Tag: Healthy Living

The Best Free Mental Health Apps

Mental health issues have been on the rise in this country since before the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw an even steeper rise in the number of people struggling.

Telehealth and other innovative options are helping more people access the care they need. However, not everyone is ready to talk to a stranger about their mental health, in part because the stigma of mental health is still very apparent in today’s world, stopping people from pursuing professional help. Others who wish to get help may not be able to do so because they are uninsured or live on a limited income.

Free mental health apps offer an easy and anonymous way to access tools for improving your mental health. From meditation sessions and live support groups to references for licensed professionals, these apps provide people looking for different levels of help with ways to find it. Read on to learn about five of the best free mental health apps currently available.

What Type of App Suits You?

Choosing the right mental health app depends on various factors, including personal preferences, needs, and goals. Some people who use these apps are already in therapy and looking to add mindfulness techniques, while others are just getting started and looking for licensed healthcare providers for various needs, such as for the treatment of substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. If you’re seeking guided meditation and mindfulness exercises, apps like Calm may be suitable. Mood tracking and self-care tools are prominent features of apps like Moodfit and My Possible Self.

5 of the Best Free Mental Health Apps

Now that you have an idea of the type of help you’re looking for, explore the mental health apps listed here to see if one is a good match. Keep in mind that, although these apps can provide some help for people with mental health issues, it is always a good idea to talk to your doctor about any health concerns you have.

1. Sanvello

Sanvello is a comprehensive mental health app designed to help users manage stress, anxiety, and depression. This app offers personalized support to improve overall well-being, with guided meditations, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other behavioral health services. Sanvello’s user-friendly interface and evidence-based practices make it accessible and effective for many people seeking mental health assistance. Additionally, Sanvello’s community features enable users to connect with peers for support and encouragement.

2. Calm

Calm is a leading mental wellness app offering meditation, relaxation, and sleep help. Narrators guide users through meditation sessions designed to alleviate stress, improve focus, and promote emotional well-being. Calm also provides a diverse range of sleep stories, music tracks, and soundscapes tailored to aid in relaxation and restful sleep. With features like daily mindful-breathing exercises, Calm empowers users to cultivate mindfulness and resilience in their daily lives. Trusted by millions worldwide, Calm is a go-to resource for people seeking peace and tranquility amidst life’s challenges.

3. Moodfit

Moodfit is a personal health companion, always ready to lift your spirits and help you tackle tough days. It’s packed with tools and resources to boost your mood and manage stress, including mood tracking, guided exercises, and mental health tips. When you’re feeling down and need a quick pick-me-up, Moodfit’s user-friendly interface and customizable features can help you throughout the day. With Moodfit, you never have to be alone on your mental health journey.

4. 7 Cups

7 Cups is an online platform providing free emotional support and counseling to anyone in need. Through anonymous chat, users can connect with trained listeners and licensed therapists, offering a safe space to express their feelings and receive guidance. With a diverse community of caring behavioral health care providers, 7 Cups offers non-judgmental support for a variety of mental health concerns, from anxiety to grief. Whether seeking a listening ear or professional advice, 7 Cups provides accessible support 24/7.

5. My Possible Self

My Possible Self empowers you to take control of your mental health journey with its innovative app. Offering a range of tools, including mood tracking, self-care exercises, and personalized courses, My Possible Self helps you understand and manage your emotions effectively. It uses evidence-based techniques and makes it easy to prioritize your well-being and build resilience. My Possible Self provides the support and guidance you need right at your fingertips.

Taking Steps Toward Better Mental Health

Taking the first step toward better mental health is a courageous choice that can transform your life. Millions of Americans experience mental health challenges and seek help each year, so you are not alone. By prioritizing your well-being and seeking support when needed, you embrace a journey of self-discovery and growth. An app can be the perfect start of your journey, or can add support if you’re already receiving care. Whether through therapy, meditation, or self-care practices, every effort you make brings you closer to a brighter tomorrow.

March 30, 2024
Don’t Be The DJ, Be The Fitness Fanatic

Music is the making or breaking point of every workout. For those with a morning workout schedule, you need something that is going to wake you up, pump you up, and motivate you to complete the challenges ahead of you. If evening workouts are your thing then maybe it is music to shake off the day and recenter you on your present task, moving your body. Whatever your workout cycle, music is at the core.

Be the Fitness Fanatic

The Research

FitRadio, an all-encompassing music solution for individuals, gyms, fitness studios, trainers, and digital fitness brands, surveyed 7,000 gym and studio members on music. They found 91% preferred listening to a new playlist for each workout, and 92% said that music impacted their performance during a workout. Actually, 95% agreed that music is just as important as the instruction given in a workout.

The findings aren’t surprising given that researchers have been studying the impact of music on working out since 1911. From ranges in intensity, speed, to frequency of movement, music has a scientifically proven positive effect on the quality of our workouts.

When Your Workout is A Guessing Game

The last thing you want to worry about during your workout is what song is about to play next. When you press play on a playlist containing hundreds of songs with different genres, tempos, and moods, you never know what’s coming. Picture yourself running on the treadmill, jamming out to an upbeat pop song, perfect for your workout. But then, the song ends; and suddenly, you’re running on the treadmill while listening to an emotional, slow ballad. Now you’re forced to shift your focus from your workout to your phone, to try to find a song that will let you continue running at the same pace and momentum that you were at before.

The Solution- Built by DJs

Fortunately, that is why I turn to Fitradio– mixes built by DJs and fitness experts so that I can keep my focus on my workout. Once you hit play on a mix, you won’t have to touch your phone for the rest of your workout session! They take all the factors into consideration, so I don’t have to. They also partner with some of the country’s top fitness studios and gyms to transform the listening experience during your favorite HIIT or spin class.

With more than 10,000 unique mixes spanning 50 different genres, there is something for everyone and every workout. I especially love that they collaborate with more than 200 DJs and consider the science behind matching music to fitness experience. Whether you are looking for morning motivation or a weeknight workout refresh, take a look at FitRadio and check “create playlist” off your to-do list. A true fitness fanatic.

August 11, 2023
How To Take Care Of Yourself As A Caregiver
When you become a caregiver, it can be challenging – especially if you’re showing a little gray yourself. You may be at the top of your game professionally, but suddenly, family becomes priority. If you’re a senior caregiver or about to become one, you’re going to have to take care of yourself as well as your loved one. Below are some helpful tips so you can stay at your best.

How to Take Care of Yourself?

Get Regular Exercise

Exercise is vital to staying healthy, especially as we get older. Physical activity helps the body maintain strength and flexibility as well as improve mental function. Even light exercise can help boost your immune system, raise your energy levels, increase your metabolism, and improve your overall mood. Exercise is also a great way to relieve stress and anxiety.

Get the Right Amount of Sleep

Sleep can help you feel better physically and mentally. The less sleep you get, the harder it is to function well. Sleep deprivation can lead to depression, anxiety, and headaches. You can avoid all these by making sure you’re getting enough sleep each night.

Eat Nutritiously

Eating nutritious foods can help boost your immunity to illness and serve as a buffer against stress. Some healthy foods include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Low-fat dairy products
- Lean meats and fish
- Beans and legumes
- Low-fat dairy products such as yogurt and milk
Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation are powerful tools for self-care. They can help reverse the damaging effects of chronic stress and increase your quality of life. The benefits of yoga and meditation are many and far-reaching. They can improve your physical health, mental health, social interactions, happiness, and productivity and relieve depression and anxiety.

Try a New Hobby Together

Find a new hobby you and your elderly loved one can enjoy together. It doesn’t matter what kind of activity you choose as long as you both enjoy it.

Some activities you can try might include:
- Play Nintendo Wii. This video game lets you play sports like tennis, golf, bowling, and boxing. The hand controller senses your movements and simulates them on your TV.
- Make a family cookbook. You can combine all your favorite family recipes into a scrapbook.
- Take a road trip. Maybe there’s somewhere your loved one always wanted to go or someone they’d like to revisit. New York is a big state with plenty of interesting places to see within convenient driving distance.
- Do some crafting. Being creative is a great way to unwind from the demands of caregiving, and you and your loved one can make fun things for your home while also making memories. From upcycling found junk into robots to designing your own wallpaper, the possibilities are almost endless.
- Make a photo album. Take pictures of all your good times together and collect them in an album. You can even have fun exploring different styles, from traditional to something more unconventional!
Go Back to School

Lifelong learning brings many benefits. It’s not only an opportunity to expand knowledge and skills, but also increases opportunities for socializing, is empowering, and studies cited by Science Direct note that it can be a boon to mental and physical health. So why not use your free time to go back to school? If you’ve always wanted to start your own business, it’s a chance to engage in a program that will allow you to do so. You don’t even need to sit in a classroom with people generations younger than you, thanks to online learning programs. Best of all, the flexibility of online learning means you can keep up your caregiving responsibilities while you attend classes at your own pace.

Hire a Home Service

Home services can help you free up your time to focus on your priorities. Depending on your goals, you can hire lawn fertilization, landscaping, or cleaning services. Many of these services are inexpensive and don’t require long-term commitments, which means you can test them out before committing to a long-term plan. If you’re worried about the financial costs of hiring these services, you can also look into companies that offer discounts and deals. For example, before hiring a lawn fertilization company, do a search and check online reviews to find a good company.

Improve Your Well-Being

Caring for others can be physically and emotionally demanding. Therefore, you must take care of yourself by finding help or engaging in activities that improve your well-being. Consider hobbies that enhance your wellbeing as well as your lifestyle, take a class or two, and ensure you cover basics like proper sleep and nutrition. With the right plan in place, you’ll feel better, and you’ll be a better caregiver, too.
May 22, 2022
5 Strategies To Get Your Kids To Make Healthy Choices

We all want our kids to live happy and healthy lives. Unfortunately, we can’t always be there to guide our children in the right direction or protect them from risky behaviors, especially as they grow older. The good news is that there’s a lot you can do to encourage your kids to make smart decisions on their own. Whether you’re dealing with toddlers or teens, it’s never too late to foster the development of healthy habits. In this article, we share some effective parenting strategies to help your kids make the right healthy choices.

How to Help Make Healthy Choices for Kids?

Instill Religious Values

Whether or not to raise your children with religion is a personal decision, but there is a wide range of benefits that come with a religious upbringing. According to the Institute for Family Studies, one study showed that children who attended religious services regularly were less likely to use illicit drugs or experience high depressive symptoms. Adolescents who prayed regularly were less likely to have sex at a young age. Moreover, children with a religious upbringing reported higher levels of happiness, forgiveness, and a greater sense of purpose, all of which can shield our kids from making poor or risky decisions.

Be a Good Role Model

Kids naturally take after their parents. If you want your kids to make healthy decisions, you need to model these behaviors yourself. One way to do this is to pursue your career goals. Going back to school will show your kids the importance of overcoming challenges and working hard for the things they want. This can also teach your kids the importance of education. If you’re a busy parent, consider enrolling in an online degree program in fields such as information technology, business, or nursing so you can study on your own time!

Let them Experience Natural Consequences

When your children make a bad decision, try stepping back and letting them experience the natural consequences of their actions. This will teach them that they have control over their success or failure. Natural consequences also work great for reinforcing or punishing behaviors. For example, if your child decides not to wear a coat, they will feel cold. If they eat too much candy, they will feel sick. If they won’t eat the healthy meal you cooked, they will be hungry. Your children will learn from these experiences and make choices that help them avoid negative consequences in the future.

Make Healthy Behaviors Fun

While natural consequences are a valuable learning opportunity, parents can also play a role in making healthy behaviors more desirable. Look for ways to inject fun into healthy activities. For example, make exercise fun with backyard games and family outings. Ask your kids to help you shop for healthy ingredients and give them some control over the dinner menu. Set family activity goals and make it a fun competition. All of these strategies can help your children build a positive association with healthy behaviors.

Maintain a Strong and Open Relationship

The strength of the parent-child relationship is one of the biggest factors influencing drug use during adolescence. Aim to have an open relationship with your child in which they feel comfortable being honest with you about tough topics like drugs and alcohol. When talking with your kids about these issues, be honest and rational. Speak to your kids how you would want to be spoken to, make them feel trusted, give them a chance to express their thoughts, and don’t scare them away from coming to you when they have a concern.

Child Mind Institute suggests having an amnesty policy in place, meaning your child can ask for help without getting in trouble. For example, if your child has had a couple of drinks at a party and wants to leave, they can call you for a ride without fearing punishment. Instead of imposing regular consequences for this, you will get them out of harm’s way and discuss the incident when the time is right.

Raising kids isn’t easy. There are so many factors to consider when making parenting decisions, and the right methods for one family might not apply to yours. Still, it never hurts to learn a few new tricks to help your kids make choices that support their health!

January 9, 2022
IQAir Portable Air Purifier Giveaway

Welcome to the IQAir Autumn ‘Breathe Clean Air Anywhere’ Portable Air Purifier Giveaway!

1 Winner

This giveaway is part of our Fall Gift Guide – Stop by to see all the giveaways and great products.

Host is Deliciously Savvy

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Comeback Momma, , Here We Go Again Ready, Naturalhairlatins, Seeking Serenity and Harmony,

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This giveaway’s Sponsor is:

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Available on Amazon

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1 Lucky Winner will win an Atem Desk in Black or White PLUS A Carrying Case, Car Accessory Kit & Portable Battery Pack! Everything Making It The Most Versatile & Portable Air Purifier Ever! TRV $626

$626 TRV

See review HERE.

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Entry -Form

This giveaway/sweepstakes is in no way endorsed, affiliated, or associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other Social Media Networking Site. This Giveaway is valid to continental United States residents only, Entrants must be 18+ years of age to enter. This giveaway event will end at 11:59 PM (EST) 10/31/20. The winner will have 48 hours to email their information back to mcushing7 at hotmail dot com or a new winner will be drawn, you may want to put this email address as safe as it could go to spam. The giveaway is not valid where prohibited! By entering you are authorizing us to collect the information on the form below, this information is used only to contact the winner! No purchase necessary, Void where prohibited by law, and the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Winners are chosen randomly by the Giveaway Tools program. The sponsors are each responsible for shipping of the above prizes. Work Money Fun or No blog associated with this portable air purifier contest are responsible for prize fulfillment. If you would like to be a sponsor in a giveaway like this please email Melissa Cushing at mcushing7 (at)hotmail (dot) com. If you take an entry you must stay following for the entire contest or you will be disqualified.

Sponsors interested in joining our gift guides can see the information HERE.

September 14, 2020