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The Benefits of Incorporating Egyptian Mindfulness Practices into Therapy

Mindfulness is a powerful tool that can be used to improve mental health and well-being. In recent years, therapists have been incorporating mindfulness practices from various cultures, including ancient Egypt, into therapy to help their clients improve their mental health. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of incorporating Egyptian mindfulness practices into therapy.

Cultural Roots

One of the benefits of incorporating Egyptian mindfulness practices into therapy is that it can tap into the cultural roots of mental health. Ancient Egyptians believed in the healing properties of their culture and incorporated it into their daily lives. For example, they would visit temples to receive healing and guidance from the gods.

In therapy, clients can tap into the cultural roots of mental health by incorporating Egyptian mindfulness practices. By learning about the ancient Egyptian beliefs and practices, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. They can also connect with the ancient Egyptians and the way they viewed the world and the mental health.

Connection to the Inner Self

Egyptian mindfulness practices can also help clients connect with their inner selves. The practices involve focusing on the present moment, which can help clients gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

For example, one Egyptian mindfulness practice is the “Eye of Horus” meditation, which involves focusing on the symbol of the Eye of Horus. The symbol is associated with the god Horus and represents the ability to see and understand the world. By focusing on the symbol, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

Relaxation and Stress Reduction

Incorporating Egyptian mindfulness practices into therapy can also be beneficial for relaxation and stress reduction. The practices involve deep breathing and meditation, which can help clients to relax and reduce stress.

For example, one Egyptian mindfulness practice is the “Nile River” meditation, which involves focusing on the sound of the Nile River. The sound of the river is soothing and can help clients to relax and reduce stress.

Spiritual Connection

Egyptian mindfulness practices can also help clients to connect with their spiritual side. The practices involve connecting with the divine, which can help clients to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

For example, one Egyptian mindfulness practice is the “Temple of Isis” meditation, which involves focusing on the temple of the goddess Isis. The temple is associated with the goddess of motherhood and fertility, and by focusing on the temple, clients can connect with their spiritual side and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

Incorporating Egyptian Mindfulness Practices into Therapy

There are many ways to incorporate Egyptian mindfulness practices into therapy. One way is to have clients practice the “Eye of Horus” meditation. Clients can focus on the symbol of the Eye of Horus and meditate on its meaning and significance. This can be a powerful way to connect with the ancient Egyptians and the way they viewed the world and mental health.

Another way to incorporate Egyptian mindfulness practices into therapy is to use them as a tool for relaxation and stress reduction. Clients can practice the “Nile River” meditation and focus on the sound of the Nile River to relax and reduce stress.

In addition, ancient Egyptians believed in the healing properties of yoga and movement. Therapists can incorporate yoga and movement techniques inspired by ancient Egypt into therapy sessions to help clients connect with their bodies and emotions.

Conclusion

Incorporating Egyptian mindfulness practices into therapy can be beneficial for clients in many ways. The practices can tap into the cultural roots of mental health, help clients connect with their inner selves, provide relaxation and stress reduction, and connect with spiritual side.

By incorporating Egyptian mindfulness practices into therapy, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. These practices can be incorporated as a complementary approach to the therapy session. It should always be used under the guidance of a trained therapist. It can be helpful to consult with a therapist who has knowledge and understanding of the ancient Egyptian culture and its practices to get the most out of incorporating these practices into therapy.

Incorporating Egyptian mindfulness practices into therapy can also be beneficial for clients from diverse cultural backgrounds as it can help them to connect with their cultural roots and gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. It can also provide a sense of cultural validation and empowerment, which can be crucial for some clients in their healing process.

In conclusion, incorporating Egyptian mindfulness practices into therapy can be a powerful tool for improving mental health and well-being. By tapping into the cultural roots of mental health, connecting with the inner self, providing relaxation and stress reduction, and spiritual connection, these practices can provide unique and valuable benefits to clients in therapy. It’s important to remember that these practices should be used under the guidance of a trained therapist and can be a great complement to traditional therapy methods.

The Use of Hieroglyphics in Modern Therapy

Hieroglyphics, the ancient Egyptian writing system, has been studied and admired for thousands of years. But did you know that it has also been used in modern psychotherapy? In recent years, therapists have been incorporating the use of hieroglyphics as a tool to help their clients explore and understand their emotions and experiences.

The Power of Symbols

One of the reasons why hieroglyphics can be so effective in therapy is that they are symbolic. Each symbol represents a specific concept or idea, and when combined together, they can tell a story or convey a message. For example, the symbol for a sun can represent the self, and the symbol for an open mouth can represent the ability to speak and communicate.

In therapy, clients can use hieroglyphics to express themselves and their experiences in a non-verbal way. This can be especially helpful for individuals who struggle to put their emotions into words. By using symbols to represent their feelings, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

The Healing Properties of Ancient Egyptian Culture

Another reason why hieroglyphics can be so effective in therapy is that they are deeply rooted in ancient Egyptian culture. Ancient Egyptians believed in the healing properties of their culture and incorporated them into their daily lives. For example, they would visit temples to receive healing and guidance from the gods.

In therapy, clients can tap into the healing properties of ancient Egyptian culture by exploring hieroglyphics. By learning about the meanings and stories behind the symbols, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. They can also connect with the ancient Egyptians and the way they viewed the world and mental health.

The Connection to the Inner Self

Hieroglyphics can also help clients connect with their inner selves. The symbols can represent different aspects of the self, such as the mind, heart, and spirit. By exploring these symbols, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

For example, the symbol for the mind can represent the ability to think and reason, while the symbol for the heart can represent emotions and feelings. By exploring these symbols, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

Incorporating Hieroglyphics into Therapy

There are many ways to incorporate hieroglyphics into therapy. One way is to have clients create their own hieroglyphics. Clients can choose symbols that represent their experiences and emotions and create a message or story. This can be a powerful way for clients to express themselves and gain a deeper understanding of their experiences.

Another way to incorporate hieroglyphics into therapy is to use them as a tool for meditation and mindfulness. Clients can focus on a specific hieroglyphic symbol and meditate on its meaning and significance.

How to Create Your Own Hieroglyphics in Therapy

Learn about the basics of hieroglyphics.

Before creating their own hieroglyphics, clients should learn about the basics of the ancient Egyptian writing system. They can learn about the different symbols and their meanings, as well as how the symbols are used to create words and sentences.

Choose symbols that represent their experiences and emotions.

Once clients have a basic understanding of hieroglyphics, they can choose symbols that represent their experiences and emotions. For example, a client who is struggling with feelings of sadness may choose the symbol of a tear, while a client who is feeling strong and confident may choose the symbol of a lion.

Create a message or story.

Clients can then use the symbols they have chosen to create a message or story. This can be a powerful way for clients to express themselves and gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. They can use symbols to represent different aspects of the self, such as the mind, heart, and spirit.

Practice and Reflect.

Clients can practice creating hieroglyphics, and reflect on what they have created, it will help them to gain a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences.

Share with a therapist.

Clients can share their hieroglyphics with their therapist to discuss and gain more insight about the emotions and experiences that the hieroglyphics represent.

It’s important to note that clients don’t need to be experts in hieroglyphics, but rather use it as a tool to express themselves. A therapist with knowledge of hieroglyphics can guide the clients through the process and help them to interpret the meaning of the hieroglyphics they created.

Conclusion

Hieroglyphics is a powerful tool that can be used in therapy to help clients explore and understand their emotions and experiences. The use of symbols, rooted in ancient Egyptian culture and their healing properties, can provide a unique and non-verbal way for clients to express themselves. By incorporating hieroglyphics into therapy, clients can gain a deeper understanding of themselves and connect with their inner selves.

The Cultural Context Of Counseling

Mental health continues to be a daunting subject to talk about in today’s society. We are only beginning to understand how people cope, especially in difficult situations.

The COVID-19 pandemic has even pushed our issues on mental health to the limits. Aside from current events, several other factors also affect how we tackle mental health.

Read on to learn more about the historical and cultural contexts of mental health and coping mechanisms associated with this.

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Historical Context

A deeper dive into our history can help us understand our present-day traditions and beliefs in all fields, including psychotherapy. In this segment, we can see how our understanding of our minds has evolved with time. This way, we can appreciate our current strategies in counseling and how we can improve them further.

Our understanding of the mind goes back to our ancient past. For millennia, Egypt has been the cradle of civilization at the center of three huge continents. Records exist about the brain, mind, and consciousness in ancient Egypt going as far back as 1900 BCE. There is even reference to some mental illnesses such as melancholia, hysteria, and dementia. To treat these illnesses, it is likely priests conduct dream interpretations, hypnotic and religious methods.

Over time, modern Western psychology has swept across the globe. At first, philosophical ideas about how the mind works dominated the field. Eventually, psychotherapists applied these theories in clinical practice to help people with mental illnesses. Further, these mental health practices have also accommodated mainstream people having difficulty coping with their problems. Psychotherapists also practice as counselors to help them with personal struggles.

Sociocultural Contexts

Culture has also significantly influenced how we engage with other people and see ourselves in the world. It guides us on how people expect us to interact and behave in a particular setting. Moreover, our culture can define how much we value our health and which curative practice we need to seek. In particular, there may be certain stigma left about some mental illnesses and even towards the field of psychology itself. 

As transportation and communication keep people more connected now than ever, it is inevitable for cultures to clash. Differences in cultural expectations stand out when viewed from a different angle. For example, expectations for people from an Arab world such as Egypt are different from Western countries. To make the counseling more effective, the counselor must understand the differences between these cultural norms.

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Economic Contexts

An individual’s socioeconomic status can give us information on their health and educational background. Simply put, people with higher socioeconomic status are healthier and better informed about their mental health options. They are also financially capable of any form of counseling and psychotherapy should they need that kind of help.

On the other hand, people with lower socioeconomic status may have many apprehensions about mental health programs such as counseling. For one, it is not as high on their priority list as food and shelter. Because of this, they might have difficulty seeing the value of counseling. Their financial resources are limited, and paying for consultation fees or even just going to a counseling facility can be too big of an extra cost.

There are many ways to help everyone achieve optimum mental health, regardless of socioeconomic status. Even simple education and advocacy drives about mental health and counseling can go a long way. Likewise, a universal mental health care system can help rich or poor people have accessible treatment options and counseling.

Religious Contexts

Religious beliefs greatly impact the social, political, cultural, familial, and gender-based ways of life. Any culture following a single dominant religion seems to have a more cohesive and unified worldview. In some cases, they can even affect the laws and way of life of an entire nation. With their considerable impact on our world, we cannot deny that some aspects of our religions have affected our understanding of the mind.

Some religions use faith-based counseling to help their followers enlighten themselves. They might conduct prayers, meditation, or other forms of rituals. Current psychology does not discriminate against any form of religious belief. Some counselors might even consider religion to be a great source of motivation and support for their clients.

There is no exclusive or one best way in treatment for counseling. We all have different coping methods; what is effective for you may not be effective for me. Current practices combine both medical and spiritual perspectives to achieve better well-being and mental health.

Gender-Based Contexts

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Men and women differ in two aspects: sex and gender. While sex refers to the biological and physical aspects, gender focuses on social norms, roles, and expectations. For example, in traditional cultures, women are expected to care for the family. Moreover, especially in the Arab world, women are expected to keep their bodies covered and submit to their husbands.

Gender contexts also tell us how we should behave and act on a more personal scale. For instance, traditional cultures typically expect men to keep to themselves and refrain from showing emotion. Because of this, they might be reluctant to participate in counseling, where they need to share their thoughts and feelings.

Likewise, gender contexts are present in a larger community setting. For instance, in a patriarchal society, the views and opinions of men may be perceived as more valuable than those of women. In these circumstances, women might undervalue their own experiences and worldviews. Because of these, women might need a little push to encourage them to talk and participate in group counseling.

The Current State Of Mental Health

While we are more conscious of mental health now, not everyone can access resources helpful to them. There are still limits in diagnosis and access to mental healthcare. There is a need to expand mental health awareness even further and provide better services. Without these, mental health issues might continue to be pushed aside as a non-important matter.  

Our health care system has yet to address the growing need for mental health care. It is necessary to train more mental healthcare professionals, build facilities, and allocate a budget, especially in these trying times. We must start to take mental health more seriously and eliminate the stigmas associated with it. Mental health issues should no longer be taboo for people to seek help when they need it.

How Pharaohs Used Counselors To Rule

As one of the ancient civilizations in the world, Egypt has provided mankind with pyramids and other architectural infrastructures. As a country, Egypt sustained its beautiful historical landmarks and offered some vacation spots. But have you ever wondered how this great civilization was able to maintain itself for thousands of years?

Numerous Egyptian emperors or pharaohs emerged from the Nile Valley three thousand years ago. Pharaohs became the rulers of the people as well as religious leaders. Being a religious figure is acting as a divine mediator between their gods and the Egyptian people. As politicians, pharaohs are involved in making laws, collecting tasks, and waging war. They are also in charge of managing all of the lands that Egypt owns.

Yet, they are not entirely alone in ruling this vast and bountiful land. Pharaohs have counselors or advisors called a vizier who serves them. 

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What Was A Vizier’s Role And Responsibilities

The vizier was the highest official in ancient Egypt. Viziers held the second most powerful position after the king. In the Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms, viziers were often appointed by the pharaohs. During the Egyptian dynasty’s 4th and 5th centuries, viziers often hailed from the royal family.

A vizier’s primary responsibility is similar to that of a prime minister: to oversee the country’s administration. It can be as simple as ensuring that the city has enough water supply. Viziers were also responsible for almost every aspect of government operations. Some research also suggests that viziers were not merely counselors but rather administrative heads. They implemented policies made by the pharaoh.

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Religious Roles

Viziers helped the pharaoh to carry out their religious and traditional practices. For instance, they supervised the execution of rituals and ensured that they were carried out correctly. Viziers were also responsible for appointing high priests, as well as other people in religious positions.

Financial Roles

These counselors supervised taxation implementation. Viziers ensured that taxes were applied fairly and correctly to both the wealthy and the poor. Viziers were also in charge of treasury and wealth management. Other lesser officials, such as scribes and tax collectors, reported to the vizier.

Judicial Roles

Since viziers sat in the High Court, they were also responsible for appointing judges. If there were issues concerning injustices, they served as the Chief Counselor and provided resolutions. The viziers also appointed the Chief of Police.

Agricultural Roles

When there were any land disputes, the vizier was responsible for overseeing agricultural procedures. They were in charge of deciding how Egyptian land will be used. Lands may be used for business or exclusively for farming. Viziers also oversaw the fair use of agricultural lands. They needed to ensure that there was enough food for the whole city.

Military Roles

As the right hand of the pharaoh, viziers were responsible for appointing generals. They were also involved in planning military strategies and tactics. All military choices made by their subordinates were reported to them, and in turn, they reported directly to the pharaoh about the situation of warfare. Viziers had an enormous role in keeping the military intact and united.

Architectural And Interior Construction Roles

Another role of viziers involves planning and building monuments. They may serve as the Chief Architect responsible for building the pharaoh’s tomb and other infrastructures. Aside from this, viziers also supervise the construction and reparation of roads, dikes, and canals.  

Most Important Egyptian Counselors

For viziers to have performed all of their designated duties, they needed to be highly knowledgeable about these different professions and highly educated on how these government agencies function. Viziers received training as scribes to be literate. They also had to master being a lawyer, farmer, judge, historian, architect, and a priest. The following people are some of the most important viziers in Egyptian history:

Imhotep

Imhotep of the third Dynasty is probably the most famous vizier. He was a counselor to the pharaoh, Djoser, and serves as the high priest at Heliopolis. Imhotep is also an architect, engineer, and doctor. During his time, he was given the divine status and called the real father of medicine.

Rekhmire

Rekhmire served the king, Thutmose III, during the 18th dynasty. This vizier rose to fame when his tomb was discovered to contain a detailed depiction of his daily life in the New Kingdom of Egypt. Although Rekhmire served various pharaohs for more than 50 years, he was relieved from duty when he was already in his seventies.

Ankhu

As the son of a vizier, Ankhu served the pharaohs Sobekhotep II and Khendjer during the 13th dynasty. Scholars suggest that he served around five kings for only short periods. As a vizier, Ankhu strived to maintain continuity of rule. This was when several kings were deposed, and the country may have been subjected to chaos.

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Pharaohs knew what it took to run a government. They knew that the position required a significant amount of knowledge, responsibility, and accountability. They appointed a vizier to oversee the kingdom in their name. This position was a highly coveted one during the Pharaonic period. Ancient Egyptian viziers were expected to be impartial, law-abiding, and level-headed citizens. As a counselor, viziers play various roles to maintain the reign of an Egyptian king. 

FAQs About Social Anxiety Disorder

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The private and incapacitating social anxiety character implies that it is a very hard condition to comprehend except if you yourself have it. Even so, knowing more about this particular mental illness and its presentation can definitely help you identify common ground with people, whether or not you have the disorder or other anxiety disorders.

Social anxiety disorder is one of the longstanding mental health conditions
that provoke illogical and intense anxiety and fear in social circumstances, it is also called social phobia. It can lead sufferers to stay away from certain situations like parties or their workplace because of fear of being criticized or humiliated. In fact, it could discourage people from pursuing their ambitions and dreams in life.

Social anxiety, for most people, is a devastating condition. The fact that there will be an inability to engage with people socially, and there is also a dilemma when it comes to proper communication and conversation. It can also become debilitating for those people who only rely on social interaction for a living since this particular mental health issue can provoke immense fear of criticism, neglect, and judgment.

Socially awkward individuals or those who often deal with social anxiety have low self-esteem. They usually avoid eye contact and often sweat and tremble when surrounded by a group of people. In some unfortunate instances, the severity can cause them to palpitate and have episodes of panic attacks because engaging socially or other environmental factors is entirely unbearable and often happens to be impossible. It’s essential to seek professional help to treat depression and anxiety. Addressing these co-occurring conditions can significantly improve an individual’s ability to manage social situations and overall well-being.

Some people with social anxiety can still handle their daily lives accordingly. They limit their peers to a small group and avoid the crowd as much as possible. They try to avoid making longer conversations and frequently stick with a “yes or no” answer. That is because they want to avoid situations that would make them feel embarrassed and foolish. In some instances, they only allow a specific number of people at a time so they would not get overwhelmed with lots of information.

The disorder may be specific or general. Individuals with generalized social anxiety are not comfortable in almost every social situation, from presenting to lining up in a supermarket. Those with more specific social anxieties, on the other hand, might get tense only in specific circumstances, like when sending an email or making a call.

Unlike regular introversion or just shyness, SAD prevents a person from performing his daily routine activities. It prevents him from doing things he loves doing. It’s occasionally associated with reduced performance in school or work because it’s difficult to join in at the best of his capacity when he’s always concerned about others’ criticism.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it’s a fact that social phobia negatively affects an individual’s quality of life if it’s left unmanaged. Notwithstanding its extreme character, though, SAD is not as rare as we often think. SAD impacts almost 7% of the population in America, about 15 million adults.

Social anxiety may cause you other health problems such as a negative drinking habit.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I overcome social anxiety?

To try to overcome social anxiety on your own, here are some tips:

  • Learn to do progressive muscle relaxation exercises to calm yourself.
  • Practice controlled breathing. Anxiety may cause bodily changes that may lead to discomfort.
  • Don’t focus too much on yourself.
  • Challenge your negative thinking.
  • Start with small steps.

What is the best cure for social anxiety?

SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and a certain SNRI are the two best medication choices for generalized social anxiety disorder. This is back by over 20 randomized controlled studies using these medications.

Can it go away?

For some, their social anxiety improves as they grow older. However, for a lot of people, treating the disorder doesn’t disappear by itself without a treatment plan. It is vital to seek help if you are experiencing social anxiety disorder symptoms or physical symptoms, as there are treatments that can definitely help you deal with mental disorders. 

What is the root cause?

Individuals with a hyperactive amygdala may have an increased fear response, which causes a rise in anxiety symptoms during social situations. Social anxiety can also be a learned behavior, or some develop social anxiety disorder following a frustrating or embarrassing social event. 

What does it feel like?

When there is a need to perform in front of a large audience, individuals with social anxiety disorder usually blush, tremble, sweat all over their bodies, and their heart races. They also tend to feel sick to their stomach and feel dizzy with intense fear. Their posture becomes rigid; they speak with an overly low voice and don’t make eye contact. 

Does it make you cry? 

Some known behavioral and personality features seen in kids with social anxiety include tantrums, severe shyness, crying, clinging to people close to them, fear or utter silence in new environments or with new people, and refusal to speak in front of others. 

Can you self-diagnose?

You will most probably have an idea if you have social anxiety, if you feel very tense and nervous in front of others or when you are about to give a speech. You worry about your speech weeks or even months before the event, and you don’t get enough sleep because you are anxious. You experience severe anxiety symptoms during an event that you think is scary, and you often present with shortness of breath, trembling, or a fast heartbeat.

What are the 3 symptoms?

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), three key symptoms of social anxiety are intense fear, negative thoughts, and being self-conscious in front of other people. There are also physical symptoms like a fast heart rate, feeling of being dizzy or lightheaded with sweating, or hot flashes. It is best to reach out to a mental health professional as soon as you notice these symptoms to treat social anxiety disorder as soon as possible using therapy like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, or whichever suits best for you.

How can I reduce my social disorder?

What triggers social disorder?

Sadly, most people who are developing social anxiety disorder started young. Those children who experienced negative treatment like bullying, teasing, ridiculing, rejection or humiliation will grow up to be adults with poor social skills and a very high chance of significant anxiety because of these environmental factors. Other situations that could trigger social anxiety are those that involve meeting new people, engaging in small talk, public speaking, being the center of attention with other family members and those scenarios that involve the same exposure to other people.

How do you know if you have disorder?

Am I shy or socially anxious?

Even though the symptoms of extreme shyness and social anxiety are similar to each other, the main difference would be the intensity of fear and anxiety. If you are experiencing shyness, it shouldn’t feel as intense and debilitating. Social anxiety disorder treated lightly on the other hand could be more dangerous and could lead to other psychiatric disorders or mental health conditions.

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Additional Information

People suffering from social anxiety could also develop detrimental ways of managing their discomfort. A lot of them use alcohol or drugs to stay calm around other people. In fact, about 20% of individuals who have social anxiety also develop alcohol dependence or substance abuse. While drug use or drinking can instantly improve significant anxiety symptoms, they could worsen over time.

Like every mental health disorder, anxiety presents differently in various types of people. Some have very extreme symptoms, while others might only observe their anxiety worsen from time to time. It is not possible at all to make far-reaching generalities about those with social anxiety. But it is fair to conclude that living with social anxiety often leaves you exhausted and so alone.

A person who lives with social anxiety feels like he is never free from terror and criticism. It feels like he is often at the center of the stage, destined to frustrate and dissatisfy. For those going through all this, no social interaction ever goes effortlessly enough to offer a break from constant worry and self-criticism.

For instance, this is a picture of someone with social anxiety. Looking at his phone and trying his best to dial a certain number. Being concerned about inconveniencing a sales lady by grabbing too many products. Driving to an event and then turning around. Informing a colleague that he’s sick to evade a presentation. Fixating over a moment when he said something and wonders if his partner is only with him because she pities him. And that’s only the beginning.

Not everybody comprehends how much social anxiety really impacts people, but support and treatment are progressively accessible. The most efficient treatment is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. CBT assists individuals in changing their negative thought patterns and learn new behavioral patterns in a secure environment. Doing this with a qualified mental health professional and experienced therapist can help socially anxious individuals start their journey to overcome their anxieties.

If you have a social anxiety disorder or other anxiety disorders, seek the assistance of a doctor or mental health professional. While it might never entirely disappear, by treating the disorder, you can considerably reduce your symptoms and stop it from keeping you detached from the real world.

And though you may not have experienced social phobia, knowing more about it tremendously helps you understand people with social anxiety. Next time you talk to a socially anxious friend, don’t forget how they could be feeling.

Final Thoughts

It is essential to understand that social anxiety is not something people only create to avoid social interactions. It is a condition that some people suffer from. Since it relates to social interaction, some individuals don’t know more about it, though it is something that people can easily get rid of. Unfortunately, for those struggling with mental health issues, it is not a thing they can shrug off or cure just by spending a lot of time with people. The symptoms will not go away just by forcing themselves to get surrounded or join the crowd. It requires more intensive emotional and mental assistance to manage better.

 

 

Traveling And Mental Health: Things You Should Know Before Traveling To Egypt

I honestly have a lot of friends who often told me to visit Egypt one day. But unfortunately, all of them never do. For some reason, they find it discouraging after a couple of discussions of dos and don’ts. I get that the common reason why they always end up not pushing through their planned visits is that they think that ancient Egypt is a strict country. Well, that is quite true. There are specific rules and regulations that Egyptians have that can pretty much cause a cultural shock. With that, I will help you understand the things you should do to avoid a lot of emotional and mental strain when visiting the country.

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Be Aware Of Where You Should And Want To Stay

Like any other country, Egypt has parts of it that can be quite overwhelming. While some of its archaeological sites and major tourist sites are endearing and suitable for private tour and traveling, some areas are far less likely foreign-friendly. Thus, when traveling, you should be aware of the exact locations you want to visit and research the place you want to spend the rest of your vacation. That way, you would not end up regretting everything about the whole travel experience. Be mindful that depending on where you choose to stay, there are different accommodations, aesthetics, and people.

Consider Your Budget And Lower Your Expectations

Part of your Egypt itinerary is staying a night in a very nice place is pretty much expensive. When I say costly, the cost of things starts at an above-average rate already. The whole renting an apartment thing is just another part of the story because usually, the nicest apartments you can get are settled in a well-off location.  For instance, you are confident that you can afford the rent for a house or most known as a villa; you need to secure a large sum of money. Thus, you need to be aware of your finances. Because if you don’t, you might get caught up with a lot of anxiety and stress all along your travel journey.

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The Language Barrier Is Way Too Complicated

One of the travel tips you should remember is visiting a foreign country can be adventurous and exciting. You get to see different historical places and learn from the country’s cultural background. However, this enjoyable stuff in your head can be entirely bad when you don’t consider the language barrier. At times, you might see people talking in their language while looking at you. You might think that they are trying to talk something bad about you. Please, do not jump to that conclusion about what you think the people are saying. If you don’t understand it, ask them. Never assume things because you will only spend a lot of time upsetting yourself. And when you feel upset, you wouldn’t be able to enjoy the rest of the beautiful things that require your focus.

Discipline Is Not Your Strongest Quality

A lot of people are afraid to visit Egypt because of the strict rules they often have. Often, people get overwhelmed about everything they see in the country that they never find time to examine the right and wrong way of dealing with things. Yes, you are a traveler, and you know nothing about the place, its culture, and its people. Unfortunately, it cannot be an excuse for intentional or unintentional misbehaviors. The fact that you try and visit the country is your responsibility to know the dos and don’ts they have. You need to spend time and effort to understand everything about the country to commit mistakes or offend people.

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Prepare Yourself For Cultural Differences

It can be quite challenging to visit an unfamiliar place that is way too different from what you are used to spending time every day. You may not understand things from the egyptian citizens way of talking, gestures, mannerisms, and so on. That is because these norms are not something you can change instantly. Yes, you can argue that you don’t have to change to fit in with their cultural demands. But the fact that you are foreign to the Egyptian land, you need to abide by their rules and traditions whether you like it or not. Thus, it would be better if you learned to be patient. Remember that you are a visitor to their country. Thus, they do not have to adjust to you. You’ll just have to go through your Egypt travel tips.

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Takeaway

Traveling is one of the best remedies for mental health problems such as stress, anxiety, and depression. However, if you got too cocky and did not consider things about your whole expedition, traveling can cause physical, mental, and emotional issues a lot worse. Instead of helping you get over whatever it is that you are psychologically and emotionally carrying, it can, unfortunately, intensify all the negative emotions. Thus, be mindful of the things you should do before traveling to Egypt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know before going to Egypt?
What should I prepare for trip to Egypt?
What should a woman know before traveling to Egypt?
What are the don’ts of Egypt?
What does an American need to visit Egypt?
How can I avoid getting sick in Egypt?
Should I tip in Egypt?
How much do you tip in Egypt in 2023?
How much money should I carry to Egypt?
Should you carry your passport with you in Egypt?

Which month is best to visit Egypt?
Can I wear shorts in Egypt as a woman?
Should you wear a hijab when visiting Egypt?
Are Egyptians friendly to tourists?
Where to avoid in Egypt?

Things To Remember When Traveling With Family In Egypt

When you think of Egypt, the first thing that comes to mind is the miles of sand and rocks. But Egypt is a place that represents culture and innovation. It is the home to much more than just the most well-known pyramids. But despite its beauty, the place also has a lot of lingering dangers in the nation’s corners. So if you want to avoid getting into trouble while traveling with family, here are some few things to remember.

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Strictly No PDA – Egypt is a very conservative country, which means their nation entirely insists on a strict policy of no unnecessary PDA. Thus, kissing is not allowed, even if it is just a peck on the cheek. The act that seems pretty normal for other people outside the country is considered disrespectful and rude. Hugging is not exempted as well as it represents the contact between two physical bodies out in public. So before you get excited about hugging and kissing, even for the sake of a photo opt, be mindful of your actions.

Never Wear Sleeveless Shirts – Again, Egypt is a country that is known for its conservative traits. That explains why people who live there stick to more amenable clothing. That goes to both men and women. It would also save you and your family a lot of problems if you also avoid wearing figure-hugging clothes since it is considered too eye-catching. Short shorts are also not allowed. Using the weather as an excuse is not acceptable either. Though some cities would allow wearing normal tees that show some skin, it would be much better to respectfully obey the country’s dress code.

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Not Enlisting A Tour Guide – Considering a tour guide in your family’s trip to Egypt is a good idea and a great help. That is even if you have a little bit of world travel experience, it is much helpful if you can have someone with you that is familiar with the country’s destinations. If you are thinking about the cost, well, it does not cost as much as you think. Just think about the less hassle you can avoid when you have someone to rely on, considering you are staying at an unfamiliar place.

Never Hire People On The Street – Now, this may sound contradictory to the previous reminder, but you should never hire someone you see on the street. In the most popular tourist spots in the country, there are tons of strangers that will approach you. They will offer an exclusive tour of some of the specific tourist destinations in Egypt. Though these people may know a lot about their country, it is best to go through hiring someone from registered sources. That way, you can avoid the disappointment of becoming a possible victim of scams and overpriced services.

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Don’t Forget The Tip – In Egypt, they value gratuity a lot. That explains why it pretty much becomes a common trait to leave a tip in almost all their commercial outlets, restaurants, and clothing shops. A little bit of something means more to the people. It somehow makes the workers feel respected and appreciated regardless of the type of job they have. So next time you visit the country, never forget to give a little of something.

Avoid Petting Stray Animals – When you are in a high populated area in Egypt, you will more likely run across some stray animals. As much as they would look like they require stranger’s tender loving care, never snuggle with them. These animals might carry some infectious diseases. Also, they can be very violent, so it would be best to keep away from them.

Never Drink On The Street – Understandably, you have all the right to let loose because you and your family are on vacation. However, if you consider taking some enjoyment outside the streets, always be mindful not to drink alcoholic beverages on the street. Think about it. Not only it is an unacceptable act from a social standpoint, but it might also cause you a lot of trouble with the Egyptian laws. That is because there are some areas in the country that considers the act as a crime.

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Never Worry Too Much About Your Schedule – It is reasonable for tourists like you to stay punctual on your schedule because time is essential, especially when you are in limited travel time. However, if you and your family are making plans to meet up with a local Egyptian, you might want to consider your punctual standards. Most of the time, they are late. If in case their time management is not that big of a deal, consider letting it go.

Egypt is an excellent country, and it has all the right to become part of your travel destinations. So next time you visit the coutnry, consider these reminders.

Rebooting The State Of Local Tourism In Egypt Amid The Coronavirus Pandemic

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Each country’s tourism sectors play a big part in national economies. The coronavirus outbreak has undoubtedly brought an immense shock to the global economy, particularly the tourism sector.

Governments worldwide have imposed restrictions on traveling, business operations, and face-to-face interactions to contain the virus. Consequently, the impact of the virus has caused millions of lost jobs in the tourism sector.

UNWTO estimates that the international tourist arrivals for this year could decline between 20-30%. As we enter a new phase with the virus spread prevention, the outlook remains uncertain for many countries. The lifting of travel bans and restrictions are happening slowly and gradually for some countries that have flattened the curve.  

In Egypt, authorities are gradually reopening the tourism sector. The country has seen a few cases of coronavirus when compared with countries with a similar population size. Even with the reboot of a few tourism supply chains, these businesses would be operating with restrictions based on new health protocols.

Initial Resumption Of Domestic Tourism

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In March 2020, the Egyptian government suspended all civil flights into and out of Egypt. After implementing this regulation, a “near-complete shutdown” on any tourism-related ventures followed. Despite the growth in COVID-19 cases, the government and private sectors have been finding ways to accommodate tourists. It is because tourism plays a significant role in the economy of Egypt.

In the middle of May, local tourism has resumed in some regions. Authorities allowed businesses, such as hotels, to operate under strict conditions. It includes a valid certification of running, and they should only accommodate below 25% of the occupancy rate. By June, this number increased to 50%.

Hossam Al Shaer, chairman of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, said that the local tourism resumption is a success with the implemented regulations. 

In estimation, as of July, Egypt will be opening 232 establishments in approved regions. They will also accommodate both foreign and local tourists. Hotels, resorts, and famous archaeological sites will slowly reopen with strict health monitoring.

Getting The Safety Travel Stamp

The World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) recently granted Egypt a “safe travel stamp.” This grant was according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. WTTC issues this stamp to locations and establishments that reached its health and hygiene standards.

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In particular, the province of the Red Sea, South Sinai, and Matrouh will reopen to international tourists. These three provinces have a warm and dry atmosphere and coastal open-air surroundings. They also report the fewest cases of COVID-19 cases in Egypt. Soon, popular tourist destinations, such as Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, will reopen.

The resumption of inbound tourism will begin by July 1. Authorities will be strictly inspecting each establishment to ensure that they’re following the COVID-19 health protocols.

Tourist Incentives

Along with the reopening of the country to tourists, they are implementing ways to boost tourists’ interest. For instance, they’re waiving tourist visa requirements for resorts and offering discounts for inbound and outbound flights. They will also discount airlines’ aviation fuel by 10 cents per gallon and 50% landing and boarding fee discount.

Furthermore, there will also be a 20% discount for tickets on historical sites and museums. They’re also launching a new advertising campaign to boost the tourism sector.

Along with these, the government wants to ensure that the reopening of the tourism sector will further spread the virus. Hence, tourists coming from other countries will need to provide a negative PCR test result before traveling.

Travel Restrictions

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There is no doubt that traveling has a massive impact on the economy and the people as well. According to psychiatrist Jean Kim, M.D., “Travel disrupts your routine and introduces novelty to your brain, which improves cognition and helps reactivate reward circuits.”

She further adds, “You have to think about how to get through new neighborhoods, new transportation patterns, new customs, and rules.”

While the lockdown and quarantine measures bring challenges to traveling, we must follow safety protocols. Along with the gradual lifting of travel restrictions, our focus should be on stopping the spread of the virus.

If you decide to visit Egypt during this pandemic, make sure that you will be following all safety measures. While you may be helping the economy by traveling to the country, going against these measures means risking yourself and others.

Egyptian Beauty Secrets

For the 2019 beauty event, there has been an emphasis on Egyptian beauty. Both men and women back in ancient times used to indulge in a variety of beauty rituals. With that, we will discuss some of the ancient beauty secrets that perhaps are no longer a secret anymore.

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Coconut Oil – Egyptians love to use coconut oil because it helps in rejuvenation. But most commonly, they use it to massage the scalp to promote hair growth. Egyptians love black hair, so they use it to condition the hair, making it grow long, black, and shiny. It also helps in the treatment of lies. Coconut oil also prevents the hair from getting tangled and dirty as well.

Kohl – It is an ancient cosmetic that most Egyptians use as eyeliner. Egyptians believe that it helps make the eyes appear more significant than its actual size and helps in growing longer and thicker eyelashes. It makes the whole facial appearance stand out due to a specific eye outline. Kohl also protects the eyes from several virus infections, and it is also believed to improve eyesight.

Henna – The Egyptians use henna as a nail polish and hair dye. It is said that henna has impressive benefits for hair as it smoothens and strengthens it. It also removes dandruff and promotes healthy hair growth too. Henna also provides a cooling effect on the scalp. Egyptians love to use henna because it contains fewer toxins and chemicals.

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Aloe Vera – It is a tropical plant of the desert that most Egyptians love to use as a beauty enhancer. They use the gel from the plant as a treatment for skin burns. It is the Egyptians body moisturizers. Aside from that, Aloe Vera gel also contains natural hair straining agent that allows the hair to look smooth and shiny.

 

Take A Virtual Tour Of Egypt While On COVID-19 Quarantine

With the recent coronavirus outbreak, many of us have cancelled our travel plans for the year. However, we can turn our time in isolation into a period of exploration. Harvard has teamed up with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to bring us five new virtual experiences. Each is a detailed 3D map that we can explore similar to Google Maps on street view.

Let’s take a look at what gems of Egypt we can explore right from the comfort of our home.

The Tomb Of Queen Meresankh III

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Almost everyone is familiar with the Great Pyramid of Giza, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. However, there’s another Egyptian treasure waiting for you to explore nearby. The mastaba tomb of Queen Meresankh III is an overlooked piece of history you don’t want to miss.

Of our virtual tours in this list, this site is the oldest of them all. Harvard archaeologist George Andrew Reisner had initially discovered the tomb in 1927.

The virtual tour takes us inside to enjoy hieroglyphic inscriptions on walls as old as 5,000 years old. What’s impressive is that the carvings and paintings have stayed well-preserved. You can still see the remains of their original coloring and etching.

The first floor features ten statues of women, representing Meresankh III’s queenly relatives. As we go down to her sarcophagus on the first floor, we pass by statues depicting the queen and her mother. We see a reconstruction of the ancient coffin, as the real thing is at Cairo’s Egyptian Antiquities Museum.

Ben Ezra Synagogue

In Old Cairo stands the Ben Ezra synagogue. The site is famous as folklore says that it is here that the Pharaoh’s daughter discovered baby Moses. This site was originally a Coptic church, but the patriarch later sold it to a group of Jews.

No longer an official place of worship today, the synagogue now serves as a museum. The area has undergone several renovations to look like what it does now. Ten tall marble pillars hold the synagogue structure, which features a gold and blue interior.

Mosque-Madrassa Of Sultan Barquq

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Another more colorful site to visit is the mosque-madrassa of Sultan Barquq. The site is a well-visited location due to its massive size and Islamic style of architecture. The structure dates back to the medieval period when Cairo was a center of trade.

The architectural design of the old school is one good reason to explore it. The intricate structure of the mosque stands on the site of an extravagant palace. You’ll be able to explore and appreciate these intricacies in the virtual tour.

The Red Monastery

To further showcase the religious diversity of Egypt is the Red Monastery near Souhag. The Coptic Orthodox site gets its name from the red bricks that form its exterior. We have yet to discover the history of the monastery, with experts only estimating it to be built by Saint Pishay in the fourth century AD. Inside, colorful frescos stand over the monastery’s white walls.

The Tomb Of Menna

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Rounding out our virtual tours is the Tomb of Menna, dating back to the 18th dynasty of Egypt. It is a popular site that officials consider to be one of the “most visited” tombs of the era.

Compared to pharaohs, we know little about the ancient official. However, we can stand to discover what information there is by exploring his tomb. For instance, the site records all the titles he held, including Scribe of the Lord of the Two Lands. He was also Overseer of Fields of Amun. Menna’s position was unique as he held positions in both palace administration and temple.

The tomb showcases well-preserved paintings that depict Menna’s life. What’s interesting to note is that all depictions of the official are damaged, with the face scratched out. Ancient Egyptians believed that a person’s soul inhabited images such as these. Damage to these paintings would mean someone wanted to erase Menna from history.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 outbreak has thrown off many of our plans. “You probably won’t be going on vacation next month, but someday this will end — and eventually, this cabin fever will become a distant memory,” says Scott Bea, PsyD.

Until then, you can use up some of that free time to discover the beauty and wonder of Ancient Egypt. Five virtual tours await you. Discover the Tombs of Queen Meresankh III and Menna, the Ben Ezra synagogue, the Mosque-Madrassa of Sultan Barquq, and the Red Monastery.

This ancient world’s diverse and rich culture is sure to keep you sane and in awe during this quarantine. Experience Egypt while still staying safe at home.