Keeping Your Mind Young

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As a society, we’re all obsessed with youth, and with looking and feeling young. We use face creams to keep our skin youthful and soft. We drink water to try to keep ourselves healthy and our organs running at their best. We exercise to keep ourselves physically fit and to boost our circulation. Life seems so much easier when you are younger, and everything works properly, and we’re keen to keep it going for as long as we can. Even as early as our twenties, we’re starting to think about how to prevent wrinkles and aging.

But, we rarely worry about keeping our minds young. We assume that we’ve got decades before that’s something to worry about and fail to realize that by then it might be too late. Neurology will be able to help, but it’s much easier to make changes now that will help to keep your mind young in the future.

Use Your Opposite Hand

The best way to keep your mind young is to use it more and to use parts of it that you don’t usually. As children, we’re always learning and pushing our brains. They’re getting a workout every day. Then, as adults, we stick to what we know. Parts of our minds lay stagnant and unused, leading to decay.

An incredibly easy thing that you can do to challenge your brain in your day to day life is doing things with the opposite hand. Write with your opposite hand, hold your cutlery the other way around and try to rest your dominant hand when you can.

Try New Things

Trying new hobbies can be a fun way to keep your mind young. Every time you do something new, you are using a different part of your brain. Have a go at new hobbies, go to different places and try things that you’ve never done before.

Learn a Language

The language center of our brains is one that many of us rarely use. While you are young, you learn new words every day. Your vocabulary is constantly growing. Then as you get older, you just start to forget them. Reading, and having varied and interesting conversations can help a lot but learning a new language is the ultimate workout for that part of your brain.

Improve Your Diet

Your diet doesn’t just affect your body. It also has an impact on your mind. Eating healthy and getting all of the right vitamins and minerals can boost your brain power and those that regularly eat oily fish are less likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia as they age.

Drink Less Alcohol

Drinking too much alcohol over a long period is one of the worst things that you can do for your mind and can lead to premature aging both mentally and physically. Try to limit drinking to a few units a week on only two or three evenings.

Avoid Loneliness

Loneliness is a crucial cause of mental health issues. Being lonely is a common problem as we age, and over time it can lead to increased risk of dementia, depression and even reduced life expectancy.

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The Importance Of A Strong Circle

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When it comes to wellness, most people completely forget that one of the most important tools in the bag is a good, supportive circle of people who love you and want to help you to get well again. When you’re in a crisis, the last thing you want to do is feel like a burden on others, so asking for help isn’t always the priority. The thing is, regular contact with family and friends can make you feel distracted from the pain that is going on in your own life, or it can mean that you have a good sounding board to get the support you need for your own issues.

The problem with a lot of mental health issues is that they make you think that you have no one to rely on, when in fact, you have a waiting circle of family and friends who want to know how you are doing and how they can help you. If you are suffering with depression and anxiety, these are the people that can make sure you’re not alone enough to feel so low there’s no way back. If you are suffering through the pain of addiction, these are the people who will be there for you with the information you need, such as Medication-Assisted Treatment: Fact vs Fiction, to help you to get the right treatment that you need. You need a strong, lasting circle to enrich your life and make you feel like you have something to live for. Friends and family around you make you feel good about yourself - even indirectly, and if you are struggling to recognize who is a good friend in your life, then think about these traits:

  • You respect, like and trust them, and they feel the same way about you.

  • They accept you the way you are. If you’re suffering depression, they’re there just to sit in silence with because they know that is what you need from them at that moment.

  • They will listen to you and share with you, whether good or bad.

  • They keep your confidence and trust you to keep theirs, too.

  • They will allow you to feel your emotions and not judge you for them, criticize you for them or make you feel like your feelings are not valid.

  • A good friend will give you the best advice - when you ask for it - and will assist you in taking the right action to feel better about yourself.

  • Will allow you to help them when they need it.

  • You look forward to being with them, but you’re not obsessed about it

  • Will never take advantage of you.

Not everyone in your circle will meet all of your emotional needs, but you can have a group, a solid circle of people who will all in some way make you feel like you want to be alive. They will appreciate you for your quirks and the way that you love them, and you’ll appreciate their support and friendship and the ability to make you smile when you don’t feel there’s anything to smile about. Looking after yourself means surrounding yourself with people who make you want to be better than you are. Making a list of the people that you feel close to in life can really help you to be a better, happier person because you can see on paper who you have that loves you in every avenue of your existence.

You should be able to rely on the people in your life for support and having a network of people who want to be with you and make you feel like a good person is important for your recovery. Emotional health and mental health are often fragile in those with depression and addiction, and if you know that you have a strong group of people who will always believe in you, even when you do let them down, you are lucky. You won’t always let others down, but it happens - in the same way that they may let you down. Your life can be a happier, more enjoyable thing to live when you have the right people making it worthwhile for you. Social relationships play a very important role in the quality of life that we achieve.


Life is a gift, and friends are the ribbons and bows on top that make us feel fulfilled. Making your heart feel full is easy, when you have a group of people around you who love you very much.

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Low On Energy? 3 Possible Causes To Explore

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Feeling low on energy is always difficult to cope with. You otherwise feel well and like yourself, but your energy reserves seem to be permanently depleted, making even mundane, simple tasks feel as if they require a Herculean effort. For most people, low energy is an acute issue that naturally resolves itself, but for some, the problem can become more long-term.

If you have been feeling low on energy and struggling to go through your normal daily routine for a while, there are three possible causes that you may want to investigate further, starting with…

Thyroid issues

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck and, in some people, it can cause issues. Some people experience an overactive thyroid while, for others, the issue is underactivity, with the latter more likely to cause symptoms of low energy.

Thankfully, if you do have an underactive or overactive thyroid, management is relatively simple. Both conditions are well understood, there is a range of medications that can produce favorable results, and specialists such as the likes of RedRiver Health and Wellness Center can ensure you’re feeling back to your best in no time.

If you believe thyroid issues are the cause of your low energy, speak with your primary care physician for further advice.


Vitamin deficiencies

While any vitamin deficiency can cause low energy, deficiencies in vitamin B12 and vitamin D are usually the prime suspects. With most vitamins, a balanced diet is usually sufficient to ensure that our levels are where they should be. However, some people cannot absorb B12 effectively due to a condition called pernicious anemia, and vitamin D is primarily obtained through sunlight exposure rather than diet - so even someone eating a perfect, nutritious diet could still find themselves experiencing deficiencies.

As you might expect, the treatment for these deficiencies is supplementation. Vitamin D deficiencies tend to respond well to oral supplementation, but B12 can be trickier, especially when pernicious anemia is present - so always speak to your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and obtain further advice if you suspect your low energy is caused by a vitamin deficiency.


Stress

Some people experience stress as a jolt of energy, feeling as if their mind and body are constantly whirring. However, stress can cause exactly the opposite issue; a complete lack of energy that no amount of sleep, exercise, or good nutrition seems to be able to cure.

Unfortunately, stress is a difficult condition to manage, and many people experience numerous flares over the course of their lives. You may find that taking some time off from work, indulging in self-care, and other simple remedies can help alleviate the condition. However, if simple at-home treatments do not appear to be making a significant difference, do take the time to speak to your doctor for further advice.


In conclusion…

It’s important to note that low energy is not just a fact of life. If you’ve found that your get up and go has got up and gone, it’s well worth considering the possibilities above when seeking a resolution to this all-too-common health issue.


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New Years Resolutions That Will Help Your Health

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People often joke about new years resolutions because everyone always says the same ‘new year, new me’ line. They’ve become something of a meme, but I believe resolutions still have a big place in your life. Think of them as a way of forcing you to get your head screwed on and make significant changes that will benefit your life.

That’s the key for me; make your resolutions bring something positive to your life. Which is why I prefer things that will have a direct impact on your health and wellness. Here are a few ideas to help you kickstart 2019 with a new mindset and improved health:


Drive less, walk more

I think this is one of my favorite ideas as it’s such an easy thing to stick to. The problem with a lot of health-related resolutions is that they’re tough to commit to for a long time. As such, gym memberships spike in January and go down in March/April. But, if you make a promise to drive less and walk more, then you’re doing wonders for your health. Driving burns no calories and can be very mentally draining as well. Walking is easy on your joints, burns calories, keeps you fit, and helps improve your mood as well. Plus, it’s basically effortless - just walk to work instead of driving, or park your car further away and walk the rest of the distance, simple!


Give up alcohol

Giving up alcohol is a classic new years resolution, but one that can benefit you massively. A lot of people drink too much alcohol - particularly over the holiday period - and they don’t do anything about it. If you carry on consuming so many units every week, it won’t be long before you end up in an alcohol inpatient treatment center getting help for addiction. Alcohol is a highly addictive substance that can ruin your physical and mental health. Make the commitment to giving it up next year - or at least cutting down substantially - and you’ll see improvements in your overall health and wellbeing.


Eat less meat

Now, before you scream at me that you don’t want to turn vegan; relax! I’m not even saying you should become vegetarian, I’m merely suggesting you reduce the amount of meat you eat. Eating it every day can lead to an increased risk of heart disease, and there’s even evidence to suggest it shortens your life. There’s an interesting book called How Not To Die that goes into detail about this, so it could be worth picking up. Even if you have one or two meat-free days per week, this goes a long way to improving your overall health and ensuring you have a more balanced diet. Who knows, you may like these days so much that you change to a meat-free life full time!

These new years resolutions should be reasonably easy to stick to as they don’t require drastic lifestyle changes. Well, apart from the alcohol one, but if you struggle to cut down on that/give it up, then that shows you have a problem. Make a few changes to your life, and you’ll be amazed at the benefits they bring to your health.

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5 Ways To Feel Good This Winter

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As much as we’d all love to feel incredible at all times, this isn’t always the case. In fact, you may actually find that it’s just hard for you to feel good at all. When the weather gets a little harsher and the nights are darker, you really aren’t always that motivated to feel good. You lack energy, you’re tired, you feel gross, and it can be tough. But it’s just so important for you to remember that this can be changed and that your mental state really doesn’t have to be this way. Instead, you can work on turning your mind around, on improving how you feel, and boosting your wellness efforts to just feel fantastic.

Let’s take a look at five simple ways that you can work on this today.

1. Pamper Yourself

To start with, something that always works to make you feel good, is to have a good old-fashioned pampering session. Because when you’re able to pamper yourself, you’re going to find that it’s much easier for you to lift your spirits and start to feel incredible. So run a bath, put on a mask, give yourself a manicure - pamper away!

2. Nourish Your Body

But at the same time, what you put into your body can be just as effective as what you put on it. Feeling lethargic and low in energy? Maybe you’re eating too much junk? If you nourish your body with fruits and veggies and whole foods, you’ll find that you start to feel so much better.

3. Take A Break

Now, if one of the reasons that you know you’re not feeling all that good, is because you’re overworked and overwhelmed, then you’re going to need to do something about that and fast. You need to slow down. So take a break. Do what you can to distance yourself from whatever’s stressing you out and don’t put too much pressure on yourself because this will only ever make things harder for you.

4. Be Conscious Of Your Mood

It’s always going to be incredibly important for you to be aware of your mind and your moods at all time. If you are more present, then you’ll have a much better chance of stopping yourself when you start to feel a little off. Or at least pinpoint the problem and here, you can then work on a few simple things to be happy right away. So when you notice your mood slipping, change it.

5. Do Something Fun, Just Because

And then finally, just go crazy! Don’t beat yourself up all the time or be in your head. Live a little. Go for an impromptu dinner. Travel. Go visit family. Just so something fun, because you can. Don’t let yourself get all caught up in the stresses of life all the time. Instead, let yourself have a bit of fun because that’s what life is all about! So make sure that you’re having a bit of fun this winter!


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Does Depression Have A Physical Cause?

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Depression is classed as a psychiatric illness, and rightly so. For the majority of sufferers, chronic depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in their brain. This causes a mood disorder, with the most common symptom being a persistently low mood and feelings of anhedonia.

While depression awareness has risen over the past few years, it’s still a relatively misunderstood and misused term. Perhaps the biggest misconception is that depression is only caused by a few wonky hormones and unbalanced brain chemistry - when it can actually have a very physical root.

Depression As A Physical Ailment

The reason that depression is so often treated as a purely mental thing is that its primary symptoms are mental. That’s what makes it a mental illness, after all. While there are occasionally physical symptoms of depression, these tend to be found in more advanced cases, and are often overridden by the impact the illness has on mood.

So it’s easy to see why the physical causes of depression are overlooked. If you were to immediately jump to looking for physical causes of depression, then it’s akin to hearing hoofbeats and immediately assuming it’s zebras rather than the far-more-likely horses.

But sometimes, it might just be zebras after all.

Depression As A Symptom

Depression is not always an illness that is self-contained and in and of itself; it can sometimes be a symptom of physical health conditions. Most commonly, depression is a symptom of deficiency.

This makes sense. If your system is deficient in something, then it’s not going to be able to run on full power. Something has to give; and it’s far easier for your body to prioritize physical health over mental health, so depression is the end result. 

There are a variety of different deficiencies that can lead to depression. Vitamin B12 deficiency is often associated with the condition; the same is true of Vitamin D. Then there are minerals such as calcium, with hypocalcemia listing depression as one of its most common symptoms. 

These deficiencies are relatively easy to treat when you know you have them. A calcium supplement can change your life for the better in a variety of ways with very little in exchange; AlgaeCal side effects are next to non-existent, and it’s a great boost of calcium. The same is true of B12 and D vitamin supplements; next to no side effects, but plenty to be gained from taking them. 

How Do You Find Out If You Have A Deficiency

If you suspect a physical cause for your depressive issues, then the only way to be sure if this is the case is through a blood test to ensure you’re getting what you need from your diet. Express your concern to your doctor and they should order one for you.

Depression is a terrible illness that can blight lives, which is why investigating potential physical causes should be part of the diagnostic process. However, it’s often overlooked, despite the fact the medical link is well known and established. There is no harm in having a blood test just to check and see if something is amiss, so press your doctor until you are furnished with the information you need.

Now that we have talked about some of the symptoms and onsets to depression, there are many ways for you to get started on the road to recovery. The first step would be speaking with a clinician who is a specialist in helping people suffering from the many symptoms depression can cause. You can learn more about depression at thrivetalk.com.

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Making The Positive Changes You Need

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Changing bad habits is a plan that is easier said than done, but thanks to new products, an understanding of mental health and changing attitudes to what makes us happy the opportunity to grow out of habits and into the person you want to be, are more attainable now than ever before.

In recent years there have been new trends that have encouraged the average person to start looking beyond their familiars and using advances in technology to help them become the person they want to be. Number one of addictions according to the Dawn Rehab is tobacco and for that habit, an alternative that provides fewer health risks than its counterpart has grown sharply in the past few years. Vaping continues to develop into a mainstream product offering vape deals demonstrate a demand for this product which could soon outgrow that of the cigarette or other traditional smoking methods.


But, healthier lifestyles are not just connected to what we put inside our bodies but also what we expect our minds to be able to do. Work-life balance is causing untold amounts of mental health problems connected to lack of sleep and unmanageable levels of stress. The response to studies that find that work is affecting health is often to suggest leaving your work at the office but that isn’t always the easiest thing to do and so comes the growth of alternative solutions which should help give you some respite from the daily grind.

Studies into the positive effects of physical exercise have become more and more publicized due to the demand for help from the stress of modern life. Alternatives to therapies that can be expensive are also sought with mindfulness and well-being experiencing high demand from all walks of life as society starts to look towards creating positive habits in an attempt to alleviate pressure and to extend our lives through healthy practices.

The never-before-seen access to information and knowledge that is provided by the internet has allowed society to start looking away from the advertising tropes that encouraged all sorts of bad habits in life. Your body isn’t just a temple, it’s the only one you will have. That isn’t to say you have to avoid the food you like or socializing in bars, but it does mean that there is a demand out there now to provide you with an alternative.

Your mental health is connected to so many other factors in life and thanks to new research and a willingness to listen to those studies, you are now being afforded the opportunity to tackle the difficult moments in life. So don’t be afraid of a little change in your life because you might just look back and wonder what stopped you from accepting that progress earlier.

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Your Rights Pave The Way To Recovery

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Recovering from a traumatic event takes time and support. Not everyone can bounce back. Most people experience severe depression during the recovery period. Indeed, as you learn to get better — whether your suffering is the result of physical or emotional pain – you get to spend a lot of time thinking about what happened to you and living the same situation over and over again.

Your recovery is first and foremost a mental journey. Indeed, you might find that you need to tackle stress and anxiety issues. Don’t ignore these. Your mental health is precious and ignoring issues don’t make them go away. On the contrary, they establish themselves stronger every day. Most of those who are trying to heal choose to tackle their fears through therapy and a positive and loving environment. However, dealing with post-traumatic stress and worries is only half of the battle. When you’ve been injured – physically or psychologically –, you can develop a feeling of vulnerability as a response to an unfair situation. Your self-confidence is shattered. And, if you don’t claim your rights back, you can fall into a victim mindset. Your rights are the way to recover your mental strength.

You’re entitled compensation

First of all, you have rights which are designed to protect you. Consequently, when you suffer as a result of someone else’s negligence or fault, you can and should be defended after a personal injury or another claim of a similar nature. What this means is that you don’t have to pay for something you didn’t do. The recovery process is long and painful enough. But making your rights known and respected ensures that you can regain your dignity and self-worth in the process. Indeed, you shouldn’t feel guilty for someone else’s mistake, nor should you let them get away without taking responsibility for the event they caused.

Don’t suffer abuse in silence

Discrimination, hate speech, and racist abuses are, unfortunately, everyday occurrences. More recently, a passenger of a low-cost flight was filmed insulting an elderly woman. The man, who has been identified by his neighbors – after they’ve seen the video on social media – has been named and is currently undergoing investigation for his behavior. Authorities have come together and demanded an explanation from the airline company as to why they failed to remove the abusive passenger. Supports from all over the country have gathered online on behalf of the victim. The video – which was taped by another passenger – brings a new dimension to the recovery process. Nobody has to recover on their own, and the victim here is receiving messages of support from all over the world every day.

Ignoring your rights is dehumanizing yourself

Your rights are not only part of a legal book. They define you as an individual. The moment you refuse to acknowledge that your rights have been violated, you authorize others to break you. When you do, you describe yourself as somehow less worthy and human than others. Ignoring your rights is the highest form of dehumanization. You matter, and so do your rights.



The recovery process is a long and painful journey, during which you need to rebuild your confidence and strength. The journey begins with making your rights respected because your rights bring protection, empathy, and humanity to your journey.

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Stepping Stones of Mental Recovery

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When we receive a physical injury after an accident, there are logical steps to help us through. For one, we know to visit our doctors for treatment as soon as possible. The hope being that they can lead us to a (hopefully) quick recovery.

Alongside that, there are legal avenues we can take. These help us afford the costs of medical care, and can go a long way towards recovery. There are plenty of physical injury lawyers out there who can help. Even those suffering from burns and other less common injuries can call for an appointment with a lawyer who could see justice done. Again, this is a step most of us know to take in cases like these.

What you might not expect is that physical injuries aren’t merely physical. Often, accidents and injuries also have unexpected mental repercussions. What’s worse, these could impact your life far more than a broken leg. But, it doesn’t need to be that way. By preparing for matters like these, you can set some logical steps in place for tackling these issues as well. All you need to do is consider risks like the following.


Treatment-related stress

Even if compensation can cover costs, recovery causes stress. For one, an injury could mean leaving your routine. You’d also need to embark on all types of stressful situations- such as intense hospital appointments. In some cases, you may even need to stay in hospital. That can cause undue amounts of stress, especially if you don’t look after your mental health here. The best way of getting around this would be to let others help. Instead of getting yourself to and from appointments, let a friend drive you. Put a positive slant on things by going out for coffee afterward. It’s a small step, but it’ll make a huge difference.


Appearance anxiety

In some incidences, accidents can leave us with long lasting scars which may alter our appearance. That can lead to feelings of anxiety. You may become nervous to leave the house because of how you look. However there are many options from therapy to consulting a doctor for reconstructive surgery (if needed). Either way, finding a solution for you can help to get you comfortable in your skin again.


Fear you can’t face

Much like anxiety, fear can lead to panic attacks and depression. There’s a chance you’ll be fearful of whatever caused your accident. Those who have been injured on the road may struggle to get driving again. Those who were involved in a fire may feel a tightening of the chest at the sight of flames. The sooner you face those fears, the sooner you may find you can move forward. Bear in mind that, in extreme cases, it would be best to only face fears with the help of a professional. Still, determination here could help you get back to your old life.

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4 Tips To Boost Your GI Health

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When it comes to wellness, the gastrointestinal system is often overlooked. This is somewhat surprising, given that a functioning GI system is so essential to our ability to feel at our best.


Unfortunately, GI issues are all too common, with millions of people experiencing illnesses related to this delicately-balanced biological system. From illnesses such as IBS to issues with malabsorption, the problems the GI system can cause can be genuinely life-affecting. Taking steps to ensure all is well in this area is, therefore, hugely beneficial to your overall health. While you should always visit gastro doctors if you experience continual, persistent gastrointestinal issues, there are a few things you can do to give your system the best chance of enjoying good health.

Eat a high fiber diet

Fiber is essential for GI health, and can help in the management of a variety of GI health conditions as well as promoting overall good health and well-being. Thankfully, there are plenty of sources of fiber that are both beneficial to health and genuinely delicious, so try to include foods such as lentils, grains, eggs, and avocados in your diet to ensure you’re eating adequate fiber every day.

Use probiotics

Probiotics are not a particularly new innovation; these “friendly bacteria” have made their way into the diet of the average person due to the benefits they offer to GI health. However, it’s fair to say that probiotics are not all equal, and some are more beneficial than others. Make sure to research the different strains and study packaging labels to ensure maximum efficacy.

Give fermented foods and drinks a try

It’s fair to say that most people recoil from the idea of eating fermented foods, but these foods have been part of the human diet for centuries, and most specialists believe they are particularly beneficial for GI health. For a more palatable entry into the world of fermented foods, try making your own kombucha; this beverage is well-tolerated and has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity over recent years.

Ensure you stay hydrated

Most of us know the importance of drinking water for overall health, but it’s also important to stay hydrated to support your GI system. The amount of water you should drink per day depends on your activity levels; two liters is considered a decent baseline requirement, and you should drink more if you exercise. If you’re going to aim to drink two liters per day, it’s also helpful to add a pinch of salt to the water itself; this ensures your electrolytes will stay balanced throughout the day and will help you feel much better in general.




While implementing the tips above should be beneficial to your overall GI system, if you do experience any lingering issues in this area, then it is best to visit a medical professional in order to ascertain what might be happening. GI problems can be deeply uncomfortable, and impact your ability to enjoy life to its fullest, so don’t hesitate to seek further advice when required.


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