KindMindbyDana

 Exactly one year ago, I published my first blog.  Launching KindMind by Dana (KMD) was not just a personal milestone but a commitment to contribute to our community's well-being through education and awareness. In this blog, I discuss different topics on mental health, with a specific focus on anxiety and trauma.  Here are some of the most viewed blogs from the past year: 1️⃣ What Does It Take To End Pain? 2️⃣ Letting Go and Holding On: Five Green Flags for Healthy Friendships 3️⃣ Waking Up With Anxiety It warms my heart when I receive messages from people sharing specific sentences that made them realize that what they felt or thought was indeed 'normal’.  Knowing that we all experience suffering, and we share in this collective human experience.  That’s Common humanity - an essential factor in self-compassion, isn't it?  Through this realization, not only do we feel connected to others, but we can also shift our perspective towards ourselves with love an...

When considering workplace accommodations, my thoughts immediately turn to those for disabilities that may not be visible. How do individuals with mental health disorders or learning difficulties get accommodations when their challenges aren't apparent and they may hesitate to discuss them openly? Digging into this topic, given my passion for inclusion and special needs, I've found that creating psychological safety is crucial. People need an environment where they feel comfortable disclosing their needs, expecting support rather than facing stigma. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) has adopted a shift from a ‘charity-based’ to a ‘rights-based’ perspective. This urges companies to adopt policies specifically addressing special needs, safeguarding individuals' rights, and avoiding judgment or dismissal. There are many accommodations recommended to foster healthy workplace environments for people struggling with mental health il...

When anxiety levels rise, a self-check is my go-to reset! 🔄✨ Taking a moment to reflect on recent habits and behaviors can be a game-changer. For the past few days, consider your: Sleep pattern 😴 Caffeine intake ☕ Time management ⏰ Social connections 👭 Social media consumption 📱 Boundaries and commitments 📆 Check-in with yourself: How have you been navigating these areas? Below is my personal checklist for those introspective moments, and a few strategies for a healthier lifestyle and anxiety management (backed by science): Prioritize Quality Sleep:  Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep nightly. Establish a consistent sleep routine and create a comfortable sleep environment. Mindful Nutrition:  Maintain regular, balanced meals to stabilize blood sugar levels. Include mood-boosting nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants. Regular Exercise Routine:  Engage in regular physical activity to reduce stress hormones and boost mood. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-...

  Someone told me the other day, 'I don't celebrate Valentine’s Day because I don't have anyone in my life.' 🧐 This got me thinking.  While some see it as just a commercial thing, there are lots of reasons to celebrate Valentine’s Day, even if you're flying solo! 🥰 How about dedicating this Valentine’s Day to self-love?  I personally see Valentine’s Day as a beautiful reminder of the love surrounding us, from friends and family to our significant other. Most importantly, it reminds us of the love we have for ourselves!  Why not take this day to appreciate our own journey and the love within us?  At the end of the day, we are love (YES!), and we have the choice of how to express it and with whom to share it! Here are some self-love practices you can consider today: ❤️ Say no to overcommitments; cancel your afternoon meetings and book yourself a yoga or cycling class. ❤️ Engage in activities you love – do your nails, watch your favorite show, go for a walk, and ...

 How many times have you heard someone say: - I will start tomorrow. - I will eat healthy on Monday. - I will start cooking next month. - I will give my family more time next semester. Can you relate?  I certainly do, as I'm promising myself to cut off coffee in March. Why do we have this tendency? Throughout my ACT studies, I've learned about our yearning for competence- a universal human need. We often wait for the 'perfect time,' thinking we must be in control of our environment by controlling our behavior. 👼As children, did we set such high standards when learning to talk, walk, or stand through trial-and-error learning? Dr. Hayes used to say ‘We need to put our mind on a leash’ to focus on what's truly important and act accordingly to build competence! This emphasizes the commitment to pattern building of values-based habits (my favorite topic in ACT). However, a larger building does not mean huge! The pattern choice is to commit 100%! Even if a slip happens, ...