Saturday, June 24, 2023

Matt Espeut, Health & Lifestyle Contributor

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While on vacation last week, I re-read a fantastic book called As A Man Thinketh by a man named James Allen.

What made this book so unique was that it was written in 1903, and to this day, EVERYTHING written in this book still holds true, and many of the self-help, business, and books for success are based on what this guy had written.

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When this book influenced masters such as Napoleon Hill and Dale Carnegie, you know it is something special and a must-read for anyone, man or woman, who wants to level up their life.

I read it years ago and have read many books since; however, after reading it a second time, it resonated much deeper, so I have decided to go back and dissect it once again to sharpen my axe and hone in on the principles he outlined in the book.

He talks about the Eight Pillars of Prosperity and that an individual must implement and live by these eight pillars or principles to become genuinely successful on all levels of life.

I will list the Eight Pillars. However, I will only go into some detail, as it would be too much for this article.

The Eight Pillars are (in order): Energy / Economy / Integrity / System / Sympathy / Sincerity / Impartiality / Self Reliance. These pillars support success in any individual and must be the foundation we build upon.

He states that although the details vary between individuals, the principles will always remain and can’t be changed.

This goes for many instances in everyday life, including your health and fitness, which is why I mentioned this book in this week’s article. I wanted to parallel his analogy and list some principles you need to live by to improve your health and fitness.

Remember, you MUST IMPLEMENT these to be successful and get results, or you will be riding the rollercoaster forever and frustrating yourself.

First, you must develop your “why” or what drives you. This is the principle. The details will change over time, but you must always have a “why” or driver to succeed.

Let me explain with a personal example: When I started working out, my “why” was to be a big, intimidating, meathead bodybuilder. I succeeded by reaching over 250 lbs and eventually competing on stage. As I get older, my “why” is to prove to myself and everyone else that you can be in the best shape of your life well into your 50s.

Your “why” could be so you set a great example and be a role model for your kids, be a better athlete, or overcome an injury or sickness. Whatever it is, that’s your decision, and there is no wrong answer.

The following principle is discipline. It would help if you had the discipline to be consistent and work every day, even when it’s inconvenient or you don’t feel like it. As I have said over and over again, it’s human nature to seek the path of least resistance and take the easy way out.

It’s hardwired in our DNA to seek comfort; however, developing that discipline muscle overrides the weakness and allows us to avoid it the easy way.

Structure is also a principle that needs to be present so you are not randomly chasing your tail in search of results. A morning routine and scheduling your life will provide the structure needed to succeed. Plan your life around the things you consider essential, and you will be more likely to accomplish the tasks necessary to succeed.

The last four nonnegotiable principles needed to succeed with your health and fitness routine are Hydration, Nutrition, Exercise & Sleep. You can only win by mastering these, regardless of who you are.

•Muscle loves water, and it will be challenging to operate at your fullest potential without proper hydration.

•Nutrition is essential, as you can’t build something without raw materials, such as protein, fat, and carbohydrates. When you get these macros dialed in, success is sure to follow.

•Exercise and moving the body burns excess calories and unwanted body fat and allows us to build lean, strong muscles.

•Sleep, rest, and recovery will allow us to wake up with optimal energy and be consistent with our routines.

Remember, these core principles are needed, but the details will vary based on individual needs, work schedules, family life, and even your palate.

You may like fish over beef, work nights, have a family to care for, and prefer exercise in the morning, but the details won’t matter if you instill the above principles.

The rules are simple: Take care of your mind, body, and soul, and you will live a healthy, productive life.

When you continue to poison it, live haphazardly, and neglect the essentials, you won’t—end of the story.

Committed to your success,

Matt

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The post Fit for Life; Some Things Never Change… and Shouldn’t appeared first on Minds Valley.

Self-medication involves using drugs or alcohol to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders. This practice is extremely dangerous and can have severe consequences in the long-term. Here are some reasons why self-medication should be avoided.

1. Addiction

One of the most significant risks of self-medication is addiction. When individuals use drugs or alcohol to cope with their mental health issues, they can quickly become dependent on these substances. Addiction is a chronic brain disease that can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems.

2. Masking Symptoms

Self-medication may provide temporary relief, but it does not address the underlying issues causing the symptoms. Instead, it masks the symptoms, making it more challenging to diagnose and treat the actual mental health disorder. This can lead to delayed treatment, making it harder to recover from the condition.

3. Worsening Symptoms

Self-medication can also worsen symptoms of mental health disorders. Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety and depression, leading to more severe symptoms and longer recovery times. It can also lead to other physical health problems, such as liver damage, heart problems, and respiratory issues.

4. Interference with Medications

If individuals are already taking medication for their mental health disorder, self-medication can interfere with their treatment plan. The drugs or alcohol may interact with their medication, leading to adverse reactions and further complications. This can make it harder to find the right medication and dosage to manage the condition.

5. Legal Consequences

Using drugs or alcohol to self-medicate can also lead to legal consequences. If individuals are caught with illegal drugs or driving under the influence, they can face fines, jail time, and other legal penalties. These consequences can further exacerbate their mental health issues, making it harder to recover from the condition.

In conclusion, self-medication is not a viable treatment option for mental health disorders. It can lead to addiction, masking of symptoms, worsening of conditions, interference with medications, and legal consequences. Instead, individuals should seek professional help from mental health professionals who can provide evidence-based therapies and medications to manage their conditions. It is essential to prioritize mental health and seek help when needed.

The post The One Mental Health Treatment You Shouldn’t Rely On appeared first on Minds Valley.

1. Depression:

Depression is a mood disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Symptoms of depression include persistent sadness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite and sleep patterns, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, and thoughts of suicide.

2. Anxiety:

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Symptoms of anxiety include excessive worry or fear, restlessness, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and physical symptoms such as sweating and trembling.

3. Bipolar disorder:

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression. Symptoms of mania include elevated mood, increased energy, and racing thoughts, while symptoms of depression are similar to those of major depression.

4. Schizophrenia:

Schizophrenia is a severe mental health disorder that affects a person’s ability to think, feel, and behave clearly. Symptoms of schizophrenia include hallucinations, delusions, disorganized speech and behavior, and social withdrawal.

5. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD):

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Symptoms of OCD include intrusive thoughts or images, repetitive behaviors such as checking, cleaning, or counting, and intense anxiety or distress.

6. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD):

PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of triggers, hyperarousal, and negative changes in mood or cognition.

7. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD):

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Symptoms of ADHD include difficulty focusing, trouble following instructions, fidgeting or squirming, and interrupting others.

8. Eating disorders:

Eating disorders are mental health disorders that involve abnormal eating behaviors and distorted body image. Symptoms of eating disorders include restrictive eating, binge eating, purging, and excessive exercise.

9. Borderline personality disorder (BPD):

BPD is a mental health disorder characterized by unstable moods, relationships, and self-image. Symptoms of BPD include intense and unstable emotions, fear of abandonment, impulsivity, and self-harm.

10. Substance use disorders:

Substance use disorders are mental health disorders that involve the misuse of drugs or alcohol. Symptoms of substance use disorders include cravings, tolerance, withdrawal, and continued use despite negative consequences.

In conclusion, mental health disorders are common and can have a significant impact on a person’s life. It is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health disorders to seek proper treatment. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder, seeking help from a mental health professional is crucial. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and there is no shame in taking care of your mental health.

The post 10 Mental Health Disorders and the Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore appeared first on Minds Valley.

Firstly, mental health disorders cannot be objectively measured like medical diseases. While medical diseases can be diagnosed through objective tests such as blood work, X-rays, and biopsies, mental health disorders cannot be identified through such means. Instead, mental health professionals rely on subjective measures such as patient self-reporting, observation, and behavioral assessments. This means that mental health disorders are often misdiagnosed, leading to ineffective treatment.

Secondly, mental health disorders are often caused by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors. While medical diseases are typically caused by a specific pathogen or genetic defect, mental health disorders are more complex. For example, depression can be caused by a genetic predisposition, but it can also be triggered by a traumatic event or chronic stress. This means that treating mental health disorders solely with medication or other medical interventions may not be effective, as it does not address the underlying environmental and psychological factors that contribute to the disorder.

Finally, mental health disorders require a different approach to treatment than medical diseases. While medical diseases often require a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment, mental health disorders require individualized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient. This may include a combination of medication, therapy, lifestyle changes, and support networks. Additionally, treating mental health disorders requires a collaborative effort between patients, mental health professionals, and support networks, as opposed to a purely medical approach.

In conclusion, mental health disorders should not be treated like medical diseases. Mental health disorders are unique in that they cannot be objectively measured, are caused by a combination of biological, environmental, and psychological factors, and require individualized treatment plans. By recognizing the unique nature of mental health disorders and treating them accordingly, we can provide more effective treatment and improve outcomes for those struggling with mental health issues.

The post Why Mental Health Disorders Shouldn’t Be Treated Like Medical Diseases appeared first on Minds Valley.