Page 173

4 Things That Increase Longevity, According to Science

November 11, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Longevity is often at the forefront of many people’s minds–especially as they age. Scientists are constantly working on getting ahead in the battle with aging. And we’ve done a lot to improve things. People have developed modern medicine, which has significantly increased life expectancy.

We have better living conditions and better social security blankets. Society has developed, and, as a by-product, people can enjoy a longer life. Sure, modern society has created some issues that affect living standards. But, overall, there’s no denying that people live better now than ever before. Still, no matter how hard we try, we cannot defeat aging. It’s a natural process, and everyone is bound to experience it. But that doesn’t mean you must be complacent and just let it happen.

There’s a difference between accepting that aging is inevitable and not doing anything to ensure you age well. If you don’t take care of yourself, longevity is out of the question. Instead, you need to ensure you have the best future possible. So, according to doctors, what can you do to increase your longevity and secure a better life for yourself?

How to Increase Longevity?

1 – An Active Lifestyle Increases Longevity

All studies that analyze the impact of an active lifestyle point to one conclusion. That conclusion is that the more active you are, the longer and better you’ll live. However, keep in mind that longevity is always relative. An active lifestyle will allow you to live longer than you would have if you weren’t busy. Research shows that two to three hours of weekly exercise increases life expectancy by five to seven years. Plus, it allows you to age better.

Sedentary people often struggle with mobility issues as they get old. Besides that, they should be concerned with many other problems. From heart issues to digestive problems, they all make your life more complicated as you get older. But, the more active you are, you’ll have to worry about those things less. Not to mention that having an active lifestyle improves your mood and cognitive health.

Studies show active people have a significantly lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease. The best part is that it’s never too late to be active. Nor do you have to become a fitness expert to reap the benefits of an active lifestyle. If longevity is your concern, you must exercise for a couple of hours per week. On the other hand, if you don’t want to do something physically draining, consider taking daily walks.

Even thirty minutes of walking per day can boost your health. If you have a busy schedule, try walking to work more. Or walk when you have to run errands, like when you go grocery shopping. If you want to be more active, consider running, cycling, or going to the gym. Or take up active hobbies, like dancing. After just a few days of being active, you’ll start reaping the rewards. Your mood will immediately improve.

You’ll have more energy, your digestive health will be better, and you’ll overall feel happier. But the real benefits are the long-term ones. The more active you are, the longer and better you’ll live as you age.

2 – Watch What You Eat at Every Age to Increase Longevity

Everyone likes to be comfortable and enjoy a tasty, quick meal. But that frozen pizzas you eat twice a month could be one of the reasons you’ll live less. The western diet is so unhealthy that it can take years off your life. That diet contains a lot of processed or pre-packed foods. It also incorporates a lot of red meats, high dairy, high sugar products, and low vegetable intake.

This diet is one you are probably too familiar with. It’s almost too easy to buy frozen nuggets and pop them in the oven. It can seem like a perfect meal after a long day. But that diet is not something you should strive for. Especially if you are concerned with longevity, you should change your diet and aim to eat healthier.

Researchers have concluded that the optimal diet includes more legumes, whole grains, and nuts. You should also avoid red or processed meats and processed foods. If you want meat, you should consider eating more chicken and fish. This diet could add literal years to your life. For instance, picking this diet up at twenty years old will add ten years to your life.

But even if you pick it up at eighty, it can still add up to three years to your life. Still, this diet is tough to keep up with, primarily because of what grocery stores offer. Most people eat highly processed and unhealthy food. It would help if you tried to shop more at farmer’s markets. But, if that’s not possible, eliminate some foods from your diet. For example, stop eating processed cereal for breakfast.

Instead, swap that with oatmeal or even a couple of apples. And, most importantly, make time to cook at home. This habit will ensure that you don’t have to rely on frozen or pre-packed meals anymore. If you don’t have the time to cook, you should try meal prepping. Every weekend, cook some meals you can pop in the fridge and eat for the whole week. Small changes like these will do wonders in terms of longevity.

3 – Be Social, Especially as You Age

One of humanity’s biggest enemies is loneliness. It’s one of the main reasons people battle mental health issues. A neglected person is much more likely to develop depression than a social person. Sure, almost everyone has people around them. And you even interact with many people daily. For example, you have to interact daily with your work colleagues.

But that doesn’t mean you are socializing the way you should. To live longer, you need to create strong connections with others at every age. Isolated people could face a higher risk of premature death than social people. That risk can be as high as 50%. Some scientists have even argued that social isolation can reduce life expectancy at similar rates as smoking. Isolation impacts people psychologically and physically.

Some believe that a lack of human connection weakens the immune system. This makes people more susceptible to contracting infectious diseases. Isolation impacts longevity. So, to increase your life expectations and well-being, strive to create deeper connections. That doesn’t mean you have to have dozens of friends. Being social in the traditional sense is good, meaning it’s beneficial to be open.

And it would be best if you also tried actively meeting people you can connect with. But it’s not enough to casually get along with the people you must interact with. Many people think they are social because they are on good terms with work colleagues. But that’s not entirely true. It would be best if you strived to find people you could connect with.

It’s essential to have a few friends you can share everything with. Not only will those people always be there for you, but you’ll be able to have fun with them. So, find someone you can talk about your issues with but who is also down to take a spontaneous trip just for fun.

4 – Find Hobbies You Enjoy

When they reach adulthood, many people make the mistake of focusing too much on work. Maybe that doesn’t seem like such a bad thing, but you shouldn’t live to work. But rather, you should work to live. Even if you enjoy your job, it’s still something that creates a lot of stress and worries. Things can get even worse if you resent your job.

If you don’t like what you do and don’t even have some hobbies that cheer you up, your life will be bleak. But the impacts of having no hobbies aren’t just psychological. This could impact your longevity. When you don’t have a way to disconnect from the troubles of your daily routine, your health is affected–especially as you age. You cannot release all the tension, so all that stress builds up.

This can affect your health by leading to serious health issues. In addition, stressed people are much more likely to develop heart issues, amongst other things. But, when you make time for hobbies you love, you have an outlet for all that stress and tension. Not only that, but those hobbies can bring you absolute joy. Some activities prove helpful if you don’t know what hobbies could be right for you.

Reading, cooking, gardening, and even owning a pet–all these activities correlate with longevity. So, you could start by trying some of these out. But the best thing you could do is follow your dreams. So, give it a try if you have always loved dancing but have never taken classes. Even if you are older, that doesn’t mean you can’t do it.

There are special classes for adults you can sign up for. The same goes for any other passion you have. At least give the things you think you’d like a try. Sooner or later, you’ll find the right hobby for you.

Final Thoughts on How to Increase Longevity and Age Gracefully

Longevity is a thing that concerns everyone. We all worry about how long and how well we’ll live. But many people seem to think there’s nothing they can do about increasing their life expectancy. Or, even if you want to do that, you might be unsure what to do about it.

Maybe you worry that you are already too old to improve anything. But that’s not the case. Even older adults can improve the quality of their life by following a few simple suggestions. An active and healthy lifestyle is the most straightforward solution to the longevity issue. You must watch what you eat and devote a few hours per week to physical activity.

You don’t even need to do anything drastic. Even taking daily walks can significantly improve your life. Besides that, you need to take care of your emotional health. It would help if you made an effort to create stronger connections with people. It’s also essential to pick up some genuinely passionate hobbies. Lastly, remember to have fun and truly enjoy your life.

;

Nephrologist Donates Kidney to a Transplant Patient

November 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

When a nephrologist’s patient couldn’t find a kidney donor, the doctor decided to donate his. Dr. Aji Djamali always felt inspired by people who donated organs and wanted to do his part to help. Djamali felt the calling to donate his kidney shortly after becoming a nephrologist and transplant surgeon.

Having the rare blood type B, he knew his kidney would benefit a transplant patient in the future. One evening in October 2021, he found someone to help fulfill his dream: a former patient who also had blood type B. While talking to John Jartz, a patient he met about eight years ago, Djamali discovered that he desperately needed a kidney donor.

The two crossed paths when Djamali worked as the head of the UW Health Transplant Center in Madison, Wisconsin. They became fast friends, and their instant chemistry grew into a deep bond over the years.

Djamali’s care team continued to monitor Jartz after his treatment and confirmed that he would eventually need a transplant. They had no idea that Djamali’s kidney would someday save Jartz’s life.

Jartz said in an interview withMedPage Today, “I wasn’t expecting that with a doctor. I could sense he was passionate about what he was doing, and passion is so important in terms of how you approach things, I got the feeling he cared for people, and that was something he tried to make sure ran through the organization.”

Jartz, 68, had been diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease in 2014, an inherited disorder that causes the kidneys to enlarge and stop functioning. He knew he would require a kidney transplant one day, so he and his wife searched for transplant centers.

However, Jartz would have to wait five to seven years for a kidney from a cadaver donor. Sadly, the transplant patient didn’t know if he would live long enough to undergo the procedure.

Nephrologist Donated His Kidney, Saving His Friend’s Life

Thankfully, his former nephrologist delivered the news that would give him a second chance at life. As their conversation over dinner came to a close that fateful evening, Djamali said he had a life-changing opportunity for him. He said he found someone with Jartz’s blood type who could become his donor.

When Jartz excitedly asked who, the 53-year-old physician answered, “me.”

Jartz couldn’t believe the news and felt deeply moved by his former doctor’s generosity. Both men broke down in tears, and Djamali admitted he still gets emotional thinking about it today.

Seven months later, on June 29, 2022, the nephrologist underwent surgery to remove his kidney. A few minutes later, another team successfully transplanted the organ into Jartz. The two men will never forget the experience and how it strengthened their friendship.

Djamali said he first dreamed of being a kidney donor years earlier while attending medical school. To finally achieve his dream felt indescribable, like pure bliss and freedom. He told People that the experience compared to “watching your child being born.”

“I was always in awe of people who donated organs,” he told PEOPLE in an interview. “It fascinated me. And I soon decided that I didn’t just want to talk the talk. I wanted to walk the walk.”

However, getting his wife on board with his plan took some convincing. She wanted him to wait until their three children were grown to discuss the decision. Once they had graduated college and moved out, he felt the time had come. Since Jartz struggled to find a donor with his rare blood type, Djamali felt the universe put them together for a reason.

A Near-Death Experience Inspired Djamali to Become a Kidney Donor

An experience he had as a student years earlier also inspired him to become an organ donor. While attending medical school in France, Djamali decided to bike to a friend’s house for dinner one evening.

On the way there, a car struck him, resulting in multiple skull fractures. He also experienced massive bleeding in his brain and had to undergo emergency surgery. He spent three weeks in the hospital recuperating from the accident.

“All of that made me realize what happens when you’re on the other side [as a patient],” Djamali told MedPage Today. “You value life because clearly that was almost the end of it. It also gives you perspective and makes you want to do the right thing even more.”

The nephrologist said his life experiences have also shaped his career. For instance, he teaches his trainees to consider their patients’ perspectives and get them involved in decisions about their treatment. Above all else, Djamali emphasizes the importance of kindness and humanity to his trainees.

He said the Dalai Lama’s teachings have greatly influenced how he practices medicine.

“If you want to make people happy, practice kindness, and if you want to make yourself happy, practice kindness,” he said. “We’re living in a challenging world and [kindness] means a lot to people.”

The seasoned physician was honored that he could help a friend in his time of need. He also hopes his viral story will inspire others to become organ donors.

“Half of the reason was to help John,” Djamali, who keeps in contact with Jartz regularly, told People. “But the other reason was to encourage people to help others, to inspire them to consider stepping up and helping the 90,000-plus patients across the nation who are on waiting lists to get a transplant.”

Final Thoughts on Doctor Who Donated Kidney to Transplant Patient

When Dr. Aji Djamali met his patient John Jartz, almost ten years ago, they instantly connected. Djamali treated Jartz for an inherited kidney disorder and informed him he would need a transplant. The doctor learned that he and Jartz had the same rare blood type, making them an ideal match for organ donation. Wanting his friend to have a long, healthy life, Djamali stepped up to the plate and donated his kidney. The two men have grown closer after the experience and hope to inspire others with this heartwarming story.

How Using Positivity Can Help Anxiety

November 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Many people don’t think about how positivity can reduce their anxiety symptoms. But positive thinking, or framing situations in a more favorable light, may help you avoid catastrophizing. People with anxiety often experience debilitating symptoms that prevent them from living everyday life. They sometimes can’t differentiate between their thoughts and reality, making it difficult to see things clearly.

Since humans have a natural negativity bias, it explains why we’re prone to anxiety disorders. We pay more attention to bad news than uplifting stories as a survival mechanism. Early humans had to hunt for food, water, and shelter, making them more reactive to threats. Biologically speaking, we haven’t changed much since pre-industrial times.

Arguably, our fight-or-flight response gets triggered more often in the modern world. Our environment changes so quickly that we have little time to adapt to possible threats. Therefore, we might overestimate the danger of certain situations simply because they’re unfamiliar to us.

It becomes a vicious cycle where the scary information causes anxiety, but we can’t focus on anything else. That would threaten our survival, so we would rather feel anxious than be unpleasantly surprised. However, too much bad news can overwhelm even the most resilient person. It paralyzes you with fear and makes you question your ability to overcome challenging situations.

That’s where the power of positivity comes in to help you see the silver lining in situations. An upbeat attitude can help you weather the storms of life no matter what you experience. Below, we’ll discuss how optimism can improve your mental health.

How Positive Thinking Can Reduce Anxiety Symptoms

Even though we’re hardwired to pay more attention to problems, that doesn’t mean we can’t overcome this tendency. News outlets have learned to exploit our bad news bias to get more views and clicks. But this just feeds the endless cycle of drowning in negativity. If you want to feel happy and healthy, it helps to avoid or limit your media exposure.

After you’ve taken preventative measures, you can start working on ways to influence your mind positively. Remember, everything we give our attention to makes up our consciousness.

Therefore, you must fill your mind with uplifting thoughts if you want a positive outlook and demeanor. After all, a negative mind will never give you a positive life.

So, how can you train your brain for optimism? Research shows that people with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) greatly benefit from an exercise called thought replacement. It involves replacing worst-case scenario thinking with more positive outcomes.

People with GAD tend to overestimate the likelihood that something will go wrong. They over-worry, overthink and overstress about everything, keeping them trapped in a cycle of fear. But research shows that positivity can cause dramatic reductions in anxiety and worry. Our minds are incredibly malleable and flexible, and this neuroplasticity allows us to form new connections.

We get to control the reality we experience, on a certain level, by simply changing our thoughts. The study above proved this, as participants learned to use positive thinking to shift their perspectives.

They felt less distress by disengaging from catastrophic thinking and “zooming out” from situations. However, they didn’t ignore that a situation could end badly. They simply chose to focus more on positivity and less on unfortunate alternatives.

Other Benefits of Positivity

The power of positivity can help reduce anxiety and make you feel more in control. Being optimistic offers many other benefits, including the following:

Increases your lifespan. A study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered that women who practiced positivity lived longer, on average. They also had lower rates of diabetes and hypertension than people with a cynical outlook.
Improves your immune system. Your mental health impacts your physical wellness and vice versa. Scientists have found that having a good attitude and a positive mindset can boost your immune system! A study by the University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found that positive thoughts lowered cortisol and activated the brain’s reward centers.
Helps reduce depression. People with depression struggle to see the light in the darkness. It’s a severe illness that impacts millions, if not billions, of people worldwide. People with this disorder may feel helpless to change their thoughts or situations. However, studies show that positive psychology can treat depression in some cases. Coping strategies such as expressing gratitude, sending positive thoughts to yourself and others, and mindfulness can improve mental health.
Increases self-confidence. You might not consider how positivity can make you more confident. However, if you have a positive self-image, you’re more likely to believe in yourself. People with high self-esteem have more energy and seek out opportunities in daily life rather than sitting on the sidelines. Positive thinking also makes you more resilient in the face of adversity.
Improves heart health. Numerous scientific studies have found a link between positivity and better heart health. One study of 8,000 people found that those who scored high on optimism and a sense of well-being had a 30% lower risk of heart disease. Another study of about 70,000 women followed for over ten years found that the most positive participants had lower mortality rates from heart attacks and strokes.

Final Thoughts on How Positivity Influences Mental Health

As you can see from the studies above, a happy outlook simply makes you feel more vibrant. You’re less stressed, focus more on the positive aspects of life, and even have a healthier heart!

Also, you may live longer and have a better immune system, thanks to a positive mindset. That doesn’t mean you have to feel ecstatic about life every second. It just means that whenever you feel overwhelmed or depressed, you try to see the silver lining.

It’s not a foolproof method, but countless studies prove the power of positivity in shaping our inner world. Next time you feel burdened by the state of the world, remember to turn off the news and tune back into yourself. You can’t control everything in life, but you can at least take charge of your attitude toward situations.

Fashion Turns To Vegan Mushroom Leather For New Styles

November 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

If you’ve never heard of mushroom leather, get ready to have your mind blown. To reduce the environmental impact of leather, a team of scientists decided to create a vegan alternative. After hours of research and testing, they came up with Mylo™, a cruelty-free mushroom leather that doesn’t compromise on appearance.

The soft, supple texture resembles the feeling of genuine leather while avoiding its devastating environmental impacts. As the population continues to grow and resources dwindle, it’s critically important to adopt sustainable practices. Thankfully, Mylo™ requires significantly less land and emits fewer greenhouse gases than raising livestock for leather.

The vegan leather’s secret ingredient is mycelium, the underground network system of fungi. Mycelium’s dense, fast-growing fibers provide a durable, sustainable ingredient for various products. Recently, scientists have realized that the sprawling, interconnected structure growing beneath our feet could benefit the leather industry.

Mycelium branches off in every direction through soil, plants, and trees. Fungi, including mushrooms, help in the decomposition process of organic matter, supplying plants with nutrients. Picture the branches of a tree that provide support for fruits to grow.

In the same manner, mycelium spreads out in a massive root-like underground structure and allows species across the globe to flourish. Without fungi, entire ecosystems would collapse, and life would cease to exist. Luckily, mycelium is infinitely renewable, so some companies have shown interest in using it for their products.

Company Develops Mushroom Leather As a Sustainable Alternative

Bolt Threads, the creator of the mushroom leather Mylo™, developed a process to grow mycelium indoors using vertical farming. Scientists at the materials innovations company start by feeding mycelial cells sawdust and other organic materials. They control the humidity, temperature, and other growing conditions to create the ideal atmosphere for mycelium.

Next, they spread it out on mats, where it grows into a foamy, cascading layer. After harvesting the mycelium, the team composts the byproducts, then processes and dyes the mycelium sheet. Finally, it becomes the mushroom leather known as Mylo™, which transforms into various products like handbags, shoes, and wallets.

Scientists and engineers at the California-based company harvest the mycelium in less than two weeks. They utilize only mulch, air, and water in a facility powered entirely by renewable energy. Compare that to the resource-intensive process of raising livestock, which often takes years. Plus, it requires much larger inputs to receive the same outputs as mushroom leather.

Bolt Threads hopes to scale its production by working with supply chain partners committed to renewable practices.

Benefits of the Vegan Leather

The Mylo vegan leather prevents environmental destruction while also benefiting human health. Scientists utilize rigorous Green Chemistry principles when processing and finishing the mushroom leather. They have partnered with world-renowned experts in tanning and dyeing who have received global sustainability certifications.

They avoid harmful substances like chromium and DMFa, two of the most toxic chemicals used to create animal and alternative leathers. Also, unlike synthetic leather made from damaging fabrics and PVC coatings, Mylo™ material does not contain petroleum-derived products.

While Mylo™ material does contain small amounts of plastic, it isn’t petroleum-based like other synthetic leathers. Even animal hides contain fat liquors, plasticizers, and coatings, comprising up to 40% of their total weight. In comparison, Mylo™ is certified vegan and bio-based, produced chiefly from natural products. DIN CERTCO performed bio-based testing for Mylo’s certification.

Bolt Threads hopes to eliminate plastics from its products in the future. Currently, the company strives to increase its bio-based content while ensuring customer satisfaction. At some point in 2022, Bolt Threads will perform a full impact assessment of Mylo™ material to share with customers.

Three Forward-Thinking Companies Using Mylo Mushroom Leather

Several companies have launched product lines with the Mylo™ vegan mushroom leather, such as lululemon and Stella McCartney. Others, like Adidas, plan to release products that contain Mylo one day.

Stella McCartney

Luxury fashion designer Stella McCartney became one of the first brands to utilize Mylo™ in her products. She debuted the first-ever Mylo clothing in a Vogue editorial and recently released a handbag created with mycelium. She offers a limited supply of these handbags on her website. Looking for a perfect option? A replica designer handbags will be a great choice, especially from Ypurse.ru, where you can find impeccable replicas that capture the essence of luxury brands, offering style and sophistication at a fraction of the cost.

lululemon

Athletic apparel brand lululemon also jumped on the mushroom leather bandwagon. The company revealed the world’s first Mylo yoga accessories, including a yoga mat comprised entirely of undyed Mylo™. The company said the yoga mat highlights Mylo’s future potential for use in sustainable products. They also offer a meditation bag and a duffel bag featuring the Mylo™ mushroom leather.

“Leveraging a material like Mylo demonstrates our commitment to creating a healthier future through low-impact products, paired with the performance-driven and high-quality design we’re known for.” — Sun Choe, lululemon Chief Product Officer

Adidas

Finally, Adidas recently debuted its first-ever shoe made from mushroom leather, the Stan Smith Mylo™. The company reinvented its classic style with three perforated strips on the sides. The new look evokes nostalgia for anyone who wore Adidas as a kid. Now, customers can enjoy a more eco-friendly option made of mycelium and natural rubber.

The outer upper, perforated three stripes, heel tab overlay, and premium branding utilize mushroom leather. The shoe’s midsole is made with natural rubber to reduce its environmental footprint further.

In addition, world-renowned brands like Mercedes Benz, GANNI, and others have expressed interest in Mylo’s possibilities. Mushroom leather may one day become a staple ingredient for many industry leaders.

Final Thoughts on Mushroom Leather for Sustainable Fashion

Various industries have begun using mushroom leather in their products to help protect the environment. Bolt Threads, a materials innovations company in California, created a leather derived from mycelium called Mylo™. Creating cruelty-free leather takes less than two weeks and uses far fewer resources than traditional leather.

Companies such as Adidas, lululemon, and Stella McCartney have already created products with unique mushroom leather. Bolt Threads foresees a bright future for the company as materials become scarcer and people count on renewable sources like mycelium.

25 Personal Strengths Most People Ignore

November 10, 2022 by Kristen Butler

An interviewer will almost always ask about your personal strengths if you go on a job interview. Some companies even give you psychological tests to see how you react to situations before they offer you a job. It’s challenging for most folks–even strong people–to think about all the good things about themselves, as it’s easier to focus on the negative.

It’s okay to pat yourself on the back occasionally, and there’s no better time to showcase your attributes than when seeking employment. Outside of the job world, if someone asked you what strong people have that their more passive peers don’t, you would likely come up with an extensive list.

It’s easy to think about the strengths in others, but when it comes down to you and your abilities, it’s often challenging to put them into words. You have many personal strengths you don’t give yourself credit for, but it’s okay to showcase your assets.

25 Personal Strengths That Most People Don’t Give Themselves Credit For

It’s time to give yourself some credit for the hard work you’ve done in becoming a great person, and you can also make some changes where necessary. Below is a list of twenty-five things that psychologists label as personal strengths. You may not realize these things about yourself until you read the description.

Why not keep score and see how many traits you share with strong people?

1 – Authenticity

Someone authentic is genuine and honest. You like to say things as they are, and you would never tell someone something they don’t want to hear. You’re trustworthy and credible; people trust you because you won’t lie to them.

The authentic person is not dishonest in any aspect of their life. Though you might be slightly blunt sometimes, you would rather be true to yourself than get caught being a fake. Most people like being around authentic people because they don’t sugarcoat the truth.

2 – Social Intelligence

In 1920, Edward Thorndike was the first psychologist to pen the term social intelligence. Today, it’s becoming quite a topic in the mental health field. Someone with personal strengths, including this intelligence, articulates well as good verbal skills.

They know what to say and what to avoid when in a crowd. Another term for this would be street smarts, as you know how to work with the public and keep the peace. When you’re in a room, you can easily read body language and social cues, and you’re aware of the feelings of others.

3 – Creativity

Where would the world be without some of the creative geniuses? People automatically think of artistic abilities when they hear this word, but it goes far beyond painting or other art forms. Someone creative thinks outside the box, and they use imagination and inventiveness to dream things others wouldn’t imagine.

People like Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, and Isaac Newton are individuals who fit into this mold. Their innovation and resourcefulness allowed them to bring the creations in their mind to fruition. They made life better for those around them by using their creativity to bring change.

4 – Love

There’s much confusion on whether love is an emotion or a choice. If you can love deeply and nurture that love, you should account for that as one of your personal strengths. Ask anyone who has been married for many years, and they will tell you that love is both emotion and choice.

They could have often walked away, but they made a conscious effort and stayed even when things were terrible. It takes strong people to decide to love each other through the good and the bad.

5 – Forgiveness

Many people don’t practice forgiveness because they’re stubborn or don’t know how to do it. When you forgive someone, you’re cleansing your heart of negativity and letting it go. Forgiveness is as much about you as it is about the other person, as it avoids allowing a root of bitterness to creep into your life.

It’s not always easy to forgive others when they’ve done you so wrong, but strong people know that the roles might reverse one day. Karma brings things back around, so it’s best to be eager to settle things. Remember, just because you forgive doesn’t mean you have to remain close. It just means you’re releasing it from your soul.

6 – Curiosity

Strong people know how to channel their curiosity into something positive. Sure, you’ve heard the seeing that curiosity killed the cat, but it’s an innate ability born within some people that compels them to do and see more. Curiosity is one of the personal strengths that help you with survival, and it’s what keeps you vigilant and allows you to gain knowledge.

7 – Humor

A little fun can make the world seem like a brighter place. Strong people know you can’t cry over everything, but you can laugh and ease some of your tension. Did you know that most comedians have a dark past and have been through great heartaches?

Robin Williams was one of the greatest comedians of all time, yet he hid behind the pain of loneliness. Williams was socially awkward and often made voices up in his mind to help cope with being alone. He suffered from mental illness and needed an outlet. Even amongst the pain, he learned that laughter was the best medicine.

8 – Imaginative

To be more imaginative, you don’t need crayons and glue to make it happen. While this is one way, there are many other ways to let your imagination blossom. Active imagination allows you to enhance your problem-solving skills, improve social interactions, investigate promising outcomes, and even develop more self-confidence.

9 – Spirituality

How can being spiritual be one of the personal strengths in your life? Someone who has a deep spiritual foundation understands the Universe. These folks see more than what’s right in front of them, as their mind sees beyond the physical realm.

Spirituality shows strength, and these folks are typically the ones who will go out of their way to help others in need. If you’re spiritual, you understand why showing kindness is essential. Filling your karmic bank is always advisable.

10 – Bravery

If you’re brave, it doesn’t mean you don’t have worries and fears that come at you each day. However, it means you dare to stand up to each of them and face them head-on. You don’t run from adversity and won’t let others bully you. Strong people stand ready to defend themselves and others.

11 – Kindness

Being friendly, generous, and considerate to others is one of the personal strengths that you should desire. When you’re warm, people respond well to you, as they know you’re in their corner. You consider the feelings of others, you’re generous to a fault, and you look out for your brother or sister.

12 – Love of Learning

Some folks say they would love it if they could go to school daily as their job. However, a love of learning can go far beyond your school days. When you are eager to learn new things, you will read books, search the internet, and talk to people who also desire to learn something and gain knowledge.

13 – Hope

Without hope, it would be impossible to make it through life. One of the hallmarks of depression is that a person feels hopeless or helpless. When you have hope, you know that while things don’t look great now, upwards is the only way from your rock bottom position.

14 – Fairness

Strong people know that fairness is a valuable strength because it’s so essential in many aspects of life. To be a good parent, you must be fair with punishment and guidance. It’s also important as a boss to ensure no favoritism. Fairness means looking at situations and people objectively and being reasonable and unbiased.

15 – Self-Regulation

One of your strengths may be self-regulation. You can monitor your emotions and behaviors to keep yourself in line. A person who can self-regulate gets mad, but they don’t let their anger go over the top. It’s the difference between someone who can control their emotions and someone who cannot.

For instance, assume you had an altercation with a coworker. A fellow employee was hurling insults at you over a project. Things escalated, and you knew you had to use deep breathing and get yourself under control before you said or did something you didn’t mean.

However, the other person couldn’t self-regulate, and they punched the wall in the office. It’s easy to see how people with anger issues often miss this vital aspect of self-control.

16 – Modesty or Humility

No one likes to be around someone arrogant and full of themselves. Having humility means that even though you may be great at many things, you never brag or make others feel inferior by your abilities. Strong people know they don’t need to pronounce their gifts to the world and feel confident enough to focus on the other person, not themselves.

17 – Persistence

Persistence is most certainly a gift that falls into the personal strengths category. Without persistence, you might not get anything done. Today the Walt Disney Company has a worth of around $130 billion.

Consequently, things weren’t always this way for the business. Disney’s first movie was Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs in 1920. He started as Laugh-O-Gram Studios and produced twelve animated films for other creators.

However, the 19-year-old teenager had a dream and wanted to make history. Sadly, he filed for bankruptcy twice before he got the movie out to the public. Failure didn’t stop Disney; he was determined to make his film successful.

A bank loan saved the beloved movie and made Disney a household name. Without his persistence, the Walt Disney Company may have never existed. Think of all the films you would never enjoy.

18 – Appreciation of Beauty

You’re surrounded by beauty every day. Do you appreciate all you see? Strong people know that you must stop and smell the roses occasionally, and it’s essential to be mindful and live in the moment. What good is making money if you don’t have time to notice the beauty in your life?

It’s a strength to shut down your mind from the cares of life and your job and be present. Your family will appreciate it, and it’s healthy for your mind-body, and spirit.

19 – Open-Mindedness

When you close your mind and have a rigid outlook on things, you deny yourself many relationships and experiences in life. Strength is knowing that diversity is the spice of life. Wouldn’t it be boring to eat one kind of food every day?

In the United States, we welcome many cultures and cuisines. One night you can dine on delicious Italian pasta, and the next, you can feast on Mexican tacos. It goes far beyond food, though, as you must be willing to accept that your opinions and beliefs are not always the only way.

Learning that all-or-nothing thinking isn’t a healthy approach to life can be beneficial. Allowing yourself to be open to experience and share other opinions and views can make for a well-rounded life.

20 – Teamwork

Some people work best by themselves but working as a team makes you more valuable to any company or organization. Working with a group means you must be willing to step back, listen to others, and put the same effort in as your peers. Combining the genius of experience from many walks of life forms an unstoppable force where brainstorming and success are commonplace.

21 – Gratitude

There’s nothing worse in this world than someone who thinks the Universe owes them something. When you have an attitude of gratitude, you learn to be thankful for the things you have in this life. While you may not have what you want, one of the personal strengths that are highly desirable among employees and relationships is graciousness.

22 – Prudence

Strong people know that being prudent means being cautious and exercising good judgment. While you might not think of this as a strength, someone who makes informed decisions rather than being flighty is wise.

Some believe having this strength is imperative for forming and operating your conscience. Additionally, it allows you to apply what you know to the situations you face today.

23 – Zest

Zest is another one of the dynamic personal strengths that you can possess. Someone who has zest also has zeal or passion for what they do. It’s a drive to be and do more.

Those who possess this drive often have the highest overall life satisfaction rates, as they don’t just exist but thrive. If you have zest, you feel the energy and are enthusiastic in your life, and your positivity rubs off on others.

24 – Leadership

Strong people are often born leaders. You can often see from the cradle which people are going to be leaders and those that will be followers. However, leadership is one of the personal strengths many people ignore. Your ability to lead folks in business or otherwise is valuable.

Where would the world be without people like Mahatma Gandhi? Je was born just an ordinary boy, but he inspired civil rights freedoms worldwide. His presence changed the world for millions, and his leadership proved the key to making a difference.

25 – Perspective

Having perspective is having a good point of view. Two people can view the situation differently, but those with proper attitudes use their wisdom and knowledge to help them obtain the appropriate stance.

It falls under wisdom in the virtue category, as you can use your knowledge to make informed decisions. This strength pairs naturally with creativity, curiosity, and the love of learning new things. Your views of the world around you make sense to you and those around you, and people often label this individual as wise.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing and Celebrating Your Personal Strengths

Going through this list, you probably saw many things you do naturally. You may have never considered many of them a personal strength, but you recognize that you do some of them consistently. The great news is that if you don’t see many that fit your personality, there’s always time for growth and change.

You can alter your mindset to become anything you want to be. You only need to believe in yourself and decide to get things done. Strong people don’t let anything stop them from becoming what they desire in life.

/p>

15 Signs of Insecurity to Never Ignore

November 10, 2022 by Chris Butler

Are you insecure? It can take a toll on you when you never feel accepted or secure. Your fears can cripple you, but insecurity impacts each person differently. There will be days you don’t feel safe in your skin, and there will also be times when the world seems to misunderstand you.

When you’re insecure, one of the main concerns is that the folks around you don’t understand how your brain operates. So being misunderstood may cause you to be even more insecure about yourself. Understandably, you don’t want to admit you live in fear. However, the first part of the healing process is understanding what’s happening inside and learning to change your mindset.

Fifteen Common Signs of Insecurity You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most folks with insecurities try to mask the intense anxiety they feel. One way to hide your feelings is with habitual behaviors, but the only problem is that you’ll find these behaviors no longer ease the pain. You may find they do the exact opposite and push people further away. Here are some common behaviors of the insecure person that you should never ignore.

1. Asking Repetitive Questions Reveals Insecurity

When you lack confidence and have low self-worth, you may find that you ask the same questions over and over. For instance, you got a new outfit that’s a little more daring than your usual style.

You feel apprehensive about wearing it out in public. You may ask family and friends fifty times if you look okay because you’re so insecure. The last thing you want to do is stand out in any way, as you don’t feel comfortable in your skin.

2. Frequently Apologizing Indicates Low Self-Worth

Do you find yourself apologizing for things whether you’re guilty or not? The thought of anyone being mad at you is more than you can handle. You don’t want to lose a relationship, so you’re eager to apologize. This is a clear indication that you have a lack of confidence, as you feel you constantly need to make things right.

3. Sabotage Relationships

You don’t mean to sabotage relationships, but your low sense of self-worth tends to be more than some people can handle. When you live in a constant state of fear, you will overreact to the simplest things.

It’s challenging for the other party to understand your insecurity and comfort you. Thus, you may find that your continual anxiety makes you avoid relationships as they don’t usually end well.

4. Groups and Large Gatherings Overwhelm an Insecure Person

If you have low self-worth and fight insecurities, you don’t like being in a group. You prefer to hang out in smaller, more intimate settings.

Going to something like a rock concert where there are tons of people would likely cause your anxiety to kick into overdrive. It’s expected that someone with insecurity in groups will find one person and cling to them.

5. Chronic Worrying Reveals Insecurity

The lack of confidence in yourself and the world around you causes apprehension. So you worry about everything. When you’re insecure, it seems like everything brings you anxiety.

You’ll worry about having an accident on the way to work even though you’re a great driver. Or, you may fear that you will be fired even when there’s no threat. Living in a constant state of unease can cause significant issues for your mental and physical well-being.

6. Wearing Emotions on the Sleeve Give Away the Insecure Person

Folks with insecurities within themselves often find that they’re easily offended. You wear your emotions on your sleeve and feel constantly wounded by the actions and words of others. It’s not uncommon for you to overreact and strike out at the person who offended you.

A significant amount of turmoil and anxiety occurs inside the mind of someone with insecurity issues. It’s hard to stop the overreactions because you can’t turn your mind and all the white noise of your lack of confidence off. So the slightest of offenses can send you over the edge.

7. Fear of Rejection Comes from Low Self-Worth

The fear of being rejected puts you in a powerful emotional state. It’s a vicious mental circle that grinds away at your confidence. Since these feelings are all anticipated emotions, you worry about things that will likely never happen.

Dr. Zimmermann from the University of New South Wales has extensively studied this common problem. He found that rejection is a normal part of life, and each person will experience it at some point. However, he states that how you process these feelings dictates whether you move on or become crippled by the fears. Social interactions are where you will find many of these fears, and negative experiences from the past can greaten these anxieties.

8. Constantly Asking if Someone Is Upset

You may find that you constantly ask people if they’re upset. The smallest of things can trigger you. Due to your lack of confidence, you automatically think that you’re the reason for someone’s upset.

Insecurity causes you to constantly gauge the emotions of those around you to ensure that you’ve not made anyone mad. It’s another sign of low self-worth coming through loud and clear.

9. Being Alone Is Overwhelming for an Insecure Person

Though you don’t like groups and can’t handle people getting too close, you don’t want to be alone. One of the worst fears for someone with insecurity issues is the pangs of loneliness.

When you have someone with you, you feel safe and whole. Losing someone close to you through death or disagreement can cause you to spiral into a deep depression. Your self-worth requires you to have someone to lean on, and you can be quite clingy.

10. Never Feeling Safe or Settled

Many times, insecurities come from past traumas and disappointments. This uneasiness can spread to your job, home, and even relationships. You’re always waiting for the rug to be pulled out from under you, and you never allow yourself to settle down.

You may find that you move a lot, switch jobs often, and jump from one relationship to another. There’s probably nothing wrong with these things in the first place, but your anxiety and insecurities won’t allow you to settle down and be happy.

11. Worrying People Talk Bad Behind Your Back

If you walk into a room and hear whispering, your insecurity will automatically make you think they’re talking about you. Your lack of confidence ensures they don’t like you and are discussing your hair, clothes, or other issues.

Your insecurity will make you worry about gossipers even when there’s no basis. It would help if you constantly confirmed that things were okay and no one was talking about you.

12. Pushing People Away Reveals Insecurity

One common thing when you have insecurities is that you don’t like folks getting too close. The closer someone is to you, the more likely you are to be hurt by them. You want to get close to people and develop meaningful relationships, but you often push folks away for fear of getting hurt. Your lack of confidence and self-worth prevents you from letting people into your inner circle.

13. Seeking Validation and Approval

Insecure people always seek the approval of others. You crave the acceptance of your peers like your next meal. Even when you get the desired acceptance, you refuse to see it. One University College London study explained how brain chemistry is why you need validation from others.

Researchers found that the ventral striatum area of the brain lights up when you feel validated. Using twenty-eight participants, they established that brain changes calm you when you feel supported and accepted.

14. Playing the Imposter Might Mean Insecurity

Like a turtle, it’s easy for you to develop a shell to retreat to when your anxiety is too much to manage. People may try to impress or get your attention, but they won’t see your insecurities until they get to know you better. You’re so good at playing the part and masking who you are that you often feel like an imposter.

15. An Insecure Person Relies on the Opinion of Others

Sadly, it’s commonplace that those with insecurity issues often define themselves by the opinion of others. You may let others dictate your self-worth, and your constant need to please can cause a massive problem with your self-esteem.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Fifteen Key Signs of Insecurity

When you have an insecure nature, it’s not an easy thing to manage. Thankfully you can overcome this overwhelming anxiety that controls your life. First, you must go back to the root cause, such as trauma or other disappointments that cause this skewed way of thinking.

Going to a good counselor and using CBT therapy can help you process what happened so you can move on. If there’s no trauma in your life, use positive thinking and retrain your brain to stop the negativity. Your lack of confidence and self-worth are things that you can improve with time and patience.

10 Habits of People With Optimism

November 10, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Did you know that you can improve your optimistic thinking like any other skill? Maybe you know someone you admire because they radiate confidence and vibrant energy. What are some of the habits you can learn from them to increase your positive thinking?

Contrary to popular belief, being an optimist doesn’t deny reality. Life has its share of heartache and disappointments. These ebbs and flows are constant regardless of if you’re a billionaire or live from paycheck to paycheck.

It’s all about your perspective. Optimistic people have problems and adverse events just like anyone else. However, they focus on what’s good in their lives instead of the bad.

Being optimistic isn’t just an attitude but a complete lifestyle. It becomes the lens through which you view your world. You don’t create your perfect Universe, but you learn to be grateful for your blessings.

Like any other learned skill, practice makes progress. You’re not going to change your outlook overnight. By surrounding yourself with positive influences, you soon learn how you can bring more positivity into your thought processes.

Ten Habits of Optimistic People

The good news is that you don’t need a magic wand to increase your positive energy. What are the steps you need to take to get started? Here are ten habits of optimistic people for you to consider.

1. Optimistic People Never Give Up

Some people won’t even try something new if they think it’s too complicated. They let fear and intimidation hinder them from reaching higher goals. If they do try and make the slightest error, they throw up their hands in defeat.

Let’s face it, nobody is perfect, and you will make mistakes. A primary difference between positive thinking and pessimism is that the optimist won’t give up. You see your failures as teaching tools that will guide you to eventual success.

2. Positive Thinkers Practice Gratitude Daily

Have you ever met someone with such a negative attitude that nothing made them happy? They could win the lottery and complain that they had to split it with another winner. According to the law of attraction, they declare negativity into the Universe and receive the same negativity in return.

If you favor optimism, you’ve learned to count your blessings. You probably have a gratitude list that you review daily. Optimists have problems like everyone else but tend to see that the good outweighs the bad.

3. Optimistic People Do What They Love

One of the countless gifts of positive thinking is that you’re more in tune with yourself. So, allow that quiet, gentle voice to guide you in your career and outside interests. Your optimism may have started in childhood, and you’ve always known what you wanted to do with your life.

Those who work with you notice your bright outlook and passion for your work. You’re one of those folks who would choose a job they love for a dreaded one that made more money. You also select hobbies and interests that spark your creativity and bring you joy.

4. Optimistic People Surround Themselves with Positivity

The people you surround yourself with can affect your attitude, says Dr. Syed Muhammad Sajjad Kabir. Kabir explains how your circle may influence who you are, what you value, and how much money you make. If they are pessimists, their life’s outlook can also be damaging and bleak.

For example: how do you feel when talking to someone who is a chronic pessimist? They have a negative retort, no matter how you try to brighten the mood. If you’re around them too much, their depressing attitude will affect you.

That’s why positive thinking can encourage you to spend time around people with the same attitude. They believe in your dreams and aspirations and inspire you to keep trying. As you all send positive affirmations into the Universe, you’re attracting more positivity to your lives.

5. Positive Thinkers Love to Smile and Do It Often

Smiling is a precious gift that costs you nothing yet is priceless. Researchers have debated whether animals smile, but it seems to be a uniquely human ability. A smiling face can instantly put people at ease and makes you approachable.

According to Science Times, even if you fake a smile, it can create more positivity. Of course, an insincere smile often masks internal pain or anger. However, you may feel more optimism if you smile rather than frown or grimace.

Have you ever been in a room filled with strangers? You probably were drawn to the first person with a welcoming smile. This universal expression conveys optimism, openness, and joy.

6. Positive People Focus on Strengths Instead of Weaknesses

Everyone has personal strengths and weaknesses. Asking you to identify them is a classic question for job interviews. It’s not a shame to admit that you need to work on specific skills if you can highlight your strengths.

An attitude of optimism doesn’t mean you think that you’re perfect. Instead, you know where your strengths lie, and you capitalize on them. For example, you wouldn’t apply to be a music teacher if you can sing or play music.

You’re apt to accomplish more in your more substantial areas. It gives you the motivation to improve in skills where you’re lacking. If optimism is one of your strong suits, it can help you in all areas of your life.

7. Optimistic People Don’t Hold Grudges

Nobody is immune from getting angry or hurt when someone offends them unless they’re a saint. It’s a natural response, and the negative feelings can overwhelm you. However, you can choose to overcome these feelings or let them continue smoldering as a grudge.

The Book of Hebrews in the New Testament aptly calls this condition the “root of bitterness.” Most gardeners can tell you about their struggles with invasive plants. Some plants, like certain species of ivy, can invade your lawn and garden and even cause damage to your home’s foundation.

It all starts with a tiny root that’s allowed to grow and take over everything. Likewise, bitterness can take root in your heart and destroy your joy and optimism. Positive thinkers like you understand this condition and nip it in the bud before it consumes them.

When you forgive somebody who’s hurt you, it’s more for you than for them. It doesn’t excuse the offender or mean that you forget the offense. Forgiveness breaks the chains of bitterness and gives you the freedom to leave it in the past.

8. Optimists Often Journal about Positive Experiences

Another habit of those who embrace optimism is that they often keep journals. Perhaps you keep a journal that includes a gratitude list and brief highlights of your day. Some people use journaling to record their thoughts, ideas, and aspirations.

Of course, everyone has bad days, and every entry won’t be champagne and roses. However, you’ll probably notice that you have more positive notes than negative ones. As you review past entries, you can see how you confronted problems and eventually found solutions.

9. Optimists Focus on Building Your Relationships

Being in a relationship requires work on both sides, personal or professional. You both learn how to compromise and work on difficult issues together. Positive thinking is an effective tool that builds strong and lasting relationships.

Plus, positive-thinking people are often the best listeners. You find value in what the other person is saying and actively listen. Instead of interrupting, you listen, mirror their emotions, and ask them to clarify anything you may have missed.

Such communication is vital for any relationship. It can make you a better partner, family member, friend, or employee. Others are more apt to be committed to you when they see your commitment.

10. Optimistic Thinkers Follow a Healthy Lifestyle

Optimism benefits your body, mind, and spirit, as positivity is good for your soul. Caring for your body by following a healthy lifestyle may prevent certain physical and mental diseases. It’s about proper food choices, daily exercise, and a positive outlook.

Unfortunately, the media often portrays unrealistic expectations for beauty and success. These outlets create false beliefs that if you’re beautiful, thin, wealthy, and intelligent enough, you’re worthy. Optimists reject these facades and love themselves for who they are.

When you feel good about your body, you want to take care of it. You try to use moderation and avoid habits that can harm your health. Your well-being often depends on positive thinking about yourself.

Final Thoughts on Ten Habits of Optimistic People

Are you ready to work with the law of attraction and attract more positivity in your life? Consider these ten habits of people who have learned how to do it successfully and live each day with an optimistic outlook.

Not only will you have a brighter perspective, but you’ll also reap the benefits of maintaining positivity at home and work. Positive thinking will change your entire life for the better.

7 Signs A Company Is Greenwashing You

November 10, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Companies often use greenwashing to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Most people want to believe they’re buying sustainable products that benefit themselves and reduce climate change. Unfortunately, many businesses mislead customers with the dishonest marketing strategy known as greenwashing.

Businesses greenwash consumers in various ways to make products seem more eco-friendly. It’s a technique to make customers think they’re helping the environment by choosing certain brands or items.

Companies reel in unwitting consumers with advertising tactics like sustainable buzzwords and images of nature. However, they only confuse customers by concealing the true environmental impact of the products.

Greenwashing occurs more often than you’d think because companies know it helps increase their profits. According to a 2015 Nielson poll, around two-thirds of shoppers said they’d pay more for sustainable products. Half of them considered a product’s environmental impact before making a purchase.

Below, we’ll tell you how to spot greenwashing in your local stores, so you don’t fall victim to false claims.

Seven Telltale Signs of Greenwashing

As awareness about climate change grows, companies have become more clever about concealing their environmental footprint. Greenwashing tricks many well-meaning consumers daily, so it’s essential to use a discerning eye while shopping. Here are a few common warning signs of greenwashing:

1. Hiding Information Is Greenwashing

Companies often boast about how their products benefit the environment while ignoring their negative aspects. For example, an electric vehicle manufacturer may brag about lowering carbon emissions. However, they might fail to mention that the rare earth minerals used in their lithium batteries came from environmentally damaging mining activities.

2. Feel-Good Stories Can Be Greenwashing

Have you ever seen a commercial where people use dish soap to clean oil-soaked animals? Oil companies often donate dishwashing soap to animal care centers so handlers can clean affected animals–then they tout the donation as a positive behavior. This example represents greenwashing because oil companies don’t take accountability for their actions. Instead, they highlight their positive actions while ignoring how their oil spill harmed the wildlife.

3. Hidden Trade-Offs Imply They Reduce Climate Change (But Actually Don’t)

Businesses might draw attention to ‘greener’ products while downplaying or ignoring their negative impacts. For instance, tech giant Apple stopped shipping its phones with earbuds or chargers in 2020. They claimed the move would reduce e-waste, which is true. However, this change ignores the elephant in the room, the company’s strategy of planned obsolescence.

4. False or Unverifiable Claims Are Greenwashing

If you look at product labels, you might see claims about a product’s sustainability. The item may say something like “made with natural ingredients” without any certifications or evidence to support the claim. This type of greenwashing is rampant with food products since government regulations are lax.

5. ‘Fluffy’ Language Implies a Sustainable Product

Pay attention to the language companies use when deciding on a product. If you see vague phrases like ‘non-toxic’ or ‘made with organic ingredients,’ it’s most likely greenwashing. Other buzzwords or “greenspeak” might include ‘vegan approved’ or ‘environmentally friendly.’ Unless a company displays a USDA organic certification or other verifiable evidence, you should take their claims with a grain of salt.

In addition, a company may claim to use recyclable plastic in its products. However, it’s unverifiable if it doesn’t have the universal recycling symbol with three green arrows.

6. Irrelevant Claims Regarding the Reduction of Climate Change

Other brands greenwash consumers by making legitimate claims irrelevant to their sustainability. Examples include trash bags labeled as recyclable, even though the bags usually end up in the trash. Most consumers wouldn’t go to the trouble of emptying and washing out the bags to recycle them. Or, a company may advertise an aerosol spray or refrigerant as “CFC-free,” even though the United States banned these chemicals in the late 1970s.

7. Nature Scenery Creates the Idea of a Sustainable Product

Placing images of nature on a product can easily fool the savviest shoppers. For instance, labels with scenes of a green meadow or beautiful mountain ranges invoke a sense of perfection. Companies know these pictures will attract customers and convince them to buy their products. People are visual creatures, so they tend to focus on images without reading labels. For example, many dishwashing liquids and soaps display pictures of flowers, yet their products often contain harmful chemicals.

Difference Between Green Marketing vs. Greenwashing

Not all companies who advertise as being environmentally conscious have bad intentions. Some want to protect the planet and make every effort to operate sustainably. Greenwashing corporations claim to care about the environment while concealing the truth from consumers.

However, brands that follow green practices have evidence to substantiate their claims. They use green marketing to highlight their positive impact on the environment. Signs of a sustainable product include these examples:

Manufactured sustainably
Minimal packaging materials
No toxic chemicals or ingredients
Made with recycled items or able to be recycled
Made with biodegradable items
Able to be reused or recycled

How to Avoid Greenwashing

According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, you can use the following guidelines to differentiate between greenwashing vs. green marketing.

If a product can explain its positive environmental impact without using buzzwords and offers verifiable evidence, it passes the greenwashing test.
Marketing claims clarify whether the packaging, product or both benefit the planet. The company will use clear language and avoid meaningless labels.
The advertising doesn’t use overinflated phrases or embellish its environmental impact.
If the product compares itself to a competing brand, it provides evidence to support its claims.
The product displays third-party certifications, such as USDA-certified organic, Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and Certified Vegan.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Key Signs When a Company Is Greenwashing You

Greenwashing frequently happens in the marketing world due to poor regulations. Companies can get away with almost anything aside from lying outright. In the last decade, consumers have become painfully aware of the environmental impacts of human activities. Therefore, many environmentally conscious shoppers want to buy products that protect the planet.

Unfortunately, well-meaning consumers often fall victim to greenwashing if they don’t research products beforehand. Watch for common buzzwords like ‘all-natural’ or beautiful images of nature on labels. These tactics often trick consumers into buying products that give a facade of purity while actively damaging the planet.

3 Ways to Speak Up For Yourself Without Fear

November 9, 2022 by Zane Landin

Have you ever found yourself in a position where you decided not to speak up for yourself? How did you feel? It is hard being in a situation you cannot stand up for yourself because you feel fenced in and trapped.

You are not alone if you choose not to speak up for yourself. It is prevalent for people to avoid confrontation and don’t speak up out of fear, potential retaliation, or if they feel uncomfortable. People from all walks of life experience this barrier in their lives and have a problem asserting boundaries.

It is essential to speak up for yourself because without speaking up for yourself, you will continue experiencing disrespect, being demeaned, and having your value belittled. It is not your fault you are experiencing this, but it isn’t fair for you to continue enduring what is happening to you.

Sometimes, you won’t have an ally to fight for you. Even if you do, there needs to come a time you can’t depend on their support because they may not always be there. You will eventually need to fight for yourself to thrive and give yourself your best chance.

1 – Recognize Why You Don’t Speak Up

If you struggle with speaking up, this may trace back to your childhood because you may have been taught not to speak up or question things. These feelings may have manifested in how you navigate your personal or professional lives. If you have never had a moment where you spoke up for yourself, consider the people in your life. Did they ever speak up for themselves? If they did, was it a positive experience? What worked and what didn’t? It would help you consider these questions to figure out how to speak up for yourself.

If you have difficulty acknowledging your self-worth, tell yourself you deserve more if you’ve become accustomed to being treated a certain way. You may fear how people react or want to keep others happy. But your happiness is significant too.

Write down one thing you appreciate and imagine what your life would be like if you spoke up for yourself. You may even need to write it down. This won’t completely change how you feel about yourself. Still, if you can find one thing you appreciate, it is an essential step to value your worth in the world.

2 – Practice and Prepare for the Conversation

As they say, practicing your speech in front of the mirror prepares you better. You can apply this practice to anything you need to. Start having a conversation with yourself about what you need to say. You won’t receive positive feedback at first because people are so used to walking all over you. If you want people to take you seriously, you need to be clear about what you want. You also don’t need to practice by yourself. If this becomes too hard for you to speak or you aren’t getting the desired results, ask other people around you to help you.

Do you know your audience? Who is the person or group you need to know about and have this robust conversation with? It is best to know their personality and how they think about things to prepare for how this conversation will envelop.

When you are ready to have that conversation, prepare emotionally too. It’s one thing to be ready for what you are going to say, but imagine how they will react. Being scared is natural, but you can’t let that fear overcome your goals. When people feel cornered in these situations, they may revert to how they felt before. Try your best to control your emotions, and do not let yourself become angry, hateful, or spiteful. You can lead with emotion, but don’t allow your emotions to control you and the message you are trying to tell. Your clarity is blurred from the receiving end if you can’t manage your feelings. You don’t want this to happen to you.

Go into the conversation prepared and ready to fight for yourself and what you need.

3 – Advocate for Yourself

There are other areas in your life where you need to “metaphorically” speak up. It isn’t only essential for your transformational growth to physically speak up for yourself but to show up in other areas of your life. This could be with the people you are around, where you work, and even how you spend your time. It could mean advocating for your wellness by taking the day off, finding a new job, moving to a new location, or ending relationships that only hurt you.

You are not the only person figuring things out, which is why there are many resources you can utilize. Many people think they need to handle everything on their own, but there is nothing wrong with seeking out help for themselves.

If you feel alone, there are many groups out there who share what you are passionate about. What are you passionate about? If you find an organization or group dedicated to what excites you, do not hesitate to join it. This is where you will begin building your community with people who share your interests. Once you surround yourself with people who recognize and respect your self-worth, you will see that in yourself. This will help you build confidence in yourself to speak up.

Final Thoughts on Why it Is Courageous to Speak up for Yourself

Speaking up for yourself is one of the most demanding challenges people experience. Do not blame yourself for being silent. So many reasons outside of peoples’ control lead them to speak up for themselves. Don’t let this foster and persist because if you don’t speak up for yourself, it might worsen, and you will give up on yourself.

Now it is your chance to change your circumstances. Do not quit fighting for yourself if you do not receive the feedback or outcome you were looking for. If the people around you continue resisting you speaking up for yourself, a new change may be what you need, and speaking up made you realize that.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!