6 Effective Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

Published on: 06 February 2020 Last Updated on: 05 March 2022

Most people focus on building their muscles and abs to look good, but having a great body is not the only determinant of having good health. Another determinant is mental health which is often forgotten even though mental disorders are surging at a rapid rate for the past few years.

Therefore, we should spend time building the health of our brains, and to facilitate that, we have listed here six practical ways you can employ to boost your mental health.

1. Develop a healthy net of relationships:

Humans are made to be social animals, but loneliness has become the norm of modern times. We mostly have digital voices to talk to like Siri and Bixby.

Some reports in the United States have painted an alarming picture that loneliness has the same impact on the lifespan of humans as obesity.

Therefore, avoid isolation and prioritize your positive relationships, and even if you do not have any, look for such connections because they will help you in remaining sane in this insane world.

2. Develop the habit of exercising:

A growing body of scholarship has found a concrete relationship between exercise and reduction in mental maladies like stress, anxiety, and depression.

It is stated that exercise releases ‘feel-good hormones’ called endorphins, which relieve not only the depression but also improve the quality of sleep.

If you find yourself unable to hit the gym, take up some sport like football because it is a more entertaining way of achieving the same set of goals. Although, you are bound to get injured once in a while, but do not let that discourage you. Also, do not take head injuries lightly and get a Neuroquant MRI immediately if you suffer a traumatic brain injury.

3. Keep challenging yourself:

Do not get stagnant in your life, because nothing invites depression and anxiety more than monotony and depression. Therefore, even if you are at a good place in your life, keep setting new goals, and work diligently to achieve them.

4. Pay gratitude for all the things you have:

Nothing ruins mental health more than negative thoughts like counting all the bad things in your life and practicing self-pity. Instead, make a gratitude journal and jot down all the small and big things you are grateful for, like a good family, decent health, your own home, a fun job, etc.

5. Watch your sleep:

Sleeping is a crucial component of a healthy life, such that people suffering from sleep debt for a while tend to develop several mental disorders. Therefore, ensuring a quality sleep is paramount, but be aware that quality sleep is different from quantity sleep. For example, six hours of relaxing quality sleep are much better than nine hours of restless sleep.

6. Take care of yourself:

Take some time for yourself and indulge in relaxing activities like traveling with your best friends, sleeping well, eating healthy, and meditating on the beach. Moreover, indulging in activities like massaging also have multiple mental health benefits like partial relief from stress and anxiety.

You only live once; therefore, it is your responsibility to take care of yourself and live a life full of health, wealth, and wit, such that you are not left with any regrets.

Content Rally

Content Rally wrapped around an online publication where you can publish your own intellectuals. It is a publishing platform designed to make great stories by content creators. This is your era, your place to be online. So come forward share your views, thoughts and ideas via Content Rally.

View all posts

Is There Such Thing As A Functioning Alcoholic?

You might have heard the term “functioning alcoholic” and wondered what it even means. Then you might be searching the meaning of the term and what it means to be a functional alcoholic. Then let's throw some light on the meaning of functioning alcoholic for your better understanding. We often relate alcoholism with people who are addicted and unable to function properly in their lives. This stereotype of alcoholic individuals seems to be not accurate. This is because several individuals who are alcoholics seem to function properly and deal with their daily tasks properly. If this is the case then why are these individuals living a regular life while being alcoholic? While other groups of alcoholic people are addicted to alcohol but cannot function properly because of their addiction. Therefore in this article, we not only discuss what is a functioning alcoholic but also how they differ from those with more visible signs of alcohol dependency. Perception About Individuals Battling Addiction Your concept or perception of an alcoholic will change when you learn how a functioning alcoholic person works. They are capable of living or maintaining a normal life while battling alcohol addiction. At one glance you might not even know this person might be alcoholic as they are capable of doing all their daily duties smoothly. Therefore, why was this term created which means someone who is functioning even when dealing with addiction? This challenges the common stereotype of an alcoholic person who lives an undisciplined and disheveled life. The term “functioning alcoholic” could be used to describe a person’s condition but it is not officially recognized. In the field of psychiatry, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) doesn't recognize this term officially. However, several professionals use this term to describe a specific alcoholic person's condition. So understanding the phenomenon of the functioning alcoholic is important as it helps identify people who are going through this hardship. When you recognize a functional alcoholic you can help them get the right treatment which will get them better. More often than not, functioning alcoholics hide their struggles with addiction while maintaining a normal facade. So, it becomes harder for you to recognize them and get them correctly diagnosed. Therefore you must read this article to know how to identify a functioning alcoholic. So that you can help them get the right treatment for recovery. What Is A Functioning Alcoholic? A functioning alcoholic is someone who appears to live a normal life while dealing with alcohol addiction. These individuals you will observe can do all the regular tasks and maintain a lifestyle without alcohol overriding their lives. Even being addicted to alcohol they can hold down a job and fulfill family obligations. Not only that they can excel in some areas of their lives without alcohol overriding their entire life. Therefore, it becomes hard for you to identify these individuals who look perfectly normal from the outside while dealing with addiction. These individuals know how to keep their professional and social lives separate from their addiction. You see, functional alcoholics are aware of their alcoholic addiction which helps them hide it easily. They become skilled at hiding their shortcomings from the world. However, this addiction of a functioning alcoholic does not affect anyone other than themselves. It does affect their own lives if kept unchecked in the long run. As they continue to hide their struggle with alcohol it becomes much more troublesome as time goes on. Functioning Alcoholics Live In The Grey Area Of Addiction A functioning alcoholic lives in the grey area of addiction where addiction coexists with competence. While they are functioning like a regular individual they also hide their addiction from their friends, family, or colleagues. So, they operate much more separately than an alcoholic consumed with addiction and a normal non-alcoholic. So how will you recognize a functioning alcoholic when they are living just like any ordinary person? You see functioning alcoholics often rationalize their drinking habits as rewards for their accomplishments. So, if they can get their work done they reward themselves. Again if they do their duty towards their family they would reward themselves with a drink. Again their coping mechanism of dealing with the stress of daily responsibilities is through alcohol. So when they accomplish their responsibilities day-to-day they reward themselves with alcohol. But this facade of normalcy is fragile as they become more dependent on alcohol over time. As they start to deal with life problems with alcohol, this results in psychological issues. Maintaining a long-term facade of alcohol addiction is not the only problem a functional alcoholic faces but health problems too. High Functioning Alcoholism vs. Traditional Alcohol Use Disorder Traditionally you could identify an alcoholic person from their visible signs of dysfunctions. These dysfunctional problems were frequent performance issues, relationship problems, and deteriorating health. In contrast, high-functioning alcoholics may lead seemingly successful lives, masking their dependency behind a façade of competence. They may hold prestigious positions, maintain social connections, and even drink expensive wine without raising suspicion. Despite their ability to keep up appearances, high-functioning alcoholics often deal with a significant internal struggle. They might spend considerable effort hiding the extent of their drinking from others and themselves. This can involve elaborate routines to cover up the smell of alcohol and secret drinking sessions. Again a functional alcoholic persistently worries about being discovered because of their addiction. You will see that the stress of maintaining a double life can be extremely problematic in the long run. In the long-term, this coping mechanism with alcohol can only affect negatively both physically and mentally. Along with the stress of hiding addiction with alcohol and dealing with life’s problems a functioning alcoholic is bound to break down at some point. This will lead to their worst fear of revealing their true nature. It's this dual existence that differentiates high-functioning alcoholism from other overt alcohol use disorders. Other alcohol disorders are more visible due to their impact on an individual's life. Recognizing The Signs Of Alcohol Abuse There are significant risks to being a functional alcoholic despite its outward appearance. Because their pattern of drinking can be more than seven drinks per week. This leads to health risks in the long term. Again continuous dependence on alcohol to deal with life can have adverse effects on the person’s psychology. From binge drinking episodes to the inability to stop drinking despite its negative consequences can be some of the recognized risks of alcohol addiction. They may also experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit or cut back on alcohol consumption. Recognizing signs of a high-functioning alcoholic can be challenging as they are good at hiding their addiction. Therefore, it's essential to identify these individuals and get them diagnosed correctly and get these individuals treated. It's important to note that these behaviors can be subtle and easily overlooked, especially when the individual is still managing to fulfill their personal and professional obligations. Over time you will see that the consequences of high-functioning alcoholism become visible. Be it strained relationships, personality changes, mental health issues, and physical health problems related to alcohol abuse. You will start to see its effects on a functional alcoholic. Risk Factors And Consequences Certain factors can increase the likelihood of high-functioning alcoholism, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and untreated mental health issues. While they may avoid some of the immediate consequences associated with traditional alcoholism, such as job loss or legal troubles, high-functioning alcoholics are still at risk for severe health problems, including certain cancers and mental health issues. These health problems can include liver disease, heart disease, and neurological impairments that may not become evident until later in life. The psychological consequences are equally concerning, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders that can deteriorate the quality of life. Moreover, high-functioning alcoholics may face social consequences over time, such as eroded trust in relationships, marital strife, and a gradual withdrawal from social activities as they prioritize alcohol over personal connections. Despite maintaining a veneer of normalcy, the cumulative effect of these risk factors and consequences can lead to a tipping point where the individual's ability to function at a high level is compromised. It is crucial to recognize these long-term risks and understand that the lack of immediate, visible consequences does not diminish the urgency for intervention and treatment. Seeking Support And Treatment For The High Functioning Alcoholic Addressing high-functioning alcoholism requires a comprehensive approach involving medical professionals, support groups, and rehab centers in Los Angeles, specializing in addiction medicine. Loved ones play a crucial role in encouraging their family members or close relatives to seek help, but it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Initiating this conversation can be delicate, as it often involves breaking through a wall of denial built up by the individual over time. Friends and family need to be informed about the nature of high-functioning alcoholism, to offer non-judgmental support, and to avoid enabling behaviors that can perpetuate the addiction. The process of seeking support often begins with an honest self-assessment or an intervention by concerned loved ones. This step is vital in helping the individual recognize the extent of their problem and the impact it has on their life and the lives of those around them. Professional interventionists can be instrumental in this phase, providing the guidance needed to navigate what can be a highly charged situation. Once the individual acknowledges the need for help, the next step involves finding the right treatment program. Treatment can range from outpatient therapy sessions that accommodate the individual's work schedule. Or a more intensive inpatient program where you will be required to take a temporary step back from daily responsibilities. The choice of treatment should be tailored to the individual's specific circumstances, taking into account their level of addiction, personal responsibilities, and the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions. Throughout the recovery journey, ongoing support is essential for maintaining sobriety. Aftercare programs and sober living communities offer continued guidance and support, helping the individual to reintegrate into their daily life with new coping skills and a renewed focus on health and wellness. Support And Treatment Facilities Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide a vital lifeline for individuals struggling with alcohol use disorders, offering a sense of community and understanding. These groups facilitate peer-to-peer support and shared experiences, creating a space where individuals can speak openly about their struggles without fear of judgment. Treatment facilities offer residential treatment or outpatient tailored programs designed to address the unique needs of high-functioning alcoholics, providing medical supervision during the withdrawal process and equipping them with coping strategies for maintaining sobriety. These facilities often employ a multidisciplinary approach, combining medical treatment, psychological counseling, and behavioral therapy to address the complex nature of addiction. The programs may include individual therapy sessions, group therapy, educational workshops on addiction, and relapse prevention planning. In addition to traditional treatment methods, some facilities offer holistic therapies such as meditation, yoga, and art therapy, recognizing the importance of treating the whole person. The Importance Of Mental Health Resources Recognizing that alcoholism is not solely a physical dependency but also a mental health problem is crucial. Access to more mental health resources, including therapy and counseling, can help individuals address underlying issues contributing to their alcohol use and develop healthier coping mechanisms. These resources are vital in treating the emotional and psychological aspects of alcoholism, which often include stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders that may co-occur with substance abuse. By providing a supportive environment for open discussion about mental health, individuals can gain insights into the emotional triggers that lead to drinking and learn new strategies for managing these triggers. Therapy can also assist in repairing relationships damaged by alcohol abuse, rebuilding trust, and improving communication skills. In addition, counseling can offer guidance on how to establish a balanced life. You can set achievable goals, and create a supportive network that fosters their long-term recovery. Treatment programs need to integrate mental health services as a core component of addiction recovery, called dual diagnosis treatment. This integration ensures that individuals receive a holistic approach to their treatment, addressing all facets of their well-being. As society continues to destigmatize mental health issues, the hope is that more people will feel empowered to seek the help they need without fear of judgment or stigma. Ultimately, enhancing the availability and accessibility of mental health resources is a critical step in supporting the recovery journey of functioning alcoholics. Their lasting sobriety helps improve their mental health issues. High Functioning Alcoholics: Is There Such A Thing? High-functioning alcoholics can often seem to have it all together, balancing significant responsibilities while battling their addiction in silence. They are typically individuals who, despite heavy drinking, seem to lead productive lives. They often excel in their careers, maintain social relationships, and uphold daily routines. This can make it difficult for others and sometimes even for the individuals themselves to recognize the problem. as their success often masks the underlying issues. We can help individuals struggling with high-functioning alcoholism by raising awareness and providing support. This will help them regain control of their lives and improve their overall life. Conclusion It's crucial to understand that high-functioning alcoholism is a real and serious condition. When you acknowledge its existence you take the first step towards addressing the unique challenges it presents. With the right resources and support systems, you can improve functioning alcoholic individuals to live a life free from alcohol. You can find them the help they need to recover from alcohol dependency. Therefore you need to know about functional alcoholism and identify functional alcoholic individuals. Read Also: 10 Reasons To Stop Drinking Alcohol Today Can Vaping Really Help You Kick Your Smoking Habit? The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Non-Alcoholic Spirits Famous Alcoholics And The Symptoms Of Their Addiction

The Physical and Occupational Therapy Changes in Medicare for 2020

There has been no time more integral to the advancement of our society than the 21st century. The past 20 years have been essential to the technological increases that are impacting billions of people all across the globe. Many facets of our society have been affected in the modern era, and healthcare is one of the most impacted elements. There has been a transformation throughout the healthcare industry, as new technologies like procedural telemedicine, as well as new regulations, have become commonplace throughout the medical system. There is a multitude of different specialties in healthcare, but one of the top aspects is physical and occupational therapy. This facet is involved in helping people fix their bodily ailments without the use of more invasive procedures. What is Physical and Occupational Therapy? Physical and occupational therapy has become increasingly popular throughout the 21st century, as advancements in the field and a greater understanding of the body have helped to improve peoples’ wellbeing. Patients who frequently attend physical and occupational therapy often have chronic pain or muscular-skeletal issues that can be aided with different exercises and stretches that help to heal the body. Working as a physical or occupational therapist allows you to more effectively treat patients who need help and requires immense knowledge of the human body. As 2020 has already gotten underway, it has become evident that the many changes to the system, especially for Medicare patients, are continuing to affect physical and occupational therapy offices. Understanding these changes is essential if you work in this field. Learning about the 2020 Medicare Changes for PTA & OTA Modifiers Working as a PTA (physical therapy assistant) or OTA (occupational therapy assistant) has undergone immense change since the beginning of the new decade in 2020. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has altered its billing policies, which has impacted the modifiers used in your office as well as the reimbursement procedures provided by PTAs and OTAs. Medicare changes 2020 has been implemented as a payment differential in the ways that PTAs and OTAs are paid. The payment rate is now 85% of the rate of what assistants are paid. CMS has noted that any care that exceeds 10% of the total time of care would now be subject to reduced billing. The payment differential has to be applied to all private practice facilities, home health agencies, hospital outpatient departments, as well as rehabilitation agencies. The codes that this can be applied include therapeutic services, as well as administrative or non-therapeutic services. Any timed or untimed coded procedures and modalities are also included, such as re-evaluations and initial evaluations. These many changes also include new documentation which provides a short description of the application of modifiers. While many of these changes may sound a bit challenging, understanding them is essential for the success of any physical or occupational therapy office. Final Thoughts Working in the physical or occupational therapy field can be very complex, especially when dealing with Medicare billing. Learning about the 2020 changes in Medicare billing is essential when running a physical or occupational therapy firm. Read Also: What Transaction Management Software Will Do to Aid Your Real Estate Business Recognizing How Important Inventory Management is to Your Ecommerce Store

Why Are Delta 8 Products Trending In The Market This 2023?

Delta 8 products have been gaining popularity recently, especially in the cannabis industry. Delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol is a minor cannabinoid found in the hemp plant, and it provides users with unique effects that are less intense than Delta 9 THC. The legality of these products is still under debate in certain states, but the demand for these products is still high nonetheless. These products are available in various forms, including edibles, tinctures, and cartridges. It's important to note that while these products may be legal in some states, it's always best to check with local laws and regulations before purchasing or using any cannabis products. 7 Reasons Why Delta 8 Products Are Trending In The Market This 2023 Delta 8 products have been gaining much attention in the market, with experts predicting a significant surge in demand in 2023. Here are seven reasons why these products are set to trend: 1. Legality These products are garnering widespread attention this year due to their legality. Delta 8 is a natural compound found in the hemp plant, known for its resemblance to Delta 9 THC. However, Delta 8 is unique because it does not have the same unwanted effects as Delta 9, making it a safer option for individuals concerned about potential side effects. One of the primary reasons these products are trending is their legal status. With many states in the US still prohibiting the use of marijuana, Delta 8 provides an attractive alternative for individuals who want to experience the benefits of cannabis without the legal ramifications. Delta 8 is legal in many states, thanks to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and its derivatives at the federal level. This has led to an explosion in the availability of these products, ranging from edibles to oils to vape cartridges. 2. Fast Acting These products have been gaining popularity for their fast-acting effects. This cannabinoid is a minor constituent of the cannabis plant, and these products are created by extracting it from hemp plants. Unlike Delta 9, Delta 8 is legal in most states and is available in various products such as edibles, tinctures, and vapes. With their fast-acting capabilities, these products are becoming popular as a quick and easy way to relax without getting overwhelmed. 3. Long-Lasting Effects Delta 8 products have been creating a buzz in the market this 2023 due to their long-lasting effects. Their long-lasting effects are one of the important facts about Delta 8. With more and more people looking for alternative ways to relax after a long day, the rise of these products is no surprise. These products, from edibles to vape cartridges, offer an experience like no other. Unlike its cousin, delta-9 THC, delta-8 has fewer unwanted effects, making it a great option for those looking for more balanced effects. With the growing demand for alternatives to traditional options, it's no wonder that Delta 8 is quickly becoming a favorite among consumers. 4. High Potency These products are quickly gaining popularity this year due to their high potency. Packed with potent compounds, these products offer users a unique experience. Unlike traditional Delta 9 products, delta 8 produces a more relaxed effect, making it a great choice for those who want to experience the benefits of cannabis without feeling overwhelmed. These products come in various forms, including edibles, tinctures, and vape cartridges. With such a wide range of options, consumers can easily find a product that suits their needs and preferences. As the demand for natural products continues to grow, it's no surprise that Delta 8 products are quickly becoming the go-to choice for many people. 5. Diverse Product Options These products are quickly gaining popularity in the market for the year 2023, and it's not difficult to understand why. With an impressive range of diverse product options, consumers can try various products, including edibles, oils, tinctures, and more. These products are derived from an alternative form of THC, creating a more balanced effect. With so many products to choose from, consumers now have the flexibility to enjoy the benefits and effects of CBD and THC products without the restrictions and potential side effects associated with smoking or more traditional forms of marijuana consumption. 6. Increased Availability As we enter a new year, one trend catching everyone's attention is the increased availability of these products in the market. These products have become extremely popular due to their unique effects and benefits, which many consumers have praised. Delta 8, also known as D8, is a minor cannabinoid that is structurally similar to Delta 9 THC but with its unique properties. With companies tapping into the growing demand for Delta 8 products, many options are now available to consumers. From edibles to tinctures to vapes, these products offer a new and exciting way to experience the benefits of cannabis. It's no wonder why these products are becoming the talk of the town this 2023. 7. Novelty Factor Due to their novelty factor, these products have been making waves in the market this 2023. Consumers are curious about the properties of the compound and how it differs from Delta 9. Delta 8 THC is a minor cannabinoid found in the hemp plant and known for its unique effects. These products are available in various forms, such as gummies, vapes, and tinctures, offering a variety of ways to consume the compound. Although more research is needed, the novelty factor of these products has attracted many consumers to try them out for themselves. Bottom Lines Many people are searching for Delta 8 Lollipops in 2023, which shows the rising popularity of these products. These products have been making headlines in the market lately and for good reason. This cannabis derivative has gained tremendous popularity due to its unique chemical structure and potential effects compared to Delta 9. Additionally, the promising potential of Delta 8 has made it a hot topic in the industry. No wonder why Delta 8 is trending in the market and is expected to continue to do so in the coming years. Read Also: CBD: The Understanding Of Its Benefits Best Grow Tents For Growing Cannabis Why Cannabis Is Good For Health?

6 Effective Ways to Improve Your Mental Health