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Should I Worry About The Mental Health Of Selfie Lovers?

Have you worried before about the mental health of selfie lovers? I worried about my mental health as a selfie lover.

should-i-worry-about-the-psychological wellness-of-selfie-lovers, girl on a laptop
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I have been called an old soul on multiple occasions. Sometimes, it is a compliment, which means that I am wiser than my peers. Other times, however, it indicates that I am slow when it comes to technology.

The reason for the latter is that I do not enjoy taking and posting selfies or using social media channels to flaunt them. No offense to anyone, but I cringe at the thought of posing for the camera every day and updating the world about what I am doing, eating, or wearing. Although I love myself, I don’t think I am too important for my Facebook and Instagram friends to want to see me post selfies multiple times daily. Narcissism just isn’t in my blood, I think. Although I’m also not saying that people are posting selfies because of narcissism, it’s different.

Developing My Selfie Loving Practice

Now, my little sister has an opposite view about posting selfies. Ever since we gave her the latest iPhone as a reward for doing well in school, we have often seen her holding it up at different angles, taking and posting pictures of herself. Sometimes, when we dine out, she stops us from digging in until all our orders have arrived because she wants to take pictures of them on camera, too. And it has become a bit dreadful to go on trips with her because of her selfie taking. She feels the need to take 50 or more selfies at every spot in the location.

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Then, once we come home, no one can talk to my little sister for a solid two hours. It is not because she goes to her bedroom and locks herself there; it is because of her selfie habits. She ignores everyone while trying to pick the best photos to post on social media. By this point, it’s almost like she has a mental health addiction to taking and posting selfies. She typically says, “It is a full-time job to try to look good for the camera. You wouldn’t understand it, guys.”

My usual reply to that is, “Finally! We now have something to agree on.” My sister is right – I genuinely do not understand why most people waste hours selfie taking then going through and editing photos that contain their faces. It is not as if they are models or professional photographers who get paid to do it. No, they merely love being in front of the camera and perhaps seeing their faces often on pictures.

Do I Need To Worry About The Mental Health Of Selfie Lovers?

Since I share a home with a young selfie lover – and my parents are more helpless than me tech-wise – they have tasked me to figure out what is possibly going on in my little sister’s head. My parents even tried to confiscate my sister’s phone once to make her stop taking and posting photos – the latter wailed and whined as if she had lost a limb or a loved one. They do not think that her behavior is normal; they worry that excessive selfie lovers mental health is affected by taking and posting too many photos.

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I do not think my little sister will go to a disorder or addiction psychologist with me without giving in to the urge of posting selfies and photos there. So, I have decided to go to the clinic by myself to start talking to a professional for advice diagnosis or treatment and additional information. I laid out everything we found odd about her actions and showed her my sister’s social media pages. 

After browsing her profiles for a few minutes, the psychologist says, “Let me tell you the positive points that I have seen first. For one, your sister does not post photos of herself in skimpy clothes or while posing provocatively. Many teenagers tend to do otherwise when they seek attention or affection from others, especially if they cannot get it at home.”

Relieved that attention seeking and narcissism are out of the way, I smile and ask the psychologist to continue. 

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She adds, “Another thing that you may have also noticed is that your little sister hardly uses filters. You told me that she scans too many selfies and merely picks one or two out of them, but she does not deem to alter it too much. Her freckles are still visible; she does not hide her baby fats or wear makeup in some photos. It likely indicates that she posts them because she happy to share them with her friends and family.”

“So, are you saying that there is nothing to worry about now?” I ask.

“Oh no, there still is. Your little sister may have a healthy mind now, but being exposed to social media and taking selfies daily may keep her from making good decisions later. And as you have said, she forgets to interact with you and your parents when she is too focused on her phone and deemed to see it as her life. It may eventually form a barrier between you, which is not ideal for any family.”

“What should we do?”

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The mental disorder psychologist suggests, “You can try talking to your sister about your worries and explain why you want to limit their cellphone usage. Doing so will keep her from being rebellious and acting up. Ideally, she will listen to you and reduce her selfie hours so that you can bond as a family.” That’s her diagnosis or treatment

Six Months Later

I shared what the psychologist advice diagnosis to my parents, and we conducted a little intervention on the same day. Of course, my little sister protested in the beginning, saying that we were taking away her happiness. But I corrected her and said, “You can still go on taking selfies and posting them online – that’s okay. However, there will be a cellphone curfew because we miss talking and catching up with you. We haven’t done much of that because of your new hobby.”

As more days passed, my sister found a balance between her life and her love for selfies.

As for the visit with the psychologist, I was relieved that my sister’s posting habits didn’t seem borne from narcissism, low self confidence, or a new mental disorder. If anything, she seemed like she wanted to post better memories online. But again it was a bit worrying because there is actually such a thing as “selfitis,” and it’s not something made by satire pages like Adobo Chronicles. In fact, there is a “selfitis behavior scale,” supported by the American Psychiatric Association. Again, not satirical like Adobo Chronicles. This scale tackles how often someone is posting selfies, and it is supported by the American Psychiatric Association. And I think this time with regards to health and addiction, the behavior they’re talking about might be related to narcissism. If not narcissism, it might be depression or anxiety disorder. Perhaps it could be a different mental health disorder altogether.

In truth it is not just about selfie addiction; too much social media use is scary. This is because it can possibly lead to a host of mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, personality disorder or others alike. It can cause teenagers and adults alike to have a low self esteem and self confidence. Current beauty standards can also push some people to fall to self objectification and develop the obsessive compulsive desire to fit into a mold, possibly leading to eating disorders, depression, narcissism, and even lower self confidence. So, check up on the mental health of selfie lovers as they might actually be suffering from a mental health disorder or developing a disorder.

FAQs

Do people with narcissism take more selfies?
Are selfies making us selfish?

Inspiring DIY Family Photography Ideas

 

 

Source: rawpixel.com

 

Instagram and Pinterest are filled with family photography ideas that could easily become a family photo epic fail. Attempting to copy a picture done by a pro that has been taking family photos for decades is a surefire way for disaster!

Below are some inspiring family photography ideas that you can try doing by yourself and making them your own. Use these for motivation and combining them with your own style.

Play With Foreground And Background

The conventional way to take a picture is to make sure that everyone is uniformly sharp. However, if you play with the depth of the field, you’ll notice that there is more space for additional beautiful poses to the family picture taking. Perhaps you can shoot one photo using the conventional method but for the rest of the photos, take the risk of playing with the background and foreground. For example, you can create a great pose if you place the family members at varying angles and distances. By doing this, you get to highlight two or three family members, stressing the family dynamics. This technique works well for special events, like baby showers, where you can highlight the expectant mom. Creating a contrast between people in the background and foreground is also an effective way of making unique family photos.

Don’t Think Formal All The Time

Sports teams or photos of awardees for a local newspaper are typically shot in straight rows because these are formal types of photoshoots, plus it’s less troublesome to organize more than 20 people using this method. Family portraits, on the other hand, don’t need to be too formal, so why not try experimenting on diagonal or triangular lines? You can make adjustments to accommodate larger family sizes. Let the members pose side by side to create a wider type of photo. For this, you’re going to need a panoramic camera to take the picture successfully. Using the triangular method is one of the best photography ideas that would produce powerful images. Indeed, concepts for family photos come in all forms and sizes.

 

Source: whiteroomstudio.com.sg

 

Counting In Pets In The Picture Is Always A Sure Win

Dogs, cats, and the family’s other furry friends are frequently part of the family photo. Having them join in is an exciting way to go outside of that boring box of traditional picture-taking setups. The truth is, it’s not so easy to capture great photos with pets around, especially if there’s a toddler or infant in the family. Photographers remedy this by shooting in locations that the pet is accustomed to. When they’re comfortable, they are less restless and disturbing during the whole shoot. You can also check in with the family ahead, so you’ll know if they’re bringing their pet along. Perhaps you can prepare some treats that their four-legged family member would enjoy. When you’re taking pictures, remind the family to focus their eyes on the camera. It’s not completely choreography, but you just want to ensure that you are not doing the basics incorrectly. If you find it hard to capture perfects shots with the pet, you can depend on Photoshop to solve that problem.

Take Advantage Of The Golden Hour

If you’ve been brainstorming places to shoot, try thinking about when to shoot instead. The golden hour is the hour prior to sunset, a time when warm light hits the camera and yields beautiful family photos. It’s also easier to take photos during this time compared to noontime, as the sun is relatively lower, and it’s convenient to shoot with minimal equipment. To create inspiring and memorable family photos using the golden hour, ask the family members to pose where their backs are facing the sun. This adds more divergence between the individuals in the photos and the background itself. If you’re shooting a small family, you can utilize a reflector to balance out the exposure. For a large family, on the other hand, don’t use the camera flash and be sure to use the hood of your lens to prevent flaring.

Use Unique And Appropriate Props

Props are among the highlights of a creative and beautiful picture. By adding something colorful and unique, your family photos are upgraded to the next level. You can hang a ‘family’ sign or let the members hold out colorful letters that spell F-A-M-I-L-Y or L-O-V-E. For themed photoshoots like Halloween, try using pumpkins for props or a doing a pictorial at a pine tree farm for the Holidays. But don’t be tempted to overdo it. Just use one or two unique or meaningful materials that can add to the beauty of the family photos. Adding too many props can make the pictures look messy and busy.

 

Source: inspiredbythis.com

Takeaway

The fad for formal (and rigid) family photo poses has disappeared. Candid and genuine expressions have become a more effective and predominant alternative. Family photography ideas must concentrate on successfully capturing the family dynamics and each of the member’s qualities. Undoubtedly, you can’t do that just by copying a picture from Instagram or Pinterest. Rather, be inspired to do simple photo ideas that are suitable for various styles and use photography as self-expression. Learn to take snaps the way you want it, not the way it’s supposed to.

 

 

 

Benefits Of Listening To Music While On Quarantine

Music is a big part of life. It is an art that helps us in most ways. You listen to music almost every day, whether intentionally or unintentionally. You hear the sound of music everywhere we go from streets, movie theaters, gas stations, and even grocery stores. Most times, you love to listen to it in the comfort of your solitude that makes you sing along to it. But music doesn’t only exist for entertainment. Scientifically, it has a substantial effect on the mind and body. It can alter mood, reduce stress, trigger the release of hormones, stimulate the immune system, influence heart rate, and many more. But the best part of listening to music is its ability to strengthen the emotional and mental aspect of your wellbeing, especially while on home quarantine.

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Improves SleepRelaxing music is beneficial because it lulls the body to sleep. It triggers changes essential for sleep to occur. It helps fine-tunes the body and allows it to reach a resting state. It also slows down the heart rate and promotes better breathing. It also reduces blood pressure and triggers significant psychosomatic changes by putting the body into a physical and psychological relaxed state.

Enhances Focus – Listening to music improves concentration and productivity. Most times, it assists you in completing a tedious task. It helps you concentrate and prevents you from losing focus on the work you have at hand. Just note that music intended for productivity should not be too loud as it may distract you from working instead of concentrating.

Source: pexels.com

Boosts Creativity – Happy and lively music allows the brain to come up with creative and efficient solutions. That is because music lessens the pressure on the brain and puts it in a calm state. But of course, the music you choose may have a different effect on others. But generally, music promotes positive energy.

Increases Stamina – Music is always present in gyms if in case you didn’t notice. It is quite common to hear music while exercising. And the pretty good reason for that is that music helps in boosting energy levels and stamina. It stimulates the brain to appreciate the fun part of exercising. It somehow distracts you from thinking about the physical pain you gain from the intensity of a workout.

Source: pexels.com

Enhances Mood – Music can switch your mood. It is the perfect cure when you feel down and want your environment to send positive energy. It stimulates your brain by releasing dopamine and suppresses the release of cortisol. Honestly, it doesn’t matter what kind of music you should listen to as long as you enjoy the song. It will still create the same effects of giving you a healthy surge of “feel-good” hormones.

Reduces Stress And Anxiety – In a pandemic time like this, music can reduce stress and anxiety. It affects your emotions by releasing endorphins and chemicals in the brain. The inexpensive nature and availability of music make it an accessible option for stress management. But depending on a person, the effects of music may vary, and there is no clear-cut list of relaxing music that fits a person. Thus it is essential to discover what music suits you.

Source: pexels.com

Relieves Pain – Believe it or not, music can affect you physically. It impacts the areas of the brain by disrupting the thought pattern and altering how it reacts to pain. Music somehow relieves physical discomfort by slowing down your heart rate and provides you with relaxed muscles.  It also reduces physical tension, especially on your joints, back, neck, and legs.

Improves Memory – Music promotes better memory with the help of rhythm, beat, and language. It has been useful in treating people with memory loss since it creates musical nostalgia. It also assists the aging brain and fights mental health problems as well. These include Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Why Art Is The Best Pastime

I am a forgetful person in general, even if I just turned 28 last week. I often leave things where they aren’t supposed to go; it takes me a while to remember where they have ended up. But one thing that I might never forget is the 2018 Body and Mind Conference, where I learned that art is the best pastime.

Here’s why.

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Source: pixabay.com

Thinking Is Optional

Flexing your artistic muscles is ideal when your brain is swimming in dizzying thoughts. Once you pick an art medium, you can switch off your critical self and let your creativity speak for you. The activity may help take a load off your chest, even if the art only makes sense in your eyes.

You Are Not Confined To A Specific Medium

When you become an artist, you will realize that your imagination limits creativity, not the art medium. It seems very elegant to use pastels or watercolors or paintbrushes on a blank canvas, yes, but the latter is not the only thing that can hold your masterpieces. Over the years, we have seen free-spirited artists paint on walls, clothes, and even shoes. You may try any of that, too, until you find your favorite medium.

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Source: pixabay.com

You Can Showcase Your Artworks Afterward

The best part of turning art into one of your pastimes is that you have an output to show to the world. For instance, it can be a painting, a T-shirt design, a mural, etc. Some hobbyists end up getting contacted by curators and gallery owners; others manage to sell their artwork. If either doesn’t happen, it feels terrific to display your creations at home, too.

Final Thoughts

The folks who have not tried art to pass the time may think that it is too time-consuming or too complicated for them. I feel you—I have also had similar thoughts for years. However, you won’t know how good art can be for your body and mind unless you give it a shot.

Good luck!

Art Therapy In The Time Of Covid-19

Do you want to know how art visual therapy can help you deal with stress in your current situation? Many of us have been experiencing the effects of isolation and anxiety during the COVID 19 pandemic time. Some have even been separated from loved ones and are now living alone. We haven’t had opportunities to meet up with our friends and family. Most are even working at home.

With loneliness taking its toll on our mental health, finding healthy mental and emotional ways of coping and support seems necessary for everyone. Keep reading this article until the end to learn more about how this particular treatment works and how exciting creative and art therapy in the time of Covid-19 can be. It’s not as daunting as it sounds!

creating art through painting in canvas
Source: pickpik.com

Many think that craft-making is challenging in general. Many assume that you have to be objectively good at something to be able to enjoy doing it. However, there is no right or wrong way to express your creativity. This is why many have turned to the benefits of creativity during the pandemic even more than computer technology. Are you interested in more information on how to harness and use your creative skills as a coping mechanism during stressful situations?

Doing Art Therapy During Covid-19

Creative Arts, Art Making, or Creative Arts Therapy As Ways To Cope With Mental Health Challenges

Some are afraid to try their hand at creativity because they believe they are unable to possess the skills and talent needed to complete it. Some individuals think that they don’t see themselves indulging in creative arts, or simply being creative, just enough to come up with a new idea. While others feel unmotivated because their families don’t send support for their interests, or their loved ones do not give them the space to explore this form of coping for their stress or anxiety. Somehow, this is a normal reaction since most people stop creating in their school days.

Though art is somewhat related to creative skills, you do not need to have a lot of confidence to try it. Honestly, there is no close perfection in this area. As long as you express your thoughts and feelings in a creative way, that is already an accomplishment.

Art Therapy For Healing Emotions During COVID-19

It is about the process of making and creating something rather than the project itself. In this disheartening state of the world, due to the coronavirus issue, people need to find an outlet.

Moreover, it has been a valuable tool during the pandemic. According to the impact report of internet search results, people of all ages have been impacted by the virus, which has drastically changed daily life. The pandemic has created two invisible enemies: the virus itself and the mental health struggles that have arisen from prolonged isolation and fear.

Creating provides an abstract outlet for individuals to express their emotions and process their experiences. By engaging in creative activities, individuals can improve their mental health and life span. The Newberg campus of education has also incorporated art therapy into its curriculum, providing students with a unique way to follow directions and address the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Healing a mental illness by undergoing a creative process through the guidance of professionals or art therapists is one of the best and most practical mental health care practices you can do while following home quarantine restrictions and public health measures.

What People Have Turned To For Healing (Surviving Through Hardships)

According to the American Art Therapy Association (AATA), engaging in creative activities is a healing modality that has been proven effective and therapeutic for many. It can benefit individuals who intend to bring physical, emotional, and mental care through the help of professionals, for example, an art therapist.

It facilitates a creative way to allow clients – adults, adolescents, and children – to respond to their environment. Frankly, it is more effective in helping overcome mental health challenges as a wonderful self-care activity.

But note that art therapy is not an instructional hobby or activity-making class that teaches people. Instead, it is a free-will process of making something out of nothing to support individuals and shield them from unmitigated stress, anxiety, feelings of hopelessness and isolation, or negative emotions. If you want to add an art therapy class to discover a new language to express yourself, you may start by creating a visual arts psycinfo database record. But start by opening this up to your family members. Life would be easier this way!

George Fox University has an art therapy program that has many therapists available to help. You may check their website to find, copy and download wonderful ideas to create art therapy projects for you and your children.

 

Source: wallpaperflare.com

Creative Counseling Services

Recovering And Finding Peace Through Craft

According to World Health Organization, mental health recovery through art encourages people to experiment and play with creative craft-making materials and resources. You can choose from colored pencils, markers, pens, a variety of fabrics and papers, clay, watercolor paint, collages, and many more. As for the finished product, there is no interpretation of the result involved. Thus, there is nothing to worry about when it comes to the  results of your creation.

The fight against COVID-19 has prompted many articles to review the effectiveness of art therapy in combating the spread of the virus. These articles include citation and data from numerous authors who have studied the impact of art therapy on mental health during periods of isolation and stress. The cited research provides clear directions on how to implement effective art therapy techniques for those impacted by the pandemic. Through the use of creative self-expression, individuals can find a valuable outlet for their emotions while fighting the spread of the virus.

The whole thing you make depends on how you see your finished product. Therefore, it is you who finds meaning in what you have created. And since it is healing and beneficial, it helps explore a variety of mental health issues like trauma that you may be dealing with during this current pandemic situation and express it the way you understand.

 

Source: pxfuel.com

Art Therapy In The Time Of Covid-19

How Creative Activities Engage With Mental State

Craft-making engages with an individual’s mental health by transcending words and triggers in many different pathways of the brain and its subconscious. That is one reason why when you make something, you find a different understanding of your experience.

Creating art makes you think more about yourself in terms of what you can do, understand, and realize. Art increases self-awareness and self-discovery, especially when you reach out to art therapy practitioners. art therapy can be a tool to help examine thoughts and emotions that are somehow too difficult to put into words – such as the language of stress.

People decide to engage in art therapy for a lot of reasons. Some people use art to provide an outlet to cool off incredible boredom in life. Art therapy decreases stress and lifts your mood. Art therapy is an excellent way to create mental transformation. And since art therapy is proven to reduce sad symptoms of emotional, isolation and mental health problems, art therapy supports mental health recovery and positive coping skills.

 

Source: pxfuel.com

Takeaway And Last Notes On How Clients Can Create To Heal

This COVID-19 situation is clearly out of hand. It destroys your mental and emotional stability like you never imagined it would. However, art is one of the best medicine that can help you regain your sense of control. So if you still do not find art therapy interesting, you might want to reconsider. Use this time to get to know craft-making or art creation. Art therapy is highly beneficial. It can be a way of coping.

FAQs

How Can Creative Activities Help People With Mental Health Problems?

How Is Creating Art Used As An Effective Coping Technique?

What Is The Importance Of Creativity When Dealing With Mental Health Issues?

Does Using Creativity As A Coping Tool Have An Impact On Our Overall Well-Being?

Why Is Creativity Important To One’s Mental Health?

Why Is It A Good Idea To Use Creative Activities During Counseling?

How Does Creating Creatives Improve Our Lives?

What Are The Positive Effects Of Art On People?

Is Art Therapy Good For People Who Struggle With Mental Illness?

What Is The Purpose Of Creating Art?

What Is Art Therapy?

Is art therapy Effective?

What Are The Main Benefits Of Using art Activities As Therapy?

 

How Can Pensioners Live Productively?

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I loved my newly retired parents so much that I got us tickets for the 2017 Pensioners Conference. They had never attended such an event; they did not even know that there was even a mass gathering for pension recipients like them.

Despite the initial hesitance to go, though, Mom and Dad enjoyed their time at the conference. The organizers invited a few people in various industries to talk about what retirees could do with their free time.

Some of the activities that will allow you to live productively are:

Grow Your Food
One of the first things that you can try is to grow your own food. Whether you are a carnivore, herbivore, or omnivore, it is not too challenging to raise chickens or pigs, plant vegetables, or do both. Doing so ensures you about the food items’ ‘diets’ and prevents you from turning into a couch potato.

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Source: rawpixel.com

Travel The World
In case your work always got in the way of your dreams of traveling the world, now is the best time to fulfill it. Take out a map or globe, close your eyes, and point to any country that you should visit if you feel adventurous. Should you have destinations in mind already, start planning to make it happen.

Help Less Fortunate People
Considering you have more than enough cash lying around, why don’t you help less fortunate folks? You can start by giving free food to homeless people in your town. Then, you may pick an orphanage and donate money for the orphans. If a natural calamity has taken place, you are welcome to send relief goods to the disaster-stricken families.

Final Thoughts
When all you have done in the last 30 or 35 years is going to your work, it is understandable to feel lost now that you no longer need to do that. Relaxing at home is fantastic, but it can get old pretty fast. In reality, doing nothing all of a sudden may even weaken you.
To stay productive after retirement, therefore, you can do any or all of the tasks mentioned above.

Tips For Taking Picture-Perfect Couple Shots 

It’s always a good feeling to browse through pictures of people in love. They seem to have gathered all the happiness in the world just right in each other’s arms. How can such love be so apparent in still and static photos? 

 Photography in and of itself is not merely capturing a factual event in time. There are meanings, motives, and emotions behind the image captured and the one taking the pictures. — Sam Louie MA, LMHC

Source: pexels.com

 

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Interesting Scrapbooking Ideas To Commemorate Your Relationship 

What is the best gift for your anniversary? Flowers, chocolate, books? Well, why not a scrapbook! You can do many things in a scrapbook. Not only can you document the great moments of your relationships, but you can also make this scrapbook with your partner.  If you would like to make one, here are some creative scrapbook ideas for you to try!  

 

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