Tag Archives: mental health

Top Signs Your Health Needs Your Attention

Standard
Top Signs Your Health Needs Your Attention

When you are constantly on with the challenges of every day life, it’s very easy to overlook the signs that our health might be slipping. Your body does, however, have a way of telling you when something is off. It’s just a matter of listening carefully. From the physical symptoms to mental fatigue, these are the early signals that are often your first line of defense from preventing more serious issues down the road. One example that is often ignored is the persistent ringing in the ears, which could be a sign of damage and may require professional tinnitus treatment. Here are the top signs that your health may need your attention:

You’re dealing with persistent fatigue that doesn’t go away: Feeling tired after a long day or a poor night’s sleep is normal, but if you’re constantly exhausted even after resting, it could signal something deeper. Chronic fatigue might be linked to poor sleep quality, nutritional deficiencies, stress, or even undiagnosed conditions like thyroid disorders or anemia. If rest doesn’t recharge you like it used to, then you need to dig a little deeper and speak to a healthcare provider.

    There are changes in your hearing: If you’re struggling to follow conversations, constantly turning up the volume, or hearing a continuous ringing or buzzing sound, your ears are trying to tell you something. That ringing, known as tinnitus, is often a symptom of underlying hearing loss or nerve damage. There are different tinnitus treatment options available, but you do need to speak to an audiologist to figure out what’s best for you. Ignoring it can lead to further deterioration and even affect your mental health over time.

    Shortness of breath or chest discomfort: If you feel breathless from minor exertion or notice tightness in your chest, it could be a sign of cardiovascular issues, respiratory conditions, or anxiety. While it may be tempting to dismiss these symptoms, they should always be taken seriously. Sudden or unexplained difficulty breathing warrants immediate medical attention, even if it doesn’t seem severe.

    Frequent digestive issues: Occasional indigestion or bloating is normal, but if you regularly experience stomach discomfort, constipation, or diarrhea then it may be worth speaking to a specialist. Poor digestion can indicate food intolerances, inflammation, or even more serious gastrointestinal conditions.

    Mental fog and mood changes: Feeling off, irritable, anxious, or struggling to focus could be your brain’s way of asking for support. Mental health is deeply connected to physical health, and issues like chronic stress, poor sleep, or nutrient deficiencies can all affect mood and cognitive functions. Don’t ignore your mental health therapy. Lifestyle changes on medication can make a difference.

      Your body will give you clues when it needs your attention and you must not ignore the signs. Investing the time in your health right now will make a big difference in preventing more serious issues tomorrow.

      Featured Image By: Pexels

      App Obsessed

      Standard
      App Obsessed

      Howdy! I am a HUGE fan of social media and enjoy posting on my Facebook and TikTok so much. As a word girl through and through, I rarely watch TikTok videos and leave my social media intake to scrolling through Facebook. However, let’s be real – Facebook has become a massive buzzkill and it only gets worse by the day considering the political climate in the USA. Scrolling for fun became doom scrolling and I just couldn’t take it anymore. So, I post a bunch of BS, avoid what upsets me like the plague, and call it a day.

      Normally, my social media time is when I get home from work and Johnny is playing video games. We’ll do our own thing, chat about our day, and then go on to having dinner and watching our favorite shows. With my usual source of entertainment on the outs in the past couple of weeks, I have been left with nothing to do but twiddle my thumbs. It’s hard to cozy up in my favorite chair with a book when video game noises are reverberating throughout the living room! So, I decided to do something different and downloaded a couple of apps called Finch and Flutter. I had seen several ads for both of them when I was on the hunt for funny memes on FB and figured it couldn’t hurt to give them a go. I’m so glad I did because I have been LOVING them!

      Let’s start by discussing Finch. Finch is an app that revolves around mental health and well being as you care for a little bird. After you download the app, it does a mental health screening. What are your challenges? What would you like to improve? Then, it creates goals that revolves around that which will help your bird grow, earn points, and go on adventures. For example, if you struggle with focus, one of your goals might be to turn off your phone notifications when you are working. If you are working through anxiety, your goals could include doing some breathing exercises which the app will walk you through. It’s pretty cool!

      When I was little, Neopets was the website to be on and my siblings and I were obsessed with it. In fact, I can remember racing each other after school to the computer room to be the first in line to check on our virtual pets. Having Finch is really like having a pocket pet or Tamagotchi and it hits right in the nostalgia. It might not have the best games ever like Meerca Chase but it is still a lot of fun and fulfilling too! It feels good to check off goals as you complete them and I do feel better when I use it. As a caffeine queen, I have several goals a day to drink more water. And when I spend my mornings working on the computer, stretch break or stepping outside goals come in very handy. It’s nice to check in with my little bird every day and I always look forward to when my Poppy comes home from her adventures to tell me about her new discoveries. Highly recommend! ❤

      The other app I have been using daily is called Flutter. Long story short, you are in a lovely forest that plays the most soothing music and your goal is to fill it with moths. You can expand your surroundings with the points you earn, decorate it with flowers and mushrooms to attract different species, and nurture your moths by feeding them pollen and leveling them up. There are challenges to complete like missions the wise owl in the forest sends you on, growing mushrooms for the resident ant, and feeding a gigantic frog fireflies to earn flowers.

      Flutter is extremely mindless but incredibly pleasing. Your forest and the music is absolutely charming and it’s nice to watch your moths flit about as you wait patiently for a new one to grow. It’s exciting to continue leveling up because your moths just keep getting better and better and you can learn all kinds of interesting facts as your insect encyclopedia expands. Flutter is definitely not as goal oriented as Finch but I still really enjoy using it. So much so, that I haven’t even tried their butterfly or under the sea expansions because I am so invested in my forest! 😀

      If you are sick of doom scrolling during your spare time, I cannot recommend giving Finch or Flutter a try enough. It has been a welcome change of pace from my usual routine!

      What is your favorite app? Have you used Finch or Flutter before? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

      How To Refresh Your Self Care Routine This Season

      Standard
      How To Refresh Your Self Care Routine This Season

      It’s easy to find yourself stuck in a routine that used to work but no longer suits you. It could be the skin care products you’re using or doing the same exercises on repeat. When it comes to self care sometimes you have to go beyond your checklist to find something that truly nourishes you in the here and now. If all of this sounds familiar then it might be time for you to shake things up a bit. Here’s a look at how you can do just that:

      Each season brings its own natural rhythm and this should definitely guide your wellness habits. You might find that in fall you prefer warm foods or grounding rituals while in spring you want more outdoor time and lighter meals. Even the small types of seasonal changes such as switching out a heavier moisturizer for a lighter one or switching from coffee to herbal tea can make a fresh connection with what your body really needs. The goal is always to stay in tune with what your body is telling you. You don’t want to get locked into routines that are too rigid. 

      Refreshing your self care doesn’t always mean you add more to your routine. It could mean you just try something different. Maybe you’ve been intrigued by herbal medicines or sound baths but you haven’t taken the time to try them. Now might be the perfect time to do so. Holistic wellness centers such as Davis Integrative Medicine offer alternative therapies along with personalized treatments. You can blend modern practices with ancient ones. Leading to a more holistic approach to your wellness.

      Not every self-care trend is going to fit you and you have to accept that. What works for someone may not work for you and it makes no sense to force it. Take a moment to reflect on which habits make you feel more grounded. Then look at the ones you are doing simply out of obligation. You may find that letting go of a few things will open up space for a lot more creativity, joy, and rest. 

      A refresh routine should feel like something that you want to do, it shouldn’t be something that you are forced to do. When you feel obligated you are much more likely to flake and not do what you promised yourself to do. This can have an impact on your confidence. You may feel as if you can’t keep your own promises to yourself and this can be disappointing.

      Ultimately self care is all about reconnecting with who you truly are and what you need as a person. As the seasons begin to change you should give yourself permission to change as well!

      Featured Image By: Gerald Oswald from Pixabay

      Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

      Standard
      Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

      Hello! I often mention that summer is my least favorite season to dress for, but it is also my least favorite season in general. I am on a hefty dose of a hefty amount of medications for my mental health and Every. Single. One. of them makes me more susceptible to heat related illnesses. Merely stepping outside on an uber hot day or returning home to my uber hot apartment when temperatures spike is enough to send me into a woozy tailspin. This was most certainly the case for me this past week because we went from lovely eighty degree days to ninety plus degree temps and the sudden change caught me off guard. So much so, that I wasn’t following any of the precautions I have perfected over the years. I DEFINITELY need to be better about this and if you do too or need advice, let’s go through a few friendly reminders:

      When I am starting to overheat, it goes from bad to worse quite quickly. This is why it’s SO important to recognize your tells when it is really hot out. For me, it usually starts with a wave of dizziness, followed by sudden fatigue, and finally an intense heaviness in my legs. As soon as your first tell reveals itself, Do. Not. Ignore. It!! This is your warning sign to get yourself to a cool area ASAP. If I am out and about, this means getting myself into a store because they always have crispy AF AC. If I am at home, I retreat to the bedroom because it is the only space in my apartment that has a measly AC unit. It’s amazing how much better I feel after a half hour or so in a cool environment!

      If you don’t already have a favorite tumbler mug or Stanley cup, I cannot recommend getting one enough and sipping often. My water intake has increased exponentially since I began toting a mug with me everywhere I go and the effects are noticeable when I forget to take one with me to work. Should you forget, swing by a gas station en route to wherever you’re going for a few bottles of water. You’ll be thanking yourself when your temperature is better regulated all day.

      It’s SO easy to forget to take it easy when everyone else is having fun in the sun. However, it is SO important to take it easy and take breaks frequently if you are more prone to overheating than your peers. If you are on the go, try and find a spot to cool off at least every hour. You can also start planning outdoor activities according to the coolest times of the day. Perhaps you take your dog for a walk first thing in the morning. Maybe that means playing outdoor games with friends in the evening instead of the middle of the afternoon. Make smart decisions with your plans and know when to say no or suggest a different time of the day if you fear the activity might be too much for you. You know yourself best!

      Every summer, cold showers and Popsicles are the name of my game for instant relief. Whatever your go to is, don’t be afraid to break it out as often as you see fit. When I get home from work, the first thing I do is grab a Popsicle from the freezer. Spoiling my dinner be damned because as soon as an ice pop hits my lips, I start feeling better. Maybe it’s in my head, maybe the Popsicles and cold showers really are working some magic. Whatever your relief is, keep it handy so you can start your cooling off process ASAP.

      I have been over summer since it started but even more so now considering I almost fainted several times last week. Stay cool, stay safe, and stay hydrated regardless of if you are more susceptible to the heat or not. Fall can’t come soon enough!

      Do you thrive in the heat or wilt? What is your favorite way to cool off? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

      Bikini Body

      Standard
      Bikini Body

      Hello!! Summer is about to bring the Hot Hot Heat (Who remembers that band?! LOVED them!) and with that comes a total wardrobe change. The layers are shed, long sleeve tops are traded for Ts and tanks, and jeans shorten into… shorts lol. For some, this is as natural as the seasons changing. For others, it can be a nerve wracking exercise in dressing for the weather and feeling comfortable about it. In this situation, I fluctuate from oozing a godlike charisma to wanting to hole up in a closet to wallow in poor self esteem and never come out.

      If you are a long term reader of lifewithlilred, you will know that I detest dressing for summer. Part of it is simply aesthetics. I just love fall clothing – cozy cardis, gorgeous jackets, and all the accessories like scarves, gloves, and beanies. I wear these layers for looks, of course, but they provide an extra layer of protection as well. I don’t mind showing skin but it’s never high up on my agenda when I’m styling an OOTD. So when the transition happens to wearing shorts, crop tops, and tanks out of sheer necessity for the weather, that layered security blanket is tossed to the side and worry sets in. “Do my breasts look too big?” “How many rude comments on my tattoos am I going to get today?” “Is someone going to pull the old ‘grab my arm’ to get a closer look at said tattoos?” (The latter happens more than you would think!)

      Like I said, to some people dressing for summer is whatever. For others, it is anything but. And, whatever that reason might be for a lack of self confidence in dress, rest assured that it will weigh heavily on the person who carries that burden. As everyone begins to don warm weather clothing, I always like to give a friendly reminder: What people wear is none of your business. Unwarranted comments on body type or clothing can do more damage than you could ever imagine and it stings even harder when it’s from a complete stranger. So ask yourself a question: Do I really want to ruin someone’s day with a comment? And, do I really want someone to ruminate on that comment for forever? Unless you plan on singing someone’s praises, the best rule of thumb is to say nothing and if you don’t like what you see, look away.

      I will always be a recovering bulimic and I can give you exact moments in time when comments on my body were made that destroyed me. It could have happened years ago but in my head, it happened just yesterday. Every single person that you encounter is struggling in some way shape or form. So again, before you make a comment on body type or dress, ask yourself a question: Do I really want to make what that person is going through even worse? Every body is beautiful and should be celebrated. And, as the old saying goes: If you don’t have anything nice to say – don’t say it!

      One of my favorite quotes via social media is that “Every body is a bikini body” and wiser words have never been spoken or typed. This summer, let’s dress for us and feel amazing about it because when you feel like the star you are – no one can tell you NOTHING!!

      What is your favorite season to dress for? What is your least favorite season to dress for? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

      An Update For You

      Standard
      An Update For You

      Hello!! I have been eluding to a big life change for the past few weeks and am finally ready to spill. While I am not going to go into detail, I will say that I have stepped down from my previous job in social media. This honestly wasn’t a difficult decision to make because my mental health was on a shockingly fast downward spiral and I kid you not everyone close to me noticed. As is my way, I tried to put on a brave face and power through but I literally couldn’t do it anymore and I have no shame in admitting that.

      Since making the best choice for me, I feel absolutely spectacular and I don’t think I realized how depressed I actually was. The following day, I felt like me for the first time in a long while and it was so nice to be reunited with my old self. In fact, I almost forgot that I used to be smiling nonstop, happy go lucky, and living my best life every single day. I’m not going to lie, it felt incredibly foreign to be flooded with joy to simply start my day and I needed to shake the cobwebs off. Rather than shy away from this intense sensation of happiness, I embraced it like an old friend. I cannot describe to all of you how good it feels to feel good again.

      The moral of the story is that you do know what’s best for you and it’s up to you and you alone to make the best decisions for yourself. In my situation, I listened to everyone but me and I regret that wholeheartedly. I knew I wasn’t happy, I ignored it, and followed the encouragement to keep going. All that did was put myself in a horrible position that could have been completely avoided had I went with my gut. The OTHER moral of the story is that your instincts are spot on so don’t sweep them under the rug like I did. This isn’t me throwing myself a pity party, rather, sharing a cautionary tale. And, I am pleased to report that this tale did have a happy ending!

      Shameless Plug but hit me up if you are looking for a Social Media Manager!!

      Have you ever had a situation similar to mine? How did it turn out? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

      The Best Dress OOTD Bloopers

      Standard
      The Best Dress OOTD Bloopers

      Hello everyone and welcome to the Blooper Reel from my Best Dress OOTD! In case you haven’t noticed, I have had a lot of fun creating content as of late and it is a very nice place to be. One of my goals at the beginning of the year was to shoot at least one OOTD per week. I was doing excellent for months, until I wasn’t. Honestly, I was really depressed for the past several weeks and it made it hard to do much of anything once the weekend rolled around. I am feeling much better now (I promise, I’ll explain eventually!) and it has been a gift to step back into the content game bright eyed and bushy tailed. Even when the content isn’t all that great:

      You know, I don’t think I realized how depressed I was in the situation I was in. Now that I am out of it, I can scroll through my mental Rolodex of going through the motions every day for months on end, constantly feeling sad or irritated, and letting literally everything I enjoy doing fall by the wayside. IE: Cooking, content creating, outings with Johnny and friends. After doing that for so long, I kid you not, it felt incredibly weird to start feeling good again and seemingly instantly once I said enough.

      As soon as I took control back, it was like a ten billion pound weight was lifted off my shoulders and I almost felt “naughty” for inviting happiness back. You know what I have to say? *Pardon my French* but F that. I did what was best for me and deserve to revel in it and that meant having FUN. And, fun for me is getting dressed up and shooting content. So, that is what I did and have been doing and it has been amazing! Creating posts just for me and my little corner of the internet fills me with so much pride and I feel like my old self has returned. In fact, I feel the most inspired now than I have been for months and it is exciting to have all of these ideas zooming around my head again. I can’t wait to make all of them happen!

      Lil Red is getting her groove back and you can too! Tend to your mental health and be good to yourself because when you are back – you’re back, baby!

      What do you like to do for fun? What is your favorite kind of content to create? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

      Are You Ready For A Big Change?

      Standard
      Are You Ready For A Big Change?

      Hello!! Whether it is a change that is expected or not, change can be really hard. However, change is necessary and, more often than not, the risk is worth the reward. I have some big changes coming up in the next few months and despite feeling a little stressed, I am mainly excited! After spending a lot of time mulling over my decision, I was able to reach a conclusion that was best for me. Here are the approaches that I took that I found to be the most helpful and maybe they will help you too for your next big adventure:

      Are you currently feeling unhappy with where you’re at? Then, I invite you to time travel! Go back and think about the last point in your life when you were feeling fully content. What was your situation back then? What changed between then and now? Can you make the changes to get those feel good feelings back? When you can pinpoint that moment in time, you can really start to evaluate what was working for and against you. Even if you can’t make a huge change immediately to get your life on a more positive trajectory, you will have a place to start when the time comes.

      Of course, making major life changes requires a lot of planning. In my situation, I made my perfect world plan as well as several backup options that I would be happy with too. When you have a Plan A, a backup plan, and a backup to your backup plan, you are well set to implement them anyway you see fit. It could be a combination of the three or you might find that one plan has everything and you are going for it. Putting all of your eggs in one basket definitely means betting on yourself but, remember, sometimes compromises will need to be made to get you to where you want to be!

      Does simply the thought of making a change make you happy? Or maybe you have a gut feeling that a shift in your life needs to be made? Don’t ignore that! No one but you can tell you what’s right for you so listen to yourself. What’s best for you might not be the decision a partner or loved one would make and that’s okay because it’s your life. Only you can direct where it’s going to take you so if you are experiencing that desire for change, work with it.

      A big life change can sometimes feel like a grieving process. You are switching up the norm and that can be difficult to wrap your head around. However, implementing a necessary change is going to be a lot harder if you are constantly going back and forth about it in your head. Be firm and confident in the decision you arrived at and challenge those wishy washy thoughts. This is why it is so important to plan, plan, plan because solid next steps can allow you to go forth knowing without a doubt that you made the right choice.

      If you feel ready for a big change – go for it full steam ahead. You never know where it will take you but the chances are high that you’re going to feel a lot better!

      Have you had a big change in your life recently? What helped you during that process? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

      Physical Signs You Need A Change

      Standard
      Physical Signs You Need A Change

      Howdy!! Sometimes life changes are expected, welcomed, and can happen gradually. Other times, you might find yourself in a situation where a change is necessary for your own well being. Whether it be a high stress job, toxic relationship, or an environment that no longer feels safe – it is so important to formulate a plan and follow through to get yourself back on track. Listen carefully to your mind and body because if you are in tune with them, you won’t miss the warning signs they are sending you to consider other options. I recently found myself in a situation that warranted a change, completely ignored my better judgement, and ended up with true, noticeable physical symptoms of duress. If you are experiencing any of the following in your situation, it’s time to reevaluate things:

      I have always had a very healthy appetite and look forward to eating my favorite foods at mealtime. That was not the case at all recently. I was SO stressed out and under SO much mental strain that my appetite completely went out the window. I wasn’t feeling hunger and literally had to force myself to eat. Even with my favorite dishes in front of me, I could barely muster taking a bite, let alone finish the entire meal. And, oftentimes, I was left nauseated after a couple of forkfuls. Combined with the next symptom we are going to discuss, I was literally running on fumes. The good news? After I implemented my change, my appetite came back and I was ravenous. I would have a meal, an hour or two later I was starving, and I would eat again. I clearly had a lot of catching up to do!

      When you sleep, your body is healing itself. When your sleep pattern experiences a shocking alteration, all I’ve got to say is good luck tomorrow lol. Racing thoughts kept me up until all hours of the night for days in a row and my anxiety was so heightened it felt like a constant panic attack. My heart consistently felt like I was running a marathon and it was so exhausting. Paired with not sleeping and barely eating, I was in full fledged zombie mode and getting through each day felt impossible. The good news? After I implemented my change, I slept like a baby! I am still catching up on my Z’s and I actually had to lay down in the middle of writing this. Never, ever devalue the power of a good night’s sleep because it is going to catch up with you quicker than you might think.

      For people who menstruate, I am talking to YOU lol. This might be TMI and I don’t care. During an extremely stressful situation a few years ago, my hormones got super out of whack and it triggered a period. I had no idea that could even happen and ended up going to the ER. It was scary! This past week, I had a surprise period weeks before I was due for my cycle. When I was greeted with this unexpected guest was when I decided enough was enough because it was like the trifecta of awful: No sleep, no nourishment, and a wicked early period to boot. The evidence at this point was indisputable and I needed a change ASAFP.

      Getting out of a difficult situation can be SO hard even if the change is nothing but positive. Remember that no one can discredit your feelings and doing what’s best for you is the most important thing!

      What is something that stresses you out? Do you struggle with making changes? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah

      What’s Cookin?!

      Standard
      What’s Cookin?!

      Hello!! One of my favorite things in the world is to cook dinner. I love being able to spend time doing my thing in the kitchen and creating something delicious for Johnny and myself after work. And, because I will never master the fine art of cooking for two, I always have plenty to share with my parents and beloved downstairs neighbor, Tony. Despite loving to cook and fixing a plate for my loved ones, I find that it is the first thing that falls by the wayside when I am having a mental health moment (Or week or month but who’s counting lol).

      The lack of desire to cook and sheer exhaustion physically and mentally was definitely the case for me recently. However, I am pleased to report that your girl is back! I am feeling much better and it felt so good to be able to make some of mine and Johnny’s favorite dishes. I whipped up a big pot of Fettuccine Alfredo and chicken breast for him. I also made my world famous spruced up baked potatoes and jalapeno popper quesadillas! And, of course, Johnny ran a plate down to Tony and I fixed a plate for my parents too.

      The combined act of not only preparing the food but sharing it is so satisfying to me and I take pride in being the neighbor and daughter that surprises someone with a home cooked meal. I expect nothing in return for this because it’s truly my pleasure. It’s always nice to be complimented, though, and this text exchange with my mom made my day:

      I guess the moral of the story is a few things. First and foremost, if you are noticing that some of your favorite hobbies or passions are becoming difficult to do – it’s okay!! However, it’s going to be glorious when you get that desire back and this post is a testament to that. Don’t beat yourself up over taking a break because you’re just going to feel worse. Rather, get back in your flow little by little and when you are back – You’re back, baby!

      Second, if you have something to share – share away! Whether it’s posting your artwork on social media, fixing an extra plate for a loved one, or mowing your neighbor’s lawn, doing good feels good. Your gifts, skills, passions, and hobbies are all valuable and I’m not talking money. These are all things that someone, somewhere is going to appreciate and that makes what you are doing even more special. For example, I love knowing that my neighbor or parents aren’t going to have to cook dinner for themselves when I share the bounty. This is not only an act of kindness for them but myself too so share liberally because it’s going to do your world a world of good. ❤

      I am back to being genuinely excited about cooking and it’s an amazing place to be. I hope all of you are finding full passion in the things that make you happy too!

      What is your favorite hobby? How do you share it with others? I want to hear from all of you, so leave me a comment and let’s chat! Much love. -Sarah