Mental Health

In Defense of a Controversial Blog Name

November 2, 2018 By Ashley McKeown 12 Comments

When I finally decided to start blogging, I didn’t struggle to come up with content; what I struggled with was giving my blog a name.

What’s in a name?

Though Everybody’s Fed, Nobody’s Dead was the obvious choice, I was worried that it might hurt feelings. My husband and I went round and round for weeks trying to find something that we felt was right. We asked others to weigh in on the name; though most people we asked found the name acceptable, a few found it insensitive.

More than once I considered scratching the name and picking something generic and bland, hoping to appeal to a broader audience. [Read more…] about In Defense of a Controversial Blog Name

Essential Oil Blend to Help Fight Insomnia

October 31, 2018 By Ashley McKeown Leave a Comment

Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional, and am in no way promoting essential oils as a way to cure any ailments. You should only use essential oils with caution, especially for children and pregnant women.

I’m a terrible sleeper.

I’ve always battled insomnia and exhaustion, and I’ll admit that I probably don’t have the best sleep hygiene. I’m a night owl who stays up way too late. Then I struggle to fall asleep, as I know I face a night of tossing and turning. Bad dreams leave me feeling unrested, and I oversleep, leading to feeling overtired.

Even though I was finally diagnosed with sleep apnea in 2018, I still struggle with falling asleep. [Read more…] about Essential Oil Blend to Help Fight Insomnia

How to Use Your 5 Senses to Practice Intentional Mindfulness

October 23, 2018 By Ashley McKeown Leave a Comment

If you missed the first part of this post, pause and go read What is Intentional Mindfulness, and How Do You Practice It?

Intentional Mindfulness is really about using your 5 senses to engage in what’s around you.

These skills are always with you and can be used anywhere, and they’re often the key to calming your mind.

Whether it’s because you’re having a panic attack and need to feel grounded, or you’re feeling so angry that you want to explode, engaging your 5 senses will allow you to get out of your head and concentrate on your body.

[Read more…]

What is Intentional Mindfulness, and How Do You Practice It?

October 23, 2018 By Ashley McKeown 2 Comments

What is intentional mindfulness, and how do you practice it?

Well first, let me tell you that I am a terrible multitasker.

I don’t try to pretend I’m not, but I’ve always wondered why I don’t seem to have this amazing quality that so many women seem to possess. My husband’s been frustrated more than once at my inability to listen to him AND watch a movie at the same time. Cooking three things at once sends me into a complete panic, and I need complete silence to read or work. My home is always covered in never-ending to-do lists that I struggle to keep up with.

[Read more…]