Health
Are you languishing – feeling restless, apathetic or empty? Here’s what may help | Health News
[ad_1]
New Delhi: If you’ve been feeling restless, apathetic or even emotionally empty since the pandemic began, you may be ‘languishing’. Languishing is described as an emotional state of limbo, aimlessness and low mood, which can last for a long time. But while languishing isn’t itself considered a mental health disorder, it could ultimately lead to anxiety or depression.
Many people may even have experienced or may still be experiencing languishing without really even knowing what it is or why they’re feeling that way. In fact, an international study that looked at data from participants in 78 different countries between April and June 2020 found that 10% of people experienced languishing during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The causes of languishing are different for every person, though they may result from many factors, such as stress, trauma or even a change in routine. But the good news is that languishing doesn’t last forever, and there are many things you can do to improve your mental state.
Languishing versus depression
Languishing can be a precursor for depression or exist alongside depression. But while the two may share some similarities, they also differ in many ways, mainly in how the symptoms present themselves.
Depression can be characterised by emotional, mental, behavioural and physiological symptoms – including fatigue, sleeping too much or too little, weight loss or gain, negative thoughts, negative feelings or suicidal thoughts.
Languishing, shares some of the symptoms with depression, such as having negative emotions. But it’s also characterised by not feeling in control of your life, feeling like you aren’t able to grow or change and not engaging with your community (including with friends or family).
Though languishing isn’t considered a mental health disorder, it can still be challenging to bear and may even be more difficult than experiencing depression for some.
Research that compared the experiences of people with mental health disorders with those experiencing languishing found languishers were more likely not to know what they wanted out of life, found setting goals for the near future unhelpful or didn’t take action when faced with adversity.
On the other hand, people with depression, anxiety and even alcohol dependence felt more likely to find planning helpful, take action to improve their situation and know what outcome they wanted from their life.
These contrasting experiences give us some insight into why languishing can be such a challenging state to experience. Being diagnosed with a mental health condition means people may better know how to tackle their situation and make improvements, or may at least be able to access services and treatments (such as therapy) that can help them. But as languishing isn’t considered a mental health disorder, people may not know why they feel the way they do, and they may not be able to get the help they need from their GP or other mental health services.
That isn’t to say depression isn’t a challenging condition to experience. But as languishing can very well turn into depression, it’s important to take action and do something to improve your mental health as soon as you can.
Getting better
To understand how to reduce languishing, it’s important to understand the difference between languishers and flourishers (people who experience high levels of mental health).
We know from previous research that flourishers are seven times less likely to experience depression than people with lower levels of wellbeing (such as languishers). Flourishing is even shown to protect against depression.
While both languishers and flourishers value having meaning in their life, goals and relationships, languishers are more self-oriented, wanting to find their own meaning and improve their own happiness. Flourishers, on the other hand, are more focused on others and contributing to the greater good.
The way languishers and flourishers connect is also different. While both groups value relationships, languishers tend to feel their pets or possessions are most important to them, while flourishers feel connecting to their society, community or culture was most important. This shows us flourishers are much more focused on connecting with other people, while languishers search for alternative ways of feeling connected.
We don’t know if it’s because languishers aren’t well that they become more self-focused, or if it’s because of their self-focus that they experience languishing. But what we do know is that taking a lesson from flourishers can help people who are languishing improve their wellbeing.
Take action
Research shows us that finding ways of connecting with the community can help languishers improve their wellbeing. This can be in any form, such as performing acts of kindness for others (such as making someone a cup, helping a colleague at work or even volunteering.
Other techniques that may improve well-being for people with languishing include practising gratitude and reflecting on what is going well in their life and trying to use less negative language in their daily life.
Actively seeking out positive experiences such as those that allow you to feel a connection with loved ones, friends or even strangers may also help improve wellbeing and reduce experiences of languishing.
While being in an aimless limbo is difficult, it’s important to remember that doing something is better than doing nothing at all. Whether that’s something small like simply acknowledging that you’re languishing or speaking with a friend about how you feel, doing something is the first step to making positive improvements in how you’re feeling.
(The article is authored by Jolanta Burke, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. All views are personal)
[ad_2]
Source link
Sweets
How to Make 3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake
This simple apple dump cake is the perfect dessert for fall. You’ll need a box of cake mix, apple pie filling and butter—that’s it!
I see dump cake recipe ideas all over TikTok because this dessert is so simple. The name, “dump cake,” refers to the way the ingredients are literally dumped into a baking dish—no mixing is required. A dump cake comes together in minutes and, after it’s baked, the flavor and textures are amazing. There are several types of dump cakes including peach cake, cherry pineapple cake and, of course, the ever-popular popular apple dump cake!
3-Ingredient Apple Dump Cake Recipe
This easy apple dump cake uses cake mix and apple pie filling. Serve it on its own or topped with a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
1 package yellow cake mix (regular size)
2 (20 ounce) cans apple pie filling
1 cup melted butter
Optional: 2 teaspoons cinnamon sugar
You can also add vanilla extract, cinnamon or nutmeg to round out the flavors.
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF. Then coat a 13×9-in. baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Layer the pie filling and cake mix
Pour the canned apple pie filling over the bottom of the baking dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, if desired. (I definitely did.)
Next, sprinkle the yellow cake mix over the canned apple pie filling.
Editor’s Tip: Be sure to spread the cake mix evenly. This will ensure the cake bakes evenly.
Step 3: Add the butter
Now it’s time for the melted butter! Pour evenly over the layers of apple pie filling and cake mix. Sprinkle with more cinnamon and sugar, if desired.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until golden brown on the top and bubbling around the edges of the baking dish.
Keep a close eye on the cake while it’s baking. Once you start to see bubbling around the edges, this usually means the filling has thickened in the middle and the cake is ready.
Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes, to give the filling a chance to thicken a little more. Then it’s ready to serve!
Tips for Making Apple Dump Cake
Can you use fresh apples instead of apple pie filling?
You can certainly use fresh apples, but the apple dump cake will need to bake longer. If using fresh apples, peel the apples first, and be sure to add some extra cinnamon sugar to give the apples more flavor and balance out any tartness. Here are the best apples for apple bakes.
Does apple dump cake need to be refrigerated?
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can an apple dump cake be frozen?
Baked apple dump cake can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To thaw, place the frozen dump cake in the refrigerator overnight, then bake at 350° for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave smaller servings for about 45 seconds or until warmed through.
Weight loss
Curd For Weight Loss: Does curd help in weight loss?
Yogurt is high in calcium. It helps in controlling BMI levels. The probiotics present in yogurt regulate the digestive system, thus facilitating the weight loss process.
Yogurt is something that we all include in our diet. It is rich in nutrients. Acts as a digestive stimulant. Yogurt is a probiotic dairy product. It is a very healthy food to add to your diet.
Yogurt is high in calcium. It helps in controlling BMI levels. The probiotics present in yogurt regulate the digestive system, thus facilitating the weight loss process.
It contains live bacteria known as Lactobacillus bulgaricus. This bacterium has been shown to alleviate dyspepsia.
Protein is an important nutrient for weight loss. Yogurt is high in protein. The bacterial content in curd helps in improving the functions of the intestines thereby resulting in proper digestion.
1 ounce of yogurt contains 12 grams of protein. Being a protein-rich food, yogurt keeps your stomach full for longer which keeps your hunger under control. It reduces excess fat.
Being a nutritious dairy product, yogurt is rich in calcium, which helps in improving bone strength. Yogurt helps improve the thermogenesis process in your body, which increases the metabolic rate.
Yogurt contains important nutrients like calcium, vitamin B-12, vitamin B-2, potassium and magnesium which are essential for the overall development and growth of the body. These essential nutrients are extracted from the milk while making yogurt. However, yogurt is digested faster than milk.
Health
Bad Breath is no more, try these methods
Bad breath is a major problem facing many people today. Bad breath can be caused by anything from food waste to the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Here are some home remedies to get rid of bad breath
Although it may seem trivial, there are many among us who suffer from bad breath. Many people are unable to even speak in a group due to bad breath. Lack of confidence even to open mouth. Bad breath can be caused by the accumulation of food debris in the mouth and germs in the mouth. Dental and gum diseases are other common causes of bad breath.
Why, even digestive problems lead to bad breath. We do not have to worry about this problem anymore as we have some natural mouth fresheners at our fingertips that help to remove bad breath.
Cloves
Cloves are another common ingredient that is always found in our kitchen. Its anti-bacterial properties reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth and reduce the risk of other dental problems such as bleeding and tooth decay. You can put a few cloves in your mouth and chew it to get rid of bad breath.
Water
Drinking very little water a day can also cause bad breath in your mouth. Water helps to expel bacteria from the mouth and prevent them from multiplying in the mouth. This will help keep your breath fresh. So, if you feel that your breath is stinking, drink plenty of water every day. You can also squeeze half a slice of lemon into your water to refresh your breath.
Honey and cinnamon
Honey and cinnamon have strong anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties that can help reduce the growth of bacteria in your mouth and maintain gum health. Regular application of honey and cinnamon on the teeth and gums can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum bleeding and bad breath. Both ingredients are perfectly safe and can always be easily found in the kitchen.
Cinnamon, like cloves, has antibacterial properties that reduce the growth of bacteria that cause bad breath. Just put a small piece of cinnamon in your mouth for a few minutes and then spit it out.
Salt Water
Rinsing the mouth with lukewarm salt water will prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the mouth and make your breath refreshing. Brine prevents the bacteria that cause bad breath from multiplying in the mouth and expelling them. Before going out, you need to mix 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of salt in a glass of water and rinse your mouth with that water.