Cleaning as a Zen Practice

How to Get a Clean House and Mind

A common thing in spiritual practices is the Inside/Outside connection. Meaning, what one has around them is similar to what is in your mind. Often times, papers littered around the room or disorganized drawers can signify a littered or disorganized mind.

clean zen temple — *Built with peace in mind, the temple structure can bring satisfaction just by sight.*

Now, not everyone has a spiritual connection, but that doesn’t mean the psychological benefits to Zen practice are off limits. Everyone can reap the rewards of good mental health care. This can be used as a supplementary meditation practice.

We see Zen temples and their wide open spaces, simplistic structure, and peaceful atmospheres. These vibes all can be brought to your home without spending too much money through a cleaning Zen practice. Here’s your guide to a clean mind and house in three steps: reduce, cleanse, and maintain.

Reduce

The reduction part is the decluttering step. Like the tidy guru, Marie Kondo says, “The best way to find out what we truly need is to get rid of what we don’t.” This should be your intention during this step.

Pick up your clothes that you haven’t worn in forever, maybe the ones you’ve promised to wear again when you lose weight. Take a second look at those tourist knickknacks you bought on a whim because you felt like you should, and leaf through the stack of important papers or mail taking up counter space.

Do you really need to hold on to those? Are we keeping them because it satisfies some security need, or do we actively need these things taking up space in our lives?

Most likely, we have mental attachments to the unnecessary physical items in our homes. Taking stock of these will bring up why exactly we feel this way. When you start throwing things away, you’re giving yourself permission to let go of the factors holding us back.

Cleanse

Keeping with the same theme is the cleansing step. You’ve finished pushing out all the unnecessary from your home and now you’re left with the items that support you. But, they all have become dirty from the dust buildup or simple day to day life.

person meditating on clear zen landscape — *Putting yourself back into moments-even small ones- throughout the day can help reduce stress.*

Cleaning is an act of kindness for your home and its inhabitants, even if you’re living by yourself. When you wash the dishes or sweep the floors, you’re lowering dirt and grime that can make you sick. It will uplift you with a sense of pride; you’re making your own corner of the world a nicer place. Even if it’s just for you, that can impart a sense of accomplishment.

All these good feelings can come from picking up a broom or a rag at home. Of course, it feels good at the moment to relax on the couch after work, or scroll the media on your phone, but the sense of a job well-done carries through your life, bolstering you in other endeavors.

Maintain

The final step is recognizing this is a cycle. It’s not going to end, ever, and that’s okay. You don’t want to stop improving yourself and your surroundings in small, meaningful ways. It’s part of life.

Illuminating this aspect may settle some dust in your mind. You may think “Oh, I have to clean today,” or “Oh man, I hate all this upkeep,” when in fact, the upkeep of the house may be just the mental boost you need to keep your spirits high.

It’s all about perspective.

zen archway over calm meditative waters — *With clean, purposeful action comes clean, purposeful thoughts. Utilize this mind-body connection.*

Just remember to keep these things in mind as you take these steps:

Be Present. Don’t worry about how much you have left to do, or what else is coming up in the day. Just relax and focus on the work.

No Judgment This work is going to be in an intimate setting, so the judgments fall on you and those you share the space. Judging won’t solve things while you clean.

Gratitude You have things to clean, or you have a space to take care of. Some people don’t. Even if you feel like you’re not in the place you want to be, cherish what you have. We humans easily get comfortable in what we think is a given.

So, remember: reduce, cleanse, and maintain. If you pick up those papers and organize your car, not for anyone else, but for yourself, then you’ll reap the mental benefits of reduced anxiety and a sense of well-being.

Warning Signs & Symptoms Of An Eating Disorder

An eating disorder is a mental illness that involves abnormal eating, whether not eating at all, binging and purging, or overeating. Eating disorders impact a person’s mental and physical health negatively. According to the National Eating Disorder Association, over 30 million Americans have some sort of eating disorder. It affects people of all ages, sizes, and race, and can be heritable. Every 62 minutes someone dies from a result of an eating disorder, making it the highest death rate among mental illnesses. People may display a combination of symptoms, or only one

*Eating disorders affect millions of Americans. Knowing and spotting the symptoms and signs can help you seek help before it worsens.*

symptom, while some people may not show any signs at all. Find out the warning signs and symptoms of an eating disorder so you can get the proper help for yourself or a loved one before it worsens, possibly leading to death.

Anyone can develop an eating disorder, including children. Kids are 7-12 times more likely to develop an eating disorder if a parent, sibling, or relative has an eating disorder. Other stressors such as bullying, and chronic illnesses make people more at risk. Eating disorders not only make a person deficient nutritionally, but it can bring on depression and anxiety. Sometimes an eating disorder can disguise itself as other things. So what are the signs of an eating disorder?

Signs of Eating Disorder

The earlier you detect the signs, then the higher your chance is of treating the disorder. Signs to look for are:

Physical Signs

Dramatic weight loss
Fainting or dizziness
Not sleeping well
Low energy
Feeling cold all the time, even when it is warm out
Stomach cramps (constipation, acid reflux, etc.)
Difficulty concentrating
Dry skin
Dental issues such as erosion, cavities and tooth sensitivity
Weakness of muscles
Disturbance or loss of menstrual cycle in women
Decreased libido in men
Wounds take longer to heal

Psychological/behavioral Signs

Expressing excessive body dissatisfaction
Dressing in layers or baggy clothes to hide weight loss
Preoccupied with eating food, weight, calories, and dieting
One of the signs of an eating disorder is the constant need to exercise.
Feeling irritable around meal time, or denies feeling hungry
Using food for comfort
Using food as a punishment
Vomiting frequently
Using laxatives, enemea, diuretics, and appetite suppressants
Compulsive need to exercise
Comments a lot about feeling fat
Binge eating
Eating in private
A need for control
Obsessive rituals with food such as eating slow, and cutting food into small pieces

While a lot of these signs may seem normal, it is something to consider if you or someone you know exhibits one or more of the mentioned signs. If so, seek medical and professional help for yourself or a loved one. If you have an instinctive “gut” feeling that someone might have an eating disorder, then chances are you are probably right. Follow your instincts and seek help. The quicker you recognize the signs of an eating disorder, the more success you have of treating it.

The Myths of Childhood Mental Health Illnesses

Children and adolescents experience mental health issues the same way adults do. The faster it is recognized, then the faster the treatment for the children, which will help them in the long run. Children’s mental illness is more common than most people think. One in five adolescents aged 13-18 have a serious mental illness. If it goes untreated, it can disrupt the kid’s home life, and ability to function in school and the community. Parents and teachers are usually the first ones to realize if there is a mental health issue with a child. It can be hard for a parent to accept that their child may have a mental health issue. There are signs to look for in a child so you can get them the appropriate help needed. And because mental illness and disorder is such a stigma, myths were created about them. Find out the signs and facts.

*One of the symptoms to look out for in mental illness is depression. Aggression and anxiety may accompany depression.*

Signs Of Mental Illness

Observing your child’s behavior is key to getting them the appropriate help. It is normal for kids to throw temper tantrums and be moody, because they are learning boundaries and the world around them. But a mental illness goes beyond the typical tantrums. Some signs that may require you to seek out professional help are:

Poor grades in school
Anxious
Hyperactivity
Persistent disobedience
Decline in school performance
Temper tantrums more than normal
Depressed or extra irritable
Aggressive

Myths & Facts

It is important to debunk mental health myths so that parents can get a better understanding of mental health. With the correct information, children can get effective treatment.

Myth: Bad parenting causes mental health disorders.

Fact: A kid’s home environment and relationship with their family is detrimental to their life and development. However, it does not cause a mental health disorder. Depression, autism, learning disorders, and anxiety is biological. It is not a parent’s fault.

Myth: Children need medication to take care of the issue.

Fact: Although medication is helpful, it takes more than that for a treatment plan. Attention, therapy sessions, and providing children with the necessary tools to cope and handle with stress and other factors is also important.

Myth: A mental health illness in a kid means they will struggle and not succeed.

Fact: Mental illness does not indicate a child’s future success and happiness. As long as the illness is caught early and treated so they can learn to manage it, then the child’s future is limitless.

Myth: Therapy is a waste of time.

Fact: This is the furthest thing from the truth. Therapy is very effective for a child to understand what is going on with them, how to cope with it, and how to manage their illness. There are different forms of therapy than just the talking to a therapist method. Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on changing the feelings and thoughts associated with their illness. Doing this kind of therapy can change the kids outlook and symptoms related to their mental illness.

Myth: A child can just outgrow their mental illness.

Fact: If you put off seeking help for a child that needs it for their mental health issues, the harder it is to treat them as they grow older. A kid’s brain is more responsive to treatment rather than waiting until they become an adult.

*One in 5 kids have a mental health ilness. Make sure to pay attention, listen, and get them the help they need.*

Conditions and symptoms may worsen as the child gets older.

It is very important that a parent accepts that their kid may have a mental illness and be open-minded towards it. Children need the assurance that everything will be okay from their parents. Check in with your kid everyday when you can. Observe your child’s behavior and encourage them to talk about their day and their emotions. It is important to acknowledge a child’s emotions and listen to them when they talk. Talk about what is going on and help them understand what is going on with them. Early diagnosis and treatment can help a child greatly. It will help them reach their full potential.

Depression in Teens Is On The Rise

Trying to fit in and find yourself during your teenage years is tough. There are constant changes in friends, clothing style, likes, and dislikes. On top of the changes teens experience, they have to keep up with school work, and after school activities. There is a lot of pressure for them with unrealistic academic, social and family expectations, which brings on emotional highs and lows. One of the lows they can experience is depression. Depression has been on the rise for teens as years go by, and they feel like they go through these tough years by themselves. We all remember what it was like being a teenager, feeling alone and like our parents do not understand us. Take the time to talk to your kids, notice the signs, and get help when needed.

*Teens entering the hospital for depression and suicide has been on the rise. It is important to notice the signs before it is too late.*

Symptoms

One in five teens will experience depression. Statistics show the number of teens experiencing depression has climbed by over 40% over the past couple of years. Of those numbers, nearly half of them were in the hospital for suicide attempts or thoughts. It is important for parents to identify if their kid is experiencing depression, because if it is left unnoticed, it can be harmful, and even deadly. Symptoms can include:

Irritability
Social withdrawal
Anger or agitation
Changes in appetite
Changes in sleep patterns
Difficulty concentrating
No motivation
Guilt or worthlessness
Poor school performance
Thoughts of death or suicide
Poems or writing about suicide

In order to avoid the feelings of depression, a lot of teens may experiment with drugs or alcohol. Some may even use sex as an escape of their feelings. These are temporary fixes, and can lead to self-destruction. These behaviors will lead to ruined relationships with friends, and family, which will worsen their depression. The more serious the depression gets, the worse the outcome, including suicide. Some teenagers may feel like the only way to escape these feelings is by ending their lives. Some may seek help to avoid these feelings, while some kids keep a happy appearance but struggle internally.

How To Help

If your kids are acting different, take the time to talk to them and find out what is bothering them. There are different approaches to take to provide support and help.

Pay attention- Ask questions and notice the signs of depression.
Listen- Take the time to listen to the teen’s problems, talking about their feelings. Do not lecture them, just listen, and offer help.
Exercise- Exercising promotes mental health. It releases hormones that make you feel good. Suggest going out together and get active.
One on One Time- Talking with your child helps to reconnect with them. Make them a priority.

*Group therapy is one way to treat teen depression. It offers a sense of understanding and belonging.*

Treatment

If things do not improve, there are ways to treat depression:

Group therapy- Talking about what is going on internally with other people who feel the same builds a sense of belonging. They understand the struggle and create support for each other to help get through it.
Psychotherapy- Talking with a therapist or counselor will help with limited cases of depression.
Medication- Doctors may prescribe antidepressants, which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is very important to make sure this is necessary by a psychiatrist, because of the risk these medications come with. The FDA issued a warning of kids and teens taking these because of increased risks of suicidal thoughts.

Anxiety accompanies depression, and with kids on their phones more than ever, anxiety has increased in teens. Some of these anxious feelings will increase a person’s feelings of despair and hopelessness. Depression is on the rise for teens with all the expectations they feel they must achieve. Between trying to excel in school, be accepted socially, and make their parents proud, it can become overwhelming. Not to mention the issues they may be going through in all of these areas. Talk to your kids, and notice the signs because a lot more kids are experiencing depression more than ever. Reach out, you may be saving a life.

Symptoms of Mental Illness in Seniors

With age comes some onset mental health issues. Depression and mood disorders are widespread amongst older adults. Most of the time it goes undiagnosed and untreated, which only worsens the conditions. Of course the person going through it is often unaware of the mental illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, it is estimated that about 20% of adults 65 and older have one or more mental health conditions. There are some symptoms and risk factors to look out for and recognize when help is needed.

Risk Factors

One of the problems that make it hard to diagnose mental health issues, is the fact that seniors will complain about physical problems than psychiatric ones. There are some risk factors that can trigger mental illnesses.

Alcohol or substance abuse
Chronic pain or disease
Physical disabilities
Grief or the loss of partner
Loneliness/Social Isolation
Medication interactions
Malnutrition or poor diet
Change of environment or major changes
Dementia-causing illness

Symptoms of Mental Illness

Sometimes we become forgetful as we get older, but once it begins to occur more often, it is a sign something is wrong. The most common mental illnesses a senior will experience is bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, depression,

*Social withdrawl is one of the symptoms of a mental illness.*

and eating disorders. There are some simple symptoms that can be a warning sign to a mental health issue. Signs to look for are:

Changes in appetite, and weight
Changes in appearance, including maintenance of home.
Short-term memory issues, or memory loss.
Change in mood, feeling depressed for longer than a week.
Stressed or worried feelings.
Trouble managing finances, or handling tasks with numbers.
Increased aggression, aggressive behavior.
Physical issues without explanation such as headaches, constipation, aches, etc.
Loss of energy, or sleep problems.
Suicidal thoughts, thoughts of helplessness, or worthlessness.
Losing interest in things you enjoy
Social withdrawal

When a mental illness is discovered in a senior early on, it makes the situation better, more treatable. It is important to talk to your doctor with any of these issues you are experiencing. The more proactive you are, the faster it is to treat and prevent further issues. The worst thing you or anyone can do is brush it off. Do not let something like this slide, we are talking about your health. You are the key to living a healthier life, physically and mentally. So if there is a concern, or you begin to notice changes in your mental state, don’t hesitate to seek help. Talk to a loved one, or your family doctor.

Mental Health Is Just As Important For Seniors

If a mental illness goes untreated, it can have a serious life impact on a person, leading to depression and even death. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that depression is the number one cause of disability around the world. In order to battle this, it is important to seek professional help and utilize Medicare coverage for any of your mental health needs.

*Mental health affects seniors 65 and older. It is important to seek help before it worsens.*

The National Alliance on Mental Illness estimates that about one in five adults deal with some form of mental illness each year. About 20% of adults 65 and older in America are diagnosed with either schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety disorders such as OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), and/or certain phobias. Medicare covers a large variety of these mental health illnesses within hospital inpatients and outpatients.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Medicare Part A covers services in either a general hospital or a psychiatric hospital when admitted as an inpatient. If you are in a psychiatric hospital, Part A coverage is limited to 190 days of services during your lifetime.

Medicare will pay for approved inpatient stays during your benefit period. Once you are admitted to the hospital, the copayment is $0 until you reach 60 days. After that, your benefit period ends and you begin paying a copayment of $335 for days 61-90 of each benefit period. After the 90 days, you will have to pay $670 per “lifetime reserve day” for each period (up to 60 days in your lifetime). After that, you will pay for all costs.

There is a lifetime limit of 190 days for inpatient psychiatric hospitals. For example, if you go to the hospital for psychiatric care in April and stay for 80 days, once you leave, that period is considered done and over. Now if you have to re-enter a hospital again for treatment in September, it is considered a new benefit period. You can keep starting a new benefit period at anytime and it will be covered until you have reached 190 days totaled between all the visits. The inpatient deductible for each benefit period (every time you start a new hospital stay) is $1,340 in 2018.

It is important to know that you will also still pay your 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for services received from providers while in hospital inpatient.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Doctors help explain what is covered and what you can do. — *Talk with your doctor and find out how they can help and what is covered by your Medicare.*

Medicare Part B covers outpatient psychiatric services that are considered a substitute to inpatient care. The visits covered are those of psychiatrists, clinical social workers or licensed alcohol and drug counselors, clinical psychologists, and others. If you meet certain requirements, and a doctor says it is necessary, Medicare will cover you for individual or group psychotherapy, family counseling, and psychiatric evaluation.

Medicare can cover occupational therapy that is part of your mental health treatment as well as individual patient education about the condition you are diagnosed with.

When it comes to payment, you will pay the 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the services from doctors who accept Medicare assignment. The Part B deductible will apply, which is $183 in 2018. If the services are provided in a hospital outpatient clinic, you may have to also pay a copayment.

Medicare Part B covers at no cost to you one depression screening every year, as long as the doctor accepts Medicare assignment. The screening has to be done at the corresponding doctor’s office or primary care that can provide follow-up treatment and referrals.

Ask Questions

Some recommendations by your doctor may not be covered by Medicare and will have to come out of pocket at full cost. So make sure to ask questions about the condition you are diagnosed with and whether Medicare will cover it.

If you have any questions regarding Medicare, and you are seeking coverage for mental health, EZ.Insure can help. We offer you your own highly knowledgeable agent for your region, to go over all the plans and what they offer. We provide you with quotes and will help you sign up, free of charge. Contact us through email at [email protected], call 855-220-1144 to get a quote, or enter your zip code in the bar above. We promise to help as much as we can to provide you with the most affordable plan.

Tag: mental health