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3 Habits That Sharpen Your Gut Instincts

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A quick, heartwarming story that shows why you should trust your gut instinct.

Who says that a bank – and its customers – can not be inspirational? Banks aren’t thought of as the most trustworthy institutions in the world, and for a good reason (see the recession of 2009.)

Hancock Bank isn’t near as big a name as Chase or Wells Fargo, which makes for a better story. And what they did for desperate people in desperate circumstances was nothing short of heartwarming.

Hurricane Katrina, one of the costliest and deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history, hit Gulfport, Mississippi especially hard. One of the biggest problems people were having was, of course, lack of electricity. Lack of power impacts social infrastructures, including banks.

People couldn’t access their money. Hancock Bank’s management decided to do something about it.

Representatives set up folding tables all around the city, giving $200 to every person who asked; provided they were willing to write down their name, address and social security number on a piece of scrap paper. Over $40 million was distributed. The percentage of people who paid back their debt: 99.5 percent.

No collateral, no paperwork, and no credit checks. Just trust, a virtue that can be described as a “gut instinct.”

The power (and science) of instinct

“It’s great to have a bright, analytical brain, but at the end of the day, the stomach is the smartest organ in the body.” ~ Shelly Levitt

Melody Wilding, a licensed therapist and professor of human behavior at Hunter College, says, “Trusting your gut is trusting the collection of all your subconscious experiences.”

For some people, the notion of “going with your gut” is the antithesis of rationality. However, this is a gross misperception. Acting on gut instincts is a reflective behavior. Again, it is a reflective behavior, not an impulsive one.

Gary Klein, Ph.D. and author of Sources of Power: How People Make Decisions, defines gut instinct as: “(The) way we translate our experience into judgment and actions.”

Wilding explains, “You have to create space to listen to what your gut is saying.”

How, then do we sharpen our gut instincts? By incorporating three habits:

gut instinct

1. Self-awareness

Self-awareness is defined as “conscious knowledge of one’s own character, feelings, motives, and desires.” Going a step further, it’s having a clear perception of strengths, weaknesses, and motivations.

Self-awareness is essential for developing keen gut instincts. For without self-awareness it is impossible to interpret the meaning behind your thoughts, emotions – and, yes – your instincts.

Which begs the question, how do you develop self-awareness?

“Do a body scan of what’s going on for you. You may think ‘I feel nervous right now,’ or ‘I feel like I’m (unsure) what’s coming next.’ Use these skills of emotional labeling to get in touch with what you gut might be saying to you,” says Wiling.

2. Have time to reflect

According to science, our feelings are not random. Instead, they originate from a construct of something observable. To convert this construct into something measurable and actionable, we must reflect.

In other words, instincts are often messy pieces of information. They must be “mined” to determine their worth.

“What we label a gut feeling is always based on a set of variables that we haven’t spent time articulating,” explains Bruce Pfau, a psychologist and senior partner at KPMG. “Only when you bring those facts into the light of day can you analyze them objectively and dispassionately and move on to making a good decision.”

3. Be honest

David Desteno, Ph.D., and author of The Truth About Trust says “You’re not as trustworthy as you think. Neither am I. I know because we ask everyday folks in our lab studies if they consider themselves honest. Almost everyone says yes, but his or her actions don’t sync up.”

For your instincts to produce good results – or, at the very least, prevent bad ones – you must overcome the natural tendency of wishful thinking. Some of us have a devious talent for rationalizing our own bad behavior. Marriages, careers, lives, have been ruined because the individual coaxed themselves into thinking their faulty instincts actually had merit.

We’re all good people at our core. In fact, this positive human trait is what makes instincts so valuable. This good nature makes us feel guilty when we think about doing something dishonest – and then change our course of action.

Desteno explains the positive side of this trait: “Recognizing feelings of shame and guilt – instead of brushing them aside – can give us the opportunity to resist the fling in the moment. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and listen to what your emotions might be telling you.”

When we hold ourselves accountable for being honest, our thoughts, feelings, and instincts are more valuable; making it possible that we’ll create something wonderful.

References:
http://www.rd.com/health/wellness/sharpen-trust-instinct/2/
http://www.success.com/mobile/article/go-with-your-gut-the-science-of-instinct
https://www.fastcompany.com/3058609/the-hidden-power-in-trusting-your-gut-instincts

The Two Faces Of Each Zodiac Sign

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In life, nothing can exist without both light and darkness. We can’t have happiness without sadness, life without death, success without failure, good without evil…I think you get the point. So, the same can be said about your zodiac sign. Each of us possesses both positive and negative qualities, but we must learn to use both our strengths and weaknesses to grow and prosper in life.

Throughout this article, we will call the two sides to each zodiac sign either “the two faces of each zodiac sign” or the “light and shadow traits” of each sign. So, let’s get to it! We hope you will learn some valuable information about your sign so that you can use your strengths to shine some much-needed light in the world. As for your weaknesses, we all have them, but what we choose to do about them matters in the end.

The Two Faces of Each Zodiac Sign

zodiac sign

Aries

Aries has an abundance of energy and a zest for life. They are driven, passionate, motivated, and ambitious. Aries light up the room when they walk in. They are confident, courageous, and strong-willed individuals who can stand up for themselves and not back down from challenges.

However, on the flip side, Aries can become easily irritated, moody, domineering, and aggressive. They get angry if things don’t go their way, and have trouble listening to others without butting in sometimes. However, if Aries can learn to tame this side of themselves, they can use their fire to shine the light on others.

Taurus

Taurus the Bull works very hard to keep stability in his/her life, from getting a well-paying job to choosing a partner that will keep them grounded. Taurus is devoted to the one they love and will remain faithful in a long-term relationship. The bull loves the finer things in life, and work extremely hard to ensure they can provide for themselves and their significant other. They are lovable, reliable, and down-to-earth.

However, just like your typical bull, a Taurus can be stubborn, rigid, and uncompromising. They also have a tendency to become possessive in relationships and may overindulge from time to time.

Gemini Zodiac

Geminis are the epitome of what it means to have two sides to one’s personality. Known as “The Twins,” Geminis literally seem to have two polarizing personalities sometimes. One on hand, Geminis are known for being friendly, open-minded, outgoing, and social butterflies who never seem to have a frown on their face. As Gemini is an air sign, these folks don’t ever allow themselves to get bogged down in life. They seem to float through it, not letting anything weigh them down. Geminis have tons of friends and are usually up for any adventure.

However, the other twin gets restless easily, can seem superficial sometimes, and makes impulsive decisions. The dark side of this sign comes out when the Gemini is under stress, depressed, or anxious about something. Geminis tend to feel restless often because of this “split” in their personality.

Cancer

Cancers have many positive traits, even though they tend to have low self-esteem and forget about what makes them amazing people. They are endlessly caring, empathetic, devoted, loyal, deep souls. They are also excellent listeners and will let you cry on their shoulders even if they barely know you. Though they have problems opening up to people, they will sit and listen to you all afternoon and drop what they were doing to help you. Cancers are very creative, genuinely kind, sensitive, beautiful people who are often misunderstood and treated like a doormat due to their purity and giving nature.

However, this sign deals with a lot of demons that most people don’t know about. Because of their hypersensitivity to the world around them, they are very prone to anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders. They just feel as though no one understands them, which leads to isolation and self-pity. Many people view this sign as self-absorbed, and this may be true to an extent. However, Cancers are not obsessed with themselves in a prideful way, but rather, a deeply contemplative, even overly judgmental way. Cancers have very turbulent emotions that weigh them down often, so they have to take quite a bit of a breather just to get by in life. Being a crab can be quite tiring, as many people know from personal experience.

Leo

Leo the Lion is a natural-born leader and excels at anything where they get to have the spotlight. Leos are also ambitious, outgoing, funny, charming, and confident people, much like their fellow fire sign, Aries.

However, Leos can seem quite self-absorbed, boastful, overly dramatic, and pretentious if they don’t learn to work well with others and reach out every once in a while. Leos are very friendly people but can seem superficial at times.

Virgo Zodiac

Virgos have an eye for detail and will overanalyze something to death if it means finding a solution. They are methodical, meticulous, analytical, and logical. Virgos are wonderful problem-solvers and listeners. They also have incredible patience.

However, Virgo tends to analyze things a little too much and take life too seriously. Virgos have trouble “letting loose” and just going with the flow. They always need a plan or routine of some sort in order to feel balanced and grounded. Furthermore, this makes them seem rigid and inflexible, not to mention a bit cold and uncaring due to always living in their head. They tend to be overly critical of themselves and others.

Libra

Libras, the next air sign on our list, have a knack for keeping the peace in life and treating everyone they meet with respect and kindness. They love helping others, and make great humanitarians. Just like the symbol for their sign (the scales), they do their best to keep balanced in life and allow their gentle nature to lead the way.

However, keeping the scales balanced at all times just isn’t practical. Libras tend to avoid conflict at all costs due to their peaceful nature. This could be a great quality in some situations, but sometimes confrontation is necessary in life, and Libras have to learn how to stand up to others. Libras can also appear indecisive and aloof, which makes it hard to get close to them.

Scorpio

Scorpios, the next water sign on the list, have a quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor, making them irresistible to those who understand how their mind works. They are also deeply emotional signs that often hide their feelings so people don’t exploit them. Scorpios are passionate, organized, resourceful, and independent. They are loyal and dependable people if you get on their good side.

However, if you get on a Scorpio’s bad side, you’ll see just how manipulative, vindictive, and vengeful they can be. Scorpios do not like feeling betrayed or challenged, so instead of losing their temper and yelling, they simply walk away and start plotting revenge. Watch out if you know a Scorpio, because it can get ugly fast once you cross them.

Sagittarius Zodiac

Like any fire sign, Sagittarians have an intensity that draws people to them like a moth to a flame. They are optimistic, adventurous, fun, outgoing, and inspiring.

However, Sagittarians have difficulty focusing on the task at hand and will flit from one thing to another without clear direction. They also have an explosive temper, and get easily annoyed. Without a clear goal, they tend to get restless and bored. Also, they don’t have a filter, especially when agitated, so you never know what you’ll get with them.

Capricorn

Capricorns are easily the hardest workers in the zodiac. They’re driven by wealth and success and have a strong drive to do their best in life. They are highly intelligent, motivated, philosophical, logical, practical, and organized. They make great leaders because they can see the big picture and deliver on their promises. Their work is one of the most important things to them in life.

However, Capricorns tend to be stubborn, boastful, uncompromising, and overbearing. They have a hard time listening to others’ ideas due to their pride issues, and they can quickly become workaholics if they don’t learn to keep a balance in life. They also have a bad temper and can get annoyed too easily.

Aquarius

Aquarians are some of the most exciting people in the zodiac. They love travel, new cultures, meeting new people, and anything that challenges their intellect. Besides that, they can hold conversations for hours because they have such diverse interests and enjoy trying various activities. They are humanitarians as well, and have a quick wit about them. They also are great visionaries and leaders.inspiration meme

However, Aquarians can seem aloof, flighty, and emotionally unavailable. They tend to look at things practically, and while this isn’t a bad thing, it can make relationships difficult if they don’t learn to tap into their emotional side.

Pisces

Like Cancer, Pisces is a deeply emotional, sensitive, caring sign with a knack for creativity. Pisces are very empathetic and make wonderful friends and partners because of this. They are loyal to their loved ones and will do anything for them.

However, Pisces have difficulty dealing with reality and often look for a way to escape. They tend to be loners as well, due to their need for a lot of alone time.

Do You Feel Tired When You Wake Up? You May Have ‘Morning Fatigue’

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What is ‘morning fatigue’?

In simple terms, morning fatigue is a tired feeling and lack of energy early in the day. It is an “umbrella symptom” that encompasses many other symptoms. It is not a disease or illness, per se.

That said, constant morning fatigue – defined as fatigue lasting at least two weeks – is cause for concern. Fatigue during the morning hours is a symptom of certain diseases and is something that should be discussed with your doctor.

Further, morning fatigue impacts your personal and professional life, as a lack of energy makes it difficult to fulfill your obligations.

Constant morning fatigue is usually a sign of some underlying illness, condition, or disease. If you struggle with morning fatigue, you likely experience the following symptoms:

– Chills

– Dizziness when arising from bed

– Dry mouth

– Dryness in the eyes

– Extreme tiredness, which usually improves as the day goes on

– Gastrointestinal discomfort

– Incapable of “getting going”

– Low blood pressure (hypotension)

– Subtle muscular pain

What causes morning fatigue?

As a reminder, morning fatigue is not a medical condition in itself, but a defined set of symptoms that something is wrong – it may be a defective organ or gland, a psychological condition, or something else.

Here are five common reasons for morning fatigue:

mental fatigue

1. Problems breathing during sleep

Breathing difficulties may stem from nasal congestion, sinusitis, and allergies, to obstructive pulmonary diseases such as bronchitis and emphysema.

One commonly ignored symptom is sleep apnea, a condition that causes a person to stop breathing for a short period during sleep. The effects of sleep apnea often wake the person, who may or may not remember being woken. Nonetheless, sleep apnea impairs the quality of sleep.

2. Nighttime hunger

An evening meal void of nutrition takes its toll on the body. Your body – although operating at a lower metabolic rate – still requires fuel when you are sleeping.

Try eating 2-3 hours before bedtime. This is a perfect time window, as its not (or shouldn’t be) long enough to make you feel hungry. You can also try drinking a glass of water, wait 15-30 minutes, and reevaluate your hunger level.

3. Using alcohol or stimulants before bed

A glass of wine or a beer, when accompanied with nutritious food, shouldn’t be enough to disturb your sleep cycle. However, alcohol does nothing to aid your sleep. (You may fall asleep quicker, but alcohol disrupts the brain’s natural circadian rhythm.)

Stimulants, such as caffeine or nicotine, rev up the nervous system. The brain and body must be in a relaxed state to ensure quality sleep. Stimulants produce the opposite effects.

Sedatives and drugs (prescription or illicit) may also adversely affect sleep.

4. Snoring

Snoring can impact your sleep in subtle ways that may not be noticeable at first. Your partner’ sleep quality may also be negatively affected without realizing it.

Relating to breathing disorders, snorers account for a disproportionate number of sleep apnea sufferers. It is a good idea, therefore, to consult with a physician to rule out the condition.

Try losing some weight if you’re heavy. 10 pounds may be the difference between high quality and poor quality sleep. Also try sleeping on your side, as sleeping on your back makes you more prone to snore.

5. Acid Reflux

When stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus, it can produce acid reflux. If this occurs often, it’s possible that you suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, which is a prevalent condition.

GERD can interrupt sleep because stomach acid production increases during the nighttime. Further, lying flat eases the passage for acid to travel into the esophagus, producing heartburn. Alcohol, overeating, sleeping before your scheduled bedtime (aside from short naps) and nighttime snacking can worsen GERD, as can certain foods, e.g. spicy or salty foods.

Other medical conditions

As mentioned, it is possible that a serious illness may cause morning fatigue. Per the UK’s National Health Service, several medical conditions may contribute to morning fatigue:

– Coeliac disease: “a type of food intolerance where your body reacts badly when you eat gluten.”

– Anemia: “one of the most common medical reasons for feeling constantly run down is iron deficiency anemia.”

– Chronic fatigue syndrome): “a severe and disabling tiredness that goes on for at least six months.”

– Underactive thyroid: “when you have too little thyroid hormone (thyroxine) in your body. This makes you feel tired.”

– Diabetes: “a long-term condition caused by too much sugar in the blood.”

– Depression: “It can stop you falling asleep or cause you to wake early in the morning, which makes you feel more tired during the day.”

– Restless legs: “(When) you get uncomfortable sensations in your legs, which keeps you awake at night.”

– Anxiety (specifically, GAD): “generalized anxiety disorder (affects) around 1 to 20 people in the UK. As well as feeling worried and irritable, people with GAD often feel tired.”

– Glandular fever: “a common viral infection that causes fatigue, along with fever, sore throat and swollen glands.”

Possible solutions for morning fatigue

As a general rule of thumb, here are some changes that can be made to promote quality sleep:

– Do not use alcohol/stimulants

– Sleep in a comfortable environment

– Eat a well-balanced diet

– Maintain a healthy weight

– Establish and stick to a regular sleeping schedule

If morning fatigue is a recurring problem, a consultation with a licensed physician may be necessary.

10 Signs Someone Deserves to Be Your Partner

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First dates can either be magical, embarrassing, or a little bit horrifying. It’s always scary to put yourself out there as a potential romantic partner for someone new. For most people, first dates tend to be two people who are both equally nervous and equally awkward, which means that you’re not always getting the correct impression that the person wishes to leave.

When someone is more relaxed, they may be a completely different person than when they’re nervous and anxious. The real question is: how do you know whether or not that first date should become a second?

“If you spend too long holding on to the one who treats you like an option, you’ll miss finding the one who treats you like a priority.” – Unknown

Here Are Some Signs Someone Deserves To Be Your Partner

partner

1. There’s a reason you’re unsure about this new prospective partner

If you find yourself trying to decide whether or not you should take them out for a second date, that’s almost always a sign that you should. Knowing whether or not someone will work with you is kind of instinctual. You won’t need that second date to know you two won’t work. But if you’re just a little bit curious what they might be like the second time around, booking that second date is always the right choice.

2. Your encounters are respectful.

Although you may be more interested in getting along and have the same taste in movies and humor, think about how much your date showed in terms of signs of respect. For example, did your date show up later, but not apologize? Respecting your time is part of respecting you. If your date was late, but apologized and explained the situation, it shows that they’re respectful and more likely to respect you in the future. Lack of respect is a red flag for an unhealthy relationship.

3. Your mind feels fresh and clear about how you want your relationship to grow.

You may be judging your date unfairly when trying to decide if you should give them a second date. You may also be allowing your feelings about past relationships cloud how you feel about your date. Make sure that you’re looking at things with a fresh and clear mind. The person that you’re dating now deserves a fair chance, and they won’t get that if you’re mentally comparing them against former relationships.

4. There is a good flow of communication with this new potential partner.

This is important when evaluating whether or not you can want to go on a second date (or even a third or fourth!). If the topic of conversation was stagnant, or if your date kept turning the conversation onto themselves rather than sharing the spotlight, you may not want to schedule that second date. On the flip side, if it felt like you were never about to run out of things to talk about, you’re probably going to enjoy a second date.

5. Positive non-verbal communication.

The thing about people is that we have all kinds of ways of communicating with one another, and not all of them are with our voices. Nonverbal communication is just as important in determining how you feel about someone, or how someone feels about you, as verbal communication is. If your date was sending all the right signals, such as leaning forward and looking you in the eyes, this is big sign that you’ll both enjoy a second date together.

6. They are different than past relationships.

Relationships sometimes fail because we keep trying to recreate the relationships that we were in before. One of the best indicators that your date will work out is if they’re obviously different from people you’ve dated before- and this may very well mean avoiding unhealthy or one-sided relationships. Maybe different is exactly what you need to be able to move forward with a new and unique relationship.

7. This new partner does not play games.

Rather than trying to make you guess how they feel, or refusing to text back just to get a reaction, they’re being open and honest with you. People who play games aren’t worth the time it takes to learn the ever-changing rules. If this person refuses to play games, then that means they’re ready for a second date just as much as you are, and they’ll appreciate it way more than anyone who wastes your time.

8. You share values with this new partner.

More important than aligning to compatible interests are your values. If you’re on a date with someone who has completely different moral values than you, then it may be a sign that it’s not going to work. On the other hand, someone whose values align with your own, and who respects the ones that don’t, is someone who’s going to be worth calling for a second date.

9. You want to know more about this special someone.

If you find yourself intrigued, it’s probably a sign that you should have that second date. The people that you’re going to enjoy spending time around and giving your love to are the people who make you want to uncover them. Being interested in other people is an important part of deciding whether or not that second date is around the corner.

10. They were nervous on the first date.

If during the first date, they were a bit nervous, it means that they actually care about what you think of them. Someone who is over-confident and cocky is probably enjoying the attention that you’re giving them, rather than caring about whether or not you like them. Someone who is nervous is going to be truer to themselves.

If you’re still trying to decide whether or not to plan that second date, maybe the items on this list will convince you. A first date isn’t always the perfect picture, and a second one will give you more insight into this new person. And who knows- maybe they’re in the same boat trying to figure the same thing about you!

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

7 Signs You Have Sleep Deprivation (And How to Fix It)

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Yes, sleep deprivation is a public health concern. No, sleep deprivation is not an exaggeratory term. Millions of people are deprived of sleep – sometimes over a period of years. Sleep deprivation is a common problem and, ironically, an inconspicuous one. In fact, the very people who suffer from the condition often aren’t aware.

Per WebMD: “There are many causes of sleep deprivation. The stressors of daily life may intrude upon our ability to sleep well, or perhaps we trade sleep for more work or play. We may have medical or mental-health conditions that disrupt our sleep.”

In other words, because of the demands placed on our time, we’re forced to “trade” sleep for either more work or a bit of recreation.

Dr. Michael Breus adds, “Not sleeping enough and not sleeping well is not OK. As a matter of fact, there is quite a price to pay.”

Not sleeping enough can:

– Negatively affect physical and mental health

– Lower productivity and quality of work

– Put your safety at risk, e.g., driving a vehicle while tired.

So, we’re here to help.

We are going to discuss seven common signs of sleep deprivation – and how you can improve your sleeping habits. We’ll elaborate on how a lack of sleep negatively affects our brain, immune system, hormones, heart, muscles, vision, and even our appetite.

“Sleep deprivation is increasingly recognized as important concern of public health, with sleep insufficiency linked to motor vehicle crashes, industrial disasters, and medical and other occupational errors.” – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Here’s how sleep deprivation harms our…

bed sleep

1. Brain

Our brain is, of course, dependent upon a good night’s rest. Acute or chronic sleep deprivation can result in mood swings, poor stress management, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, and poor memory.

2. Immune System

Our body’s main line of defense is the immune system – and we diminish its effectiveness by not getting proper rest. Getting less than six hours of sleep (which is considered the minimum amount needed to function) weakens our immune system; increasing our susceptibility to infectious diseases.

3. Hormones

Sleep deprivation throws a wrench into our endocrine system, “the collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, and mood.” More on this in the closing section.

4. Heart

Poor sleep places stress upon our cardiovascular system, which, in turn, destabilizes our blood pressure. When our blood pressure is out of whack, the blood vessels responsible for carrying blood (hence, nutrients, oxygen, etc.) become narrower. Consequently, our brain doesn’t receive the blood flow and oxygen it needs; our digestive system is stunted, and the organs and systems that rely on a steady flow of blood are deprived.

5. Muscles

Poor coordination and muscle weakness are common symptoms of lack of sleep. These symptoms are exacerbated by the fact that our brain hasn’t received the rest it needs. Thus, our reactions times slow, we’re not as coordinated, and simple tasks become much more challenging.

6. Vision

Aside from the brain, our eyes are the organs likely to suffer the most from sleep deprivation. Vision problems include “a range of symptoms such as fuzziness of objects, reduced peripheral vision and a difficulty with quickly focusing on objects of varying distances.” Furthermore, the appearance of our eyes can indicate a shortage of sleep. Darkening around and bags underneath the eyes are commonplace when we skimp on our shuteye.

7. Appetite

Poor sleeping habits also affect how we eat. Some people feel less hungry; others eat more. The latter demographic often crave simple carbohydrates, e.g., sugar-laden foods and drinks, and caffeine. Unfortunately, these foods and beverages provide only a short-term energy burst – and are often followed by a crash.

Metabolic changes, coupled with decreased physical activity from fatigue and disturbances in the hormonal system, are cited as contributing factors to obesity.

How to get a good night’s sleep

First, we need to define what constitutes a “good night’s sleep.” Per the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), a non-profit organization that promotes public understanding of sleep and sleep disorders, quality sleep consists of four “key determinants”:

– Sleeping more while in bed (at least 85 percent of the total time)

– Falling asleep in 30 minutes or less

– Waking up no more than once per night; and

– Being awake for 20 minutes or less after initially falling asleep.

Then, there is the recommended amount of sleep:

Older adults (65+): 7-8 hours

Adults (26-64): 7-9 hours

Younger adults (18-25): 7-9 hours

Teenagers (14-17): 8-10 hours

School age children (6-13): 9-11 hours

Finally, there’s practicing good sleep hygiene:

– Sticking to a sleep schedule; going to bed and waking up at the same time every day (weekends included)

– Having a relaxing bedtime ritual

– Avoiding afternoon naps (if you have a hard time falling asleep at night)

– Exercising daily (light activity is good, but the harder, the better)

– Sleeping in comfortable conditions (e.g. room temperature, noise-free, distraction-free, and minimal light); and

– Sleeping on a comfortable mattress and pillows

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

What Causes Body Acne (And How to Fix It)

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The best part of leaving your teenage years behind, for most people, is also leaving behind the annoying acne. For some people, though, acne doesn’t always go away once puberty has finished. Acne can follow us well into adulthood, and once it does, it’s time to start looking for solutions on how to deal with it. As if facial acne wasn’t hard enough to deal with, some people are also faced body acne, which usually spreads across the back of the shoulders, the chest, arms and yes, even the buttocks.

This can be both frustrating and a little embarrassing. Don’t worry, it’s something many adults deal with, and it doesn’t always have to feel hopeless. If you’re struggling with figuring out how to deal with your body acne, dermatologists have come up with an answer that might benefit you.

“Anytime you rub acne-prone skin, you push debris and dirt into the pores, and you also thicken the skin, both of which contribute to acne breakouts…” – Dr. Neal Schultz

Here’s How To Fix Body Acne

body acne

Clothes. Yep, your clothes maybe the culprit to some of your body acne. At the very least, your clothes may be responsible for an increased number of breakouts. Now, this isn’t particularly about the fabric or the types of clothes that you wear, but rather how those clothes interact with your body. More importantly, how they rub. Clothes that rub continuously against areas of your body that are prone to acne can trigger a breakout. The cause?

Dr. Neal Schultz mentions, “Sweat may or may not contribute to the breakout, but it’s the rubbing that drives the breakouts… The bottom line is acne in any acne-prone area will be worse if clothing or anything else rubs against the area.”

When clothes rub against an acne prone area, it pushes dirt and other debris into your pores, which then trigger a breakout of acne. Clothes that fit your body tighter, like work out gear, can cause bacteria to grow while you’re sweating and be oil starts to build up in these spandex clothes that aren’t very breathable.

So How Are We Supposed To Fix The Issue Of Clothes?

The best solution is to avoid tight fighting clothes, and instead opt for something lighter and looser, especially in the problem areas. If your workout pants cause your legs or buttock to break out in acne, you may want to opt for a more breathable option, like gym shorts. Dermatologist experts agree that tight-fitting clothes coupled with a good, hardy workout can make your acne worse, and can be one of the major causes to your breakouts.

If most of your wardrobe doesn’t leave much room for this solution, you can also try certain cleaners with your skin that maybe help alleviate some of the breakouts. Cleaners that have salicylic acid can be used along with a body brush to help exfoliate your skin after a workout. The goal is to keep body clean and free of sweat and debris that can cause unpleasant build up in your pores. If you have back acne, you may need to try a solution that’s a little bit stronger.

The skin on different areas of our body have different thicknesses, and react to exfoliation differently. For example, the skin on your face is thinner and more sensitive to things like salicylic acid than the skin on your back, so you may need to use a slightly stronger cleanser when focusing on breakouts on your back.

If you’re prone to breakouts on your back, you may also want to forgo wearing a backpack. The straps can cause all of that unpleasant rubbing that gets debris into your pores. It can make the issue worse, so if you’re the type that deals with acne along the back of your shoulders, opt for another type of bag. You may find some relief with a messenger bag that goes over one shoulder and doesn’t rub or irritate the skin on the back of your shoulders and your back.

Final Thoughts on Body Acne

Not all body acne reacts the same, nor are all breakouts caused by our clothes. However, oftentimes we think of clothes as a neutral part of our bodies, rather than fabrics, materials and chemicals that interact with our skin each day. If you suspect that your clothes may be giving you a bit more grief when it comes to your body acne, try switching it up for a few weeks to see if it gets better. If a change in your clothes and over-the-counter solutions just aren’t cutting it, it may be time to make an appointment with your dermatologist and see if there isn’t something else to try.

What Is Your Weakest Trait, According To Your Zodiac Sign?

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Before we begin this article, we’d like to say that we aren’t trying to make anyone feel bad about their shortcomings. We simply want to help each and every person blossom and grow into the best version of themselves, and that takes learning about your weaknesses as well as your strengths. With that said, we want to talk about each zodiac sign’s main weaknesses, so that you may become aware of them and learn to nurture them. Once you know about your weaknesses, they might just turn into strengths if you can use this knowledge to your advantage.

What Is Your Weakness, According to Your Zodiac Sign?

Aries 3/21-4/19

Aries the Ram doesn’t really enjoy anyone else being in charge except for them, because they like to take the reins whenever possible. While Aries are natural-born leaders, they can sometimes get carried away and not really listen to the input of others. When Aries doesn’t get their way, you might want to get OUT of their way, as they have very short fuses. Aries also tend to make decisions without thinking them through all the way and can seem overly aggressive and irritated easily.

Taurus Zodiac Sign 4/20-5/20

Taurus, a very stable and reliable sign, can also become set in their ways and not willing to change or grow when necessary. They love sticking to what they excel at, and don’t really try new things in life for fear of failure. A Taurus has quite a bit of pride, so this is partially why they enjoy staying in their comfort zone. They find something they do well at, get into a routine, and may not see other options or opportunities that come their way. Taurus the Bull can be very bullheaded, indeed, so if you want to persuade them into something, you’ll have to exercise extreme patient.

Gemini 5/21-6/20

Gemini, you confuse us and excite us all at the same time. It does appear as though you have split personalities, and you never can seem to make up your mind. Though, that makes you interesting and keeps us guessing, which keeps us coming back for more. You always have something to talk about, though sometimes it seems as though you don’t listen. Gemini will flit from one thing to another, much like a butterfly, but can’t seem to stick with one thing, idea, or belief. You constantly change your mind, and that makes it hard to keep up with you. You’re ever-changing, like a chameleon, but you stand out rather than blend in. You’re a mystery to us, Gemini, and maybe even to yourself. Geminis tend to never feel quite “settled” in life, probably because they can’t make up their minds as to what they’re even after.

Cancer 6/21-7/22

Cancers have beautiful, sensitive, gentle souls, but their powerful emotions often take hold of them so much that they paralyze them completely. These folks have a lot of problems with self-esteem, and many times look to others for approval or recognition. Cancers need a lot of nurturing and coddling, and this can feel overwhelming for partners, close friends, and family. Cancers have a lot of love to give,. But sometimes, they put others’ needs before their own. Cancers can also change moods at the drop of a hat and are very prone to anxiety and depression. They also tend to be pessimists and idealists at the same time. They don’t have much faith in the world, because it doesn’t look like the imaginary one they’ve created in their minds. Cancers also are prone to laziness and procrastination.

Leo 7/23-8/22

As a fire sign, Leo is constantly on the go. Leo loves to have the spotlight, but sometimes they forget to let others have their time to shine. Leos have a lot of pride, and this arrogance can rub people the wrong way. Leo the Lion also tends to get stuck in their own way of doing things, which makes them seem inflexible and rigid. They don’t really like listening to others’ input, because they know best. Leos’ self-centered nature can also make it hard for them to form lasting relationships with others.

Virgo Zodiac Sign 8/23-9/22

Virgos have overly analytical minds, which can serve as either a strength or a weakness. They love to crunch numbers and figure out the ‘why’ behind everything, but mulling over the same problems trying to find solutions makes them prone to worry and anxiety. They also are prone to OCD, as they need to have everything a certain way and get thrown off balance when things go awry. Virgos also have very old souls, and this makes them liable to work too much and play too little. They also tend to criticize themselves and others very harshly, which makes it difficult to form bonds with others.

Libra 9/23-10/22

Libra, a naturally calm and peaceful sign, can turn on you just like that if you do or say something they don’t like. Although, rather than actually confront you about a problem, they give you the silent treatment or show passive aggressiveness because they hate conflict. However, people don’t always like being the peacemaker, which means if Libra doesn’t learn to face problems rather than avoiding them, they could lose friendships. Libras also tend to carry grudges, which further complicates their problem of writing people off and avoiding conflict whenever possible. They can focus too much on the bad in their life instead of putting their energy into all the good happening.

Scorpio 10/23-11/21

Scorpios can be very loving and spontaneous, but at the same time, their jealousy and distrusting nature can put a damper on romantic relationships and friendships. And don’t ever get on their bad side, because they WILL plot revenge to teach you a lesson and attempt to “get even.” Scorpios often keep to themselves because of their trust issues, and have a hard time getting close to others because of this. They have very deep emotions, but really don’t show them much due to not wanting to feel vulnerable.

Sagittarius 11/22-12/21

Sagittarius are natural-born explorers. They get bored easily, which makes it hard to complete any project. They hate authority and being told what to do, and often make up their own rules in life. This can get them into trouble quite easily if they don’t learn some middle ground. Sagittarius also has no filter, and can come across as rude or tactless depending on who they’re with. Sagittarius is very impatient as well and will leave a project if it isn’t going their way. They need lots of freedom and space to roam, which can make them seem aloof and flighty at times.

Capricorn Zodiac Sign 12/22-1/19

Capricorns can work themselves to death and forget how to take care of themselves and just play sometimes. They have an obsession with status and money because these two things represent stability and success in life, two things they greatly desire and work hard to maintain. Capricorns tend to brag a lot about their jobs or accomplishments, which can drive people away from them. They have problems opening up to others and tend to think of themselves as superior to most people. However, they have deep-seated insecurities, and actually fear the opinions and thoughts of others. Therefore, they have a bad habit of talking over other people and only discussing facts rather than opinions. They also are pessimistic and expect the worst-case scenario in any situation.

emotion zodiac

Related Article: How do you express emotion according to your zodiac sign?

Aquarius 1/20-2/18

Aquarians are another difficult sign to understand. On one hand, they make great friends due to their conversational skills and diverse interests. However, they have a hard time expressing emotions, which can make it hard to keep friends or partners around. They deeply despise anything too boring or conventional and have an absolute thirst for adventure and travel. However, this makes it hard to stay grounded and focus on responsibilities and chores that are simply part of life in today’s world. Aquarius can seem aloof because they stay in their own little world rather than joining the one happening all around them.

Pisces 2/19-3/20

Last but not least, we have Pisces, the emotional, sensitive, whimsical water sign that loves creative expression and helping others. Pisces, like Cancers, can let their strong emotions get the best of them, however. Pisces can also go out of their way to help someone, but forget to nurture and pay attention to themselves. They also have problems facing reality and wish to escape from it in any way possible. If they can’t find a creative outlet, this desire to escape can lead them down a dark path if they aren’t careful. Due to their turbulent emotions, this makes them prone to anxiety and depression if they can’t learn to even out their feelings a bit.

Researchers Explain 10 Things That Make You Feel Attracted to Someone

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Attraction is more than just gut feelings. While that’s part of it, the reasons why we find ourselves attracted tend to be much more scientific than we give ourselves credit for. When we see someone who we find attractive, we may not be thinking of all the reasons why, and especially not the scientific reasons.

However, researchers have found that there are plenty of reasons that we find some people more physically attractive than others. If you’ve ever had a hard time putting into words why you find someone so attractive, this list of science-based reasons might be of use to you.

Here Are A Few Things That Make You Feel Attracted To Someone

“Every single second is an opportunity to change your life, because in any moment you can change the way you feel.” – Rhonda Byrne

1. FACIAL SYMMETRY

Multiple studies have found that how attractive someone is to you can often depend on how symmetrical they are. This means that people who are more attractive tend to have both sides of their faces or their bodies closely matching. Of course, no one has a perfectly symmetrical face or body. But the closer that one side of their body and faces matches the other, means that they tend to be more attractive. The next time you look at someone’s face and can’t seem to place why they’re so attractive, consider their symmetry!

2. LONGER LEGS IN WOMEN, SHORTER LEGS IN MEN

Funnily enough, the perception of leg length is different between men and women. Women with longer legs are perceived as more attractive, while men with legs that are roughly the same length as their torso are considered more attractive. The reason for men’s ideal leg length, is that shorter legs tend to make men look more muscular, which some women find themselves attracted to.

3. THE SHAPE OF SOMEONE’S FACE

Estrogen and testosterone, the hormones found in more abundance in women and men, respectively, are responsible for forming our bone structures in our faces. The shape of someone’s face can be very indicative of their hormone levels, and thus their fertility and virility. Women with smaller chins and brows, coupled with wider eyes, are perceived as more fertile, while the same goes for men with stronger jaws and brows. These features are a perfect cocktail for physical attraction.

4. “SEXY” VOICES

The sound of someone’s voice is determined by hormones, and this can really affect how attractive you find another person. For men, a lower voice is seen as more attractive, which means that they have a high amount of testosterone. For women, a higher voice is associated with femininity. The quality of the voice affects attractiveness as well. In fact, having a breathy voice is considered attractive in both men and women, while a monotone voice is found to be more attractive in men.

5. SELFLESS BEHAVIOR

Finding someone physically attractive is, more often than not, based on more than just their physical appearance. Science has shown that people with kind and compassionate personalities are found to be much more attractive. Altruism is something that shows that a potential partner will be invested in your well-being. It also shows that potential partners will be good parents, which is something that people often subconsciously think about when assessing the attractiveness of a potential partner.

6. COMPLEMENTARY GENETICS

Couples who look alike are much more common than one might think. Science explains that you’re often drawn to features that are much like your own because people are drawn towards things that are familiar. This means that you and your partner may have a similarity in genetics, from skin tone, to hair color, to even your height! As well, complementary genetics are beneficial for potential children. When picking a partner, you may find that your “type” tends to be someone who looks a lot like you.

7. SOME PEOPLE ARE ATTRACTED TO FACIAL SCARS

This one is a bit tricky. For short-term partners, men are found to be more attractive if they have facial scars, but women are not. However, when looking for a long-term partner, women are more likely to pass up men with facial scars, as they’re often seen as less aggressive and more caring, which is found to be more attractive for potential long-term partnerships.

8. SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTING

Science says that someone who you find interesting is bound to be much more attractive to you. Our brains need constant, new stimulation, and we often get bored by things that aren’t that interesting to us – be it movies, books, or even people. If a partner isn’t keeping our attention, we’re much less likely to find them attractive. This is why you may find people with personalities that match your own to be much more attractive.

9. BODY MASS INDEX

This might not be true for everyone, but according to research, body mass index (BMI) plays in attraction. Your BMI is the correspondence between their height and weight. BMI calculators assess your height and your weight and turn it into a score, and that is your BMI. The more closely someone’s BMI is to a ratio of 20.85, the more attractive you tend to find them. Of course, you can’t know someone’s BMI on sight, but your brain is able to see how proportional someone is in weight and height.

power of positivity

10. FAITHFULNESS (WHO ISN’T ATTRACTED TO A TRUE PARTNER)

This may seem like a big no-brainer. But science has spoken. Attraction is increased in people who are more faithful and trustworthy. This is because people who have higher fidelity are proving themselves to be both good partners as well as good parents. Sexual fidelity is something that most people say they’re looking for in potential partners across the board, men and women alike.

Attraction is personal, and everyone has different tastes! But, these are some scientific reasons why you may find the same type of people attractive over and over. There’s nothing wrong with that! Now, you can just pull out some scientific facts to impress your potential partner (to be interesting!).

Reference:
The scientific rules of attraction http://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/the-scientific-rules-of-attraction-2115495.html
(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

11 Signs of Poor Health (Even If You Think You’re Healthy)

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Do you know the hidden signs of poor health? You might believe your body is perfectly healthy and miss subtle signs that indicate otherwise. Even when you focus on eating well, exercising, and getting plenty of sleep, you can still have health issues.

Paying attention to your body and watching for abnormal changes can make a difference in maintaining your health. If you know what to look for, you can address any signs of poor health right away before they cause further issues. Your body gives plenty of warning signs leading up to illnesses and diseases, but it is up to you to listen.

There will be times when your body gives signs of poor health, but other times it will be more subtle. Symptoms that you tend to ignore could indicate something much more.

Eleven Signs Of Poor Health

“Virtually every aspect of human physiology has regulatory elements, feedback loops, and developmental components that require thousands of interacting genes …the human body represents an irreducibly complex system on a cellular and organ/system basis.” – Dr. Joseph Kuhn

signs of poor health1. Bloating

Everyone gets bloated sometimes, but if it happens regularly, it’s a sign of poor health. Being bloated after a meal is common because it is a buildup of gas in your digestive tract. When the gas buildup is the issue, you can use home remedies to help speed up digestion.

If speeding up your digestion doesn’t help, though, it could indicate a health problem. Researchers at Harvard Health found that consistent bloating can signal colon, ovarian, stomach, and pancreatic cancers. While your bloating could be unrelated to cancer, it is still best to make sure and seek answers.

How to Fix a Bloated Belly

Start by consuming ginger to speed up your digestion. You can add ginger to your meals, mix it into a beverage, or enjoy some chamomile tea to ease gas buildup.

2. Chronic Fatigue

Fatigue is often one of the first signs you will experience when you have health issues. While short-term fatigue could result from a lack of sleep, stress, or working too hard, chronic fatigue means more.

If you are getting eight hours of sleep each night and still experience a lack of energy, it could signal poor health. Fatigue could be a sign of cancer, diabetes, or heart disease. Addressing the issue right away is essential to finding the cause and maintaining your health.

How to Fix Chronic Fatigue

Reflect on your lifestyle and sleeping habits before assuming you have a serious health condition. Think about the amount of sleep you are getting and if anything could be interfering with your sleep quality. Maintain a regular sleep schedule, including time to wind down 30 minutes before going to bed.

Avoid drinking alcohol or using nicotine before bed, as well. According to research, alcohol and nicotine are stimulants and can result in disrupted sleep quality. If none of these things help, consider visiting your doctor for a professional opinion.

3. Insomnia

When you struggle to fall or stay asleep, and the problem persists for more than one month, you are experiencing insomnia. Your cortisol levels, a stress hormone, should drop at night to allow you to rest and recharge. Researchers believe cortisol levels might play a role in sleeplessness. When that hormone cycle doesn’t happen, it causes insomnia because your body experiences a stress response instead.

While this might not seem like a big deal, it causes your problems than you might think. When you have a stress response, your body’s self-repair process stops, hindering your body’s ability to fight off illnesses. Plus, your body can’t replenish its resources without adequate sleep.

 How to Fix Chronic Sleeplessness

Try some home remedies for insomnia before seeking professional help. Doing things like turning down the lights, sleeping in a cool room, and using white noise can help. You can also try meditating or doing yoga during your wind-down time before bed.

4. Bad Breath

Many things can cause bad breath, and poor health is one of them. Not only is bad breath unpleasant, but experts say that it can indicate concerning health conditions. Some of the health issues it signals include:

  • diabetes
  • liver disease
  • kidney disease

 How to Fix Bad Breath

Consider the other potential causes of bad breath and whether those things could be the problem. Smoking, eating onions or garlic, drinking coffee, and bad dental hygiene are things to consider. If any of those are a problem for you, address the issue and implement better habits.

Once you have considered the other potential causes and made the necessary changes, see if bad breath is still an issue. If it is, then it could indicate a more serious health condition that requires professional help.

5. Headaches

Headaches are common in adults, with research showing that almost half experience them. Since they are so common, they are often ignored and thought of as a normal discomfort to push through. Frequent headaches could indicate other issues, however, including stress or dehydration.

A headache is also a sign of a stroke. If you also experience vomiting, nausea, or vision changes along with the headache, seek medical attention immediately. It is always better to be safe and get help than wait it out and cause further damage.

How to Fix the Common Headache

As long as you aren’t experiencing other symptoms along with your headache, you can try to eliminate the discomfort at home. Start by drinking plenty of water and getting some rest to see if dehydration, stress, or lack of sleep is the problem.

stress headaches6. Weird-looking Nails

Nails are an added layer of protection to your body, and they are an extension of your skin. They require nutrients to stay healthy, and any abnormalities indicate a health issue. Some of the unusual things you might notice about unhealthy nails include:

  • yellow or other abnormal colors
  • they are brittle
  • growing down
  • curving upward
  • anything but pink nail beds
  • nails that flake or break easily

If you notice these changes in your finger or toenails, don’t ignore them. These abnormalities could indicate kidney dysfunction, anemia, or a vitamin deficiency.

 How to Fix Abnormal Finger or Toenails

Focus on eating nutritious foods and drinking plenty of water each day. As your body replenishes its vitamins and nutrients, your nails will likely return to their natural color.

7. Low Sex Drive

Low libido, another sign of poor health, can indicate a disruption in your emotional or physical well-being. Stress, anxiety, depression, and exhaustion are all-consuming and can drastically impact your sex drive. Hormonal problems such as an underactive thyroid can also suppress your sex drive.

Other factors that can suppress your sex drive include drugs, alcohol, contraception, and medication. If you use any of those, look into the side effects and consider how they could be harming your sex life.

 How to Fix a Reduced Sexual Drive

Fixing your low sex drive depends on the cause. If you consume too much alcohol or use drugs, start by eliminating those and seeing if it helps. Otherwise, look into the side effects of any medications you take and ask your doctor how they could be affecting you.

8. Irregular Bowel Movements

Having regular bowel movements is essential to your overall health. What is normal for others might not be for you, but if your bowel movements have become irregular, it is a sure sign of a problem. Additionally, if you have to push or strain to have a bowel movement, it could be because of a health issue.

Every time you eat, your digestive tract should move to eliminate waste. It also opens up space for new nutrition. If you aren’t having regular bowel movements, the toxins from your waste can seep into your bloodstream, causing inflammation and serious health conditions.

 How to Fix Irregularity

Consider your diet and whether you are consuming enough essential nutrients and plenty of water. Make any changes that you see fit, and ensure adequate fiber intake.

While digestive issues happen occasionally, frequent problems are signs of poor health. If your problems don’t clear up with better nutrition and hydration habits, see a health professional for further advice.

9. Rapid Hair Loss

Hair loss is normal, but rapid hair loss is an alarming sign of an underlying medical issue. Rapid hair loss can indicate many things, including:

  • hormonal imbalance
  • reaction to a medication
  • scalp infections
  • alopecia
  • poor dietary habits
  • lupus
  • diabetes
  • overwhelming stress

 How to Fix Hair Breakage or Loss

If you think your hair loss is stress-related, try spending time resting and relaxing. Consider your dietary habits, as well, and make changes to improve your nutritional intake.

10. Muscle Cramping

Muscle cramping is indicative of many health concerns. They can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies, overextension, inadequate blood supply, or straining. If you notice frequent muscle twitches or cramps, pay attention to them.

 How to Fix Muscle Cramps

Start by addressing your dietary habits and making beneficial changes. Also, consider if you are overusing your muscles, and take a break if necessary.

11. Fluctuating Weight

Excessive weight gain or loss are signs of poor health. If you haven’t changed your eating habits or exercise routine but continue to lose or gain weight, look into the problem.

The American Cancer Society explains that unexplained weight loss is a leading sign of stomach, lung, esophagus, and pancreas cancer. On the other hand, unexplained weight gain is a sign of poor nutrition.

Other factors that play into fluctuating weight, however, including:

  • stress
  • thyroid issues
  • depression
  • insulin resistance
  • hormonal imbalance
  • digestive problems
  • genetics

 How to Fix Unusual Weight Gain or Loss

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and consuming adequate vitamins and nutrients. You should follow a healthy diet with plenty of nutritional benefits to replenish your body. If this doesn’t help, a visit to your doctor might be necessary.

busy stressFinal Thoughts on Knowing the Eleven Signs of Poor Health

Even when you think you are healthy, there are signs of poor health that you might be ignoring. Don’t let these symptoms continue without addressing the cause, or you can cause further complications for yourself.

Watch for these signs of poor health and make a note of when you experience them. You can often address them by changing your dietary habits, but you might have to do more. Figure out the problem and take care of it so that you can focus on maintaining your health.

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