Category: Personal Breakthrough

Categories
Happiness Achievement

Top 17 Symptoms of Depression

Emotional Indicators

1. Persistent Sadness or Hopelessness

    Warning Signs
    Daily feelings of sadness or emptiness, even in positive situations.

    Root Causes
    Trauma, chronic stress, or neurotransmitter imbalances.

    Potentially Leading To
    Despair, loss of motivation, sense of meaninglessness.

    2. Loss of Interest in Activities Once Enjoyed (Anhedonia)

    Warning Signs
    Loss of enthusiasm for favorite activities, unwillingness to try new things.

    Root Causes
    Low dopamine levels, burnout, social isolation.

    Potentially Leading To
    Withdrawal from hobbies, relationships, goals.

    3. Feelings of Worthlessness or Guilt

    Warning Signs
    Negative self-talk, constant apologies, feeling like a burden.

    Root Causes
    Low self-esteem, self-critical thoughts, past trauma.

    Potentially Leading To
    Self-isolation, negative self-image, suicidal thoughts.

    4. Irritability or Anger Outbursts

    Warning Signs
    Quick to anger over small issues, sensitivity to criticism.

    Root Causes
    Unprocessed emotions, feelings of helplessness, chronic stress.

    Potentially Leading To
    Strained relationships, regret, anger-guilt cycles.

    5. Negative Thought Patterns

    Warning Signs
    Persistent negative self-talk, worst-case thinking, hopelessness.

    Root Causes
    Pessimism, low self-esteem, habitual critical thinking.

    Potentially Leading To
    Self-sabotage, rumination, increased risk of mental health issues.

    Physical Indicators

    6. Fatigue or Low Energy

    Warning Signs
    Constant tiredness unrelieved by rest, avoidance of physical activity.

    Root Causes
    Disrupted sleep patterns, nutritional deficiencies, stress.

    Potentially Leading To
    Reduced productivity, disengagement, and dependence on stimulants.

    7. Changes in Appetite or Weight

    Warning Signs
    Significant weight changes, and loss of interest in regular meals.

    Root Causes
    Stress response, hormonal imbalance, and food as a coping mechanism.

    Potentially Leading To
    Weight fluctuations, nutritional issues, and potential eating disorders.

    8. Sleep Disturbances (Insomnia or Hypersomnia)

    Warning Signs
    Trouble falling asleep, excessive sleep, waking up unrefreshed.

    Root Causes
    Racing thoughts, anxiety, melatonin imbalances.

    What It Can Lead To
    Daytime fatigue, concentration problems, weakened immune system.

    9. Physical Aches and Pains

    Warning Signs
    Persistent pain (back, joint, muscle) with no clear cause.

    Root Causes
    Chronic tension, inactivity, inflammation.

    What It Can Lead To
    Mobility issues, increased reliance on pain relief, added stress.

    10. Sweating and Rapid Heartbeat

    Warning Signs
    Regular sweating or heart racing in ordinary situations, dizziness.

    Root Causes
    Heightened stress response, panic symptoms, or overactivity in the sympathetic nervous system.

    What It Can Lead To
    Fear of experiencing symptoms publicly, withdrawal, health anxiety.

    Behavioral Indicators

    11. Difficulty Concentrating or Making Decisions

    Warning Signs
    Memory lapses, trouble with decision-making, difficulty completing tasks.

    Root Causes
    Cognitive impairment from stress, anxiety, and neurotransmitter imbalances.

    What It Can Lead To
    Poor work or school performance, frustration with personal tasks.

    12. Self-Isolation

    Warning Signs
    Avoiding calls, skipping events, and reluctance to socialize.

    Root Causes
    Fear of burdening others, shame, or social withdrawal tendencies.

    What It Can Lead To:
    Loneliness, shrinking support networks, worsening depression.

    13. Reduced Performance at Work or School

    Warning Signs
    Missed deadlines, reduced attendance, lack of engagement.

    Root Causes
    Low motivation, fatigue, lack of concentration.

    Potentially Leading To
    Poor job or academic outcomes, job instability, financial stress.

    14. Procrastination or Avoidance of Responsibilities

    Warning Signs
    Constantly delaying tasks, feeling paralyzed by decision-making, and avoiding tasks altogether.

    Root Causes
    Lack of motivation, fatigue, overwhelming sense of stress, or fear of failure.

    Potentially Leading To
    Increased stress, missed opportunities, poor performance at work or school.

    15. Social Withdrawal and Relationship Issues

    Warning Signs
    Canceling plans frequently, avoiding conversations, and distancing from loved ones.

    Root Causes
    Feeling like a burden, fear of judgment, or shame over symptoms.

    Potentially Leading To
    Loneliness, strained relationships, and reduced social support.

    16. Increased Use of Substances

    Warning Signs
    Turning to alcohol, drugs, or excessive caffeine as a coping mechanism, particularly when feeling low.

    Root Causes
    Attempting to self-medicate symptoms of sadness, anxiety, or low self-esteem.

    Potentially Leading To
    Dependency issues, worsened depression, or health complications.

    17. Risky or Impulsive Behavior

    Warning Signs
    Engaging in impulsive spending, reckless driving, or unsafe activities without regard for personal safety.

    Root Causes
    Seeking temporary escape from pain, thrill-seeking as a coping method, or apathy towards consequences.

    Potentially Leading To
    Dangerous situations, health risks, and potential legal issues.

      Categories
      Happiness Achievement Personal Breakthrough

      Top 13 Symptoms of Anxiety

      Anxiety can stem from various causes, which might be psychological, genetic, environmental, or a combination of these factors. You can identify its symptoms and act upon them to be able to achieve peace of mind and happiness.

      1. Excessive Worrying
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Inability to Relax. Constant, uncontrollable worry, even during periods that should be restful. Worrying becomes constant, feels uncontrollable, and disrupts daily life.
        Root Causes: Chronic stress, genetic predisposition, or past trauma.
        What It Can Lead To: Difficulty focusing, fatigue, and impaired decision-making.
      1. Restlessness or Feeling “On Edge”
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Persistent sense of tension, irritability, or discomfort even when relaxed.
        Root Causes: High cortisol levels due to chronic stress, lifestyle changes, or overstimulation.
        What It Can Lead To: Irritability, inability to relax, and strained relationships.
      2. Fatigue
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Constant tiredness not relieved by rest, and increasing difficulty staying focused.
        Root Causes: Mental exhaustion from constant worrying, or physical symptoms of stress.
        What It Can Lead To: Reduced productivity, concentration issues, and emotional exhaustion.
      3. Difficulty Concentrating
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Memory lapses, frequent distractions, or inability to stay on task.
        Root Causes: Overthinking, intrusive thoughts, or high-stress levels that overload the mind.
        What It Can Lead To: Poor performance at work or school, and frustration in personal tasks.
      4. Irritability
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Overreacting to small triggers, mood swings, and avoiding interactions.
        Root Causes: Low tolerance for stress, mental fatigue, or low levels of serotonin.
        What It Can Lead To: Tension in relationships, self-criticism, and general dissatisfaction.
      5. Muscle Tension
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Headaches, chest pain, persistent neck, shoulder, or jaw tension, and pain that doesn’t improve.
        Root Causes: Physical manifestation of chronic stress, or habit of clenching muscles.
        What It Can Lead To: Frequent aches, headaches, and increased risk of injury.
      6. Sleep Disturbances
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Difficulty falling or staying asleep, and waking up still feeling tired.
        Root Causes: Racing thoughts, fear of the next day, or an overactive nervous system.
        What It Can Lead To: Daytime fatigue, mood swings, and memory.
      7. Panic Attacks
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Sudden, intense fear with heart palpitations, sweating, and dizziness.
        Root Causes: Intense stress, specific triggers, or a traumatic memory.
        What It Can Lead To: Fear of public places or situations, and agoraphobia.
      8. Social Withdrawal
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Avoiding friends, family, or gatherings and increasing isolation.
        Root Causes: Fear of judgment, past negative experiences, or insecurity.
        What It Can Lead To: Loneliness, relationship issues, and low self-esteem.
      9. Sweating and Rapid Heartbeat
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Frequent sweating, heart racing in everyday situations, and dizziness.
        Root Causes: Body’s fight-or-flight response, adrenaline surges, or social anxiety.
        What It Can Lead To: Fear of physical symptoms, social withdrawal, and health concerns.
      10. Gastrointestinal Issues
        Warning Signs / Physical Symptoms
        Recurring stomachaches, frequent stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation.
        Root Causes: Stress-induced inflammation, increased gut sensitivity, or poor diet.
        What It Can Lead To: Long-term digestive problems like IBS or acid reflux.
      11. Avoidance of Specific Situations
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Missing work, avoiding social situations, or neglecting responsibilities due to anxiety. Avoiding tasks or places, excuses for missing activities, and extreme discomfort.
        Root Causes: Fear of past experiences, phobias, or traumatic memories.
        What It Can Lead To: Phobias, limited opportunities, and decreased quality of life.
      12. Self-Doubt and Negative Self-Talk
        Warning Signs/Symptoms
        Constantly second-guessing decisions, self-blame, and avoiding new opportunities.
        Root Causes: Low self-esteem, fear of failure, or critical experiences from the past.
        What It Can Lead To: Low confidence, self-isolation, and possible depression.

      Common Causes of Anxiety

      Genetics
      Family history can play a role in developing anxiety, as anxiety disorders may run in families.

      Brain Chemistry
      Imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, can contribute to anxiety.
      Environmental Factors

      Stressful or traumatic life events (e.g., abuse, loss of a loved one, relationship issues) may trigger anxiety, especially if unresolved or ongoing.

      Medical Conditions
      Chronic illnesses (like diabetes or heart disease), hormonal imbalances, or neurological disorders can contribute to anxiety symptoms.

      Substance Abuse or Withdrawal
      Alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and drugs can either induce anxiety or worsen existing symptoms. Withdrawal from these substances can also lead to heightened anxiety.

      Personality Factors
      Certain personality types or traits, like perfectionism, introversion, or high sensitivity, might make someone more prone to anxiety.

      Cognitive Patterns
      Chronic negative thinking, a tendency to focus on worst-case scenarios, or having an “all-or-nothing” outlook can increase anxiety levels.

      Categories
      Personal Breakthrough

      What Discipline Really Means?

      You probably stumbled upon the word discipline since you were so little and got scared of it from the very beginning of your life, especially because we would mostly hear it when we got into trouble or we were prevented from not following it. And, regarding the title of this article, “What Discipline Really Means,” and addressing the redundant use of the word ‘really’, I can tell it is because in my experience made me relate the word discipline with an unpleasant emotion about a concept of being under arbitrary control, earned that is something you would do against your will and sorts, enough reasons to keep myself away from it as long as I could. Even I was practicing it in many ways distinctively from the former concept unknowingly, walking in life carrying a concept I was completely and ‘really’ misled about.

      After studying it, traveling around, and paying special attention during observation of people and vast nature, I now define the word discipline as written in my books, as “a habit you cultivate consciously.” – Jor. A concise definition, isn’t it? I tried to explain it as easiest as I could. And as minimal as it brings to existence flourishing ways of personal growth opportunities and great things if, of course, the discipline it has the direction of love, and this is maybe the most important thing when deciding which discipline you choose to cultivate in your life.

      I am happily mentioning some definitions by legendary knowledgeable and interesting minds that are or were part of the living, and we the readers and spectators are lucky their ideas resonated enough so we can print them and read them here, starting from the artists to the philosophers:

      The meaning of discipline to David Bowie (in the late 70’s)

      “Discipline doesn’t mean you wake in the morning and have breakfast at 8 o’clock in the morning and leave the house at half past 8. Discipline is, if you conceived some thing, then you decided wether or not it’s worth following through , and if it’s worth following through then you follow it through its logical conclusion and do it with the best of your ability, that’s a discipline. Wether there are areas in it that are not to ones liking, you have to go back the way through it and do it, and that’s what I do”

      David Bowie

      I especially like the part about “then you do it with the best of your ability,” it doesn’t only say much about what discipline means but it particularly says a lot about what discipline takes, and how amazing and mesmerizing things are achieved by it, such as in nature and arts, but how he saw work in general. This may be the way discipline should be followed.

      Camus’ quote about discipline

      In that daily effort in which intelligence and passion mingle and delight each other, the absurd man discovers a discipline that will make up the greatest of his strengths. The required diligence, doggedness and lucidity thus resemble the conqueror’s attitude. To create is likewise to give a shape to one’s fate.

      Alber Camus

      Here Albert Camus’ quote does not refer directly to the term discipline, but rather ‘a discipline’ and what it implies. It lets us know how discipline and its required determination bring an intended accomplishment.

      Martin Luther King Jr. referring to the importance of discipline

      “In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred. We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.”

      Martin Luther King Jr.

      There’s a great variety of registered times when Martin Luther King Jr. took time to speak about the intrinsic requirement to act following discipline to legitimize the power of the people.

      Discipline according to Epictetus

      “No greater thing is created suddenly… If you tell me that you desire a fig, I answer you that there must be time. Let it first blossom, then bear fruit, then ripen.”

      Epictetus

      I especially like the way he talks about affordability and sustainable living in the respectful interaction with the environment and nature, something not considered in the XX or XI century industrial realities, producers and consumers, a reality in our habits we need to asses daily.

      Discipline according to Seneca

      “Our life should observe a happy medium between the ways of a sage and the ways of the world at large; all men should admire it, but they should understand it also.”
      “The heart is great which shows moderation amid prosperity.”

      Seneca

      Again, and previously from Epictetus’ times, self-restraint as a form of discipline, focused on community and common good.

      Plato about discipline

      “Discipline is a kind of order. A master of pleasures and desires. And the person is described being in someway a master of himself”

      Plato (The Republic)

      Around 2500 years separate us from Plato, and fairly his ideas survived its era. Plato mentioned the concept of assessing and personal growth in many ways, and discipline is about you taking control of yourself, not being ruled instead.

      Conclusion

      Discipline is a must, and crucially deserves great attention and practice, once you discover its benefits in your own life you will only wish you started before you did, so start the change by cultivation, today, just after this reading is a good and the best of times. Enjoy!

      Categories
      Personal Breakthrough

      Instant Motivation With Motivational Videos

      Instant Motivation With Motivational Videos of movie scenes. Collection of videos that instantly motivate me to go and make things happen.

      Activate the.great achiever in you with this motivational videos, get inspired go for it, and finally get all you wanted.

      Any Given Sunday – Al Pacino Motivational Speech

      I don’t play American football and probably you either, but you can apply this way of seeing your goals and the need to achieve them, in any personal or business project that you might have. Al Pacino’s character tries to inspire and motivate the players with a dramatic motivational speech, where it draws the fact that the one the want to achieve the goal the most is the one that is going to be the one that is going to succeed on achieving it.

      Rocky – Silverster Stalone’s Inspirational Speech

      I probably didn’t watch and maybe you are not a big fun of Rocky movies, for many reasons. But, the speech that Rocky, played by Silvester Stalone, gives in this scene can be very moving and make you realize that change and your destiny are in your hands.

      Categories
      Meditation Personal Breakthrough

      Meditation – Techniques, Benefits, and More

      Meditation Practice

      The practice of meditation can bring many life-changing benefits to you. And incorporate the awareness of your full potential in your experience of life. How profound the effects of these benefits are going to affect your daily life depends on the intensity and/or regularity of the meditation practice.

      Benefits of Meditation – Scientific Findings

      It has been scientifically proven that the practice of meditation can provide practitioners with the following benefits:

      • Anxiety reduction by the constant repetition of mantras
      • Ease depression and anxiety. According to a study published by JAMA Internal Medicine
      • Break down negative personal habits and create new ones. This by the formation of new synapsis of existing neurons, and the creation of new neurons. According to a study by researchers in the US.
      • Prevent future relapses for people with substance consumption disorders. According to a study published by Substance Abuse Rehabilitation.

      Meditation Techniques and Types

      All meditation techniques differentiate one from the other on what their aims and approaches are.
      Remember that you don’t have to follow a strict approach or align your and with the traditional ones. You can feel free to adapt any of the techniques according to what feels more natural and beneficial to you.

      In the following list, I mention and describe some meditation techniques with high adoption across the world. These meditation techniques are easy to learn for you to start to practice, or to experience and decide to try another one:

      Breath Awareness Meditation

      Goals and Benefits: Reduce stress levels in your body, reduce the possibility of burnout for caregivers, regulate better your body’s reaction to fatigue and stress, better manage struggling situations like pain, helping to overcome depression — among others.

      Approach: Mindful breathing by focusing only on your breathing performance and ignoring other thoughts that can distract your disconnection from ‘reality.’

      Zen Meditation

      Goals and Benefits: Improve focus, increase creativity, improve memory, restore energy, acceptance and empathy building, ability to prioritize and plan, better manage struggling situations like pain, helping to overcome depression, and to foster a positive work attitude — among others.

      Approach: Focusing on your breathing performance, and mindfully observing your thoughts — all without judgment.

      Transcendental Meditation

      Goals and Benefits: Boost mindfulness and rise above the person’s current state of being.

      Approach: Breath slowly while repeating selected powerful mantras, chosen by the teacher or by the practitioner. Sometimes you can repeat a word or even a sound, to maintain concentration on the practice.

      Body Scan Meditation

      Goals and Benefits: Feeling of calmness, release body tension, and sometimes pain.

      Approach: Mentally scan your body for areas of tension to be released.

      Kundalini Yoga

      Goals and Benefits: The practice of Kundalini Yoga energizes your brain, give you the feeling of bliss, give you the feeling of awareness of a eternal cosmic power, and you become a more conscious person.

      Approach: It blends yoga movements with deep breathing and repetition or chanting of powerful mantras. These mantras can be given by the teacher or can be personal ones, as well.

      Mindfulness Meditation

      Goals and Benefits: The practice of Mindfulness Meditation can improve your power of focus, your memory capabilities, a better managing of your thoughts and emotions, a better managing of reactions and to lessen impulsive behaviors.

      Approach: Awareness of your present moment and your surroundings without any judgmental thoughts.

      How to do meditation: FAQ about meditation

      How often and for how long to do meditation?

      It depends on how badly you need to disconnect from the world. To determine the frequency of meditation practice and how long it is needed to last each time depend directly on how much your mind feels it needs it.
      Take into account that the more you practice meditation the better you will know what is best for you and the more natural its practice becomes for your body and mind.
      Recommendation about how often: Once or twice a day. There was some moment in my life when I had to meditate 5 times a day (while working in offices).
      Recommendation about how long each time: about the time you start to feel you are connecting enough with your unconscious and connecting more naturally with the rest of the universe or other high energy concepts you choose to connect with. It can go from 5 minutes(or less) to as long as you feel comfortable and have the time to practice it.

      You will feel and recognize which technique and which ways are working better for you, as well as the time and intensity.

      The changes in your mind processes and the feeling of a better connection with yourself, the others and what you want in life will be obvious enough for you to notice, and the situations that caused you anxiety before are going to have less power over your feelings and attention.

      What do I have to see or feel to know I’m doing meditation right?

      There is no need to carry expectations to the meditation practice. The experience you will have can be very unique, different from the others’, also different from time to time you practice it.
      This diversity of experiences is one of the fascinating characteristics of the meditation practice.

      Do I have to sit to do meditation?

      You don’t have to follow strictly any position. There are no strict rules for it. For example, practicing meditation with kundalini yoga or another kind of yoga you don’t need to sit. You can lie on your back or put yourself in any position, as long as you feel comfortable enough, so your mind doesn’t distract from trying to be in the ‘right’ position.

      How do I know if I am doing meditation right?

      When the true goal is to connect with higher levels of energy, there’s is no space for the classification of right or wrong. Judgemental views are not compatible with the meditation practice when your goal is to achieve spiritual growth.
      As long as you feel meditation provides you with positive effects in your daily life, and you feel you are practicing meditation enough and with an intensity that makes you feel good; everything is amazing, you can be grateful, enjoy it all.