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By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD November 17, 2024
Explore what is learned helplessness and how to overcome it with practical strategies
Stressful
By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD October 6, 2024
War and conflict can significantly impact mental health, leading to increased levels of stress and anxiety. Effective management strategies are essential to cope with these challenges and maintain well-being. Strategies for Managing Stress and Anxiety 1.Limit Media Exposure Reducing the amount of time spent consuming news about the conflict can help decrease anxiety levels. Constant exposure to distressing news can exacerbate stress and create a cycle of anxiety. Feasibility : High. Limiting media exposure is a practical step that can be easily implemented by setting specific times for checking news and avoiding it before bedtime. Suitability : Suitable for most individuals, especially those who find themselves overwhelmed by constant updates . 2. Reach Out to Others Connecting with friends, family, or support groups can provide emotional support and reduce feelings of isolation. Sharing experiences and feelings can help alleviate stress. Feasibility : High. Most people have access to some form of communication, whether in person or through digital means. Suitability: Highly suitable, as social support is a well-documented buffer against stress . 3. Maintain a Healthy Routine Keeping a regular schedule for eating, sleeping, and exercising can help maintain a sense of normalcy and control. Physical activity, in particular, is known to reduce stress and improve mood. Feasibility : Moderate to high. While maintaining a routine can be challenging during conflict, even small efforts to stick to regular habits can be beneficial. Suitability: Suitable for most individuals, though those in highly unstable environments may need to adapt their routines . 4. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce stress and anxiety. These practices promote relaxation and can be done anywhere. Deep Breathing Exercises: it involves taking slow, deep breaths to help calm the nervous system. This can be done anywhere and at any time. Try the 4-7-8 technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold the breath for 7 seconds, and exhale slowly for 8 seconds. Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR): It involves tensing and then slowly releasing each muscle group in the body. This helps reduce physical tension and promote relaxation. Start with your toes and work your way up to your head, tensing each muscle group for 5-10 seconds before releasing. Mindfulness Meditation: This practice involves focusing on the present moment without judgment. It can help reduce stress and improve emotional regulation. Sit quietly and focus on your breathing, noticing each inhale and exhale. When your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath. Body Scan Meditation: This technique involves mentally scanning your body from head to toe, paying attention to any sensations of tension or discomfort. Lie down or sit comfortably, close your eyes, and slowly bring your attention to each part of your body, starting from your toes and moving up to your head. Feasibility : High. These techniques require minimal resources and can be practiced in various settings. Suitability: Suitable for most individuals, though it may take some practice to see significant benefits . 5. Seek Professional Help Consulting with mental health professionals, such as psychologists or counselors, can provide tailored strategies and support for managing stress and anxiety. Feasibility : Variable. Access to professional help may be limited in conflict zones, but telehealth services can be an alternative. Suitability: Highly suitable for individuals experiencing severe anxiety or those who have pre-existing mental health conditions . Conclusion Managing stress and anxiety during war involves a combination of limiting media exposure, seeking social support, maintaining a healthy routine, practicing mindfulness, and seeking professional help when necessary. These strategies can help individuals cope with the psychological impact of conflict and maintain their mental health.
By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD September 11, 2024
I’ve always thought that our energy is limited (due to the physical laws of thermodynamics, where it states that energy is neither created nor destroyed, it’s only transformed) and that when we work around 10 hectic hours a day, there’s nothing to do more than go home, eat, watch some tiktoks/reels, and then sleep. I know that our bodies and minds can feel depleted after long periods of exertion, but this feeling is not always an indicator that we are out of energy. Little by little, I am now convinced with the contrary to this theory. It’s not that our energy is finite, but what we can really do is to refresh ourselves to access the energy in us that we always had but never used. Imagine your energy is 100%/day. All your life, you thought that you were using 90-95% of your energy by going to school and then studying after-school, or during the collage days, or even when you started working. The most hectic phase is the work phase, where you are now stuck in adulthood and you have no escape. But this phase will be the best one if you knew how to play it. You are actually using only 50% of your true energy. (ps: I made up this percentage… but let me explain) Now as I am writing this article, I was work-travelling, I woke up today at 4 am, worked on some urgent tasks before going to the hospital, went to the hospital at 8 am and then worked till 6:30 pm. Then I went to the hotel, took a 1-hour rest. And now I am eating lunch and writing this article. When I reached the hotel, I was tired as f**k. I just wanted to take a shower and then sleep, but then I remembered something that always motivated me. (I heard David Goggins talk about it in a Podcast) Imagine when you die, the angels at the gates go through a list of your traits and qualities that you had during your lifetime, and they mention a top tier qualities that you’ve never imagined you will ever have or even mention accomplishments you’ve never thought that you would achieve something near to them. You tell them that they are describing someone else, and this person is not you. They reply to you that this person is the one you would have been if you worked enough on yourself. CHILLS. Imagine not being able to be the best version of yourself, just because you didn’t choose to…you always have the choice, but somehow you find an excuse to not do anything to make yourself better. Or even convince yourself that sending some emails or doing some tasks during the work day is enough to make you excel or reach this version of yourself. So i got up, feeling a whole new energy in me (although I didn’t sleep). I went outside of the hotel to the nearest restaurant, and now i’m finishing this article. After that I will continue working on my Running V-log project that I am currently working on. Step by Step. But the most important thing is to know that you will reach what you want one day if you make enough effort to accomplish it and make less excuses to run from it. The key takeaway is that while our physical energy might have limits, our mental and emotional energy can be optimized through various strategies. By adopting a proactive approach to energy management and changing your perspective of how you see things, you can unlock your full potential and achieve greater productivity and fulfillment.
By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD September 7, 2024
Adjustment shock is what we feel when life throws us a curveball, causing both our minds and bodies to react. In today’s ever-changing world, this is something we all face. On the flip side, there’s the idea of anti-fragility, a term coined by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. It describes systems that don’t just survive stress but actually thrive because of it. Let’s dive into how our brains can be anti-fragile.
By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD September 5, 2024
Are you feeling that you are not fulfilled with your life?
By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD August 14, 2024
In the realm of personal development and behavioral change, the concept of microshifts has gained significant attention. Microshifts refer to small, incremental changes that, when consistently applied, lead to substantial transformation over time. This essay explores the scientific basis of microshifts, and the more you understand it, it will make reaching your goal easier!
By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD August 9, 2024
Positive thinking is a powerful tool that can have profound effects on our daily lives. It is not about ignoring life’s less pleasant situations, but rather approaching them with a positive outlook . This article explores the power of positive thinking and its impact on our daily lifestyle.
By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD July 30, 2024
Change is an inevitable part of life, and while it often brings growth and new opportunities, it can also be a significant source of stress. This paradox is particularly intriguing when the change is positive, such as a promotion, marriage, or moving to a dream home. Understanding why positive changes can induce stress requires delving into psychological concepts and examining real-life examples.
By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD July 30, 2024
Mitigating stress during positive changes involves a combination of strategies that address both the psychological and practical aspects of the transition. Here are some effective ways to manage stress: 
By Mohamad-Ali Salloum, PharmD December 13, 2022
What if we got life wrong? We are not meant to enjoy life… How about, we are meant to enjoy suffering through life?
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