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.

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. 

Learning To Pick Your Poison

Throughout life, you’re going to be exposed to a number of different vices that are seemingly almost impossible to forget or break off from. Whether it’s smoking, drinking, video games, or even just being lazy, we all develop bad habits that can be a nuisance not just to ourselves, but to others in our life as well.

Accepting these vices is fairly common practice now. Learning to pick your poison is ultimately one of the better ways to handle your bad habits. Nobody is perfect and everyone is going to have some kind of bad habit, so we’re going to offer some tips on how you can manage them more easily.

If you’re going to smoke, learn to cut down and choose options that are less damaging

Smoking is a common vice that many people fall for. Whether it’s cigarettes, cannabis, or some other kind of substance, there are many different things that we can inhale that are ultimately bad for us. Thankfully, we’re starting to see many healthier alternatives–and in more ways than you think. A relatively recent development is Delta 8 THC, a product that offers cannabis-like highs but without damaging effects. It’s a suitable substitution for many people that can offer a similar feeling, but it’s described as being a calmer experience.

Looking for substitutes like this is a great way to lower the negative effects of a vice like smoking. While you should always aim to lower your consumption, you can aid this by searching for better alternatives to what you’re currently smoking.

Embracing your vices because of the opportunities it offers

A unique way to think about your vices is by considering the opportunities it offers. This sounds strange at first, but there are some vices that can expose you to many different people and situations. For example, smoking tends to lead to smoke breaks at work which gives you a chance to socialize with co-workers that you might otherwise never notice.

Another example of a vice like this is video games. With online games being so popular, it gives you a chance to unwind with some entertainment while making friends and meeting people that could become friends for life. Of course, not every vice offers these types of benefits, but it can be helpful to consider it now and then.

Understand the benefits of your vices and try to use them strategically

There are plenty of ways that you can use your vices to your advantage. For example, being lazy and procrastinating can actually be used to improve your focus when you’re being held down by lots of different tasks. By procrastinating, you can clear your mind before engaging in a mentally-stressful task, such as a crunch period at work or an approaching deadline. Soothing your mind by just doing nothing and being lazy can help your brain rest for a while which is essential when you’re about to start a long and difficult work session.

Learning to take breaks to procrastinate now and then can be beneficial, but it’s very easy to get carried away which is why it’s difficult to do this in moderation.

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. 

Why Do We Neglect Our Teeth?

Oral hygiene is one of the most overlooked areas of our health. It's bizarre how we neglect our teeth so easily and yet, they provide us with the essential tasks that we need to not just enjoy life, but actually survive. Having a good set of teeth isn’t just so you can appear more appreciable, or look attractive on a date, but actually, so you can eat! Yet, so many of us actually forget about some basic things we can do to improve our health, strengthen our gyms and just live a better more comfortable life regarding our oral hygiene.

Flossing is a skill

The thing about flossing is, no one really wants to do it. Who would have thought that a little thread going through our teeth would be such kryptonite for some of us!? Well, it is. And the reason for it is, it's uncomfortable. When you floss for the first time, you may find that your gyms are a lot more sensitive than you previously thought. When the thread hits your gums, it can feel very sharp. You may even find that you are bleeding. But this isn’t because of flossing, it's because of your gums being so poor in health. We recommend that you learn how to floss, without touching your gums or not putting as much pressure on them.

Just set an alarm

We have to brush twice a day; that much everyone agrees with. However, when we do so is a hard question to answer. Some of us think that we could brush our teeth the second time, after dinner, no matter how late it is. But we have found that when we speak to many people, we rarely brush our teeth in the evening because we forget. So, rather than fuss about before or after a meal, we think you should just brush full stop. So set an alarm for when you should brush your teeth in the evening. We think it should be no later than 10 pm, otherwise, it will feel like a chore. 

Always visit the…

You should know by now that dentists are not something to be afraid of but some of us don’t get over the fear of metal sharp objects being used in our mouths. But there are some density brands that go the extra mile to increase patient comfort. When finding a dentist you need to look at their user reviews and ratings on Google. This dentistry especially has got a reputation for keeping you relaxed, always informing you of what is going on and not going too far too fast in their treatments. Once you are comfortable, then you can begin to receive the best kind of treatment, so you can have a good smile and most of all, a healthy smile.

We neglect our teeth because, A: we’re lazy, B: we find it a chore, and C: because we are afraid of the dentist. Make it your mission now, to no longer do any of these things.

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.

4 Tips for Protecting Your Well-Being during Lockdown

When the COVID-19 pandemic first kicked off approximately a year ago, few would have predicted that lockdowns would still be ongoing in many places 12 months later – but, unfortunately, that is the situation we find ourselves in.

In addition to the devastating effects of the virus itself, the ongoing knockdowns have also been deeply detrimental to many people’s well-being, in a variety of different ways, ranging from uncertainty over the future, to immediate physical consequences.

During times like these, it’s important to be able to accept that many things are not under our direct control, and to look for ways to safeguard and protect our individual well-being, and to focus on the things we can directly influence, instead.

Here are a handful of practical tips that might help you to effectively protect your well-being during lockdown and all the challenges that come along with it.

Step back from your future goals for the time being, and focus on day-to-day habits, instead

It can be devastating to have your future goals and aspirations trampled by external circumstances that you are helpless to influence. But in a time of such uncertainty as the present moment, it might be that one of the best things you can do for your well-being is to step back from thinking about long-term future goals, altogether. 

Just for the time being, at any rate.

Of course, just because you’re taking a break from setting goals for the future, or working out your “free of plans,” does mean that you should just give in to despair and become totally passive.

Instead, the best approach is likely to be to shift your focus on future goals to day-to-day habits, instead.

As Scott Adams, James Clear and others have pointed out – if you have good daily habits that keep you moving “in the right direction,” it is very likely that good things will happen to you over time, and that you will achieve a lot – even in the absence of a clearly defined “SMART goal.”

In fact, there is an argument to be made that having those kinds of clearly defined goals, and fixating on them, is often counter-productive.

For one thing, it often makes people focus myopically on the goal itself, without being able to enjoy the journey or notice the opportunities that arise in day-to-day life.

For another thing, goals put you in a mindset of “lack.” You always feel like you’re not where you want to be, until and unless you’ve achieved your next goal.

Then, there’s the obvious fact that whether or not you achieve a particular goal isn’t entirely up to you, and will have a lot to do with things that are outside of your direct control, that happen in the wider world. Like a pandemic.

If you want to be a novelist, for example, setting up a daily writing habit is as likely to lead you in that direction as anything else. It may be significantly more likely, in fact, to get you there than actually fixating on the goal of being a novelist.

Your daily habits are things that you can always shape and influence, and that help you to feel self-contained and empowered.

So, for the sake of your well-being, pay attention to your daily habits during lockdown.

Get outside for at least a few minutes each day, if possible

If you live in an area where stringent social distancing restrictions are in place, and social hubs and venues are shut down, it can easily end up feeling like there’s very little motivation at all for actually leaving the house other than for the essentials.

Getting outside, however, can be an extremely important and powerful requirement for an individual's sense of well-being.

Remaining indoors too much can lead to a growing sense of complete detachment from the world at large, and can fuel harmful and excessive rumination and morbid introspection.

Getting outside – especially to somewhere with a bit of greenery – can really help you to feel more grounded and connected to the world at large, and can give you a much-needed dose of perspective and stress relief.

If at all possible according to your local restrictions, try to get outside for at least a few minutes a day, even if you’re just pacing around for a while a short distance from your home, while listening to a podcast or audiobook.

Keep in contact with your loved ones with the magic of video calls

While there are many potential downsides to the ways in which social media shapes our interactions, modern digital services such as FaceTime, Skype, and WhatsApp can be a real game changer when it comes to helping us stay connected with our loved ones, from a distance.

Psychological research indicates that the vast majority of human communication actually occurs through non-verbal means – such as by body language, facial expressions, and the town of our voices.

Social alienation is a devastating thing, and can take a real detrimental toll on anyone's sense of well-being.

Make an extra effort to keep in contact with your loved ones during lockdown, but don’t let yourself fall into the habit of just texting back and forth. Set up video calls, and get as close as possible to the experience of a real face-to-face social interaction.

Reach out to mental health experts if needed

When all is said and done, no individual is an island, and we all need support and companionship from other people, from time to time.

If you’re struggling with your mental health during lockdown, it may be that reaching out to a psychologist or other experts in mood disorders could be a godsend with regards to getting you back on your feet and helping you to regain a sense of balance and wellness.

Even if you aren’t quite comfortable with reaching out to mental health experts as things stand, there are books and courses available for teaching yourself well-vetted psychological practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, that may really prove helpful.

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.

Making Life Easier For An Elderly Relative And What You Can Do

Many of us will have elderly relatives in our lives, and often we can be left with the responsibility to help them out and enable them to continue living independently. However, a lot of us can be unsure on how to do this effectively. After all, it can be easier to just do things, but yet an eldelry person may still be able minded or bodied to do things for themselves. 

There is a fine line, as your intentions will only be good. However, only you will know what is best for your loved one. Helping them out every no and again is going to be fine, but if you can find ways to help things be easier without infringing on their lives too much then that is always going to be a great result. So how can you do this? Here are some of the ways that you can make life easier for any eldelry relatives that you care for.

Adapt their home

One of the first things that you could consider doing would be to adapt their home to make things easier for them moving forward. This might be things like handrails to help them in the bathroom or to get off seats in the living room. It could be specially designed beds that have options to raise the head or feet or chairs that can lift to help someone stand. When you start looking into this you will see that there are so many options that could make life easier at home. Often the small changes can help an elderly person stay in their home for longer, which will ultimately make them happier. 

Making mobility easier for them

Another thing to think about would be to make mobility easier for them and it can often be a great way to help them stay mobile and give them some independence. For example, scooters and wheelchairs can make it easier for people to head out to the shops and be outside to enjoy fresh air. Often poor mobility can really alienate elderly people, so giving them the option of alternative can help them to enjoy a quality of life greater than what they experience now. Again a quick look online will give you plenty of options. It doesn’t even have to be a wheelchair or scooter, it could be something as simple as an aid to help them walk like a walking stick or a frame for extra support. Discussing the options with your loved one could give you an idea on what they may need. 

Buy in the food shopping or seek out the help of a meal service

Food can often be a big thing when it comes to an older person. Handling food, buying it and also preparing it may become much more difficult for them when it comes to old age. So making this part easy would be very helpful. You could meal plan, batch cook and create meals for them so it just requires one simple act of putting something in a microwave or an oven. Or even think about things such as meal service which will deliver meals to their doors. 

What about alternative living accommodation?

Sometimes it isn’t possible to stay at home. While that might be the option they want, it could be that they live far away from others, perhaps in an isolated area or even adaptations won’t make things easier. This is when looking at alternative options could help. You could find a place that has the same age as the people in the complex. Great facilities where they can be sociable while still loving close at hand to care that might be needed. Places like La Posada could be an option to consider. You could also look for care homes or facilities if they may need extra care that can be provided. Some of these places can dramatically change their lifestyles for the better. 

Allow things to be accessible

Another thing to think about would be to make things accessible. So you could look into low level storage, or having things at eye height to make it a little easier for them to find items in their home. Storage cupboards with high sleeves may no longer be suitable, so coming up with alternative storage options could be the way forward. 

Keep the memories alive

Finally, try and keep the memories alive as much as you can. You can do this by regularly talking to your relatives and older members of the family. Go through pictures, indulge their stories and generally enjoy communicating. It can make a huge difference to their day and how they feel. 

Let’s hope these tips help you when it comes to making life easier for your elderly relatives.

5 Dental Practice Business Upgrades That Will Leave You Smiling

After working as a partner at another dental practice, opening your own is a dream come true. However, nobody could’ve predicted the stresses that 2020 would bring. With some normality restored, now is the time to ensure that your business is destined for success in 2021 and beyond.

Whether launching a new practice after losing your job or revamping an existing model doesn't matter. The following steps will help you gain the sweet taste of success.

1.Improve Your Web Game

The way that people interact with businesses was changing long before the pandemic. Nonetheless, the past 12 months or so have resulted in a major shift towards online interactions. Over 80% of shoppers research brands online, and those figures are a fair reflection for healthcare services too. So, developing a new website and redesigning your social media platforms will pay dividends. Perhaps most importantly, you should look to gain referrals from previous patients. This will put prospective clients at greater ease.

2. Upgrade The Interior Surroundings

Visiting the dentist can be a scary situation for many patients. Therefore, comforting surroundings may provide the key to a better patient experience. Furthermore, it has a telling influence on your mindset as well as your employees. Experts at Medifit can transform the look of your practice to give it a modern touch. Meanwhile, they can implement the adjustments needed to promote safety during the pandemic. A winning workspace will give you a far stronger platform to build upon. It should also deliver increased confidence.

3. Focus On Your Team

Assembling a great team is essential for any health service-based company. In today's climate, outsourcing can be very useful as it reduces the number of people on site. Nonetheless, you must familiarise yourself with the jobs that are best kept in-house. Moreover, it’s imperative that you cultivate a team atmosphere. Working closely with your dental assistants is the priority. Still, there should be good communication with receptionists and other workers. Patient health is on the line if you get this wrong.

4. Expand Your Financing Options

Dental procedures are expensive, which can potentially rule patients out. Missing out on custom from people that want to use your company is a major disappointment. Thankfully, the introduction of new repayment plans can change that for the better. GoCardless can allow you to accept recurring payments in an effective manner. However, you don’t want to provide treatments to patients that subsequently stop their repayment plan. As such, it’s worth running credit checks before accepting their custom. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

5. Keep Learning

Advancements in dental care continue to grow at a rapid rate. As a dental practice owner, you can use this to your advantage. Courses to freshen up your skills or learn about new products is ideal. Meanwhile, you can familiarise yourself with related products on the market. Knowing about the best toothbrushes and toothpaste for example, enables you to offer a more detailed service. Crucially, it opens the door to new partnerships with suppliers and related services, which can create new revenue streams. You will be smiling.

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.