In the fast-paced world we inhabit, it’s not uncommon to find ourselves battling against the unwelcome companion of low energy. Whether it’s the midday slump or a persistent lack of vitality, feeling drained can significantly impact our daily lives. In this article, we will delve into the multifaceted nature of low energy, exploring its root causes, its consequences, and most importantly, effective strategies to overcome and thrive.

Understanding Low Energy

Low energy is a complex phenomenon that can manifest in various ways. It goes beyond mere physical fatigue; it encompasses mental and emotional exhaustion as well. Identifying the underlying causes is crucial for developing targeted strategies to address this pervasive issue.

  1. Sleep Deprivation and Quality: One of the primary culprits behind low energy is inadequate sleep. Modern lifestyles often prioritize productivity at the expense of rest, leading to a myriad of health issues. Poor sleep quality and insufficient duration can leave us feeling groggy, irritable, and sluggish.
  2. Nutrition and Hydration: The food we consume serves as the fuel for our bodies and minds. A diet lacking essential nutrients can contribute to low energy levels. Additionally, dehydration can have a profound impact on how we feel, as even mild dehydration can result in fatigue and impaired cognitive function.
  3. Stress and Mental Health: Chronic stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges can drain our energy reserves. The constant activation of the body’s stress response takes a toll on both physical and mental well-being, leaving us feeling perpetually exhausted.
  4. Physical Inactivity: Paradoxically, sedentary lifestyles can contribute to feelings of fatigue. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining optimal energy levels, as it improves circulation, enhances mood, and promotes overall well-being.
  5. Medical Conditions: Underlying medical conditions such as anemia, thyroid disorders, and chronic fatigue syndrome can manifest as persistent low energy. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional if low energy levels persist despite lifestyle changes.

Consequences of Low Energy

The ramifications of low energy extend far beyond the immediate feelings of tiredness. Chronic fatigue can impact various aspects of our lives, including:

  1. Impaired Cognitive Function: Low energy levels can lead to difficulties in concentration, memory lapses, and a general foggy-headed feeling. This can hinder our ability to perform tasks efficiently and make sound decisions.
  2. Emotional Well-being: Persistent fatigue often accompanies mood swings, irritability, and heightened stress levels. This not only affects our interactions with others but also undermines our ability to cope with life’s challenges.
  3. Reduced Productivity: Whether at work or in personal pursuits, low energy can significantly hamper our productivity. Tasks that would otherwise be manageable become arduous, leading to frustration and a sense of underachievement.
  4. Strained Relationships: The emotional toll of chronic fatigue can strain relationships, as individuals may find it challenging to engage in social activities or maintain meaningful connections.

Overcoming Low Energy

Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to overcome low energy and reclaim vitality.

  1. Prioritize Sleep: Establishing a consistent sleep routine and ensuring a sufficient duration of quality sleep is paramount. Create a conducive sleep environment, limit screen time before bedtime, and consider relaxation techniques to promote restful sleep.
  2. Balanced Nutrition: Adopting a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet can provide the energy our bodies need. Ensure an adequate intake of proteins, carbohydrates, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day.
  3. Manage Stress: Implement stress-management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga. Identifying stressors and finding healthy coping mechanisms can prevent chronic stress from taking a toll on your energy levels.
  4. Regular Exercise: Incorporate regular physical activity into your routine. Exercise has been shown to boost energy levels, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being. Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s walking, jogging, cycling, or engaging in sports.
  5. Seek Professional Help: If low energy persists despite lifestyle changes, consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess for underlying medical conditions and provide guidance on appropriate interventions.

Low energy is a pervasive challenge, but it is not an insurmountable one. By understanding the various factors contributing to low energy, individuals can take proactive steps to address these issues and foster a lifestyle that promotes vitality. Prioritizing sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, incorporating regular exercise, and seeking professional help when needed are all integral components of the journey to overcoming low energy and thriving in our dynamic world.

 

 

If you have started to think that you should probably focus more on your cardiovascular health, you are not alone. This is hugely important for everyone, and it’s something that you will need to take a look at if you are keen on keeping your health as good as possible, whether or not you have experienced specific cardio issues. Let’s look now at just a few of the best ways you can improve your cardiovascular wellbeing – all of the following are well worth looking into as best as you can.

Purposeful Breathing

There is a lot to be said for engaging in some purposeful breathing from time to time. In fact, this can be a great daily thing to do, and it can be impressive how much of a difference it makes to your heart health and general wellbeing on the whole. For five to ten minutes, just sit quietly and try to breathe deep into the belly, slowly and gently. That’s it – this simple practice can transform your wellbeing considerably, so it’s something you might want to try out if you have not done so already. You might be surprised at how much of a difference it can really make.

Regular Exercise

 

You’ll also find that regular exercise can vastly improve your cardiovascular wellbeing, so this is something else that you might want to focus on. The kind of exercise you do makes a difference here, too. For instance, you are going to notice much more of a benefit if you are doing workouts recommended by an exercise physiology expert. And of course, anything that gets your heart pumping is going to be helpful here too. But in general, as long as you are exercising in some way, that is going to help your cardio health to some degree.

More Fruit & Veg

This is another, very simple thing you can do to keep your cardio health up. Just eating a little more fruit and veg each day can help you to have much better cardiovascular health. If you were to just eat one more portion of a fruit or vegetable each day, that would already be enough to notice a difference. So that is something you might want to try out, and you should find that you can effectively feel a lot healthier if you do this, and more so if you eat a lot more fruit and veg too. Ideally, they should be the main portion of your diet.

Hygiene

Finally, a lot of people don’t realize this, but being hygienic can help your heart health too. In particular, you should make sure that you are washing your hands on a regular basis. If you do that, it’s going to mean that you are much healthier in no time at all. It’s amazing how much this can help you out, so it’s something you are going to want to think about. Good hygiene can help your cardio and heart health a lot more than you might think in general.

For reasons that aren’t entirely clear, the prostate gland continues to grow over time in adult men. Over time, the ongoing growth can become quite considerable. In some cases, the bladder and urinary tract can become obstructed, causing a weak urine stream, inability to urinate, or incontinence.

 

If you are experiencing such symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor. A physical examination and a few blood tests can uncover the root cause of your discomfort. Sometimes, an external catheter for men, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments can provide relief.

 

While you must consult your healthcare practitioner, you can also consider these natural remedies for improved prostate health.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a plant extract that’s commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH. The extract has incredible anti-inflammatory benefits to offer and can also help decrease the number of androgen and estrogen receptors.

 

Research studies confirm that saw palmetto could reduce the symptoms of BPH, but it’s still important to only use this or other supplements after consulting your doctor.

Rye Grass Pollen

Rye grass pollen can also provide relief for a swollen prostate by reducing inflammation. This herbal supplement is relatively helpful when slowing and stopping prostate growth. Rye grass pollen contains properties that can slow cellular growth in the prostate, reduce inflammation, and assist with symptoms of BPH, like frequent urination.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle also contains properties that can combat inflammation in a similar way to saw palmetto. Some natural treatments even use stinging nettle and saw palmetto in combination for optimal results.

Limit Fluid Intake On Occasions

If you are battling with incontinence and frequent trips to the restroom, it’s wise to limit fluid intake before bed and before going out in public.

 

If you are unable to limit fluid intake, you’ll want to consider incontinence products like absorbency briefs, brief liners, or adult diapers. There’s quite a range of incontinence products on the market, so you’ll definitely find something comfortable that suits your needs.

Avoid Antihistamines And Decongestants

Some over-the-counter medications like antihistamines and decongestants can worsen urinary tract problems by slowing the urine stream even more. In some cases, these medications can cause an inability to empty the bladder as well. So it’s essential that you speak to your doctor about medications that you should take and medications that you should avoid.

 

There are also particular foods that you should avoid, like non-grass-fed beef, dairy, caffeine, spicy and acidic food, saturated fats, and excess calcium. While you’re avoiding certain unhealthy foods, be sure to follow a vitamin-rich, balanced diet.

Drink Green Tea

Green tea has incredible antioxidant effects that ultimately detox your body to get rid of harmful toxins. Green tea can be beneficial for prostate health as a result. Moreover, matcha, nettle root, and hibiscus tea are also great for prostate health.

 

Even though prostate enlargement is pretty inevitable, there are still ways to safeguard prostate health and ease the symptoms of BPH. Nevertheless, it’s always best to consult your doctor before trying any remedies to improve prostate health, even if they are natural or over the counter.

 

Everyday life can be overwhelming and exhausting. Between our jobs, families, relationships, and personal lives, it can feel like we are spinning plates all day long. Finding balance in life is often easier said than done, but it’s not impossible. It requires creating a plan that works for you and having the discipline to stick with your plan each day.

Whether it be work, family, friends, or hobbies, we all strive to achieve a sense of equilibrium between the different aspects of our lives. Yet finding this balance can be tough! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your daily tasks and obligations, here are some of the best ways to find balance in life.

Prioritize Your Health and Wellness

The importance of prioritizing our health cannot be overstated. This includes everything from maintaining good physical health by exercising regularly and eating well, to taking care of our mental health by managing stress levels and getting enough sleep every night. When we take the time to properly take care of ourselves, we are better equipped to tackle the demands of everyday life with ease.

Practice Self Care

Not only that, but self-care is essential when it comes to finding balance in life. Take time out from your daily routine every now and again to do something that makes you feel good – whether it’s taking a relaxing bath, trying out Delta 9 THC Gummies, or going for a walk in nature – just make sure not to neglect yourself! Additionally, take breaks throughout the day if needed; even just 10 minutes away from whatever task you’re doing can make all the difference and give you an opportunity for some much-needed ‘me time’. These small acts of self-care will help clear your mind so that you can approach other tasks with renewed energy and focus.

Prioritize Your Time

Another thing that can help you to achieve balance is to prioritize your time. Make a list of everything that needs to get done and then divide it into two sections – one for urgent tasks and one for non-urgent tasks. Urgent tasks should take precedence over non-urgent ones as they will help you stay on top of deadlines. Once you have the list divided, circle the most important items in each section so that you know which tasks must get done first. This will help ensure that you don’t become overwhelmed by too many things at once and instead focus on one task at a time.

Get Organized

Organizational skills are key when trying to achieve balance in life. From creating detailed to-do lists and setting reminders in your calendar to using helpful apps like Evernote or Trello, there are lots of ways to keep yourself organized. Utilizing these tools can help free up mental space so that you can focus more on the important things rather than worrying about what needs to get done next. Additionally, having an organized workspace can also contribute to greater productivity and efficiency as well as improved mental clarity.

Set Boundaries

Boundaries are essential for maintaining a balance between work and personal life. That might mean setting limits on how many hours you work each week or making sure that you don’t check emails after a certain hour each night. Setting boundaries also means saying no when needed so that you don’t overextend yourself or become overwhelmed with obligations that don’t align with your priorities or goals in life. This is often the key to feeling a lot more balanced in all aspects of your life.

Create an Action Plan

And finally, when trying to achieve balance in life, having a plan is key. Start by making a list of all your commitments such as work responsibilities, family obligations, hobbies you enjoy etc., then prioritize them based on what’s most important right now. This will help you determine which activities should get most of your attention at any given time so that you can stay focused on achieving balance without getting off track by taking on too much too soon or forgetting important tasks altogether.

Building a Better Balance in Life

Finding balance in life takes effort but it is worth it! Prioritizing your health and wellness, getting organized, and creating an action plan are just some of the essentials for finding harmony between all aspects of your life. With patience, dedication and practice you can create a balanced lifestyle that will leave you feeling fulfilled both mentally and physically every day.

 

There’s no question that staying on top of your health can be a challenge. Between work, family, and social obligations, it seems like there’s never enough time in the day to take care of yourself. But it is crucial to make time for your health – after all, you can’t pour from an empty cup! This blog post will discuss some tips for staying on top of your health and cover everything from getting enough exercise to eating a healthy diet. So read on for helpful advice on how to stay healthy and happy!

1) Consider your mental health

The first step to staying on top of your health is to take care of your mental health. This includes managing stress, getting enough sleep, and spending time with loved ones. When you’re feeling good mentally, it’s easier to make healthy choices for your body as well.

If you’re struggling to manage stress, there are a number of helpful coping mechanisms you can try, such as yoga or meditation. You can also talk to a therapist, which can be incredibly helpful in managing both stress and other mental health concerns.

2) Eat a nutritious diet

It’s no secret that what you eat has a big impact on your health. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is crucial for maintaining your health. It’s also important to limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and unhealthy fats.

Making time to cook meals at home can be challenging, but it’s worth it when you consider the benefits for your health. Meal prepping or cooking in bulk can help save time during the week. And there are plenty of healthy recipes out there that don’t require a lot of time or effort to make!

3) Try some yoga

Yoga has a plethora of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving flexibility and balance, and even helping to prevent chronic diseases. If you’re new to yoga, there are plenty of resources available to help you get started. There are also many different types of yoga, so you can find a style that suits your needs and preferences.

4) Receive regular health screenings

It’s important to get regular health screenings, even if you feel healthy. This can help catch any potential health concerns early on when they’re more likely to be treatable. Some common health screenings include tests for cholesterol, blood pressure, and cancer. You’ll also be able to get some answers on Contraception and a variety of other health topics. Depending on your age and family history, your doctor may recommend additional screenings.

In conclusion, there are several things you can do to stay on top of your health. From eating a healthy diet to getting regular health screenings, there are many ways to make sure you’re staying healthy and happy. However, what’s most important is finding what works for you and making time for your health!

 

It can be a hard time when you are struggling with your mental health, especially while a lot is going on around the world. It can often leave you feeling exhausted, lonely, and even stuck in the same place. But it doesn’t have to be that way forever. 

Here you can find some top tips that will help you when you are struggling with your mental health, and start to overcome those internal battles you face every day. 

Take a step back

More often than not, it is the things in your life that are causing, or exacerbating poor mental health. If you are stressed about work, dealing with family issues, feeling anxious about an upcoming interview, or if there is anything that is weighing on your mind, then it may be time to step back. When you are stressed or anxious, you are sending your body and mind into chaos, and it can be hard to deal with, and exhausting. See what items in your life you can take a break from, and spend some more time resting. 

Implement healthy habits 

Nutrition, hydration and exercise have profound effects on your health. By implementing healthy habits, even just the smallest changes, you can help clear your mind, and give your body more energy. Add a few vegetables to your meals, go outside for a short walk, or just drink an extra glass of water. The smallest things will add up to make a huge difference. 

Spend time with a friend 

Mental health problems can occur due to isolation, or lead to isolation. Human connection is vital for your mental health because it provides you with a friend to talk to and take the weight off your shoulders, boost your happiness, and provide you with a sense of purpose and belonging. Perhaps make a phone call, or organize a walk or coffee with a close friend or loved one. It doesn’t have to be anything big or fancy, just something that doesn’t take up too much energy but enables you to be social and connect with someone. 

Seek professional support

Professional support can be one of the best ways to help your mental health. There are a variety of people who are specially trained and experienced in helping people manage their mental health and can provide you with the support, and the tools you need to feel better and move forward with your life. There is a range of therapists and support groups that you can choose from, depending on what you are struggling with, both online and within local communities. If you feel like substances are becoming a problem, you should seek the appropriate drug or alcohol treatment, which is slightly more comprehensive than therapy alone. By conducting a simple search on the internet, you will be able to find a professional that can help you, and suit your budget. 

 

If you are struggling with your mental health, you must take steps to help yourself by taking steps to feel better or seeking professional support. 

 

Being happy, feeling fulfilled and viewing everything in a positive light, is something that you will always strive to achieve in your life. Cultivating healthy habits doesn’t have to cause unnecessary burdens to your current lifestyle, however you could create a better relationship with your mind, body and soul. Whether you’re trying to manage your anxiety, Explore new and healthier ways of living or get into the habit of practicing gratitude, there are so many ways that you can create healthy habits for a happier future. If you are unsure where to begin, here are a handful of ideas to get you started with the process of creating the best possible future for yourself.

 

  • Journaling

 

Getting into the habit of journaling can take some time to get used to. Essentially, it acts as a catalyst to explore your feelings and emotions in that moment. For example, if you are feeling particularly stressed, anxious or overwhelmed about a certain situation in your life it may help to write down everything that’s in your head. Once you see everything written on paper it can become easier to digest and come to terms with.

 

  • Managing Pain

 

Dealing with ongoing, persistent pain can be something that can really dampen your mood. If you regularly struggle with aches and pains then you may want to consult a medical professional to help you deal with it. If you already know the type of medication you require to manage your pain you may want to consider the Simple Online Pharmacy. With just a click of a button you can have your medicine sent to you in the post, so that you can feel happier and more comfortable again now that your pain has been successfully managed.

 

  • Meditation

 

Meditation is a tried and tested method for managing anxiety and improving your overall mood. Getting into the habit of meditation can take some time, but there are plenty of online apps and guides to help you through the process. All it takes is five or ten minutes a day to see a positive effect on your overall mental health.

 

  • Gratitude

 

Much like journalling, practicing gratitude is something you can do on a daily basis. If you often struggle with your mental health and you want to start creating better habits for yourself, you could begin your morning by writing down three things that you are grateful for. As soon as you start practicing gratitude on a daily basis your mindset will shift to a positive, happy and fulfilled place.

 

  • Yoga

 

Yoga is a wonderful exercise tool for both the mind and body. If you’re nervous to step into a yoga class, don’t worry; there are many online yoga classes you can practice in the comfort of your home. Start with a gentle flow to get your blood flowing. This type of calming and soothing movement will help you to feel more positive on a day-to-day basis.

 

  • Healthy Eating

 

Sometimes you can deprive your body of all of the delicious nutrients it needs to function. Healthy eating is something you are aware of, but you aren’t in the habit of putting it into practice yet. Set yourself a goal of eating healthy, nutritious meals every day for two weeks. As soon as you reach the end of your two week mark this will become an innate habit that you can weave into your everyday life. When your body is fuelled properly with delicious and nourishing food you will feel much happier on the whole.

 

  • Hydration

 

If you take a step back, and think about how much water you drink on a daily basis you might be shocked to discover that you are depriving your body of the hydration it needs. You should aim to drink around 2 to 3 liters of water every single day and you should up your water intake if you are doing strenuous exercise. Start your day with a large glass of water before you even get out of bed; keep a bottle of water on your desk at work and regularly refill it. Getting into good habits and drinking more water will ultimately help you to lead a happier and healthier life.

 

  • Prioritizing Sleep

 

You should never underestimate the power of sleep when it comes to living a happier and more fulfilled life. Sleep hygiene is something that many people can ignore, simply because they believe it has nothing to do with that overall health. However, if you aren’t getting enough sleep your overall health and happiness is going to suffer. Make sure you aim to get around 7 to 8 hours of sleep every evening and remove any electronic devices from your bedroom that could cause distractions.

 

  • Removing Toxicity

 

When there are people in your life that are causing you to feel stressed and anxious you need to make the best decision for yourself by removing them from your life. Getting rid of toxic people, work environments and situations will help you to feel lighter and more liberated as you live your day-to-day life. 

 

  • Career Happiness

 

Feeling happy and fulfilled in your career can have a knock-on effect on your overall mood every single day. Ultimately, you need to chase a career that is going to make you feel joyful, content and creative so that you can be the best possible version of yourself. Whether you are a dedicated parent, creative professional or you run your own business, there are so many ways to cultivate true career happiness in your life. 

 

When you are willing to take action on your future, you will start to see a shift in your overall mindset. Your perception of the world around you can start to change as soon as you start taking care of your mind and body. Whether you are trying to remove toxicity from your life, discover career happiness or exercise more often, there are so many different ways to become healthier overall. These habits may take some time to get used to, however you will soon start to reap the benefits when you are consistent with them.

 

Image from Pexels – CC0 Licence

Many people who read the title to this post may, quite obviously, think that ‘not being able to see well’ is a good prerequisite for needing glasses. On that note you would be utterly correct. Yet the truth is that noticing a lapsing degree of visual quality is not the only sign that can come along with needing glasses.

After all, some people feel that having to wear glasses is somehow inconvenient or isn’t the kind of ‘accessory’ they’re looking for, but of course, visiting a service like Clear Vision Optometry to get an appropriate prescription and eye health check is absolutely essential regardless.

But what are the hidden or seemingly inconsequential signs that you may need glasses in your life? After all, if you can notice the signs, then you’ll be much more likely to visit the professionals as and when you need them. While this may sound minor, your eye health is an essential part of your overall wellbeing, and so consider the following symptoms you may wish to look out for:

Tension Headaches

If you notice that tension headaches seem to keep recurring and it’s making you lose focus, keeping you distracted, or if they come on at all hours of the day for no discernable reason, it’s important to make sure that it’s not poor eyesight causing you this problem. Over time, this issue can compound and as your brain tries its hardest to clarify the input from your ocular system, it can lead to headaches and the inability to think clearly. While it’s important to visit your doctor, it can also be worthwhile to schedule an eye test.

Halos In Bright Light

If you notice fuzz or halos in bright light then it could be that your eyesight needs testing. This can sometimes be a sign of a lack of competent vision or degrading vision. This can also sometimes cause the tension headaches we laid out above, which is never a fun experience in its own right. When you can adequately find the glasses you need, or the treatment you deserve, then you’re much less likely to find that brighter lights bother you, especially when contrasted against the darkness of a blacker image or night.

Trouble Driving

If you notice that you’re struggling to make out the license plates of those several cars in front of you, or your hazard perception seems to be less responsive, or simply that you tend to get headaches while driving (particularly at night), then it might be you need driving frames. In many countries, a proper eye examination is required in order to ensure you can see properly or that you have the proper lens provisions in place, but this is not universal. In some scenarios, a final examiner might just ask you to read out a license plate a few cars away, but that hardly proves yo have great eyesight, nor does it apply to degraded eyesight after you’ve passed your test. We’d recommend that if you’ve been having trouble, you visit your optometrist immediately.

With this advice, you’ll be able to identify if you need glasses in your life – but always refer to the accredited professionals.

Easing a loved one into a nursing home is a very challenging part of life. However, it is for the good of their health. It is even more difficult dealing with the passing of a loved one. Nonetheless, it is a natural stage in life and it happens to every family. 

Whether you have young children or family members that have never experienced a death in the family, it is important to help people prepare for the event. It will help the experience feel a little easier to deal with and not so much of a panic moment. On that note, here is how to prepare your family for the passing of a loved one.

Sort the funeral in good time

Telling your family about the passing of a loved one is hard enough. It is a good idea to arrange the funeral with as few people as possible so that everyone can grieve in their own way. 

Getting prepared and ahead of their game with the funeral arrangements will ensure that you can spend plenty of quality time with your loved ones on the day. You won’t want to leave anything until the last minute otherwise you might not fulfil the expectations of the one that you lost.

Ask people to visit before the passing

You might know when to expect your loved one to pass. If so, then ensure to ask family members and friends to visit them before it happens. 

This is to ensure that they both get one last memory together. It might be the last time that they see them, so pre-warning people will make sure that they get to see them. 

Educate young children on the process

When you know the event is going to happen, it can be useful to educate young family members on the process of death. Otherwise, they might hear it from someone else and their story might not be so friendly as yours. 

Therefore, when the younger members of the family hear about the passing of your loved one they understand what has happened and why it happened. Furthermore, they can think of the loved one in a good place and not have negative connotations, which can make the grieving process harder.

Be supportive

When a family member is ill and you know that they do not have long left, it is important to be supportive of them as well as your family. You might spend more time with that loved one and therefore, less time with your children. 

Nonetheless, your children will understand if you let them know that the loved one is ill. They might even want to be there to support them. Either way, be supportive of everyone around you as people deal with the grieving process in different ways. 

Dealing with the passing of a loved one is not easy. Being there for your family and preparing the younger generation can make the event much easier to process. Be there for each other and your loved ones before they pass to grasp onto those last special moments.

 

Our daily life directly impacts the good quality of our joints. When you suffer from osteoarthritis, taking care of your joints is essential. To take care of it, it is necessary to adopt good daily habits. Physical activity, a varied diet and even hydration are the main keys. Sometimes we may even need surgery to improve our mobility. You may want to look at orthocentralcoast.com.au

Eat a balanced diet 

Changing your eating habits is essential when you are prone to joint pain. Processed foods tend to increase the rate of inflammation in the body, a trigger for osteoarthritis. To overcome this, it is then necessary to modify your eating habits. Eat fatty fish. Oily fish such as sardines, herring or even salmon are rich in omega 3 necessary for the proper functioning of our cells. These omega 3s are also powerful anti-inflammatories.  Do not forget the vegetable proteins. They participate in the renewal of muscle tissue and bone mass. Consuming it regularly is recommended to protect your joints. 

Stay hydrated and favor ionized water 

Hydrating is essential for the proper functioning of our body and therefore of our joints. In particular, it is recommended to vary the water that is consumed by drinking ionized water composed of a higher PH than so-called “basic” water. Ionized water is rich in benefits and helps fight against the acidity of our body. 

Practice a gentle activity to fluidize your joints 

When someone is prone to joint pain, playing sports is recommended. Long avoided for fear of exacerbating the pain, practicing physical activity nevertheless makes it possible to maintain good joint health. If you want to maintain a healthy weight, it is essential so that the joints do not have excessive weight. It is however necessary to opt for an activity adapted to your desires but also to your physical capacities. Walking, swimming, water aerobics or even yoga and pilates are all recommended practices for keeping in shape gently and efficiently. These activities make it possible to stress the joints without attacking them.  

Adopt the right postures to preserve your cartilage 

Our posture, also known as “good postural habit” is essential to protect your joints and avoid attacking them. Indeed, a poor distribution of the load on our joints can overwork our cartilage and damage it. The goal is to stay fluid in your movements in order to “save” your joints. One of the first things to do is to stand up straight whether you are sitting or standing. 

Nutritional supplements 

Nature has many benefits to fight against joint pain. Meadowsweet, Harpagophytum, White Willow or even red fruits are formidable antioxidants that help soothe pain. They can be consumed in the form of food supplements to fight against inflammation or to promote the regeneration of cartilage if they are based on chondroitin and glucosamine. Spices such as turmeric are also beneficial. Its anti-inflammatory effects help reduce joint pain. These spices can be consumed in different ways. Integrated fresh in dishes, in powder or why not in herbal tea.

 

weight lifting

There is a point in many fitness fanatics’ lives when they hit a plateau with their workouts and fitness. They hit all of their goals and now wonder what’s next. It’s at this point that many decide to get shredded AF and become a bodybuilder.

Bodybuilding is an attractive fitness discipline for many people because of the challenge of it. There is a very strict regimen that must be followed and results happen regularly. It’s very targeted and you have to be very organized for it to work.

If you’re at that point where you want to take your fitness goals to the next level then becoming a bodybuilder is a logical way to go. In this article, we will go over exactly how you can get started on this journey.

1 – Find the right gym

Some gyms have a very big focus on bodybuilding. They differ from other gyms that do a bit of everything so these are the ones to look for. They have trainers there that understand the steps necessary to be successful. And the gym is always full of bodybuilders so the equipment is geared to this type of workout.

When starting any kind of hobby or lifestyle change, it pays off to be around people that are passionate about the topic. There is usually a community of people that love to help newbies that are getting started. Bodybuilding is no different. Often, there is a person that acts as a sort of mentor to somebody that needs to learn the ropes.

Ask around in the gym where you currently go and somebody there will likely point you in the right direction. There are also numerous forums online where there will be somebody that can answer where the best gyms are in your area.

2 – Set goals

Bodybuilding requires an almost obsessive amount of planning. It is essential to have a goal to strive for so the planning can be done effectively. Organizing yourself has to line up with the goals that you have.

It is also important to break down goals into milestones. Set the ultimate endpoint for your goal and what results you wish to achieve. Then, work backward to determine how to plan the route to get there. Along the way, you will have to set these milestones that act as road markers. When you hit these short-term goals, it indicates that you’re on the right path.

3 – Develop a routine

The goals you set are going to determine the routine. Each step of the journey is going to look different and the workout routine is going to change accordingly.

In the beginning, the focus is going to be on getting lean and developing muscle mass. Once you hit a plateau, it will be time to move on to another phase with a different routine to match. Usually, it involves incorporating isolation exercises and the weights and machines that work for those.

In every phase, it pays off to have a routine planned out and then stuck to. Understand what needs to be done and how much time it takes to perform each day. Then schedule your week to make sure that you are able to stay with the routine.

4 – Start out slow

The very beginning of the journey toward becoming a bodybuilder is to use the right weights. You likely already have some strength from the previous workout routine you were doing but you have to understand where you are starting out from. It’s important to use moderate weights, yet also know what your max out weight is.

This is the weight that you can lift at least once. Then, use weights that are 70% of the max weight number. This is how much weight you will be using to start out. Use these weights to do six to ten reps for three to four sets. You’ll gradually increase the weights until you’ve gone past your max weight.

5 – Target muscle groups

Each day is going to involve a different muscle group to work on to get good results. Best results come when you are doing six to ten sets per muscle group per week. This is assuming that you already have some mass to start with. A complete beginner will need to start out doing the whole body to get to a good starting point.

Conclusion 

It takes time, patience, and a lot of grit to become a bodybuilder. The payoff is an incredible body that is a testament to the hard work that you’ve put in.

 

 

When it comes to your mental health, you need to know how to spot the key signs that you suffer from a problem. Anxiety is one of the most common mental health disorders out there, and it can exist on its own or alongside depression. People who suffer from anxiety disorder will find that life is a big challenge. Daily tasks are hard to do, and the mental toll can impact your physical health as well. 

However, it’s often hard to figure out if you have anxiety or not. Why? Because the main symptom is a feeling of nervousness or worry, which we all experience throughout our lives! So, how do you know if you’re just at a normal level of nervousness, or you have anxiety?

When do you feel nervous?

Are you only nervous before big events or putting yourself in positions you’ve never been in before? For example, the night before an exam will usually trigger nervousness, as will the day you start a new job. This doesn’t necessarily mean you have anxiety as it’s natural to worry in these situations. If you feel worried every single day when doing fairly normal tasks that you have always done – like going to the shops or ordering coffee – it could be a sign that you have an anxiety disorder. 

Do you suffer from panic attacks?

Panic attacks are when your heart rate increases, you start to feel in a state of panic, and you begin hyperventilating. They can be horrible to experience, and may even result in you passing out. If you regularly suffer from panic attacks, it is a pretty big indication that you suffer from anxiety. Normal nervousness shouldn’t lead to something this extreme, particularly not if they keep on happening time after time. 

Are you suffering from ongoing physical pains?

Does your stomach always seem to hurt and is it hard for you to eat? Do you get constant headaches that make it hard for you to concentrate or go to sleep? If so, this could be a big sign that anxiety has reared its head on you. Typically, people with anxiety will worry so much that it ends up hurting them physically. Your digestive system gets hit the worst, which is why stomach pains in anxious people are common. 

What to do if you have anxiety?

You need to seek help if you discover that you have anxiety. Of course, it needs to be diagnosed first, which is why you should visit a psychiatrist whenever possible. Thankfully, as it shows on sunnysideclinic.com.au, you can get consultations and appointments over video calls nowadays. For someone suffering from anxiety, this can be less socially awkward or terrifying than meeting someone face-to-face. 

The bottom line is that you need to seek help to understand your condition and figure out how to treat it. Anxiety can plague your life for years, making you avoid social situations and miss out on huge opportunities. Hopefully, this short guide has helped you realise when you have anxiety, and when it’s just normal nervousness. 

 

Pain around your hips and pelvic region is incredibly common, particularly for women. If you experience constant pain in this area, there could be any number of issues presenting themselves. Nevertheless, if chronic pain is what you keep experiencing, the chances are you’re looking one of these three issues as the source of the pain:

Hip impingement

Hip impingement occurs where muscle and ligaments get trapped between the hip joint. This sounds painful, and you tend to get a sharp pinching pain that radiates around the hip joint and deep into the pelvis. A good way to know if this might be your problem is by rotating your hip and seeing if the pain increases. For a lot of people, when internally rotating the hip, you get a lot of restriction and feel the intense pinching pain. 

This can be caused by any number of other issues, but poor hip mobility and bad daily habits are the main causes. Ironically, both of these are caused by something else; sitting down. Sitting in a chair or in a car for hours on end will destroy your hips and make it highly likely you suffer from an impingement. 

Arthritis

Yes, you can have many types of arthritis in this area of your body, given how many bones and joints there are in the pelvis. Hip arthritis is shockingly common, and it can occur due to – again – poor hip mobility. A lack of hip mobility can cause restriction within the joint that means the bones move against one another, causing inflammation. 

However, you can also suffer from arthritis in other pelvic joints, such as the sacroiliac joints. These are where the lower spine and pelvis connect, and you can develop sacroiliitis here, which is a type of arthritic pain. Arthritis is usually characterised by constant pain that gets worse when doing certain activities. The more pressure you put on the joints, the worse the pain will be. 

Endometriosis

This is a condition that only affects women, yet it can be a hidden cause of a lot of pelvic pain. As described on dereklok.com.au, endometriosis is a disorder where tissue that forms the lining of your uterus grows outside of the uterine cavity. It is a rare disorder, but it can cause a lot of pelvic pain. 

 

Signs that this could be the source of your pelvic pain include painful periods, pain in the lower abdomen before and during your periods, and lower back pain. If you suffer from any of these – and you only seem to get pelvic pain during or before menstruation – then this could well be the problem you’re suffering from. 

 

The problem with pelvic and hip pain is that it affects everything that you do. You use your hips for everything, so even sitting down can be painful. It’s important for the sake of your health & wellbeing to diagnose your pain and find solutions for it. Thankfully, if you suffer from any of the problems mentioned today, there are treatments for them. 

weight lifting

When we consider breaking into weight lifting, most of us look at the physical benefits without really considering anything else. After all, muscle tone and strength gain are the most notable results on the table and, without them, we probably wouldn’t even think about breaching the weight section in the gym.

It’s certainly for these goals that we develop weight lifting targets alongside the best amino acids and protein powders to help get the job done. But, as with so many things in life, weight lifting has a great deal more benefits for our lifestyles than just what we can see on the surface. In fact, a healthy weight lifting habit could well provide you with everything you need to not only lift physical weights but to also keep on top of the daily lifestyle pressures that have sat on your shoulders for too long. Keep reading to find out just three of the reasons why that is, and how you can embrace these additional benefits with open, newly muscled, arms. 

weight lifting

Pushing you out of your comfort zone

The best exercise regimes will always push you far from your comfort zone, with weightlifting, especially, always focusing on higher weight classes and larger lifts. If you achieve your weight lifting goals for the month, then this mindset could well give you a boost to push yourself more often, whether that be with regards to going in for promotion or moving into a new family home. Either way; weight lifting will provide you with both the physical and mental muscle that you need to make it happen. 

Boosting your self-confidence

Weight lifting can also have a huge positive impact on self-confidence that’s running on empty, especially if you’re able to lift a set that once seemed out of reach. In some way this ties in with the point above, but it uniquely ensures that you’ll be able to face those new challenges without the pressure of self-doubt forever on your shoulders. This is invaluable for ensuring that you give yourself the credit you deserve when you deserve it, and also that you use this foundation to build a life that, pre-weight lifting, you never would have believed you deserved.

Putting you in the driver’s seat

In weight lifting, even if you have a personal trainer egging you on, no one but you will ever be in control, and this is our last and perhaps most importantly lifestyle lesson. After all, taking the helm in this one aspect of your life could prove the benefit of sitting in the driver’s seat for once, making you way more likely to stand up for yourself, recognise when suggestions aren’t helpful, and generally work harder to keep the pressure of other people’s expectations off your shoulders at long last.

Of course, with notable health benefits already on the table, weight lifting didn’t exactly need an extra selling point. Still, if you’ve been holding back because you don’t see the appeal of lifting weights for their own sake, then consider whether lifting these lifestyle pressures is worth diving in for instead. 

 

Losing weight is hard, which is why I’ve put together a few tips to help those of you who are currently struggling with the process, it’s okay to struggle, but don’t give up, you can do this!

Get some therapy

Often, eating isn’t about food at all, it’s about emotions, and if you are someone who uses food as a crutch to handle tough emotions, you are always going to struggle with your weight if you don’t acknowledge, process, and come to terms with those feelings. A good therapist can help you with that, but if you can’t afford or aren’t ready to see one, sitting down and really assessing your issues can help too.

Identify your triggers

A lot of people who overeat have a trigger that causes them to do so. For example, they may reach for a chocolate bar when they’re feeling stressed, drink a coke when they’re tired, or hit Mcdonald’s when they want to celebrate. If you can identify these triggers, whatever they may be, you can think of healthier replacement activities such as hanging out with a friend getting a manicure, or meditating, to replace the foods with, and this should help you to get back on track and start losing some serious weight.

Consider surgery

If you are currently obese, you will find it much more difficult to lose weight and keep it off than someone who only has a few pounds to lose, and actually, studies have shown that weight loss surgery, like that offered at drmjaber.com.au, is the most reliable and realistic way for you to lose weight. These days, there is no shame in getting the help you need, and if it enables you to lose weight, stay healthy and transform your life, it has to be worth considering.

Eat more protein

If you’re struggling to lose weight because you always feel hungry, one thing that can really help is reducing the carbs on your plate and replacing them with more lean protein. Protein is far more satiating than carbs and unlike carbs it won’t spike your blood sugar and make you feel ravenous again an hour after eating. So, although you don’t need to give carbs up completely, readjusting the balance of carbs/proteins on your planet could be a smart move.

Try fasting

The idea of fasting scares a lot of people, but numerous studies have shown it can be beneficial for losing weight, lowering blood pressure, and reversing symptoms of diabetes, Thee are numerous ways to do it but the most popular are 16:8 where you eat within an 8-hour window and then fast for 156 hours each day, and 5:2 where you eat normally 5 days per week, but only have around 500-650 calories on the other 2 days. Eating this way not only reduces your calorific intake but also makes it easier for your body to burn fat. After a couple of weeks, it feels completely natural and you will rarely feel hu7ngry when fasting, so there is nothing to be scared about.

Good luck with your future weight loss.