Friday, September 8, 2023

Do You Need A Mental Health Day?

 
Have you ever taken a mental health day?  I haven't, mostly because I grew up in a household that didn't believe in such a thing.  I do know folks who have taken a mental health day and they've freely admitted to it.  In fact, since COVID, more people have recognized the need for such a day.  A mental health day is defined as taking a limited amount of time away from your responsibilities with the express goal of renewing yourself.  It is also important to take the day off before things reach a point of exploding.  If you wait till you are too stressed, the mental health day will not be as effective.
Furthermore, a mental health day does not have to take a full day.  It might just involve a few hours in the afternoon.  Taking a mental health day also recommended for children and teens to help them with stress. 

Unfortunately, people are suffering from burnout more right now and a mental health day is an important step to help people destress and cope with everything.  Burnout can effect your sleep, energy, focus, self-esteem, and being able to spend time with family and friends.  In addition, it is well known that working more hours at work can lead to anxiety, trouble sleeping and even depression.

There are some signs you can look for that will help you determine if you need a mental health day.  If you are suffering from these symptoms, think about taking some time to yourself so you can recouperate.

l. You are feeling much more run down and getting sick or having colds more often.

2. You feel tired all day long. It feels like you could take a nap at any point during the day.

3 You feel highly resentful or are easily irritated.

4. You react negatively to small changes or requests.

5. You have low self-confidence, low self esteem, or low self-efficacy.

6. You find it difficult to concentrate.  You feel really foggy.

7. You are easily distracted or feeling restless.

8. You have difficulty sleeping.

9. You are no longer interested in the activities you once loved.

10. You skimp on self care such as brushing your teeth or taking a shower.

When you hit a point where you find it difficult to function each day, it is time to stop and think about taking a mental health day. Don't wait till you burnout, take some time off when you start noticing a few of these symptoms so you can help recharge yourself.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great weekend.

Wednesday, September 6, 2023

Ways To Improve Your Mindset.


We all have a certain mindset we meet the day with.  Mindset is defined as how your mental attitude is as you interpret and respond to various situations.  You might hear mindset referred to as mental attitude, outlook, or other such terms. 

Mindset matters because it helps the person make decisions and helps determine a point of view. .  If they have a positive mindset, they are more likely to prioritize mental health and self improvement.  It allows people to step outside their comfort zone. Those with a negative mindset feed into self-doubt with negative thoughts.  

 Although we each have a certain mindset, there are five things which make up the mindset.  They are self-efficacy, locus of control, belief about our capabilities, motivation, and level of resistance. 

In order to change your mindset, it is important to decide to change it as the first step.  Even if you have a negative mindset, it is possible to change the mindset to a positive one.  Understand, this change will take time and it varies from person to person.  There are five ways to change your mindset.

First, embrace change by making new friends, quitting your current job and moving to one you like better, or move to a new place.  This one may be logistically harder but if you embrace it, it will be easier.  

Second, set attainable goals. Break the goals into smaller pieces so that they are smaller steps.  Write these goals out and put the goals where you will regularly see them and are able to determine how much progress you are making towards the goals. As you  make a goal, you can cross it off.  

Third, surround yourself with people who are encouraging, rather than pessimists because their positivity is likely to rub off on you. This positivity is more likely to help you change your attitude.

Fourth, include daily exercise because exercise helps you think more clearly, improves your mood, and makes you feel more positive. Exercise often helps change your attitude and in turn your mindset changes.

Fifth, talk to a friend.  Making changes to your mindset can be difficult and if you have a friend to talk to, you can express your feelings.  If not a friend, share with a therapist, or think about writing your feelings in a journal if you are private and don't want to share with anyone.  This helps get rid of doubt and clears the way for improving your mindset.

These are five easy ways to help change and improve your mind set.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.


Friday, September 1, 2023

Color Depositing Shampoo.

 I just ran across something called color depositing shampoos at the store.  I'd never run into them before so I don't know if it is something new or if it has been around for a while but has only made it to my local store.  The biggest difference between regular hair dye and color depositing shampoo is that the regular dye goes inside the surface of the hair strand while the shampoo deposits color on the outside.  This means a color depositing shampoo is not as strong as a regular dye.

A color depositing shampoo is a shampoo with specific ingredients that either temporarily deposit color or eliminate unwanted undertones. It is important to read the labels on color depositing shampoos to see what they are designed for.  A purple shampoo is often used to eliminate brassiness, a green one is good to neutralize red, and more.

In addition, a color depositing shampoo can help keep your color brighter longer so you don't have to re-dye your hair as often.  The length that the color  from color depositing shampoo lasts, depends on several factors but it is important to read the directions so you know you are using the product correctly. Since it deposits color, it is important to use gloves so you don't stain your skin from applying it.

The frequency you use a color depositing shampoo depends on the shampoo. Some are made to be used every day while others can only be used once or twice a week. There are a few that are designed to only be used every couple of weeks and you would wash your hair with regular shampoo in between.  This information is found on the back.  

In general, you only need to have the product on your hair for between 3 to 10 minutes, depending on how much color you want.  If you need a bit of color, you might only leave it on for 3 minutes but if you need more, you'd leave it for 10 minutes. Furthermore, it is said to cover unbleached gray hair quite well.

As stated earlier, color depositing shampoo is great to use between the times you have your hair dyed.  It helps keep the shade vibrant and while keeping your hair glossy.  In addition to using gloves to protect your hands, make sure you rinse the shower immediately after using to keep the pigments from staining the shower.  

So if you want your color to last longer, or cover grey, consider using color depositing shampoo.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear. Have a great day.