@valo
@valo
How mental exhaustion can waste your life Mental exhaustion is feeling drained of all energy, and as it proceeds, motivation starts declining rapidly, as well. This problem is typically a result of stress or long-term overload. It can make even simple tasks feel impossible and leaves people feeling foggy, forgetful, and emotionally unstable. In severe cases, it can lead to clinical depression or anxiety disorders. *Sometimes it feels like your head will burst from the racing…
@valo
Understanding the vibrant spectrum of neuropsychological conditions I decided to elaborate on my earlier article about neurodivergence. In the context of neurodiversity, a spectrum often hints at autism, though, I would say that this is valid for any neuropsychological condition. And I strongly dislike the word “condition” since we are not ill but I cannot think of a good alternative. Feel free to suggest substitutes. Neurodiversity refers to conditions such as autism…
@valo
The dire lack of freedom to express yourself in social media Today's post was supposed to be different. In fact, I wrote it yesterday, so it was just waiting for the Publish button to be pressed over the several platforms that I have started sharing my thoughts on. Ironically, the title of my article is "Taking Control of Your Destiny: Overcoming External Obstacles in Life", where I was mentioning how the Western world swears by our freedom to be who we are. *Being silenced…
@valo
Taking Control of Your Destiny: Overcoming External Obstacles in Life Our lives are intricately connected and we affect each other more than we realise. In developed countries we often speak about freedom and claim to be able to express ourselves aloud, state our opinions, and make decisions for ourselves… but is this actually true? Society forms strong opinions about various topics and anybody who disagrees is some kind of an outcast. The lack of understanding, acceptance…
@valo
Hi, are posts including several photos and just a couple of sentences acceptable? Posts on a blogging platform are supposed to be like articles but do such count? Does anybody know if our dear green friend will ignore them?
@valo
I'm obsessed about digital art, and decided to come back to noise.cash. I was active last November but there weren't many people here sharing artworks. Here is something I created recently. #fractal #art #digitalart #abstract
@valo
This pretty flower is so happy to enjoy some sunshine. I don't know its name but I like the white tips of its petals.
@valo
The first post to read.cash after a several months' break. The direction has changed a bit but mental health is an important topic, so it's never redundant to bring it up. https://read.cash/@valo/the-painful-grip-of-mental-health-problems-e6abecf5
@valo
I like this quote by Eleanor Roosevelt - Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people. Some people focus on some petty things like gossiping and envy, which is really annoying and sad at the same time. I try to stay away from them but sometimes it gets lonely. At least online one can find communities to one's liking.
@valo
How Art Can Help You Discover Your True Self Everybody has an artistic side *You do not need special tools or knowledge to understand yourself better. (**Photo by Maurício Mascaro from Pexels**)* https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-magnifying-glass-712786/ Art in its many forms is an excellent way of letting go of stress. I find that listening to music, painting, handcrafting or doing some other form of artistic expression helps me relax and lets go of the anxiety…
@valo
Blue signs of spring Spring and gloominess don't usually go hand in hand but I decided to break the stereotype anyway.
@valo
A closeup reveals intricate details of flowers. I like seeing pollen on the stamens but maybe this flower was still too young.
@valo
Are you familiar with neurodivergence? https://read.cash/@valo/the-truth-about-neurodivergence-the-natural-variations-between-human-brains-1469b661
@valo
A fairly simple artwork but I like the contrast. It's like fire meeting water and fighting with each other with embers sparkling around. Digital art is downplayed by some but it comes with its own merits.
@valo
Spring flowers to welcome the warm weather This will be a slightly unusual post. More visual, few words. Spring has come late this year, 2-3 weeks later than usual. Flowers have made it out of the ground anyway. I am always impatient from the moment I see the first ones budding. Rain is back, so I thought that I should at least look through my photos. Here are some I have taken in the past years. Some are quite old but I still like them. Enjoy the spring or summer, whichever…
@valo
Waves of molten metal - that's how I would describe this picture... just that I'm not aware of any blue metals but who knows, maybe it's plutonium, which glows in blue because of its radioactivity.
@valo
Since this is a photography group, I can show one of my cameras. This Spotmatic is still in regular use. Film photography carries a special kind of charm. #photography #camera #filmphotography #lightpainting #longexposure
@valo
I can't help but agree with Charles Swindoll: "Life is ten percent what happens to you and ninety percent how you respond to it" Our mind often creates wrong images of reality and we start believing that we are incapable. Imposter syndrome can prevent us from reaching our potential. #selfhelp #psychology #inspiration #motivation
@valo
Autism — An Intricate Puzzle of Traits That Persist Throughout Life No, it is not a disease that needs a cure In my recent posts about neurodiversity, I mentioned autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that carries a negative connotation, though many of the typical traits are significantly overlooked. Autistic people may have deficits in social communication and interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour or interests, and…
@valo
I am fascinated by marine life. Jellyfish are primal creatures, yet their elegance is impressive. There is something beautiful about highly symmetrical objects, and they are no exceptions. The aquarium where this beauty was floating had LED lights changing their colour, all the way from red to what was supposed to be violet, though it looked more pinkish purple. I wanted to capture this deep sky blue shade and had to shoot many times, but I managed in the end. #photography…
@valo
This is an old artwork of mine. I like symmetry, though often the pictures produced in Weave Silk end up looking rather similar to each other. At least I modified the colours a bit in Photoshop. #digitalart #abstract #symmetry #art
@valo
Improving your mental health when you are feeling stuck Take your time and explore yourself *Feeling trapped and stuck is a common state in the stressful world we live in. (**Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash)* https://unsplash.com/photos/ksMmG5vk9pE A week ago, I decided to start blogging about topics that interest me and such that have been affecting me. Without pouring my heart and soul and consciously or unconsciously asking for pity, I tried summarising my…
@valo
Pink beauty from last year. I have no idea what it's called, it's not a local species. Looking forward to more flowers blooming in the wild and in parks. #photography #flower #originalcontent #nature #naturephotography
@valo
This picture is abstract but actually AI-generated using the prompt "tree struck by lightning". When rotated 90 degrees, it looks like simple wiggly lines. It's amazing what AI can do. I used Wombo Dream for that.
@valo
What is a mental breakdown? No, it is not attention-seeking A mental breakdown can be a terrifying experience. It can feel like you are losing control of your mind and body. You may feel overwhelmed, scared, or out of control. A mental breakdown can lead to intense feelings of anxiety, panic attacks, or even thoughts of suicide. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency seek help right away! Don’t face the battle alone! *Just like this burned-down bus, our brains can…
@valo
Mental health should never be underestimated. It's as important as physical health. The moment the body starts sending signs that something isn't right, we have to stop and listen. How mental exhaustion can waste your life? read.cash/@valo/how-mental-exhaustion-can-waste-your-life-35e7e132 #mentalhealth #health #life #wellbeing #depression #anxiety #breakdown
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This one looks like a hot blue star radiating into space with those spikes everywhere. Maybe there are planets holding life around it. Made with Flamelet.
@valo
It's not winter anymore but I was going through my old photos and came across this one. The ice crystals form a sugar-like coating on top of these berries. #photography #originalcontent #winter #berry #cold #ice #snow
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What Does It Mean to Be Aware, to Understand and To Accept? A story about quantum computers, flowers and autism *Begonias are beautiful house plants blooming in various colours. (**Photo: Pixabay**)* https://pixabay.com/photos/begonias-flowers-pink-flowers-6466129/ Are you aware of this? Awareness implies that you are familiar with the existence of something. It might be a common everyday item, a concept you have heard about at university, or maybe you have come across…
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Looks like a nebula to me. Nebulae are beautiful space objects that are full of light chemical elements. They’re the birthplace of stars and planets. Did you know that there are a few smudged "stars" on the sky that are actually not stars or planets? In the Northern hemisphere, one can see Andromeda - a galaxy - and the Orion nebula. There are more objects in the Southern hemisphere. #digitalart #abstract #galaxy #art
@valo
Soft pink and lilac - a successful combination I would say. The flowers are actually dried. I like macrophotography and abused shallow depth of field here to make the image look peaceful. #photography #macro #macrophotography #pink #lilac #flower
@valo
How often do you think about the future? How far do you plan ahead? Do you have any dreams for yourself and what you would like to accomplish in 1, 5, or 10 years? The future belongs to those who prepare for it today. -Malcolm X #future #quote #selfhelp #psychology #inspiration #motivation
@valo
Supportive words or demands for perfectionism? *A bullseye hit is a piece of cake… right? (**Photo by icon0.com from Pexels**)* https://www.pexels.com/photo/green-dart-pointed-to-dartboard-226579/ There is a fine line between being encouraged in a supportive manner and consistently hearing others’ expectations of you. Sometimes friends or loved ones believe that they help by saying that you have always done great; of course, the next challenge or exam will go fine. You are…
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Digital Art: A Fun and Creative Way to Express Yourself You do not need to be gifted *An abstract artwork I created using Flamelet.* Art, in its many forms, is an excellent way of letting go of stress. It can be a form of self-expression, self-discovery, or simply a way to spend some time experimenting with new techniques and mediums. This type of art can be created using various software programs or online tools, and there are no limits to what you can create. There are…
@valo
This beautiful pattern is part of a Mandelbrot fractal. The colour scheme available in the Frax app was absolutely great (I'm not affiliated with them) and I'm really happy with the results. The vortex is pulling in matter from outside. #fractal #art #digitalart #abstract #bright #pink
@valo
Is noise.cash down for you, too? I'm not able to open it today.
@valo
Among the best things one can do in order to stay healthy is to go out and relax in nature. My entry for the contest is a magnificent river going over mossy stones up in the mountains. It was magical sitting by the water and enjoying its soothing sound. In our fast-paced, constantly-connected world, it's more important than ever to take time for yourself and get back to basics. One of the best ways to do that is by spending time in nature. Not only is it good for your…
@valo
There are a variety of neuropsychological conditions that can impact an individual's ability to think, learn, remember, and concentrate. Some of the most common disorders are Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and stroke. The list also includes neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism and ADHD. These conditions can cause significant changes in an individual's cognitive function, which can significantly impact their everyday life. They can cause a wide range of symptoms,…
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What ADHD Does to Your Brain Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a neurodevelopmental condition characterised by problems with focus, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness. People with ADHD often have a harder time paying attention in class or completing tasks at work, leading to difficulties in social settings. ADHD can also lead to mood swings and problems with self-esteem. Lack of understanding by peers, friends and family members predisposes the person to…
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A spring bird hunt **No worries, no birds were harmed.** It was a warm spring day, so I went for a walk. In a ditch by the road, I saw a pair of ducks, a male and a female. The lady quickly hid in the vegetation, but the male bravely crossed the asphalted road and moved to the other side of the forest. I had my camera and managed to take some photos. I was not the only one happy to feel the warming air. Other birds were chirping everywhere, jumping from one branch to…
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Self-reliance vs self-sufficiency: The Difference is crucial to your happiness Self-Reliance vs Self-Sufficiency: The Difference Is Crucial to Your Happiness *Pulling through one situation after the other forever is certainly not a happy life.* *(Photo: Pixabay)* https://www.pexels.com/photo/wood-firewood-hot-smoke-10740532/ Life is not meant to be survived In psychology, many terms start with “self”. There is self-esteem, self-confidence, self-worth, and self-expression,…
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Why Do Neurodivergent People Have Quirky Special Interests? Are we the only ones? *Special interests can be anything, so it is no surprise that some may sound weird. (Author’s photo)* Most people have one or two special interests that they focus on intensely. Maybe it’s stamp collecting, bird watching, or spending hours tinkering with cars. For neurodivergent people such as those having autism or ADHD, special interests often take centre stage in their lives. Special…
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The Benefits of Supportive Relationships and How to Handle Toxic Ones Throw the rose-tinted glasses right now *Rose-tinted glasses may make life more pleasant, but they do not solve any problems. (**Source: Canva**)* https://www.canva.com/media/MAD_3jCfwpY People are social animals. We need to gather and do joint activities. Sadly, this comes with upsides and downsides. Many people are supportive and help us grow. Still, there are plenty who are critical and negative about…
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The Journey to Recovery from a Mental Breakdown: Back to Step One Re-sitting an exam on life lessons *Everything in life is an exam.* *(Photo: Pixabay)* https://www.pexels.com/photo/crop-woman-writing-in-notebook-7516537/ In the past three weeks, I have been recovering well from the mental breakdown I experienced in April. I thought that I had left that world behind and headed on the way to a better, more balanced life. Well, recovery is not a stroll in the park. An event…
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What causes one to stop dreaming? This is a profound question, and I have no claims to be an expert. I am just sharing my thoughts. **What is a dream?** A dream is more than a wish. It is something we yearn for and something that would bring a feeling of fulfilment if it comes true. Then how come somebody would give up their dream? Worse, **How can someone stop dreaming altogether?** This is an alarming sign that such a person is going through deep struggles. They might be…
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I'm so grateful for your kind support @Jento! I hope my future content will be worthy of it.
@valo
Living with ADHD: struggles with time management and executive functioning *Time management is a real struggle. Many neurotypical individuals have issues with it, but in neurodivergent people, it is particularly impaired.* ***(Photo: Pixabay)*** https://pixabay.com/illustrations/clock-time-management-time-3222267/ People with ADHD often struggle with time management and executive functioning. This can impact many areas of life, including academics, work, and personal…
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Simplicity: The New Luxury *Materialism brings joy but not true happiness.* *(Photo: Unsplash)* https://unsplash.com/photos/fqUBQejVYDM The beauty of simple life Nowadays, people are longing for simplicity. We are overwhelmed with choices and options, and many of us feel like we don't have enough time in the day to get everything done. This is why easy and simple solutions are becoming more and more popular. People are looking for ways to facilitate their lives, so they can…
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You Fool, You Failed Again! — A Life Lesson on Perfectionism A personal experience meeting the reality of failed goals Being ashamed of one’s failures is toxic for one’s mental health and deters success. (Photo: Canva Pro) https://www.canva.com/media/MADR_kkGEa4 There are times when one feels ashamed of their mistakes. You may worry that others will see you as incompetent or unworthy if they know about your errors. This leads to a perfectionist mindset, where you feel the…
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My Month of Mental Health Awareness: Key Lessons and Observations in 10 stories I am stealing a great idea by @Jane to write an article based on the titles of my post from the past month. *A recap of the articles I published in May 2022 on Medium about mental health.* *(Photo: Pexels)* https://www.pexels.com/photo/scrabble-tiles-surrounded-by-beautiful-flowers-6947396/ May 2022 marks the beginning of a journey to spread knowledge and awareness about mental health,…