Family Ever After Blog

Family Ever After Blog

Archives for February 2020

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5 Changes to Make Your Skin and Hair Care Routine This Spring

Springtime is a great season to start changing things up in your life. It is the season of spring cleaning, so many are taking to their closets and cabinets to get rid of everything they do not use in favor of having more space. Many also like to do a reconfiguration of their skin and hair care routines to freshen up their look and make sure they are staying on track to achieve glowing, beautiful skin and voluminous healthy hair.

If one of your New Year’s resolutions was to pay more attention to the upkeep of your hair and skin, springtime is a great time to reassess where you are and potentially make some additions or subtractions from your routines. If you are looking for changes to make to up your esthetic game, keep reading for five lovely tips.

1. Exfoliate Your Skin More

Coming out of the dry, cold winter months, your skin may need a little more TLC than you are typically used to providing it. Dry air means more dryness and roughness on your skin, so incorporating an exfoliant into your skincare routine can help to buff away that dry, dead skin and reveal fresh youthful skin beneath.

You can either use a physical exfoliant, like a face scrub or washcloth when cleansing your skin, or you could go for a chemical exfoliant, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or retinol. Salicylic acid has also been shown to be an acne-fighting agent.

2. Renew Your Skin’s Glow

When you’re through with the exfoliating step of your new skincare routine, it is time to get your skin’s moisturized glow back. Using CBD oil or another CBD product can work to reduce inflammation and increase the skin’s moisture levels. If you’re nervous about using CBD, remember that CBD is just short for cannabidiol, which is part of the marijuana cannabis plant that has no THC in it at all.

That means you will not receive the same sort of side effects as you might with pure THC. If you’re still not sure, start reading CBD oil reviews, which share many stories about its positive effects in skincare. For most CBD products, you do not need a prescription as you would with medical marijuana or other medication for the skin, but you should always make sure you review state laws.

3. Protect from Harmful UVB Rays

With spring and summer months approaching, you will need to make sure you protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVB rays by utilizing a high SPF sunscreen each day. Even if you don’t think you will be in direct sunlight, it’s important to use an SPF with an adequate dosage of protection.

4. Incorporate a Hair Mask

Winter doesn’t just dry out your skin, it dries out your hair too! If you want to renew the body, bounce, and luster of your locks, consider incorporating a moisturizing deep conditioning hair mask in your weekly haircare routine. Your strands will definitely thank you.

5. Bump Up Your Hair Game With a New Look

Spring is a time of new growth, which means it is also a wonderful opportunity to try out a new look. Perhaps you want to go for a big chop and style a bob with short hair, or maybe you’re a looking for more length to your hairstyles. Try a ponytail extension to elevate your look and get that long sleek voluminous ponytail you have dreamed of.

Hair extensions for ponytails can be made with either fake hair or human hair, so you can get an extension that works the best for you. If you are tired of your traditional ponytail, hair extensions can make you feel like a fresh new person.

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Bowling 101: How to Enjoy a Good Game

 

People have been enjoying the sport for quite some time now, and it is always fun to have friends or family around. Think about how fun it could be enjoying a good strike or the heckling if in case you missed out on one.

Located on the east side of Melbourne’s business district, Clayton is a suburb located in Victoria. It is a relatively quieter place compared to Australia’s other busy cities. Clayton is the best place to find a bowling alley, chill out with your friends, order some food, and practice your skills on the lanes.

There are a lot of right places to enjoy bowling in Clayton. Along with recreation, the suburb boasts of a shopping district and railway station, making it easier for the residents, and tourists to move around.

Asides from looking for the best place to play the sport, one thing you need to know is how to play a good game. It’s relatively easy to play, but here are our suggestions to enjoy playing a good one.

Find the best ball

The bowling ball is your weapon when it comes to playing the sport. It has to feel comfortable, or what players usually say, that it has to be like a part of you. There are ways to throw a ball to get a good strike accurately, and understanding how you can do the perfect spin or hook with the bowling ball is a must.

One of the considerations that you need to have with getting the perfect ball is its weight. The average number for men is 14 pounds, while 13 pounds are the average for women. For children, the average weight of the ball should be at 12 pounds.

There are also the quintessential holes you need to think about as well. You wouldn’t want to stick your fingers into it and have an accident when you throw the ball for the shot because the ball is still in your hands with your fingers in the holes. The holes should be big enough for your fingers, but not too small or too big enough that it easily slides even if you curve your finger inside the holes to hold it.

Be aware of the ratings as well as how you do your shots. Its Flare Potential and RG Radius can tell you if the ball is best for curve shots or a straight shot, so plan accordingly.

Get good shoes

If you watch a few official matches over the television or online, you would see the usual poses and stances that bowling players have before or after throwing the ball. Bowling may be easy to play, but you still need to make sure that you are using the right kind of shoes when playing. You might end up with a strain or a broken bone if your shoes are too big or too small.

Bowling shoes can just be like your regular ones. It’s best to use your own because it gets you comfortable, no matter which way you strike your pose or stance to take the shot.

There may be several good locations where you can play bowling Clayton has in their vicinity, so make sure that your shoes are good not just for playing but for walking as well.

Start with the best stance.

What you need to remember before you do your shot is to check the balance of the ball, making sure that you have a good grip on it and that you can adequately support the weight.

Do an upright bowling stance, where you keep your ball on the palm of your throwing hand, fingers in the holes. Keep the ball by the chest or stomach height, while using the other hand to support the weight of your ball.

Align the ball to the side of your body, where you would throw the ball in alignment with the seam of your shirt on one side. Keep your knees slightly bent, and relax your shoulders, the opposite foot (in relation to your shooting side) should be at the centre of the lane.

 

Remember to keep your wrists healthy to ensure that the ball will seem like a part of your arm, making sure that you would not feel any strains in your arm in the long run.

Author: Darren Wilson

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Family Medicine Jobs: Lessons from Hawaii

If you are a family medicine locum provider, you might want to consider Hawaii for future assignments. The Aloha State has plenty of openings for practitioners of all kinds, including family medicine doctors. A recent report out of the University of Hawaii suggests that the state needs about 245 physicians right now.

Family medicine is just one area of need. The state also needs cardiologists, oncologists, obstetricians, and on and on. In relation to the University of Hawaii report, there are a couple of lessons we can learn from it. The report sheds a little bit more light on Hawaii’s ongoing doctor shortage, what is causing it, and what is being done to address it.

Physicians Leaving the State

At the center of the report is data showing that a significant number of physicians have left Hawaii last year. According to the report, 152 doctors left in 2019. Why they left and where they went to isn’t quite clear. Regardless, the loss of that many doctors was exacerbated by a few other things.

Apparently, 91 doctors retired last year as well. Another 123 reduced their work hours while four passed away. As such, the state is looking at a total loss of 137 full-time physicians along with fewer hours put in by more than 120 others.

As dire as it sounds, things are not as bad as they appear. The University of Hawaii report also shows that the number of new doctors entering practice in Hawaii has made up for the losses. And in fact, Hawaii saw a net gain of 47 doctors in 2019. Fewer than 50 barely makes a dent in the overall shortage, but at least there was a net gain.

Educating Physicians Locally

One would think that Hawaii’s tropical environment would attract doctors from all over the country. After all, if you’re looking for family medicine jobs, you might just as well look in paradise, right? Perhaps not. It turns out that Hawaii’s net gain has more to do with local education than nationwide recruiting.

The University of Hawaii says that the state used to suffer from a severe shortage of cardiologists. That changed when the John A. Burns School of Medicine added a fellowship for training heart specialists. Likewise, the Hawaii Island Family Medicine program has been concentrating on training family medicine doctors. They have helped to reduce the shortage of family medicine practitioners in the state.

Research shows that doctors trained in Hawaii are more likely to stay in the state afterward. In fact, it is not even close. Locally trained physicians are 80% more likely to practice in Hawaii compared to those trained elsewhere.

Slowly Making Progress

Assuming that what is happening in Hawaii is indicative of the rest of the country, it would appear as though we are slowly making progress toward eliminating the doctor shortage. Now we need to pinpoint where the shortages for each discipline are most profound and employ proven strategies in those places.

Meanwhile, locum tenens providers will continue to address staffing shortages from cardiology to emergency medicine and family medicine. Locums provide a valuable service that makes it possible for our healthcare system to continue serving patients at the highest levels.

Do you practice family medicine? Are you fresh off your residency and now in search of locum tenens family medicine jobs? Take a look at Hawaii. They have jobs for you to consider. If you are a locum tenens provider, definitely consider Hawaii for your assignment rotation. There are few places in these United States where you can enjoy practicing medicine in such an idyllic environment.

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3 Tips For Buying a Family Home

Buying your first family home is an exciting milestone! Creating a home for your family to grow and build memories in is something that many people dream of for years. Finally, making it happen can be a huge accomplishment! However, buying property can be a stressful experience if you’re not sure what you’re doing.

If you don’t play your cards right and have a certain amount of guidance, you could lose a lot of money. Take a look at some of the best tips to help you navigate the process of buying your first family home.

Start Saving Early

Even though you’ll likely be applying for a loan to pay for your family home, you’ll still have to put down a downpayment. As a general rule of thumb, the more money that you put down initially, the fewer costs you’ll pay over time.

Putting down less than twenty percent on the cost of your home will cost you in the long run. Therefore, you should start saving as early as possible. There are all sorts of ways to start saving if you really set your mind to it. From setting up automatic savings deposits to getting a part-time job, there are effective money savings methods out there if you’re motivated.

Don’t Settle For The First Home You Find

If you want to make sure that you find the best home possible for what your particular needs are, you should take your time shopping around. Even though you may be excited and anxious to start settling down as soon as possible, it’s essential to make sure that you’re being selective.

Some houses may seem like a good deal initially, however, a closer look will reveal that you may have been able to find a better deal elsewhere. Don’t just make your decision based on looks or price alone.

You should also take other important factors into consideration, like location and proximity to your work and children’s school.

Don’t Look At Homes Outside Of Your Budget

It may seem harmless to look at properties that may be outside of your price range. However, you’ll find that it’s much more tempting than you might think. When you walk into a home that charms the socks off of you, you’re more likely to try to find a way to squeeze it into your budget.

Going beyond your means could put you and your family into serious financial problems if you experience sudden job loss, or even unexpected medical bills. You should always allow a little wiggle room when you’re putting a mortgage into your monthly spending budget. That way you can avoid falling behind on payments.

 

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What Makes New York City so Different — and How to Handle It

New York City is a city like no other. It’s the biggest city in the United States, but that isn’t the only reason that it’s so unique. New York City just feels different from anywhere else in the country. In some ways, it feels different from any other place on planet Earth. From the city’s layout and zoning to its culture and history, there are a wealth of reasons that it stands out.

But what makes New York City different can also make it tough. Getting by in this town isn’t easy, and some of its unique challenges require unique solutions. Let’s talk about what makes New York City different — and how you can make those things work for you instead of against you.

It’s Dense

New York City isn’t just big: It’s crowded. New York City’s population is more than twice that of Los Angeles, despite the fact that Los Angeles sprawls far and wide to cover a geographic area that is significantly larger than the city of New York. While there are some areas in New York City where residents enjoy their own homes and lawns, there are also huge numbers of New Yorkers living in high-rises and relatively small apartments. New Yorkers are crammed together in the streets and on subway cars. There’s not much space around here!

The good news is that New York City’s density makes it easier to live an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Mass transit options are far better for our planet than are individual car commutes. The bad news is that density can be stressful and claustrophobic. Fight back by making time to visit parks and other wide-open spaces. Develop strategies for coping with crowds and busy places, and you’ll have an easier time in New York City.

It’s Expensive

If there’s one thing that New Yorkers love to complain about, it’s the cost of living in this big city. Everything seems to cost a little more here, and it’s not just your imagination: Studies show that the cost of living in New York City is very high indeed.

That makes saving harder, but also more essential. Buying a home is generally wiser than renting in the long term — that’s Mortgage 101 — but how can you afford to buy a home here? You’ll have to save very carefully and consider different neighborhoods and even (gasp!) suburbs to pull it off. If you succeed, though, you’ll have a valuable property in a city that everyone seems to want to live in.

It’s Loud

New York City is the “city that never sleeps,” but it’s not always clear that this is by choice. The city’s around-the-clock noise issues keep many residents up, which is a unique and terrible challenge for your sleep cycle and overall health.

Fight back by taking steps to secure your sleeping area. Blackout curtains, white noise machines, earplugs, soft bedding, and wake-up lights are all wise investments in your sleep schedule and overall health.

It’s Stressful

New York City is a busy and competitive place. That, in turn, makes it rather stressful. It’s easy to let a bad day at work, a crazy commute, or a weird subway encounter ruin your mood. And resetting yourself isn’t easy in a culture where vacation time is so rarely taken.

That’s why New Yorkers should be particularly proactive about their mental health, advise the experts. New York City is home to some of the best therapists on the planet, so take advantage of that! Work with your insurance and your primary care provider to choose a qualified mental health provider whose services you can afford. Working with a professional is an investment in your mental health, and that’s one of the best investments that you can make anywhere — especially in New York City. Talking through your problems and developing strategies for dealing with New York City’s challenges can make a world of difference in your personal and professional lives.

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Retirement Ready: How to Choose a Retirement Community

One in twenty seniors live in retirement communities, and this number is expected to grow as more elderly Americans retire. Why aren’t they more pervasive in American culture? Mostly because it’s a mixed bag of expenses and accommodations.

But if you know what you’re looking for, you’ll have an easier time auditing a retirement community for yourself or a retiree. The best senior living communities all share many of the same qualities. Locating one is worth the hassle, seeing as your living situation is a major contributor to personal satisfaction.

Are you or a loved one retirement ready? Then it’s time to find the right retirement community. Here are seven factors to consider when it’s time to choose.

1. Community Living

One of the most important components of any senior living facility is the people who inhabit it. From employees to retirees, you should fit right in with the facility culture. A retirement community is a home, and it should feel like one, too.

But a community is not composed of people alone. The nearby businesses and accommodations are worth a mention. How well does the surrounding community treat the retirees?

Does the local community offer services you or your retiree enjoys? If they are fond of city life, it’d make sense to choose a retirement community located within a municipal area. Or, better yet, find one located next to a robust metro station that facilitates travel and independence.

2. Recreational Activities

With so much free time available, retirees of all kinds enjoy a litany of community events. Due to preferences and physical ability, make sure you examine the recreational calendar to see if your retiree will enjoy the scheduled activities.

Recreation also plays an important secondary role. Seek a well-rounded calendar stuffed with exercise programs. From low-impact swimming pools to yoga, a regular exercise routine is a key component to physical and mental well-being.

3. Food Quality

On the topic of health and wellness, it’d be impossible to avoid the subject of food. Nutrition is just as important as flavor. While it may seem superficial to worry about meals, your retiree would likely disagree!

Many retirement communities know that meal quality is a prime concern. For that reason, some tours include a small meal to showcase their offerings.

When a personal test isn’t available, there are still some effective ways to see what they’re serving up. The best retirement communities have their own kitchens and private chefs. Cheaper facilities mass-produce low-quality food in the same way a primary school might.

Since food is oftentimes subjective, be sure to bring your retiree along to the complimentary meal to see what they think about it.

4. Medical Assistance

Of all the services available in a retirement community, medical help is the most essential. While the most luxurious facilities have on-site primary care doctors, the vast majority don’t. This means it’s important that high-quality physicians are nearby, or that transportation services can make for convenient trips to the doctor whenever possible.

You’ll want to opt for a facility that has a 24-hour staff as part of a swift response system. This could be the difference between life or death in the case of a medical emergency.

For retirees with high needs and medication requirements, be sure to select a community with qualified on-site nurses. This would be known as an assisted living facility, rather than an independent retirement community.

5. Cost

While we would all love to put our parents in the most luxurious accommodations around, there’s no avoiding the fact that the cost of retirement communities is a serious concern. Unfortunately, retirement communities differ wildly in fees and expenses.

Some may require an entry fee or the purchase of a condo. You may discover later on that the condo won’t sell for the value you personally paid for it. These complicated finance matters can make it difficult to choose a retirement facility of any type.

If you’re worried about your long-term finances or general affordability, take a look at high-quality affordable retirement communities. You’ll save your wallet and sanity in the process.

6. Environment

Florida is a common location for retirement. Why? Because its tropical climate makes life easier for retirees — especially those who are subject to chronic pain.

Consider the local environment and weather factors before making a decision. They’ll have a massive impact on your retiree’s quality of life when winter rolls around. While some may not mind the seasons, others would be happy to enjoy a comfortable 70 degrees all year round.

If you want to stay local, there are still minor differences to consider. Some areas in the same state may experience more snowfall or colder temperatures than others.

7. Amenities

On-site entertainment is always a mixed bag. In general, you’ll want to locate a facility that offers more than your standard rental complex. This may mean an on-site library, swimming pool, or even mini-golf!

Convenience is key. Having essential facilities nearby lessens the need for expensive or complicated transportation methods. In general, you’ll want a salon, restaurant, and laundry service located within walking distance.

Younger retirees without health requirements may also enjoy an on-site gymnasium or bar.

Are You Retirement Ready?

With money and personal satisfaction on the line, don’t take a gamble on a retirement community. Instead, schedule a facility tour. If it doesn’t feel like home, then guess what?

It isn’t.

There’s more to senior living communities when you’re retirement ready. Search our blog for more advice.

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4 Things To Consider Before Getting a Family Dog

As a family with kids, you’ll probably hear your child asking for a puppy at some point. Having a dog can be a wonderful addition to a family and can teach your children about companionship, love, and responsibility. However, not every family may be a good fit for a Fido of their own.

Even though you may want to give in to your child’s requests, you should seriously consider whether it’s the right decision for your family. Here are some of the things that you should think about before getting a family dog.

Caring For Your Dog Is Costly

A lot of people think that it’s as simple as buying a dog. However, the cost of the dog itself isn’t the end of the bill. Dogs also require toys, leashes, grooming, and don’t the vet! All sorts of health issues can arise for your dog when you least expect them. Whether they develop a skin allergy or injure a paw, pet visits aren’t cheap!

If you can’t anticipate spending several thousands of dollars a year for your pet, then dog life probably isn’t for you.

Your Schedule

Before you bring a new dog to your house, consider how much it requires you being at home. Dogs aren’t like cats who can be left to their own devices quite comfortably. A dog needs to be taken for walks, cuddled, and cared for.

If you’re someone who works long hours or your children are gone for a lot of the time at activities, then it will have a negative effect on your pooch.

Even though your kids may want the dog, it’s important to know that ultimately it will probably be you who ends up doing the majority of the work, so make sure you have the time!

The Size Of Your Home

Your dog will need a certain amount of space based on the type of breed. Some dogs require to be walked or run around for several hours a day. Keeping a dog cooped up isn’t just sad for the dog, but it can lead to serious destruction of your house!

Make sure that you have a yard if you’re considering a larger breed. They’ll need to have plenty of space to work off all of that energy!

Family Allergies

One of the most common reasons why pet owners end up getting rid of their dogs is because someone in the family develops an allergy to the family dog. Make sure that you are aware of anyone’s potential allergies to your new dog.

The last thing you’d want is one of your children getting sick and sadly having to separate from the animal they’ve grown so fond of!

 

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5 Ways to Bring Out the Best in Your Children

Having a child can be exciting and nerve wracking at the same time. A new baby brings with it lots of joy and happiness, but how do you know if you’re doing everything right? Many parents worry that they aren’t doing enough for their children. Below are some of our top tips for bringing out the best in your child:

Educate Your Child

Education is extremely important. Let your child read books that are appropriate for their age and play games with them to help them learn. Educate yourself on how your child should be behaving and how much they should know at their age. Then you can work alongside them to help them learn and grow. It has been shown that parents who work alongside teachers to educate their children boost their child’s confidence and produce successful adults.

If you are looking for a school that will work alongside you to bring out the best in your child, then the Visitation School might be the perfect choice for you. This Catholic school works hard to help children achieve their potential whilst also meeting their emotional and physical needs. This school values its children and ensures that they know they are all individuals and all precious.

Know Your Child

Taking some time out to get to know your child can help bring out the best in them. Talk to them about their friends, what they enjoy playing with, and what they want to be in the future. The more you know about your child, the more you can tailor your approach towards them.

Be a Positive Role Model

Try and help your child learn something new every day. Have a look at your child’s work and see what knowledge you have about the subjects they’re learning and then teach it to them. Showing interest in your child’s life can really improve their confidence. You also need to make sure that you set a good example to your child. Try and ensure that your children don’t see any bad behavior from adults in your household.

Encourage Your Child

Encouragement goes a long way. Use words like excellent, good and wonderful to encourage them when they try hard or achieve something. Calling your children names like my hero or superstar will also improve their self-esteem.

Discipline Your Child Appropriately

All children misbehave at some point. Children are continually learning, growing and changing so at times they may push the boundaries, or they may become overwhelmed with emotion. Discipline always works best when a child feels loved and they know that they get rewarded when they behave well. Discipline should depend on your child’s age; a toddler who has a tantrum may need a couple of minutes in a quiet area to calm down whilst a teenager may need to have restrictions placed on their technology use. Remember to discipline your child according to their age and what they have done wrong. Try not to let your emotions control how you discipline them.

Having a child is extremely exciting, but can also be quite a scary experience. Bringing your child up in the right way can often be hard, but it is definitely worth it in the long run. Follow some of our top tips to bring out the best in your child.

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How to Wear Spring’s Trendiest Boots

There are so many fresh looks to love in this spring’s newest crop of boots, as you can see by skimming through ladies shoes online. With lots of options for every type of boot buyer, you might be concerned that summer will arrive before you have a chance to try them all. But there’s still plenty of time to wear your favorites before the hot weather hits. Here are some of the trendiest styles you’ll see this spring, and how to wear them.

Spring Pastels

Surprise everyone with a pretty pop of pink pastel in a knee-high boot, worn beneath a frilly spring dress. Pale colors lend themselves to a wide range of styles and nothing is more feminine than pastels. Also, try a soft blush shade in a crocodile-embossed pattern that adds a nice contrast to ruffles; these knee-highs also pair well with jeans.

Military Styles

Several designers give the nod to the military in a variety of new boot styles for women. Try a pair of black combat boots in glossy patent leather with a feminine pencil skirt. Pilot boots with lace-up fronts look great with bomber jackets and jeans, while platform-soled combat booties are just right paired with boyfriend jeans or shorts. For additional inspiration, check out men’s boots online.

Animal Prints

You’ll never go wrong with the ever-popular crocodile pattern, and you’ll find it on booties that look great with jeans, as well as knee-highs that go with everything. A new design to try is a bold and big, snakeskin motif in bright teal. With wide heels and a top that doesn’t stop until the knees, this eye-popping style is the perfect accent to perk up a pair of faded jeans. You’ll also find some leopard-print booties with deep cuts at the ankles that make them an excellent choice for balancing out a minimalist spring outfit.

Western Styles

The western look is hot this season and lends itself to any style. Sleek and shiny, a metallic silver bootie is just the thing to bring out the chic in any pair of jeans. Try these square-toed western with a pair of crops too. A pointed-toe western in black flatters the calf and looks great with dresses, slacks and jeans. For more western styles to wear, browse Lucchese boots online.

Sandal Boots

Sandal boots may look better on, but you’ll find them on lots of women this year. A sandal pump that morphs into a calf-high kick beginning at the ankle, this open-toed boot lets you flash some skin on the upper foot before covering your ankles and heading upward. They look amazing with vintage jeans and can also be worn with all lengths of dresses and skirts.

Start Your Collection Today

Once relegated to fall and winter seasons, boots are now accessible year-round, especially open-toed options that prevent sweaty feet. Whether you’re a longtime boot fan or have only recently come around to liking them, this spring’s wide variety of offerings will hook you in just a glance or two. Add to your collection today when you shop for ladies shoes online.

 

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The Road to Recovery: 5 Ways to Heal Your Mind and Your Body

When it comes down to drug abuse, the road to recovery is a bumpy one. It takes persistence and constant support to focus on healing rather than spiraling into relapse, which isn’t unusual. When drug addiction becomes the center of one’s life despite its heartbreaking consequences, it’s time to get clear.

Those who are fully committed to change their behavior and reach sobriety have no reason to despair. There are a lot of great ways to beat cravings while healing yourself and staying on top of your self-esteem. Here are some of them.

Get Help

This is a road you most likely can’t go alone. All help is welcome, but professional help is required. Individual drug counseling will help you deal with emotional pain in an impartial manner, while support groups can show you you’re not the only one having negative emotions about the same issue. It doesn’t matter which one you pick as long as you look for the best counselors and doctors available. The quality of your mental health plays a big role in avoiding cases of relapse.

Stay Busy

Ever heard the saying “an idle mind is the devil’s workshop”? That’s true not only for the mind but for the body, as well. When you’re doing nothing physically, your mind wanders where it’s not supposed to go. The solution? Start caring more about your physical health, or at least get moving in any way you can. If you’re not into going out for runs or workouts, give everything you’ve got at your day job. Or, if you’d rather be still and silent, at least fill the void with something productive and relaxing, such as meditation. This practice is known and proven to calm an anxious mind and bring attention back to the present moment.

Take Some Time to Recover Your Passion

When you’re in too deep, you might lose your sense of self. You might forget what life was like before drug abuse took up most of your life, or you might just feel a certain lack of something. Don’t worry, you can get it back or finally find out what it is that you’re passionate about.

A passion doesn’t necessarily need to be something you earn money for. It could be making art, hitting the gym, or even holding on to faith. It should be something you care about and want to improve every single day. If you have no idea what your passion is, relax knowing that it takes time to find out. But here’s one simple trick: if you could do it for years without earning a dollar, that’s probably it.

Go New Places

It can be tough to heal in the same place where you got hurt. In this case, a perfect, peaceful vacation destination should get rid of your troubles for a while. People get excited about traveling because hopping on a plane and resting their feet in the sand reminds them that life is so much more than a desk job or an addiction. Meeting new people and visiting new destinations rejuvenates our notion of what’s important, what’s relaxing, and what’s harmful.

Stay Tied to Your Support System

Your family is your fortress, and that should never change. Unfortunately, though, not all of us are as close to our parents and siblings as we wish. Even then, you should have someone to count on during times of crisis, someone such as a close relative or a good friend. If our relationship with them is healthy, the people we love can make us feel loved and offer emotional support in a way that promotes better healing. If you ever need to be close to someone, turn to those who bring out the best version of yourself.

As essential as it is to healing, willpower is only the first step to leave addictive behaviors. There will be setbacks, and your mind and body should work together in order to counter them. The above tips are great starting points.