#...so while this is NOT solely about anxiety or depression it includes us...

[uncanny-tranny]

I think it would really benefit people to internalize that mental illnesses are often chronic and not acute. Some of us will never be able to jump the hurdle of managing illness, much less sustaining a sense of normalcy. Many of us will never "recover," will never manage symptoms, will never even come close to appearing normal - and this is for any condition, even the ones labeled as "simple" disorders or "easy-to-manage" disorders.

It isn't a failure if you cannot manage your symptoms. It isn't a moral failure, and you aren't an awful person. You are human. There's only so much you can do before recognizing that you cannot lift the world. Give yourself the space to be ill because, functionally, you are.

#mental health #mental health advocacy #like... anxiety and depression are often concieved of as simple and easy to manage... #...but that isn't the case for so many of us. anxiety and depression just have a lot more research invested into them... #...and while i wish this were the case for literally every other condition it does alter people's perception of you to some extent... #...so while this is NOT solely about anxiety or depression it includes us... #...my anxiety and depression and PTSD have *destroyed* my life. this is chronic and will probably be life-long... #...and that isn't my fault. i've done the fucking work but guess what? that doesn't account for the fact that I Am Just ILL #the least we can do for each other is to be compassionate #be compassionate to those who cannot heal. be compassionate to the people who can't manage their lives. this world is scary enough #recognize that management of symptoms is something not all of us can do - even IF their condition is labeled as 'easy to manage' #i allowed myself to feel angry that i can't heal 'normally' and that was unfair as fuck toward myself #and i NEED people to internalize this so that MAYBE this could help somebody else who is where i was #i NEED them to understand that it's okay that they are where they are - sometimes shit just doesn't turn out how you expect or want #don't beat yourself over you being a person. you are struggling enough. you deserve to rest. just rest please #and just... give yourself space

[solarpunkpresentspodcast]

Climate change is a mental health issue

And part of a solarpunk present…

Content warning: this article briefly talks about depression, suicide, and self-harm

In the course of researching for my thesis, I read a lot of things: scholarly books, articles, essays… but also lots of pulpy science fiction (of course), and also a lot of recent online articles (usually news or journalism) about climate change and its effects.

The recent essays and articles that I read had a fascinating overlap: they were talking about climate, but they were also talking about mental health. Mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are a natural corollary of experiencing the climate changing.

(I have my own thoughts about how that leads to the very concept of the climate, or the environment more broadly, being a mental untouchable or taboo topic, that many peoples’ thoughts automatically shy away from; a way that their minds are helping to insulate and protect them from a negative psychosomatic experience. Thus, why it can be so difficult for many to address climate change because our very minds are refusing to allow us to face the scary thing directly, because it kicks up such a strong instinctual fight/flight/freeze response. But, this is a tangent, and one I am extremely underqualified to take. Someone call in some psychologists…)

Back in 2005, philosopher Glenn Albrecht coined the term “solastalgia”, which is a neologism that, according to the author in a 2007 article for PubMed, operates

As opposed to nostalgia--the melancholia or homesickness experienced by individuals when separated from a loved home--solastalgia is the distress that is produced by environmental change impacting on people while they are directly connected to their home environment.

When I started researching (only 8 years ago!), this was one of the only publicly accessible and known terms (in English) outside of a specific niche of (western) academia to describe this phenomenon of the way that climate change can be pretty entwined with significant mental health issues.

Albrecht is Australian. He used the examples of open-pit coal mining, or deforestation. In the almost twenty years since that publication, I think the global community can add phenomena such as catastrophic wildfires, persistent and ruinous sea-level rise, tailing ponds spillage, industrial water poisoning, widespread drought, melting permafrost, century floods, and more to that list.

This is part of why I was so keen to do an interview about climate grief chaplaincy, which I had never heard of before. Even now, only two years later, therapists and psychologists are starting to advertise climate-focused services. On the one hand, I am so very glad that assistance is being offered to those who need it. On the other, I’m big mad about how, yet again, the issue of climate change is being framed as an individual problem.

At least chaplaincy is very conscious of community—as Gabrielle explains in the episode, there is a strong tradition of movement chaplaincy among activist groups in the so-called United States that is tuned into a more collective experience and casts climate change in that light (more appropriately, I feel).

Solarpunk’s dream of a just, sustainable future isn’t solely for bodies. There’s an aspect of being human - our mind, our mental health, our intangible selves, our spirit, what some would call our soul - that merits careful attention as well. I imagine that any community that is truly solarpunk pays just as much attention to what cannot be quantified about the human experience as what can be.

And if we are to have a hope of attaining that care-ful attention to the human being as a whole, it would behoove us to begin practicing thinking about, caring for, and paying attention to that aspect of our selves in the present day.

One way to do this would be for any climate journalism, going forward, to include links and references to local climate helplines, actions, and groups as relevant to the discussion in the article, in the same way that articles dealing with suicide, self-harm, depression, and other extremely difficult topics are already doing.

Realizing the mental toll that a swiftly-changing-for-the-worse climate has on readers, especially young people, is to my mind a journalistic duty of care. It has been shown many times that an important mitigating factor of climate anxiety and climate grief is the chance afforded to do something, to act on the knowledge that the reader has just learned. Another huge mitigating factor is not feeling alone in the face of overwhelming odds and at the mercy of negative feelings.

In the midst of my studying, I began to volunteer at my local food bank, for example. Being in the community and having a tangible way to help other humans (and knowing that I was helping to ease their burdens of anxiety and stress, as well as cope with the food shortages induced by climate change and lend a hand to an organization struggling to help its members) was extremely helpful in mitigating my own dark night of the soul of post-apocalyptic despair and grief in that moment.

Did it solve everything? Nope. Did it make my climate anxiety disappear? Not a chance. But it helped ease it generally, and for four hours a week it banished my anxieties around the climate almost completely; in my experience, it’s hard to feel shitty when I’m not afforded the luxury of dread, but instead am in the midst of facing (a corner of) the issue head-on.

I discovered solarpunk on Tumblr back in the twenty-teens, and I was hooked. Part of why I like solarpunk so much is the emphasis on doing what you can, when you can, to make things better now - even if it’s just the corner of the neighbourhood you live in. The effect on mental health of even just picking up litter can be tremendous. Another reason I’m such a fan of solarpunk is that it is a shared experience, one where terms like ‘climate grief’ and ‘climate anxiety’ aren’t up for debate but instead are nuanced and treated seriously, and it is a diverse community to be part of, one that continually evolves and changes and isn’t afraid to have difficult conversations, respectuflly. Access to feeling better in the face of the denial and despair of the Anthropocene should be available to everyone, no matter where they are or who they are.

What do you do to mitigate your own negative climate emotions? I’m no longer able to volunteer at that food bank (I moved, and now I can’t lift things for health reasons, it’s a whole thing…), but I’m part of my local community garden, which helps to mitigate food scarcity and improve neighbourhood resiliency and community. Tell me what you get up to, or hope to get up to in future!

#solarpunk #solarpunk presents #climate change #climate #climate grief #climate anxiety #eco-grief #eco-anxiety #mental health #journalism #volunteering #activism

[topfindr]

#yoga

[fitjourneydaily]

The Importance of Alcohol Moderation: Tips for Responsible Consumption

Introduction: In today's society, alcohol is often associated with socializing, celebrations, and relaxation. While enjoying a drink can be a part of a healthy lifestyle, it's crucial to practice alcohol moderation, limit intake, and engage in responsible consumption to promote your overall well-being. In this article, we will discuss why moderation is key, the risks of excessive drinking, and provide practical tips for avoiding binge drinking. 1. Understanding Alcohol Moderation: Alcohol moderation refers to consuming alcoholic beverages in a responsible and controlled manner. It entails setting limits, knowing your own tolerance, and understanding the potential consequences of excessive drinking. By practicing moderation, you can enjoy the occasional drink without compromising your health or personal relationships. 2. The Risks of Excessive Drinking: Binge drinking, or consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, can lead to various health complications and negative effects on your daily life. These risks include: a) Physical Health Effects: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage vital organs, such as the liver and heart, and increase the risk of long-term conditions like liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and alcohol-related cancers. b) Mental Health Implications: Alcohol abuse can have a severe impact on mental health, contributing to depression, anxiety, and even alcohol addiction. It can also impair cognitive function and affect decision-making abilities. c) Relationship and Social Challenges: Binge drinking can strain personal relationships and lead to conflicts, as well as affect your performance at work or school. It may also increase the chances of accidents and risky behaviors. 3. Practical Tips for Responsible Alcohol Consumption: To promote responsible alcohol intake and avoid binge drinking, consider implementing the following tips: a) Set Personal Limits: Know your limits and establish a personal guideline for alcohol consumption. Remember, everyone's tolerance is different, so listen to your body and be aware of how alcohol affects you. b) Plan Ahead: Before attending social events or nights out, plan your drinking strategy. Decide in advance how many drinks you will have and stick to your plan. Consider alternating alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic options like water or mocktails. c) Practice Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of water to stay hydrated and minimize the risk of overconsumption. d) Eat Well: Consuming a balanced meal before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and prevent rapid intoxication. Opt for protein-rich foods and healthy snacks to keep your blood sugar levels stable. e) Pace Yourself: Sip your drinks slowly and savor the flavors. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, as this can lead to faster alcohol absorption. Take breaks between drinks to assess your level of intoxication. f) Use Measuring Tools: If you're unsure about the standard alcohol serving sizes, use measuring tools like shot glasses or jiggers to pour your drinks accurately. This way, you can keep track of your alcohol intake more effectively. g) Find Alternatives: Instead of relying solely on alcohol for socializing, explore alternative activities and hobbies that don't revolve around drinking. This can help expand your social circle and provide different outlets for relaxation and enjoyment. Conclusion: Alcohol moderation and responsible consumption are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. By practicing self-control, setting limits, and understanding the risks associated with excessive drinking, you can enjoy the occasional drink while safeguarding your well-being. Remember, responsible alcohol consumption leads to a happier and healthier you. Tags for WordPress: 1) Alcohol Moderation 2) Responsible Alcohol Consumption 3) Avoiding Binge Drinking 4) Limited Alcohol Intak Discover a new era of wellness with Puralean's Natural Weight Loss Supplement. Our carefully crafted formula supports your weight loss goals naturally and effectively. Harness the power of nature to achieve your dream body. Learn more on the Puralean Natural Weight Loss Supplement Product Page. Read the full article

[policychayan01]

Ensuring Peace of Mind: The Importance of Health Insurance for Parents

Introduction:

In the tapestry of life, parents play an irreplaceable role. As we age, our parents too face the inevitable challenges that come with the passage of time. One crucial aspect of ensuring their well-being is securing comprehensive health insurance. In this blog post, we'll delve into the significance of health insurance for parents, exploring the peace of mind it provides and the financial protection it affords during unforeseen medical events.

The Aging Journey:

As parents age, the likelihood of health issues arising increases. From chronic conditions to unexpected medical emergencies, the spectrum of healthcare needs broadens with each passing year. While maintaining a healthy lifestyle can mitigate some risks, the unpredictability of life underscores the necessity of having a robust health insurance plan in place.

Financial Security:

Healthcare costs have been on a steady rise, and for seniors, they can be particularly burdensome. A well-structured health insurance policy acts as a financial cushion, ensuring that the burden of medical expenses doesn't fall solely on the shoulders of the family. From hospitalization to medication costs, health insurance helps manage and mitigate the financial impact of healthcare.

Comprehensive Coverage:

When selecting a health insurance plan for parents, it's crucial to opt for comprehensive coverage that addresses their specific healthcare needs. Look for policies that cover hospitalization, outpatient treatments, diagnostic tests, and medications. Additionally, consider plans that provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, as many parents may develop health issues as they age.

Preventive Care:

Prevention is often more effective and economical than treatment. Many health insurance plans offer coverage for preventive care measures such as vaccinations, health check-ups, and screenings. By prioritizing preventive care, parents can identify potential health issues early on, leading to better outcomes and potentially reducing long-term healthcare costs.

Critical Illness Coverage:

Critical illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and stroke can strike at any age. For parents, the impact of a critical illness goes beyond the physical; it can also have significant financial repercussions. Choosing a health insurance plan that includes critical illness coverage ensures that in the event of a major health crisis, the financial strain is alleviated, allowing the focus to remain on recovery.

Customizing Coverage:

Every individual is unique, and so are their healthcare needs. When exploring health insurance options for parents, it's essential to consider their specific health conditions, preferences, and lifestyle. Some insurance providers offer customizable plans that allow you to tailor coverage based on individual requirements, ensuring that the plan aligns with your parents' health goals and expectations.

Inclusion of Mental Health:

Health insurance is not just about physical well-being; it should also encompass mental health. As seniors may face challenges such as loneliness, anxiety, or depression, a comprehensive health insurance plan should provide coverage for mental health services. This ensures that emotional well-being is given the attention it deserves, contributing to an overall healthier and happier life.

Navigating the Claims Process:

Understanding the claims process is as important as selecting the right insurance plan. Familiarize yourself with the documentation required, the network of healthcare providers, and the reimbursement process. Having this knowledge at your fingertips ensures a smoother experience when the need to file a claim arises, minimizing stress during already challenging times.

Conclusion:

Health insurance for parents is not just a financial investment; it's a commitment to their well-being and a testament to the love and care we have for those who raised us. As we witness the natural progression of life, it becomes apparent that ensuring our parents have access to quality healthcare is a responsibility we must embrace. In the realm of health insurance, this responsibility translates into providing them with the peace of mind that comes from knowing they are protected, come what may. So, let's not just celebrate our parents; let's safeguard their health, happiness, and peace of mind through thoughtful health insurance choices.

#Health Insurance For Parents #health insurance

[mentalhealthmantra]

Mind Matters: 5 Daily Habits to Boost Your Mental Health

Mental health is an important part of overall well-being, but it can be difficult to maintain. Fortunately, there are some simple daily habits that you can practice to help boost your mental health and keep yourself feeling good. Here are five daily habits that will make a positive difference in your life:

Exercise – Regular physical activity helps reduce stress and anxiety while increasing energy levels and improving moods. Try going for a walk or jog each day or doing yoga at home if the weather isn’t cooperating outside.

Also Read: OCD Treatment in Bhopal

Connect with Nature – Spending time outdoors in nature has been proven to improve mental clarity as well as reduce stress levels significantly; so take advantage of any opportunity you have during the day to get out into nature! Whether it’s just taking a few minutes for lunch outside on nice days or going for longer hikes on weekends, being surrounded by natural beauty will do wonders for your mindset!

Eat Healthy Foods – Eating healthy foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins not only provides essential nutrients our bodies need but also helps us stay mentally alert throughout the day. Avoid processed foods when possible, which tend to contain higher amounts of unhealthy fats & sugars, which can lead towards low energy & poor concentration over time - both key factors needed when attempting tasks related directly with our mental health such as work/school assignments, etc.

Get Enough Sleep – A lack of sleep affects more than just how tired we feel; inadequate rest also impacts cognitive performance, including memory recall & decision-making capabilities - all important elements necessary when dealing with issues involving one's own personal well-being (such as seeking professional advice from Psychiatrists in Bhopal). Aiming towards 7-8 hours per night should provide enough restorative benefits required by most people's mindsets without having them become overly fatigued throughout their respective days either before/after they've gone through said activities.

Practice Mindfulness – Taking intentional breaks during the day allows us moments where we focus solely on ourselves rather than worrying about things beyond our control (i.e., work deadlines). During these times try practicing mindful breathing exercises such as mindfulness meditation, which has been scientifically shown numerous times now within research studies conducted worldwide due to its ability to strengthen neural pathways associated directly w/ emotional regulation amongst other aspects related specifically w/ increased self-awareness too.

Also Read: Depression Treatment in Bhopal

Practicing these five daily habits consistently is a sure way to give yourself a better chance of succeeding in whatever goals you set out to achieve, whether those involve improving your mental health or pursuing other personal objectives.

#OCD Treatment in Bhopal

[drmitalisoni]

5 Therapeutic Hobbies for Relaxation and Stress Relief

The importance of relaxation and stress relief cannot be overstated, especially in our fast-paced world. The best psychiatrists in Bhopal often recommend therapeutic hobbies as a way to relax and reduce stress levels. Here are five great therapeutic hobbies for relaxation and stress relief that can help you unwind after a long day or week:

1) Gardening: Gardening is an activity that has been proven to have numerous benefits for physical health, mental well-being, and overall happiness. Not only does it give you something to focus on besides your worries or anxieties but also provides the opportunity to create something beautiful with nature’s guidance while getting some much-needed fresh air outdoors!

2) Art Therapy: Art therapy is becoming increasingly popular among people who want an outlet for their emotions without having to talk about them out loud. Painting, drawing coloring books - all these activities allows us to express ourselves creatively without judgment while providing us with a sense of accomplishment when we finish our piece of work!

3) Yoga & Meditation: Practicing yoga regularly can not only improve flexibility but also helps reduce anxiety by calming the mind through deep breathing exercises which allows one's body time away from everyday distractions so they can focus solely on themselves during this time period. Similarly, meditation techniques such as mindfulness practice help individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and surroundings allowing them greater control over how they react towards stressful situations!

Also Read: Addiction Clinic in Bhopal

4) Music Therapy: Listening or playing music has been known to increase serotonin levels (the happy hormone!) which helps lift moods naturally. It doesn't matter if it's singing along loudly at home alone or taking up guitar lessons - creating music will provide hours upon hours worth of entertainment plus its soothing tones will definitely put any person into Zen mode!

5) Journaling/ Writing: Writing down what we feel gives us clarity amidst the chaos – whether it's jotting down random thoughts throughout the day in order to keep track of life events happening around us OR writing letters expressing innermost feelings – both options offer immense psychological benefits including improved problem-solving skills & increased self-awareness. Plus it's fun too!!

All these activities provide amazing opportunities for reflection & growth making them perfect choices when looking for ways de-stress after tough days at work/school etc. So why wait? Pick up one (or two!) today and start exploring new worlds within yourself through creative outlets like art therapy journaling–you never know what hidden gems await discovery.

About the Author:

Dr. Mitali Soni Loya the best lady psychiatrist in Bhopal with more than a decade of expertise in treating mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety, depression, addiction, schizophrenia, and much more. She aims to offer holistic treatment and help her patients compassionately. Over the years, she has successfully helped numerous patients overcome their mental health problems.

#best psychiatrists in Bhopal

[justjerry]

Remembering Robin Williams Today

12/15/2022 

Missing Robin a lot today. Went down a worm hole, and just venting. I just gotta say... I still see so many comments online, stories, people's responses to Robin's passing; and a lot of them include comments referring to straight depression. Or statements insinuating that Robin took his life solely because he was depressed and apathetic. Comments like: "He was not perfect and he had his demons but he made this world so much better with him in it." or "It sucks to see one of the greatest hate his life, and want to end it" or even "I still can't believe he killed himself." But it's not that simple, and that is not what happened. It drives me crazy that, after all these years, after released information, and specials coming out about him (by his wife), explaining the dementia and disease Robin had - Lewy Body Dementia -- that after all that, people are still in the dark. People still refer to him by discussing the importance of getting help with depression. As if that was the issue, end of story....when it's not. Even after this huge announcement to the world, this explanation, some people still just don't know. I think it's because they don't understand, or maybe they just want to make it easer on themselves and categorize it as they see fit. Who knows. The disease consumes: increasing anxiety, causing sporadic behavior, causing uncontrollable body movements, sporadic thoughts, and causing delusions that have never been present in someone, and much much more. It's complex and horrible. *I'm not claiming to know what happened to him - end game. Facts are: he was privately in his home other than his wife, when this happened. So no one truly knows, no one could ever, but I'll take his Wife's word on it. Please, if you still haven't watched "Robin's Wish" - watch it. its on peacock. its very informative. Or, continue celebrating him and watch 'Come Inside My Mind' on HBO. I think, he used more parts of his brain and used his brain more often, and for longer periods, than the rest of the world. He was able to say things and perform in such a unique way, and construct jokes and thoughts instantaneously that were on a different level, and work magic. This is a gift, a part of the brain most don't access. And I think, consequently, that he over used it after a while. He used this talent for us, for everyone, for happiness. He was always selfless. He left us, but he gave use more than he could've ever truly known. I will say this: it is so nice to see the amount of love for Robin. To this day, you say his name, and almost always, instant appreciation. He helped a lot of people and did a lot for so many. Some may think it's weird when I post about Robin, or the extent of my admiration for him is weird. But what does weird mean?!  Who cares. I don't think I'm special or different in the way of admiring Robin, I never even met him; I know millions, billions, adore him. I am just one of the many, and I am an emotional person. We all watched his movies, his stand up, his performances, incessantly for years. Some of us while we grew from adolescence to adulthood, and allowed it to form us. i just miss his energy. I wish I saw him live. I wish I saw him on Broadway, I wish he was still with us, creating. Talk about GOATS. Here's a a segment from 60 minutes Australia on it as well for those who have shorter attention spans haha. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBsEiZX5w8U

#robin #williams #robinwilliams #rip #remembering #lewy body dementia #2022

[bonnerjlbperez]

14 Questions You Might Be Afraid to Ask About cynophobia

ANXIETY and SOCIAL MEDIA Anxiety disorders refer to a number of mental health issues which cause constant and constant anxiety or worry. They can be challenging for a doctor to diagnose and treat however, they are usually manageable through therapy and medications. Some people who use social media frequently may be at a higher risk of developing an anxiety disorder, due to the way that social media can trigger negative thoughts and emotions. However, anxiety disorders can't be caused solely by the use of social media, and there is no single cause.

"The Social Media Anxiety Disorder You Didn't Recognize"

1.Anxiety is a widespread mental health issue that affects millions of people around the world. It can range from mild feelings of anxiety, nervousness, or unease to severe anxiety disorders that can lead to major disruptions in daily life. SMD is a term used to describe social media-related anxiety disorders. (SMD) is a term that is relatively new and is a reference to the fear or anxieties that many people experience when using social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. SMD is often accompanied by additional mental health issues including addiction and depression.

2.People with SMD can feel overwhelmed by the quantity of social media content they see every day. It can be a feeling that they are always under the microscope by the public and feel anxious about what they're posting or writing. This fearful feeling can cause major disruptions in daily life, resulting in decreased productivity at work and difficulty finishing everyday tasks.

"The Psychological Factors that Make Us obsessed with Social Media"

Social media has become a crucial part of our daily lives, with the majority of us spending all day long on websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. But what is the psychological reason behind why we're so obsessed with these sites? While social media can be fun and useful however, it can also lead to anxiety and depression. Here are some of the psychological reasons that social media could be harmful:

1. Social media can increase anxiety. Similar to any other method of communication, social networks can be a trigger for anxiety if not used correctly. For some using Facebook, scrolling through their News Feed throughout the day may result in feelings of panic and stress. In the case of others, daily updates from friends and household members could trigger extreme anxiety and stress-related responses.

2. Social media can lead to a cycle of loneliness.

"Can Social Media Be Causing reaction in teenagers like OCD?" Based on a study carried out by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, social media can be triggering reactions in teens that are similar to OCD. The study revealed that 63 per cent of teens who suffer from OCD believed that social media contributed to an increase in anxiety levels. This is because youngsters are exposed to more information and are therefore constantly bombarded by stimulation. Experts believe that constant stimulation may cause anxiety levels to rise and eventually lead to OCD symptoms.

Does social media take over our anxiety disorder?

In our modern times social media has become an integral part every day life. If we're checking the statuses of our friends, liking posts, or commenting on blogs we're continuously engaging with these platforms. But, what a lot of people do not know is that social media can also have an impact on mental health.

For example anxiety disorders are strongly linked to use of social media. According to a research study published in Social Work in the Community the majority of adults suffering from an anxiety disorder have reported using social media frequently. The study also found anxiety-related disorders to be more prevalent among those who used social media for emotional support and who spent more in online interactions with friends and relatives.

In addition, studies have shown that people with anxiety disorders are more likely to be afflicted by negative thoughts or attitudes about themselves when online.

How to reduce anxiety around online

Anxiety isn't just a problem for those who suffer from this condition, but also those with them. Social media can be an extremely worrying environment for people with anxiety, because it could cause feelings of disorientation and uncertainty. Here are 5 tips for beating anxiety over social media:

1. Set boundaries. Make sure you know where those accounts come to an end and where the real world begins. Definition of cynophobia should keep track of the time you've spent on each site and make guidelines on the amount you write each day. If you notice that you are engaging in too much social networks, take break or limit social media use to certain moments of the day.

2. Find the triggers. Knowing what triggers anxiety makes it easier to steer clear of situations that it's more likely to flare. Check out what topics cause anxiety for you, and make an effort to stay clear of reading or viewing anything that could induce an attack.

Mobile Phone Use Is Linked to higher anxiety levels

*The use of cell phones has been identified as being linked to increased levels of anxiety. This was proven by a research carried out by researchers at the University of Utah. The study showed that people that use their cell phones more frequently , experience higher levels of anxiety. This was especially the case for people who used their phones longer than three hours per day. The use of cell phones was also linked to an increase in feelings depression and loneliness. These findings suggest that mobile phone usage can have negative affects on mental health even if it's associated with addiction or other issues such as being distracted while driving.

What makes social media a dangerous coping mechanism that can be harmful to those who suffer from anxiety Social media has grown to be one the biggest and most popular modes of communication available to people of all ages. It lets users connect with family, friends as well as other acquaintances quickly and share photos, videos and messages within a brief number of minutes. However, social media can be a dangerous way of coping for those who struggle with anxiety.

The people who are diagnosed with anxiety typically use social media to express their anger and feelings. Unfortunately, this type method of communication can be a negative spirals where anxiety is only reinforced. The people who are suffering from anxiety may also look at social media as a way to escape their realities, which can raise their anxiety levels.

Although what causes cynophobia may be an extremely useful tool for some people, it's essential to know the dangers in using it.

Over-use of social media linked with anxiety disorder in children

According to a study that was published in Computers in Human Behavior, an excessive use on social media could be associated with anxiety disorders among children. The study examined 450 people aged between 8 and 18 who said they used social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter in excess. They found that those who were addicted to social media were more likely to have an anxiety disorder than those who did use social media in any way. They also found that girls were more likely to suffer from anxiety disorder if they were addicted to social media, while boys were more likely to develop anxiety problems if they used social media moderately or not at all. This suggests that parents must be mindful of how frequently their children are using social media and if they're doing any harm.

CONCLUSION In the end, there is evidence to suggest that anxiety has detrimental effects on social media usage. A person with anxiety is more likely to be overwhelmed and stressed while using social media. This can lead to decreased engagement and level of engagement with the network. The research provided by this study provides significant insights on how anxiety can negatively influence the use of social media and suggests strategies that platforms can better support users with anxiety disorders.

#cynophobia #Definition of cynophobia #cynophobia meaning

[womenoil90]

Could This Report Be The Definitive Reply To Your Healing?

The easiest way to make use of it's diluted in a salve or massage oil that is applied externally over the troubled space. You may have a response to an irritant the first time you employ a product, nevertheless it takes repeated exposure to build as much as allergic contact dermatitis. Keep reading to learn about the commonest causes of an allergic response, what to do when you've got one and how to maintain it from occurring in the first place. In keeping with legend, Christopher Columbus introduced the tree to the Caribbean, the place it was popularly utilized in voodoo practices to guard one from misfortune. Columbus might have had his own reasons for touring with bergamot. 1인샵건마 putting a couple of drops of bergamot on a cloth. Sniff the scented cloth while traveling to cut back stress, depression, anxiety, or insomnia. While it could sound appealing to make your own Earl Grey tea, leave that as much as the consultants; they add solely the tiniest quantity of essential oil to the tea leaves in a quantity that's safe to ingest. Have you ever loved a cup of Earl Grey tea? Add 30 drops to half a cup of cornstarch or arrowroot powder for physique powder or ten drops per ounce to witch hazel answer from the drugstore for an instantaneous deodorant.

Eating your vegetables retains your complete body wholesome -- including your pores and skin. Then, when the allergen comes into contact with the physique once more, the cells launch chemicals, together with histamine, the cause of most allergic suffering. Allergens are antigens that cause an allergic particular person to create a certain kind of antibody, known as immunoglobulin E. The allergic individual does not discover any signs at first as a result of this antibody coats sure cells and lies in look ahead to subsequent exposure to the allergen. Abdominal massage, a excessive fiber weight loss plan, and sure herbs may also help the sort of constipation. This kind responds to herbs that assist calm down the muscles of the bowel so that residue will be pushed on via. Herbs must be mixed with measures equivalent to stress discount. All of these measures help you feel much less weak. Chances are you'll really feel mild-headed, dizzy, and unable to assume clearly. Step one is to confront the truth that it occurred and acknowledge that you feel susceptible and scared.

Reading the label is the primary line of protection in stopping allergies from pores and skin cleansers. The very first thing you need to do is name 911. That will sound like frequent sense, however many robberies aren't reported as a result of victims suppose it is pointless to contact the authorities. Throbs that may be utterly new to you. But there's a point: You might be able to get well your stolen property. Provide your insurance agent with an inventory of every little thing that was stolen and how a lot these things are worth. Here are some ways to reclaim your peace of mind. For instance, scalds, which are liquid or steam burns, are the most common. Created by a group of researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Slime Robot is a non-Newtonian fluid, which means it can behave both as a solid and a liquid. Traditional Chinese medication is an entire medical system that revolves across the concepts of steadiness -- yin and yang -- and energy circulate, or "qi," alongside strains generally known as meridians. He holds appointments as a clinical assistant professor of medication. Talking to friends and relations is necessary, especially through the instant aftermath of the crime. If you discover that you are not improving and your day by day life is perpetually affected, consider talking to a counselor or therapist.

Suddenly I realized what the film wanted to be about," he says. "That the journey in life is the reward. However, many car lovers select to improve, buying and selling of their outdated shocks for fashions offering improved vehicle efficiency or longer part life. That's a standard part of the healing process, but it may possibly take a toll in your properly-being. Before you sign on for any extras, take a deep breath. Join CNN Opinion's e-newsletter. Provide you with a greater likelihood of getting your items back. From cuts and broken bones to burns and restoration from surgical wounds, vitamin C taken orally helps wounds to heal sooner and higher. He credit his recovery to a prescription of "Candid Camera" episodes, Marx Brothers movies and funny tales learn by nurses. Warnings for bergamot: Due to bergapten, bergamot might be photosensitizing, causing abnormal skin pigmentation when used externally by sensitive people who then go out within the sun. Uses for bergamot: Bergamot fights several viruses, together with those who cause flu, herpes, shingles, and rooster pox. Bergamot is second solely to lavender in its capability to loosen up mind waves when sniffed. What makes this tea unique is the addition of bergamot essential oil, which flavors many drinks and candies.

If you wish to make your atmosphere extra uplifting at residence or at work, strive using an aromatherapy room spray, or put the essential oils in an aromatherapy diffuser, potpourri cooker, or a pan of simmering water. A bergapten-free important oil is out there; this must be famous on the bottle. Just one tablespoon of coconut oil has more than 13 grams of fats. Pad it. When a blister is in a particularly annoying spot, like the bottom of the foot, padding would possibly present extra of a cushion than a bandage alone would. Heels ought to ideally present slight elevation (between 3/4" and 1") for the foot, whether or not there's an precise heel or just a sole that's thicker towards the back of the shoe. Once the police depart, you can begin putting things back in order. Plus, you won't be capable to file an insurance declare without a police report. If you are sure the thieves are gone (maybe you saw them flee) and you are waiting inside your private home for the police to arrive, don't touch something. If you may inform from the outside that your own home has been burglarized, completely don't go in until the police arrive. By briefly checking your pulse throughout aerobic train, you will be in a position to tell if you're working in your goal zone.

#massage #health #well-beng #beauty #spa #aroma #healing #life #theraphy

[bestsevenstarrecovery]

Understanding How Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers Work

Getting help for drug and alcohol addiction can be difficult. It is because alcohol and drugs change the brain in fundamental ways that result in compulsive cravings, excitability, irritability, or sadness when one stops using the substance. People who are addicted to substances need medical supervision and effective treatment. With a growing number of addiction cases, there is a dire need for awareness regarding drug and alcohol treatment centers in Southern California and other places. If you are struggling with substance abuse or you know someone who needs help, then this article has got you covered. On this note, let’s understand how these treatment centers work. Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers in Southern California & Other Places: What Are They? As the name implies, a drug and alcohol addiction rehab center is a treatment facility for people who have problems with substance abuse. Drug and alcohol addiction has gained so much attention in recent years that it’s no longer an issue handled solely by medical professionals. Most people who enter drug and alcohol addiction rehab centers are there voluntarily. However, others may be sent to a treatment facility if they pose a danger to themselves or others while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. These drug and alcohol addiction rehab centers can also treat co-occurring mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and more. According to reports, around 15 million Americans aged 12 and older suffer from alcohol use disorder. In addition, about 19.7 American adults aged 12 and older battled substance abuse disorder in 2017. These numbers are concerning. Thus, there is a dire need for awareness on drug and alcohol treatment centers in Southern California and other places. How Does An Addiction Rehab Center Work? After a person joins a drug and alcohol addiction rehab center, they usually go through detox. It is the process through which the body clears itself from drugs or alcohol that have been used. A medically supervised detox program helps prevent withdrawal symptoms from being fatal by providing people with a safe environment to withdraw from drugs safely under professional care. Substance abuse treatment for individuals who are too vulnerable to withdrawal symptoms is available at different substance abuse recovery centers. A combination of quality therapy sessions, cutting-edge practices, alternative therapies, medical supervision, and support from family members aid people in ridding themselves of addictions. In addition, professionals of the rehab centers help the patient develop a relapse prevention plan that they can go over at home to prevent future relapses. Moreover, people who have received drug and alcohol addiction treatment are encouraged to join self-help groups. These groups aim to help people avoid slipping back into substance abuse after leaving rehab. What Do These Rehab Centers Offer? These drug and alcohol addiction rehab centers provide several different programs for people with substance use disorders. Some of these treatments include: Drug detox program — This is when a patient stops using drugs and clears the body of all traces of the drug. Residential treatment — This type of rehab center offers treatment in a facility with a living facility and meal services. Acceptance and commitment therapy — This group counseling method helps individuals overcome their addiction by gaining a strong sense of self-acceptance and a clear commitment to living a sober life. Havening — This process reduces or eliminates pain in any area of the body by stimulating endorphin release in the brain. Apart from these, there are many other programs that drug and alcohol treatment centers offer to individuals. Contact Seven Star Recovery Today! Seven Star Recovery is among the best drug and alcohol treatment centers in Southern California, offering highly-effective recovery services. Get in touch with us at [phone] to book an appointment today.

[coldalbion]

THINGS WOT I HAVE LEARNT AFTER BEING VIRTUALLY HOUSEBOUND FOR 3 YEARS THAT MAY BE HELPFUL TO THOSE IN SELF ISOLATION AND/OR LOCKDOWN DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

(Background: I have a lifelong disability and am a wheelchair user. After surgery I’ve basically been stuck living and sleeping in one room for three years. These are things I have learnt which may help, though with the caveat that everyone is different, and baseline mental health varies.)

1. YOUR MENTAL HEALTH WILL PROBABLY SUFFER - and although humans are social creatures, even the most introverted will chafe against boundaries enforced upon them by circumstance. The degree to which it suffers will be related to your mental health baseline and physical health. Understand that this IS NOT YOUR FAULT. Stimuli and enrichment methods are required. It’s why animals need such things in zoos and conservation parks. This leads us on to my next point.

2. COMPREHEND WHICH ACTIVITIES ARE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE FOR YOU Spending your confinement solely doing passive things (watching TV, Netflix, browsing the internet, scrolling through the internet) will take a load off your brain and make the time pass quicker. But if that’s all you do, the sense of disconnection increases over time. Activities which require you to *do* something, even if it’s just engaging your motor skills via video games, or lifting some cans of beans, or actively reading - these deliberate acts foster a tiny sense of achievement which gives your brain a dose of helpful chemicals. If you want to consider your activities, look up the work of Marshall McLuhan as regards “hot media” and “cold media” (See https://mediawiki.middlebury.edu/MIDD…/Hot_versus_cool_media for basic premise.) Balancing out your media intake with hot and cold activities keeps your brain active and pumping tasty neurotransmitters.

3. LIMIT YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA USAGE TO SOCIAL PURPOSES. Infinite scrolling as found on many social media platforms is a hot medium, as per McLuhan. The reason Likes exist is to give that little spike of interactivity. It’s not a conspiracy to say many platforms are designed to keep you on them so they can show you more ads. (See also https://www.theguardian.com/…/has-dopamine-got-us-hooked-on… which explains the brain chemistry angle) However, DM’s and other messaging faculties are supremely useful. Use them to interact with your friends, indulge your fandom theories. Person to person interaction requires and enhances deep-seated neurological and biophysical reflexes. Text your mates. Skype/Facetime or otherwise call them. Use the technology of the 21st century for genuine social ends, deliberately. Catch up with their lives one to one or in groupchats.

4. PICK TIMES TO CHECK THE NEWS AND STICK TO THEM. This relates to point 3 - unfortunately we live in a 24hr news cycle, with constant liveblogging of important issues. This means that we’re constantly streaming anxiety inducing situations into our brains JUST IN CASE. That’s not helpful, particularly when you can’t actually DO anything about those events - the urge to DO something is why people are panic-buying. It’s a very basic primordial need to grab resources for defence. By picking times of the day to check news, you are again, making a DELIBERATE CHOICE, enacting some small level of agency, while at the same time limiting anxiety-inducing stimuli. If the news gets too much, then don’t check it as much - or at all - and do something else.

5. IF YOU DO THINGS WITH FRIENDS, SEE IF YOU CAN DO THEM ONLINE. Run that game of DnD/Other TTRPG you’ve been meaning to. Hold your book club online. Have a few drinks online over voice-chat if you are missing the pub. Hold watch parties for your favourite shows. The key, as ever, is to be engaged rather than passive. It’s harder if you’re ill, yes, but it can be done.

6. USE YOUR IMAGINATION TO CREATE THINGS. Write that fanfic. Start that novel. Design that game. Doodle. Paint. Humans have been creating since the day we became human. Consider things from the perspective of a pre-modern person. Make handprints on your own personal cave wall - contact each other and tell spooky stories. Build a complex fantasy world. Write an account of your confinement for some person to find pieces of years after you’re gone from the world. Think about a problem, and learn how to solve it via taking online classes (See http://www.openculture.com/freeonlinecourses) Write an essay on your chosen passion or hyperfixation - nobody needs to read it but you. Treat yourself to intellectual stimulation, if that’s your thing.

7. IF YOU HAVE A SPIRITUAL. RITUAL, OR MEDITATIVE PRACTICE DO IT. It doesn’t matter if it’s not perfect, or limited in scope. This also includes atheists and those who despise woo - you have personal rituals, things you do that have Meaning to you as a person. Maybe it;s alphabetizing your music collection, or spring cleaning or cooking your favourite meal like grandma used to make. Humans have patterns they perform. When you perform them DELIBERATIVELY (or dare I say MINDFULLY) you become aware that these are the scaffolds that structure human life.

8. STRUCTURE YOUR TIME. Following on from 7, we often don’t realise the structure of our lives until it is disrupted. When that’s removed, our minds can go into freefall. If you’re isolated/in lockdown, oftentimes you won’t be able to access those structures. Rather than wait for them to to become accessible again and risk a period of feeling lost and directionless, which can enhance depression and anxiety, it’s best to develop a new structure based on the resources you have. It can be as loose or as strict as you like, but sticking to it allows us to develop a rhythm which makes time pass in recognisable fashion and gives us a sense of being-in-the-world as some sort of engaged process.

9. KEEP YOUR SLEEP PATTERN REGULAR AND LONG ENOUGH. The key here is REGULAR. Following on from 8, it’s important to keep your body well rested, as this aids your immune system and cuts down on the possibility of your body having to deal with stress . If you’re ill it’s harder to keep this regular, because sometimes your body just needs sleep to regenerate NOW. Equally in isolation, particularly if you’re feeling mentally low, it can be tempting to sleep forever, because y’know, you’re feeling low and what’s the point. (Of course the point is why we have 8 in particular, along with all the rest.)

OBVIOUSLY EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT. Particularly for those with disabilities or chronic illnesses, we may be even more limited in our activities while isolated than able bodied folks. That said, the key is to remember that certainly during this pandemic, and otherwise YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE FEELING THIS WAY. Rubbish as it may be, many are in the same boat. If it pleases you to, seek them out - see what commonalities you have, what hopes and dreams and fascinations you may share. FIND THE OTHERS - it’s what humans have always done.

Be well.

#coronavirus #disability #cripkult

[fitjourneydaily]

The Importance of Alcohol Moderation: Tips for Responsible Consumption

Introduction: In today's society, alcohol is often associated with socializing, celebrations, and relaxation. While enjoying a drink can be a part of a healthy lifestyle, it's crucial to practice alcohol moderation, limit intake, and engage in responsible consumption to promote your overall well-being. In this article, we will discuss why moderation is key, the risks of excessive drinking, and provide practical tips for avoiding binge drinking. 1. Understanding Alcohol Moderation: Alcohol moderation refers to consuming alcoholic beverages in a responsible and controlled manner. It entails setting limits, knowing your own tolerance, and understanding the potential consequences of excessive drinking. By practicing moderation, you can enjoy the occasional drink without compromising your health or personal relationships. 2. The Risks of Excessive Drinking: Binge drinking, or consuming large amounts of alcohol in a short period, can lead to various health complications and negative effects on your daily life. These risks include: a) Physical Health Effects: Excessive alcohol consumption can damage vital organs, such as the liver and heart, and increase the risk of long-term conditions like liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and alcohol-related cancers. b) Mental Health Implications: Alcohol abuse can have a severe impact on mental health, contributing to depression, anxiety, and even alcohol addiction. It can also impair cognitive function and affect decision-making abilities. c) Relationship and Social Challenges: Binge drinking can strain personal relationships and lead to conflicts, as well as affect your performance at work or school. It may also increase the chances of accidents and risky behaviors. 3. Practical Tips for Responsible Alcohol Consumption: To promote responsible alcohol intake and avoid binge drinking, consider implementing the following tips: a) Set Personal Limits: Know your limits and establish a personal guideline for alcohol consumption. Remember, everyone's tolerance is different, so listen to your body and be aware of how alcohol affects you. b) Plan Ahead: Before attending social events or nights out, plan your drinking strategy. Decide in advance how many drinks you will have and stick to your plan. Consider alternating alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic options like water or mocktails. c) Practice Hydration: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce the dehydrating effects of alcohol. Alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of water to stay hydrated and minimize the risk of overconsumption. d) Eat Well: Consuming a balanced meal before drinking can help slow down the absorption of alcohol and prevent rapid intoxication. Opt for protein-rich foods and healthy snacks to keep your blood sugar levels stable. e) Pace Yourself: Sip your drinks slowly and savor the flavors. Avoid drinking on an empty stomach, as this can lead to faster alcohol absorption. Take breaks between drinks to assess your level of intoxication. f) Use Measuring Tools: If you're unsure about the standard alcohol serving sizes, use measuring tools like shot glasses or jiggers to pour your drinks accurately. This way, you can keep track of your alcohol intake more effectively. g) Find Alternatives: Instead of relying solely on alcohol for socializing, explore alternative activities and hobbies that don't revolve around drinking. This can help expand your social circle and provide different outlets for relaxation and enjoyment. Conclusion: Alcohol moderation and responsible consumption are essential for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. By practicing self-control, setting limits, and understanding the risks associated with excessive drinking, you can enjoy the occasional drink while safeguarding your well-being. Remember, responsible alcohol consumption leads to a happier and healthier you. Tags for WordPress: 1) Alcohol Moderation 2) Responsible Alcohol Consumption 3) Avoiding Binge Drinking 4) Limited Alcohol Intak Discover a new era of wellness with Puralean's Natural Weight Loss Supplement. Our carefully crafted formula supports your weight loss goals naturally and effectively. Harness the power of nature to achieve your dream body. Learn more on the Puralean Natural Weight Loss Supplement Product Page. Read the full article

[myhoneststudyblr]

every single student in the world has likely procrastinated at some point - i know i definitely have! sometimes i think it can be quite helpful because means that you don't spend every minute of every day studying... but on the other hand, it can become very hard to beat. there are so many advice posts in the community on this topic but i thought that i would share my own tips! 

disclaimer: everyone studies differently and these are my personal tips. they may not work for you but they can be a good starting point 

What is Procrastination?

i found this little summary of procrastinating on the internet and thought it completely covered everything that i wanted to say on this point:

Procrastination is the habit of delaying an important task, usually by focusing on less urgent, more enjoyable, and easier activities instead. It is different from laziness, which is the unwillingness to act.

Procrastination can restrict your potential and undermine your career. It can also disrupt teamwork, reduce morale, and even lead to depression and job loss. So, it's crucial to take proactive steps to prevent it.

The first step to overcoming procrastination is to recognize that you're doing it. Then, identify the reasons behind your behavior and use appropriate strategies to manage and overcome it.

- How to Stop Procrastinating by Mindtools

so what is learnt from this is that:

procrastination is not being lazy 

it is avoiding tasks by doing other easier tasks

it can have negative effects

you need to proactively take steps to avoid it 

first, recognise the procrastinating then use strategies to break the cycle

Conventional Tips

these are the basic tips that are some of the most well-known strategies for ending procrastination and can be some of the most important steps!

1. get organised. tidy up your desk to study space because there is nothing worse than having to work in a place that is chaotic and mess. collect the information you need for the task, for example, notes you've made or a textbook. 

2. to-do lists are your friend. a lot of people (including me) really struggle with timetables for studying because it can seem really structured and there is no flexibility or real allowance for things that may crop up during the day (your food takes longer to cook, you have to unexpectedly do a task around the house, you get a really bad headache and need to take a break). in my opinion, to-do lists help solve this problem! you can clearly see the tasks that you want to get done for the day but you don't have stressful time constraints. personally, i always use todoist to keep track of everything. to-do lists also make it easier to break tasks down

3. break the task down. one of the biggest cause of procrastination is having a huge task or project ahead of you because it seems really daunting and where on earth are you even going to start? so break it down *completely*. in your to-do list, don't just write ‘german homework’, write down even task that you need to do within it and be specific: for example ‘pg. 11 ex 4a, 4b and 4c’, ‘textbook listening task on pg. 47′ and ‘250-word essay on social media in Germany’. breaking it down makes the tasks seem more attainable and when you’ve done one and you can cross it off your list, it gives you a boost to keep going

4. eliminate distractions. this is a big one. even if you do all of the above, if you are constantly being distracted by things, you aren't going to get much done. try to find a place that is quiet enough that you can focus and you feel comfortable studying in. as well as this you need to think about what to do with your phone as the likelihood is that this will be the most distracting thing. you can simply turn it off, put on do not disturb, leave it in another room or use and app like forest (that last one is what i use and i don't know where i would be without it!)

5. use incentives. finishing a task is an achievement so treat it like one! before you study, decide on something that you will give yourself as a reward for doing it. this may be watching that new episode of your favourite programme or a tasty snack! 

6. set timers. don't just launch yourself into a task, because that again can make it seem daunting and feel unending. rather, set a timer for a specific time because you’ll know that you just need to focus for that specific length of time and then you can go take a break and do something nice. for timing your study sessions, you could use the Pomodoro technique 

7. allow for breaks (but try to avoid long ones). you are not a machine and as much as it would be great to be able to, you cant study for hours on end without giving your mind a break from focusing. so schedule in break time for yourself, particularly for times that you know your motivation dips, and do something nice. but be very careful that you don't accidentally slip back into procrastinating habits and keep breaks short. unless you are very disciplined it is unlikely that an hour-long break will stay just an hour.

8. know how you study but don’t be afraid to mix it up. everyone studies differently and so there are going to be some study methods that work better for some than others. so try to make sure that you are studying smart and that you aren't wasting your own time cause that can be incredibly unmotivating. HOWEVER, if there is anything that I’ve learnt from online school its that doing the same task all the time, every day is mind-numbingly boring and you just want to do anything else. so try to switch up what you are doing. if you usually just type notes from the textbook, maybe try doing it in a mindmap one week, or on flashcards, maybe do some practise questions to keep your mind engaged. 

9. play music. now this one really depends on the person and how you study. some people need absolute silence and that is fine, but others need something to fill the silence or maybe cover up background noise (for example if you live in a busy household). try to pick music however that is not going to distract you - the key tips for this is to pick music without lyrics. this can be classical music, video game music, or general ‘chill’ music (there are so many playlists out there for chill studying music). i personally listen to Francesco Parrino religiously while studying because he does piano covers of pop songs, so i know the songs and enjoy them but there are no lyrics that can distract me 

10. stay hydrated, well-rested and not hungry. this is part of eliminating distractions because if you are thirsty, you are going to be thinking about how you want a drink; if you are tired, you are going to be thinking about how tired you are; if you are hungry, you are going to be thinking about what you want for lunch or whatever. make sure you are hydrated, well-rested and not hungry so you can focus solely on your task or work.

Unconventional Tips

these are some slightly more unusual tips that you might not have seen before but that I've nevertheless found very useful!

1. video yourself or do a timelapse. this is something that I’ve only recently done because i saw a tip on this from someone during my quarantine challenge and thought that it would be cool to do. and it really works! i did it twice once when i was typing notes and a second time when i was handwriting notes and it really made me focus on what is as doing because the video put some pressure on me to look like i was properly studying - i could take a 5-minute break in the middle of my work to mess around with my pen, I just had to keep going so it really forces you to do the work. also watching the video when i was done made me really proud cause i had visual proof of how much i completed!

2. accept that some days you are going to get very little done. this may seem a little bit odd to put on a post that is meant to avoid getting nothing done but it’s actually a very important thing to remember. sometimes you need to take days off because otherwise you are going to burnout and some days you are just not going to be in the right mindset for studying because maybe you are exhausted after a big exam, or you have a headache or you feel unwell. you just need to accept it, draw a line under it, take time for yourself, and resolve yourself to work tomorrow once you feel a bit better. there is no shame in taking time to make sure you stay healthy. if you can, try to get your quickest, easiest task done so you have some sense of accomplishment.

3. ‘churn it out and f**k off’. this was my mum’s motto when she was studying and working in academia. and she recently told it to me when i was getting stressed about all the big tasks during online school. i am a perfectionist and i always want to hand in my very best work, put 100% into everything, but honestly that is impossible. some days you just need to get stuff done and if that isn't your very best then it doesn't matter too much because at least you got it done. and once you get it done you can just forget about it.

4. ask a friend or parent to check up on you. when you are studying by yourself it can be hard to motivate yourself because you know that no ones actually going to check whether you made those votes or did the reading, so ask a friend or someone you live with to check whether you've done the work or get them to read essays. you then get an external reason to study or do your tasks because you need to show them something.

5. rephrase how you think of tasks. when you think that ‘you need to do this task’ or ‘you have to get this done’, a lot of the time this causes unneeded stress and anxiety that is not going to help you at all. also it makes it seem like you are being forced to do something and human beings generally don't act great when they are forced to do something. so try to change your language when thinking about task into one that is more forgiving such as ‘i choose to do this project so that i can go meet my friends tomorrow’ and ‘i choose to read this book now because it will help me in the lecture next week’. this is probably the most difficult strategy on this list and it will take a lot of practice (i am certainly still practising it) but in the long term, it can help you change the way in which you view studying for the better. 

✨✨✨

i hope this was helpful and that these tips will be useful, and perhaps you've discovered some new ones! if anyone has anything to add please feel free to reply or reblog with the advice <3

#how to stop procrastinating #procrastination #studyblr #my advice #sophie speaks #me #mine #student #study motivation #motivation #study advice #studying #study tips #high school #university #myhoneststudyblr #studyblr support #problematicprocrastinator #heypat #adelinestudiess #eintsein #einstetic #heycoral #stuhde #philologystudies #idiotacademia #studyvan #bentostudy #elleandhermione #sonderstudy

[elfyourmother]

okay i guess we’re grief processing on tumblr. i’d appreciate it if you don’t reblog this because i legitimately don’t have the spoons rn to deal with anyone acting up on it

my aunt was so wonderfully weird. and ftr I do mean weird, not eccentric. “Eccentric” would imply money we absolutely do not have lmao

Imagine Ouiser from the original Steel Magnolias as a broke ass Black woman and that was my aunt. (But she used to hate when we would call her Ouiser fjdfs) She even had the big gigantic dog with anxiety. (RIP Fats, your mom’s finally home with you again.)

Like the rest of my mom’s siblings she was creative and artsy. she drew like the rest of them, and adored classical music and opera, but she also studied ballet at the Joffrey Ballet and desperately wanted to be a dancer. They found cysts on her spine though, so that took care of that. She didn’t let it stop her from loving the arts though, even though she what my mom did and gave it up for a more “practical” career.

Shrimp Fried Rice was her favorite thing in the world to eat. She’d eat the cold leftovers for breakfast while we watched the Twilight Zone. Mind you everything I learned about cooking I learned from her, including how to make that marinara sauce I just posted. She was Iron Chef Italian. Learned at the feet of an old nona in her building growing up, even. (Brooklyn was a lot less segregated back then, funny enough.) But that shitty shrimp fried rice was like the gods’ own ambrosia to her.

She loved loved loved sci-fi and fantasy and horror. We bonded over Lord of the Rings, when I showed her the extended versions (she rarely if ever went to theaters tbh). We would marathon them every Xmas and drive my mom insane. And she really did go to the very first Trek con ever held, the one at the Hilton in Manhattan in the 70s. Still had her ticket and everything. It’s probably worth a small fortune tbh. (I told y’all this shit was genetic) She was TOS only though, as she would holler to anyone who would listen, including me. Picard was “pointy bald headed motherfucker” according to her. Somewhere she still has TOS zines and like, Spock was her Blorbo, if ever there was one. Years ago when I was living out west, she even called me in the middle of my work day solely to brag about how she met Shatner and Nimoy at one of the casinos because they were making an appearance at a fan event together, something they very rarely did in later years. “Hey Aurora I just met Nimoy again. Have fun at that shitty ass job today.” was the entire voicemail she left me fsdjkfsdfs

That’s just how she was though. Extra at all times, snarky, witty, phasers set to roasting (affectionate) at all times. The quintessential Gemini if ever there was one (her birthday is 2 days after mine, even). I still laugh about the look of absolute murder she gave my sister’s stereotypically, painfully Midwestern friend when she suggested we eat at McDs while we were on a post-cruise vacation in Rome.

She did slip into Archie Bunkerism in her later years and eventually I sorta had to take her in small doses, if I’m honest. She was very set in her ways in a lot of respects. But she was still wickedly, wickedly funny, even when the dementia started getting bad. In hindsight there’s a lot of her in me, the best parts I think. Well, and the depression. (The queer part I got from my uncle, who was equally weird and artsy.)

I mean she was 86 and had been sick for a long time but I’m honestly still in shock. I found out on Friday night and I still can’t really believe it. She was such a larger than life character, the sort you just kind of assume will be around as long as Keith Richards. Never, ever boring and never, ever apologetic. The world is a little more boring without her in it hollering about Patrick Stewart’s pointy bald head.

#death cw #pers. #sometimes i think about the sheer amount of artistic talent in my family that fell by the wayside #for various reasons but probably a lot to do with the times they lived in and the expectations of black families #the only one who really made a career out of it was my uncle but his end was fairly tragic all things considered #this is the type of shit that gives me a midlife crisis #i feel like i’m just feeding into the same cycle

[moiraineswife]

Jasnah - The Facade Meta

Today we’re going to discuss the stormlight of my life, your life, your cat’s life: Jasnah Kholin. Topics of discussion include (but will likely not be limited to): the face she wears, the effect her childhood and what we know if it has had on her, madness, her mother, her perceived invincibility, and whatever else strikes me as relevant in the midst of this chaotic clusterfuck of yelling tarted up as character analysis. 

Now. To business:

Let us begin at the beginning (of what we know) and talk about Jasnah’s childhood illness, and what this has done to her in terms of her relationship with her mother, her outlook on life, and her perception of, well, perception…

“It’s your daughter,” Dalinar guessed. “Her lunacy.”

“Jasnah is fine, and recovering. It’s not that.”  (OB, 49, Born Unto Light)

Peppered through Dalinar’s flashbacks in Oathbringer are small hints at the dark side of Jasnah’s childhood. We’ve had hints before that Jasnah’s life has not always been...entirely typical for a princess.

Her existence as a radiant was a hint itself, as it's implied most of them are ‘broken’ in some way.

The others are more obvious: Kaladin’s depression, Shallan’s PTSD, anxiety, and DID, Dalinar’s repressed memories, and alcoholism etc,etc.

With Jasnah, you know it has to be there, but it’s harder to see. To use Shallan’s metaphor, she’s like a cracked vase, but the cracked side has been turned to the wall, so the outside world sees only smooth perfection.

This flashback comment is the most obvious indication at what caused Jasnah to break. A fairly shocking one for a reader as 'Jasnah' and 'lunacy' seem to match as well as chasmfiends and tea parties.

It also provides some rather awful context for this segment a few chapters earlier:

“Something stirred deep within her. Glimmers of memory from a dark room, screaming her voice ragged. A childhood illness nobody else seemed to remember, for all it had done to her.

“It had taught her that people she loved could still hurt her.”   (O, 47, So Much Is Lost)

We know, given Shallan’s research into Taln at the behest of the Ghostbloods, that the current treatment for madness involves confining the person in darkness.

It seems like far too much of a coincidence that Jasnah, diagnosed with lunacy, would have memories of screaming herself hoarse in a dark room that could somehow be unconnected to this.

Based on my shoddy maths, she was around 11 or 12 at this point, which is marked by many, especially Navani, as a turning point in her life. There was a profound change in how she acted with those around her following this.

“She wouldn’t let me be a mother to her, Dalinar,” Navani said, staring into the distance. “Do you know that? It was almost like . . . like once Jasnah climbed into adolescence, she no longer needed a mother. I would try to get close to her, and there was this coldness, like even being near me reminded her that she had once been a child. What happened to my little girl, so full of questions?” (WoR, 67, Spit and Bile)

It seems like too much of a coincidence, again, to assume that Jasnah’s childhood illness and her confinement had nothing to do with her reluctance to allow Navani to mother her any more.

Jasnah herself reflects that her imprisonment, for lack of a better word, taught her that people she loved could still hurt her. It seems very likely that this refers to Navani and Gavilar, as they would have allowed this treatment to continue. It’s also likely the reason for the change in their relationship afterwards.

Navani's presence didn't remind her she had been a child; it reminded her of what had been done to her.

Navani’s little girl was branded insane and locked away in a dark room with her parents' consent. This removed her ability to trust in Navani to mother and protect her. She kept her distance, she kept herself aloof and removed from everyone, and that’s something that hasn’t changed over twenty years later.

She takes no wards, an expected thing for a woman of her rank. She's unmarried, well past the age she should be. She has no friends, the closest she has are both "pen pals" she communicates with via spanreed.

Jasnah, of all the characters in Stormlight, is the one least emotionally connected. She clearly loves her family, and is devoted to them...But again it's from a distance.

She works in the shadows with assassins to protect them. She studies the end of the world a world away from everyone she loves.

When we see her in Kharbranth for the first time with Shallan, she’s alone.

The servants she uses seem to belong to the Palaneum. She travels alone, she researches and works and bears her burdens alone.

The sole exception is Ivory and she doesn't really have a choice with him BUT to have him with her.

I am NOT suggesting that Jasnah doesn’t actually care about her family/Shallan - we see repeatedly that she absolutely does.

Poignantly, the first thing Renarin’s visions predict that turns out to be false is the lack of love that Jasnah has - they claim she will choose logic and kill her cousin, but she chooses to save him instead.

It’s clear that Jasnah cares very deeply...but she also deliberately distances herself, both physically and emotionally, from other people.

(continued below)

Jasnah is so independent that it’s almost a flaw. She’s an interesting opposite to Kaladin, in this regard.

Kaladin defines himself so much by those around him, his family, his men, those under his care and protection, that that almost becomes a flaw in him. He destroys himself to protect them, and every failure wrecks him.

Jasnah keeps everyone away. She operates alone, in secret, and she clearly struggles to let people get close to her.

The reasons for this are twofold, I feel.

The first one is assassins: Jasnah has been ‘killed’ by one such assassination attempt, has survived another, who made multiple attempts on her life in the form of Kabsal, and has almost certainly experienced more beyond that.

Her casual expectation that Kabsal is trying to use Shallan to get close to her, likely, though she doesn’t say it, to kill her - which turns out to be true.

She knows firsthand how easy it is for someone with enough money and influence to place spies and assassins into a setting- she does it herself all the time. And it resulted in the death of her father.

In a lot of ways, she’s as paranoid about assassination as Elhokar is - she just expresses it in a far more subtle/rational way. Where Elhokar rants and panics, Jasnah blocks up air vents and rejects rooms in the 90000 foot, lost for centuries, tower with balconies because they're a security flaw.

The second reason for her emotional isolation, I believe, is what caused her initial withdrawal from Navani.

Being believed mad, locked in a dark room, screaming for help and being ignored, and knowing that your parents, the people whom you went to with questions and looked to for safety and protection are at least partially responsible, all at the age of eleven is...fairly damaging.

Jasnah hides the effects of her trauma far better than Kaladin or Shallan. This is probably partially because she’s older and has been dealing with it for longer.

By this point, her trauma reactions (which went, by her own admission, unaddressed by her family after what happened, which is traumatising in itself), have melded in with her personality/are brushed off as simply Jasnah being Jasnah.  

“I know what people say of me. I should hope that I am not as harsh as some say, though a woman could have far worse than a reputation for sternness. It can serve one well.”  (TWoK, 8, Nearer the Flame).

As a matter of fact, we know full well that Jasnah ISN’T as harsh or stern as she’s claimed to be. Shallan repeatedly affirms to Kabsal, and to a reader, that Jasnah is not what she expected - a stern, harsh mistress. She also notes that Jasnah believes herself to be one - likely due to everyone else perceiving her that way.

I think the perception of Jasnah is one that she’s cultivated deliberately - a stern, aloof, even harsh person. Not one anyone would want to be close to. Also not someone anyone would associate with weakness, or needing to be cared for or protected.

More than assassins, I think Jasnah fears people who love her with good intentions, and the ability to assert those good intentions upon her, because it's "for her own good".

When she was a child it led to her imprisonment, something which still triggers traumatic flashbacks over ten years later. She fears having people she loves hurt her. And so she keeps them away, and cultivates for herself a presence that doesn’t need to be cared for, that almost doesn’t need or want to be loved, so that can never happen again.

She rejects, most notably and strongly, her mother, and any implication of a husband. This has led to speculation about her sexuality - maybe she’s gay - though it seems fairly acceptable in Alethkar for a person to be gay (they don’t even have to fill out social reassignment forms!). I

It might be more frowned upon in noble society, due to the expectation of forming political marriages, and while I don’t necessarily doubt it (give me queer Jasnah, Brandon, I beg of you, I’m a starving lesbian and I need this) the only commentary we have from Jasnah on the subject sems to suggest a different, sadder, motive:

Jasnah relaxed visibly. “Yes, well, it did seem a workable solution. I had wondered, however, if you’d be offended.”

“Why on the winds would I be offended?”

“Because of the restriction of freedom implicit in a marriage,” Jasnah said. “And if not that, because the offer was made without consulting you.

[...]

“It doesn’t bother you at all?” Jasnah said. “The idea of being beholden to another, particularly a man?”

“It’s not like I’m being sold into slavery,” Shallan said with a laugh.

“No. I suppose not.” Jasnah shook herself, her poise returning.

(WoR, 1, Santhid).

This is the only time, after an entire book of content in which Jasnah, amongst other things: Soulcasts three men into oblivion, is almost assassinated repeatedly, is betrayed by the first person she’s taken in and trusted in a long time, and is researching the literal end of the world, that Shallan notes Jasnah looking nervous/uncomfortable in discussing anything.

And it’s about marriage.

Jasnah views marriage as being a ‘restriction of freedom’ and finds it distasteful because it encompasses the idea ‘of being beholden to another’.

Anything that even implicitly binds her to another or puts them in her power is something she wants nothing to do with. And, legally, if she were ever to be accused of lunacy again, the two people most likely to have the authority to make a decision on her treatment/send her back to the ardents would be either a parent, or a husband.

The first she’s distanced herself from in pretty much every way since the first event, and the second she’s refused to entertain for years, to the point that high society whispers that she must be gay.

I also think she's uncomfortable because she sees what she did here - setting up a betrothal, which she views as a restriction of freedom - for Shallan, without consulting her, as the same thing that was done to her as a child.

A restriction of freedom for Shallan’s own good. The same justification that was used to imprison her. It's obviously not the same, but Jasnah views marriage as a kind of imprisonment. So in her mind it is.

Jasnah also has huge trust issues. She just covers them with what appears to be personality traits - of being independent, and aloof - but that’s largely just a cover for her own insecurities, and her fear of ever having her freedoms restricted again.

This idea also gives a little bit more of a twist (or dramatic gut punch, thanks Brandon), to her advice to Shallan about perception and power:

“Power is an illusion of perception.”

Shallan frowned.

“Don’t mistake me,” Jasnah continued. “Some kinds of power are real—power to command armies, power to Soulcast. These come into play far less often than you would think. On an individual basis, in most interactions, this thing we call power—authority—exists only as it is perceived.

“You say I have wealth. This is true, but you have also seen that I do not often use it. You say I have authority as the sister of a king. I do. And yet, the men of this ship would treat me exactly the same way if I were a beggar who had convinced them I was the sister to a king. In that case, my authority is not a real thing. It is mere vapors—an illusion. I can create that illusion for them, as can you.”  (WoR, 1, Santhid)

Jasnah is talking here with Shallan about being more confident, assertive, and being able to have people do what you want (Something Navani later notes Jasnah is very good at doing).

But I think Jasnah uses this same idea - the power of perception, as a defence mechanism against her trauma, a way to protect herself.

We dismiss her isolation as aloofness. We dismiss her lack of emotional reaction as a cornerstone of the "strong female character" trope. But I think it's deeper than that. Because Jasnah isn't ACTUALLY like that deep down. It's a perception she works very hard to achieve.

Jasnah uses logic in a similar way to how Shallan uses art and drawing, or how Kaladin uses training with the spear. It’s a distraction, a grounding technique, something she can calm herself with. It’s an anchor and a crutch all at the same time.

Jasnah is logical to a fault, to the point that it makes others see her as a monster lacking empathy. I don’t think, at any point in the last few books, we’ve seen Jasnah genuinely distressed/angry/displaying emotion to the point she’d be considered out of control.

Almost all the other POV characters have had moments of weakness/breakdowns/extremely poignant emotional displays. But not Jasnah. All we ever see from Jasnah is the controlled, cultivated perception that she wants us to see. Something which I think is rooted in her trauma.

Logic is the antithesis of lunacy. Rational thought is the direct counter to madness. If the whole world sees Jasnah as logical, utterly in control of herself, if that is the perception she has everyone believe at all times then she can’t be accused of madness again.

Madness, at least in Jasnah’s mind, is an outburst of excessive, uncontrolled emotion. It is the opposite of logic. It’s acting impulsively, without thought, based purely on emotions. Ivory supports this idea:

“Ivory, you think all humans are unstable.”

“Not you,” he said, lifting his chin. “You are like a spren. You think by facts. You change not on simple whims. You are as you are.”

She gave him a flat stare.

“Mostly,” he added. “Mostly. But it is, Jasnah. Compared to other humans, you are practically a stone!” (O, 39, Notes)

Even Ivory, who has been closer to Jasnah in recent years than anyone we know of in the series so far, characterises her this way.

She rejects this idea, telling Ivory that:

 “You call me logical,” Jasnah whispered. “It’s untrue, as I let my passions rule me as much as many.”  (O, 39, Notes)  I think this is true, she does let her passions rule her, but she doesn’t let anyone, even Ivory, see that from her.

That's deliberate. She deliberately makes herself out to be this logic-driven robot, with no feeling or passion.

To the world, Jasnah Kholin is the consummate scholar, the eternally logical thinker, untouched by empathy or feeling. This is how she wants them to think of her.

We know that it’s not true. We know that Jasnah is driven by emotions - her guilt at feeling like she failed Gavilar, her fear for what’s coming for the world, her love for her family, her true passion for scholarship and knowledge.

This is particularly notable when set against a character who exemplifies the opposite in so many ways: Kaladin.

“Yes. The answer is obvious. We need to find the Heralds.”

Kaladin nodded in agreement.

“Then,” Jasnah added, “we need to kill them.”

“What?” Kaladin demanded. “Woman, are you insane?”

“The Stormfather laid it out,” Jasnah said, unperturbed. “The Heralds made a pact. When they died, their souls traveled to Damnation and trapped the spirits of the Voidbringers, preventing them from returning.”

“Yeah. Then the Heralds were tortured until they broke.”

“The Stormfather said their pact was weakened, but did not say it was destroyed,” Jasnah said. “I suggest that we at least see if one of them is willing to return to Damnation. Perhaps they can still prevent the spirits of the enemy from being reborn. It’s either that, or we completely exterminate the parshmen so that the enemy has no hosts.” She met Kaladin’s eyes. “In the face of such an atrocity, I would consider the sacrifice of one or more Heralds to be a small price.”

“Storms!” Kaladin said, standing up straight. “Have you no sympathy?”

“I have plenty, bridgeman. Fortunately, I temper it with logic.”  (O, 39, Notes)

Ah, the old ‘punt the Heralds back to Damnation to buy us time’ argument. Lovely.

Jasnah and Kaladin are at two different ends of the sympathy-logic spectrum and it was kind of inevitable they’d clash. But I think it makes Jasnah’s assertions more...Stark and shocking, when she pitches them to Kaladin.

What she suggests IS logical. And it’s actually the same sort of logic that led the Heralds themselves to abandon Taln to Damnation in the first place: “better that one man should suffer than ten.”

It’s a cold, harsh, brutal logic, and it’s very typical of how Jasnah likes to present herself when she’s speaking to others.

The killing of the footpads in Kharbranth is another prime example - it’s all cold, dissected logic when she reasons through it with Shallan afterwards. (Though I imagine if we saw Jasnah’s POV of it in the moment, it would be very different than what she presents).

Because what I find most interesting about the Heralds argument is that we get Jasnah, just Jasnah, away from anyone who has to view her performance of perception, reflecting on the situation. And her internal thoughts/her private reactions are very different from those she displays in public.

“These words trouble you,” he said, stepping up to her again and resting his jet-black fingers on the paper. “Why? You have read many troubling things.”

[...]

Something stirred deep within her. Glimmers of memory from a dark room, screaming her voice ragged. A childhood illness nobody else seemed to remember, for all it had done to her.

It had taught her that people she loved could still hurt her.

“Have you ever wondered how it would feel to lose your sanity, Ivory?”

Ivory nodded. “I have wondered this. How could I not? Considering what the ancient fathers are.”

“You call me logical,” Jasnah whispered. “It’s untrue, as I let my passions rule me as much as many. In my times of peace, however, my mind has always been the one thing I could rely upon.”

Except once.

She shook her head, picking up the paper again. “I fear losing that, Ivory. It terrifies me. How would it have felt, to be these Heralds? To suffer your mind slowly becoming untrustworthy? Are they too far gone to know? Or are there lucid moments, where they strain and sort through memories … trying frantically to decide which are reliable and which are fabrications…”

She shivered.  (O, 39, Notes).

In an ironic (fuck you Brandon) twist: I think Jasnah knows EXACTLY what she’s suggesting they do to the Heralds. She’s also probably the person in that room who has the most experience with/has contemplated most what they would be condemning them to, and who therefore empathises with them the most.

It’s STRONGLY implied in this passage that Jasnah has experienced some sort of hallucinations in the past. Possibly this is connected to some kind of neurodivergence. I think this more likely than the alternative - that she was seeing into Shadesmar, because I believe that her imprisonment was what caused her to ‘break’ and enabled her to form her spren bond in the first place. But it’s possible. 

Regardless of what’s happened in the past, now, Jasnah’s mind is her sanctuary. If she only ever knows one thing it’s her own mind. She’s a rationalist. She puts her faith in things that she can know intuitively, via logic, like maths - things that exist independently of god, that cannot be doubted. Their truth is tied to their very existence. All that's required to know it is to know her own mind and reason. Losing that is quite literally the worst thing she can think of.

And honestly? Taln’s story probably really fucks with her. Because what he went through is what she went through, too, as a child.

Taln was dismissed as a madman, because no one believed what he said, even though it was true. Truth doesn’t matter; not when it comes to being perceived mad. Nor does being right. Taln was telling the truth. Taln was right. Taln was a goddamn Herald. And they still decided he was mad and locked him away in a dark room, alone, the same way they did to her.

Jasnah knows what that feels like. Jasnah empathises with Taln and the other Heralds more than probably anyone else. But she speaks of condemning these people to that fate, to the greatest hell she can think of, calmly, and rationally. But that’s absolutely not what she really feels/thinks. There is...Such a stark difference, when you really sit and think about it, in the Jasnah that she lets everyone see, and the Jasnah that exists only behind closed doors.

She could see Jasnah’s face, hand against her temple, staring at the pages spread before her. Jasnah’s eyes were haunted, her expression haggard.

This was not the Jasnah that Shallan was accustomed to seeing. The confidence had been overwhelmed by exhaustion, the poise replaced by worry. Jasnah started to write something, but stopped after just a few words. She set down the pen, closing her eyes and massaging her temples. A few dizzy-looking spren, like jets of dust rising into the air, appeared around Jasnah’s head. Exhaustionspren.

Shallan pulled back, suddenly feeling as if she’d intruded upon an intimate moment. Jasnah with her defenses down. (WoR, 6, Terrible Destruction).

The text itself characterises Jasnah’s mask as a defence. A defence against being known, a defence against being seen as anything other than perfectly logical. Having this mask so firmly and so constantly in place is a lot of work. It’s almost a compulsion for her at this point - the refusal to let anyone else in, the strict adherence to logic, regardless of her own feelings or how it makes others see her. Better to be emotionless and in control, utterly, unquestionably sane and rational, than to ever go back to being considered mad.

This, ironically, isn't rational behaviour. It's a trauma response. I'm stating this, the idea that being emotionless/always rational prevents anyone viewing her as insane again (though, again ironically, this is exactly what Kaladin accuses her of being (OUCH)). But I think these are facts in Jasnah's mind? It's her coping mechanism. It's a really bad one. But that's what it is.

As an interesting side note - I think the only time we ever see Jasnah draw emotion spren is when she’s on her own (or assumes she’s on her own, as in this passage, or too exhausted to keep them away entirely - like the single fearspren she draws later in this chapter).

This feels notable because every other character who features in the books, even minor side characters, draws emotion spren of one sort or another at some point in the text.

Jasnah, for all that she’s on screen, draws very little. This may be a function of her ability to tap into Shadesmar, to keep them away, remove any trace of emotion spren from spawning around her. That or she just has such a tight hold on her emotions that she doesn’t draw them.

Either way, I think it’s (another) sign that her behaviour isn’t entirely natural. Spren are everywhere on Roshar, you draw them when you feel a powerful emotion - that’s a natural day-to-day occurrence there.

Unless you’re Jasnah.

Maybe that’s straying a little too far into the realms of what’s reasonable, but I do still think that Jasnah’s output, especially when it contrasts, often very strongly, with her internal feelings, is a coping mechanism/a response to the trauma she endured as a child.

Madness is a fairly strong theme in Stormlight, a few of the characters discuss it/experience it. Syl asks Kaladin fairly directly what it is:

“What is madness?” she asked, sitting with one leg up against her chest, vaporous skirt flickering around her calves and vanishing into mist.

“It’s when men don’t think right,” Kaladin said, glad for the conversation to distract him.

“Men never seem to think right.”

“Madness is worse than normal,” Kaladin said with a smile. “It really just depends on the people around you. How different are you from them? The person that stands out is mad, I guess.” *(TWOK) 

Dalinar’s TWOK arc deals very strongly with madness and the ability to trust your own mind. Taln is, as has been noted, locked away for being mad. Several of the Heralds and the Fused are described as mad after what they've been put through. It's something I expect to be explored further as the series progresses.

Jasnah, I think, is the character who tries so hard never to seem that way. Never to be unhinged, or unbalanced, or affected by what's happened to her. But of course we know that she is.

I think, though, that it’s easy to write off Jasnah's trauma. The other characters all have flaws that are very obvious/things that make them obviously ‘broken’ in terms of their spren bond and the oaths they need to speak.

Kaladin suffers from depression, and from crippling guilt, and taking on too much responsibility. But also with his anger, and his hatred towards those who have wronged him, and how that can push him to blame them/avoid responsibility for what’s happened to him. Basically, his inability to let go or move forwards.

Shallan has the opposite problem, and an inability to look back/face the past. She repressed memories of trauma, and wove lies over them to protect herself, which she had to overcome to progress.

Dalinar had his alcoholism, and prior to that, his ‘addiction’ (which I think is absolutely how it’s written/the parallels are pretty obvious) to The Thrill. He had to accept responsibility, and guilt, and grief, and pain. He had to acknowledge that he had been a bad person, who was not worthy of Evi, but also that he’s capable of change, and improving himself, and becoming a better man.

Their trauma responses are loud, and obvious, and messy. They're aware of them, a reader is aware of them, the other characters are aware of them. "They stand out" if you like.

Jasnah does everything she can to ensure the effects of her trauma never stand out. To the point that other characters fairly consistently characterise Jasnah as perfect/an ideal woman.

I’m NOT saying that the text ACTUALLY presents Jasnah as being perfect/without any flaws (that’s...that’s kinda the point of this entire meta) but the characters gloss over these things/her flaws are perceived as good things?

She’s seen as so aloof, so unflappable, so commanding, and in control. She’s highly intelligent, she’s beautiful, she’s a cunning tactician and politician. Shallan claims that she’s almost always right, which Renarin backs up. Dalinar trusts and respects her, and wants her back at the war camps to aid them. She’s a highly revered scholar, respected, and brilliant. She is, in a way, almost beyond human, let alone being flawed or broken like the rest of them.

Jasnah grimaced at the thought. Shallan was always surprised to see visible emotion from her. Emotion was something relatable, something human—and Shallan’s mental image of Jasnah Kholin was of someone almost divine. (WoR, 1, Santhid).

Shallan reflects that seeing her as divine is a weird way to consider a heretic, and we’re kind of led along into that thread. But it’s also very...Othering?

It’s a “positive” kind of othering: she’s divine/superhuman, that’s great! Only it’s...It’s not? It’s so easy to see Jasnah as beyond human, and that makes us forget what she’s endured, and ignore the walls she’s put up and the profound effect that it’s had on her. And the fact that this is not healthy at all.

It's so unhealthy to be put on a pedestal this way. And it's unhealthy to cultivate a persona that makes the only response to you one that sees you as beyond human/without typical human reactions and emotions?

Shallan can be a bit whimsical and can romanticise/idealise people, but even Navani, another deeply scholarly, rational, and logical thinker, categorises Jasnah in a similar way.

She’s dismissive of the idea that Jasnah can have died. Even when others (like Adolin) start getting worried about the ship’s delay, Navani is sure that Jasnah is fine.

Part of this is, I assume, due to the fact that Jasnah is a radiant and, as the Diagram predicts, they survive when they should have been killed - so Navani has had this idea reinforced with empirical evidence over the years, which is noted in the text.

However, when Shallan first brings her the news of Jasnah’s death she refuses to believe it. Even after Shallan tells Navani she watched Jasnah stabbed through the heart, Navani still refers to her as being ‘unconscious’ (which...is actually correct, in this instance) but that is besides my point: regardless of reason or logic, people presume that Jasnah is beyond such mortal, trivial, human things like death:

‘Though Jasnah had been away for some time, her loss was unexpected. I, like many, assumed her to be immortal.’

If she’s beyond death, she’s certainly beyond something like trauma, or being broken, or damaged.

“You’re still human,” Shallan said, reaching across, putting her hand on Navani’s knee. “We can’t all be emotionless chunks of rock like Jasnah.”

Navani smiled. “She sometimes had the empathy of a corpse, didn’t she?”

“Comes from being too brilliant,” Shallan said. “You grow accustomed to everyone else being something of an idiot, trying to keep up with you.”

[...]

How surreal it was to imagine Jasnah as a child being held by a mother. (Wor, 77, Trust).

More ‘othering’, less positive than the divine, but it clearly categorises Jasnah as something other than human, and in this case, it fixates on her lack of (perceived) emotion.

Jasnah has so defined herself by her lack of emotional response to things that even those closest to her -her ward and her mother - view her as emotionless, like a rock, a corpse, dead. Ivory also says this in a previous quote “you are like spren” / “you are practically a stone.” Jasnah is categorised as strong, invulnerable to emotion, beyond human, something other. 

Though Jasnah, as she herself admits, makes decisions based on emotion.

For all that she says about pursuing the footpads in Kharbranth as purely an act of logic/civic duty, I think you can sense the emotion in that moment.

“Besides, men like those…” There was something in her voice, an edge Shallan had never heard before.

What was done to you? Shallan wondered with horror. And who did it? (TWOK, 36, The Lesson)

Shallan can sense it. This is the point where Jasnah’s mask is at its most strong. She defends, calmly and rationally, what she had done. But I think at this point Shallan, and the reader, gets the sense that when Jasnah is her MOST logical and composed, she’s also her most vulnerable and emotional.

She does the same thing in the scene with Kaldin discussing the fates of the Heralds - yet we actually see later, not just through Shallan, the emotions, and the turmoil, and the direct, traumatic flashbacks Jasnah is experiencing in that moment. All covered up with logic and reason.

I think what Brandon is doing with Jasnah is really clever. Because I think media has conditioned us to accept these cold, aloof characters.

Characters who have become hardened to the world, and numbed by their experiences with violence and trauma. So we accept these things more readily as personality traits/a symptom of modern media.

I think especially with female characters. The "strong female character" who isn't allowed to cry lest she be called hysterical, who can't react to trauma or she's weak, who can't have an outburst of emotion or she's mad.

With Jasnah, I think Brandon is continuing to show how trauma expresses itself differently in different people. And I think, once explored more directly, Jasnah will become a condemnation of the easy acceptance/idealisation of these kinds of traits. What she’s doing is not okay. It’s not healthy. It’s as self-destructive as what Shallan, or Kaladin, or Dalinar was doing, we've just been conditioned to accept and even praise it.

Jasnah has so much pressure piled upon her to be perfect. She’s made an illusion so believable even those closest to her can’t see through it. She comes across as divine, as something other than human, as emotionless, and absolute. She’s become a constant in the world of those around her. She’s a law of nature more than a person - like a spren.

Except she’s not.

She’s human.

And she’s broken.

And she’s suffering a trauma that makes her afraid to be even a little bit human - because then they might think her mad again, and she’ll lose everything, and she can’t handle that.

I’m FASCINATED to see Jasnah’s interactions (if we get any on-screen) with Taln and Ash. It will probably give a big insight into her character, her relation to madness/her past illness, and I think it will bring out an interesting side of her, which I’m curious to see.

But I'm also really interested to see how Brandon explores the idea of the "ideal traumatised woman' and how that's absolutely bullshit and completely unhealthy.

Jasnah is, on the surface, everything men demand from a "strong female character". She's been exposed to trauma but she doesn't "let it define her" (ie she doesn't seemingly react to it at all). She's beautiful, and she's intelligent, she's a (literal) Queen, she's a fighter/skilled warrior, she's never "overly-emotional" - she reacts to trauma exactly as she's "supposed" to - as defined by men, she's the epitome of a stereotypical "strong female character".

Except there are obvious flaws in that ideal. The first one being: she does not exist for men. Fairly obviously. She point blank refuses a husband.

Also: it's been implied, as per this meta, that this is NOT an ideal anyone should aim for. It's actually very unhealthy and self-destructive and I really, REALLY hope that when Brandon finally digs into Jasnah that this is something he explores.

Jasnah is not perfect. She is not unbreakable, and invincible, and beyond emotion. And she shouldn't be. She shouldn't be idealised.

She's a person. A human being. And she should be able to express herself and process her trauma in a healthy way that allows her to heal and grow. She shouldn't be forced into anyone's ideal of who or what she should be.

I'm just...Really really excited for Jasnah's arc and what Brandon can say through her and the harmful tropes regarding women's trauma he can explore and god...can I just have the next six stormlight books now please?

#Jasnah Kholin #brandon sanderson #the stormlight archive #the way of kings #words of radiance #oathbringer #shallan davar #kaladin stormblessed #dalinar kholin #navani kholin #wheee everyone gets mentioned #i hope this makes some kind of sense?? #like it does to me but who tf knows how it comes across to y'all #i considered cutting this up into smaller chunks #but that's just not true to the taryn experience #you get an avalanche of content or radio silence for 3 months #i cannot do a balance #jasnah just fascinates me so much #and in terms of meta/character analysis she's distinctly lacking and it bugs me #i want to do a parallels meta with jasnah and kal too bc i think that would be Interesting #and i think Kal's flaws would be cool to dig into via the lens of Jasnah's perspective/contrast #but we shall see #stormlight meta #my meta #taryn writes meta #taryn writes #text post tag #long post #some day someone on roshar will get therapy and deal with their trauma in a healthy way #today is not that day