Morgan Rose Elliot, Author at Pucker Mob

Turn the frown upside down: beat the holiday blues

For many people, Holidays are the opportunity to spend time with family, relax, get in that unexplainable Christmas spirit of hope and firm belief of a better tomorrow. On the other hand, there are people who are mortified by the fact the Holiday season is just around the corner. Being unemployed, having a small salary, not having or being apart from the family, a recap of the year and not having the results you expected, can throw one in a state of depression.

2020 was a cruel year worldwide, and though there is some light at the end of the tunnel, we still can’t be sure when will the “new normal” lifestyle be just regular normal, one we took for granted. People struggled with sadness, blues, anxiety and depression for most of the year, and mental states of so many are as fragile as never before. If you have serious problems, please call local medical facilities and reach for help. Trust the professional. If you just feel blue, and the pressure of this year has been a bit too much, maybe this list can help ease your troubles.

Talk that talk

If there is anything, and I do mean anything making you sad, or you feel lonely, talk to someone. Anyone. Family, friends, help centers. Even pets! Cats can be mean, but dogs will listen. Kidding, animals are great 🙂 One of the things we mastered this year is distance communication. Use one of many apps that provide group chats, and talk, share. It’s not easy being apart from the people you love, but it doesn’t mean you should lose touch with them. For example, since this pandemic started, my friends and I started a movie club. Once a week, we choose a movie to watch and discuss it. This has been our little ritual of keeping our minds sane, and changing the topic from sickness and death, to something lighter. Sure, we have coffee sessions on a regular basis, but this special Friday night date is our way of unwinding together.

Exercise

For real. Channel negative energy into a positive one. We don’t even have to talk about all the health benefits you will experience. Or that there is a chance you will look hot as hell after this pandemic ends. Think about endorphins. This hormone is a positive trigger that makes your body feel good, which leads to a state of euphoria. Now, no one said you should look like Chris Hemsworth (you can if you want to), just move your body so your mind can move as well. There are so many tutorials and videos nowadays, it’s almost impossible not to find something that will keep you busy. Dance, do yoga, some cardio, pilates and shake it off!

Cook

Make a list of your favorite dishes and start cooking. The spices, the smells, the tastes. If you don’t know how to cook, this is a perfect way to master it. If you do know, push your limits. Pick dishes from different cultures and upgrade your game. It’s definitely much better for you if you prepare your meals than ordering fast food. You can even find healthier versions of your favorite fast foods.

Don’t force yourself into feeling jolly and merry

Faking feelings is the worst thing you can do to yourself. If you don’t feel this Christmas vibe, don’t pretend. Be grumpy, be sad. Try finding out the reason behind these feelings. It might take some time. Once you find the cause, try to find a solution. Write it on a paper, make a mind-map. Are you the problem? Can you change something? Do you want to change it? Why not? Are you scared or just stubborn? The key to happiness is in your hands, but the path might be a long one. Don’t fear the change, it helps you grow. Learn about yourself. Stop fulfilling other people’s expectations. Hey, if you feel like a couch potato today, be the best potato you can be!

Binge Watch

Pick favorite movies, tv shows and documentaries and watch them again and again. Make a list of all the shows you said you will watch, but you never did. With so many platforms to choose, there is no reason not to do this. Currently, I am rewatching Sons of Anarchy with the same feelings I had when I watched them for the first time. The movie I would recommend for endless laughs is Pop star (Never stop never stopping). The Lonely Island crew made this almost satirical comedy a few years ago, and it shows how ridiculous the world of instant celebrities really is, while at the same time makes you laugh so much your stomach hurts. I would also recommend Our world documentary. BBC and Sir David Attenborough did a marvelous job. The colors are beautiful, and you will learn a lot. My kids adore it!

I hope this list gave some ideas to help yourself when you are feeling down. Remember, you have every right not to feel peachy every single day. It’s not your fault, there is nothing wrong with you. You need time for your emotions, you need to process them. It’s not selfish to take time and focus on yourself. It’s mental health. I will leave you with wise words of Billy Chapata:

“You bloom differently when you’re not focusing on anyone else’s bloom but your own”

About The Author

Morgan Rose Elliott is an aromatherapist, yoga instructor, animal lover, a happily married mother of three. She enjoys reading biographies and writing poems, sunny days on the beach and any shape and form of vanilla. Crazy about the ’80s, her favorite band is Duran Duran (although kids prefer Franz Ferdinand, and the husband Blink182) and she is obsessed with Netflix original Stranger things. Follow her on twitter

20 ways you know you are obsessed with Stranger Things

In 2016, Netflix released an amazing fantasy, horror drama about our favorite kiddos (excluding our own). Storyline happens in the 1980’s, in a small town where an incident will turn the lives of main characters upside down (pun sooooo intended). Soon everyone realizes that if they do not respond, dark may come upon all of them.

Huh, it’s really hard writing an intro without spoiling the show for someone who hasn’t watched it…yet. For us, experienced addicts, waiting for the new season is equal to torture. 2020 was and still insists on being one of the worst ones that ever happened (at least in the 21st century), and adding the delay of season 4 of Stranger Things just adds more stress fuel. Perfect, just perfect.

Season 3 left us heartbroken, whereas the first trailer for season 4 confused us on so many levels!! Hopper is alive?! Wait, he’s in a Russian prison or gulag? Is a worldwide adventure upon us? Until season officially arrives, we can only suspect and measure our addiction, so let’s get started:

How can you tell if you are obsessed with this wonderful show? As a huge fan myself, I gathered my symptoms and willingly shared them with you.

1. Oh nostalgia you old friend

I was born in the end of the 80’s but there is still this wonderful melancholy I feel whenever I watch the show: malls, fashion, slang…

2. Mark the date

You are more than ready to buy a calendar just for counting down the days before Season 4 is officially here

3. It’s so scary!!!

But not that scary – it’s a show that will push you to the edge, but won’t make you run behind the couch and this is just one of the things that makes it so addictive. I have a four year old who expressed a wish to watch the Stranger Things. And honestly, my first response was nope, no way. Then we started to talk about it more, and more, and after a two week negotiation process, I caved in. We made a deal that if something is too scary or sad, we are taking a break to talk about it. We (she) learned about makeup and costumes, and in a weird way how to face fears. Another note, I might be raising the next Oscar winning director.

4. Picking the emotion

Any show that can make you feel the pain or joy of the characters did it’s job. With Stranger Things, we feel even more, maybe because the main protagonists are mostly children. Season 1 – everyone looking for Will’s body and then finding it. Tell me you weren’t crushed?! Maybe the emotions run high because they are so damn lovable. People are mezmerised by perfect acting of the young part of the cast, a lot of us started following their other projects. Anyone watched Enola Holmes?

5. You started to follow the cast on social media – that’s cool, but don’t be creepy, they are still kids.

6. Sort of PR – admit it, you are trying to make all of your friends and family to watch with you. It’s completely understandable, Stranger Things is friendship goals, right?

7. Halloween costume – did you do it? Were you Eleven from Season 1? No need to hide the truth, we know you did or you were so tempted.

8. Depth of characters

Indeed, another plain sign the show is successful. For example, in season 1 Joyce Byers seemed paranoid, saddened and a crazy mother who lost a child, pain no one should ever experience, but by season 3, Joyce showed us that she is a really smart, caring, protective woman you shouldn’t mess with. Each of the characters went through metamorphosis of their own and the bonds between them are stronger than ever.

9. You binge watched previous seasons more than three times – Yep, guilty as charged.

10. Soundtrack

The soundtrack is pure heaven. I often play it when working around the house, writing articles or playing with kids. Perfect mixture of late 70’s, amazing alternative and 80’s pop, and early 90’s. You have to love it!

11. Quotes in real life

If you are an obsessed fan, you do quote Stranger Things in real life from time to time, or during a binge watch while your favorite scene is on. But please, don’t become that person that acts out scenes and thinks they are in the show. Not healthy.

12. You get personally offended if someone is not a fan – it’s true, some people just don’t have any taste when it comes to Netflix shows. Non whatsoever. How sad for them.

13. Fanclub

You are active in a fanclub, forum, Quora, Reddit, Facebook group or something similar where you and those similar to you are worshiping the bunch from Hawkins.

14. D’n’D

You are so addicted you learned (or bruising up on your skills) how to play Dungeons & Dragons and have organized or been included in a session (pre – Covid 19 life).

15. Theory master

In spare time, you made a unique list of possible theories about the show and can’t wait to be proven right. It’s a fun way to predict what will happen next and how it relates to the previous seasons, but by God, don’t make this your life priority.

16. Gif master (like me)

You choose to speak only through memes and gifs of your favorite show and it’s so much fun…if other people are fans as well.

17. The end of the world as we know it

The idea that show must end one day scares you to the panic attack level. Breathe deeply, we don’t know when season 4 is coming out, let alone the end of the show.

18. Waffles – you changed your eating habits, and waffles are life now.

19. Christmas lights

You haven’t taken them down for years, haven’t you? Just don’t put the alphabet on the wall as well and you’ll be fine. For a fan.

20. Wake up! – your alarm clock is the melody from the opening scene. No? Just me?

I hope you enjoyed this list or at least got a few laughs during these terrible times. I honestly do recommend the show to everyone who likes to wander off in fantasy land and enjoy this phenomenal script and development of amazing young actors just in front of our eyes. Hopefully, we won’t wait long for season 4.

About The Author

Aspects of Life You Must Change If You Want To Keep Your Mental Health Balanced

Balanced mental health is crucial for living a happy and fulfilling life. It influences every aspect of your life from the way you think to the way you behave. Mental health has a say in how you deal with stress, handle ups and downs, and build and maintain relationships day in day out. To get the most out of your life, you have to make it a priority. Here is some advice on how to change your habits and balance your mental health better.

Stay in Shape

Studies suggest people who regularly exercise are always in a good mood. Namely, during regular physical activity, the body releases endorphins, chemicals that are responsible for making us feel good and positive. Exercise also does wonders for self-esteem, focus, and quality of sleep. More importantly, not only does it keep you fit but also helps you blow off some steam and get rid of pent up negative energy and frustrations. Therefore, your stress levels significantly reduce, and you feel relaxed and peaceful. Exercising for 20 to 30 minutes a day can help you feel good about yourself and put a smile on your face. If you don’t like to go to the gym or do sports, you can go for walks, ride a bicycle or do some yoga or Pilates.

Think About Remote Work

Fixed working hours, heavy workload, or hostile work environment might be the reasons why you feel stressed or anxious most of the time. If that is the case, then you should think about working remotely or starting your own remote business. Imagine how much pressure it would take off you. If you decide to become a remote employee, you have to stay in touch with managers and coworkers. By staying in touch, you have access to timely updates and information you need to do your job right. An intranet is the best way to stay connected with others. It is easy to use and allows you to communicate both formally and informally with everyone from work. This way, you spare yourself any anxiety you might feel if you have problems with the tasks or deadlines.

Surround Yourself with Positive and Friendly People

If you are experiencing mental health issues, your surroundings might be the cause. For example, if petty people, gossip, haters, and drama queens surround you, you can’t expect to thrive in such an oppressive environment. To stay healthy mentally, you should get rid of negative people in your life and surround yourself with more positive and friendlier ones. You need supportive, emphatic, understanding, and above all, loving and kind people. All you have to do is interact with them even for a few minutes, and you will immediately feel more relaxed and at ease.

Practice Mindfulness or Meditation

Meditation or any other relaxation technique can help you find your inner peace and stability. Moreover, research has shown meditation is effective in battling depression, anxiety, and chronic pain, among other diseases. However, most relaxation techniques don’t produce results right away. It is going to take a while before you learn how to mediate properly. For starters, you can dedicate a few minutes every day to meditation. Later on, you can increase and practice it for 15 or 20 minutes. You can meditate alone or sign up for a meditation class if you need some guidance. Either way, you will have to focus on your breathing and bring back the balance to your mind and body.

Take Care of Yourself

For balanced mental health, it is paramount that you take good care of yourself. For example, drink plenty of water and other fluids throughout the day. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid junk food, sweets, drugs, and alcohol. Make sure you get a good eight hours of sleep every night. Spend some time outside every day, soak up the sun, and breathe fresh air. Find some time during the day to take part in an activity you like and enjoy. For instance, watch a movie or a TV show, read a book, take a bubble bath, dance, or get a soothing massage.

Vary Your Routine

Sticking to a routine is both good and bad for your mental health. Good because it gives you some structure, and bad because you become too comfortable without making any progress. For this reason, taking a break from your routine every once in a while, seems like a good idea. For instance, spend your lunch break in a new restaurant or have a coffee in a different coffee shop. Try taking your walks in another park or go to a yoga retreat. You can even skip some of your regular household chores and errands. If you feel like you need to take a day off from all duties and responsibilities, then do it.

Indulge yourself for a day. Your mental health will appreciate it.