Nobody loves it when people don't take adequate care of themselves. This is also true for those with very long hair. Everyone should go to the barber at least once every three weeks to ensure adequate upkeep, or they can trim their hair. We'll try to explain why trimming is necessary and how to do it yourself in this article. 

How Frequently Should You Trim Your Hair?

The frequency with which you should trim your hair is a matter of debate. Your circumstances should play a big role in your selection. If you do a lot of stuff with your hair, for example, you'll probably need to cut it more frequently. You may discover that you don't need to cut your hair as much if you use low-maintenance hairstyles like twist-outs.

The more you learn about your hair, the easier it will be to recognize when it's time for a cut.

How to Do It at Home?

Haircutting scissors, a water spray bottle, a comb, a towel or cape, and hairdresser clips are all required. When it comes to trimming hair and keeping it healthy, sharp scissors are essential. You may test the sharpness of the blades by cutting a piece of thread.  Slide the blade of the scissors through the thread, which should now be dangling in mid-air. The blades are sharp enough to trim your hair if they cut the thread. If, on the other hand, the blade pulls on the thread before cutting it, you might wish to sharpen it to make the cleanest cut possible. You may visit ScissorTech.co.uk to learn more about hairdresser scissors that can be used for a variety of style techniques, from the most basic to the most advanced, and each one promises unrivaled simplicity of use and clean, uncomplicated cuts. Sharp scissors will also help you cut your hair without tugging it.

Before you start cutting your hair, be sure to wash it first and then softly blow dry it to remove any tangles. Hair should be moist, but not overly so, before cutting for the greatest results. If your hair starts to dry out before you're finished, use a spray bottle of water to moisten it.

If you're new to haircutting, don't try to cut too much length at once. Remove no more than 1/8 inch off the total length. 

Since curly hair curls up when it dries, it tends to shorten. It seems considerably longer when moist because the water drags it down and straightens it out. When cutting curly hair, be careful to cut smaller parts than you would with straight hair. When cutting a huge piece of curly hair at once, the cut may not be as smooth as it should be.

When all of the hair has been trimmed, lean the head forward until it nearly reaches the chest to look for stray hairs. To produce an equal line, comb the hair and remove any stray hairs. Check your hair for stray hairs by combing it many times.

Take Small Steps

Start with a simple style if you've only recently learned how to cut hair. Simple styles are excellent, especially if you are just getting started. Cutting your hair should ideally consist of little more than clipping any split ends and making everything a consistent length.

Easier Detangling

Detangling your hair is a challenging task in and of itself, but it is made even more difficult when you have damaged ends. You'll very certainly have to deal with split ends, breakage, and other issues. This is why the advantages of hair trimming outweigh the disadvantages of not trimming at all. Detangling time can be reduced by trimming your hair regularly.

Easier Styling

When you have damaged hair or ends that don't look fantastic, styling it becomes much more difficult since it's almost like working with two distinct textures of hair, which isn't a good thing. Damaged hair is less likely to perform what you want, making the styling more difficult to achieve.

Hair Health

Taking care of your hair is a must. It's worthless to have long hair if it appears damaged and frizzled. Damaged hair will be hanging on by a thread, and as a result, you will likely have a lot more breaking. Trim your hair regularly to keep it in the greatest possible condition.

It Stimulates Hair Growth

Hair growth is stimulated by trimming your hair. Broken and split ends not only ruin the look and feel of your hair but also add to the illusion of shorter hair and thinner ends. If you're disappointed by your hair's lack of growth, cutting your hair more frequently may be the answer.

You may save your family hundreds of dollars over a year if you learn to trim hair. You can make your hair appear like an expert just finished doing it for you with a few affordable products and some practice sessions. Furthermore, if you want your natural hair to grow properly, you must make trimming a regular part of your regimen, so don't neglect it.

Many people are interested in the idea of using zero-waste products but don't know where to start. One of the most popular areas is makeup. If you're not sure what this entails or want more information, read on.

Better for the environment

One of the primary reasons why you should switch to using zero waste makeup is that it's better for the environment. Traditional makeup products contain a variety of harsh chemicals, including aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. These ingredients are not only bad for your skin but also for the planet. Keep in mind that every time you purchase a conventional makeup item, you're also contributing to the massive amount of waste that's produced every year.

Zero waste makeup products often use natural ingredients instead. For example, clay can be used to absorb oil and they're often vegan. Rest assured that there are various zero waste makeup brands for you to choose from. You just have to take the time to find the one that works best for you. In doing so, you will discover ingredients such as coconut oil, shea butter, and essential oils.

Better for your health too

Another positive reason why you should switch to using zero waste makeup is that it's better for your health. Traditional products contain many harsh chemicals, which can be absorbed into the skin or even ingested if accidentally licked off of lips. Many traditional make-up brands are also tested on animals, which is a big no-no for ethical makeup consumers.

On the other hand, since many zero waste makeup products are also vegan, cruelty-free, and made from natural ingredients that won't irritate your skin or cause other health problems, you can apply them with no worries of disrupting the balance of bacteria in your microbiome. As a result, you'll enjoy clear, healthy skin without any harsh chemicals. Just keep in mind that it's important to do your research before purchasing any zero-waste makeup products.

Saves you money

Traditional makeup products also tend to cost more because they're made in bulk. This means that the price you pay at the store doesn't reflect how much it costs to make them, which is one reason why many makeup brands are often sold for inflated prices. On the contrary, since zero waste products don't need to be mass-produced and their ingredients are often sourced locally, they tend to be cheaper. This means that you'll save money in the long run by switching to these products instead of continuing to purchase traditional makeup.

Easy to find

It's easy to find zero-waste makeup in stores and online. Many traditional brands offer vegan lines, which you can check out to see if the ingredients are environmentally-friendly and cruelty-free. In addition to searching on sites like Etsy for zero waste makeup products by indie sellers, you can also search on social media channels such as Instagram for hashtags of companies that sell these types of items so you can see what they have to offer. After all, there are many types of zero waste makeup available on the market today so you shouldn't have a hard time finding what will work for your skin type and price range.

Zero-waste makeup also tends to offer more variety than regular makeup. You can find everything from foundation to blush to eyeshadow in a zero-waste formulation. So if you're looking for an excuse to switch up your beauty routine, consider using products that are better for the environment and your health.

Ethical labor practices

Finally, another reason to switch to using zero waste makeup is because of the ethical labor practices of some brands. For example, a well-known company that sells natural and organic cosmetics makes sure that all of its products are handmade in-store, which means that the employees can work in a safe and healthy environment. In addition, the company does not use any animal testing, which makes their products completely vegan.

Conversely, some traditional makeup manufacturers employ child labor in developing countries, which is something that you don't have to worry about when using zero waste makeup. So if you're looking for a more ethical option, consider switching to these types of products. Rest assured that if you do your research, you'll find a company that offers zero-waste cosmetics.

Now that you know about these reasons why you should start using zero-waste makeup products instead, it's only natural to want to go out and try some. Zero-waste makeup has been gaining popularity in the past few years. It’s a growing industry that can be found at stores and on websites, as well as it is easy to make your own with products you already have lying around. Hopefully, the tips listed above will be able to help you find zero-waste beauty brands for all of your needs. Nevertheless, you must do your research first so you can find the best zero-waste makeup products for your skin type or whatever other needs may arise.

A quick Google search of ‘minimalism’ will bring up everything from home decor to living practices. However, there is so much more to minimalism than just the hype.

Leading psychologists from Maryville University explain how social and cultural factors contextualize human behavior which affects how people behave in their environment. And if we're looking at human behavior today, we're seeing a renewed focus on wellness and substantial experiences. Part of it can be chalked up to the many years that people have been spending too connected to technology and caught up with trends.

True enough, our social media feeds often dictate our desires and purchases, tricking our minds into buying the next popular thing. This is despite the fact that we have little need for most of the things we actually consume. In this regard, minimalism is hailed as the answer to living a more meaningful life in a world inundated with material objects.

People are drawn to minimalist living because of its mental benefits, among other perks. Practitioners also mention that this change has given them a wider appreciation of their surroundings and the people around them.

The reasons behind minimalism

Learning to live a minimalist lifestyle requires more than just consuming and buying less. In order to really appreciate what minimalism stands for, you need to understand the reasons why people have chosen this lifestyle. As we said, it goes way beyond trends, and taking on a holistic point of view assures you can maintain it as an entire lifestyle.

Up until recently, the term minimalism was used to describe art movements and certain design techniques. The idea of simple living has been found in old religious doctrines, but the widespread adoption of such a lifestyle rose back to prominence in the wake of a post-Industrial, consumerist society.

It's hard to pin down the emergence of minimalism to a particular figure, but most people credit filmmakers Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus as the inspiration for starting their journey. The two call themselves "The Minimalists." Throughout the course of their career, they have produced books, podcasts, and documentaries all centering around how to live a simpler lifestyle.

Minimalism in modern times

Marie Kondo is perhaps the most influential minimalist today. Her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up can be seen in households all over the world, while her show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo continues to draw in new audiences. Kondo’s “spark joy” philosophy encompasses much of the emotional gravitas behind a minimalist lifestyle.

The convenience of shopping, the culture of trends, and other factors have all resulted in a mentality built on instant gratification. But in the end, we often don't even give these items much of another glance. Wellness coach Elizabeth Scott also links physical clutter to increased stress levels and overall poorer health, which is exactly why more people now are looking to alleviate this.

On top of this, people all over the world are adopting minimalism as a small way to help the environment. It goes without saying that the worst effects of climate change can only be solved by institutional changes, but individual efforts like these can make an impact too. Not only that, The Guardian reports that climate change is leading to serious health issues across the globe. Some of its effects include the spread of disease and hampered development in children. The psychological effects of minimalism draw people in, but this link between minimalism and the environment can be equally powerful.

Some changes you can adopt

Adopting a truly minimalist lifestyle can take years of undoing old habits, but it’s not impossible. Here are some steps you can take to start to become a minimalist:

Clothing

Shop at secondhand and vintage stores as much as possible. The very least you can do, of course, is to say no to fast fashion. If you're feeling crafty, you can even try to remake old clothes and turn them into something new.

Learn to mend your clothes. Basic sewing skills can do wonders in saving a garment that would have otherwise ended up in the trash.

Simple environmental friendly minimalist marble wallet designs.

Buy with intention. Not only should you buy only what you really need and want (some suggest waiting a few days to see whether or not you want to buy an item), but you should also invest in quality pieces that will last you for years.

Home

Look into environmentally friendly cleaning products. Or better yet, make your own. For instance, this homemade vinegar solution by guest contributor Jane Sandwood can be used to clean hard surfaces.

Declutter each room. From your living room to your bedroom, be critical and really think about whether you want these items in your life.

Stick to what your storage allows. Make it a habit of looking at your cabinets and shelves and making sure that whatever you buy can fit in them. If you need to buy extra storage, you may be buying too much.

Food

Buy in bulk. Getting nuts and dried fruit in bulk minimizes the amount of plastic wrappers you have lying around. And if you want to bring a snack in your purse, place these in a reusable container.

Eat what you can consume. Food waste is one of the biggest contributors to climate change but is also one of the most easily avoidable.

Bring reusable cutlery and water bottles. However, an article on Vox stresses that buying sustainable products can actually lead to a slippery slope of purchasing more than what you need, so the key is to buy just one cutlery set and one reusable bottle that you’ll always carry with you.

Lifestyle

Lessen your social media usage. Constantly being updated on the latest fashions can pressure you into buying more things for the sake of appearances.

Declutter your inbox. Practicing mindfulness even when it comes to your email can help clear your mind. Writer Elan Morgan suggests classifying your emails according to folders in order to see what you can delete.

Be patient with yourself. Try to adopt minimalist choices little by little rather than overhauling your entire way of living. Understanding what kinds of changes best suit your life will grant you a greater appreciation of this new mindset, but forcing huge changes too quickly may make you frustrated.

Other resources

Minimalism’s popularity means that there are lots of resources available for those who want to learn more about the cause. The Netflix documentary Minimalism is a great place to start, but there are lots of documentaries, books, and podcasts that you can learn from.

The True Cost is another documentary that details what the world of fast fashion is all about. This is a great resource for understanding the human and environmental costs that fuel today’s materialism.

The Slow Home Podcast with Brooke McAlary teaches the philosophy behind slow living, a phrase that’s often used in tandem with minimalism. This podcast is geared more towards overall lifestyle choices.

Andy Courier’s The Abundance of Less chronicles the lives of ten Japanese men and women who have adopted a more mindful way of living in response to Japan’s increasingly urban lifestyle. Courier’s book ties in discussions on spirituality and philosophy, making it a good resource for those who want to connect with minimalist living on a more emotional level.

The frustrating and wonderful thing about minimalism is that it’s an ongoing process. The more you adopt mindful lifestyle choices, the more you’ll be able to see which other parts of your life can be changed for the better.

This piece was exclusively written for mikolmarmi.com

Guestpost By H. Sauvageot

The outdoors have a remarkable effect on our mental health. So much, so that mental health experts encourage us to spend mindful time outdoors.

Whether you want to try something new and add some movements to your routine, here are some physical activities that you can do outdoors:

Cycling

Cycling is an excellent outdoor activity for people of all ages. Aside from giving your body a reason to move, it is also relatively easy to get started. All you need to do is find a bike that is appropriate for your height and then learn how to ride it.

 And once you get the hang of it, you can cycle around the neighborhood or the nearby park.

There are even those who would bring their two-well ride to a bike trail for extreme adventure! However, keep in mind that there are different kinds of bikes, and what's ideal for the road may not be suitable for the trail. If you want to cycle for fitness, attach a power meter to your bike, so you can track your progress and reach your fitness goals.

Hiking

One of the most popular outdoor activities that people do around the world is hiking. After all, hiking is an activity that won't only get you outside.

It's the activity that will get you deep into nature where beautiful sights are out of reach with other means.

Hiking lets you go deep in nature and see not only natural sights but also wild animals. You can again do either a day hike or even a hike that will take you weeks to finish. It depends on your availability and skill level.

Of course, you should make sure that you have all your equipment, like hiking poles and your food and drink. After all, you also want to ensure that you're physically okay and safe while taking care of your mental health when you go hiking.

Even if you believe it to be an easy trail, it won't hurt to be safe and bring all of the essential hiking tools you need.

Rock climbing

If you're looking for a more exciting outdoor activity, you might want to consider rock climbing. Rock climbing is an excellent idea for people who are already physically fit and want something a little more out of the norm 

However, even if you're not physically fit yet, rock climbing is still something you should try. 

Of course, you can't go out rock climbing any old rock formation you see if you don't have the experience. Luckily, there are specific places that teach people how to rock climb.

 If you want to climb less high-up formations, you can start by going bouldering instead. It is similar to rock-climbing, except you don't have to go to higher places much.

Swimming

There's nothing like wading around in the water to give you that peaceful and serene feeling. So if that's something that gives you peace, you should consider recreational swimming. 

If you live in a place near safe bodies of water, like rivers or lakes, make the most out of it and go swimming when you can.

The sound of flowing water or the stillness of the lake can be calming. Thus, it can help you mentally relieve yourself for a while when you're there.

Going for a swim will not only soothe your body during the summer season; it can also help you calm yourself while also getting your body moving.

Paddling

Speaking of being around the water, you might also want to consider paddling as an alternative activity to swimming.

There will be days when you don't want to soak in the water and days when it's impossible to do so without exposing yourself to impractical conditions. That's where paddling is the most useful. 

You can still surround yourself with the calming effects of being around the water without having to soak yourself in it. It also helps you exercise your upper-body because of all the paddling you're doing.

Depending on where you're doing this, you can also find and reach curious spots that you wouldn't otherwise visit when swimming.

If paddling is not your thing, try sailing or boating instead. It’s just as relaxing, and it allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and stop by many places. Some people have made sailing a way of life after discovering the benefits of this lifestyle. 

Before you set sail, make sure to get your vessel checked, update all the lighting features for your safety at night, and stock up on essentials and emergency supplies. Also, let your family or close friends know where you are, so they can locate you in case something happens.

Yoga

Although yoga is an activity that you do in one place, it doesn't mean that you can't take it outside.

You'll find that doing yoga outdoors is even more relaxing than being stuck inside a studio or in your bedroom. Since yoga focuses a lot on breathing, being outdoors helps you get better at your breathing exercise. And this can have a positive impact on your mental health.

If you haven't done it yet, consider grabbing your mat outdoors to do yoga. 

Over to You

There are many things that we can do to improve our physical and mental health. It is also about finding an activity you love and making a habit out of it.

And if you found something that you love to do or would like to try, consider doing it outdoors. You would be surprised at how a change of environment can boost your well-being.

Natural crystals form like any other natural stones, which is based on geological conditions.  Every crystal is unique just like people, based on size, shape, color and region they formed.  Good quality natural crystal gemstones carry an innate energy. Based on the crystal's physical condition, appearance and color tones will dictate the level of vibrations. In crystal healing terms, this is the crystal energy. 

Every gemstone has a different purpose in the crystal healing world. For therapeutic matters, some natural crystals act as a transformer or harmonizes of "energy".  The practitioner may use the crystal to amplify, focus and heal by channeling.  

What is Crystal Energy

Crystal healing is a type of alternative therapy that uses precious gemstones to bring balance to an individual's life and mind. Crystals are said to have a unique and consistent frequency and energy field that gives them special properties. It's what we need in this modern busy world to channel our thoughts and feelings in a positive manner.  To stimulate the mental and creative process of your brain.  

Used in the right way, the electro magnetic vibrations of the crystal, whether it's courage, strength, calmness, energy, sleep, etc. can harmonize the body. 

Maybe it's another method for you to find a new you.

2 Common Methods For Therapeutic crystals 

1.  Original crystal rock form from the Earth.

2.  Fashionable stones, such as necklaces, stone bead bracelets, pyramids or rings.

Anybody Can Use Crystals

Crystals can be used for spiritual purposes, healing purposes, fashion styling or home decor. 

Anyone that appreciates the properties of crystals can use them. And there are several blogs and informative books available on this subject. 

If you intend to use the energies of the crystals, you should learn how to choose crystals.  

There are many ways you can identify the right crystal. Intuition is one of them. It is as simple feeling out a connection with the gemstone. Also, most people who are seeking out a crystal already has a specific issue they want the crystal to overcome. 

So you would need to identify the issues you are having, and then seek the crystal solution.

If it's for fashion or home styling purposes. Crystals are the perfect stones, as it is the most vibrant in colors in the geology world. 

Choosing The Crystals

You can find a lot of gemstone guides in our blog, or Google crystal healing to find more information on the right gemstone. 

But the most valuable tool in finding the right stone is yourself.  Imagine that you have a fever, instinctively and through education, you know you need to take fever medication. Usually a Tylenol or Advil, depending on how your own preference.  Same will come with choosing the crystal. You will identify what is imbalanced in your life. Then you will come across a few stones that carry properties you need to balance the energies in your body. 

And when you're deciding amongst those stones, you instinctively will be drawn in by that stone when you see it.

Our suggestion is whatever crystal you choose, wear it, or display it for a few days to see how it makes you feel. Do you see this stone belonging by your side or not?  

The decision will be clear when it happens. 

Gemstone Maintenance 

Simple maintenance is easy. Just need warm water with a little bit of dishwashing soap to clean your stones. Make sure you do not use any powerful cleaners, bleach or acidic that could damage your gemstone.

In terms of crystal healing practice, it is said to cleanse the stone after each use by burning white sage and smoking the stone.  You can also leave it directly under sunlight to re-charge the stone's natural energy by absorbing the Sun's rays. 

Celebrity Gemstone Choices

Adele

If you didn't know, this singer has been quite opened about her battle with stage fright.  She has mentioned before that she uses crystals to calm her nerves before each show. 

Miranda Kerr

This superstar has kept her crystals very close to her heart. She's mentioned in interviews that she keeps a rose quartz in her handbag and in her bra. 

Jenna Dewan

This actor and dancer has expressed her love for crystals. If you browse through her instagram, you'll find previously posted photos of her collection of crystals. 

Naomi Campbell

This supermodel is said to carry a rose quartz as well in her bag. This beautiful pink stone is the symbol of protection and love.

Victoria Beckham

Victoria Beckham mentioned in an interview with Allure that she is a superstitious person, and carries crystals with her as protection. She has all kinds of crystal gemstones. 

The importance of mental health can’t be understated; after all, mental health tends to shape how we behave, think, and feel, even if we don’t realize it.

Taking care of mental health is just as important as taking care of physical health. That may seem like a tall request, though, especially if you consistently manage mental health symptoms.

But, did you know that something as simple (yet prevalent) as color can impact your mood and, by extension, your mental health?

Experimenting with colors is a fantastic and easy way to express yourself, change the physical appearance of your home, or encourage a specific emotional response from either yourself or from your family and friends.

You can combine colors with design choices to boost the look of your space - even something as simple as redecorating can create a much more inviting, calming atmosphere. 

Of course, as wonderful as color can be, it doesn’t necessarily replace the advice and guidance of a mental health professional. Color psychology and therapy are both present even in professional treatment, so if they’re something you’re interested in, it’s always beneficial to reach out for assistance.

What is color psychology?

Color psychology involves understanding how different colors can impact people in different ways.  

For instance, have you ever noticed that certain rooms - particularly those with cooler color schemes - tend to make you feel more at peace? Color psychology seeks to answer these sorts of questions and help you understand how colors impact your overall mood.

Although each color is typically associated with an emotion, people have various interpretations that may alter the meaning of a color. 

Red, for instance, may symbolize anger to some, but for others, it can provoke positive memories or light up a space. 

How Color Impacts Everyday Life

Color surrounds us, both in the natural world and in our homes. Deliberately seeking out those that make us feel the best can significantly impact our livelihood.

Color therapy in particular associates color with a person’s emotions. These colors are typically broken down into two main categories: warm and cool. 

Warm Colors

Red

For most, red is a passionate color. It can provoke intense emotions, including anger, but it can also command an individual’s attention and increase focus. 

For instance, when writing, highlighting a phrase or section in red can very easily and successfully direct a reader’s attention to that area. It can also communicate urgency, caution, or act as a warning.

Orange

If you want to feel refreshed and creative, orange is the color for you! Many individuals tend to feel adventurous, excited, or energized when exposed to orange in some way.

Since orange often relates to or inspires images of citrus fruits, people typically think of the color as a symbol of rejuvenation, which makes them feel safe and secure.

Additionally, orange’s association with food could also make you feel a little hungry. Thus, many restaurants utilize orange as part of their marketing initiatives. 

Yellow

Representing happiness, clarity, and energy, yellow can help a person feel happier even if something is bothering them. 

Children’s advertisements frequently use yellow to grab the attention of their audience because of its bright aesthetic.

Much like red, too much yellow can lead to negative effects. These sorts of colors can feel more intensely stimulating, and constant exposure to them may have the potential to make some individuals feel on edge.

Cool Colors

Blue

Blue is associated with feelings of serenity, peace, and contentment. Many things that are blue in the natural world - the sky, water, etc. - are also related to these feelings, so it makes sense that the color itself may carry this connotation.

Unlike red and similar colors, blue is predominantly calming. Many individuals find that using blue in bedrooms, bathrooms, or other spaces in the home creates a comfortable atmosphere. 

Blue can also help combat stressful situations. Try creating a study or work space that incorporates blue in some way - you may be surprised by just how much it can change the “feel” of the area!

Green

The color green is commonly associated with nature and money. Green can symbolize life and vitality, which ties back to nature, but it also commonly relates to personal growth (including financial stability). 

By surrounding yourself with green, you may feel more in touch with the world around you and, as a result, more at peace or focused. Green out in the natural world from plants and scenery can also be incredibly calming; even something as typical as taking a walk outdoors can be refreshing.

Different shades of the green can promote various levels of serenity. These sorts of emotions can promote reflection, which can certainly help you better understand and manage stress or other similar emotions.

Purple

The color purple typically helps promote feelings of wisdom, luxury, and creativity. Purple also stands out from other colors by being unique to look at. 

When a person sees a rainbow, oftentimes, their eyes are drawn to the purple or violet bands of light. It’s an inviting color that emits feelings of coziness and relaxation. 

Interestingly, purple is a mixture of red and blue, thus the color combines the intense feelings of red with the serenity of blue, resulting in a color that helps encourage creativity while also having a sense of mystery. 

Conclusion

Color psychology seeks to understand color itself and how it uniquely impacts the mind. By purposefully incorporating certain color schemes into your life, whether in your home or by exposing yourself to nature, you can manage or inspire specific emotions. 

Since people’s perceptions of colors differ depending on their upbringing or personal experiences, your personal associations with color may be different than what’s been outlined in this guide.

Experimenting is often the best way to find out what works for you and what tends to produce the best results. 

Color therapy or color exposure is perhaps one of the easiest and most accessible ways to begin impacting your mental health for the better. 

Different colors can have different effects on the way you feel, the decisions you make, and the ways in which you interact with others, both consciously and subconsciously. You might think about these things more consciously when you are designing a home or painting your nails. Your color choices can inherently reflect the way you want to feel inside. 

In order to make significant progress with your mental health, you may want to get support from professionals at MyTherapist, but for a short-term mental health boost, consider your color scheme! 

In this article, we will review some of the main colors you may encounter on a daily basis and what effects they could have on your mood. 

Keep in mind that some people may see certain shades of colors differently than others, but we will be discussing how the majority of people respond consciously and subconsciously to the colors listed below, as well as how to implement color change into your daily life. 

10 Colors and the General Associated Emotional Responses

1. Blue: Blue is often viewed as a color of serenity. Perhaps it evokes memories of the water or sky, and can therefore be a calming color. It is known for being trustworthy, dependable, intelligent, and professional. It is a favorite color for many, which makes it feel universally peaceful and promotes security. 

2. Red: A fiery color (literally), red is frequently seen as exciting, passionate, and bold. In some cases, it might evoke feelings of danger and anger, and in other cases, it might represent love and desire. Oddly enough, red is known to make you feel hungry. It can be a slightly more divisive color because of its boldness.       

3. Green: For many people, green is automatically associated with the Earth. It might make you think of grass and trees, which makes you think of growth, balance, and freshness. Green can also remind people of money, and be a representation of greed or abundance. Health and wealth are the two best words to describe the presence of green.

4. Yellow: Like the sun, yellow is frequently seen as a bright, cheery color that can cause you to feel happy and enlightened. It can be an optimistic color and one that makes you feel warm. That said, some people find yellow overwhelming or too bold for their taste. For some, the brightness is better admired from afar, or in small doses.

5. Orange: Orange, like yellow and red, is a brighter color that can inspire feelings of warmth. The vibrancy and playfulness of orange will often grab attention and can encourage enthusiasm. 

6. Purple: Historically, purple has been associated with royalty. For that reason, purple might feel like the color of importance. Whether individually or spiritually, purple can feel like an upscale color that represents empowered creative thinking.   

7. Pink: Pink might feel feminine and childish to some, but pink is a powerful color that demands attention. It can instill a sense of confidence or cheeriness, while also feeling soft and inviting. 

8. White: White is often seen as a color associated with cleanliness and organization. People who value simplicity and minimalism appreciate white for its purity and innocence. 

9. Black: Black has many positive connotations. It can be seen as elegant, classy, and powerful. It might inspire feelings of being protected and well-respected. Others may find black to be depressing or claustrophobic and can be another color best utilized in small doses (like furniture, rather than wall paint).   

10. Brown: Similarly to green, the color brown is often associated with Earth. It is appreciated for its ability to make you feel more grounded and is often thought of in terms of longevity and simplicity. 

Color Schemes to Go For

While these colors are all described in terms of their positive associations, each color also has its own negative associations. If any particular color does not resonate well with you, that is up for you to decide. 

Otherwise, here are a few color schemes to try in order to boost your mental health.

• White + Tan + Orange
• Green + Orange + Yellow
• Blue + Tan + White
• Blues + Yellows
• Green + Purple + Brown
• Gray + Pink + Cream
• Red + White + Gray + Gold
• Back + Green + Gold
• Pink + Red + White
• Blue + Orange + Brown

Whether you choose to implement these as accents for a color scheme in your bedroom, living room, wardrobe, or artwork, the combination of these color schemes could present positive associations from each color and therefore boost your mental health. 

Where to Implement These Colors

If you are designing a home, you might be considering how to implement these color schemes in the house. For some, aiming for a cleaner color scheme might mean that they include a lot of white in their home; perhaps that means painting the walls white or selecting white accents. 

A room that includes colors such as navy, purple, brown, and maroon might feel quite studious. For that reason, those colors can be well suited for a solid work-from-home atmosphere. 

For those who get their creative juices flowing, a combination of brighter colors might work well for your living room or personal space.

If you are considering how to implement these color schemes on your person, look no further. The color scheme for your wardrobe or nails can have a direct effect on how you see yourself and how others see you. 

For example, there is a personality trait of black, such as if you wear a lot of blacks, you might enjoy being perceived as serious, knowledgeable, and classy. If you wear a lot of yellow, you might enjoy being perceived as being happy, bright, and confident. 

Our color choices are intentional, whether we realize it or not. The good news is you can always switch it up. Do not tell yourself that there is a color that you cannot wear! There is a shade of every color that will compliment you well. 

More importantly, find color schemes that make you feel good. Colors are our friends, and we can use them accordingly to boost our mental health on a daily basis. 

When you are thinking about taking advantage of therapy for your mental health, there are many techniques and options that a professional therapist may recommend. For example, depending on your symptoms, there are a number of ways that a doctor will use to treat depression. One popular type of therapy utilized for depression is cognitive therapy.

What Is Cognitive Therapy?

When you hear the term cognitive therapy, this refers to a type of therapy that is used to treat certain mental disorders. You may also hear it referred to as CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy. It works by addressing thoughts and moods and attempting to change them. When you work with a therapist, they may be able to help you change how you think and act in certain situations. Here are some facts about this type of therapy that you may be interested in.

• This therapy was developed in the 1960s. A psychiatrist name Aaron Beck tested a way to help people think differently. His aim was to change the patient’s thoughts that they normally internalize without thinking about it.

• Cognitive therapy is effective in person or online. The principles that are addressed during therapy are able to be utilized whether you are meeting with a therapist in person or if you opted for an online therapy resource. Either way, it may be able to make a difference for your mental health.

• Many therapists use this type of therapy. This is a therapy that is quite popular. There are likely many psychiatrists in your area who will be able to utilize this therapy if you need it.

• It can be used for numerous mental health issues. This therapy can be beneficial for people that experience a number of mood disorders including, depression, PTSD, OCD, and anxiety.

• There are many books and articles on the subject. There is a wealth of information about this type of therapy, which you can look into if you want to. You may want to look at books on it or complete an internet search to find out additional details.

• May require homework. There may be times throughout your treatment where you are asked to do assignments at home. It is important to follow through with these, so you have the best chance at making a change.

• It is considered a short-term therapy solution. In many cases, cognitive therapy is only utilized for 20 sessions or less. This is something to consider if you want to talk to your psychotherapist about this type of therapy.

What To Expect

When you are utilizing cognitive therapy, there a couple of things you can expect as you go through your treatment. One is that after a few sessions, you may see some of your symptoms lessen or disappear. If you use a journal to check your symptoms, you may be able to detect a difference through the process of cognitive therapy.

Another thing to expect is that your therapist can choose to use this treatment with or without the use of prescriptions. This is a subject you should discuss with your doctor, and you can decide together whether medicines are something that you would like to try. Keep in mind that with all types of prescription pills, there is a chance that you will see side effects. This is something else that you may want to record in a journal, so you will be able to note differences as they come up.

There are likely many psychiatrists in your area who will be able to utilize this therapy if you need it. You can also find cognitive behavioral therapists through online platforms like BetterHelp.

Overall, taking advantage of cognitive therapy can be a positive thing for your mental health. Be sure to listen to your therapist and put an adequate amount of time and energy into it, and you should have the best chance to see results.

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.

When you are looking for the right therapist, it can be difficult to find one that you want to work with. However, there are a few things you can do, in order to find someone that you feel comfortable working with, so you can get the most out of your therapy. Here are some tips to follow.

• Check within your insurance plan. If you have health insurance, the first thing you should do is to find out which doctors you can go to and be covered. You may also want to check out exactly what the specifics are when it comes to mental health and your healthcare coverage.

• Ask around. When you are certain that friends and family members have worked with psychiatrists in the past, you may want to ask them if they have any recommendations. They might be able to tell you about issues they had with certain therapists or positive experiences that they have had as well.

• Look into professionals in your area. Another method to employ when searching for a therapist is to research what doctors are available in your area. You can do a simple online query to find out what therapists are nearby, what their specialties are, and other specifics to give you an understanding of if they will be able to help you. Alberta residents who survived accidents or abuse look for a Calgary therapist for trauma who will provide a safe and empathetic environment for healing. These professionals specialize in evidence-based approaches to help individuals process their experiences and rebuild their lives with resilience and confidence.

• Consider online options. You may not be aware that there are numerous resources available when it comes to online counseling. In many cases, this is a less expensive option versus face-to-face therapy. This can be more feasible if you are not covered by insurance. Online therapy allows you to interact with a counselor when it is convenient for you, through text, chat, video calling, or other ways, depending on the company. If you are unable to leave your home or don’t have many therapists in your area, this may be a good option for you to investigate.

• Trial and error. Sometimes you will need to meet with a therapist to find out if you like them. If you have a session and feel comfortable, they may be the therapist for you. If you don’t feel like you can trust them, you may need to keep looking. This is another great aspect of online therapy. With many resources, you are able to switch counselors any time you want to, so you can find one that is a good match. This may also be possible with traditional therapy, but you will need to ask questions ahead of time to know for sure.

• Be Honest. There are many reasons that someone may seek out therapy. If you are serious about therapy, you need to make sure that you do everything you can to find a doctor that you want to work with. If you are rejecting every therapist you see, you may need to reevaluate whether you will be able to follow through with your therapy goals. Once you determine you are, it may take a while to find a therapist that you like. Hang in there and keep trying until you find one that you are sure you can work with. There is plenty of help out there for you.

Overview

When you are looking for a therapist to help you work through issues you are facing, you want to be sure that you find one that you can work with. This may take a bit of work, but it is worth it, since the right counselor can make a big difference in your life. Follow these tips to have a better chance at finding the therapist for you.

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.

Once you take the proper steps to seek therapy, whether your sessions are in-person or online, there are ways that you can make the most of it. After all, you don’t want to be going to therapy if it isn’t doing you any good. Here is a list of things that you can try, in order to get the most out of seeing your therapist.

Find A Therapist You Like

While it may be difficult to accomplish, do your best to find a therapist that you like. If you meet with someone you don’t like, feel free to keep searching until you find someone that is easy to talk to. Even if you are utilizing online therapy this is important, and some companies allow you to change your therapist as many times as you need to, without incurring any additional fees. Once you have found a professional that you trust and are willing to talk to, you are well on your way to getting the most out of your sessions.

Determine Your Goal

Another thing that you should do is be honest with yourself about what you want to accomplish with your therapy. Once you have a goal in mind, you can take all the steps on the way to achieving that goal. You will also be able to discuss your endgame with your therapist, so they can assist you in meeting your objective as well. Additionally, they will be able to tell you if your goal is suitable, or needs to be adjusted.

Consider All Forms of Therapy

Group therapy, virtual therapy, and other forms of treatment are available if you feel like traditional one-on-one sessions aren’t working for you. If your issues include medical conditions such as PTSD or a mental health disorder, consider supplementing your regular sessions with ketamine therapy or other alternative treatments. This can help you overcome obstacles and improve your overall well-being. Keep an open mind and discuss all options with your therapist. There are many things you can do to get the most out of therapy, even when taking advantage of free online therapy sessions.

Put In Effort

As you continue to work with your counselor, it is important to do what they say. If they offer certain suggestions or ask you to do homework, complete these tasks. When you don’t listen to what your therapist tells you, this may be counterproductive. Remember that you opted to get mental health support because you thought that something needed to change or be addressed in your life, so it is necessary to do the work to change these things.

Journal Your Thoughts

Writing down your thoughts can also be something that can help. Not only will this allow you to get your feelings down on paper, but this will also give you topics to discuss with your therapist. If something is bothering you, simply jot down a few notes, so you are able to address them in the next session. Besides that, your therapist may ask you to write certain things down and to share with them.

Check Out Non-directive Therapy

A nondirective therapy approach may be what you are seeking when you start to work with a psychiatrist. With this type of therapy, you are in charge of how the sessions go. Your therapist will allow you to talk about whatever you need to talk about and won’t interrupt unless they have something to add or a suggestion. There are many finer points that go along with this type of therapy as well.

Be Honest

You need to make sure that you are honest in every session. You are unlikely to see a benefit from therapy if you are not being open and honest about how you feel, what you want to work on, and your experiences. You may have a difficult time talking about traumatic events or instances that leave you feeling quite emotional, but keep in mind that these occurrences are precisely why you opted to attend therapy. You likely wanted to feel better about these things and need help to do so. Allow your therapist to lend a hand with these concerns, so you have the best chance at changing your feelings and behaviors.

Overview

There are many things you can do to get the most out of therapy. Overall, you should be sure to put in some effort and be open and honest with your therapist. If you don’t like the one you see, you should keep looking until you find one that you feel you can talk to about anything. With these tips you can get the most out of therapy, and you can also be sure that you are properly investing in your mental health.

Chances are that you have plenty of gadgets in your home. Some may help you with your chores, while others are strictly for entertainment. Have you ever considered using some of your high-tech gear to take advantage of online therapy? Here’s a look at online therapy, to see if these sites are worth your time.

Are All Therapy Websites The Same?

If you have never utilized therapy or reached out for mental health support, you may be wondering are therapy websites a scam? The truth is that there is no way to know for sure if all the online sites that promise therapy online are legit or not. There may be some sites that aren’t as above board as others are. However, there are some things you can look into by doing a little research, which can help you determine if they are real or not. Keep in mind that some online therapy sites and apps like BetterHelp are legitimate, and you can get effective treatment when you use them. Check into these details to learn more about the sites you are interested in.

• Investigate information about the counselors or therapists they employ. An above-board site will tell you about the qualifications that their therapists have or how they are selected. If they don’t specify any certifications or anything like that, stay clear of the site you are looking at.

• Read about their payment policies. If they are vague about the amount they charge, what services you get for your money, or there is no information about how you will be billed, this is a red flag.

• Check for medical stamps or banners on their pages. Usually, a legitimate site will have special links or badges that lead back to medical organizations.

• Read about their specialties, to see what conditions they can help with. If these seem too good to be true, they likely are. Not all mental health conditions can be addressed in an online setting.

• Look at any reviews that they have available on their page. When companies don’t shy away from placing reviews on their page, this is a good sign. However, when all the reviews seem similarly worded or you feel like they might be fake, you should listen to your intuition.

• Complete a few internet searches to see what others are saying about the site. Sometimes when you do an internet search for a company, you will see information about other people’s experience with the site. Read through any of these you see and make your best judgement.

Ways Online Therapy Can Help You

In the 21^st century, many aspects of life are digital. You may do most of your shopping online, work remotely from home, and even video chat with your family members when you are unable to visit with them. This is why online therapy can be effective in your life. Utilizing online therapy options allows for you to get help in a setting that you are comfortable with and in a way that feels right to you. Some apps let you chat, email, text, and video call, or a mixture of these.

When you are able to use your phone to interact with a therapist, it can be as private as possible. No one has to know that you are going to therapy, and you are able to work with a counselor at times that fit into your schedule. The fees pertaining to online therapy are affordable, especially when you compare them to traditional forms of therapy.

Another positive aspect of online therapy services is that it allows therapy to be available, regardless of where you live. If you have an internet connection or a cell phone, you will be able to work with an online therapist, even in places where there are no psychiatrists in the area. This allows people to have access to mental health help that they may have never had before.

The Takeaway

When you are looking into online therapy, you should know that it is not a scam, but there may be websites that are not legitimate. Do your due diligence to find one that you want to work with and check out their website and credentials. You can also check for them on social media sites, to read about how they interact with their followers. This can give you a good idea if they are a company you want to trust for your therapy.

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.