Month: September 2023

Keeping Yourself In Balance, Mentally And Physically: A Guide by Meghan Belnap.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

(image: Pexels)

In today’s fast-paced, stress-laden world, it can be a real challenge to keep yourself mentally and physically balanced. It’s easy to overlook the impact of your lifestyle choices on your overall well-being and end up feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and burnt out. However, maintaining a healthy mind and body is crucial for long-term happiness and success. This post intends to explore tips and tricks for prioritising your mental and physical health and keeping them in balance. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or just seeking a more balanced lifestyle, there are answers to follow. 

Eat Healthily 

The food you eat keeps your body in shape and can significantly impact your mental health. Research shows that eating a balanced and nutrient-rich diet can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Try incorporating more whole foods, fruits, greens, and lean proteins into your diet, and steer clear of processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats. If you want to take it a step further, try meal prepping always to have healthy food when you’re in a rush. 

Exercise Regularly 

Exercise is one of the best ways to balance your body and mind. Whether going to the gym, taking a yoga class, or going for a run or walk, exercise releases endorphins that lift your mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression. Make sure to find something you enjoy that you can stick to long-term. Even if it is just 30 minutes of physical activity daily, you’ll notice a huge difference in your overall well-being. 

Rest and Relax 

With life’s stressors always looming, finding time to rest and relax can be challenging. However, taking care of yourself by getting enough rest is crucial to balancing your mental health. Ensure you are getting enough sleep, aiming for around seven to nine hours per night, and take other measures to relax, such as massage, a bubble bath, or indulging in your favourite hobbies. 

Prioritise Your Mental Health 

Mental health is just as important as physical health. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or another mental health problem, it’s essential to prioritise your mental health. Seek professional mental health care if necessary, talk to trusted friends and family about any concerns, and make sure you take time each day to do things you love. Self-care and meditation can also work wonders to quiet your mind, reduce stress, and ease feelings of anxiety. 

Find Balance in Your Relationships 

Achieving balance in your relationships is also crucial for mental health. Sometimes, unhealthy relationships can lead to unhealthy habits that throw you off balance and make you feel worse. Make sure you only surround yourself with people who support you, respect you, and have your best interests at heart. Ensure you set boundaries, say no when necessary, and openly communicate your needs and feelings. 

Keeping yourself in balance mentally and physically is an ongoing process that requires continual effort and investment. However, the rewards of prioritising your mental and physical health can be nothing short of life-changing. By taking care of yourself and making sure you are eating healthily, exercising regularly, getting enough rest, prioritising your mental health, and finding balance in your relationships, you can achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. So, try some of these tips, and watch yourself grow into the best version of yourself yet. 

Meghan Belnap is a freelance blogger, researcher and writer.

7 Tips On How To Get Good Rest As A New Mom/Mum.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Kelly Sikkema: Unsplash)

Being a mother, let alone a new mother, is no easy task. New moms might find themselves flustered with the idea of being a parent for the first time ever. No longer do they only have to care for themselves but also a little one, too, who depends on them. Frustration, stress, and lack of sleep are all common for new mothers. So, how can they fix this? Here are some tips.

  1. Sleep in the Same Room as Baby

Waking up every few hours in the night is no easy task. Having your sleep disrupted when in a groggy state is several times easier when your baby is close by to you.

Keep a crib or bassinet right next to your bed or at least a few feet away to reduce long walks throughout the house to tend to your baby in the night. This way, you can resume sleep as soon as possible.

  1. Prepare a Feeding & Changing Station Before Bed

Another way to ensure proper rest and sanity as a new mom is to keep a feeding and changing station stocked before going to bed for the night. Keep diapers, wipes, rash cream, baby powder, and a change of clothes nearby. Also keep clean bottles and formula (if applicable) within close reach.

  1. Don’t Skip the Bubble Baths

Good hygiene provides relaxation, which in turn, helps us feel more put together and well-rested. There’s nothing quite like soaking in a calming bubble bath to ease those tense muscles.

  1. Keep Your Mental Health in Check

After having a baby, your mental health is of utmost importance. When you’re in a bad mental health state, it’s difficult to get quality sleep at night. You may have problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or may be oversleeping. Either way, you find yourself feeling unrested.

If your mental health is suffering, it may be time to consider postpartum depression care in Orange County.

  1. Let the Household Duties Slide

Right now, your wellbeing and your baby’s well being matter most. A pile of dirty dishes? Leave it for tomorrow. Now is the time to prioritize your physical and mental state in the form of good rest. Unless there’s broken glass on the ground or a horrible stench in the house, the chores can be put off.

  1. Get Physical

Even simply going on a walk around the block can be a great way to get exercise in. This in itself can be a relaxing activity. And as everyone knows, getting exercise can also allow you to get a better night’s rest.

  1. Drinking Calming Teas

Turning to herbal teas like chamomile or lavender can be great ways to unwind after a hectic day as a new mom. Never underestimate the power of a hot beverage filled with calming herbs, especially before bedtime.

Conclusion

Being a new mother is going to be a challenge no matter how you look at it. However, what a mom can do differently to make things easier is to ensure she gets proper rest. With the latter tips, any overwhelmed, exhausted mom can get the rest and relaxation she needs to feel rejuvenated after a long day of parenting.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

Shana Tova: Happy New Jewish Year To All Our Readers!

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

As long summer days wind slowly into the peacefulness and darker evenings of Autumn, us Jews around the world celebrate Rosh Hashanah, Jewish New Year. Although, it is not so much a celebration with fireworks and partying, but a time to come together for introspection of the year that has been and looking to the new year ahead. We gather with family, pray, give charity and eat lots of apple and honey (and honey flavoured treats) for a sweet year. They say that on Rosh Hashanah, your fate for the year ahead is written, but you have time to change that.

It has been a fulfilling year- with many twists and turns, ups and downs. This year, two sweet nephews were born and my best friend had a baby too- which were joyous. We celebrated birthdays, engagements and weddings. We travelled to Cyprus on holiday (which was wonderful) and went on a steam train for Robs birthday. We went to the theatre numerous times and the cinema too! We met new people, made new friends and had new experiences too.

We lost relatives and people we loved this year. This year was a year of growth but also of endings, as well as beginnings.

The blog has been busy this year and it is amazing to still be blogging after 7 years!

I know that Jewish festivals can be a hard time for people’s mental health and are a time for reflection. Please reach out for support if you need it from loved ones or helplines like the Samaritans 116 123.

This year, I pray for health, happiness and goodness in all areas of life.

With love and light,

Shana Tova U’Metuka (good and sweet year)

Eleanor

Maintaining Mental Wellbeing: Tips for Navigating an Alcohol Assessment Centre by Brooke Chaplan

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(Image: free image)

The decision to seek help for alcohol use disorder is an important one. It takes courage to admit that you need assistance, and taking the first step toward recovery can feel like a daunting task. One of the early steps of recovery is an alcohol assessment centre, which can assess your condition, provide treatment recommendations, and connect you to ongoing support. However, navigating an assessment centre can be overwhelming, especially if you are feeling vulnerable or uncertain. In this post, we will discuss some tips for maintaining your mental well-being while navigating an alcohol assessment centre.

Educate Yourself

Before entering an assessment centre, take some time to educate yourself about the process and what to expect. This can help to ease anxiety and provide a sense of control in an unfamiliar environment. You can research online, check out the centre’s website, or speak with someone who has been through the process before.

Prepare Mentally and Emotionally

Entering an assessment centre can be a nerve-wracking experience, but it’s essential to prepare yourself mentally and emotionally. You might consider bringing along a trusted friend or family member who can offer support and help you stay grounded. You can also practice mindfulness or deep breathing exercises to help you stay centred.

Speak Openly and Honestly

It’s important to be honest about your alcohol use, even if you feel embarrassed or ashamed. The professionals at the assessment centre require accurate information to provide the best treatment options for your specific needs. Honesty also helps to build trust and openness in the therapeutic relationship between you and your counsellor.

Focus on Your Goals

Entering an assessment centre can be overwhelming, but it’s essential to focus on your goals for recovery. Discuss your goals with your counsellor, and work with them to develop a plan for achieving them. Remembering why you’re seeking help and what you want to achieve can help motivate you and make the process easier.

Take Care of Yourself

Finally, remember to take care of yourself while going through an assessment centre. It’s essential to prioritise your mental and physical well-being, which can include eating well, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough rest. Self-care also means taking breaks when necessary, practicing healthy coping mechanisms, and setting boundaries with those around you. Navigating an alcohol assessment centre can be overwhelming, but it’s an essential step towards recovery from alcohol use disorder.

By educating yourself about the process, preparing yourself mentally and emotionally, speaking honestly with your counsellor, focusing on your goals, and taking care of yourself, you can maintain your mental well-being while going through the process. It is highly recommended to reach out to facilities where you are, like A Better Choice Counselling/ Alcohol, Drug & Assessment Center, for more information or to answer any questions you may have.

Remember, seeking help for alcohol use disorder is a brave decision, and with the right support and resources, recovery is possible

How to Have A Memorably Fun Wedding (And Look After Mental Health).

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 5 Comments

Wedding days are primarily about the love between the two people getting married. But let’s be honest, there’s also another big component of wedding days, and that’s fun. People go to weddings to show their support for a great couple, but they also expect to have a good time.

So if you’re planning on getting married in the foreseeable future, be sure to work on giving your guests the opportunity to have a great time.

(image: Rene Asmussen : Pexels

Drinks on Arrival

People will have spent a long time getting ready and travelling to your wedding. So it’s important that they’re given a warm welcome. You can make a selection of drinks available to people when they arrive; this could be champagne, a beer, or a soft drink, so everyone has an option. It’s also a good idea to give people some time to mill around and get to know one another before heading into the venue, so try to put a little bit of space between the arrival time and the beginning of the ceremonies.

Well-Organised

You want your guests to be in a mindset that allows them to have a great time, not thinking about the logistics of the organisation. You can help them by making your wedding day as well-organised as possible. This could include putting on a coach that takes your guests from the centre of town to the venue, hiring a babysitter to look after children, and all-around keeping your guests informed of the order of the day. The better the organisation, the more likely it is that your guests can fully commit to the moment, let their hair down, and have a great time.

All the Food

Is it possible to have a good time when you’re hungry? Probably, but it’s much more difficult. You can put your guests in the mood for fun by ensuring that their stomachs are full. Make some snacks available during the day and, of course, be sure to hire caterers that can produce a delicious and filling dinner. You may also consider having a late-night buffet — people will get hungry, especially if they’ve been dancing for hours. 

Bring the Party

The most fun part of the wedding day will, of course, be the party. For this, you’ll need to have a dance floor, some props, and some good music. It’s a good idea to hire a wedding party band to get the party started; once they’re done, it’ll be the DJ’s turn to play those classic wedding party songs that’ll have people on the dance floor all night long. 

Lawn/Party Games 

Not everyone wants to spend the night dancing. If you’re getting married in the summer, then consider buying some lawn/party games that people can enjoy. They can be really fun, and they’re also fantastic ways for your wedding guests to get to know one another a bit better.  

Look After Mental Health

Remember when wedding planning, to always look after your mental health as it can be anxiety and stress provoking. You should try to make sure your guests are looked after too. Simple things like making sure there is not too much alcohol, that your guests have fans or access to air con in hot weather and drinking water, will mean your wedding will go more smoothly and everyone will feel great! Remember to access support from your GP should you need it too.

This article was written by a freelance writer.

Bipolar And Suicide Prevention Webinar with Bipolar UK- 11th September 2023

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Bipolar UK)

On Monday 11th September, I am looking forward to being on a webinar on Bipolar and Suicide prevention for Bipolar UK charity, with their CEO Simon Kitchen and a police officer, Ashley Brice (pictured), who specialises in suicide prevention for people in crisis in Wales. This is a difficult topic to discuss and one that will be tackled with empathy.

If you can join, please register here for free: https://www.bipolaruk.org/suicidal-thinking

Thanks,

Eleanor x

Finding A Sense Of Belonging, Where No One Wants To Belong: On a Psychiatric Ward by Katie

~ Eleanor Segall ~ Leave a comment

(image: Kelly Sikkema: Unsplash)

In 2021, I was hospitalised for the second time in my life, due to an acute psychotic episode as a result of my then-recent diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder (Type One). Hospitalisation is one of the scariest, most unsettling periods of time but – a sometimes – necessary stage to recovery. I was so deep within my psychosis for the first week of my admission that I was quite oblivious to my surroundings and the people I was sharing the space with.

However, when my psychosis started to subside and I began to return to my true self, more free from delusions and mania, I was struck with a strong feeling of not belonging. I felt truly and utterly lost. 

My ward was made up of around fifteen other women, with varying diagnosis, in differing mental states and from different walks of life. Yet, somehow I still felt like an outsider.

At first I was trying to think why. Was it because I was a Northerner in a Southern hospital? Was it because I was one of few that was the same ethnicity as myself? Was it that I was younger than most? There were so many factors that could have been the result of me feeling at a loss and not finding belonging.

Ultimately, no one wants to feel like they belong inside a psychiatric hospital. However, I believe there is merit in feeling like you have a place and in finding a sense of belonging helped me to have grounding and a base that wasn’t initially there. 

Here are a few factors, of which helped me to find belonging:

  1. Acceptance – A lot of my initial struggle was the complete denial, fuelled mainly by my delusional thoughts, that I wasn’t mentally ill and I was in the wrong place. The acceptance that I was a patient in a place that was designed to help me was a key turning point within my recovery. I belonged and thus was worthy of treatment and a future. 
  1. Routine – Although I grappled with feeling like I was becoming institutionalised, I think sticking to the routine of the ward was really important. Asides from the benefits of attending meal times, having the structure meant seeing familiar faces, both staff and patients and having positive interactions. 
  1. Involvement – Attending the therapy sessions that were available were so beneficial. My ward had a brilliant occupational therapist and other specialists that would come in to do structured sessions such as music therapy, cooking or yoga classes. Again, I got to see familiar faces and it brought with it a sense of community. 
  1. Authenticity – One of my biggest struggles throughout both manic, and depressive periods, is finding it hard to connect to my true authentic self. Reconnecting to myself and allowing myself to just be me meant that I felt more relaxed and at ease.

Finding this sense of belonging in a place where no one wants to belong ultimately gave me the grounding to go forward and look forward to a brighter future. 

Katie is a freelance writer who lives with bipolar disorder in recovery and has courageously shared her experiences of being hospitalised here.