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5 Things You Need To Release If You Want To Follow Your Dreams

February 18, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Most of us had dreams bigger than ourselves as we grew up..we dreamt of becoming superheroes to save the planet from destruction, becoming astronauts to discover new planets, or maybe simply having a loving family when we got a little older. However, somewhere between work, school, and, you know, life, our dreams seemed to drift into the background, and we quickly forgot about them. Luckily, following your dreams comes down to a few key components: determination, patience, and elimination.

“Don’t follow your dreams; chase them…” – Kunal Patel

We’ll explain that last key element in further detail below, so just bare with us.

Here are five things you need to release if you want to follow your dreams:

1. Small goals

So, referring back to the third component of success – elimination – you need to have a monstrous, larger-than-life goal in mind if you want to follow your dreams. Sure, the milestones along the way will help you attain this bigger goal, but you want to keep your focused goal – the one you truly desire – in the forefront of your mind. If you have small ambitions, they can easily take your attention off what you want, thus pushing you further away from your target.

Have the larger goal in mind with every decision you make, and stay focused on it. You can consider focus as another key component to success, as well. Remember, the people who follow their dreams don’t have any more going for them than you – they just know what they want, and go after it.

2. Too much clutter

If you want to succeed and follow your dreams, you must eliminate and release all the clutter and distractions in your life. Our minds can easily lose focus if we have too much going on, so you need to streamline your efforts and remove anything that gets in the way of success. Excess clutter may also add to your stress, inability to get tasks done efficiently, and even feelings of guilt. However, just as you should keep your work environment clean, you must also look after your thoughts and impulses.

Having too many goals at a time will prevent you from focusing on what you want, so to maximize productivity and capture your dreams, make sure to declutter your mind.

3. Indecisiveness

As we hinted before, not knowing what you want can put a damper on your path to success. Our brain constantly gets distracted by external and internal stimuli, and not to mention, we tend to be overly ambitious with what we want to accomplish. For example, we might say, “I want to learn Spanish, start up my own business AND lose 30 pounds in the next six months.” Do you see how counterproductive this is? We can’t possibly accomplish these three things simultaneously, so it works much better to work on one goal at a time. Of course, you can easily work out in your spare time, and you very well may lose those 30 pounds, but you’ll have to decide which of the three things matters most to you, and plan your time accordingly.

Starting up a business would easily take up most of your time, which means the other goals would have to take the backseat for a while if the business is your number one priority.

4. Excess wants

Like we’ve reiterated already, the brain always wants new things, mostly because of external stimuli. Humans naturally want to accomplish things in life, to feel satisfied, fulfilled, and like we have a purpose. However, many of us don’t know how to find our true purpose, instead switching from one skill to another without mastering any of them. To follow your dreams, you’ll have to learn self-control and self-management so that you don’t become distracted by other wants. Of course, wanting things in life isn’t negative, but wanting too much at once can be detrimental to your overarching goals.

5. The need for control

Finally, if you want success and the manifestation of your dreams, you’ll have to give up some semblance of control. You can learn to control yourself, but you can’t control what happens outside of your own mind and heart. Sometimes, things just don’t work out like we’d hoped, but instead of getting frustrated that you didn’t reach your goal, take the lessons in stride and express gratitude for what you learned. You can always pick back up where you left off and approach your dreams from a different angle.

7 Warning Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Sociopath

February 18, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Feelings of joy mixed with anger and pain often are the hallmarks of a relationship with a sociopath. At one point in your relationship, everything was blissful and then it changed and it seemed like it was somehow your fault. Sound familiar?

It was never your fault, but a sociopath wants you to believe that you’ve done something wrong to have caused the pain in your relationship. They are only using you and they want you to believe their lies for their own benefit.

Break the cycle of dependence in a relationship with a sociopath by reaffirming your rights:

* You have the right to set personal boundaries and have your partner respect them.

* You have the right to control your own finances.

* You have the right to make choices for yourself.

* You have the right to leave the drama of the relationship and not feel punished.

* You have the right to be loved, unconditionally.

In a recent mental health report, psychologists say that for a sociopath “Sustaining a marital relationship is often difficult due to expressions of physical aggression, extreme irritability and manipulative behavior. These problems are accompanied by a lack of motivation to change.” If they see that you are not falling for their game, then they will to manipulate you again. If that doesn’t work, they will move on to the next target.

Sociopathy and other personality disorders can be more common that you may imagine. For example, women who experience childbirth are at risk for developing a personality disorder due to the emotional response to giving birth. Up to 20% of mothers may experience a psychological problem according to a study on maternal mental health. Postpartum depression is also a potential mental health risk for women who give birth.

In order for a person to recover from a sociopathic disorder, cognitive-behavioral therapy is prescribed “in which the therapist works with the patient to understand motives and meanings behind their behavior and focuses on strengthening the patient’s capacity to endure frustration, anger and loneliness without acting impulsively on those feelings.”

Psychologists believe that cognitive-behavioral therapy works for sociopathic people. “In general, the aim of this therapy is to focus on the feelings that underlie the associated problems of ‘thinking in black and white.’ Furthermore, the patient’s family may be trained to set limits with the patient, rather than giving in to their threats and unreasonable demands.”

7 Warning Signs You’re In A Relationship With A Sociopath

1. A sociopath will break your boundaries.

Because they have no respect for the rights of others, a sociopath will act like you didn’t tell them not to do that thing that they just did. You may have tried to set boundaries by telling your partner what you like and don’t like, but they won’t respect them. A sociopath is focused on themselves and their desires, not yours.

Getting a sociopath to own up to their inconsiderate behavior is like pulling teeth, that is, painful. The nature of a sociopath makes them infallible in their own eyes. They did nothing wrong as far as they are concerned. A sociopath says that you must be the one who has problems if you want to try to control them like that.

2. A sociopath will use threats and promises to manipulate you.

A sociopath promises rewards to you in exchange for a specific behavior from you. If you do __, they will love you forever, etc. Or alternatively, if you don’t do __, they will tell everyone some horrible secret about you, etc.

Your romantic partner should love you not if or when, but always and unconditionally. It should be a matter of your own free will to love them or not love them and for them to love you. When your partner puts conditions on receiving their love, it’s a warning sign that you’re in a relationship with a sociopath.

3. A sociopath acts aggressively in frightening ways.

Your partner has actually scared you more than once with their behavior that is bordering on violent. Their anger can come from nowhere and erupt like a bomb. This can be one of the scariest parts of being in a relationship with a sociopath.

4. You’re in a relationship with a sociopath if you feel unloved.

A sociopath is not capable of love but they are capable of acting like they are in love. If you’ve ever felt a gut feeling that your partner was not truly happy, you might have a good reason to be worried.

5. You’re in a relationship with a sociopath if your partner has more control than you do.

Your partner has access to the bank accounts, vehicles, keys, passwords, PIN numbers, credit cards, loans, etc. and you do not have control over much at all. A sociopath likes to have power and control over you and they will work to keep the balance of power on their side, not yours.

6. A sociopath lies to everyone, including themselves.

It is not likely that you can argue your way out of a conversation with a sociopath. They know all the right words to say to convince you. Read our related article on 5 Signs You’re in a Relationship With a Narcissist.

7. You’re in a relationship with a sociopath if they don’t seem capable of change.

By now you may have asked your partner to change their behavior because you’ve started to see that they act in ways that you dislike. Unfortunately, a sociopath won’t be likely to see that their behavior is the problem. If your partner is a sociopath, they are only in the relationship for their own personal gain.

Here’s Why You Should Never Reboil Your Water

February 17, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Boiling water is both a common practice and one that is beneficial to our health. When water is boiled, some harmful substances are effectively removed. However, if for some reason the water cools, should you reboil it?

The answer is no, since reboiling the water allows certain gases and chemical compounds to concentrate. These chemical reactions and the the proliferation of certain gasses can harm our health.

Here’s Why You Should Never Reboil Your Water

If you boil the water too long or reboil it, you risk concentrating certain undesirable chemicals that may be in your water. – Dr. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D., Chemist

There is concern amongst health professionals that reboiled water can cause certain types of cancer. Chemicals that become more concentrated include nitrates, arsenic, and fluoride – these substances are toxic. Further, mineral concentration can also be harmful – concentrations of calcium salt, for example, can lead to the development of kidney stones.

The most significant risks are due to the accumulation of three toxic chemicals mentioned earlier – nitrates, arsenic and fluoride. Let’s delve into what makes these chemicals hazardous to our health.

Nitrates

Excessive intake of nitrates has been lined to conditions such as methemoglobinemia – an abnormal blood disorder – along with certain types of cancer. Another common way that nitrates are ingested is in the form of sodium nitrate – a preservative that is found in some processed meats, such as lunch meats, bacon and jerky. This nitrate is thought to increase the risk of heart disease and other types of illness. Sodium nitrate can potentially damage blood vessels – hardening and narrowing the arteries, leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders.

When water is reboiled, nitrates in the water are reheated. This exposure to heat effectively converts nitrates into nitrosamines – a carcinogenic. Nitrosamines are harmful to both humans and animals. Strangely, nitrosamines can be added to certain foodstuffs without restriction. Reboiled water contains nitrosamines, as do certain processed foods, beers and some cheese products.

The dangers of nitrosamines and other variations of nitrates are numerous. Certain studies have demonstrated an increased risk in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Type 2 diabetes. Other diseases linked to nitrates are leukemia and lymphoma, along with cancer of the bladder, colon, esophagus, ovaries and pancreas.

Arsenic

A 1999 study released by the National Academy of Sciences demonstrates that arsenic in drinking water causes bladder, lung, and skin cancer. Arsenic can also potentially cause kidney and liver cancer. This same study shows that arsenic harms the central and peripheral nervous systems, damages the heart and blood vessels, and causes skin damage.

Arsenic is an abundant element from the earth’s crust. As such, occurs naturally and abundantly in rocks and soil, which can leak the chemical into water supplies. Industrial activities can also produce high levels of arsenic, increasing the risk of water contamination.

Boiling water does not remove arsenic. However, reboiling water increases arsenic’s chemical concentration and health risk. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), certain water treatment methods – reverse osmosis, ultra-filtration, distillation, or ion exchange – may be effective to reduce the levels of arsenic.

The CDC recommends contacting a local health department for methods of reducing arsenic levels in drinking water. If drinking from a private well, a state certification officer can provide a list of laboratories that will perform tests on drinking water. CDC also recommends for you to test water wells at least once of year to prevent and mitigate any problems.

Fluoride

As is the case with arsenic, boiling does not remove fluoride. As with arsenic, reboiling water increases the chemicals’ concentration levels and increases the likelihood of adverse health effects.

To date, many local governments continue adding measured fluoride doses to water supplies. This is an attempt to reduce the risk of dental decay. However, mounting evidence has resulted in cities and towns reevaluating this common practice.

One commonly cited study on the harmful effects of fluoride was conducted at Harvard University, where researchers determined a correlation between increased levels of fluoride and cognitive impairment. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, concluded that children living in areas of highly fluoridated water had lower IQ’s than children who did not.

The study’s researchers wrote this troublesome summarization of their findings:

In conclusion, our results support the possibility of adverse effects of fluoride exposures on children’s neurodevelopment.

4 Things You Should Never Forget To Do In Life

February 17, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Before continuing further into the article, we’d like to conduct a little exercise. Please take a minute and write down the answer to this simple question: What three things are most important in life and why? Answering this question will make sure you get the most out of the reading today, so please participate. Got it? Okay, let’s continue.

Now that we’ve written down the answers pertaining to what’s most important in life, we should now ask ourselves if these are indeed priorities. To be clear, a stark difference exists between what’s important and how we choose to spend our time. Sometimes what we value is determined by outside circumstances. For example, our achievement-driven society places a ton of value on what someone does for work, the kind of vehicle they drive, and the type of house they live in. The overwhelming perspective of society is that success is measured by what we achieve and obtain. Is this important?

Our families can also play a role in what we determine to be important. Many parents believe that providing the best life for their children means they must sacrifice and earn as much money as possible. Is this important?

There is no right or wrong answer. We value different things, and that is absolutely okay. Regardless of our answers, we should remind ourselves of one thing: our lives are finite. If we remain consciously aware of life’s determinate nature, it becomes much easier to pinpoint and evaluate what we value and live accordingly.

With that in mind, we would like to share four universally important truths of life. These are not substitutions for answers, but ways that may be helpful in living more abundantly.

Here are four things you should never forget to do in life:

1. Create a positive self-image

Here’s a harsh reality: most of us have a negative self-image. Now, we don’t measure self-image in the same way that we do a census. In other words, it’s difficult to provide concrete data for on an abstract topic in a vast population such as ours. That said, it is estimated – after researching various studies – that anywhere between 60 to 85 percent of people suffer from low self-esteem. Having poor self-esteem directly correlates with having a negative self-image.

Self-image is simply inner monologue relating to our own abilities, appearance and personality. We judge ourselves on an almost endless list of things: weight, intelligence, income, sense of humor, clothing, vocation, etc. etc. etc.

When we possess a negative self-image, we’re far more likely to compare ourselves with others and place too much emphasis on what others think about us. Not to mention, we’re more prone to depression, anxiety and other health conditions.

Embracing self-acceptance and instilling a positive self-image is not simple. But it begins with making the choice to live courageously and on our own terms while refusing to be impacted by outside opinion. Ask family and friends what they love about you – this is a great way to help build a positive self-image.

2. Invest in your life relationships

How many of us have regrets about a current or past relationship? That would be pretty much everybody. Despite this, we still seek out individuals that we can develop a rich connection with. The reason is that human beings are social creatures and always will be.

Think about it: establishing relationships is unavoidable. We’re born into a family with close-knit members; we desire a deep relationship with a partner or significant other; most of us communicate with co-workers that we – on some level – have a relationship with, etc.

So, regardless of a relationship’s nature – close or distant, co-worker or sibling – resolve to invest the time necessary to develop and maintain positive relationships. Quash petty arguments and disagreements that place barriers between us and others. Our personal and professional lives will bear much more fruit.

3. Attend to your health and wellness

Monitoring our health and wellness is a pretty straightforward thing, isn’t it? So why do so many people disregard this important responsibility? The fact is that it’s difficult to excel in any area of our life without taking the time necessary to attend to our health and wellness.

There are various reasons why health and wellness may take a back seat to other issues. Of all the possible reasons, time and stress are probably the two most cited. Of course time is limited and stress is unavoidable, but these truths should serve as motivation, not as an obstruction.

The solution is to realize that it needn’t be arduous simply. Simple steps such as walking briskly for 15 to 30 minutes a day and scheduling routine checkups will help tremendously. Discover or rediscover a fun hobby that involves some physical activity – basketball, biking, tennis, swimming, racquetball, hiking…there are a number of possibilities.

4. Act on your purpose, hopes, and dreams

Not much else matters if we lose sight of our purpose in life. Again, our intention is not to persuade anyone to change course in life. If this article causes someone to make a positive change in their life, terrific. Positive changes are always good.

Instead, let’s remind ourselves of life’s passing nature each day. Encountering this sometimes uncomfortable truth will often serve as an invocation to live our hopes and dreams.

Steve Jobs, in his commencement speech at Stanford University, said it beautifully:

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything – all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just call away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.”

10 Signs Your Thyroid Isn’t Working Properly

February 17, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Your thyroid might be trying to send you a sign that it isn’t working properly. Unfortunately, this problem can affect many areas of your health and can even be fatal. Thyroid cancer, Hashimoto’s disease, hypothyroid, hyperthryroid, thyrotoxic crisis, and thyroid storm are all possible problems that a malfunctioning thyroid can signal. Let’s look at 10 signs.

10 Signs Your Thyroid Isn’t Working Properly

Thyrotoxic crisis often occurs in the presence of its triggers.

Triggers include:

infection
surgeries on thyroid or organs other than the thyroid
trauma
pregnancy and delivery
diabetic ketoacidosis
tests by a doctor that use iodinated contrast medium
cerebrovascular disorders
pulmonary thromboembolism
ischemic heart diseases
extraction of teeth
severe emotional stress
strenuous exercise

1. High fever

A fever over 100 degrees is considered high.

2. Jaundice

Yellowing of the skin, eyes and nails is a sign that everyone else can see, and it’s a troubling one as well. Your thyroid might be causing you serious problems if you are looking jaundiced. Seek help from a medical professional quickly.

3. Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal problems seem to be the one symptom that too many diseases have in common. If you find that your diarrhea is combined with other symptoms of this problem, you could have a malfunctioning thyroid.

4. Restlessness/hyperactivity

Being very active, to the point of being hyperactive could be a sign that it isn’t working properly. Excess thyroid hormones can lead to restlessness in both men and women. Being healthy and active is one thing, but if you finish your run and still want to go again while your running partner is done, check for other signs of thyroid disease.

5. Temperature sensitivity

If you are either too hot or too cold often, especially when others around you don’t seem to be, it could be a sign that your thyroid isn’t working properly.

6. Dry skin and hair

Too little thyroid could be the cause of your dry, itchy skin and brittle hair.

7. Hair loss

Unexplained hair loss can be a sign of low thyroid in both men and women.

8. Shaking/trembling hand

Hold out your hand and place a regular sheet of paper on it. If the paper is dancing around versus being still, it could be a sign that your thyroid isn’t working properly. Shakiness can be attributed to an overactive (high) thyroid.

9. Lighter or heavier menstrual periods

For women, you may see the first signs that your thyroid isn’t working properly when you get your cycle. If you notice that your bleeding seems different, either heavier or lighter than usual, check for any of these other symptoms. It usually means heavier periods and high thyroid means lighter or even missed periods.

10. Trouble sleeping

Insomnia might be more than just the day’s troubles keeping you awake. Having trouble falling asleep can be a sign of low thyroid.

There are natural herbal remedy options to treat these health problems. In a study of brown seaweed (Sargassum) and its affects on thyroid health, researchers found that it had anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral properties.

The scientists say that ‘although the mechanism of actions is still not clear, the pharmacological activities [of brown seaweed] could be mainly attributed to the major biologically active metabolites.’ Brown seaweed has been used for 2000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Other things that can improve function include:

Michael Friedman of the Association for the Advancement of Restorative Medicine says herbs that can help your thyroid work properly include:

Rosemary, Bugleweed and Lemon balm – Rosmarinic acid is found in several members of the Lamiaceae family plants such as rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus), and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and has medicinal uses in several cultures.
Blue flag – Blue flag was traditionally used by American natives for its medicinal effects and is an adaptogenic herb. Adding adaptogenic herbs is often helpful in the treatment of Hashimoto’s disease because they act as endocrine tonics that help mitigate autoimmune diseases.
Guggul – Guggul is an extract of the oleo-resin of the Commiphora mukul tree, native to India. Guggul is used as a thyroid stimulant in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine.
Iodine – Iodine is a crucial constituent of thyroid function and is a component of thyroxine.
Vitamin D3 – vitamin D3 supplementation has been shown to prevent the development of autoimmune conditions including autoimmune thyroiditis.

Concerned that you might have some of these symptoms and want to get checked? Make an appointment with your health professional for a simple blood test to see how your thyroid hormone levels check out.

Also read our article 5 Things That Improve Your Thyroid Health to see how else you can make sure that your thyroid is working properly.

5 Reasons You’re Richer Than You Think

February 17, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Having a few extra bucks in the bank would make life easier, but would it make us truly happy? Are we richer than we realize?

Science says “not really,” according to this study from Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School. Researchers found that for every dollar above $75,000 that a person made annually, they reported no greater degree of happiness. However, lower-income people reported feeling sadness or stress at one point.

But, when you think about all the beautiful blessings you have in life that don’t come with a price tag, money doesn’t seem to matter as much. The richest people don’t have all the money in the world; they have very little in the way of material objects and financial wealth, actually. Their wealth comes from relationships with others, how they see themselves and the world, and the little things that money could never buy.

“If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy.” – Proverb

Here are five reasons you’re richer than you think:

1. You have a family that stands by you no matter what.

At the end of the day, when we’ve been tossed around and a bit battered by our work or school day, our family can lift our spirits and put a smile back on our faces. They support us during the tough times and congratulate us during the great times. They never turn their backs on us, especially when we need them the most. We might fight or disagree with our families from time to time, but the important thing is that they shower us with love and comfort when we need it the most. If you have a family that will stand by you no matter what happens to you or where life takes you, you’re much richer than you think.

2. You have a few close friends that always have your back.

Aside from family, good friends will be there for us during times of struggle and times of triumph. Even if you have one tried and true friend in your life, you’re doing pretty good. Friends can easily turn into family, which means you have an even bigger support system when the going gets rough. Not to mention, friends and family can make many wonderful memories with us, and life wouldn’t be the same if we couldn’t share it with others. So, if you have one or two amazing friends that you consider family, you’re definitely richer than you think.

3. You have enough food to stay healthy.

Of course, healthy food comes at a high price, but if you have some food to put on the table each day that nourishes you and gives you energy, that’s all that counts. Even if you don’t have the money to buy all the organic fruits and vegetables and expensive raw snacks for every meal, having any food on the table is better than nothing. We tend to take our food for granted in our fast-paced world, so next time you have a meal, remember to express gratitude for the nourishment your body will receive. Food gives us life, so if you have enough food to eat three times a day, you’re richer than you think.

4. You have a place to return to at the end of the day.

We also take our housing for granted most of the time, because many of us haven’t had to live without a roof over our heads at any point in our lives. However, if you have a house or apartment with a nice, warm bed to lay down in at night, you have much more wealth than many people worldwide.

5. You’re developing a positive relationship with yourself.

Above all else, loving and caring for yourself provides more wealth than any money. If you see yourself in a positive light and recognize your strengths rather than focusing on your flaws, you’re richer than you think. Your relationship with yourself determines everything else that will happen in your life, down to relationships, job offers, and everything in between, so loving yourself is essential. If you’ve learned to cultivate a positive relationship with the person in the mirror, you have much more than money could ever buy.

Here’s How Lucid Dreaming Can Help You Understand Consciousness

February 17, 2016 by Power of Positivity

If you have never heard of lucid dreaming before, you’re about to be in for a wild ride. A lucid dream is one in which the dreamer is actually aware that he or she is dreaming, and can exert some control over the situations and people in the dream. In other words, they can manipulate their dream to meet their desires. While most people won’t have lucid dreams naturally, you can learn how to control your dreams with dedication and practice.

According to a study, about half of us will experience a lucid dream at some point in our lives. This doesn’t mean that you can’t learn techniques to help you access and control your dreams, however; it just means that it comes more naturally to some of us. Lucid dreaming can be very exciting, because reality and dreams become blurred, and experiences that the dreamer has such as flying or meeting someone famous can seem very real.

So, let’s go over some tips on how you can start to lucid dream, and what this means in relation to consciousness.

Here’s how lucid dreaming can help you understand consciousness:

You might wonder about the differences in brain activity between regular and lucid dreamers. Lucid dreamers use what’s called the conscious control center in the prefrontal cortex while the rest of the brain remains in a dream state. So, only the prefrontal cortex stays “awake” while the rest of the brain sleeps. However, for regular dreamers, the prefrontal cortex stays in a dream-like state, also.

As you lucid dream, you can learn how to manipulate your surroundings and train your brain to reach a higher state of consciousness. This can help you to maintain control of your mind in real life situations also, and teach you how to master your world.

According to a researcher from the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, “In a normal dream, we have a very basal consciousness, we experience perceptions and emotions but we are not aware that we are only dreaming,” study researcher Martin Dresler, of Max Planck, said. “It’s only in a lucid dream that the dreamer gets a meta-insight into his or her state.”

Another researcher from Max Planck, Michael Czish, said that activity in certain areas of the cerebral cortex increases when the dreamer transitions into a lucid state. The parts of the brain associated with lucid dreaming include the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which has been linked to self-assessment, and the frontopolar regions, where we examine our own thoughts and feelings. “The precuneus is also especially active, a part of the brain that has long been linked with self-perception,” Czish said.

So, now that you know a little bit about lucid dreaming, how can you experience it for yourself? Below you’ll find some helpful tips to get you started.

How to start lucid dreaming:

Go to bed at a consistent time each night. If you have an erratic sleep schedule, this will affect melatonin levels in your brain, which control sleep patterns. So, keeping a regular sleep schedule will ensure that you fall into REM sleep faster, therefore increasing your chances of lucid dreaming.
Shut off all the lights in your room when you sleep. Having lights on signals to the brain that it’s time for you to wake up, which will disrupt sleep. Shut off all electronics and small lights before bed, and buy blackout curtains if you need to in order to keep out unwanted light.
Don’t get on electronics before bed. Turn them off at least two hours before you go to sleep, as the bright lights from phone and computer screens signals to your brain to stay awake, no matter what time of day it is.
Before going to sleep, try to recall events, people, and places from your day. Try to remember tiny details, like the cashier’s shirt color or name, or the color of the car that was in front of you on the way to the grocery store. The more you get in the habit of remembering the details, the easier it will be to fall into a state of lucidity, as your brain will have a greater capacity to create new scenarios based off this information.
Also, before going to sleep, think about something that you truly enjoy. Do you like driving fast cars, flying on planes, traveling, etc? Whatever you love, put that into your stream of consciousness before bed. This way, when you fall asleep, you will likely dream about whatever you thought about before bed, increasing your chances of having a lucid dream.

10 Things You Need To Know About Loving A Pisces

February 16, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Dating a Pisces won’t be a walk in the park, but it will certainly be worth it. Pisces have an imaginative, emotional nature, and sometimes don’t say exactly what’s on their minds. They tend to live in the dream world more than in reality. But this makes them child-like and playful. They can let their sensitivity and emotions get the best of them sometimes, so if you want to love a Pisces, you’ll have to come prepared to handle these gentle creatures with the biggest hearts on the planet. If you need a few more tips about loving a Pisces, keep reading below.

Here are 10 things you need to know about loving a Pisces:

Here are some traits you should know…

1. They need a lot of love and affection.

Pisces won’t always explicitly state it or ask for it, but they crave tons of affection and care. A Pisces usually gives more than they take, so in a relationship, they crave a lot of attention, and rightfully so. If you date a Pisces man or woman, prepare to pull out all the stops when it comes to wooing them and winning them over. They’re also hopeless romantics, so if you can exceed their expectations, loving your Pisces partner will be a lot easier in the long run.

2. They have a knack for creativity.

Pisces men and women get bored and uninterested in the modern world – they’d rather create from the worlds they visit inside their own minds. They don’t like mundane and regimented tasks, and prefer activities like drawing, writing, painting, and quiet, imaginative hobbies like these. They probably don’t have a normal job, instead opting for one that allows them to express themselves creatively. Loving a Pisces means accepting and understanding that they need creativity and innovation in their lives, so remember this if you happen to date a Pisces.

3. They are faithful partners.

Pisces won’t just run off with the first man or woman they see outside of their relationship – they are devoted, loyal partners. They enjoy having serious relationships, anyway, so if you have won a Pisces’ heart, expect that they will stick by your side and not have wandering eyes for other potential mates.

4. They love romance and passion in relationships.

If you date a Pisces man or woman, you’d better be prepared to totally sweep them off their feet. Pisces won’t tell you that they crave more passion in your relationship, so you’ll have to read between the lines. However, it doesn’t take much to keep a Pisces happy. A simple candlelit dinner at home, a dozen roses waiting for them on their desk at work, or even just a back massage after a long day will send a Pisces into a state of pure bliss. Just take the time to show your Pisces how much you care, and they will reciprocate.

5. They also love deep conversations.

You can’t get by with just talking about sports and your mom’s amazing spaghetti recipe when it comes to a Pisces – you’ll have to dig a little deeper to keep them stimulated and interested. A natural dreamer, Pisces love delving into topics such as aliens, space, strange ocean creatures, how the universe came into existence, why we came here, and intellectual topics like these. Of course, they don’t mind talking about simple things every once in a while, but make sure to keep them on their toes and offer them a real conversation, too.

6. They are generous.

Pisces will give you everything they have, even the shirt off their back, if it meant keeping you happy. They tend to make sacrifices and great compromises in relationships in order to keep their partner satisfied, so make sure to give back to them to show your appreciation and love for your Pisces partner.

7. They live inside their minds more than in the “real” world.

You might have to grab their attention a few times when you catch them staring off into space. They don’t mean to daydream so often, but they can’t really help it – it’s just in their nature. Loving a Pisces means accepting that they live inside their minds a lot, so you’ll have to make some effort to bring them back down to Earth when you want to chat.

8. They like a quiet evening in more than a noisy night out.

Pisces love to Netflix and chill probably more than any other sign. They’d rather make a delicious dinner at home and cuddle up with you on the couch than get all dressed up and deal with the crowds. Pisces love one-on-one interactions much better, anyway, so a quiet evening on the couch with you and a good documentary or movie seems much more enjoyable to them.

9. They enjoy alone time often.

Even if they love attention and affection, they also need their alone time to recharge. The fast-paced modern world can take its toll on a gentle Pisces, so they need their solitude in order to keep balanced and expel any bad energy they picked up from others. Give them their space, but don’t let them get away. Remind them how much you care, and that you’ll be waiting for them whenever they’re ready to emerge from their sanctuary.

10. They wear their heart on their sleeve.

Pisces have big hearts, and can get hurt easily. If they like you, they will shyly and subtly let you know and will drop everything in order to be with you. A Pisces doesn’t let just anyone in, so take this as a sign of trust and proceed carefully. A Pisces man or woman needs reassurance that you won’t just steamroll their heart, so make sure they know your true intentions and feelings.

5 Things You Never Knew About The Power Of Touch

February 15, 2016 by Power of Positivity

Do any of us sit around and contemplate our sense of touch? Well, that’s probably a “no”. But when we think about it, our sense of touch truly is a gift. Those of us with families and close friends understand the satisfaction that comes from our ability to hug, kiss, and embrace our loved ones.

Indeed, that gift comes from our ability to touch.

There are also some very interesting factoids about this sense that stimulate newfound appreciation for a powerful human trait we think little about. An underlying commonality that these items share is that touch is an intricate and inseparable part of who we are as human beings.

Here are 5 little-known facts about our sense of touch:

“When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen to rather share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” – Henri Nouwen

1. Touch is literally affected by emotion

It’s quite clear that our perception of touch can be affected by the social context of the interaction. We’re much more likely to interpret the interaction positively if it is initiated under positive pretenses. For example, a loving mother’s arm around one’s shoulders creates different emotions than that of a boss we don’t particularly care for. This much is obvious.

What’s not so obvious is that it actually feels different from a purely physical aspect. Dr. David Linden, author of Touch: The Science of Hand, Heart, and Mind, puts it this way:

“It’s not just that the context is different – it will actually feel different. The reason is that these emotional touch brain areas are getting information about the social context from other parts of the brain.”

2. Touch involves the processing of two different brain pathways

The human brain uses two different pathways to process the sense of touch, one is sensory and the other is emotional. The sensory pathway provides the physical interpretation of touch – texture, location, pressure, vibration, etc. The emotional pathway processes the psychological components of touch for our interpretation.

Aside from interpersonal encounters, the majority of sensations created through touch are emotionally-neutral. Thus, we utilize the sensory pathway – the somatosensory cortex – disproportionately in relation to the emotional pathway.

3. Touch is the first sense we develop

Incredibly, human beings begin to develop a sense of touch just three weeks after conception. At eight weeks, the embryo begins to interpret touch and react to its stimulation.

Skin sensitivity quickly extends to other areas of the body, as well. The genital areas sensitize by 10 weeks, the palms by 11 weeks, soles of the feet by 12 weeks, abdomen and buttocks by 17 weeks, and the entire body, with the exception of the head, by 32 weeks.

In a study done at Durham University, 4-D images reveal that the ability to anticipate touch begins in the womb. For the first time, scientists understand that fetuses can predict their own hand movements in the later stages of pregnancy. This breakthrough was discovered in images that displayed the fetus opening its mouth before bringing up its hand.

4. Touch impacts our lives in unexpected ways

The impact that touch has on our personal lives and the world around us are various, and certainly unexpected. Consider some of these now-known facts about the effects of touch:

– Scratching is “contagious” because of our disease-fighting instincts.

– “Fist-bumping” between athletes can directly affect the outcome of a competition.

– Our brains prefer the subtle pain of scratching over an itching sensation.

– The nature of physical interaction during an interview can increase the odds of being hired.

5. Touch is essential to our development and health

Touch is an important part of our emotional and mental health. This is especially true in the newborn to early childhood stages of life (0 to 8 years old), as this period is when the brain is undergoing its most rapid development. Dr. Linden explains:

“If you don’t get touch right after you’re born, all kinds of terrible things happen, and not just cognitive and emotional. Your immune system doesn’t develop properly, you digestive system tends to have a problem – there’s a whole rack of health problems that can develop if you don’t receive touch in early life.”

After early childhood, touch remains a vital part of our well-being. This is partly because touch plays a key role in human communication, and human beings are social creatures. Touch also has a multitude of physical and psychological effects – from reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure, to enhancing physical intimacy and forging new bonds.

The takeaway: remember to accept and generously share the power of touch.

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