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Strong People Know When to Stop Fixing Problems for Others and Take Care of Themselves

June 30, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

It’s natural to want to help your friends or family during a struggle. You want them to live a joyful life with everything they need. While you might want to fix their problems, there comes a time when you must stop. Sometimes you must prioritize caring for yourself first.

You might think that fixing things makes you powerful, and you go out of your way to achieve the feeling. However, accepting that you can’t always solve issues for others doesn’t make you powerless. Instead, it helps you put the energy into solving your problems and taking care of yourself.

You become a stronger person when you know when to stop fixing problems for others. Once you start taking care of yourself, it’ll improve your overall well-being. Figuring out when to stop first requires learning why you want to fix people’s troubles.

Nine Signs That You Are Fixing Problems for Others

If you’re unsure if you are fixing problems for others, you’ll want to figure it out. Most fixers, or people who try to fix difficulties for others, are empaths, but there are other signs, too. The signs that you’re a fixer include:

Trying to take someone’s pain away when they’re feeling down
Getting someone back on track after they take the wrong path
Attempting to force someone to make healthier life choices
Fixing people makes you feel good
Feeling needed and purposeful when fixing things for others
Dropping what you’re doing to help someone
Feeling guilty about saying no or disappointing someone
Being hard on yourself when you can’t help or fix an issue
People often take advantage of you

Eight Reasons Why You Should Stop Fixing Problems for Others

While wanting to take care of a loved one is ideal, it doesn’t always work out how you’d hoped it would. It could cause unintended problems for you or the other person.

1 – Fixing Problems for Others Could Make Things Worse

Solving other people’s issues can often worsen things, even when you want them to improve. You can inadvertently cause more complications by getting bossy, giving unsolicited advice, or behaving like you know everything. It can convey that you think you know better than them and don’t trust their judgment.

If you keep pushing, it can cause more stress and conflict for the person. It can also negatively impact your relationship with the person you want to help.

2 – You Don’t Know What They Want

While you can assume what people want, you never honestly know. You don’t know what they need, either, and it’s presumptuous to believe otherwise.

3 – Not Everyone Wants to Fix Their Problems

People might not want to change, at least not how you want to help or think they need help. It’s their choice if they’re going to make a change, and you can’t force them. Even when you have their best interests at heart, you can’t make them see the situation as you do.

4 – It Takes Away Their Opportunity to Grow

When you make decisions for others and continually fix their issues, it takes away their autonomy. This situation interferes with their learning and growth. You take away their chance to become better, and they won’t learn how to handle their life independently.

Struggles make people more potent, but they must have the opportunity to deal with them. Once they handle their situation, they’ll feel empowered and ready to tackle the next challenge.

5 – You Start Caring for Yourself, Instead

If you spend all of your time and energy trying to fix other people, you miss out on personal growth. It distracts you from solving your problems, preventing you from becoming the best version of yourself.

6 – You Miss Out on Opportunities and Experiences

When you always want to fix others, it causes you to miss out on experiences. You might pass on trips or opportunities because you feel you must be available.

Some people believe that if they are constantly present, the other person will be sad. Or, they think that they must be there to take care of the person whether they want it. You should feel comfortable doing things you enjoy, visiting new places, or accepting opportunities despite the hardship of others.

7 – Fixing Problems for Other People Disrupts Your Well-Being

Fixing things for others interferes with your life and well-being. It can cause you to obsess over the choices of those around you. It can also cause you to worry about the impact of your life choices on the people you care about.

8 – Problem Solving for Your Friends and Family Can Cause Negative Feelings Later

When you constantly sacrifice your needs and wants for someone else, it can cause negativity. You’ll begin to experience resentment, lack of appreciation, or anger. These feelings often stem from helping others out of obligation or guilt, but they can occur when you want to help.

Four Ways to Stop Fixing Problems for Others

If you’re a natural fixer, it can be hard to stop fixing troubles for others. You want everyone to be happy and do well with their life, and that’s hard to let go. However, you can stop stepping in and continue rooting for them to do well.

1 – Determine Whose Problem It Is

You might already know that you can’t control people or make their problems disappear. Still, you could get sucked into trying to fix things for others. This situation often occurs when you’re unsure about whose complication it is.

It can cloud your judgment when you strongly desire to help and protect those closest to you. You might think that you know best, regardless of what the other person wants. However, you must assess if it is your problem to fix.

Even if the problem affects you, it doesn’t make it yours. If you don’t realize that it isn’t your problem, it can send you into a spiral of trying to fix things that you can’t control.

2 – Realize Which Problems You Can Do Something About

You can’t fix everyone’s problems, but you can solve your issues. If someone’s complications cause you to feel anxious, stressed out, or angry, you can deal with those things.

Focus on dealing with what you can, letting go of trying to help the other person. Remember, you can only do something about how it affects you, and you can’t force the other person to change.

3 – Remember That You Must Let People Grow

Depriving someone of their chance to grow is unfair. You must allow people to work through their problems, and they’ll be ready for the next one. Give the other person the opportunity to learn and grow because they need to experience it.

4 – Focus on Yourself Instead

Anytime you get the urge to fix things for someone else, take a step back. Instead, focus on yourself by doing something that will help you grow.

Spend the time and energy doing something that helps you become a better version of yourself. Learn a new skill, develop existing talent, or seek new opportunities.

When You Can Help

There will be times when you can help other people, but you must distinguish when it’s appropriate. If you step in too soon or too often, it shows you are enabling their behavior. Take some time to assess the situation and determine what you should do.

Start by asking yourself if the other person wants your help. If they don’t want your assistance, you shouldn’t try to force it. However, if they desire your assistance, ensure you give the kind of help they need and want.

You should also ask yourself if you desire to control or influence. Your goal should never be to handle the situation, so don’t step in if you can’t refrain. It is likely okay to help the person out if you can offer influence and new information.

How to Start Caring for Yourself Again

Caring for yourself is an essential aspect of your life. If you think you must put others first, it’s time to shift your mindset. After all, you can’t give to others if you neglect yourself.

You must nourish yourself and live a fulfilling life, and it all starts with not fixing problems for others. Work on solving your problems instead of focusing on other people’s issues.

Focus on self-nourishment, meaning taking time to hone in on your needs and wants. Take some time alone to relax without pressure, or get away with your spouse for a weekend. It might also mean taking the job of your dreams, even if it means leaving someone behind.

Self-love and self-care can make all the difference in your life. You’ll stop trying to fix everyone else’s problems, allowing you to improve your energy.

Another way to start taking care of yourself is to share your talents and resources with others. Give your time and attention without stepping in to save the day. You are not responsible for anyone else, and offering your talents is more than enough.

Final Thoughts on Strong People Know When to Stop Fixing Problems for Others and Caring for Yourself, First

While you might want to care for your loved ones, it’s not always beneficial. Sometimes it’ll cause more issues rather than making things better. Plus, even if you fix it, you’ll hinder the other person’s progress.

Instead of doing things for people and fixing their issues, you must allow them to do it themselves. They must deal with the consequences or complications, allowing them to develop. Rather than putting your time and energy into others, focus on taking care of yourself instead.

Psychology Explains How Pets Increase Positive Thinking

June 29, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Most people love animals and either own pets or wish they had at least one little furry buddy. Pets are some of the most genuine and cute beings alive, so it’s easy to understand why they can steal our hearts in seconds. Interacting with your furry friends can increase your positive thinking and overall positivity in life, confirm psychologists.

Of course, pet owners know how much they can improve someone’s mood. Each time you get home, they are waiting for you, and you can see how excited they are to see you. The connection you can create with a pet is genuine and wholesome, and you can feel that. So, after a demanding day at work, feeling the love your pet has for you is the best thing you could ask for, and that’s why taking care of them even when you’re not home is important, so you should learn to use online resources, like https://petboarders.co.uk/catteries/, to choose a cattery for your feline’s next getaway.

And they don’t ask for anything in return. Your furry friends love you unconditionally and they will always be there to cheer you up when you are going through something. But pets aren’t just good companions who can lift your spirits for a moment. They can completely change who you are as a person. Having pets has been shown to increase positive thinking. By hanging out with your pet for a couple of hours a day, you will become generally increase positivity.

How Pets Increase Positive Thinking

It seems logical that pets would make you happier. But how exactly can they change the way you think? Well, psychology can explain the link between pets and positive thinking.

1. Pets Change Your Mood to a Place of Positivity

Pets don’t just make you happy by being adorable for a moment. The change in mood that they cause isn’t temporary. It’s permanent, as playing with a pet has been shown to create changes in the hormones your body releases. Playing with an animal has been proven to increase oxytocin and decrease cortisol.

Thus, your stress levels will inevitably go down. This is the reason why pet therapy can be so effective. Because there’s a clear biological link between being around an animal and a decrease in stress, people with depression or anxiety have something to gain by being around pets. Studies explain the effectiveness of pets as therapy. They also showed that playing with an animal is tied to decreased heart rate and blood pressure. This is because oxytocin, besides inhibiting the release of stress hormones, also plays a role in the cardio-respiratory system.

It slows someone’s breathing rhythm and heart rate, thus reducing blood pressure. Oxytocin can help the body heal, either physically or psychologically, whenever it needs to. For example, it allows the body to create new cells, making people’s bodies healthier. Because of this, oxytocin makes people feel generally happy. This happiness, coupled with lower depression and anxiety levels, promotes positive thinking.

2. Pets Help You Socialize

This isn’t the case with all pet owners. For example, if you own a snake, you don’t have to walk it. But most pet owners know that their pets are a great conversation starter. This is especially true if you own a dog you must walk daily. And this is something all dog owners can attest to. Whenever someone walks their dog, at least one person will come up to them and ask something about the dog.

Pets dogs can help you socialize and create new friends and encourage positivity in the community. For example, if you just moved into a new neighborhood, simply taking your dog on walks will help you meet all your neighbors. A survey shows that pet owners are 60% more likely to meet their neighbors than non-pet owners. But some studies show that even owning other pets, like a cat, a rabbit, or even a snake, can help you socialize. That’s because having a pet can be a great conversation starter. This is especially true if you have an uncommon animal. People will be curious to hear about a snake if you have a snake. Or, if you are traveling with your cat, people will inevitably come up to you and ask you about the cat.

There are many cases where owning an animal can open new doors and help you meet new people. As everyone knows, isolation has disastrous effects on someone’s mental health. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and even physical issues. But the socialization you can engage in because of your pet will help you avoid those issues. And you don’t just avoid being alone. You can even create a solid social circle, which will help you become a happier person.

So, having a pet who can help you socialize can help you increase positive thinking.

3. Having a Pet Boosts Your Self-Esteem, Thus Boosting Positive Thinking

Owning a pet has been shown to boost your self-esteem and improve how you see yourself. This is especially true for people who have owned pets since they were children or teenagers, but it can also happen for adults. This seems to be the case because kids don’t worry as much about how other people view them when they have a pet. If they have these thoughts, they’ll fade as soon as they see their pet.

Because they have that companion who will never leave them, they don’t have to worry about popularity. Even if their peers don’t accept them, they’ll still have someone who does and who loves them unconditionally. And, since childhood is when someone’s behavior is shaped, this child or teenager will have a healthier development. The outcomes of this development will always be positive.

But improvements in self-esteem can be seen in adults too. The changes won’t occur as quickly, but your behavior will see some difference. Again, having that companion will make you feel better about yourself. You won’t worry as much about how others view you, which will improve your mental health. And it’s important to note that a person with higher self-esteem will tend to be more positive and engage in positive thinking.

4. Having a Pet Helps You Be More Mindful

Psychologists say that mindfulness is based on attention, intention, compassion, and awareness. Thus, a person cannot be mindful if they don’t know how to empathize with others or even pay attention to what their body is telling them. Being mindful is about being aware of your feelings and needs and others’ feelings and needs.

Mindfulness is an excellent trait to have because it improves both your physical and psychological health. When people think of mindfulness, their mind immediately goes to meditation. While meditation is an essential tool for becoming more mindful, it’s not the only tool. You can’t learn to be more compassionate by simply meditating. But you can understand it by having to care for another being.

So, having a pet is one of the best ways to become more compassionate. This being is dependent on you to provide them with food and shelter. Simply knowing that their life is in your hand will make you empathize more and be more attentive. As you might know, mindfulness is one of the best ways to become more positive.

Once you become aware of your needs, as well as others, you will be more likely to cherish what you have and engage in positive thinking. Along with these benefits, your life will respond with positivity as your mental and physical health improve.

5. Caring for a Pet Adds Structure to Your Life

Having structure is one of the essential things in someone’s life. It can help you manage your tasks better, thus lowering your stress levels. But that’s not the only advantage. Routine and structure will give you a guideline for how your days should look. When you know what you need to do and where to aim, you are more likely to see things in a positive light. But it can sometimes be hard to create that structure.

Most times, people don’t want to schedule every minute of their life or walk around with a planner in their bag. But that’s the beauty of owning a pet. They add structure to your life organically, and they change your thinking patterns such that they become natural. When you have a pet, you need to care for them every day. You need to feed them, clean their living environment and make sure they exercise. In time, all these tasks will become structured routine. You will always provide them at the same time. You will regularly clean their tanks, cages, or beds and walk your dog every day at the same time.

This routine is often very calming. You don’t need to worry about what you’ll do with your day. You’ll already have a plan that you can stick to no matter what. This way of planning and making routines will expand in all areas of your life. As you become a more structured person, you will find that you’ll engage in positive thinking more often. Your stress levels will decrease, and you will always find comfort in your routine. Instead of stressing out about some minor inconvenience, you will look forward to getting home and feeding your pet.

Final Thoughts on How Pets Increase Positive Thinking

Having a pet is a beautiful experience. They bring joy into your life on even the darkest days. They are always full of positivity and excitement. Because of how joyous a pet always is, it’s hard not to have positive thoughts around them.

Pets aren’t just cute and cuddly. They are the best companion someone could ever ask for. They help you become a better person and engage in positive thinking more often. Having pets has been associated with a decrease in stress levels and loneliness. They are always there to comfort you when you are feeling down, thus lowering levels of depression and anxiety.

Because of how drastically they improve your mental health, they’ll inevitably make you a more positive person. Besides that, they help you meet new people and become more sociable. They also help boost your self-esteem and make you more mindful. Lastly, they add structure and routine to your life, which allows you have a goal. Overall, if you’ve ever asked yourself if getting a pet is a good idea, the answer is an undeniable yes.

Psychologists Explain the Best 12 Ways to Clear Your Mind

June 29, 2022 by Kristen Butler

When you think of clutter, you probably instantly picture your closets and other areas of hoarding that occur in your home. However, few realize that your mind can become just as cluttered as your abode, and the consequences can be just as severe. Here are a few signs that prove you need to take the time to clear your mind:

Negativity
Worrying about things that might not occur
Past hurts and regrets
Anger
Sadness
Ruminating on your problems
Dreams and plans
External distractions
Continuous sensory input
To-do List

A little clutter won’t hurt, right? Sure, you’re not going to get your mind 100 percent free of every thought, as it’s impossible. Consequently, the problem exists when it becomes overloaded. Have you ever opened too many browsers on your computer, and it causes your CPU to run slow?

The same thing happens in your brain. You can’t be present at the moment and engage in mindful living when your mind is chaotic.

Twelve Ways to Clear Your Mind

A position of mental confusion causes you to become distracted and disorganized in your life. You cannot define what’s a priority from things that can wait, and it’s impossible to make sound decisions. The key is to build mental muscles to help you declutter your mind.

You need space in your brain to organize your time and keep up your energy, and it all starts by unraveling the unhealthy thought patterns you’ve picked up along the way. If you want to clear your mind and release these patterns, here are a few ways to accomplish this task.

1. Decrease Multitasking to Clear Your Mind

Employers often extol the virtues of those who multitask efficiently as the best employees and parents. However, new research proves that your mind cannot handle so much at once, as it overloads your brain. Instead, you need a to-do list that allows you to focus on one task at a time, which can avoid the mental overload that occurs.

An article written by the American Psychological Association cites research by Dr. Robert Rogers and Dr. Stephen Monsell. Studies found that people who focus on one task have more significant mental strength than those who try to do many things simultaneously.

How often have you got lost in all you have to do, and it’s hours later, and not much has been accomplished? Try setting a timer for each task and making yourself accountable for your time. When the timer sounds, you move on to something else. This little tip will give you a gentle push to help clear your mind and desk.

2. Clear Your Mind With Journaling

One way to get all those thoughts floating inside your mind out is by journaling. If you have notes, to-do lists, and other things swirling inside your brain, you can let go of them by putting them on paper. Decluttering your mind is simple when you use journaling to help you.

3. Reject Negativity

Do you engage in toxic self-talk, feelings of sadness, or hopelessness? Is the negativity you ingest each day suffocating you? You need to reject negativity and angle your perceptions towards reality. Be careful what you allow into your mind and heart, as it can profoundly affect you.

Changing your mindset isn’t easy, but you can do it. Ways you can do this are through positive affirmations, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones, relaxation techniques, and practicing gratitude. Your brain isn’t always right, but you can help guide it along the way with positive reinforcement.

4. Get Restful Sleep

Your sleep directly links to your mental state. When you don’t get sufficient rest, it causes you to have “brain fog.” Have you ever had those days where you can’t think straight or remember anything?

It likely comes from a disrupted sleep cycle. Not getting sufficient rest disrupts your mind, and your cells cannot properly communicate with one another. When you want to clear your mind, the best and easiest way is by getting more sleep.

5. Limit Social Media

Every day your mind is flooded with sensory information. One significant way to clutter your brain is by limiting social media. Did you know that these channels can dramatically impact loneliness and depressive states?

Social media is skewed only to see what the actor wants you to see. They give snapshots of the perfect life and family, as most people don’t like to air their dirty laundry. It’s effortless to feel down on yourself when you can’t measure up to the façade created on these channels. If you find that negative feelings from social media trigger you, it’s time for you to take a break.

6. Clear Your Mind by Prioritizing the Chaos

Is your to-do list growing longer by the minute? Do you feel completely overwhelmed and don’t know a good place even to start? Think of your brain as an empty house where vagrants have moved in.

When you take control of the property and move out the uninvited guests, you have the space you need to work. You restore order by setting priorities and following through with them. Sometimes you need to dump the data and organize it accordingly.

Some things are urgent, while other matters can wait. Prioritizing your mental hoard can help you ensure that things get done promptly. Additionally, it feels so good watching things get crossed off a list, as you have a sense of accomplishment.

7. Share Your Burdens

Everyone feels mentally overloaded at times in their life. However, sharing your deepest thoughts with someone you trust is one way to unload all this negativity. Mentors can help you gain perspective and clarity, and they can help lighten your load.

8. Practice Decisiveness to Clear Your Mind

When you have a brain full of clutter, think of all this stuff as delayed decisions. Your life is all about choices, and some of the decisions you must make are simpler than others. If you become too overwhelmed with all that’s on your plate, you may avoid making any choices.

Did you know that procrastination is one of the biggest reasons your mind is so full of clutter? Each day, you face so many “what ifs,” which can be overwhelming. Relaxation is challenging when your mind’s full of stuff, and you can develop analysis paralysis.

Thankfully, when you practice being more decisive, you can let go of all the unanswered questions and things that keep you up at night.

9. Declutter Your Atmosphere

What would you say if you found that your environment directly impacts your mental clutter? Chaos creates confusion, and it’s challenging to focus when there’s an excess of stuff around you. In an article by the New York Times, Dr. Ferrari conducted a study to see how clutter or hoarding affects mental wellbeing.

The results were quite shocking, as those who kept their space neat fared better than those who had excessive stuff.

10. Meditation

Meditation is like a tow truck that pulls a stuck car out of the ditch. When you need to clear the area effortlessly, this is the vehicle for the job. Meditation gets rid of negativity and confusion and allows you to focus on what’s most important. Using this ancient practice every day lets you clear your mind and stay grounded.

11. Get Outside to Clear Your Mind

Those who spend more time in nature have better mental health than those who don’t venture out much. A study cited by the National Library of Medicine states that people who get fresh air and sunshine have lower rates of depression and anxiety. If you feel overwhelmed and your mind clogged, then a stroll outside may be what you need to clear the clutter.

12. Take a Break

Sometimes you need to hit the reset button on your life and clean up the chaos by getting away. It’s often very taxing when you get stuck in a mundane rut. A change of scenery, new faces, and experiences can do you good.

If you don’t have time to take a week off, don’t worry, as just a couple of days will do the trick. Even if you have an evening to unwind, prop your feet up, and read a good book, it can be all you need to do to hit the reset button.

Final Thoughts on Ways to Clear Your Mind

Are there any tips from the list that you can implement to help clear your mind and relax? Remember, you’re not trying to make it empty, as that’s impossible. Who wants to remove the dreams, ideas, and beautiful memories you have stored there?

These little tips will help you bring clarity, organize your thoughts, and increase productivity. Since life is so unpredictable and you never know when the next curveball is coming your way, at least you will have the mental muscles to handle it.

Counselors Share 20 Behaviors for Positive Mental Health

June 29, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

The number of people that suffer from mental health issues is staggering, especially given the things this country has been through in the past few years. What is your mental health? It comprises your mental, emotional, and social wellbeing. Your brain has a specific way of handling stress, and your stress response can affect how you think, feel, and act each day.

The cost of mental health care encompasses over five percent of all health care costs. In 2019, people spent $225 billion to combat mental illness, and these numbers are only increasing. Experts found that many people in specific areas or states had more significant mental health needs than others, so your atmosphere does dictate a lot about your mental health.

Twenty Behaviors for Positive Mental Health

Just like your physical condition, your mental health is something that you must strive to keep in good shape. You can’t just eat a salad one day and expect all those years of bad eating habits to go away, nor can you do things to enhance your mental wellbeing just once and expect anxiety to disappear. Here is a list of things that counselors have found can benefit and improve positive mental health.

1. You Enjoy Positive Mental Health if You Laugh Often

Do you laugh every day? It would help to laugh as often as possible, as it’s like good medicine for your soul. According to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, the concept of laughter took center stage in the 1970s.

Norman Cousins was diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, an excruciating type of arthritis. As a journalist, he documented his journey to heal himself with laughter. He found that laughing increased his oxygen consumption and altered his brain’s chemicals, which helped his body kick his sympathetic nervous system into high gear.

His groundbreaking personal study proved that laughter could be quite healing, even when facing a debilitating condition. So, how much more can it do for your mental health?

2. Listening to Podcasts

Podcasts are motivational, primarily when you tune in to those people who’ve overcome significant trials in their life. Listening to positive things allows you to ingest them into your spirit, and it’s hard to be negative when you’re filling your vessel with optimism.

3. Practice Gratitude

It’s always amazing what a dose of reality and counting your blessings can do for your mental health. Some people get so caught up in the things they want and lack, but positive mental health naturally comes when you stop focusing on material things and start looking at all the Universe has given. Many people pray for the things they take for granted each day.

4. Sleep Six to Eight Hours

You cannot function without sufficient rest, nor will you have positive mental health when running on empty. Make your bedtime a priority so that you can attempt to refresh each day.

5. Journaling for Positive Mental Health

Everyone needs an outlet, as there’s no way to avoid negativity. It all comes down to what you do with the negativity you ingest, as you need a way to get it out of your mind and heart. Journaling allows you to write down all the things bothering you, which means purging them from your being.

6. Write a Book

While you’ve got your pen out from journaling, is a book inside you waiting to come to life? Have you overcome significant triumphs, and your testimony could help someone? You can self-publish a book on many outlets, help folks in similar situations, and make some money on the side.

7. Turn off the TV

Spending too much time in front of the TV is unsuitable. You must get up and move your body rather than become a couch potato. Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can never watch TV, but you should limit mindless activities that cause you to be sedentary.

8. Awake Your Inner Creative Being

Do you have a creative side ready to burst out of you? Why not try playing a musical instrument, painting in a studio class, or spinning the potter’s wheel to make a fantastic creation? People have used various art forms as it dramatically affects their positive mental health and is fun, too.

9. Break the Daily Grind

Engaging in positive thinking when stuck in a monotonous rut is challenging. The daily nine-to-five can be tedious, and you need to break free from this rigid schedule. Go away for a day or two or even a week, as it will do wonders for your mental health.

10. Increase Positive Mental Health by Changing Your Eating Habits

Are you a healthy eater, or do you prefer to grab fast food and not worry about a mess? While eating on the go works well in your twenties, all those carbs and calories will catch up to you when your metabolism slows as you age.

You must fuel your system with fruits, vegetables, and protein to keep everything running efficiently. Vitamin deficiencies can cause you to feel horrible, affecting your mental health.

11. Take Evening Walks

There’s something tranquil about the still of the evening. It helps to boost your positivity as well as burn some calories. Nature is quite healing in many regards, as it has a way of grounding you. Why not try tree bathing to help heal your mind and clear the chaos?

12. Create a Vision Board

Where do you want to go in life, and have you made goals for the next year, five years, or even ten? A vision board is a great visual tool that helps you see where you’re at right now, where you want to be in the future, and plan how to get there.

Counselors often use this tool to help folks mentally heal, as it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture and feel overwhelmed. Breaking it down into small, manageable steps is helpful.

13. Exercise

Perhaps one reason why so many people don’t exercise as they should is that they think it’s boring. There are plenty of maneuvers that are fun and can burn calories.

Some fun methods include dancing, skating, cycling, and isometric exercises. There’s no reason why working out must feel mundane and boring, as you can spice it up with something new and exciting.

14. Visit Family and Friends

When did you last visit your family or friends for dinner and fun? Everyone has a support system that’s helped them get where they are in life, and these people play a vital role in keeping you mentally sane. If you feel your mental health slipping, they can help your positive thinking by just being in their presence and feeling their warmth and love.

15. Use Positive Affirmations

No matter how bleak things might look, you can alter your perception. How you respond to things means everything, such as seeing the glass as half full or half empty. Try speaking positive affirmations each day before you begin, and watch the profound difference it has on your day.

16. Change Your Vocabulary

Did your parents have words you weren’t allowed to speak as a child? Some parents don’t like these words because they don’t sound good, but what about the works you use that have negative undertones? Why not take words like can’t, don’t, and won’t from your internal database? Start using words like “can,” “will,” and “do,” and see how it changes you for the better.

17. Clear the Clutter

Your closets, garage, basement, and other home areas often become cluttered as you lack time to sort through the stuff. If your home is overwhelmed with clutter, it can put your mind in chaos.

How can you rest or be organized when there’s stuff suffocating you? Pitch and donate things that take up vital space and declutter your abode to enhance your positivity.

18. Limit Social Media

Limit the time you spend in online worlds where people can post anything they want, whether true or not. Instead, spend your time with folks who can have great conversations and lift your spirits.

19. Embrace Mindful Living

Mindful living lets you let go of the past and focus on the present. You look within for peace and contentment instead of on the outside. You let go of expectations and perfectionism that will only hold you back, and you cherish every moment that you have a breath in your body.

20. Pray or Meditate for Positive Mental Health

Whether you believe in God or the Universe, you have a spiritual side, and embracing this side of you can increase your positive mental health. Praying or meditation clears your mind and allows you to allow peace to surround you. It’s a good move for positive mental health as you’re purging negativity and inviting the ease and comfort of your spiritual side to rule.

Final Thoughts on Behaviors for Positive Mental Health

What behaviors do you think you can practice to help enhance your mental health? Don’t try to do too many things at once, but you should start with a couple of things that you can utilize to help your overall mental well-being and build positive habits.

Counselors Reveal 17 Relationship Rules of Successful Couples

June 29, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what makes a relationship successful. There are many aspects to consider, and some relationship rules can set you on the best path. These considerations can help you build a foundation for a strong relationship.

Everyone creates rules in their lives, and you should do the same for relationship rules. Developing a healthy romance is essential to your well-being if you’re in a relationship. You don’t want to have too many relationship rules, but you want enough to ensure happiness and fulfillment.

Many relationships fall apart after the initial excitement dissipates, but yours doesn’t have to. These rules can help keep things fresh and meaningful, promoting a solid relationship.

Setting relationship rules can be difficult, but you’ll be glad you did. Counselors reveal the benefits of these relationship rules, helping us see their importance. Use the relationship rules that work for you and your partner, and personalize them for your relationship.

Seventeen Relationship Rules of Successful Couples

If you want your healthy romance to last, you must set some relationship rules. Talk to your partner and decide on your relationship rules because they’ll affect you both. Whether you’re in a new relationship or want to enhance a long-term one, these rules can help.

1. A Strong Relationship Includes Fun and Laughter

Having fun with your partner helps build your connection and enhance your bond. Find an activity you both enjoy and make it a point to participate often. Some ideas include biking, camping, playing a sport, or engaging in another hobby.

You can choose anything, as long as you like doing it together. Finding ways to laugh together is beneficial, as well. Laughter can ease tension and make you feel closer to your partner.

2. Relationship Rules Dictate the Need to Communicate

Communication is essential in a healthy relationship. Even if you don’t want to, you must discuss big topics, including money, fidelity, children, and religion. If you’re passionate about something, it’s worth discussing early on.

As you become closer, keep your lines of communication open. Being open and honest prevents you from drifting from your partner. It doesn’t matter how tired or busy you are, but you must communicate.

3. Don’t Question Their Intent

When you disagree, you should avoid questioning your partner’s intent. They may have made a mistake or upset you, but it doesn’t mean they intentionally caused a problem. Remind yourself that they have good intentions, which will help you remember how much you love them.

4. Appreciate One Another

Don’t forget to appreciate your partner regularly. They do so much and bring joy to your life, even on the bad days. Compliment them often so that they know how you feel.

5. Respect One Another (One of the Most Fundamental Relationship Rules)

Being respectful in your relationship can make all the difference. Don’t underestimate the power of manners, no matter how long you’ve been together. Say please, thank you, and you’re welcome whenever necessary.

Using manners isn’t the only way to be respectful. You can show respect during arguments by avoiding name-calling and hurtful phrases. Additionally, let your partner speak without interrupting, regardless of whether you agree.

6. Define a Healthy Relationship Together

Healthy relationships aren’t identical because every romance is different. Sit down with your partner and determine your idea of a healthy relationship together.

Consider aspects like being gentle, seeing the bigger picture, and acknowledging the other’s efforts. Healthy relationships allow both partners to grow and develop without stifling who you are.

7. Compromise Is in the Relationship Rules Book

You won’t always agree with your partner, but you can always compromise. However, don’t demand things from one another. Instead, discuss the situation and come up with a plan. For instance, offer to watch their favorite movie with them if they’ll take you somewhere they don’t love.

8. Switch It Up

Successful couples don’t get stuck in a repetitious pattern because they often switch it up. Falling into routines is easy, but you must get out of the habits.

If you or your partner seem to be getting bored, think about what you can change. Getting bored and not doing anything about it can lead to dissatisfaction, potentially leading to the end of your relationship. Try something new, visit a new location, or take up a new hobby together.

9. Maintain Separate Lives

While a relationship brings two people together, they also must maintain separate lives. Successful couples know to maintain friendships outside of their romance. They go out without their partner or go to events with friends.

Sometimes, people even spend time alone at home, allowing them to unwind and reflect. Use this time to further your career, engage in your hobbies, or relax.

Doing things without your partner allows you to miss them and promotes your well-being. You must retain a sense of independence no matter where your relationship leads.

10. Set Healthy Boundaries to Establish a Strong Relationship

Setting boundaries in a romantic relationship is one of the best ways to make it last. Talk to your partner about the things you won’t tolerate, and ask them to discuss their boundaries.

The sooner you talk about these things, the better your relationship can be. However, it’s not too late to discuss it now, even if you’re in a long-term relationship. The conversation might not be much fun, but it can help ensure a successful relationship.

11. Don’t Threaten a Breakup

Some people threaten their partner with a breakup to get their way. During a fight, it’s easy to throw these words around. However, threatening to end your romance is highly detrimental to your relationship.

When you threaten your partner, it creates a power imbalance. It disrupts the level of respect and equality, causing issues for you to handle. Make this one of your relationship rules to avoid ruining your relationship and hurting your partner.

12. A Safe Space Builds a Strong Relationship

If your relationship isn’t a safe space, it can cause anxiety and depression. It can also lead to an unhealthy power struggle, interfering with your chance at a healthy relationship.

Make sure your romance is a safe space where your partner can feel appreciated, understood, and supported. It gives both of you a place to go to destress, celebrate, or express any other part of your life.

13. Let Go of the Need to Be Right

It’s more important to embrace your relationship than to be correct. Letting go of the need to be right can help you focus on resolving conflict and accepting personal choices.

Put your relationship first and avoid an argument, even when you feel like you are right. It’ll bring fulfillment and happiness to your relationship, and no disagreement is worth the sacrifice.

14. Prioritize Physical Contact

One relationship rule to implement is to hug as often as you can. Studies show that physical touch increases oxytocin, the hormone associated with love. It also reduces cortisol, the hormone that triggers stress.

Include hugs in your daily routine, and hold on longer than usual. Additionally, hold hands when possible, and don’t hesitate to put your arm around your partner when you walk together.

15. Don’t Compare–Every Set of Relationship Rules Will Be Different from Other Couples

Comparing your partner or relationship to others is never a good idea. When you compare your relationship to others, it can cause unhappiness and a lack of fulfillment. It gives you a false sense of what your romance should be.

Likewise, avoid comparing your partner to other people. No one is perfect, and your partner is bound to have imperfections. If you compare them to other people, remember that those other people have flaws, too.

Remember that what you see from other people is likely their highlight reel. When other couples post on social media, they typically aren’t sharing the hard parts.

The perfect partner or relationship doesn’t exist, so don’t give in to the fallacy that it’s there somewhere. Avoid unhealthy comparisons if you want a successful relationship.

16. Celebrate

Celebrating special days is essential for a strong relationship. Don’t miss out on celebrating the day you first met, your first date, the day you officially became a couple, or your wedding day. Also, celebrate birthdays, the date you got engaged, and other special events.

Celebrating these experiences keeps the feelings fresh. You’ll remember how you felt at that point in your relationship, reminding you why you’re with them today. It also deepens your bond and creates new memories.

17. Show Interest

You don’t have to love your partner’s hobbies or activities, but you should show an interest. Keep your negative comments to yourself and attempt to understand what your partner enjoys. Show interest by asking questions and having a conversation about it.

Final Thoughts on the Relationship Rules of Successful Couples

These relationship rules of successful couples can help you have a healthy romance. A strong relationship requires time, effort, and love, and it is worth every bit. Spend time nurturing your partner and relationship; it’ll only continue to blossom.

Setting relationship rules with your partner can strengthen your bond and create a lasting relationship. The rules help keep your relationship fun and exciting while ensuring respect and love.

Science Explains How Psychedelics May Reduce Depression

June 28, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Mounting evidence reveals that psychedelics such as psilocybin can effectively reduce the symptoms of depression. While people respond differently to treatments, many have found relief with “magic mushrooms.”

About 30% of people have treatment-resistant depression, meaning psychiatric medications don’t work for them. In that case, they may turn to a natural antidepressant-like psychedelics to alleviate symptoms. Experts believe that biological differences cause people to respond differently to treatments.

Plus, antidepressants can take several months to work, and some patients don’t want to wait that long. Treatment-resistant depression can cause debilitating symptoms, so scientists have ramped up efforts to find solutions. Some believe that making psychedelics available for therapeutic uses could transform depression treatments.

What Is Psilocybin?

Previously, several clinical trials found that psilocybin, in particular, can offer rapid relief for depression. A study found that it can also alleviate anxiety and depression that occur as a result of cancer. However, until recently, scientists didn’t know precisely how psilocybin acts on the brain to reduce depression.

Psilocybin comes from mushrooms belonging to the genuses Psilocybe, Panaeolus, and Copelandia. These psychedelics interact with serotonin receptors in the brain, causing altered states of consciousness.

Prior studies have used functional MRI scans and found that psilocybin reduces activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. This brain region governs several cognitive functions, such as attention, habits, memory, and inhibition. Psychedelics can reduce connections between this region and the posterior cingulate cortex. This area of the brain aids in regulating emotions and memory.

Usually, the brain maintains an active connection between these two regions, called a default mode network. This network becomes active during periods of rest or passive moments. For instance, focusing on internal mental states, recalling the past, or planning the future activates this process. Our brains default to this state when we’re not engaged in externally oriented tasks.

How Psychedelics Can Reduce Depression and Negative Thinking

Scientists believe that reducing activity in this network removes the separation between the internal self and the external world. Many people who have taken psychedelics report feeling more open and receptive to the world around them. They become more aware of their connection to others, and some even feel more loving.

Furthermore, studies show that rumination causes increased activity in the default mode network. This makes people less interested in the surrounding world and more focused on their internal self. Since depressed patients often ruminate on the past or self-perceived flaws, psychedelics may offer relief in this regard.

Now, groundbreaking research published in The New England Journal of Medicine reveals how psilocybin reduces depression. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial compared two groups of people with depression. The first group took psilocybin, and the other patients took escitalopram, an antidepressant.

A Separate Study on the Impact of Psychedelics on Depression

A separate study published in the Nature Portfolio journal Scientific Reports analyzed these findings. Researchers performed fMRI brain scans on participants and compared these results with fMRI scans from a previous clinical trial.

The findings showed powerful psychological effects just one day after patients took their first dose of psilocybin. fMRI scans revealed a marked increase in connectivity between various regions in the brain. In people with major depression, these networks usually have decreased activity.

Patients had reduced activity in the default mode network but increased connectivity between this region and other networks. This supports previous findings as well.

Some patients had greater connectivity than others, likely due to biological differences. However, studies found that people who showed the most significant increase in connectivity still had improved symptoms after six months.

After six weeks of treatment, the group who took antidepressants had no connectivity changes between brain networks. Researchers suggested that escitalopram might take longer to start working in the brain. However, for people who have treatment-resistant depression, psychedelics can offer nearly instant relief.

The Future of Psychedelics in Treating Depression

The study authors have a theory on why psilocybin had a more pronounced effect on depression. They propose that psychedelics have a more concentrated impact on serotonergic 5-HT2A receptors than antidepressants. These receptors become activated by serotonin in various brain regions, including the default brain network.

Since research already shows that psychedelics bind to serotonin receptors in the brain, this is no surprise. However, researchers still aren’t sure how this activation causes network connectivity changes.

So, whether successful depression treatment depends on connectivity changes between brain networks is unknown. Since some people taking antidepressants show improvements without these brain changes, it creates more questions than answers. The study found that both groups had improved symptoms six weeks after treatment.

However, the findings revealed that the group taking psilocybin had a better response to treatment. 70% of this group showed reduced depression compared to 48% taking escitalopram. Furthermore, 57% of patients taking psychedelics showed improvements after six weeks compared to just 28% of the other group. However, some patients didn’t respond to the psilocybin or relapsed a few weeks after the study period.

This proves that treating depression doesn’t have a universal answer. It depends heavily on biological and environmental factors, making it crucial for patients to access various treatments.

The future of depression treatments involving psychedelics is unclear at this point. However, the studies above provide hope for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Perhaps in the future, psychedelics like psilocybin will be used to treat other conditions, like anxiety or PTSD.

Final Thoughts on Using Psychedelics to Alleviate Depression

While studies have previously shown that psychedelics can improve mental health, researchers didn’t know how until recently. They have revealed that psychedelics reduce activity in the default mode network in the brain. This region of the brain becomes active during rumination or internal reflection.

In a clinical trial, researchers showed that patients had increased connectivity between this part of the brain and other regions. Psilocybin “switched off” areas of the brain that focus on repetitive negative thinking. It also enhanced activity in all brain regions, making people more open and receptive to external situations.

The future of mental health treatments involving psychedelics looks promising, especially for those who don’t respond to conventional therapies.

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