#the health of my body directly affects my worth

[your-local-granny]

.

[kpoperotics]

A night with Yuna x male reader

Yuna, your affectionate girlfriend. She enjoys you in a way she can't even describe, it's just that it's her first time and she's a little insecure.

Yuna, your needy yet insecure girlfriend is cooking for you, cooking is one of her hobbies she loves the most. She's making dinner for you, a simple one, nothing fancy; yet she pours her heart in what she does.

You're in the bedroom, chilling out on your phone when you hear sounds coming from the kitchen, so you decide to get up and go to help her if she needed. Once you're in the kitchen you see her walking around the kitchen, grabbing whatever she needs to prepare the food while she sings softly.

"Hey, do you need help?" you ask

"OH!" she gasps suddenly

oh, my god y/n, you scared me.. please don't do it anymore..!

She sighs

"and yeah... I'd appreciate if you could help me my love"

You giggle, helping her cooking.

"you're kind for helping me.." she whispers softly

"just doing what I like, I like helping you sweetheart"

You both make food together, enjoying each other's company. Then, once the dinner is made you sit and eat. You two have quite a conversation that evening

"so, Yuna, have you done what I told you today?" you know already that she hasn't done anything you told her, but not common things like buying the milk.

"eum... I-I.. well.." she stammers "I-I..."

"you didn't, mh?" you say

She looks down. Feeling ashamed "no.. I didn't.." she whispers softly, her voice trembling and insecure

"I told you... everyday you wake up, you have to look in the mirror, stare directly into your eyes and repeat to yourself that you're worth everything, that you're loved and that you're making it through everything"

Yuna looks down in shame and sadness

"sorry.." she whispers

"don't say that" You decide to go next to her, you know how hard it is for her to do something like that and you're not going to give up on her that easily

"b-but I'm a disaster.. I can't even say a simple phrase"

You look directly in her eyes, yet your stare is soft and understanding. "Yuna..." You envelop her in your arms, a few tears roll down her cheeks

"No Yuna.. don't cry" you wipe away her tears with your thumb. "Here come with me" you grab her in your arms and carry her to the couch, you sit and she stays on top of you, sitting on your lap; with your arms wrapped around her.

She's not crying her heart out, she's just letting some tears go, the weight of her actual mental health weighing on her. "Yuna, you need to believe in yourself, just like I do, I do believe in you and you know it"

You kiss the top of her head softly, then, you look directly into her eyes. Her eyes are wet and a little swollen, making her look cuter than she usually looks

"look at this girl, it's so impossible to hate her"

She looks at you, then she looks away. She leans her ear on your heart, listening to your heartbeat. The sound soothes her aching soul as she sinks into a full state of calmness and relax

You let her hear your heart beating, knowing how much this affects her positively

"Can I ask you something, Yuna?"

"yes..?" she answers

"Have you ever thought about us?" you ask

"about... about us..? well yes, I did sometimes... why you ask?"

"just to know, you know that I often think about us, about you"

"and that's why I love you.." she say softly, leaning in, capturing your lips in a soft delicate peck

You cup her head kindly with your hands, holding her in place as you slowly deepen the kiss. In short time, the kiss is deepened, you both pouring your heart in it

Yuna snuggles her body into yours as you hold her head in such a loving way. The kiss keeps going, just that way, not deeper but not shallower. The love in the air is palpable, the affection you pour in her soul every single second of your existence healing her from inside. You softly break the kiss, looking at her, beautiful like always.

"I'm so in love with you.." she says

"and so am I, my love" you answer

It's like the time has stopped, you two look into each other's eyes while you're also holding her tiny form in your arms. But then you decide to act a little bolder and ask her "Yuna, what do you think.. are you ready to make love?"

She blushes furiously, not knowing what to say at first "n-now?"

"yea, now" you answer, caressing her hair

She looks at you, the most insecure, scared yet trustful gaze. She doesn't know what to say, if yes or no. She's never had it before. She's virgin, and the idea of having sex with you now scares her

"you're safe here, you know that? I'm not going to hurt you I know it's your first time".

She looks at you, insecure. She thinks for a while as you keep caressing her and hold her close to you, then she says "okay, I-I think I can do it.."

Her hands are shaking, you hold them and bring them to your chest, tranquilizing her.

"you're sure, mh?"

She nods softly, snuggling into you. She trusts you but she's scared "will it hurt?" she asks, "it may hurt at the first penetration"

She sighs softly in anxiety "it's okay, I'm ready to have this with you"

So after only a few seconds, you start taking off her clothes, slowly removing her bra with just a hand, allowing you to admire her tiny perfect breast.

"I'm starting, okay?"

"o-okay.." she trembles, but she knows you're not going to hurt her

You lean in and start kissing around her breast, your kisses are soft and delicate. She trembles more and she holds you tighter, she feels hot flashes as her traumas, insecurities and fears kicks in, but she doesn't want you to stop, she wants to overcome everything she's endured.

You keep going, now licking her nipples carefully. You feel her trembling and breathing quite heavily, but you keep going knowing she's fighting so good.

"You're doing so good Yuna" you say, she smiles at you.

"Keep.. I kinda like it though" she answer, and so you keep going. You lick her breast a little more, while your hands are starting to roam lower on her body.

She starts to breathe slightly heavier than usual, letting few really soft moans as you keep. She wraps her arms around your neck to pull you closer, you can tell she's quite liking this.

"I think I'm ready for more" Yuna says, her voice just above a whisper.

"Are you?" you answer.

"Yes, I am.." She says. So after she confirmed, you lie her down on the bed, making sure she's comfortable with you. You take your space between her legs, lying down on your belly and covering her thighs with your arms. You slowly and kindly start licking her folds and as you do that Yuna can't help but let out a surprised and aroused gasp. She's still where she is, too shy and embarrassed to do anything.

You take her hands in yours, making sure she feels safe besides the pleasure you know she's feeling. You keep licking her folds carefully and expertly, knowing well how to move since this isn't your first time.

Yuna moans and she tightens her grip on your hands while you give her all that pleasure. "Oh my goodness I feel something.." she whimpers, you know what she's feeling even if she doesn't

"You're coming Yuna, it's alright. You're cumming"

She looks at you, even if she can't focus at all and tries to speak something "a-am.. I.. am I what..?"

She doesn't even get to finish her sentence that her juices are all already on your tongue.

She trembles hardly and almost screams as she comes, it's the first time she feels so good, this good. She's amazed from her orgasm.

She looks at you amazed "W-wow.." you look back at her, "you liked it?"

"I loved it" she answers.

"c-can I try to... to suck your dick...?" she asks with a slight trembling voice

You chuckle and caress her softly "of course you can sweetheart".

So as you allow her, she shyly kneels down in front of you, taking off your pants with your underwear. You would have never said she was shy and bold in the same time.

She looks at it in awe, it's big and hard and even if it's her first time, she knows it's because of her. She gets closer to your shaft, looking at you with her soft eyes. "Don't be afraid, do it" you say, while stroking her head gently.

So after few seconds of her staring at it in awe, she parts her lips and takes it in her mouth, slowly, only the head first.

You watch her doing her best, and considering it's her first time, she's doing an esteemed job. She keeps going, slowly and taking more of you in her mouth. Taking her time, taking things slow; and you let her, you won't force anything.

Little by little she sucks you completely. She's now doing an admirable job, taking you deeper in her mouth. She bobs her head up and down on your shaft, making you let out a soft moan of pleasure. She's happy she's doing a great job on her first time, taking a little more of you with each bob.

"Yuna you're an absolute goddess, how can you be so talented and it's only your first time.." You moan, while she doesn't pull away from your cock, too content to do a blowjob to you like this. She bobs her head slightly faster now, her confidence growing more and more with each bob and second passing.

"Oh Yuna, yes so good.. keep going" you say, caressing her head and encouraging her to do more again. She takes a short break, maybe a second or 2 before getting back on your length.

As she resumes her blowjob, she goes a little deeper, not much, but enough to almost push you over the edge.

"Yuna, I'm close, get ready for it.." you whimper.

Yuna closes her eyes again, not knowing what she's going to have. Excited to find out, she keeps going, her eyes closed, her lips running on your cock.. and then the moment comes. You come in her mouth. Her eyes open wide and she stops there where she is, her lips on the head of your cock.. trying to pull out every last drop of your cum from your balls.

"Wow Yuna.. you certainly have a talent here.." you say, amazed from her skills.

She smiles at you shyly "T-thank you y/n" she looks at you happily "I'm glad I was good"

You smile at her back. "next time, we'll go ahead.."

She gets up and leans on you "okay" she says, happily.

...After that, you're both on the couch in each other's arms watching a movie together.

[kitkats-and-kittens]

One of my favourite things in MHA is the way society is structured to uphold powerful quirks affects the main 3 in such different ways.

Izuku is the most obvious. Being quirkless meant he was seen as inherently less capable. His own mother didn’t believe in him and of course he faced loads of bullying as consequence of his place in society.

I wouldn’t say quirk discrimination is a direct parallel to disability, because he is still able bodied, and a lot of the things he is unable to do are more because of the way society views him rather than his inherent capabilities.

I do see it as maybe a stand in for classism or something of the sort as we see how his lack of a quirk directly hinders opportunities and clearly affects his worldview in a big way throughout the series, especially how he views quirks after growing up in a world that teaches you to revere them.

Then you have the complete opposite in Shoto and the Todoroki family, who show how Society tying a persons merit/worth in direct relation to their quirk also affects those at the top. In the same way toxic masculinity means men under the patriarchy still suffer abuse under their own system as they have to conform to standards that mean sacrificing mental and physical health.

Shoto was of course born to surpass All Might, pushed and abused into a role he never wanted all because he has a strong quirk. Which then also relates to how those with flashy superpowers are upheld and pushed into hero work from birth. Which while also pushing people like Izuku further down, simultaneously traps people like Shoto in a cycle they were given no choice but to take part in.

Then of course you have Katsuki. Who is similar to Shoto in having a powerful quick but is also different because rather than being physically forced to conform under the system he represents not only how quirk society as a whole seems to manipulate and groom kids like him onto a certain path but also how someone can overcome that.

Katsuki bullied Deku for being quirkless. That much is a fact and while it isn’t shown much in the anime there’s so much subtext surrounding the shows themes as a whole that show why it happened, but in a world that actively propels children like Bakugo forward while shoving less powerful kids like Izuku downwards it was practically impossible for them to stay friends.

You can see the propaganda even if it’s just in the way hero’s are placed on pedestals as something all children should want to be, while the access to the very thing society deems important is cut off and streamlined to children with a certain type of quirk.

I mean it’s stated in the first episode that until recently quirkless kids weren’t even allowed to apply to hero schools, which just shows another way they are cut off from the resources other kids are provided.

And that’s not even touching on the variety of other factors. How aesthetics and beauty play into how people with mutant quirks are received (Miriko and Shoji) while you also have the heroic/flashy quirks Vs villainous and subtler types of power. (Izuku and Shinso)

I just love how the themes of this show are so imbedded in the world building and a lot of the show don’t tell aspects reveal a lot more about the world they live in.

[anaalnathrakhs]

oh god ed reddit is having the “uwu anorexia isn’t rooted in fatphobia my mental illness is not abt you” talk again please god help me

fatphobia doesn’t mean “being a meanie to fat ppl” i’m begging you to use critical thinking skills for five seconds and apply what you know about literally any other form of oppression to this situation.

people’s point isn’t that you having anorexia makes them feel bad and therefore you’re a bad fatphobic person.

they’re pointing out how the deeply ingrained fatphobia our society upholds, from misconceptions about health to moralization of looks and weight, including yes being jerks to fat ppl’s faces bc they’re fat, is affecting what you think about your own looks, weight, health, body, clothes, eating habits, etc.

the logic isn’t “you became anorexic because you hate fat people so much you never wanted to be fat yourself (and that makes you a bad person)” it’s “fatphobia is a prism that transforms the root cause of your ed into disordered thoughts, behaviors, and patterns (and unlearning fatphobia will help you with recovery and harm-reduction)”

like. it’s not for no reason that anorexia is a disorder that disproportionatedly affects women. it’s not for no reason that there’s sky high comorbidity rates for eds and ocd. it’s not for no reason that people who need control in their lives so badly that they develop a mental disorder abt it get obssessed with being skinny and not with being a sumo. it’s not for no reason that ppl who feel the need to retract to childhood due to trauma envy things like being skinny light and frail, instead of being a tubby baby. it’s not for no reason that there is an incredibly common anorexic thought pattern (internal and self-directed, don’t make me say what i didn’t say) that associaties restriction and weight loss with moral goodness.

for each of these there IS a number of exceptions, but you can see case by case how the root cause (trauma, need for control, for self-destruction, growing up poor, whatever you think is “unrelated to fatphobia” basically) is processed through the prism of the fatphobic culture we’ve all been raised in. some people just, voluntarily or not, deal with those root causes in different way, which might or might not be healthy. but it’s a consequence of ambiant fatphobia that “i should starve and be skinny about it” is a statistically pretty common response to this distress.

the point isn’t “it’s fatphobic that you don’t deal with your neuroses in a body positive way uwu” the point is that no matter how cool you are with fat people on like, a personal level, you’ve been (like the rest of us) bombarded with fatphobic thought patterns your entire life basically, both directly fatphobic things and reactions to this fatphobia. maybe spoken to you directly, maybe not. maybe about you maybe about other people. you live in a society that places moral values into looks and health, and also pushes some deeply rooted falsehoods about how those things tie into each other. you have a disorder defined by obsessive behaviors. maybe, just maybe, deconstructing the logic that those obsessives behaviors are based upon will help you deal with this disorder. and recover or reduce harm.

basically, anorexia isn’t “getting skinny disorder” it’s “obsession disorder”, obsession with looking attractive, or pleasing your family, or going back to being a kid, or being healthy, or being fit, or being driven and capable, or being worth saving, or having your suffering known, or having control over something, or whatever. the fatphobia that is omnipresent (and i repeat, omnipresent, nobody is singling you out as a bad fatphobic meanie, or even talking about your behavior towards other people around you) in our society picks the direction in which many many people will express that disorder.

of course if you live in a society that tells you “being fat is morally bad” at every turn, when you start developping an obssessive pathological need to control things, without another factor weighting in, most people’s default reaction will be anorexia. food is a regular fixture of everybody’s life, everyone wants to be morally good, and even if we know/understand/believe to an extent the flaws of that “fat = bad” logic we know the world around us still believes it, and nobody wants to be treated like shit. we can think it’s stupid and fight against fatphobia and work to treat fat ppl better in our lives and support body positivity, but in any case, one always judges oneself on different metrics than they judge others, cuz we control our self-improvement. that’s natural. just it doesn’t mesh well with a pathologically obssessive need for control above self-preservation.

[gumpistol]

   ***trigger warning:  discussion of major character death and mentions of terminal illness and chronic heart disease under the cut

— 𝐋𝐔𝐅𝐅𝐘'𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 - 𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐏𝐀𝐍 —

   Luffy lives his life to the fullest and recklessly. he pushes himself to the limit, even learning how to manipulate his devil fruit ability to push his body to do things it shouldn't be able to do. he is a living miracle, having survived Magellan's poison, his wound suffered at marineford, his heart literally stopping and restarting during his fight with Kaido, and other countless, near-death moments. so while in the current manga timeline, at the young age of nineteen, Luffy makes miracle recoveries from injuries and exhaustion, it is highly unlikely that he will live a long life. but of course, he hardly cares about that and all the stress placed on his body if it means protecting his friend and achieving his dream. 

   pre-timeskip alone, Luffy puts extreme strain on his body, especially his cardiovascular system.his unchecked use of gear 2 and 3 during enies lobby and thriller bark were noted to be damaging to his health as a whole and chipping away at his life, with Chopper even fearing the worst in the moment of both their use.

   and when treated by Iva's healing hormone during impel down, it’s made known that the energy level required to activate his immune system and fight off the poison is ten years-worth of his life.

   these are just a couple points in which it is directly mentioned how Luffy’s life is periodically being shortened. and while it’s not directly mentioned how it affects his overall health after recovering, the massive damage from the chest trauma wound he received at marineford ( which i plan on outlining the details of soon ), has likely left behind lasting effects that aren’t yet visible or known. so at only 17-years-old, Luffy's body has taken a lot. and this doesn't even begin to touch on the various physical traumas he dealt with while growing up. 

   post-timeskip, he hardly slows down. despite training and technique improvements for gears 2 and 3, Luffy’s new transformations put just as much strain on his body as before, if not more. gear 4 is incredibly exhaustive and nutrient taxing, and leaves Luffy immobile after its use.

   the same goes for a gear 5 transformation. besides the fact that Luffy had to physically die for several minutes before his devil fruit awakened, the use of gear 5 escalates the rate at which energy and nutrients are depleted even more, showing to even physically age Luffy's body temporarily in the aftermath. in addition, Luffy has to consciously change the rhythm of his heartbeat to match the drums of liberation in order to transform, effectively giving himself an irregular heartbeat. i’m sure you might see where i’m going with this, as i mention his heart repeatedly.

   being the intentional spitting image of Roger, and following in his footsteps to become king of the pirates, it's my belief that Luffy won't live to be much older than Roger was at the day of his execution ( 53-years-old ). maybe he'll live a few years longer, but i really don't see Luffy ever reaching the age of 60, especially if there's no point in which an older version of him slows down. it will definitely be a challenge to get him to do so, even if it's recommended.

   i've spoken in part about this with a couple others, but due to the type of internal damage that Luffy has endured, i headcanon that he will develop some sort of heart condition ( which i will go into more detail on a later post ). but whether Luffy ends up slowing and eventually picking an island to settle/retire to, or if he continues his reckless adventuring to the end, has yet to be decided. regardless of how the story goes though, Luffy will die relatively young, and it will likely be from premature heart failure.

[disciplinedselfrya]

The Health Series - Introduction

Hello, my loves! 🌸

Welcome to my Health Series! I’m so excited to finally share this project with you. It’s been a process of gathering research, organizing ideas, and putting it all together, but I know it’ll be so worth it. The goal of this Series is to explore what true health really means and how we can apply it to our everyday lives.

Quick note: I am not a doctor, psychologist, or professional health expert. Everything I share here is based on research from reliable sources and is meant to inform and inspire, not to replace professional advice. If you ever have health-related concerns, please reach out to a healthcare provider who can guide you personally.

What Exactly Does “Health” Mean?

Let’s start with the basics: What does health actually mean?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” This means that health isn’t just about not being sick—it’s about being strong, resilient, and in balance with our bodies, minds, and the world around us. Health is a resource we need for everyday life, not just a goal to strive for in times of illness or crisis.

In 2009, researchers publishing in The Lancet defined health as our body’s ability to adapt to new threats and challenges. This adaptability is key: as life throws challenges our way—whether they’re physical, emotional, or mental—we need our health to be flexible and resilient enough to handle them.

What Affects Our Overall Health?

There are several factors that influence our overall health. Some we can control, and others, like our genetics and environment, may be out of our hands. But everything plays a part:

Genetics: Our inherited traits can affect our predisposition to certain illnesses or conditions, influencing our overall health.

Environment: This includes where we live, our social and economic conditions, education levels, and even access to healthcare. Our surroundings have a huge impact on our physical and mental well-being.

Lifestyle: Our day-to-day habits, including diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep, play a significant role in how healthy we are. What we eat, how much we move, how we manage stress, and how well we rest all influence our body’s ability to stay strong and thrive.

Social Connections: Believe it or not, the strength of our social networks—our friends, family, and community—can impact our health in profound ways. Studies show that strong social connections can reduce stress and even improve longevity, while isolation can have negative effects on mental and physical health.

While it’s impossible to avoid all illness or challenges, understanding the factors that influence our health can help us build resilience and take steps to improve our well-being.

Key Elements That Contribute to Health

Now that we’ve laid the foundation, let’s look at some of the key aspects that contribute to overall health and well-being:

Nutrition: Eating a balanced diet full of whole foods provides the fuel our bodies need to perform at their best.

Hydration: Drinking enough water is crucial for nearly every function in our bodies, from digestion to skin health, energy levels, and cognitive function.

Exercise: Regular physical activity doesn’t just improve fitness—it enhances mood, reduces stress, and supports overall health.

Sleep: Getting enough quality sleep is key to both physical and mental health.

Stress Management: How we cope with stress directly impacts our health.

Social Connections: Spending time with loved ones and staying connected to a supportive community is a vital component of overall health. Healthy relationships provide emotional support, reduce stress, and promote a sense of belonging.

What’s Coming in the Health Series

In this Series, we’ll break down health into three main parts, each of which will dive deeper into these areas and give you practical tips to improve your well-being:

Part 1 - Nutrition & Hydration: We’ll explore what it means to nourish your body and keep it hydrated, discussing the basics of a balanced diet, tips for eating well, and the importance of drinking water for overall health.

Part 2 - Fitness: We’ll talk about physical activity, different types of exercise, and how movement can improve your body, mind, and mood. From strength training to cardio to flexibility, fitness plays a huge role in maintaining good health.

Part 3 - Other Wellness Tips: This part will focus on all the little things that can make a big difference in your overall health—sleep, stress management, mental health, and more. It’s all about creating a balanced life that promotes well-being.

I am so excited to go on this journey with you, and I hope you find these posts helpful as you work toward a healthier, more balanced life!

Keep going! Rya

[transqueerquestions]

Question:

When binding can you slouch/lay down?

This may sound like a weird question but I wanted to know:

When wearing my binder, can I slouch/just lay on my bed(Not sleeping, just laying down)

I can’t find any good results for this question

Tobi: Hey nonnie! Firstly, absolutely no worries, i do not consider questions to be weird, strange, wrong, or anything else here, they’re all just questions, and I will always try my best to answer to the best of my ability.

That being said, I’m both surprised and not surprised there’s nothing in particular on slouching or laying down in binders, so know this answer is coming directly from my own experiences, and may not be applicable to everyone.

For slouching: I’d say intermittent/not constant slouching is a-okay. Best practices while binding would be keeping good posture as much as possible and ensuring the best possible opportunity for your lungs to expand fully, as the main concern with binding in general is its restrictiveness to the ribcage/torso/lungs.

Slouching inherently squashes that important expansion ability, and the severity depends on how and how much you’re slouching, but either way, while it’s not going to be terrible for you to do here and there, it’s not recommended that you stay slouched for long periods of time while binding.

For lying down: So long as you’re not sleeping, lying down is a similar answer to above. The restriction with lying down is more gravity based-On your back you’re expanding against both gravity and the binder, on your stomach you’re expanding against your own body and the binder, and on your side, you’re adding another point of pressure to the front and back the binder already covers.

Mind you-these restrictions are minor, even less so than slouching. However, that is not a reason to not be aware of how these positions can affect your binding health and safety. Sleeping is a concern for binding in particular because your breathing pattern changes and deepens as you sleep, meaning the binder adds unnecessary restriction for a long period of time.

Overall advice: My biggest emphasis when talking about binding is highly focused on being in tune with your individual body and it’s cues.

Good posture is always going to be helpful in the long run, but I know just how hard that can be to maintain. A good rule of thumb that I live by, as I do still bind myself and I have made far too many mistakes in my youth that still haunt me:

If you are feeling short of breath at any given time, that’s a good indication to take off your binder and do some breathing exercises, do some deep coughs to stimulate circulation, etc.

No amount of dysphoria is worth binding improperly, incorrectly, or for too long. Please trust me on this, because it can (and has for some folks) affect your ability to get top surgery down the line.

For myself, as an example, my previous excessive binding has somewhat ‘warped’ my ribcage, and as such, forced me to really scale back how much I bind to avoid it causing any more problems.

To be fair, I’m glad that I’ve been forced to cut back though, because it’s really helped with my own resilience towards outside perspectives of my body. No matter what I do, wear, act, whether I bind or not, etc, 90% of the time I’m perceived as a woman by strangers. This in turn forced me to reckon with how other people’s perceptions of my gender expression AND the forms my body takes has NO bearing on my own understanding of myself, and subsequently my own understanding of my gender.

At the end of the day, I know I’m a man. Anyone is welcome to disagree with me, or think otherwise, but they don’t get any decision on who I am, only I have that power.

If you choose to bind, ensure you are doing so with a full understanding of what it can and cannot do for you, as well as making sure you’re doing it as safely as possible. This means:

- Monitoring your breathing and posture.

- Ensure you do not wear one excessively. The general consensus is up to 8 hours, but it is always better to wear for less time.

- NOT wearing one to perform excessive physical activity (workouts, running, anything that gets your heart and breathing rate up for extended periods), or to sleep in.

- Taking it off the moment anything hurts, you find it harder to breathe, or even if anything feels off. Your body wants to keep you safe, listen to its cues!

All in all, I hope this helps! Good luck and stay safe! ♥️

[qipsir]

Example of How to Treat Yourself

By someone whose care team has enough trust in that I have permission to mess with/alter my medication as I see fit

Credentials: the grandchild of a pharmacist, the child of a pharmacist tech and ex-librarian/college teacher/personal trainer; Clinician Associated Traumatization and severe betrayal issues, researches everything to a professional degree, psychiatrist + therapist + friends agree I would be an EXCELLENT therapist (and I've been told throughout my life I would be a wonderful teacher as well if that's worth anything here)

Topics + Hyperlinks

Debilitating anxiety

(C)PTSD

OCD

Chronic nightmares/night terrors

Clenching your jaw at night

Allergies (+ post-nasal drip)

Eczema, specifically dishydrotic (blisters on hands/fingers/feet)

Taking care of yourself on low/no spoon days

Overview

Locate the source of the issue. For example, if you're sneezing, why are you sneezing? Are you sick or is there something in your nose? Or if you're coughing, do you have post nasal drip? Is it allergy season? Do you have a cold or non-seasonal allergies? Are you a smoker/vaper?

Determine what course of action is both most accessible and most comfortable for you (we want to work with our meat prisons, not against them).

Note: Your preferred course of action may ABSOLUTELY be inaction. You may not want to change how that situation is at that time and that is Perfectly. Okay. It's your body, your life, and entirely your choice, okay? Okay. Let's continue.

3. Check EVERYTHING you intend on taking for interactions with all medications + supplements you are currently taking. Check for allergies. Double check side effects and if there is anything you can do to counter them (i.e. taking milk thistle to counter liver damage done by prolonged use of ashwaghanda)

4. If cooperation with brain/body has failed, research local professionals for assistance. Then, hopefully with a newly established baseline, start from step 1 as needed.

5. If the problem is psychological or psychosomatic, shadow work/therapy and alternative medicine may be of interest to you. The latter can include but is not limited to massage, somatic touch therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, reflexology, and more. Take the time to sort out to whatever degree you are capable what the root problem actually is and how it's specifically affecting you. This will help you to work through it or find someone to help you work through it.

Note 2: let it be known that I fluffin DESPISE the kind of people who are like "oh just be mindful and you'll be fine" bull.SHIT. I've got nearly two decades of trauma and neglect to work through and my anxiety/PTSD/panic/paranoia is so tired of this that it evolved to work around most grounding techniques. Being mindful and grateful is as effective at healing that as a singular spritz of mist is at putting out a bonfire.

Yes, this is just an excuse for me to yammer on about herbalism and shadow work. It's neat stuff, can you blame me?

Resources

[hologramcowboy]

before today, i had a pretty neutral position on JA. loved his work as dean, didn't really care for whatever else he did outside of that (including his personal life), but i did enjoy reading your insights about him on the blog. from today onwards, i am jensen ackles hater. i wish nothing but failure for whatever is left of his career. what a greedy pig he is to take russian money.

Anon, just my two cents but hatred is toxic to your body, no one is worth losing your health over and don't ever wish harm upon another because that directly affects your subconscious paradigms.

I don't hate Jensen but his choice reveals something I didn't know about his character, something I deeply dislike. I'm saddened he did not publicly clear the air, he should have at least brought some awareness towards the people in Ukraine but I guess he is too selfish and conceited to do that.

[ficfanatictrf]

Ricky Montgomery - Line Without a Hook

After listening to his other songs (again) and now having extreme brain rot again for this song (...again)

I wanted to post a little something about this song.

When playing this song, I am not thinking of a person that I am 'a wreck without' but my own sense of self, my own heart, my individuality.

Triggers below: Reference to many trigging things. Self-harm, abuse, ect.

The last SERIOUS relationship I was in, was literally 10 years ago. And I gave EVERYTHING of myself to this relationship. - Physical Health (anorexia, compulsive exercise [sometimes I would find myself unable to sleep, so I would do P90X and Insanity work outs to try and wear myself down to get to sleep....after a full day of military work and PT training...], cutting, and burning) - Mental Health (Depression and anxiety skyrocketed, I was pressured into get as close to sex as possible without actually having sex [hand jobs, thigh jobs, make outs in the shower while he rubbed one out, had him go down on me...which hurt and was terrifying for me), suicide attempt, was starting to hallucinate. I broke my morals (he was married and with a 2 year old son....and being the naïve idiot I was at the time, I believed him when he convinced me that because we 'weren't having penetrative sex that it wasn't cheating' - had a whole break down about this afterword) - My military career (I left as soon as I could - even when I had no idea what I wanted to do at the time) - My family (it nearly broke my family relationship with me. It took me YEARS and multiple therapists before I could talk to them about everything that happened when I was away. How it affected me.) - My friendships (I don't talk to anyone, except one person, that knew me before I was 18)

--------

I end this just to say that this song matters a great deal to me.

I don't really give a damn about the way you touch me When we're alone You can hold my hand If no one's home The whole cheating aspect of our relationship. Because in the military you can be dishonorably discharged if they catch you cheating, our relationship was hidden.

Do you like it when I'm away? If I went and hurt my body, baby Would you love me the same? I started, keyword started, self-harming as a desperate attempt to keep his attention. He only really seemed to care when he could be 'the hero'. So I started it when he started pulling away....to then later find out that I couldn't stop for a very long time.

I can feel all my bones coming back And I'm craving motion The fact that I started feeling like I could do things again. Looking back I think it took me nearly 2-3 years to start having a desire to do anything. Mama never really learns how to live by herself It's a curse And it's growing You're a pond and I'm an ocean A feeling I have a lot. Later finding out from a therapist that I am a 'Highly Sensitive Person' as well as a person with ADHD, Misophonia, ect. Constantly it felt like I was feeling an ocean's worth of emotions compared to someone else who was feeling a pond's worth.

Oh, all my emotions Feel like explosions when you are around And I've found a way to kill the sounds, oh Honestly, for years I drowned out all thoughts and feelings about that time. Using anything to keep that time period out of my mind.

Oh, baby, I am a wreck when I'm without you I need you here to stay I broke all my bones that day I found you Crying at the lake Was it something I said to make you feel like you're a burden? Oh, and if I could take it all back I swear that I would pull you from the tide Spoken directly to my heart. I am a wreck when I give my heart away and I am a wreck when I am without it. And from now on, it will stay with me. And that I apologize to myself for insulting my heart. For calling it too sensitive, a cry baby, ect. That I apologize for calling myself 'weak' for having emotions for years after the relationship.

Oh, whoa, whoa, whoa I said no (I said no), I said no (I said no) Listen close, it's a no The wind is a-pounding on my back And I found hope in a heart attack Oh at last, it is past Now I've got it, and you can't have it Pretty clear. No, I will not give my heart away anytime soon. No matter how much the wind (society) pressures me to 'find the one', to go out and date.

Darling, when I'm fast asleep I've seen this person watching me Saying, "Is it worth it? Is it worth it? Tell me, is it worth it?" Oh Honestly, something I still wrestle with. Is it worth it going through the dating and break-ups in the hopes of finding love? Guess there is something, and there is nothing There is nothing in between And in my eyes, there is a tiny dancer Watching over me, he's singing "She's a, she's a lady, and I am just a boy" He's singing, "She's a, she's a lady, and I am just a line without a hook" A horrible way to think of it...but it how I sometimes see it. That the relationship broke my line, that now I am just a line without a hook. That because a key part of me broke during that time- I can't 'catch' love anymore.

[gorgonstaringcontest]

This is a conversation I've had throughout my professional career quite often. I have to be cautious to avoid naming names, to keep my professional and online lives separate.

For context, the vast majority of my work involves talking about the worst aspects of the world at any given time. I speak at length and in great detail with people about the realities of anthropogenic climate change, petrochemical pollution, microplastics, ecological collapse, flora and fauna extinctions, the impact of geopolitical conflict on civilians, wealth disparity, and the failure of government and oversight bodies on these issues. The second aspect, I also am often exposed to discussions on many specific illnesses that do not have prevention, treatment, or cure - or do and are simply under-or-unsupported so their impact is not ameliorated - from various cancers, to genetic conditions, to neurodegenerative conditions, and more. The third aspect is sociological - human trafficking, homelessness, refugees, mental health and suicide, family and domestic violence, systemic issues affecting indigenous and first nations people, and education particularly supporting people who live with disability due to the failure of extant education systems.

That's not even all. And I've done this for thirteen years.

One of the subjects that comes up from time to time, often between people who have been around as long as me or longer, and those who are three or six months into their career is - how do we cope? How do we sleep at night? How do we reconcile our own lives with what we know, and how do we avoid falling into the stereotypes and logical fallacies that allow people to remain ignorant of these issues.

The truth is, it's different for everyone. We are all staring into the same sucking void of everything wrong in the world - with the knowledge that we're not even looking at 100% of it - but from slightly different perspectives.

Some of us will say that it's accepting that no solution is perfect, but any step in the right direction is worth taking. That if we care for what is within the sphere of our influence, and inspire others to do the same, then we are on balance making the world better.

Some of us will say we must reach as far from our own positions of privilege, whatever they may be, and amplify the voices of those who are the furthest from them. That the best course of action is to know our work is to directly counterbalance the disparity we know exists on whatever fulcrum we can see.

Some will say that we must hold truth to power. That because we are able to stand witness, it is our responsibility to do so. To tell the stories of the voiceless, and advocate for those who are not able to advocate for themselves. To make sure no voice speaks out alone.

Some say that they must strive to gain more power and influence to have the resources to make change possible. That the nature of finite resources means that to devote themselves to the acquisition and redistribution of that to those who have been deprived of the opportunity that provides is recompense for the injustice inherent to the world they've been brought into.

For me, it took a great deal of introspection. For those who have seen the nature of work without being involved in it, have asked me the same question in various ways - "how can you talk about all the ills of the world, and not give up? You spend hours talking about painful, tragic, preventable deaths. Exploitation by or failure of those who were meant to protect. The specifics of harm that happens to innocents. How can you feel normal after being mired in all of that? Why don't you just lose hope?"

And for me... After a lot of introspection, I realised - I can't give up. I take stock of what I have, and knowing what I do, I feel grateful. It throws simple experiences into harsh contrast because it's tempered by that broader understanding.

The other side is outrage. I am not angry, I am outraged - outraged, that a species of animal was killed to mine for gas or oil and is now extinct. Outraged that someone took their own life because they didn't get the help they needed. Outraged when someone dies of an illness that could have a cure by now, if only it was more profitable.

My outrage is not a flash in the pan. It does not spark and explode. It does not make me irrational, or lash out. My outrage is a fragment of uranium lodged in the center of my chest. Sometimes it feels like it existed before I was born, and will outlive me.

That outrage is the reliable core of my hope. It is not a delicate creature whose life is easily snuffed out. It's what drives me to do better and be better to bend those skills to changing the world for the better. It's not a last stand, it's a war of attrition. I've accepted that even if I live to be 100, the world won't be perfect when I die. But everything I've worked towards will have been to make the world the best, imperfect, version that it could be.

And I hope that those who came after feel the same way I do. That someone will wake up one day and find the fragment that called me home lodged in their chest, and continue to hope.

Daily reminder that we do not actually live in a dystopian movie put the apocalypse down and back away slowly. You know when your cleaning a room and you pull everything out of it's draws to sort through it and you're like "what the fuck have I done I'm never going to be able to tidy all of this" I think that's the stage we're at in the world. Thanks to social media we've pulled out all the messed up shit from the cupboards of the world, it was always there but now we can see it and we're going to have to sort it all out we made this mess and we can fix it. Falling to the floor sobbing will not clean a crusty room. A group of people working systematically (preferably with music in the background) will.

[nutraexperts]

CORTISYNC: SAY GOODBYE TO STUBBORN WEIGHT! 💪

Feeling worried about hair loss?

You’re not alone.

We’ve all had those moments, staring at our reflection and wondering what happened to that full head of hair we used to flaunt.

That’s where CortiSync comes in.

This product promises to tackle the root causes of hair thinning and boost your confidence back up.

Curious about how it works and if it's worth your time? Let’s break it down!

👉 BUY CORTISYNC FOR EFFECTIVE CORTISOL CONTROL

Cortisync

I get it. You’re worried about hair loss.

It’s frustrating, isn’t it?

You look in the mirror and see those thinning spots.

Maybe you’ve tried countless products that promised results but left you feeling disappointed.

That’s where CortiSync comes into play.

Let’s break down what this product is all about.

What Is CortiSync?

CortiSync is a supplement designed to tackle hair loss at its core.

It targets cortisol levels, which can affect hair growth.

When cortisol spikes, it can lead to stress-induced hair loss.

By managing these levels, CortiSync aims to promote healthier hair growth.

Think of it as a way to support your body from the inside out.

Key Ingredients in CortiSync

The magic lies in its ingredients. Here are some standout components:

Ashwagandha: Known for its stress-reducing properties.

Rhodiola Rosea: Helps combat fatigue and supports mental clarity.

L-Theanine: Promotes relaxation without drowsiness.

These ingredients work together to create an environment conducive to healthy hair growth.

How Does CortiSync Work?

So how does it actually work?

The formula focuses on balancing cortisol levels while providing nutrients essential for hair health.

Here’s how I see it:

Stress Reduction: By lowering cortisol, you reduce one of the major factors contributing to hair loss.

Nutrient Support: The blend of vitamins and minerals nourishes your scalp and follicles directly.

Overall Wellness Boost: It doesn’t just stop at your head; it helps improve your overall well-being too!

Who Should Use CortiSync?

If you're experiencing any of these issues, this might be for you:

Noticeable thinning or bald spots.

Increased stress or anxiety affecting daily life.

A desire for healthier-looking hair without invasive treatments.

It's not just a quick fix; it's about embracing a holistic approach to wellness and beauty.

Real User Experiences: CortiSync Reviews

Let’s talk real-life experiences with this product.

I came across some compelling stories that caught my attention:

“I was skeptical at first, but after three months of using CortiSync, my friends started noticing my thicker hair! I feel more confident every day.” — Sarah, 34

“After battling stress-related hair loss for years, I finally found something that works! My scalp feels healthier and my strands are stronger.” — Mark, 29

These testimonials show how impactful this product can be when integrated into your routine.

Why Choose Primegenix CortiSync?

You might wonder why Primegenix stands out among other brands out there.

Here’s what sets them apart:

Quality Assurance: They use high-quality ingredients backed by research.

Transparency: Clear labeling means you know exactly what you’re putting into your body.

Customer-Centric Approach: Their focus on user satisfaction shines through in their reviews and community feedback.

When choosing a supplement like this, trust matters—and Primegenix has built that trust over time.

Possible Side Effects

Like any supplement, it's wise to stay informed about potential side effects.

Most users report no adverse reactions when taking CortiSync, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

Mild digestive upset (rare).

Drowsiness in sensitive individuals due to L-Theanine content—so take note if you're planning on driving or operating heavy machinery right after!

Always consult with a healthcare professional if you're unsure whether it's right for you.

How To Use CortiSync Effectively

To get the most out of your experience with CortiSync, follow these simple steps:

Take two capsules daily with meals—consistency is key!

Pair it with a balanced diet rich in vitamins and proteins for optimal results.

Stay hydrated; water helps transport nutrients effectively throughout your body!

By integrating these habits alongside taking the supplement, you'll create an environment where healthy hair can thrive.

Final Thoughts on Cortisync Reviews

At the end of the day, choosing a product like this comes down to personal needs and preferences.

But if you're looking for something that addresses both stress management and promotes healthier hair growth,

CortiSync could be worth considering based on real user experiences shared online through various platforms.

Don’t let worry hold you back anymore—take action today!

👉 BUY CORTISYNC AND RECLAIM YOUR VITALITY

FAQ

What is CortiSync and how does it work?

CortiSync is a supplement designed to help manage stress levels. It works by targeting cortisol, the hormone that can lead to weight gain and hair loss when it's elevated. The ingredients in CortiSync aim to support your body's natural response to stress, helping you feel more balanced.

Are there any side effects of using CortiSync?

Most users report minimal side effects, but everyone’s body is different. Some people might experience mild digestive upset or headaches initially as their body adjusts. It's always smart to check with your doctor before starting any new supplement.

How long does it take to see results from CortiSync?

Results can vary, but many users start noticing changes within 4-6 weeks of consistent use. Remember, everyone's body reacts differently. Patience is key here.

Can I take CortiSync with other supplements?

Yes, many people combine CortiSync with other vitamins and supplements. Just make sure you’re aware of the ingredients in each product. If you're unsure, a quick chat with your healthcare provider can clear things up.

Is there an age limit for taking CortiSync?

CortiSync is generally safe for adults over 18 years old. If you’re younger or have specific health concerns, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional first.

Where can I buy CortiSync?

You can grab CortiSync online through various retailers or directly from the manufacturer’s website. Just make sure you're purchasing from a reputable source to avoid counterfeit products.

How should I take CortiSync for maximum effectiveness?

It's recommended to follow the dosage instructions on the label—usually two capsules daily with water. Consistency is crucial for seeing the best results.

Are there any customer reviews available for CortiSync?

Absolutely! Many users share their experiences online, highlighting both positive outcomes and any challenges they faced while using it. Checking out these reviews can give you a better sense of what to expect.

Can I return CortiSync if I'm not satisfied with it?

Most retailers offer a satisfaction guarantee or return policy, so if you're not happy with your purchase, you should be able to return it within a specified period. Always read the terms before buying!

Does CortiSync help with hair loss specifically?

While it's not solely marketed for hair loss, managing cortisol levels may indirectly benefit hair health since high cortisol can contribute to hair thinning. Users have reported improvements in overall well-being which could include better hair health too!

👉 BUY CORTISYNC TO BOOST YOUR WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY

[groundluxe]

Does Earthing Help Lower Blood Pressure? Exploring the Benefits

In my journey to uncover natural remedies that support our health, I've stumbled upon a fascinating concept: earthing. Also known as grounding, it's the practice of connecting with the earth's electrical charge. It's said to offer a myriad of health benefits, but one question that particularly piqued my interest was its impact on blood pressure. With hypertension being a silent killer that affects millions worldwide, the potential of a natural solution like earthing is both exciting and worth exploring.

As someone who's always on the lookout for ways to enhance health naturally, I dove into the research and anecdotes surrounding earthing with keen interest. The idea that simply walking barefoot on the ground or connecting to the earth through grounding technologies could influence our vascular health is intriguing. Let's delve into what the science says and whether earthing could be the key to managing blood pressure more effectively.

Unveiling the Concept of Earthing

In my journey to understand the influence of earthing on blood pressure, I've delved into the science behind this fascinating concept. Earthing, essentially, involves making direct contact with the Earth's surface, experiencing the planet's natural electrical charge. This practice, rooted in reconnecting our bodies to the Earth's inherent energy, posits intriguing benefits for our vascular health.

Research suggests earthing may enhance blood flow, a critical component in managing blood pressure. By grounding oneself, either through walking barefoot outdoors or using conductive systems like grounding mats inside, the body's electrical balance is thought to stabilize. This process, in turn, might encourage the dilation of blood vessels, facilitating smoother blood flow and potentially easing the burden on the heart.

Exploring studies on earthing presents evidence of its impact on the body's electrical activity. The earth's surface has a negative ionic charge; when in direct contact, the body can absorb these ions. This absorption could neutralize positively charged free radicals, notorious for their role in inflammation and tight blood vessels. Reduction in inflammation and improvement in blood vessel function could, therefore, directly influence blood pressure levels.

Additionally, grounding's effects on the autonomic nervous system, responsible for controlling heart rate and blood vessel constriction, hint at a calming influence. This could mitigate stress responses, further supporting blood vessel relaxation and improved blood pressure.

As I navigate the correlation between earthing and blood pressure, these pieces form a compelling argument in favor of grounding's potential health benefits. While the investigation into earthing as a practice to manage blood pressure is far from conclusive, the preliminary insights offer a promising avenue for holistic health approaches. My aim is to bring these insights to light, encouraging deeper exploration into how reconnecting with our planet could be a key to unlocking natural pathways towards better vascular health.

Understanding Blood Pressure

Understanding blood pressure is crucial to grasp earthing's potential benefits on vascular health. Blood pressure measures the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. It's indicated by two numbers: systolic pressure, the pressure when the heart beats, and diastolic pressure, the pressure when the heart is at rest between beats.

Several factors can influence blood pressure, including stress, diet, physical activity, and genetics. Maintaining blood pressure within a healthy range is essential for preventing risks like heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. The American Heart Association suggests that a normal blood pressure reading is around 120/80 mmHg.

Research into earthing suggests it may positively affect blood pressure by promoting dilation of blood vessels and enhancing blood flow, as I've mentioned earlier. This is significant because when blood vessels dilate, they allow blood to flow more easily, potentially lowering the force needed to move it through the body. Moreover, by reducing inflammation and stress, earthing might help regulate the autonomic nervous system, further stabilizing blood pressure.

It's important to note, while earthing presents a promising approach to supporting blood pressure regulation, it doesn't replace traditional methods of management such as medication, diet, and exercise. However, it could serve as a supplementary practice that complements these established treatments.

As someone diving deep into the intricacies of how earthing could influence blood pressure, I find the existing data promising. However, more comprehensive studies are necessary to fully understand the extent of earthing's benefits. Bridging our connection with the Earth's natural electrical fields might just be another piece to the puzzle of maintaining optimal vascular health and blood pressure levels.

Exploring the Connection Between Earthing and Blood Pressure

Delving deeper into the relationship between earthing and blood pressure, it's crucial to understand how this practice influences physiological functions. Research indicates that earthing may reduce blood pressure by facilitating blood flow and decreasing inflammation. When individuals connect directly with the Earth's surface, the electrons transferred are theorized to neutralize positively charged free radicals, potentially reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key contributors to hypertension.

Several studies provide insights into earthing's impact on blood pressure. For instance, a documented experiment involving 40 participants revealed that those engaged in earthing experienced significant improvements in blood pressure levels compared to the control group. They reported a reduction in pain and stress, factors closely linked to elevated blood pressure. This study, like others, suggests that regular earthing practices might enhance vascular health by promoting dilation in the blood vessels, thereby improving circulation and potentially lowering blood pressure.

It's necessary to highlight, though, that while earthing appears beneficial for blood pressure management, it cannot solely remedy hypertension. Hypertension, a complex condition influenced by diverse factors including diet, genetics, and lifestyle, necessitates a multifaceted approach for effective management. Earthing, accordingly, should be considered an adjunct therapy rather than a standalone treatment. Integrating earthing with conventional management strategies, such as medication, dietary adjustments, and physical activity, can augment overall cardiovascular health.

From a scientific standpoint, the positive correlation between earthing and blood pressure underscores the significance of our connection with the natural environment. As researchers continue to explore this fascinating field, incorporating earthing into a comprehensive wellness plan might offer a simple, yet effective, strategy for supporting cardiovascular health and mitigating hypertension risks. Nonetheless, it's imperative for individuals interested in earthing as a therapeutic modality to consult with healthcare professionals, ensuring it complements their tailored health regimen optimally.

The Benefits of Earthing Beyond Blood Pressure

Exploring the realm of earthing, I find its advantages extend far beyond just aiding blood pressure regulation. This practice, connecting with the Earth's natural electric fields, offers a myriad of health benefits that contribute to overall well-being.

Firstly, earthing has been associated with reducing chronic inflammation, a root cause of many long-term health issues including autoimmune diseases and chronic pain. The Earth's negative ions are thought to neutralize free radicals, potentially diminishing inflammation throughout the body.

Secondly, improving sleep quality is another remarkable benefit of earthing. Many people report feeling more rested and experiencing deeper sleep cycles when practicing earthing. This improvement in sleep can be attributed to the normalization of the body's circadian rhythms.

Additionally, earthing helps in enhancing mental health and emotional well-being. It's known to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress by moderating the body's autonomic nervous system. People who practice earthing regularly often report feeling more grounded and less overwhelmed by life's stresses.

Moreover, earthing can accelerate recovery from physical exertion and decrease muscle damage. Athletes and individuals engaging in physical activities find that grounding helps speed up the recovery process, reduces soreness, and improves overall athletic performance.

Lastly, strengthening the immune system is another critical advantage of earthing. By promoting better sleep, reducing inflammation, and improving mental health, earthing contributes to a stronger, more resilient immune system.

While earthing positively impacts blood pressure and cardiovascular health, its benefits are multifaceted. From enhancing sleep quality to boosting the immune system, earthing offers a holistic approach to health that complements traditional medical treatments and supports overall well-being. As I delve deeper into the study of earthing, its broad spectrum of advantages continues to impress me, encouraging a closer connection with the Earth to harness its healing powers.

Practical Ways to Incorporate Earthing

Incorporating earthing into daily routine might seem challenging at first, especially for those living in urban environments. However, with a bit of creativity and commitment, it's possible to connect with the Earth’s natural electrical charge and reap the health benefits, including support for blood pressure regulation. Here, I outline simple yet effective methods to practice earthing.

Walking Barefoot: Taking a walk barefoot, especially on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil, allows for direct contact with the Earth. This practice not only helps in improving blood flow but also offers a grounding experience that can be both relaxing and invigorating.

Using Earthing Sheets or Mats: For those living in high-rise buildings or areas where direct contact with the ground isn't feasible, earthing sheets or mats come in handy. These products are designed to mimic the electrical charge of the Earth and can be used during sleep or while sitting at a desk, providing a convenient option for daily earthing. There are many grounding products available in the market that you can choose from.

Gardening: Engaging in gardening activities requires physical contact with the Earth and serves as an excellent way to practice earthing. This not only helps in connecting with nature but also promotes relaxation and stress relief, which are beneficial for blood pressure management.

Swimming in Natural Waters: Swimming in oceans, lakes, or rivers where the water is in direct contact with the Earth can provide an earthing experience. The natural bodies of water carry the Earth’s negative charge, and swimming allows for full-body exposure, offering an enjoyable and effective way to ground oneself.

Practicing Yoga Outdoors: Performing yoga on grass or sand provides a double benefit of physical exercise and earthing. The direct contact with the Earth during yoga poses enhances the grounding experience, supports circulation, and aids in stress reduction.

I find these methods not only feasible but also enjoyable, allowing for a connection with the Earth that supports overall well-being, including blood pressure management. Whether it's a quick walk on the beach, a night’s sleep on an earthing sheet, or a gardening session in the backyard, each practice contributes to the holistic benefits of earthing.

Addressing Skepticism and Safety Concerns

As I delve deeper into the benefits of earthing on blood pressure and overall health, it's crucial to address the skepticism and safety concerns that often arise. Despite the promising results reported by many, skepticism exists due to the limited scientific research available on earthing. Critics often point out the need for more extensive, rigorously controlled studies to firmly establish the connection between earthing and its purported health benefits, including blood pressure regulation.

Safety concerns also warrant discussion, especially regarding the direct physical connection with the Earth. When practicing earthing, using properly designed products like mats, sheets, or specific grounding devices is paramount to mitigate any risks of electrical exposure. It's advisable to purchase these from reputable sources to ensure they meet safety standards. Engaging in natural grounding practices, such as walking barefoot on grass or soil, poses minimal risk if one selects areas free from potential hazards like sharp objects or contaminated surfaces.

Moreover, individuals with existing health conditions or those using medical devices such as pacemakers should consult with healthcare professionals before embarking on earthing practices. This precaution ensures that earthing complements their health regimen without interfering with medical conditions or treatments.

In essence, while skepticism towards earthing exists due to the nascent stage of its research, adhering to safety guidelines and consulting with healthcare professionals can help mitigate risks. As interest in earthing grows, I anticipate further studies will shed more light on its relationship with blood pressure regulation and address the concerns skeptics have. Meanwhile, incorporating earthing into one's wellness routine, within the bounds of safety and health guidelines, offers a natural way to potentially enhance vascular health and well-being.

Conclusion

Exploring the relationship between earthing and blood pressure has opened up fascinating insights into how connecting with the Earth's natural energies might benefit our vascular health. While the skepticism is valid and calls for more in-depth research, the potential benefits can't be ignored. It's clear that incorporating earthing practices, with a mindful approach to safety and health, could be a game-changer for many. I'm convinced that with proper guidance and precautions, earthing might just be the missing link in our quest for better health and well-being. Let's keep our minds open and our feet grounded.

[lunaprincipessa]

ENTRY 107

Comfort Shows:

Many different people enjoy many different kinds of shows, but there is one thing all comfort shows have in common, and that is the ability to take viewers away from reality.

They (comfort shows) are said to ease the symptoms of stress utilizing plots and characters that appeal to viewers. Of course, the people creating these shows don't always have the element of comfort in mind, but that's certainly how many of their viewers respond.

Psychologists weighed in and said there is absolutely nothing wrong with a person having a comfort show, as long as it's a positive distraction that offers a nice break, and not a negative distraction which may keep us from our responsibilities for any elongated period of time. In other words, watch all ya want but get your shit done.

Moving on, the criteria for these shows to meet in order to be considered "comforting" is to have low-stake situations and fun characters that can bring the viewers a sense of familiarity and calm. Basically, something gentle on the nervous system.

Not my comfort show.

My comfort show is Chernobyl.

Chernobyl is an HBO miniseries and historical drama that was released in 2019. It gives an inside look at the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine in 1986. I was a 4-year-old girl growing up in the U.S. at the time. Those older than myself told me many people were concerned or scared that the radiation may have had the potential to reach us despite the distance.

It's like the Titanic, we all know the story. On April 26th, 1986, a sudden surge of power created by irresponsible employees during a reactor systems test caused an explosion. This explosion destroyed a Chernobyl nuclear power station unit (#4), releasing a massive amount of radiation into the environment directly affecting Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. It is said that to this day, there are people still living with health defects caused by that disaster.

The show reveals what happened behind closed doors: how the nuclear employees responded (the majority of them dying in attempts to save each other), how the townspeople responded (the majority getting sick/being evacuated etc), how the doctors and scientists responded (the majority threatened with demotion or jail time for telling the truth), and how the government responded (willing to sacrifice human life to keep secrets).

Then there's the story of Lyudmilla Ignatenko, who lost her newborn baby due to radiation poisoning. She received the radiation poisoning from caring for her husband, a firefighter and first-responder at Chernobyl dying of radiation poisioning himself. Unfortunately, the baby absorbed it all, saving Lyudmilla's life but passing away just four hours after birth.

Allow me to explain why it's a comfort show. It is not the suffering that I find comforting. For what it's worth, my heart goes out to everyone involved, like Lyudmilla Ignatenko, who is alive and well, or Valery Khodemchuk, who is presumed to be permanently entombed under the remnants of the circulation pumps (his body was never found). The suffering is no comfort to me at all, I cannot emphasize on that point enough.

What comforts me is the reality of this show. There is no superhero that flies in and fixes everything. There is no prince or king that rides in and fixes everything. No, this is real life. You see unfiltered, raw tragedy and then you see people doing the best they can to make it through. That comforts me because it's real. Average people working together with the odds stacked against them. That comforts me because it's real.

True, this story lacks a happy ending, but so does many of our real life adventures. We just pick up the broken pieces and move on without any cheering or any fun music playing. We just do the best with what we've got, with what we've been given in this life.

I watch that show for comfort because even in the midst of battling a deadly and invisible enemy, in the midst of fighting to heal under an apathetic government, the people still did what they could to pull through. It's a reminder to keep going no matter what, no matter what the odds are or who is against you. That's the best way I can explain it. Words escape me tonight.

More thoughts later.

[tallmantall]

#JamesDonaldson On #MentalHealth – This September, Promise To Live

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. The Promise to Live Pledge can help those struggling with mental health By Kevin Guest Prioritizing mental health and suicide prevention is a goal worth focusing on every day. A few years ago, I experienced one of the most heart-wrenching moments a parent can face. I found myself in an emergency room, looking at my own child who had just attempted suicide. It was a brutal shock that left me questioning everything I thought I knew about my family’s mental health. I’d spent my career at USANA Health Sciences, a company dedicated to promoting physical health. But in that sterile hospital room, it became painfully clear that we hadn’t given enough attention to mental health. The experience ignited in me a fierce determination to change this — for my family, my company and society at large. #James Donaldson notes:Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space.  #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticleFind out more about the work I do on my 501c3 non-profit foundationwebsite www.yourgiftoflife.org Order your copy of James Donaldson's latest book,#CelebratingYourGiftofLife: From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com As I navigated this crisis, therapy helped me understand the importance of openly addressing suicide. I had initially feared that discussing it would plant dangerous seeds in my child’s mind. However, my therapist made it clear that it’s not only OK but necessary to say the word “suicide” directly. Avoiding the topic can actually exacerbate feelings of isolation and despair. Embracing this realization led me to the Promise to Live pledge. This pledge involves promising to reach out to trusted resources when struggling personally and sharing this commitment with others. It’s a proactive step toward prioritizing mental health and suicide prevention, embodying a promise to live, seek help when needed and encourage others to do the same. At USANA Health Sciences, we’ve taken this pledge to heart. We’ve actively encouraged our associates to make this commitment because we believe that true health encompasses both body and mind. We must do more to understand and nurture our mental well-being, just as we do our physical health. Professional therapy played a crucial role in my family’s journey. It’s not a sign of weakness, but a vital tool for managing mental health. It’s beneficial for those struggling with mental health issues and their loved ones alike. I still attend therapy and advocate for the normalization of mental health. Like treating a physical illness, seeking professional help for mental health should be seen as a standard, not a stigma. Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is September, and World Suicide Prevention Day is Sept. 10, but the urgency to act is now. We can’t afford to wait until we’re personally affected by mental health issues or suicide. Taking the pledge at Promise2Live.org takes little time but can potentially save lives. My call to action is simple: Let’s normalize conversations about mental health. Let’s remove the stigma surrounding therapy. Let’s make the promise to live. It’s not just about raising awareness; it’s about making a difference, one promise at a time. Join us today at Promise2Live.org. Make your pledge, and together we can create a world where mental health is discussed, understood and prioritized. Because every life matters, and every promise brings us one step closer to a healthier, more compassionate world. Read the full article

[liskantope]

This is probably the longest (in terms of number of characters, surely) thread I've ever reblogged, and it's already worth reblogging only to bookmark the back-and-forth debate between Fierce and a TERF or TERF-adjacent Tumblr on the primary culture war set of issues of the day, which is about the most extensive and exhaustive blog debate on this I've seen.

But I wanted to respond briefly (to the extent that I'm ever capable of that?) to the newer back-and-forth between Fierce and @gottagofaaast, for whatever my point of view is worth as someone who is neither trans nor a woman.

I have to say that I feel much more on the same page as gottagofaaast here (with a slight tweak from "cis women" to "cis women and other AFAB people): there is about as much justification, in terms of common traits, for a "people who grew up female-bodied" book club as for a "people who identify as women" book club (although I'm not sure how healthy it is to strongly promote either, and the former one does slightly make my skin crawl for whatever reason).

There have been volumes of angry arguments back and forth between TERFs and trans-inclusive feminists on which demographics qualify as Having Had Enough Women's Experiences To Be Included In Women's Groups, with both sides (especially I think more rigidly on the TERF side) seeming committed to drawing an absolute line between Qualified and Unqualified with trans women on one side or the other. And ever since I first became aware of this arena of debate around 2014, it all struck me as kind of silly, in the sense that the problem is easy to resolve in theoretical principle: people who grew up and lived most/all of their lives in female bodies tend to have a certain set of traits (with important societal consequences) in common, such as dealing with a certain kind of sexism from a young age, feeling more physically vulnerable, having periods and other feminine health issues, being more directly affected by abortion bans, etc. And people who identify as women tend to have a certain set of traits (also with important societal consequences, though perhaps fewer in number) in common, such as not feeling like one of the boys, the burdens of what goes into presenting as a woman in the way society expects, experiencing certain flavors of sexism, etc. These sets of traits overlap somewhat but nowhere near entirely.

I don't see the point in assuming implicitly that there's only one set of traits and so feminists have to wage a war over whether trans women entirely fall or entirely don't fall within them. The way I've always thought, for most of the past decade, is that in some aspects trans women's experiences and oppression are more similar to those of cis women, and in some other respects they're more like those of cis men, and of course there is a certain experience and major form of oppression that just comes from being trans which neither cis men nor cis women will know firsthand. People can argue over concrete details regarding some experiences and types of oppression, but to me that's the obvious framing of the general picture.

I'm inclined to reject the argument for asymmetry that Fierce is giving here, where women but not cis women may form their own groups because women are an oppressed category whereas cis women aren't. It seems to me that although trans women have overall a way higher number of "oppression points" in today's society, cis women (along with other AFAB people) still share a particular set of relevant experiences and have suffered more oppression than trans women in certain particular ways, and I don't think that adds up to "women should have groups for them but cis women shouldn't". (Although again, groups that explicitly proclaim themselves as exclusive to one innate-trait demographic kind of creep me out, particularly one that billed itself as "cis women only", particularly in the present environment.)

Weird question of the day: so what is terfs’ actual endgame?

Like I know the middle game is “everyone identifies with their assigned sex and no one modifies their body in ways that alter secondary sex characteristics.” But then what?

They say they’re feminists, so that would imply the actual endgame isn’t just “the destruction of the transcult” but the end of patriarchy.

But how is everyone identifying with their asab and not modifying their body supposed to do that?

It’s very Underpants Gnomes.

Recruit trans people who doubt.

Destroy the transcult!

…..

End patriarchy!

?????