The Top 15 Articles of 2015

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

As 2015 comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to appreciate our community and the real positive changes people have decided to make in their life. Thousands of messages of positive change have been delivered, and we are excited to see what 2016 will bring.

To reflect, we wanted to share 15 of the most popular articles from the past year, and share what our community has enjoyed the most. Perhaps one of these will even help you make a great start to 2016!

Here are 15 of Our Most Popular Posts From 2015:

#1. 10 Things You Should Do Every Day Before 10AM

You don’t have to be a morning person to benefit from morning rituals. Most people hit snooze, roll out of bed and into some clothes while plunging into their day without a plan.

You, however, can choose to approach your day mindfully. Being mindful will increase the odds that you will feel good, be more productive and end up happier when it’s all over.

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#2. 11:11 – Is It Happening To You? Here’s What It Means

Our Spirit Guides, angels, or higher selves like to speak to us through various methods, such as playing a recurring song on the radio that may have special significance, answering a prayer, flipping to a certain page in a book we’re reading, or even directing our attention to repeating numbers on a clock or sign, such as 11:11. At first, this occurrence might seem like a silly coincidence, but by looking further into it, you will find that it has a powerful spiritual message hidden within.

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#3 5 Gut Instincts You Should Never Ignore

We c an essentially decode this often indescribable gut feeling we get in certain situations, because that pang in your stomach, sudden bout of fatigue, or strong urge to help the person next to you can reveal more than you think.

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#4. 10 Things You Should Never Sacrifice For A Relationship

Relationships can either bring mutual growth and happiness, or feel suffocating and debilitating after a while. All relationships serve their purpose, whether you stay with someone for a few weeks or for an entire lifetime. Any relationship should support, encourage, uplift, and challenge you to become a better person, not drain you of energy and make you feel bad about yourself.

If you have to sacrifice any of the following things for your relationship, you might need to reevaluate what value the person adds to your life.

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#5. 25 Things Creative People Do Differently

While most think of creative people as “right-brained” or artsy, creativity exists within all of us – even the most logical, linear thinkers.

However, some of us have honed our creative sides a little more than others, and know how to capture and express that imaginative energy. Creative people cover a broad spectrum of personalities, from the stereotypical starving artist to the entrepreneurial businessman. They share some common traits that allow them to bring that creativity to life, including the following:

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#6. 10 Signs You Found Your Soul Mate

Many people believe that we don’t choose our partners, and that destiny puts us together. Whether that’s true or not, it’s important to know if the person you’re in a relationship with truly has the potential to warm your heart forever. To gain a clearer vision when seeking your soul mate, these 10 signs should not go unnoticed

#7. 5 Ways to Make Love Without Having Sex (Click here to read)

If you want to feel the most powerful energy in the Universe, make love. It’s one of the most unforgettable experiences anyone can ever encounter. Simply put, making love is creating energy, sourced directly from the divine.

Usually this is a collective effort between two people. But contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to get in-between the sheets to “do it”. There are many ways to create this divine energy, and you can find an outlet for it in many different facets of life.

#8. 9 Signs It’s Time to Let Go of A Relationship (Click here to read)

Letting go of a relationship that we did (or still do) care about is a very difficult thing for us all. Whether it’s a significant other, friend, or family member, we naturally do not want to bring any hurt upon them or ourselves.

There are times, however, where letting go of someone may be the best thing to do – even when it doesn’t feel good in the present. After all, this is your life…and only you can make the ultimate decision whether or not that person fits into it.

#9. 10 Signs It’s Time to Change Your Life (Click here to read)

There is usually some catalyst (or several of them) that leads someone to the decision that some serious change is in order. Unfortunately, it is easy to live with these signs for a long time before even noticing what they are trying say. The key to understanding what is going on in our life is recognizing how we feel. If we are feeling anxious, discontent or bitter, it could be our body’s way of telling us it’s time to try something new.

#10. 20 Signs Of An Emotionally Abusive Relationship (Click here to read)

An emotionally abusive relationship is harmful to your confidence and self-esteem, and you may not even be aware of the abuse. Unlike physical abuse that causes physical pain and leaves visible markings, the signs of emotional abuse are not as apparent.

All abuse directly attacks our self-esteem, but emotional abuse does it directly by linking our self-worth to being loved. You might be surprised to learn that several studies show emotional abuse occurs at the hands of men and women at equal rates. It can happen in any relationship.

#11. 20 Things You Don’t Owe Anyone (Click here to read)

How many times have you pretended to feel fine and tried to convince someone of this fact even though it is clear you don’t feel fine at all? We’ve all done it. Instead of faking fine try just being real without the need to apologize or explain. Give yourself the freedom to … Just. Be. Human. Everyone has imperfections, why bother to hide it?

Explaining takes your power and gives it to the other person. The best decisions come when we listen to how we feel and our gut instinct. But those sources aren’t usually well received in an explanation, so we make up an explanation the other person can relate to.

Unfortunately, there are many of us that feel the need to explain even though we know we shouldn’t. An explainer is waiting for someone else’s approval, and there is a lot of wasted energy in the waiting. It’s this waiting period that doubt creeps in; depression begins to expand, and unhappiness takes root. Waiting is wasted time.

When we explain, we move away from our greatest source of wisdom – our inner guide. We stop honoring ourselves and start placing more importance on the other person.

It’s hard to overcome the tendency to explain, but it can be done with focus and intention. Awareness is the key. To help you become more aware, here are 20 things you don’t owe anyone an explanation for.

#12. If You See Someone With A Semicolon Tattoo, Here’s What It Means (Click here to read)

The semicolon represents the fact that you have complete power over yourself, and can choose to keep fighting, even if you feel like giving up at times. The entire movement aims to bring people together, to empower one another and show that we can all overcome the obstacles we face, no matter the size. You can always rewrite your story, start a new chapter, and recreate your life even if you feel you have nowhere to turn. Your story doesn’t have to end if you simply believe in your ability to create new beginnings.

#13. 9 Ways to Attract Someone Who Adores You (Click here to read)

Adoration – love, devotion, respect, reverence or strong admiration – is one of the strongest emotions that we feel. To adore someone is to be in awe of their being. Further, it creates very strong feelings of attraction. By exhibiting our qualities, we indeed create feelings of attraction and admiration in someone else.

Perhaps you possess some of the following qualities, perhaps you don’t. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t develop them. Here are nine demonstrable qualities that cause attraction and adoration:

#14: 12 Habits of Unhappy People (Click here to read)

Happiness is something that we all strive to attain. As human beings we can accept the fact that: (a) life is short, and (b) unhappiness makes our lives difficult. As is common knowledge, our habits have a big impact on the quality of life that we live; specifically, these habits directly impact our happiness (or lack thereof). To make a clear distinction, there is a strong difference between clinical depression and chronic unhappiness. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain, while unhappiness is a disposition that is often acquired through how we choose to live our lives. Similar to depression, however, unhappiness can be diagnosed and treated.

#15: 5 Techniques to Quiet Your Mind (Click here to read)

You can actually free your mind, even if it seems impossible in the beginning. Humans are very adaptable creatures, and pick up on new habits throughout their lives. So, in this way, our brains become rewired because we have installed a new operating system in our minds: chaos. To create a peaceful mind, you just need to revert back to your original nature of harmony and balance. Sound difficult? Well, here are some effective techniques to help you regain control of your mind again.

We truly hope you’ve enjoyed 2015 with us, and look forward to being the beacon of light for positivity worldwide for years to come. Happy New Year! – Chris, Kristen, and the entire Power of Positivity team

6 Signs You Have Dirty Lungs

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

What do we know about our lungs? “Well, isn’t that where we store air to breathe… to, uh, stay alive and all?”

Yes, the lungs perform that vital function, but they’re magnificent organs when explored. So, before we examine what harms these critical organs, let’s take a closer look at what they entail.

Our lungs are sponge-like in texture and serve as the refining organ in the consumption and breakdown of oxygen. When we inhale air through our nose or mouth, the air travels down into the larynx and through the trachea. This air then reaches our left and right bronchi, transporting the air to the lung. The air then moves to the alveoli – microscopic sacs that absorb oxygen from the air – via the bronchioles. The alveoli then transfer the oxygen into our bloodstream. Finally, the carbon dioxide waste taken from the air is transferred back from the blood to the alveoli, where it is exhaled.

What Happens When Someone Has Dirty Lungs

Okay, so the biology lesson is over. It’s not as simple as just breathing in and out. Remarkably, such a complex process completes in a matter of just a couple of seconds. Unfortunately, any miscue in this complex process usually results in either chronic or acute lung damage.

If someone suffers from a lung condition, it’s usually a result of damage to the alveoli (the lung’s air sacs) of the bronchi (large lung airways). Three of the most common ailments of the lungs – bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema – result from an abnormality involving the bronchi or alveoli.

Smoking is so damaging because it stunts normal lung function. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, most commonly occurs in those that smoke. This lung damage creates difficulty breathing out, resulting in shortness of breath. Emphysema (a type of COPD) is usually the result of smoking, like tobacco smoke damages the alveoli, trapping air in the lungs and making it difficult to breathe normally.

While smoking is undoubtedly a cause of lung damage in many cases, but it’s not the only factor – infections and genetics also play a role. As mentioned, the lungs are only a part of a complex system, and damage to any part of this system can result in severe lung problems.

The positive news (finally!) is that the lungs can be repaired. Obviously, the extent to which the lungs can heal depends upon the circumstances. But there are certain actions that we can take to aid this healing process.

Let’s discuss six common signs of dirty lungs first:

If you have any of these symptoms, your lungs might need some TLC.

Sign #1: Chronic cough

When a cough lasts for over a month, it is considered chronic. In all likelihood, medication has been tried and failed. This should be taken as a sign that something is wrong with the respiratory system.

Sign #2: Persistent mucus production

When our airways are irritated or infected, they produce mucus (or phlegm) as a defense. If this continuous mucus production lasts longer than a month, it may be a warning sign of lung problems.

Sign #3: Lasting chest pain

Chest pain that inexplicably lasts for longer than a month may be a warning sign. It’s a sign that the lungs are involved if the chest pain is brought on or made worse from inhaling, exhaling, or coughing.

Sign #4: Shortness of breath

When shortness of breath occurs, it is usually due to a heart or lung condition. This symptom can be narrowed down to either/or since both are involved in transporting oxygen to tissues and removing carbon dioxide. When either one of these problems occurs, it results in shortness of breath.

Sign #5: Coughing blood

When coughing up blood, it’s always a problem with the lungs or the upper respiratory tract. Needless to say, this is something that requires immediate attention, as it may signal a severe health problem.

Sign #6: Wheezing

Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that usually occurs when breathing out (exhaling) but may occur when breathing in. This is typically a sign that a foreign object blocks the normal air flow into the lungs or constricts the lung’s airways.

Six Ways to Help Promote Healing of Your Lungs

Now that we know what to look for, here are six ways to help purify your lungs.

1. Don’t smoke

If it isn’t apparent by now, smoking is probably the worst thing someone can do to their lungs. Hopefully, an education on what this harmful habit does to the lungs is enough to get someone to quit; if not, seek out some people for support. There are plenty of terrific, free resources available online that could help. There’s even a smoking hotline.

2. Breathe deep

Deep breathing for half an hour a day can help purify the lungs. This practice flushes out many of the impurities that accumulate in the lungs. Meditation and yoga are two great practices to take on for this purpose, and they will help with the mental aspect of purification.

3. Drink green tea

Catechins are antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of lung cancer, and green tea is a rich source. In a study done at Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan, researchers discovered that drinking green tea could reduce the risk of lung cancer by up to five times. Dr. I-Hsin Lin states: “The antioxidants may inhibit tumor growth,” and “Green tea can protect them from lunch cancer risk, a cup or more a day (is recommended,” according to the lead researcher.

4. Load up on antioxidants

Ingesting antioxidants appeared to be a recurring theme in researching this article. Another source states that drinking 400 ml of pineapple or cranberry juice before bed helps fight infection-causing lung bacteria.

5. Use the eucalyptus

Eucalyptus contains a natural expectorant (decongestant) compound that helps clear our lungs of toxins. Apparently, the plant is terrific in helping to soothe a sore throat and sinus problems. A great way to achieve this effect is by putting 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water, placing the head over the bowl, and covering the head with a towel. That certainly sounds refreshing!

Here are ten excellent uses for eucalyptus.

6. Get some oregano

Another natural decongestant is oregano, which also contains anti-histamine properties. Combined, these elements effectively clear nasal pathways and assist respiratory function. To get these terrific benefits, sprinkle some oregano into food or drink daily.

5 Plants That Will Help You Sleep Better

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Good sleep is almost synonymous with good health. We know that our bodies require rest, but sometimes getting enough is difficult. Stress, caffeine, our busy schedules, and our connection to our technology can prevent us from getting enough sleep to function at our best the following day.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, insomnia is a serious public health concern that affects the quality of life of millions of Americans. Lack of sleep can lead to lost time at work and safety concerns like falling asleep while driving. The National Department of Transportation estimates drowsy driving responsible for 1,550 fatalities and 40,000 nonfatal injuries annually in the United States.

Most treatment for insomnia is focused on avoiding things that will keep you up, like caffeine, and learning good sleep habits like going to bed at the same time every night. Traditional medicine also offers solutions in the form of over-the-counter or prescription sleep medicines.

For those looking to avoid a medical remedy for lack of sleep, indoor plants may be a holistic health alternative. House plants are an inexpensive solution that provides health benefits and can also help you sleep better.

5 Plants That Will Help You Sleep Better

Here are five plant sleep helpers to try in your home.

1. Lavender

Lavender is well-known for its use as an aromatic herb that induces a state of calm when we experience its fragrance. The calming, soothing effect of lavender aromatherapy has also recently begun to be used in hospital settings to ease patient discomfort.

One study found that lavender aromatherapy used in the Intensive Care Unit of a hospital for 9 hours at night significantly improved the sleep quality of patients with heart disease.

Lavender plants require a good amount of sunlight and moist but not wet soil. A grow light will also help your lavender plant to stay healthy. Find a south-facing window for an indoor lavender plant.

2. Valerian

Research has shown that valerian extract does help improve sleep quality, especially when given in multiple doses over a more extended period.

Valerian is an herb and a mild sedative. Dried valerian root is commonly used in tea to enhance sleep.

Although it is not a common houseplant, valerian can be sprouted in well-drained soil and kept indoors in a sunny spot. It is unlikely that your one houseplant will produce enough roots to harvest for making your sleep remedy, but you can cut a portion of the root, and the plant will continue to grow.

Valerian also has white flowers that have been used in perfume. The blooms may also induce a calm state which will help you sleep better. The leaves of valerian can also make a milder sedative tea than the roots.

3. Passionflower

Passionflower is an exotic, beautiful, purple flowering tropical vine that you can grow indoors. It likes lots of light but no direct sunlight. You might need to put a trellis or frame in the pot when you plant it to give it support to grow.

The leaves of Passionflower can be dried and used as tea for relaxation. They can also be combined with valerian as a sleep aid. Passionflower has also been used for anti-anxiety medicine. In one study, passionflower extract was as effective as the drug oxazepam in relieving generalized anxiety disorder.

4. Peace lily

The tall white flowers of the peace lily are lovely to look at. But the plant does a beautiful job at cleaning your air of toxins. Our homes have many artificial components that are released into the air, causing breathing distress for us. Peace lilies can help remove benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene from the air.

Removing these chemicals from the air that you breathe will certainly you’re your sleep as well. Peace lilies are toxic to animals and humans, so keep these plants out of reach of children. They like indirect sunlight and moist, mulch-covered soil.

5. Ferns or palms

Ferns and small indoor palm trees have more leaf surface area and are just as effective at removing similar air toxins as peace lilies are. The surface area of the leaves of ferns and palms extracts more carbon dioxide from the air as you breathe at night and returns oxygen to the room that they are in.

These plants also prefer moist soil with low light, away from a sunny window. The humidity given off by the moist soil of these and other houseplants can reduce the amount of mold and bacteria in the air, helping you to breathe easier and sleep better. You can read more about how plants can improve your health here.

Avoid chemical pesticides for your houseplants to not introduce toxic chemicals back into your home environment. Similarly, look for a natural, organic fertilizer to keep your plants healthy.

Herbs are wonderful to use for healing. However, please seek medical guidance to ensure that you do not experience side effects with other medicines or supplements that you are taking. It is also advisable to see your doctor if your insomnia is causing you distress.

Here’s Why You Should Stop Drinking Bottled Water Forever

December 31, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Bottled water is a $35 billion worldwide industry, and the United States is the largest consumer of these products. You can bet that this billion-dollar industry has a lot at stake to keep you hooked on the bottle.

Health and safety are definitely a concern for people who drink bottled water. However, in some cases, laws for regulating the safety of tap water are more stringent than those for the bottled water industry. Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, citizens can demand to know the quality of public drinking water. Still, the consumer’s right to know does not extend to commercially produced bottled water at this time.

Why You Should Stop Drinking Bottled Water Forever

Let’s examine why you should ditch drinking bottled water for good.

1 – Bacteria levels

According to the Natural Resources Defense Council website,

City tap water can have no confirmed E. coli or fecal coliform bacteria (bacteria that indicate possible contamination by fecal matter). FDA bottled water does not have to follow these rules.
City tap water from surface water must be filtered and disinfected. There are no federal filtration or disinfection requirements for commercial operations.
Commercial bottling plants must test for coliform bacteria just once a week; engineers test big-city tap water one hundred or more times a month.

Natural mineral water usually flows from springs and occasionally from borehole sources. Various organisms, including coliforms, can be found in mineral water and will survive for a considerable length of time, particularly in uncarbonated water supplied in plastic bottles or bottled by hand. Drinking bottled water has recently been identified as a possible risk factor for Campylobacter infection acquired abroad.

2 – The environmental and economic cost of bottled water

According to the Pacific Institute, a global sustainable water think tank, producing water bottles for American consumption in 2006 required the equivalent of more than:

17 million barrels of oil, not including the energy for transportation.
The process of bottling produced more than 2.5 million tons of carbon dioxide.
It took 3 liters of water to produce 1 liter of final, sellable product.

Although recycling is widely available, only one out of every seven discarded units ends up in recycling plants. Most end up in landfills; unfortunately, some end up as litter on our planet. Lying there exposed to the elements, they take 450 to 1000 years to degrade.

Financially, we spend thousands of times the amount of money on bottled water than we would on tap water. The typical gallon of water for a household costs only a penny. Ever wish you had more money? Quit spending it on bottled water, and you could save your family hundreds of dollars per year.

3 – Plastic in our water

Petroleum products and other chemicals go into manufacturing the plastics used for bottling. Depending on the production methods used and the storage conditions for the bottled water product before you purchase it, the plastic container can begin to degrade, causing plastic compounds to leak into the water.

The plastic chemical compounds found in the containers include bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP), tert-octylphenol (tOP), dimethyl phthalate (DMP), diethyl phthalate (DEP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), di(2-Ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and di(n-octyl)phthalate (DNOP). A study found that “Most of these compounds were detected in bottled water from different brands purchased from local market.”

You may have heard by now that bottled water manufacturers are discontinuing bottles containing BPA due to public pressure. This is because studies have shown that the plastic compound can leak into the water. BPA acts like a hormone in our bodies linked to a higher rate of breast cancer.

4 – Better water purity is a myth

Many people prefer bottled water’s convenience, taste, and perceived cleanliness. Consumers believe that they are getting better quality than tap water. This is despite reports of many quality contamination incidents with commercial products.

In one study of bottled water versus tap water, bacteria levels were higher in most of the bottled water samples taken than they were for the tap water. In some cases, the bacteria was much higher than the tap water.

The researchers say that “The 15 samples of bottled water that were not as pure as tap water contained significantly more bacteria. Of those 15 samples, the bacterial counts were more than twice that of the most contaminated tap water sample drawn from the water plants to almost 2000 times that of the highest tested tap water sample.”

Read how canned water may soon replace bottled water…and why.

Final Thoughts: Alternatives to these bottled water products

A stainless steel, insulated, wide-mouth thermos is a sustainable way to carry your own water with you. The insulation keeps your drink cool or hot, and the wide mouth lets you clean it more easily. Handwash your thermos every other day with a stiff-bristled brush, warm water, and a bit of anti-bacterial soap to keep it fresh and germ-free.

You can find a link to your own local tap water quality Consumer Confidence Report through the Environmental Protection Agency’s link. You can also purchase a water quality tester that will allow you to test the water quality in dissolved solids parts per million for your home tap water. Home filtration systems will give you an even more purified water source at your tap.

6 Reasons You Need To Add Hemp Seeds To Your Grocery List

December 30, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Grocery stores all over the world are stocking massive amounts of hemp seeds. This non-psychotropic seeds of the cannabis plant will give you a big health high, but not a THC high. Regardless of not getting high off of them, they are making a huge comeback in healthy eating and holistic health. The variety of hemp that is grown for agricultural purposes has very little of the chemical compound that makes you feel high, and what little there is gets removed during processing.

Hemp seeds and the oil produced from cold-pressing them contain a unique fatty acid profile. They have ab excellent content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. This combination of essential fatty acids have a positive impact on our health in many ways.

They contain a protein similar to that found in egg whites. Albumin and edestin are the two primary proteins,, and both are rich in the amino acids that are essential to our health. As such, they are a great protein source for vegetarians and vegans.

Here is a quick look at the nutrition found in hemp seeds.

Nutritional values in milligrams per 100 gram serving of hemp seeds:

Vitamin E 90.0
Thiamine 0.4
Riboflavin 0.1
Phosphorous 1160
Potassium 859
Magnesium 483
Calcium 145
Iron 14
Sodium 12
Manganese 7
Zinc 7
Copper 2

Hemp seeds also give us carbohydrates for energy, and are a good source of both soluble and insoluble fiber for digestion.

6 Reasons You Need to Eat Hemp Seeds

Hemp seeds lend a nutty flavor to your favorite dishes and can also give you several significant health benefits. Here are 6 good reasons you should eat hemp seeds in your diet.

Read 9 science-proven reasons why you should add black seed oil to your supplementation plan.

1. Lower cholesterol

The polyunsaturated fat and linoleic acid can help reduce the bad cholesterol and increase levels of good cholesterol in our blood. A higher total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratio is associated with coronary heart disease and is especially unhealthy following a heart attack. One study showed that healthy individuals who added hemp seeds to their diet for 4 weeks had a lower total to HDL cholesterol ratio.

2. Lower blood pressure

Results reported by The International Study of Macro-Micronutrients and Blood Pressure, a study that included over 4500 people, suggested that linoleic acid in the diet may contribute to prevention and control of high blood pressure. Hemp seeds are a good source of linoleic acid in your diet.

3. Reduce atherosclerosis

Hemp seeds contain high levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Both of these fatty acids have had healthy effects by decreasing blood levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF). TNF causes inflammation and kills certain healthy cells in our bodies. Flax seeds have been shown to have beneficial effects for reducing atherosclerosis in animal studies so the same should be true for hemp seeds.

4. Coronary heart disease

Some studies have shown reductions in coronary risk with the use of a diet that is rich in linoleic acid. This product gives us a good source of dietary linoleic acid so we can help to reduce our risk of coronary heart disease by eating hemp seeds.

5. Immune system benefits

The fatty acids in the oil are similar to that of black currant seed oil, which also seems to have a beneficial impact on immune system health. People who use hemp seed oil have reported that it has helped with many illnesses. For example, the oil may help heal minor cuts and burns, helps recover from the flu faster, helps with allergic symptoms and inflammatory diseases like arthritis.

6. Skin health

We have been using plant-based oils to hydrate and nourish our skin for centuries. Keeping your skin moist helps prevent the signs of premature aging. Some organic cosmetic companies have started adding the oil to their lotions, lip balms and skin treatment creams. Hemp seed oil can also be used alone as a massage oil. Applying the oil to the skin will add moisture and won’t clog pores.

As a skin treatment, this product can help patients with eczema and acne. However, the improvements came after patients ate hemp seed oil as a supplement to their diet rather than applying it to their skin. These improvements were most noticeable after eight weeks of consistent use of hemp seed oil in their diet.

If you’re wondering how to start adding hemp seeds to your cooking, you can find some tasty recipes through this link. Shelled hemp seeds can be eaten raw and they have a similar taste to sunflower seeds but are less crunchy. You can sprinkle them on a salad for added texture and flavor. You can also find toasted hemp seeds.

Finally, look for a high-quality cold-pressed and unrefined oil at your natural food grocery store. You can use the oil for salad dressing and it will lend a fresh, nutty flavor to your food. Cooking with the oil is not recommended as the heat can breakdown some of the beneficial compounds in the cooking process. So go ahead–add these seeds to the grocery list!

5 Things You Should Remind Yourself Of Every Day

December 30, 2015 by Power of Positivity

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s easy to lose sight of the things that really matter. Between paying bills, stressing about work deadlines, and everything else we have to manage, we can easily overlook all the little things that make life so beautiful. However, these seemingly insignificant parts of our journey here can totally alter our outlook on life, if we choose to remind ourselves of them.

Here are 5 things you should remind yourself of every day:

1. Remind yourself to remain grateful for all the blessings in our lives.

Maybe your car broke down yesterday, and you can’t afford the repairs at the moment. Perhaps you just lost your job and can’t find a replacement. Maybe you forgot to pay the electric bill this past month. But really, when you reflect on your life as a whole, do these things really matter in the end? Will you allow these trivial parts of modern life to take away your peace? Instead of thinking about everything that seems to go wrong, start directing your thoughts toward things that go right. Express gratitude for your family, friends, the fact that you woke up to a beautiful sunrise, the nourishing breakfast you had today, and anything else you feel thankful for.

Notice how your whole outlook changes when you silence the negative thoughts, and instead allow positivity to color your life. All change begins within our mind, so if you don’t like your current situation, start examining and questioning your thoughts. They might just have gone off on a tangent without you even noticing.

2. Remind yourself that the only limits that exist are in our minds.

Limitations only exist if we allow them to. As a human being occupying this planet, you come from the universe just as we all do. You represent a fragmented part of the cosmos, which means that the universe gets to express itself through you. Don’t let the monotony and hardships of modern life make you believe that you only exist to pay bills and die, because that will only perpetuate the idea that you must live within societal expectations and limitations.

Every morning, remind yourself that you have unlimited potential, and no one can dictate your abilities and lifestyle except for you. You control your vessel, and you get to decide where to sail. You have supreme control over your life, and no one can live it but you. Rise above the status quo, and aim to reach your full potential – you deserve to become the best version of yourself.

3. Remind yourself that happiness begins and ends with us.

No matter your attitude, you chose it right when you woke up this morning. You either woke up thinking of everything you had to do today, and how little you wanted to do it, or you woke up thankful for another day, feeling excited for new opportunities. With each new sunrise, we have the power to transform our lives through our thoughts, because we ultimately become what we predominantly think about. If you want a happier life, then start creating it with more positive thoughts.

Gratitude, humility, and dedication will get you there – you just have to have patience with yourself. You can’t change your whole life overnight, but the small changes you do make will accumulate, and your life will finally start to look like the one you’ve envisioned.

Of course, no one can feel happy 100% of the time, but if you strive to look at the bright side of every situation, then happiness seems much easier to achieve.

4. Remind yourself to give unconditional love.

All of the problems we experience here on Earth stem from the fact that people don’t really love themselves. If everyone filled up their own cups with love and care, they wouldn’t feel the need to take from others. While people may have different definitions of love, we can all strive to go within more and heal ourselves with positive affirmations, meditation, and self-care. By showing ourselves love in abundance, we will never again feel empty.

So, when you wake up tomorrow, say to yourself “I love you, no matter what. You’re doing the best you can, and I will never give up on you.” If you show yourself some compassion and make a habit of doing so, the clouds begin to roll away slowly, and life begins to look like a much brighter, less hostile place.

5. Remind yourself that you choose how to occupy your time.

Many people unfortunately don’t like how they spend the majority of their time. If you don’t enjoy your job or your degree plan at school, you need to sit down and reevaluate your goals and dreams.

Will your current job get you closer to your ultimate goal, or does it simply pay the bills and put food on the table? Do you enjoy what you’re learning in college, or do you feel uninterested and restless during most classes?

We all deserve to live fulfilling, meaningful lives, and if you don’t remember your “why,” then remaining in school or at the job that drains your energy will only continue to drag you down. Don’t waste your life doing something you hate just because you feel afraid to see what will reveal itself when you strip away everything that no longer serves you.

Each morning, ask yourself if you feel excited for the day ahead. If not, think of how you’d rather spend your 24 hours, and build your life around that. We can all live our passion; it just takes believing in ourselves and committing to following our hearts, no matter where they lead us.

5 Things That Improve Your Thyroid Health

December 29, 2015 by Power of Positivity

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that is located in the front of your neck. A small, unassuming gland; many people overlook the value of a healthy thyroid. In fact, most people wouldn’t be able to say where this gland is even located, much less articulate the importance of it. So, what does the thyroid gland do and why is it important?

The thyroid gland actually supports all of the other organs in the body. This gland produces thyroid hormones that affect our metabolism rate; in effect, determining how fast or slow organs such as the brain, liver, heart and other parts of the body work.

The importance of this function and its wide-ranging effects on other parts of the body ultimately determines how we feel. For example, without sufficient levels of thyroid hormones, we’ll often feel tired, groggy or even cold. Too much of the available hormone often creates feelings of anxiety, nervousness or excessive warmness.

The pituitary gland – a small, pea-shaped gland located at the base of the brain – determines the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. The pituitary monitors and regulates the thyroid’s hormonal level by adjusting the output of the thyroid hormones produced. If the pituitary detects a low level of thyroid hormones, it will pump out more of the hormone. If it detects a high level of thyroid hormones, it will scale back production to stabilize our body.

Signs of Poor Thyroid Health

Watch for these symptoms.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can produce a multitude of symptoms, including:

Excessive tiredness
Weight gain
Constipation
Dry skin
Feelings of coldness
Stunted growth (in kids)

Hyperthyroidism

An overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) can also product a multitude of symptoms, including:

Irritability
Difficulty concentrating
Wakefulness (inability to fall asleep)
Diarrhea
Dry skin
Feelings of warmness
Weight loss

An underactive thyroid is, by far, the most common type of thyroid disorder. In total, it is estimated that approximately 430 million people are currently affected by some kind of thyroid problem.

As with a multitude of other disorders, thyroid disorders often originate from a diet lacking in essential nutrients. One of the common causes of thyroid dysfunction is iodine deficiency. This nutrient can be difficult to obtain from our modern diets, but it is available in some foods as we’ll discuss later.

Here are 5 things that improve your thyroid health:

On a positive note: all of the essential nutrients necessary for healthful function are available from food. Subtle changes in our diet can help the thyroid function normally, which we are going to show here.

1. Alternative dairy products

It has been discovered that there exists a link between Vitamin D deficiency and Hashimoto’s disease – the most common type of hypothyroidism. Alternative dairy products fortified with Vitamin D, such as almond or soy milk, can help regulate the levels of Vitamin D. Most alternative dairy products are also a good source of calcium, iodine and protein – all nutrients that assist with healthy thyroid function. Coconut yogurt is a good food for thyroid function as well, as it helps support the production of good bacteria in our bodies while providing most of the recommended daily intake of iodine in just one cup.

2. Cranberries

As mentioned, healthy iodine levels are essential to normal thyroid function. In addition to providing fiber to our diets and delivering a healthy dose of daily vitamins, cranberries are one of the most iodine-dense foods out there. Consider this: just one cup of cranberries contains 267% of the recommended daily intake of iodine. If the taste of cranberry is a bit sour for the palette, consider adding ½ to one cup of cranberries to a smoothie to dilute the effect.

3. Hemp seeds

Omega-3 foods are becoming the new craze, and for good reason. In addition to supporting a healthy heart and brain, foods rich in omega-3 also contain a good amount of iodine. Most nuts and seeds contain high levels of this nutrient, which can help decrease inflammation and boost our immune system.

4. Coconut oil

Considered the healthiest saturated fat food on the planet, coconut oil is rich in fatty acids – supporting many important bodily functions. Now, there is growing evidence that coconut oil not only helps with thyroid hormonal production, but helps mitigate the side effects caused by an underactive thyroid, including: weight gain, slow metabolism, dry skin, and irregular blood sugar levels.

5. Seaweed

Somewhat an enigma to most Western diets, seaweed is an incredible source of nutrients. Containing rich amounts of both iodine and selenium, seaweed effectively provides the two of the most critical nutrients to healthy function. In fact, seaweed has the highest level of iodine in any available food product. Seaweed also contains high levels of calcium, iron and magnesium, while providing more vitamin C than oranges.

How To Master Your Mind: Part One

December 29, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Most of us have – at one time or another – thought about the mind and how to reach its full potential. We’ve all heard of the great philosophers and thinkers of the past – Confucius, Socrates, Aristotle, Descartes, and so forth. What we may not know is that all of them discussed the importance of controlling our minds and, in doing so, controlling our destinies. This discussion continues today.

“If you correct your mind, the rest of your life will fall into place.” – Lao Tzu

We often hear the mind being described as powerful, limitless, complex, and transcendent. We hear such phrases as “mind over matter,” “be mindful,” “our mind only limits us,” and “the mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

Indeed, the mind is incredibly powerful…if used properly.

You see, the mind is either (a) our greatest ally or (b) our greatest foe. There is no in-between or gray area; either our mind is used to our advantage or to our detriment. This is because a mind not fully engaged does not fulfill its purpose. We shortchange ourselves and the world in not giving all of us.

To that end, we’ve created an engaging two-part series on mastering this – at times – an ambiguous entity known as “the mind.” In this part, Part One, we will discuss what hinders our mind and allow some time for recognition and contemplation. In Part Two, we’ll give you guidance on overcoming obstacles and embracing your mind’s full potential.

Please understand, this is not a “know-it-all” piece. The author is just as fallible and prone to mental lapses, and miscues as anyone else. In fact, this piece was written as much for the author’s own knowledge and application as it is for you, dear reader.

Let us begin.

How To Master Your Mind

Where is your head?

From the moment we are formed until the moment we depart, our mind never stops working. Not one time. Even when we sleep, our mind is extrapolating and synthesizing the information taken in during the day and using it to shape our world. Consider that in just one day, we have around 70,000 thoughts. 70,000 thoughts in one day… over 25 million thoughts a year.

This poses the question: what are your thoughts?

Our mind is extraordinary as it is complex. This complexity often results in our mind’s racing and jumping from one idea to the next – seemingly without rhyme or reason. Even the most storied, gifted people of the past have contemplated the reason this intriguing occurrence.

Buddha once described the human mind as being filled with “drunken moneys,” fledgling from one thing to the next, to the next, to the next. This discovery allowed Buddha to become one of history’s most cherished figures, and the reason why the practice of meditation has become so prevalent.

Buddha realized that – without intercession – the mind would continually run an endless race. He was insightful enough to realize that, as powerful as the mind is, it requires taming; discipline. This school of thought begged the question: what about our mind requires attention?

The “Four Horsemen”

The “Four Horsemen” is terminology often used to describe apocalyptic events. Don’t worry; we’re (definitely) not going to do that here. But for the sake of our mind, we should think of these four horsemen as enemies to be defeated, foes that deserve no mercy. Let’s introduce the Four Horsemen of the human mind without further ado.

Horseman #1: The Critic

Recognize this one? The horseman often tells us that we’re not worthy of success. Indeed, this horseman takes what other people say about us and makes it fact. This is the horseman that spews all types of nonsense, only for us to turn this nonsense into a sermon of truth.

This also happens to be the horseman responsible for addiction, infidelity, depression, illness, anxiety, co-dependence, and even suicide. And this doesn’t even scratch the surface of what this infestation of the mind has produced.

He doesn’t deserve our attention or contemplation. He’s simply a by-product of what Buddha talked about over 2,000 years ago – a figment of the mind that deserves nothing other than to be ignored.

Horseman #2: The Wanderer

“Where’d I put those keys?” “Where are my shoes?” “At what time does that one thing I can’t remember need to be at that one place that I forget?” Distraction after distraction after distraction…

Folks, meet The Wanderer. Wanderer, meet the folks. Oh, you’ve already met like a thousand times today? Okay, carry on. Actually, don’t.

He’s the one that causes us to jump on Facebook when working; the one that has us mindlessly reach for that last doughnut; the one that causes us to never get anything done without starting over for the umpteenth time.

“Lack of concentration”, “lack of self-discipline”, “lack of focus”…these are all just aliases of this annoying character. We’ll discuss how to deal with him in Part Two.

Horseman #3: The Worrier

A close relative of all three Horsemen, The Worrier embodies all that is exasperating in one annoying, fictional character. Well, at least, he should be fictional. But, we’ve managed to keep this incessant nuisance around for a long time.

We’ve met this delightful acquaintance when we’re driving to work and then, unexplainably, think about losing our job; when our kids are outside playing and we constantly peek through the window; when we’re studying diligently for an exam only to think about failing.

The Worrier can manifest itself into all types of physical and mental ailments using nothing more than our insecurity. He can cause all types of problems in our relationships, at work, our finances, and our self-esteem.

Horseman #4: The Settler

Stuck in a job you hate? In a relationship that is going nowhere fast? Putting your dreams on permanent hold?

None of this is possible without The Settler. The fourth Horseman gets us to accept less than what we deserve – most times without a fight. In fact, The Settler has few scratches to show for what should be a 12-round brawl.

The most subtle of the Horsemen, the Settler will often operate without us even being aware. We just get up, go to work, come home and sleep… all without much thought. After all, we’re managing to get by just fine. Yeah, we get by just fine…get by…get by…get by…We despise much of what’s required of us, but hey, we’re getting by.

Until we reach the end of this precious life and we realize that we’ve gotten by for most of it.

Which of the four are your biggest foes? Fear not my friend, we’ll conquer them!

Stay tuned for “How to Master Your Mind” Part 2!

8 Things You Should Never Believe About A Relationship

December 29, 2015 by Power of Positivity

If you believe that your relationship should be a certain way, you might be setting yourself up for failure. And when that happens for some, you’re left wondering what went wrong, when all that happened was that no one could live up to your ideal of a perfect relationship.

Maybe you were jaded; thinking that the world would be your fairy-tail filled oyster when you fell in love. To say that there aren’t plenty of amazing relationships out there would be a mistruth, but many are lead down the lane of love believing things about a relationship that for the most part, are simply not true. For that, we’ve come up with 8 things you shouldn’t believe to be true in relationships today:

Here are 8 Things You Shouldn’t Believe About A Relationship

1. Happy couples don’t fight

Conflict is perfectly natural in relationships; expressing anger with violence is not. Happy couples do argue but they have learned to express their feelings in a more productive way that works toward a solution.

Compromise and collaboration are the tools that successful couples use to solve conflict. You can read more about how to communicate positively with your partner in this article.

2. You have more sex in a long term relationship

It is perfectly natural for couples to have sex less often the longer they are together. In a study of couples over the lifetime of their relationships, couples reported that sex did happen less often over time. Reasons given by the couples for having less sex include age, health problems and sex becoming a routine.

In a successful relationship, partners have many ways to be intimate with each other and only one of those is having sex. If you are looking to increase intimacy in your relationship, you can read more about reigniting passion in your relationship here.

3. Having children is the death of passion in a relationship

Adding another small person to your couple doesn’t have to spell the end of your sex lives, but it won’t fix problems in your relationship either. Children can add great joy to relationships, but they also bring stress and added work.

Expressing your fears to your partner about what changes you will experience with regard to your sex lives by having children. Take your role as a spouse just as seriously as you do being a parent. Make a plan with your partner and devote equal time and energy to sustaining an intimate connection as you do to raising a family.

4. If your partner really loved you, they would know how you feel

No one can read minds, although close partners do pick up on the facial expressions and body language of their other half and they know what they mean. You have to continue to communicate your feelings and desires to your partner throughout your relationship. Strong listening and effective communication skills are important throughout the lifetime of your relationship.

5. If your partner isn’t jealous, it’s because they don’t care.

Jealousy as a healthy emotion is a relationship myth. Trusting partners don’t become jealous over their partner looking at or talking to other potential romantic partners.

Instead, jealousy is often a sign of one partner’s insecurity over the stability of the relationship or their own self-esteem. Trust in relationships is key. Feeling secure in a couple means that you do not question your partner’s loyalty.

6. Happy couples don’t have to work at it

Happily ever after is definitely a relationship myth. Having a caring relationship means continuing to care for and nurture your partner as they do for you.

To make sure that your partner is happy, you can do the relationship equivalent of asking your partner for a performance review. Ask what more you can do to help your partner to be fulfilled in the relationship.

When each half of the partnership is committed to working on being the best person that they can be for their partner, the relationship is in a state of continuous improvement.

7. If it’s not working, you can make your partner change

You’ll never be able to force someone to change. You can help shape behavior with rewarding language like ‘thank you’ when your partner does something that you like. You can tell your partner what you want them to do but you can’t make them do it.

When it comes to major personality changes, your partner has to want to make a change. If your partner has a general negative outlook or is neurotic in some way, it is unlikely that you can undo these personality traits that were likely developed in childhood.

8. Happy couples don’t look for help outside of the relationship

Couples do seek counseling to work out their problems. Unfortunately, they get professional help when things have seriously deteriorated in their relationships.

Licensed couple’s therapists offer premarital counseling to help partners iron out problems before they make the ultimate commitment. Seeking help early in relationships is best before problems become severe. If one of you has already given up on the relationship, it will be too late to fix it with the help of a counselor.

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Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!