Moringa oleifera is not something that a therapist typically recommends to people who come to them for psychological assistance. Nevertheless, it provides some benefits that may prevent individuals from dealing with physical conditions that tend to cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders.

“Depression is a disorder that develops from environmental and biological issues that are unique to each person. Only one out of four individuals [with depression] seeks treatment. The reason more don’t go for psychotherapy or medication is stigma,” says Deborah Serani PsyD.

“Anxiety can become unhealthy if it starts to overwhelm and harasses you with a myriad of thoughts that leave you feeling crippled, intensely fearful, or concerned for your health,” says Alicia H. Clark Psy.D.

“Chronic stress is thought to be a risk factor for conditions as diverse as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, autoimmune disorders, and even the common cold. The link between chronic stress and opioid addiction may be a contributor to the nation’s opioid crisis,” says Mithu Storoni MD, Ph.D.

Some of the things mentioned above are mental health disorders that need immediate attention and treatment.

Introduction

Moringa oleifera is a tropical tree from the Moringaceae family that can grow without specific cultivation requirements. Its origin can be rooted back to the Himalayan region of India, which remains to be the biggest producer of the plant’s fresh products all over the world.

Moringa germinates from either the limb cuttings or the seeds. The farmers only have to wait for 12 days to see the early stages of its development. It can live off of rainwater and sunlight, but it will wither if planted in a cold place. The flowers start to show after six months, and the fruits can be harvested soon after.

Uses

It is called the “miracle tree” because every part of the Moringa oleifera has a culinary or medicinal use. They are commonly found in South and Southeast Asian dishes and treated as vegetables. For instance, in Thailand, there is a favorite curry recipe that mixes fish with green pods. Indonesians, on the other hand, add the leaves to the soup to make it healthier.

The crushed leaves are also used as a cleaning agent in some countries. The oil that it generates can be wetted before washing your hands so that it can work as a soap. The inhabitants of Nigeria have utilized it as well for dishwashing and for scrubbing down walls.

Moringa oleifera is an excellent source of dark pigment. African nations obtain blue dye from its bark. The gum of the tree has been employed in the past for calico printing, tanning leather, and making condiment.

Its roots have medicinal properties. They have been known to serve as an antibiotic for people who suffer from gout, arthritis, and sexually transmitted diseases. The pulverized roots are combined with salt before applying to the affected area. Mixing its juice with milk, on the one hand, turns it into medicine for coughs, swollen liver, and lumbago.

The animal growers feed Moringa leaves to their pigs, cattle and goat, among others. The plant contains enough nutrients that the animals to grow. It also allows the producers to raise them organically. In the Philippines, all the foods that breastfeeding mothers consume are incorporated with the leaves, because the folks believe that Moringa oleifera helps in generating more milk for the babies.

Leaf juice gets drank as is or made into a concoction by those who have gonorrhea, diabetes, diarrhea, and high blood pressure.

The pulp of the bark is not wasted either, as it can be used to create rope or paper.

Benefits

Moringa oleifera, particularly its leaves, are full of antioxidants that may regulate your blood sugar levels. It has isothiocyanates and chlorogenic acid, which are compounds that reduce the body’s sugar absorption. The benefit that diabetics will get from this is that the leaves can be fused with any food; thus, they may keep the disease at bay.
It is considered a superfood in a lot of countries, for the reason that it comprises of various minerals, protein, and vitamins that people need in their healthy diet. The vitamins A and C strengthen a person’s immune system, while vitamin E can shield you from pollutants, eye cataracts, and Alzheimer’s disease.

Moringa oleifera is a powerful antiseptic that can eliminate fungal and bacterial infections, as well as diminish skin damage, on humans. A 2014 study has assessed the effectivity of a cream, which has the plant’s leaf extract as the main ingredient, in terms of facial skin regeneration. They have found out that aside from it being useful as a skin revitalizer, it also has the potential of decreasing the signs of aging.

The polyphenols that are in the Moringa oleifera have the capability of defending you from liver-related illnesses. Those who excessively drink alcoholic beverages are more at risk of having this organ damaged. Eating or drinking a Moringa product, however, can lower your chances of acquiring oxidative stress, which will eventually evolve into a rather severe liver problem if left untreated.

Moringa oleifera can shrink inflammation that has been caused by enduring illnesses. One research has shown as well that it has anticoagulating properties because of the possible attendance of plasmin- and thrombin-like enzymes in the plant. It entails that the blood in your open wound can clot more easily and stimulate healing.

In Conclusion

Moringa oleifera deserves to be known around the globe as the tree that gives life. It has saved millions of men, women, and children in the impoverished places from famine, as well as a few diseases. The leaves, fruits, flowers, roots, and barks of the plant have their essential uses for both humans and animals. Moringa contains a substantial number of vitamins, antioxidants, protein, minerals, and other chemical compounds that have a considerable probability of curing various illnesses and increasing vitality provided that the scientists can find a way to introduce them to the nations. There is no doubt, therefore, that it is a miracle tree.

When it comes to wellness, you probably know a lot of things. Maybe your friend once told you some tips on how to stay mentally, physically, and emotionally healthy. Perhaps you read articles and watch videos on how to stay focused and goal-oriented. Or maybe your therapist gave you some pieces of advice on how to maintain a good lifestyle for a better living. Whatever your reasons are, for sure the information gets flooded in your head that sometimes makes it impossible for you to work and follow even just one. So before you think about the bombardment of details for wellness and all that, I’ll share some uncomplicated and best ways to achieve overall wellness.

Continue reading “Best Ways To Wellness”

The availability of the services of a counselor has proven to be convenient and practical for several people. Because of the wisdom and treatment provided by counseling sessions, many individuals end up solving their problems and issues. This fact can be considered as good news for people like you who need someone to talk to or a professional who can help you process your thoughts.

Take note that each counselor has a variety of skills. Therefore, you cannot expect all of them to possess the same level of comprehension and understanding of the proper techniques for counseling sessions. Because of this, it becomes more challenging to search for the best counselor who can help you with what you are going through at the moment.

Do not worry because we are going to provide you with a list of the top five qualities every counselor must possess:

Effective Communication

Look for a counselor who can communicate well to all her clients. Keep in mind that the foundation of a good relationship with the said professional is your connection with one another. Take note that opening up to another person can be difficult. A good counselor must know the proper ways on how to make things easier. Keep in mind that between the two of you, he must be the one who shall make an effort in improving the communication lines between the two of you.

“Counselors need to have a natural ability to listen and be able clearly explain their ideas and thoughts to others,” said Ashley Miller, a licensed social worker and psychotherapist.

 

Empathy

Another thing to look for in a counselor is his ability to connect with you. It is crucial for you to feel that he understands what you are going through. Remember that an excellent counselor is someone who looks at you with respect and humility. He must learn how to protect your secrets so that you can have a stronger relationship with him. As such, make sure to observe the way you feel whenever you are face-to-face with the counselor. The way he talks and acts says a lot about his ability to connect with his clients.

“An effective counselor can identify negative thinking patterns that may be feeding feelings of sadness, depression or anxiety,” according to psychiatrist Lynn Ponton, MD.

Acceptance

If there is one vital thing that you must accept at this point in your life, it is the fact that several people will always have something to say to you. What is important is the need to ignore the naysayers and show them otherwise. Because of this, it is imperative on your part to make an effort to avoid people who keep on judging you for your choices and decisions. It is the primary reason why you need to find a counselor who nicely treats you. He must accept who you are and must never make any negative comment about what you are going through. Always remind yourself that there are several counselors out there who can accept everything about their clients.

Honesty

 

Find a counselor whom you can trust with your life. Do not go for a professional who is willing to lie to your face for the sole purpose of making you feel good. What you need is someone who will tell you what is absolutely true, without any color of dishonesty. It must be noted that a dishonest counselor will do more harm than good in your life. For this reason, you have to continue working hard to be able to afford an honest counselor who can assist you in every step of the way. If you have difficulties in accepting certain realities, do not hesitate to talk to your counselor about it.

Conclusion

Searching for the right counselor can be a struggle, especially if you are doing it for the first time. The best thing that you can do is to take your time in looking for the best counselor. According to Susan Lager, LICSW, a psychotherapist and relationship coach in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, “therapy is an interactive process. Express your needs, ask questions, read books, and do the “homework assignments,” she said. Remember that it is better to spend a lot of time for the search than to engage someone who will only increase the stress and anxiety in your life.

Feel free to ask for recommendations or referrals from the people you know so that you can have several options. It is also suggested to book a preliminary appointment with a counselor first before deciding to retain his services for an extended period. Do not be afraid to test the waters. Eventually, all your efforts will be worth it. Be sure to use the checklist mentioned in this article.

Amazed by the successful weight-loss stories of family members, friends, and people you found on the internet? They merely show that it’s indeed possible to lose fats without going under the knife. What’s important is your chosen way of tackling this task.

The fast (but not highly recommended) route directs you to dietary supplements. A better path, on the other hand, leads you to spend hours in the gym. You may try either at your own risk, but having saggy skin is quite common for people who are on a weight-loss journey.

Here are a couple of techniques you can do to avoid excess skin while losing weight.

Method #1: Take Care Of Your Skin

What You Need

Water

Your skin feels supple and elastic to the touch, thanks to the high amount of water it holds. You must replenish the body’s water supply while or after exercising to maintain that.  “The rule of thumb is to drink half your body weight in ounces a day—so if you weigh 160 lbs, try to drink 80 ounces,” said psychotherapist Vikki Stark M.S.W., M.F.T.

Resistance Training Program

There are various workouts dedicated to resistance training that will allow you to build muscles while losing fats. Simply opt for a program that suits your equipment and schedule.

Weighing Scale (Optional)

You can reduce weight even if there are no digits to confirm it. That’s the reason why having a weighing scale isn’t a big deal. Nevertheless, it’s not an issue if you utilize the apparatus.

Sunscreen (Optional)

A lotion with high SPF value stops the UV radiation for inflicting harm to your well-being. It’s a must-have, considering you work out in the open.

What To Do

The first technique gives significance to skin health. It is okay to exercise and control your hunger, but try to ensure that there’s enough water in the epidermis.

Step 1: Reduce Your Weight Gradually

Burning the fats can happen even if you don’t push yourself to the extreme spontaneously. You can merely aim to get rid of a couple of pounds at max each week so that your skin can adjust to the changes well. Otherwise, a rapid loss of weight can result in sagging body parts.

Step 2: Make Hydration A Priority

When you exercise, you don’t directly convert the fats into energy. You also release so much sweat through your pores, which can dehydrate the skin if you’re not careful. That’s the ultimate recipe for obesity, to be honest, so make sure to always quench your thirst with water.

Step 3: Focus On Resistance Training

Your skin can still sag even when you are hydrated in case you don’t develop muscles where the fats used to be. The latter stays in between the bones and the epidermis; that’s why there will be less stuff connecting the two. You can only prevent the sagging by following a resistance training program as you lose weight.

Step 4: Avoid Things That Decrease Skin Elasticity

Having flabby skin becomes inevitable if there are bad vices you continue to hold on to. Drinking and smoking are definitely atop that list because they cause dehydration and other serious diseases. Similarly, don’t forget to use sunblock before going outdoors since UVs can damage the collagen that makes the skin elastic.

Method #2: Gain Muscles

What You Need

Weight Resistance Equipment

Gyms always have apparatuses for resistance training (e.g., dumbbells and barbells). You may install them at home too, considering you have no time to visit the facility. As an alternative, it’s alright to use your body weight during the exercise.

Healthy Foods

Lean towards the food choices that increase your energy and muscles. Those can be brown rice or wheat for carbohydrates and white meat for protein. Of course, adding dietary fibers from fruits and vegetables is another sound idea.

“Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and lean protein sources in your diet can help protect your brain, according to the latest research”, says Melanie Greenberg Ph.D.

Weighing Scale (Optional)

Measuring your weight is not a priority since a regular scale cannot differentiate muscles from fats. There are instances, after all, in which the numbers don’t change, but you notice the improvement in your figure. Nonetheless, you may weigh yourself whenever you like.

What To Do

The second and last procedure highlights the importance of having and keeping your muscles. Muscle loss can happen, primarily when you merely perform physical tasks on rare occasions.

Step 1: Refuse To Take Shortcuts

As tempting as it can be to reduce fats without doing anything, it’s better to achieve it by working out. The length of your exercise, however, should depend on how much weight you wish to lose.

Just one advice, though? Aim low to give the muscles time to appear on the areas where the fats used to be.

Step 2: Commit To A Specific Workout

The cardio exercises are great at strengthening your endurance for weight loss. Despite that, you should supplement them with resistance training to be able to develop and improve your muscles well. You may utilize your weight or gym equipment for that.

Furthermore, to enhance your physique, you’ll need foods that promote incredible health. Protein is essential for building muscles; that’s why you can’t lose that in your diet. Non-gluten products and “good” carbs can also provide energy that will help you complete the exercises.

In A Nutshell

“People whose weight-loss efforts begin at home with dieting, and perhaps some exercise, are familiar from the very beginning of their diet with the struggles they must overcome to lose weight”, said Judith Wurtman, Ph.D. Losing weight without excess skin is not rocket science. The techniques mentioned above may not be too diverse from what your fitness instructor can tell you, frankly speaking. When you avoid over-exercising, dehydration, bad eating habits, and other vices, sagging skin may be the least of your problems.

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As a reading enthusiast, I know how much reading helps people in a lot of ways. But I just realized not so long ago that reading about how to increase my mental strength could be powerful. “Brainy pursuits make the brain more efficient by changing its structure to continue functioning properly in spite of age-related neuropathologies,” according to professor of neuropsychology Robert S. Wilson, PhD. The wonder it has done for me has encouraged me to share some of my favorites that I first got from social media. I just started buying one book, and when I finished, I decided to buy more and more!

So here’s a list of the top three books that have moved me mentally and emotionally, which I hope will do the same for you.

1. Big Magic – Elizabeth Gilbert. This book just got me going with my love for writing and for life in general. Gilbert successfully delivered the purpose for the book, which is to encourage one to be creative in all things he does. It pushes one to get out of his comfort zone and learn new activities that would improve creativity and therefore enhance mental wellness. Gilbert, once again, is a winner in this one, aside from her very successful Eat, Pray, Love.

 

Highlight: Part of being creative in life is to bravely face that which you are scared of.

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2. Fuck It: The Ultimate Spiritual Way – John Parkin. Focusing mainly on the phrase ‘fuck it,’ Parkin teaches us to let go of the things that do not help us become better people. We are taught not to overthink and look for meaning for almost everything we go through. We can take control of our lives better when we know which ones to prioritize and which ones we set aside. I realized after reading this one that sometimes we imprison ourselves and we end up feeling anxious and depressed. We have a choice to kick these barriers down and just say, “F**ck it!”

 

Highlight: We’ve been so used to tackling every problem head-on, no matter how big or small. For                  once, let’s decide to be fearless and say f**ck it, and then let’s see what happens.

3. The Happiness Project – Gretchen Rubin. This is a classic but its release triggered the release of a hundred more books about happiness. I love Rubin’s take on what to do every day, which you will understand when you get to read it yourself because Rubin writes this book in a monthly diary style. The Happiness Project is one of the early books I finished that motivated me to be more practical and realistic about my goals in life.

 

Highlight: If you’re planning a family trip, doing preparations and contemplating about the trip                      makes 60% of your happiness. The 40% you get when you’ve started the trip.

My Final Thoughts

 

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According to Maria Eugenia Panero, PhD, a research associate at the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, “Reading helps us to take the perspective of different characters we normally wouldn’t interact with, and to give us a sense of their psychological experiences and how they interact with other people and situations.”

My fascination with reading different kinds of manuscripts – being sports, music, art or life related – has in one way or another led me to seek for lessons that I could learn from and share with others, just as I am doing now with you. “It really doesn’t matter what book you read, by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book, you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author’s imagination.” And I leave you with one of the most important takeaways that have helped me improve my positivity and zest for life. This one is from ‘The Secret’ written by Rhonda Byrne.

“There is no such thing as a hopeless situation. Every single circumstance of your life can change.”