Page 1080

5 Things To Never Expect From A Narcissist

July 26, 2016 by Power of Positivity

A narcissistic personality disorder is a severe mental condition that’s part of the cluster B personality disorder. It affects approximately 1% of the population in diagnosed cases alone. And the chances are great that you’ve met many more undiagnosed narcissists in your lifetime.

While it’s important to note that those with narcissistic personality disorder are not inherently bad or cruel, you still need to be aware of the risks. Many who are unaware that they have the condition or are on its spectrum do not seek out therapy and, as such, do not realize the extent of their behaviors. Thus, they cannot correct them.

This is why it is so vital to remain vigilant when dealing with narcissists who cannot manage their disorder. No mental illness excuses negative behavior, and you are not responsible for their actions just because they have a problem.

It’s hard to come out from under the clutches of a narcissist. However, always practice positive thinking! By being aware of these five things to never expect from a narcissist, you’re arming yourself against their potential toxicity while also saving yourself lots of heartaches.

Narcissists are only concerned with themselves.

If you’ve ever had interactions with a narcissist, then you know just how difficult they can be. Unfortunately, more often than not, their personalities have been shaped due to unhealed trauma and they haven’t recognized and healed it yet. This isn’t an excuse for their behavior, but it is important to know what you can expect from them so you aren’t the one always disappointed.

Understanding them can be both exhausting and intolerable. There is hope that some of their behaviors can be healed with recognition and willingness to seek help. However, you should know up front that there are specific behaviors that may always stick around.

Most of the time, they are egotistical and self-absorbed. They manipulate situations and people to their benefit. Be wary of anything that comes from them, because ultimately it’s about the grandiose perception until they recognize this and heal.

“You can look at individual scores of narcissism, you can look at data on lifetime prevalence of Narcissistic Personality Disorder, you can look at related cultural trends, and they all point to one thing,” says W. Keith Campbell, PhD, head of the University of Georgia psychology department. “Narcissism is on the rise.”

We all know someone who is egotistical and selfish. But, what can you expect from them with these sorts of behavior?

Here are 5 things to never expect from a narcissist:

1. Never expect empathy and compassion.

Unless you are going to be giving them something in return, don’t expect sympathy. The narcissist is incapable of compassion because it would require them to get out of their own needs. It’s all about “what can I get from you?” If something doesn’t concern them, they have little interest. Your mother could be in the hospital and if you ask them for help, they will avoid you unless they can get something for helping. And, if they are empathetic, it will be for showing others what they did. They are missing an empathy and compassion gene. Most narcissists lack self-insight. In their own lack of worth, they dispose of their destructive behavior onto others.

2. Never expect them to listen.

Narcissists are not great at listening to anyone’s problems. They will listen when they need something from you, utilizing your weaknesses or traumas to get what they want. These folks are not the ones you go to in order to vent. They will hear you but never pay attention. If the conversation is not about them, then they have no use for your words. And even then, they will only hear what pertains to their greatness. Dr. Leon F. Seltzer writes in Psychology Today:

“It’s been said about narcissists that they can’t tell where they end and the other person begins. Unconsciously viewing others as “extensions” of themselves, they regard them as existing primarily to serve their own needs—just as they routinely put their needs before everyone else’s (frequently, even their own children). Since others are regarded (if they’re regarded at all!) as what in the literature is often called “narcissistic supplies”—that is, existing chiefly to cater to their personal desires—they generally don’t think about others independently of how they might “use” them to their own advantage. Whatever narcissists seek to give themselves, they generally expect to get from others, too (which is yet another dimension of their famous—or infamous —sense of entitlement).”

3. Never expect anything for free.

When a narcissist does you a favor, he/she will reclaim it quickly. They keep tally on all that they do for others. Unless they can get something out of you, don’t expect them to do it out of the kindness of their hearts. If it doesn’t benefit them, there is no point in doing anything for you. Don’t expect generosity without signing your soul to the devil. The narcissist will lie and cheat to get what they desire for their own benefit. So, if they are doing something for you, except that it’s all about them.

4. Never expect an apology.

A narcissist does no wrong. If something goes wrong, it wasn’t their fault. They have no problem turning that against you. You can’t expect them to feel sorry for anything because they are perfect. Any misunderstandings are all on you. They couldn’t possibly have done anything to upset you. Narcissistic people are bullies, and they have no problem turning things around to hurt others rather than take responsibility for their actions. The narcissist is self-righteous. They are entitled and deserving of anything, therefore, they are never in the wrong.

5. Never expect gratitude.

The egotistical person will never share the things you have done for them, only those things that you haven’t done. They focus on the negative and the things that are missing at the moment. Do not expect gratitude…ever. They are incapable of taking attention off of themselves. However, they will claim and retell all that they have done for you without a problem and expect gratitude. Dr. Pavel G. Somov writes that “As a narcissist, perhaps the only way for you to feel special is to command special treatment, to insist on unquestioning compliance with your wishes from others, to demand nothing less than perfection from others.”

Narcissists cannot give of themselves for the sake of giving without expecting recognition, admiration and appreciation. They are manipulators of time and effort. They bulldoze through people and their emotional needs for their benefit. Perhaps the most frustrating thing about narcissistic personality disorder is that it’s difficult to treat with therapy, as clients are unwilling to see they have an issue. In relationships of any kind, it’s even more difficult to acknowledge since the narcissist doesn’t see a problem with themselves. The best way to deal with a narcissist is to have no expectations.

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

This Simple 3 Step Technique Can CLEAR Your Sinuses Immediately

July 25, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Our sinuses comprise a connected system of hollow cavities within the skull. Most sinus areas are quite small, except the maxillary sinuses in the cheekbones. Here is some additional information that you may find helpful reading through the article:

– Sinuses are pairs – one on each side of our head, close to the nose.

– Maxillary sinuses are the largest and are located in the cheekbones.

– Ethmoid sinuses are located between the eyes.

– Sphenoid sinuses are located within bones behind the nose.

– Sinuses are normally empty except for a thin layer of mucus.

– Lining the sinuses are a thin, soft, pink tissue called mucosa.

Interestingly, those that study the anatomy are uncertain as to why it is that we have sinuses. There are, however, two predominant theories: (1) they aid in the humidification of breathing, and (2) they aid in voice enhancement.

Sinus Congestion

Aside from several sinus conditions that cause congestion, such as sinusitis, congestion of the sinuses is a prevalent, but acute, condition. Sinus congestion is defined as: “the blockage of the nasal passages usually due to membranes lining the nose becoming swollen from inflamed blood vessels.” Other terms used are: nasal blockage, blocked nose, stuffy nose, plugged nose and nasal obstruction.

Nearly everyone has experienced sinus congestion at one point, and nearly everyone can agree on this: it is painful, annoying and uncomfortable. The condition can interfere with speech, hearing and sleep. In severe (rare) cases, sinus congestion requires surgery to correct. Children in particular are susceptible to complications that may require removal of the adenoids and tonsils, and may manifest into problems later in life.

The most common causes of nasal congestion are allergies, cold, flu, and sinus infection. These conditions are ones that are most often able to be corrected through alternative home remedies, such as the one that we will discuss below.

Here’s How To Clean Out Your Sinuses Immediately

The technique that we lay out here is simple, quick and effective. Ready to begin? Here are three quick steps to help alleviate sinus congestion:

(For the most effective results, it is recommended to sit comfortably.)

Sit down and position the head and body at a 45-degree angle. Turn your head sideways and massage the sternocleidomastoid muscle in a downwards direction 5 times. This muscle is located immediately beneath both ears and runs down the neck perpendicular to the collarbone. Repeat this technique on the other side of the neck. The overlapping purpose of this exercise is to relax the neck, to make the remaining steps more effective.
Using the index fingers, locate the hard and boney part of the nose, which runs about halfway down the length of the nose. Now, move the fingers down until you locate the soft part of the nose where this bone ends. We’ll focus this technique on the area between the soft, fleshy part of the nose and the bone. Using a circular motion, massage this area with a firm but comfortable pressure for approximately 20 to 30 seconds. After this is completed, massage the muscles down the side of the nose towards the cheekbones – this will help to relax this area of the face.
Once again using the index fingers, locate the upper orbit bone. This bone is in the area above each eye. Now, we’re going to locate the super orbital notch – a slight indentation above the eyeball’s center. Using a circular motion, massage this notch with comfortably firm pressure for about 20 to 30 seconds.
Finally, with both hands, locate the center of the forehead. Using a circular motion with comfortably firm pressure, slowly massage outwards until reaching the temples.

A final note:

You should experience some degree of relief from this practice. The degree of this relief, in a general sense, depends upon three factors: (1) effective execution of the steps above, (2) severity of nasal congestion being experienced, and (3) personal (involuntary) receptiveness of the above techniques.

You may discover that you need to repeat or slightly alter this practice to experience the best results. After repeating this exercise two to three times, a noticeable improvement should be the outcome.

As a bonus, here are some ways to help prevent nasal congestion:

Don’t smoke: Cigarette smoke and nicotine can irritate the sinuses and exacerbate any sinus condition.
Eat healthy: Design and maintain a well-balanced diet. As with myriad health conditions, consuming and digesting foods high in nutritional value can be the “x-factor.” A healthy diet promotes a healthy immune system – an important defense mechanism that may prevent health complications.
Get active: It isn’t necessary to become a gym rat, but physical activity is essential to achieve an optimized immune system. Aim for a minimum of 30-minutes of physical activity, three times per week.
Hydrate: Water’s health-promoting properties are almost too numerous to count. Dehydration causes many health conditions, On the other hand, proper hydration – a minimum of 5, 12-ounce glasses of water daily – can prevent and alleviate many issues.

Practicing a healthy lifestyle and committing to health-promoting activities can go a long way to reducing nasal congestion; not to mention a number of other health complications.

Do You Recognize it? The Most Powerful Natural Medicine Known to Man

July 25, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Nature has provided many remarkable natural plant sources of healing, and this one that you may not recognize is one of the most potent natural medicines known to man. This lesser-known natural remedy has been reported to fight cancerous tumors, free radicals, and help with many chronic illnesses. Let’s look more at how this one powerful natural medicine can be used to help you heal yourself and even prevent further illness.

Do You Recognize it? The Most Powerful Natural Medicine Known to Man

Those who enjoy the diverse food offerings of the Near East may recognize this powerful medicine with its mustard brown color, which is used as a flavoring spice in many Indian dishes. Turmeric is a spice and food preservative used primarily on Indian and Asian cultures, but its excellent health benefits are becoming more widely known in the Western world.

Turmeric looks like the root ginger, and its powerful medicine has been used as far back as 2500 BCE. Some Hindu communities believe its healing power extends to the spiritual realm and may wear a piece as a protective amulet. Turmeric is also used as a dye for cloth, giving the fabric a golden yellow color.

Ayurvedic medicinal practices use turmeric to help patients heal from various diseases. In some cases, the herb is revered as sacred and used in spiritual religious practices.

Health benefits of this powerful natural medicine

Curcumin is the component of turmeric that has gotten the most attention for its numerous medicinal properties. Researchers looking at the health benefits of this powerful natural medicine say that the curcumin of turmeric has the following remarkable properties:

Anti-inflammatory
Antibacterial
Anti-carcinogenic
Anti-fungal
Anticoagulant (blood thinning)
Antioxidant
Antiviral
Anti-diabetic (decreases blood sugar levels)
Antivenom

The researchers say ‘Curcumin is a non-toxic, highly promising natural antioxidant compound having a wide spectrum of biological functions. It is expected that curcumin may find applications as a novel drug shortly to control various diseases, including anti-inflammatory disorders, carcinogenesis and oxidative stress-induced pathogenesis.’

Current known health problems treated by this powerful natural medicine:

Wound treatment
Swelling caused by sprains
Cough
Anorexia
Liver problems
Rheumatism
Arthritis
Sinusitis
Insomnia
Acne
Shingles
Nausea
Glaucoma
Cataracts
Bruising
Ulcers
Diabetic wounds
Diabetes
Protect from cancer
Reduce digestive gas
Crohn’s disease

Much of the focus on the benefits of turmeric comes from its effect on reducing inflammatory diseases in the body. Many of the above listed diseases come from inflammation and the reaction of the body’s immune system to fighting off irritants from our diet and environment.

Inflammation causes swelling of the body’s tissues, causing pain, itching and pressure that is uncomfortable and can cause significant pain and discomfort. Having access to a natural medicine that reduces the inflammatory response in the body is a good way to reduce health problems that are caused by an overactive immune system.

How this powerful natural medicine works in the body

In the stomach, turmeric helps protect against ulcer formation. Inside the intestines, turmeric reduces digestive cramps and spasms and reduces gas production. In the liver, bile production increased with turmeric, and in the pancreas, plasma secretion increased with the use of turmeric.

In the heart, the curcumin from turmeric reduced cholesterol in high cholesterol rats. Also, turmeric showed that it protected against heart damage caused by a heart attack. The antioxidant properties of curcumin also protect against the damage of vascular dementia that affects the nervous system.

Other possible health benefits of the most powerful natural medicine known to man

Researchers studying baby mice and hamsters with cystic fibrosis found that curcumin showed the effect of correcting the cystic fibrosis defects which are mutations of the genes. Turmeric may also help improve mood problems such as anxiety and minor depression.

Turmeric may be as effective as the typical aspirin and ibuprofen for thinning the blood and preventing clotting. It is also believed that the curcumin of turmeric is an effective painkiller by activating the opioid pain receptors in the brain, similar to morphine.

Caution with this powerful natural medicine

Use some caution when considering turmeric supplements. For example, turmeric has been shown to work as a contraceptive when fed to rats. Although this impact on fertility has not been shown in humans, those trying to conceive should be aware of this potential impact. Also, chromium and curcumin have been shown to cause DNA strand breaks in human lymphocytes and gastric mucosal cells. Avoiding chromium supplements while taking turmeric is recommended.

5 Foods to Avoid That Are Toxic For Your Skin

July 25, 2016 by Power of Positivity

“As expected, skin care is not slowing down. The global skin care industry is estimated to reach $121 billion in 2016. And in 2018, the U.S. skin care market will reach nearly $11 billion.” – GCI Magazine

Skin is the largest organ of the human body by a wide margin. It is also a prime indicator of one’s health and well-being. Healthy skin and pores are arguably the most important factor in beauty, as well.

Beyond health and well-being, skincare is a priority for many of us. Without proper care, it is prone to a number of adverse dermatologic symptoms. Skin that is not cared for can be unhealthy and, not to mention, unsightly.

Contrary to popular belief, the food we put into our bodies strongly influences our overall skin health. We’re going to discuss some popular foods that: (1) clog skin pores and contribute to unhealthy skin, and (2) help to develop healthy skin.

Here are 5 food types that clog your pores:

1. Alcohol

While alcohol doesn’t contribute much to acne, it is indeed unhealthy for our skin. It is worth mentioning that some people can drink alcohol and never experience acne. However, here are some important things to remember:

– Alcohol alters hormone levels, which is a direct cause of acne and unhealthy skin.

– Alcohol will shrink pores and increase the likelihood of clogging. This may aggravate a current conditions or cause a breakout.

2. Dairy

Many people that have given up (or drastically reduced) dairy products will tell you it had a marked improved on skin health. It is well known that dairy products can exacerbate an existing case of acne; what may not be as well-known is that – in some people – dairy products may cause acne.

“Most of my youthful-looking, amazing clients have one thing in common: They do not have any dairy as part of their diet,” says Registered Dietitian Maria Bella, “There is a very strong correlation between consuming dairy products – such as milk – and acne, skin breakouts and aging.”

3. Sugar

Not much of a surprise that sugar makes this list – it is bad for skin in almost every conceivable way. Sugar not only contributes to clogging of the pours, but also causes inflammation, wrinkling, drying, and scaling.

It is also worth mentioning that all unhealthy carbohydrate-laden foods – not just simple sugars – can be bad for our pores. Some of these foods: rice, bread and pasta. If you wish to indulge anyways, be the wiser and choose whole grain items.

4. Salt

Salt is the rare (only?) compound that can be terrific for skin health when applied externally, and devastating to health when consumed. (Last time we checked, applying sugar or dairy to the skin doesn’t result in many skin benefits.)

On a serious note, salt can indeed cause higher amounts of clogged pores. Consuming salt also has the tendency to dehydrate us; this makes it more difficult to moisturize. Over-consuming salt can lead to dry, wrinkled, and aging skin, as well. Finally, consuming salt can aggravate acne conditions and cause inflammation of the body – including the skin.

5. Flour

High-glycemic foods (e.g. white bread, pasta) effectively convert to sugar. As such, high-glycemic foods mimic many of the same adverse effects. Inflammation, wrinkling, drying, and scaling are potential complications that result from consuming flour.

The good news is that many of these foods are available in whole-grain varieties. Whole grain types of bread, rice and cereal, for example, are markedly better for skin (and overall health) than the high-flour types of these products.

Healthy skin foods

The foods (and food types) listed above truly are exceptions to the rule. In terms of number and variety, there exist far more that are beneficial to skin health. Here are some:

– Tomatoes: helps prevent sunburn and sun damage.

– Dark chocolate: enhances smoothness and improves appearance.

– Walnuts: helps to improve elasticity and increases collagen production.

– Berries: helps improve texture and inhibits wrinkle growth.

Here are some others: spinach, oatmeal, soy, red wine, kiwi, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, kale, green tea.

Share this Image On Your Site

Please include attribution to https://www.powerofpositivity.com/ with this graphic. <a href=’https://www.powerofpositivity.com/5-foods-avoid-pores-skin/’><img src=’https://cdn.powerofpositivity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Skin-Care-Tips-You-Need-To-Know-About-410×1024.png’ alt=’Skin care infographic’ 540px border=’0′ /></a>

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

Science Explains What Happens To Your Body When You Drink Lemon Water With Turmeric Every Day

July 25, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Drinking water is, of course, essential to good hydration. But the benefits of adding lemon and turmeric are incredible for your body.

Water is recommended for those looking to lose weight as the first thing to try when feeling hungry. That’s because it can give us both that feeling of fullness in our stomachs and also eliminates the possibility that we might just be thirsty, not hungry.

Our bodies need water to survive and thrive. So getting plenty of fresh, clean water daily is good for us. Water gives our cells extra volume and makes it possible for the nutrients that we need to be dissolved and used by our cells.

How much water we need daily can vary by the climate we live in and our activity levels. However, a good rule is eight ounces of water eight times per day.

This equals roughly half a gallon of water or two liters. You may need to drink even more in dry climates or with heavy perspiration.

This article will examine the benefits of these two essential ingredients that you can add to one or more of those eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day and what happens in your body when you add lemon and turmeric.

These Things Happen To Your Body When You Drink Lemon Water With Turmeric Every Day

Benefits of adding turmeric to your drinking water every day

The benefits of turmeric are incredible, and if you are considering an herbal supplement, it is one of the best you can start with.

Turmeric is a wonderful help to your body because it is a powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and anticancer agent.
With all this illness-fighting power packed into one golden yellow spice, turmeric should be a household illness-fighting staple that has earned a place in the medicine cabinet.
Turmeric has been used for centuries to treat everything from acne to diabetes, gas to high cholesterol. Moreover, it does all of this with very few side effects or potential health risks to your body.
However, if you are trying to get pregnant, talk to your medical professional before using turmeric, as it may help to prevent pregnancy.
Although the health benefits of treating disease are huge with turmeric, the health prevention properties are also a very important reason to add this spice to your drinking water daily.
For example, researchers have found that turmeric has helped prevent Alzheimer’s disease. The research shows that turmeric prevents the degradation of neurons in the brain. That benefit helps to prevent the symptoms of dementia and memory loss.

Benefits of adding lemon to your drinking water every day

Drinking lemon water with turmeric can be done on ice, hot like tea, in the morning and evening, with or without a meal. Your body will absorb the benefits no matter when or how you take in this interesting flavor combination.

The bright yellow, sunny appearance of lemon is similar to the feeling your body gets when you add freshly squeezed lemon juice or even just a slice of lemon to your water.
Your body feels more alert, refreshed, and vibrant. The burst of tart flavor is like liquid sunshine invigorating your body’s systems.
Lemon and all citrus fruits are high in Vitamin C, which is excellent for your skin’s health.
Lemon juice also gives you soluble fiber, potassium, folate, calcium, thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and a variety of phytochemicals, which are all critical for our health.
Citric acid helps digest food better due to the added breakdown in your stomach.
This leads to less gas, constipation, and bloating and helps absorb nutrients from your food. Researchers looking at heart health and lemon found a significant association between vitamin C intake and protection against cardiovascular mortality.
Vitamin C intake is also associated with bone mineral density, which can help prevent osteoporosis. The researchers also have found that lemon water helps improve mental functioning as we age. They found that ‘Older subjects with greater intakes of fruits and vegetables, and the corresponding nutrients vitamin C and folate, have been shown to perform better on cognitive tests.’

How to mix turmeric and lemon in your drinking water every day

So how much turmeric to how much lemon should you add to your water every day? As little as a teaspoon of turmeric is enough to get benefit from this remarkable spice. However, you can drink more than that if you would like. Add the juice from half of a lemon and mix both in an 8-ounce glass of water.

The result will be a brownish-yellow liquid that you can drink. Some people are not a fan of the flavor combination. So if that is the case, add some honey or cinnamon to the mixture to give it a different flavor. Alternatively, try some fresh mint to give it a refreshing taste.

Warm water will help the turmeric dissolve better, but you can let it cool before drinking it. Enjoy this healthy drink every day for some incredible health benefits.

Final Thoughts on Drinking Turmeric and Lemon Water Every Day

Turmeric and lemon, when consumed separately, provide multiple healthful benefits. Of course, water is the essence of life. When you combine these three things into a single potent drink, you are boosting your health, preventing ailments, and increasing your hydration–that’s the key to a long and healthy life.

Angelic Nurse Cat Takes Care of Other Animals In A Shelter

July 25, 2016 by Power of Positivity

When you come home from a long day at work, you might have your own little angels come to greet you and give you comfort when you need it most. In Bydgoszcz, Poland, they have their own angel that helps other animals at a veterinary clinic get better. Radamenes, a heroic black cat that suffered from a severe respiratory infection, now helps other animals improve their health after surviving his own traumatic experience.

The veterinary center helped him recover from his infection and give him back his life, and now, he cuddles with the other animals, and even helps to clean and massage them.

The locals consider Radamenes a hero, and many come to visit him because of his inspiring story and sweet nature. Here are some photos of this angelic cat that will remind you just how amazing and caring animals can be.

Angelic Nurse Cat Takes Care of Other Animals In A Shelter

Radamenes survived a serious respiratory infection and now helps other animals get better themselves

His owners thought he wouldn’t make it since he was so sick

The vets wanted to try to save him anyway

He surprisingly got better, and then decided to cuddle with the other animals and help them to improve, too

He gave the most attention to animals that had to undergo serious treatment or surgery

The vets at the animal shelter call him a full-time nurse because he constantly checks on the other animals and gives them love and care. He truly shows us how love, compassion, and care can transform lives, and how our own battles can help others!

You can read more from the original news report, here.

Do You Get Anxiety? Here’s Why It Might Mean You’re A Genius

July 24, 2016 by Power of Positivity

In the world we live in today, we have a lot on our plates. With the economy crashing worldwide, people struggling just to survive and pay bills, violence and riots increasing everywhere, and everyone wondering how we will survive all of this, of course this will produce fear and worry among us all.

Of course, some of us worry more than others, and we can’t really help it. We have worry etched into our DNA, and contemplate every decision and outcome thoroughly. If this sounds like you, then don’t worry; it might just mean you’re a genius, and here’s why.

If You Worry or Have Anxiety, Here’s Why It Might Mean You’re A Genius

Many of us worry in general about how we will take care of ourselves, pay bills, and all of those lovely adult responsibilities. However, worrying about a specific problem and thinking about the impact of our decisions might mean that we have a high level of creative intelligence.

This indicates great problem solving skills, higher thinking, and empathy.

A recent study discovered a strong correlation between excess worry and anxiety, and high intelligence. Personality Neurobiology expert Dr. Adam Perkins, says this about our thoughts and how it relates to intelligence:

“It occurred to me that if you happen to have a preponderance of negatively hued self-generated thoughts, due to high levels of spontaneous activity in the parts of the medial prefrontal cortex that govern conscious perception of threat and you also have a tendency to switch to panic sooner than average people, due to possessing especially high reactivity in the basolateral nuclei of the amygdala, then that means you can experience intense negative emotions even when there’s no threat present. This could mean that for specific neural reasons, high scorers on neuroticism have a highly active imagination, which acts as a built-in threat generator.”

To put it simply, Perkins means that if we think more negatively the majority of the time, this doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing. Rather, people who worry and have anxiety might just have higher intelligence and creativity because they can spot problems before others do, and work on solving them.

This makes sense when you look at the world at large. Although it might seem very backwards on the surface, think about how many products out there strive to make our lives better. With smartphones, innovators saw that society had a need that they didn’t even know about. They wanted to have the ability to take pictures with the click of a button, connect with their friends on the go with social media, and have access to the Internet wherever they went.

Self-help novelists and speakers see that people have a need to develop themselves and become better in every aspect of life. They saw a problem, and created techniques to solve it.

Worry and anxiety help to transform society and make it better. Without worry, we would have nothing to solve, and would remain stagnant and complacent.

Dr. Perkins also had this to say:

“Cheerful, happy-go-lucky people by definition do not brood about problems and so must be at a disadvantage when problem-solving compared to a more neurotic person. We have a useful sanity check for our theory because it is easy to observe that many geniuses seem to have a brooding, unhappy tendency that hints they are fairly high on the neuroticism spectrum. For example, think of the life stories of Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Vincent Van Gogh, Kurt Cobain, etc. Perhaps the link between creativity and neuroticism was summed up most succinctly of all by John Lennon when he said: ‘Genius is pain.’”

Even though positive thinking can help people to revolutionize their life, negative thinking also serves its purpose. It helps us to ponder new opportunities and ideas, and decide how we will approach a problem.

Don’t think of a negative thought as inherently bad – think of it as a tool to help you build a new possibility. The worry can help us to identify a problem and come up with a better way of approaching it than we did before.

The only reason you should worry about worrying too much is when it affects your life in such a way that you can’t focus on your work or the people you love the most. When worry and anxiety consume you, then they become a problem. However, when you use these tools in order to create, learn, and analyze a situation or problem, and use them sparingly, then feel free to worry away!

Worry can either act as fuel to the fire, or a barrier keeping us from our best selves. You get to choose how best to utilize this emotion, and hopefully, you will use it to improve yourself and the world around you. Worry can definitely paralyze you, but it doesn’t have to. You can transcend the fear and use it to take you to the next step in life.

Creative geniuses help us to advance in society. Without them, we might still live without modern irrigation, television, cars or phones. A creative person looks at the details of the world, and ponders how everything might work together as a whole in order to have a better functioning society. They might live in their heads a lot, but they sure do creative beautiful things out of their imagination, and we should thank them for it.

5 Signs Social Media Is Turning You Into An Introvert

July 24, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Communicating with people far away through the internet magic of social media may give you the illusion of having an active social life. Still, there are 5 signs that it could be turning you into an introvert. This article will look at how your online habits contribute to your becoming an introvert instead of having quality real-life social connections.

What Is An Introvert?

An introvert is a personality type, generally a quiet, reserved, and thoughtful individual. They don’t seek special attention or social engagements, as these events can leave introverts exhausted and drained.

Introverts are the opposite of extroverts. Extroverts are often described as the life of the party. They seek out interaction and conversations. They aren’t one to miss a social gathering, and they thrive in the frenzy of a busy environment.

7 Signs Reveal That You Might Be an introvert

There are a couple of ways that you can tell if you’re an introvert. Here are seven of the most apparent behavioral signs of introversion.

1 – You enjoy having time to yourself

The best hours of your day are spent indoors, playing video games and reading a good book. There’s nothing wrong with loving your space, and most people own up. Not everyone is super comfortable within social gatherings, even though it isn’t a bad idea to let your hair down every once in a while.

2 – Your best thinking occurs when you’re by yourself.

Group works are cute but have you ever wondered why you seem to work best when left alone? There has to be a reason you’re so good at researching when you’re in your safe space. Plus, there’s nothing wrong with being a soloist, as some of the world’s best brains share such a trait. As such, “having the opportunity to reflect quietly on a problem allows you to make the maximum use of your ability to engage in original thought and to produce results about which you can feel proud.”

3 – You’re content to sit back and let others take center stage.

Your lecturer just asked a question in class, a question that you know the answer to. However, you leave your hand unraised as other people answer and take the shine. There’s nothing wrong with that, nothing weird about that, and it’s pretty standard if you ask me. That’s just you being an introvert and letting more outgoing people have a bite at the cherry. “Extraverts tend to be ready and eager to stand out in any academic or social situation.” On the other hand, you are a more hands-off participator, leaving your grades to do the talking.

4 – You often wear headphones when you’re in a public situation.

What would introverts do without the incredible inventions that are earphones? These tools are necessary for a typical introvert’s dressing, as they hold the keys to avoiding awkwardness. “Whether it’s making your way through a crowded bus station or just navigating a crowded street, if you’re an introvert, you most likely don’t seek a great deal of contact with others.” Gone are when you had to look down and walk briskly across. Now, you must bump your favorite artiste as you navigate a crowded and potentially awkward situation.

5 – You receive more calls, texts, and emails than you make.

Introverts rather text, and if that doesn’t work, they might resort to anonymous letters and messages in a bottle. Just kidding, but it’s a very introverted thing to be getting more calls and texts than you make. Furthermore, it’s pretty likely that if you’re a true introvert, you will avoid jobs in which you have to engage in such outreach, such as becoming a telemarketing representative. However, introverts might take that job to break even, as they are known to be pretty driven individuals. “All other things being equal, people high in introversion don’t reach out voluntarily to their social circles. If they have a few minutes to spare, they won’t initiate a call to pass the time by socializing.”

6 – You don’t initiate small talk with salespeople or others with whom you have casual contact.

Extroverts are a master of flirting, small talk, and keeping people in their immediate environment occupied. On the other hand, the introvert can’t do much to save his life. That’s because conversations aren’t easy to bring up, as they take careful preparation and a lot of deep breaths.

7 – You prefer not to engage with angry or upset people.

A true introvert reads the room, and he or she is unlikely to engage a potentially angry person. Introverts instead keep to themselves, so anything that can keep them from a potential conflict would be readily chosen. Introverts are the opposite of intruders; the last thing on their minds is getting involved with a potentially problematic individual.

Being an introvert does not necessarily make you socially awkward; it just means that you rather stay on your own and make calculated decisions. Introverts are just as productive as extroverts, if not more so. There’s a lot to achieve in minding your own business and taking a step at a time. And that’s the hallmark of a true introvert.

5 Signs Social Media Is Turning You Into An Introvert

Just because you prefer to be at home clicking, posting, commenting, and sharing doesn’t mean you’re an introvert. There are different levels of social introversion, ranging from socially shy to socially avoidant.

Some people use the word ‘antisocial’ to describe social withdrawal, but psychologists use this word to mean that a person acts against society or harms others. In psychology, someone with an antisocial personality disorder is someone with psychological problems like narcissism, sociopathy, or psychopathy.

The amount of social networking site usage varies from person to person. Some people stay connected on and off, checking several social media sites for daily updates. Some people only use one or two social media sites and spend an hour or less daily online.

According to the Pew Research Center, 72% of Americans use Facebook, and 70% of those are on the website daily. Other daily website usages for Americans include 59% for Instagram, 38% for Twitter, 27% on Pinterest, and 22% use LinkedIn daily. globalwebindex.net says that a 2014 survey of people ages 16-64 showed that we are online through a desktop or laptop computer an average of 4.9 hours per day and 2.5 hours per day on a mobile device.

But how much online social media usage is too much? Will you start to turn you into an introvert, and is that a bad thing?

1. You find it difficult to choose going out over staying in and engaging in social media

It’s not necessarily a bad thing t0 be an introvert, but it could be bad for your health. In our recent article, we talked about how lacking a social support system as an introvert can negatively affect your immune system’s ability to fight off illness.

Excessive use of social media can lead to other negative consequences as well. According to British researchers being online too much can cause ‘a neglect of real-life social connections including the compromising of personal relationships, and a detrimental impact on academic and/or work performance.’

Researchers say that avoiding one opportunity to go out so that you can stay home and enjoy the quiet of your online activities makes you more likely to avoid the next opportunity for hanging out with friends also. This social isolation is particularly concerning for young adults and teens who are just learning about how to have productive social interactions with others.

2. You find more enjoyment from your online activity than you do going out

Researchers in the Journal Developmental Psychology looked at problematic media like violent video games, gambling sites, or the use of pornography online. They say that they could predict that a person who used these types of online activities would become even more socially withdrawn over the course of a year than they were at the beginning of the year.

3. Your social media friends understand you more

If you feel like your online friends are a better support system than your real friends, social media may be turning you into an introvert. This is common, especially for those who have found a specific niche community online that they feel a significant part of.

For example, you could be involved in an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder support group online but are too shy to try to go to an in-person support group. The connections you get online are meaningful to you, which is great, but it’s also keeping you shut in.

4. You feel anxious when you know that you will have to go out in public

In the past, have you typically been anxious when you go out in public, or is this something about yourself that has changed? Social anxiety is common for introverts, so feeling this way is a sign you become an introvert.

You can improve your level of social interaction by practicing relaxation techniques before you go out and while you are around others. For example, deep breathing and controlling fidgeting movements when you feel anxious can help you enjoy talking with people more.

5. You look forward to going on social media

Eventually, you begin to get a sense of pleasure from being an introvert and focusing on social media. Whether you enjoy seeing your friends’ comments, likes, and shares, or you enjoy the online sense of community, the pleasure and reward center of your brain has been activated, and now you’re hooked.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Signs That Social Media Might Be Turning You Into an Introvert

Of course, there is nothing inherently wrong with introversion as a personality type. Introverts are reliable, thoughtful people who foster healthy relationships. But if you are bordering on becoming anti-social, perhaps you can find ways to break away from your inner thoughts. Step away from social media and get out with real-life friends more often.

12 Things To Never Say “I’m Sorry” For

July 24, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Today’s world appears to have more people criticizing others than ever, with some people actually spending the majority of their time critiquing how others live. However, you don’t have to give away your power to others by saying you’re sorry. You don’t owe anyone an explanation for your lifestyle, your choices, or who you choose to spend time with.

At the end of the day, if you feel happy and love the life you live, that’s all that truly matters. If you live according to your truth, you don’t have to feel ashamed or apologize to anyone. Other people don’t get to dictate how you live your life, so don’t ever say “I’m sorry” for the following things.

HERE ARE 12 THINGS TO NEVER SAY SORRY FOR:

1. Making yourself a priority in your life.

Somehow, making your heart happy twisted into a selfish, egotistical, entitled idea. In reality, no one else can ever offer the happiness you can give yourself, so it only makes sense to prioritize your fulfillment.

If you have taken your life into your own hands instead of waiting on others to teach you how to live it, then you have already mastered an important aspect of self-development. We all have 100% responsibility for how we live our lives, and only by putting our needs first can we ever attempt to help others in need then, too. After all, how can we help others if we don’t first address how to help ourselves?

2. Following your dreams.

Wanting more in life does not make you ungrateful or spoiled. In fact, it makes you ambitious. It means you have goals and dreams and want to fulfill them while you still can. It means you don’t settle for less than you know you’re capable of. Others might view you as an unrealistic dreamer who will never truly find happiness, but it doesn’t matter what others think.

You can express gratitude about what you’ve been blessed with while still aspiring for more in life, so don’t ever feel bad about having big dreams. Go after them with all your heart; the universe will surprise you in ways you never imagined.

3. Making time for you.

In this fast-paced world, we spend so much time caring for others and attending to their needs that we forget about our own. However, if we don’t fill up our own cup, how can we ever expect to have any left for others?

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary for our health. Don’t ever apologize for turning down an invitation or saying no to someone in order to look after yourself. Whether you book a 5-star vacation or an afternoon at the spa, you should always come first in your life and should never feel bad for taking some “me-time.”

4. Who you choose to date.

Again, no one else can decide for you who to date. No one can determine if you like girls, guys, or both but you, so don’t let anyone else make you feel ashamed for who you engage in romantic relationships with. As long as you truly love and care for the person, then feel free to date whoever you’d like. We all are one, after all, and love lives within all of us. If someone expresses concern with who you date or doesn’t agree, then they don’t deserve a spot in your life. Period.

5. Expressing emotions.

Unfortunately, emotion shaming is now a real thing. We perform like robots in much of society, expected to obey and not express how we feel. Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t express yourself. Of course, you probably shouldn’t get angry with your boss right before he gives you a promotion, for instance, but overall, we live in a very stifled society where people don’t feel comfortable expressing themselves. There’s a time and place for every emotion, but don’t ever feel ashamed for how you feel in any given moment.

6. How you earn money.

If you feel emotionally and mentally satisfied with your job, then don’t ever say you’re sorry for it. Whether you make billions or hundreds a year, the dollar amount doesn’t matter if you don’t feel happy with your vocation. Anything that makes you feel fulfilled while helping you keep food on the table is enough, so don’t let anyone let you feel like it isn’t.

7. Being optimistic.

In a world where people constantly tell us to “expect the best but prepare for the worst,” keeping our heads up can seem quite challenging. However, many scientists and researchers around the globe have recognized the many benefits of positive thinking, including decreased stress, a longer life span, greater creativity, and more.

Staying positive in hard times can make us more resilient and better deal with challenges. So, to all the Debby downers who love to rain on your parade, don’t let them!

8. Your past.

Some people love to bring up all the mistakes you made in the past, but if they do, remember this. While they sat there criticizing you and your life, you had experiences and learned from them. At the end of our lives, we will only have our experiences and memories to go on, so don’t let anyone make you feel sorry for your past. We live and learn, and our past does not have to define us.

9. Your diet.

People love to tell others how to eat and what will make them feel best, but at the end, it’s your body. Just as you shouldn’t tell others how to eat, don’t let them dictate your eating habits. Everyone thinks they know the optimal diet for humans, from vegans to meat-eaters, but in reality, only you can decide what feels right to you, not anyone else.

10. Striving for more in life.

Wanting more in life does not make you ungrateful or spoiled. Instead, it makes you ambitious. It means you have goals and dreams and want to fulfill them while you still can. This drive means you don’t settle for less than you know you’re capable of. Others might view you as an unrealistic dreamer who will never indeed find happiness, but it doesn’t matter what others think.

You can express gratitude about what you’ve been blessed with while still aspiring for more, so don’t ever feel bad about having big dreams. Go after them with all your heart; the universe will surprise you in ways you never imagined.

11. Challenging the mainstream.

Others like to nitpick every aspect of people’s lives in today’s world, so much so that people actually feel guilty about how they choose to live. Just live in your truth and don’t mind what others say; remember, if anyone feels threatened by how you live your life, they might actually be jealous of you. Sometimes, people feel so uncomfortable and dissatisfied with their lives that they must bash others to make themselves feel better.

If you want to homeschool your children, live off-the-grid, eat only from your garden, let food be your medicine, and teach your children peace and love instead of what’s on television, don’t ever be sorry for that. Everyone deserves to live the life they want without feeling remorseful for simply following their hearts.

12. Your opinions.

You can still respect someone without agreeing with them. You can remain civil and respectful without agreeing, also. If you have an opinion, don’t hesitate to express it, even if it doesn’t seem like the “popular” choice. The world will never change if we keep our opinions to ourselves, because oftentimes, the best ideas come from opinions and viewpoints.

Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!