Good News for the Soul

A women's health blog for mid-life women learning how to manage their health and their life.

Category: Mental Health

  • 4 Fun Brain Games to Boost Memory, Focus, and Mental Sharpness

    As we get older, it becomes increasingly important to keep our minds sharp. While exercising, having a healthy diet, and getting plenty of sleep are all important in doing this, many have become drawn to playing brain games. Many of these types of games are online, through apps, and offline. Not only are they fun, but they have been proven to be effective in improving memory and concentration. Let’s learn about the four best brain games to improve memory and concentration.

    How Do Brain Games Help Improve Memory and Concentration?

    Many brain games can help improve memory and concentration. They challenge cognitive functions and stimulate brain chemical activity. Various intriguing brain-teasing games, whether online or offline, can encourage your brain to process information faster as well as sustain focus. Whether you’re playing Sudoku with your friends online, doing a crossword puzzle by yourself, or playing chess with a family member, all of these games stimulate neuroplasticity, which involves the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural pathways when faced with challenges. A lot of these mentally stimulating activities have been found effective in challenging your memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. They have also helped stave off any signs of Alzheimer’s or dementia.

    4 Brain Games to Improve Our Cognitive Health

    When it comes to fun, mentally stimulating games, we all have played at least one in our lives. We have played them at parties and other special occasions. For keeping the mind sharp, these games are definitely effective. There are many, but here are just four of the most well-known brain games to improve our memory and concentration.

    Word Search Puzzles

    I grew up working on these puzzles as a kid, and crossword puzzles are always a great game you can play yourself or with someone. They are great for encouraging visual scanning and attention because you’re constantly searching for the listed words that are hidden in the puzzle. There are also word search games where you have to write in the correct word that matches the corresponding numbered clues.

    Chess and Strategy Games

    Chess is a classic game that has been around for years because it supports long-term cognitive engagement. When players participate in this game, they are combining memory, strategy, planning, and adaptability to support their cognitive health. You have to be good at thinking several moves ahead and adapting to changing situations in the game. Research has shown that many people who play chess regularly have developed stronger memory and recall and better problem-solving skills.

    people playing chess
    Chess is a good example of a strategy game that could improve your memory and concentration.

    Trivia and Quiz Games

    Here are some games that could really keep you guessing. Trivia and quiz games are not only fun, but they also challenge information recall. They involve you and your team being given a set of questions about any given topic such as science, music, animals, movies, etc. As your group attempts to choose one of the multiple-choice answers, you will find your knowledge starts to build on the topics. You can still find them in board games, but also in online games like Kahoot.

    Online Number and Logic Games

    Speaking of online games, number and logic games like Sudoku are really popular. They encourage analytical thinking, logic, and challenge your concentration. As a fan of mini Sudoku, I have found that it definitely takes patience, focus, and an eye for patterns. You play these games at various levels, from beginner to advanced. As you play, you will start to see your problem-solving skills and mental flexibility grow.

    How to Make Them Part of Your Daily Routine

    If any of these games sound intriguing to you, you can make them a part of your daily routine. Whether you’re a word nerd or good with numbers, there’s something for everyone in brain games. Just start by choosing the best games that match your interests and skill level. Spend 10-15 minutes playing that game or games each day. As you improve, you can gradually increase the level of difficulty. Inviting friends and family to play these games online or offline with you makes it easier to make them a routine. Consider keeping track of your progress as you continue to master these different brain games.

    Keep Your Mind Active with Brain Games

    There are various ways to keep your mind active. Exercising and learning new hobbies are both great ways. However, playing unique brain games such as word search puzzles, chess and strategy games, trivia and quiz games, and online number and logic games is beneficial in strengthening your cognitive abilities. Don’t be afraid to experiment with various games, online or offline, to figure out which activities you enjoy the most. Along with maintaining an active lifestyle, eating healthy, staying socially connected, and getting plenty of sleep at night, playing fun brain games is impactful in improving your concentration and memory. So go ahead and try one new brain game today.

    Do you play any brain games that are good for improving your memory and concentration? What are your favorite games-crossword puzzles, Sudoku, etc.? Feel free to share them in the comments below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next woman who loves to play fun brain games in her spare time.

  • What is Body Dysmorphia Disorder and Is it a Mental Illness?

    Many people today struggle with body image concerns, from their weight to skin problems. For some, this could simply be a case of normal insecurity, or it could become a mental health condition called body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). In this week’s post, we will further examine what this condition is, whether body dysmorphia is a mental illness, and what treatment options are available for it.

    What is Body Dysmorphia?

    Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is defined as a mental health condition in which a person becomes so obsessed with their physical appearance that they can’t stop thinking about one or more defects or flaws of it. You intensely focus on your appearance and body image by repeatedly checking any available mirrors wherever you are, consistently grooming yourself, or always seeking reassurance from others. A person with BDD is usually very critical of themselves and never content with the way they look. This constant obsession with their appearance and rectifying every imperfection can impact their ability to function in their lives. Some common features that are critically looked at are the face, weight, skin, hair, and muscle size/body shape. This mental disorder could affect people of all ages and genders.

    woman looking in the mirror
    If you’ve been finding yourself overly obsessed with the way you look, it could become a disorder called body dysmorphic disorder.

    Is Body Dysmorphia a Mental Illness?

    Body dysmorphia is classified as a mental health disorder that is recognized in diagnostic manuals used by mental health professionals. It’s also known as an obsessive pathological disorder because uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts are a huge part of the condition.

    Now you may initially associate the disorder with physical insecurities. But it’s a little different from having bad days when you’re not feeling your best. It’s more compulsive and comes with severe, obsessive distress. While a person with normal insecurities has temporary feelings of inadequacy, a person with BDD could experience this on a prolonged, serious level.

    You could also classify it as an anxiety disorder because BDD impacts various aspects of your mental health. It could lead you to becoming depressed, isolating yourself, developing obsessive thinking, and having low self-esteem.

    Signs and Symptoms of Body Dysmorphia

    There are several signs and symptoms to look out for in recognizing body dysmorphia. You can become fixated with any particular body part, such as your lips, eyes, nose, ears, weight, etc. The chest, skin, hair, or stomach are all other common areas of BDD. Some of the behavioral symptoms of BDD include avoiding mirrors, always picking at your skin or the specific body part you dislike, having unnecessary plastic surgeries, not going out of the house, especially in the daytime, seeing many healthcare providers about your appearance, avoiding social gatherings, not believing others when they say you look fine, and even thinking about suicide.

    What Causes Body Dysmorphia?

    In terms of what exactly causes body dysmorphia, it’s still unclear. It could stem from a family history of the disorder, negative experiences about your body or self-image, and abnormal brain function or levels of the brain chemical called serotonin. So it could be a combination of your environment, psychological well-being, and biological factors. For example, if you’ve been bullied or teased a lot about your nose or any other imperfect part of your face, that could potentially trigger feelings of inadequacy, shame, or fear of ridicule.

    Treatment Options for Body Dysmorphia

    If you’ve been suffering from body dysmorphia, there are various treatment options available for you. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a common form of treatment, and one of the most critical components of it for BDD is exposure therapy. This technique involves exposing a person to their biggest fears. For example, if you have a person who doesn’t like her face, a mental health professional could try suggesting that this person go out of the house without any makeup. So it involves exposing the patient to doing something out of their comfort zone. Psychotherapists utilize exposure therapy to replace the patient’s stigmatizing language with more factual language. Some people may benefit from prescribed medications such as antidepressants. However, the best treatment for BDD is a combination of CBT and medications.

    So body dysmorphia disorder is a real mental disorder that should be taken seriously. While there’s no cure for it, there are treatment options, including CBT, medications, nutritional supplements, etc., that are geared toward the individual’s brain. This condition is a brain disorder that could become severe if you don’t get the complete help that you need. If appearance-related thoughts are affecting your daily life, seeking support is one of the best things that you can do for yourself. May the professional and medical help that you receive alleviate your symptoms and allow you to like and accept yourself better.

    Are you or someone you know dealing with body dysmorphia disorder? Feel free to share your thoughts on the condition in the comments below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next person you know dealing with this condition.

  • The Mental Health Struggles Black Women Don’t Talk About Enough

    Black women are faced with so much intense pressure and challenges to always maintain their strength. However, the toll of balancing work, family, relationships, etc. has proven to be stressful for a lot of black women today. It has caused many to develop symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. Unfortunately, these are just two of the conditions that aren’t talked about enough amongst our community, leaving many black women to suffer in silence. Let’s examine these mental health struggles along with two others that black women don’t talk about.

    The Pressure to Be the “Strong Black Woman”

    In society today, we as black women are held to high expectations to be “strong women.” If we show any signs of fragility, we are deemed weak. We can’t show that we can’t take care of ourselves without a husband in our lives. Other characteristics of the strong black woman include being able to handle challenges independently, demonstrating self-sufficiency, and speaking up for oneself.

    However, it’s not always easy to live up to these high expectations. Sometimes, it could seem like our families, friends, or others who rely on you expect so much out of you. They may seem to think that you’re “superwoman.” But whether you’re a mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend, etc., you’re still above all else, a human being. Carrying this pressure to always stay strong can lead to an increased risk of long-term stress and burnout.

    young black woman
    Black women are going through some mental health struggles that are ignored in our community.

    High-Functioning Anxiety Often Goes Unnoticed

    Another mental health struggle that black women have suffered in silence involves exhibiting high-functioning anxiety. These are people who appear to have things all together on the surface. They’re happy, healthy, and successful. But deep down, they’re deeply stressed, worried, fearful, and anxious. People who are usually like this are perfectionists, people-pleasers, overthinkers, and even overworked.

    In black women, this form of anxiety often goes unnoticed because this constant activation, which wears down the nervous system, is often normalized. Most black women may feel that staying busy and always productive is a good thing and helps them take their mind off their problems. But in reality, this could potentially lead to emotional exhaustion. So if you’ve been finding your sleep to be heavily disrupted, your body is remaining on high alert even without danger, and your daily stress starts to feel normal rather than harmful, you may want to seek the mental health support you need.

    Depression Doesn’t Always Look Like Sadness

    When most people think of depression, they often think of consistent sadness or always being in a down mood. But it could be more than that if we catch the other glaring signs early on. It’s not talked about in black women because we view it as a form of sadness only, and could overlook other symptoms such as irritability, fatigue, emotional numbness, and withdrawal. These symptoms are often minimized or ignored by the black community as not being a big deal. Most may think of them as temporary issues that will pass and aren’t worth agonizing over. But if these symptoms start to show signs of impacting every aspect of your health, it’s definitely time to seek professional help.

    Burnout from Constant Caregiving and Responsibility

    Caregiving, whether it’s for a sick or elderly family member, friend, or someone else, is a responsibility that has become very widespread amongst black women. Several women I know have become caregivers, including my mother. While it’s a job that could be rewarding and self-sacrificing, many women are burnt out and mentally exhausted from it. However, there are many black women who are suffering from burnout in silence. The impact of the high expectations that a caregiver puts on herself could create some overwhelming chronic stress. There are also physical issues that could occur that are linked to caregiver burnout.

    Healthy Ways to Begin Prioritizing Mental Wellness

    So, what are some healthy ways we can begin to prioritize our mental health and stop suffering in silence with these struggles? One of the most well-known ways is journaling. Keeping a journal with some of your personal thoughts enables you to pour your heart out about your biggest fears, problems, regrets, etc. Breathing exercises are also very helpful for some people. Getting enough rest is always vital. However, another big one is giving yourself permission to ask for help. For some black women, it could be hard to swallow our pride and admit that we need more support. But it’s absolutely necessary for those who are caregivers or who are feeling overwhelmed with life’s activities and responsibilities.

    These mental health struggles that black women don’t talk about much need more attention and care. Strength should not require suffering alone with no one to help you. So reach out to the next person you care about and share with them your personal struggles today.

    What sort of mental health struggles do you think black women don’t talk about? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next black woman you know who’s suffering in silence.

  • 4 Self-Care Tips for Black Teens Coping with Mental Health Challenges

    This month of May marks Mental Health Awareness Month. Each week, I planned to examine mental health from different angles. This week, I was going to share about the common mental health challenges black teens are facing today and the vital self-care tips they must utilize. Let’s examine this subject and share how they could build a sustainable self-care routine.

    Why Self-Care Is Important for Black Teens

    No matter how old we are, we all must take care of every aspect of our health. This includes our mental health. During these recent years, teenagers, especially in the African-American group, have been facing numerous mental health challenges and barriers that their white peers don’t face. The impact of stress, discrimination, and social expectations has been taking a toll on black youths today. However, self-care habits have been proven to be beneficial in coping with mental health challenges. Being disciplined in exercising these habits daily can make the difference in managing mental health issues.

    Common Mental Health Challenges Black Teens Face

    Recent statistics have shown that many black teens have been committing suicide more than any other racial/ethnic group. Anxiety and depression are also common challenges that this group has been facing. Black teens are also less likely to receive mental healthcare services due to systemic and cultural barriers to treatment. There’s always been a cultural stigma when it comes to them seeking help. They also have experienced more exposure to racial stress or trauma.

    black youths
    Many Black teens are facing mental health challenges today.

    4 Self-Care Tips for Black Teenage Mental Health

    However, there are some self-care tips every teenager, including our African-American ones, must follow to take care of their mental health. These are common things some of us do, but don’t do them enough. There are a lot of teenagers who aren’t getting enough rest or exercising as much as they should. Here are some helpful reminders to help them not only cope with their mental and emotional health, but their physical health as well.

    Prioritize Rest and Sleep

    The first vital self-care tip is one we all like to take for granted, especially young people. This is getting some quality rest each night. There are many young people who are so distracted by their phones that they can’t go to bed at a decent time. It’s vital that every teenager goes to bed at least 8 hours a night. It’s good for their physical and mental well-being.

    Express Emotions Through Journaling

    Some teenagers who have been experiencing some problems with depression and anxiety have found it helpful to pour their thoughts down on paper or digitally. Journaling is still a great way to relieve stress and cope with emotional issues. Try utilizing writing prompts to identify your feelings and problems. Whatever it is that you’ve been experiencing internally, you can take solace in pouring your emotions by means of a private journal or diary.

    Stay Physically Active

    It’s always important to be physically active, even during the teenage years. Exercising is good as a stress reliever for young people feeling the pressures of school and growing up. It’s also considered to be very fun. There are plenty of extracurricular activities for teens to do after school that could help boost their self-esteem and benefit their mental well-being.

    Nourish Your Body with Healthy Nutrition

    Most teenagers tend not to eat very healthily. They usually fill up their diet with chips, candy, donuts, etc. However, all of these foods don’t make up a balanced diet that’s beneficial for their physical and mental well-being. Don’t wait till you’re older to start eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, etc. It’s important to start now because the healthier you eat, the better your daily mood is.

    Building a Sustainable Self-Care Routine

    When implementing these tips into your daily life, it’s okay to start small in building better habits. Even when you’re young, it’s vital to build healthy habits to maintain your mental and emotional well-being. Try opting for an apple or a pear instead of a donut. Go to sleep at a decent time each night. Consider jogging or walking on the weekends when you’re out of school. Take up an extracurricular activity. Get yourself a journal to sort out your deepest feelings. Doing these things will not only benefit your mental health in the long run. It will also strengthen your overall emotional well-being.

    What self-care tips do you feel are beneficial for black teenage mental health? What sort of mental health challenges are many black teens facing today? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next Black youth you know who’s been coping with mental health issues.

  • 4 Emotional Wellness Tips for Every Black Women’s Wellbeing

    Since we’re almost at the end of Black History Month, I thought about my fellow black women and how they’re coping with emotional or mental issues. Depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems have been impacting African-American women as much as white women. If you’ve been coping with any of these issues, here are a few emotional wellness tips that we as Black women can implement in our lives.

    Why Emotional Wellness Matters for Black Women

    Emotional wellness matters for all women. However, it’s especially valuable for black women. We wear many hats in our lives, from sister to mother to best friend. Many black women have been going through various mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, stress, etc. This is due to the daily levels of aggression that come from living in this country and in this wicked, unjust world in general. It could really be insurmountable for black women to live in a world filled with racial strife and trauma.

    Another important aspect of emotional wellness and black women is that a lot of us are caregivers. Many of us are taking care of a sick child, elderly parent, or sick family member. The stress of this job has led many to feel emotionally and physically burnt out. Because of this, we must protect our mental and emotional health while caring for someone else and their needs. If we don’t, we will be incapable of taking care of others.

    4 Emotional Wellness Tips for our Well-being

    If you’ve been taking care of others and not yourself, the time is now to start doing this. Our emotional health matters just as much as our physical, and it’s time we start showing this. We can start by considering a few emotional wellness tips that can benefit us as black women now and in the future.

    Redefine Strength

    A lot of black women like to define themselves as strong women. We are indeed that. However, strength isn’t just about knowing how to do things on your own. It also involves asking for help when life becomes too overwhelming. Strength could also mean staying quiet or calm in certain matters. It could also mean taking some time to rest.

    Practice Daily Emotional Check-ins

    There are some apps that allow people to check on their mood each day. These are known as mood trackers. You can consider doing this by writing about how you’re feeling each day in your diary or journal. Some people use digital journals. Whatever way you check on how you’re doing each day, practicing it is cathartic for some people. It has allowed them to clear their head of their problems.

    Build Encouraging Friendships

    Staying in touch with our friends and family was very important during the pandemic. It’s still important in maintaining our emotional health. While there are plenty of benefits to being in solitude, it’s also important to maintain contact with people. We need good female friendships for support in whatever personal issues we’re going through. Without that boost of support, we will feel lonelier and more lost while trying to endure our trials.

    black women sitting at a table
    It’s important to build strong, encouraging friendships for your emotional well-being.

    Prioritize Self-Care

    This last tip is vital for women in general. However, it’s also important that we, as black women, take some time to take care of ourselves. Many of us are caregivers, mothers, employees, and many other things. Consider taking a day off from work to go to that coffee shop you’ve always wanted to try. Give yourself a mani/pedi or a facial. When you prioritize your self-care, you’re putting your emotional well-being first before being responsible for someone else.

    Warning Signs You May Need Extra Support

    However, there are plenty of warning signs that a person may need more support than just following these tips. Some of those signs could include constantly isolating yourself, having severe thoughts of depression/suicide, or having low or no energy. If you’ve been experiencing these problems, consider consulting a mental health professional for extra support.

    Another thing to remember is that you know your worth. Try sharing affirmations with yourself. Emotional wellness isn’t considered selfish. It’s about making sure you’re doing fine before looking after the needs of someone else. If you consider implementing these emotional wellness tips into your life, you’ll feel better emotionally and mentally.

    What are your personal emotional wellness tips for black women going through personal issues? If you have any self-care strategies in mind, feel free to share them in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next black woman you know trying to thrive in this world.

  • 4 Winter Emotional Wellness Tips Women Must Know

    This winter has been quite a dreary, snowy, and dark season. This has affected the mood of many people, leading more people to become depressed. What effective winter emotional wellness tips could we implement as part of our routine? Let’s learn about four tips we can follow to benefit our mental and emotional health this winter.

    Why Winter Can Be Emotionally Challenging for Women

    Winter is typically a dreary, gloomy season. We’re barely exposed to any sunlight, and it’s just too cold to do anything fun outside. Some people also don’t get enough sleep during this season. Yes, winter in the Midwest can be a gray, tiring experience. This could lead many people, especially women, to deal with emotional issues. Women are about four times more likely than men to experience a form of depression called seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Our mood just naturally drops during the winter season. While seasonal emotional shifts are common, they can be managed. Before we explore how this is the case, let’s figure the meaning behind the emotional changes we experience during the winter.

    Understanding the Meaning of Emotional Changes During Winter

    Emotional changes tend to shift negatively as the winter season starts to set in. This is not only due to limited sunlight and shorter days. People are more stressed, fatigued, and mentally overwhelmed during this season. As the days become shorter and sunlight levels decrease, our body’s natural ‘clock’ can be thrown off, affecting our sleep and mood. Some people start experiencing SAD, which causes them to have low energy, withdrawal from their friends and family, a depressed mood, and oversleeping. Hormonal fluctuations start to occur during the winter season. Despite all these emotional changes winter can put us through, there are some better ways we can manage this. Let’s examine how we can do this.

    4 Winter Emotional Wellness Tips to Follow

    During this dark, bone-chilling winter season, many people have been experiencing signs of SAD. Many don’t know where to turn to for help and cope with this condition. They may wonder if there are better ways to manage this feeling of depression. However, there are plenty of tips and resources out there that they could turn to. Let’s examine four tips for managing emotional health that we must never forget.

    Support Mood Through Proper Nutrition

    What we eat does have an impact on our mood. If you’re always eating desserts, this could leave you always tired and usually in a negative mood. Comfort foods aren’t exactly something you should eat regularly because these foods are filled with ingredients that will only worsen your mood. There are various foods we can eat that could support our emotional balance, such as healthy fruits, veggies, whole grains, and proteins.

    person holding snacks
    hot dogs
    Watch your nutrition during this winter season.

    Engage in Low-Impact Exercises

    Exercise is not only good for your physical and cardiovascular health. It’s also beneficial for your mental health. Because we’re all very busy with work, family, friends, and other things, it’s not always easy to have a consistent exercise habit. But if you try to implement a short, fun 10-minute exercise that you can do in 3-5 days each week, you can boost your energy and mood.

    Prioritize Daily Emotional Self-Care

    This normally involves pampering or treating yourself to daily emotional care. Women, especially, need this form of care to nourish their mental and emotional health. Some great examples of emotional self-care are reading a good book, doing your nails and hair, or cooking your favorite dessert. Watching your favorite movie or TV show could be another form of self-care. Whatever it is you like to do that makes you happy, be sure to make some time for it this winter.

    Get Enough Vitamin D

    When a person is diagnosed with SAD, one of the symptoms involves not getting enough sunlight or Vitamin D. Many people usually use a form of light therapy called a lightbox to support their body’s natural rhythms. This could also help improve mood and sleep. Taking daytime walks is also essential in getting the right amount of Vitamin D you need.

    Nurture Emotional Wellness All Winter Long

    The state of our emotional wellness is vital throughout the year, but especially during the winter. This season usually causes many people, especially women, to succumb to a form of depression called SAD. However, you can start nurturing your emotional wellness by engaging in simple, low-impact exercises, supporting your mood through proper nutrition, prioritizing daily self-care, and getting enough Vitamin D during this dreary winter and other winters in the future.

    How do you prioritize your emotional health? Share some tips on how you take care of your emotional health during the winter in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next woman you know who cares about her emotional health.

  • 4 Natural Treatments to Calm your Mind & Body

    We all go through stress overload in our day-to-day lives. Some people choose various treatments to alleviate this. Prescription medication, stretching exercises, and natural supplements are all examples of treatments that people go for. However, in this blog post, let’s learn about four natural treatments you can try to better calm your mind and body.

    Understanding How Your Mind and Body Connect

    It’s no secret that stress has a major impact on your mental and physical health. When you’re under a lot of stress, you start to worry more and become more pessimistic. It not only affects your behavior, but it can also impact your physical appearance, heart, and blood pressure. However, there are ways we can calm our nerves. When we start calming our bodies, it has an impact on our minds. All we need to do is to set the right time and place to put them both at ease.

    Natural Treatments to Calm the Mind and Body

    These days, you don’t have to rely on over-the-counter medicines to calm both your mind and body down. Many people have been gravitating to more natural methods of accomplishing this. In some cases, natural treatments have proven more effective for people than prescription medicines. Some people have found natural supplements effective in calming their mind and body.

    Doing Deep Breathing Techniques

    Sometimes, you have to take a little time to breathe in and out. There are plenty of breathing exercises you can try to help relieve your stress. When your mind and body are both anxious, you may feel breathless. Deep breathing techniques have been proven to lower stress relief. It aims to focus your awareness on your breath, making it slower and deeper. As you’re breathing, it helps slow your heart rate.

    Considering Herbal Remedies and Natural Supplements

    Some people have turned to herbal remedies and natural supplements to calm their minds and bodies. Chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm are examples of remedies that could lessen symptoms of anxiety. Natural supplements have also been proven beneficial, but they may not work equally for everyone. It’s important to talk to your doctor before deciding to take either herbal remedies or natural supplements. Some examples of natural supplements that could alleviate anxiety are Vitamin D3, magnesium, and melatonin.

    Engaging in Some Form of Daily Movement

    In addition to natural treatments and deep breathing exercises, it’s also important to engage in some form of movement each day. Some people choose to do yoga exercises. But stretching techniques are also beneficial. Doing this before and after going to bed is both a form of self-care for the body and mind. Physical activity, such as biking or walking, is great for people who aren’t the most active.

    Taking Some Time Off

    This is important for anyone, especially for people with busy schedules. Taking some time off, whether to go on vacation or to just take a simple break, is beneficial for the mind and body. You can use this time off to spend some time with friends and family, or just yourself. Setting aside some time away from work is calming to the mind and body.

    person reading a book
    Taking some time off is a good way to calm your mind and body.

    Listen to the Health of Your Mind and Body

    Most of us aren’t good at listening to our minds and bodies. But it will benefit us a lot if we do this more often. When we choose to listen to our overall health, we’re saying that we care about our well-being. By calming our minds and bodies in taking some time off, doing deep breathing techniques, using herbal treatments when necessary, and engaging in some form of daily movement, we will be utilizing natural treatments to help us.

    What natural treatments do you use to calm your mind and body? What methods of natural stress relief do you use to benefit your mental health? Share your thoughts in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next health-conscious woman you know.

  • 4 Ways to Emotionally Cope with the Loss of a Pet

    Our pet animals-they’re truly our best friends. They make you laugh, offer emotional support, or are just fun to be around. Our great God Jehovah created them for our enjoyment, but he didn’t create them to live forever. Earlier this week, I lost my elderly cat, Mimi, to death, and I have been feeling some emptiness in her absence. Many former pet owners go through a similar ordeal, and some don’t cope too well. If that is you, here are four ways to deal with grief after losing a pet.

    Why Losing a Pet Does Hurt

    On paper, some people may think that losing a pet animal in death isn’t a big deal. They may think, “It’s just an animal. It could be replaced.” Yes, those things are true. But losing a pet that you’ve had for many years is similar to losing a close family member. You feel that close bond with a pet just as you would with your best friend. A lot of people lean on their pet animals for emotional support, as I mentioned in a previous blog post. Yes, most people consider their pet animals as members of the family and rightfully so.

    Some common reactions most people feel when losing a pet are guilt, shock, anger, and sadness. Sadness is a major one, but guilt is as well. Pet owners may feel they could’ve done more to take care of their pet. They may also feel anger towards people who were involved with their pet, particularly veterinarians. Some might feel that they were led astray by their pet’s doctor.

    a cat and a dog
    When our pet animals pass away, it can be tough for most pet owners to deal with.

    4 Ways You Can Cope with the Loss of a Pet

    However, there are ways you can cope with losing a pet that has become dependent on you. Taking care of a pet is like taking care of a child. When a parent loses their child, that’s extreme heartache for them. While not as extreme, losing a pet could be likened to that because you’ve lost a being who heavily relies on you. If you’ve just experienced the sad feeling of losing a pet in death, as I have, here are four ways you can cope.

    Give Yourself Permission to Grieve

    If you need to cry, it’s okay to do so. Throughout your house, you’re going to see some things that remind you of your pet, and you may break down in tears. Sometimes, it could be okay to do that. There are some owners who might choose to minimize their loss, and that isn’t a good idea. If your pet friend meant a lot to you, it’s okay to have moments of grief.

    Maintain Supportive Routines

    It’s also important to keep your daily routine going, whether it’s doing some chores or cooking. Taking care of yourself is always important when coping with grief. Make sure you’re eating healthy, exercising, and going to sleep at a decent time each night. These are all things that are essential in being there for yourself while coping with a loss.

    Create Space for Your Emotions

    Some people may choose to create some space to express their emotions. This could be through journaling, drawing, or collecting photos of their pet. There are some former pet owners who may withdraw to the point of depression. If you’ve been experiencing this, deep breathing, stretching, or mindfulness exercises are good ways to help you manage this better.

    Establish a Way to Honor Your Pet

    When a person has lost a pet dog, cat, bird, etc., that they have had for years, they may feel inclined to honor them in their own way. Why not consider doing that for your animal friend? Do you have any old and recent pictures of your pet? Perhaps you might have some chew toys, a collar, or any other little things that may remind you of your furry friend. I have a few photos of my cat that I’ve been thinking about putting together in a small photobook.

    Finding Joy Again After Losing Your Animal Friend

    If you lost your dear pet and it’s been tough trying to get over it, you can still find joy despite not having one anymore. Try remembering your pet in healthy ways, such as creating a photobook of it, drawing or writing about your furry friend, or just incorporating your pet’s memory within your daily life. One example of doing this is buying a purse or calendar book with dogs or cats on them. Or just have a photo of your deceased pet as a wallpaper on your phone. After a while, some people may decide that they are ready to adopt a new pet. There are various ways to heal after losing a pet. Just know that healing doesn’t mean forgetting about your sweet, furry friend.

    How do you cope with the loss of a pet? What are some ways that you have found to be helpful in dealing with grief? For all you animal lovers out there, feel free to share your words of advice in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next former pet owner you know.

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