Growing Better

Depression. Bipolar. Anxiety. You’ve probably heard these terms before, but how much do you know about these mental health conditions, and about how they affect people? Understanding these conditions can help reduce fear and misunderstanding of mental illness, and empower everyone with the knowledge on how to care for their mental health, and that of their loved ones. Read on to find out more about some of the more common conditions. What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a common emotion when dealing with daily stresses and problems. But when these emotions are persistent, excessive and irrational, and affect a person’s ability to function, anxiety becomes a disorder. There are different types of anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic and stress disorders, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Symptoms of Anxiety Apprehension, confusion, on edge, a sense of helplessness, repeated negative thoughts, muscle tension, palpitations and difficulty breathing. Treatment and help Simple strategies,...

Self-care is extremely important, especially as we enter the stressful holiday season. You can practice self-care in many ways: exercise, eat well, meditate, seek therapy, and more. Each method of self-care fits into one of the seven pillars: mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational, and social. A well-balanced self-care routine involves each of these, so avoid restricting yourself to just one or two pillars. The seven pillars are broken down below with examples on how to practice each one.  1. Mental Mental Self-Care involves creating a healthy mindset through mindfulness and curiosity. You can do this through journaling, meditation, thinking outside of the box, creating a brain dump list at the start of each day, and taking an intentional break from screen time (TV, internet, and phone usage).  2. Emotional To practice emotional self-care, you want to create healthy coping strategies for any stresses that might occur in your daily life. You can do ...

W hen it comes to your mental health, self-care can help you manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy. Even small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact. Your mind, just like your body, needs care and attention. Here are some simple tips to keep your mind healthy and happy : Get Moving: A healthy diet supports brain function and emotional stability. Choose plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Get enough sleep:  When you're well-rested, you're better able to cope with stress and regulate your emotions. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Make social connection: Social interaction is essential for mental health. Spend time with loved ones, join a club or group, and volunteer in your community. Seek help when you need it: If you're struggling with your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Talk to a therapist, counselor, or trusted friend or family member. Remember, you're not alone. We all h...

Growing is a natural thing and it plays a vital to our survival. Similarly, mental growth and change are equally vital to our personal health and survival. Mental growth makes you feel accomplished and energized, it makes you better at your job, and it helps keep your mind sharp. Here are some tips for you to grow mentally: Mindfulness:  Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. Work with Professionals:  Working with professionals will improve your understanding of your mental health and how it's affecting your life. There will always be new opportunities and learnings for you. Keep a Journal: Keeping a journal in your daily routine of your life can improve your thinking and your habits of writing your thoughts. It will help you to get clear vision of your thoughts. Practice Self-compassion: In simple words, its a process of turning compassion inw...