5 Health Tips for the New Year

There are numerous things you can do to improve your health and remain on top of things. This is one of the best methods to better your life and make the most of the coming year. You must also take care of yourself, which entails developing fantastic hacks to improve your health.

Get Moving

To stay healthy, you must consider your current health difficulties and how to improve your fitness and health in the following year. Try to figure out how to enhance this process and make better decisions in the future. Feeling and looking good is crucial for a happy and healthy life, so use these tricks to improve your life and your health right now.

Get A Health CheckUp

Getting frequent checkups is one of the most important things you can do to stay on top of any health issues you may have. Try to be as honest with yourself about your health as possible, and have frequent exams to assess your overall health. A general checkup with your GP or a more specialized checkup with a urologist is important while receiving a health checkup. It's critical to detect and address any health issues you may be having. Making sure you are aware of services such as medical malpractice attorneys is good when dealing with health care professionals.

Don't Drink

If you want to start the new year off right, one of the greatest ways to do it is to stop drinking. Sure, the holidays and the new year are fantastic times to drink, but starting 2021 sober would be a great way to start the year. Avoiding alcohol will help you save money and improve your overall health. This is one of those proactive things you can do to stay on top of your physical and emotional health in the next year.

Vitamins

Taking vitamins and other supplements to aid your health right now is critical, and should be done daily if possible. Consider the best strategies to improve your health and wellbeing, and start planning for the future now. Vitamins are a great way to stay healthy and give your body a boost every morning. Getting the essential vitamins and taking them daily will make your health and fitness programe much more successful.

Change Your Way Of Life

Sometimes you just have to shift your outlook on life to receive the best results in all areas. If you truly want to prioritize your health and well-being in the next year, you must modify your view on life. This can be achieved by simply changing your habits and lifestyle choices. Being healthier and happier is really important right now, and there are many factors to consider. Try to think of ways to keep a healthy lifestyle while also doing everything you want to do.

There are many methods you may use to assist you to make better health and fitness choices in the next year. It's vital to evaluate what it takes to improve your life, and there are many factors to consider. The more you work on this, the better your life will be, so focus on it. Maintaining good health is vital right now, so make the most of it. Come up with ideas to improve your life and make better choices in the future.

What To Do After A Major Health Setback (When You Work Full Time)

Life can change in an instant. One minute, you’re running around, living to the full, the next, you find yourself seriously incapacitated in some way. It can be a distressing experience (and a rude awakening). You suddenly see the fragility of life and how everything is so temporary. Thus, dealing with a major health setback is hard. 

In this post, we take a look at what to do after an injury or diagnosis even if you work full time. Check out the following:

Reach Out To Others

When you’ve had a major health setback, your first instinct might be to recoil and spend all day in bed. However, this approach often leads to depression and isolation, making it even harder to recover. 

If you can, try to reach out to others. Having a strong social support network in place is one of the best ways to influence physical health outcomes. Gather your family and friends around and find ways to talk about the issues affecting you. 

Find Rituals That Soothe You

Health setbacks are rarely your fault. That’s why most people use a trustworthy personal injury law firm to find justice. But, even so, rituals can help a great deal. They are small things that you do each day as a dedication to your health. Often, they can assist your recovery substantially. 

Soothing rituals come in many different forms. Which you choose will largely depend on your personality. For some, meditating first thing in the morning is the best medicine. It helps to bring anxiety levels down and can assist your focus. For others, it is a long soak in the bath or even a cold shower.
Rituals add structure to your day and have profound physical and psychological benefits. A routine gives you structure and focus.

Write Down How You Feel

Major health setbacks can leave you feeling distressed and worried. But sometimes, just experiencing the emotions is confusing. They’re all over the place. 

Writing down how you feel can help you process what you are going through. If you can articulate your fears and concerns, it helps you adjust your approach.

You don’t have to tell anyone what you write. You can simply keep it in a private journal. Once you delve into the meanings embodied in your words, you can often get a better handle on your experience. Over time, you feel less overwhelmed. 

Use Mindfulness

When your health begins to suffer, it can be difficult to appreciate the good things in life. That’s where mindfulness can really help. Instead of allowing the mind to run wild with constant worries and agitations, you instead separate yourself from it. You observe your emotions and then allow them to pass naturally. 

Many people prone to ruminative thinking find mindfulness empowering. Research shows that it can help combat PTSD and even prevent the development of depression. 

Embrace Gratitude

Feeling grateful after a health setback is a challenge. Usually, you feel the complete opposite. After all, you’re sick: what do you have to be grateful for?

Intellectualizing the problem in this way, however, is a bad idea. Gratitude isn’t important for moral reasons. It’s valuable because it changes your brain chemistry, thereby improving your mood. 
Research shows that the mere act of being grateful for what you have in life improves your sense of wellbeing. You go from living in a state of scarcity to living in abundance. When you are grateful for the life you have, you don’t feel like you lack anything. Anything you have feels like a bonus. 
Practicing regular gratitude changes the way you relate to others too. When you are in a grateful state of mind, you are much more likely to display love and affection. The hormones those emotions produce can, in turn, make you feel even better (and may speed your recovery).

Get Your Body Moving

If you can, try to get your body moving. (This won’t always be possible with some injuries and diseases). Movement helps to build strength in the body and improve your state of mind. Simply being outside in sunlight instead of indoors all the time can make a tremendous difference. 

Do Activities That You Want To Do

Health setbacks can leave you wondering how you will continue to enjoy your life. So it is a good idea to focus on activities that you want to do. This way, you can discover new joys that you’d overlooked before. Focus less on what you “should” be doing. Taking unscheduled time for life’s pleasures is still your prerogative.

Is Plastic Surgery Now the Norm?

Plastic surgery is on the rise like never before. With the influx of social media, a traditional media that is unforgiving of regular-looking bodies, and greater training of beauticians in favor of plastic surgery procedures, plastic surgery is easier to access and more normalized than ever.

 Plastic surgery is a difficult topic to talk about. While some condemn it, others believe that, as with most other body-positive issues, a person has the right to choose what to do to their body. If this is something that a person wants, they shouldn’t be shamed for it.

But looking at the statistics – at the growth in numbers of aesthetic plastic surgeries – you have to wonder if this massive change results from anything. Plus, whether the reasons behind more people flocking to plastic surgery are something we should be worried about.  

Are more people getting aesthetic plastic surgery?

This plastic surgery epidemic is felt most keenly in the US, where plastic surgery has become so popular, it has taken over first place from Asian countries. In 2020, the United States saw more plastic surgery procedures than any other country, according to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. The last survey they conducted in 2016 showed that 4.2 million plastic surgery procedures for aesthetic purposes were performed in 2016. When worldwide numbers are taken into account, the US contributes 17.9% of all plastic surgeries worldwide.

Peers, parents, and the media: what has caused this greater desire for plastic surgery?

Scientists have found that people’s opinion of their own body is influenced by three factors: peers, parents, and the media.

 Social media has been around for fifteen years or so, and in that time, our relationships with our peers and the media have altered drastically. Now, we can see our peers in the best light: at the best angle, with the best filter, edited to perfection. As a result, our conceptions of what people look like – especially when these are people we do not know in real life – are skewed massively.

 So, when we turn to our bodies, we have a completely false and unreachable standard to meet. When we fall short, how do we feel about our bodies?

 Then there’s the media, which has never been forgiving towards imperfect (or normal) bodies. The media overly criticizes imperfection, and now they have the entirety of social media to work with. They create an impossibly trap for people: you will be criticized for imperfection, but you will also be criticized for a poor editing job on an Instagram post. With this paradox made clear, what if left to make yourself immune to criticism, but plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery: confidence booster or unhealthy coping mechanism?

Many argue that plastic surgery is just a way for people to feel more confident in their bodies, just like non-judged procedures, like ear piercing or teeth whitening with a dentist  (http://www.birminghamdentalcenter.com/).

 But the spike in plastic surgeries in recent years shows that the causes behind this need for body confidence are a dark, twisted web. If we took away modern social media, would as many people feel this need for body confidence that inspires more plastic surgery?

4 Ways To Improve Your Workout

It is recommended that we do at least 25 minutes of aerobic activity three times a week, but we all work out in different ways. Many of us have switched the gym for home workouts in the past year, while others have replaced their intense workouts with daily walks and more relaxing forms of exercise such as yoga. However, when it comes to working out, there are always things we can do to improve the quality of our workouts, and these tips will help us see better results.

Workout with a plan in mind 

Whether you work out at home or in the gym, you must know what you want to achieve out of that session. This does not mean that you need to have prepared a workout plan for the session; it can be as easy as deciding what area of your body you want to focus on and what pieces of equipment can help you work them out. However, workout plans are great for keeping you on track. Pamela Reif, a German fitness influencer, has her own app, which allows users to make a workout plan consisting of her workouts, which she posts to her YouTube channel. Workout plans like this one will help keep you on track and help motivate you to complete your daily workouts.

Invest in a therapeutic tape

Often working out can leave our bodies feeling sore and achy, particularly if the workout we have just completed has been strenuous. Therapeutic tapes are cotton strips that help ease muscle pain. These are extremely useful if you have pulled a muscle or ligament and will provide you with some much-needed relief. Suppose you are unsure of where you can purchase some therapeutic tape, kt therapeutic tape for sale.The less pain you feel, the more precise your workouts will be.

Include variety

If you perform the exact same workout every day, you will soon tire of it and simply not do it. This means that you will not see the same results as you would have done if you had continued the workout and this will demotivate you. Therefore, you should try to add variety into your workouts and maybe try different pieces of equipment when you are in the gym so that you do not become bored. This could also mean not doing a workout at all, and instead getting your exercise by going for a walk or a bicycle ride. Different forms of exercise can be greatly beneficial to you and your mental health. 

Workout with a friend

Going to the gym or out for a run with a friend can make all the difference. Not only does it motivate you, but it can make the workout more fun if you have a friend there to chat with and help check that you are performing your workouts safely. However, it would help if you were careful not to let your friend distract you too much; otherwise, you might end up not working out as much as you had initially planned. Making plans to work out with a friend will make you less likely to cancel your workout, too, as you will not want to let your friend down. This means that your friend holds you accountable, and consequently, you may notice your workouts becoming more frequent. 

You Can Maintain a Healthy Brain

Although we can all expect to see some level of cognitive decline as we get older, it is far from inevitable that this decline will be significant, and there are lots of things we can all do to protect our brain health, and hopefully stave off diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Although there are no guarantees in life, if you do these X things, you will be doing your bit to maintain a healthy brain, which should help you fight off cognitive decline in later life.

1. Exercise

Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your overall physical and mental health, so it is not surprising that it can help to maintain a healthy brain. Numerous studies show that regular exercisers are less likely to suffer cognitive decline and go on to develop Alzheimer’s than individuals who exercise rarely. This may be because exercise can increase blood flow to the brain which can help to maintain neural connections.

2. Take your oral health seriously

You might not think that how often your brush and floss has much to do with the health of your brain, but there are numerous studies to suggest that gum disease and other oral health issues are linked to cognitive decline, as well as various other health issues, like heart disease. So, if you want to maintain a healthy brain, not to mention a healthy body overall, you need to brush and floss regularly and schedule regular appointments with Parkway Dental Care & Orthodontic.

3. Get enough sleep

Sleep plays a vital role in the health of your brain. When we sleep, it is believed that our body is able to get rid of abnormal proteins located in the brain area, which can help to consolidate your memories and improve overall cognitive function. If you can get at least 7 hours of sleep each night, this process should have enough time to kick in and do its thing. If you struggle to get enough sleep, speaking to your doctor might be a good thing as they may be able to help you with techniques or medication that will enable you to give your brain the rest it needs.

4. Challenge your brain

From crosswords and sudoku puzzles to trying new hobbies each week, anything you can do to keep your bran active and give it a bit of a challenge will only help to improve your cognitive function and keep your brain sharp, which is exactly what you need to do as you get older.

5. Eat Mediterranean

The Mediterranean is one of the healthiest for your weight and your heart, but did you know it’s also great for your brain too? Its unique mix of healthy fats, fish whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables gives the brain exactly what it needs to thrive best.

As you can see, it really is easy to maintain a healthy brain!

Tips To Improve Your Oral Health

Everyone needs to look after their oral health because we only have one set of teeth once our adult teeth come through. It’s important to take extra care with both your teeth and gums in order to keep yourself healthy for as long as possible in life. With that being said, here are some helpful tips to improve your oral health.

Brush With The Right Method

When it comes to brushing your teeth, there is a correct way of going about it and the main thing is that you want to get all areas of your mouth, from your front teeth to your back and all of the gum area too. You should be brushing your teeth for around two minutes as this is a great amount of time to spend in order to get your teeth and gums as clean as possible without overdoing it.

If you have a habit of cutting this time short, then put on a song or time yourself so that  you know how long two minutes will last for. When brushing, try not to brush too vigorously as you’re likely to do damage to your gums if you’re not careful. You want to apply pressure but not so much that it’s going to cause your gums to bleed.

By using the right method, you’re going to keep your teeth and gums healthy. They’ll also feel nice and clean after every brushing session. It’s something you should also be doing two to three times a day.

Try Flossing

Flossing is a great way of keeping your teeth clean but not everyone does it and just opts for brushing their teeth and leaving it at that. Brushing your teeth will do so much to remove the food and debris from your teeth. However, what really makes an added difference is flossing. Flossing gets in between the teeth where brushing can’t and therefore it’s something that you definitely want to incorporate as often as possible. 

Ideally, if you can do flossing along with every brushing of your teeth that you do, the more you’ll see an improvement of your teeth and how clean they are as a result. There are water flossing benefits that are worth exploring if it’s something you want to focus on.

Use Mouthwash

Mouthwash is a great addition to your oral health routine because it’s a great disinfectant for your mouth. Brushing and flossing are good for cleaning your teeth but it’s mouthwash that will help disinfect the most bacteria-heavy area of your mouth which is the tongue. Although some mouthwashes can be somewhat strong, there are milder options out there that are worth trying out.

Again, it’s one that people will miss out on doing but if you can bring a trio of brushing, flossing and mouthwash into your routine, then it will make a big difference to the health of your teeth but providing you with a fresh breath too.

Get Regular Dental Appointments

Just like any medical appointments, getting regular dental check-ups is essential. It’s good to address any concerns you may have or changes to your teeth that you might think aren’t right. Your teeth shift sometimes as you age and it’s worth keeping an eye on anything that might change significantly.

So with that being said, make sure you’re booking yourself into the dentist as often as possible. Even if you’re not due a check-up, it’s still good to get yourself checked out if anything is niggling away at you or you’ve felt pain or discomfort in your mouth recently.

It’s better to fix the problem straight away instead of delaying it and potentially causing more harm.

Chew Sugar-Free Gum

Chewing gum is often something that should be avoided if it contains sugar. However, it’s always useful to chew sugar-free gum in between meals and whenever you’re snacking. The reason your teeth can become damaged is through food and drink, sitting on your teeth. So with that being said, by chewing sugar-free gum, you give yourself that opportunity to get rid of anything sitting on your teeth, whilst also keeping your breath fresh. You can’t always brush your teeth throughout the day and so when it comes to lunch and snacks, chewing gum can be helpful.

Improving your oral health can not only help your teeth stay healthy but it’s also linked to the rest of your bodily health. Use these tips to make sure your gums and teeth stay as healthy as can be for as long as possible.

How to Take the Best Care of Your Feet

Despite being one of the hardest working parts of the body, feet are often neglected. Every day, feet are subjected to a range of conditions that can harm their health, yet most people do not think about their feet until they start to see problems arising. When you develop a foot problem, this can be particularly noticeable, and you may experience discomfort. To avoid the pain and suffering of foot issues, it is wise to start taking care of your feet to get them as healthy as possible. Here are some helpful tips for taking the best care of your feet:

Get Problems Treated Early

If you spot an issue with your feet, you may be tempted to ignore it and hope it goes away on its own. Unfortunately, whatever problem you have seen may become worse, not better, if you ignore it. Ignoring a foot issue for a long time can cause you to develop further problems, which potentially may require more extensive treatment. The best solution is to see a professional podiatrist such as Thomas Podiatry & Associates. They will be able to advise on the right treatment for your needs. Once you have your diagnosis, you will know precisely what you are dealing with, and the appropriate treatment can begin.

Choose the Right Footwear

Your footwear choices play a significant role in the health of your feet. Wearing shoes that are the wrong size can create a range of issues and feel incredibly uncomfortable to wear. If you regularly squeeze your feet into narrow high heels, you may find that you develop bunions and corns over time, not to mention plenty of blisters. These foot issues can cause a lot of pain and require a trip to the podiatrist to resolve them. 

Another common issue that is created by footwear is heel pain. Heel pain, such as plantar fasciitis, affects many people. Plantar fasciitis can be particularly painful, especially when you get out of bed in the morning and attempt to walk for the first time. Plantar fasciitis can be caused by wearing shoes that offer no or little support for the arches of your feet. If you have been at home wearing slippers each day during the COVID-19 quarantine, you may discover that you have heel pain due to your foot arches being unsupported.

Maintain Your Feet

Maintaining your feet and taking great care of them is an effective way to keep them as healthy as possible. Keeping your toenails carefully trimmed should help prevent ingrown toenails from forming. Taking care to dry your feet thoroughly after getting them wet is also crucial to keeping them in their best shape. Athlete’s foot can develop if you do not dry your feet completely. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection, so it thrives on damp skin. If you develop athlete’s foot, your feet will feel itchy and uncomfortable; flaky scales will also form. Taking care of your feet and carefully drying them will help prevent athlete’s foot from forming.

Red Flag Symptoms You Should Never Ignore For A Healthy Smile

Health has dominated the headlines for the last year, but many people are still putting their oral health on the back-burner. There are several reasons why it’s essential to take good care of your teeth and gums, including enjoying confidence when you smile and reducing the risk of oral and general health conditions. Looking after your smile can lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as gum disease and decay. Prevention is always better than cure. In this guide, we’ll explore some red flags you should never ignore for a healthy smile.

Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums is one of the most significant symptoms of gum disease. Gum disease is a common oral health problem. Severe gum disease affects almost 50% of US adults, according to the CDC. There are two main forms of gum disease. Gingivitis is a mild type of gum disease, which causes swelling and tenderness. If you spot traces of blood when you brush your teeth, it’s crucial to seek advice from your dentist. Gingivitis can be treated and managed effectively, preventing symptoms from getting worse. If gingivitis is left untreated, there is a risk of developing more advanced gum disease. Periodontal disease, also known as periodontitis, causes more severe symptoms, such as redness, inflammation and pain. Periodontal disease results in irreversible damage to the bone tissue, which supports the teeth. Eventually, the teeth will come loose in the socket. Gum disease is the leading cause of premature tooth loss in adults. 

It is normal to experience bleeding gums if you are using a new toothbrush for the first time or you haven’t flossed for a long time but if symptoms persist, always see your dentist. It is best to get the gums checked out as soon as possible to prevent permanent damage. 

Dental pain

Most of us will have to deal with a toothache at some point in our lives. There are many reasons why dental pain can occur and some are more serious than others. Injuries and infections are common causes of tooth pain and discomfort. In many cases, pain is mild and it subsides without the need for intensive or long-term treatment. If you experience pain regularly or your symptoms get worse, it’s critical to consult a dental expert. Prolonged periods of pain or sudden, intense discomfort may be symptomatic of a dental infection, an abscess or extensive decay. Additional signs of infections to look out for include a fever and soreness and tenderness to the touch around the affected tooth.

The most effective way to prevent dental pain is to adopt and maintain a good daily oral hygiene routine, which includes brushing and flossing. Use dental products that actively remove plaque and clean and polish the teeth, taking care to cover every individual surface of each tooth and to clean the tongue. Brushing the tongue is an excellent way to achieve thorough cleaning and lower the risk of bad breath. When brushing, move the brush gently around the mouth avoiding applying too much pressure to the teeth. If you brush too hard, you could damage the enamel, which will increase the risk of sensitivity and caries.

Bad breath

Bad breath is a common dental issue. Most people experience bouts of bad breath in the morning or after certain foods but some people have persistent symptoms. If you are prone to bad breath, it’s wise to try and identify triggers and to see your dentist. You may be able to control symptoms by changing your diet or cutting specific foods or drinks out but there could also be underlying causes. The most common cause of bad breath, also known as halitosis, is poor oral hygiene. When bacteria feed, they release odorous gases, which cause the unpleasant smell we associate with bad breath. Brushing the teeth and tongue and flossing are designed to eliminate harmful bacteria and keep the mouth clean and fresh. If you are susceptible to bad breath, it’s particularly beneficial to clean the tongue after brushing. This is because bacteria collect at the base of the tongue. Chewing sugar-free gum can also be beneficial to prevent odors after eating and stimulate saliva production to cleanse the mouth. 

It is possible for bad breath to be linked to other causes, including taking certain types of medication. If you still have symptoms after changing your diet or you have excellent oral hygiene but you experience bad breath frequently, make an appointment with your dentist. 

Slow-healing mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are small sores, which usually form inside the cheeks or lips. In most cases, ulcers develop after accidentally biting the soft tissue or catching it while eating, for example. Ulcers usually disappear after 7-10 days without the need for treatment. Although they can be painful, mouth ulcers are often harmless. You can use over the counter products to ease discomfort. Ulcers can be a red flag if you keep getting them or they take a long time to heal. Recurrent ulcers can result from hormonal changes in the body and they may also be linked to stress.

Slow-healing mouth ulcers, which take longer than 2 weeks to disappear, can be symptomatic of mouth cancer. Oral cancer has become more prevalent in the last decade but many people are still unaware of the symptoms. In the US alone, it is estimated that over 54,000 people will be diagnosed with oral or oropharyngeal cancer in 2021. In addition to slow-healing mouth sores, signs to look out for include red or white patches in the mouth, abnormal lumps or swelling in the mouth or throat, persistent hoarseness and difficulty swallowing. Oral cancer checks are carried out as part of routine dental assessments so it’s vital to keep up to date with appointments. If you notice any changes in your mouth, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 

We all want to feel confident when we look in the mirror. Taking good care of your teeth and gums is essential for a healthy smile. One of the most important steps to take is to keep an eye on your mouth and seek advice if you notice any changes or you experience symptoms like pain, swelling or bleeding gums. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist if you’re worried about your oral health or you need help with brushing, planning menus or tackling common problems like tooth pain or bad breath.

A Unique Approach To Losing Weight

Weight loss is something that a lot of people are trying to achieve. No matter whether you are overweight or you have parts of your body with stubborn areas of fat, you may have tried a whole host of different ways to try and shift those pounds. The importance of doing so cannot be overlooked. After all, being overweight is linked with the likes of cancer and diabetes. However, it is a lot easier said than done, right? The good news is that if you are looking for a way to give your weight loss efforts a boost, there is the option of using CBD.

What is CBD?

Before we look at the link between CBD and weight loss, it is imperative to explain what CBD is. Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is a compound that comes from the cannabis plant. It is completely natural, and it is not responsible for creating the high that we tend to associate with cannabis - that comes from THC, which is a different compound entirely.

Can you lose weight with the help of CBD?

There is an increasing amount of evidence that indicates that you can boost your weight loss journey with CBD. of course, more research is needed, but what exists at present is very promising.

 There are two types of cannabinoid receptors found within the body. You have CB2, which is found throughout the body. You then have CB1, which tends to be found within the central nervous system and the brain.

 It has been found that people who are overweight will typically have CB1 receptors spread out more widely in their bodies. There seems to be a link between CB1 receptor activation and obesity.

 CBD products will act as an indirect trigger, switching those receptors either off or on. But, what does this actually mean? Well, there are three key benefits that can arise as a consequence. The first is that better metabolic health can be achieved, which aids in more rapid fat burning. The second is that insulin levels can be lowered or stabilized, which encourages the body to burn fat instead of storing it. Finally, weight loss can also be aided because appetite can be reduced.

You can consume CBD in treat form

Another reason why CBD is good in terms of aiding with weight loss is that there are many different ways you can enjoy CBD. A lot of people like CBD gummies for sale, as they enable them to have a sweet treat while also benefitting from the advantages associated with CBD.

A unique way to lose weight: CBD

So there you have it: if you have been struggling with your weight loss journey, you may want to consider adding CBD to your diet. It is imperative to stress that CBD won’t perform miracles. You will need to eat right and exercise to truly experience all of the benefits. However, it can most certainly give you a good boost in achieving your goals. 

The Importance Of Having A Good Diet

Your body is your sanctuary, which is why it’s important to look after it. There are a whole plethora of ways to look after your body, from consuming enough water, getting enough sleep, and as we continue to look into today, by consuming a good diet. The reason it’s important to eat well is that it will help reduce the chances of you getting ill as well as improve your physical performance. Below are four reasons why having a good diet is important.

Improve Your Mood 

It’s very well documented that eating a bad diet can have a direct link to how you feel. If you are constantly eating badly, you can find yourself feeling tired and waking up not feeling fresh. By eating your five a day, reducing your alcohol consumptions (If you struggle with alcohol abuse, you can look into an outpatient alcohol treatment center) you will find that your mood improves and you feel better throughout the day. 

Weight Loss 

If one of your goals is to lose weight, then improving your diet will be a key part of your success. By having a good diet you will notice that you lose weight and don’t put weight on as easily. This is because fatty foods tend to have more calories than good foods, meaning the more fatty foods you eat the higher your calorie count normally is. When improving your diet, it’s a good idea to track the foods you eat so that you know what you are consuming and how many calories you are eating a day. To lose weight it is advised you cut your calorie allowance by 500 each day

Improve Your Sleep 

Another link to having a good diet and eating well is that your sleep will improve. You’ll find that the better you eat the higher quality of sleep you will get. If you currently struggle to sleep very well, you can find improving your diet is a key change to making a big difference. If you drink alcohol or caffeine during the day this also can be a big factor in why you struggle to sleep so not only will stopping improve your diet, but it will also help you sleep. It is recommended you get around 7-9 hours of sleep a day but this can vary depending on your age. 

Reduce The Chances Of You Getting Ill 

.A major reason to improve your diet to help with your mental health and reduce the chances of you getting ill. The healthier your diet is, the healthier your heart will be and the better your gut will be. You will also find that by eating cleaner your memory is better and you help keep your bones and teeth strong. When improving your diet it’s important you drink plenty of water and reduce your intake of sugary drinks. 

Why do you think it’s important to have a good diet? Would you add anything to the above four points? Have you recently started a new diet and how is it going? Let me know in the comment box below. 

Tips To Look After Yourself This Year

After the year we’ve had, it’s now more important than ever to look after ourselves. And with that being said, there are plenty of things that we can be doing to make sure that we’re taking priority over our own health and mental wellbeing this year. Here are some tips to look after yourself this year.

Treat Yourself

Life is all about focusing on number one but not everyone makes the time for themselves. We’re often so focused on keeping everyone else happy, that we end up neglecting our own happiness as a result. With that being said, it’s important to treat yourself every so often. The more you can treat yourself, the better it can help for your our mental wellbeing but knowing that you’re also spending money on yourself every so often. Whether you’re checking out a Blue Nile Review in order to get yourself a diamond ring or necklace, to simply getting yourself a takeout coffee, anything that’s an indulgence can be good for you. So do more of it!

Spend Time With Loved Ones

Spending time with loved ones is definitely something that we often don’t do enough and with the recent pandemic, it’s helped many of us to appreciate our loved ones even more. With that being said, try to find time to spend time with your loved ones, whether it’s family, friends, or even work colleagues. Make sure that you’re getting plenty of social activity on a regular basis because it’s certainly going to help with you feeling better in yourself.

Try to make time for others as well as giving yourself some time to yourself. It’s a fine balance but it’s something that’s definitely doable.

Try To Reduce Stress Levels

Reducing stress levels is important for your health because stress can really impact your health. If you’re not careful, it can do more damage to your health than most things in life. With that being said, try to find outlets for your stress levels. It could be that you do some exercise or pamper yourself to relieve stress. For others, it might be a glass of wine in the evening or spending a couple of hours, reading a good book. 

Find ways to relieve stress because it’s guaranteed to make you feel a lot better than you might be feeling currently.

Take Life Less Seriously

Taking life too seriously is something that many of us do at times where we feel like we need to prove ourselves to something or someone. It’s good to not stress the small stuff and to try and focus on what really matters in life. A job is just a job at the end of the day and very few people are saving the world through their job. The same goes for your personal life when trying to please other people. Try not to think about it too much and you’ll feel a lot better about it.

Looking after yourself this year is certainly something that should be done actively so use these tips to help yourself this year.

8 Ways To Aid Your Journey To Sobriety

Your journey to sobriety is not going to look like anybody else’s journey to sobriety. There are many different paths, and almost everybody experiences setbacks. However, there are certain tools and things you can do to aid your journey. 

Read on for 8 ways to aid your journey to sobriety: 

1.Understand Your Triggers and Come Up With A Helpful Plan

Understanding your triggers can help you to come up with a helpful plan so that you don’t succumb to any temptation. For example, if you know that certain friends encourage you to break your sobriety, you can either cut them off or insist on spending time with them in a healthier setting, such as a coffee shop. When you become more mindful of your triggers, you should also be able to understand your relapse warning signs. 

2.Build A Support Network You Can Count On

Building a support network you can count on can make a huge difference to your success. You can share your experiences with them, share your little wins, and resonate with one another on a deep emotional level. A peer support group is a great way to do this, especially if you have friends and family who don’t really understand what you’re going through. 

3.Find An Activity You Feel Passionately About 

Is there an activity you can spend time on that makes you feel good? This could make an adequate distraction from any addiction you are struggling with. Whether it’s painting, running,or something entirely different, try it out and see if you can immerse yourself in it. Just be aware of any unhealthy coping mechanisms - if you replace an addiction with running, make sure you don’t run an unhealthy amount.

4.Try To Build Healthy Habits 

Focusing on healthy living can help you to stay on track. Cook balanced meals, take regular exercise, and ensure you’re getting quality sleep. If you find yourself looking at dab rigs for sale, consider calling a friend or going for a walk. 

5. Develop A Structured Schedule 

A disorganized lifestyle can hinder your recovery so try to develop a structured schedule. Routine can help just about anybody who is struggling to stay on the right path. 

6. Focus On Your Finances 

When you struggle with addiction, financial problems usually come along with it. Improvements won’t happen overnight, but it can be extremely satisfying to see positive changes happening for your financial situation no matter how long it takes. 

7. Celebrate Your Milestones

Acknowledging and celebrating the hard work of recovery is helpful for keeping you motivated and reminding you why you decided to change your lifestyle in the first place. Sobriety is an ongoing journey, and you need to stay strong. You deserve rewards! Just be sure that your rewards don't involve drugs or alcohol. Focus on experiences and activities that can support your healthy lifestyle instead. 

8. Accept Your Past Behaviors 

Try not to obsess over past behavior. Feeling guilty or shameful for a past behavior or action during active addiction is normal. Apologize to people you need to apologise to, and then make peace with yourself. Guilt and shame can easily lead you back into addiction and unhealthy habits. 

Anchor Yourself Against A Sea Of Stress

Work life can be stressful. Things can blow out of proportion when you’re feeling tired or rushed. Minor issues can accumulate and become overwhelming. While they may not be significant taken individually, once together, they feel insurmountable. In short, stress is everywhere. It is a silent and invisible enemy that can hinder your work life and career prospects. And when it’s all around you, it doesn’t only affect your work, but also your social life and your self-growth.

How can I get rid of stress? That’s the big question. Nobody can. There’s no cure that eliminates stress. But, what you can do is find the best coping mechanism to deal with the brutality of day-to-day anxieties. Coping in real-time gives you an anchor to stay grounded in the face of adversity.

The ritual sets the mood for the day

We tend to put the events that affect us and our response to these events in one huge bag called STRESS. But, in reality, they belong in different bags. You can’t always control the situations around you. However unpleasant they can get, stress doesn’t arise from them but from the way you react. Stress is the mind’s response. So, the best way to make the distinction between the events and your response is to help prepare your mind for a new day. If you don’t have a morning ritual, it’s time to think about how you want to start your day. A ritual is a soothing and caring moment to refresh your soul and keep you centered. Simple gestures can help lower your stress response, such as creating a meditation routine in the morning. You can find plenty of helpful apps to help you clear your mind and refocus.

Have some soothing treats

Not many people appreciate the value of a healthy treat as a coping mechanism. A coping strategy is a set of actions you take to release pressure when you are faced with a difficult situation. These could include talking to someone you trust, taking some time off work, etc. But, when you are in the heart of the storm, you often need to delay your response. That’s where a small gesture, such as a treat, can help defuse the stress bomb as it is about to explode. For instance, if you are prone to anxiety attacks, you could help your brain break free from the stress patterns with edible cannabinoid treats from a place such as baysmokes.com. They sell small gummy bears that can do the trick any day. Not your thing? Dark chocolate can be just as effective as it boosts the production of happiness hormones, effectively breaking through the stress cycle early.

Accept that things don’t have to make sense

Sometimes sh*t happens, and that’s life. In a world where we are desperate to control every aspect of life, it’s hard to accept that things can happen outside of our control. Life can be random, even in the workplace. It can be flawed. But that is what makes it special. The moment you accept that obstacles and challenges are part of the journey, you can face them with an open mind.

Not everything in the office goes as planned. Yet, it will only be as stressful as you allow it to become. You have a choice in how you respond to unexpected situations, from preparing your mind to accepting the randomness of work-related events.

Helpful Advice: Don't Let Niggling Pains Stop You In Your Tracks

As people, we tend to have issues here and there that we tend to ignore. Why do you think that is? More often than not we will complain about the pain we feel in certain areas but yet do nothing to resolve the issue. A lot of the time it might be because we think it isn’t a big deal, but sometimes in these areas they can be underlying problems that need addressing. With that in mind, With that in mind, here are some of those most common things that cause us pain. With a few helpful tips on how you can combat them should you be suffering from them.

The pain of a toothache

Many people will comment that a toothache is one of those annoying things that you put up. It can be an awful process to go through and one of which that not only causes pain in your teeth but can spread to your ear and head. A toothache can be something of nothing; it can be nothing major. But there can be times when a toothache can be much more than that. When things like cracked teeth or tooth decay, all of which need work on. Sometimes you may need particular procedures to rectify the problem. 

Suffering from headaches

Headaches are one of those things we all put up with. This is because a headache can be caused by something self-inflicted. Not drinking enough water or being tired are two of the most common causes of general headaches. But regular headaches could be something more than just feeling tired or being dehydrated. Which is why if they are happening more often it is worth speaking to your doctor. They can offer strong painkillers, recommend lifestyle changes or refer you for further checks. 

Agonizing chest pain

Chest pain is one of those things we can be a little afraid of. Mostly because this type of pain is associated with more serious problems, specifically heart attack. Which is why I guess we tend to not investigate chest pain as much as we should. Through fear or feeling like we are wasting time for the medical staff. But chest pain can be to do with asthma and infections. So it is always worth checking it out to make sure it isn’t something sinister. 

Ignoring muscle injuries

We tend to get muscle injuries through many different ways. It could be regularly playing a sport or even just sleeping in a funny position. As they are so common, we tend to just ignore them and hope they repair themselves over time.but you could visit an orthopedic center to help ease the aches and spins you feel in certain areas of your body. However, with rest you can speed up the process. 

If your muscle injury was caused by an accident then it might be worth speaking to a lawyer to see if you can get any compensation. This could be put towards physical therapy to help heal faster. You can learn more about what they can do here.

Annoying earache

Finally, another niggling problem is an earache. It can be caused by common colds or could be more like an infection. We don’t tend to get it checked out, but a lot of the time earache can be solved quite easily. A great way to solve ear issues could be to have your ears syringed. It can keep your ears in good health. 

Let’s hope this helps you treat those more common pains more quickly. 

Origins Of Social Anxiety To Learn From

Social anxiety and shyness are the kind of problems that challenge very large numbers of people and interfere with the most important and enjoyable moments and situations of life. The situations we are in society and with other people. A person suffering from social anxiety or shyness can sometimes suffer for years, but the truth is that suffering is completely free, as there are proven methods to overcome anxiety and shyness. Sometimes though, it all boils down to relaxing and taking time for yourself. If you use bongs, you could look at winding down that way.

When a person suffers from social anxiety, the degree of shyness and anxiety is disproportionate to the real danger facing him, because even if they criticize us, laugh at us or reject us, what will happen? In the vast majority of cases, nothing. So why do people still react with anxiety? There are several explanations. The first argues that because man is a social animal and that his evolutionary advantage was the ability to live in a group, if a particular person was rejected from the group and tribe, he could not survive and in fact unlike us, that rejected person would be doomed to death, so social fear software was effective for survival. But, in the modern age fear is no longer relevant, because even if a certain group rejects us, we still have countless ways to communicate and connect with new people.

Studies show that the brain activates very similar areas when we see a picture in reality through the eyes and when we imagine the same picture. The same is true of hearing and feeling. So when we imagine a social situation, our brain produces an experience very similar to what would have happened if we had been there in reality. We can take advantage of this simple work to completely get rid of social anxiety. The eyes recognize a social situation and even before the input even reaches the area that decodes the image, it has already been sent to the "amygdala" and elicits an anxiety response as if we had seen a grizzly bear. And once it is activated, it is very difficult to get out of the stress, it is difficult to calm ourselves, because the mind enters a state of fight or flight and the front and rational part works on a half clutch.

Developmental explanation of social anxiety and shyness

Of course this is not only the evolution and history of the human race, but also the personal history of each individual. The degree of our anxiety or confidence very much depends on our childhood and how much we received unconditional appreciation from the parents, how much they gave us confidence at home and strengthened us, how much we were allowed to accumulate social skills and express ourselves. Also, what is very influential is traumatic and painful events. Some people at a young age experience difficult social events that other children laugh at, silence or even boycott. Such events have a crucial impact on the level of social anxiety, but it is certainly possible to treat these memories and release the emotional charges that created the anxiety.

Tips To Look After Your Loved Ones During A Pandemic

This pandemic has gone on for longer than any of us could have ever imagined, and the pandemic itself is something that has never happened to the generations currently existing on this earth! With that being said, as it’s unprecedented and unique times that we live in, it’s important to take care of yourself and your loved ones. With that said, here are some tips to look after your loved ones during a pandemic.

Keep Up Communications

Firstly, keep up with communications at all times. Despite us being in this pandemic, there are still many ways to talk with your loved ones even if you can be with them physically. One way is to set up some weekly facetime or zoom sessions to help catch up with the people you love. Of course, there might not be a lot going on in anyone’s lives right now but it can be nice to simply talk through that mutual situation that we’re all in. If talking on the phone is something you’d rather do, then give a loved one a call every so often, even if it’s just a five minute phone call to ask them about their day. It’s something that they will certainly come to appreciate and it’s likely something that you would appreciate too.

As we go through the emotional rollercoaster of a pandemic, you’re likely going to have days where you don’t feel great and so getting that random call can feel like it came at the right moment.

Manage What You’re Able To 

We’re only able to manage what we’re able to manage. Some people are good at managing more and some can’t deal with as much as you’re able to. If you’re having to help out loved ones when it comes to doing the shopping or offering caregiving services of any kind, it’s important to know your limits. If you have your own life and family to look after too, then it’s important to balance these out. There’s only so much you can do and if there are other people around that can help out too, then that should also be considered. 

Consider what you can deal with and manage before taking on everything for your loved ones. You can only do so much.

Consider Getting Assistance

There are going to be loved ones who need extra care and that might not be possible for you to cope with alone. With that said, it’s worth considering getting extra assistance in the form of professional care or support services. Seniors helping seniors is a great place to start and there’s plenty of other places out there that can help depending on what situation your loved one is in.

Like it’s been mentioned above, you can only take on so much yourself and if you have family and your work life to juggle too, it might not be possible. Not everyone can do that full-time caring for others and so it’s good to work with those services that are out there and can help you.

Take Care Of Yourself

It’s important to always take care of yourself because there are going to be times where you are feeling the struggle yourself and need a break. Looking after yourself is a priority and should always be your number one focus. How can you expect to be there for others when it’s not something that you can provide for yourself?

Look at how you can take more care of yourself and of your mental wellbeing too. This pandemic is hard enough to deal with physically as well as emotionally.

Find Ways To Boost Everyone’s Mood

Finding those mood boosters is important when you’re not having a good week or day. Usually, if that was the case, then there are so many lovely experiences that you can have socially whether it’s meeting a friend for dinner or popping out for a drink or two. That’s not something that everyone can do and so it’s a good idea to find a way of boosting everyone moods by organizing some zoom evenings where you might do a party over zoom or maybe a movie night with some friends. Just because you cant meet up physically, you can still do a lot virtually that wouldn’t have been possible before the internet’s creation.

Look after yourself and your loved ones throughout this pandemic and beyond it, we’re all going to need to heal after this. It’s tough but we’ll all get through it and out of the other side if we continue to support one another.

Focusing On Your Mental Health Is Key For Your Future

Your mental health is very important. In our culture there is a lot of pressure on us: a huge role load, pressures to build careers and work while preserving traditional roles. As a woman we are led to believe that we should care for our families and as men we are led to believe that work is key. Among all these, though, there is a special importance in caring for your mental health.

Take time to appreciate yourself

Women and girls internalize the socio-cultural messages that encourage a critical look at women and blame women and mothers. Therefore, it is important that you learn to value yourself, love yourself and your body and get rid of guilt and over-judgment.  Men tend to hide their feelings more and often are led to feeling isolated. Addiction can also play a part in hindering mental health and therefore it is important to get help early. Any type of addiction can be helped. Whether it’s a drug addition or pornography addiction recovery - it is possible. 

If you can treat yourself with compassion and respect, avoid self-criticism, find time for hobbies and pursuits that you love and most importantly - treat yourself with acceptance and understanding, as you would hope others would treat you, you will inevitably improve your mental health.

Take care of your body, always

Mental and physical health are intertwined. Taking care of your body can improve your mental health and therefore:

• Maintain a proper diet. 

• Stop the moth. 

• Plenty of water. 

Cultivate positive relationships 

It is important for anyone to be sure to choose friendships that benefit you. It's time to take out smiling people who are doing you harm and take care to surround yourself with positive, loving and supportive people, the kind who really do you good. 

Events in daily life, like stress at work or in the family can play a really pivotal role in making you feel bad. But it is important that your mind is full of positive thoughts as often as humanly possible. Your mental and physical health depends on them. Common symptoms of stress include: headaches, difficulty sleeping, difficulty concentrating, irritability, upset stomach, depression, anxiety and the like. No matter how busy you are, you can always find time to relax and reduce stress through relaxing activities like walking in nature, a fragrant foam bath, meditation, mindfulness, phone to company, hobby and the like. Think of it as a recommendation from a doctor. 

Take a rest, it is OK

We work endless jobs, career chores and household and family chores do not allow them enough time to rest and refresh. The endless worries for the needs of others and guilt do not allow for mental rest so it is important to find ways to rest, refresh and calm the mind. Pay attention to the present moment. How? Feel the sun on your face, the wind, and breathe deeply. Practice mindfulness by focusing on this moment. A conscious effort to be attentive to your inner and outer world is essential for mental health.

How To Take Care of Your Teeth And Maintain Good Dental Hygiene

When it comes to taking care of our bodies, our minds instantly think about how much we exercise and the nutritional value of the food we consume. More recently, we have begun to stress the importance of taking care of our mental health and making sure to take some time out to relax and recharge. However, we tend to forget about the health of our teeth, and this can lead to serious problems such as toothache, tooth loss, and requiring fillings from the dentist. So, how do you take care of your teeth and prevent needing treatment in the future.

Brush Your Teeth

This may sound obvious, but many people forget to brush their teeth twice a day due to busy lifestyles. It is paramount to brush twice daily as this removes any plaque on teeth before it can harden into tartar, which can make your teeth look less white and will have to be removed by your dental hygienist. Brushing does not just help prevent gum disease and other nasty problems, but also helps to keep your teeth looking pearly white, as brushing removes the pigments that would otherwise build up and make your teeth look yellow. If you want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your brushing, it may be worth thinking about investing in an electric toothbrush. Electric toothbrushes are meant to be much better for your teeth than manual ones, as they are more effective at removing plaque and have built-in timers to ensure that you brush for the full two minutes that you are supposed to. These can be expensive to buy, but they will last for years and are therefore worth the investment if you are really dedicated to looking after your teeth.

Visit The Dentist 

It would help if you remembered to go to your local dentist for a check-up every six months. Going to the dentist regularly means that any problems with your teeth will be detected early on, and this will make them more manageable to treat. If you currently are not registered at a dentist, maybe you should look at David Robertson, DDS. Many people find going to the dentist a daunting prospect, but there really is nothing to fear. Your dentist will talk you through everything that they are going to do and put you at ease. Your dentist may also refer you to a dental hygienist. If they do, it is worth going to see the hygienist. A dental hygienist will remove any difficult plaque and tartar from your teeth. They may also perform a clean and polish to remove any stains on the surface of your teeth. These regular appointments at both the dentist and the hygienist will help make sure your teeth and gums are as healthy as they can be. 

Cut Down On Sugar In Your Diet

Whilst it is not something we think about a lot in relation to our teeth, an unhealthy diet can damage our teeth; sugar, in particular, is particularly bad for our teeth.This is why you should only eat small amounts of high sugars and fat, as a diet with less sugar in it can help reduce your chances of tooth decay. Sweets and sugary drinks are particularly bad for having high levels of sugar in them, but so are some fruit juices, so it is important always to know how much sugar is in your food and drink to manage the level of sugar in your diet appropriately. Smoothies can be particularly bad for having high sugar levels as when the fruit is blended, the natural sugars they contain are released, so it is recommended that you only have one smoothie a day and drink it with a meal. 

Quit Smoking

We all know that smoking has disastrous consequences for people. It can lead to lung cancer and increase your risk of having a stroke or experiencing brain damage. However, smoking also stains your teeth and increases your risk of gum disease. Therefore, it is imperative that if you do smoke, try to quit, or if you do not already smoke, not take up the habit as it will help keep your teeth healthy, but it will keep the rest of your body healthy too. 

Taking care of your teeth now will help you avoid unnecessary treatments and problems in the future, so it is really important that you implement these steps now to look after your teeth to keep them healthy and where they belong.

5 Ways to Combat Seasonal Affective Disorder

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as the winter blues, is a common problem. The change in weather at certain times of year can have a negative effect on your mood. In fact, many people find this occurs in the winter or after the holiday period. The weather is cold and dark, but you’ve still got to get back to work. Some of the symptoms include depression, fatigue, and a general lack of motivation. There are a few things you can do to get the spring back in your step, however. Here are five ways to combat seasonal affective disorder.

Get more exercise

Exercise has been found to be beneficial for your mental health. It can help combat stress, mood swings, and anxiety. If you’re bored of your current exercise routine, why not try something new? If the weather is cold where you are you could switch to an indoor activity, such as yoga, HIIT workouts, or other online classes. Exercise helps to fight that feeling of sluggishness and will give you an energy boost.

Light therapy

Seasonal affective disorder is associated with the lack of light during the winter months. One treatment used to combat SAD is light therapy. A light emitting device helps replace the sunlight you’ve been lacking. It’s also a good idea to go out on sunnier days, even just for a short walk to boost your vitamin D. This will also help to brighten up your mood.

Speak to your doctor

If you’re going to try a new therapy you should always speak to your doctor first. They will be able to recommend the best treatment for you. If they prescribe you with any medication to help combat depressive symptoms, it’s important to ensure your medical insurance covers this, so you can avoid Part D penalty. Your doctor will provide you with all the help and information you need.

Organize social activities

There are many proven benefits of social interaction for your mental wellbeing. Even though it’s difficult to socialize at the moment, you could try meeting a friend for walks or even organizing meetups online. If you’re feeling low one evening, give a friend or family member a call to see how they’re doing. You might find this lifts your mood and gives you more motivation. 

Try out a new hobby

Sometimes a change is as good as a rest and new hobbies can help beat depression. It’s easy to fall into a rut and lose motivation because you’re simply bored. Try something new whether it’s a sport, hobby, or online class. It’s important to challenge yourself from time to time. It can be very rewarding to learn something new. It’s also a great way to clear your mind. If you’re the creative type, you could try arts and crafts at home. You could also learn a new recipe, or do some DIY around the house, whatever appeals most to your interests. A new activity will help you focus your mind and feel motivated.

4 Common Reasons You Keep Experiencing Mood Swings

Let's begin by making one thing perfectly clear; 'mood swings' refers to slight shifts and changes in your mood. One moment you're happy and energized, then you're feeling lethargic and sad. That's the type of thing this post will look at, not anything to do with severe personality disorders, etc. 

No, it's all about little shifts in your mood that might worry or annoy you. Why do they keep happening?

Hormonal imbalances

An imbalance in hormones can easily trigger mood swings. After all, hormones are basically the messengers in our body that tell us to feel certain ways. When we feel happy, it's because a certain hormone has been released. Many men and women have sex hormone imbalances, which can cause mood swings. Or, more commonly, a condition known as hypothyroidism. This is where the thyroid doesn't produce the right hormones, throwing your mood out of whack. 

Reactions to contraception

For women, your mood swings can be brought around by a reaction to contraception. Many girls that take the pill will experience mood swings within the first few months. They might go away, but a lot of people say that their mood swings are crazy while on it. Therefore, it might be worth visiting a clinic like Marie Stopes, where you can discuss other contraceptive options. Once you're off the pill, you may see an immediate change in your mood swings. If you do, then you know what caused them!

PMS

Yes, you may suffer from PMS in the weeks leading up to your period. Mood swings are a very common symptom of this condition, along with chronic fatigue, bloating, and a change in appetite. Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do about this - other than realizing it's happening. Ironically, that can be enough to make it easier to deal with. Mood swings are much worse when you're clueless as to why you feel a certain way. 

Post-workout blues

The post-workout blues (also known as the post-workout comedown) relate to exhaustion and fatigue feelings after exercising. Contrary to popular belief, this isn't a normal reaction to working out. Most people will actually feel more active after exercising because you activate the sympathetic nervous system. This is the part of your CNS that makes you feel alert and energised. If you feel quite lethargic and down after exercising, it's probably because you're activating the parasympathetic system instead. This will make you feel more relaxed and mellowed out, which can be a massive shift from how you felt during your workout. 

If this is the case, you should incorporate more fast and energetic movements towards the end of your workouts. This triggers your sympathetic nervous system, meaning you leave the gym feeling happy and alert. 

Which one of these reasons is causing your mood swings? The best way to find out is to test each theory. Think about when you experience mood swings - is it before your period or after working out? Have they only just started since you've been on the pill? If you get no answers from these questions, it could be a hormonal imbalance, which will require a visit to your doctor. Anyway, I hope this article has given you things to think about and helped you figure out the cause of your mood shifts.