier to perform everyday tasks and engage in physical activities.
Improved Respiratory Function: Weight loss can reduce the strain on the respiratory system, making it easier to breathe and decreasing the risk of respiratory conditions like asthma.
Healthier Skin: A balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can improve skin health, leading to a clearer complexion and reducing the risk of skin conditions like acne and eczema.
Hormonal Balance: Maintaining a healthy weight can help regulate hormones, improve reproductive health, and reduce symptoms of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Better Bone Health: Weight-bearing exercises can strengthen bones and reduce the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
Reduced Inflammation: Healthy eating habits and regular exercise can lower levels of chronic inflammation in the body, which is linked to numerous diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.
Enhanced Brain Function: Physical activity and a nutritious diet can improve cognitive function, memory, and concentration, and may reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
Improved Metabolism: Regular exercise and healthy eating can boost metabolism, helping the body to burn calories more efficiently and maintain a healthy weight.
Better Stress Management: Exercise is a natural stress reliever, helping to reduce levels of stress hormones like cortisol and promoting relaxation.
Social and Emotional Benefits: Engaging in physical activities and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can improve social interactions, boost self-esteem, and create a sense of community and belonging.
Reduction in Medication Dependence: Weight loss and healthy lifestyle changes can reduce the need for medications for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Lower Risk of Gallbladder Disease: Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of developing gallstones and other gallbladder diseases.
Enhanced Libido and Sexual Health: Weight loss and regular exercise can improve sexual health and libido by boosting energy levels, improving body image, and increasing circulation.
Improved Fertility: A healthy weight and lifestyle can enhance fertility in both men and women, making it easier to conceive.
Reduction in Chronic Pain: Weight loss can alleviate chronic pain conditions, especially those related to the back, hips, and knees, by reducing the strain on these areas.
Boosted Immune System: A diet rich in nutrients and regular physical activity can strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient against infections and illnesses.
By maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet, individuals can experience these wide-ranging health benefits, leading to a better quality of life and overall well-being.
P.S.-"No Dieting, No Exercise: The Ultimate Weight Loss Solution Revealed!"
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Empowering Women: The Role of Hormone Therapy
Introduction to Hormone Therapy for Women
Hormone therapy, also known as hormone replacement therapy (HRT), plays a significant role in empowering women to manage various health conditions and improve their quality of life. From alleviating symptoms of menopause to addressing hormonal imbalances and medical conditions, hormone therapy offers women effective treatment options to regain control over their health and well-being. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential role of hormone therapy in empowering women, its benefits, considerations, and practical insights for navigating hormone therapy effectively.
Understanding Hormone Therapy for Women
What is Hormone Therapy? Hormone therapy involves the administration of synthetic or bioidentical hormones to restore hormonal balance in women's bodies. It is commonly used to alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, by replenishing declining hormone levels.
Types of Hormone Therapy There are various types of hormone therapy available for women, including estrogen therapy, progesterone therapy, combination therapy (estrogen plus progesterone), and bioidentical hormone therapy. These treatments may be administered orally, topically (as gels, creams, or patches), or through injections, depending on individual needs and preferences.
Benefits of Hormone Therapy for Women
Alleviation of Menopausal Symptoms Hormone therapy is highly effective in reducing or eliminating symptoms of menopause, improving quality of life, and alleviating discomfort associated with hormonal changes. By restoring hormonal balance, hormone therapy can provide relief from hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and vaginal dryness, allowing women to maintain an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Improved Bone Health Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density and preventing osteoporosis, a condition characterized by weakened and brittle bones. Hormone therapy can help preserve bone mass and reduce the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women, particularly those at higher risk of osteoporosis due to factors such as age, family history, or low bone density.
Enhanced Sexual Function Hormonal imbalance can contribute to sexual dysfunction in women, including low libido, vaginal dryness, and pain during intercourse. Hormone therapy can improve sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction by restoring hormonal levels to optimal ranges and addressing underlying hormonal imbalances.
Mood Stabilization Fluctuations in hormone levels can impact mood and emotional well-being, leading to symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and depression. Hormone therapy can help stabilize mood and alleviate symptoms of mood disorders by restoring hormonal balance in women's bodies, promoting emotional stability and well-being.
Considerations for Hormone Therapy for Women
Individualized Treatment Plans: Hormone therapy for women should be tailored to individual needs and preferences, taking into account factors such as age, medical history, hormonal levels, and severity of symptoms. A healthcare provider experienced in hormone therapy can assess these factors and develop a personalized treatment plan that optimizes outcomes and minimizes risks.
Risk Assessment and Monitoring Before starting hormone therapy, women should undergo a comprehensive evaluation to assess their overall health and identify any potential risk factors or contraindications. Regular monitoring of hormone levels, symptoms, and health outcomes is essential to ensure the safety and effectiveness of hormone therapy over time.
Exploring Alternative Options Hormone therapy may not be suitable for all women or may not be the preferred treatment option for certain individuals. It is essential to explore alternative treatments and lifestyle modifications that may help alleviate symptoms and improve health outcomes, such as dietary changes, exercise, stress management, and complementary therapies.
Potential Risks and Side Effects Like any medical treatment, hormone therapy carries potential risks and side effects that should be carefully considered and discussed with a healthcare provider. These may include an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart disease, and endometrial cancer, particularly with long-term use or certain types of hormone therapy.
Practical Insights for Navigating Hormone Therapy for Women
Open Communication with Providers Effective communication with healthcare providers is essential for women considering or undergoing hormone therapy. Be open and honest about your symptoms, concerns, and treatment preferences, and ask questions to clarify any doubts or uncertainties about hormone therapy.
Educating Yourself About Hormone Therapy Take the time to educate yourself about hormone therapy, including its benefits, risks, and potential side effects. Knowledge empowers women to make informed decisions about their health and treatment options and actively participate in their healthcare journey.
Regular Health Monitoring Women undergoing hormone therapy should undergo regular health monitoring, including physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies, as recommended by their healthcare provider. Monitoring helps assess the effectiveness of hormone therapy, identify any potential complications, and adjust treatment as needed to optimize outcomes.
Lifestyle Modifications and Self-Care Practices In addition to hormone therapy, focus on adopting healthy lifestyle habits and self-care practices that promote overall well-being, such as eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, getting adequate sleep, managing stress, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
Hormone therapy plays a vital role in empowering women to manage symptoms of menopause, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions effectively. By restoring hormonal balance, hormone therapy can alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and promote overall health and well-being in women of all ages. However, it is essential to consider individual factors, risks, and treatment preferences when exploring hormone therapy options and to work closely with experienced healthcare providers to develop personalized treatment plans that optimize outcomes and ensure safety. With proper education, communication, and monitoring, women can navigate hormone therapy confidently and empower themselves to take control of their hormonal health and overall well-being.
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Strategies for Managing Depression in Daily Life by Heidi Kling Ph.D.
Depression can make even simple tasks seem impossible. However, you can find relief and return to a standard life by employing simple coping mechanisms.
Recognizing and writing down negative thought patterns, such as catastrophizing and all-or-nothing thinking, will help identify negative thought processes and provide realistic alternatives.
1. Try to Keep a Positive Mood
Heidi Kling Ph.D., points out that depression can feel like a dark cloud looming over your life, impacting work, relationships, and physical health (such as changes to appetite leading to weight fluctuations or unexplained aches and pains). While outsiders might dismiss it as simply feeling blue, clinical depression is a severe mental illness and should be taken seriously.
When feeling down, try shifting your focus and recognizing what's good in your life. While discussing problems can be helpful, please do not dwell on them for too long. Express yourself creatively through dance, painting, doodling, or writing. Don't forget laughter can do wonders for our mood - don't be afraid of laughing, as even just one good belly laugh can make you much happier within minutes! Heidi Kling psychologist
Sleep is essential; avoiding junk food and caffeinated drinks before bed can help ensure a good night's rest. Exercise can also improve mood. Finally, connect with friends and family regularly - face-to-face meetings are best, but video calls may also prove fruitful!
2. Get a Good Night's Sleep
Depression can make sleeping difficult. Additionally, depression may trigger cravings for unhealthy foods and beverages like caffeinated beverages or heavy meals that interfere with both mood and energy levels.
Heidi Kling Ph.D., suggests that building healthy habits into your everyday routine can help relieve depression symptoms. Our treatment will teach you positive lifestyle changes to use after medication and talk therapy are no longer effective, such as meditation, sleep hygiene methods, and breathing techniques to promote mental health, exercise, and other physical activities, as well as diet and lifestyle strategies designed to keep depression away.
Staying connected with friends and family during a challenging period is vitally important. Journaling can be invaluable in this regard, allowing people to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment while providing insight into what's happening. Furthermore, journaling may also assist people in recognizing patterns, triggers, and warning signs associated with depression; disgruntled, resentful, or irritable people could be experiencing hidden depression behind atypical behaviors such as these.
3. Stay Active
Heidi Kling, Ph.D., highlights that exercise can help combat depression by elevating mood and energy levels and stimulating brain activity positively, according to studies. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day - start slow and build up gradually until longer durations are possible; walking, dancing, yoga, or swimming are excellent choices.
Maintain a balanced diet, mainly by reducing sugar and refined carbs that may contribute to energy crashes and mood slumps—incorporating foods rich in B vitamins like leafy greens, citrus fruits, beans, chicken, and eggs. Heidi Kling therapist
Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and help your body slow its heart rate and blood flow, creating a relaxing effect.
Spend time with family and friends. Social support will increase your sense of belonging and support, and discussing concerns with someone can provide perspective and solutions.
4. Take Care of Yourself
Depression can affect all aspects of your life, from feeling sad or empty to changes in appetite or unexplained aches and pains. However, taking steps daily to manage the disorder is essential for successful living. Dr. Heidi Kling
According to Heidi Kling Ph.D., exercise and other coping strategies may be effective, but don't forget to give yourself some respite too. Spending time being creative, such as painting or playing an instrument, engaging in something fun, dancing to your favorite tunes, or simply laughing with a friend, can help lift your mood and revitalize energy levels.
Communication is often beneficial in solving problems; avoid dwelling too heavily on negative experiences or dwelling too long on them. Try to mix in lighter conversations as well.
Practice mindfulness by noting the things you are grateful for, writing them down, or both. Additionally, keep a "negative thoughts log." When damaging self-talk surfaces, report it and what caused it so you can confront it later - this makes for a great add-on strategy to any existing recovery plan.
5. Stay Connected
Depression makes it hard to connect with others, heightening feelings of isolation. Therapy may help develop better communication skills and restore your faith in relationships again, or join a support group dedicated to depression for encouragement, validation, and insight into overcoming it.
Self-care practices include seeking help for small tasks and participating in outdoor activities whenever possible. Try not to over-remember negative thoughts or events in time by dwelling too much on them; focus instead on living in the present moment. Keeping a journal may also help express emotions and detect distorted thinking patterns.
As per Heidi Kling Ph.D., depression can affect anyone, but with proper knowledge and professional assistance, it's possible to live well despite living with it. By making efforts such as staying physically active, sleeping well at night, caring for oneself well and remaining connected with family and friends while using fundamental coping mechanisms like meditation to manage it more effectively, depression can be managed more successfully, and joy can be restored in daily life.
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How to Beat the Winter Blues - The Ultimate Guide
How to Beat the Winter Blues - Introduction
The “winter blues” is a common experience many people have during the colder, darker months of the year. Officially called seasonal affective disorder (SAD), it is a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. Read on to to find out 'how to beat the winter blues'.
How to beat the winter blues - the symptoms
The most common symptoms of winter blues and SAD include: - Fatigue and low energy - Increased appetite and weight gain - Difficulty concentrating - Withdrawal from social activities - Increased desire to sleep/daytime sleepiness - Hopelessness or sadness These symptoms are usually most prominent during the late fall and winter months when there is less sunlight. This is because daylight savings time ends in the autumn, resulting in earlier sunsets and less exposure to natural daylight. Symptoms tend to appear in late September or October and continue through the winter, with January and February often being the most difficult months for those affected. Then as spring approaches and daylight increases in March, most people find their moods and energy improve. https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/winter-wellbeing-how-to-keep-your-employees-well-this-winter/ Winter Wellbeing: How to Keep your Employees Well this Winter
Get More Sunlight
Sunlight is crucial for regulating our circadian rhythm and serotonin production, which is why the lack of sunlight in winter can negatively impact mood. Studies show that sunlight therapy can be as effective as antidepressants in treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD). If you don't get much sun exposure, consider using a sunlight therapy lamp at home or work for 30 minutes or more per day. Position the light box 1-2 feet away at a 45° angle from your face and keep your eyes open, but don't look directly at the light. This can boost mood and energy levels. It's also important to get outdoors during daylight as much as possible, even in winter. Go for a walk during your lunch break, move your workouts outside, or enjoy sunnier days in a park. Even on cloudier days, being outside provides mood benefits. Wear layers so you stay warm and cozy. Plan winter outings and activities on sunny days to motivate you to get outside, like hiking, snowshoeing, or visiting a sculpture garden. If you take vacations, go somewhere sunny. Open your curtains as soon as you wake up to get natural light inside. Sit near windows while working and turn lights off to maximise sunlight.
Exercise Regularly
Getting regular exercise is one of the best ways to boost your mood and beat the winter blues. Exercise releases endorphins, which are hormones that elevate mood. It also reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol. There are many great indoor exercises you can do during the winter to reap these mental health benefits: - Yoga - The combination of breathing, meditation, and gentle movement is excellent for reducing stress. - Dance workouts - Dancing is a fun way to get moving even when stuck inside. Crank up some upbeat music and boogie down! Zumba and hip hop dance videos are great options. - Strength training - Bodyweight exercises like pushups, squats, and planks can be done anywhere without equipment. You can find effective strength training routines to follow online. - Indoor cycling - Using a stationary exercise bike is low-impact but gets your heart rate up. Pedaling while watching television can help you fit in more activity time. Don't let winter weather prevent you from exercising outdoors either. With the right cold weather gear, you can stay active outside: - Walking and jogging - Bundle up in insulating layers and get your steps in. Spikes or winter shoes provide traction on slippery surfaces. - Sledding and building snowmen - Playing in the snow doubles as a workout for kids and adults! Make a friendly competition out of snowman building. - Ice skating - Glide around a rink for wintry fun. It exercises your core and improves balance. Regular exercise provides so many benefits for both your physical and mental health. Make it a priority, even during the coldest months! https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/benefits-of-being-in-nature/ Benefits of Being in Nature: how spending time outdoors can transform your life
Eat Mood-Boosting Foods
What we eat can have a big impact on our mood and energy levels. During the winter, it's important to eat foods that provide the vitamins and minerals our bodies need. Some key nutrients for beating the winter blues include: Vitamin D - Often called the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D is produced by our skin when exposed to sunlight. Fatty fish like salmon are excellent sources of vitamin D. Other options include fortified milk, yogurt, and cereal. Omega-3 fatty acids - Found in fatty fish, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds. Omega-3s are linked to improved mood and brain health. Magnesium - Found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, beans, avocados. Magnesium is involved in neurotransmitter production and mood regulation. Vitamin B6 - Turkey, tuna, and bananas are good sources. Vitamin B6 helps produce feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Folate - Lentils, spinach, asparagus. Folate deficiency has been linked to depression. https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/best-foods-for-mental-health/ Best foods for mental health: how to boost your mood with food. Warming Winter Meals In the winter, soups, stews, and casseroles can provide comfort and nourishment. Try making some of these recipes: - Vegetable Lentil Stew - Hearty and protein-packed with lentils, carrots, celery, and tomatoes. Serve with whole grain bread. - Baked Salmon with Asparagus - Easy to make with mood-boosting salmon and veggie sides. - Butternut Squash Soup -Blend up vitamin-rich butternut squash with onions, garlic, and spices for a creamy, comforting soup. - Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili - Warm up with fiber, antioxidants, protein, and a kick of spice. Top with avocado. Eating more home-cooked meals with plenty of vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains will provide your body and brain with the nutrients they need to beat the winter blues. Focus on warm, satisfying meals that bring comfort and joy to the dark winter months.
How to beat the winter blues - Try Light Therapy
Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, can be an effective way to treat winter blues. It involves sitting near a special lamp that emits bright light to mimic natural sunlight. The light helps adjust your circadian rhythm and increase serotonin levels to boost mood. Here's how light therapy works - special lamps used for light therapy provide light about 20 times brighter than typical indoor lighting. You sit about 2 feet away from the lamp for around 30 minutes daily. Light enters through your eye and signals your hypothalamus gland, which regulates the body clock and mood. This helps re-set your biological clock and provide an energising effect. When choosing a light therapy lamp, look for one that provides 10,000 lux of light. To use light therapy most effectively: - Use it early in the morning to get light exposure right after waking up - Sit 2-3 feet from the light and angle it towards your face/eyes without staring directly at it - Bask in the light for 30-45 minutes at a consistent time daily - Consider combining light therapy with daily exercise or meditation for added benefit - Track your mood to see when you get the most benefit from using the light - Stop using if you experience eye strain, headaches or other side effects Daily light therapy during the darker winter months can be an easy, convenient way to help overcome seasonal affective disorder and improve your mood. Consider giving it a try this winter!
How to beat the winter blues - Reduce Stress
The winter months can be more stressful for many people. Shorter days limit sunlight exposure, bad weather makes it harder to get outside, the holidays add obligations, and isolation increases for those prone to seasonal depression. This extra stress takes a toll both mentally and physically. Research shows a strong connection between high stress levels and feeling depressed or anxious. Stress hormones like cortisol signal the brain to be alert and on guard, making it harder to feel calm and relaxed. High cortisol also impacts serotonin and other neurotransmitters that regulate mood. Managing stress should be a priority during the winter to help overcome the blues. Here are some tips: - Make time for relaxation each day through meditation, yoga, deep breathing, soothing music, etc. Even 10-15 minutes can lower stress. - Stay organised and don't overschedule yourself. Evaluate obligations and say no to things that aren't necessary. - Get adequate sleep, which is essential for controlling stress and regulating mood. - Talk to close friends or a counselor. Social support reduces loneliness and releases oxytocin to counter cortisol. - Avoid alcohol which can worsen depression. Limit caffeine which boosts cortisol. - Try stress-busting supplements like magnesium, vitamin C, omega-3s and adaptogens. Relaxing winter activities can also lower tension and recharge your mind and body: - Take hot baths and saunas to promote relaxation. - Spend time crafting or doing creative hobbies like painting, knitting or DIY projects. - Listen to soothing music, audiobooks or podcasts while cozy indoors. - Cook or bake comfort foods using mood-boosting ingredients. - Curl up under a blanket with hot cocoa and watch a funny movie. - Get a massage or facial to pamper yourself. Making stress management a priority can help prevent the winter blues from getting worse. Relaxation, self-care activities, socialising and smart scheduling will counter the extra tensions the winter months can bring. https://wellbeinginyouroffice.com/10-ways-to-reduce-stress-at-work/ 10 Ways to Reduce Stress at Work
How to beat the winter blues - Socialise Regularly
Social interaction is vital for mental health and wellbeing. Humans are social creatures by nature, so maintaining social connections can help lift your mood during the winter months. When daylight hours grow shorter in winter, it's common for people to isolate themselves more. But research shows that spending time with others releases 'feel good' hormones like oxytocin and serotonin. Laughing together also boosts endorphins. Plan safe ways to get together with friends and family. Even a phone or video call can make a difference. Schedule small gatherings, go for walks outdoors, meet up for coffee or a meal, take a virtual cooking class together, play online games, or watch a movie while chatting remotely. Look for winter-friendly activities in your community too. Check local event listings for indoor concerts, classes, lectures, or other special interest meetups. Sign up as a volunteer to contribute your time and connect with others. If you're still struggling with feeling down or depressed, consider joining a support group. Talking with others facing similar challenges can help you feel less alone. Ask your doctor about therapy or counseling options as well. Having an empathetic professional to talk to regularly may be what you need to lift your spirits. The key is to intentionally make social plans, even when it's cold outside. Staying connected through the winter will boost your energy and outlook all season long.
Add Color
The colors you surround yourself with can have a significant impact on your mood. Cooler, paler colors like blue and gray can mimic the effect of winter and exacerbate feelings of sadness. Warmer, brighter colors like yellow, orange, and red can create a feeling of cheerfulness and energy. Studies show that color directly impacts our emotions and physiology. For example, blue is known to have a calming effect, while red can evoke feelings of excitement and stimulation. When you're feeling down, opt for warm colors in your decor, clothing, and even food to give yourself an emotional boost. Decor - Replace cool-toned bedding and throws with warm oranges, reds, and yellows. Add colorful accent pillows and blankets to your bed and sofa. - Switch out any dreary gray or blue artwork for brighter, more vibrant pieces. Choose uplifting nature scenes or abstract art in warm tones. - Add pops of color with fresh flowers, houseplants, candles, books, and decorative objects. Group them together for maximum visual impact. - Use colorful lamps or string lights to add a cozy glow to any room. Clothing - Fill your closet and dresser with colorful clothing in warm hues that spark joy when you wear them. - Accessorise with bright scarves, jewelry, shoes, or hats. They don't have to match - the more color combinations the better! - Make sure you have at least a few uplifting, colorful options to choose from each morning. Food - Incorporate colorful fruits and veggies into your meals and snacks. Bright red tomatoes, orange peppers, yellow squash, and dark leafy greens are all great options. - Make colorful smoothies with fruits like mango, berries, pineapple, and kiwi. - Try whipping up warm beverages like turmeric tea, beetroot or carrot juice, or matcha lattes. Vibrant colors can be as mood-boosting as the nutrients. - Play around with herbs, spices, and condiments like saffron, paprika, curry powder, and sriracha to add pops of color to your cooking. Bringing vibrant colors into your environment is an easy way to boost your mood naturally during the winter. Surround yourself with warm hues that call to mind sunshine and blue skies ahead.
How to beat the winter blues - Try Supplements
Certain supplements can help boost mood and energy levels during the winter. Here are some to consider: Vitamin D - Also known as the "sunshine vitamin," vitamin D levels tend to be lower in the winter when there's less sun exposure. Taking a supplement containing anywhere from 800 IU to 4,000 IU per day may lift your mood. Vitamin D helps regulate serotonin, the "feel good" hormone in your brain. Magnesium - Many people are magnesium deficient, which can contribute to fatigue and low mood. Get your levels tested and supplement accordingly with around 400 mg of magnesium glycinate or citrate per day. Magnesium helps calm the nervous system. Omega-3 fatty acids - Found in fish oil, omega-3s have anti-inflammatory effects that can improve mood. Take 1,000 mg daily. Cod liver oil is another good source of natural vitamin D and omega-3s. Vitamin B complex - The B vitamins play important roles in energy metabolism and brain health. A vitamin B complex supplement can provide a boost. 5-HTP - 5-HTP is converted in the body to serotonin. A dose of 50-100 mg per day may boost mood. Do not combine it with antidepressants without medical guidance. L-theanine - An amino acid found in green tea, L-theanine promotes relaxation and anti-anxiety effects. Take 100-200 mg daily for mood enhancement. Melatonin - While melatonin is great for promoting sleep, avoid excessive daytime use. Only take up to 0.5 mg in the morning if recommended by your doctor to help reset your circadian rhythms. High doses can backfire and make you more tired during the day. When supplementing, always follow dosage recommendations and consult your healthcare provider about potential interactions and side effects. While supplements can give your mood a boost, they work best alongside lifestyle changes like light therapy, exercise, stress management and a healthy diet. Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as a substitute for professional advice from a qualified healthcare provider. The advice and suggestions shared in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any specific medical or mental health condition, nor should they be taken as a substitute for the care and guidance provided by a licensed healthcare professional. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or addressing any mental health concerns. Remember that individual results may vary, and the experiences shared in this article may not necessarily reflect your own personal journey with mental health and nutrition.
How to beat the winter blues - When to Seek Help
If your winter blues become persistent and start to interfere with your daily life, it's important to talk to your doctor. Here are some signs that you may need help beyond self-care techniques: - You feel depressed, hopeless, or worthless most of the time - Your sleep and appetite changes persist for weeks - You've lost interest in normal activities and feel fatigued - Your mood issues continue even with extra sunlight or exercise - Suicidal thoughts or frequent crying spells These could be signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a subtype of depression that emerges during the winter. SAD is thought to be triggered by the lack of sunlight in winter disrupting your circadian rhythm and increasing feelings of sadness. If you exhibit signs of SAD, your doctor can provide an official diagnosis and treatment options like light therapy, medications, and psychotherapy. Light therapy has been shown to improve mood, energy, and sleep issues in people with SAD. Don't hesitate to reach out for help if your winter blues become overwhelming. Here are some resources: - Talk to your doctor about symptoms of depression - Find a SAD support group in your area - Call a depression hotline to speak with someone immediately - Search for a therapist that specialises in SAD and seasonal depression - Reach out to friends and family for support during this time With professional help and ongoing self-care, you can overcome SAD and other forms of seasonal depression. The winter blues don't have to stop you from enjoying life and thriving even during the coldest months. Read the full article
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If you or someone you know is showing signs of depression, contact the Karine Mansone Counseling to know about some of the best depression treatment centers. We will provide you with the complete details about the best depression rehabs. We committed to provide the best care.
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i read one mental health book this month (halfway through it) and it really don’t be sugarcoating “look at all the ways ur fucked up and will fuck up”
#rant#now its still helpful! it is at least kind/written with the intent to be informational#like its not cruel about it#(whereas Good Mood the new thought therapy? that book or whatever its called?#that book DOES sound a bit actually cruel and i think works better as an exercise book with a KIND therapist telling u how to do the exercis#cause the book itself kinda harshly likes to imply anyone is broken/useless/should just Fix It as if its not quite a struggle for everyone#whereas while some ppl 'like' a harsh 'do this' wording. others need a 'u can try. i believe in u. doing anything will be a good start'#supportive sort of writing language.#which? Self Compassion by kristin#neff is a book i highly recommend if u got a lot of self hate/hate urself for crying or being depressed or having anxiety#and dont know how to be supportive to urself/get cruel to Urself instead of supportive#that book was real helpful for building a base of 'self care' i could rely on within myself even if i struggled with self hate at tmes#and its absolutely a kind base for me to work from. when dealing with Other books that vary from#also helpful supportive language versus quite cruel language that i think does NOT suit all people#i read another book that both had helpful kind pages and some quite cruel implications#which again... might be better when mid recovery or with a therapist helping u use it as a workbook rather then standalone#the current book im reading is very matter of fact like a textbook#and it is kind. but its also pretty open about 'i think nearly everyone is super fucked up from these things and its inescapable'#which can be. quite saddening if ur already in a negative thought spiral.#also its REALLY pro 12 step Alchoholics anonymous/using god. which for some people is ABSOLUTELY NOT what they need to be near#Now - Complex ptsd by pete walker??? That is a phenomenal kind supportive informative read and workbook#if u do happen to have complex ptsd or relate to some of those mental health struggles#its written in a very supportive way. very understanding that recovery takes a lifetime and that you can still BE hopeful and make GOOD#enough progress to live ur life for u and be content and happy#and that u can keep working on it and be ok even when ur mental health gets bad sometimes#its incredibly kind hearted. full of very immediately useful exercises to do and coping mechanisms that will actually help#and be directly applicable.#and its very understanding that some ppl will be at different steps of recovery and giving pieces u can use at many different stages#that one is def my fave i read this year#and im SO glad i read it before this current one
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havent ypu had enpugh ypu arent even thin enpugh rpund and rpund we gp whats this on my stomach >>fat
#ana#depressed#whocares#thatway#fat#cow#enoughisenough#nicknacks#pro#skinny#helpme#collarbone#bones#fatass#fuckthis#fuckthat#fuckyou#headaches#exercies#proana#skinnyway#rightway#daytoday
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accidentally deleted one of the asks like a goof (very embarassing) but thankfully i still had the text. reposting it
What are somethings they find difficult to do? Or say?
Nick: outside of struggling to accept kidness, which is not an universal thing and depends by the person, he is very bad at socializing, especially with people many times his size where he already has prejudices and there's an underlying fear (he struggled to accept that huamsn are, in fact, just guys like him and not evil beings that are only capable of hurting, but again there is a whole can of worm regarding the social and biological background of his species, which gets in the way of how he views humans). He'd be happy to have someone to talk to, he is a people person and he dearly misses having people around him, but the situation would be so alien for him, and it's not strange for him to go from being very talkative\very social to suddenly isolate himself for a variable amount of time. He needs time to get better and exercies. He is a nice person, but is very out of touch and awkward (very often without him knowing) it gets even harder when he has to interact with humans where the social manners are very different. He wants to be with people, to be part of a group, but he doesn't really know how to do it anymore. He's been alone for a very very long period of time, and that kinda really messed up with his mind and social skills, and definetely made the issues he already had worse (see: anxiety, depression etc).
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Favourite Places in Singapore that I love to go to.
Favourite Places in Singapore that I love to go to.
Before reading, do take note that we all can have a difference in dislikes, likes and even hates but we are all UNIQUE. 🙂
Have you ever been touring enough in Singapore, or are you mostly 100% on the travel map?
As I have not much experience in travelling, as a local in Singapore, there are still places that I have not been to yet. Places like in the West side of Singapore as I grew up only…
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#blog#blogging#cinemas#country#depression#esplanade#exercies#favourite places#free trips#garden by the bay#golden village#holidays#libraries#library#movies#myself#self care#self esteem#singapore#tourism#tourists#Travel Blog#travel log#travelling#trips
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How Does Ayurveda Help to Treat Inflammatory Bowel Disease?
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a disease that leads to chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, especially the intestine. It happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks a harmful bacteria, virus, or food in the gut, harming the bowel and leading to inflammation.
It has two types:
Crohn’s Disease (Grahani) causes inflammation anywhere in the digestive tract between the mouth and anal outlet
Ulcerative Colitis (Pittaja Grahani) causes inflammation only in the colon
And these disorders lead to serious symptoms like:
Diarrhea
Constipation
Abdominal pain and cramps
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Intestinal bleeding due to ulcers
Formation of holes in the bowel, etc.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) hence has a severe impact on one’s daily life, be it education, work, or social relationships. The patients suffering from it end up going through various unpleasant conditions like:
Weakness
Fatigue
Depression
Stress
Anxiety
Being worn out
Less productivity, etc.
In such a condition, the only effective treatment method in alleviating the issue is the one that addresses the patients’ full spectrum of life. And this is where Ayurvedic medicinal products come in.
The Ayurvedic Approach
Ayurveda is an ancient holistic medical science of India. It emphasizes enormously on good digestive health. It says that poor digestive health is the root cause of all diseases. Having a healthy digestive system helps the human body and mind prevent most diseases and function properly in a healthy and balanced manner.
If digestion is weak, the absorption of nutrients through food decreases, and the body becomes prone to such diseases. Incorrect eating habits and lifestyles lead to toxin buildup in the body that makes a thick coating on the intestine. It increases heat in the abdomen and causes an imbalance in the Kapha. This further worsens the Pitta as well.
Pitta regulates important biochemical processes like digestion, metabolism, and nutrition absorption. And when Pitta worsens due to an imbalanced Kapha, it leads to conditions like:
Inflammation
Ulcers
Bloody diarrhea
Weakness
Decreased nutrition absorption
Weight loss, etc.
As per Ayurveda, the primary causes of both types of IBD include:
Poor appetite
Poor digestion
Unhealthy, Improper, and irregular diet habits
Inflammatory foods like processed foods and red meat
Imbalanced Pitta
Heavy and hard to digest foods
Excess spicy and acidic foods
Smoking
Alcohol, etc.
Treating IBD with Ayurveda
To effectively help treat IBD, Ayurveda doctors prescribe a holistic treatment approach that focuses on the root cause of the disorders. This approach primarily includes:
Detoxifying the body
Balancing the doshas
Improving digestion and nutrition
Lowering stress levels
Boosting the immune system
Enhancing the body’s healing ability
By doing this, Ayurveda also helps reduce the risks of future health complications that stem from IBD. To implement this, Ayurveda doctors prescribe certain forms of Ayurvedic medicinal products that include:
Pachana Oushadha – Digestive stimulants to digest the undigested foods and properly assimilate the nutrients
Agni Deepana – Appetite stimulants
Grahi – Retains digested food and help alleviate appetite loss and diarrhea
Vrana Ropana – Drugs to help heal ulcers
Stambhana – Formulations to manage bloody diarrhea
Bilwadi Churna – It has robust anti-inflammatory properties and is easily tolerable due to its herbal formulations
Vijaya – Helps alleviate inflammation and pain associated with IBD because of its strong pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties
Other prescriptions include:
Medicated enema (Vasthi) to help alleviate colon irritability, inflammation, and ulcers and improve healing
Mridu Virechana (induced cleansing) to clean the digestive tract, remove toxins, and balance the doshas
Induced vomiting to remove harmful bacteria
Practicing yoga and physical exercises
Getting good sleep
The Ayurvedic Diet
Besides prescribing medicines and therapies to help manage IBD, Ayurveda also prescribes certain dietary and lifestyle changes to aid the healing process and restore balance to the body.
Diet to Follow
Food items that are helpful for IBD patients include:
Buttermilk
Lentils (soup or any liquid preparation)
Jamun fruit and unripe banana to contract digestive muscles and avoid rectal bleeding.
Honey for increased nutrient absorption and healing the intestine
Ginger and Cumin seeds to improve digestion
Bael to reduce inflammation
Neem to detoxify and remove harmful bacteria
Coriander to balance pitta
Diet to Avoid
Ayurveda prescribes avoiding foods that are fibre-rich, hard to digest and increase intestinal motility, such as:
Wheat, barley
Black gram
Jiggery, Jujube, Ash gourd, Sugarcane
Peas
Meat
Nuts
Dairy products
Leaves and leafy vegetables, and
Especially Garlic, as it increases Pitta
Furthermore, it also recommends-
Avoiding excess caffeinated, carbonated, alcoholic, spicy, salty, and deep-fried foods
Eating the right and easily digestible foods in the right quantity and intervals
Eating lightly or fasting to reduce Vata imbalances further
It is vital to talk to your Ayurveda health experts and get the best online Ayurvedic consultation possible to know the right treatment methods, medications, and lifestyle changes that best suit you and help alleviate your condition.
IBD is a very painful disease and can have various adverse consequences on one’s health and overall quality of life. It is vital to have a holistic treatment that helps alleviate IBD, brings balance to the body, and enhances the quality of life.
Contact Hempstreet to get the best online Ayurvedic consultation on how you can use Ayurveda to provide yourself relief from IBD and prevent such diseases in the future.
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Cabana Catalogs Supports Body Positivity
Body positivity is the conviction that everyone, regardless of how society and popular culture view ideal form, height, or beauty, needs a positive body image. The body positivity movement’s aims include, questioning society’s perceptions of the body, fostering inclusion of all bodies, and assisting individuals in developing trust and acceptance of their own bodies.
On the other hand, body positivity is about more than simply questioning how society values women based on their physical form and appearance. It also acknowledges that race, ethnicity, sexuality, and disability are often used to make decisions.
Body positivity also seeks to educate viewers about how mainstream cultural narratives influence people’s attitudes about their bodies and how they feel towards food, fitness, clothes, wellness, sexuality, and self-care. People will be able to establish a healthy and more realistic relationship with their bodies by properly accepting the impact of such forces.
Brief History
Body positivity had its origins in the late 1960s fat acceptance movement. Fat inclusion aims to put an end to the practice of fat bullying and bigotry against people who are overweight or obese. In 1969, an organization named National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance was established and is now working to transform the way people feel about their weight.
In 1996, a psychotherapist and an individual who had undergone therapy for an eating disorder created an entire website dedicated to body positivity. The website provides information and instructional materials to make people feel positive about their bodies by diverting attention away from weight loss by poor eating habits and exercise efforts.
In its modern iteration, the body positivity campaign emerged around 2012, originally focused on questioning unrealistic feminine beauty ideals. If the campaign gained traction, the emphasis shifted from weight recognition to the message that “all bodies are perfect.”
Although body positivity is becoming more common, many people are still unsure what it means. Most of the reasons that body positivity is so confused are that there are so many conflicting interpretations of what the movement entails.
Body positivity can mean a variety of things depending on who you ask:
Embracing the body about its shortcomings.
Feel good in your own skin.
Loving and taking care of yourself.
Accepting the form and size of your body.
Image positivity often entails appreciating your current body and not berating yourself for changes that occur spontaneously as a result of age, breastfeeding, or lifestyle decisions.
The emergence of the body positivity campaign was aided by the use of Instagram. A variety of magazines and businesses have made attempts to be more body-conscious in their publications and marketing efforts in recent years. Any publications have avoided airbrushing models, while brands such as Dove and Aerie have created ad strategies that promote body positivity.
Is the Media to Blame for Eating Disorders?
Reasons for Body Positivity
One of the main aims of body positivity is to explore how body perception affects mental health and well-being. People’s feelings about their looks and even how they judge their self-worth are influenced by their body image. According to research, having a poor body image is linked to an elevated risk of mental illnesses such as depression and eating disorders.
According to one report, even fleeting exposure to television advertisements depicting an “ideal physique” was related to heightened body image problems and eating disorder symptoms.
A person’s internal view of their own body—which may vary from how their body objectively appears—is referred to as body image. Body image feelings, emotions, and actions may have a significant effect on your emotional health and how you handle yourself.
The creation of one’s self-image begins at a young age. And small children, unfortunately, may experience body discomfort. More than half of girls and about a third of boys between the ages of 6 and 8 believed their ideal body weight was less than their actual weight, as per a study released by Common Sense Media. By the age of seven, 25% of children had attempted a form of dieting activity, according to the findings.
Difficulties that can arise as a consequence of poor body image
Depression: Women are far more likely than men to suffer depression, and some researchers suspect that body dissatisfaction may play a role in understanding this gender disparity in depression rates.
Low self-confidence: Image dissatisfaction is linked to low self-esteem in teenagers, regardless of their gender, age, weight, race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, according to research.
Eating disorders: Body dissatisfaction has also been related to disordered eating, especially among teenage girls, according to research.
According to research, exposure to representations of the “thin image” has been linked to disordered feeding’s behavioral and mental effects. It is not just exposure to these dangerous photographs; it is the creation of perceptions that thinness determines appearance, achievement, and confidence. People who internalize these beliefs are more likely to feel body discomfort and partake in unhealthy dieting, according to studies.
Body positivity aims to solve these problems by assisting individuals in recognizing the factors that lead to a negative body picture. People will be able to change their body standards and become more confident and supportive of their own bodies. As a result, the hope is. Acceptance of one’s own body image can then help to mitigate the adverse effects of bad body image on one’s mental and physical health.
Criticism Of The Movement
While the message of body positivity is meant to make women feel better about themselves, it is not without flaws and detractors.
One issue is the notion that body positivity entails people doing whatever they believe they ought to do in order to feel great about their appearance. Unfortunately, citizens are often bombarded by advertisements implying that thinner, fitter people are wealthier, cleaner, and more attractive. In the guise of feeling “body conscious,” this idealization of thinness can lead to individuals participating in risky behaviors, such as physical exercising or extreme diets.
Image positivity has also been criticized for being exclusive. Women of color, disabled people, LGBTQ people, and non-binary people are also left out of depictions of body positivity messages.
Many women simply do not feel involved in body positivity because the body models often depicted in body-positive advertisements still adhere to a particular appearance stereotype.
Jameela Jamil, who appears in the television show The Good Place, is often referred to as one of the icons of the body positivity campaign, which she believes is a misnomer. As per Jamil, image positivity is essential for people who are “not believed by doctors, who are harassed on the street, and who can’t find clothes in their size,” according to Jamil.
However, She admits that the campaign isn’t for everyone and that many people feel excluded from the body positivity dialogue.
How Can You Make a Difference
Body positivity is meant to promote affirmation and appreciation in one’s own body, but it may be a challenge that contributes to the burden of unrealistic expectations. The message of body positivity is that you should change how you feel about yourself, but it can also be perceived as yet another question.
Simply encouraging people to support themselves and be resilient in the presence of photos that promote the slim stereotype may be harmful. It’s unrealistic to tell people to ignore the prevailing attractiveness standard. It will add to the stress of someone who is still insecure, depressed, and undervalued. People are told that they are flawed by popular culture, but they are still expected to maintain a good outlook towards it. Feeling bad about your body will lead to feelings of embarrassment and remorse.
According to research, as individuals with flawed self-esteem repeat optimistic affirmations that they don’t believe in, the effects can backfire, making them feel much worse for themselves than before.
This isn’t to suggest that you shouldn’t compliment yourself or think positively of yourself. However, merely masking pessimistic thoughts with positive messages may be dangerous. Working on replacing pessimistic thinking processes with more realistic ones would be a safer strategy.
Faking Positivity Can Be Harmful at Times
So, how do you keep a positive body image? Whether or not you agree with the body positivity campaign, there are concepts from it that will make you feel better about yourself and less concerned about achieving “perfection.”
Adopt a body-neutral mindset.
It’s OK to admit that you don’t enjoy any aspect of your body. It’s fine to have a neutral or even hostile attitude about the body. Your importance and importance are not determined by your age, height, or any other part of your physical appearance. Self-concept is influenced by body perception, although it is not the only one.
Concentrate on shifting your emotional focus away from your body and toward other aspects of yourself.
None of these tasks are easy. They necessitate constant effort and, in most situations, are impossible to do thoroughly. There will be times where you feel vulnerable, resent some parts of yourself, or equate yourself to others. The trick is to keep trying to come up with new ways to stop the unhealthy thinking processes that lead to a negative body picture.
Try Health-Focused Self-Care
Self-care can also be misconstrued as a means of altering or controlling one’s look, so it can also concentrate on activities that make you feel comfortable in the body you have today. Respect yourself and your body. Consume nutritious foods to keep the mind and body in good shape. You should exercise because it makes you feel strong and energized, not to improve or regulate your body.
Wear and buy clothing for your own body, not for a potential version of yourself. You may be hanging on to your “thin jeans” in the hopes of losing weight in the future, but those practices may make it challenging to feel positive about yourself now. Look for items that make you feel at ease and confident in your appearance. Get rid of those clothes in your wardrobe that doesn’t suit your present shape. Your body’s size and appearance – shift in the future, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to look and feel good about yourself right now.
Remove accounts from your social media feeds that make you feel bad for yourself. You’re not likely to feel confident about yourself if you’re constantly comparing yourself to others. Follow accounts that pique your curiosity and leave you feeling uplifted. Many Instagram pages, in fact, are solely dedicated to portraying beauty or an idealized body image.
Cabana Supports Body Positivity
We at Cabana believe that being comfortable in one’s own body is the least a person could ask for. However, due to the whole enigma of an idealistic waist with concealed abs is pushing us far from our goal. We at Cabana condemn having to live without embracing beautiful fashion empowering outfits. So, we have launched a whole collection specifically targeting our lovely plus-size divas because nothing, not even a stupid notion, can keep your love for fashion at bay. Check the products mentioned below and buy the same today.
Knee-Length Front Knot Asymmetrical Dress
Being a plus-size woman has no stigma! This dress will hug your body perfectly and provide you with the best in beauty and comfort. It’s the ideal piece of clothing for sweltering winters.
Mickey Mouse Party Dress
It is a very snug and stylish dress for plus-size women; they would look incredibly adorable in this comfortable piece of apparel. There are several sizes and colors available for various individuals at an affordable price.
High Waist Tropical Swimsuit
This bikini is designed specifically for plus-size ladies who want to appear curvy and stunning. The floral print will improve your body’s overall appearance. There are a plethora of eye-catching paint combinations to pick from.
Source:- Cabana Catalogs Supports Body Positivity
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Chilly Morning Depression
Hello and welcome to Sunday! Today is the day when I usually clean Harry's apartment. I was going to jog before hand but it is a bit to cold for that! So instead Im going to see about doing some photography later this afternoon! YAY! I want to work myself up to jogging 5 days a week this Summer. Which will suck when Winter comes because I wont be able to continue. I will have to revert back to indoor stuff which isnt my best option because I live on the 3rd floor and the floors SUCK! If I had a car I would def find somewhere else to exercis and/or move! While I am doing my best to make my life comfortable here, by volunteering to clean in exchange to be able to do my laundry for free and steering clear of as much drama as possible, I really dont want to live here anymore.
I came up here for a guy in April of 2011. Worst mistake ever! 3 days on a Greyhound, no sleep! Ugh and ALLERGIES! Never had them till I moved up here! While I appreciate all the lessons, dealing with moms health issues (she past a short time ago), guys I have been with, and other irritating situations, I realllllyyy regret living here! I feel stuck!
Depression and Anxiety are daily battles for me and sometimes trying to move forward and do better and keep growing makes it worse! Because I see that I dont have the tools to so! I cant save money because I am on a fixed income. And that kills all the rest and puts getting what I need way out of reach! Which includes a car and a new start. I have gone as far as I can where I am...so now what?
#depressing post#anxiety things#new life#new start#mental heath support#mental heath awareness#im stuck
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