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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.

University of Zurich Proves Self-efficacy Boosts Resilience in Adversity

September 7, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

These days, keeping your self-efficacy in check is more important than ever. Life was already tough, but the pandemic made things almost impossible for some people. While some were affected more than others, almost everyone felt the effects of this global crisis in one way or another.

That’s why this new study that was published by researchers at the University of Zurich is particularly refreshing. According to them, people can boost resilience simply by reflecting on what they’re capable of. This is great news since it’s a simple solution to the mental chaos people have been going through.

Details of the Study

The researchers conducting the study are from the Departments of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Psychosomatics, all from the University of Zurich. Christina Paersch, MSc, was the lead researcher. The other researchers on the project were Ava Schulz, Frank H Wilhelm, Adam D Brown, and Birgit Kleim.

The study included, though very insightful, was relatively simple. It included 75 subjects. These subjects were instructed to recall an incredibly stressful and negatively emotional memory.

They were then divided into two groups. One group was instructed to vividly recall a positive event while the other group was instructed to recall a time they felt extremely self-efficacious. Then they were instructed to recall the negative emotional memory again.

Researchers found that the group that recalled their self-efficacious moment were better able to view the negative emotional memory in a different light than the other group. They had an easier time coping with the negative memory; some of them had an easier time after only one time recalling their self-efficacy.

The researchers stated, “our study shows that recalling self-efficacious autobiographical events can be used as a tool both in everyday life and in clinical settings to boost personal resilience.” In other words, just remember how tough you are. Remember what you’re made of and it can get you through tough times.

What is Self-Efficacy?

The term self-efficacy was coined by psychologist Albert Bandura. He defined it as a person’s belief in their ability to handle and succeed in each situation. In short, it’s believing in yourself.

Strong efficacy in yourself isn’t something that just happens or occurs. Just as unique life experiences change a person’s efficacy, it also changes how they view themselves. This point of view gets developed over time and can be influenced by outside factors such as family/friends, socioeconomic status, health, and more.

It can seem that some people believe in themselves a lot more than others. You may not be consciously aware of your self-efficacious nature but, according to Bandura’s theory, everyone develops some level of self-efficacy. Luckily, it can also be strengthened. As Bandura stated in his book Self-Efficacy: The Exercise of Control, “Ability is not a fixed property; there is a huge variability in how you perform.”

Many influences can shape a person’s efficacy in themselves. Bandura identified four primary influences that help to shape a person’s level of self efficacy. These influences are:

Past Performances
Vicarious experiences
Verbal Encouragement
Physical feedback

Past Performances

Past performances, also referred to as mastery experiences, are the most significant influence on self-efficacy, according to Bandura. Remember, that was the basis of the study from the University of Zurich – focusing on something they performed well to ease the burden of the negative memory.

This is almost like a catch-22, remembering something you did well to convince yourself that you can do something well. How can you do well if you need to have done well in the past to motivate yourself? Where do you start?

According to Bandura, a person must revisit the old saying, “practice makes perfect.” Just practice and keep getting better at what you’re doing. The better you get at it, the more you’ll boost self-efficacy. Once you master it, your self-efficacy can always be significantly increased by remembering how good you are.

Bandura suggested that it’s not so much the skill level that increases a self-efficacious nature. It’s more the idea that you are able to learn a new skill well. Having the ability to do something gives you a great ego boost.

Vicariously Living Through Others

Vicarious living is when a person watches another person’s performance and compares that to their own. Essentially, watchers are being persuaded that they can do something by watching and learning from someone else. The person they are watching becomes something akin to a role model.

You might not consider having a role model as an adult. But many people don’t even realize they have a role model. They have someone close to them – a teacher, coworker, family member, friend, boss, etc. – that they look to for inspiration and guidance. Sometimes this can even be a celebrity. Whoever the person may be, and for whatever reason, they inspire motivation and confidence in the watcher.

Verbal Encouragement

When a person gets encouragement from someone, especially their role model, it helps to boost their confidence and their belief in themselves. That’s why so many companies reward their employees with performance-based recognition and/or gifts. These companies know that a little recognition can go a long way in boosting the morale and efficiency of their staff.

Getting a boost from verbal encouragement is hardwired into the brain. It’s human nature to behave like that. The dopamine system in the brain is activated when a person gets a reward. This system then encourages the person to repeat the activity to get the reward again.

In fact, the dopamine system also provides you with a memory boost so you’ll remember exactly what you did to get the reward. This is a part of the human survival instinct. These days, we aren’t in survival mode, but the boost in self-confidence helps other areas of life.

Physical Feedback

Bandura wrote, “people experience sensations from their body, and how they perceive this emotional arousal influences their beliefs of efficacy.”

Your emotional, physical, and mental health affects everything you do. This includes being able to believe in yourself. For example, if you’re depressed, it can be hard to have self-confidence. If you’re fatigued or sick, you don’t have the energy to accomplish much, which can negatively affect your self-efficacy.

This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to have good self-efficacy when you’re not feeling your best. It just means it’s harder. Some people will excel no matter what. However, taking care of your health makes sense when you’re trying to push yourself to be great.

How to Build Efficacy in Yourself

You’ve already read about the number one influence on efficacy – past performances. It makes sense to start here when trying to build efficacy in yourself. However, to have past performances to reference, you must have performances. In other words, start challenging yourself!

Start by setting goals. They don’t need to be significant, grandiose goals. They can be small goals that are SMART. This is a popular acronym that is often used to achieve goals.

SMART Stands for:

S – Specific
M – Measurable
A – Attainable
R – Relevant
T – Time-bound

Goals need to be specific so you know exactly what you’re aiming for. You should be able to answer the five W’s when it comes to your goals: who is involved, where is it located, what do you want to achieve, why you want to achieve it, and which resources you need to achieve it.

A goal is measurable if you’re able to track your progress. It could be a quantity, period, or another measurable unit.

A goal isn’t a good goal if it’s out of the realm of possibility for you. For example, you can’t aim to be a millionaire in a month. That’s just not realistic. When setting an attainable goal, remember to make it make sense.

A goal needs to be relevant to you and your situation. There should be some reason for wanting or needing to achieve the goal. The goal should make your life better in some way.

And finally, you need to give yourself a time frame to achieve the goal. Not having a set amount of time to reach your goal is a great way to give yourself an excuse to not achieve it.

These criteria ensure you set reasonable goals. If you use this acronym when setting your goals, you’ll be much more likely to achieve them because the acronym keeps you organized. SMART is essentially a roadmap to creating past performances for you to pull from when building efficacy in yourself.

Final Thoughts on Self-Efficacy

The study provided proof of a theory that researchers and scientists have had for a long time. Building self-efficacy is internal – a person can increase it or decrease it all on their own. Sure, there are outside influences, but ultimately, it’s based on how the person feels about themself.

If you’re a person who struggles with self-efficacy, don’t wait another minute before you start building it up. Set goals – small ones. Get up on time. Iron your clothes today. Start a gym membership (even if you don’t work out today).

The achievement of any goal, even small ones, is enough to help you start believing in yourself. Eventually, you’ll feel that you can do anything, and your efficacy in yourself will be higher than ever.

Seattle Mariners Adopted a Team Mascot Dog to Save Its Life

September 7, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

The Seattle Mariners baseball team decided to adopt a mascot to boost team spirit. More importantly, they wanted to save a 4-year-old Labrador retriever mix from being euthanized. So, they didn’t hesitate to adopt the beautiful dog, whom they named Tucker.

Fans instantly adored the team mascot and the story behind his adoption. He became so popular that the team decided to make social media pages for him. They regularly update the pages with photos and videos of the loving dog. Fans enjoy following his journey and seeing how a typical day in Tucker’s life unfolds.

The Seattle Mariners also use Tucker’s social media pages to remind fans that many animals need homes forever. Like Tucker, they’re in danger of euthanasia if shelters can’t find someone to adopt them. Pets require great care and attention, but they have much love to give in return.

According to the baseball team, their new mascot will only represent the team and not fetch discarded bats or foul balls. Of course, like most retrievers, he immensely enjoys chasing after balls! However, he would most likely distract the team and fans by retrieving balls during the game. So, he will settle for cuddling with fans and his new teammates.

A Twitter post written by the mascot known as the Mariners pup said, “My name’s Tucker, I’m a 4-year-old lab/retriever mix and I was just adopted by the @Mariners clubhouse from OkanDogs! I am going to get to hang out at the ballpark all the time, travel with the squad and enjoy my very own unlimited supply of baseballs. It does not get better than this!”

My name’s Tucker, I’m a 4-year-old lab/retriever mix and I was just adopted by the @Mariners clubhouse from OkanDogs!

I’m gonna get to hang out at the ballpark all the time, travel with the squad and enjoy my very own unlimited supply of baseballs. Doesn’t get better than this! pic.twitter.com/F2KdirlDXO

— Tucker the Mariners Pup (@MarinersPup) August 6, 2022

Seattle Mariners Adopt a Team Mascot From OkanDogs

OkanDogs is an animal rescue service located in the Okanogan region of Washington. The organization’s vast geographic area offers very few animal resources. No humane societies, shelters, or county animal control officers exist to serve the area’s needs.

The OkanDogs website states, “It is out of this need OkanDogs came into being in 2014. We strive to locate the dogs, get them, fix them, and transport them to partner rescue organizations with the resources to relocate them to good homes.

“We ensure all of them are inoculated, spay/neutered, and microchipped. We provide free spaying for mama dogs when entrusted with a litter. We also have a donor-based Emergency Vet Fund to help injured and sick dogs that are indigent or stray.”

Jan and Tom Short opened the nonprofit in response to the woefully lacking animal services in greater North Central Washington. Since no public money gets allocated to animal shelters, they need they would have to rely on private donations. However, many residents stepped up to contribute to the cause and save stray animals.

So far, thousands of dogs have a better life thanks to OkanDogs, which provides funding, medical care, and adoption services. Puppies comprise two-thirds of the dog intakes at Okandogs, and most of them get adopted. Thanks to the Seattle Mariners adopting their mascot, Tucker became one of those success stories!

The organization’s adoption rate nears 100%, thanks to the careful selection of transfer partners who prioritize local dogs. In addition, the animal service boasts a near-zero euthanasia rate and overall fatality rate.

Due to their rapid response and exceptional care of dogs in need, OkanDogs has earned the community’s trust. As the organization expands, followers and supporters continue to grow as well.

The Seattle Mariners seem to approve of their work, as evidenced by the new mascot! If you live in the Okanogan region of Washington, consider stopping by the shelter to show your support. You can adopt an adorable rescue dog like Tucker, foster an animal, or volunteer at the facility.

Five Other Ways to Help Your Local Animal Shelter

How else can you help if you want to get involved with pet rescue?

1. Walk the Shelter Dogs.

Dogs require daily exercise, but shelter staff often struggle to walk all the dogs. Volunteers can help bridge that gap by taking dogs on walks, and almost anyone can do it. As long as you feel confident behind a leash and don’t have a fear of dogs, shelters could use your help. Plus, walking dogs will benefit your physical health as well.

2. Feed the Animals.

Shelters also have difficulty feeding animals and welcome any assistance they can get. Simply filling bowls with water and food can help immensely and allow staff to perform other duties. Also, providing animal care can feel rewarding and help you form a connection with shelter animals.

3. Groom the Animals.

Think of how fulfilled you would feel if a dog you cared for became a team mascot or family pet. Brushing and grooming the animals increases their chances of adoption, as most people want a well-maintained pet to take home. Not to mention, a well-maintained animal will feel more comfortable and happy during their time in the shelter.

4. Clean the Kennels.

While some people consider cleaning kennels a dirty job, someone must do it. Keeping kennels free of debris and waste ensures that diseases won’t spread throughout the shelter. Most importantly, maintaining the kennel provides animals with a clean area to enjoy.

5. Give the Cats Cuddles.

Being in a shelter for extended periods can cause stress for many animals. Even if shelters provide exceptional care, animals still feel anxious due to the unfamiliar, noisy environment. However, cuddling relieves stress and encourages cats to socialize, helping them become more adoptable.

Final Thoughts on a Mascot Dog Who Got a Second Chance

The Seattle Mariners decided to adopt a mascot dog named Tucker to save it from euthanasia. The team gave the beautiful Labrador retriever mix a second chance while spreading awareness about needy animals. Fans seem to adore the loving 4-year-old dog and enjoy cuddling with him at games!

The team mascot doesn’t fetch foul balls, but he represents the team by simply being himself. He brightens his teammates’ lives in addition to his supporters, and the team feels grateful to have him around.

What Are Your Turnoffs According to Your Zodiac Sign?

September 6, 2022 by Chris Butler

Have you ever wondered why some people irritate you more than others? Even when attracted, their personality or actions are turnoffs in relationships. You may be surprised to discover that these pet peeves may connect to your zodiac sign.

Wouldn’t it be fantastic if you could see your perfect match in a crystal ball? While that’s not probable, you can learn by matching your Zodiac signs. Here are the twelve astrological signs and the things that irritate them the most.

1. Aries: March 21 – April 19

Symbol: Ram
Position: 0-30 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Mars

Aries Turnoffs in Relationships:

•Underestimation: Aries are usually natural leaders, and they know how to accomplish their goals. If the Ram is your sign, a romantic attraction may fizzle if your person of interest underestimates your abilities. You are intelligent and hardworking and resent anyone who doubts you.

•Ignoring You: While you’re not an attention-hogging narcissist, you will not allow others to ignore you. When your significant other puts you last on their priority list, the chances are that you’ll be irate. Not paying you enough attention is one of those turnoffs that could break the attraction.

•Not Listening: You are a good communicator, Aries, and you practice active listening. People who constantly interrupt you and don’t listen to what you’re saying only invite your frustration. Being cut off in the middle of a sentence brings the Aries fire out in you, as it’s one of your turnoffs.

2. Taurus: April 20 – May 20

Symbol: Bull
Position: 30-60 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Venus

Taurus Turnoffs:

•Messing with your schedule: Taurus, you’re a fixed sign, thriving with order and routine. Nothing makes you see red more than a chronically late person or someone who disrupts your schedule. You often have difficulties with change, and you don’t do well with surprises.

•Wastefulness: You may be more money-driven than some of the other signs, but you’re also frugal. People who throw money away on frivolous things won’t stay in your good graces, as it’s one of your turnoffs. You can’t stand when people waste your time, either.

3. Gemini: May 21 – June 20

Symbol: Twins
Position: 60-90 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Mercury

Gemini Turnoffs in Relationships:

•Boredom: According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, boredom stems from frustration and depression. For you, variety is the spice of life, and monotony won’t do. Anyone in a relationship with a Gemini like you must be spontaneous and adventurous for things to work.

•No communication: Your dual Gemini nature makes you even more talkative than some of the other signs. You thrive on meaningful communication and get miffed when someone gives you the silent treatment. Introverts and people of few words are one of your biggest turnoffs.

•Lecturing: Gemini is free to air spirits and doesn’t appreciate being lectured by anyone, especially a lover. You want the freedom to make your own mistakes and not have anyone hold you back. Those who hound you about something make you even more stubborn and independent.

4. Cancer: June 21-July 22

Symbol: Crab
Position: 90-120 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Water
Ruling Body: Luna, Earth’s Moon

Cancer Turnoffs:

•Criticism: Anyone who has an attraction to a Cancer must understand your emotional side. Like the phases of the moon, your moods are apt to be ever-changing. So, even the slightest criticism can hurt your self-esteem, as it’s one of your turnoffs.

•Being Stoic: As an emotional sign, it’s difficult for you to understand people who can’t or won’t show their feelings. It can come across to you as cold, uncaring, and apathetic. It’s not a characteristic you find appealing in a friend or lover.

5. Leo: July 23 – Aug. 22

Symbol: Lion
Position: 120-150 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Fire
Ruling Body: The Sun

Leo Turnoffs in Relationships:

•Public Confrontation: It makes as much sense to challenge a roaring lion as to try to confront a Leo publicly. While you can be understanding and patient, you’re outraged if a person hurts your pride. They’ll quickly get to see the fabled Leo temper.

•Being Controlled: Although some signs can naturally be submissive, Leo isn’t one of them. You’re used to doing things your way and resent others trying to boss and manipulate you. One of those turnoffs would make you lose attraction for a potential mate.

6. Virgo: Aug. 23 – Sept. 22

Symbol: The Maiden
Position: 150-180 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Mercury

Virgo Turnoffs:

•Laziness: Doing a job well is a passion for you, Virgo, and you tend to be a perfectionist. Likewise, you expect a love interest to have pride in what they do and an excellent work ethic. Those who fall short of the mark turn you off quickly.

•Bothering Your Things: You are a born organizer, and you believe in a place for everything and everything in its place. Perhaps a few things make you angrier than somebody messing with your stuff. While you’re not stingy, people taking liberties with your possessions is intolerable for you.

7. Libra: Sept. 23 – Oct. 22

Symbol: Set of Scales
Position: 180-210 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Venus

Turnoffs for a Venus:

•Pushiness: Air signs like Libra are fond of their rights and independence. One of your biggest turnoffs is a bossy or pushy person. You have a superb eye for detail and planning and don’t appreciate someone trying to control your life.

•Judgmental People: Just because your symbol of scales is synonymous with justice doesn’t mean you’re judgmental. You strive for peace and harmony and resent those who constantly judge others. They aren’t likely to become part of your inner circle or be a love interest.

8. Scorpio: Oct. 23 – Nov. 21

Symbol: Scorpion
Position: 210-240 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Water
Ruling Planet: Pluto

Relationship Turnoffs for Scorpio:

•Insecurity: Scorpio is one of the Zodiac signs that values self-confidence and positivity. These are characteristics that draw you to other people. However, those who are insecure and pessimistic make you turn away quickly.

•Liars: According to an article published by the University of Pennsylvania, honesty is a virtue that most people want in a relationship. Scorpios are solidly loyal, and you expect the same from a friend or mate. You won’t tolerate lying, and dishonest people usually don’t get a second chance from you.

9. Sagittarius: Nov. 22 – Dec. 21

Symbol: The Archer
Position: 240-270 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Fire
Ruling Planet: Jupiter

Sagittarius Turnoffs:

•People with No Sense of Humor: When folks search for a Zodiac sign for humor, they’ll be pleased with you, Sagittarius. You’re always good for a laugh, and you often bring levity to a tense situation. However, you don’t belong with a pessimist or someone humorless who can’t take a kind joke.

•Emotionally Needy People: It’s easy to be attracted to a Sagittarius like you. That’s because you’re one of the friendliest Zodiac signs. However, that doesn’t mean you want to hear them whine all the time. You’re a generous friend and close lover, but you won’t be anyone’s emotional dumping ground.

10. Capricorn: Dec. 22 – Jan. 19

Symbol: Mythical Creature Half Goat/Half Fish
Position: 270-300 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Earth
Ruling Planet: Saturn

Turnoffs for a Capricorn:

•Those Who Take Advantage: You work hard for what you have, Capricorn, and expect others to do the same. While you are a generous friend and mate, you won’t let people take you for granted. Nobody is going to be a mooch on your time or your dime.

•Pettiness: You have a Capricorn work ethic and are highly motivated and focused. Therefore, you can’t tolerate having your life interrupted by somebody’s pettiness. You see such drama as immature, and you want nothing to do with it.

11. Aquarius: Jan. 20 – Feb. 18

Symbol: Water Bearer
Position: 300-330 celestial longitude
Element: Air
Ruling Planet: Uranus

Turnoffs for Aquarius:

•Narcissists: As an Aquarian, you’re a born advocate, and you can’t understand self-absorbed people. You are a tireless worker for human rights and making your world a better place. While you’re one of the most open Zodiac signs, you have no tolerance for narcissistic personalities in relationships.

•Clingy People: You are a loyal friend and significant other. However, you’re an air sign, and you need the freedom to breathe. Emotional clingy people zap your energy and get on your nerves in no time.

12. Pisces: Feb. 19 – March 20

Symbol: Fish
Position: 330-360 degrees celestial longitude
Element: Water
Ruling Planet Neptune

Turnoffs for Pisces:

•Inflexibility: Your symbol of Pisces is a double fish, which means you can go either way the water takes you. You’re resilient and adaptive to change and need the same in a friend or partner. Those who can’t be flexible will only frustrate you.

•Ungratefulness: You’re a compassionate sign, Pisces, and you are often the first to count your blessings. However, you are quickly turned off by people who aren’t grateful. If they can’t appreciate you and the things you do, they probably won’t have a chance with you.

Final Thoughts on Turnoffs According to Your Astrological Sign

Like a magnet, some characteristics and actions attract and repel people. While your astrological sign generalizes your personality, it can help you interpret what turns you off about others. The more you know about yourself, the more you can find those who complement you.

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