Tag: muscles

Why Magnesium Baths Are The New Self-Care Ritual by Miranda Spears.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Pexels: Gabby K)

Self care is so important, so why not try a Magnesium Bath? Magnesium baths rely upon magnesium salts (typically magnesium sulfate or magnesium chloride) dissolved in warm water to create a solution with beneficial qualities. Magnesium ions are absorbed through the skin during your soak through a physical process called transdermal absorption, which relaxes muscles by balancing nerve impulses to muscles, and it also reduces inflammation. Magnesium is also beneficial in the production of cell energy as it helps in the production of ATP and enhances the quality of sleep, due to the control of melatonin release. Here we present five evidence-based ways magnesium baths support physical recovery, skin health, mental clarity,

Deep Absorption of Minerals in Warm Baths to Revitalise Muscles

By soaking in warm water with magnesium bath flakes, you’ll be getting a concentrated dose of this vital mineral that will be absorbed directly into the skin. Magnesium ions penetrate the skin through the flakes, entering the muscles when they disrupt pain transmission and minimise the markers of inflammation. This is selective absorption and initiates recovery of active stress, therefore, heals stiffness as well as increases flexibility. The sources of tensions dissolve, and your previously tensed muscles turn into elastic cords capable of moving in any direction. Habitual soaks enhance soothing properties, so, you can live an active life, without muscle soreness.

Enhancing Mental Clarity with Sensory-Rich Immersion

Warm water helps lighten the burden of daily challenges, and magnesium gratefully taps into neurotransmitters like GABA and tones the impartiality of moods. With every deep breath of subtly scented extra essential oils or plant infusions, every breath is gets a little stronger, until you can relax deeply. You become able to go back into your environment, and you can go and do things in a purposeful manner. Recharging of the mind roots you throughout the day in a state of productivity.

Lifting the Home Spa Atmosphere

More than minerals and water are required to turn a typical bathroom into a sanctuary. You can use soft towels, controllable lights, and adornments that create an atmosphere that welcomes relaxation. Include small-scale candles on the periphery of the tub with flames that provide soft illumination. The slightest bit of greenery helps bring nature inside for relaxation.

Gentle Agents to Boost Skin Health with Nourishment

In addition to relaxing the muscles, a magnesium bath helps to give the skin a glow. The mineral helps to hydrate and repair the cells due to its ability to attract moisture to the epidermal layer. During soaking, scrub a bit with a side brush or natural sponge to scrub off dull cells, and in turn, boost circulation. Pat dry and trap moisture by using a light natural oil or serum, and the skin will absorb the nutrients. As time progresses, you will feel that your skin has become smooth already and has a healthy glow that is a result of constant renewal with the help of minerals, so your skin will feel refreshed too.

Retraining to Have Restful Sleeping Routines

Magnesium soaks in the evenings, prepare you to take a lovely, restorative sleep with the help of balancing various hormones that control your circadian rhythm. The temperature reduction when exiting the bath into cool air is an indication to your body that you should take a rest and relax. You will sleep more comfortably, more deeply, with less anxiety and you should end up waking up in a good mood.

Magnesium baths are refreshing and also spiritually enhancing. Muscles relax, minds can be more focused, skin becomes radiant, and sleep comes as easily as breathing. This habit goes beyond relaxation and becomes a specific gesture of care taken towards yourself, one that re-echoes in all the levels of your life. By doing that, every bath will become the ritual of rejuvenation, a special moment created especially in your favour where the stress of the day is washed away and health prevails.

This article was written by Miranda Spears and contains some sponsored links.

Highlighting The Anxiety That Men Face With Their Appearance And Body Dysmorphia By Michael Saul, Partner At Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors.

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 2 Comments

(image: Pexels- Martin Pechy)

Appearance-related anxiety in men is deeply rooted in psychological and societal factors. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) describes how men can become fixated on perceived flaws, such as their hair, muscles, or facial features. This preoccupation goes beyond ordinary concern and can lead to behaviours like avoiding mirrors or compulsively seeking reassurance. Research shows that this anxiety is not purely superficial but often stems from deeper psychological issues, including past trauma or negative experiences during adolescence. Understanding these origins helps to address the mental health challenges men face, rather than solely relying on cosmetic interventions.

The Psychological Roots of Male Appearance Anxiety

Psychological and societal factors often drive appearance anxiety among men. Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) exemplifies how men can become fixated on perceived flaws, such as their hair, muscles, or facial features. This fixation goes beyond normal concern and is marked by distress and compulsive behaviours, including excessive mirror checking and seeking reassurance. The condition often has roots in past traumas or negative experiences, particularly during adolescence which compounds the development of BDD.

This anxiety is further exacerbated by cultural narratives around masculinity and appearance where societal expectations can aggravate the psychological impact of conditions like androgenic alopecia. Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive understanding of their origins, as relying on cosmetic interventions alone fails to resolve the underlying psychological distress. This deeper understanding provides effective support and treatment options for men struggling with appearance-related anxiety.

The Impact of Hair Loss on Men’s Mental Health

Androgenic alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male pattern baldness, has a profound impact on men’s self-esteem and mental health. Studies indicate that AGA can impair quality of life, particularly in younger men who view hair loss as a sign of ageing or loss of masculinity. This psychological burden is often underestimated, as societal attitudes towards baldness remain largely negative. Men may feel pressured to conform to idealised standards of appearance, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and social withdrawal.

Unlike BDD, which involves a distorted perception of minor or imagined flaws, AGA concerns are based on actual physical changes, yet the emotional distress can be similar. Many men experience shame and lowered self-esteem, avoiding social situations or altering their behaviour to hide their hair loss. These reactions underscore the need for psychological support rather than cosmetic interventions, which often fail to address the underlying emotional distress associated with hair loss.

The Misconception of Cosmetic Surgery as a Solution

Despite the psychological distress caused by conditions like BDD and androgenic alopecia, many men mistakenly view cosmetic surgery as a solution to their appearance-related anxieties. This misconception is particularly evident in cases where individuals pursue surgical interventions without addressing the underlying psychological issues. Surgery often fails to resolve the distress, and in some instances, it can worsen symptoms. BDD is a perceptual disorder where the perceived flaw is rarely corrected by physical changes. Men seeking surgical solutions may find temporary relief, but this approach does not address the root cause of their anxiety.

Treatment for BDD should include psychological therapies like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which help individuals manage their obsessive thoughts and develop healthier ways of coping with their appearance concerns. Without this psychological support, men remain at risk of dissatisfaction and further psychological harm, even after undergoing surgery.

(image: Daria Liudnaya: Pexels)

The Importance of Recognising Psychological Triggers

To address male appearance anxiety, men must recognise its psychological triggers. Research indicates that many men develop BDD or experience distress from hair loss due to past traumas or negative experiences during adolescence. These triggers can include bullying, teasing, or other forms of social rejection. Recognising these underlying factors is essential for effective treatment, as focusing solely on cosmetic solutions overlooks the deep-seated psychological issues. Integrating therapeutic approaches that address these triggers can significantly improve outcomes and reduce the reliance on cosmetic interventions.

Legal Considerations for Men Seeking Cosmetic Surgery

Men opting for cosmetic surgery must be aware that, even with informed consent, procedures can sometimes lead to complications or dissatisfaction. Those with psychological conditions like body dysmorphic disorder may not fully grasp the risks involved, which could result in a poor surgical outcome or aggravation of mental health issues. If a surgeon fails to assess psychological fitness or provide adequate information about potential risks, this may constitute cosmetic surgery negligence. Men in such situations have the legal right to pursue claims if the surgery worsens their condition or results in harm.

Solicitors can assist clients who have experienced negligent cosmetic surgery by examining whether the medical professional involved adhered to their duty of care. For men affected by psychological issues like body dysmorphic disorder, a failure to conduct proper assessments or consider the mental state of the patient before surgery could be grounds for legal action. Solicitors provide guidance on collecting evidence and understanding the options available for claiming compensation if the surgery has caused further harm or did not meet reasonable standards.

Men contemplating cosmetic surgery should prioritise professional psychological support to understand their motivations and potential outcomes better. Conditions like body dysmorphic disorder can distort self-perception, and as such, points to psychological therapy as the first step. Consulting a mental health professional can clarify whether surgery is the appropriate course of action. Combining psychological and legal support provides a more secure and informed approach to managing appearance-related issues.

This article was written by Michael Saul, Partner at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors.

How To Stay Motivated And Keep A Good Mindset Throughout Physical (Physio) Therapy by Sierra Powell

~ Eleanor Segall ~ 1 Comment

Photo from Pexels

Physical (physio) therapy sticks out as an important part of the recovery process if you find yourself in pain or overcoming an injury. Continuing to do your physical therapy may seem overwhelming, so you could end up losing your motivation. This means you should find some ways to keep yourself motivated, so you can enjoy all the benefits of physical therapy.

Ask Someone to Help You

If you struggle with motivation, you can always talk with people close to you for some help. For example, if you have a family member you trust, you can mention your lack of motivation. From there, you can ask that person to keep you motivated and check in with you, so you can stick with the physical (physio) therapy and overcome your injury.

Sometimes, motivation simply requires another person to help you out. If you let someone work alongside you, then you don’t have to tackle the challenge on your own. Having the additional support can help you remain motivated and stick with the therapy process.

Remember the Potential Benefits

Sometimes, people don’t like to go through physical (physio) therapy since they may feel pain and spend multiple hours tackling the process. For example, if you deal with sciatica pain, you may feel excruciating back pain while you go through therapy. Since you may not want to deal with the pain, you may lose your motivation to continue.

You need to remember the benefits of physical (physio) therapy, so you can stick with it. After all, you can lower your pain in the future if you effectively treat it now, so make sure you remember this point whenever you want to quit.

Make Note of Your Progress

When you go through physical (physio) therapy, you may overlook the progress you make if you focus on the negatives. For example, if you don’t like spending an hour every few days working on your physical (physio) therapy, you won’t realise the progress you made. If you change your mindset to focus on your progress, you may build your motivation up again.

This means you should remember how much time and hours you put into the process to help you stick with it. That way, you can get a better understanding of how much it helped you out since you can see how much you have progressed compared to the beginning.

Enjoy Every Victory

On top of tracking your progress, you should also celebrate each victory you experience. For example, if you go through physical (physio) therapy to help you walk again, you should celebrate once you take your first step. Even though it may not seem like much, reminding yourself of each of these moments can help you feel motivated to continue.

Even the smallest victories can help you with motivation, so make sure you never overlook them. You can enjoy the first step, but you should also celebrate every step you take. You can apply this type of thought process to any therapy you need to participate in.

Create a Timeline for Yourself

Sometimes, people need to know how much they must dedicate to the process if they want to keep themselves motivated. For example, if you need to go through physical therapy twice a week for a month, you can note how many days you have left. This means if you just finished your second session, you only have six more to go through.

Creating a timeline like his can help you visualise what you still need to do. You can mark these days on a calendar to keep track of each important date, so you can make sure you go through the whole process and finish it.

Conclusion

Maintaining your motivation requires you to focus on your mind, since doing so will help you look at the situation positively.

Make sure you keep yourself in a good headspace and boost your mental health, so you can get through the recovery process and get back to your usual life. Self care is so important.

This requires tons of effort on your part, but you can help yourself to get better and recover.

Sierra Powell is a content writer from the USA.