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5 Ways to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

September 18, 2015 by Power of Positivity

We all have been enticed by the urge to compare ourselves to others from time to time; after all, we like to feel like we’re contributing positively to the world as a species and want to see how we measure up to others. However, this can become a potentially toxic, harmful practice if you compare your journey to others frequently. Nothing good comes from comparing ourselves to others; when we do this, we tend to feel defeated, worthless, and like we will never be good enough. It serves no purpose other than to bring us down into a state of misery, making us believe we lack certain traits that others somehow have to make them more successful, beautiful, exciting, worldly, etc.

If you compare yourself to others more often than not, you can nip this habit in the bud by following the tips below.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” –Theodore Roosevelt

Here are five ways to stop comparing yourself to others:

1. Acknowledge the habit of comparing yourself to others.

We must first recognize these behaviors to stop this cycle of comparing ourselves to others, feeling down about ourselves, and falling into a continual trap of self-doubt. When you see yourself sizing others up and evaluating your “performance” compared to theirs, just remember that you will never feel good by doing this. Ask yourself, “Why should I keep comparing myself to other people if it will only bring me down in the end?” Then, redirect your thoughts to something that makes you feel good, like seeing your friends later in the day, or the recent school or work project you did that went well, or anything that makes your confidence soar.

No one else can make you feel inferior except you, so just remember that we all have been given the same opportunities, and every day is a new chance to change our relationships with ourselves.

2. Limit your use of social media.

Of course, social media sites have their perks, such as connecting people in two different parts of the world and enabling them to share parts of their day with each other. However, it can hinder your mental health if you log on every five minutes to check other people’s profiles and compare your life to theirs. You know the feeling..you get on Instagram and see profiles of young, fit-looking women traveling the world, somehow earning money to do so, hanging out with tons of cool people, and suddenly feel useless and depressed. You want their life and no longer feel proud or happy with yours.

When you do get on social media accounts, make sure you post things that make you feel good about yourself so you don’t wallow in sorrow from comparing yourself to others. Also, remember that you don’t know the full details of people’s lives, and they usually only showcase the highlights of their days. You don’t know what goes on behind closed doors, so just consider that the next time you find yourself comparing them to you.

3. Focus on all the great qualities about yourself rather than what you believe you lack.

The sole reason that comparing ourselves to others is so dangerous is that it takes away our power and makes us believe we just can’t ever reach the same level as those people we idolize. However, remember that you don’t consist of just flaws and mistakes; you have many wonderful traits and strengths if you just focus on the good within you.

We are much harder on ourselves than we really should be and can even conjure up stories about ourselves in our heads that aren’t even true. A mind is a powerful tool, so use it to empower yourself, not destroy.

4. Realize that everyone has unique strengths, including you.

Building on the last point, your strengths will look different than someone else’s. Maybe they have always been good at math and science, able to solve problems at the drop of a hat. However, maybe you excel in the arts and have taken on painting or writing as a hobby or career. Our differences make us beautiful because no one can ever copy our true nature. Recognize and embrace your individuality, and continue to learn from others who excel in different areas of life than you. Rather than feeling threatened by them, see their abilities as an opportunity to learn new things, and teach them what you know.

We all came here to teach and learn, so remember that you have wonderful talents and gifts just waiting to be unwrapped and shared with others. Please don’t continue comparing your achievements to those of others.

5. Understand that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Like we said before, you don’t know the whole story behind someone’s life. They might show all the positive moments in their life and glorify them on social media, but what about the crippling self-doubt they sometimes feel? Or the fight they just had with their spouse? Or the nonstop hustle and bustle that they endure daily? You usually don’t see these things on social media. Even if you know someone in person, they may not reveal their life’s true picture.

Be grateful for the life you’ve been given, and instead of tearing yourself down by comparing yourself to others, lift yourself up by recognizing that you’re a beautiful being from the cosmos with a limitless ability to shape your life into whatever you want it to become.

Final Thoughts on Comparing Yourself to Other People

It is only natural to look up to others for inspiration. But it becomes unhealthy when that drive to succeed becomes a daily act of comparing yourself. You owe it to yourself to enjoy every moment of life–and comparison will only leave you feeling stuck in the mud. So be kind to yourself, free your mind from this harmful habit and live your best life according to YOU.

8 Reasons To Use More Ginger

September 17, 2015 by Power of Positivity

For many centuries, ancient cultures have used ginger to heal a variety of health ailments due to the powerful antioxidants present in this amazingly versatile root.

Ginger originated in China, and belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, which includes turmeric, cardamom, and galangal as well. The rhizome, or the part of the stem found underground, is the portion of the plant most commonly used in natural remedies. Apart from the zesty, delicious flavor of ginger, it can provide many health benefits that all of us should be aware of.

Here are 8 reasons to use more ginger:

1. It contains many antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

First of all, ginger contains powerful antioxidants, which can eliminate the oxidation of cells and help prevent free radicals from populating in the body. Gingerol, the main bioactive compound in ginger, contains some of the highest levels of antioxidants on the planet.

2. It can help ease nausea, including morning sickness.

Ginger has long been touted as a wonderful remedy for many types of nausea. Just 1-1.5 grams of ginger could help prevent nausea, especially in pregnant women experiencing morning sickness. Many studies have proven the effectiveness of using ginger for nausea, including for seasickness, and in many cases it works just as well as prescription medications. In addition to preventing seasickness and morning sickness, ginger may also ease nausea and vomiting following surgery, as well as in cancer patients in chemotherapy.

If you feel nauseous, you can try drinking ginger tea or making a ginger soup in order to reap the benefits of this wonderful plant.

3. Ginger can aid with digestive issues.

Ginger appears to be a catalyst in emptying the gastrointestinal system in those who experience regular digestive issues. In one study, 24 participants who consumed 1.2 grams of ginger powder prior to a meal had a 50% faster rate of digestion than before. If you have regular stomach discomfort and digestion problems, ginger can greatly aid with these issues.

4. Ginger may give women relief from menstrual pain.

Many cultures have used ginger as a general pain reliever, but more specifically, it can help reduce painful menstrual cramps in women. In one study that included 150 menstruating women, they all were given 1 gram of ginger powder each day for the first 3 days of their period. Afterwards, they reported the same reduction of pain that they felt after taking ibuprofen or other pain relievers.

5. It contains powerful cancer fighting substances.

The substance gingerol that we mentioned in point #1 has been proven to be effective in fighting off cancerous cells in a limited number of studies. For example, in a study of 30 people, ingesting 2 grams of ginger extract per day proved to decrease the number of pro-inflammatory molecules in the colon. Other studies have shown that ginger extract can fight pancreatic, breast, and ovarian cancer, but more research must be done to further support these findings.

However, it’s clear that ginger can effectively lower inflammation, but the extent to which this occurs needs to be tested more thoroughly.

6. Ginger can help fight infections and boost the immune system.

Ginger can prevent the growth of many different types of bacteria, including bacteria found in the gums and gut. This helps to strengthen the immune system in the long run.

7. It may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease.

In some exciting new findings, studies have shown that ginger could improve brain function and memory in middle-aged women. A multitude of other studies have also shown that ginger could help prevent age-related decline in brain function, plus prevent inflammatory responses in the brain.

8. Ginger can help lower cholesterol and blood sugars.

Finally, ginger can improve your health by lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels, both of which can cause a significant deterioration in health if not taken care of properly. High levels of LDL cholesterol have been linked to a greater risk of heart disease; however, a 45-day study of 85 people with high cholesterol showed significant decreases in cholesterol levels after taking 3 grams of ginger powder per day.

In addition to lowering cholesterol levels, ginger may also reduce one’s risk of getting diabetes. A recent study of 41 individuals with Type 2 diabetes found that just 2 grams of ginger powder per day lowered their fasting blood sugar levels by a whopping 12%. Also, their HbA1c blood sugar levels decreased by 10% over a period of 12 weeks, along with a 23% reduction in levels of oxidized lipoproteins.

7 Signs It’s Time To Improve Your Relationship With Yourself

September 16, 2015 by Kristen Butler

Over time, our relationships with ourselves can become distant and, in some cases, harmful if we don’t hear the alarm bells sounding off, trying to tell us to love ourselves like it’s our job. With the hurried pace of life today, many people don’t take the time to look after themselves or feel too tired after a long day at work or school to even think about their relationship. So, we trudge on, just trying to make it through the day but feeling empty and exhausted.

If this sounds like you, start taking small steps to improve your relationship with yourself. This doesn’t have to mean quitting your job or dropping out of school to make time for yourself, but just carving out ten or fifteen minutes a day to have “me” time.

Here are seven signs it’s time to better your relationship with yourself:

1. You feel disconnected from yourself.

With so many people pressed for time and under pressure to keep up with their obligations, it is no surprise that many of the population feel disconnected from themselves. We don’t spend nearly enough time in nature, allowing the sunlight to grace our skin and letting the breeze carry away all of our problems. In short, we feel detached from ourselves because we have a broken connection with nature. We ARE nature, so we can find ourselves again by connecting more with Mother Earth and less with our jobs, phones, and possessions.

If you feel like an alien in your own body, it might be time to do deep meditation or yoga or return to nature for even thirty minutes a day. This will significantly improve your relationship with yourself and all of humanity.

2. You’ve been having health problems recently.

Not feeling well should make the alarms go off in your head and tell you that you need to slow down, take deep breaths, and do some deep reflecting. Stress is the culprit behind many common health problems today, so to combat it, you need to go to the source of it. Once you eliminate the major stressors, you can begin to take your health back into your hands by meditating regularly, exercising, eating clean, whole foods, and living a life you truly enjoy.

3. You have a negative self-image.

You can’t live a positive life seeing through a distorted lens, so you must correct how you view yourself if you want to see significant changes. Throw away all the man-made expectations of what and who you should be, and instead, see yourself as a manifestation of energy, perfectly worthy of occupying space on this Earth. Loving yourself and having a good relationship with yourself doesn’t have to be as challenging as some people make it out to be.

You don’t have to read every self-help book out there and meditate for twelve hours a day to gain acceptance from yourself. Make that choice every day to love yourself no matter what happens, your mistakes, or how your clothes fit you. None of this matters; the only significance is how you see yourself. Because this is the lens in which you will see the world.

4. You engage in self-harming behaviors.

Cutting, starving yourself, drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, doing drugs often, and eating a poor diet all indicate that you need to work on your relationship with yourself. Would you be concerned if you saw your friend or relative engaging in these behaviors? You should have the same level of respect and care for yourself as you do for others, so treat yourself as you would want to be treated.

However, if you cannot stop these behaviors, please seek professional help immediately.

5. You always want to run from yourself.

Sometimes, we just feel restless and trapped inside our 3D selves and want to escape somehow. However, in this lifetime, we have been gifted with our vessel for a reason. Think of yourself as a little spaceship, traveling through life and having experiences that will help you lift off into another dimension after exploring this one. No one else gets to have the same ship as you, so you should see yourself as a rarity, a beautiful diamond that constantly gets polished with each new experience.

Instead of trying to run from your life, problems, or yourself, embrace the person you are. Feel blessed to have even landed on this giant rock spinning in space, and focus on the present moment. You will enjoy life much more and have a better relationship with yourself if you express gratitude for this miracle we call life.

6. The relationships in your life don’t serve your best interest.

You might wonder how your relationships determine your relationship with yourself, but remember: you attract what you are. If you don’t have high self-worth, you will attract people into your life who don’t love themselves, either. Everything starts with you, so if you want positive, inspiring relationships, look at the person in the mirror first.

7. You don’t feel inspired or passionate about life.

Motivation and inspiration must grow from within us before we can start seeing them branch out into other areas of our lives. If you don’t feel passionate about life, go into your heart and ask your Higher self for guidance. Sometimes it seems complicated to figure out what direction we must take, but you must first silence the Ego’s voice and listen to the one of your heart. It will always tell you what path will bring you where you need to go.

Final Thoughts: A Better Relationship With Yourself Equals a More Fulfilling Life

Fostering self-love and creating a better relationship with yourself means building a happier, more fulfilling life. It first takes recognition that you need to work on yourself–and then following through with the necessary self-care. It takes a lot of introspection and self-reflection, but falling back in love with yourself will be worth all the hard work.

5 Tips for Introverts to Thrive in An Extroverted World

September 16, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Oftentimes, introverts feel that their disposition is something they must correct, rather than something to embrace. Let’s face it; we live in a highly extroverted world, where jobs, politics, and how quickly we make friends largely depends on how well we can communicate with others. More charismatic, extroverted people usually have more friends because of this reason, leaving introverts feeling that they must change something about themselves in order to feel accepted and welcomed in group settings. This doesn’t speak for all introverts, but rather, as an observation about society at large.

Introverts can sometimes be mistaken for being shy, uncaring, or otherwise uninterested in their surroundings, but their brains are simply wired differently than that of extroverts. Introverts feel most energized alone, whereas extroverts obtain their energy from external sources. Researchers estimate that extroverts make up anywhere between 50-74 percent of the population.

So, how can introverts survive in an extroverted world? Here are 5 tips to help you out:

1. Make enough time for yourself.

Introverts, you all know that you can become drained pretty quickly in big groups or other noisy social settings, so make sure you take the time you need to recharge in solitude. If you have a job that requires a lot of social interaction, make your home a haven of peace and quiet, where you feel you can come home after a long day and relax. Take a salt bath, light some candles, meditate, do yoga, draw, or whatever gets you in a “flow” state of mind after a stressful day. Self-care is essential, especially during these hectic, chaotic times, so don’t feel selfish for making that time for you!

2. Honor your creative drive.

Introverts need an outlet for their emotions, and usually feel driven by something artistic and creative in order to express themselves. Pick up some watercolors or paint, buy a journal, get a nice camera to practice photography, or whatever will make you feel most connected to yourself. Introverts like to do things that don’t require a lot of social exertion, and find solace in doing quiet activities in which they can create new worlds using their minds.

3. Accept your personality and love yourself as you are.

Don’t feel like you have to conform to the rest of society; as an introvert myself, I have struggled for years with feeling like I needed to change somehow. However, the world won’t benefit from you living inauthentically, and you certainly won’t feel happy with yourself. Don’t worry what others think; the greatest and most rewarding acceptance comes from within, and no one can give you the same amount of love and respect as you can. Plus, once you fully embrace your true nature, you will meet others who will help you along your journey and love you exactly as you are.

4. Choose work that fits your introverted nature.

Many introverts don’t feel comfortable with doing “normal” jobs that require them to take a position of authority or management, since this requires a lot of interaction with people. Introverts thrive doing more solitary work, so just choose a career that fits your interests and personality the most. Don’t feel guilty if you don’t enjoy regular corporate work; you get to create your life based on what feels the best to you, so choose wisely.

5. Be honest with people.

If you don’t feel like going out tonight, be up front with people. If you feel mentally drained after every outing with someone, let them know. Maybe you need to take more time for yourself, or simply choose a different group of friends that don’t exhaust you. While introverts and extroverts can certainly find common ground and enjoy a healthy, happy friendship or relationship, introverts need to express their boundaries clearly. You can leave a party early, or ask people to give you some space, or whatever you need to do to avoid feeling frazzled or overwhelmed.

True friends will understand and love you anyway, even if you don’t feel like being a party animal all the time.

Remember, this life is too short to pretend to be someone you’re not, so for all you introverts out there, be proud of who you are. You offer important gifts and talents to this world, and it wouldn’t be nearly as awesome without you!

5 Warning Signs of Depression

September 16, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Depression is a term often thrown about when we’re feeling down – when things aren’t going according to plan.

Using depression to describe a mood that is fleeting isn’t an accurate description of the disease that, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), affects over 350 million people globally. “Sadness is an emotion, whereas depression is an illness,” says psychiatrist Ken Robbins of the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

So how do you know if you’re experiencing a bout of depression or are just feeling blue? There are two distinguishing factors between a normal emotional response to life’s events and a response that comes from the illness.

The first factor is the severity of the symptoms. Someone might be clinically depressed if the symptoms are so numbing that it makes performing everyday tasks difficult.

The second factor to consider is how long the symptoms last. If the symptoms last more than two weeks, there is a possibility that depression may be the cause.

WHO lists these other facts about depression that should be taken into consideration:

Depression is a relatively common mental disorder.
Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to disease.
More women are affected by depression than men.
At its most severe, depression can be a contributing factor to suicide.

The good news is there are effective treatments for depression when properly diagnosed. The bad news is less than half of the people suspected of suffering from depression seek treatment, and in some countries less than 10% seek help. One of the reasons why depression is so underdiagnosed is because the warning signs of depression are often mistaken for just ordinary emotional responses.

Here are five warning signs of depression:

1. A shift in sleep patterns.

Whether it’s sleeping longer than usual or suffering from bouts of insomnia, persistent, abnormal sleep patterns can be a sign of unresolved depression. Our energy levels suffer when we sleep too much or too little. Energy is what we need to navigate life’s daily challenges. When we aren’t equipped to face tough situations, the spiral down the emotional black hole is easily triggered, and it’s time to bring in some help.

2. Excessive anxiety and irritability.

There is a physical and mental toll of being in a depressive state that is undeniable. That toll will contribute and escalate what may be normal feelings of anxiety and irritability to a point that it becomes difficult to handle. This feeling of overwhelm can be dangerous when paired with anxiety. If things feel like they are too much to handle, then seek some guidance.

3. Frequent feelings of hopelessness and helplessness paired with uncontrollable bouts of tears.

A person suffering from depression can’t help but feel that everything is going wrong and that there is no hope. These feelings are heightened by the emotions of the situation and often bring the tears with them. Constant crying without the ability to stop may be an indication that we should talk someone.

4. A lack of interest in activities and hobbies that once were exciting.

When depression creeps in, it affects everything including the things we enjoy doing most. It is not uncommon to lose the desire to do things we once couldn’t live without when we are in a state of depression. We choose instead to hole up in the house, refusing to go out or see friends and family. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to seek some help.

5. The inability to focus, concentrate or make decisions for lengthy periods of time.

We’ve all experienced a period when there was a fog in the brain that kept us from doing our best work. But when the fog persists and isn’t solved by a nap, relaxation or a good night’s sleep, it usually says there is more going on. When we experience trouble trying to get back into the groove, and can’t figure out why, it’s time to examine what is happening around us and seek advice outside our immediate social circle.

It is really important to recognize the signs of depression early on. Psychologist, Dr. Michelle London of Weiss Memorial Hospital in Chicago, says, “Depression is a cruel disease that can affect anyone. It is very easy, once the symptoms begin, for a person to slide down the black hole of depression where the symptoms spiral and feed off of each other, increasing in severity.”

The five signs listed above are some of the most common ones, but they are not the only ones. Please refer to the two factors that distinguish between an emotional response and one of illness, which are: the duration and severity of your symptoms. Even if your symptoms are not on this list, if they are severe or long-lasting, then seek professional guidance.

5 Things That Happen During A Spiritual Awakening

September 15, 2015 by Power of Positivity

“Enlightenment is not the byproduct of avoiding the darkness in favor of the light. It is the byproduct of taking the light of consciousness and diving deep into the darkness with it. To make the darkness conscious, is to turn the shadow into light.” – Teal Scott

No matter what the words spiritual awakening means to you, waking up to your authentic self inevitably involves some steps that many of us don’t want to take. Leaving behind deep-rooted beliefs, thought processes, and even outdated relationships isn’t remotely easy, but all of us must spend some time in the dark corners of our souls in order to discover our true selves.

Many people avoid confronting their emotions or egos because doing so comes with a great deal of pain and vulnerability, but to reach our full potential and evolve into our highest selves, we must face our demons head-on and release any attachments to negative emotions and people.

During a spiritual awakening, you will probably experience these five things.

1. The dissolving of the ego/false self

When we begin to awaken, we realize that our egos have been running the show our entire lives, but our egos don’t represent our true selves. They just act as a mask, if you will, over our authentic selves, covering up our true identity. What we and others have defined us as don’t even begin to cover who we really are; our job titles, social status, level of wealth, and all of these worldly labels don’t define us as spiritual beings.

They only distract us from the truth – we have limitless potential as the cosmic miracles we are, but society doesn’t want you to know this. On your path to enlightenment, you will encounter the ego many times, and it will beg for acknowledgment and power – however, starving the ego and feeding the soul will help you get in touch with your true self. This step in enlightenment is often the toughest for people, because everything you once knew yourself as suddenly slips away.

Don’t let this scare you though; stripping away your false self allows you to live as you were meant to – a spiritual being having a human experience, not the other way around.

2. The cleansing and purging of past emotional wounds

On your journey to enlightenment, a lot of emotional baggage will come to the surface, and clearing it out will allow you to live in the present moment and let go of past pain. Opening your wounds up once again won’t feel very healing in the moment, but to truly restore your soul and get to know your higher self, you must revisit the past and accept it. You must close old chapters in your story if you want to write new ones.

Meditation and spending time alone can help greatly with this, because you will understand that everything that happened to you along your journey shaped you and helped you reconnect with your true identity.

3. Forgiving people who have hurt you

This goes along with the previous step, but forgiving those you have caused you pain will also seem scary at the time. Your ego will not tolerate this very well, and will constantly fight for the top spot in your mind. Don’t listen to it though; realizing that the people who have wronged you actually helped you is a huge step in your journey to enlightenment, and you should feel proud of yourself for getting to this point.

When you step outside of the realm of revenge, resentment, and the victim mentality, you remove the burden of holding a grudge from your consciousness, and make room for beautiful relationships to flourish.

4. Feeling vulnerable and questioning everything you thought you knew

You will definitely feel exposed, confused, and isolated at times on your spiritual journey. The walls of safety, familiarity, and false knowledge of our world will begin to crumble, and you will see a mysterious, hidden world beyond those walls full of truth and understanding. However, this will leave you torn between hanging on to the world you once knew, and diving headfirst into uncharted waters.

Once you make your way into this new paradigm, though, you won’t ever want to go back to the old one. You will at first feel much like an alien on this planet, full of others who have not yet understood what you do, but eventually, you will find your place and stand strong in your truth. Just relax and trust the process; you are not alone here.

5. Letting go of anything that doesn’t match up with your highest truth.

During this phase of awakening/enlightenment, your intuition will probably inform you of relationships, places, jobs, or any other aspect of your life that no longer serves you. In order to evolve into your highest self, you must thank everyone and everything for being a part of your journey, but also not feel ashamed or guilty for leaving them behind if necessary.

As you raise your vibration, you will naturally seek out experiences and people that match yours, and want to let go of anything that doesn’t serve your best interests.

What have you noticed on your path to a spiritual awakening? Share in the discussion below…

5 Signs You Have a Magnesium Deficiency

September 14, 2015 by Chris Butler

Magnesium is a mineral that supports muscle and nerve function and energy levels. If your magnesium levels drop too low, you’re at risk for heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and osteoporosis. It’s easy to overlook the early symptoms of low magnesium. But it’s worth paying attention if you notice any of these five signs because they could indicate a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body. It activates approximately 600 enzymes and affects your body’s calcium levels. Without it, your body couldn’t maintain cellular functions that combine DNA and RNA, and maintain your antioxidant levels in your cells. Additionally, it helps your body metabolize energy. Magnesium is in your bones, teeth, and cells.

Five signs you might have a magnesium deficiency

Magnesium deficiency is difficult to diagnose because many of these types of deficiency symptoms mimic other health problems. Here are the most common signs of a magnesium deficiency.

1 – Magnesium deficiency may cause a loss of your appetite

Loss of appetite is often the first symptom of low magnesium. Along with your lack of hunger, you may lose weight without trying. Food doesn’t appeal to you. Low appetite also causes you not to eat enough magnesium-rich foods. Here are twenty foods high in magnesium that, when added to your daily diet, can help your magnesium levels go up.

Pumpkin seeds	Almonds
Cashews	Peanuts
Shredded wheat	Black beans
Edamame	Peanut butter
Baked potato	Brown rice
Kidney beans	Oatmeal
Salmon	Banana
Halibut	Milk
Avocado	Raisins
Chicken breast	Broccoli

So if you recently lost your appetite, load up on some of these foods. You might see if your appetite improves and you feel better.

2 – Muscle spasms may come with a magnesium deficiency

If you work out, you may feel occasional muscle aches and spasms. But if the muscle cramps continue, it could signal you’re low in magnesium. This mineral helps your muscles relax and contract properly. As you age, this cramping is common. Some people have tried magnesium supplements to eliminate muscle cramps and twitches. Magnesium deficiency also causes low calcium, contributing to muscle spasms and cramps.

3 – Irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure

Irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure are two common signs of low magnesium. Low magnesium causes you to be at risk for developing heart disease. This mineral is critical for your heart’s rhythm because it helps move the electrolytes, calcium, and potassium to your cells. Electrolytes help the function of your nerves and muscle contractions for a normal heartbeat. Magnesium offsets calcium in your heart muscle so it can relax instead of contracting too much.

4 – Nausea and vomiting

If you’re nauseous, you may assume you have a stomach bug. If your nausea persists, it could signify that you’re low in magnesium. Keep an eye on how long your sickness lasts, especially if you have vomiting with it. Vomiting can lead to dehydration. This adds to your loss of magnesium since vomiting throws off your electrolytes. Be sure to contact your healthcare provider if your symptoms last more than a week. They can do blood tests to identify low magnesium or other conditions.

5 – Magnesium deficiency can cause fatigue

Fatigue hits everyone once in a while. If you’ve had a busy season of life, you may not pay much attention to your fatigue. It’s easy to assume you’ll feel better once life slows down. But if your fatigue continues for several weeks, it could signify a magnesium deficiency. Don’t ignore fatigue. It’s a sign of low magnesium and also other health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about what you’re observing, so they can run blood tests to see what’s happening.

What are some other symptoms of a magnesium deficiency?

Although these five symptoms are often the first ones you may notice, you may have different symptoms. Never ignore these symptoms or talk yourself out of getting medical help. These symptoms will progress and can lead to more severe health problems. Other symptoms of low magnesium include these:

Seizures
changes in personality
Irregular heartbeat
Osteoporosis
High blood pressure
Tremors
Poor coordination

What causes magnesium deficiency?

Low magnesium can be a severe condition. It can be a result of several things, such as the following:

Poor diet: If you’re not eating whole grains and other natural foods high in magnesium, you can develop a deficiency.
Alcoholism: Drinking too much alcohol depletes your body of magnesium.
Diarrhea: If you’re prone to diarrhea, watch for signs of magnesium deficiency. Magnesium is one mineral that affects your electrolytes that keep your body hydrated. There are unique waters that contain magnesium that can help boost your electrolytes and increase the magnesium in your body.
Certain medication: Some medications reduce this mineral from your body. For example, diuretics undermine your magnesium levels.

Who is most at risk for magnesium deficiency?

Specific individuals are at risk for magnesium deficiency. This is usually because they don’t consume enough magnesium-rich foods, have a medical condition, or take medication that prevents magnesium absorption.

People with digestive illnesses-Digestive diseases like Chrohn’s disease, irritable bowel disease, and celiac disease can lead to low magnesium.
People with Type 2 diabetes-Individuals who are insulin resistant or have type 2 diabetes have low magnesium due to increased urinary excretion. They also have more glucose in their kidneys because of increased urine.
Older adults-Once you reach a certain age, you’re more prone to magnesium deficiency. This is because older adults eat fewer magnesium-rich foods. Plus, older adults often take medication that interferes with magnesium absorption.

How much magnesium do you need per day?

Depending upon your age, gender, whether you’re pregnant or nursing, the daily requirements for magnesium change. Here is a list of magnesium requirements.

Age	Male	Female	Pregnancy	Lactation
birth to 6 months	30mg	30mg
7 to 12 months	75mg	75mg
1-3 years	80mg	80mg
4-8 years	130mg	130mg
9-13 years	240mg	240mg
14-18 years	410mg	360mg	400mg	360mg
19-30 years	400mg	310mg	350mg	310mg
31-50 years	420mg	320mg	360mg	320mg
51+years	420mg	320mg

What is the best treatment for low magnesium?

If your health care provider determines you’re low in magnesium, they may prescribe oral magnesium supplements. You’ll get an intravenous magnesium infusion for quick absorption when you’re extremely low in this mineral. You may also need an intravenous potassium infusion since low magnesium and potassium go hand in hand. Low magnesium is common for individuals staying in the hospital.

Supplementation

Magnesium supplements include magnesium citrate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium threonate, magnesium threonine, or magnesium malate.

You may have side effects such as diarrhea from taking oral magnesium supplements. Magnesium oil rubbed into your skin helps you avoid these side effects. In fact, studies found that when you apply magnesium to the skin, it is absorbed through your sweat glands. Ask your doctor if it’s possible to get a prescription for topical magnesium rather than oral supplements to avoid side effects.

Also, be sure to discuss these supplements with a pharmacist or doctor before you start taking them.

Over-the-counter magnesium drugs

Over-the-counter medications such as Epsom salts can boost your magnesium levels. Be careful to follow the guidelines on the package since taking too much can lead to complications.

Another over-the-counter drug to discuss with your doctor is Phillips Milk of Magnesia. It’s a magnesium-based laxative that provides 500 mg magnesium per tablespoon. This is a high dose of magnesium, but your body won’t absorb all the minerals because it’s a laxative. Also, other over-the-counter medications for heartburn or upset stomach have some magnesium.

So be aware of getting too high of a dose of magnesium from these medications. They can cause side effects such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, or nausea.

Final thoughts on overcoming a magnesium deficiency

Low magnesium is difficult to diagnose because many symptoms mimic other health problems. Because this deficiency isn’t easy to spot, it’s important to note these five signs. So if you’re experiencing fatigue, loss of appetite, muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat, or nausea, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. Resist the urge to explain away your symptoms and assume everything is okay. No one else will watch over your health, so be proactive in discovering why you have these symptoms.

Why Sensitive People Are Natural Leaders

September 13, 2015 by Kristen Butler

When you think about a leader, you may think of something that’s charismatic, headstrong, courageous, and probably intimidating. However, a high level of sensitivity can make a person an even more effective leader, according to psychologist Sherrie Campbell. Sensitive people just see the world through a different lens and feel every emotion much more deeply than their counterparts. They possess a certain level of empathy as well, and can sense when someone else is hurting.

Sensitive people make wonderful friends for these reasons, but what makes them natural-born leaders, as well?

Sensitive people listen to others without interrupting.

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” –Stephen R. Covey

If you think back on your former bosses, you probably remember most of them talking more than they listened. Talking is very common in today’s world, but actually listening to the other person’s perspective has become a dying art, unfortunately. However, sensitive people have a knack for listening to another person without having to interject or get the upper hand in the conversation.

Research also shows that employees feel happier and more fulfilled with their jobs when they have kind, sensitive, and empathetic bosses.

Many bosses today only think of what’s best for themselves and their brand but don’t regard their employees similarly. Sensitive people make better leaders because they put their egos aside and care deeply about how others feel. They want others to express their feelings because they know transparency makes for happier people, and, therefore a thriving business or organization as well.

Sensitive people take others’ feelings and opinions into consideration.

Unfortunately, many bosses today take their powerful position to the head, which further inflates their ego and causes a lot of dissatisfaction and tension in the workplace. Many people who hold high-level positions possess a great deal of insecurity, because they place their value only in how much money they can make, not in how they treat others.

Sensitive people care about how others feel and would never dream of deciding without getting feedback from their employees. They truly understand and live by the saying “There’s no I in team,” and know that to lead others, you must get on their side. You must consider all parts of the whole, not just your own piece of the pie. Sensitive people are well-aware of this, and execute this ideology in their everyday lives.

The introspection and high self-awareness among sensitive people helps them understand others better.

Sensitive people spend a lot of time trying to understand themselves. As a result, they can understand the inner workings of others much better. Because they know themselves so well, they have a high level of confidence, which makes working with them much more painless and enjoyable than working for an insecure, egotistical boss.

Sensitive people know that their gift does not make them weak or a doormat but makes them stronger and more cooperative. They know dictatorial leadership only results in unhappy, fearful, and apathetic employees. They want people to feel comfortable opening up to them and sharing their thoughts and opinions. Even though they might hold a higher position, they see everyone on an equal playing field, including themselves.

Sensitivity plays a huge role in their mindset and attitude about leadership because without their knowledge and understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses, they wouldn’t have any clue what others can do well and what they need to work on.

Highly sensitive people know they must first master themselves if they want to lead others successfully, so they have done extensive self-development to achieve this. Self-aware people make better leaders because they can keep their feelings in check and control their emotions before they get out of hand.

They don’t take their frustrations out on others; rather, they take note of how they feel and deal with the feelings in a calm manner. They don’t want their own storms to affect someone else’s day or performance at work, so they consciously try to transmute those feelings into a passion for what they do.

Final thoughts on sensitive people and leadership

Sensitive people are a wonderful treasure in our world, and when they become leaders, they have the ability to create an immense amount of positive change. They see others not as a problem to solve or an obstacle in their way but as human beings who just want others to understand them. We must attempt to see the perspectives of others so that our world includes the feelings of everyone, not just ourselves.

Great leaders know that respect, the ability and willingness to listen, and compassion for others create a positive environment and strive to achieve this in everything they do.

50 Psychology Facts Everyone Needs To Know

September 13, 2015 by Power of Positivity

The power of positivity is real, and the discussion around related psychology facts is here to stay. There seems to be a big shift happening in the world that has people looking for ways to make their life happier and more meaningful.

It’s because of this shift that more and more research dollars are going into studies that show the impact of the power of our mind and the choices we make have on changing our lives for the better.

Here are 50 psychology facts everyone should know, and some of them might surprise you.

Research has found that good relationships are more important to a long life than exercise.
Your brain does more creative work when you’re tired.
Falling in love has a similar neurological effect as getting high on cocaine.
Optimistic beliefs about the future can protect people from physical and mental illness.
Holding hands with someone you love can alleviate physical pain, stress, and fear.
Volunteers are significantly more satisfied with their lives than non-volunteers.
The risk of catching a cold or the flu and having a particularly severe infection drop if you exercise moderately.
The placebo effect is getting more powerful over time. As medical technology improves, our faith in medicine becomes stronger.
People who view TV crime shows consistently overestimate the frequency of crime in the real world.
People with low self-esteem tend to “try” and humiliate others.
Seeing others positively reveals our positive traits, seeing others negatively reveals our negative traits.
Opposites don’t attract. You’re more likely to be attracted to someone who looks and thinks the same as you.
Memories get distorted over time. The average human has at least one false piece of memory.
Around 80% of humans talk in groups, is complaining.
We seem to ignore the ones who adore us & pay more attention to those who ignore us.
Depression is the result of overthinking. The mind creates problems that didn’t even exist.
Being with happy people makes you happier.
Convincing yourself, you slept well tricks your brain into thinking it did.
Smart people underestimate themselves, and ignorant people think they’re brilliant.
When you remember a past event, you remember the last time you remembered it.
You can’t multitask
You want more choices and information than you can process
The ability to delay gratification or not starts young
Your unconscious knows first
You are hard-wired for imitation and empathy
Our “strong tie” group size is 150 people
Bite-sized chunks of info are best
People assume it’s you, not the situation
Even the illusion of progress is motivating
Your mind wanders 30% of the time
Your most vivid memories are wrong
The more uncertain you are, the more you dig in and defend your ideas
Your mind “rewrites” monotonous speech of boring people to make it sound more interesting.
Your favorite song is probably your favorite because you associate it with an emotional event in your life.
The type of music, you listen to affects the way you perceive the world.
Romantic love is biochemically indistinguishable from having a severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Phobias may be memories passed down through generations in DNA, according to a new research.
Researchers are debating on adding Internet addiction to the list of mental disorders.
The brain treats rejection like physical pain.
68% of the people suffer from Phantom Vibration Syndrome, the feeling that one’s phone is vibrating when it’s not.
The average high school kid today has the same level of anxiety as the average psychiatric patient in the early 1950’s.
Religious practices, like prayer and attending services, lower your levels of psychological distress.
No one born blind has ever developed schizophrenia.
Your decisions are more rational when thought in another language.
Human behavioral studies suggest that a person who loses their cell phone experiences a panic similar to a near-death experience.
A hug longer than twenty seconds will release chemicals into your body that make you trust the person you’re hugging.
People are more honest when physically tired. This is why people confess things during late-night conversations.
Chocolate discharges the same chemical into your body produced when you start falling in love.
Happiness, anger, sadness, fear, disgust, and surprise are six universally expressed emotions.
People tend to be happier when they stay busy, as this prevents them from thinking about the negative things in life.

The important thing to remember when reading a list like this is to pay attention to how you feel. If you let it, your inner guide will keep you moving toward a happier life.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!