Tag Archives: Mental Health

Stranger Anxiety in Children- Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Stranger Anxiety in Children- Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Stranger anxiety is an uneasy feeling in a child's mind when meeting someone new
Stranger anxiety is an uneasy feeling in a child’s mind when meeting someone new

One thing that almost every parent experience in their life is their little baby feeling hesitant to get to the relative’s arms. It is very common for babies to feel so. While it may be the wish of every friend or family member of yours to put your child in their arms out of love, the anxious nature of your baby may stop this. Stranger anxiety is the term used for such behavior in a baby that eventually fades away as a child grows. This condition is not born by birth and you will notice it also. But, as soon as your little baby feels an affection for you (parent) which normally occurs when he gets 6 to 8 months old, he can get anxious while you pass your child to someone else’s arm. This thing can become even irritating when you’re busy or when you need some resting time. To clear all your doubts about this strangely normal problem, we have covered every common aspect about stranger anxiety.

What is stranger anxiety?

Stranger anxiety is a fearful feeling in a baby when getting to the arms of someone unfamiliar
Stranger anxiety is a fearful feeling in a baby when getting to the arms of someone unfamiliar

Stranger anxiety is the term used for a baby who feels uneasy and fearful when getting to the arms of someone unfamiliar. Stranger anxiety is completely normal in general and is often looked as a milestone in the development of a child. Stranger anxiety is a part of baby’s development stage.

Stranger anxiety typically emerge when a child gets 6 to 8 months old. It’s effect however vanishes out as the child keeps growing and learning about the outer world. A child with stranger anxiety feels internally that their relationship with their parents and caretakers is different from the relationship with other people. This feeling reaches it’s peak when a child is 12 to 15 months old making them feel distressed while around unfamiliar people.

What causes stranger anxiety?

When a child comes in contact with someone unfamiliar, he feels distressed causing stranger anxiety
When a child comes in contact with someone unfamiliar, he feels distressed causing stranger anxiety

Stranger anxiety is a common appearing threat that is actually a part of child’s growth process. This anxiety develops when a child reaches the age of around 8 months. The development of a child is actually quite significant during this period. The child learns to identify objects and people. They assume an object permanence making babies believe there’s an object or person even if it’s not. The baby can differentiate familiar and unfamiliar faces.

A child at such age cannot identify where you have gone or when you will come back. He/she will assume you as someone unfamiliar if you are not visible to him/her daily. They get an understanding that the parents and carers are unique people. When they come in contact with someone unfamiliar or get separated from their caretakers, they feel distressed. This distress, however, wipes away as the child keep growing and develops a knowledge about people around. Stranger anxiety in babies lasts normally till 2 years only.

Symptoms of stranger anxiety

Stranger anxiety causes stress in babies that they express in different ways
Stranger anxiety causes stress in babies that they express in different ways

Stranger anxiety creates a fearful feeling in the mind of a baby or children when they see someone who they do not know. Different babies may show different signs to express their distress since they do not know how to communicate. They may be distressed when around family members or babysitters they do not know. A baby may create anxiety for a person whom they don’t see frequently and express it uniquely.

Freezing in the arms of an unknown is one way to express their anxiety. A baby will give frightening expressions with a still face. The baby may start feeling comfortable in their lap or further show their distress with an obvious option of crying. Some babies show their discomfort by clinging tightly or by hiding their face in your chest. The way they react to such anxiety may depend upon various personality factors like their temperament.

The symptoms of stranger anxiety begins when a baby is around 8 months old and stays till the toddler phase in over which is completed by age of 3. Normally, a toddler learns to feel comfortable around people. But, in rare cases stranger anxiety can last longer making it a matter of concern. Stranger anxiety can make a child socially anxious. Such child feels embarrassed around strangers and experience sudden anxiety rise when exposed to social situations. Such anxiety may last for over 6 months and can make a child avoid social interactions in total.

How to treat stranger anxiety?

Stranger anxiety can be a matter of worries sometimes which can be treated with simple methods
Stranger anxiety can be a matter of worries sometimes which can be treated with simple methods

While stranger anxiety is completely normal and is looked as a milestone in a child’s growth process, it may seem to upset parents. The sobbing nature of your baby can actually be frustrating especially when you are busy. Stranger anxiety in babies is at it’s peak when he/she is 12 to 15 months old and vanishes gradually after that period. If you are still worried about such behavior of your little heart, you can use following methods to treat their distress :-

Make your child familiar with the babysitter

If you have appointed a new carer or babysitter for home, it will not be recommended to leave your baby right away. Instead, choose a slower approach to make the baby familiar with the babysitter. Don’t go away right after the babysitter arrives. Call the carer at least an hour earlier. Greet the person so that your baby can think he is someone to trust. Play good activities with the carer with your baby around so that he can feel comfortable. Give the caretaker time to interact with baby while you are there. Slowly leave them alone. And, go out simply with a goodbye kiss, nothing more. Make sure that your baby is not hungry.

Let others know about this anxiety

One thing that may happen that when your friend or relative takes the baby in their lap and the baby starts showing the symptoms of stranger anxiety by crying on in other way, they feel offended or insulted. That’s a usual reaction. One thing you can do right then is to make them understand what stranger anxiety is. Educated them stranger anxiety is a common thing and is a part of a child’s development process. Let them know that this condition fades away after a certain age. Also, tell them the ways such that they can make your child feel comforted.

Let your baby see more faces from an early age

One thing that you can do to make your child feel more comfortable while interacting with unfamiliar faces is to expose them to new people from an early age. Keep in mind that infants may be too early to be exposed to new people, so consult your doctor first. Let them see unknown faces while you are also present. You can find different opportunities to let your baby see more humans. Take them to the park while strolling. Let them observe the human activities going around. Interact with the friends, smile and make your baby get comfortable.

Stay calm and positive

Symptoms of stranger anxiety in a baby are enough to make parents feel anxious also. Their fearful behaviour will make you get stressed and you will be worried and overwhelmed. But, you should stay calm. Instead of yelling, try to please your calm verbally and physically. Say happy songs to them. Play daily games with them with the company of that other person. And, don’t consider this stage a matter of concern. Accept it as a part of child’s development. Remain calm yourself, take a deep breath and don’t get stressed.

These are the few tricks that you can follow to improve your child’s ability to meet strangers. Along these methods, keep these little things in mind:-

  • Introduce your child with strangers at home first.
  • Take your baby’s toy or blanket while meeting with new people.
  • Hold your child’s hand while he is meeting new person.
  • Don’t push your baby to meet new people if he/she is not ready.
  • Let your child do some things for himself, like playing with toys.

Stranger anxiety is an overrated threat that should be treated as a part of child’s growth only. It can looks like a serious thing when a baby don’t feel like good while getting to the arms of someone new. This annoying thing goes away with time in most cases. However, if this continues beyond a certain age, it can become a disorder. One thing parents should remember that they should know about their toddler’s anxiety. And, you can also follow the above tips to treat stranger anxiety.

Separation Anxiety in Adults – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Separation Anxiety in Adults – Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Separation anxiety in adults creates an intense fear for separation
Separation anxiety in adults creates an intense fear for separation

Separation anxiety is a common issue often experienced during the early childhood. A thought of getting away from the parents or caretakers creates an extreme fear in a child but this fear tears out lastly by age of 3. However, in some cases this anxiety continues and can even reach adulthood in rare cases. Separation anxiety in adults results into an intense fear into the mind of the person who is going to experience a separation from any important person in his life. This separation can be from parents, caretakers or even a pet. The separation can make negative consequences in leading a fair work and personal life. This article will let you know about separation anxiety, it’s causes and signs. Some ways to treat it are also discussed. Keep reading to clear all your doubts :-

What is separation anxiety?

Separation anxiety is an extreme fear for separation that in rare cases continue till adulthood
Separation anxiety is an extreme fear for separation that in rare cases continue till adulthood

Separation anxiety refers to the extreme feelings of fear and stress in the mind of a person that is triggered when that person is going to experience a separation. While it’s not a separate disorder, the anxiety is linked with agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder. Little kids who are less than 3 years old who have always lived in their parent’s company, feel very worrying while getting out without them like when going to school. This is common. But as a child grows, he learns to enjoy. However, this anxiety continues in some children and leads into child separation anxiety disorder. Children with separation anxiety can think about nothing but their stress of separation. This condition can last longer and stay until adulthood leading to separation anxiety disorder in adults.

What causes separation anxiety in adults?

Separation anxiety in adults is linked with other underlying mental conditions
Separation anxiety in adults is linked with other underlying mental conditions

Separation anxiety in adults makes them extremely fearful about losing contact with their partner, friends, parents and family members. While main reason behind this condition is not clear, it is linked with other underlying mental conditions that a person is suffering from. Usually, a person with generalised anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder and panic disorder can experience symptoms of separation disorder. It is even observed that the daily life stress creates this fear in the mind of an adult. Genetics can also be the reason this anxiety.

Adults normally feel separation from their partner. Separation anxiety in adults is triggered from partner. Excess of emotional stress due to codependency, cultural differences and life stress induce separation anxiety in a relationship.

Symptoms of separation anxiety in adults

Separation anxiety in adults cause an intensive amount of fear for separation even leading to panic attacks
Separation anxiety in adults cause an intensive amount of fear for separation even leading to panic attacks

Apart from the feeling of getting away from the loved ones, which is quite common to have, separation anxiety in adults can cause an intensive amount of fear when they get out of reach of their loved ones. Experiencing such separation can boost their anxiety to an other level and it can even lead to panic attacks. The 3 common signs of separation anxiety found in adults are :-

  • Feeling extremely hesitant and even refusing to leave the nearness of their closed ones.
  • Anticipating the loss of their loved ones causing them feel distressed even with the thought of a separation from them.
  • Having a persistent fear running in their mind that the other person will be harmed if they are leaved alone.

Such negative feelings can exacerbate the other side effects of stress. The fear of being alone heightens up in such person. Separation anxiety can also result into a toxic possessiveness in a relationship. Parents due to such condition will always consider harsh parenting techniques with a thought of protecting their children. A partner will be over protective to save the relation. He/she will always want to know where his/her partner is. Since, this problem is related with mental issues like agoraphobia and generalized anxiety disorder, there symptoms can prevail to make the condition worse. Physical problems are also caused due to it’s symptoms. It normally include stomachache, nausea and headache.

Since panic attack is also associated with separation anxiety, constant feelings about getting away can reach peak in a sudden. Separation anxiety in adults make them to refuse getting away from home or not staying at home alone without a loved one. Repeated nightmares about separation and not falling asleep without a loved one are also noticed in such people. Due to the effect of other problems, constant negative thoughts that something bad will happen strikes the mind.

Risk factors

Separation anxiety is more probable in adults with OCD
Separation anxiety is more probable in adults with OCD

Results have shown that people are more likely to have separation anxiety in adulthood if they suffer from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Separation anxiety is an adult often brings other medical conditions like panic disorder and social anxiety. Females are more likely to have separation anxiety. Apart from this, past traumatic event like facing the illness and death of a loved one, parents getting separated or getting abused can contribute to this condition. A sudden life change like a daughter going to college and leaving home can make a person develop it’s symptoms. Environmental issues like facing a disaster causing separation from loved ones can cause this disorder.

How to treat separation anxiety in adults?

Separation anxiety in adults must be treated as soon as it is diagnosed
Separation anxiety in adults must be treated as soon as it is diagnosed

Separation anxiety is a major mental problem that, if not diagnosed, can become a big issue and hinder an adult in his personal and professional life. While the earlier belief that said that the condition of separation anxiety can last only till a person reach age of 18, it was not considered a noticeable issue.

A diagnosis of this problem is important. For this purpose, the doctor will organize a detailed examination that is based on the criteria specified in DSM-V. It states the different signs of separation anxiety. One is being intensively fearful and anxious about getting separated from the person that is important to you, such fear should be present in the person for more than six months, the symptoms should be worse enough to interfere with your daily functioning and these symptoms are best fitted in this category, not for any other disorder. The doctor will ask a number of questions to know about the truth of the condition. Friends and family members are also contacted to know about the severity of this condition in a person’s life.

As soon as the condition is diagnosed, it is advised to take a treatment without wasting any time. As separation anxiety in adults is also a mental disorder, all the treatment methods used for curing anxiety disorders work well in treating separation anxiety. You just need to test different treatments and stick to what fits you best. Some common methods are :-

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) aims at challenging and changing cognitive behavioral patterns and distortions. The therapy works great in solving this problem by developing coping strategies. With the help of this therapy, you can identify your behaviors and thoughts that triggers anxiety. You will also learn about new plans to lead a more comfortable life. Like, if you keep checking your partner, you will be able to know about good relationship goals and activities.

Seek help of support groups

Support groups have a wonderful job in letting a person lead a better life by reducing the stress within. Support groups can help the persons with anxiety and depression. As such, you can take help of a support group to treat your separation anxiety. Such support groups can provide great learning opportunities to help you avoid stress.

Apart from the two above, any kind of psychotherapy works great in treating separation anxiety in adults. Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and family therapy are also two worthy treatments. You can also take anti anxiety medications that may not be the long term solution but can help through acute symptoms of separation anxiety. You should just stick with the best treatment plan to avoid worsening of symptoms. And, as soon as you notice the symptoms of this condition, seek a professional help to prevent the issue getting significant.

Separation anxiety is a common issue in babies before they get ready to experience the world. However, separation anxiety lasts only for a few months and fades away completely by the age of 3. However, in rare adults this condition can still prevail. Having the ability to make a person keep worrying about any moment of separation from their closed ones, many physical problems are also accompanied with it. It can cause a serious implication on their work life. You should seek a professional advice as soon as you come to know about such condition. Just a consistent treatment plan and you will be able to enjoy life to its fullest.

Driving anxiety – symptoms and how to overcome it

Driving anxiety – symptoms and how to overcome it

Feeling nervous while driving can also be a sign of anxiety
Feeling nervous while driving can also be a sign of anxiety

Ever experienced a sudden change in your expression when the key is handed over to you? Feeling fearful when driving or when get chance to drive can be an anxiety disorder. People with driving anxiety gets very stressful just with the thought that they have to drive and they avoid situations to get behind the wheels. And, if they take the keys, people’s lives can be affected. If you lose control of your vehicle while driving, it can cause serious road accidents. And, if you avoid driving, it can make you isolated and homesick. People feel distressed in different driving situations. Whle some people while sitting on the passenger sit, some feel anxious while driving through a tunnel or a bridge or while driving during night. While this fear may vary from slight discomfort to intense apprehension, it should be treated in time. This fear can be normal. But, with common techniques it can be treated. Read along this article to know about driving anxiety, it’s symptoms and also different ways to overcome it.

What is driving anxiety?

Driving is a common thing that can trigger anxiety suddenly
Driving is a common thing that can trigger anxiety suddenly

Driving is one of the common things that can trigger anxiety all of a sudden. Driving anxiety can be classified as a type of phobia. People who have a fear of open spaces, crowds and roads can feel overwhelming to get behind the wheels. In phobia, a person tries to avoid a situation at any cost. A man with driving anxiety will try not to drive at any way or will try to drive only through the side roads. You will try to not take your vehicle to the main highway and even take longer routes to stop getting to highways just because of that fear. This nervousness can feel like controlling your life if your condition is severe. Your hands feel shaking and your back gets stiffed while you control the steering.

The fear that something negative will happen makes you nervous. This nervousness is caused due to many reasons. One significant reason is the fear of accidents. Maybe you have witnessed a major road accident or you may have lost a closed one due to a road accident. Being involved in a road accident also makes a person nervous. Even watching an accident of television can lead to nervousness. You may not trust your driving skills and find it difficult to navigate through heavy traffic. Having a family history of anxiety disorders might also make you worrying while driving.

Along with these reasons, Binocular Vision Dysfunction is a physical weakness in eyes causing driving anxiety. Our eyes when in good condition work in good sync and process the image seen by both to produce a final clear scene. But, people with a condition of BVD have weak eyes are that not is a condition to work as a team for producing one clear image. When the weakness gets more, it can lead to double vision. This make it difficult for people to see road, traffic signs and the other vehicles clearly. And, even a slight symptoms of BVD can prove quite noticeable while driving.

Symptoms of driving anxiety

Driving anxiety is a type of phobia making you discomfort even with the thought of driving
Driving anxiety is a type of phobia making you discomfort even with the thought of driving

Driving anxiety is a type of phobia where one has a certain fear and anxiety about any situation or thing and can influence their mental and physical health. This anxiety has short term as well as various long term effects. These are the common symptoms found in people who are experiencing driving anxiety :-

  • Feeling quite stressful even with prospect of driving and you feel difficult to drive.
  • You experience a physical discomfort like muscle tension that reduces your performance behind the wheels.
  • Experiencing a panic related effect that causes a sudden increase in your anxiety levels which is very persistent and excessive.
  • Feeling a strong desire to avoid getting behind the wheels or taking the keys just because of the fear lurking in your mind.
  • Disorientation
  • Feeling nervous in crowded places
  • Palms getting sweaty
  • Rapid breathing and shortness of breath
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Restlessness and fatigue
  • Motion sickness
  • Finding it difficult to process depth perception, equilibrium and balance needed to see clearly.

Apart from just short term effects, these symptoms may affect your ability to drive in long run making you experience muscle tension, rapid heartbeats, tiredness and other symptoms cumulatively.

How to overcome driving anxiety?

Driving anxiety can be treated by following these methods
Driving anxiety can be treated by following these methods

The symptoms of driving anxiety can affect a person’s quality of life apart from just making it difficult to drive. This anxiety can be a big hindrance in making your life interesting. But, the good news is that it can be treated by following some methods. Whether you feel nervous while driving due to a past experience, or it is due to the symptoms of Binocular Vision Dysfunction (BVD), these are some of the best possible ways that can be implemented to make driving a lot easier and comfortable :-

Be present while driving

One simple rule that applies to life as well as driving, be present at the moment. People with driving anxiety often thinks about the whole journey and imagine the most astonishing part of that ride whether it’s the bridge or a tunnel. But, what you need to know is to just focus on the road you’re driving on. Concentrate only on the road you’re driving through without worrying about the upcoming twists. While crossing tunnel, don’t think you have to cross the whole tunnel, just focus on the road ahead your car, keep driving and you will pass it. This takes time and practice but eventually you’ll become brave.

Practice relaxation

Relaxation always work for reducing the amount of stress and fear in your mind. It calms your mind down and eliminates any tension therein. If you are suffering from driving anxiety, you can also look after dome self care practices. There are many relaxation practices that can minimize stress. You can practice meditation, focusing on your breath and relax your mind, use your imagination to create calm and peaceful scenery improving relaxation or also try an autogenic training.

Consult a therapist

Taking help of a mental health specialist never gets wasted. As driving anxiety is one of severe mental conditions that affects your brain abilities to perform an action it is allays advisable to talk to a psychologist or psychotherapist. The therapist can effectively analyze the reason of your nervousness and can find all the symptoms of the anxiety inherent in you. The therapist will talk to you and study your behavior to give customized treatment plan for you. This plan can include timely medication, psychotherapy and support groups.

Get a virtual reality exposure therapy

One particular therapy that is proven to be very working in reducing stress about driving is the exposure therapy. Since a person with anxiety of driving feels stressed by even sitting on the driver or passenger seat, this therapy works to make the person confront his fear about driving. In a controlled environment, a virtual reality exposure therapy reduces anxiety levels in the mind of the driver. And, your body will be able to feel comfortable with the physic and mental sensations felt during such anxiety.

Attend a CBT session

A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a successful way to build ways to cope with your fear and nervousness. With the help of a therapist, you come to know about your negative thinking and how this thought is creating fear and affecting your ability to drive. You will feel more safe and comfortable while driving by eliminating such negative thinking, fear and anxiety. A CBT session also includes finding healthy behavioural patterns like focusing on your breath and challenging your thoughts.

Driving is one of those skills that make life a lot more convenient. And, if there’s something that is bothering with this skill of yours and making you get discomfort while driving, it shouldn’t be left alone. A slight fear can become a serious anxiety disorder and it can affect your quality of life apart from just making it challenging for you to drive. No one wants to feel scatter and isolated and if an anxiety is making you nervous, it should be noticed and dealt accordingly. A road accident, a bad driving experience, family traits and BVD are some of the causes that make a person gets nervous while driving. However, as in the case of any anxiety disorder, the fear about anxiety can also be overcome. You can follow the above tips and you will be feel lot safer to hit the road again.

14 best low stress jobs for people with Anxiety

14 best low stress jobs for people with Anxiety

World is full of options, also for those suffering from anxiety
World is full of options, also for those suffering from anxiety

Nearly 18 percent of American population gets annually disrupted by anxiety, as per reports of Anxiety and Depression Association of America. And, landing on a perfect job for people with anxiety can be a little difficult. If those high paced sales and marketing, advertising, fashion and financing jobs don’t interest you just because you are not comfortable with strategizing, socializing and deal making, then you might get more worried about your career. This is a major problem for people facing anxiety issues. People facing anxiety disorder often have a stigma that prompts them to keep their issues a secret. This makes them interact much less with other people.

Finding a comfortable job where you don’t have to face much social interaction can be a bit confusing and is anxious in itself. But, you don’t need to worry as we are showing you a list of best low stress jobs. These jobs will offer you flexibility both in terms of workplace and deadlines and some jobs even don’t demand a college degree. If you are the one who is looking for a stress free job simply to make your living and where you don’t have to deal much with people, here are the 14 best jobs that you can select from :-

Writer

A freelance writing job is good for people with ancianxiety
A freelance writing job is good for people with anxiety

One liberal job for people suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), a writing job doesn’t require any social interaction. If you have a creative mind, you can definitely opt for freelance writing. The job is perfect for people with anxiety because they don’t have to remain bound to any rigid deadline and can work anywhere and anytime at a comfortable pace. If you want to make a career in writing, you can also train yourself with some workshops. A formal education like a bachelor’s degree in English or journalism can help additionally but is not necessity. There are different options ranging from starter to professional found in writing.

Landscaper

With limited social interaction, a landscaper role is great for people with anxiety
With limited social interaction, a landscaper role is great for introverts with anxiety

This is a great job for people who love to spend time in nature. As a gardener or landscaper, you will have to cultivate, create and maintain a park, garden or any other natural setting. This job is good for people with anxiety and introverts as there’s not a need to interact with others socially and you get benefits of fresh air. Even a simple job of growing plants and selling them can be okay. All you need is a little creativity, thoughtfulness and maintaining the plants to keep them flourished.

Librarian

With quietness, the job of a librarian is perfect for people with anxiety
With quietness, the job of a librarian is perfect for people with anxiety

Nothing can beat the quietness of a library. As loud talking is strongly restricted in liberty, you’ll feel relieved to work here. As a librarian, you will help people handling any check in and out of books, catheorizing them and managing returns. You can also be expected to host some occasional events. This job is perfect for people with anxiety as it doesn’t demand any major social interaction. You can also keep reading books and continue on learning new things. The smoothness of library will make you feel better. But you need a college degree for starting career as a librarian.

English teacher

If looking for a low stress job, you can become an English teacher
If looking for a low stress job, you can become an English teacher

Although this job might not be comfortable for some introverts, an English teaching job can be good for those people with anxiety who love spending time with kids. And if you’re worrying about classroom management, then don’t worry. You can give online English classes from the comfort of your home. Just due to digital revolution, there are numerous online platforms where you can provide teaching services. You will face a little social interaction to start your day and will spend time with kids in a fun way.

Accountant

For those who love numbers, accountant job is a perfect low stress job
For those who love numbers, accountant job is a perfect low stress job

A person as an accountant will be working with numbers. The person will be expected to collect financial data using your skills and knowledge, analyse and interpret useful financial results and check on the accuracy of important financial documents. You will also guide a business in it’s financial strategies. Because of limited public interaction, this job is good for people with anxiety. Especially for people who loves numbers and can notice minor details, the job of accountant is perfect. However, a formal degree is necessary to be qualified to work as an accountant.

Pet caretaker

Pet caretaker is a good job for introverts with anxiety
Pet caretaker is a good job for introverts with anxiety

Spending time with little animals can be an effective way to reduce anxiety symptoms. And if you find this working for you, a pet caretaker job works great. As a pet caretaker, you will be grooming, training and looking after them. Pet caretaker job is perfect for introverts with anxiety as not just it demands a limited public interaction, it also helps in reducing stress by spending time with animals. There isn’t any need of any formal education to work as a pet care professional.

Software programmer

For the computer enthusiasts, software programming is a worthy low stress job
For the computer enthusiasts, software programming is a worthy low stress job

One major job that is in high demand in today’s technological environment, the role of a software programmer is highly recommended to make career in, particularly if you find yourself excited by innovative techno world. This enthusiastic job is great for people with anxiety as they have a work in complete solitude. This job requires some creativity, technical knowledge and the ability to concentrate completely to work. Although a formal degree is not a necessity and even software programmers are mostly self taught, if you are looking for higher paying jobs to make a comfortable living, it will really help.

Janitor

Being janitor can be a good job for people with anxiety
Being janitor can be a good job for people with anxiety

The job of a janitor is good for people with anxiety as this job demands no vague results and social comfort. As a janitor, you will be dealing with some big messes and all you have to do is to make a workplace clean, disinfected and clear. The results demanded and quite clear here. You won’t get the time to worry about your anxious thoughts while doing this job. Many people even love cleaning. All you have to do is to move, sweep and mop. Just plug on the music or anything and you will be feeling better working. There’s also not any need of education.

Data entry clerk

Data entry is a popular job among people with anxiety
Data entry is a popular low stress job among people with anxiety

Thought as a very tedious and boring job, the data entry work is very soothing for people with anxiety. The job provides the comfort of working from home and with no public interference, you have the clear sight of what you’re expected to do. The job revolves around typing and transcribing data that can be written or audio, so a decent typing speed and computer skills should be there in you. Beware of the fraud postings on the internet as this job is highly seeked by people. A higher study degree can be an added bonus.

Graphic designer

If you have that creativity, graphic designing is the perfect low stress job
If you have that creativity, graphic designing is the perfect low stress job

One great option that is getting more and more popular among job seekers, a graphic designing job is highly recommended for people with anxiety as there’s not any social exposure and with increasing digital demand, there’s chances of getting more opportunities. As a graphic designer, you will be working on softwares to create different marketing materials like logos, webpages, social media posts and promotions. This role demands a good creativity and computer skills. A formal education is not demanded but you should have the knowledge to use illustration and photo editing softwares.

Archivist

If you have an interest in history, the perfect low stress job is that of an archivist
If you have an interest in history, the perfect low stress job is that of an archivist

This job is suitable for people with an anxiety who have a huge interest in history and research. This job doesn’t require social interaction and you will be working around old historic records. As an archivist, you will be working to study and preverve historic documents, written manuscripts, photos, figures and maps. This job demands a strong concentration power. Being the job of a critical nature, there’s a need to have a Master’s degree to work as an archivist.

Photographer

Photographing is an ideal job for people with anxiety
Photographing is an ideal job for people with anxiety

Photographing is a particular work that have a healing effect on your mind. Photography is a good choice as a low stress job as along with no social interaction, the job be helpful in reducing anxiety levels. When you observe a scenery you want to photograph, you are avoiding any over thinking and over analysis that reduce stress. There are many options to choose ranging from portrait photography, landscape photography, street photography to photojournalism. Except photojournalism, there’s no need of formal education. All you need is a creative eye and a knowledge about the camera you use.

Fitness trainer

Demanding a good fitness and interpersonal communication, fitness trainer job is good for people with anxiety
Demanding a good fitness and some interpersonal communication, fitness trainer job is good for people with anxiety

If you have a good physique and are comfortable with interpersonal conversation, you can become a fitness trainer. This role doesn’t require any public interaction, all you need is to engage with your client and give them necessary tips regarding building a fit body to make them meet their fitness goals. Another reason that the job is great for people with anxiety is that they have to maintain a healthy lifestyle to be a fitness trainer. And when you follow good diet and healthy lifestyle to be physically fit your anxiety levels also reduce drastically.

Park ranger

Park ranger is a good low stress role for nature lovers
Park ranger is a good low stress role for nature lovers

The job of park ranger revolves around maintaining a natural environment to make it ready for the visitors. This low stress job is for those people who are comfortable with a little one on one conversation as you will be guiding and giving information to visitors. However, your most work revolves around protecting nature by patrolling park and campground, regulating safety instructions and maintaining trails. If you love to spend time in outdoor nature, this job can be a great choice.

These are the 11 best low stress jobs that are suitable for introvert people suffering from anxiety. These jobs give you the freedom to choose your own workplace. As such, you don’t need to settle for a job where you’re not comfortable working in. You should also consult your therapist to reduce your anxiety symptoms along with looking for more practical option for you. Be sure to check on your anxiety as with a stress free mind, you will have more options and opportunities to make a life of your dream.

7 things to know when dating someone with anxiety

7 things to know when dating someone with anxiety

When dating someone with anxiety, you should know some things
When dating someone with anxiety, you should know some things

You cannot choose whom you fall in love with. If the person you’re liking is struggling with the anxiety problems, it can become a big issue in your relationship sometimes. Dating someone with anxiety symptoms can be a stressful thing. You may not be able to enjoy activities that you’d like to explore with your partner.

But, that’s not truly the whole thing. You have the right to enjoy with your partner whatever you both like and anxiety shouldn’t come in between. Anxiety can sometimes become a third person in your relationship that you won’t be willing to accept. Your partner having anxiety symptoms doesn’t mean that you have to sabotage the relationship or avoid the partner. Dating someone with anxiety also means that you have an extra opportunity of supporting your partner.

In this article, we discusses the things that you should know while dating someone with anxiety. If you are also worried about the impact of the anxiety in your relationship and how you can support the mental fitness of you both to take your partner out of this condition, keep reading this article below.

Dating someone with anxiety? Is it hard?

Is it hard to date someone with anxiety? The question is usual
Is it to hard to date someone with anxiety? The question is usual

The question must be striking in your mind. Seeing someone suffering the symptoms of anxiety might not be your plan. Watching a person having anxiety signs can make you upset and you may also get anxious with that. Questions about how the life of your partner will affect you, will you be able to cooperate with the challenging lifestyle of your partner and will that relationship goes in the future can disturb you in the present. Even people who experience anxiety problems also doubt their relationship success. In fact, these doubts and questions are more frequent in the one having anxiety.

These questions are understandable and usual to come over. The honest answer is that yes, dating someone with anxiety is harder than normal. The thing that becomes important here is that you should be more critical about self care activities and set aside some time for the relaxation of your mind in any way.

If you are someone who are looking forward to start dating a person suffering with anxiety symptoms, there are a few things that you should have a knowledge about. You may feel like helping when you’re around a person with anxiety, especially if that person is the one you want to date. You will be looking for ways to make them feel better and not criticize their emotions. Here are the 7 things that you should be aware of while dating someone with anxiety :-

Learn about what anxiety is

Research about what anxiety is to empathize deeply with your partner
Research about what anxiety is to empathize deeply with your partner

To be able to accept your partner and to get oriented with what your partner is dealing with, it is first recommended that you should do a basic research about anxiety. Anxiety is not a normal stage that people experience at some point in their life but a harsh beast that can make their life miserable.

There are different types of anxiety disorders induced by different triggers. Anxiety in a person makes him/her avoid certain things. Learn about it from the articles available on the internet and talk with your partner’s friends and relatives. After learning more about anxiety and realizing that it’s more than just a phase, you’ll be able to empathize deeper with your partner.

Learn to talk about anxiety openly with your partner

Try to talk about anxiety openly and honestly with your partner
Try to talk about anxiety openly and honestly with your partner

The questions related to the long term compatibility of your partner and how their condition will affect your social life will make you think anxiety as a taboo subject. That’s why you try to avoid any conversation related to anxiety.

The need here is to be more open about anxiety and talking about it in an open and honest manner. You can simply start such conversation with your partner with some casual chitchat about how they’re feeling. And, if you’re partner is comfortable, you can talk directly about it. The thing that matters is that you should not judge what your partner is feeling. Don’t try to get defensive and just listen their words as a sign to show that you respect their words. Motivate them to speak and don’t take things personally.

Know what triggers their anxiety

Know what triggers anxiety in the person you're dating
Know what triggers anxiety in the person you’re dating

People who deal with the symptoms of anxiety disorder often have certain triggers. These triggers can be anything from people, thing, situation or place. When they come across these triggers, the anxiety levels hike up and their condition gets worse.

You, as a partner has to be careful about such anxiety stimulating triggers. Yeah, it’s not your duty to keep protecting them against these triggers, you should be aware about how they react to these triggers. You can help your partner to cope up with the effect of such anxiety booster and you’ll be able to know about how your partner reacts to different situations.

Motivate your partner to seek assistance

Motivate your partner to seek assistance if they're facing anxiety issues
Motivate your partner to seek assistance if they’re facing anxiety issues

Anxiety can also result to less social interactions. The partner with a anxiety will try to avoid any social interaction. They think that mental illness issues are not readily accepted openly in a normal environment. This mere thought makes your partner resist any medical help.

When dating someone with anxiety, while keeping this thing in mind, help your partner seek help. Let your partner know that they can get better. Meditation and therapy are the best solutions for anxiety. Tell your partner that how their life will get back to normal if they seek a professional help. Be kind with your partner while encouraging them.

Go for couple counseling

Motivate your anxious partner to attend a therapy session
Motivate your anxious partner to attend a therapy session

As you encourage your partner to seek for help, you may motivate him/her to attend a therapy session. As therapy is still the best option for fighting against anxiety, you should convince your anxious partner to go for a counselling session with you.

When you both two are not able to solve the problem, seeking the assistance of a third person always helps. A couple therapy session with a psychologist can help you both get things clear. As, sometimes, the reason for anxiety is in the relationship itself, the counsellor will guide you both. He will make you both comfortable with each other and you will be able to learn better communication rules to follow while talking with your anxious partner.

Consider your partner and their anxiety separate

Consider your partner and their anxiety separate
Consider your partner and their anxiety separate

One thing you should know when dating someone with anxiety is that you should treat your partner and their anxiety separately. Yeah, there is a situation when the person feel overwhelmed and doesn’t react the way you thought, but accept it as a part of their anxiety and don’t consider it to be their real nature.

Remember that he/she is still the same person who makes you laugh out loud in different ways, breaks the ice when you both get upset with each other and stands with you when you need him/her. It’s just their anxiety that makes them react that way. Be calm and compassionate with your partner. Your partner will also realize that he/she is more than just anxiety when you consider their anxiety separate with them.

Be clear about the boundaries

Be clear about the boundaries when dating someone with anxiety
Be clear about the boundaries when dating someone with anxiety

One definite thing you should definitely bee clear about is that being patient and accepting their behavior is different letting them do whatever the hell they’re doing. Dating someone with anxiety may make you face some tough situation as a partner but you both should be clear about the boundaries.

There are some extreme situations during anxiety disorders making a person suffer panic attacks and behave bad. But, its not their right to be cruel and abusive with you. You can avoid any resentment in future by setting the limits in advance. If your partner shows such extreme behaviour during an anxiety hike or panic attack, let them know that it’s not acceptable. Tell them that you expect them to improve.

Dating someone with anxiety is hard sometimes. When you come to know about your partner’s condition with a straight disclosure from him/her, it can bring a lot of doubts and questions relating to the partner and the relationship. But, show some trust to your partner and don’t judge. Having anxiety doesn’t mean that the relationship cannot be enjoyed. Just keep in mind the tips described above and you’ll be able to enjoy a great dating life.

How to Deal With Hangover Anxiety- Its Symptoms and Cure

How to Deal With Hangover Anxiety- Its Symptoms and Cure

Control yourself before you have a few too many for the night. Otherwise, the next day you may find yourself with hangover anxiety.

You are out with your friends enjoying a few drinks at a party or during a night out. At the moment, without even realizing it, you tend to lean on the bottle a little too much. That’s when the vicious cycle of hangover anxiety begins. 

Besides, the after-effects of your hangover leading to anxiety come into effect the next day. The morning after your night of heavy drinking, you tend to get physical, mental as well as emotional side effects. Those side effects are not at all pleasant, and you need some cure to relieve you from these unwanted symptoms of a hangover. 

People enjoy in the weekend end up with hangover anxiety.
People enjoy in the weekend and end up with hangover anxiety.

What is Hangxiety?

In simple terms, Hangxiety is a mix of two words: hangover and anxiety. It is a type of anxiety that occurs due to excessive drinking of alcohol. After you consume a lot of alcohol, your body and brain need to rebalance. In the meantime, you may experience a mini withdrawal from alcohol. To add to that, it affects your nervous system and also disturbs your mood leading to hangover anxiety. 

Can Hangovers Cause Anxiety?

Yes, a hangover can be a cause of your anxiety. As we discussed earlier, when you consume a lot of alcohol, the body’s response is to rebalance it to its neutral state. The brain helps to release certain chemicals, which becomes the main factor leading to hangover anxiety.

A man struggling from hangover anxiety.
A man struggling from hangover anxiety.

Alcohol is addictive which affects our body in various ways. To add to that, it affects our neurotransmitters such as endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin. Initially, the chemical change in the brain can bring about a rush of bliss and ecstasy. After a while, when the pleasurable chemicals start to fade away, then you start to recollect your problems and worries. Thus, leading to hangover anxiety in the body.

What Causes Hangover Anxiety?

Alcohol stimulates the production of an inhibitory neurotransmitter known as GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid). It slows down the functions of the brain and also calms you down. That’s why you tend to feel a bit relaxed after a few drinks. The real issue starts when you drink a little more after that, that’s when your brain blocks a neurotransmitter called Glutamate. To add to that, Glutamate has a link to anxiety, as shown in many studies. When Glutamate is blocked, you feel relaxed, and all your stress and anxiety fade away.

Chemical rebalance causing hangover anxiety in the girl.
Chemical rebalance causing hangover anxiety in the girl.

The brain, after a while, rebalances the chemicals by producing higher levels of Glutamate and blocking GABA. Thus, when you regain control of yourself, you are more anxious than ever. The anxiety levels in an individual shoot up as soon as the feelings start to resurface. You start to recall embarrassing moments from the night before, and it makes the matter worse. On top of that, one can feel overwhelming levels of depressive and negative thoughts adding to the hangover anxiety levels in the body.

Why Do I Get Panic Attacks After Drinking?

Alcohol disturbs and alters serotonin levels and neurotransmitters like GABA in the brain. As a result, you can get panic attacks and higher levels of anxiety. To add to that, a panic attack due to alcohol results from excessive anxiety where you feel an upsurge of emotion and amplified stress. On top of that, when stress is mixed with a host of negative thoughts, you can get panic attacks after drinking and hangover anxiety.

What Are Hangover Anxiety Symptoms?

After a night of heavy drinking, you must have observed some usual physical symptoms of a hangover. Some are throbbing headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, aversion to bright lights. The bright lights compel you to wear shades at home too. Add to that the usual remark after a hangover, “ I am never drinking again.”

A man struggling with hangover anxiety in the morning.
A man struggling with hangover anxiety in the morning.

Here Are Some Symptoms

Apart from the physical symptoms of hangovers, there are psychological symptoms too. These add to the feeling of anxiety and make a case for hangover anxiety in your body. To sum up, there is a compiled list of related symptoms leading to anxiety after a hangover.

  • Mood Swings: Serotonin level in the body is usually higher when you are drunk. Besides, it is a vital molecule that makes you feel amazing when in higher quantity in the body. However, you start to feel nervous and anxious when it reduces with time.
  • Loss of Focus: The brain becomes foggy due to excessive drinking. And due to anxiety, you are not able to focus on any task. So, next time you can’t focus after a night of drinking, it might be due to hangover anxiety.
  • Racing Heart: Your heartbeat becomes faster after consuming excess alcohol. Hangxiety adds to this and can give you false alarm of a mini heart attack. Thus, adding to the further depression and making you nervous.
  • Feeling Tired And Fatigued: Hangover anxiety can make you feel tired from any work. That’s why the term “Monday Blues” has been even more popular because you don’t feel like working after having a hangover. Besides, the anxiety compels you to stay in bed.
  • Feeling On Edge: Have you felt unknown stress and worry troubling you for the entire day after a weekend. The reason could be hangover anxiety. Because the more you are anxious, the more stress you carry with you.

How To Cure Hangover Anxiety?

The first step is to address the physical symptoms of a hangover. By doing that, it can make you feel better and reduce a bit of anxiety. The standard hangover protocol, such as drinking lots of water, taking a good nap, eating light meals, and taking care of your medication, can bring a lot of relief. Besides, there are some methods you can follow to reduce hangover anxiety further.

A girl staying hydrated to reduce hangover anxiety.
A girl staying hydrated to reduce hangover anxiety.

Here Are Some Ways To Manage Hangover Anxiety

  • Relax with meditation, yoga, and practicing deep breathing techniques. It will surely calm you down.
  • You can plug in some calm and relaxing music giving you space to relax. Also, add in some activity that you like, maybe some painting, writing, or going for a walk if you feel like it.
  • Do not indulge in the memory of last night. If some strange thoughts cut across, then just let it go. The more you can stay away from negative thoughts, the better it is for you.
  • Monitor your sleeping time. You need at least six to eight hours of sleep to alleviate your anxiety.
  • Eat smart and light. To add to that, try to have a balanced diet that is nutritious for your body.
  • Apart from restricting alcohol, it is important to limit or stop caffeine intake after a hangover. Caffeine can further dehydrate the body, adding to anxiety levels.
  • Last but not least, the proven way to reduce anxiety is to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. Drink lots of water. You can add some electrolytes in your fluids to further help in your hangover anxiety.

How Long Does Hangover Anxiety Last?

How long does post alcohol anxiety last? The answer to this question is that it varies from person to person. Also, how severe the hangover is and the length play a big factor in deciding how long the anxiety will last. But, usually, the hangover anxiety doesn’t last too long. 

A girl staying in her bed because of hangover anxiety.
A girl staying in her bed because of hangover anxiety.

According to some studies, your anxiety signs due to a hangover can last up to 14 hours. The time is until your body’s chemical returns to normal. However, the ability to manage the symptoms of a hangover can determine the length of your anxiety. Mental strength can also play a role in determining how long your anxiety persists.

Conclusion

Hangover anxiety can surely ruin your day and keep you from being your best for the day. If it happens occasionally, then it is not a matter of huge concern. But, if you find yourself struggling every weekday, then it is time to evaluate your drinking levels.

A girl coping with hangover anxiety.
A girl coping with hangover anxiety.

Besides, if you can exercise self-control over your drinking pattern, well and good. Otherwise, you may seek some help from professionals. You may work on managing anxiety by following simple tips.

Eating before you drink alcohol to drinking water following every drink can help you to escape hangovers. So, there are ways to manage it, but if you can drink within the limit and keep a check on it, you can prevent hangover anxiety from happening in the first place.

8 basic types of moods – Emotions psychology

8 basic types of moods – Emotions psychology

Being a moody animal, the type of moods can affect our way of life
Being a moody animal, the type of moods can affect our way of life

Our emotions greatly influence our way of life. Man is a moody animal. Our mood has the power to mould things in its own way. A person’s mood can literally affect how he interact with others, his working capacity, his decision making power and his entire lifestyle. Despite of it’s importance in life, it cannot be denied that mood is not been studied properly and there’s a limited exposure of this subject. Knowing about different types of mood for can do a good favour if understanding human behaviour. As such, talking about basic emotions that are modulated by neuromodulators is necessary. There are 8 types of basic moods that we humans express as certain typical behaviors. Disorders that are related to your mood are the main reason behind medical problems. Considering this importance of mood in psychology, we have made this article discussing the 8 types of mood in psychology.

In 20th century, when Paul Ekman studied about the psychology related to mood, he classified mood in 6 basic types while Robert Plutchik classified mood in 8 types which he grouped in four pairs namely happiness-sadness, anger-fear, surprise-anticipation and trust-disgust. These pairs are opposite of each other and are based on the physiological reaction of these emotions marked in animals. Read along as we overview them in detail:-

Happiness

Happiness is a positive type of mood that everyone starve for
Happiness is a positive type of mood that everyone starve for

Happiness is the basic emotion that every person wants to seek in life. A person do things to make himself/herself happy. Happiness is linked with feelings of excitement, gratification, satisfaction, joy and contentment. This primary mood makes a person smile, his body language feel relaxed and his way of speaking is pleasant and calm. While the goal of every person is to become happy in life, the things and ways a person feels so is different. Such things and methods are highly influenced by the culture and society a person belongs to.

A person may feel happy by earning a lot of money while an other person gets happiness by spending time with family and friends. A man may relate happiness with buying luxury things. If rightly said, happiness is a subjective matter and the way to be happy is different for every individual. Happiness in psychology is also related to boosting mental and physical health. It is not hidden that happiness is proved successful in coping with health issues like depression and stress while unhappiness is linked with health problems.

Sadness

Sadness is a type of mood that is related with a dull state of mind
Sadness is a type of mood that is related with a dull state of mind

One another basic mood every person experience from time to time is sadness. Sadness is related to a dull state of mind that makes a person disinterested. Feelings of hopelessness, grief, dampened mood and disappointment are the consequence of sadness. And, the truth is that even after all the efforts people make to avoid it, sadness come and go time to time.

Every individual has his own way of expressing sadness by either crying, withdrawing from others, over thinking, quietness or lethargy. While sadness should be stopped quickly, it continues in some persons for a long time. The prime reason behind sadness may differ for each individual. When not controlled properly, sadness can result into mood disorders, stress and depression.

Anger

Anger is a strong type of emotion that is characterized with agitation and frustration
Anger is a strong type of mood that is characterized with agitation and frustration

Anger is a strong emotion that forms a part of our body’s fight or flight response. When our body senses a threat or danger, it deals with such danger in two ways. One way is to run away from that situation. The other one is to stand and fight. Anger is characterized with emotions like humility, agitation and frustration. A person often expresses anger with frowning or glaring that comes with a strong body stance. The tone of voice is high. Anger stimulates behaviour like kicking and throwing objects.

Anger is not necessarily a negative mood. A little anger in a person makes him take better decisions and handle his relationship and work in a good way. However, excessive anger is always bad and can turn into violence. An uncontrollable anger makes a person takes regretful decisions and it also has a bad effect of health.

Fear

Fear is an important type of mood triggering fight or flight response
Fear is an important type of mood triggering fight or flight response

Fear is an other important primary mood that forms a part of human’s fight or flight response. While experiencing fear, a person’s fight or flight mode gets active which helps in survival. Fear is displayed with eyes open wide and chin pulled back. A person’s body while preparing itself to fight against that threat increases the blood circulation rate, breathing rate, the muscles become tensed and brain gets alerted.

People have different reasons behind their fear. The threat or thought inducing that fear is different for everyone. Sometimes, while seeing a particular danger, the fear wakes up. Fear can get stronger just by anticipating such thoughts. This is also a common character of anxiety. For example, creating a few about social interaction is a part of social anxiety. People even enjoy meeting their fears and do activities to provoke it like extreme sports.

Surprise

Surprise is a type of mood in response to something unexpected
Surprise is a type of mood in response to something unexpected

Surprise is the other main type of mood that refers to the response a person makes to something unexpected. Such sudden moments can affect the mood of a person and influence his behavior. This mood can be positive or negative depending upon what kind of moment that is. A surprising mood is often shown with eyebrows raised, eyes wide open, mouth opened and loud screaming.

Surprise can be pleasant or unpleasant. A pleasant surprise can be like arriving at home and finding your family preparing a party for yourself. An unpleasant surprise may be something like a tree getting fallen suddenly near your house. This mood can also trigger fight or flight response. Surprise can boost adrenaline levels in your body to prepare your body for a situation.

Anticipation

Anticipation is a type of mood that considers an expected event
Anticipation is a type of mood that considers an expected event

Classified by Robert Plutchik in his 8 basic types of mood, anticipation is a feeling about considering an expected or longed event. Anticipation is the opposite of surprise as it makes a person think about an upcoming moment. A person feels enthusiastic about that good event and feels irritated when he has to wait. A person who anticipates often expresses it with enthusiasm and smile.

However, this hope about future makes a person so focused on the happening of such event that it can make him anxious and he gets sick. For example, the anticipation that an actor will perform good at the stage creates a stigma in his mind. Anticipation actually revolves around experiencing the future emotions whether sadness or happiness at present. Anticipation can be a powerful tool in bringing pleasure or pain.

Trust

Trust is a very positive type of mood helping to make social connections
Trust is a very positive type of mood helping to make social connections

Trust is a very positive emotions that can help us in making social connections. Trust is characterized by feelings of agreement, friendship, love, relaxation and companionship. A person feels this emotion when he thinks that the other person will not take advantage of his vulnerabilities and will behave in a manner he has predicted. A person when can’t predict the situation and the way a person behave, he will not be able to develop trust.

Trust is based on the principle of reciprocity. Trust involves an exchange with someone when you don’t have a complete knowledge about them and giving with an expectation that it will be paid back. Studies have found that positive emotions like happiness increase trust while negative emotions decrease it.

Disgust

Disgust is a type of emotion to avoid any infectious disease
Disgust is a type of emotion to avoid any infectious disease

Disgust is the other primary mood type classified by Paul Ekman that was developed as a reaction against the food that may be harmful or deadly, according to the researches. Disgust is an uncalled emotion that is expressed normally by turning away from the object stimulating wrinkling the nose and even reactions like vomiting. It is however a way to avoid any infectious disease.

A disgusting mood is triggered due to many reasons like an unpleasant taste, smell and visual. Disgust is induced by visuals like poor hygiene, infection, blood and death. Food is however the main reason. When people taste a bad food item, disgust is a normal reaction.

Emotion is an important factor that describes the behavior of a person. As mood has the ability to affect our day to day lives, it is very important to know about them in detail. Researches by Paul Ekman and Robert Plutchik made it easy for us to understand the type of moods in psychology. Mood has ability to affect our decision making power. It’s not wrong to say that mood is also the prime factor behind the mental disorders. Mood disorders are becoming a matter of discussion and just a basic knowledge about our primary moods can help a lot in dealing with mood disorders. Moreover, it will be helpful in emotional awareness.

Bad Mood: 11 ways to overcome it and Effects of Bad Mood

Bad Mood: 11 ways to overcome it and Effects of Bad Mood

There are often days when things don’t go your way. You wish for something and in return, you don’t get what’s expected, what happens then? A volcanic eruption in your brain cells and thus results in a bad mood. Well, there is no single reason specific to the cause of bad mood, it could be anything. Things that annoy you, things that don’t let you be in a peaceful state of mind, or things that make you feel irritated all can lead you to a bad mood.

Its all right there in your mind
Its all right there in your mind

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A mind is a place that experiences roller coaster rides of emotions. Some days go as you have planned while some don’t. In this fast-paced life, it’s a tedious task to maintain a constant mood throughout. Irrespective of age, anyone could be caught up in bad mood. But most commonly these mood swings are a part of the younger generation group. Especially for teenagers, it becomes quite a big deal to know how to deal with a bad mood. That’s what is a bad mood.

Why is everyone in a bad mood today?

Well, this could be the question of the century. People these days have developed the thinking of inferiority complexion. The world runs at a rapid pace, and people’s expectations of getting better than someone never ends. Someone wants to earn more than their neighbors, someone wants to manage work and fun altogether, some are just running this race for the sake of their ego, and if they fail in this at any point, the result is nothing but a bad mood.

Each one of go through the state of bad mood
Each one of go through the state of bad mood

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At a younger age, people often feel low sometimes. This is the phase where each one of us struggles to build our image and identity. Young age specifically symbolizes teenage, the phase of life where everything is new. Teens often fail to understand the ongoing things in this journey. They are young by their ages and approach of thinking as well. Even a small loss in a fun game or a low grade in exams can dishearten them up to the extrema. But, a bad mood is not just about those who are young or aren’t mature enough to understand things. The grown-ups as well cant escape this trap of mood swings.

Effects of Bad Mood

People often do not realize what do they end up doing or speaking when they are in bad mood. There can be days when you are waking up in a bad mood due to a terrible sleep at night or it may be anything else. Such a bad start to the day could end up spoiling your entire day. You won’t be doing your works with the same focus which is required. You might end up messing up things. To make it worse a bad mood can also lead to an unnecessary fight. Most of the mood swings occur in the teenage as it symbolizes immaturity up to some extent.

Being in bad mood can also make your relationships suffer
Being in bad mood can also make your relationships suffer

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With time comes the mature mindset, but maintaining a good mood all the time is not at all easy. Even people with a good amount of life experience end up feeling the heat of the bad mood. People have a lot of responsibilities on them and at times it becomes frustrating when things aren’t going your way. Sometimes you will have a fight with people with whom you are close, your family just because your mood wasn’t right. The constant development of this nature would lead towards making you short-tempered. People often complain of depression, but hardly realize the fact that bad moods are of the major causes of it.

Types of Bad Mood

A bad mood could be due to any reasons as life always has something or the other to worry about. Let us discuss a few of the common types of bad moods. The most common one is the constant bad mood. Few people have this habit of being annoyed and frustrated all the time. It becomes really difficult for them to be in a normal state with anyone around them. They will be always in a bad mood and tired in their approach. They often end up having a bad mood with family, friends, and all other acquaintances. The main reason for constantly having a bad mood is the negativity in the mind. People have a really bad habit of comparing themselves with others or feeling inferior about themselves. Even though they are capable enough but the negativity makes them feel worthless and thus resulting in a bad mood.

Everyone has a past, cheer up, its not just you
Everyone has a past, cheer up, its not just you

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People also go into a state of bad mood due to a dark past. Its often said that memories haunt people sometimes. Yes, indeed it’s true, this is mainly caused by overthinking about something. A past could be about anything about you and your mistakes which can make you feel embarrassed at times. This feeling of ‘what if I had done this or I had not’, makes you go into a very sabotaged state of mind. One must understand that they can’t change the past so it’s better to forget and move on in life.

Some people have a habit of turning off their moods even for small things. The only way to command this is by stopping the overthinking nature and adopting let bygones be bygones philosophy.

11 ways to overcome Bad Mood

We saw what are bad moods and their various types, let us see some ways with which we can overcome it;

  • Learn to Express – It’s a really common issue among people that most of them are shy to express themselves. They rarely open up on something. A person who is having a problem of a bad mood needs to talk with the people whom they trust and who can understand their concerns.
  • Don’t run away: When problems are on the head, most people try running away from them and this creates a real fuss. Learn to face the problems and ways to deal with them. It may take time to resolve but at the end of the day, you will walk out stress-free.
Do not run away from problems
Do not run away from problems

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  • Calm Down: It is also advisable to stay in calmness when these mood swings occur. Try to keep your breaths and heart rates under control by doing the relaxation activities which suit you.
  • It’s not just you: It is often a misconception in people’s minds that they are the only ones who are going through this. At a young age, almost every teen experiences this and it is quite a common thing. So, you are not alone.
  • Engage yourself in Exercises: Yes, doing regular physical activities not just makes you fit but also shifts your focus from your current state. Your bad mood can be wiped out with continuous efforts in exercises. Rather than harming your body by smoking in stress, just put that energy into your workout and feel the change.
  • Be Creative: Well, being creative is not everyone’s cup of tea, but we can still manage to come up with something. Each one of us has the ability to do something creative and different. The only task is to identify what’s in you and spend your time in this. It could be anything like writing, singing, dancing or whatever you are best at.
  • Try to Cry: It is often said that Men don’t cry, or crying symbolizes weakness. But, this thought process must be changed. Sometimes it’s really good to cry your heart out. It often helps in making you feel better. There are times when people become hopeless and at that time it is not a good idea to suppress your emotions. Just let it flow.
Sometimes its really the need of the hour to cry and just let it out
Sometimes its really the need of the hour to cry and just let it out

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  • Sleep Well: Sleeping holds the key to most of the problems. People become irritated if they lack proper sleep as the mind hasn’t relaxed properly it won’t be ready to function to the fullest extent. So, it is the best solution which is in our control.
  • Do what you like: People are shy in their approach towards life and livelihood. Remove the fact ‘what people will think’ from your mind and see you have a whole world to conquer. It is our lives and we live only once, so shape it as you like it. This would let your mood be light and cheerful.
  • A trip would do it: Sometimes being at one place makes you feel imprisoned. It is a good idea to have a trip alone or with your loved ones to have some fun and a change of atmosphere.
Plan out a trip to rejuvenate yourself
Plan out a trip to rejuvenate yourself

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  • Time is the best Healer: Time, the ultimate healer would be the last thing you can rely on to overcome this bad mood. Everything has its phase and it comes to an end someday. So, when you can’t really help yourself then just leave it on time and it will be taken care of.

Now, since you know about the bad moods and their effects on day-to-day lives. You need to understand that being in bad mood is not going to help you in any way. You will always be in an irritated and annoyed mindset which would often lead you to make wrong decisions under such circumstances. But, it is also a common thing to experience in different age groups and it is not a disease. Don’t panic or go into an exaggerated state just because you are constantly getting into bad moods. There are ways to get rid of it, follow them, and attain peace of mind!

How to sleep 8 hours in 4 hours – 10 ultimate hacks

How to sleep 8 hours in 4 hours – 10 ultimate hacks

Girl sleeping in a cozy cabin
Girl sleeping in a cozy cabin

Every person is aware of the benefits of a sound sleep. But, do you actually get a sound sleep. As per all the researches, the amount of sleep needed is different in different age groups where a child needs the most sleep. But, as a matter of fact, 8 hours is the optimum time a person should sleep for. If you are the one who is looking for options to sleep for lesser duration and still feel restful and fresh, this article discusses all the necessary hacks for it.

Yeah, it’s true that it is not possible to get the benefits of an 8 hour sleep in just 4 hours and that with feeling fresh and energized, but still there are ways to make you get the best quality sleep in those 4 hours so that you do not feel tired and frustrated when you wake up. Sleep is actually a cycle consisting of four stages. A person need to go through all these stages to get a good quality sleep. If you want to complete this whole cycle in just 4 hours that normally takes around 8 hours, you will need to follow certain hacks. Here are 10 useful hacks you can follow to achieve this :-

Read a book before bed

Boy reading a book in bed
Boy reading a book in bed

Stress is one of the worst sleep killers. Your anxiousness can badly affect your sleep routine. And, one of the most successful ways to help reduce this stress is to read a book. Reading a book before going to sleep is very beneficial in de stressing your brain. You don’t really need to read long paragraphs and pages for this purpose. All you require is to feel sleepy. There are a few researches proving that just 6 minutes of reading before bed are enough to make you feel sleepy. In such a short duration, your brain will feel relaxed and you’ll get in the mood to sleep.

Try polyphasic sleep

A boy napping on leather couch
A boy napping on leather couch

If you don’t feel like sleeping continuously for 8 hours, give way to polyphasic sleep. Polyphasic sleep involves sleeping multiple times for shorter durations in a period of 24 hours and not once. While there are no proper researches and medical proofs suggesting the effectiveness and side effects of this hack, there are people who have witnessed an improvement in their sleep quality. They were able to sleep more in less time with this trick. There are many cycles you can follow. The most popular cycle is sleeping for 20 minutes for six times in a period of 3 hours in one day. These naps are done at equal intervals within that period.

Maintain a proper sleep routine

A proper sleep routine will help in getting an 8 hour sleep in 4 hours
A proper sleep routine will help in getting an 8 hour sleep in 4 hours

Your body has a biological clock that works according to the patterns that you decide. You can alter this clock to work your way. One way to get the good quality sleep is to maintain a proper sleep routine. A distorted daily routine with no exact times for sleeping and waking up can mess with your natural pattern. Help it by deciding a sleep routine and sticking to it. Maintain the same time to go to sleep and to wake up. Follow that particular time all days (even during the weekends). By doing so, your brain will develop a certain pattern. You won’t even need an alarm to wake up as you set your biological clock by maintaining sleep routine.

Reduce your caffeine intake

Reducing your caffeine intake will help in getting good sleep in less time
Reducing your caffeine intake will help in getting good sleep in less time

We drink coffee in the morning because it helps in recharging the mood. It’s because the caffeine present in tea, coffee and sodas actually act as a brain stimulant. It can stimulate the brain activity and reduce drowsiness that makes sleeping more difficult. Hence, it is advised that you should limit the consumption of caffeine. You should not drink caffeine at least 6 hours before bedtime. If you are sensitive to caffeine, you should try to avoid it completely. Along that, any kind of liquid taken before going to bed can disrupt your sleep. It is recommended that you should avoid other fluids too before bedtime.

Stay away from screen

Get an 8 hour worth of sleep in 4 hours by taking a break from screen before bedtime
Get an 8 hour worth of sleep in 4 hours by taking a break from screen before bedtime

Your eyes need a break from the screen to get into the mood of sleeping. After you’ve exhausted your eyes by glancing at the screen on phones and laptops all the day, if you still keep staring at them, the blue light emitted from such devices will interfere with your body’s natural circadian rhythm. This interferes with your body’s biological clock that decides when it’s the time to sleep or wake up. Hence, you should take a break from electronic devices like laptop, phone, computer or television before going to sleep. Your natural alarm clock system will function properly and you won’t face any sleep problems.

Exercise regularly

Exercise regularly to get a good sleep in less time
Exercise regularly to get a good sleep in less time

One hack you can follow to get sound sleep in less time is to exercise regularly. Indulging in a heavy physical activity will work wonderfully in making you fall asleep easily. You won’t need much effort to relax your brain down and it won’t feel stressed. Exercising in itself is good for your physical and mental health as along with improving blood flow and burning calories, it releases stress reducing hormones in your body. You will feel tired by exercising. However, you should not participate in any heavy physical activity prior to bedtime and maintain enough time difference between exercise and sleep.

Make your bedroom dark

A dark bedroom makes sleeping easier
A dark bedroom makes sleeping easier

If you are looking to get an 8 hour worth of sleep in 4 hours, you should try to set a dark and peaceful environment for sleeping. A dark environment will let melatonin release in your body. Melatonin is hormone that tells your body that it’s time to sleep. Make your bedroom completely dark and peaceful before going to sleep. Switch off the lights to feel cozier. The bedroom should not be too cold or hot as the temperature can also affect your sleep. Open the windows if it’s hot and let the room temperature be somewhere between 64° – 72° F.

Use journal before bed

Write down your anxious thoughts in a journal before sleeping
Write down your anxious thoughts in a journal before sleeping

People who are over occupied with things and who need to complete new tasks often find it difficult to fall asleep. Generally, their brain gets active right before the bedtime. And, thinking about those endless tasks and activities makes it difficult to get good sleep. If you want to get good quality sleep in less time, you can try using a journal before bed. Whatever the thoughts and ideas rise in your head, simply note that down on the paper. Just keep the journal within a hand distance on a bedside table. You can also note down your anxious thoughts to make them get out of your head. You’ll sleep freely and be having new ideas for the day ahead.

Take a hot bath before bed

Girl taking a hot water bath
Girl taking a hot water bath

Sometimes, the tiredness that you felt all day need to be healed in simple manner. Sleeping will be nicer and easier if you take a pre bedtime bath. And, if need a more particular answer, go for a hot bath. While a hot bath can soothe your muscles, increase the blood flow and relax down your brain before you go to sleep, a cold bath can actually increase the alertness of your brain. That’s why it’s recommended to take a cold shower every morning. Take a hot bath just before sleep and let your body get into the sleeping mood.

Focus on what you eat

Cheese and crackers are a good snacking option before going to sleep
Cheese and crackers are a good snacking option before going to sleep

Focusing on what you eat can have an impact on your sleep. Try to maintain an overall healthy diet while trying to sleep 8 hours in 4 hours. You can try drinking chamomile tea just before bedtime. The tea has numerous soothing properties making it easier to fall asleep. Cheese and crackers are a good snacking option before going to sleep. They contain a protein that helps in releasing serotonin, a compound that makes your feel happy. Hot milk is another thing to drink before bed.

These are the 10 hacks that you can follow if you are looking to get an 8 hour sleep in 4 hours. Remember that these hacks are suggested to make the sleep more sound and pleasant. If you feel frustrated after you wake up, it suggests that you need more rest. If you do not get enough sleep, you may experience drowsiness, loss of appetite, frequent tiredness and yawning and bad decision making and focus. The chances of getting depression, anxiety, hypertension and stroke may also get high. You can find more ways to increase your energy if you need to limit your sleep. Plan according to how your body reacts.

7 benefits of sleep hypnosis

7 benefits of sleep hypnosis

Sleep hypnosis is a wonderful method to get a better sleep
Sleep hypnosis is a wonderful method to get a better sleep

Human life follows a certain pattern. In this pattern, sleep plays an important role. A good quality sleep is necessary for feeling fresh the next day. But, the busyness of life has ruined this natural rhythm of body. A good sleep is becoming scarce due to hectic living and as a result, man is suffering from many sleep related issues like less sleep, regular nightmares, difficulty in falling asleep, daylong tiredness and much more. For treating such sleep disorders, many remedies and methods are available. One such technique is using hypnosis. Sleep hypnosis is a simple idea of using the mind treating hypnotic therapy for reducing stress where brain gets into a trance like state and gives you many benefits. Apart from getting a nice night long sleep, sleep hypnosis have many more therapeutic benefits that are discussed below.

What is sleep hypnosis?

Girl using sleep hypnosis for a better sleep, the main benefit of sleep hypnosis
Girl using sleep hypnosis for a better sleep, the main benefit of sleep hypnosis

With the main goal of overcoming sleep disorders, sleep hypnosis is using the hypnotherapy to get body forget all it’s negative thoughts and memories and make your brain focus into soothing memories or mantras. Either done with the help of a professional hypnotherapist or with oneself by following some usual steps, sleep hypnosis makes your brain get into such a stage that your focus is improved. Sleep hypnosis results into enhanced attention, better physical and mental condition. You can experience changes in sensations, behaviours and thoughts during the therapy. There are doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, therapists and psychologists who have training in hypnotherapy and cam give you an amusing relaxation. And, there are also online websites, platforms and mobile apps where you can find audio recordings and videos giving proper suggestions that induce the feeling of peace in an individual. Experts combine sleep hypnosis with other therapies suggested for insomnia for making the patient relieve as safety as possible and building healthy sleep routine in him. These are the steps that even you can follow easily for doing a sleep hypnotherapy at home :

• Get fully comfortable – Find a space where you get comfortable and avoid all the distraction. You can lay or your bed or anywhere nearby like the couch. Relax and do some soothing activities like reading and solving puzzles.

• Release tension in your body – Let your brain turn off all the thoughts. Relax it and avoid any negative memories. Release tension in your body from toe until reaching the top.

• Focus on your breathing – Connect deeper with your body by concentrating on your breathing. Inhale for a long time and exhale slowly. Feel the movement in your lungs and nose while you respirate.

• Introduce a suggestion – Give your brain a relaxing suggestion. Visualize about a peaceful scenario you can think of like a beach or mountain. Or, you can say a positive mantra that is suitable for you.

This process is easy to follow and you can practice it yourself. The fourth step includes imagining thoughts and scenarios which can be difficult for some individuals. There are online resources that are specially made to make this step easy by providing suggestions in recordings.

Benefits of sleep hypnosis

Here are 7 pros of sleep hypnosis
Here are 7 pros of sleep hypnosis

Completely different from what hypnosis is shown in movies, sleep hypnosis is an incredible mind relaxing technique with a lot of surprising benefits. Often done in a clinical setting, sleep hypnosis has the power to cure medical issues and has following advantages:

1. Helpful in weight loss

Sleep hypnosis can help in weight loss
Sleep hypnosis can help in weight loss

Due to it’s amazing effectiveness, sleep hypnosis is also used for the purpose of losing weight. Studies have found that a person can lose 6 pounds in just 18 months with the help of sleep hypnosis. The hypnosis makes your brain respond to changes more conveniently and hence, you can get more exercise and start eating healthy food. And when the hypnotherapy is combined with exercise changes and a good diet, a person can loose weight successfully. You get an enhanced awareness about food you eat, gets better acceptance of body image and respond to external cues to limit your eating. It also promotes improved quality of life and reduce inflammation.

2. Better sleep

Good quality sleep, the main benefit of sleep hypnosis
Good quality sleep, the main benefit of sleep hypnosis

There are numerous researches proofing that sleep hypnosis gives a person the benefits of an improved sleep. According to a recent study in 2014, sleep hypnosis leaded to an 80 percent better quality slow wave sleep. A person experiences perceptions during the therapy that promotes a good sleep and reduces hot flashes, night sweats and changes in mood. A person can implement suggestions that he received during the hypnosis session. Sometimes, the effect of these suggestions lasts even after the therapy and induce peace into a person’s thoughts.

3. Helpful in pain management

You get benefit of reduction in pain with sleep hypnosis
You get benefit of reduction in pain with sleep hypnosis

Sleep hypnosis is a freaking good technique for easing out the nerves. According to a study 53 adults suffering from chronic pain, where one group was given a massage and other group was given hypnotherapy, hypnosis was found to be more effective in treating pain of patients. Sleep hypnosis has many mind boosting benefits. People who are dealing with different pain related conditions like cancer, arthritis, sickle cell diseases and lower back pain can also be benefitted with a few sleep hypnosis sessions. People get more self control over the pain over a long period of time.

4. Can be used for quitting smoking

You can avail benefits of quitting smoking with the help of sleep hypnosis
You can avail benefits of quitting smoking with the help of sleep hypnosis

Sleep hypnosis can work very well in you want to quit smoking. The method works as best as other medical methods like prescribed medication and nicotine patches. There are not many researches proving so, however people have experienced improvement in their smoking behaviour with hypnosis. You can use sleep hypnosis to link smoking with a bad feeling. This bad feeling can be of a bad smell or bad taste while you smoke; or you can use hypnosis to train your mind replace smoking with different satisfying habit like chewing a gum. You can customize your hypnosis session according to your lifestyle.

5. Treats sleepwalking and insomnia

As one of the many benefits of sleep hypnosis, you can treat sleepwalking and insomnia
As one of the many benefits of sleep hypnosis, you can treat sleepwalking and insomnia

Sleep hypnosis makes your mind get into a state where you don’t notice what is going around you. This trance like state can make your body feel completely relaxed and avoiding sleep disorders becomes easy. If you are a sleepwalker, sleep hypnosis makes you avoid this as your body becomes highly responsive to perceptions and sensations. When you feel your feet touching the floor, your brain immediately realizes it and you wake up. You can easily fall asleep and the possibility of handling secondary and primary insomnia symptoms becomes easy. You readily fall asleep. And, the next day you feel fresh by getting an undisturbed deep sleep.

6. Helpful in treating anxiety

Sleep hypnosis relaxes your mind and manages anxiety
Sleep hypnosis relaxes your mind and manages anxiety

Sleep hypnosis is one of the popular relaxation techniques that makes a person relieve from stress and anxiety. Hypnosis is a mechanism where you introduce some good verbal cues and thoughts. Your brain imagines a lovely scene or picture that makes it overcome the effect of any negative thought. If you are dealing with stress from a chronic health problem like heart disease, sleep hypnosis can be very helpful. Not only that, if you are trying to win over your fearful phobia, sleep hypnosis can be used.

7. Eases symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Sleep hypnosis gives benefit of easing of IBS
Sleep hypnosis gives benefit of easing symptoms of IBS

Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a common disorder that affects intestine causing pain in your belly and other stomach related issues like gas, diarrhea and constipation. Secondary disorders like nausea, backache and fatigue are also caused by IBS. Sleep hypnosis is practical in treating IBS as backed by several clinical studies. According to a 2003 study on 204 individuals suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome, 71 percent patients showed improvement in their stomach after a 12 weekly sleep hypnosis session that lasted for an hour. Hypnosis works great in treating secondary symptoms of IBS.

All these benefits suggest that sleep hypnosis is a super effective mean of curing numerous issues that can affect your sleep. Hypnosis has always been a mysterious technique but the studies that are conducted so far show that sleep hypnosis works for success. Sleep hypnosis works great in protecting and promoting physical and mental health. However, there should be more researches to show about the long lasting benefits of sleep hypnosis in it’s effectiveness in dealing with quitting smoking and weight loss.