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6 Ways to Be The Change You Want to See In the World

July 20, 2015 by Power of Positivity

In the world right now, we need to make some undeniable changes. This will advance us as a species and bring about an environment where all life can thrive. The chaos and destruction we see in our physical world directly reflect the mindset of the collective consciousness.

Indeed, we have literally brought about this world as a result of our thoughts and intentions. We have created an egotistical world built on the separation of power and the division of humanity. We have forgotten about the importance of working together, and have largely lost our sense of compassion towards others.

“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” – Albert Einstein

However, all hope is not lost. In fact, now more than ever, we have the opportunity and ability to enact positive change. Here is how you can contribute to this revolution in a few ways yourself:

Here are 6 ways to create global change, starting now:

1. Instead of buying something new, give something away.

The effects of conspicuous consumption are far-reaching, and the consequences of taking more than we need won’t be pretty if we don’t turn ourselves around. And soon. However, in the age of endless consumption, there’s also a new movement on the other end of the spectrum–the rise of minimalism. People all over want to downsize their lives. Need proof? The tiny house movement is flourishing like never before.

People want to feel happy with less and can achieve this by purchasing smaller homes and giving away things they no longer need. Before you go out on a shopping spree, ask yourself if you really need what you set out to buy. If the answer is no, look around your house and see what you could give away to those less fortunate. You will feel better mentally, and your wallet will thank you, too.

2. Compliment someone.

Most people today, unfortunately, hear more bad news than good, but you can change that by simply offering others words from your heart. Imagine if we all made one another feel good instead of tearing each other down, what kind of world we would have as a result. Even if it feels awkward at first, complimenting others without expecting anything in return can lift the vibration of this planet and make others feel loved and important. Ripples create waves, so by offering sincere kindness from your heart, they will also want to share that energy with others.

3. Volunteer at an organization committed to the well-being of the world.

Almost any community in the world can find some organization or business that wants to cultivate a better planet. Whether that be the local food bank, homeless shelter, organic farm, donation center, etc, you can easily search for local volunteer opportunities. All we need to create a better world is people committing their time and energy to our planet’s well-being, and volunteering will help kick-start this process.

4. Allow others to open up to you.

Technology and the fast pace of life have made us more closed off and defensive in general, but you can break this chain by opening your heart to others and creating a safe space for them to do the same. On the bus to work, ask someone how they’re really doing, not how they’ve been taught to tell others how they’re doing. Allow them to have the floor for whatever is on their mind, and you’d be surprised how quickly they open up to you. Plenty of people are hurting right now and need someone to listen, and you can be the person that makes them feel loved and important.

5. Make a homemade gift for someone.

Whether for a friend, coworker, or family member, almost anyone appreciates a homemade gift from the heart. Put in a place where they can easily find it, and leave a nice note on it telling them how much you care about them. It will totally make their day, not to mention, encourage them to spread acts of kindness like the one you shared with them.

6. Give your money to businesses that strive to make the world more beautiful.

We vote with our dollars, so make sure you support businesses that care about the planet and not just profits. Even though many people view money as evil, it can actually benefit the planet if we use it to create a world founded on love and peace rather than animosity and competitiveness. Support local farmers and small businesses that take steps to reduce pollution and waste, and donate money if you can in order to keep these organizations afloat.

The businesses that cared about the environment and all beings on Earth are the ones that we should care about. That’s because they are committed to a much different and happier world. Give your dollar to businesses that deserve it, and watch the beauty that unfolds as a result.

21 Things to Expect When Dating a Strong Woman

July 19, 2015 by Power of Positivity

<strong>A strong woman works hard to create the life they want to live. Living authentically is the key characteristic they share. It’s this trait that makes them who they are. Furthermore, they aren’t willing to jeopardize what they have worked for.

As such, they often come off as independent women that don’t need a man to be happy. And this might be true on some level. However, most do want a relationship that compliments what they stand for and what they have accomplished so far.

Don’t let the tough exterior fool you. An empowered woman is capable of loving deeply and fully and wants a meaningful relationship in her life. She is not, however, willing to compromise her ideals, her goals, or her life-long ambitions for it. She believes her wants and her relationship can coexist with the right man.

Here are 21 things to expect when you date a strong woman.

Strong women are on a mission. Expect the mission to be an important theme in the relationship. Both will be equally important to her but don’t make her choose.
Strong women like to be self-sufficient. Expect things to be difficult for her to take a step back and relinquish some control. Don’t worry, she will eventually become more comfortable taking a back seat when the time is right.
Empowered women are creative and have an open mind so expect new ideas and potential change to be a constant topic of conversation.
Strong women do not waste time on other people’s drama so do not try to engage in gossip or talking badly about others.
Strong women are comfortable asking for what they want and need. So expect open and direct lines of communication with little sugar-coating.
An independent woman takes care of themselves, so expect them to spend time and money on things that make them feel and look good.
Empowered women recharge alone, so don’t expect them to be available every waking moment.
Strong women surround themselves with other empowered women and these relationships are important. Expect her to devote time and energy to these relationships as equally as she does yours.
A Strong woman seeks information so expect her to question your feelings, where the relationship stands, and where it’s headed.
Strong women are very clear on their visions, goals and want they want to accomplish in life so expect her to want to see similar ambitions in you.
Strong women believe in the possibility, so expect her to look for solutions rather than giving up.
Independent women recognize when things are not working and will immediately make the necessary changes to correct the course. You should expect action instead of endless discussion.
Strong women let few people into her inner circle so expect her to put up some walls until she is sure you can be trusted and are comfortable with her headstrong ways.
Empowered women have a strong sense of morality so expect your values to be questioned. She will not feel comfortable pursuing a relationship if your values do not align or are in conflict with hers.
A strong woman thrives on doing many things that matter to them, so expect activities and projects to have a purpose.
Strong women don’t feel they need anyone else, that they alone are enough. Expect her to be conflicted about wanting to need you at first, but give it time and she will come around.
Strong women are grateful for the abundance in their life and you can expect to actively practice gratitude throughout your relationship.
An independent woman tends to focus on the positive and keep negativity at bay, so expect your negative thoughts to be questioned and challenged.
Strong women accept responsibility, refuse to blame and won’t accept excuses so expect to be honest about your role in a situation. Once a situation is dealt with, consider it in the past because she doesn’t hold grudges.
Strong women display a strong persona so expect to be a little intimidated. She will be slow to show her vulnerabilities.
Strong women hold their fears of being hurt, being left, and becoming too dependent close to their heart so expect to work hard to win her love.

Final Thoughts on Dating a Strong Woman

Of course, an independent woman is much more than the things listed here. Thus, the important takeaway is to expect a relationship, not a dalliance. Today’s enlightened women rarely engage in a relationship that doesn’t serve her. So expect her to fully commit until you prove yourself.

Empowered ladies are tough yet vulnerable. Indeed, they love openly. But they will hold their feelings close and trust wholly only if you earn it. You have to be willing to peel back the layers to get to her heart. If you can get through the outer layers of a strong woman, you will be rewarded with a loving, honest and fulfilling relationship.

10 Remarkable Ways Nature Can Heal Your Mind

July 18, 2015 by Power of Positivity

We face the growing use of technology and an ever-increasing fast pace of modern life. Thus, people spend less time in nature than ever before.

According to a study published by the National Academy of Sciences of the USA, people today spend 25% less time outdoors than they did 20 years ago. Instead, most people use their free time to play video games, watch TV, or scroll through their social media accounts.

Many of us have gotten used to the instant gratification that entertainment provides. But many forget about the sheer pleasure that comes from just sitting with Mother Nature for a while.

Nature can do wonders for your mental health. So if you have neglected your time with Earth lately, these incredible examples of nature healing the mind might encourage you to hit the trails again.

10 Remarkable Ways Nature Can Heal Your Mind:

1. Nature boosts energy and happiness levels.

After spending time outside, have you ever noticed that you feel more lively, cheerful, and refreshed? Well, there’s actually a scientific reason behind that. Several studies suggest that spending time in nature increases vitality. Furthermore, the research finds that just 20 minutes a day out in nature can significantly boost energy levels. Richard Ryan, the lead author of the scientific studies mentioned above and a professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, says:

“We have a natural connection with living things. Nature is something within which we flourish, so having it be more a part of our lives is critical, especially when we live and work in built environments.”

2. Nature boosts creativity.

A study published in the journal PLOSone indicated that immersion in nature can boost creativity by as much as 50%! Participants in the study had to spend four to six days in nature. They completely disconnected from all technology. Psychologists explained that because of the gentle, more relaxing stimuli in nature, people’s attentional system becomes rejuvenated and able to function correctly. Whereas, in modern society, we constantly have to switch between tasks. That’s not to mention we expose our ears to loud, sudden noises.

If you have been struggling to bring out your creative energy or inner peace, try spending more time in nature!

3. Nature takes away stress.

Numerous studies have found that time spent outside can greatly reduce stress. For example, a study published in 2012 in the journal Landscape and Urban Planning revealed that out of 25 healthy adults living in Scotland, those who lived in areas with the most greenery had lower levels of cortisol.

Stress can increase your risk of mental and physical illnesses, but among all remedies, nature is one of the easiest ways to heal the mind and recharge the soul.

4. Nature can actually improve dementia symptoms.

Along with all the other benefits of nature, a bit of greenery can go a long way in helping those who suffer from dementia. Researchers at the University of Exeter Medical School discovered that when administrators installed gardens in nursing homes, the patients showed less agitation. Plus, they enjoyed more relaxation and appeared to be more stimulated mentally.

The researchers believe that the gardens triggered past memories that brought the patients pleasure and relaxation. They may have tended to a garden in the past, so putting one in their nursing home unearthed happy memories for them. Also, the stimulation from natural elements helped to lessen dementia symptoms.

5. Nature can enhance short-term memory.

By either looking at an image of nature or going for a nature walk, you could improve your short-term memory by 20%. In a study performed by researchers from the University of Michigan, they placed participants in two groups: one that would walk around an arboretum and another that walked down a busy street. Before going for the walk, each group had to repeat random numbers to the researchers in reverse order.

Upon getting back, the groups performed the test again, but the group that walked in nature improved its performance by 20%, while the group that walked on the street showed no improvement.

6. Nature will give you a better connection to the world around you.

A study published in the Journal of the Study of Religion, Nature, and Culture, found that kids who were outdoors playing for between 5 to 10 hours a week had a stronger spiritual connection to the Earth (Van Wieren & Kellert, 2013). The researchers of the study also interviewed the parents of the children and discovered that the children who spent a lot of time in nature had parents who also loved the outdoors.

This study proves that nature can help both adults AND children feel more connected to the Earth.

7. Nature dramatically improves the mental health of people living in cities.

City life can disrupt many aspects of a person’s mental state, but living in a more ‘green’ urban area can boost mental health for up to three years. The fact that the people in the study showed a consistently positive mental state throughout a three year period lends even more credibility to the immense power of Mother Nature on the human spirit.

8. Exercising in nature can increase your self-esteem.

Did you know that just five minutes of exercising outdoors can improve your self-confidence? Out of 1,252 participants who took part in 10 separate studies, researchers found that those who exercised near water showed the most improvement. However, any sort of natural setting helped boost the volunteers’ self-esteem.

9. Nature can ease ADHD symptoms.

A study published in Applied Psychology: Health and Well-Being followed400 children who suffered from ADHD. They found that those who spent more time outdoors had better concentration and appeared more relaxed and content. Interestingly, the study also revealed that the children who sat indoors looking out at greenery showed less severe symptoms than those who played outside in a man-made structure with no nature around.

10. Nature can greatly improve mental clarity and performance.

Have you ever heard that placing a plant in your room can help you concentrate better? Science reveals that the presence of nature induces a feeling of tranquility, which allows the brain to function properly. Nature allows you to reflect and restore your cells. But man-made environments disrupt the natural rhythm of your mind and body. If you don’t have time to get outdoors as much as you’d like, buying a few plants to place around your house can still make a big difference in your mental clarity.

10 Little Known Uses for Coconut Oil

July 18, 2015 by Power of Positivity

The health claims and benefits of coconut oil are being widely touted as a path to greater health. While coconut oil has a lot of good things going for it, the studies linking it to weight loss, cancer prevention, and heart health are in their infancy and conclusions should still be left to your own judgment. That being said, it does not mean coconut oil should be dismissed as another fad.

In fact, coconut oil has a variety of uses that can benefit you and your body. The only true way to know if something works for you is for you to try it and see.

Know This First: Is it Refined or Unrefined

The first question most people need to have is whether to use refined or unrefined coconut oil. Using an ingredient as close to its natural form as possible is always recommended, but many people are put off by the smell of coconut. If you do not appreciate the smell of coconut, then refined coconut oil is the right choice. Refined coconut oil can be used topically while it is suggested to use unrefined oil for both internal and external use. (NOTE: Refined coconut is exposed to high heat that eliminates the smell, but be aware that refining any oil produces trans fats which have its own set of considerations for your health, hence the reason unrefined oil is recommended for consumption.)

Whether refined or unrefined, there are plenty of ways to introduce coconut oil into your daily routine, and some are more surprising than you may think!

Here are 10 surprising uses for coconut oil:

1. Oil Pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic mouth-cleansing technique that is said to draw toxins from your body to improve oral and overall health. It requires you to take a tablespoon of coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes. Then spit out the oil and brush your teeth as normal. It is suggested to be done first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, although there are plenty of people that swear by its benefits from an evening practice as well.

2. Natural Deodorant

Use coconut oil in a simple yet effective natural deodorant recipe. Combine one part coconut oil, one part baking soda, and one part arrowroot powder or cornstarch. You can add a few drops of deodorizing essential oils like peppermint or any citrus oil to your liking.

Note: when changing to a natural deodorant your body may take a few days to adjust so be prepared to reapply as needed. Best used immediately following a shower for quicker absorption and make sure to wait a few minutes before dressing.

3. Makeup Remover

A little coconut oil on a cotton ball and you have an instant, nourishing makeup remover that won’t dry or strip the skin of its natural moisture.

4. Facial Moisturizer

Simply rub coconut oil onto clean, warm and damp skin. After a few minutes, take a tissue and wipe any excess oil from the surface. The skin will only absorb what it needs, and the rest will remain on the surface.

Many people fear using oil on their face. Well, our face produces oil to combat dryness and the stripping of oil when we wash our face. Using oil to moisturize reduces the production of oil in our face because it is properly moisturized.

5. Hair Conditioning Mask

Put your bottle of coconut oil in a sink of warm water and when the oil is melted, pour into your hands and apply to dry hair. Add more to the ends of your hair and less at the scalp. Cover your head with a shower cap and let sit for 15 minutes.

Before getting your hair wet, add shampoo to your hair. This is very important to help remove the oil from the surface of your head without leaving an oily mess. Once you work the shampoo through your hair, rinse and shampoo again.

6. Hair-Smoothing Serum

Rub a very small amount of coconut oil in your palms until almost absorbed and then lightly rub through your hair starting at the ends and working your way up. Be careful not to use too much as you want a nice sheen and not an oil slick. Starting at the tips helps put most of the oil where it is needed most.

7. Body Lotion

Coconut oil is light enough to act as a body lotion. It is best used on slightly warm and damp skin following a shower or bath. It will take a few seconds to absorb completely, so wait a few minutes before getting dressed.

8. Toothpaste

A natural toothpaste recipe is as simple as combining one part baking soda to one part coconut oil. Try adding peppermint essential oil one drop at a time until you get to your desired taste.

9. Insect Repellent

Simply add lemongrass essential oil to some coconut oil for a natural, non-toxic insect repellent. Add 25 drops of the essential oil to 1/4 cup coconut oil and slather on the skin to keep the critters away.

10. Shaving Cream

Coconut oil is moisturizing and light enough to be used as a shaving cream. Just keep a bottle in the shower and the heat of the shower will melt it and then spread a small amount on your legs (or wherever you are shaving). Using coconut oil as a shaving cream will leave enough moisture in your skin that you won’t need additional lotion afterward.

These ten suggestions for coconut oil only taps the surface of what this natural resource can do for us and our bodies. Pick one and try it on for size. Then add more as you grow comfortable with its use.

Now it’s your turn to add to the list, what unique ways do you use coconut oil?

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3 Reasons Sleeping In Can Save Your Life

July 18, 2015 by Power of Positivity

It’s widely reported that we are a sleep-deprived society where only about half of the population is getting adequate sleep. This is becoming a significant problem in our communities because sleep deprivation can impact our economy, in addition to our overall health and safety.

The European Society of Cardiology just reported on a study of people that consistently led a healthy lifestyle and who were not smokers, regularly exercised, ate a healthy diet and limited their alcohol consumption. As expected, they had a lower risk of heart disease and even more importantly a lower risk of a fatal event linked to a heart condition.

What made the study even more interesting is they included good sleeping habits and were encouraged when the same risks lowered significantly. Those that included the fifth healthy lifestyle habit of sleep had a 65% lower risk of cardiovascular disease up from 57% and an 83% lower risk of fatal events, up from 67%.

The study concluded that proper slumber is as impactful on our heart health as giving up smoking. So it seems appropriate to say that sleep can indeed save your life. In case there is any doubt, here are three reasons why sleeping in could save your life.

3 Reasons Sleeping In Can Save Your Life:

1 – Sleep Affects Your Ability to Focus

When we continue to deprive ourselves of much-needed slumber, it becomes harder to remember things, our thoughts become more muddled, and it takes longer to process information and make decisions.

Think about the burden of a delay in processing information and making decisions can have. It can impact everything from driving to operating machinery and even influence more extreme situations like reacting to a fire. These are situations where even a few seconds if inaction can change the outcome.

There are some studies that show driving while tired is as dangerous and driving drunk.

Let that sink in for a minute.

According to the CDC, there are around 6,000 fatalities each year attributed to traffic accidents involving a sleep-deprived driver. That right there is 6,000 reasons when enough sleep could have saved a life.

2 – Sleep Affects Your Mood

We have all experienced a moody morning after a less than good night’s sleep. Well, there are studies to prove what we already know that lack of sleep can make us more irritable, stressed and anxious.

The study also shows that once someone gets adequate rest again, their mood is significantly improved.

So how does our mood save our life? Well, chronic sleep deprivation can cause or increase depression and depression can lead to poor choices made out of desperation. Those choices can have a huge impact on life.

Depression can also affect our overall health by compromising the immune system and attacking heart health. In fact, depressed people are three times more likely to experience a life-threatening cardiac event than people who are not depressed.

This isn’t to say that all people suffering from sleep-deprivation will become depressed, but it is fair to say that it negatively affects our mood. And our mood affects the decisions we make.

3 – Sleep Affects Your Lifespan

Many experts claim that our brain and our body recover and recharge while we sleep. Of course, we know that our body requires rest and, in fact, our body prepares for it each day. When we listen to our body and sleep when it tells us to, we are allowing our body to do what it does best, optimize our bodily functions, cardiovascular systems, and hormone levels.

There are approximately 50-70 million Americans that are not getting adequate sleep every night, and it can affect these important functions. When our bodily functions decrease in efficiency, our lifespan shrinks, and it certainly contributes to the quality of life as we get older.

Final Thoughts: How Much Slumber Does a Person Need?

But what is adequate sleep? Well, of course, it differs by the person, and it differs by stage of life. The mistake most of us make is thinking we need less rest when we are older. The opposite is true. Our elders who rest nine or more hours a night are more vital, active, and live longer.

Of course, the natural aging process can hinder our sleep because our melatonin levels decrease as we age. There are natural remedies that can help. The important message here is to not assume you don’t need sleep; you do. If you aren’t sleeping, then investigate the reasons.

When we are busy, often the first thing that suffers is our sleep. We often think that sleep is a luxury and that giving up a few hours of this precious commodity will benefit us because we can get more done. Hopefully, this article has proven slumber is not a luxury.

It’s important to stop ignoring how poor sleep impacts our bodies, our mood, and our overall health. It is an important risk factor and should be taken seriously. While this may sound dramatic, it can be a matter of life and death.

Eating This ONE Food Can Help Calm Anxiety

July 18, 2015 by Power of Positivity

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 40 million Americans suffer from some sort of anxiety disorder. And worldwide, anxiety afflicts 1 in 13 people, according to the Global Burden of Disease study.

The numbers only seem to be growing. Moreover, people want to find alternative remedies rather than relying on pharmaceutical drugs that only mask the problem.

Many turn to exercise, breathing techniques, aromatherapy, herbs, or other types of holistic medicines to cure their stress and anxiety. But did you know that you can actually help conquer anxiety by simply eating fermented foods such as pickles?

Time and again, research proves that the probiotics in fermented foods such as pickles proved to help alleviate social anxiety.

Science Daily reported the same outcome in a study of 700 students who completed a questionnaire that asked them about their consumption of fermented foods, how many fruits and vegetables they ate, and also how often they exercised.

They found that the students who ate more fermented foods had less social anxiety. But, how do the two connect?

The Second Brain

So here is the deal. Doctors often call the gut the “second brain.” That’s because so much of the aforementioned research directly links the foods you eat and how you feel. Probiotics in fermented foods have the power to restore healthy gut bacteria. Therefore, they influence how your brain responds to those bacteria. There are over 100 million neurons in the gut, and over 100 trillion microorganisms living in the intestines. So it’s no wonder that the food we ingest so heavily impacts how we feel.

“It is likely that the probiotics in the fermented foods are favorably changing the environment in the gut, and changes in the gut in turn influence social anxiety,” said Professor Matthew Hilimire, a leader in the study.

“I think that it is absolutely fascinating that the microorganisms in your gut can influence your mind.”

4 Studies That Show How Your Thoughts Can Make You Sick

July 16, 2015 by Power of Positivity

We have long thought that our mind plays a big part in our health and wellness. In general, when we think we are healthy, we tend to be healthier. And when we think we are sick, we tend to exhibit symptoms in line with our thoughts.

Is there any truth to the fact that our thoughts can make us sick?

Here are 4 studies that show how our thoughts can make us sick:

The Placebo Phenomenon

In a study of 270 patients seeking relief from arm pain, Professor Ted Kaptchuk of Harvard Medical School, divided the patients into two groups. Half the participants would receive acupuncture treatments and the other half would receive pain-reducing pills.

Soon after the study began, patients from both groups called in with side effects of feeling sluggish and increased pain. Most of the patients from both groups, however, reported real pain relief and the acupuncture group felt better than those on the pain-relief pill.

The important findings from this study come not from comparing two different treatments, but by studying the placebo effect. The pill was cornstarch, and the acupuncture needles were retractable and never pierced the skin. The study was actually measuring how patients would respond based on the side effects told to them.

The patients that called in with side effects expressed they had the side effects that researchers mentioned. However, the group that felt relief did not hear about any potential side effects. This study shows that what we think and what influences our thoughts can have the power to make us sick, or better as the case may be.

Other studies have shown that the expectation of receiving treatment can stimulate real physiological improvements including positive changes in blood pressure, a decrease in depression and fatigue. It proves successful in improving chemical activity in the brain and some symptoms of Parkinson’s.

Negative Thoughts Can Make You Ill

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences links positive thinking with improved health and brain activity from negative thoughts with a weakened immune system.

Dr. Richard Davidson, who led a team of researchers from the University of Wisconsin-Madison,d measured the brain activity in the pre-frontal cortex of the brain of a small group of people. They were each instructed to recall one happy, joyous event and one event that left them feeling sad or afraid.

Then each participant was given the standard flu vaccine. They monitored the levels of antibodies in the group for six months and found the strongest immunity to the flu in those with the strongest activity in the left pre-frontal cortex, the side associated with happy thoughts.

Davidson goes on to say, “emotions play an important role in modulating bodily systems that influence our health. We turn to the brain to understand the mechanisms by which the mind influences the body.”

The Science of Positive Thinking

Barbara Fredrickson, a positive psychology researcher at the University of North Carolina, conducted an experiment by dividing a group of people into five smaller groups. Two groups were shown film clips that created positive emotions, one group was the control group and shown clips that produced no emotional reaction, and the remaining two groups were shown clips the elicited negative emotions.

After being shown the clips, the participants were asked to write down how they would respond in similar situations. Those exposed to positive emotions were able to write a significant number of responses. Translated, the results indicate positive emotions open the door to a wealth of possibility while negative thoughts limit our ability to see potential solutions.

What is even more significant is the amount of time these negative and positive emotions impact our thinking. Our thoughts can influence how we handle adversity later in life. The way we think now helps us see (or not see) the possibilities today and well into the future.

Sick Rumors

Fabrizio Benedetti at the University of Turin Medical School took 100 students up into the Italian Alps. A few days before the trip he told one person in the group that the thin air in the Alpine altitude could cause migraines.

On the day of the trip, the rumor spread to about ¼ of the group. Furthermore, those that heard the rumor experienced the worst headaches. And a saliva test showed symptoms of low oxygen conditions.

Benedetti said the following:

“The brain biochemistry changed in the ‘socially infected’ individuals. Negative expectations can be communicated to your friends, neighbors, and the like, and they spread very quickly, producing social nocebo effects in a large population of subjects.”

Researchers aren’t necessarily going to suggest you forgo medical treatment in favor of positive thoughts. These studies show, however, that how you think can induce sickness and can help to heal you as well.

The important takeaway is to understand how your thoughts and the thoughts of those around you can impact your health. Whether positively or negatively, and the choice lies within your mind.

5 Signs You’re Ready to Change Your Life

July 15, 2015 by Power of Positivity

Do you secretly (or not so secretively) long to change your life?

Sometimes in life, we get the urge to shake things up a bit, break the mold, and totally recreate our lives. That’s because we want to better match up to our current state of consciousness. If we stay in one place too long, whether physically or mentally, boredom and complacency can easily set in. That restless feeling makes us yearn for something new to make life exciting again.

Do these feelings resonate with you? Read on to reassure yourself that you are indeed ready to make big changes in your life.

5 Signs You’re Ready to Change Your Life

1. You feel restless and discontent most of the time.

One of the biggest signs that something needs to change in your life is feeling uninterested, uninspired, and unmotivated during your day. If how you spend the majority of your time doesn’t resonate with your soul anymore, you need to look deep within and figure out what should remain in your life, and what has worn out its welcome. Boredom can even be dangerous, as studies prove that disengaged, easily uninterested people are at a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and even addiction to drugs and other harmful behaviors.

Don’t fall into a trap of complacency and feel like you can’t make a change in your life. You are a powerful, perfectly capable being, and life is truly your oyster. Live your life according to the grand design in your head, not by other’s blueprints.

2. You have passions in life that are being left unfulfilled.

When you clock in to work every day, do you truly feel inspired and ready to tackle another day? Or do you feel an overwhelming feeling of dread wash over your whole body, making you feel hopeless? If you have a fire in your heart to accomplish something, never try to put out that flame. The longer you silence the voice within, the more persistent it will become.

Far too many people spend their lives doing things they don’t truly enjoy, so if you have dreams still living inside your soul, allow them to come to life. The moment you choose to live according to your unique passions is the moment you reawaken your inner child, so don’t hesitate to experiment with life and turn your visions into reality.

3. You have fallen into bad habits.

When people become disinterested in their environment and daily lives, they often use things like drugs, alcohol, food, sex, gambling, and other addictions to simply cope with their boredom. Addictions are often thought of as a direct result of our hectic modern ways of living, but you can overcome bad habits by revamping your life, if even in small ways.

Self-destructive behavior is unfortunately all too common in today’s world, but it can be beaten by living from a more loving, conscious place in your heart. If you talk to pretty much any successful person today, they will tell you that they had to totally reconstruct their life and mindset in order to get to where they are today. Use that as motivation in order to transform your own life; after all, only you hold the key to your destiny, so you must knock down those barriers within you that hold you back.

4. When you look around at the world, you see clearly through the deception of this superficial reality.

As you step out into the world, you almost laugh at the distractions and lies that surround you. Magazines, advertisements, TV shows, and businesses all want your attention, but you no longer allow them to rule you. Because of the chaos and corruption going on in our world, this has prompted you to seek answers within yourself, and not be tempted by organizations and ads telling you who to be and what to buy.

As you become more and more distant from this “machine” we feed each and every second, this is a sign that you long for a deeper connection and true meaning in life. Before awakening begins, one must unplug from the matrix, so to speak, and realize that the soul is the only ever-lasting thing on this Earth. If you no longer have interests in keeping up with the seemingly backward world we live in, you are definitely ready to start down the road toward enlightenment and big life changes.

5. You feel like you’re outgrowing old relationships, and even yourself.

Everyone we meet plays a role in our lives, even if they don’t stick around for very long. However, sometimes even long-term friendships and romantic relationships can start to crumble once both people begin to walk in different directions in life. It’s perfectly fine to end relationships with those who no longer resonate with you. That’s because ultimately, you have to do what’s best for your own personal growth.

This can also apply to the relationship you have with yourself. Maybe you wish you could just run away from yourself and start over as someone new. Indeed, we have all felt this way from time to time. But, you don’t have to embody someone else to start anew; you can recreate yourself at any time you choose, and the best time to do that is always now!

So, are you ready? If so, repeat the affirmation in the comments:

“I am ready for the positive change and abundance flowing into my life!”

10 Things You Need To Know About Highly Sensitive People

July 15, 2015 by Power of Positivity

We have talked about highly sensitive people before. But if this is your first time hearing the term, here is a quick recap.

Before the 1990s, no one had really heard about extreme sensitivity in humans. But in 1991, a psychologist named Dr. Elaine Aron began to study this trait more closely. Surprisingly, she found that 15-20% of the population carries the trait that classifies them as highly sensitive, which means they respond to external stimuli differently than non-HSP’s. They simply have a different way of processing sensory information due to parts of their brain that regulate emotions being more responsive than the brains of their less sensitive counterparts.

10 Things You Need To Know About Highly Sensitive People

1. Highly sensitive people might not even be aware of this fact about them.

Dr. Aron herself explained that many highly sensitive people live their life without even knowing they carry this trait. That can cause problems in relationships, though, so if you have a close bond with anyone who you think might be highly sensitive, take note of how they respond to emotional experiences and overly stimulating environments, in particular.

You will find that highly sensitive people share one obvious characteristic. They are very analytical and usually think more than they speak.

2. HSP’s need ample alone time to recharge their batteries.

Highly sensitive people are usually introverts, so that means they derive their energy from within themselves, not from external sources. They tend to avoid big crowds of people because it seems overwhelming and nerve-racking to them. HSP’s enjoy doing quiet activities, such as hiking in nature, drawing, writing, painting, or anything that allows them to express their creativity.

They easily pick up on other’s emotions and auras, meaning that their own energy can become drained or frazzled when bombarded with stimuli coming in from all directions. Solitude gives them a chance to align themselves once again and clear their energy of any negativity they may have picked up from others.

3. Men have the same likelihood of being highly sensitive as women.

On her website, Dr. Aron notes that just as many men as a woman have an innate tendency to be more sensitive, but our society just accepts sensitivity more in women. Sensitive males, in particular, might have a difficult time managing this characteristic due to social norms and conditioning.

If you know a male who shows high sensitivity, make sure to allow him to express his feelings without judgment, as HSP’s, or empaths, need the added emotional support.

4. Highly sensitive people view sex as a deeply sacred, meaningful act rather than just a physical one.

In order for an HSP to become interested in intimacy with a partner, he or she must feel completely comfortable with the person on a deep spiritual level. They might identify with the term sapiosexual, which means they find human intelligence to be the most attractive feature of a person.

They won’t consent to sex unless they feel a soul connection to another person. Sex is not taken lightly or seen as a game by highly sensitive people.

5. They have a hard time falling asleep because of their highly active brains.

Their minds work on overdrive most of the day, so turning the lights out and laying their head down doesn’t do much good for a brain that doesn’t want to sleep. They might lie awake some nights just tossing and turning, contemplating life and all its mysteries.

Highly sensitive people often suffer from insomnia due to their overactive minds and might sleep at odd hours of the day to make up for it. Most people know them as a night owl because they seem to come alive at night.

6. Because they analyze things, they make better decisions overall.

They take longer to contemplate important decisions and therefore make good choices most of the time due to their patience and extreme analysis of different variables. They have never been one to make hasty decisions because they don’t want to deal with the consequences of a bad choice.

Highly sensitive people would rather take their time mulling over something than make a decision they will regret later.

7. Having greater sensitivity is actually a genetic trait.

Oftentimes, sensitive people are misunderstood because others think they just want attention, but high sensitivity is actually an inborn trait. They can’t help the fact that their brains are wired differently than others, but this makes them feel like an outcast much of the time, unfortunately.

If you know a highly sensitive person, the best gift you can give is your unconditional love and kindness, and an ear to listen.

8. They don’t enjoy arguing or feeling shamed by friends, coworkers, partners, or family members.

Because they feel emotions so deeply, they don’t like to get into heated debates or arguments with people. They’d rather walk away from a confrontation, or at least talk things out rationally. They also embarrass easily and get deeply hurt when others bring up their past mistakes or shortcomings.

9. Highly sensitive people shy away from overly noisy or crowded places.

You will see them hanging out in a quiet coffee shop or book store rather than at a bar or mall, most likely. They like places where they can hear their own thoughts and process stimuli slowly, which makes busy, loud establishments an infrequent stop for highly sensitive people.

10. They can’t stand violent scenes in real life or on TV.

Highly sensitive people feel deeply in tune with all life on Earth. Thus, they don’t enjoy watching their fellow humans or other animal friends endure pain or torture. They stick to documentaries or funny TV shows or movies, steering clear of anything that exhibits violence.

Are you, or do you know a highly sensitive person who shares these traits? Join the discussion below.

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