The nail varnish and eye shadow I have are gorgeous colours and the skincare range (I've tried the BB cream and moisturizer) feels gentle on your skin.
The whole range is really affordable for vegan-friendly cosmetics.
B. is for Beautiful website
Thursday 21 May 2015
Vegan skincare range from Superdrug
I am really pleased that Superdrug's latest make-up and skin care range is certified Cruelty-Free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Very few brands can claim the same.
The nail varnish and eye shadow I have are gorgeous colours and the skincare range (I've tried the BB cream and moisturizer) feels gentle on your skin.
The whole range is really affordable for vegan-friendly cosmetics.
B. is for Beautiful website
The nail varnish and eye shadow I have are gorgeous colours and the skincare range (I've tried the BB cream and moisturizer) feels gentle on your skin.
The whole range is really affordable for vegan-friendly cosmetics.
B. is for Beautiful website
Pets and mental health
Last week it was Mental Health Awareness Week which I have written about here and this week it's National Vegetarian Week which, as long-time vegan I obviously support. Animals are amazing creatures and companions for humans. Furthermore, recently I have read more and more about how pets help owners who suffer from mental heath problems and as my cat is such a comfort to me, I wanted to dedicate this post to all pets like her.
The Mental Health Foundation has a section dedicated to how having a pet can help with different areas of mental health. HuffPost lists 12 ways in which your pet can help your mental health. Dale Partridge, of The Daily Positive, has written on his website about how dogs can help owners with depression. If dogs particularly help those fighting depression, cats can help those suffering from anxiety. The Mental Health Foundation writes that cats: 'provide a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation for their owners and help reduce anxiety and stress'.
Both cats and dogs live in the moment, encouraging mindfullness in the owner. They help shift the focus from worrying about something/problems to caring for or playing with the animal (even if only for a few minutes). Having to walk and feed the dog or cat can create a routine or structure which is helpful for those struggling with depression. Animals can be a constant presence if you are feeling lonely indoors. Stroking or cuddling your cat or dog reduces the stress hormones in your body, easing anxiety. Their unconditional love is reassuring and their happiness when playing is often contagious.
When I first got my kitten, my OCD was getting worse. As a result, I would obsess over her safety, checking the flat over and over and over again to make sure she was ok. I would also worry excessively about germ issues. So it wasn't easy. But when I spent a lot of time indoors, and in one room even, due to my anxiety disorders, my cat was always with me. I believe they can sense when humans are upset and keep close by to comfort them. When they sleep near you, they radiate such calm. When I play with or feed my cat it can help pull me out of negative or reoccuring thought cycles. Sometimes I can't explain how she helps me other than that she makes me smile. And isn't that reason enough when you don't feel mentally well?
Pets need a lot of care, they are expensive to look after and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly. However, the sum of positive things they can bring to your life is invaluable.
Some children with learning difficulties or autism have been known to talk to their pets when they don't communicate well with other humans. When there is nothing but simple affection and no judgement on the other side, I can see how pets promote healing and happiness in their owners.
National Vegetarian Week
Mental Health Awareness Week
The Mental Health Foundation
The Mental Health Foundation has a section dedicated to how having a pet can help with different areas of mental health. HuffPost lists 12 ways in which your pet can help your mental health. Dale Partridge, of The Daily Positive, has written on his website about how dogs can help owners with depression. If dogs particularly help those fighting depression, cats can help those suffering from anxiety. The Mental Health Foundation writes that cats: 'provide a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation for their owners and help reduce anxiety and stress'.
Both cats and dogs live in the moment, encouraging mindfullness in the owner. They help shift the focus from worrying about something/problems to caring for or playing with the animal (even if only for a few minutes). Having to walk and feed the dog or cat can create a routine or structure which is helpful for those struggling with depression. Animals can be a constant presence if you are feeling lonely indoors. Stroking or cuddling your cat or dog reduces the stress hormones in your body, easing anxiety. Their unconditional love is reassuring and their happiness when playing is often contagious.
When I first got my kitten, my OCD was getting worse. As a result, I would obsess over her safety, checking the flat over and over and over again to make sure she was ok. I would also worry excessively about germ issues. So it wasn't easy. But when I spent a lot of time indoors, and in one room even, due to my anxiety disorders, my cat was always with me. I believe they can sense when humans are upset and keep close by to comfort them. When they sleep near you, they radiate such calm. When I play with or feed my cat it can help pull me out of negative or reoccuring thought cycles. Sometimes I can't explain how she helps me other than that she makes me smile. And isn't that reason enough when you don't feel mentally well?
Pets need a lot of care, they are expensive to look after and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly. However, the sum of positive things they can bring to your life is invaluable.
Some children with learning difficulties or autism have been known to talk to their pets when they don't communicate well with other humans. When there is nothing but simple affection and no judgement on the other side, I can see how pets promote healing and happiness in their owners.
Therapy Cat
When there is panic inside my head,
You are calm, curled up on my bed.
When thoughts unpredictable alter my mood,
You are like clockwork asking for food.
When things seem difficult to do that day,
You bring me a toy so I have to play.
When I sit overwhelmed by thoughts,
You sit with me, just because.
A poem by LJ.
For more info:
National Vegetarian Week
Mental Health Awareness Week
The Mental Health Foundation
Wednesday 13 May 2015
Mental Health Awareness Week
I'm no stranger to physical health and fitness posts (:D), but because it is Mental Health Awareness Week (May 11-17) and because I have learnt a lot about it recently, I am dedicating this post to mental health.
Despite much progress in our modern age, many mental health disorders are misunderstood or discussed openly. OCD in particular is often referenced as a funny quirk or used as an adjective when the actual disorder is a serious mental health condition.
My recent experience of Anxiety and OCD affected me greatly. The OCD made my head feel like a constant battleground of doubt, whilst the Anxiety left me physically exhausted. I found myself staying at home as much as possible to avoid anything that might cause me to worry.
NHS Choices states that Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is 'a common condition estimated to affect about 1 in every 25 people in the UK'. This type of anxiety is a constant feeling, not being able to control the worrying, that can affect day to day life. OCD UK states that Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 'is a serious anxiety-related condition...The illness affects as many as 12 in every 1000 people (1.2% of the population) from young children to adults, regardless of gender or social or cultural background'. OCD is a condition wherein a person experiences obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour.
I have a moderate form of OCD that is based around doubt and checking. It also includes fear of making a mistake and fear of germs/contamination. It is an anxiety disorder, so my Anxiety is both a contribution to and a result of OCD.
Finding that a condition description matched my symptoms was a relief to me and put me on the path to getting the right treatment. The NHS helped me with each step of this. There are also charities dedicated to helping people with these specific conditions, which I have listed below. Personally, I have responded well to my medication (SSRIs) and therapy (CBT) and my day to day life is getting back on track.
When it comes to mental health problems, thoughts and feelings, it can be hard to describe them to anyone or even be sure if they are an actual problem. However, if you suspect something is wrong yourself, your friends have noticed your behaviour or someone has encouraged you to see a doctor or professional, then don't be afraid to express yourself. I kept trying not to cry when telling the doctor that I believed I had OCD and I cried afterwards, but after a few months of effective treatment, I am so happy that I did.
Links and references:
Mental Health Awareness Week
NHS Choices
Mind
OCD UK
OCD Action
Anxiety UK
Despite much progress in our modern age, many mental health disorders are misunderstood or discussed openly. OCD in particular is often referenced as a funny quirk or used as an adjective when the actual disorder is a serious mental health condition.
My recent experience of Anxiety and OCD affected me greatly. The OCD made my head feel like a constant battleground of doubt, whilst the Anxiety left me physically exhausted. I found myself staying at home as much as possible to avoid anything that might cause me to worry.
NHS Choices states that Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is 'a common condition estimated to affect about 1 in every 25 people in the UK'. This type of anxiety is a constant feeling, not being able to control the worrying, that can affect day to day life. OCD UK states that Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) 'is a serious anxiety-related condition...The illness affects as many as 12 in every 1000 people (1.2% of the population) from young children to adults, regardless of gender or social or cultural background'. OCD is a condition wherein a person experiences obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviour.
I have a moderate form of OCD that is based around doubt and checking. It also includes fear of making a mistake and fear of germs/contamination. It is an anxiety disorder, so my Anxiety is both a contribution to and a result of OCD.
Finding that a condition description matched my symptoms was a relief to me and put me on the path to getting the right treatment. The NHS helped me with each step of this. There are also charities dedicated to helping people with these specific conditions, which I have listed below. Personally, I have responded well to my medication (SSRIs) and therapy (CBT) and my day to day life is getting back on track.
When it comes to mental health problems, thoughts and feelings, it can be hard to describe them to anyone or even be sure if they are an actual problem. However, if you suspect something is wrong yourself, your friends have noticed your behaviour or someone has encouraged you to see a doctor or professional, then don't be afraid to express yourself. I kept trying not to cry when telling the doctor that I believed I had OCD and I cried afterwards, but after a few months of effective treatment, I am so happy that I did.
Links and references:
Mental Health Awareness Week
NHS Choices
Mind
OCD UK
OCD Action
Anxiety UK
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