tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33575002519767545952024-03-18T18:29:36.352+05:30JEETE RAHOJEETERAHO:::::
Stars ascend when night descends.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger318125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-52208454764980675872024-02-16T18:45:00.002+05:302024-03-07T18:28:20.032+05:30Self-help For Anxiety And Depression<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Experts tell us that Mental Disorders are on the rise.Everyone experiences anxiety at some time or the other but sometimes it deepens into depression or a host of other Mental Disorders.The stigma attached to such maladies prevents people from consulting a professional or even admitting that they too are victims.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hence they try to tackle it according to their own acumen and will-power.Most people know about aids like exercise,meditation,pranayam and positive thinking which can and do mitigate anxiety.A lesser known asset which can also pitch them on the path to recovery is writing a daily journal<span style="font-family: inherit;">-t</span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">hat is recording their thoughts,emotions and activities every day.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Anxietry or depression spin from negative thoughts which lead us to conclude that our life,personality,future prospects and relationships are dismal and nothing can improve them.But writing a diary gives us the space to evaluate our behaviour and thought processes once again,so that we can rectify them if necessary.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When you write your diary pay special attention to your moods.Also what you did to improve your mood if it was woebegone to begin with.At the end of the day or on the next day,recapitulate whether whatever you did after getting up,dissipated your worries or aggravated them.Mark that which helped you to overcome negative thoughts and vow to do it daily.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Overcoming anxiety is an important part of one's health and wellness but there are so many other responsibilities-which,if attended-will give you a happy,healthy and full life.For example you may be hiding in your room,unnecessarily snubbing your acqaintances or shirking your duties.There are many fronts on which a tense person can go wrong.Naturally this can create negativity or lead to nsavory consequences.Evaluate your performance on such fronts when you write your diary.If you are failing in an important facet then try to do better the next day.Set your targets and and attempt to remove the hurdles which bar you from doing this.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Despite best efforts crises and calamities do occur.The journal is always there to write about such events and avail catharsis.This will lessen your agony.You can then analyse what went wrong and how to rectify it.Your journal is also a good place to ponder about oncoming challenges and how you should tackle them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Thus we see that keeping a diary enables clear thinking,reduces anxiety or depression,</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">helps you to overcome your faults,</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">endows resilience and boosts stamina,resulting in a new ,better you.What a wonderfull gadget to stay well and move forward.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You may also like my blog posts - </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2022/02/personality-traits-which-are-risk.html" target="_blank">Personality Traits which are Risk</a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2019/02/your-self-help-guide-for-eliminating.html" target="_blank">Your self help guide for Eliminating</a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2017/04/cognitive-distortion-magnification-and.html" target="_blank">Cognitive Distortions,Magnification and Maximisation</a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-44568773230228307302024-01-21T11:09:00.002+05:302024-01-21T11:09:45.912+05:30A Tear-Straight From The Heart<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"> It would be worth my while to die,</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">If I could see a tear in your eye.</span></span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A token of love fom you at last,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To smoothen all the hurts of past.</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A touch of sigh,for the days gone by,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A tinge of sorrow,for a different tomorrow.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A bit of regret, to make you fret.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">A heartfelt pain?No I hope in vain.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You so cold,so aloof, so serene;</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">could there be a current of warmth unseen?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Was there a glance which pierced your armour?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And then forever usurped your ardour?</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">You do well to remain in supreme disdain,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Of feelings humane,pleasure or pain.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Slowly I find I become one of your kind,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Though embers do glow underneath the rime.</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This grip of melancholy now holds me like a vice,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And the vigour of life slowly turns to ice.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This is a crossroad-I have to decide,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Was I born to live or cast like a dice?</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Though the swell is past and waters abate,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Why emulate what I fervently hate?</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">This would surely be the worst kind of treason,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">To desert myself in the fall of the season?</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Oh God forbid that there should be a day,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When my own tranquility should cause me dismay.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When love's gentle call would no more enthrall</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Cause if I gave all I would also loose all?</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When timid overtures would no more reach.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The inner space all gone to seed.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Therefore I say God let me die,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">PERHAPS I could see a tear in his eye.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-23787623007480006192023-12-21T11:40:00.000+05:302023-12-21T11:40:01.486+05:30The Clutch Of A Bad Habit<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">We are creatures of habit.Our habits govern many of our actions and reactions.<span style="font-family: inherit;">A </span></span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">newborn baby has no habits-only a couple of instincts-the fear of falling and the need of sustenance.Habits form as days pass,and then these habits shape our personalities.They become so entrenched that even if we realize that a certain habit is going counter productive we very often fail to change it.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Samuel Johnson has aptly stated </span><a class="af mo" href="https://twitter.com/share?text=%E2%80%9CThe+chains+of+habit+are+too+weak+to+be+felt+until+they+are+too+strong+to+be+broken.%E2%80%9D+%E2%80%95+Samuel+Johnson&url=https%3A%2F%2Feccountability.io%2Fhabit-forming%2F&via=Eccountability" rel="noopener ugc nofollow" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; background-color: white; box-sizing: inherit; letter-spacing: -0.06px; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><em class="pd" style="box-sizing: inherit;">“The chains of habit are too weak to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.” </em></a></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"></span><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">If like me,you too are budened with some bad habits,then decide first of all which one is the most detrimental.</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;">Like I have this habit of drinking many cups of tea in a day,even though it causes acidity.Therefore I have decided to get rid of it.Or take the case of Rupa-she has this habit of studying at night till near dawn ,and getting up at noon the next day.One day she came to know about the</span> <span style="color: #cc0000;">Circadian Rhythm </span><span style="color: #351c75;">at </span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">https://www.sleepfoundation.org/circadian-rhythm, </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">which states that a disrupted Cercadian Rhythm can affect the body's alertness,sleepiness,body temperature physical/mental health and appetite.She also realized that the assimilation of subject matter studied at night was not worth spoiling her sleep for and decided to give up this habit.</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Once you have decided to expunge a habit the next step</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> is to</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Pinpoint the trigger which impels you to follow that habit.I pondered why I drink so many cups and realized that it is because tea gives me the space to relax,or because I am hungry and decide to have a cup of tea rather than eating anything.So fatigue and hunger were my triggers.For Rupa sleepiness and fatigue were<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">the cues.She had to force herself to sit down and study every night even though her body protested against this.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Once the cues have been discerned b</span><span style="text-align: justify;">e alert the next time a cue raises it's head and choose a better response to it rather than giving in to your old habit.For example I relax with a good book or munch a biscuit whenever the yearning for a cup of tea surfaces.You too can choose a better option to replace your bad habit-one which takes you forward and is free of any ill-effects.</span></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Do this unfailingly for a week and then consider it's effects.Do you feel better and more efficient now than you did before?If the answer is yes then continue to ignore those triggers.</span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">When one habit has been consigned to history decide which one comes next and follow the same procedure.Evaluate how good this decision has proven to be and relax with an easy mind.You will definitely feel better and do better.</span></div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">As John Dryden said"We first make our habits,and then our habits make us".</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-10361507698145183982023-11-02T07:01:00.000+05:302023-11-02T07:01:34.555+05:30#MajorDepression-A True Case History<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">This is about Pawan,who came to me for counselling three months ago.I could see at a glance that he was severely depressed.His facial expression,posture,gait,voice-everything proclaimed this to any casual observer.</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Before starting the session I assured him that according to the norms of us counselors,whatever he told me would not go beyond the walls of my clinic,so that he could rest easy on that score.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He told me he was 60 yrs old,had three sons,and they all lived in a three storied bungalow.He was happily married,and had been an elite performer in his company till a few years ago,though lately it was all becoming too much for him.He felt bowed down with duties and responsibilities.His sleep was very poor and though healthy,he felt very lethargic.He had been on psychiatric medicines since many years.It turned out that he had suffered two episodes of #Depression many years ago.</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">At present He was taking a medicine prescribed by his old doctor but it was not doing him any good.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">I asked him what it was,which was troubling him so much.He replied that one of his sons had started construction work in his portion a few days back but he agreed to stop it after the father's objection.That way,his sons were quite obedient.Besides this he could not state any specific problem which was distressing him.He just felt overworked and incapable of sorting his issues.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I asked him to gather his family,reveal his tensions and ask who could do what,to lessen his burden.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I suggested that he should go for a physical check up to rule out any disease which could be the cause of his tensions.I also encouraged him to go for morning walks and do regular exercises.He was asked to be more active during his waking hours,since his official duties were not much to speak of.He replied that he did not have any friends or hobbies so there was nothing for him to do.I told him that he could do small things aroind the house,chit-chat with his family,reveal his worries and ask about their concerns.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">He was asked to try his best and report after four days.</span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">He did not come after four days but did after two months.He was even more woebegone this time.I recommended a psychiatrist whom I knew as being very competent.Perhaps a change of medicine and approach was needed.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">And mere medicine was not enough.In order to get relief he had to change his whole routine and lifestyle.He must interact with those around him,greet people and say a few words to them.Even to the vendors.He should talk about his difficulties to those whom he could trust.Instead of thinking all the time about his own problems he should be more mindful of his surroundings,watch all that was happening around him and take interest in others' lives and problems.Yoga and meditation too,were very good for calming the min.If he started doing all this his track of negative thoughts would be replaced by a better one and his depression would ease. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">He was asked to return after one week.But true to his nature, he did not return after one week.Instead,h</span><span style="color: #351c75;">e came after one month and told me that he felt as if his mind was failing him.He had not consulted the psychiatrist suggested by me.His whole life was in disarray.Uptill now he had striven to <span style="font-family: inherit;">ea</span></span></span><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">rn more and more,without any consideration of it's effect on the whole structure of his and his family's life.The way in which he had expanded his house and let in various tenants,now could not be undone.But it had definitely multiplied his problems.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I asked him to recount the steps he had taken to lessen his anxiety.He replied that he went for swimming in the morning and felt better after that.I explained that physical exercise consumed the harmful chemicals generated through worries and fears,and it was very beneficial for lessening anxiety-he should do more of it. It turned out that he was doing things like clapping his hands or meditating but not reaching out to anyone around him.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">I asked him if it was because he felt that his personality had deteriorated and people would look down upon him.He said yes.I told him he was not the only one suffering from anxiety and most people had so much on their minds that they had little time to judge others.His self imposed isolation was doing him more harm than anything else.Those who did not isolate themselves recovered faster.Since his old methods were not showing good results it was time to change them.He was again mo</span><span style="color: #351c75;">tivated to go out and connect with others.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I asked him to clarify his thoughts and come next week.However he did not come.I asked about his wellbeing after one month,but he did not respond.Then I left the onus on him and closed the case.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-1938823032891819002023-06-26T15:31:00.003+05:302023-08-21T16:36:19.479+05:30The Parameters Of #Happiness<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">We all <span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">desire happiness above everything else but what exactly constitutes happiness?Does it lie in a happy family,a healthy body,a dandy job,a fat bank balance,a beautiful home or lots of fame,prestige and power? Where does it stem from and how does one grab it?Ask anyone and you will get different answers,arising naturally from that person's unfulfilled ambitions,latent desires or envious aspirations.Different people are likely to have different items on top of their lists.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">When you reach your targeted space it blossoms into many more must-haves.Landing a cushy job is not enough, you need a splendid home in a high profile locality,replete with all the amenities as soon as possible.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Reaching the much awaited status of a CEO entails that your status should latch on to the grapevine and bring additional benefits like recognition,publicity, power and privileges.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Thus we see that we cannot stop after we reach one landmark.That feeling of satisfaction at having attained a target is short lived and we begin to hunger for additional benefits.But every acquisition brings with it new responsibilities,chores and worries.Happiness slithers away.As we run this race, the fun and joy of life takes second place.We get scarce time to enjoy what we already own.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit;">Working for your goals,attaining higher targets can go on and on.Ultimately what can give you real happiness is that quality of contentment which will give you happiness at any rung of the ladder.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-20097358178994893572023-06-17T11:52:00.000+05:302023-06-17T11:52:07.539+05:30#Social Anxiety Disorder<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Megha is a young housewife of about forty years old.She has two children and lives in a well-furnished house having all the amenities one could ask for.Her husband is a genial family man and earns well.With all these advantages going for her,one would expect her to be a chirpy,friendly positive girl.But she is just the opposite.You will never catch her smiling or accosting anyone.She takes good care of her health,goes for a morning walk and does yoga and meditation too.Physically,she has a good personality but emotionally-who can say! She never gives anyone the chance to know or befriend her.What could be the possible cause of this stark contrast between her lifestyle and her demeanor?</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">It is quite obvious that she is suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder.According to NIMH "Social Anxiety Disorder is a persistent fear of being watched and judged by others.This fear can affect work,school and other daily activities.It can even make it hard to make and keep friends."</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">But why does this syndrome affect some people so badly that they segregate themselves from those around them and choose to live a lonely friendless life?Where does it stem from?The answers to these queries lie hidden in their minds.</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">However psychologists do have some pointers.If a child went through adverse experiences,was bullied or targeted repeatedly it could instill in her mind an aversion for meeting others,looking face to face or trusting them.It becomes a permanent feature of her personality.Despite the various ill-effects of this disorder on her life she is unable to shake it off.If only she was to consult a Mental Health professional this fear could be toned down if not eradicated but this same fear prevents her from doing this.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: x-large;">If she does nor want to do this then the next alternative is to take the matter in her own hands.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">She should introspect calmly and gauge whence this fear erupted.Was it a single incident or a number of them?</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Is the perpetrator still in her ambit or have the circumstances changed?</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Is she today as vulnerable as she was then?</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">This code of conduct which she has charted for herself,is it protecting her from anxiety or aggravating it.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Is it not barring her from living a full life,making good use of her potential and going forward.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">She can take small steps,connect with those she thinks harbor no ill-will toward her,take up tiny excursions in social activities and then evaluate the results.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">Just as she decided to isolate herself from society,she should now determine who all she can safely interact with and lay down the boundaries too so that she can safely move forward.</span></li><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">She should talk about her fears and feelings on the subject to those whom she loves and can trust.</span></li></ol><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="text-align: justify;">These simple steps will assist her to overcome her inhibitions and become a proactive part of society which is essential for leading a healthy and happy life.</span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></span><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-55279574244575029382023-03-30T16:28:00.001+05:302023-03-30T16:30:35.865+05:30God,the Greatest Scientist <p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-size: large;">Many things on earth follow a regular course. Just as night follows day,the sun moon and stars appear or disappear at their regular times. So do the seasons.But there are many more such systematic events of which we are not usually aware.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take our own body-do you know how many systems run continuously inside it?According to <span style="color: #990000;">Healthline </span>there are 11 major organ systems in human body each working to keep us going.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Then there is the food-chain.It determines the feeding relationships between different species.From the one celled algae to the giant Blue Whales every being has food provided for its sustenance.When a tiny being is eaten by another one it also prevents putrefaction of our planet.Not to forget the typical methods of procreation and parenting among different species which we seldom think of or appreciate.The endless variety of flora and fauna too is astonishing.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Our solar system is equally admirable. All planets circle round the sun in prearranged circles-never clashing or changing their orbits except Pluto and Neptune,which change places but never clash.According to astronomers about 275 million stars are born every day.And the galaxies!The following site </span><span style="font-size: large;">put the number of galaxies in the universe at 200 billion more than five years ago.</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://www.universetoday.com/30305/how-many-galaxies-in-the-universe/</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">There are miracles galore in universe.A few,as mentioned in </span><span style="font-size: x-large;">https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2013/07/universe are--</span></p><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"></span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: blue; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><b>*<a href="http://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2012/12/our-home-planet-earth.html" style="color: #2198a6; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Earth</a> </b>spins at an equatorial speed of 1,670 km/h.</span><br style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;" /><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: blue; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"></span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: blue; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">*It revolves round sun at a dizzy speed of 100,000 km/h.</span><br style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;" /><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: blue; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"></span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: blue; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">*Sun,along with it's solar system, takes 200--225 million years to complete one orbit around the Milky Way.</span><br style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;" /><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: blue; font-size: large; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: #666666; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;"></span><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: blue; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">*Milky way rotates at an astonishing speed of <a href="http://www.universetoday.com/23870/the-milky-ways-rotation/" style="color: #2198a6; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">270 km per sec.</a></span><br style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;" /><br style="color: #666666; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: justify;" /><span face="Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif" style="color: blue; font-size: large; text-align: justify;">*It is racing through space with reference to cosmic background radiation at this astounding speed of 2.1 million km/h.</span></span><div><p><span style="font-size: large;">How far we travel even while sitting in our armchairs.Just imagine,so many objects racing at gigantic speeds and never clashing.</span><span style="font-size: large;">Our earth spins and rotates constantly but we don't topple down. Isn't it a miracle?Who provided the power of gravity for earthlings?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Who designed all this?Things we can explain today with the help of science were thought of eons ago.</span><span>And that thinking genius lived before the existence any other element in the universe. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: large;">Mere chance cannot be so effective.Does this not prove the existence of a super power?Call him what you will but he is verily the greatest scientist.</span></p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-61787383295753611812023-03-11T09:02:00.000+05:302023-03-11T09:02:28.401+05:30Association Of Ideas--A Live Portrayal In Front Of Me<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> This happened only yesterday.My husband and I were sitting in our balcony when up came a young gentleman.He greeted my BH effusively and waited for a response from him but my the latter failed to recognize him.He revealed his name--no go!Then he told him the name of the company where he used to work--still no reaction.Then he told him that he was my husband's first assistant and my husband had helped him in many ways.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Now my husband's memories came flooding out.There was no stopping their exchange of anecdotes after this.I was surprised to see that BH remembered all this because he is 85 plus though,in good health.One sentence in our guest's talk had kindled a spark and they lived the old days once again.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">This reminded me of a psychological phenomena known as Association,which states that when we recall a past experience other thoughts related to it by virtue of similarity,congruity or causality also come to the fore.I was truly astonished to see this happening before my own eyes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">It struck me that this phenomenon is a double-edged sword. It </span><span style="font-size: large;">can be utilized to check anxiety from taking hold of our minds.Once we give in to a negative thought many other similarly negative thoughts could come to invade our consciousness.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand a positive thought before a critical juncture will remind us of our past successes and fill our minds with confidence, energy and hope.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hence repelling negative thoughts and diverting your mind to another channel is a good way to beat anxiety.Similarly recalling your good experiences and achievements is good for your mental health .</span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-17229878023965175512023-02-22T20:17:00.004+05:302023-02-22T20:27:56.720+05:30 When Life Goes Hay-wire<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">No matter how systematic and well organised we are,unforeseen circumstances,traumas and tragedies know no barriers.We all have to face them at some time or the other.Some are overcome while some others refuse to budge.Ultimately one has to adapt to them.Or hanker for the old times despondently. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Adaption is certainly the better option,but it is more easily said than done.</span></span><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Emotions overwhelm in the presence of a crisis and block remedial actions-thus prolonging suffering .Therefore the</span></span><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"> first step at such times should be to control emotions and <a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2016/12/so-are-you-emotional-or-logical.html" target="_blank">think logically</a></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">How?Start with a critical analysis of the given situation--is it possible to undo it or is it here to stay?</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75;">If latter is the answer,then you will have to find </span><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75;">a good way of living with it.Ready your arsenal.M</span><span style="color: #351c75;">ake a checklist of your strengths and potentials.</span><span style="color: #351c75;">Analyse the available options.Do what is needed to </span><span style="color: #351c75;">lessen the negative impacts of this trauma.Look at the larger picture and be grateful for what still remains.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Are you plagued by guilt that your own actions somehow set off this cavalcade?You probably did what was best under the circumstances.But things intervene and it is not possible to foretell the consequential fall-outs of every action.Certain things have to be accepted as destiny or God's will. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2013/02/me-and-my-destiny.html" target="_blank">Destiny</a> has it's own road map. It may have swung your life in a new, unknown direction,but it is possible that some good opportunities or benefits too may be waiting for you on this road.Take heart from this thought and adapt with a positive mindset.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't delve into the good old days and detach yourself from the present. It is the present that you have to live in and improve. Go for it. If need be take help from your family and friends .Talk to them.Do not isolate yourself.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;">As you do all this,things will improve and soon these days too,will become <a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2018/10/the-good-old-days.html?m=0">good old days</a>. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75;"> </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-62830816011906881842023-01-03T17:15:00.000+05:302023-01-03T17:15:46.242+05:30Lots of Time But Nothing To Do?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">The above title may seem contradictory to many but there ARE segments which are absolutely clueless as to what they should do to kill their waking hours.Nothing invigorates them.There is no g</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">oal which they would like to achieve. Every day is a saga of boredom, lassitude and fruitless passage of hours.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">No one can be happy with this kind of life.Nor are they.If this persists for weeks or months it will precipitate poor Physical and Mental health. It's not easy to get out of this clutch,but trying consciously and persistently will give good results.The tips given below can help you. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Planning</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">As you get up in the morning take time to plan the day's activities.Plan your meal times as well as your sleeping and siesta times.A time schedule in front of you will compel you to beat lethargy.</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Select from the suggestions coming next,start with whatever appeals to you most and get cracking.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Occupation </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">One must have some kind of occupation to beat lethargy.Try something which you can do easily and which will be useful too.R</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">ummage through your wardrobe</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;">.</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Your current indolence has probably left it in shambles.Pick up the clothes you don't wear,which have become old and bedraggled.Keep them in a bag to be given away.Arrange the remaining ones according to the season-winter wear and summer wear on separate shelves.Fancy outfits and daily wear too on separate shelves </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Even footwear deserves attention.We usually use a few comfortable shoes and slipons,leaving the rest to gather dust and become stiff and unusable.Why not give the spurious ones to needy persons?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Another task which demands a lot of time is the sorting of old letters,papers and documents.When we feel lazy we leave such things lying here and there.Many obsolete papers come in the way when we try to find an important document.Filing the important papers at proper places and discarding the useless ones will make life so much easier.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Diversion</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Did this activity stress you?How about a diversion?Pursue an old hobby in order to relax.Trying a new one which requires mental work like puzzles is also a good idea.Working out a puzzle supresses negative thoughts which often beset us during idle hours.Playing games too is a good exercise for the brain.Another engrossing activity is sketching,drawing or painting.You don't have to be an artist in order to try this.Keep a flower vase in front of you and try to draw it's image.A more strenuous hobby is gardening.It will subsume negative hormones like cortisole and adrenalin,happy and relaxed.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Reaching Out</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">This is a very fruitful way of passing time.See what your family members are doing.Chat with them.Or get out of your home and accost someone.Ask about his well-being,talk about the weather-anything.Contact someone with whom you have lost touch on phone.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Self-care</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Self-care is essential for the maintenance of good health and a becoming personality.To begin with resolve to take nutritious diet at every meal and miss none.Include exercise in your daily routine.</span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: arial; font-size: large;">It will keep your joints supple and also improve blood circulation.Oil massage also helps.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Diary</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">At the end of the day recapitulate how you spent your waking hours.Are you improving every day?If your routine was not so good how will you improve it?Also set a target for the next day.A goal will provide the impetus for an enthusiastic start of the next day.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-size: large;">These tips are easy to follow.They will start you on the road to a more active ,healthy and happy life.All the best.</span></span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-57049488422709241732022-12-17T10:25:00.002+05:302022-12-20T09:30:34.987+05:30Personalities and Principles<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> Yesterday I and my <a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2012/09/making-marriage-work.html9/making-marriage-work.html">BH</a> hired an auto to go to the mall.As we were passing by a long flyover I noticed that all the spans underneath were chock-full of two-wheelers,motorcycles mostly.I drew my husband's attention towards it but before he could even look at it our driver came out with a startling comment.He blurted"Today people are killing themselves with sky-high aspirations.This generation is different from the older one; it has no respect or consideration for human beings.Money is all that matters to them."</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I was totally flabbergasted to hear these words coming from the mouth of a youngster-as well dressed and uptodate as any other youth we see around us.I could never have expected him to harbor such sentiments.The whole incident seemed oxymoronic to us.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But upon thinking more about this incident I realized that people can have qualities which their looks or personalities do not portray.Then how fair is it to judge a human being after a single association?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">But we are always doing it aren't we?Mostly it is quite fruitful. It tells us which one to befriend and which one to avoid. A kind of defence mechanism. But at the same time we should take care to prevent our prejudices from controlling us.What do you think?</span></p><p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-39023437535433871182022-11-20T18:11:00.000+05:302022-11-20T18:11:00.818+05:30Pampering<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Pampering as we all know,implies taking excellent care of someone and providing all that he or she needs.No doubt it is a very kindly service.But take it a bit far and it could turn into cosseting or mollycoddling,which is inimical for the rcipient as well as the doer.But how and where to draw the line?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Newborn babies or infants do need to be pampered but as and when they can accomplish small tasks,the caretakers should recede accordingly.Rather they should encourage initiative and selfreliance in them.Undue pampering can make them lazy,arrogant and demanding.Cosseted children are unable to shoulder their responsibilities,make way for themselves or face failure when they grow up.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Like infants,the ill,old,feeble,or those traumatised also deserve to be pampered.But even they should be motivated to pick up the reins if and when possible.Unnecessarily waiting bound hand-and-foot on them will in fact make them more feeble and despondent.If they give up all efforts to look to their daily necessities they will also age more rapidly.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Excessive pampering is not only bad for the receiver but also for the doer.It makes them gullible and exposes them to exploitation too.Predators will soon spot them and dupe them to achieve their ends.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Being kind and compassionate is fine,but overdoing it is harmful for both parties.</span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-83451036645371248102022-10-08T16:37:00.000+05:302022-10-08T16:37:25.263+05:30This Surge in Mental Disorders, And How To Safeguard Yourself<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Those were the days when life was simple,families large,bum-chums nearby and domiciles almost permanent.If one was worried about something there was always help at hand :if not in the form of parents,then friends and associates.But all this has been swept away with the sands of time.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Migration to new cities is the norm,aspirations are sky high and competition grim.Real time companions-especially the old tried and tested ones-are fewer,and loneliness is the last straw that sometimes breaks the camel's back.While tensions have rocketed enormously,those who could assuage our perturbed minds are few or far away.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">No wonder #mentaldisorders are galloping all over.There is a greater need for support systems than there ever was.Since traditional support systems have dwindled we need to look at alternative sources of help-these are available in the form of ps</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">ychologists,counselors,psychiatrists and on-line help.But how many of those who suffer from emotional or psychological problems make use of these services?</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">"NMHS 2015-16 reveals that nearly 15% of
Indian adults (those above 18 years) are in need of active interventions for one or more
mental health issues;".But few seek professional help if self-help measures fail to give respite.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">A major obstacle in the way of doing this of course is,stigma,the impression that mental patients are weak and incompetent,and they don't do enough to solve their problems.Since very few people talk of their psychological problems,every sufferer thinks that he or she is the rotten apple </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">and they must not divulge it.This is how </span><a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2015/02/mental-disease-is-disease-nothing.html" style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">the stigma</a><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"> is born and perpetuated.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">This kind of thinking prevents people from admitting to a mental disorder and seeking help.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">If their </span><a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2019/02/your-self-help-guide-for-eliminating.html" style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">self help measures</a><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"> do not work, their condition worsens till <a href="https://www.cchr.org/quick-facts/psychiatric-drugs-side-effects.html">psychiatric medicines</a> </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">are the only answer.I am not competent to discuss the efficacy or desirability of these medicines but I do believe that it is far better to seek help in the initial stages rather than having to depend upon medicines.This raises an important question-</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">When to seek help?</span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">This is no doubt a difficult question.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Transitory disappointments or griefs sometimes hit hard but we manage to bounce up again after a certain period.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">The field of mental health is nebulous and ever changing-especially for mental patients.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">No two persons suffering from anxiety</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"> will have similar worries or fears.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">They may experience various levels of stress or tranquility even in the same day.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">The thumb rule is to check yourself against the following parameters:--</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Have you become quiet and asocial?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do you feel sad and disinterested most of the time?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do you neglect your daily routine?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do you find it difficult to take decisions?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Are even simple tasks too laborious for you?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do you have suicidal thoughts?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do you have poor sleep or sleep too much?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do you have poor appetite or eat too much?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do you have gastric problems and sundry aches and pains?</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Have you become angry and irritable?</span></li>
</ol>
<div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">If the answers to most of these questions are 'yes' and this has been going on for more than two months then it is time you took the help of a mental health professional.The choice is between a psychologist,counselor,general practitioner or a psychiatrist.The first two will assist you to think rationally about your problem and delve into to the causes of this imbroglio.You can open your heart to them.They will extend emotional support and also respect your privacy.If they think you need medicines to help you along,they will refer you to a doctor.If you are hesitant about consulting a psychiatrist then even a GP or a family doctor can be of immense help-as he was in <a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2017/01/how-we-overcame-general-anxiety.html">my own case</a>.</span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Suffice it to say that once you observe your daily life has changed drastically because of your mood swings,take immediate steps to improve your mental health and reclaim your life.There can be no health without mental health.</span></div><div><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">You may also like https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2019/02/your-self-help-guide-for-eliminating.html.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">https://www.cchr.org/quick-facts/psychiatric-drugs-side-effects.html</span></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-38307954070455470272022-09-29T12:30:00.000+05:302022-09-29T12:30:17.023+05:30Kindness<p style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">The other day I went to the <a href="https://csdindia.gov.in/">CSD</a> outlet to buy groceries.My list was pretty long- lots of stuff to be purchased.At the cash counter ahead of me was a young lady,about the same age as my daughter,a Lt Col's wife I surmised.She stayed back when her transaction was done,saying she will help me to pick up all those items from the trolley and put them on the counter.She did all this heavy work for me and again,the same when the items had to be put back into the trolley.I was flabbergasted.It was very touching.I could only thank and 'God Bless' her in return.People are so busy in their lives thet this sort of kindness is rare.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">Another such incident happened at the Kota railway station a month ago.We had gone rather early to see off our daughter.I asked the Assistant Station Master where A1 was likely to stop.He replied that it will be at the other end of the platform.So we scurried there.Another train arrived before the one we were waiting for and what do we see,the Station Master comes running fast to inform us that our train's A1 one will be stopping just where we had started from,since this train was longer than the one which had just left.Our train halted for ony 4 minutes and he was worried that we would miss it.I wonder how he guessed that we had come for this train and not the previous one.Since I had not given him the train's number,hence this confusion.His kindness,and going the extra mile was very touching.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">Talking of kindness reminds me of another post which I had written eight years ago.Here is the link to that post <a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2014/08/when-strangers-leave-pleasant-memories.html">When Strangers Leave Pleasant Memories</a>.I have forgotten that magistrate's face but I still remember his thoughtful piece of advice.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #073763; font-size: medium;">Such incidents invoke a desire to be kind to whosoever needs it and in this way kindness grows-making our society a better place to live in.Long live the kind angels. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span face="Montserrat, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;">“Remember, there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” —</span><em style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Montserrat, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; text-align: left;">Scott Adams</em></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-76452272031707331262022-07-05T16:30:00.000+05:302022-07-05T16:30:32.282+05:30Decongesting the stores : #Decluttering #Finding Productive Uses For Old,Redundant,Unused Stuff.<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The passage of years and the collection of belongings run concomittantly.Numerous items like utensils,crockery,gadgets,garments,footwear,books,journals,linen and outdoor/indoor games slowly but insidiously crowd our living space.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">As soon as a young couple gets married they dive into a spree of buying essential items which will enable them to run an efficient household.In the subconscious kindles a desire to buy costly upmarket stuff to raise their living standard.Friends and relatives add to their treasure.Then come their children and their needs and and belongings too multiply.Time passes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thus it goes on until one day they realize that a lot of unused and now useless stuff is actually crowding precious living space without giving anything in return.This day dawned for me a couple of years back.So I pulled up my socks and got to work. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was like a journey in a timemachine.There were things which served absolutely no purpose.Things which belonged to an earlier era:Like a pair of ancient weighing scales;many timepieces;an old gas stove;and defunct irons,toasters,and mixer grinders.The flight of years and a changed lifestyle had rendered them useless.All these were given away to whosoever would have them.Faded rugs and aged footwear followed suit.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Next in line were things which could work but had been replaced by newer versions.I was holding them in the hope that some day they might serve a purpose,but what hope was there of this happening when I had not even touched them since umpteen years?I gave them away to needy persons and was mighty pleased with this change in my thinking--I was becoming less of a hoarder.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">But old habits die hard.There were many new steel utensils which had been put away because they were surplus.But I did not want to give them away even though I did want to clear some space in my cupboards.So I worked out new ways of using them.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> I chucked out many plastic containers and took out steel items which could be used instead. A steel teaset began to hold condiments, sugar and mouth freshners.Tight lidded pots and pans were used to house ghee and oil. A beautiful antique brass glass began to hold cutlery instead of the old plastic stand.The shelf stuffed with unused steel utensils heaved a sigh of relief. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">But this task of decongesting the store was getting harder and harder. I had to do something about my overcrowded crockery shelf.Crockery is a kind of fetish with me. I see a beautiful piece and I am impelled to buy it.Nevertheless my crusade to clear the store had to continue.So the </span><span style="font-size: large;">teapots began to hold money plants. Milk jugs and sugar pots came handy for housing picckles,sauces and curd starters. Adieu to a couple of teasets.The fancy bonechina tea cups had to remain for guests. I couldn't use them for our daily tea because I'm a good breaker of things-they just slip from my hands. Since I needed new cups for the daily tea,I took out juice glasses and began to use them instead.Now the crockery cupboard showed signs of improvement. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">After this I switched my attention to a tier of linen and curtains which had become surplus-having been replaced by new ones.Two badgered bedcovers were spread over mattresses to protect them from spills.I folded another and stitched it to make a yoga mat.An attractive curtain began to be used as a divan cover.Another curtain was transformed into four cushion covers:giving a new look to my living room. As you might have guessed, I am very good at stitching. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The next task was again a difficult one:heaps of rejected, unused garments.I had already given many to my maid,gardener and sweeper.What to do about the rest?This revived memories of door to door sales women who used to exchange old garments or sheets etc with new utensils-not that I needed any-but still,it was a good way of disposing off unwanted clothes.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Anyhow the problem had to be tackled. So I selected a shirt of mine and made an apron out of it while another was made into a shopping bag.A couple were </span><span style="font-size: large;">stashed to be used as dusters(hoarding again?)</span><span style="font-size: large;">,yes</span><span style="font-size: large;">.However</span><span style="font-size: large;"> this made only a small dent to the problem.So I contacted an NGO which accepts old garments to be distributed to the poor.Finally I took the whole lot and gave it to them.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">We conserve many things in the hope that our children will use them after us. But if they are well off they are unlikely to need </span><span style="font-size: large;">old household stuff or have space for it.Even middle class youngsters want to buy the latest stuff of their own choice.What I did was,to invite my kids to take away things which have heirloom quality, or are dear to them and dispose off the rest.Now I have more storage space and less of cleaning and maintenance to do. It was a very satisfying journey believe me.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-85640363288723072652022-02-26T07:52:00.002+05:302022-02-26T07:55:58.665+05:30Personality Traits Which Are a Risk Factor For #Anxiety or #Depression<p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">#Mental Disorders are on the rise,the most common being <a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2019/02/your-self-help-guide-for-eliminating.html" target="_blank">Anxiety</a> and <a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2018/06/depressionearly-detection-will.html" target="_blank">Depression</a>.Unfortunately these are much maligned and nebulous ailments.Many victims suffer in silence and seek no treatment because of their own reticence or the stigma attached to these disorders.The causes vary from environmental,genetic and medical factors to an imbalance in brain chemistry or hormones.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">Looking at it from another perspective we can say that certain personality traits too can predispose one to a mental</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">disorder.These traits may not be harmful in themselves but when combined with a serious problem or a critical situation they can generate excessive anxiety.Hence it is best to keep them in check.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Overthinking </span>Overthinking about any prospect,person,relationship or incident confuses the mind by generating unreasonable doubts and suspicions which give rise to Anxiety.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Cognitive Distortions </span>:What's more,overthinking can easily lead to " <a href="https://psychcentral.com/lib/cognitive-distortions-negative-thinking" target="_blank">A cognitive distortion — and there are many — is an exaggerated pattern of thought that’s not based on facts. It consequently leads you to view things more negatively than they really are.</a>"T</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;">hey come in many garbs.Here are a few examples.Filtering, when a person remembers only the negative aspects of an experience,forgetting the good part.Maximization and minimization when he magnifies a problem and minimizes his own ability to solve it.Black and White Thinking,where he would judge even a moderate situation as a bad one because only the perfect one will do. Catastrophic thinking, which denotes predicting</span> dire</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">outcomes at the onset of any development,the prophecies being negative as well as irrational.Obviously, these habits can become a breeding ground for anxiety.Then we have Overgeneralisation in which we take a single incident to represent the whole cycle. </span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: arial;"> </span><span style="color: #990000; font-family: arial;">Introversion </span><span style="font-family: arial;">:This causes anxiety in many ways.Generally introverts do not like to meet people or talk to them.As a result they do not share their worries or problems with anyone.Catharsis is a tall order for them.They spend a lot of time condemning their own habits and ruminating about past follies or future challenges.Naturally this increases their anxiety. </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: arial;">Pessimism.</span><span style="font-family: arial;">A pessimist views the world through dark glasses.Every turn of events is accompanied by a fear that it is going to be inimical for him.These fears accumulate and then transform into Anxiety.He even appraises a beneficial change as not so good or just a chance happening.No wonder he finds little to be happy about.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #990000;">Emotionalism versus Rationalism.</span>In the face of a crisis highly emotional people are so overwhelmed by their emotions that finding a solution and working towards it becomes difficult.This prolongs their anxiety.Rationals ca</span></span><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">n better manage their troubles.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Inferiority Complex </span><span style="font-size: large;">is another possible cause of frequent bouts of tension.A person who believes he is not as fit,smart,intelligent or efficient as others around him fails to find peace.</span><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"> </span></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is easy to see that one's personality a</span></span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">nd behavior patterns can either enable one to fight his way out of troubles or push him into the dark chambers of a #Mental Disorder.So many things come in to play.An individual's past life and his rearing matter</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;"> a lot.If his life till date has been spent in fighting against odds and finding a space for himself, he might have the resilience and the confidence that he has done it before and he can do it again when things go wrong.</span><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">On the other hand another misfortune knocking at his door could dishearten someone else completely.He may decide that he is totally exhausted and cannot do it again.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">#Mental Strength and a #Positive attitude have a big role to play in the sphere of mental disorders.Being grateful for what we have and optimistic for what may come in future helps a lot.It is best to remember that whatever happens,happens for the best.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: large;">Excerpt taken from PsychCentral.com </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-29502156354780425672022-01-15T11:59:00.001+05:302022-01-15T11:59:41.339+05:30Use It Or Lose It <div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">This adage is nowadays drumming in my ears.I have come across many individuals who used to be fit,smart,active and communicative but these days there is barely a faint glimmer in them of what they used to be.The spark which defined their personalities is absent.No doubt Covid 19 and the resultant isolation is responsible for this change.But totally?I don't think so.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Lock-downs and the ancillary restrictions compelled (?) us to give up many activities which had earlier made us who we were.In due course their advantages began to deplete.Seeing the repercussions of this change in my own life and that of my acquaintances,I was convinced about the veracity of this adage-"Use it or Lose it".</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Take </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">fitness </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">for example.The compulsion to stay indoors led many of us to give up our exercise regimes.Some tried to replace them with exercising or walking indoors,but not with the same gusto.The time which used to be spent in vigorous work outs came to be spent in restful past times too.No wonder aches and pains surfaced and muscles sagged.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Equally deleterious has been the effect of these circumstances on </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">sports </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">or outdoor games .Absence of cricket,tennis,football or basketball etc in the daily routines of so many </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">has led to loneliness, lethargy and loss of agility.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">And what about </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">social interactions</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">? Social visits,friendly get-togethers,parties and myriad outings of various kinds suddenly came to an end.We tried to achieve the same connectivity through social media but by and by this changeover generated a kind of nervousness and antipathy about speaking out loud our reactions and feelings--whether positive or negative. Emojis took up this role.This habit detracted from our expertise in the field of social interactions.</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">As a result making polite conversation,sharing feelings,helping friends or even asking for help-all this took a blow. Our </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">speaking skills</span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"> rusted.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">Coming to my own experience,I took a long break from writing and blogging,as many of you might have noticed.To my horror when I finally did take up pen and paper I found that my </span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">vocabulary </span><span style="color: #20124d; font-size: large;">had dried up.It was very distressing. I immediately picked up pen and paper and got to work.Slowly the flow returned.It was not as bad as I had feared.Thank God I woke up in time.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;">But I am convinced of the role of practice in maintaining our abilities at optimum levels.</span><span style="color: #20124d;">Hence this piece.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;">It is not merely a question of practicing an ability to save it from from deterioration.An amalgam of interests and activities must have joined together to form our personalities before this epidemic invaded our lives.They all contributed to our health,happiness and prosperity.Obviously when we gave up some of those activities we also lost a part of the shine. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Unforeseen events often barge in to spoil the pitch.We gain some and lose some.But the factors which are essential for our health and happiness should not be neglected.</span></span><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;">Do,share your own experience, how has this calamity changed you and what has helped you to sail through these difficult times? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-49731880282216430732021-12-25T19:16:00.000+05:302021-12-25T19:16:33.720+05:30#Hypochondria<p><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Hypochondriasis-the very word signifies a feeling of sickness.It is merely a feeling-mind you-not the real condition.The afflicted person thinks he is suffering from a serious ailment.This fear overshadows his whole life-whether personal,professional or social.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">In order to live a fully</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier;"> happy,peaceful and creative life it is essential to get rid of this scourge.So rather than going to the whys and hows which have already been recounted in </span><a href="https://jeeteraho.blogspot.com/2015/05/illness-anxiety-disorder-or.html" style="font-family: courier;">this post</a><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier;">,I shall straightaway jump to 'the how to</span></span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">get rid of it' considerations.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Since all feelings stem from thoughts it is imperative to control your negative thoughts.The moment you think that a rumbling in your stomach portends the onset of a serious disease stop and consider what basis you have for jumping to this conclusion.Perhaps you are making a mountain of a molehill.</span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Get active.If you try to accomplish a task your mind will shift to a different track.That dreadful fear of a serious illness will be supplanted by a healthy thinking process.</span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Don't delve into the accounts of various diseases floating on the internet or shared by your acquaintances on the social media.</span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Are you given to catastrophic thinking?Recall how many times your similar worries had proven to be false.</span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">If a dear person had voiced similar complaints,would you have prognosticated the same consequence for him/her,as you do for your own self?</span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Before retiring for night write down the complaints which had troubled you during the day.If the symptoms differ from day to day,it means that they do not reflect the presence of any disease but are the consequence of your negative thinking.</span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">But if a specific symptom irks you every day then it would be better to consul a general practitioner.</span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Negative thoughts and a persistent feeling of sickness can be very depressive.Focus on the positive aspects of your life.Recount the ways in which your body is functioning normally and be thankful for it.</span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Control self pity.It will leave you lonely and despondent.</span></li><li><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Hypochondriacs tend to consult various doctors till their forebodings are confirmed.Check this urge.Don't indulge in a wild goose chase.</span></li></ul><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier;">Consult a psychiatrist or a counselor.Share your worries,reveal all that is troubling you and you will definitely feel better and lighter after that. </span><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: courier;"> </span><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-46431881216806834612021-11-16T08:17:00.003+05:302022-01-14T18:31:07.197+05:30A Fixed Routine-Is It A Blessing Or a Blight?<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #20124d; font-family: courier;"> </span> <span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Let me confess at the very beginning,I don't know the answer to this query.I hope to carry you along as I thrash out it's various facets and reach some kind of a conclusion.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Basically,I love change.Monotony kills me.I try to introduce itsy-bitsy changes in my daily routines.This keeps me active,happy and alive.Anything new in the day makes life interesting.It refreshes the mind.I am forced to ponder which new element I should introduce in my daily routine the next time-an element which will not disrupt my routine yet make it slightly different from other days.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Talking of routines-these too hold a very important place in my life.Everything should be done at the right time.This establishes much needed discipline in my schedules.Oh yes'discipline keeps me straight on the line and prevents me from frittering away the hours reading,eating goodies and drinking tea.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Yes,f</span><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">ixed routines make life systematic.You are forced to tend to chores which you do not relish but which are important nevertheless.A fixed routine kind of anchors you,you know which activity should best be pegged at which time-considering the availability of time,space and stamina. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">A very significant advantage of following a regular routine is that it is therapeutic for those who suffer from anxiety or depression.It nudges them into action when they feel lazy or incompetent.Tending to daily routines decreases anxiety because it forces us to think of other things besides our problems. And <i>then we</i> can say that things are in control,life is running at an even keel,and there are no disruptions to spoil the day. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">Some might argue that fixed routines make life rigid and dull but this can be obviated by introducing pleasurable interludes in between stressful tasks. After all planning the routine is in your hands isn't it?</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier; font-size: large;">What is your opinion?Do you think we should follow regular routines or not?Do tell us all what you think. </span></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-80620268114353568982021-05-22T07:47:00.002+05:302021-05-22T07:47:51.233+05:30#Stress Busters To Keep You Cool <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQNHy7ywgIBGcyuViMZuaDzWeLf4Qifz5qQv5UkT8rwv-B3druNPA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="320" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQNHy7ywgIBGcyuViMZuaDzWeLf4Qifz5qQv5UkT8rwv-B3druNPA" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">What better time than this one to talk about stress?Stress is good and stress is bad.It motivates you to work harder and faster but it can also bug you to death.It is not difficult to pinpoint the stress which is helpful or the one which is killing you but ousting the pernicious kind from your life is sometimes hard.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;">It has been categorized by various experts into three classes:</span><a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/whats-your-stress-type#managing-stress" style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;" target="_blank">Acute,Episodic Acute and Chronic.</a></span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Another way of categorizing it would be as Physical,Mental and Emotional.All three require different kinds of stress-busters.Relief is faster if you match the remedy with the malady.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Physical Stress</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Physical stress assails us when we work too hard for too long or there is a looming deadline in front of us.Conquering it is the easiest of all.Here are some tips:</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Cut down your to-do list and prioritize that which is most important.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d;">Break down a complex task into smaller,more manageable parts and tackle each one systematically.</span><br /></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do one thing at a time,shun multitasking. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Intersperse hard labor with small breaks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do a couple of stretching exercises to relax taut muscles,or take a small walk to infuse mobility in stiff limbs.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Drink a glass of water-it is very refreshing and we often ignore it in a frenzy to finish our tasks.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">A cup of tea or coffee too,helps to relax.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Close your eyes and l</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">ie down for a while if the setting allows.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Mental Stress</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">We experience mental stress when we face a problem which is more challenging than our usual workload.This also happens if</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"> the goal is not clear or one has to choose between two or more,difficult options.Sometimes,other things being right;inadequate paraphernalia jumps in to spoil the broth.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">If a problem is mind boggling or beyond your purview,seek help from someone who you think,knows more about it.In this way you can save your time and energy as well as eliminate stress. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d;">If you would rather do it on your own then take a break and relax for a while.</span></span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Do something which never fails to calm you.This will allow your churning mind to stabilize and your thoughts will become clearer.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">If time is not a constraint then sleeping over a tough problem often provides the correct solution.As we sleep,our brain continues to work over what had been foxing us and the next day a probable solution pops up,as if dispatched by a kind fairy.I have often experienced this magic-it works.</span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Emotional Stress</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Emotional stress can come from any source:tragedies,difficult relationships,contrary circumstances</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">,a </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">sudden loss,</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">past memories, or worries of the future.It is certainly the most agonizing of all and the most difficult to boot out too.The mind returns to that painful,irritating,humiliating incident or worry again and again.Such triggers cannot be avoided but w</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">hat you </span><i style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">can do </i><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">is,build a firewall around your heart. </span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Take life easy,don't fret about every aberration or altercation.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Vent it out.Talk about your problem with those who care for you-or to a professional.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">If not this,then write down your feelings in a journal.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Exercise,<a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/tai-chi/art-20045184" target="_blank">Tai chi</a>,breathing exercises or meditation-all these are great stress busters.</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Sitting in the lap of nature is calming,it will enable you to think things out coolly.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d;">The best way to divert your mind from agonizing thoughts is to pick up something to do.When you focus on the work in hand your thinking will automatically peruse a new channel.Do it-it is very effective.</span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">I have found that the best way to forget a worry is to work on an <a href="http://www.extremesudoku.info/sudoku.html#" target="_blank">extreme sudoku</a>.I forget everything else when I do this.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d;">Taking up a strenuous work like gardening,car washing or de-cluttering is also helpful.Such labor consumes the surging adrenaline and cortisol leaving you calmer</span><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Whatever you do to de-stress yourself,don't start any kind of substance abuse,it gives only momentary respite and is harmful in the long run.The thumb rule is to adopt a positive attitude,be grateful for what you have and look at the broader picture.The pits and troughs will automatically look smaller.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-53733784475510201902021-03-09T08:01:00.000+05:302021-03-09T08:01:06.506+05:30Reality,Denial and Positivity<p>Yesterday my husband and I got talking about his health.I had been pestering him to get his blood sugar tested but he had been stalling it since many months.Finally when he did get it done he tested positive for Diabetes.He is a very observant person and notices the slightest aberration in his health or the various systems controlling it. He must have noticed that his hunger pangs were increasing by the day just as I did but he brushed off the thought that he was probably Diabetic.What might have been a minor ailment had now come out in full force.</p><p>When I chided him for having been in denial for so long he replied that it was also important to negate disturbing thoughts.So the discussion veered to reality versus Positivity.Positivity is no doubt very beneficial but it is also necessary to give serious thought to the various aspects of a negative thought which disturbs your equilibrium:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Like why does it assail you so often?</li><li>Since how long has this continued?</li><li>Is it grounded in reality?</li><li>And what could transpire if it was true and you continued to ignore it?</li></ul>Denying the possibility of a disturbing feeling having a genuine cause sometimes blows up into a bigger trouble just as it did in my husband's case.The next time you are disturbed by a worrisome thought consider the following:<p></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Is it one of your habitual forebodings?</li><li>Could it be the signal of a pernicious worm turning it's head?Something going wrong?</li><li>Can things worsen if you continue to neglect it?</li><li>What are the pros and cons of checking it's veracity?</li></ul>If your introspection affirms that this negative thought is only because of your tendency to envisage doleful developments and ignoring it will not harm you in any way,you can rest easy and get on with your life.But if this is not the case then you would have attained a safe margin to take prophylactic action against a looming trouble.Both ways,you win.<p></p><p>It is safer to be realistic instead of burying your head in sand in the name of positivity. A brief perusal of recent developments,current circumstances and upcoming events often discloses what could be the cause of your anxiety.Evaluating that element and deciding your course of action is the best way of coping with it.</p><p>Positivity has it's own uses.It inspires hope and surges confidence.You are motivated to fight on and do the best you can.But ignoring reality and postponing a frank look at an imminent danger in the name of positivity does not work.It only worsens the prospects of early resolution. Suppressed thoughts tend to pop up again and again. Positivity gives only temporary respite.</p><p>Reality has an inherent force.It will push itself into your life whether you like it or not. Analyzing your thoughts and taking prompt action to safeguard you health and happiness is the best way to be positive. </p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-35030675955219016922020-12-02T16:23:00.246+05:302021-01-16T18:12:38.686+05:30The Golden Mean<div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">We all wish that others should admire us,hold us in high esteem.An upright, likable image is conducive to success and happiness too.</span><span style="font-size: large;">But which are the attributes that can help us attain such an image?A clear cut picture in our minds of the things to be done and those to be avoided will surely make things easier.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Great thinkers and philosophers of many religions <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_mean_(philosophy)">have advocated</a> the adoption of a golden mean to lead a happy and successful life.In other words </span><span style="font-size: large;">avoiding extremes of any kind is the best way to be.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">At every step in life we are required to pick options.Other than the common place choices there are some issues which require well thought out decisions.These decisions determine our personality as well as the course of our lives.</span></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take the question of <span style="color: red;">Achievement</span>,of chasing tall targets, surpassing everybody on the radar.Work yourself to the bone,shelve rest,obviate all kinds of diversions and you may one day find that you are so alone at the pinnacle.All that labor has not given you the desired results.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">On the other hand,take life easy,go with the flow,avoid challenging tasks and you will one day realize that you have stagnated and not made enough use of your talents and abilities.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Swimming with the tide is easy and comfortable while pushing against the current can be exhausting.But what of the euphoria you feel when you have conquered an opposing force and reached your desired destination?</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Making such choices should follow a deep analysis of one's needs and abilities,plus the tendency to avoid extremes.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Take the case of <span style="color: red;">Amiability</span>.Everybody wants to be loved and accepted by others.</span><span style="font-size: large;"><span> Close,loving relationships make life livable.</span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span>In order to sustain them we sometimes give in to unreasonable demands or allow others to encroach upon our territory.But if we make it a habit to give in in order to be liked and accepted,we could end up being trodden all over. </span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>On the other hand if we religiously nullify others'attempts to dominate us we are likely to be labeled as unfriendly and uncooperative.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span>Dwelling at any end of the spectrum will besmirch our personality.The golden mean is the best choice.</span></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red; font-size: large;">Forgiveness</span><span style="color: red; font-size: xx-large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">is another tendency which requires careful thought.Whenever we are deceived by any one a natural reaction is to give tit for tat or plan revenge.But as Gautam Buddha said:When you hold a burning coal in your hand to throw it on someone it is you who get hurt.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fine,but whom,how often,and for which kind of wrong to forgive?This is a nebulous zone.Going for full throttle vengeance makes us a negative person while forgiving unthinkingly can attract further invasions.Neither extreme is desirable.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: red;">Courage</span> is another quality which should not be taken to the extreme.Too much of it will make us foolhardy and too little shall label us as being a coward.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Related to this is the matter of <span style="color: red;">Self-confidence,</span>neither extreme of which is desirable.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">Come to think of it:an extreme of any kind is counter-productive.A sense of balance in our endeavors as well as our reactions will give best results.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-28380626210581654082020-11-21T07:17:00.070+05:302020-11-21T07:39:02.435+05:30Major Depression-A Case History<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">Deepak is 80 yrs old and clinically depressed.He has been unwell for more than a year now.It started with anxiety,excessive quietude,reticence and lethargy.Six months ago this transformed into major depression.Since the last 4 months it has been at its peak.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">He spends the whole day lying down with his eyes shut.He barely gets up for his meals for an hour and then it is back to bed again.He will neither talk nor respond to anyone.He has become totally apathetic and docile.Personal hygiene is at its minimum.His appetite and weight have decreased drastically.But he is not bothered about this depreciation in his health or personality.Nothing at all interests him.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">He underwent a physical examination and thankfully he was found physically fit.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">He and his wife Bina have been our friends for eons.She is a bit of a psychologist.She noted the changes in his personality at the very beginning and tried through various means to extricate him from anxiety but it did not work.Then they consulted their family doctor who gave him a psychiatric medicine.It did not agree with him,he became disoriented and developed fecal incontinence.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: courier new, courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">He was referred to a psychiatrist whose medicines led him to sleeping round the clock.The psychiatrist eliminated the barbiturate from his medicines.Thankfully the antidepressant agreed with him and there were no adverse effects.After taking the medicine for six months there were small signs of improvement off and on but soon he would revert to his old condition.The doctor,upon being contacted,refused to change the medicine,saying increasing the dose or potency would make him more somnolent.He advised him to gear up and be more active.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;">This was easier said than done.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Deepak was just not interested in taking up any physical or mental activity.Even talking was too much of an effort for him.When cajoled to get up and do something he would say that he did not have the strength to do so--this,when he was physically fit.He had no desire to awaken his old booming blustering self. </span></div></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;">The worst part was that there was no external problem which could be amended to grant him relief.His family and life conditions were perfect.The cause seemed to be endogenous.Perhaps it was his personality which had rendered him vulnerable to anxiety and depression.He had never shared his emotions with anyone or laughed heartily.His approach to everything had always been negative.Likewise,his reactions.All this might have led to a festering of wounds inside.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;">After about seven months of medication he showed signs of improvement in small measures.He agreed to go out and sit in the balcony.By and by he was persuaded to take at least 10 minutes' walk every day.It took a long time to entrench this into his routine.Then he started walking in the evening too but this left so many hours of the day to be spent positively,otherwise </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;">he was sure to give in to the urge to go and lie down on his bed.</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace;">But he was not interested in taking up any activity.He refused to participate in an indoor game,read something or watch TV. </span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;">After the passage of another two months he began to watch religious channels on TV and tried to extend his waking hours which finally settled at fourteen.Good progress,but it was extremely slow and transient.Very frustrating for the family members to watch and maintain a hopeful facade.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Talking or meeting outsiders was still difficult for him.It is rather challenging for a mental patient to accost outsiders.After countless months of isolation he cannot suddenly turn outgoing and jovial.Others take it as a cue to stand off.Sad,but this is what mostly happens.The onus to cajole and help him</span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"> </span><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/3357500251976754595/6717249271546496820?hl=en" style="font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">to join the mainstream once again</a><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;"> </span><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;">rests solely on the family members.Without their support nothing can be achieved.The patient has to be encouraged to believe that he <i>can</i> and he <i>will</i> get well.He should be helped to take constructive steps one at a time.It is just like a baby learning to walk.He needs all the help he can muster.The journey is long but essential.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new", courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-59414469518002714132020-05-23T07:28:00.000+05:302020-05-23T07:28:21.823+05:30Now Where Did I Put My Happiness?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">I remember very well when I was young,during my school going years,it used to reside in two places-my home and my school.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Then I grew up.The friends left one by one and horror of horrors-even my parents left for their eternal abode.It was difficult to spy my happiness during that time,but my children and grandchildren filled the gap.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">By and by they too got caught up with their lives and I had to look for it at close quarters.Where was it near me?I found it in the rush of kitty parties and socialization.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">This was satisfying no doubt,but old age pitched in to obstruct the flow.Old age and the quirks of those we socialized with.Going to parties,communicating with them was no longer pure happiness.It was an amalgam of positive and negative emotions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Anyhow,I prodded myself to evolve and be more accepting.But where was my happiness?I had misplaced it again.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Intensive introspection revealed that if I wanted it to remain always with me I had to look for it within me,to latch it on to my thoughts and activities-activities which did not require external support.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">So friends,I picked up occupations which give me optimum satisfaction and adhered to them.Thankfully I have a plethora of hobbies-things which keep me usefully occupied and also grant a sense of achievement.In the ultimate analysis it is best to be self reliant,to peg your happiness to your own self.The externals dissipate one by one.Keep it where it cannot be stolen.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3357500251976754595.post-26537746941366131802020-04-11T07:53:00.001+05:302020-12-10T15:42:57.971+05:30A Four Fold Path to #Happiness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>We all want to be happy.All our activities are designed towards that
end.Yet this elusive state of mind sometimes fails to oblige.Scientists
say that there is an inbound capacity for happiness in every human
being.Our observations too,affirm that some people are always brimming
with joy while some others are generally morose and pessimistic.Events
which the former would have taken in their stride are sometimes given by
latter as the cause of their despondence.</span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><br
/></span>
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>I think our personal attributes-in addition of course to our life
experiences- play a major role in deciding whether we are happy or
miserable.Let me share with you four habits which,if incorporated,will
enable us to maintain a cool state of mind even when things do not go our
way.Here </span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>goes:---</span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><br /></span
><span
style='color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><b>Adopt a rational attitude towards life: </b></span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>Life is never static,it keeps moving-and changing.We are effused with joy
one day and down in the dumps the next.When misfortune comes after a good
phase it causes a lot of heartache.But we fail to realize that </span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>everybody has to go through both kinds of experiences and we are not
someone special that we should be spared the thorns and showered with
roses.</span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><br
/></span>
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>We can not,and should not expect</span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
> the good times to last for ever.That would be unreasonable as well
as insidious,because w</span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>hat we expect from life,what we think we ought to have been blessed with
but are not getting;is enough to leave us disgruntled and unhappy even
when things are pretty good by any standard.Reasonable expectations
protect us from breaking down at every minor or moderate
disappointment.</span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
> </span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><br /></span
><span
style='color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><b>Be Flexible:</b></span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>Life has a mind of its own.It will not follow a script written by you.An
ambitious project could bite dust,</span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>a new relationship may turn out to be the opposite of what you had
expected,</span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>a dear one could pass away or a disease may change your lifestyle for
ever.Disappointments pop up unannounced and one has to rebuild ones life
around them.</span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>If a cherished dream fails to actualize replace it with something which
has better chances of fructifying,nurture a fresh one. </span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><br
/></span>
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>Flexibility alone can help you to accept the inevitable and forge a way
of adapting to the new scene.Look for the positive aspects of a
challenging situation.See how you can use them to your advantage and carry
on with hope and enthusiasm.</span
><br />
<br />
<span
style='color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><b>Curtail Overthinking and Rumination:</b></span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>Cogitating about each and everything fills the mind with a quagmire of
doubts,suspicions,worries and fears:Not a happy condition,you will
agree.Overthinking creates problems where none exist.It blocks action and
can even spoil your relationships by generating unjustifiable biases about
others. </span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><br
/></span>
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>Ruminating about an existent problem or a recent fiasco is beneficial
only to the extent that it assists you to find a solution.If carried on
indefinitely,it unleashes a whirlwind of negative emotions which deepen
anxiety.If you want to be happy curtail overthinking and rumination.</span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><br
/></span>
<span
style='color: #cc0000; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><b>Practice Gratitude:</b></span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>There is no denying the fact that some people have little cause for cheer
in their lives.It could even be a prolonged phase for some.Happiness would
be a tall order for them.But we all have to make the best use of what has
been given to us in order to conserve our mental health.</span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>One way of doing this is to think of the positive features of our
lives.This could be in the form of a good relationship,a roof over our
heads,an able body,a sound mind,or that competence to fight against odds
and yet keep whole.None of these can be devalued.A feeling of gratitude
for the blessings we enjoy prevents the picture from becoming blackish
grey.It mitigates anxiety.</span
><br />
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
><br
/></span>
<span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>We cannot control what life throws at us but we <i>can </i>construct a
kind of buffer against those </span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
>volleys and minimize their</span
><span
style='color: #0c343d; font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: large;'
> ill effects.</span
>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Image at header taken from the google search.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4