Category Archives: SEX & LIFE

‘Psychiatry’ Isn’t a Bad Word

‘Psychiatry’ Isn’t a Bad Word

Several years ago, the word ‘psychiatry’ had a sigma, just like ‘online dating’. Back then, if you needed therapy, one could feel weak for needing to do so. That’s not the case, then or today. Just look at online dating, it’s practically a way of life for single folks. But as for all folks in general, we need to understand there is a strength that comes from partaking in therapy. Having a healthy mind is more important today than ever before. The technology of today moves so fast. The demands of the job are overwhelming as companies expect one man to do the job of three. Kids with phones basically attached to them are seeing their idols or school mates commit suicide. We as a human race need to protect our minds. Strengthening the brain is like working any other muscle in the body. It takes discipline and routine.

Let’s Get Physical  

Working the brain also happens with physical exercise. Get your heart started. Shut off the phones and tablets and come up with a routine to work your body muscles as well as your brain. Cardio is a great way to heal your brain from depression as well as provide a good oxygen intake that is important for your blood, heart and lungs. Not a gym goer? That’s okay. Walking, running, even skipping causes the brain to strengthen. Remember when you were a kid and you would try to pat your head while rubbing your tummy? That is a brain exercise. Just add in some deep breathing to allow that oxygen to climb to the brain.

Give Me a B

B vitamins have proven to be a great source for improving brain function. Specialty diets, like vegan or gluten-free can strip you from these vitamins if not done properly. Adding in a Super Complex-B vitamin into your daily could provide a balance to your mind. If you need an extra kick to fight off depression or anxiety, talk to your doctor about adding in an Amino Complex. These vitamins and minerals are essential to the brain and all your functions.

Find the Source?

It’s still debatable on if a person needs to find the source of their depression or anxiety to actually heal. Throughout all my research, some therapists believe the brain can heal with or without the original source that has provoked the underline depression or phobia. If you can work with a partner or therapist to pinpoint your issue, fantastic. But if you can’t pinpoint, don’t give up hope thinking this mindset is now your only way of life.

You Are Not Alone

It’s important for all humans to know that they are not alone. There are hotlines to call for help. There are online psychiatrists, chats and counseling available, all hours of the day. If you have children, talk to them about the dangers and finality of suicide. It’s a scary topic, but some kids don’t understand that suicide is a permanent thing. If you or someone you love is fighting with depression or anxiety, call a psychiatrist or reach out to the national suicide prevention hotline 1-800-273-8255.

Dating online with apps might be at the point where nobody shrugs, but we need to do the same for therapy. It’s important. Get your mind healthy. We all get stressed and overwhelmed. But don’t let things add up to where you feel stressed or overwhelmed on a daily basis. Life is a gift. It shouldn’t feel like a curse. Life gets tough, so we can toughen up, but it shouldn’t be a constant struggle. If you feel like it is, then I recommend talking with your doctor about therapy options. Life really is a beautiful thing. Here’s wishing you strong mental health and getting back to good.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

How Car Seats Work

By Guest Blogger, Rachel F.

 How Car Seats Work

A car accident is arguably one of the most common causes of injury and death in the United States, and the situation isn’t getting any better as years go by. As responsible parents, the best we can do to get better protection from the perils of the road is to educate both ourselves and our children about the elements of car safety. Fortunately, every car comes with the basic equipment designed to protect you from precisely such an event – a seatbelt, an airbag and so on. When it comes to children, however, the problem is that their small frames can’t really benefit from these safety aids, as they were not designed for them.

That’s where the child’s car seat comes into play, as an additional means of safety you can provide for your little ones. With just a little bit of education, you can learn how to use the car seat to properly protect them. The car seat operates on three different safety principles:

1) The harness that stabilizes your child’s frame at 5 separate points.
2) The impact-absorbent cushions on the side of the seat.
3) The tether that secures the seat and keeps it from moving/falling over.

It might not seem like much, but when put together these three mechanisms are highly beneficial for your child’s safety, some would argue more than a seatbelt. Make sure that the harness kept straight at all times, and that the recline of the seat is at the recommended angle.

For further clarification, please reference the infographic below from Parenting Pod.

car seat info

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Little Annoyances Adding up to Big Marriage Problems?

Little Annoyances Adding up to Big Marriage Problems?

I’m not a fan of the saying, ‘the honeymoon’s over’. Seriously, a honeymoon is about a week out of your entire relationship, so why does it get so much power over a marriage?

I believe relationships tend to have seasons—yes, just like the weather. Sometimes it’s summer and all is roses while other times it’s a hard-hitting hurricane season. However, every season that comes and goes, we as humans expect its arrival and most survive it’s passing. So why can’t couples do the same?

With the divorce ratio getting higher, I think it’s time we all take another look at what is causing marriages and long-term relationships to fail at such a high rate.

 

It’s the little things that add up

It seems to be the case for most relationships that crumble. The weight of those little things add up to be something so heavy, couples get weary. Being weary is when all the bad can soak in. And then, those little annoyances become huge problems in your relationship. Think about when you are sick. You already feel bad, but it’s excruciating to bump your arm on top of being sick. It’s the same concept, little things make you feel bad, but then pile on those little annoyances after feeling weary and it’s enough to end your relationship. You need to stop that mindset in its tracks. Experts believe those little annoyances are partly the reason you were attracted to your partner to begin with, so in that case it’s time to rest and reboot yourself.

 

Put on your own oxygen mask first

When you are tired, you need rest. This doesn’t mean sleeping, per se, but clearing your mind and emotions from what you think needs to be done. In most cases, what you think needs to be done is fixing your partner’s annoying little habits. That’s not the case. You can’t fix your partner, you can only fix yourself. Take time to reflect on being a better you.

 

In the words of Otis Redding, ‘Try a Little Tenderness’

You can’t change your partner, no matter how much you threaten or yell. That method is not only destined for failure, it’s exhausting. After you have made yourself a better partner, you can try some tenderness towards your partner. You already know the things that drive your crazy, but what about your partner? Does it drive your spouse crazy that you leave your wet towel on the chair? Then make an effort not to do it. We all want respect. So by respecting your partner and their wishes, perhaps they will see the change in you and be inspired to change themselves into being a better partner for you.

 

Sometimes we need an outsider looking in

You’ve worked on yourself and you’ve been giving your partner the respect, but still, nothing has changed? It’s not exactly true, if you have changed. But, sometimes we need someone on the outside to mediate the situation, especially if you’ve approached the concerns and your partner reacts dismissive or causes you to become introverted with your feelings. Seeking help from a marriage counselor is a great way to have an unbiased opinion. Couples therapy can help you and your partner learn how to open up and discuss issues in a healthy way. Did you even know there’s a healthy way to argue? It’s true.

Marriage and long-term relationships take work and lots of communication. Most of all, they take respect and adjustments. That’s why I think relationships are like the seasons. It’s true, we don’t love all the seasons all the time, but there’s no beauty like the first snow fall or the thrill of the lightening storm in spring. Not all relationships are built to last, but most marriages aren’t meant to be as fleeting like a honeymoon. Shovel out the little annoyances before they have a chance to get too heavy.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

How to Zen Out Your Space

By Guest Blogger, Brigitte E.

How to Zen Out Your Space

Our lives are pretty hectic due to busy schedules and the constant urge to please everyone around us which is impossible, and sometimes too stressful. In all these circumstances, we often forget about our own needs and, most importantly, our health. Such a lifestyle leads to insomnia and eating disorders. Our body is our temple, and the only place we actually have to live in, so we’d better take good care of it first. We must learn how to focus on the important things in life and inner peace is definitely one of them. It happens very often that we don’t manage to clean the house or we have to deal with a pile of paperwork on the desk and unsorted laundry. That mess has to be decluttered before it drowns us in the vicious circle of dirt. Although some people are more productive when working under pressure and surrounded by mess, there is nothing better than living in a clean, fresh environment.

The rage for Zen-organized homes became a trend of the modern-day world, and this implies organizing your personal space with simplicity, minimalism and absolute peace. Here are some useful tips on how to turn your home into a laid-back place.

Start with rearranging your personal space

It goes without saying that a messy house equals a messy life. Cleaning your household the right way can turn any home into a safe haven and a private oasis of peace. A Zen-inspired place means owning a minimal amount of furniture, as it opens up the space and makes it easier to vacuum and clean. The furniture should be made of natural materials such as clay, marble and wood, because these bring a sense of tranquility and warmth. Avoid complicated details and dark colors. Keep your kitchen counters clean and dispose of everything from your bathroom shelves that you haven’t used for a long time.

Fresh air is the number one contributor to your health

 

Make sure to air your rooms frequently since no one likes to live in a stuffy place. In addition, you can even get yourself an air purifier for mold which is a legit game-changer. You can place them in your office, living room or bedroom, and apart from being super quiet, these also remove impurities such as pet hair, smoke and dust. What’s more, they are beneficial to asthmatics and allergy sufferers. Enrich your living room with a few plants or purchase some essential oils, since they raise the level of energy and mental alertness. As for the bedroom, keep it simple. There should be a bed, a closet, one lamp and two nightstands, and to spice it up, add a lavender scent. Lavender is known for repelling insects, but it also helps with stress and anxiety. Scented candles are also a plus as they bring in the warmth and peacefulness.

Choose soothing colors

When in doubt, choose white. White plays an important role when decorating small apartments. You can also go for the mellow colors such as olive, mauve, coral or lavender. These subtle tones are perfect and can lead you straight to the land of tranquility. Purity of lines and open light spaces make us feel unbothered and relaxed.

Keep calm and listen to music

 

We all deserve a little ‘me time’ once in a while, and what’s better than bonding with yourself in a foaming bubble bath while listening to your favorite music? There are plenty of exceptional artists that can help you get through a stressful day, such as Norah Jones, Bob Marley, Sade or Sia. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let the music shake the stress away. Nothing in this world is worth your anxiety, so seize the moment because, in the end, every little thing is going to be alright.

Get rid of electronic distractions

One TV in the house is enough and it should be placed in the living room. Remove all the cables and wires from your sight and keep your phone chargers in the drawers.

After you have mastered these little life hacks, be brave enough to Zen out your space and sail into a new life filled with vibrancy.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.

Getting Married Soon? Don’t Forget The Wedding Ring

Getting Married Soon? Don’t Forget The Wedding Ring

(image source)

Before getting married, there is so much to think about. If you are (or have been) in this fortunate position, you will know what we mean. You need to choose the right venue, decide on your bridal style, and pick your honeymoon destination, as examples. There is much to do, and in amongst your wedding checklist, there is one very crucial part that no woman (or man) should forget. The wedding ring. Here are some of the factors you need to consider.

 

  • Your personal style. There are many beautiful rings to choose from, but you need to narrow down your choices to make buying something easier. One of the ways to do this is to consider the personal style you are going for. Do you want something simple, or are you looking for something with embellishments? Does a particular gemstone take your fancy, or do you prefer something less showy? Do you want to match your engagement ring, or do you want to mix things up a little? You will (hopefully) be wearing your ring for life, so you do want to find something that you will be happy wearing for many years to come. Consider your choices, and find something that will fit your style (and finger) perfectly.

 

  • Your budget. Weddings are notoriously expensive, and a percentage of your budget will be going on your wedding ring. While you don’t want something that looks like it came out of a Christmas cracker, you don’t want something that is going to cause you bankruptcy, either. The wedding band is one thing to consider, but then there are the embellishments, such as added gemstones and engravings. The price will go up accordingly, so factor extras into your budget. When it comes to gemstones, diamonds may be a girl’s best friend, but you may want to choose a cheaper gemstone, such as an amethyst or a sapphire. When it comes to the personalised engraving, each letter will add to the price, so you may prefer your initials rather than your name, especially if your moniker is a long one! Know your budget and stick to it!

 

  • Your lifestyle. You will be wearing your ring every day, so you do need to choose something that won’t get in the way of your life. Rather than taking it off, and risking losing your precious ring, you should purchase something that will seamlessly fit within your lifestyle. You might want to consider platinum and silicone rings, as examples. Both are durable and safe to wear, no matter what activity you are involved in. Choosing something without gemstones is another good choice, especially if the stones are in danger of coming loose if you use your hands regularly for sport or work. You don’t need to forsake style for comfort, so shop around for something that will accommodate your needs, day in and day out.

 

  • Your finger size. To say you need a ring that fits your finger is a no-brainer. However, you should schedule your ring fitting at the right time. The temperature can cause your fingers to swell, as can other external factors, such as weight gain and exercise. So get your ring fitted when your fingers are at their regular size. Take heed of the jeweler’s advice too, letting your head rule over your heart when looking for a ring that fits. If mistakes are made, you can always go back to make adjustments later, although depending on your jeweler, you may have to pay for them.

After considering these factors before buying, there is one more thing to remember after purchase. The wedding day itself! Don’t let the page boy/best man forget the rings on the big day! If you are getting married soon, we hope you have a fantastic day, and that the partner you have chosen fits you as perfectly as your ring does! Take care, and thanks for reading.

Tia, and TipsfromTia.com  is trying to keep you looking good and
feeling good, from the inside out. If you’ve got a problem or a tip email me! Be sure to Like and share on Facebook or Follow on Twitter or Instagram.