When it’s finally time for your little one to make their first trip to the dentist, where do you book them? Would you take them to the same dentist you go to?

If your answer is yes, like many parents, you’ve probably never heard of pediatric dentists before, or there’s not one near your area.  

Well, if you’ve got kids and never considered pediatric dentists before for some reason, here are the things you should know:

 

  • Pediatric Dentists Are Different From Family Dentists

 

Most families take their children to family dentists, which are similar to general dentists. Family and general dentists can provide a wider range of services, but although they can handle patients of all ages in general, they sometimes have restrictions with the age of their patients, especially when they’re young children and if their case is more unique or complicated.

Pediatric dentists, unlike general dentistry practitioners, spend an additional two to three years of school and training. Their type of work is on the same level as dental specialists like orthodontists and endodontists. Specifically, they’re trained to understand and manage children’s behavior, including those with special needs.

Their specialisation also allows them to efficiently identify and treat dental health issues that are unique to children. In simpler terms, taking your child to a pediatric dentist is the same as choosing a pediatrician over a general physician.

 

  • Pediatric Dentistry Is Designed To Be Child-Friendly

 

If you’ve been to a pediatric dental clinic before, you’ll see a big difference in the office setup alone. Unlike regular dental clinics, pediatric dental clinics are built to appeal to children of all ages. 

In a typical pediatric dental office, you’ll likely see walls painted with colorful cartoon characters, toys, books, and even art materials, which all help to replace their fear with interest and excitement. Some pediatric dentists even reward kids with prizes or treats after their procedure.

The usual dental procedures and techniques are also adjusted to suit children’s dental anatomy and ideally include more options that are kid-friendly. For example, the use of pediatric laser dentistry which makes a lot of the usual dental procedure safer, less invasive, less bloody, less painful, and with faster recovery periods. Of course, this also means less stress and anxiety for children. 

Laser dental procedures can be used in most routine procedures such as finding cavities, treating sensitive teeth, reshaping gum tissue, and applying dental fillings, among others. They also help in minimising the need for anesthesia and sutures. How cool is that?

 

  • Pediatric Dentists Help Children Develop Proper Oral Health Habits At An Early Stage

 

Parents often find it difficult to encourage their children to develop healthy dental habits. If you’re like most parents who have a hard time training their children with proper dental care, pediatric dentists can help. 

Do you notice how children tend to listen more to professional authorities, like their teachers or police officers? Dentists will have the same effect on your children when it comes to educating them about the importance of good oral health habits.

Moreover, pediatric dentists will be more than willing to discuss with you all the important things you need to know about your child’s dental health, especially if you’re a first-time parent.

Here are some pediatric dentist-friendly reminders to help parents look after their children’s teeth:

  • As soon as the first tooth erupts, start brushing your baby’s teeth and gums by wiping them with a clean washcloth or use a soft infant toothbrush.
  • Ease your child’s pain during the teething months by letting your little one gnaw on a cold teething ring or a cold, damp flannel. 
  • Never talk about negative dentist experiences with your child or talk too much about dental visits to avoid triggering stress. 
  • One effective way to let your child better understand how a dental visit goes is through role-playing. On one of their playtimes, be the dentist and help set proper expectations for dental visits so they don’t get scared when it’s time to see the dentist. 

 

  • Pediatric Dentists Help Children Overcome Their Fear Of Dentists

 

As much as possible, parents want to avoid their young children to fear dentists or experience a traumatic dental visit that’ll keep them from coming back. The good news is, pediatric dentists are trained to manage fearful children in dental visits. 

More often than not, children’s fear about dentists and other medical professionals stems from a previous negative experience or negative information they’ve heard or have been told. This is why the first dental visit is crucial in making children understand why dentists shouldn’t be feared, including the importance of regular visits.

So, if you feel your child feels anxious about going to the dentist, don’t hesitate to express your concerns to their pediatric dentist.

 

  • Parents Shouldn’t Wait To See A Pediatric Dentist

 

Dental visits are more important for young children as their teeth are still developing. This is where potential dental health problems can be addressed before they become irreversible or cause further problems such as speech difficulties and teeth misalignments.

Contrary to what most parents think, teeth and gum problems may start as early as childhood, especially with poor oral health habits. 

It’s recommended that kids see a dentist as early as their first year, or within six months after their first tooth erupts. However, most parents just wait for their children’s baby teeth to fall off on their own instead of visiting a dentist, even when there’s visible decay and tartar. Usually, they don’t see dental visits as something important until an emergency happens, or a neglected dental issue became worse. In cases like this, children often suffer as they’ll have to deal with more invasive dental procedures, which, for parents, are more expensive. This is something that can be avoided if there are regular dental visits, to begin with.

Conclusion 

As parents, we all want the best for our kids, especially when it comes to their health. Enforcing oral healthcare habits is often a struggle, and dental visits can sometimes become a nightmare. However, knowing which specialists you can go to for your children’s specific healthcare needs can make all the difference not only in the quality of service you can get, but also in your child’s comfort and safety, which every parent should prioritise.

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We all have a creative side inside us, just waiting to come out. If you really think hard about it, you will know what it is. Are you the kind to “patch things up” on your clothes? Or you are always dwindling on the cover of your notebooks? Maybe you create your own jewellery! Whatever it is, why don’t you push it one step forward, and create your own line? It may just change your life for the better…

Imprint your Mark

The most important, when we create something, is to imprint our mark by highlighting what it is that distinguishes it from others. Too many people make the mistake of following trends. That makes it almost impossible to find an audience, as they are already sold on the ones before you. Therefore, find out what makes your work unique and work around it. Start with the name. Maybe it’s as easy as a play on your own name or by using the adjective that describes your work best. Once you have it, imagine a logo on an online software and head to Wunderlabel, to create some tags that you will attach on all of your works; especially the ones that you carry around with you. You want to be noticed, so choose a base colour that will stand out, like yellow, red or even fuchsia. People will start asking questions, sooner rather than later.

What comes Natural

Don’t overthink, when you enter the creation process. It is the best way to let your energy flow and to have an end-product that really represents the vibe that comes out of you. We are influenced by all the things we see and hear, every day. It is easy to reproduce what already exists, and it is usually what happens when you start planning your work. It should come out of you, like words from your mouth. If you are forcing the gesture, then what will result from your work, will also seem unnatural. It may be easier said than done, if your line grows, and you have to produce at a regular rate. But then, select the time of day when you will put your mind into that mode, by choosing the hours when you feel the most refreshed and relaxed.

Talk about it

Don’t be afraid to bring out your products and talk about them, to everyone. Most people are afraid to do so, because they believe it will only bore their friends, family and the strangers they meet. But it is not true. Everyone loves passionate people. And if you talk about it intensely, everyone will want to know more. That is how you will build your brand.

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money lender singapore

Singapore is one of the world’s most expensive cities to live in and raise a family. As the Covid-instigated economic downturn begins to bite, more Singaporeans are struggling to keep their heads above water. Fortunately, licensed money lending companies are helping many to bridge the gap.

Of course, there’s also the option of taking a loan from the bank. But the question is, how fast can you obtain the loan from them? In tricky times like this, the option of a licensed money lender is surely something to consider – they are swift in loan approval, unlike the banks.

There’s a comprehensive list of money lenders which operate in Singapore. If you’re in search for a one-stop solution offering a range of reliable and competitive loan solutions, Galaxy Credit is your answer. But before you decide on the best one for your financial needs, here are 5 tips you need to know before choosing a reliable licensed money lender in Singapore.

  1. Credibility of the License and the Money Lender’s Experience

The first thing to do is to verify the authenticity of the money lender’s license. Then, you have to be certain that they are among the list of money lenders licensed by the Singapore government. A government-licensed money lender must have met all the requirements set by the government. This way, in the case of any dispute, you can easily report them to the authorities, and you’ll easily be attended to.

Also, note that the authorities can only attend to issues involving money lenders in their database. Secondly, there’s a need to ascertain the experience level of the licensed money lending company involved. Here’s a simple process for these.

  • Request for the proof of license given by the Singaporean government
  • To ascertain the level of their experience, conduct thorough research on the licensed money lending company. Go through their website or social media account, and look for customers’ reviews or comments.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask any questions and don’t ever assume.
  1. Terms and Policies of the Licensed Money Lender

Before going into agreement with any party, it’s very important to go through the terms and conditions of the contract. This is where the company will state the loan amount, the interest rate, and the repayment plan. Go through the contract thoroughly, and check whether it suits your needs.

Ensure you can pay back the money with the interest rate within the specified period. If it seems like a stretch, it’s advisable to look somewhere else. Do also confirm that the interest rate will not increase at some point. Some companies mask as low-interest money lenders, with their interest rates rising at some point.

  1. Eligibility and Approval Process

The next thing to do is to check whether you’re fully eligible to apply for a loan. Most licensed money lending companies in Singapore have similar requirements, so don’t get mixed up with each of their terms and rules. Ensure that you understand each company’s requirements before you select the ideal one for you.

Next, go through the approval process. Assuming you’re in an urgent situation, you’ll need instant approval. Though most licensed money lenders in Singapore grant instant or quick loans, it’s still not advisable to rush into it. Don’t make impromptu decisions. Only borrow when you need it and when you’re sure you can pay it back within the stated repayment period.

  1. Flexibility of Loan Repayment

When choosing a licensed money lender, it’s crucial to consider the flexibility of the repayment plan. How fast can you pay up? Can you even pay up considering the interest rates? This is where you set the repayment schedule.

Be honest, and set your record straight with your licensed money lender. Come to a common ground that will benefit both parties before you sign up for their loan plan. We suggest having an honest discussion with your money lender about your ability to make repayments so they may best advise you on how to schedule them. It’s worth noting that when calculating your ability to make your repayments, you shouldn’t just be looking at your monthly income as your final determinant. Make sure you factor in–as accurately as possible–your monthly expenses.

  1. Compare and Choose the Best Money Lender

Based on the points listed above, draw up a list of the licensed money lending companies in Singapore which suit your needs. Consider the loan amount, the interest rates, and the repayment plan – and you’re all set to go!

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Have you become pregnant unexpectedly? Find out 5 potential courses of action, right here…

unexpected pregnancy options

Experiencing an unexpected pregnancy is likely to be frightening and overwhelming, and it might be tricky to decide how to proceed. Whether you choose to keep the child and file for a wrongful birth lawsuit, choose adoption, or termination, the choice is yours. There’s certainly a lot to consider.

In this article, we hope to make this decision a little easier by telling you five of the potential options you might decide to pursue. Take a look…

1.   Keeping the Baby

The first potential option for you to consider if you are faced with an unexpected pregnancy is to keep the baby. If you think you have the capacity to look after a new baby, including in an emotional and financial sense, as well as having space in your home, then it could certainly be a viable option.

If you don’t feel emotionally or financially ready, however, there is plenty of support available. For starters, child benefits are a potential safety net for some parents. What’s more, you could rely on help from family and friends too.

Another option, which is subject to situation, could be to make a wrongful birth claim against your health service. This is certainly subject to whether you’re eligible to make a claim, and would be based on:

  • Whether you would have terminated the pregnancy had you known about certain issues;
  • Or if a pregnancy termination from your health service was unsuccessful.

A claim like this would then help you to fund your new arrival, whether this be extra funds for your child’s needs, or basic funds for food, clothing, and more.

2.   Putting the Child Up for Adoption

If you don’t feel as though you can be financially or emotionally responsible for a child, you can always consider adoption. Childline has a lot of great information on their site for what to do if you’re in this situation.

The Adoption Process

They first suggest that you need to speak to an adoption agency, as they can make all the arrangements for new parents. They can guide you through the process, and make sure you’re happy with the parents you’ll be adopting to.

It might also be wise to talk with friends and family, as well as any support groups you can find that can mentally prepare you for the process to come. This way, you can be sure that this is the route you’d like to take. You can then seek their emotional support throughout, if you need it.

If, after seeking this support, you are sure you’d like to go ahead, the adoption agency will take the next step. This is where the courts make the adoption final with a court order. This is a legal document giving the new parents legal rights and responsibilities over the child.

Things to Know About Adoption

Before anything goes ahead, in this regard, it’s important to be aware of a couple of pointers. These are:

  • Your baby has to be at least 6 weeks old before a final decision is made.
  • During this time, and before the adoption is settled, the baby will either be placed in foster care or with the parents-to-be.
  • Once an adoption order is arranged by the court, it can’t be undone. Before this, you’ll still have the option to withdraw.
  • The new parents will be thoroughly checked before they can adopt your child, to ensure they can provide the best care for them.
  • In most cases, you will not be able to see your child after adoption; until they reach an age where they can potentially contact you themselves.
  • You can receive regular updates – usually once a year – about your child’s progress, if you’d like.

adoption options

3.   Choosing Kinship Adoption

If you’d rather stay in your child’s life, but still don’t feel truly responsible for a baby, you could always consider kinship adoption. This is where a family member, either distant or close, adopts the child. Although this might sound like a great idea, there are some pros and cons to consider.

For starters, you can remain a firm placement within your child’s life, allowing you to potentially get to know them for future plans. In fact, in this scenario, you could even choose to take on parental responsibilities later on down the line far more readily.

What’s more, you will likely trust your family members, meaning you can be sure the baby is put in good hands.

You can’t forget, though, that this can have some downfalls in that the child may find these roles and boundaries confusing to them. This might, therefore, lead to a disruptive childhood, and potentially lots of family drama.

Also, the greater post-placement contact might act as a sad reminder to the biological parent of their decision. This can be rather tricky to deal with. Overall, it really depends on the specific situation, how close you are with your family members, and how involved you’d like to be in your child’s life.

4.   Temporary Guardianship

Another potential option, which feeds on from the above, is temporary guardianship. This is where the child is placed in a temporary position until the parent decides they are ready to take on the role. This provides a more flexible option for someone who is unsure what action to take.

5.   Termination of the Pregnancy

Finally, another potential option is to terminate the pregnancy. If you decide to head down this route, you would not be alone, as there were 207,384 abortions in England and Wales in 2019.

The NHS site says that abortions in the UK “can only be carried out under the care of an NHS hospital or a licensed clinic, and are usually available free of charge on the NHS.”

The best course of action is to seek the advice from your GP who can tell you your options. If your GP has any personal objections to abortion, they will be obliged to refer you to someone else.

There is the option to pay for an abortion privately, and costs can vary. Generally, though, an abortion will be carried out before 24 weeks of pregnancy, and afterwards under very limited circumstances, based on the physical health of mother and baby.

Ultimately, it can be a very traumatic experience, so seeking the correct mental support via your GP is also advised by the NHS.

termination options

Ready to Make Plans for Your Unexpected Pregnancy?

As you can see, there are numerous choices for you if you are expecting a child unexpectedly. We hope this article has provided you with some ideas as to how to proceed.

Good luck with your decision.

 

Image credits:

Photo 1 by Michal Bar Haim on Unsplash. Photo 2 by Guillaume de Germain on Unsplash. Photo 3 by Martha Dominguez de Gouveia on Unsplash.

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Advertisement feature in association with Feel

I peed in a glass jam jar this morning and took a test. The test was to look for high levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, which gets high when oestrogen levels are low. Oestrogen levels drop when you’re heading into menopause. The test was positive.

It was a bit of an odd moment for me to be honest, because on the one hand the test looked very much like a pregnancy test, but then it represents basically the opposite. It inevitably got me thinking about the day, 26 years ago, when I did do a pregnancy test for the first time, and everything that has come since. It could also explain the ongoing midlife unravelling.

It couldn’t have been better timed if I’d planned it for a smooth introduction to a post about reflections on pregnancy and early parenthood, in partnership with Feel. Feel makes supplements with a difference – clean, high quality nutrition tailored to particular life phases or areas of your health that you’d like to target, like digestion or cognitive function. They also produce a pregnancy formula, built to assist fertility, foetal development, help to reduce nausea and contribute to your overall health and energy levels.

Feel is a subscription, with free delivery to your door and plastic free packaging. There’s no contract and you can cancel any time, plus at the moment they have an amazing FREE trial offer of Feel Pregnancy, meaning you can get one whole month for nothing.

feel pregnancy multivitamins View Post

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Advertisement feature in association with Glamify

If you could sum up the pandemic in one word, what would it be?

Maybe you’d chose something serious like ‘tragedy’ or ‘loneliness’ – both very valid – or maybe for you it’s ‘banana bread‘ or ‘Netflix’.

For us it’s ‘loungewear’.

I haven’t been keeping a spreadsheet exactly, but I reckon a good 43% of our time since March last year has been spent in loungewear, and a significant proportion of that has additionally been under a blanket. Right at the end of December, when we knew we’d be going into a new lockdown the next day, we spent the afternoon on an emergency shopping trip, stocking up on coordinating pyjamas and matching silky blankets. (Belle has pink and I have cream, which is honestly a disaster waiting to happen every time I eat dinner on my lap.)

When Glamify asked if we’d be up for a bit of twinning then in the loungewear department, well, I can’t think of anything we’d be better suited for.

loungewear for mums and kids

Belle will only let me use pictures where she’s completely happy with her face, so obviously then I always look weird because we can’t co-ordinate both looking normal at the same time.

Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want to live in comfy, stretchy loungewear all of the time if they could? I’m no economist, (apart from the economics degree), but I’m going to guess that sales of anything with an elasticated waist have soared over the last 14 months, and I reckon it will be a while before we want (or are able) to squeeze ourselves back into jeans or suits every day.

And why would you when you could stay home in your loungewear playing with your cats? View Post

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Dating a geeky guy is the best. However, for many years geeks and nerds were stereotyped as inadequate or unsatisfying partners for women, which is obviously not true. They are as open to learning new techniques as any other guys. Sometimes they are even more eager to show their commitment than most.

Nevertheless, dating a geek guy when you don’t know anything about these comic books or video games he is talking about can be challenging. Fortunately, you can find many stores on the Internet that offer customized naughty gifts that will surprise every guy. Here, you will find the eight best ideas for sexy gifts for your geeky boyfriend (and yourself at the same time).

Personalized Sex Dice

Sex dice is a perfectly naughty gift for people who want to spice up and diversify their sex life. Moreover, this gift will help you surprise your geek boyfriend and make both of you open up about your fantasies and feel more confident in bed. Sex dice will help you both to playfully imagine each other’s desires and make them come true. Intrigued by the idea? This might be an excellent present for the two of you.

Remote Control Vibrator

You may think it is more of a gift for yourself than for your boyfriend, and party it is true. However, do not underestimate the level of excitement your boyfriend can experience from using a remote control vibrator on you! Besides, a bullet vibrator, due to the size and materials, is much more convenient to use both in bed and when going out than a suction cup dildo or a glass dildo. Yet another fun idea for celebration!

Condom Holder

This accessory will make sure that your boyfriend won’t forget about protection ever again. Condom holders come as keychains that he can easily attach to his keys or leather cases that look like smaller wallets, so he can always carry a condom with himself without even thinking about it. Or, you can find a stainless steel condom dispenser that may become an excellent addition to his bedside table.

A Sexy Cosplay Costume

Cosplay is a culture that mixes comic books, video games, and movies. It’s a great way to show off your nerdiness. If your boyfriend loves dressing up as his favorite superhero, you can surprise him with a sexy costume that he can wear with you at home or a party. You can opt for a Deadpool costume for him only, or choose paired costumes to match – for example, Superman and Lois Lane.

And if your boyfriend isn’t keen on cosplay parties, acquiring a costume can still be a good idea. For example, using it for roleplaying will help you spice up things in bed and diversify your sex life.

Personalized Customized Cufflinks

Cufflinks are perfect for every geeky guy who wants to add some cute and personal details to his wardrobe. Since cufflinks can be customized according to his needs and preferences, they will suit every man who’s into comics, video games, movies, music, etc.

Besides, they are easy to use – he just has to stick them together using the metal clips on both sides. Maybe it isn’t a straightforward sex-related gift, but it will definitely make your boyfriend even more attractive than ever.

A Sexy Lingerie to Wear at Home

If you know your dream guy is a bit shy when it comes to taking off his clothes, then it’s just right to surprise him with sexy lingerie that both of you can wear only at home. There are many stores online that offer various lingerie pieces made to refer to authentic superhero costumes. This is great if your guy has a thing for superheroes such as Superman, Spiderman, or Wonder Woman.

A Clock with a Sense of Humor

Intelligence is the new sexy, and every geek knows how to appreciate a good joke. So, if you are not sure about what to give to your boyfriend for a special day, we recommend getting him a clock that shows the time in the binary system. It is an excellent way to show him that you appreciate his sense of humor and remember his hobbies and interests.

A Sexy Calendar

You can never go wrong with buying a calendar for your boyfriend, especially if it’s a sexy calendar with photos of beautiful women wearing almost nothing. This is something he can look at every time he uses his desk or goes to bed.

However, you can make this gift extremely personal by creating a DIY calendar with your own photos – not necessarily wholly naked, but not fully clothed either – something in between to get him excited and intrigued for more.

Conclusion

Choosing gifts can be challenging, but guiding yourself by the preferences and interests of your significant other is always a sure option. Fortunately, pop culture offers you tons of merch items to choose from, and you can find even some naughty and steamy presents if you want to get your geek boyfriend even more excited. And do not hesitate to choose something that will bring pleasure to you as well – in some cases, it can be even more intriguing for him.

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A lot of people have reservations when it comes to installing peel and stick wallpaper in their children’s rooms. This type of wallpaper is specially designed for walls in a way that it does not ruin them and can easily be installed and removed whenever need be. Children’s wallpapers are designed using unique patterns which can help you create your dream nursery.

There are a variety of reasons that make peel and stick wallpaper an ideal choice when it comes to designing your baby’s nursery or your children’s room or play area. With that being said, here are some reasons why you should choose peel and stick wallpaper to design and decorate your children’s rooms;

Peel and Stick Wallpaper gives you the Most Value for your Money

Adding the peel and stick wallpaper to your children’s room can completely modify and transform the look and feel of the room. Although you can paint the walls, get a beautiful crib, buy a rug, or decorate the room with paintings but none of these things will allow you to create a transformation in the same way as wallpaper does.

An added benefit of installing peel and stick wallpaper comes with the fact that there is a large variety of designs available based on your needs as well as your child’s interests. Patterns like whimsical woodland creatures, larger-than-life floral designs, subtle and beautiful geometric designs are available to dramatically increase the beauty and appeal of your child’s room. Thus peel and stick wallpaper allows you to create a truly special place for your child to live in.

Peel and Stick Wallpaper is Easy to Change

If you feel like moving the baby to another room for one reason or another or if you are looking to change the appearance and décor of the room as your baby grows up, then you don’t have to worry about the wallpaper. You can easily take the peel and stick wallpaper down and use it on another wall or you can use an entirely new pattern to decorate the room.

The stick and peel wallpaper is designed in a way that it doesn’t damage the wall in any way and it also doesn’t peel off any paint from your wall. Another advantage of using peel and stick wallpaper is that it is extremely durable and long-lasting meaning that you can easily remove and reuse it.

Peel and Stick Wallpaper is Easy to Apply

One of the best advantages of peel and stick wallpaper that makes it an ideal choice for your home is that it can be installed easily and with minimum effort. You can easily install this wallpaper in a room within a single afternoon. The peel and stick wallpaper also comes equipped with an instruction manual that tells you everything you need to know in order to install the wallpaper. It also tells you about the different techniques that you can choose to smoothly apply the wallpaper on in a room.

All of this and more makes the peel and stick wallpaper an ideal choice for all your home decoration and improvement needs.

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Advertisement feature in association with BetterHelp – the online therapy specialists

positivity tips

Sometimes it can be hard to stay positive. Furthermore, there are benefits of doing so for your physical and mental health. There are also some things that you can do to add positivity into your life. However, if you are constantly overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions, then you may want to seek the help of a mental help professional at BetterHelp.com.

 Benefits of Positive Thinking

Negative thinking can harm your health. It is related to stress, anger, irritability, and pessimism. It can also cause a host of physical issues like disease. It can even decrease your lifespan and positive thinking reduced the chance of death from heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other illnesses.

Positive thinking will also increase the quality of your life and provide you with more energy. It can help you reduce the chance of developing depression and improve your stress management techniques.  However, none of this means that it is easy to just start thinking positive thoughts.

Focus on the Good

Problems will always arise. That is just a part of life. However, managing your perspective and response to the unavoidable stressors can go a long way towards a positive life. Focus on the good things that are either still present or that are related to the problems that you face. Do this no matter how small or insignificant the good things may seem.

Be Grateful

Practicing gratitude can help you improve your wellbeing. Think of the things that you enjoy, the people you cherish, or the things that you find comfort in. Be thankful for those things and express your gratitude. Tell people thank you for the things that they do for you.

You may also want to try keeping a gratitude journal. Writing down the things that you are grateful for can help you improve your outlook and mental health. Be specific and write down things no matter how small they are.

Laugh Often

Laughter is good for us and can help our stress and anxiety levels as well as symptoms associated with depression. Laughing often can help us develop better coping skills and improves self-esteem.

Try to find the humor in the little things, especially during stressful times. Laughing can lighten the mood during difficult times and help provide you with a positive perspective.

Surround Yourself with Positive People

People often say that laughter is contagious, but so is positivity. Are you spending time with positive people or surrounding yourself with negativity? Negative people can bring you down, so you want to avoid them if possible.

Instead, try to spend time with people who are optimistic and happy. Doing so can help you improve your mood and help you see the good side of situations.

Positive Self Talk

The voice inside of our heads can sometimes be negative and critical of our behavior. Try to respond to the voice’s negativity in a positive way. Think about the ways that you can change the negative thoughts into positive ones. Just small changes in self-talk can help you manage your thoughts and feelings. If you find yourself having a negative thought, think about the positive aspects or a different, more optimistic way of looking at it.

Start Positive

We often do things in the morning that determine our mood for the rest of the day. Try to start every day on a positive note. You can tell yourself it will be a great day or listen to a song that puts you in a good mood. Just listening to a positive song may help you release dopamine which can improve your mood.

Do Something Fun

Sometimes we get so caught up in life that we forget to do things that we enjoy. Try to find time for yourself to do things that make you smile. If you do not currently have any hobbies, or even if you do, you can learn a musical instrument, start to paint, begin a journal, or learn to knit.

Be Mindful

Mindfulness meditation can help you improve your mood and reduce your stress levels. You can also use your mindful time to have more awareness of the things that bring negativity into your life. Then, you can try to avoid those things or change your perspective so that you see them in a positive light.

Generosity

Being generous can have a beneficial affect on your mood. It can release dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin. It can also help us connect with others. Just doing small acts of kindness may be enough to boost your mood. Give up your seat on the bus to someone or donate to a charity. It may help you improve your mental health and wellbeing.

Final Thoughts on Positive Thinking

Not everything that happens to will be good, but if you have the right frame of mind, you may be able to see the silver lining during the most difficult times. Try to practice gratitude daily and smile and laugh more often. Be sure to leave the time in your schedule to enjoy life and surround yourself with positive people. You may also benefit from learning mindfulness and meditation techniques.

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Advertisement feature in association with BetterHelp – the online therapy specialists

do I need therapy

You may wonder if therapy is something that can help you. The answer is yes. Almost anyone can benefit from therapy, even if you don’t feel like you are experiencing a mental health concern. There are so many ways that therapy can be beneficial in your life. Here’s a look at reasons to consider therapy.

Reasons to Consider Therapy

  • You have been through something big lately. If you have recently experienced a big move, a change in jobs, a divorce, lost someone close to you, or something else occurred that greatly impacted your life, you may want to talk to someone about it. We have all had to adjust to life during a pandemic, so consider that if you think you haven’t experienced anything big enough to impact how you are feeling.
  • You don’t have a lot of people to talk to. While a support system is important, not everyone has a group of friends and family members that they are able to lean on. Moreover, there may be things you need to talk about that you are unable to discuss with the people closest to you. This is where a therapist can be of assistance and listen to what you have to say without passing judgement on you, which you may feel like your loved ones would do.
  • You find yourself experiencing stress or anxiety regularly. Stress and anxiety are hard to avoid at all times, but if you are experiencing one or the other regularly, or they are impacting your routine greatly, you may need to work with a therapist to ascertain what is going on. There are ways to address both stress and anxiety, so you can lessen them or change the way you think about situations that are causing the stress and anxiety.
  • You are trying to take care of your health. Taking care of your mental health is a good way to take care of your overall health. There is a link between the mind and body, so if you are sure that your mind isn’t experiencing any issues, it can be helpful to your body. This might be especially helpful if you are making changes to improve your physical health as well, such as exercising regularly, sleeping well, and eating right.
  • You have symptoms of a mental health condition. You may suspect that you have symptoms related to a mental health issue. If this is the case, it is imperative that you meet with a therapist, so you can be diagnosed if necessary. Then the therapist will be able to help you with through the symptoms and provide proper treatment options, so you’ll have the best chance to see a difference in your symptoms. There are so many issues that can be addressed through therapy. Refer to this BetterHelp.com article for details on how a therapist can treat something like schizophrenia. This may offer you information that will help you determine if you should see a counselor for the symptoms you are experiencing.

Therapy Options

When you are seeking therapy, there are a couple of options to consider. One is traditional therapy, where you visit with a psychologist in person. The other is online therapy, which can take place on your phone or computer. Both types of therapy can be helpful for many different conditions and in a number of different ways.

However, online therapy can be utilized wherever you are and at any time. This may be a handy option since it can be rather convenient. Whichever you choose, your therapist will have many tools in their arsenal to be able to help you work through your symptoms and learn more about changing your attitudes and thoughts, in certain instances. Be sure to see a therapist when you feel that they can aid you. There is help out there.

 

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pandemic anxiety

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused different consequences for many, and some of these consequences were unintended and are effecting people negatively. If you are experiencing symptoms related to living through the pandemic that are concerning you, this article is for you.

Is the Pandemic Causing PTSD Symptoms?

The pandemic and subsequent lockdown have caused many to experience things that were unexpected. In fact, there is evidence to support that the pandemic is causing and has caused PTSD symptoms for many, all across the world. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is usually brought on when a person experiences a scary event. Symptoms including having nightmares about the event, reliving it, and remembering it, even when you don’t want to.

For many, the pandemic has been terrifying. They have seen their worlds change, lost jobs, lost loved ones, and may not have been able to get things they really needed. Essentially, the world might have seemed like it was turned upside down, which may have caused sudden shock and worry.

Treatment Options

The good news is that PTSD is a treatable condition, so if you are experiencing symptoms related to it, there is help out there for you. You can work with a therapist to get the support you need. This includes working with a counselor face-to-face or looking into online therapy options. There are a few therapy apps that you can download, which offer therapy from the privacy of your home. This may be exactly the type of therapy you can benefit from, especially if you are still uneasy when it comes to leaving your house.

Besides that, there are other ways in which PTSD can be treated. These ways are usually used in conjunction with therapy. One is PTSD group therapy, which places multiple people experiencing PTSD together in the same room to talk about what they are going through. This allows you to have multiple point of views from people that have lived through the same things you have. This may offer guidance that is difficult to get another way. You can find out more about this option by reading this BetterHelp.com article on it.

Medication may also be something that is necessary. Certain PTSD symptoms could require medicines so they can be lessened or become unnoticeable. It is important to talk to your therapist about these treatment options and decide what you are comfortable with, so you can get the proper support.

Other Things to Try

Something else that the pandemic may have taught you is that you have to be proactive about your physical health. This is why you should make it a point to address your physical health and make positive changes. Moreover, improving your physical health may be able to lessen certain PTSD symptoms. Here are a few things you might need to address.

  • You need to get plenty of sleep each night, around 7 hours. Give yourself a bedtime if necessary.
  • Eat balanced meals and the proper number of calories. Eating too much or too little can cause issues in a few different ways, such as making you feel sluggish or tired often. When you can’t eat right all the time, talk to your doctor about supplements or multivitamins that they recommend, to ensure that you are getting the essential vitamins in your diet.
  • It is important to exercise at least 3 times a week, but it doesn’t have to be for hours at a time. You can start with a half hour and work your way up from there. Even this short amount of time each week can make a difference in your overall health.

Conclusion

It is possible that the pandemic is causing you to experience PTSD symptoms or symptoms of another type of mental health condition. Of course, there is help out there for you, so you can lessen these symptoms and start to feel like yourself again. Reach out to a counselor when you notice a change in how you feel, and you are ready to do something about it.

 

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how to find a therapist for my child

When you think about the benefits of therapy, you may not think about the many ways in which therapy can help a child. Therapy may be quite beneficial for a child, for multiple reasons and conditions. It could be instrumental in treating a mental condition that they are experiencing or allow them to better understand events that are happening in their lives, such as a divorce. Keep reading for tips on how to find the right therapist for your child.

Check Out Resources Available to You

If you have health insurance, you can look into therapists that work with children and are located in your area. You will likely be able to look at reviews and other valuable information that can help you decide if you want to take your child to a specific counselor to work with.

There are also resources available through the CDC that may help you get closer to finding a mental health resource for your kids.

Another type of therapy to think about is online therapy. Just like there are online apps that can help adults, there are also apps that specialize in children and teen therapy. All you will need to do is a little bit of research beforehand to figure out if a certain app will be a good fit for your family.

Keep in mind that both online therapy and in-person therapy options cover a variety of different types of therapy and treatment options. One doesn’t have a huge benefit over the other.

Ask People You Know

You may also be able to find a therapist from someone you trust. If you have friends or family members that have worked with child psychologists before, they may be able to offer you a recommendation.

Another place to ask for advice is your child’s school. They might have a counselor available to work with your child during school hours or could be able to refer you to someone that can be of assistance.

Look Into Therapy Options

Something else that you may not be aware of is that there are many different types of therapy out there which are specially designed to help children. This is everything from play therapy to family therapy. If you want to learn more about how play therapy works, you can refer to this helpful article. It explains the many ways play therapy can help a child. When it comes to family therapy, this is a therapy that one or more people in a family can take advantage of at once. You can talk to prospective therapists about what types of therapy they would recommend for your child or your family and determine what to do.

Overview

There are a few things to keep in mind when you are looking for a therapist for your child. You should make sure you do the proper research beforehand, ask everyone you can for advice or a recommendation, and be sure to look into both in-person and online treatment options. It is a good idea to make sure that your child likes the therapist they are working with as well. This may allow them to be more comfortable with them, where they can make a difference.

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