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Divorce over the Internet in Delaware

By
Elizabeth Williams

What do you need to do to get a divorce in Delaware? Prepare the forms and file for divorce at a local courthouse. Something else? Your spouse’s consent. Let’s examine every aspect of and requirement for a Do-It-Yourself divorce in Delaware.

Contested Divorce vs. Uncontested Divorce in Delaware

A DIY divorce is available only for amicable couples. The court obviously isn’t going to check if the couple is on speaking terms. In practice, an amicable divorce means that spouses don’t dispute that they are getting a divorce, how to split child custody, or who is taking the family home.

If your spouse agrees to end the marriage and settles all matters of your dissolution, your divorce is uncontested. You have met the minimum requirements for “online divorce” and can fill out and sign the divorce papers without an attorney.

If your spouse refuses the dissolution of marriage or disagrees with the divorce terms, you’re about to have a contested divorce. In such a case, you cannot prepare an application for divorce online and must use the assistance of a divorce lawyer.

Four Main Issues in Divorce

The court cannot end your marriage if you cannot agree on how you are going to handle the four main issues of your married life.

Child custody. Under Delaware law, parents must decide on how they share their parental duties. Parental duties include physical custody (where the child lives, goes to school, has medical treatment, etc.) and legal custody (who of the parents makes important decisions regarding education, religion, healthcare, etc.). Parents draw up a settlement agreement with clauses on visitation and a custodial split and submit it to the court to review.

Child support. To calculate the amount of child support payments in Delaware, parents should use the Delaware Child Support Guidelines and complete Forms 509 and 509-I with instructions available online or at the local courthouse. Use the Child Support Calculator to find out the approximate amount before filing the paperwork.  

Property division. According to Delaware law, spouses are expected to divide their marital property fairly and equitably rather than equally. Marital property includes the family home, joint accounts, liabilities and debts, real estate, vehicles, jewelry, insurance and pension funds, etc. If spouses have trouble agreeing on how to divide their property, they are advised to consult a financial advisor. The divorce will not be granted if the judge reviews a settlement agreement and finds the property division part unsatisfactory.  

Alimony. Requesting spousal support usually requires legal counsel and is not available through web-based divorce companies. Besides, the court rarely awards alimony in short marriages.

5 Steps for DIY Divorce in Delaware

Step 1. Make sure you qualify. Delaware has certain requirements for divorcing couples. A six-month residency requirement means that either spouse must have lived in Delaware for at least six months before filing for divorce. A six-month separation requirement proves to the court that “the marriage is irretrievably broken and cannot be repaired” cited as grounds for divorce. It doesn’t mean, however, that couples cannot file the paperwork earlier. Instead, it implies that the court won’t finalize a divorce before the six-month waiting period is over.

Step 2. Prepare the paperwork. The petitioner (the spouse who files for divorce) obtains the court forms (with children or without children) and carefully fills them out, detailing the terms of the divorce, such as custody agreement, visitation schedules, child support, spousal support, and property division. The court’s website provides a list of the required forms. The completed forms must be signed in the presence of a public notary.

Step 3. File for divorce. The petitioner files the completed and signed forms with the court and pays the filing fees. Low-income individuals can request a fee waiver from the judge and submit an “Affidavit in Support of Application to Proceed in Forma Pauperis.” The clerk who files the paperwork returns the two copies of the divorce documents for the petitioner to serve the respondent (the other spouse).

Step 4. Serve the spouse. It is possible to arrange for the divorce papers to be delivered to the other spouse right at the court. The court clerk sends the papers to the sheriff to be served on the respondent, who has 20 days to respond. If the respondent fails to file their response for whatever reason, the court grants a default divorce, which means that the terms of the divorce laid down in the divorce petition are not modified.

However, sometimes in no-fault divorces, spouses prepare the divorce papers together. If they add an “Affidavit of Appearance,” process service on the respondent is not required.

Step 5. Decide if you want to attend a court hearing.

In Delaware, after the six-month separation requirement is met, the other spouse is informed, and both parents have attended a parental class, the divorce case is “trial ready.” The court then sends a notice, and the spouses must decide if they want to attend a court hearing or not. They submit a corresponding form. In any case, the petitioner and the respondent will receive court notice and will follow accordingly. If the court dismisses the divorce case for some reason, the spouses will be informed of that. If the documents are in order, the judge signs the order and decree of divorce, and the spouses receive it by mail.

Complete Divorce Online

Even though filing and proceeding with the divorce doesn’t sound too complicated, many people prefer to get some assistance at an affordable price. Internet divorce services help spouses complete the court forms correctly and without errors and instruct them how to file the paperwork with the court.

Self-Representation in Delaware

In legal terms, DIY divorce is a case of self-representation. All the US states, including Delaware, provide the information and guidance divorcing couples need to follow the divorce process with as little trouble as possible. If you’re representing yourself, visit the self-help center at the local courthouse or access all information online on the Delaware Courts website. Private web-based divorce companies also provide step-by-step filing instructions for DIY petitioners.

 

7 Tips For Swinger Couples Who are New to Online Dating

By
Elizabeth Williams

Most couples today are monogamous, and it works just fine for them. However, some like to spice it up and explore their sex lives. Swinging becomes the best way to do something different, and it is fun for people in committed relationships and singles as well. Swinging is for anyone who wants to explore sexual activities with more than one partner. 

The lifestyle of exploring such things is new. Swingers and swinging have been around for many years, and the only thing different now from before is how people are talking about it more openly. Suppose you and your spouse or partner are looking for a way to get a bit more experimental and kinky. In that case, you are also probably wondering how to start your journey, especially if you are looking for like-minded people online. 

So, let’s talk about breaking you into swinging if you are new to online dating. Here are seven really useful tips.

1.Keep your line of communication open

A swinging relationship is successful only when there is proper communication between the partners. After all, swinging is all about trust. For the lifestyle to work without any discomfort or jealousy, both you and your partner need to be on the same page. You and your partner must feel safe in your relationship first. So, sit down with your partner and be open about what turns you on and what makes you feel concerned or apprehensive. It would help if you also let them tell you the same.

Next, discuss why you want to take up the swinging lifestyle. You both might want to experience the satisfaction of a shared sexual relationship or just want to change things in your intimate life. However, if you are hoping swinging will fix the problems in your relationship, you will be disappointed. Swinging is just for couples who have a healthy relationship. 

2.Try meeting other swingers before hooking up

You do not have to jump into the nearest live swinger’s event instantly. If you are not sure about it, you can always find swinger couples online—there are plenty of dating apps today to cater to this lifestyle. While Tinder is popular, it can be hard navigating the app for partners for swinging. Lucas, the author of Swingersthing.com, a reputable swinging blog, recommends apps such as Feeld, #Open, 3somer, Get It On, Swing Lifestyle, 3way, and 99Flavours to get started with swinging. 

Just create an interesting profile, upload your photos and start looking through profiles. If you have found the right people to match your criteria, you can converse on the phone or arrange a meeting. It is best to meet the possible swinger couples for the first time in a casual setting like in a cafe or dinner. You can check how they fare in real life—if they are the same as they presented themselves online. If you think it’s not clicking for you, simply move on and look for someone else. 

3.Establish some clear boundaries

If you talk to experienced swingers, they will tell you all about ground rules, ensuring both partners are content with the lifestyle. For example, some swingers will only engage in heavy petting or foreplay (this is often called soft swapping or soft swap). Simultaneously, other couples encourage oral and penetrative sex while swinging (usually termed as full swapping or full swap). 

Some might prefer threesomes, while others will look to go different ways and engage in casual sex separately before reuniting. Therefore, make sure your partner knows about your comfort levels and is aware of yours. Only move forward when you come to a mutual agreement about your boundaries. 

4.Start slow

You do not need to visit a swinger’s club or arrange an orgy for your first experience right off the bat. You can go as slow as you want, ease into the swinging lifestyle by browning swinging websites with your partner. Talk with your partner, discuss your fantasies, decide on what kind of partners you might want to invite into your relationship, and so on. 

5.Discuss a signal

In the heat of the moment, new swingers might learn that they are too uncomfortable or nervous about a specific situation. Do not worry; this is a natural response. However, you also do not want to find yourself in a disagreeable situation without a clear way to remove yourself from it. 

The best thing to counter this is to establish a signal or code word with your partner so that you can both communicate to each other easily whenever you feel too uncomfortable about something. The signal or code words can also help you and your partner boost each other’s confidence to keep going or let each other know you don’t feel ready. Signals or code words also ensure you do not disturb others around you. 

6.Always practice safe sex

Swinging can be fun, but you have to remember to stay safe. So, practice safe sex by using condoms and dental dams. Additionally, commit yourself and your partners to regular testing for sexually transmitted diseases. When you find people to swing with, make sure they are on the same page and can prove they are free of any STDs. Experimenting is great, but remember to stay healthy. 

7.Lastly, check out a swinger’s club

Eventually, when you are ready, check out the nearest swinger’s club in your area. Not just for the experience, but heading to a club will make sure other swingers know about you too. Yes, there is a swingers hit-list, and if you want to be on it, you need to network. Just check up on swinging etiquette, dress up nicely and enjoy yourselves.

Before you begin your exploration into the swinging lifestyle, keep these tips handy. As mentioned, do not expect swinging to solve all your relationship problems—it should be exciting and fun and never a burden. Always make sure you and your partner are on the same page, and only pursue it when you are enjoying yourselves.  

Is Chesterfield Sofa Old Fashioned?

By
Elizabeth Williams

Chesterfield sofas have been around for quite some time. They’ve been seen in many beautiful homes and setting throughout the years. The Chesterfield sofa was named after Phillip Stanhope, the fourth Earl of Chesterfield, and what makes it unique is that it improves with age. Its elegance and dignity improve with age, much like wine, making it a very worthwhile investment. Is a Chesterfield sofa, on the other hand, considered vintage? So let’s go right to the point and address that question!

Are Chesterfield sofas going to go old-fashioned?

Chesterfield is not going out of style, and here’s why: since they’re appealing and elegant, sofa Chesterfield styles will remain a classic that can be adapted to the modern home and institution décor. They are unique in that they work well with a variety of themes and home designs. Whether you have a traditionally themed house or a home with a modern design, a Chesterfield item will undoubtedly complement it because of its versatility.

Genuine Chesterfield sofas have a distinct, distinctive look that distinguishes them from other pieces of furniture in any environment. If you want a room or area to seem more trendy, it may serve as a focal point, contributing to the character and individuality of any place. You can now get a Chesterfield sofa in various sizes, whether you want to put it in a huge room or a tiny one.

You may also choose from various types such as Chesterfield wing back chairs, tub chairs, sofa beds, chaise longues, office chairs, and even coffee tables and footstools if you don’t like the classic Chesterfield sofa. Its style and design distinguish chesterfield furniture. For example, a classic Chesterfield sofa has deep buttons and low seating and is constructed of high-quality leather that is quilted over the seat and back.

A Chesterfield sofa’s arms and backs will be the same height as well. The Chesterfield sofa became synonymous with excellence and the most acceptable standards in the United Kingdom in the 1930s, making it even more robust, comfy, and dependable. Even though Chesterfield furniture is considered historically English in design, it has become a popular style in various nations across the world.

A Chesterfield sofa’s arms and backs will be the same height as well. The Chesterfield sofa became synonymous with excellence and the most exemplary standards in the United Kingdom in the 1930s, making it even more robust, comfy, and dependable. Despite the fact that Chesterfield furniture is considered to be historically English in design, it has become a popular style in various nations across the world.

Each handcrafted Chesterfield item should have a solid wooden frame and fine-grained leather upholstery. Another advantage of leather Chesterfield furniture is that spills on the leather may be wiped up with a moist, soft cloth. A Chesterfield item will always be a good choice if you want a classic piece that is ageless and exquisite and will be able to withstand wear and tear for a long time.

There’s the answer to your question! Chesterfield sofas will never become old-fashioned because of their unique style and elegant design. Even if this generation will get used to Chesterfield sofas and won’t buy them anymore, the new generation will eventually discover the aesthetic and vintage beauty of a Chesterfield sofa again.

Five All-Natural Sex Tips for Men

By
Elizabeth Williams

Sometimes it is hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle. There are just too many demands for men to accomplish that they need help to get the proper nutrients and vitamins they need to stay healthy. Men can live a healthier, happier life with these natural remedies and tips. Men should take care of their bodies and embrace their sexual potential.

They should also be aware of the consequences of staying up too late or drinking too much alcohol. Here are some natural tips for men on how to improve their sex lives, keep their overall health in check, and live a happier life.

Get Moving

The benefits of regular exercise are clear, but it can be hard to get started. Regular exercise can help improve your overall health and give you a better sex life – both things that we’re all looking for! The key takeaway is that if you don’t like working out or not getting enough time for it, just enough exercise done regularly is a natural solution that will help enhance your overall health and improve your sex life. Just like exercising your body, regularly using a Proextender is a natural way to enlarge your penis.

Eat Right

Eating healthy is without a doubt one of the best and proven natural solutions that can help enhance your overall health. The first thing you should do is to cut out sugar and processed foods from your diet. These can be found in most meals and snacks today, so it is important to be conscious about what you are eating as well as what you are avoiding.

Sugar comes in many forms such as honey, agave nectar, brown sugar, white sugar, and even high fructose corn syrup. Limit yourself from these products or just avoid them completely to reduce the amount of sugars in your diet and hopefully see a change in the way you feel overall.

Food nutrition has a direct impact in your sex life, with many foods affecting your erection and overall performance in bed. You want to increase your Vitamin D intake, found in foods like tuna, cheese, eggs, yogurt, and milk.

It can be a good idea to add health supplements such as Semenax pills. They do an amazing job at increasing your sex drive and improving your semen volume and strength.

Vascular Health

As many as one of five people will die from cardiovascular disease (CVD) each year, according to the American Heart Association. If you’re not sure how to check for your vascular health or whether you have any risk factors, there are a few ways. One way is to check for carotid artery thickening, which is the first step of atherosclerosis.

To do so, gently press on your neck where the Adam’s apple is found right below the jaw on each side of the neck with two fingers and look at them under a strong light source. If there is any thickening that’s more than 3mm thick in either carotid artery, it indicates that you’re at risk for CVD. Checking your vascular health includes checking your penis, brain, and heart with a professional health doctor.

Slim Down

Losing weight can improve your overall health and sex life. It is important to maintain a healthy weight in relation to your height. To lose weight, it is important to plan ahead and be consistent with your diet, activity, and fitness routine. You can also use appetite suppressants or weight loss supplements to help you lose the pounds more quickly. Obesity is one of the leading causes of erectile disfunction, where access fat complicates vital hormones for good sex drive.

What is Faith-Based Counseling

By
Elizabeth Williams

Most of you probably heard “faith-based counseling” but don’t know what it means. Christian counseling and faith-based counseling are used interchangeably to define one meaning. Faith-based counselling refers to the counseling that uses behavioral science and practices found in the Bible. It helps people find peace and heal themselves with the help of the Lord instead of another individual.

Faith-based counseling not only helps people improve their mental health but also their spiritual health. Faithfully Guided is a good agency that provides faith-based counseling services. Their services include the combination of strategies, sciences, and scripture that give hope to people. They help an individual to strengthen their relationship and find their true self. Beyond that, faith-based counseling also facilitates and increases a person’s relationship between him and the Healer.

Faithfully Guided provides faith-based and collaborative counseling. A person may experience problems from a traumatic event or conflict between other individuals. These problems may lead to trembled personality.

The main goal of Faithfully Guided is to help you find peace in your life by providing you with reliable and safe strategies. They would help you to bring back your hope and character despite the situation you are in. It is their mission to be your light during the dark times of your life.

They will lead you to have an abundant life by teaching you how to manage stress. Their services also help to improve your brain health. This allows you to make better and healthier decisions to adapt and cope up with unexpected situations.

Certification

At Faithfully Guided, you can ensure their reliability. The Christian and pastoral counselors are NCCA (National Christian Counselors Association) certified. Beyond that, they are also certified through the AACC (American Association of Christian Counselors). Considering all these certifications, it only shows that the counselors have completed their education courses and offer only the best pastoral counseling services.

Both AACC and NCCA do not only perform their research for agencies that provide faith-based counseling. They also follow instructions for offering counseling to individuals according to the teachings of God. At Faithfully Guided, they also offer counseling services to boost a person’s mental health with specifications in play and trauma therapies.

Different Types of Faith-Based Counseling Interventions

Faith-based counseling has different types of interventions. These include sacred rituals, mindfulness, forgiveness, meditation, prayer, and more.

Meditation or Prayer

Through a prayer, an individual or group of persons talk to a spiritual entity. The prime purpose of praying is to express adoration or gratitude and ask for direct assistance, strength, and guidance. Meditation is another type of communication that requires a person to focus their mind and soul on something. Through meditation, a person may ask for insight, spiritual connection, understanding, and enlightenment.

Sacred Rituals

Sacred rituals include smudging, repentance, and fasting. All these are practiced in faith-based counseling to heal, purify, and strengthen one’s spiritual connection.

Mindfulness

Mindfulness defines as the way of giving one’s full attention to the current situation. Mostly, this intervention is practiced in Buddhism. Being mindful means that you notice and accept the circumstances happening in your life without any judgment.

Forgiveness

Different religions have different perceptions about forgiveness. Saying sorry to either a person or spiritual entity you have done wrong is an essential act according to a person’s spiritual belief or religious values. Also, there are possible steps that a person should face when making amends or repentance for the person he/she has done wrong.

Problems that Faith-Based Counseling can Fix

Faith-based and traditional counseling have some similarities. Both of them can help a person with the following:

  • Family and marriage
  • Coping skills
  • Compulsive behaviors
  • Codependency
  • Self-Harm
  • Loneliness
  • Depression
  • Trauma
  • Grief
  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Pain
  • Fear
  • Anger
  • Identity

In addition, faith-based counseling does not only help one persona but also families and couples. A Christian counselor will communicate with you thoroughly to assess your struggles and relate them to the foundational teachings available in the Bible.

Three Counseling Options at Faithfully Guided

At Faithfully Guided, they offer three counseling options. These are the individual counseling, marriage counseling, and family counseling. Each option is thoroughly discussed below.

Individual Counseling

Individual counseling includes an in-person conversation and meeting with one credentialed and trained Christian counselor. All the meetings between you and the counselor will be done in a safe environment. Don’t worry since all your personal information will remain confidential. Each counseling appointment can last for around an hour.

The following are the topics that may be discussed during individual counseling:

  • Coaching
  • Communication and boundaries
  • Grief
  • Anxiety
  • Coping skills
  • Compulsive behavior
  • Pain
  • Codependency
  • Fear
  • Self-harm
  • Loneliness
  • Anger
  • Depression
  • Spiritual and Identity development

Marriage Counseling

Marriage counseling is all about strengthening your relationship with your partner. There are multiple benefits you can get from each session of individual counseling. These include good communication, self-regulation skills, and a lot more.

Each session for marital counseling may last for an hour or two. It would be better if you and your spouse will go through individual counseling to get yourselves ready.

The following are the possible topics that may be discussed during marriage counseling:

  • Divorce
  • Identity and life roles
  • Finances
  • Premarital counseling
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Communication and boundaries
  • Unforgiveness
  • Conflict resolution
  • Betrayal
  • Abuse
  • Abandonment

Family Counseling

The primary goal of family counseling is to empower the development, changes, and roles of each member. Depending on your needs, counselors may recommend you to go through individual counseling first. Just like the other forms of counseling mentioned above, family counseling is done in a confidential and secure environment.

The topics covered in each family discussion include the following:

  • Communication and boundaries
  • Parenting
  • Conflict resolution
  • Discipline
  • Coping skills
  • Punishment
  • Blended and stepfamilies
  • Unhealthy relationships
  • Technology
  • Cutting and bullying
  • Teen issues
  • Adolescents
  • Children

Faithfully Guided for Your Counselling Needs

To sum it up, Faithfully Guided counselling services are available for all people. It helps to restore your spiritual and mental health and guides you to a healthier and happier life. Each counselling service they have is unique as they work together with other health professionals to ensure the healing of a person. Faith-based counselling is made to help individuals recompose their body, mind, and spirit.

What you should look out for before hiring a medical malpractice lawyer

By
Elizabeth Williams

No doubt, medical professionals play a huge role in societies, and they always make sure that people have healthy lives. Unfortunately, like any other professional, they sometimes make mistakes when doing their work. Regardless of whether or not this happens by accident, it can lead to significant damage. 

And, when you have been injured by a nurse, doctor, or any other medical professional, you can get compensation for the damages incurred. Therefore, it’s a good idea to find a medical malpractice attorney near me for good results. This page discusses what you should look out for before hiring a medical malpractice lawyer. 

Good qualifications

When it comes to hiring any professional, it’s important to find someone who is well-qualified, and this is not different with medical malpractice attorneys. The right medical malpractice attorney goes through the proper training before they start practicing. Simply put, they complete several education sessions so that they get the right legal knowledge needed to represent their clients.

Therefore, when searching for a medical malpractice attorney, you should check where they did their studies and their professional development. Remember that law is a huge field, so attorneys usually specialize in specific areas. For medical malpractice, make sure that the potential attorney practices in this field. Some lawyers also receive awards to show that they are good in their field of practice. So make sure that you find these types of attorneys for the best results. 

An outstanding track record

Besides the proper training and qualifications, a good attorney must also have a great track record. It’s also a good idea to check out their previous medical malpractice cases and their outcomes. A good place you can check all these is through their websites. 

In most cases, their websites can reveal the success rate of the cases they handled. You can also see the level of compensation they received on behalf of their clients. Also, you can check if they have handled similar medical malpractice cases. 

It’s also important to check customer reviews to see if the previous clients were happy with the services offered by the attorney. Remember that people who hired the attorney before you can have their experiences, so they are in a better situation of revealing more information about the attorney. Therefore, make sure you read the testimonials on the attorney’s website. Even better, you can check the independent reviews on some reputable sites. 

Excellent communication skills

Many good lawyers are known for their good communication skills. Your attorney needs to communicate with you timely and effectively. If you have any questions or concerns about your medical malpractice case, they need to address them within a couple of days. Also, they need to tell you of some new developments in the case quickly. 

Some of the things that show that the potential attorney has good communication channels include the presence of their contact details on their websites. When you contact the lawyer, they should also get back to you quickly.

How To Relax Your Body and Mind From Anxiety

By
Elizabeth Williams

Having anxiety is a normal part of life that can be brought on by stress or worrying, but it can be manageable. Over time, people have discovered many tips on improving stress and worrying.

This blog is solely based on learning how to relax your mind and body from anxiety. This should not be taken as medical advice. If you believe you deal with an abnormal amount of anxiety, you should contact a physician or counselor to get the help you need.

Meditation

Meditation has been practiced worldwide and continues to help people relieve stress, anxiety, and worry from their lives. You can find meditation classes online or in your app store. If you are new to meditating, start with a short session of ten minutes. If this seems too short, adjust the duration as needed. To make the most of your meditation experience, you can incorporate lepidolite stones in your space.  It is said that the lepidolite healing properties will act as a mood stabilizer which is ideal for bipolar tendencies and anxiety.

Exercise

Exercising can improve your mood, relieve stress, and may help you sleep better at night. If you aren’t used to exercising but are looking for ways to reduce stress, start by going for a 20-minute walk each day. You may find physical activity to be the outlet you have been missing in your life.

Limit Caffeine

You should limit your caffeine. As tiring as life can be, you should not drink more than four cups of coffee per day or 400 milligrams of caffeine. Caffeine can cause jittery effects and can stimulate your “fight or flight” response, which can potentially trigger anxiety. Overall, if you are having a stressful day, it may be best to take a day off from caffeine.

Cannabinoids

Since the 2018 Farm bill was passed, cannabinoids have become accessible, as most states have legalized hemp. Some popular hemp-derived cannabinoids that have been reported to encourage a calming effect are Delta 8 oil and CBD. Although we cannot guarantee you will have the same experience, it may be worth looking into.

Count To Ten and Breathe

Anxiety can come out of nowhere, which can throw you off guard. When you feel anxiety creeping up and don’t have anywhere to retreat to, the best thing you can do is count to ten and take slow controlled breaths. This will encourage your body to remain calm and prevent your mind from entering a negative state.

Once you have your breathing mastered, you will be able to calm your mind and body from almost any situation.

A Hot Bath

Give yourself some love and have a relaxing evening to unwind with light music, candles, and a nice hot bath. Sometimes, life can be hectic, and we forget how glorious it can feel to submerge ourselves in warm water. But hot baths do much more than alleviate anxiety—they can also relax the muscles, lower stress and have been known to aid in digestive problems.

In Conclusion

By no means should this information be taken as medical advice. These are just suggestions that may help common anxiety and stress. If you feel that your anxiety is uncontrollable, reach out to your physician or a mental health specialist.

8 Powerful Mantras to Help You Quiet Anxiety

By
Elizabeth Williams

Did you know that over 40 million people in the US suffer from anxiety disorders? With that number climbing every year, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic’s seemingly never-ending presence, we should all do our best to relieve stress and anxiety before it blows up into a long-term problem.

Practicing yoga is an excellent way to increase awareness—not to mention relieve stress and anxiety—but achieving peace of mind through this ancient practice is no mean feat. One helpful way to reduce anxiety through yoga is by choosing a mantra for anxiety.

 What Is a Yoga Mantra?

To put it simply, a mantra is a word or phrase—traditionally in Sanskrit—that allegedly assists the yoga practitioner in transforming their body, mind, and spirit. You chant the sacred syllables aloud in a loud whisper or silently in your mind while meditating to increase your awareness of your intent.

 Can a Yoga Mantra Really Relieve Anxiety?

Before we move on, it’s important to note that yoga mantras are not a foolproof way of curing anxiety, and their effects may vary from person to person. The purpose of the mantra is to establish a healthy foundation for helping yoga practitioners cope, process, and move forward with their lives with a clearer mind, better self-awareness, and reduced negative energies weighing them down.

If you’re not a total believer of the benefits of chanting the same word over and over again, we don’t blame you. However, the proof doesn’t lie. One study has discovered a direct correlation between repeating a chant for extended periods of time and significant changes in brain activity.

8 Powerful Mantras to Help You Quiet Anxiety

Below, we’ll go over eight powerful mantras that many people say have worked for them to reduce anxiety. Take whatever from this least speaks loudest to you. If done properly and with an open mind, you might even notice feelings of instant stress relief, especially when you repeat them consistently and frequently.

 1 | Om

You’ve undoubtedly heard this chant everywhere you see someone meditating on TV or in movies. It’s a simple yet powerful mantra that has a grounding effect like no other. It’s also the oldest mantra that can help us into ourselves and slowly chip away at stress, anxiety, and even depression.

 2 | This Will Pass

Like many other things in this world, including certain health and mind conditions, anxiety, too, will pass. Use this chant to remind yourself over and over again that anxiety doesn’t last forever and that with sheer willpower, sooner or later, this plague of the mind has an end.

 3 | Sat Nam

The Sat Nam mantra is a simple yet effective chant that can mean “I am truth,” “Truth is my essence,” or “My name is truth.” Whichever way you take it to mean, chanting Sat and Nam with each inhale and exhale repeatedly can reduce negative emotions in your mind that stem from “coiled” negative energy found at the stem of your spine.

 4 | All Is Well

Sometimes, we all need a friendly reminder, even if it comes from within, that all is well. Slowly chanting this phrase while working on your breathing patterns has helped some practitioners not only reduce stress but also strengthen self-awareness and intent.

 5 | Calm Down

Telling someone else to calm down is rarely effective, but you can command yourself to do it simply by chanting this phrase over and over again. You can either say the words “calm” and “down” with each inhale and exhale, or you can slowly spell the words out.

 6 | It’s Not About You

When people become frustrated with you at the workplace, just know that it’s not personal. Some yoga practitioners rely on this simple chant to remind them that everything that happens at work is professional and not to be taken personally.

 7 | Soham

Soham, which simply means “I am that” or “I am the universe,” can help broaden your sense of self. This chant helps to remind you that you’re not just a particle in the expanding universe; you have a role in something greater, even if you don’t realize it yet. This two-syllable word can be said with an entire breath (one inhale and exhale).

 8 | Om Shanti Om

Om Shanti Om is the go-to mantra to invoke inner peace. In English, it’s understood to mean “peace in body,” and it can even be used as a form of greeting among practitioners. Om Shanti Om has helped countless people achieve a state of peace and tranquility with almost immediate effects.

 Try These Mantras Out or Come Up with Your Own

Once again, anxiety-relieving mantras are not 100% foolproof, and it takes an open mind and constant repetition to achieve a state of tranquility and mindfulness. Have you tried any of these mantras without beneficial results? Please feel free to come up with your own mantra. Find whatever helps find a positive affirmation for anxiety, whether it’s in English or another language. 

Parents: How To Talk About Mental Health With Your Family

By
Elizabeth Williams

Thankfully, conversations about mental health are becoming more and more mainstream. One of the many misconceptions surrounding mental health is that it’s an adult topic when this is not the case in reality. We all have mental health, and people of all ages can struggle with mental health, whether or not they have a diagnosable mental health condition. So, as a parent, how do you start talking about mental health with your family?

Kids And Mental Health

Mental health is broader than one might think, and it consists of three main components or areas of wellbeing. Those components are emotional, psychological, and social health. It’s important for all of us to take care of our mental health as well as our physical health, and the two are deeply connected.

There are many reasons why it’s important to talk about mental health with kids. When we do, it’s more likely that they will have the tools to express their own emotions, extend empathy to others, talk about what they need when they’re struggling, learn coping skills, and more. Even the youngest of kids can experience strong emotions, and knowing how to express, explore, and navigate those feelings in a healthy way matters.

Depending on what comes up, talking about mental health for children can also decrease the stigma surrounding mental health conditions. After all, according to the CDC, 17.4% of children between the ages of 2 and 8 live with a mental, behavioral, or developmental disorder. Many mental health concerns and conditions are treatable, and early detection can be advantageous in many cases.

How To Start Talking About Mental Health With Kids

For many parents, the tough part is knowing how and when to start talking about mental health with kids. First, know that it’s never too soon to start talking about mental health. Using age-appropriate language that your child understands is the best way to go. You don’t need to necessarily open up a conversation with, “let’s talk about mental health,” either. While learning opportunities are near endless, here are some examples of scenarios that may prompt a natural conversation about mental health:

  • When they’re sad, overwhelmed, or are experiencing another strong emotion.
  • When your child’s friend goes through a tough time or has a hard day.
  • When a character in a movie, book, or TV show experiences a strong emotion, has a tough conversation, or has a mental health condition.
  • When you’re doing something for your own mental health.

There are a ton of organic opportunities to talk about mental health as it relates to daily life. It can be as simple as saying, “What are you feeling right now?” and validating your child’s emotions, providing real-life examples of empathy and compassion, or asking questions about how a favorite television character felt during a particular scene. If you’re struggling with your own mental health, it can be more challenging to open up – even to those closest to you, such as a partner or spouse. If you’re struggling with your own mental health or simply need a place to talk about life stress or something else that’s on your mind, a therapist or counselor can help.

Find A Therapist

Sometimes, the hard part isn’t wanting support but knowing where to look. There are a number of different ways to find a therapist who meets your needs. You can ask your doctor for a referral, contact your insurance company to see who they cover, search the web, or sign up for a reputable online therapy platform with licensed providers like BetterHelp. Online therapy is often more affordable than traditional in-person services are without insurance, and it’s an excellent way for busy parents to get quality care without taking the time to commute to a therapy center or private practice office. Regardless of how you find a therapist or counselor, you deserve to thrive. Don’t hesitate to take the first step and start your search today.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

Exploring The Link Between Loneliness and Mental Health

By
Elizabeth Williams
beautiful to be alone

As human beings, we are wired for connection. We possess a deep need to feel seen, cared for and understood by others. If this need goes unmet, a person may experience feelings of loneliness. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals have reported increased levels of loneliness and social isolation.

Throughout this article we will explore the potential causes of loneliness, how feeling lonely can impact our mental health, and strategies for managing loneliness. 

What is Loneliness? 

‘Loneliness’ can mean different things to different individuals. For some, it may indicate a lack of social interaction or feeling isolated from others. Some individuals may feel lonely even if they are surrounded by other people. It is important to acknowledge that each unique individual has different needs for connection. Some individuals find themselves perfectly content spending most of their days at home by themselves, while others would find this extremely distressing.

There are various potential reasons a person may feel lonely. Significant life transitions, such as the loss of a relationship, going away to college, moving to a new area, changing jobs, or retirement can contribute to feelings of loneliness. Certain groups are thought to be at a higher risk of experiencing loneliness, such as those who belong to minority groups, or face discrimination due to their race, sexual orientation, or a long-term health problem or disability.

Individuals who have a lack of social support from friends and/or family members are more likely to feel lonely. However, some individuals may feel lonely even if they are surrounded by people who care for them. They may feel like they have to ‘wear a mask’ to present a certain image to others, or are otherwise unable to be seen as their authentic selves. Some individuals may feel lonely and not be able to fully pinpoint why.

For more information about loneliness, visit BetterHelp.

How Does Loneliness Impact Mental Health? 

Loneliness can significantly impact an individual’s mental health. Over time, feelings of loneliness can increase one’s risk of developing depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

At the same time, living with a mental health condition can enhance an individual’s feelings of loneliness. It is common for people with a mental health disorder to isolate themselves due to the severity of their symptoms, or to experience challenges with carrying out every-day activities. This may interfere with a person’s ability to form and maintain meaningful social connections. In addition, some individuals living with a mental health condition may feel as though no one can truly understand what they are going through. They may feel hesitant to open up to others about their experiences due to fear of judgment. Feeling like they need to hide certain parts of themselves can certainly contribute to loneliness. 

Strategies for Managing Loneliness 

  1. If you are feeling socially isolated, you might think about potential opportunities for forming new social connections. You might look into community groups based on your hobbies and interests. This might look like joining a group fitness class, or trying a board game Meetup group. Volunteering can also provide an excellent avenue for meeting others who also value contributing to the community in positive ways. If you are specifically looking to find others who might be able to relate to current challenges you are facing, consider joining a peer support group to be able to talk with others who understand.
  1. If you are surrounded by people yet still find yourself feeling lonely, think about one step you could take towards sharing yourself more fully. Maybe this is taking a risk and opening up with a friend or family member about your feelings of loneliness, or something else you have been going through. Being able to share openly and authentically with others may help to provide more of the meaningful connection you are craving.
  1. If you continue to experience feelings of loneliness that are causing distress and impacting your mental health, consider seeking out further support from a mental health professional. Working with a therapist can help you to process your emotions and determine what could be contributing to feelings of loneliness. From there, you can establish goals and develop strategies to move towards more fulfilling connections with others.

Marie Miguel Biography

Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.

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