Browsing Category

Healthier Lifestyle Tips

4 Coping Mechanisms To Use During Addiction Recovery

If you’re on the road to recovery from an addiction, congratulations. Roughly 75% of those who seek addiction treatment are successful, so you have a good chance of making it. But the challenge is far from over. Addiction recovery is a life-long process often plagued with stress, exhaustion, frustration, and even loneliness. It’s more of a mental battle as you try to deal with withdrawal symptoms while battling the urge to return to your source of addiction. Thankfully, you can master a few skills to make your rehabilitation process more rewarding and successful. Here are some helpful coping mechanisms to use during addiction recovery.

1. Be proactive about stress management 

Image credit 

It’s important to learn how to manage stress during your recovery process, as it has the power to derail your progress and send you running back to your addiction. Studies show that relapses happen within the first few weeks to two months, with 85% relapsing within the first year. Stress is one of the main causes behind most of such relapses. 

So, be proactive about stress management. In other words, don’t let stress get the better of you before dealing with it. You can use several methods to control your stress levels, including deep breathing exercises, meditation, massage therapy, yoga, and relaxing hobbies. Also, try to get enough sleep at night. 

2. Consider professional support and guidance

You’ll need all the help you can get during recovery, especially when coping with challenging withdrawal symptoms. Trained professionals like counselors and therapists understand the psychological and emotional hurdles most people must overcome during recovery. Their experience and knowledge can help you develop personalized coping strategies tailored to your unique needs. They also understand what you’re going through, so their assistance is without judgment.

You can also consider behavioral health consulting services to help you address the behavioral aspect of your addiction. You’ll find a safe environment to assess and explore your emotions and identify what behaviors trigger your urges. 

3. Keep busy

Image credit

It’s easy to fall back into old habits when you’re idle. With nothing to occupy you, the urge to return to your source of addiction will be constant, and it will only be a matter of time until you yield. So. don’t wait things out; start getting busy. 

It would help if you had something positive and productive to do, especially activities that bring joy and a sense of fulfillment. Something else should give you a reason to wake up each day.

Consider learning a new skill or language. If you have travel destinations on your bucket list, now is the time to start planning your trips. You can also join a local team to play sports. Do anything that will uplift your spirit daily.

4. Wait before you respond 

Addiction can cause you to act impulsively, making rushed decisions, and this behavior can persist even during your recovery stage. In most cases, the consequences of such decisions can leave you depressed, angry, anxious, and depressed, making it easy to relapse. 

It helps to wait before responding to any situation or before making decisions. Give yourself time to breathe, clear your mind, and weigh the consequences of each decision first before you act.

Navigating Life’s Rocky Roads: Your Guide To Simpler, Healthier Living

So, you’ve hit a bit of a snag in life’s journey, huh? Well, join the club! We’ve all been there – stuck in the mud, feeling like we’re on an episode of “Survivor,” except the prize isn’t a million dollars, but just getting through the day without screaming into a pillow. Now, let’s talk about turning those lemons life threw at you into some top-notch lemonade (or lemon meringue pie if that’s what tickles your fancy). Here are some tips to navigate those tough times.

Photo Source

Find Your Inner Zen with ‘Gardening Therapy’

Ever tried talking to plants? It’s surprisingly therapeutic! Gardening isn’t just about growing veggies or flowers; it’s about nurturing something from the ground up. It’s like building a Lego set without instructions, exciting and a bit frustrating, but oh-so rewarding when you see the first sprout!

Adopt A Quirky Hobby

Ever heard of underwater basket weaving? Okay, maybe that’s a bit too out there, but why not try something offbeat like salsa dancing in your living room or learning to play the ukulele? Quirky hobbies are like secret ingredients in a recipe – they add an unexpected but delightful flavor to life. Plus, they’re great conversation starters and can turn a dull day into an unforgettable story!

Plan A ‘Staycation’ Mystery Adventure

Who says you need to travel far for an adventure? Turn your living space into a mystery destination. Have a Moroccan night with themed food and décor, or camp in your backyard. It’s about breaking the monotony with a dash of creativity and a sprinkle of imagination.

Embrace ‘Wabi-Sabi’ In Your Daily Life

‘Wabi-Sabi’ is a Japanese concept that finds beauty in imperfection. Celebrate the little imperfections in your life. That chipped mug? It’s got character. Your slightly overcooked dinner? Call it ‘crispy cuisine’. Life’s too short to sweat the small stuff. Embracing this mindset can turn everyday frustrations into moments of personal growth and self-acceptance.

Turn Worrying News Into A Learning Journey

If life throws a curveball like a worrying medical diagnosis, remember, it’s a chapter, not the whole story. Just like people going through intravascular lithotripsy treatment face a challenging condition but come out stronger, use this as a chance to learn, grow, and maybe even advocate for others. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability.

Create Your Own ‘Happy News’ Bulletin

Let’s face it, the news can be a downer. So why not create your own ‘Happy News’ bulletin? Fill it with good news from your friends, uplifting stories, or achievements (like finally figuring out how to fold a fitted sheet!). This custom news feed can be a daily reminder of the joy and positivity existing in the world, often hidden beneath the headlines.

So, as you navigate these challenging times, remember, it’s not about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain (or at least making a decent rain dance out of it). Keep your chin up, your spirit high, and your heart open. Life’s a wild ride, but with these unique twists, you’ll be cruising through it with a bit more flair and more laughs.

Futureproof Your Health For a Happier, Longer Life!

Looking after ourselves and making good choices is important. Not only does it impact us in the here and now but it affects how happy and healthy you are in the future, too. None of us want to live our later years in a state of poor health, so read on to find out what you can do to make positive changes, 

Strong Bones

Building strong bones early in life is crucial for long-term health. When we’re young, our bodies accumulate bone mass, peaking around age 30. This “bone bank” becomes vital later in life as we naturally lose more bone mass than we gain. Strong bones established during youth act as a buffer against age-related declines in bone density, reducing the risk of fractures and conditions like osteoporosis. Weight-bearing exercises such as walking, strength training, and a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D support optimal bone development. Encouraging healthy habits early on like staying active and maintaining a balanced diet lays the foundation for resilient bone health. By investing in strong bones during youth, individuals set themselves up for a more active, independent, and fracture-resistant future as they age.

Healthy Organs

Hydration is so important for your organs. Drinking plenty of water supports optimal kidney and liver function since it facilitates flushing out toxins. Make a habit of reaching for that glass of water throughout the day. Supporting your organs extends to dietary choices. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for robust organ health. Ensure your meals include a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This diversity not only nourishes your organs but also contributes to your overall well-being. Limiting processed foods can lighten the load on your organs, promoting long-term health. It doesn’t mean you need to be perfect or give up everything you like, just maintain some balance and eat as much good food as you can, keeping less healthy options for a treat. 

Hormonal Balance

Hormone balance is really for overall well-being. Regular exercise is a powerful tool for regulating hormone levels. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week. This can be as simple as a brisk walk or a fun dance session. Prioritize quality sleep – 7 to 9 hours each night as poor sleep can disrupt hormonal balance, potentially affecting various aspects of your health. For men, if you notice signs like fatigue, low libido, or mood changes, it’s essential to seek help- Male Excel can help with this. Hormonal imbalances, including low testosterone, can be addressed with professional guidance. Healthcare providers can conduct tests and recommend interventions, which may involve lifestyle changes or specific therapies. Stress is such a common companion in our daily lives, and also plays a role in hormonal equilibrium. Chronic stress can impact various hormonal pathways in your body, so combat it with activities like meditation, deep breathing, or mindfulness.

Looking After Your Health Doesn’t Have To Be A Nightmare

Your health is one of the most important things in your life, which means that you cannot afford to ignore it. We know that a lot of people do, and have now come to the decision that they want to make some healthy changes. Well, that’s great. We’re happy that you have come to this conclusion and that you are willing to make some changes to be a healthier individual. But, what are these changes that you should be making? That’s what we’re going to be talking about today.

Photo Source

Look At Your Diet

Your diet is one of the first places that you should look if you are going to be making some health changes. It’s important that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet and that you are filling your body with the nutrients that it needs. Some people like to follow diets that they have found on social media because they think that they will help them reach their health goals without much of a problem. The truth is that this is never going to happen, and you’re not going to be able to avoid hard work and dedication, changing up your diet to include healthier foods.

If you don’t know much about health and nutrition, then it’s time that this changed. You need to put some effort into learning about vitamins, nutrients and so much more.

Are You In Any Pain?

One question that you should be asking yourself is whether or not you are in any kind of pain. If the answer is yes, then you need to get this sorted as soon as possible. The normal amount of pain for any healthy individual to experience is 0, so if you’re in pain then something might be wrong. Keep an eye on it for a few days, and if it doesn’t fade, if it gets worse or it is impacting your daily life, then you are going to need to seek out help. There are professionals such as the best chiropractor in your area that you can seek out, to get the assistance that you need.


Treat Yourself To Something Nice

You really can enjoy yourself while putting your health first. It doesn’t have to be some strict and laborious set of tasks. You could get in touch with a spa service in order to make your body and mind feel a lot better every now and again. You could even head to REJUV Aesthetics & Wellness in order to get the best out of your current situation. The professionals there will be able to take a look at you and give you the best possible solutions. Achievable goals will be set and the entire process will be smooth.

General Lifestyle Changes

The final thing that we’re going to say is that you should be making some other, evidence-based lifestyle changes. This is going to include getting seven hours of sleep per night, drinking two liters of water per day, and cutting down on certain things like smoking and alcohol. While it might be difficult to make these changes in your life, you must do to live the healthiest life possible.

Looking after your health doesn’t have to be the nightmare that it is made out to be in the media and other places. As long as you are dedicated to seeing changes to your health, and as long as you are willing to do what it takes to achieve these changes, you should be fine. Just make sure that you don’t start going on some random fad diets, and ensure that the information that you have got is accurate before you jump into health changes.

Friends, how are you working towards a healthier you this season at home? Leave your thoughts below.

Tips For Preparing A Career in Accounting

Accountants are responsible for helping businesses deal with financial data. Because it is a broad field, accountants work for different organizations and numerous fields that need their services. Accounting is also a lucrative career option depending on education, years of experience, location, and the industry. No matter the path you decide to take as an accountant, you should prepare for your first job.

Get an Internship Early

If you want a career in accounting and have not yet secured your first job, you should complete an accounting internship as soon as possible. By doing so, you will gain valuable experience, increase your opportunities, and build vital industry connections. 

Many universities provide resources for finding one, so take advantage of them to find an internship while still in school. If you have already graduated, use other tools like search engines and employment sites to find your first internship. Also, do not be afraid to talk to people you know who have connections in the industry to see if they can tell you of any opportunities that come up so you can apply.

Hone Your Soft Skills

You may have had acceptable classroom manners during college, but to make a positive impression in the workforce, you should develop a specific set of soft skills. Although there may be times when you feel like avoiding difficult conversations or tuning out, it’s important to master the art of making eye contact, delivering a firm handshake, and engaging in professional conversations, particularly for your first accounting job. 

Importantly, accountants should hone their communication skills. This is crucial because they will be talking to industry leaders all the time, and these people expect them to be eloquent, coherent, thoughtful, and understandable at all times.

If you are interested in this field, consider degrees that teach soft skills for accountants. This way, you will get the skills you need before you have to apply them in the field. Once you graduate, it might be helpful to schedule a mock interview at your campus career services and request feedback. You can then utilize this feedback to continue honing your skills for your first job and future positions.

Build Connections and Find a Mentor

Regardless of the size of the firm that gives you an internship or a job, try to get to know as many of your colleagues as possible. Building good relationships can lead to better collaborations and advancements in your career. 

As you approach your new position, think of different ways to introduce yourself to your colleagues and learn their names. If you’re not outgoing, try to step out of your comfort zone to start conversations. 

Also, finding a mentor can be valuable in your career. They can provide knowledge, connections, and insight, and help you develop crucial business and life skills. They can also act as a sounding board for new ideas and perspectives.

Once you have completed your degree, the next step is finding your first accounting job. Doing so requires being active and finding help wherever you will find it. Crucially, talk to those in the industry to show you the way, provide guidance, and let you know of any opportunities you can leverage in your new career.

Can You Really Improve Your Thinking Power?

Have you ever felt a little sluggish mentally? You might be on to something! Our cognitive function can feel a little off from time to time, and if you want to put a stop to feeling a little rusty in the brain department, here are some tips to get you going again. 

Photo Source

Snooze 

Burning the wick at both ends? Staying up late just to get time for yourself and getting up early to do the same clips how much sleep you get every day. Sleep is so important for our brains; it helps to process experience and information and store it correctly. Not only that, but sleep allows our brains to switch into a different mode for a few hours and our bodies to repair. All of these are good things. 

You’ve probably had it yourself: you are a bit tired, and suddenly words come out funny, nothing quite makes sense – and you’re cracky as heck! Get more sleep, and you’ll give your brain the energy to do what needs to be done. 

Work it Out

Just like the other muscles in the body, our brains need to be worked out. They love to be active and challenged – aside from making sure the rest of our body is doing what it is supposed to, they like to do stuff. So, what type of thing can you do to make your brain work? Playing games is one that is highly recommended—the demand for hand-eye coordination, puzzle solving, and some speed. 

If gaming is not something that you feel like doing, then try crosswords, chess, and sudoku! 

Some games are dedicated to cognitive function, though Brain games – MindGames.com.

Social Active 

People who are anti-social to an extreme are isolated, and that isolation has a direct impact on our brains. So, even if you are a big introvert and like your company more than you like anyone else, getting out and getting social every once in a while is important. You don’t need to spend hours out of your comfort zone; hanging with friends and family is ideal. The simple art of conversation does wonders for our brains. 

Diet 

Yep! Your brain is what you eat… Or rather, the food that you eat directly contributes to the health of your brain and its functions. There are some amino acids that we don’t make in the body, but they are beneficial for the brain; many people swear by nootropics from places like science.bio, and omega-3 are important ones, too. 

Your diet is vital as what you eat will support the natural functions of the brain. 

Hearing 

Did you know that if there is any hearing loss or impairment, it can impact our cognitive ability? The issue with hearing loss is that when it occurs naturally, it happens over time and can be tricky to spot. By getting a hearing checkup, you can prevent any cognitive decline caused by hearing loss. 

Many people find switching to a vegetable-heavy diet or completely vegan has a significant impact on how they feel mentally: Veganism – The LadyPrefers2Save.

Friends, how do you improve your thinking power at home? Leave your thoughts below.

Common Dental Problems & Their Fixes

Taking care of your teeth can be a much harder thing to do than we often realize. If you are keen to make sure that you are doing this as well as possible, you need to first be aware of some of the common dental problems that can occur, as well as what their potential solutions might be. In this post, we are going to take a look at this and see what you might be able to achieve when it comes to these particular dental issues that can occur.

Bleeding Gums

This is extremely common, but still concerning and something you should get fixed as soon as you can. Bleeding gums are an early sign of gum disease, and if you can get on top of it as soon as possible, then you should be able to stop it in its tracks. At the first sign of bleeding gums, go and see the dentist and book in with the hygienist. You just probably need a good clean, but you’ll also then need to keep on top of that cleanliness as well as you can. If you can do that, it should help to stop the bleeding soon enough.

Photo Source

Missing Teeth

You might have missing teeth too, which is probably more common than you realize – most adults will experience this at some point or another. If you have any teeth missing, it’s important that you have it dealt with as soon as possible, because otherwise, it can cause problems for your other teeth and your health in general. You may need dental implants to plug that gap, and you’ll want to go to the very best for that, as the quality of the implant is going to really make a difference.

Halitosis

This is quite simply bad breath, and it’s something that you really need to watch out for. It’s not only merely unpleasant – it’s also very likely to be indicative of deeper dental problems, and as such it’s something that you really need to try and fix up as soon as you can. Generally, the solution is simply cleanliness, but it might be that you have an infection that needs treating too, so you need to get checked out for that before it spreads or worsens if that is the case. Dealing with it quickly is important for your general health.

Photo Source

Wonky Teeth

This can happen naturally as your teeth grow, and it’s something that a lot of people actually find themselves living with for many years. However, you don’t necessarily have to live with it – it is generally possible to get your teeth back to being straight as you like, even if it might take a couple of years of wearing braces. At least these days you can make use of Invisalign or something similar so that you don’t have to worry about the aesthetics of wearing a brace. In any case, it’s something you can fix if you want to.