Self Esteem and Mental Health

When my kids were younger they attended a camp that taught them the “I’m Third” mentality. I believe they try to practice that now that they are older and I am so glad! God first, others second and self last. A servant’s mentality is a sure way to help you find fulfillment and happiness. It is important to consider other’s needs before your own.

Looking out for the needs of others, however, does not mean that it is not also important to have a measured and realistic view of your own worth. C.S.Lewis, in speaking about the dangers of pride, felt that to think “I’m no more special than anyone else” was not the best way to approach humility. A better approach was to think “everyone is as special as me.” Lift everyone up. Don’t put down. Each one of us is unique. One of a kind. Each of us is created in the image of a God who is beyond our wildest, but limited imagination. We are SO SPECIAL! Recognizing how special we are is healthy.

Mental health is not promoted by false humility, self put downs, or reminding one’s self of one’s shortcomings. It is improved by admiring your own progress and accomplishments. When you work hard and produce a good product, or promote a good cause, there is nothing wrong with congratulating yourself. Do your very best, and then admire what you have done. Nothing wrong with that! Admiring the glory of a sunset is healthy. But the sunset tonight does not diminish yesterday’s sunset. And your worth does not diminish your neighbors. I really believe that we do not value ourselves or each other enough. We certainly do not need to value ourselves less. We need to value others more.

While we are admiring ourselves, in order to have the greatest mental health and stability, we also must remember that we cannot take credit for ourselves by ourselves. No one is self-made. We are created. We reflect the glory of our creator. We are not the sun but reflect the light. So let us lay aside our impurities, work hard to better reflect the glory of our God and let the potential within shine!

Pains In The Neck

I, like many others, suffer from neck pain. Oftentimes the neck pain can lead to a severe headache. According to a recent article in Surgical Technology International, unhealthy posturing due to cell phone usage may be one of the culprits. According to KENNETH K. HANSRAJ, MD, the increased flexion of the neck during cell phone usage greatly increases the stress on the cervical spine.   See https://cbsminnesota.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/spine-study.pdf

The weight experienced by the spine greatly increases as the neck flexes forward. If the head tilts forward 15 degrees the cervical spine sees a force of 27 pounds. At 30 degrees that increases to 40 pounds and at 60 degrees it surges to 60 pounds. That is how I feel after I have been bent over for a while. It is as if I have had a 60 pound weight on my neck. Now I find out that the reason I feel like that is because it is true!

Figure 1 – Neck flexion. Hansraj, KK MD. Assessment of stresses in the cervical spine caused by posture and position of the head. Surgical Technology International 2014; 25 (277-279).

What can be done about this? It is not practical to avoid a cellphone.  You might as well try to avoid needing food. But there are a few improvements and adjustments that can be implemented.

1. Use good posture as often as possible (your ears should be above your shoulders and your shoulder blades retracted)

2. Make sure your pillow at night gives you a healthy alignment

3. If you work on a computer screen, practice good ergonomics

4. Avoid carrying heavy bags on your shoulders

5. When you develop neck pain, icing and heat and gentle massage may be helpful.

And of course, there is always the option of fewer video games on your phone and using the speaker mode when talking!!

A Warning – Danger Ahead!

LOVER OF SELF
LOVER OF MONEY
PROUD
ARROGANT
SLANDEROUS
SWOLLEN WITH CONCEIT
RECKLESS

According to 2 Timothy 3:2-5 such people should be avoided!

WHICH PUBLIC FIGURE COMES TO MIND WHEN YOU READ THIS LIST?