Reading

Katherine HansonLeave a comment
Photo by Thought Catalog on Pexels.com

Hello friend,

Welcome to the fourth tool in the Dropping Stress and Anxiety Levels toolkit series. My apologies for the delayed post, I’ve been dealing with migraines frequently lately. Onward to the topic!

I mentioned in the last post that aside from games, one of the other distraction-based things I like to use for stress and anxiety management is reading. I’ve believed in the power of stories to change my outlook, to make me feel better, since third grade when I went from hating reading to wanting to be an author all thanks to one book and the enjoyment it gave me.

To me, the positive impacts of reading are many:

  • Excitement – looking forward to a new update, be that this week’s comic page in my webtoon apps, or the long-awaited release of the next book in a series, or even looking forwarding to getting home to start reading.
  • Catharsis – I don’t often cry, but there are some books that just…hit right where it hurts, you know? But in a safe way, somehow. In a way I can process easily. Because I know the happy ending is right around the corner.
  • Connection – sharing stories with my friends and family. My sister and I often talk about the books we are currently reading and I really look forward to those discussions.
  • Distraction – if the writing is really strong, I often forget the time that has passed and become fully immersed in the storyline.
  • Comfort – returning to a favorite story, character, or world can feel so nostalgic and safe, which is why I have several books that I’ve re-read at least once a year since their release.

Moreover, research shows that “reading involves a complex network of circuits and signals in the brain…[and] as tension built in the story, more and more areas of the brain lit up with activity.” (Read more – the article touches on how reading strengths the brain, increases empathy, and alleviates depression symptoms).

The best part, to me, is that it doesn’t much matter HOW I choose to read – a physical book, audiobook, ebook, comic, fanfic, you name it…I still find benefits in stress reduction and anxiety reduction. It also doesn’t matter WHAT I read – self-help, fantasy, young adult, and so on and so on…there’s at least some benefit to it.

I also find it fascinating how stories can impact me days, weeks, even YEARS later! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been going about my day, noodling on a problem, to suddenly remember a scene from something I’ve read that is somehow relevant, the echoes with truth for that moment specifically.

I’d like to know what types of books you enjoy and what type of reading brings you the most relaxation? What’s your favorite book (or top 5 if one is too hard to choose)?

For me, I really, really enjoy manga, fantasy, and the occasional self-improvement read. Some of my favorite authors include Tamora Pierce, Terry Pratchett, Robin McKinley, Rick Riordan, and Cameron Dokey. If you enjoy comics, I highly recommend Webtoon, Pocket Comics, Manta, and Tappytoons (not sponsored, those are just the ones I’ve used consistently and enjoyed). Also, have you checked out BookBub? I love their ebook deals (again not sponsored, I just want to share about how many books I’ve gotten at a discount, haha!).

Until next time, I hope you find time to enjoy a story or two (or more!).

Love,

Katie

Games

Katherine HansonLeave a comment

Dear friend,

Welcome to the third tool in the Dropping Stress and Anxiety Levels toolkit series.

Sometimes the best tool for managing stress or anxiety is one that fully distracts you for an hour or so. Just that short time of forgetting your worries because you are focused on something else can help ease them. Not always, of course, but I find distractions are a tool I try frequently, whether that’s games, books, or movies.

I particularly like games because they both give me a distraction and a sense of accomplishment, whether that’s finishing a hard level or upgrading my character. Of course, it is important to make sure the distraction doesn’t become excessively time- or mental space-consuming. I keep a close eye on my own habits since it can be easy for me to hyper-fixate on games. As a temporary relief, though, it can help me recenter, feel more accomplished, and feel ready to get back to facing whatever is on my plate.

It’s not just anecdotal evidence from my own journey – numerous sources have shown a positive link between gaming and improved mental health.

  • This paper from 2014, found in the National Library of Medicine, looked at not only the previous studies linking video games to violence and the impacts of pathological gaming, but also the studies that have found positive emotional outcomes for gamers. It’s an interesting read, if you have the time.
  • This site focuses on the benefits of gaming for the mental health of young people, but the improved benefits of community, relaxation, and a sense of achievement can be enjoyed by any age.
  • This is another site that examines the benefits of moderate gaming, which include “socialization, improvement in focus, multitasking, working memory, cognition, and emotional regulation,” as well as the dangers of excessive gaming, which “coincided with mental health symptoms including depression, anxiety, and hostility.”
  • This paper, also from the National Library of Medicine, examined whether or not commercially available video games – the ones made for entertainment, not with a specific clinical result in mind – can reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. I particularly like the inclusion of the table showing what benefits were found with which types of games.

In my own experience, games that have been helpful to me include:

  • I Love Hue – not only is this fun and somewhat challenging, but it offers positive feedback after every level. I like the puzzle-play, but I really, really like the positive feedback no matter how long it took me to beat the level.
  • Parking Jam 3D – I like the challenge of removing cars in the right order. I feel a strong sense of accomplishment when I win a time-based challenge against other players or when I beat a boss level.
  • Animal Crossing New Horizons – I like this game for several reasons. I enjoy decorating my island and interacting with my villagers, the fun challenge of decorating houses for villagers in the Happy Home Paradise DLC expansion, and the fact that I can invite my friends over to hang out on my island. Several of my friends live many states away, so it’s a fun way to connect.
  • Kingdom Hearts (any of the games in the franchise) – Not only are these games just fun to play, but the interaction with Disney characters, the engaging storyline, and the challenging boss levels leave me feeling excited and looking forward to the next world to explore, battle to finish, and story scene to unlock.
  • Pokémon (any of the games in the franchise) – I like playing these alongside my sister. We trade back and forth, helping fill out our Pokédex. Playing these games feels nostalgic since I’ve played most iterations of them since Pokémon Yellow came out in 1998. It’s comforting to dive back into the world of Pokemon when a new game is released or when I choose to replay a game I already own.

I also went looking for other games that players have found helpful for their mental health journeys.

  • This Reddit thread listed a lot of options, with many gamers recommending role-playing games and other games that they find absorbing enough to distract them for a few hours. I agreed with the recommendation of Diablo (I particularly like Diablo III) – I like that it can be multi-player, so I can play with my sister, and it really is easy to become immersed in the world of the game as you adventure through it, fighting enemies and leveling up your character as the storyline progresses.
  • This thread has more recommendations. I particularly think Cozy Grove would be fun to play, though I haven’t tried it myself yet.
  • This thread also has recommendations. OMNO looks particularly interesting, with an interesting world to explore.

What about you? Do you find gaming a good way to destress? If so, what games do you like the best?

Until next time, I wish you peaceful evenings and effective relaxation.

Love,

Katie

Resource Page Updated!

Katherine HansonLeave a comment

Hello friend,

I hope you are well. The Dropping Levels for Stress and Anxiety toolkit series will return tomorrow.

Today I wanted to let you know that I’ve updated the Resources page with a few new links:

Mental Health and Mesothelioma – I find the resources here helpful not just for cancer patients, but for anyone struggling with mental health. The tips on living with the diagnosis echoed tips I’ve heard and used for handling depression and anxiety. Acceptance of a diagnosis, preparing to battle your way out of the Chamber of the Ordeal, finding enjoyment in the little things, seeking support, and setting boundaries for communication – all great advice for whatever health or mental health battle you are facing.

Day One app – I’ve been using this app for a streak of 1,682 days as of April 9, 2024. I like this journaling app because it has a low annual fee ($34.99), allows me to have multiple journals (kind of like Microsoft OneNote, but better organized for journaling), and allows me to include a lot of media (I like to include photos and screenshots I took that day). I also really like the daily prompts and the occasional journaling challenges. I like the features of premium – unlimited journals; sync across multiple devices (so I can update on my phone or my computer); unlimited photos, videos, audio recordings, drawings, and more. The new “Shared Journal” feature has been great for tracking the weekly “What worked” discussion I have with my sister – it lets us both see the notes.

Migraine Buddy app – As my migraines have become more frequent over the years, this tool has been especially helpful in tracking my headaches – exhaustion, tension, and full-on migraine. I really like the included air pressure monitoring and the monthly and quarterly reports.

Weighted Blankets – We have three in my house. I find they don’t trigger my touch aversion when I’m overwhelmed, which allows me to have the comfort of pressure against me even when I can’t handle the touch of my sister or my dog. I find I sleep better when I use one and laying under the biggest one we own has helped me calm down from high anxiety spikes many times over the past few years.

Apollo Neuro – This is can be worn as a bracelet, as my sister prefers, or around the ankle, as I prefer. It’s an odd tool, in that it utilizes vibration in specific patterns to target focus, boost energy, assist with meditation, and even ease headaches and nausea. It’s definitely an investment, but I’ve used it for several years now and it has helped not only with lowering stress levels and overwhelm, but has also helped me recover more calmly in the midst of a high anxiety spike and even in the midst of a full-on panic attack. I recommend waiting for a sale or buying refurbished – save money when you can, right?

The above links are not sponsored, I’m just sharing what I’ve found useful. I hope you find them useful as well, though no worries if they don’t seem like a good fit for your journey.

TTFN!

Love,

Katie

Journaling & Lists

Katherine HansonLeave a comment

Dear friend,

Welcome to the second tool in the Dropping Stress and Anxiety Levels toolkit series.

As a life-long lover of lists and shiny journals/pens/washi/stickers, journaling and lists remain two of my main go-to tools.

I think my love of journaling started in elementary school, when I got my first set of colored pens. Do you remember the Pentel R.S.V.P. set that came in bright blue, purple, and hot pink? Oh my goodness, I went through so many of those sets in elementary, middle, and high school. When I was in elementary school and middle school, I was also fascinated by the idea of keeping a diary, especially one with a lock, though I struggled to figure out what to write in it. I clearly remember at least four different diaries that ended up half-filled at most. In high school, I kept a composition notebook and colored gel pens handy for doodling, sharing notes with friends, and jotting down story ideas for my creative writing class. By the time I left college, I had a small stack of fancy journals I had splurged on with my allowance over the years, some partially filled and some as yet untouched. Have you also struggled with journal purchases and thoughts like “I can’t use it yet, my writing isn’t good enough?” or “I don’t have something worthwhile to add and I want to use it for something special”? My therapist reminds me frequently that journals are meant to be used.

Don’t even get me started on my sticker obsession that ramped up in 5th grade and led to me decorating my journal and school agendas. I also have a history of using post-its for list-making almost daily for many years, from groceries to weekend tasks to quotes I like around a problem I’ve been noodling on (such as self-worth, doing hard things, grief, and more). Is it any wonder that, when a friend mentioned bullet journaling in 2016, which can so easily combine my love for list-making and my on-again-off-again diary entries, I immediately grabbed my sticker collection and started one?

But how does that help with stress reduction, Katie? Thanks for asking! For me, whenever I journal, be it jotting down short lists, quick thoughts, spending time making a more in-depth entry, or decorating my planner, it is so easy for me to find “the flow” and to be present in the moment. Even when my thoughts are all over the place, when I’m sick, or when I’m so stressed I can’t see straight, I find at least brief respite when I take the time to put pen to paper. Furthermore, a recent study shows that our brains are more active when we handwrite things than when we type them. I’ve noticed this in practice, especially when bullet journaling, even when simply setting out my layout for the month or week. I feel more focused, more present, and more engaged when I’m doing things by hand.

That said, I still keep a daily journal on my phone with the Day One app (not sponsored, just the one I’ve used consistently for over 3.5 years), even if all I upload is the photos from the day a few short (and I do mean SHORT) notes on the highlights of the day. Of course, there are days where I write a ton, but when I’m scrambling for time or otherwise exhausted, the photos and a brief note are the way to go.

I journal by hand, too, though I usually limit the set-up and more in-depth entries to the weekends when I can devote more time, energy, and creativity to the practice. I like to do a mix of bullet journal lists and more detailed entries on how things are going, events from the week, and upcoming plans. My current journal is very much a planner, doodle-storage, and diary all at once. What I like most about keeping a bullet journal is that there are so many ways to make it work for me. A quick scroll through this community of bullet journalers, which I’ve been enjoying for years, quickly shows how unique and helpful the practice can be.

Plenty of reputable posts already extol the virtues of journaling (for example the University of Rochester Medical Center here and the NHI’s National Library of Medicine here), but I think the most important thing to remember is that the practice is what YOU make it. Write daily, a few times a week, a few times a month – it’s up to you. Personally, I find having specific journaling goals for specific timeframes makes the practice far more successful than my childhood diary-writing. Daily, I am to keep track of my goals for the day, keep a gratitude list, track my tarot readings, and note any “well that happened (good, bad, weird, etc.)” moments, which takes all of 2-10 minutes. Weekly, I like to check in on what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to change going forward; this is usually a list of notes from the “What worked” conversation I have with my sister Saturday or Sunday mornings. The conversation and note-taking from it usually lasts anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes depending what tangents we follow based on the insights shared. Monthly, I like to layout my calendar, take note of tasks with deadlines, birthdays, grief anniversaries, and fun events, so that I’ve got a quick at-a-glance schedule to review. On the last weekend of the month, I sit down for 30 to 90 minutes to sketch out my trackers, decide on the goals I want to track, and decorate my planner.

But what about when the stress and overwhelm is so high that journaling seems like a step too far, trying to organize my thoughts into something Future Katie can look back on an understand? These situations are the perfect time to make one of my most useful lists. I like to make a table of all my current stressors with three columns. In the first column, I write down each stressors. In the second, I write down whether or not the stressor is within my control – is there a way for me to reduce it? Yes or no or not at this time. In the final column, for ones I marked “yes”, I write down the steps I will take to make a difference in reducing or removing the stressor. For the ones marked “no”, I write down why they aren’t in my control. Finally, for the ones marked “not at this time”, I write down when they will be in my control and what I can do in the meantime. Just getting all this information on paper can help me stop or at least significantly limit the rumination train, because it gives me a visual to refer back to when I remind myself “I don’t have control over that” or “I have control and I need to do this as my next step.”

What about you? Have you tried keeping a hand-written journal? Do you enjoy making lists? How does writing help you as a tool, if you currently use it as part of your toolkit? If you don’t currently use it as part of your toolkit, did this post give you some options to try?

Thank you for being here and reading my loving rambles on journaling and lists. Geek with me in the comments on the best places for journal supplies (Jetpens, Kawaii Pen Shop, Coral and Ink, Etsy, others?).

Until next time, I wish you good rest, insightful self-reflection, and renewed interest in your own favorite tools.

Love,

Katie

Meditation

Katherine Hanson3 Comments

Dear Friend,

Welcome to the first tool post in the toolkit series for Dropping Stress and Anxiety Levels.

I’ll be the first to admit I used to always roll my eyes at the idea of using meditation as a tool. It was so, so, SO hard for me to start the practice, so why did so many people keep recommending it? Ugh, didn’t they know how annoying it was to be told to try being present and mindful and focus on the breath when I felt like I was vibrating out of my skin with anxiety or like I was deep in the bottom of a well of depression? Like, y’all, really?

For so many times of trying, I kept getting distracted and left every attempt feeling frustrated. I found it especially hard since I often started trying to get into meditation during some of my worst mental health periods – either I was extremely down on myself or so anxious I felt like I couldn’t see straight and like I was grasping at any recommendation that might help. When I tried meditating, it was next to impossible for me to find stillness and mindfulness in the moment when my mind was running at max speed on a rumination highway.

What didn’t work for me when I tried to start a meditation practice in those headspaces were:

  • Focus on the breath
    • When I was deep in a depressive episode or dealing with severely heightened anxiety, my breath was often either too slow or too fast, and focusing on it had me worrying an asthma attack or a panic attack was imminent. Logical? No, but that’s where my mind went more often than not in my first few attempts at building a practice.
  • Focus on an affirmation
    • I had limited success with this at first. While I could find an affirmation I liked and could focus on it for a minute or so at a time, I didn’t feel like doing so was helping at all. In fact, sometimes it made me more anxious because it felt like I was lying to myself.
  • Set a timer and try to watch my thoughts pass by like clouds or the messages on the ring around an arena.
    • For a long time, this was a surefire way to send me into a rumination spiral, which was absolutely NOT the goal of the practice.

Looking back, I know I was very against even trying it in the first place, let alone trying again and again. Part of the reason for being so anti-meditation was that I was looking for a quick fix, an immediate solution, anything, really, to feel better NOW. Heh, welp, meditation was and is definitely NOT a quick fix for me, but it has become a very worthwhile ongoing practice.

What did work, and helped me finally build a practice, was guided meditations. I found this one from The Lune Innate to be most helpful; it has always made me feel comforted and safe. A shorter one I like to do is a coffee or tea meditation like this one.

As for focusing on affirmations, I’m at a point now where, even when it initially feels like lying to myself, I still persist in telling myself positive affirmations and rewriting my personal stories because I know my brain will start to believe it eventually. I actually started affirmation work in 2017, before I realized my medication was failing, because I felt something was wrong, and I needed to see positive messages. I started my affirmation and reminder boards in my Instagram saved folders that year and have steadily added to them since it makes it easier now to find a phrase I want to focus on in meditation or simply as a reminder to say to myself throughout the week.

I’ve even reached a point where I can practice seeing my thoughts passing by. If I get too distracted, I return to counting my breath (in 2, 3, 4; hold 2, 3, 4; out 2, 3, 4; hold 2, 3, 4 – boxed breathing is my go-to breathwork practice because it usually doesn’t aggravate my asthma). This form of meditation brings me the most insight, from watching my thoughts with patience and curiosity, after spending months building a practice of starting at 2 minutes and adding a minute per week. I’m now able to practice this form of meditation for 15 minutes or more at a go. However, after several minutes, my dog is usually jumping all over me for playtime, so I usually can’t fit in more than 15 minutes unless I practice right when I get up or right before bed. 😅

But why keep trying if it is so hard? Good question, thanks for asking. For me, I had several motivations:

  • I found that my stress monitoring app showed lower levels (based on heart rate) on days I meditated.
  • On days I was able to stay calm throughout the meditation practice, I felt so much more grounded and relaxed afterward, even when only doing breathwork for a minute or more. It made me curious about how much more chilled out I could feel if I practiced longer.
  • I sleep better on days I meditate, especially when I also hit my hydration and movement goals, but even if I just meet two of the three, my sleep is usually significantly better per my Auto Sleep tracker app.
  • On days I meditate, I am often less grouchy afterward and I find it easier to practice pausing to respond rather than having a quick reaction.
  • All in all, I just like the way I feel when I meditate, which is why I kept trying to build the practice and why I keep it up regardless of my stress or anxiety levels.

By meditating regularly, I find myself more resilient and better able to handle the days when I do have heightened levels. As my therapist often reminds me, it is important to practice my tools when I’m feeling good so that it is easier to use the tool when I’m not feeling good.

As my meditation practice has grown over the past few years, I still find guided meditation is the easiest for me to use, especially if my symptoms have spiked. When I’m in a good headspace, I can do the breath focus, affirmation focus, or watch my thoughts flow by, but I didn’t reach that point until I had tried multiple times and had built a steady practice with guided meditations first.

Of course, I’m not saying that meditation will “absolutely, without a doubt, guaranteed, I swear” be a fantastic tool for your toolkit since the right tools vary depending on what works for YOU. The best advice I can share when seeking new tools for your toolkit is to give each one a fair chance to work. A fair chance in my experience has meant trying it for a few weeks, building slowly. If it still isn’t working for you, that’s absolutely okay. It just means it isn’t the right tool for the moment. If it still interests you, you can try it again later. It’s good to practice curiosity and give yourself the grace to try new things or try things again.

What about you? Do you have a regular or semi-regular meditation practice? If so, what keeps you practicing? If not, why are you most interested in building one?

Until next time, I wish you ease in trying new things, comfort in practicing old faithful ones, and many moments of peace throughout your week.

Love,

Katie

Series Overview: Dropping Stress and Anxiety Levels

Katherine HansonLeave a comment

Dear Friend,

On those days when you find yourself overly stressed and/or anxious, for reasons known or unknown, what do you do to bring your stress or anxiety levels down? I know it can be hard to find the right combination of tools that help, so my new Dropping Stress and Anxiety Levels series aims to share some of the tools that continue to work well for me. Depending on the cause, the success of each tool varies, and I’m often trying new things to see what works best.

My current toolkit includes:

  • Meditation
    • I will cover why it took me so long to try to build this practice, the methods I tried, and the ones that worked best for me. I’ll include links to my favorite guided meditations and practice methods.
  • Journaling & Lists
    • You can expect to see details on why I love lists, bullet journaling, and journaling apps. I’ll also include links to my favorite shops for pretty journals, pens, and washi.
  • Games
    • I’ll cover why I find gaming to be a good tool, which games have been beneficial for my mental health journey, and why they worked for me.
  • Reading
    • Look forward to a list of self-help books I found useful and why, as well as some of my current favorite “escapism” reads.
  • Time with Loved Ones
    • You can expect a look at what I’ve learned in therapy about community and spending time with loved ones, as well as thoughts on navigating new boundaries.
  • Baking
    • One of my favorite tools, but as someone who often has low energy, this one doesn’t happen as often as others. I’ll share some of my favorite recipes and why I find baking soothing.
  • Change of Scenery
    • We’ll look at why a simple short walk can shift a mood. I’ll also share fun day-trips I’ve taken and trips I want to take.
  • Comforting Touch
    • One of the tools I struggle with the most as someone with sensory issues; I’ll cover how I navigate touch sensitivity and finding the comfort of touch in other ways.
  • Getting Grounded
    • You can expect a list of my favorite grounding practices to help you recenter when stress or anxiety feels overwhelming.
  • Tools I’ve Purchased
    • The meh, the good, and the awesome.

Posts will drop every Tuesday and Thursday for this series around 8:30AM Eastern.

I look forward to hearing what tools you like and find useful, too!

Love,

Katie

Returning Soon

Katherine HansonLeave a comment

Dear friend,

It has been quite a while since our last interaction. I hope that life has been treating you kindly and that your challenges have been easy to overcome.

Since October 2022, things have changed in interesting ways for me. I continued ghostwriting luxury real estate posts through the summer of 2023. At the end of summer 2023, I took my first in-office role since 2021 for a 6-month contract. I was happy to return to technical writing. After two years away from it, I realized technical writing is my preference for my day job. Have you ever had that experience? Changing jobs and realizing that the previous one was a far better fit? It’s been a great learning experience. I realized anew how burnt out I had been when I left my previous job of ten years. It took longer than I expected to really get back to a place where I no longer felt burnt out, but I’m glad I’ve grown so much, learned so much, and recovered well.

On a more personal front, I passed the first and second anniversaries of my sweet bulldog’s passing. Gunnyroo, I still miss you, always, but in a gentle, soft, and occasionally bittersweet way now. My puppy, Hiro, is two years old now – where did the time go? He looks like a full-grown bulldog now that his chest has finished expanding. He’s still a rambunctious little monkey of a puppy and he makes my sister and I laugh often.

On a scarier note, Mom had several more major health scares in the past year and a half. She is doing better now, for which we are all grateful, but my sister and I watch her like a hawk. I think we’ll always be keeping at least half an eye on her from now own.

On the happiness front, I was able to see a few concerts from my most-wished-for list and enjoy a few book hauls. I’ve really enjoyed diving back into reading manga regularly. I have also continued seeing my therapist, a weekly practice that has been a source of growth, insight, and comfort.

As I return to blogging regularly, you can expect to see the following types of posts:

  • The new “Dropping stress and anxiety levels “series will cover 11 posts from overview to tools.
  • Occasional guest posts.
  • Notices when the resource page or other pages are updated.
  • Insights from several years of therapy and growth.

If these sound interesting to you, I hope you will continue reading these letters.

I will be back next week to kick off the Dropping Levels series. Until next time, I hope life brings you the support, laughter, and happy experiences you so richly deserve.

Love,

Katie

How to Bring New Life Into Your Home

Katherine HansonLeave a comment

Please enjoy this guest post from Lily Little of marriedwithdogs.com. Check out her blog for more content on home life and living with dogs.

Has your home been feeling a little lackluster lately? You’re in luck if you’re looking for ways to add new life to your space without breaking the bank. You can make plenty of small changes that will have a significant impact. Here are some easy ways to revive and refresh your home.

Add Wallpaper or Create a Statement Wall

One of the easiest ways to transform a room is by adding wallpaper. Wallpaper is having a moment right now, with many fun and unique patterns to choose from. Pick a visible wall when you first walk into the room and add a bold new color or some fun wall decals. If you want something with less commitment, try creating an accent or statement wall. You’ll be amazed at how much of a difference this can make.

Rugs and Rearranging 

Another great way to refresh a room is by laying a new rug. Rugs can add color, pattern, and texture to a space and help define different areas within a room. If your furniture feels like it’s been in the same spot forever, try rearranging it. This is a quick and easy way to change things up, and it’s always fun to play around with different layouts until you find one that feels just right.

New Flooring

If your home is starting to feel tired and outdated, adding new flooring is a quick and easy way to refresh it. If you have pets or small children, you might want to choose a durable material that is easy to clean. If you’re more concerned with style, there are many options, including hardwood, tile, carpet, and laminate. 

Add a Ceiling Fan

Ceiling fans are great for cooling your room and can make a difference in how comfortable you feel. In addition to relieving hot temperatures and humidity outside, ceiling fanning helps circulate air, reducing the overall temperature of any given space — especially if that home is in a warmer climate. When shopping around, choose an Energy Star-certified model because these tend ́to use less electricity than standard ones. I’d suggest hiring someone with experience in installation.

When making improvements to your home, look for things that can help boost the property’s overall value. If you know or suspect an upcoming sale is on its way, pay attention to what buyers want. Take before and after photos and retain receipts to keep track of any changes you’ve made.

DIY or Hire a Guy?

If you’re a keen DIYer, hanging wallpaper or adding a splash of paint shouldn’t be a problem; laying down a new rug won’t be an issue, and updating hardware is something most keen DIYers will tackle themselves. In contrast, you might like to hire professionals for jobs such as adding a ceiling fan or laying down flooring if you’re unsure.

Small Changes for a Big Impact

Making even small changes around your home, such as installing a ceiling fan, can have a significant impact. So if your space has been feeling a little dull lately, don’t despair—there are plenty of easy ways to revive and refresh it without breaking the bank. Visit Katie’s Nook and discover unique ways to boost your mental health.

Image via Pexels

Thank you, Lily, for this post on breathing new life into your space. For more posts on how to make your home more comfortable for you and your pets, be sure to check out her blog!

I’m no dragon…

Katherine HansonLeave a comment
Photo 10908953 / Dragon © Kostyantine Pankin | Dreamstime.com

Dear friend,

I hope you’ve been well. Lately, I’ve been thinking about dragons and their hoards. There’s something dangerously attractive about the idea of piles of gold and jewels, living in isolation, and flying free whenever one wants. As an introvert, I think the idea of living surrounded by the things I love and coming out only when I feel so called to is very appealing. And yet when we think of hoarding as humans, the idea is far more sad and troubling.

My uncle was a hoarder. He piled my grandmother’s house full of stuff and they never let anyone in to see it. I remember going over there as a kid and feeling like I was entering into another world; a world where things were piled high and it was hard to move around. The smell of grandma’s house was always a bit musty and strange, and I never felt quite comfortable there. As the years passed, the house got worse and worse. Since my family lived many states away, we only saw them once a year, so there wasn’t much we could do from a distance beyond encouraging Grandma to tell him to stop. It’s too late now and that’s somehow heartbreaking. My uncle passed two months ago and my last remaining maternal uncle has been working on cleaning out my grandmother’s house ever since. It’s a slow process, untangling decades of accumulation, but bit by bit, the house is becoming livable again.

Hoarding is now recognized as a mental illness, and it’s one that I think many of us can understand on some level, even if we don’t suffer from it ourselves. After all, who doesn’t love the idea of surrounding themselves with things they love? Whether it is family photographs, a favorite collectible, even a lovingly curated collection of favorite novels, most of us have things in our homes that bring us joy. Of course, most of us know that it is important to do a routine cleaning to remove items that are worn down, no longer used, or no longer serve a purpose.

The difference, of course, is that hoarders can’t let go of anything, and their homes become cluttered and dangerous as a result. It’s a lonely existence and aside from the obvious health risks of mold and pests, one of the worst parts about hoarding, for both the hoarder and those related to them, is the shame. The urge to hide it, to keep it quiet, to avoid talking about it to anyone. If we just don’t say anything, it gives them time to fix it, right? Well no, actually. It’s a vain hope. And it festers, like a wound that never heals. I wish my uncle had gotten help while he was still alive. I wish a lot of things, but mostly I wish my mom’s family had easier lives. I think most of us have someone we care about for whom we wish we could fix life circumstances.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from watching my uncle hoard things he planned to resell at antique stores, it’s to be vigilant about my own collections. I admit I’ve let things slip during my depressive episodes. It’s amazing how quickly things pile up, from books to clothes and even documents I no longer need. But over the past few years, I’ve been chipping away at my own home, removing the clutter – which has never even come a fraction close to what my grandmother’s house had become. I use a keep-donate-trash method, which has worked well for me.

My suggestion for tackling any area in your home that feels overwhelming – even if it is your whole home – is to start small. Pick one table, nightstand, or shelf on a bookshelf and start there. Start by tidying – put anything that has a proper place back where it belongs. Then move to decluttering – anything that you no longer need or want, get rid of it. This can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that material things are not worth your mental health or well-being. After decluttering, take a step back and look at what you have left. If it makes you happy, great! If not, maybe it’s time for a change.

I’m not saying that everyone who has a lot of stuff is a hoarder. Maximalism is an interior design style, after all. I’m also not saying that getting rid of everything one owns is the right way to handle hoarding. In fact, doing so without the hoarders consent can make the problem worse! But I am saying that for me, decluttering my space has been an important part of managing my mental health. It’s one way I’ve found to keep my depression and anxiety at bay, and it’s something I recommend to others.

I’m no dragon, but I understand the appeal of the hoard. I think we all do, on some level. But it’s important to remember that for some people, it’s not just a quirk or an eccentricity. It’s a real and debilitating mental illness. And if you’re struggling with it, or are close to someone who is, know that you’re not alone. There is help available, and there is hope for a better future.

Regardless of the state of your own collection, I hope it brings you joy. I hope your home is a sanctuary, a place you can return to at the end of the day and feel at peace. I hope you are surrounded by the things and people you love. And if you’re not, I hope you have the strength to make the changes you need to, for your own sake. Take care of yourselves, everyone. You deserve it.

Love,

Katie

10 Unique Strategies for Boosting Your Mental Health

Katherine HansonLeave a comment

Guest Post by Lily Little of https://marriedwithdogs.com/

Life is a beautiful journey, but bumps along the way can leave you feeling defeated, deprived, and mentally drained from time to time. Neglecting your mental health can lead to serious consequences that penetrate every aspect of your life and derail your future. If conventional treatment, counseling, and medication don’t fit your lifestyle preferences, you can use many out-of-the-box tools to manage your symptoms of stress and anxiety.

1. Adopt a Pet

Adding a pet to your household can be a wonderful stress management tool. You may think you’re too tired or too busy to keep a pet, but you may change your mind when you start to reap the benefits of an animal companion, some of which include:

  • Sticking to a daily schedule
  • Experiencing unconditional love
  • Increasing confidence through caring for a living being

2. Telecommute More Often

The time you spend commuting each workday is time you could be using to relax, exercise, organize your space, or spend time with your loved ones. If you can negotiate a remote work schedule with your employer, you can reclaim precious moments for your self-care needs. This will not only improve your mental health but also make you a more motivated and productive employee.

3. Try Chess Therapy

There are many different types of therapy that don’t require you to lay on a couch and be emotionally vulnerable to a complete stranger. If you play chess or wish to hone your skills a bit, you can find a chess therapy practitioner who can help you find solutions to your daily problems while also teaching you how to focus, strategize and think ahead to your next move.

4. Retreat Into Nature

While the modern world offers convenience and connection, the disconnection from nature may be detrimental to your peace of mind. Studies show ecotherapy decreases anxiety and negative feelings.

5. Join a Book Club

Escapism through reading is an incredibly healthy exercise for managing mental and emotional stress. Joining a book club full of like-minded people with similar reading interests adds a social component to your self-care practice.

6. Declutter and Organize Your Home

Your home should be a place where you can relax. If your home is full of clutter, this can breed negativity and create tension. Take some time to declutter, organize, and let more natural light into your home.

7. Take Regularly Scheduled Naps

If you have trouble being still, you can try training your body to relax by implementing a daily naptime. The benefits of napping include increased energy, mood enhancement, and improved performance throughout the day. The key to successful napping is consistency, so you should commit to shutting off your devices and closing your eyes for 20-30 minutes at the same time each day.

8. Learn to Cook

Culinary therapy is a widely-used technique for treating restlessness, panic attacks, and depression. If you’re looking to address physical and emotional distress, learning to follow recipes and cook for yourself is a great mental health strengthening tool.

9. Build a Bookshelf

Finding a hobby is a time-tested technique for managing mental stress. Specifically, hobbies that result in a finished product, such as woodworking, build confidence by giving you a tangible reason to value and validate your abilities.

10. Celebrate Your Birthday

As you get older, you may not feel accomplished enough to celebrate yourself on a regular basis. However, your birthday is an annual reason to party and you shouldn’t feel guilty about planning a special event and indulging.

There’s no single solution for mental and emotional stress that works for everyone. Whether you’re adopting a pet, decluttering, or working from home more often, these unique tips can help you calm your mind and find peace within yourself.

Thank you to Lily Little of https://marriedwithdogs.com/ for providing this post.