Zen Techniques
Zen is a school of Buddhism that emphasises meditation and mindfulness to attain enlightenment. Some Zen techniques include:
1. Zazen: Sitting meditation, focusing on your breath or a koan (a paradoxical question or statement).
2. Kinhin: Walking meditation, where every step is mindful and deliberate.
3. Koans: Riddles or paradoxical questions to contemplate deeply.
4. Sesshin: Intensive meditation retreats, often lasting several days.
5. Mindful eating: Eating with full awareness of each bite.
6. Shikantaza: “Just sitting” without a specific focus, allowing thoughts to come and go.
7. Rinzai and Soto practices: Different Zen schools with unique approaches to meditation.
Zen aims to cultivate mindfulness, presence, and a deeper understanding of the self and reality.
Practise this at least for 5-7 minutes each day.
Also read about Self Awareness –
Be Grateful
Take a few moments each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. You can write them down in a gratitude journal or simply think about them. Focusing on the positive aspects of your life can improve your overall mood and perspective. Practising gratitude helps you shift your focus away from stress and worries, promoting a more positive and resilient mindset.
Also, read about How Sitting right matters – https://http://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2023/08/17/sitting-posture-a-shortcut-to-better-mental-health/
Demystifying Menopause’s Influence on Mental Health.
On this Menopause day lets us demystify the menopause’s influence on mental health.
What is Menopause?
It is a word that often brings to mind hot flashes, night sweats, and changes in reproductive health. But what about its less talked about, yet equally significant, impact on mental health? This blog delves into the uncharted territory of menopause and its effects on the mind.
The Hormonal Roller Coaster
Menopause is marked by hormonal changes, primarily the decline in oestrogen levels. These hormonal fluctuations can set off a rollercoaster of emotions. It’s not uncommon for women to experience mood swings, irritability, and increased anxiety during this phase.
Understanding Menopause-Related Depression
Depression is one of the more serious mental health issues that can arise during menopause. The hormonal shifts can make some women more susceptible to depressive symptoms. If you or someone you know is going through menopause and experiencing persistent sadness, loss of interest, or changes in appetite and sleep patterns, it’s crucial to seek help.
The Anxiety Factor
Anxiety can also rear its head during menopause. Many women report increased feelings of unease, nervousness, and even panic attacks. This can be linked to the hormonal changes and the life adjustments that come with menopause, such as children leaving the nest or career changes.
Coping Strategies
The good news is that there are ways to cope with these challenges. Here are some strategies to consider:
1. Stay Active: Regular exercise can help alleviate mood swings and boost overall mental well-being.
2. Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients can support both physical and mental health.
3. Talk About It: Don’t suffer in silence. Reach out to friends, family, or a therapist to discuss your feelings.
4. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): In some cases, HRT can help manage hormonal imbalances and reduce associated mental health symptoms. Discuss the pros and cons with your healthcare provider.
5. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation and deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Menopause is a significant life transition that can affect both the body and the mind. It’s essential to recognize and address its impact on mental health. By seeking support, staying informed, and making lifestyle adjustments, women can navigate this phase with greater ease and well-being. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help you thrive during and after menopause.
For further assistance or counselling do connect with Vibrant Aura by Sejal.
10 Green Flags In Relationships
Green flags in a relationship are positive signs that indicate a healthy and promising connection. Some green flags includes:
1. Effective Communication: Open, honest, and respectful communication is a cornerstone of a good relationship. Both partners should feel comfortable discussing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns.
2. Mutual Respect: Respect for each other’s boundaries, opinions, and autonomy is vital. A healthy relationship involves treating each other with kindness and consideration.
3. Trust: Trust is built over time through reliability, honesty, and consistency. Trusting each other creates a strong foundation for a relationship.
4. Support: Both partners should support each other’s goals and aspirations. Encouragement and being there for each other during both highs and lows are important.
5. Conflict Resolution: Disagreements are normal, but how conflicts are handled matters. Healthy relationships involve resolving issues through compromise and empathy, not by belittling or attacking each other.
6. Independence: While togetherness is important, each partner should maintain their individuality and have their own interests and social lives.
7. Shared Values: Common values and goals can help create a strong bond. When you both align on what’s important in life, it often leads to a more fulfilling relationship.
8. Intimacy: Emotional and physical intimacy are key components of a romantic relationship. Being able to connect on both levels is important for a healthy partnership.
9. Balance and Fairness: A good relationship involves an equitable distribution of responsibilities, time, and efforts. It’s not one-sided.
10. Flexibility: Adaptability and the ability to compromise when necessary are important to navigate life’s changes and challenges together.
It is important to pay attention to these signs as they often lead to a strong and fulfilling partnership.
Remember that no relationship is perfect, and occasional disagreements are normal. However, when you always see these green flags, it’s a good sign that you’re in a healthy and positive relationship.
For more details connect with Vibrant Aura by Sejal.
Also read about 3 critical Red Flags in Relationship:
https://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2023/09/12/3-critical-red-flags-in-relationships/
Therapy over Zolfresh
Zolfresh is a brand name for the medication zolpidem, which is commonly used as a sleep aid. While Zolfresh can be effective for short-term treatment of insomnia, it’s not a substitute for therapy when dealing with underlying issues contributing to sleep problems, such as stress, anxiety, or other mental health concerns. If you’re experiencing persistent sleep difficulties, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional who can assess your situation and recommend an appropriate treatment plan, which may include therapy, lifestyle changes, or other interventions in addition to or instead of medication.
Please connect with Vibrant Aura by Sejal for your first free session. https://http://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2023/10/04/antibiotics-for-the-mind-consistency-in-mental-health-therapy/
Left on Read
Being left on read in today’s digital age has become a common occurrence in our lives, thanks to the prevalence of messaging apps and social media. While it may seem like a minor inconvenience, the act of being ignored or left without a response can have a significant impact on our mental health. In this blog, we will explore the emotional toll of being left on read and offer some strategies to cope with this modern communication challenge.
The Emotional Impact:
1. Feelings of Rejection: When someone leaves your message on read, it can trigger feelings of rejection and inadequacy. You may start questioning your worth or whether you said something wrong.
2. Anxiety and Overthinking: Waiting for a response that never comes can lead to anxiety and overthinking. Your mind may race with thoughts about why the person isn’t responding and what you could have done differently.
3. Negative Self-Talk: Being left on read can feed into negative self-talk, making you believe that you are unimportant or unlikable.
4. Frustration and Anger: In some cases, being ignored can lead to frustration and anger, especially if it happens repeatedly or with people you care about.
Coping Strategies:
1. Self-Validation: Remind yourself that being left on read doesn’t define your worth. People have their own reasons for not responding promptly.
2. Open Communication: If the situation permits, consider addressing the issue with the person directly to understand their reasons for not responding.
3. Distract Yourself: Instead of obsessing over the lack of a response, engage in activities that make you happy and take your mind off it.
4. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques can help you stay grounded and reduce anxiety related to being left on read.
5. Set Boundaries: Establish boundaries around your expectations for communication response times to reduce disappointment.
Remember, your self-worth is not determined by the responsiveness of others.
Also read about- FOMO https://http://thevibrantaura.in/index.php/2023/08/09/fomo/