Good morning Unsanity readers!
It’s another #FreebieFriday for you finally. I’ve been out of the loop writing here myself (currently featuring a whole BUNCH of guest bloggers instead!) and wanted to share something for your Freebie today.
Click the link below to download your 4 different color scheme daily planner pages! You can also find this here on my page if you lose this post amongst the others.
Hello Friends!
I am so happy to be back doing a guest post series for Koral! Thank you so much for this chance.
I’m Stephanie from A Red Hair Girl. In January I wrote a post for Koral that gave you some background about my mental health issues. Then I went on to explain three ways I helped myself with my mental health.
First I admitted to myself I had a problem and that I needed help. Second I told a few people that I felt comfortable telling (my husband, my mom, sisters, and my OBGYN). And third I made the scary phone call to a therapist to get up an appointment. It is worth the read. I hope it will give you courage to seek out the help you need if you are struggling.
At the end of the post I mentioned I had a post about the things I have learned in therapy that have helped me. Welp, I had good intentions but I never got around to writing it… AHHH! I’m sorry!
I thought this mini-series would be the perfect chance for me to tell you about 4 things that I learned from my therapist. And tell you why they have helped me. I’m super excited!
So, let’s get right to it! This post is all about exercise! Here are 4 reasons why exercise is great for your mental health. I hope that by the time you are finished you are ready to get your sweat on.
Working Out Releases Our Feeling Good Endorphins
When we have our feeling good endorphins are flowing it just feels great. This is a natural way to get them going. So why wouldn’t we want to do that? My therapist always ask how my level of exercise. She doesn’t care how hard I’m going at it. She just wants me moving.
Even a walk around the block and kick start the good feeling endorphins. In fact if you exercise outside it can increase the amount of good feeling endorphins. That’s a double win! She tells me to get outside and talk a walk around the block sans kids if I’m feeling stressed, depressed or anxious. That isn’t always possible. But when I have, I come back refreshed.
Exercise Can Help Take Your Mind off Worries
When your brain has less to worry about your depression and anxiety will have less to feed it. When I’m working out it is harder for me to think about negative things. After a workout it is even hard to be negative. It’s all those good feeling endorphins. J
So if you exercise most days then you will have less time during those days to worry, which will help. Because the less you worry then the cycle of negative thoughts that help to feed your depression and anxiety will not be as present.
Exercise Can Help You Gain Confidence
What happens when you work out consistently? So many wonderful things! Among them is you will start to feel better about yourself. When you take the time to work out and do something that is hard you gain confidence.
You may start to lose weight or gain muscle. Your clothes may start to fit differently, a good different. People may start to give you complements. Or you may catch yourself in the mirror and think, WOW! All of these help you to gain confidence.
When you have more confidence you start to have a change in your thinking. For me, I become less depressed. Both of those things (being less depressed and gaining confidence) are very important to your mental health.
Working Out Can Help You Eat Better
If you are like me (and so many other people) then when you start to exercise consistently you may start to eat healthier. You may find yourself grabbing for an apple instead of crackers. The can of soda may not look as tasty as water.
When I am able to get myself out of bed and work out first thing in the morning I tend to make better eating choices all day long. Why wouldn’t I want to start my day off in that way?
Then when you start making better eating choices and continue to work out you will see a difference in your body. This will help you gain more confidence. See how many of these are intertwined? J
Some Tips and Tricks to Help You
Good luck my friends with exercising! It has helped me so much with my mental health and confidence. I know it can help you as well!
Happy working out!
Xoxo, Steph
“You can’t stress.” These were the words my mother said to me after her encounter with bowel blockage, shingles, and a seizure. They came after her mother passed away. My mother carried a lot on herself, including anger and resentment.
The word “can’t” in this sentence doesn’t imply “not allowed.” It implies that I am “not able to.”
So, what is someone who is not able to stress, doing writing a post about mental health? Well, that’s the question of the day, isn’t it?
I’m here to tell you what it feels like to not be able to stress.
I bet you’re thinking, “It would be so wonderful to not be able to stress. I can actually go on with my life, not caring about anything. I can let things slide right off of me, and let things happen the way that they are supposed to.”
You know what? You’re right. That’s exactly how I feel.
Do you know how hard that is, though? Watching people struggle, stress, be anxious and depressed? It’s not easy.
“It’s so hard to make ends meet. I’m broke before I even get paid,” a coworker might say to me. I stand there, motionless, trying not to blurt out the thoughts that run through my head. “Well, stop spending fifty dollars a week to get your nails done,” I think. But I slowly nod, speak a soft, “Hm,” and walk away.
Does this mean that I can’t relate to people? No. I can, actually. Growing up with a mother who deals with depression and stress, has allowed me to understand what goes through peoples’ minds when they are in these mental states. My mother is very open about how she feels and what she’s thinking. She always has been, even now. So when those that are around me, express these thoughts and feelings, I am able to understand that they feel a certain way, but I am not able to relate with the feeling itself. Which may make me seem cold and unsympathetic. I can come off like that, of course. In fact, I hardly ever have sympathy for anyone. Empathy, sure, but rarely sympathy.
So, what’s my secret for a no stress life? Do I meditate? Exercise? Stay away from any and all stressful situations? The answer is simply, no. Instead of meditating, I close my eyes and take a deep breath and let it out in a long, loud, forceful sigh, so that everyone around me knows exactly how I feel. I do listen to music, but it’s not soft. At all. In fact, it’s mostly heavy rock. I also don’t exercise. I do quite a bit of physical labor at my job, but on my off days, my butt is in my chair.
Do I lack the stress gene 5HTR2C? Are my chemical levels constantly balanced? Do I have the long long genotype called 5-HTTLPR?
Let’s face it, no one really knows what genes they have, do they? In fact, stress can actually change your genes.
To be honest, I don’t know why I can’t stress. Maybe because I grew up watching a mother stress over everything, every day of my life. Maybe it’s because I don’t want to. Maybe it’s because I walk into every situation I am faced with, with this in mind: if I stress, I am of no help. I won’t have a clear mind to make the right decisions, or say the right things. If I stress, I can’t help. If I can’t help, what good am I?
At the end of the day, all I know is I don’t have a worry bone in my body. Do I get sad? Yes, at least I still get sad. Do I wonder about the future? Of course, who doesn’t? But I don’t necessarily worry about anything.
The beautiful part about this is, people still confide in me. People still tell me about their worries and fears and struggles. Even though I have a difficult time relating to the physical feelings, and the thoughts, I still listen and learn. I am self aware to the point that I am able to put aside my cold, unsympathetic aura, and replace it with an empathetic one.
For those of you who are prone to stress, depression, anxiety, and others, please be patient with us non-worrying types. If we could worry about how we come off to people, we would. And please don’t think that if someone doesn’t worry, that they don’t understand. Because I do.
My mother almost died because of stress. She had a seizure because of stress. Every time she feels under the weather, she gets depressed. She was very angry when I was little and would cry to me almost every night and tell me how she was feeling. They say that one out of three people will get shingles in their lifetime. Mom has had it more than once. Mom had to have open heart surgery because, when she got so sick from stress that she weighed ninety pounds, her heart grew weak and she developed a prolapsed heart valve.
To those of you who endure the pain, I see you. I feel you. I will cry with you. I don’t care if I don’t understand what you’re feeling, but what you feel is real. That’s what I understand, and to me, that’s all that matters.
Your feelings matter.
Friday nights are usually spent in bed now with my iPad or now laptop working and reading. I’m perfectly okay with this. My Friday nights used to be going out and having fun or going to a bar with a friend or two. I’m glad, as I get older, that it’s died down a little bit. With so much life going on right now, this is what it needs to be.
I actually… after all these years of crap jobs… enjoy my current job. I like what I do and I like where it’s going. The people I’m meeting and the things I’m doing are all I could ever dream of. I legitimately love the things I do for work now, and that makes me happy.
Cut back two months ago, maybe a little bit more, and I was interviewing for this position I currently have — nervous as anything that I wasn’t going to get it, and nervous as anything that I would get it. I was kept waiting and waiting and almost a month went by. I started to get really apprehensive about everything knowing this is what I wanted and also… not what I wanted. I was terrified. If I got the position, I was going to have to move across the country — 2700 miles away from home. If I didn’t get it, I was going to be really upset that I wasn’t getting out of PA just yet.
July 28th. It was that Friday at 9 in the morning that I got that email from the hiring manager who said in the title “Please give me a call ASAP!!” Right there, with that title, I knew it was something great. I started crying almost as I walked away from my desk to go call her from my car and cell phone. I was offered the position; at nearly triple my salary. My managers at my current project already knew and kept it from me for a day. They had made arrangements for me to start that Tuesday with the company and new pay period — and I was already headed down to Virginia and DC that same week to do on boarding for the company and meet with the primary. I was a nervous wreck.
I was now the Social Media Marketing Specialist for the National Center for Telehealth and Tech (T2) project based out in Tacoma, Washington. I was an art director, content writer, image creator, blogger and head honcho for my social media content on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
With the position comes relocation, and the start of a new life with my partner and best friend. We’ve always wanted to go to the mountains — and away we go. I’m so excited to start my life out there. Even though I will be far from home, I know I’ll still get to see my mom and important people in my life with them coming out there, or with me going back to PA and NJ where my family and friends are. There’s so much excitement, however, I’m still scared to death. I’m not freaking out yet… but I know it’s coming one of these days. With being that far from my friends and family; it’s going to take some time getting used to. Yes, I’ll have my best friend with me and of course we will meet new people out there together. But it won’t be the same comfort we’re used to at first.
It’s September 15th today. September 16th if you want to get technical because it’s just passed midnight already. And we only have 70 days. 70 days until we make that drive across the country. 70 days until I don’t see my little kitties for close to 6 months. 70 days until we start our new life.
Everything will all work out fine, I’m sure of it.
“When you’re dumb enough for long enough, you’re gonna meet someone too smart to love you, and they’re gonna love you anyway, and it’s gonna go so poorly.” – Neil Hilborn, Ballad of the Bruised Lung
Been awhile, life’s been crazy. I’ve been trying to find the time to keep writing but I just haven’t had any. I mean I have, but I’ve had no ideas really to make me want to write anything substantial in my opinion. It’s been a blur to be honest, I can’t believe a year has almost gone by since myself and guy started dating again.. and it makes me feel semi good, that I can make it better than the last time we dated since we both effed up the last time and several times after that. Seems like we can’t just get it right.. Maybe this time won’t be so bad… here’s to hoping!
I’ve taken some photos recently, with guy’s other camera the Sony a6000 and I like it. But I only like it with the 90mm Macro since it’s amazing. I kind of want it. But there’s no way I can afford the lenses for it. Yes, I can borrow his, but what’s that going to do for me should something happen with myself and him. I will never give up my Canon camera for something else. I would only add to it. I plan on trying to start a collection of some sorts and when I finally get a home, I will have a camera closet for all my things.
Here are a few shots of the Sony a6000 that I took just yesterday around Nanticoke, PA.
When you’re tired of waiting and time is not on your side
When you’re tired of hating me, you no longer want to hide
It’s time for another session of relaxation and tea bath before my roommates get home and take their long shower. I’ve been thankful enough to get to take some nice showers lately thankfully, and it’s helping my mood a lot surprisingly. *hand clap* Off I go because then I’m going to sleep forever tonight, maybe I’ll put my hair in curlers again. We’ll see since it seems to poof then I use them, lol!
Cheers,
xoxox
I am currently sitting here watching Psych The Musical’s Premiere on USA Network Television. Now, I love Psych, don’t get me wrong at all, but I already see a problem with it. Shawn’s lip-syncing most of it and there’s a voice over. At least with Gus you can’t really tell from the opening. I don’t think it’s my TV as so much as the source it’s playing from. I could be wrong, and don’t take my word for it. But from that opening scene, it seems like the whole thing is just streamed in the background.
So far this is interesting to watch. Psych haven’t been on the TV in quite sometime, and I was almost forgetting it was existing. This one, however, is a good plot so far because it is about a Playwright and looking for actors/singers. I love Broadway and most Musicals that you can find on video and on Broadway.
Low and Behold… look who makes an appearance.. Anthony Rapp. Who does Anthony Rapp play on a musical on film… none other than Mark in the musical RENT. I knew his voice as soon as it hit the screen and saw his face. He is an amazing singer and his performance in RENT was beyond top-notch for me.
My my, Carlton’s voice is quite interesting if you ask me. (If it’s really his!) He has a nice deep voice. I quite admire it if I do say so myself. Jules, on the other hand, I do not believe she should sing. She has a more soft voice and it doesn’t mix well with Carlton’s voice and Shawn’s.
Of course, Ally Sheedy has to make her appearance back on Psych The Musical. She is back as her character, Mr. Yang. Her character was a psycho killer in three previous episodes of Psych. Her character in Psych is one of many I do enjoy. On a side note: Gus’ next line is the one that makes me smile the most: “I sell the drugs that keep you people from seeing dragons at night.” Her standing there with balloons on the middle of the stage is kind of creepy if you ask me. She does bring some color to the stage there in this scene, if you ask me. “Lassie, stop it!”
Alright, now, at least this time when Jules sings, it seems like she’s actually singing while she’s dancing. Gus, is quite the dancer! Which makes sense, because he HAS been on Broadway before and enjoys the theatre as much as I do. “That’s it, Gi-gantor, lock her back up!”
Barry Bostwick makes an appearance in this episode. He was in The Rocky Horror Picture Show back in 1975 as Brad Majors- A Hero (according to IMDB) He’s also set to play in the new Scorpion King coming out in 2014.
“It’s like calling yourself Jean Claude Van Damnit.”
Some very nice Phantom of the Opera music played when someone falls from the catwalk in the next scene when they are looking for Miles. The actor cast as the “Inspector” in the play The Ripper, had stated that he just saw him going up the catwalk… cliche scream, and someone drops from the ceiling. *Cue Phantom Music* Very nicely done, but predictable.
Woody, Kurt Fuller is amazing in this. He’s great for the part in this series, but has a very different one in Supernatural. He plays a badass character in Supernatural, and in Psych, he is a hilarious heart-felt humorous guy who you’d never think would be an angel in a hardcore series. Two very different roles, but he’s amazing at both of them. Brooke Lyons appears in this show as well. She plays Elisa, the actor who was not invited back to this show from the previous one. Brooke also played in 2 Broke Girls for a short time, the TV series.
Shawn jumping through a pane of glass had him let out probably the funniest little shriek I’ve ever heard from him. (“Did you hear about Pluto? That’s messed up right?” Gus always has the best one liners in this show. I hope that’s how he is in real life.) The moment they all leave the car… Mr. Yang (Sheedy) of course, escapes. Just what they needed, right? Who thinks she has a hand in this mystery again? I do wish she would be a good person. I think she deserves it, even though she’s in the mental institution… all people deserve a second chance.. no?
Shawn sneaking out of the police office is great. Mister Yang Skype calls Shawn in the middle of the Police briefing and Shawn proceeds to teach her a dance through Skype with Carlton staring at him through a window. Sneaking back in was no surprise either.. he steals Gus to teach her more through Skype. She gives them one bit of info, and then hangs up. Typical Mister Yang… don’t you think? Drinking juice boxes in the mental hospital ward… classy boys, classy.
“You’re a good-looking man when you’re humble.” -Carlton. Man, he is just blowing it out of the park with his voice in this so far, if that really is his voice. I think he should get into singing on Broadway as well, like Gus. Karen’s got a nice solid voice that I can also be seeing on more film in the future. That makes me happy, I was waiting for her to sing. This must have taken a lot of time to put together, all this dancing and choreography that they put into this, i can understand why it was put off until the middle of December, haha. The small little dances in this just seems like it can take months for them to perfect and not laugh during the filming.
The four of them make a great team. Yes, let’s shout at the killer and make him run off. Of course he was there the night of the fire! Where do you think he was going to be while his play was running, sitting at home twiddling his thumbs? I think not! He’s going to be there. (I don’t think Armitage is the killer, but you never know; have to go with the story line.)
Turns out… he’s just a crappy husband.
Oh joy, leave it to Mister Yang to call Shawn in the middle of his dad’s house.. Way to go dad, just hang up on the girl why don’t you? Let’s go look for the guy who’s killing everyone now, why don’t we? Wow, this guy really is insane… I LOVE IT. … All the while that Gus is trying to get a part in the musical that they are making.. and is not succeeding at all.
Ahh, leave it to Mister Yang… aka Sheedy. Man, can Gus take any longer to run down those stairs? Poor Shawn is standing there dangling by his neck and he’s trying to help him… but he’s taking his sweet old-time it seems like.. Let’s sing her a song.. “Wang, yeah, wang, I like Wang.” -Gus
They’re just getting everything wrong in this one… I wonder who the real killer is.. Now I’m not going to give the ending away, but it ends with a very nice song sung by Shawn while playing the inspector on stage at the play! “Blood will spill, so please come running.”
*That awkward moment when Gus starts tapping on stage to improvise during the show..*
With the end just here, you all need to o and watch it. I told you everything you need to know to be suspicious about who the killer is.. I’M MAKING YOU ALL GO WATCH IT!
NEW SEASON OF PSYCH PREMIERES JANUARY 8TH! WHO’S EXCITED?!
||KoralDawn||
Virtually Yours, Koral Dawn 