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12 Motivational Quotes About Life from Queen Elizabeth II

September 8, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Her Majesty the Queen, Elizabeth the Second, passed away on September 8, 2022, at the age of 96. Her passing ending reign over the UK and its Commonwealths for over seventy years. The Queen ascended to the throne at the young age of 25 in 1952. She was the longest-serving monarch in British history. On the morning of September 8th, a spokesman for the royal family announced:

“Following further evaluation this morning, the queen’s doctors are concerned for Her Majesty’s health and have recommended she remain under medical supervision.”

Just a few short hours later, an announcement was issued regarding the passing of the beloved monarch. The monarch’s children and a few of her grandchildren were with her in her final hours, spent at her beloved Balmoral Castle in Scotland.

After her passing, her son Charles (now His Majesty the King Charles the Third) issued an official statement on Twitter:

“The death of my beloved Mother, Her Majesty the Queen, is a moment of the greatest sadness for me and all members of my family.

We mourn profoundly the passing of a much-loved Mother. I know her loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, the Realms, and the Commonwealth, and by countless people around the world.

During this period of mourning and change, my family and I will be comforted and sustained by our knowledge of the respect and deep affection in which The Queen was so widely held.”

A statement from His Majesty The King: pic.twitter.com/AnBiyZCher

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) September 8, 2022

Queen Elizabeth II was beloved by so many–across the UK and worldwide. Yes, she was a regal figure; elegant and stoic; quiet but determined. But she was also very committed to her family, beloved by her father and mother (the former beloved Queen Mum). The observations she made were keen, wise, and inspiring.

Twelve Motivational Quotes from Queen Elizabeth II

Here are some motivational quotes by Queen Elizabeth II–let’s reflect on her wisdom as we mourn her loss around the world.

1. “What were once only hopes for the future have now come to pass.”

Spoken in a speech in Dublin in 2011, Her Majesty acknowledged the long struggles between Ireland and Great Britain. Many dreamed of a time when they would work peacefully for the better of the entire United Kingdom. At this speech, she reflected that while the struggle long and bitter, they had moved past the strife and were ready to move forward to a harmonious and peaceful future for the next generations.

When you reach a goal, take time to pat yourself on the back–you earned it. Your road might have been long and the journey challenging, but you deserve to acknowledge your success.

2. “It has been women who have breathed gentleness and care into the hard progress of humankind.”

Indeed, humankind is an ever-evolving work in progress. Queen Elizabeth acknowledged the role of women, who often find a gentle, more diplomatic way to solve problems.

3. “Let us not take ourselves too seriously. None of us has a monopoly on wisdom.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II

So it seems that even a Queen knows that we must learn to laugh at ourselves once in a while! The Queen was still a daughter, mother, grandmother, and aunt when not working in her official duties. In interviews, Royals occasionally refer to Queen Elizabeth’s dry sense of humor, which she displayed to her closest confidantes.

Cut loose, live a little, have some fun–by order of the Queen!

4. “Good memories are our second chance at happiness.”

Life is full of tragic losses. However, when we lose someone we treasure, we have memories to cherish. Of course, grief is awful and painful. But as time passes, you can always smile back at the good times with your loved one.

5. “When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.”

Queen Elizabeth II spoke this line during her 2008 Christmas address. Her country had service members fighting with the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan. Besides that, an economic crisis was bubbling to the surface, and the United Kingdom faced uncertainty. However, the Queen did what she often did–rallied the people of her country to count their blessings, live their best lives, and continue to progress towards better times.

6. “I know of no single formula for success. But over the years, I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm, and their inspiration to work together.”

Her Majesty shared this wise observation in an address to the United Nations General Assembly in July of 2010. In it, the Queen admitted that she did not have all the answers, a rare moment of vulnerability for a Royal. However, she followed by noting the traits displayed by all the successful people she observed–effort, cooperation, and putting their talent to work.

7. “Work is the rent you pay for the room you occupy on earth.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II

Here’s a tidbit many people don’t know about the Queen. She was incredibly close to her father, King George VI, who passed away in February 1952.

As World War II raged across Europe and bombs dropped across London almost daily, her father tried to keep the troops and people of her country hopeful. Still a teenager at the time, Princess Elizabeth did an incredible act of selflessness that inspired millions. In 1948, 18-year-old Elizabeth knew that she must display leadership. After all, she would one day lead her nation.

So she drove an ambulance in the Auxiliary Territorial Service to add to the war effort. Not only did she learn to drive the ambulance, but she also trained as a mechanic and fixed the vehicles, too! To this day, the Queen is still the only female in her family to have Army service.

Although born into wealth and luxury, young Elizabeth knew the value of hard work.

8. “Family does not necessarily mean blood relatives but often a description of a community, organisation or nation.”

Family can be a very sticky, messy business–blood relatives have spats, jealousy, and in-fighting. Sometimes you must find your soul tribe and make your own family.

9. “The world is not the most pleasant place. Eventually, your parents leave you and nobody is going to go out of their way to protect you unconditionally. You need to learn to stand up for yourself and what you believe and sometimes, pardon my language, kick some ass.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II

Indeed, the world can be cruel. At some point each of us must learn to reject toxic people and take charge of our own destiny.

10. “We all need to get the balance right between action and reflection. With so many distractions, it is easy to forget to pause and take stock.”

Some people overthink. As a result, they freeze and fail to act when the should. Conversely, others act on impulse and make rash decisions they later regret. The advice from Queen Elizabeth? Take that deep breath, pause, and decide wisely.

11. “Cowards falter, but danger is often overcome by those who nobly dare.” ~ Queen Elizabeth II

Almost everyone admires those who are bold, courageous, and daring–they are the people who take calculated risks and change the world. So be bold and do a random act of kindness today; you’ll feel so good that you’ll want to do another. And another. And another…

12. “True patriotism doesn’t exclude an understanding of the patriotism of others.”
The Queen seemed to understand that we all need empathy and acceptance of others. We should include everyone and make diverse points of view part of the fabric of our society.

Final Thoughts on the Passing of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth II was a head of state, a family member, the head of her church, and an inspiration to a worldwide audience. So many loved her mysterious smile and her kind eyes. Besides that, we listened to every word when she spoke. That’s because she always had a way of getting down to the bottom line in a common-sense, straightforward manner that did not belittle or shame anyone. She handled herself with grace for over seventy years and throughout multiple global and family tragedies. But she always did so with kindness and courage.

12 Traits of a Rational Thinker

September 8, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Do you consider yourself a rational thinker, or are your decisions often based on emotions? The balance of the two can make a difference in your success. How can you tell which mode of thinking you use? Since your brain has a right and a left hemisphere, it makes sense that people can be rational and emotional. Medical experts say that your right brain focuses on emotions and creativity. Conversely, your left brain controls reasoning and other logical skills.

Twelve Habits of a Rational Thinker

Although humans use both sides, most people have a more dominant brain sphere. Are you the calm voice of reason, or does your heart rule your head? These are 12 habits to notice if you’re a rational thinker or a left-brain dominant.

1. A Rational Thinker Will Pay Attention to Detail

You don’t rush through tasks and decisions if you’re a rational thinker. You have a distinct eye for each detail and how everything works together. Seeing the individual pieces may take a while before you can envision the whole picture.

For this reason, people often turn to you for the most complex projects, especially at work. They know that you’ll take the task seriously and won’t do anything but your best. This habit becomes a liability if it turns into perfectionism, and you’re left to spin out of control.

2. Logical People Clarify Your Ideas

Ideas are like seeds you plant, water, and care for until they grow into thriving plants. Even the best ideas need revision for optimal success. Logical thinkers can blend reasoning and emotions to clarify their ideas for themselves and others.

Let’s say that you have a unique idea for a business. You do research, and you talk to successful entrepreneurs. You create a business plan that will explain your idea to potential investors.

3. Logical People Get the Facts Straight

Remember the classic detective show where the agent always said, “just the facts?” Rational thinkers like you aren’t satisfied with hearsay, surmising, or half-truths. You’ll work overtime researching facts and verifying them with reliable sources before you take a side.

Nothing makes you uncomfortable than being on the fence about a decision or action. Once you have the facts straight, you can better use your sense of logic, reasoning, and deduction. Such logical brain behavior would serve you well in mathematics, science, or education.

4. A Rational Thinker Has Excellent Communication Skills

It does no good if you’re the most intelligent person in the world and don’t communicate well with others. Effective conversations involve two or more people sharing thoughts, ideas, and feelings. You can convey your thoughts skillfully and are also an active listener.

An active listener goes beyond just hearing what someone says. You purposely think about what they’re saying without interrupting. You use receptive body language and mirror their feelings.

Additionally, you pause for a few seconds before you respond. If there’s something you missed, you ask them to clarify it. There are fewer chances for misunderstandings and miscommunication. Logical thinking can’t be shared without solid communication skills.

5. Rational Thinkers Need to Know Why

Do you recall your parents telling you to do something, and you asked why? It was one of your first childhood steps toward independent thinking. Maybe your parents took the time to explain their reasoning to you.

Maybe they were like many parents who retorted, “Because I said so.” Of course, your parents had your safety and best interests at heart. They also had the life experience and authority to direct you on the right paths.

Still, the foundation of learning is the urge to know why and how. Logical thinkers have an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. They know how to blend logic and emotion to be inventors, influencers, and life changers.

6. Emotions Don’t Cloud Reason and Logic

Just because you are logical doesn’t mean you’re robotic and without emotion. Time and experience have helped you balance your emotional and logical thinking. You try your best to be open-minded and objective when you make choices in your life.

For example, your teen is discussing college choices with you. Of course, your heart wants them to attend your alma mater. However, you realize that the other prospective university has a better program for their major.

It would be easy to talk to your school and encourage them to choose it. This is a case when you may have to put your feelings aside for the most logical choice. You realize that you can’t always use your rationale to persuade people to agree with you.

If you feel too emotionally close to the situation, you often step back and wait. Sometimes, even the most rational thinker must listen to their heart. It’s normal and all part of the human condition.

7. A Rational Thinker Prefers to Follow a Daily Routine

According to an article published by the Mayo Clinic, following a daily routine can ease undue stress. If it helps, you can write a daily schedule and post it where you can see it each morning. When you write down your plan and goals for the day, you’re more likely to accomplish them.

While you understand the logic of following a routine, you also understand that things happen. Sometimes, you need to be flexible and make changes as required. Knowing how to adapt to unforeseen situations can benefit your mind and your emotions.

8. Logical People Rarely Make Rash Decisions

In this instant gratification society, it’s no wonder that people make split-second decisions. Nobody likes to wait in line, and everyone wants an answer right now. If you’re a rational thinker, you don’t allow impatience and other negative emotions to affect your choices.

Sure, many daily decisions don’t require a lot of thought, like what you’ll have for dinner. However, you’ve learned to weigh the pros and cons and how to count the cost of significant life decisions. Your emotions play a part in your choices, but your logic plays the main character.

9. Logic Demands List-making

Look around your home and office, and you’ll probably notice an everyday habit. Do you see an endless collection of reminder notes and lists? They may be scribbled on notepads, sticky notes, or whiteboards where you’ll see them.

Creating grocery lists or other simple reminders are mundane tasks no one wants to handle. Others may be a list of your goals or a complete vision board. You use all these for visual cues of things you want to do today or a year from now.

Making lists is a standard brain behavior of a rational thinker. Although you have an excellent memory, lists give you a sense of logic and order. You feel more confident and gratified as you check off each accomplishment.

10. A Rational Thinker Does Not Stay Stuck in the Past

You can learn invaluable lessons and cherish sweet memories from the past. However, constantly dwelling on the past can prevent you from living in the present. It can create cognitive distortions that can cause negative thinking.

Are your thoughts stuck in a toxic experience or relationship from the past? They may hinder you from enjoying positive ones today and in the future. Logical thinking can take you beyond the past and help you focus more on the present.

Logical thinkers can reminisce and visit the past without pitching a tent there. You realize the significance of being present. Some tools that can help you are meditation, yoga, or other mindful practices, like journaling.

11. A Love for Games of Logic

All work and no play can even make a rational thinker bored. Sometimes, it’s good to close shop and spend quality time with family and friends. Your body and mind could use a little relaxation.

Do you spend your leisure time playing sports or enjoying other hobbies? Maybe you’re into games of chance, like cards or blackjack. Perhaps you might like to play board or other competitive games with your family or friends.

Some board games are more complicated and require skill, strategy, logic, and appeal to rational thinkers. These can include chess or trying to solve brain teasers. You may be relaxing and having fun, but you’re giving your mind some beneficial exercise.

12. The Rational Thinker Never Stops Learning

Many teenagers can’t wait to graduate and be done with school. The ones who go to college might also anticipate leaving their studies behind them. However, life is perpetual learning for rational thinkers like you.

You’ve never lost your curiosity, no matter how many degrees, certificates, and experiences you’ve had. You’re probably an avid reader and can discuss various subjects intelligently. You take time to listen to people from other walks of life and discover new perspectives.

Final Thoughts on Habits of a Rational Thinker

Thinking logically and making sound decisions is commendable, showing good brain behavior. However, your thoughts are also wrapped in feelings and intuition. Having the wisdom to keep both aspects balanced makes the difference.

12 Signs of a One-Sided Romance

September 8, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

It’s often said that relationships take everyone equally working to make it work. If you’re genuinely invested in each other, you want to give 100 percent of yourself to your partner. Consequently, what happens when one person is giving their all, but the other isn’t giving as much to the romance? A one-sided romance occurs when there’s an imbalance, and one person tries harder than the other.

It takes both of you to keep the connection alive, and when there’s one party trying harder than the other, it’s unfair, exhausting, and makes you insecure.

Twelve Red Flags of a One-Sided Romance

There are many reasons why you may find yourself in a one-sided relationship. The other party may not be able to handle all the aspects of being a couple, so they don’t participate as much. They may carry scars from childhood that prevent them from entirely investing in your connection, and they could have lost faith that you will work.

Sometimes, you’ve outgrown the relationships, and it’s time to move on. Here are some red flags that can indicate things are one-sided.

1. One Partner Stonewalls the Other in a One-Sided Romance

You have no issue sharing everything about your life with your love, but the details of their day seem to be top secret. They’ve pushed you out in every way possible. When you confront them about it, they tell you that nothing is wrong and insist you’re exaggerating. However, they make it quite clear that they’ve put up walls to keep you out.

2. You Apologizing All the Time

You would be rich if you had a nickel for every time you’ve said you were sorry in the past month. You’re constantly apologizing to your partner for the silliest things. They tend to be overly critical of you, which makes you feel immense guilt.

If anyone makes you feel less than and belittles you, they’re not worth your time or energy. Even with counseling, a tiger can’t change their stripes. You must love yourself enough to know when you leave a toxic situation.

3. They Downplay Your Thoughts and Feelings

It’s evident that there are issues in your relationship, but they act like everything is sunshine and roses. It seems that you’re the one that protests a bit too much. They tend to stay numb to what’s going on, and when you try to talk to them, they act like it’s a bother. You feel annoying to them because they don’t seem to have the same concerns as you do.

4. You Make All the Efforts in a One-Sided Romance

You want the romance between you to stay alive and fresh, so you send out texts, try to make sweet gestures, and go out of your way, so they know they’re loved. The sad part is they do none of it in return. When you bring up the fact that they seem to be distant and not involved, they promise the moon, but nothing ever changes.

5. You Make Excuses for Their Behavior

When someone else points out that you’re in a one-sided romance and there’s an imbalance of effort between you, you jump into defense mode. You might be angry with them and think things should change, but you won’t let anyone else talk bad about them. You defend their behavior no matter how wrong it may be.

Though it’s not healthy to defend someone acting selfish, Berkley University’s Great Good Science Center reminds you that the mercy you show to others will boomerang back to you. Though this person may not be worthy of such kindness, when you show such warmth and affection to someone else, it shows your true character as a human being.

6. You Can’t Count on Your Partner in a One-Sided Romance

You always thought your partner was one person you could count on in your life. They were there for you day or night and gave loving support. These days, they seem to be distant or not around at all. They don’t give you the love and support you once had, and they don’t even seem to care that it’s gone.

7. They Refuse to Say, “I Love You” In Return

You’re the dutiful partner who’s always trying to show affection. You tell them that you love them as anyone who is in love should do. Sadly, whenever you say these three words, all you get in return is mumbling or the cold shoulder. You can’t remember the last time they told you that they loved you in return.

8. You’re No Longer Important in a One-Sided Romance

When you’re in love, you try to make each other happy. Sadly, they could care less about your feelings. You’re no longer their priority. Even if they take you somewhere, it’s just to make you leave them alone and stop nagging about how things are going so wrong. You must force your way in if you want any attention from them.

9. You Love Them and Keep Trying Regardless

The imbalance in your relationship hurts, but it doesn’t stop you from caring about them. You’re doing everything you know to make them happy, but the one-sided relationship is hard to manage. You’re bearing all the responsibility for things, and trying to make it work by yourself is agonizing.

10. In a One-Sided Relationship, You Feel Like an Obligation

Everything you say or do feels like you’re troubling them. Rather than being an equal partner in this romance, you’re an obligation. The imbalance between you is undeniable, and it’s tearing you up inside. You went from being the center of their attention to being a nuisance, or that’s how it feels.

11. They’ve Become Selfish

If your partner isn’t putting you first anymore, they’re putting themselves in the front position. When you talk to them about it, they tell you it’s their issue and nothing you’re doing wrong.

They’re eager to take the blame for how things are, but they’re not as keen to fix it. They’ve become quite selfish with their time and the energy they put into things, but it’s not changing.

12. In a One-Sided Romance, Your Relationship Partner Causes So Much Stress

Dealing with a one-sided relationship makes you stressed all the time. You’re so afraid they will leave you that you can’t even concentrate on your job or anything else. You often find yourself playing the guessing game about their affections towards you.

You know constant pressure is a killer, yet you don’t know how to get off the merry-go-round. According to the Cleveland Clinic, unmanaged or prolonged stress can wreak havoc on your body, so you must find a way to resolve these conflicts. According to the article, stress can impact your heart, lungs, skin and hair, gut health, and even immunity. This is in addition to the mental health aspects that come to play when you’re under constant pressure.

Handling a One-Sided Romance and Knowing When to Walk Away

Losing someone you love so much may be terrifying for you. Walking away from someone you believe is your soul mate can be challenging. If this person doesn’t love you back the way you need to be loved, there will always be an imbalance.

The one-sided romance between you two will drive you mad, especially if you’re the one putting in all the effort. It’s easy to be miserable and stay as change is difficult. Even decades ago, many women wouldn’t consider divorce because they didn’t make enough money to support themselves.

Things have evolved as people aren’t as apt to stay for the kids or money as much as in times past. If they’re willing to go to counseling and work on the issues, you can be brave and try to tough it out. However, if you stay in this toxic situation, it makes you increasingly vulnerable.

Another problem is that the person giving so much to make things work will often keep a mental scorecard. They keep track of all their partner’s transgressions and want to settle this imbalance. While you certainly can’t blame yourself for feeling this way, it doesn’t mean it’s healthy.

You know in your heart if it’s time to end a one-sided relationship. The romance is likely at a dead-end, and there’s no way to turn around and go back. When you see these red flags and warning signs that things are over, putting off the inevitable is only hurting you even more.

Final Thoughts on One-Sided Romances

Unrequited love is one of the most painful things you can go through in a relationship. You love your partner with all your heart, but the passion and devotion they give in return just don’t measure up. When you’re in these situations, the imbalance of love and affection will drive you mad.

Remember that all relationships go through ebbs and flows after you’ve been together for a while. Just because things have become challenging doesn’t mean they can’t be fixed. Give your relationship and your partner a concerted effort to make things work. If you’ve given all you can and things aren’t improving, then learning to cut the strings is better for your overall well-being.

11 Food Allergies to Never Ignore (And How to Spot Them)

September 8, 2022 by Chris Butler

A food allergy is a response by your immune system which triggers histamines to protect it. After this, your body remembers a food that started your immune system. When you eat that food again, your histamine response gets automatically. Diagnosing food allergies isn’t easy, but here is some information on how to pinpoint allergy symptoms.

What are the most common food allergies?

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in the U.S., the most common food allergies include:

Tree nuts
Peanuts
Eggs
Shellfish
Fish
Cow’s milk
Wheat
Soy

Eleven Food Allergy Symptoms and How to Pinpoint Them

Allergies often appear in childhood, but they can start at any age. Here are the most frequent indicators.

1. Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction to something you eat. It starts shortly after you eat and gets worse quickly. The symptoms of anaphylaxis are often the same as the less severe reactions, but it can include symptoms such as:

Breathing problems
Swollen tongue
Feeling of tightness in our chest
Having a hard time swallowing or speaking
Dizziness or faint
Total collapse

An anaphylactic reaction is a medical emergency. Without prompt treatment, it’s a life-threatening situation. If you think someone is having an anaphylactic response, dial 911.

2. Rashes

Food allergy symptoms may affect your skin. A bumpy, red rash appears shortly after you eat or come in contact with a particular food. The inflammation may be around your mouth, face, neck, or anywhere the food touches your skin. You may also have a rash on other parts of your body.

Eczema is a common food allergy rash. Your skin turns red, scaly, and itchy with a purplish or ashen hue. It comes from immune system response, environmental triggers, genetics, or stress. If you have eczema, your immune system reacts to anything from minor irritants to food allergies.

Follow an Elimination Diet if You See a Rash or Other Food Allergy Symptoms

Eczema food allergy reactions can occur minutes to hours after you eat a particular food, but late eczema reactions can occur from one hour to two days later. You can try an elimination diet to figure out what’s causing this reaction. Avoid eating the common foods that cause eczema. After several days of eliminating these foods, slowly add each food back into your diet. Watch for reactions up to two days after you eat food. If no response occurs, try adding another food. If your symptoms worsen after eating a particular food, avoid it. You can add it to your diet later to see if your eczema flares up. Common foods that trigger eczema include:

Dairy
Eggs
Wheat
Soy
Citrus
Nuts
Certain spices like cloves, cinnamon, or vanilla

Individuals with dyshidrotic eczema, a skin reaction that appears on their hands and feet, should eliminate nickel foods. Nickel is a trace mineral found in the soil, which transfers into foods. Here are some foods high in nickel you should know:

Canned meats
Beans
Lentils
Peas
Soybeans
Chocolate
Nuts
Seeds
Shellfish

Some eczema sufferers are sensitive to birch pollen. Foods that cause reactions because of exposure to this pollen include:

Carrots
Celery
Green apples
Hazelnuts
Pears

3. Hives

Hives are another skin allergy symptom characterized by red welts or bumps. It’s called acute urticaria if it lasts up to six weeks and chronic urticaria if it goes on for over six weeks. Common foods that cause hives are the following:

Nuts
Peanuts
Eggs
Shellfish

If you’re allergic to latex, these foods will also trigger hives, including:

Mangos
Chestnuts
Bananas
Kiwis
Bananas

Hives usually appear within one hour of eating food.

4. Itchiness or swelling in your mouth can be food allergy symptoms

If you have pollen allergies, you may also react to certain foods. Pollen allergies cause itching or swelling in your mouth, throat, or tongue. Not everyone with pollen allergy experiences these symptoms. If you’re allergic to these pollens, here are some common foods you should avoid:

Grass pollen: Celery, tomatoes, peaches, melons
Ragweed pollens: Bananas, melons, cucumbers, zucchini, sunflowers, artichokes, echinacea tea
Birch pollen: Plums, pear, peach, almonds, apples, celery, cherry, hazelnut, kiwi

Besides eliminating these foods, you can use natural antihistamines to help control your pollen allergies. Here are a few common natural antihistamines:

Vitamin C
Probiotics
Stinging nettle
Bromelain-an enzyme
Alternative ways to help relieve your pollen allergies are
Acupuncture
Nasal irrigation
Exercise

5. Asthma and wheezing can come from allergies to food

Foods rarely cause an asthma attack, but the allergic symptoms are like asthmatic. One man developed wheezing and a cough from eating onions. As it turned out, he was allergic to mold, which grew on the onion peels. Simply eating the onion caused him a respiratory reaction. Foods that may cause an asthmatic response are these:

Dairy
Eggs
Peanuts
Wheat
Shrimp
Fish
Tree nuts

6. Dizziness

Weirdly enough, you can have cardiac symptoms from food allergies. Cardiac symptoms include:

Dizziness
Looking sick
Drop in your blood pressure
Loss of consciousness (severe)

It’s difficult to tell if you’re experiencing a severe reaction, but if you’re feeling these things, you may have a more severe reaction than you think. Please don’t ignore these symptoms because they could be symptoms of other medical problems.

You can also have an anaphylactic shock response or a combination of allergy symptoms, like hives and rash, combined with the above symptoms.

7. Stomach pain or diarrhea

Stomach problems because of food allergies are hard to spot. You might think you have food poisoning or simply a gastrointestinal bug. But if you continue to have symptoms, especially when you eat a particular food, there is a good chance you have a food allergy. Gastrointestinal symptoms caused by a food allergy can be.

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach pain

The most common foods that cause this type of allergic reaction are the following:

Milk
Wheat
Soy
Shellfish
Fish
Peanuts
Tree nuts
Eggs

8. Skin growths and other reactions

There were situations when people who got a tattoo developed a strange-looking skin tumor or growth. It usually happens several months after you get a new tattoo. It turns out to be more common than you think, and it’s an allergy to the ink associated with the tattoo. Your immune system detects a foreign substance, and it triggers a response.

Although not as strange as a skin tumor, some food dyes cause allergic reactions. Here are some frequent natural food dyes that cause food allergy symptoms.

Carmine: A red food dye that’s derived from an insect. This food dye is in red yogurt, popsicles, and drinks.
Saffron: Saffron is a yellow dye cultivated from plants in Iran, France, Spain, parts of India, and Italy. You might find it in butter, cheese, sausage, and margarine.
Annatto: This yellow dye is from a tree in South America. You’ll spot it in custards, cakes, and other baked products.

Even though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends these food dyes as safe, some people are allergic to them. If you notice allergy symptoms after eating foods with coloring, try an elimination diet to determine which shades you’re allergic to. Food dye allergic symptoms include:

Hives
Headaches
Sweating of your face
Tightness in your chest
Itchiness
Flushed skin

9. Sneezing

Sneezing and itchy eyes could be a food allergy reaction. As your histamine releases, secretions increase, and you’re a mess of itchiness and sneezing. Food allergies that cause sneezing are usually mild. Some common foods that trigger sneezing are eggs, soy, milk, peanuts, and tree nuts.

10. Red buttocks

It’s embarrassing, but some food allergies give you a red bum. The bright red rash is uncomfortable and appears around your inner thighs, anus, and genitals. This allergic reaction may link to an allergy to metals like gold, mercury, or nickel. If you are experiencing these symptoms, avoid these foods in your diet.

Foods with nickel: Licorice, buckwheat, cocoa powder, soybeans, soy sauce, tofu, cashews, figs, and clams.
Food with mercury: Swordfish, Tune, Marlin, Orange roughy, Chilean sea bass, king mackerel.
Gold: This metal appears in garnish foods and drinks like leaf-shaped garnishes, flakes, or powders. These may occur in cakes, soups, pasta, sushi, wine, and cocktails.

If your symptoms continue even after you’ve eliminated these foods, you may have a more severe infection, like a sexually transmitted infection (STI or STD). Get treatment right away.

11. Food allergies mixed with exercise

You can experience food allergies triggered by exercise. As strange as it sounds, this food allergy symptom can lead to anaphylaxis sometimes. It’s called food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis. Also, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or consuming alcohol may trigger an allergic reaction in people with this syndrome.

Final thoughts on recognizing food allergy symptoms and how to narrow down your exact allergies

Food allergies are a response of your immune system triggering histamines to protect your body. Diagnosing food allergies is tricky, but there are common food allergy symptoms to look out for. Dizziness, sneezing, red rashes, and gut problems are the most common allergic reactions. If you think you’re allergic to a specific food, try an elimination diet to spot the problem food.

10 Signs You’re Overthinking Again (and How to Fix It)

September 7, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Are you an overthinker? It’s normal for you to have a few obsessive thoughts, as you’re only human. Sadly, there comes the point where these intrusive thoughts consume you, and the issue can become chronic. Overthinking is classic for anxiety disorders, and the same part of your brain that gives you the fight or flight sensation also causes you to overanalyze things.

Ten Signs of Overthinking and How Overthinkers Can Calm Their Worried Minds

Ruminating about every little thing can be exhausting. Your mind never shuts down, and it can make for some long, sleepless nights. Since this is an anxiety-based disorder, it can cause your mental health to plummet. According to the Cleveland Clinic, an overthinking disorder is recognized by the American Psychological Association and is included in the DMS-5.

It’s a sister disease to post-traumatic stress, generalized anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive syndrome. The first step to realizing you have a problem is identifying the key issues and seeing if they fit your symptoms. Here are the ten most common signs that you’re constantly overthinking, and there are some ways to fix it.

1. Overthinking Means That You Wear Your Emotions on Your Sleeves

A significant problem for overthinkers is that they wear their emotions on their sleeve. You take the opinions of others way too seriously, and it drives you crazy.

You’re analyzing each detail of events and conversations, and you always think someone is putting you down. If you have an empathetic personality, this will make you even more sensitive to the opinions of others.

How to fix it:

It’s helpful to have someone else to toss around your thoughts with on a situation. A voice of reason can help you to decipher if you ruminate unnecessarily or if you have justification for your intense feelings.

2. You Worry About Things That Haven’t Even Happened Yet

An idea pops into your mind, but the thought overwhelms you. You ruminate about it so much that you get all worked up to the point of an anxiety attack. For instance, your friends and neighbors are receiving higher electric bills due to an increase.

You begin to think about how you will constantly pay such a bill. You remember events where the lights were left on all night, and you analyze the temperature you set your HVAC system at during the month. You work yourself into an anxious frenzy because you can’t stop worrying about something that hasn’t even happened yet.

How to fix it:

According to Dr. Robert Leah’s book The Worry Cure, over 85 percent of the things you worry about won’t happen anyway. You only waste your time and energy focusing on something that probably won’t be an issue. Stop catastrophizing events that may not warrant it. Instead, write in a journal, listen to music, or read a chapter of your favorite book.

3. Overthinking Burdens Those Around You

When your emotions are on high alert, and you’re always nervous and analyzing things, it’s hard to live with you. If your spouse is a sensible thinker, they might have difficulty relating to your overthinking ways. If you have this anxiety disorder, you might enjoy working solo, as it causes you less worry about later.

How to fix it:

You don’t want to burden the ones you love. It would help if you found an outlet for all this overthinking. Journaling is a great way to get your thoughts out on paper without involving those around you. It can be the answer to putting these nagging ruminating thoughts to rest.

4. You’re Unlucky in Love and Close Yourself Off

Your soul is very delicate and pure. Sadly, the chances of finding the love and devotion you want are slim. You’re down on yourself and close yourself off from others because your heart is always wounded.

How to fix it:

You’ll end up alone if you push everyone away due to a closed-off nature. Start slowly by letting people in and trying your hardest not to overthink things. You’ve built a shell around you, but you want to crack this exterior slowly and not tear it all off at once.

5. You Replay Every Word of a Conversation

You had a conversation with your boss today about changes in the company, and he informed you that they would be laying people off soon. He didn’t say you were getting laid off, but you can’t help but wonder if you will get your pink slip.

You remember every word and detail of that conversation and analyze each one. You’re under extreme pressure and have already checked to see how much you can draw on unemployment.

You’ve turned the situation into something more than what it was intended to be. He was likely warning you about the upcoming slack that needs to be managed in the company.

How to fix it:

Your boss likely wouldn’t have told you about the layoffs if you were one of the people being cut. When you hang on to every word of a conversation, your mind will make it ten times worse. It’s challenging not to worry, but you must remember that even if you get laid off, you were looking for a job when you found this one.

6. Overthinkers Often Fight Depression and Negative Moods

Your analytical thinking style can cause your mood to drop. It’s called a worry spiral, where you dwell on things beyond your control to the point where it consumes you.

Life is no fun when you spend your days fretting about things that don’t matter or may never happen. It can affect your overall well-being but dramatically impacts your mental health.

How to fix it:

Depression and anxiety usually co-exist and are the perfect storm. It will help if you put more positivity into your life. Try embracing the moment through mindful living. If you focus on your today, your tomorrow will take care of itself. Don’t borrow trouble.

7. The Universe Understands You More Than People

Overthinking can cause many problems, so it’s helpful for the person prone to ruminating to develop a connection with the Universe. Since it is commonplace for you to feel very distant from the world around you, having this connection with something bigger than you can be helpful.

How to fix it:

Getting in tune with your spiritual side can be very helpful if you’re constantly overthinking. Spirituality is grounding and can provide comfort when people can’t help. Read the holy text of your faith, pray, or meditate to reconnect to your Higher Power.

8. You Have a Perfectionist Approach if Overthinking

If you tend to overthink, you likely have a perfectionist approach to life. You’re always in problem-solving mode and often spend your sleeping hours fixing issues. You must break free from this spiral and move to a place where the worries are no longer relevant to you.

How to fix it:

You must realize that life isn’t perfect, nor is anyone that walks on this planet. When these intrusive thoughts come into your mind, you need to acknowledge them and defuse them. Counter the negative thoughts with something positive until you learn to change your mindset.

9. Ruminating Causes Chronic Insomnia

Overthinking can keep you up at night. While you’ve already lived out your day, you replay the events and conversations at night. You can’t sleep because your mind is stuck in this perpetual loop that won’t quit.

How to fix it:

Try meditation before bedtime to purge negative thoughts from your mind. There are also natural herbs like melatonin and chamomile that are known to help with insomnia.

10. Everything Is All or Nothing When Overthinking

A classic sign of an overthinker is that you only see things in one way or another. There’s a right or wrong and nothing in between. You cannot see moderate views, which can be detrimental to relationships.

How to fix it:

It’s typical that people who see things as all or nothing only have one perspective of thinking, and you hyperfocus on this. To switch your thought process, use more moderate language. When these rigid thoughts pop into your mind, counter them with something neutral or in the middle.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Signs of Overthinking

The world around you is full of chaos and confusion, so it’s only natural that you might be on high alert. If you suffer from an overthinking disorder, your mind can become so cluttered that you can’t keep your thoughts straight. You need to find outlets to learn how to let this negativity go.

A few helpful things include mindful living, journaling, meditation, and even yoga, which can all assist with putting you in a better headspace. You don’t want to miss out on love or other opportunities because your overthinking ways are ruining your life. A therapist might be beneficial to help learn how to counter these negative thoughts with those that are more positive.

The world around you might not understand you overanalyzing every little thing, which can push people away. Anxiety can ruin your life if you allow it to, but you can take control and retrain your brain for positive thinking. Who needs all this pessimism anyway?

Study Explains How Teachers Have Double the Stress of Other Workers

September 7, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A new survey revealed that U.S. teachers and principals report having twice the stress of adults in other professions. Teachers said the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated their stress levels as they dealt with staffing shortages and remote learning. Also, low educator salaries and unruly student behavior increased their job-related stress.

The RAND Corporation conducted surveys of public school teachers, principals, and other working adults in January 2022. 2,360 teachers and 1,540 principals who work in kindergarten through 12th-grade public schools participated in the research.

The nonprofit research organization asked questions about five aspects of well-being in the survey. These included frequency of job-related stress, ability to cope with stress, burnout, depression symptoms, and resilience to distressing situations.

Why Teachers Have More Stress Than Other Workers

About half of the teachers surveyed said their primary source of stress included addressing students’ interrupted learning during the pandemic. Other significant contributors to job-related stress included managing student behavior and assuming additional workloads amid staffing shortages.

“Two-thirds of the teachers we interviewed reported taking on extra responsibilities during the pandemic like covering classes or taking additional students in their own classrooms as the result of staff shortages,” said Elizabeth D. Steiner, the report’s lead author and a RAND policy researcher, in a press release.

“Teachers told us that their dedication to working with students kept them in their jobs, even though pandemic conditions have made teaching more challenging. ‘Teaching conditions, not the work of teaching itself’ are what they find to be stressful.”

In addition, teachers had concerns about meager salaries and their student’s mental health. Steiner said teachers reported struggling with depression more than other professionals. They also had more difficulty coping with job-related stress compared to other workers.

Principals reported staffing shortages and the well-being of educators as their most significant sources of stress. They worried about teachers being out sick and whether they could hire enough teachers. The survey revealed that teachers and principals of color, mid-career teachers, and female educators had exceptionally elevated stress levels.

The researchers suggested that mid-career and female teachers reported higher stress levels due to balancing work responsibilities with raising families. For teachers and principals of color, racial discrimination contributed significantly to job-related stress levels.

For instance, the report revealed that 40% of Black principals felt people had different standards for them compared to their peers. 30% of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander educators said some people thought they weren’t United States natives because of their race.

The Impact of Teacher Stress on Students

Teachers and principals who experience poor well-being due to adverse working conditions are likelier to leave their jobs. However, those in supportive school environments have improved mental health and less desire to seek other employment.

Poor mental health among teachers can negatively impact students and school districts alike. First, teachers under immense stress may take more sick days or lack engagement with students. Inconsistent teaching makes the school environment less conducive to learning, and students may fall behind.

Also, students with physically and mentally absent teachers may receive inadequate assignment feedback. They may also have less challenging tasks, impacting their desire to learn. If teachers aren’t engaged, students may feel bored and tune out during lectures.

Finally, teachers may leave their jobs if they cannot cope with mounting pressures. Another American Psychological Association (APA) study found that about 50% of educators surveyed planned to quit or transfer schools. They cited physical and verbal violence as their main reason for wanting to resign.

The RAND report reported similar findings – teachers who felt incapable of coping with job-related stress expressed a greater desire to resign. Steiner added that not all teachers who say they want to leave their jobs quit, though.

However, for those who do leave, it creates a ripple effect in the school environment. Teacher termination impacts the morale of students and staff, making learning more difficult for students.

Teachers Need More Support

The survey findings suggest that employer-provided mental health support could reduce teachers’ stress levels. Also, better emotional support might increase resiliency and morale among staff members.

Unfortunately, about 20% of principals and 35% of educators said their employers did not provide access to mental health services. Others didn’t know whether these supports were available to them.

“For many principals and teachers, available mental health supports were not helpful or convenient or were too limited to address their needs,” said Sy Doan, coauthor and an associate policy researcher at RAND. “District leaders should avoid the appearance of treating wellness as a superficial or short-term problem and offer mental health and well-being supports tailored to educators’ needs.”

Even though teachers reported frequent job-related tension and mental health concerns, many still enjoyed their jobs. Most educators also reported having adequate coping skills to handle the pressures of teaching.

To reduce stress levels, some staff members reported wanting to focus more on their core job responsibilities of instructing students. They also expressed interest in fostering positive adult relationships with other educators.

The survey authors recommended district leaders expand tutoring programs, invest in summer school, and hire additional staff to alleviate job-related stress among educators. In addition, they suggested making mental health a priority and ensuring staff members have access to treatment options.

Final Thoughts on Study Showing Teachers’ Stress Levels Twice That of Other Workers

It’s no secret that American educators have highly demanding jobs that don’t pay nearly enough. However, most educators don’t get into the field for money. They do it out of the goodness of their hearts and because they want to ensure students have a bright future. Unfortunately, even the most dedicated educators can crack under the insane pressure of teaching in the modern world.

A survey by the RAND Corporation found that some teachers want to leave the profession due to safety concerns and inadequate pay. The pandemic also caused an upheaval in the education system, and some teachers had trouble adjusting to virtual learning. Staffing shortages also burdened remaining teachers with more work, negatively affecting their mental health.

Despite these complaints, many teachers still reported finding fulfillment in their work. Hopefully, better access to mental health services and more support from fellow teachers will help ease educators’ concerns.

Munich to Offer Vegan Options at Its Famous Oktoberfest

September 7, 2022 by Chris Butler

People who enjoy a plant-based life are thrilled to hear that the famous Munich Oktoberfest will feature vegan options this year.

Oktoberfest is an annual two-week festival held in Munich, Germany. The 2022 festival starts on Saturday, September 17, and ends Monday, October 3. This fall festival began on October 12, 1810, to celebrate the marriage of the crown prince of Bavaria to Princess Therese Von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. The historical wedding included a public horse race between Munich and Sendling in a meadow. The founders called the event “Therese’s Meadow” in honor of the bride. Later, the location and the festival merged into “the Wiesn,” the name the locals use for Oktoberfest.

Millions of people flock to Munich to eat traditional German foods, wear Bavarian costumes and listen to traditional music. Of course, one of Oktoberfest’s biggest attractions is the famous Oktoberfest or Marzen beer. Usually, the beer goes with different German meats. But over the years, the Wiesn has provided guests with meat-free options. This year there’s an even greater variety of vegan options.

What are the vegan options at Munich Oktoberfest this year?

Whether you’re looking for a tasty plant-based snack or a full-course vegan entree, you’ll find a large selection of meat-free meals at Oktoberfest 2022. Here are some of the vegan options you can enjoy this year.

Vegan appetizers

This year meat-free appetizers are trending at Oktoberfest. For example, you can choose a mini bread bowl with cheese soup made with vegetables instead of cow’s milk. Or, if you prefer something lighter, try their vegan soft-baked pretzel with a dash of mustard and a glass of cold beer. Other vegan appetizer options include the following delights:

Tomato bread straight from the pan
Vegan, organic pumpkin spread on warm plant-based bread
Potato, pumpkin soups with lemon grass and ginger

Plant-based main courses

If you feel hungry, Oktoberfest offers a variety of vegetarian main course meals. But, of course, you can’t attend the Wiesn without trying a plant-based sausage. Sausage is a traditional dish at Oktoberfest. They serve these with beer, mustard, and pretzels. Vegan sausage options are the Field Roast Bratwurst Sausage and the Beyond Sausage Brat Original.

These sausages have a rich smoky flavor. The chefs prepare them from beans, wheat gluten, and seasonings. Another traditional German main course with a vegan twist is the vegan schnitzel. It’s made with tofu and mushrooms. Traditional schnitzel is a thin slice of meat that’s breaded and fried. It’s a popular dish all over the world. Schnitzel typically comes from the meat of turkey, beef, chicken, or pork.

Other vegan specialties at Oktoberfest will include:

Organic bread dumplings with creamy mushrooms
Vegetable-potato patties with tomato and apricot chutney
potato noodle dumplings.

Cooks traditionally make dumplings with boiled potatoes and grated raw potatoes mixed with flour, eggs, nutmeg, pepper, and salt. They’re shaped and cooked in salted water. In addition, the Wiesn offers vegetarian parmesan pretzel dumplings served with Bavarian vegetables, herb sauces, or spinach.

If you’re hungry for something more substantial, why not try vegan meatloaf or vegan burgers, or pea schnitzel? Side dishes to make your mouth water include vegetable rolls, potato gratin, spiral potatoes, and vegetarian baguettes.

What about German sauerkraut?

Of course, no Oktoberfest would be complete without sauerkraut. In German, the word “sauerkraut” means sour cabbage. Even though it’s one of the nation’s favorite food, it didn’t originate in Germany. Sauerkraut has been the main dish in this country since the 1600s. Two thousand years ago, the Chinese first fermented cabbage in wine. It wasn’t until the 16th century that Germans tried fermenting cabbage. In the 1700s, large groups of Germans migrated to the United States, bringing their recipes for sauerkraut with them. Sauerkraut became part of American history, flavoring sandwiches and hotdogs across the country.

Besides tasting great, sauerkraut is super healthy. It contains nutritious vitamin B6, folate, vitamin K and thiamin. This fermented cabbage provides one-third of your recommended daily vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Because of the fermentation process, it goes easy on your digestive system, creating a probiotic effect. For Germans, the tradition of eating sauerkraut means hope for blessings and abundance in the coming year. Who knows–maybe you’ll inherit some of these blessings at Oktoberfest when you eat the delicious organic sauerkraut strudel.

Other delicious main course vegetarian and vegan options include these:

Pan-fried veggies with tomato puree
Lamb’s lettuce on kohlrabi carpaccio
Quinoa on mint puree
Soy steak with caramelized onions
If you are lactose intolerant, try coconut curries, sweet potato chips, or vegan crepes.

Does Oktoberfest offer vegan beer?

Of course, Oktoberfest is famous for its German beers. Most of the beers offered at the Wiesn are vegan. This is because there are strict regulations about what ingredients beer contains, limiting the use of animal proteins for the gelatin in the beers. Two plant-based brands that Schlenkeria and Beck’s beer. Most bartenders can provide you with a vegan beer list if you’re not sure what you want to try.

Changing times changes the menu at Oktoberfest.

The desire to provide so many vegan dishes is evidence of a growing shift in Germany. Typically, Germans aren’t eating as much meat as they used to. Even though Germans have always had a reputation for being meat lovers, today, the country’s meat consumption is falling. In years past, Germans ate animal proteins by the pound. But starting in 2011, a general shift started dropping meat consumption. It’s unclear what brought about this shift, but a revealed that from 2016 to 2020, the number of people claiming to eat vegan doubled in Germany, accounting for 3.2% of the overall population. With these statistics, no wonder Oktoberfest offers so many vegan options for visitors and locals alike.

Interestingly, Germany is one of the few European countries where veganism google searches haven’t seen a sharp drop in 2022. Germany is is second most popular vegan food. It has a reputation for its meat-substitute and plant-based industries. Austria, Germany’s southern neighbor, offers many vegan-friendly food options, even vegan strudel. Besides this, German cities are now the favored vegan dating hotspots.

German names for Oktoberfest’s most popular foods

No problem if you don’t speak German when you go to the Wiesn. Here’s a crash course on the German names of different foods you’ll find at the festival. You can ask for vegan or vegetarian versions of these foods.

Brezn: This is the word for pretzels. These soft, salty Bavarian twisted bread snacks are delicious and perfect with a mug of cold beer. Ask for Brezn vegan for the meat-free option.
Wiener schnitzel: In German, the “w” is pronounced like an English “v.” However, this venue offers a soy schnitzel alternative to the traditional meat. It is a delicious option for plant-based eating.
Spaetzle: This pasta is a side dish with gravy or cheese sauce. Ask for the vegan spaetzle topped with caramelized onions.
Kartoffeln: The potato is one of German’s favorite vegetables. At Oktoberfest, you’ll find potato pancakes, potato dumplings, and potato salad.
Radieschen: Radishes don’t get invited to many American festivals, but at Oktoberfest, radieschen are salty little side notes added to different dishes. These vegetables are the perfect balance for rich meats and cheese dishes. You’ll find radishes spiraled, sliced, and mixed with chives.
Bier: Of course, all these favorite German foods taste best with bier. Most of the bier at Oktoberfest is vegan. So grab a frosty Bavarian bier.

Learn important Bavarian greetings

Servus; This is an informal Bavarian greeting before you arrive at Oktoberfest.
Dirndl and Lederhosen: This is the traditional clothing you wear to Oktoberfest. Dirndl is a peasant style of dress with an apron worn by women. Men wear Lederhosen or leather trousers or shorts.
Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa!: These are traditional dinking yells that translate to “one, two, three, drink!”
Prost: It means cheers.
O’zapft is!: According to tradition, you can’t drink beer until the Mayor of Munich shouts this phrase. It means, “it’s tapped.”
Pfiat di!:-This classic Bavarian goodbye means something like “May God protect you” in German.

Closing ceremony and program of Oktoberfest in Munich

Most Oktoberfest goers will tell you that the closing ceremony is magnificent. On the last night, the Oktoberfest closing ceremony is a candle-lit event held in the famous Hacker-Pschorr tent. The lights dim, and everyone lights sparklers and sings together. If you’re interested in the program,here is this year’s 2022 Oktoberfest program of events.

Final thoughts on Munich Oktoberfest’s new vegan options

If you’re eager to try some of Oktoberfest’s delicious vegan options, it’s not too late to plan your trip. This two-week annual festival in Munich, Germany, attracts millions of people from all over the world. People come to eat traditional foods, try on Bavarian costumes, and enjoy the many attractions. There are more vegetarian and vegan options this year than in years past. Whether you want to try a meat-free German dumpling, vegan schnitzel, or a glass of cold vegan beer, you’ll find plant-based offerings throughout the festival grounds. Anybody who wants to eat meat-free this year at Oktoberfest will have no trouble finding various meat-free snacks, main courses, and drinks.

7 Ways Journaling Can Open Your Mind

September 7, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Here are seven reasons for writing in a positivity journal.

Do you know anyone who hoards? They fill their homes to the brim with everything imaginable, and navigating through these spaces becomes challenging. Sifting through your mind can feel much like this, but you need to find a way to open your mind and clear the clutter. It makes for excellent problem-solving. A positivity journal is a tool that can help you dig through all the useless things and eliminate the toxic stuff.

Do you feel like your mind is overloaded and cannot handle one more thing? You’re not alone in these feelings. Technology has caused a great deal of mental clutter, and this chaos negatively affects your physical and psychological well-being.

All day long, you’re spoon-fed information. Perhaps you hear coworkers gossiping in another cubicle, or you overhear a news clip about all the troubles in the world. All the things you ingest cause noise and confusion in your mind, prohibiting you from living a more meaningful life.

How Journaling Can Open Your Mind and Facilitate Problem-Solving

Thankfully, a positivity journal can help you open your mind, free the toxic stuff, and even be beneficial in problem-solving. There are six kinds of mental clutter that you must get rid of from your body, and they include:

Negative self-talk
Multitasking
Worry
Fear
Guilt
Regret

Which of these are you struggling with right now? Perhaps you need effective ways to deal with all the madness and don’t know what to do. When you sit down and journal, you help to improve your moods and balance your mental well-being. Here are some simple ways journaling allows you to be more open-minded.

1. When You Open Your Mind, You Improve Your Self-Awareness

Do you ever wonder what makes you tick? How can you go through this crazy world around you and make it each day? Journaling will help you improve your knowledge of what’s going on inside. It will also help you to become aware of how you’re coping.

Self-awareness is an essential part of being in touch with your mental health. It can be painful to dig deep inside and sort out all this mental clutter. The good news is that once you tear it all out and examine the contents, it’s then that you can put it back together or fix it.

Have you ever received a notice from the water company saying your pipes are leaky? You might not even know that there’s water escaping, but it’s undoubtedly affecting your bill. A plumber goes in with special tools and examines the pipes to find where you’re losing water.

Journaling is like that special equipment that helps you become more self-aware and identify the issues. When your thoughts and emotions are all over the place, journaling can help you determine where these feelings are coming from and identify and fix the root cause. You’ll be able to open your mind and see deep inside yourself to get to the crux of your issues.

2. The Process of Problem-Solving Calms You

Did you have a diary as a kid? When you write “Dear Diary” on paper, this book suddenly becomes your trusted friend. Journal is the same as having lunch and chatting with your buddy.

You can get all the things off your chest that are bothering you and open your mind to hear other opinions and views. Friends are the best at problem-solving, so you turn to them in times of trouble. Sadly, people aren’t always available when you need them, as they’re busy too.

A journal is a friend that’s always ready when you need them. It lets you offload all the stuff that’s bothering you, and you’ll feel lighter and free of your problems and worries. A study in the National Library of Medicine found that focusing on emotional expression, which journaling allows, is helpful. So in many ways, it’s just like having a trusted friend by your side.

3. You Recognize What’s Going on with Yourself When You Open Your Mind in a Positivity Journal

When you go to the doctor, you have something wrong. You present with symptoms, but they don’t know the issue until they run some tests. Think of journaling as a testing procedure or a problem-solving activity. It helps make you aware of what’s going on that’s causing things to be off.

Your thoughts and emotions can be powerful things to manage, and sometimes you’re not fully aware of everything in your mind. When you begin to recognize what the problem is inside, it’s then that you can start to heal it. Each person has a lot of stuff going on in the background of their life, or “white noise.”

You don’t realize how much this affects you until you uncover it. People learn to tune out this noise and push it to the side so that they can keep on going. Journaling is a mindful activity that allows you to connect with yourself.

4. When You Open Your Mind, You Can Clarify Your Thinking

Your brain is wired for negativity by default, as it’s much easier to be negative in this world than positive. Your journal can be used as a buffer to counteract your bias to be pessimistic. You can be more open-minded and start the task of rewiring your brain to be more positive.

Now, understand this can be a significant undertaking, such as cutting a new path in the forest, but it’s worth the effort. Think of the journal as the hacksaw and the pen as the scythe to help you to get through the brambles and clear your way to positivity. When you open your mind to seeing the positive things around you, it will improve your gratitude.

The benefits of positive thinking are remarkable. According to the Mayo Clinic, those who keep on the sunny side enjoy the following benefits:

Lower rates of anxiety and depression
Better resistance to sickness
Longer life
Better health, including cardiovascular
Lower risk of infections
Better coping abilities from stress

Of all the problem-solving methods you can do alone, journaling is one of the best. It can help you change and become the person you want to be.

5. An Open Mind Is More Rational

Do you struggle with black-and-white thinking and completely ignore that there can be a middle ground or shade of gray? This is not an uncommon thing among people who catastrophize things. You’re being overly self-critical, which is often an action brought on by stress.

When you grab a pen and your journal and start writing down everything that bothers you, it helps you rationalize. Have you ever thought about something inside, but it seems silly when you say it to someone else? Your journal can be the sounding board that can help you see the foolish things and those that warrant worry.

Your journal allows you to be more open-minded and see other viewpoints. Isn’t it amazing how getting things from the inside to the outside can do this for you? Plus, it’s one of the best problem-solving methods you can do yourself. Are you ready to open your mind and start journaling?

6. Achieve Your Goal by Being More Organized

Sometimes you have many thoughts about things you want to do, but they’re never ideas you want to share with others. They might not understand you or think it’s just another pipe dream. What if you wanted to delve into meditation, exercise, do more self-care, or give back to others?

Your journal is a great place to write down all these open-minded thoughts that have not yet come to fruition. Maybe you need help structuring your day to fit in such activities. You can open your mind and use problem-solving techniques to make you a better person. Your journal is a safe place to create goals and celebrate your achievements.

7. Taps into Your Self-Conscious

When you open your mind for the sake of problem-solving, it can be quite a journey. Everybody has stuff in the background that affects you, whether you admit it or not. Something from your past may be bothering you, or you’re under a great deal of stress that makes you more vulnerable to emotional outbursts.

Journaling is a great activity that helps you uncover your subconscious. It enables you to be more open-minded and identify that background noise is causing pain. Everything you ingest daily affects you, and you may not realize the effect until it comes pouring out suddenly or unexpectedly at the most inopportune times.

Being more self-conscious helps you to open yourself more to understand your state of being. The goal of getting things out on paper is to bring your subconscious into your consciousness, making you more open-minded and able to process better.

Final Thoughts on Ways to Open Your Mind with Journaling

Journaling is an easy activity with many proven benefits. It can open your mind to explore what’s happening deep inside, help you with problem-solving, and increase your gratitude. So get all the negativity and toxic thoughts out of your mind and shake free from those pessimistic ties that bind you by using a positivity journal.

12 Reasons to Never Hate Your Body

September 7, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

It’s natural to get caught up in how you think your body should look rather than celebrate your individuality. Many people use body-shaming because they see themselves through Hollywood’s lenses. When you hate your body, you’re not celebrating your unique qualities.

Even if you tried to be the coveted size, genetics would play a big part in your appearance. Wouldn’t it be nice if every woman had plump lips, a round booty, tan skin, and the perfect little button nose? It’s unrealistic to think that this is how everyone should look, as it doesn’t celebrate diversity.

Just because you don’t have the characteristics that society finds desirable at the moment, doesn’t mean your body isn’t lovable. Being true to yourself and loving the skin you’re in is undoubtedly something to honor.

Twelve Reasons Why You Should Not Hate Your Body

Having healthy self-esteem starts with kicking body-shaming to the curb. You can’t love yourself when you hate your body. Here are some reasons you need to celebrate your individuality and fall in love with what you’ve been given.

1. Your Body is a Work of Art

Picasso couldn’t have painted a better picture than you. Look at the beauty all around you. What would life be without a rose, carnation, wisteria, or daisy?

Each of these flowers has unique smells, characteristics, and beauty that make them spectacular. Can you imagine a flower garden without a rose? Of course not.

Remember that your individuality brings something unique to this life, and without you, the work of art in your family tree wouldn’t be nearly as colorful.

2. It’s a Temple for Your Soul

Man is comprised of body, mind, and spirit. Your body was essentially created to house your soul. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, it states that your body was designed to accommodate the spirit of God, and you’re not your own. It further says that you were bought with a price. Whether you’re Christian, Buddhist, or some other religion doesn’t matter, as it’s the principle.

This passage reminds you that there’s so much more to you than your hair color or weight. You were created to be a temple. So when you hate your body and engage in body-shaming, you deny the supernatural forces that created you for spiritual aspects.

3. Your Value Doesn’t Decrease

If you know anything about assets and investments, you know they either appreciate or depreciate. The wonderful thing about you is that your value doesn’t go up and down. You were a treasure the moment you came from your mother’s womb, and you will remain a gem all your days.

You may lose and gain weight ten times throughout your life, as well as lose and gain monetary items, but your value remains the same. So why engage in body-shaming as you should know your worth?

4. No Two People Are the Same

You may be short/tall, skinny/thick, muscular/skeletal, and have wrinkles and scars. However, these are just physical characteristics that don’t matter much in the grand scheme. Consider the snowflake.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, snowflakes get their individuality because they all follow slightly different paths from the sky to the ground. Your course isn’t the same as someone else’s, which creates your diversity. Celebrate these things, and don’t engage in body-shaming. Your path was chosen for you, and it’s unique.

5. Your Body is the Stuff of Stars

It may sound bizarre, but did you know that your very existence can be traced back to the start of time? Humans were made when the stars were created and all matter on earth. If this sounds a little far-fetched, there’s scientific research to back it.

According to Science, astronomers evaluated human beings alongside the galaxy. The results were uncanny as they showed a 97 percent correlation between the two. Ironically, humans share the most similar elements with the stars.

Isn’t that something worthy of excitement? You’re made with the same material that makes the stars beam in the sky? So you have no reason but to shine.

6. Looks are Transitory

You’re constantly changing and evolving. You won’t look the same at forty as when you were twenty years old.

As you grow and mature, you realize that what’s on the inside matters much more than what’s on the outside. Hold on if you dislike your appearance and hate your body. It’s going to alter as you age. It’s better to embrace the changes and that you’re still alive and kicking.

7. You’re a Life-Giver

Men and women both participate in the beautiful part of creating a life. A woman’s body is used to carry that baby to term and deliver it into the world. Can you think of a more fabulous job than to be the bearer of life?

How can you hate your body that brought your children into the world or helped their creation? Anything that could go through all those changes and pain to bring forth new life must be spectacular.

8. You Only Get One Body

From the time you’re born until you take your last breath, you will spend your life in the body you’ve been given. Wouldn’t it be silly to hate your body and don’t engage in self-care? If you don’t love yourself, then how can you expect anyone else to either?

It’s time to celebrate your weaknesses and strengths. You may not like your hair, teeth, or legs, but don’t focus on the things you dislike. Instead, turn your focus toward the things you do.

Do you have a dazzling smile, a heart that loves deeply, and stunning eyes? Then focus on the positive things and not the negative ones.

9. Body-shaming Causes You to Hate Other Things Too

Humans are complex beings. If you feel too big or ugly, it makes your mood off. While having off days is normal, you can’t let these feelings become habitual.

You will miss out on so much in life if you live in a state where you hate your body. Loving yourself and keeping a good body image are essential for your self-esteem. How you feel about yourself sets the foundation for thinking about most other things in life, so kick body-shaming to the curb.

10. Your Body Loves You

The next time you have those negative thoughts and hate your body, why not consider that your body loves you? Stop and think that you’re a breathing being, and all your systems work harmoniously for your good. You’re blinking, your heart is pumping, and you’re moving and thriving.

You may not look how you want or have the attributes you desire, but your body loves you enough to work tirelessly to keep you going.

11. One Person’s Beauty Isn’t the Absence of Your Own

Humans are beautiful creatures by design. Pay attention the next time you’re in a crowd. It’s easy to see some folks are more attractive than others, but you’re guilty of judging a book by its cover.

You must focus on that just because someone else is more handsome or beautiful than you doesn’t make you less of a person. While Angelina Jolie might have large lips, and Jennifer Anniston has gorgeous hair, it doesn’t take away from the beautiful features that make you unique.

12. It’s Empowering to Love Yourself

Wouldn’t it be easier to love yourself rather than to hate your body? It’s empowering to learn that you don’t need validation from anyone to feel good about being you.

A certain level of sanity comes from knowing that you feel good without anyone else’s approval. Being comfortable in your skin is a beautiful and mentally healthy thing.

Final Thoughts on Why You Should Never Hate Your Body or Engage in Bodyshaming

You know that good self-esteem is required to have healthy relationships in your life. If you don’t have self-love, you cannot truly understand and love others. The feelings you have for yourself can interfere with your relationships.

For instance, if you have low self-esteem and don’t have a good sense of self-worth, it’s only natural that you would see your partner’s actions more negatively. Because you don’t love yourself, you’re unable to see and embrace the love of others.

Don’t hate your body because you believe you don’t measure up. This is not a good way to determine your self-worth. When you don’t love yourself and have self-loathing tendencies, you will expect rejection from others without giving them a chance.

On the flip side, people with low self-esteem often find that they stay in toxic relationships with individuals who don’t treat them well. Imagine being stuck in this situation because you think you can’t do better. It’s just so much easier to love yourself.

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Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!