Maintaining great mental health can often seem like a pretty laborious task, as there are so many different stresses, challenges, and obstacles that stand between you and real happiness. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be as difficult as you might initially expect, as there are lots of simple steps that you can follow to ensure you can stay as positive and confident as you can be!
In fact, this handy guide contains some of the most effective ideas that you can utilize to start working towards great mental health today. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to discover more so that you can start to feel the difference sooner rather than later!
Rest Well: Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
One of the most effective steps that you must follow if you want to stand any chance of achieving good mental health is to rest well. Regularly missing out on quality sleep can trigger a whole host of different problems, both physical and mental. Losing sleep can leave you feeling exhausted, run-down, dazed, and confused, and it’s more than likely you’ll feel a little more on edge than usual too. A bad night’s rest can cause you to develop a shorter fuse, meaning arguments and other uncomfortable or unpleasant situations can occur with those around you!
Rather than allowing a lack of sleep to affect you in such a severe way, it’s vital that you can take the time to get a good night’s rest each and every night. This way, your body and mind will be able to relax, repair and recover, and you’ll wake up feeling totally refreshed and revitalized both physically and mentally! You’ll be able to leap out of bed raring to go, with mountains more motivation in comparison to someone who’s suffered through a bad night’s sleep riddled with tossing and turning. Everyone needs a good night’s sleep, from newborns to retirees – you’d likely be surprised at the sleep schedule for 6-month-olds, as they generally need up to 16 hours of rest a day!
There are lots of easy hacks that can improve your chances of getting a good night’s sleep. First off, it’s a good idea to leave your smartphone and any other tech devices out of sight for at least one hour before you intend to go to sleep. The artificial blue light that is emitted from such screens can wreak havoc with your body’s natural circadian rhythm, tricking you into thinking it’s still the middle of the day (even if it’s actually the middle of the night!). It can also be helpful to install some good quality blackout curtains that can ensure no sunlight can enter your room during the early morning hours.
Eat Well: Consume A Healthy, Balanced Diet
Another key step that you must take if you want to maintain great mental health is to eat well. Consuming a balanced diet that’s rich in fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and complex carbohydrates is absolutely essential for both your physical and mental well-being, as the food that you eat directly converts into the fuel that you use to perform your daily tasks! A poor quality diet filled with ultra-processed food will certainly make you feel like rubbish, as unhealthy ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, fillers and more can send your mind on a rollercoaster ride of emotion. Not eating enough can also lead to mental distress, as failing to consume the calories that you need will leave you deflated, depressed and run down.
The average man should be aiming for around 2500 calories per day, while the average woman should be looking to consume around 2000. Simply reaching this calorie goal isn’t enough, as you need to make sure the food you eat has more than just calories – nutrients are what matter the most! Take fruits for example they’re filled to the brim with vitamins and minerals, but they’re a super low calories treat. An unhealthy alternative like a bag of processed candy will have none of the aforementioned nutrients, but it will be riddled with empty calories and harmful chemicals that mess with your appetite and your mind! So, stick with natural whole foods and make your own meals from scratch; this way you can monitor what ingredients go into the food that you eat.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining great mental health has never been such a simple task when you can utilize some of the brilliant recommendations that have been carefully detailed above.
Hair loss affects millions of people around the world, and it can be a major blow to one’s confidence and self-esteem. Thinning hair or bald spots can make people feel self-conscious and limit their fashion choices.
However, with advances in technology and surgical techniques, hair transplant procedures can now provide a long-lasting solution to hair loss, helping people feel more confident. In Turkey, hair transplant procedures are becoming increasingly popular, with the country being a hub for medical tourism in this field.
In this article, we’ll explore how a hair transplant can help you achieve a more confident look. Read on.
- Understanding Hair Transplants
A hair transplant is a surgical procedure that involves taking hair from a donor area (usually the back or sides of the scalp) and transplanting it to the recipient area (where hair loss has occurred).
Majorly, there are two types of hair transplant procedures:
- follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and
- follicular unit extraction (FUE).
FUE is the more popular method, as it is less invasive and leaves minimal scarring.
- Improving Hair Density and Coverage
The main benefit of a hair transplant is that it improves hair density and coverage in areas of hair loss. This means that you can achieve a fuller head of hair with a natural-looking hairline and no visible bald spots.
With more hair to work with, you’ll have more styling options and be able to experiment with different hairstyles.
- Boosting Confidence and Self-Esteem
Hair loss can be a major blow to one’s confidence and self-esteem. It can make people feel older, less attractive, and less desirable. By restoring hair density and coverage, a hair transplant can help people feel more confident and improve their self-esteem.
This can have a positive impact on their personal and professional lives, as well as their fashion choices.
- Customizable Results
When it comes to getting a hair transplant, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable clinic that can provide the best results. Luckily, Turkey has become a popular destination for medical tourism, especially in the field of hair transplants.
The Best Hair Transplants in Turkey offer customizable results with highly skilled surgeons who can create personalized treatment plans based on your individual needs and goals. Whether you’re looking for a subtle improvement or a more dramatic transformation, a hair transplant can help you achieve the results you desire.
- Long-Lasting Results
Hair transplants provide long-lasting results that can last a lifetime. As soon as the transplanted hair follicles have taken their roots, they will continue to grow and behave like normal hair.
This means that you can enjoy the benefits of a hair transplant for many years to come without the need for ongoing maintenance or touch-ups.
- Safe and Effective Procedure
Hair transplant procedures are safe and effective when performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients are awake and alert throughout the process.
Most patients experience little to no pain during the procedure and can resume normal activities within a few days.
In the End…
A hair transplant can be a game-changer for those struggling with hair loss. It not only improves hair density and coverage but also boosts confidence and self-esteem.
With the right surgeon and aftercare, a hair transplant can give you a look you’ve always wanted.
Everyone loves a warm, freshly baked cookie. Baking cookies can go wrong very quickly, however, if you do not know a few tips. Whether you are a seasoned baker or you are just starting out, there are always ways to improve your cookie game and make sure the batch is perfect every time. Here are five expert tips to help you bake the perfect cookies.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
One key factor for perfect cookies is the temperature of the ingredients when they are combined. Cold ingredients, especially butter and eggs, can result in uneven mixing and an odd texture. On the other hand, ingredients that are too warm can affect your cookies negatively, too. To ensure your cookies turn out perfectly, set your ingredients out at least half an hour before you start baking so they can come to room temperature.
Image by Gustavo Fring via Pexels
Do Not Overmix the Dough
Overmixing your cookie dough can result in tough, chewy cookies. To avoid this, only mix your dough until the ingredients are just combined. If you are using a hand mixer or a spoon, it is easier to stop at the perfect point. If you are using a stand mixer, mix at the lowest setting and do not leave it unattended, so that you can see when the dough has been mixed for the perfect amount of time.
Pay Attention to the Baking Time
The amount of time your cookies spend in the oven is crucial. Underbaked cookies will be soft and doughy, while overbaked cookies will be hard and crunchy. To ensure your cookies are baked perfectly, you should set a timer and check on them regularly. Do not open the oven when you check your cookies, as this lets the heat out and can contribute to uneven baking. Instead, use the light inside your oven to see if your cookies are golden brown.
Experiment with Toppings
One way to elevate your cookies is by adding in extra ingredients, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit. You can also try adding in some fun toppings to make delicious cookies, such as m&m cookies everyone will love. Candy and sprinkles can add an extra pop of color and flavor, while nuts can add a satisfying crunch. You can also combine toppings, such as toffee and Himalayan salt, for even more delicious cookies!
Store Cookies Properly
Proper storage is crucial to keep your cookies fresh and delicious. To store cookies, let them cool completely and then transfer them to an airtight container. Leave them on the counter or in the fridge. You can also freeze your cookies if you would like them to last longer by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or storing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy your cookies, simply thaw them at room temperature or in the microwave.
Baking the perfect cookies is all about paying attention to the details. Many people do not consider many of these tips, especially when it comes to letting your ingredients come to the right temperature or not overmixing the dough, but these are the things that will make your cookies just right, every time. With a little practice and patience, you will be well on your way to becoming a cookie pro in no time!
Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Even if you’re exercising and eating a balanced diet, you can still feel unhealthy if you aren’t getting the right amount of sleep. Unfortunately, that’s not easy to achieve.
With life as busy as it is and stimulus everywhere you look, it can be difficult to switch off and relax. Here are some must-dos for getting the sleep you need every night.
Avoid Caffeine
Having your fresh cup of coffee to wake you up first thing in the morning is fine. However, continuing to drink coffee throughout the rest of the day can play havoc on your system. You should especially avoid caffeine in the late afternoon and early evening.
Too much caffeine may mean that you can’t fall asleep at night, even when you feel tired. Caffeine keeps you too stimulated to rest well.
A Good Bed
You won’t sleep well if you’re uncomfortable during the night because you haven’t got a good bed. If you’re waking up in the morning and you still feel unrested or your body is aching, you may need a new bed or new mattress. If you’re purchasing a new bed, look for the best smart bed.
A smart bed can have multiple features. For instance, it may be infused memory foam or it could have a cooling mattress. Most smart beds have features that perfectly suit the user to ensure your sleeping conditions are exactly what you need.
Turn Off Devices
An hour before you intend on going to bed, switch off all of your devices. Using devices just before you go to bed will often mean you’ll take longer to relax. Avoid using your computer, scrolling through social media, or doing any online shopping.
Using devices before going to sleep can also affect your eyes. The bright lights of screens can stimulate your brain enough to keep it stimulated at a time when you want to rest.
Avoid Naps
Most people hit a point in the day, usually mid-afternoon, where it becomes tougher to carry on. It’s tempting to lay down and take a nap but this can result in worsening your night’s sleep. Napping may mean that you’re unable to sleep well in the evening and find yourself awake until the early hours of the morning.
Try and push through those couple of hours where you feel sluggish throughout the day and you’ll rest better at night.
Watch What You Eat
It’s important to be mindful of your evening meal. If you eat too much before going to bed, you may be too uncomfortable to rest well. However, if you eat too little, you could be too hungry to sleep.
Eat a healthy and balanced meal at least two hours before you go to bed so your body has enough time to properly digest your meal.
If you’ve found this article helpful, take a look at the rest.
I was looking forward to sharing this fab recipe from our sponsor Sarah at Body Balance 365. It is the perfect morning treat and who says that being dairy and gluten-free means you cannot still enjoy your favorite baked goods? This bread is full of healthy Vitamin C, E, and K from the cranberries, you should probably make two loaves. Merry Christmas Everyone!!! xo
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups Bob’s Red Mill almond flour
- ⅓ cup coconut flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 3 eggs, at room temperature (not cold)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons melted coconut oil, or vegan butter
- ½ cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ¼ teaspoon almond extract
- 3/4 cup diced fresh cranberries (or sub dried cranberries)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line an 8 1/2 x 4 ½ loaf pan with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together wet ingredients: eggs, honey, melted coconut oil, orange juice, orange zest, and almond extract.
- Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon to combine. Fold in diced cranberries and walnuts. Add batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread out evenly, smoothing the top. Bake for 40-50 minutes until a tester comes out clean. Allow the loaf to cool completely in the pan before removing it.
It’s that time of year again….New Year’s Eve festive dressing time!!! Here is an awesome round-up of great outfits!! It’s your time to shine……
- These are my go-to sandals. They are perfect with all outfits, jeans, white jeans, long and short dresses.
- How cute are these feather pants?
- I love this sequin blouse!!
- I have these multi-colored sequin earrings. They are so festive!
- This gold dress is fabulous!!!
- This cardigan with jeweled buttons is fabulous!!
- I tried this bow dress on and it could not be cuter!!
- I love these red earrings.
- And these pearl drops too!
- I have been looking for platform gold sandals forever!
- I bought this top and it’s amazing. I wore mine with leather pants!!
- This is the sweetest top!!
- I also love this green dress.
- The perfect pair of velvet pants.
- I also love this top…..the gold and pink combo is sooo pretty…