Sunday, April 24, 2016

POSSIBILITIES



Spring arrived after a cold, wet, and windy March; when it seemed Winter would never vacate.
Despite Spring's unseemingly arrival, the warm sun and cool breezes speak of endless possibilities. As the sun penetrates dark clouds of depression -
Spring brings rays of possibilities of hope and dreams. The possibilities of being depression free and living the kind of life you daydream about.  Where there is faith and hope; there are always possibilities!

Spring also reminds us as the days grow brighter, longer and warmer; that life is truly worth living and living it to the fullest! 
So get out of that Winter funk and believe in the possibilities of Spring and living your life depression free!


SPRING QUOTES:
Spring will come and so will happiness.  Hold on.
Life will get.. Warmer.
Anita Krizzan 

Sunshine is the best medicine.
beautifullynutty.com

To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow.
Audrey Hepburn

Smile. It's Spring!

Live Life in Full Bloom!

Nature does not hurry and yet everything is accomplished.
Lao Tsu

















 DISCLAIMER
 Black and Blue is not a substitute for direct, personal, professional mental medical care and diagnosis. None of the advice, or natural therapies and supplements mentioned should be used without clearance from your physician or mental health care provider. The information contained within this blog is not intended to provide specific physical or mental health advice, or any other advice whatsoever, for any individual or company, and should not be relied upon in that regard. I am not a licensed mental health therapist and nothing on this website should be misconstrued to mean otherwise.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Winter - a season of darkness, celebrations, starkness, and dormancy. The days are short and darkness descends upon us more quickly. Clouds streak charcoal across a silver sky. Plants lie dormant, trees are barren, and the birds have flown away to warmer climes. Despite, the celebrations of Christ, Kwanzaa, Valentine's Day, and others; winter can be a difficult time for many of us.

 It has been for me. I'm one of those people who do not look forward to winter. I have often despised the long gray, dark cold days that drives me indoors. Like many, I soothe my cabin fever with way too many comfort foods, sweets, and television.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a mood disorder associated with depression and seasonal changes of light. SAD is caused by the shift in our internal clocks. The dark days and lack of sun throws off our circadian rhythms. The symptoms of SAD are: apathy, despair, tension, mood changes, lethargy, overeating, avoiding social contact, and decreased interest in physical contact.

But, this year, I decided to take a different approach. Winter should be inspirational, contemplative, and a time of renewal. It is a time to contemplate those who have left us, give thanks for what we have, and renew our vision of the future. It is also a time when we seek warmth and comfort in front of a fireplace. For those who don't have a fireplace – candles can be an excellent substitute. Candles can bring warmth and romanticism to your home. Incense is fragrant and meditative for the spirit. Francincense and Myrrh evokes emotional balance for anxiety and stress as well as being appropriate to use for prayer and meditation.

I have a stocked up on scented candles and incense, books I plan to read, composition notebooks (for my writing). I keep good healthy food and teas in the refrigerator. I will bundle up and walk during the daylight hours, get enough sleep, pray and meditate, and do my yoga. Soon, we will move our clocks forward and Spring will burst forth with longer, warmer days, and the reminder that we can take advantage of the dark, inspiring, and contemplative days of Winter.







DISCLAIMER
Black and Blue is not a substitute for direct, personal, professional mental medical care and diagnosis. None of the advice, or natural therapies and supplements mentioned should be used without clearance from your physician or mental health care provider. The information contained within this blog is not intended to provide specific physical or mental health advice, or any other advice whatsoever, for any individual or company, and should not be relied upon in that regard. I am not a licensed mental health therapist and nothing on this website should be misconstrued to mean otherwise.

Friday, January 1, 2016

23 Things To Do To Improve Your Mental Health In 2016

  1. Make your bed every day.
  2. Check your people-pleasing tendencies at the door.
  3. Pick up a hobby that’s only purpose is to make you feel good.
  4. Budget for little indulgences that make you feel better every month.
  5. Commit to less negative self talk.
  6. Put a small memory in a jar every day.
  7. Distance yourself from — or end — relationships that drain you more than they energize you.
  8. Cut “should” from your vocabulary.
  9. Treat yourself like your best friend.
  10. Find a therapist you really, really like.
  11. Say “no” more — without explaining yourself.
  12. Complain less.
  13. Treat emotional pain like physical pain.
  14. Get enough sleep.
  15. Take up journaling.
  16. Don't compare yourself to others.
  17. Spend more alone time with yourself.
  18. Start every day by reminding yourself of one positive thing about your life.
  19. Cut back on social media.
  20. Decorate your space so you’re surrounded by inspiring things.
  21. Do more things that make you a little less anxious.
  22. Share what you’re going through with friends.
  23. Celebrate little victories more often.


    DISCLAIMER
    Black and Blue is not a substitute for direct, personal, professional mental medical care and diagnosis. None of the advice, or natural therapies and supplements mentioned should be used without clearance from your physician or mental health care provider. The information contained within this blog is not intended to provide specific physical or mental health advice, or any other advice whatsoever, for any individual or company, and should not be relied upon in that regard. I am not a licensed mental health therapist and nothing on this website should be misconstrued to mean otherwise.