Overcoming PTSD & OCD: Powerful Routines of a Nigerian Creative | PT 3

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 GET ACTIVE: THE FOUNDATION OF WELLNESS

We age according to how much stress, anxiety, depression, and muscle atrophy we experience.

Yes, we might fabricate our age for as long as we can.

But the grey hairs and wrinkles are no respecter of persons.

They come to stay and we better make peace with them. - Provoe 

The Creative Body

Our sedentary lifestyle has been proven to be the leading cause of back pain. As I write this article, I am on my feet, moving my body to some great Amapiano playlist - I prefer music with words I don't understand, so my mind can wander without distraction.

Going to the gym regularly may be difficult but you have all the weight you need to flex those muscles - Calisthenics will be your best friend.

It includes Push-ups, squats, stretches, pull-ups, planks... and all sorts of exercises that need no equipment. Though aging is known to sneak up on you, moving your body is vital to checkmate the process.

For example, being creative and suffering from OCD, I realized my tendency to obsess over details led to more time spent on each project. I would sit in front of my computer for long hours, determined to elevate my creativity to higher levels.

I manage to wear myself out, with a gradual increase in back pains. When it becomes unbearable, I take a break. This is unsustainable and I have begun taking active steps to add body movement to my work sessions.

As a creative person involved in multiple projects at a time, my health has to be factored into my definition of success. This means moving my body as often as I can remember.

The African Psychotherapist considering study abroad scholarships

The Creative Mind

The past 7 years have been a blur, as my obsession with self-improvement had me isolated and lonely. Personal reflective brainstorming with stimulating music in the background helped me integrate life lessons, calibrating my memories and sharpening my imagination.

This serves as a lubricant for the psyche, helping a troubled mind get some relief from life's constant stimulation, to avoid psychosis. Just like the body the mind also needs exercise to stay healthy and sharp.

Sometimes creators deliberately use their brains to solve day-to-day maths rather than relying on a calculator. Strategy-based games like chess, scrabble, and more can also help to stimulate the brain.

Other stimulating exercises may include recalling phone numbers, names, and dates of events, keeping the memory sound and long-lasting. This stimulation keeps the creative juices flowing for a very long time.

The mind grows cloudy and chaotic when left idle with no beneficial tasks to keep the wheels turning. "Continuing Education Courses" are advisable for general mental health awareness to boost our knowledge of how the mind works.

Leveraging online resources, you may consider audiobooks, podcasts, life coaches, online courses, or therapy sessions. I make an effort to improve my mental health by regulating my emotions, observing my thoughts, and curating my environment. This has been super helpful with the bipolar disorder symptoms I experience.

An African creative releasing stress through his voice

The Creative Voice

A well-trained voice serves a great purpose beyond singing.

Speaking with a well-toned voice conveys a depth of vocal cord mastery, vital for communication, which could boost confidence and self-esteem.

When delivered with a powerful voice, your speech can pack a punch, as a mastered voice commands more respect and helps build a reputation easily.

During affirmations, when you practice your self-talk, your words are more powerful when vocalized with the right energy and tone.

Speaking with clarity fosters better understanding and becoming a good communicator has great educational psychology benefits - people listen when you talk.

Your Mental health in the workplace can also be improved when your voice is appropriately toned. Your colleagues and bosses develop more respect for you when you can communicate confidently during meetings or when negotiating with customers (usually strangers).

The voice is a vital element of the human experience and mastering its use is a golden ticket.

A well-trained voice will do great wonders in your romantic life as well.

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