Hey friends!
As I sit down to write this post, I’m feeling so refreshed and full of self-love. My mental health is in such a good place, and honestly, I haven’t felt this light and joyful in a while. This is the energy I want to stay in forever!
So, last Sunday after church, we decided to visit this place I’d been seeing everywhere—it kept popping up every time I searched for cool spots to check out in Glasgow. And honestly? We loved it. We spent the afternoon wandering through the Hunterian Art Gallary, taking in artwork from centuries past, created by some truly talented hands. Each piece had its own unique touch, but one artist really stood out to me: James Whistler. His work is bold, striking, and has a style that feels so confident. I could feel his personality come through in every brushstroke—it’s like the painting was speaking for him.
Before I go into sharing all the photos I snapped, let me give you a little background on the Hunterian Museum itself. It’s actually the oldest public museum in Scotland, and it houses an incredible collection spanning art, science, and the humanities. This collection is located at the University of Glasgow.
While I was poking around the website before writing this post, I came across this description that perfectly sums up what the Hunterian is all about: it's a space for exploration and experimentation, for enjoyment and reflection, and a hub for fostering equity, justice, and diversity in society. I love that this place is not just a museum but a community of ideas. They also offer learning opportunities for students at the University of Glasgow, which is pretty awesome.
What can you expect to see here?
You’ll find works by some big names like Whistler, Rembrandt, Rubens, and Mackintosh, as well as newer pieces by contemporary artists. Some of the highlights include Chardin's A Lady Taking Tea, Rembrandt's The Entombment, and Gavin Hamilton's Hector's Farewell to Andromache. I love that they’re also featuring a lot of women artists and other underrepresented voices.
The Hunterian Art Gallery also has one of Scotland's largest print collections, a sculpture courtyard, the Mackintosh House (which is a whole experience in itself), and they always have some contemporary art exhibitions on display. Admission charge for the Mackintosh House is (£10/£6) - last admission 4.15pm.
Here are the details you need if you want to visit:
- Entry: Free!
- Opening times: Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
- Getting there: It's part of the University of Glasgow campus, which is about 3km west of the city centre. You can hop on the subway to Hillhead Station or take buses 4 and 4A from the city centre to University Avenue. There’s also bike parking if you're cycling in!
- Address:University of Glasgow, 82 Hillhead St, Glasgow G12 8QQ
Quick history lesson!
The Hunterian dates back to 1807, thanks to a bequest from Dr. William Hunter an Anatomist, who left his vast collections to the University of Glasgow. Originally, everything was housed together, but over time, different sections moved around campus. Now, the zoology collections are in the Hunterian Zoology Museum, the art collections are in the Art Gallery, and books and manuscripts are in the University Library. It's all part of this rich, sprawling collection that’s worth exploring!
Honestly, this place has so much to offer, and I highly recommend checking it out if you're ever in Glasgow. It’s more than just a museum—it’s a whole experience that makes you think about art, culture, and the world in a new way.
These photos were taken on Sunday, September 29th, 2024, between 12:02 to 12:39 PM.
Time to share some photos with you all!
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Mushrooms are valued for their ability to enhance savory dishes with a rich, brothy flavor known as umami, and they’re packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Not only do they taste great, but they’re also healthy. Until recently, though, you might not have thought about adding them to your coffee.
Now, mushroom coffee is gaining popularity, with enthusiasts claiming it offers various health benefits, such as improved sleep, increased energy, better focus, enhanced immunity, and reduced inflammation.
Let’s explore whether the health claims surrounding mushroom coffee are valid.
Now, mushroom coffee is gaining popularity, with enthusiasts claiming it offers various health benefits, such as improved sleep, increased energy, better focus, enhanced immunity, and reduced inflammation.
Let’s explore whether the health claims surrounding mushroom coffee are valid.
What is mushroom coffee?
Mushroom coffee is typically made using medicinal mushrooms, not the typical ones you find at the grocery store. Common varieties in mushroom coffee blends include chaga, lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, king trumpet, and turkey tail, all selected for their potential health benefits. By the time these mushrooms are harvested, dried, and processed, their presence is often subtle, especially when mixed with coffee beans, cacao, or tea blends like matcha or chai. Most people describe the taste as "nutty" or "earthy," or they might not notice any flavor at all.
What are the potential health benefits of mushroom coffee?
The concept behind mushroom coffee is straightforward: to tap into the health advantages of medicinal mushrooms in a convenient and (hopefully) tasty coffee drink.
Many mushroom coffee brands highlight the use of mushrooms in traditional medicine, tracing back thousands of years to Chinese and Ayurvedic practices. They claim benefits like improved mental and physical performance, enhanced immunity, and better sleep. Some even suggest that mushroom coffee could aid in weight loss by boosting metabolism and fat burning.
However, there’s a lack of research on medicinal mushrooms specifically involving humans. While studies on cells or animals do show promising health benefits from consuming medicinal mushrooms, it’s unclear if the same effects apply to humans.
So, is mushroom coffee worth trying?
Possibly. Mushrooms come with various health benefits. A recent review published in the journal Molecules suggests that the medicinal mushrooms commonly found in many coffee blends can boost immunity and may help regulate metabolism. Their high antioxidant content might also contribute to slowing down the aging process.
That said, there’s still a shortage of well-structured clinical trials on humans. Plus, none of the existing research directly involves mushroom coffee, so it’s uncertain whether any health benefits survive the processing and blending of mushrooms into coffee drinks.
In the end, swapping your regular cup of coffee for mushroom coffee might not be harmful, especially if you're okay with paying a little more. However, you might get more benefits by enjoying a side of shiitake mushrooms with your morning eggs and coffee. They’re low in calories and fat, high in fiber, and tasty to boot!
It’s super easy to brush off the signs that you might need some help with anxiety or depression. Often, the signs aren’t glaringly obvious. We might notice small shifts in our mood or behavior but attribute them to getting older—like when your muscles feel a bit weaker or your mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be.
Sometimes we think, “Of course I’m worried; I have heart issues,” or “Of course I feel down; I’m not as important as I once was.” But here’s the thing: feeling sad (like, really sad) or anxious doesn’t have to be just part of aging. Acknowledging and addressing these feelings can really help you feel better and make the most of life.
Symptoms to Look Out For
Recognizing anxiety and depression often means taking a moment to reflect honestly on how you’re feeling and behaving. Here are some signs to consider:
Signs of Depression and Anxiety
Apathy. Have you noticed that the things you used to love don’t excite you anymore? Does life feel a bit empty? These can be telltale signs of depression.
Feeling Helpless or Hopeless. Do you often think that there’s not much you or anyone else can do to improve your situation? If you feel stuck in this mindset, it could point to depression.
Changes in Habits. Are your eating or sleeping patterns all over the place? Whether you’re eating too much, not enough, or reaching for that extra drink more often than usual, these changes can be signs of depression.
Persistent Fatigue. Sure, it’s normal to feel wiped out after a long day, but if you’re feeling tired all the time, it could be linked to anxiety or depression. Sometimes, it might even be due to a medical issue like an underactive thyroid.
Difficulty Focusing or Making Decisions. If you find it hard to make choices because you’re constantly worrying about making the wrong one, or if you struggle to pay attention, that could be a sign of anxiety or depression.
Mood Swings. If you’re feeling irritable or finding it hard to control your emotions, frequent mood swings could indicate something deeper going on.
Unending Worry. Are you stuck in a cycle of worrying about everything instead of enjoying the moment? This kind of constant worry might be tied to an anxiety disorder.
Wanting to Be Alone. Enjoying some time alone to read or meditate is one thing, but if you’re isolating yourself because interacting with others feels too draining, that could be a sign of depression.
What You Should Do
Experiencing one or more of these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you have anxiety or depression. But if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or less joyful in life, it might be time to reach out for help.
Start by talking to family and friends. Share your feelings with those who you know will be understanding and supportive. If you feel hesitant about opening up to loved ones, consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor.
When anxiety hits, it often brings along some not-so-fun physical symptoms like headaches, an upset stomach, or feeling breathless. If you've been dealing with these issues, it’s worth considering that your emotions might be the real culprits, not just some random bug.
A big player in this is your autonomic nervous system. It’s the part of your body that takes care of things without you even thinking about it—like your heart rate, breathing, and digestion. It kicks into gear when you feel threatened, triggering your fight-or-flight response, which is your body’s way of helping you either defend yourself or get out of a tricky situation.
But when stress or anxiety hits, this system can go into overdrive, leading to all those annoying physical symptoms. Doctors often see patients who have real discomfort but no clear medical reason for it. In our fast-paced world, many of us might start experiencing these symptoms without realizing that anxiety is at play. This can create a nasty cycle: stress leads to physical symptoms, and then worrying about those symptoms makes everything worse. The more you fixate on what you’re feeling, the more intense those feelings can get. It can be overwhelming, leaving you stuck in a loop of anxiety and discomfort.
This might not happen over night, but parents can help preschoolers sleep in their own beds. This might not happen over night, but parents can help preschoolers sleep in their own beds.
Step one: Understand the process
Children always want to sleep with their parents. This is because they feel loved and protected while also enjoying a snuggle. Most parents need privacy, but make sure you are emotionally ready before starting the sleep-ahead process.
If during this process you notice that the child becomes more irritable than usual, you should see a doctor.
The sleeping space has to be appealing. Nothing can replace you. A relaxed room makes it easier for the child to sleep. Decorate the room. Let the room represent the child's personality. Example: If the child likes angels or a particular character, let the wall paper be an artwork with their favorite character.
Add details that suit the child: if the child likes a bright room, use light curtains, but if they like a dark room, use light-blocking curtains. While the child is adjusting to the change, use white noise to help them sleep better. Avoid TV, iPad, or devices in the bedroom. These devices change their sleep patterns.
Create a consistent bedtime schedule. Avoid letting the child stay up late.
A consistent and calming bedtime routine is important. To help lower the energy level, give them a bath and snuggle with them while reading a bedtime story. This helps them wind down and end the day with you being the last face they see before they sleep off.
If your child finds it difficult to go to bed, you can sit in the room. Try to gradually shorten the time you are in the room.
If the child gets out of bed, take them back to bed. The child might not like it, but you need to not give in. Take them back to their room.
Let the child know you appreciate the progress. You can use a reward system, but be careful not to overdo it in order not to pass the right message.
If nothing is working and you notice the child getting really upset, it is advisable to talk to your doctor.
Photo by Artem Podrez
Step one: Understand the process
Children always want to sleep with their parents. This is because they feel loved and protected while also enjoying a snuggle. Most parents need privacy, but make sure you are emotionally ready before starting the sleep-ahead process.
If during this process you notice that the child becomes more irritable than usual, you should see a doctor.
Step two: Changing habits
When you change where your child sleeps, it also means you are changing the child's habit. Here are some tips to help the child change the habit to start sleeping alone:
When you change where your child sleeps, it also means you are changing the child's habit. Here are some tips to help the child change the habit to start sleeping alone:
The sleeping space has to be appealing. Nothing can replace you. A relaxed room makes it easier for the child to sleep. Decorate the room. Let the room represent the child's personality. Example: If the child likes angels or a particular character, let the wall paper be an artwork with their favorite character.
Add details that suit the child: if the child likes a bright room, use light curtains, but if they like a dark room, use light-blocking curtains. While the child is adjusting to the change, use white noise to help them sleep better. Avoid TV, iPad, or devices in the bedroom. These devices change their sleep patterns.
Create a consistent bedtime schedule. Avoid letting the child stay up late.
A consistent and calming bedtime routine is important. To help lower the energy level, give them a bath and snuggle with them while reading a bedtime story. This helps them wind down and end the day with you being the last face they see before they sleep off.
If your child finds it difficult to go to bed, you can sit in the room. Try to gradually shorten the time you are in the room.
If the child gets out of bed, take them back to bed. The child might not like it, but you need to not give in. Take them back to their room.
Let the child know you appreciate the progress. You can use a reward system, but be careful not to overdo it in order not to pass the right message.
If nothing is working and you notice the child getting really upset, it is advisable to talk to your doctor.
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