Unlearn These Habits for a Better You

Unlearn These Habits for a Better You

Unlearn These Habits for a Better You

Unlearning is the new learning in the journey of having a blissful quality of life. People say, learning a new good habit can be cumbersome but have you ever tried to unlearn a bad habit? It is much harder to unlearn a bad habit. We, as humans, catch up on bad habits very quickly and let them settle just as our second nature.

There are some habits that one should totally unlearn to grow and stimulate better life decisions.

Fear Of Change

You don’t have to be happy about everything that happens in your life. However, you should not let your fear stop you either. We are all aware that things could be much worse at any time in our lives. Also the fact that you are reading this article right now proves that you are some of the world’s wealthier and more privileged individuals.

Life is changing way quicker than ever before, and we may be confronted with new problems every day. As a result, the most capable of adapting individuals will always win in the long run. It’s much harder than it sounds, but it’s probably one of the most underappreciated words of advice. Even if changes are uncertain, they almost always have a positive aspect. Be brave, focus on the positive aspects, and try new things.

Procrastination

No matter what your age is, you will always end up procrastinating! We procrastinate because we subconsciously believe that the task ahead of us is too difficult. So, next time you’re in this scenario, make a habit of breaking down your activity into smaller, more manageable chunks.

Delaying something inevitable in your schedule is never beneficial, it only ends up making the timetable more congested and leaves you with greater stress than what you already had. Therefore, always aim to complete your tasks on time and stop procrastinating to let go of the habit of procrastination.

Comparison

Comparing yourself to others is not only disrespectful of your own capabilities but also a total disregard of others’ status. Being jealous of others’ achievements without knowing what they have been through in their actual life is never justified nor advised. Never compare yourself with others. Always compete with yourself and beat YOUR previous best.

Being Afraid to Make Mistakes

Isn’t making mistakes just an aspect of our human nature? Everyone makes mistakes but there are very few people who accept them and rectify them. Following the notion of hard work will always lead to success is one of the biggest mistakes that people make. Try to embrace your mistakes and it’s okay to make them. Never go too hard on yourself for making mistakes and instead, try to learn from them.

Obsessions with Other Peoples’ Opinions

How often do you feel discouraged because of the opinions of others? The chances are that your answer is too often. The scary part is that you will never be able to appease everyone. The good news is that it makes no difference. You only have one life, so don’t bother wasting it by trying to live up to the expectations of others.

You can’t be everyone’s favorite, but you can be your own hero and save yourself. Stop suppressing your inner voice to please others and start shining your light on the world. Start unlearning bad habits and learning the ways to improve the quality of life. No matter what your definition of quality of life is, just make sure to enjoy every moment and reap the utmost benefits from every day that you are living.

 

What are Alternative Health remedies?

What are Alternative Health remedies?

What are Alternative Health remedies?

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural and alternative remedies, foods, oils herbs and more and the information has grown in line with the surge in natural medicine popularity. Alternative health remedies definitely have benefits and while they are not always a cure, they can help in certain situations.

Alternative medicines are treatments that are considered to be an alternative approach and /or a complementary support to traditional Western medicine or allopathic / conventional treatments, that include plants, oils, supplements, nutrition, mind and body works amongst others, from varying disciplines and cultures. They can be used to treat many different kinds of illnesses and diseases.

In the Western world, many alternative remedies are largely unregulated, and their efficacy is not always established by scientific evidence.  Therefore, it’s important to fully research your therapy and practitioner to ensure you get the best help possible. There are many great societies helping to regulate and support these therapies and practitioners, and it is changing all the time which is a great thing to see.

There are literally thousands of therapies so do your research well or seek the advice of a qualified Naturopath who is often qualified in many disciplines to help you to choose your therapy or guide you to the appropriate therapist. You may have heard of herbal remedies, nutritional therapy, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, homeopathic treatments, acupuncture, acupressure, bachs remedies and other more common modalities but there are many thousands of others.  Some people use alternative healing modes as a way to combat the toxicity of modern life or to find peace with the body and mind.

Alternative health remedies for skin problems and hair.

Alternative health remedies are often said to be the newest trend in medicine, where in actual fact they have been around for many thousands of years in a lot of cases. With many people investing in those natural, organic remedies, we have to ask ourselves:

What can these remedies really do?

There are many claims about the benefits of alternative remedies and many report benefits such as helping everything from skin problems and digestion problems through to circulation and hair growth. The use of natural remedies is not new. The word “remedy” comes from the Latin “recuperāre,” which means “to make whole again.”

Alternative health remedies are not usually intended to cure major illnesses, such as cancer or diabetes but can be a support and benefit to the immune system and for overall wellbeing and mood. They are commonly called upon for milder problems, like skin infections or digestive issues and can sometimes be used in place of, but more commonly alongside, prescription medicine to support minor health concerns.

Let’s look at some remedies

Hair growth

There are a number of remedies that people can use to stimulate hair growth. These remedies range from natural home-grown methods to expensive treatments.

  • -Massage therapy,
  • -Aloe Vera,
  • -Coconut oil,
  • -Ginseng,
  • -Geranium oil,
  • -Lemon,
  • -Onion Juice,
  • -Rosemary oil

have all long been used to stimulate hair growth.

Skin

Natural remedies are an affordable way to solve problems. They can be found in the kitchen or even in the back garden. Some natural remedies for skin are apple cider vinegar, cucumber, and oatmeal masks. As well as aloe vera and rose oil.

Apple cider vinegar is a good remedy for dry skin because it has a pH of 4-5 which balances the skin’s natural pH level of 5-6. It is also rich in antioxidants such as polyphenols and flavonoids that help fight free radicals and prevent premature aging.

Cucumbers have compounds called cucurbitacin’s that shrink blood vessels, thereby reducing inflammation on your face and improving circulation to your skin cells.

Oatmeal is good for oily or acne-prone skin because it can soak up excess oil which help keep pores clean, but it is also antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and can also help to treat dry skin and remove dead skin cells. Oats contain saponins which are natural cleansers.

Go natural, its kinder.

Natural remedies are a kinder way to cure your skin because they don’t usually have any side effects and are made from organic materials that do not contain any chemicals. One of the most popular old natural remedies is honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.  Honey (with lemon juice and cinnamon powder)

If you are vegan there are others which carry similar healing properties.

  • – Coconut oil
  • – Flaxseed Scrub
  • – Aloe Vera and Cucumber with Coconut oil
  • – Apple cider vinegar mixed with water
  • – Blueberry face mask
  • – Coffee mask
  • – Banana face mask
  • To name a few.

Always consult a doctor before trying natural herbs, oils, or  remedies

So you can see, there are many benefits to using natural remedies and these are just a tiny selection, so I urge you to do your research and try things out, above all, have fun. Natural medicine practitioners can work very happily and successfully alongside your primary care practitioner or Doctor and they very often do. So do not think it must be one or the other.

Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something Is natural does not mean zero risk. While many are very low risk there still can be complications, contraindications and contra-actions.

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Practitioner and always consult a Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your health practitioner first.

What Are Some Of The More Common Meds And How They Work

What Are Some Of The More Common Meds And How They Work

What Are Some Of The More Common Meds And How They Work

A Better Understanding Of The Most Popular Prescription Drugs Medications are often a part of the treatment options most psychiatrists give their clients.

They are developed specifically to help ease the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental conditions. We all know that meds sound scary, so in order to break the stigma surrounding them, we decided to write this article.

Its aim is to explain what the most common prescription meds are and how they work so that people have a higher level of understanding when they come into contact with them.

We hope you find this interesting.

Xanax

We’ve all heard of Xanax – a benzodiazepine that treats anxiety and panic. It works by increasing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid or, in simpler terms, the chemical responsible for calmness and relaxation. It’s absorbed quickly by the body, which is why most doctors recommend it.

Because of this, however, some people may abuse it, which is why it’s on the list of controlled substances in most countries. It has some side effects, especially if mixed with other medications. With time, people can become more tolerant of the substance, which is why dosage is very important when continuously taking Xanax.

Zoloft

Zoloft is the brand name of one of the most famous antidepressants out there. This is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) that focuses on serotonin levels which are often outside of the norm in people with anxiety, depression, OCD, and the likes.

Many psychologists recommend it over other antidepressants because of its lighter side effects. It’s also important to mention that this medication works slower than Xanax – here, the peak effect can be seen somewhere between 4 and 8 hours after taking the pill itself.

Prozac

This is another SSRI, but it’s different from Zoloft. It gained popularity much earlier, in the 1980s, and has been used ever since. This medication is very often taken on a regular basis alongside therapy. It is mostly used for treating anxiety disorders. However, many people recommend it for depression and OCD as well.

Its full effects can be seen up to 12 weeks after starting to take it, which can be frustrating and the reason why some people quit before they reach that point. The same as the other medications on this list, it should not be mixed with other substances, especially alcohol.

Ativan

This drug is a common antidepressant that works in a similar way to Xanax. However, it also affects the body’s physical functions and responses during such moments. It has a fast effect and as such, is often recommended for panic attacks and acute agitation, and restlessness.

It is also prescribed for alcohol withdrawal, seizures, and insomnia. A specific side effect that Ativan has is known as “rebound anxiety” – a relapse or worsening of the same feeling which was the initial reason for taking the pill.

A different but important side effect is also an overall numbing feeling towards life events and responsibility when under the influence of Ativan.

Adderall

Adderall is a stimulant medication often prescribed to people with ADHD. It’s a mix of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that increases the activity of the central nervous system, making you more focused. It comes in two versions – immediate and extended-release – providing two different sorts of treatment.

One deals with instantaneous outbreaks, while the other with predetermined conditions. The deficiency in attention span is believed to be caused by a decrease in dopamine, and Adderall makes your brain produce larger quantities on a more regular basis.

Although it’s estimated to help around 75% of patients with ADHD, this medication also has side effects and can be addictive if not taken according to prescription.

Final Thoughts

Medications help people all over the world. Being so widespread, it’s incredibly important to know what they’re prescribed for, how they work, and what side effects they can have.

Here we have made a very short summary about the most common meds, but we highly recommend you do more research if you’re considering taking this or similar medicine and, of course, consult with a professional!

What Does “Healthy Eating” Mean?

What Does “Healthy Eating” Mean?

What Does “Healthy Eating” Mean?

The Actual Definition Of Healthy Eating Patterns

Eating healthily is one of those concepts that seem to have a clear definition, but in reality is quite complex. What one person considers healthy eating may not be the same as what another person considers healthy. So, what does “healthy eating” mean? Is it possible to come up with a single definition that everyone can agree on?

Probably not, but we can take a look at some of the common components of healthy diets and see if there is anything we can all agree on.

The Human Needs

APPROPRIATE EATING

When thinking about a ‘healthy nutrition plan,’ it is important to give some context in the first place. Think of your nutrition plan/habits as the thing that gives your body everything needed to sustain its weight and healthy functioning.

Healthy nutrition is supposed to help you:

  1. Feel good
  2. Perform well (physically/mentally)
  3. Be in a good shape
  4. Stay healthy!

From that perspective, we can say that ultimately, a good nutrition plan is like quality fuel for a car – It helps you keep performing at your best. Certainly, the human body is much more complex than a car, but there is one basic fact we can all follow. That is the fact that every human body requires a certain daily amount of energy to maintain its body weight and sustain the healthy functioning of internal processes!

This daily amount of energy comes from food sources (duh) and is measured in calories. It is commonly known as the “Total daily energy expenditure (TDEE)” and depends on various individual factors.

Those factors are mainly:

  1. Gender
  2. Age
  3. Height
  4. Weight
  5. Non-training activity
  6. Training activity
  7. Food consumption

This brings us to the first conclusion on the topic – One of the main components of a healthy diet is the AMOUNT of food it consists of! Oh, and we have to mention that each of the factors above has a complicated formula you can use to calculate your TDEE, but luckily, all those formulas are now packed into easy-to-use calculators that can give a highly accurate number.

Our favorite calculator can be found by clicking HERE.

The Macronutrients

Alright, so you just learned that the amount of food you consume is detrimental to how well your body functions and recovers. However, contrary to popular belief, healthy nutrition isn’t all about the number of calories, but also the CONTENT of those calories. The caloric content of our ‘diets’ is built-up of what we refer to as “macronutrients”. There are three main macronutrients that contribute to caloric content, and those are:

  1. Protein (4 calories per gram)
  2. Fats (9 calories per gram)
  3. Carbohydrates (4 calories per gram)

Each of the macronutrients has a different function in the body, but a rule of thumb is to remember that the essential macronutrients are the first two – Protein and fats. Think of the word ‘essential’ as “the body needs it for optimal functioning, but can’t produce it on its own.” Protein and fats are essential for a variety of processes, including, but not limited to:

  1. Recovery
  2. Maintenance of lean body mass
  3. Body temperature regulation
  4. Hormonal regulation
  5. Growth and maintenance

This is why it is of prime importance to focus on deriving these 2 in sufficient amounts daily.

Generally speaking, your daily protein should range from 0.8 to 1g per lb. of body weight, while fats should be set at about 0.35-0.45g per lb.

What About Carbs?

Okay, so if protein and fats are essential and carbs are not… Does that mean you should avoid them? Well, totally not, actually!

Though non-essential, carbohydrates are the preferred energy source for the brain AND on top of that, are the best source of energy for high-intensity training activities.

This means that if you are an active trainee, you can feel free to fuel your workouts with quality carbohydrates after securing your protein and fat intake!

The Micronutrients

The human body is a complex machine that requires not only sufficient calories but also an array of vitamins and minerals to function properly. A deficiency in any one of these essential nutrients can lead to a host of health problems. That’s why it’s important for everyone to make sure they are getting enough vitamins and minerals in their diet.

You can do this by eating a variety of healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables. However, if you are not a fan of plant products, you should consider multivitamin supplements to fill in any gaps!

Food Quality

organic baby food

Checkpoint #2 – Cha-ching!

So far, we’ve learned that the amount of food & the macronutrient content are the two primary components of a healthy eating plan. However, that’s not all there is to it. The third most important factor is the quality of the food that shapes up that caloric intake!

When choosing your food products, you should consider the fact that the mass-production of certain foods leads to significantly worse quality. For instance, the animals grown during the mass-production of animal products are fed unnaturally. By unnaturally, we mean foods like corn and soy, which generally have a poor nutrient profile, which impacts the quality and nutrient profile of the meat and organs, as an end result.

That being said, when building up your nutrition plan and choosing the products, focus on purchasing products from local farmers and small businesses rather than grocery stores!

Final Thoughts

With so many different definitions of “healthy eating,” it’s easy to see how the confusion arises. However, the basic principles of a healthy diet remain the same, regardless of who you are and what goals you have with your nutrition.

Those are:

  1. The total amount of food
  2. Total macronutrient & micronutrient content
  3. Quality of food products

Focus on those, remain active, and your body will be thankful!

Comment below and tell us your definition of a healthy diet!

What is Reiki?

What is Reiki?

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It can be used for self-healing or as an alternative medical treatment. Reiki is said to soothe both the body and mind.

Reiki is a holistic healing therapy that was developed over the course of more than two hundred years by Mikao Usui. Reiki can be used to heal many different types of ailments, such as emotional, physical and spiritual ailments.  With long-term sessions, people may experience lasting relief from chronic pain, stress, depression, and anxiety.

What is the goal and how is it carried out?

The goal of reiki is to align the person’s energy with his or her higher self in order to achieve complete balance. This process removes any blockages that are preventing this healthy flow of energy. Reiki healing is done through the use of hands-on treatments, meaning that it does not require any needling or invasive techniques. It is also possible to deliver it by distance healing.

It can be delivered in person, by phone, or through the internet. Although it is a form of energy healing that originated in Japan it has spread worldwide. Practitioners believe that this energy may be channelled into people’s aura to promote self-healing from injury and disease. Reiki practitioners use their hands or sometimes their whole body to channel the life-giving energy to heal another person, either through physical contact or at a distance, even if they are not present at the time.

What does reiki mean?

The word “reiki” is made up of two words ‘’rei’’ meaning Gods wisdom or higher power and ‘’Ki’’ meaning life force energy. There for one could say it has an overall meaning of “universal life energy.” Reiki masters are thought to have the ability to channel this universal energy and transmit their life force through their hands into other people and objects around them in order to heal them.

Reiki Symbols

Symbols are used in reiki to invoke the desired energies. Symbols can be drawn on the body with a stick of incense, or they can be projected onto a person or an object. When we create symbols with our hands in reiki sessions, it creates an energetic circuit which is then sent to the recipient for healing. Symbols are objects, characters, words, or pictures that represent something abstract. They are often created by drawing a shape in the air with our hands and represent spiritual ideas like peace and love.

The symbols in Reiki are not words. They are drawn images that represent universal life force energy. The symbols in reiki were developed by Mikao Usui, a Buddhist monk who believed that the symbols could help to heal others and themselves.

Cho Ku Rei is one of the most known reiki symbols, but the words Cho Ku Rei carry an interesting mix of meanings and beliefs, for example: it is a Japanese term meaning to write quickly. It was first identified by the author of the book “Writing with speed: how to be productive in less time” (2006), who noted that the velocity of writing increases with practice and can be increased even further through a series of mental routines.

Cho Ku Rei is not about how many words one writes every minute; rather, it focuses on how many finished words one writes in a specific time period. Cho Ku Rei is also the Japanese belief that a person’s spirit leaves their body when they sleep and wanders off to various places. It’s believed that the spirit of someone who died will return to visit their home or may stay with family members.

Japan is one of the few countries in which it is still socially acceptable to wear white after a death. Cho Ku Rei, or “death attire,” is seen as an extension of deep respect for the deceased.

This custom has its roots in ancient Japanese culture, and it came from the Buddhist tradition that encouraged individuals to wear white clothing after death. The Buddhist tradition started to spread throughout Japan, with people from different sects all following this trend. Eventually, it became a tradition that helped with mourning and grieving when a family member dies. Mourning rituals have been followed in Japan for centuries and Cho Ku Rei has been an important part of this ritual since its inception.

Cho Ku Rei, in Usui Reiki meaning “source of light,” is a power symbol that has been used since the days when reiki was first brought to the West. It is a systematic procedure with many steps, and it has been designed to bring about specific results. The practitioner can use it for self-development or for healing others in various situations.

Other symbols are:

Sei He Ki – The harmony symbol – for when you are in need of purification and need balance and harmony to be restored.

Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen – The distance symbol – it means having no present past or future and therefore transcends time and space.

Who can benefit from reiki?

Reiki can be beneficial for everyone who is willing to try and experience it. But does this mean that it is a good idea for every member of the family to get a session from a reiki healer? Reiki practitioners believe that the benefits of reiki are not limited to their patients. As such, they recommend that any person in the family gets at least one session with them. This way, they can maintain their mental and physical health as well.

Whilst it may not be the choice of healing for everyone, it is for someone who wants to deeply heal. Its gentle, non-invasive and very relaxing.

Who can train in reiki?

It is a technique that has been passed down through generations. The power of Reiki comes from an energy field or life force, which people can tap into and direct with their thoughts. Anyone can use reiki for beneficial purposes – it does not require any complex training to get started and anyone can learn how to do it themselves with guidance from someone who already knows how, such as a reiki master.

Reiki can be used by anyone who is willing to learn. It can provide a sense of peace and a feeling of being cared for. Reiki is becoming increasingly popular in the workplace. There are companies that offer Reiki as an employee benefit in order to help their employees feel cared for.

So, if you are looking for a new healing modality, this one is worth exploring.

Disclaimer Note: It’s important to note though, that just because something is natural does not mean zero risk. While many natural therapies are very low risk there still may be complications, contraindications and contra-actions.

The internet is full of information on how you can cure yourself with natural remedies, therapies, fitness equipment and more, but we recommend that you seek out a Qualified Natural Practitioner, Reiki or Energy medicine expert and always consult a Doctor before trying any new things. Never stop taking any prescribed medication without speaking to your health practitioner first.

Thankyou – This article is for entertainment and informational purposes only.

When Should You Go To Therapy?

When Should You Go To Therapy?

When Should You Go To Therapy?

Accepting The Help You May Need We’ve all had some tough times through the years – it is simply natural for things to go up and down from time to time, following the natural cycle of life. Sometimes it can be hard to admit to yourself and others that you’re worried or have a problem, especially if you’re shy or introverted.

People often experience difficulty when they have to open up for the first time and share their inner worries. However, it is ultimately better to do so as this is the only way to seek help from anyone. In fact, going to therapy for professional assistance is quite common nowadays, and that is indeed a good thing!

Some reassuring numbers we can share with you to prove that therapy is nothing to be ashamed of, for instance, is that one in every eight adults has gone to therapy in the last year. So you see, it’s something most people do and more people should do.

But how to figure out if therapy is something you need or would benefit from?

Let’s answer this and more questions!

Question Yourself!

Whether you have a minor or a major issue with how you perceive, feel and act, one thing is for sure – You have unlimited access to your self-awareness and consciousness. Before you decide to get help from another person that has those, make sure to use your own to the best extent possible!

One of the best methods to do so is to… Ask yourself questions! Here are 4 questions you should ask yourself and answer, to find out whether or not professional help is needed in your case.

Am I Happy?

This seems like a pretty basic question but may prove challenging for some people, especially if they aren’t introspective. Happiness is the ultimate goal for most of us, and as such, it’s hard for us to accept that we aren’t always experiencing it. This is why some people choose to go to therapy – to understand their momentary negative emotions and become more accepting of them.

A different perspective is that some people are too busy and sometimes neglect their own feelings because they lack time to reflect on them.This often leads to feelings of pressure or agitation, which need to be battled with the help of a psychologist.

Am I Avoiding Something?

A frequently used defense mechanism is to try your best to ignore your problems. People tend to avoid what they’re uncomfortable with, with the hopes that it will fix itself or disappear completely, but this happens rarely. In fact there is the opposite correlation – the more we brush some things off as not important, the bigger their adverse effects turn out to be.

This is why you should regularly ask yourself if you are actively or subconsciously avoiding something. If there is, you should search for a therapist that can help you understand why and how to deal with it more healthily.

Am I Confused About Something?

Confusion is a regular part of life – regardless of age, gender, nationality or culture. There isn’t a single person who knows and has always known all of the answers to the mystery of life. We live in a time when it’s easy to feel overwhelmed because of the speed at which some things happen, and how much people expect of us.

Oftentimes, this leaves us confused and worried. Indeed, life is full of contradictions and complications, so questions are entirely natural, and finding your personal answers may prove to be a daunting task. This is why many people start therapy – thoughts like ‘where should I study?’, ‘why do I feel this way?’ and  ‘what should I focus on?’ are often why individuals decide they need assistance.

The good thing here is that most psychologists are always happy to help, as they LOVE solving the puzzle of the human brain!

Do I Have The Skills & Knowledge To Improve?

Progress, in general, is what most of us strive for. However, it is not always as simple as it sounds, as we are often met with different trials and tribulations along the way. This can leave us wondering what our next step should be. With this in mind, we can say that many people try to find assistance regarding their self-improvement. And that, my dear friends, is done in …

You guessed it – A Therapy office!

Final Thoughts

Regardless of whether you have a specific goal and direction or just know you want to improve your life and yourself in general, you will likely find some answers and inspiration through the help of a psychologist. Statistics show that therapy is incredibly beneficial for most people.

Clients report that their lives have positively changed in many aspects and that they often wish they would have started earlier. Reports show that thanks to therapy and medication, people move in the right direction to better their lives and leave their past behind.

Psychologists have a positive influence on many aspects, including but not limited to suicide rate, drug abuse, trauma, and more, and that is only true because their clients took that first step to go to their office.

And Remember

Therapy works for people with different backgrounds and problems, and it works even if one does not have specific such! You’ll often hear many people say that their psychologist’s office is the safest place in the world for them. A place free of judgment, where they can share anything and work through their issues with the best individual means for the person.

All of these statements point to the fact that therapy is beneficial and that you shouldn’t worry about anything regarding the process itself because you will be in the trusty hands of a professional.