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15 Quotes to Appreciate Your Forever Best Friend

August 14, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Friendship brings joy, laughter, comfort, and much more to our lives. A best friend is someone who challenges you to become a better version of yourself and loves you unconditionally. When you want to appreciate them, quotes are one of the best ways to do it.

Friendship is a blessing that evolves, grows, and deepens. Some friends become close enough to be family, and you should cherish these relationships. They’ll want to see you do well, and they’ll be comforting and supportive through everything.

Using quotes to celebrate can remind you how much your forever best friend means to you. Send the quotes to your friend, use them in a card, or create a gift with a quote to show how much you appreciate them. These heartwarming messages are perfect for any friendship, helping you put words to your feelings.

Your best friend is there through the ups and downs and loves you through everything. Even when you’re apart, you feel their friendship within you. These people impact your life in ways you can’t imagine, and these quotes will help you describe the appreciation.

Fifteen Quotes to Appreciate Your Best Friend

You can’t replace a best friend, so take the time to appreciate them and their presence in your life. They help you become a better version of yourself and love you every step of the way. These quotes can help you put it into perspective with the perfect words.

1 – “A good friend is a connection to life — a tie to the past, a road to the future, the key to sanity in a totally insane world.” – Lois Wyse

A forever best friend knows all about you. They understand your past, where you want to go in the future, and help keep you sane. With a good friend, you’ll always feel connected to life because your person is there.

2 – “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” – Albert Schweitzer

We all have hard times and go through periods where we forget who we are and what we stand for. A friend can help you find that inner fire again.
They help you find the meaning of life and remind you of who you are. Show appreciation for those who rekindle your inner fire and allow you to find happiness again.

3 – “There are three things that grow more precious with age; old wood to burn, old books to read, and old friends to enjoy.” – Henry Ford

Old friends are incredibly meaningful. The longer your relationship continues, the more significant it becomes. Your oldest friends should hold a special place in your heart because they are one of the most enjoyable parts of life.

4 – “That’s when I realized what a true friend was. Someone who would always love you – the imperfect you, the confused you, the wrong you – because that is what people are supposed to do.” – R. J. L.

When you realize you have a friend who loves you no matter what, you know you’ve found your person. They’ll love your imperfections and moments of confusion and even love you when you do something wrong.

Even if they speak up about your behavior, they still care. Best friends only speak up because they want you to become a better version of yourself.

5 – “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell

It seems like most of your friends disappear if things go wrong in your life. However, a best friend will be there no matter what you’re going through. They don’t leave because they want to be there to support you and help in any way they can.

Even if they can’t help, they’ll be there to listen, keep you company, or do anything else you need. Cherish these friends because you know they can be forever best friends.

6 – “Friendship isn’t about who you’ve known the longest. It’s about who walked into your life, said, “I’m here for you”, and proved it.” – Unknown

Your forever best friend doesn’t have to be someone you’ve known for many years. Some of the best people you ever meet are ones you haven’t known for a long time. As long as they show up for you and prove they care, they’re someone you can keep around forever.

7 – “Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” – Amy Poehler

Your friends should challenge and inspire you, helping you become a better version of yourself. They want to see you do well, and they will help you along the way. If you find these people, make sure you appreciate them and tell them that you recognize their positivity in your life.

8 – “A friend is one who overlooks your broken fence and admires the flowers in your garden.” – Unknown

No one’s life is perfect, and your best friend doesn’t expect yours to be. Other people might point out the flaws in your life, but a best friend points out the beauty. In their eyes, your goodness prevails anything else. If the flaws bother you, they’ll be more than willing to help you fix them. Otherwise, they see no reason to even think about it.

9 – “In the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, for in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed.” – Khalil Gibran

Friendship brings more joy than most other situations in life. It brings laughter and feelings of refreshment when you need them the most.

10 – “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey

As Oprah explains, everyone wants to be there for the good times. You’ll be surrounded by people when you’re doing well and feeling happy. However, many people disappear from your life when things aren’t going well. You’ll know who your forever best friend is by seeing who sticks around during the hard times in your life.

11 – “Every friendship goes through ups and downs. Dysfunctional patterns set in; external situations cause internal friction; you grow apart and then bounce back together.” – Mariella Frostrup

If your relationship wavers, it’s okay and doesn’t mean it’s doomed to end. All relationships go through hard times, and you might not see each other for a while. However, once you reconnect, it bounces back like nothing ever happened. If you have someone like this in your life, they’re a friend destined to last forever.

12 – “Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.” – Richard Bach

The people who get you will understand you quickly. They won’t be a good friend if someone can’t appreciate who you are when they meet you. How long you know someone doesn’t matter because a real friend knows who you are.

13 – “The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing… not healing, not curing… that is a friend who cares.” – Henri Nouwen

Kind words or gestures can’t cure your pain. Some people stick around long enough to see that they can’t do anything and leave. A best friend realizes they can’t do anything and stay, want to be there to support you, and let you know you’re not alone. If someone wants to be there even when they can’t do anything, they’re a forever best friend.

14 – “Don’t make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up.” – Thomas J. Watson

While you shouldn’t feel like you can’t be yourself around your friends, you still want to be careful. Find friends who encourage you to become a better version of yourself. They won’t want you to become complacent with your life, so they’ll push you to improve. If you’re lucky enough to have someone like this, don’t forget to show appreciation.

15 – “And what is a friend? More than a father, more than a brother: a traveling companion, with him, you can conquer the impossible, even if you must lose it later. Friendship marks a life even more deeply than love. Love risks degenerating into obsession, friendship is never anything but sharing.” – Elie Wiesel

Blood relatives are important, but friendship can be even more than that. Some friends are your chosen family and the ones you look forward to spending all your time with.
Falling in love is unique, too, but it can become more intense and unpredictable. As Wiesel explains, your friends leave a lasting mark on your life and involve nothing more than sharing.

Final Thoughts on Quotes to Appreciate Your Friendship

Your friends love you unconditionally, so take the time to appreciate them. These quotes can help you remember how much your friends mean to you. Don’t forget to share the quotes with your best friend to let them know how you feel.
Embrace the special people in your life who bring joy to each day. Don’t miss a second to show appreciation. These words of wisdom can help you find a way to describe how important your friend is to your life.

9 Lifestyle Changes for a Healthy Liver

August 13, 2022 by Chris Butler

Your liver is one of the known organs in your body. “Known” because your body is so complicated that researchers still find new systems which help your body function. This football-sized organ works hard to keep you healthy. But if you’re not careful, some lifestyle choices can harm your liver. You may not even know your liver isn’t working properly. That’s because liver disease has few symptoms. Don’t worry. You can have a healthy liver with a few simple lifestyle changes.

We reveal nine lifestyle changes and the best habits for optimal health.

Liver facts you may not know

Your liver weighs approximately three pounds. It lives near the upper right section of your abdomen, just below your diaphragm. As the largest organ in your body, it has over 500 jobs. Liver disorders include the following:

Liver disease
Hepatitis
Liver cancer
Cirrhosis

Liver disease comes from lifestyle choices, genetics, infections, or autoimmune diseases.

What does your liver do?

Your liver is busy keeping you healthy. Some of its jobs include:

Makes albumin: Albumin is a blood protein that carries drugs, fatty acids, and hormones throughout your body. Your liver also makes blood clotting substances when an injury causes bleeding.
Produces bile: Bile is a chemical that helps your liver turn fat into energy. Without bile, your body couldn’t digest foods.
Removes waste: When you absorb an unhealthy, toxic substance, your liver helps remove it from your body.
Bilirubin remover: Your liver works to remove bilirubin from bile. Too much bilirubin causes jaundice and yellowing of your skin.
Maintain glucose levels: Your liver maintains the proper glucose level in your body. It moves glucose to your blood or removes glucose if there’s too much in your blood.
Controls immune system responses: If viruses, bacteria, or other harmful organisms attack your body, specific cells in your liver can destroy them.

How do you know if you have a healthy liver?

Getting a blood test is the best way to know if your liver is healthy. This test measures your liver function. There are at-home liver function tests you can order online or ask your naturopath to do a test.

What are the warning signs of liver disease?

Liver disease typically has no symptoms, but warning signs show you have liver problems. These include the following:

Itchy skin
Swollen abdomen
Nausea
Jaundice-yellowing of your skin or in the whites of your eyes
Swelling of your legs or ankles
Dark urine
Pale stools
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Bruising easily
Vomiting

Nine Lifestyle changes for a healthy liver

Before your liver gets damaged, here are nine lifestyle changes you can make to improve the health of your liver.

1 – Avoid dirty needles

Taking drugs damages your liver. This lifestyle has many dangerous side effects beyond liver damage. Drug addiction leads to many poor choices, and using dirty needles puts you in danger of liver disease. Get a test immediately if you or someone else has penetrated your skin with a dirty needle or sharp utensil. It’s rare, but there are even situations where hospitals have accidentally used dirty needles. Of course, this warning includes tattoos and body piercings where needles are used. Don’t share personal hygiene things like razors or nail clippers. You’re the best advocate for your health. If you’re concerned, take action and go to an emergency room. Your life could depend upon it.

2 – Practice safe sex for a healthy liver

Unprotected sex with many partners increases the risk of hepatitis B and C. Both cause liver damage. Left untreated, they can cause death due to liver disease.

3 – Wash your hands

It’s a simple, hygienic practice. Wash your hands with warm water and soap after you change a diaper, use the bathroom, or prepare food. Washing your hands prevents the spread of Hepatitis. This type of hepatitis is a dangerous liver disease that spreads from person to person. Anybody can get it, especially if you don’t wash your hands before you prepare or eat food or drinks. It spreads through close contact with someone who has Hepatitis A.

4 – Stay at a healthy weight for a healthy liver

According to studies, approximately 30% to 45% of Americans carry excess fat in their liver. A fatty liver can lead to liver disease. Weight loss reduces liver fat and helps you fight liver disease. Recommended lifestyle changes include weight loss if you’re overweight, exercise, and eating a healthy diet to decrease fat. Even a small amount of weight loss makes a big difference in preventing liver damage.

5 – Eat a balanced diet for a healthy liver

Eating high calorie, saturated fats, and refined carbs lead to unhealthy habits that can lead to liver disease. Your healthy diet should include

Fiber
Fresh, whole fruits
Whole vegetables
Brown grains like whole wheat flour and brown rice
Good fats like olive oil, seeds, and nuts
Drink lots of water

6 – Follow directions on all medication

You may have realized that taking too much medication or wrong can damage your liver. Mixing alcohol and medicines can also harm your liver. Other potentially dangerous “medical” items you take that can damage your liver include the following:

Herbal medicines or supplements
Herbal teas, if mixed with over-the-counter or prescription drugs such as heart medication
Non-FDA-approved supplements from other countries. You don’t know what is in these supplements.
Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if taken in excess, will damage your liver

7 – Avoid toxins

You come in contact with certain toxins daily that can damage your liver. Things like cleaning products, aerosol products, chemicals, additives, and insecticides will damage your liver. If your job requires you to use any of these, wear a mask on the job. At home, choose natural ingredients when cleaning your home. Avoid using aerosol sprays. But if, for instance, you want to paint with spray paint, choose a well-ventilated area such as a garage with an open door or even outside. Be sure to wear a mask while you’re spray painting.

8 – Limit how much alcohol you drink

Alcohol is number one on the list of things that can damage your liver. Use alcohol responsibly. Adults who are at a legal drinking age should drink in moderation. This means no more than two alcoholic drinks daily for men and one alcoholic drink for women. A heavy drinker is considered a man who drinks at least four drinks a day or 14 alcoholic drinks in a week. Or a woman who drinks three alcoholic drinks per day or seven weekly. One alcohol rehab clinic explains how long-term advises that long-term abuse of alcohol can even lead to liver scarring.

By making simple lifestyle changes, such as limiting your alcohol intake, you can reduce the damage to your liver and prevent more damage from occurring.

9 – For a healthy liver, stay physically active

A healthy liver contains a small amount of fat. Fatty liver disease is when too much fat is built up in your liver. A fatty liver is one with 5% to 10% of your liver’s weight in fat. Lifestyle changes like staying physically fit can help you maintain your weight and reduce the fat in your body. Exercise also detoxes your liver and helps reduce fat build-up. Try to engage in some blood-pumping exercise at least 150 minutes per week. It can be anything that you enjoy but gets your heart rate up.

Dancing
Running
Bike riding
Swimming
Hiking
Skating
Surfing

Final thoughts on the importance of a healthy liver

It’s easy to live as if your body will always be healthy. It’s sobering to realize that simple everyday lifestyle choices could cause a lifetime of heartache if you end up with the disease. Overindulging in food, alcohol, or recreational drugs can cause liver disease. It’s important to understand these ten lifestyle changes to include in your life for a healthy liver. Breaking your bad habits and starting new healthy habits toward a robust and healthy liver is possible. You are the only one who can make healthy choices for your life.

Editorial Note 8/24/2023: Added link to authority source.

16 Quotes When You Need to Be More Self-Accepting

August 13, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Being self-accepting means that you embrace who you are without condition. You love the good things about yourself as well as the bad. It’s a valuable quality because self-love can improve your overall well-being.

When you need inspiration, these quotes about being more self-accepting can help you. They cover topics from self-love to self-growth and everything in between. It’ll encourage you to focus on self-compassion, allowing you to treat yourself respectfully.

Being self-accepting requires embracing who you are and loving your imperfections. A lack of self-acceptance stems from low self-esteem, but you can overcome it and learn to love yourself.

These quotes will help you see through your shortcomings and accept yourself fully. Acknowledging the good things about yourself is easy, but you must embrace everything. Once you learn to love your weaknesses, failures, and flaws, you can move forward and grow.

Sixteen Quotes When You Need to Be More Self-Accepting

These words of wisdom come from people who have worked toward being more self-accepting. They know the struggle but also know you can overcome a lack of self-love. Use these wise words as inspiration to embrace who you are right now.

1 – “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” – Thich Nhat Hanh.

All you need to be beautiful is self-love. As long as you like who you are, it doesn’t matter what others think about you.

2 – “Whatever you are doing, love yourself for doing it. Whatever you are feeling, love yourself for feeling it.” – Thaddeus Golas

Love everything about yourself, including what you’re doing and how you feel. Embrace each moment and feeling, and don’t ever feel bad about it.

3 – “Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.” – Lao Tzu

When you accept yourself, you won’t have to convince others to like you. You won’t care about the approval of others because self-acceptance is all that matters. Worry about yourself, and the rest falls into place.

4 – “Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise Hay

This wise quote about being self-accepting is brilliant. You don’t get anywhere by criticizing yourself. It hasn’t worked for you in the past, and it won’t start to work in the future.

Shift your mindset and stop criticizing yourself. Embrace who you are and focus on self-love. You won’t know the good it can bring until you try.

5 – “Nothing I accept about myself can be used against me to diminish me.” – Audre Lorde

No one can use it against you when you accept everything about yourself. Someone can mention it and try to hurt you, but it won’t work. When you love yourself, no one can use your flaws or mistakes to make you feel bad about yourself.

6 – “In order to love who you are, you cannot hate the experiences that shaped you.” – Andrea Dykstra

You might not love your past, but it’s part of who you are today. Rather than think back on your experiences with disdain, learn to appreciate them. Self-acceptance comes more manageable when you can embrace everything that shaped you.

7 – “I was once afraid of people saying, ‘Who does she think she is?’ Now I have the courage to stand and say, ‘This is who I am.’” – Oprah Winfrey

Never be afraid to be true to yourself. Speak up when you want to, and don’t diminish who you are for anyone.

As Winfrey explains, she used to be afraid, but now she is self-accepting. You can do the same, making the most of your unique qualities.

8 – “I now see how owning our story and loving ourselves through that process is the bravest thing that we will ever do.” – Brené Brown

Not everyone dares to love themselves, but you do. Show how brave you are by learning to appreciate yourself and doing what’s best for you. Your story is just as important as your present, so own it all and keep moving forward.

9 – “I think once I kind of got to a place of self-acceptance, looking past all the insecurities that I have, I’ve really grown so much as a person.” – Shannon Purser

When you can accept yourself as you are, you’ll grow into a better version of yourself. Accept your insecurities and appreciate that you’re not like everyone else.

It’ll help you align your life and find happiness and fulfillment. Self-acceptance is the only way to live a meaningful life and chase your dreams.

10 – “What self-acceptance does is open up more possibilities of succeeding because you aren’t fighting yourself along the way.” – Shannon Ables

If you don’t accept yourself, you’ll feel a constant battle. You’ll never feel good enough, and your mind will be full of negative self-talk.

Rather than letting this happen, love yourself as you are right now. If you cannot be self-accepting, you won’t continually fight to move forward and find happiness.

11 – “Trying to please everyone, in every way, is a race you’ll never win. You can spend all day measuring what people like and don’t like, but don’t let it change who you are. You are unique for a reason. Every single person is not going to vibe with everything, and that’s ok.” – Kristen Butler

You’ll never be able to please everyone, but you can make yourself happy. Stop paying attention to what others like and stay true to yourself.

Not everyone will like everything about you, but you’ll feel good if you love yourself. Accept yourself despite what others think because, as Butler explains, you can’t make everyone happy. Focus on self-love, and everything will work out in the end.

12 – “Accepting yourself is about respecting yourself. It’s about honoring yourself right now, here today, in this moment. Not just who you could become somewhere down the line.” – Kris Carr

If you don’t respect yourself, you can’t accept who you are. Focus on self-respect and treating yourself as you would treat a friend or loved one. Acceptance will quickly follow if you treat yourself well and respect who you are.

13 – “When you stop living your life based on what others think of you real life begins. At that moment, you will finally see the door of self acceptance opened.” – Shannon L. Alder

Living your life based on what others want won’t make you happy. You’ll never feel fulfilled if you continue to live that way. Let go of what other people think and only worry about what you think. When you stop living for others, you will be more self-accepting.

14 – “To be nobody but yourself in a world that’s doing its best to make you somebody else is to fight the hardest battle you are ever going to fight. Never stop fighting.” – E. E. Cummings

Society convinces many people that they must be like those around them. It seems like everyone fights to be better at the same things rather than focusing on their individuality. If you can push past that societal pressure, you’ll release so much stress and tension from your life. Accepting yourself allows you to set yourself apart from the crowd, and it’s well worth it.

15 – “Instead of trying to mend me, I decided to enjoy me. Instead of trying to solve me, I decided to discover me. It was one of the best decisions of my life.” – S.C. Laurie

You can spend your life trying to change your flaws and imperfections. However, it won’t make you feel any better. Stop trying to fix yourself and focus on loving who you are. You are perfect as you are right now, and when you accept it, you’ll become the best version of yourself. Make sure you embrace who you are rather than fighting against what’s best for your life.

16 – “Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.” – Veronica A. Shoffstall

If you wait for someone else to make your life enjoyable, you’ll continue waiting forever. Instead, accept that this is your life and improve it. Do the things that make your soul happy and increase your self-love–and you’ll be glad you started.

Final Thoughts on Quotes When You Need to Increase Your Self-Love

Being more self-accepting is one of the best things you can do for yourself. Accepting yourself allows you to move forward to reach your goals. It also encourages happiness and life fulfillment.

Use these quotes to help you become more self-accepting. They can serve as a reminder during hard times and give you a boost of confidence the rest of the time. Choose a few favorite quotes to keep in a place you’ll see every day.

Survey Shows 81% of US Military Wants Vegan Meals

August 13, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

An animal rights group Mercy for Animals poll found that 81% of US military members want vegan meals. Currently, vegan meals and MREs aren’t an option for service members. They can only choose from meals with animal protein or vegetarian dishes.

The organization polled 226 soldiers in all positions of the US military about their dietary preferences. Mercy for Animals utilized the survey platform Qualtrics to perform the poll. They found the respondents with Cint, a digital insights company.

Their survey revealed that most people identified as omnivores – about 58%. However, more than 23% of respondents wanted to cut down on animal products. 5.3% identified as flexitarians, 7.3% as vegetarians, and vegans made up only 3.5%. Only 1.8% of people said they followed a pescatarian diet.

Poll Finds 81% of US Military Wants Vegan Meals

Despite most of the respondents eating animal products, an astonishing 81% of military members want vegan meals. 69% said the military should provide plant-based MREs as well. Surprisingly, over 50% of people polled said they would choose vegan MREs over animal-based ones if they could.

Many service members had environmental concerns about food options as well. No matter what diet they followed, 70% of respondents would choose sustainable meals if the military made them available. 81% said they also wanted more climate-friendly MREs, the same percentage as those wanting vegan meals.

Mercy for Animals also asked participants if they believed vegan meals had more health and environmental benefits than animal-based meals. Over half (52%) said they strongly agreed or agreed that vegan meals lead to improved health. 51% of respondents also believed that plant-based foods enhanced their energy levels more than omnivorous options.

63% also believed that plant-based foods had less environmental impact than animal products. In addition, the poll found that 69% of service members noticed more of their friends trying plant-based products than in the past.

What the Experts Say About the Trend Towards a Vegetarian Lifestyle

“Our research suggests service members are aware of the nutritional and environmental impact of their food choices,” said Dr. Courtney L. Dillard, MFA’s social change researcher and the study’s lead researcher.

“As the US military continues to seek ways to best support the overall health and diverse needs of its loyal service members, we’re calling on lawmakers to require all military branches to provide plant-based MRE options.”

While service members rely on MREs in the field, only about 17% are vegetarian. Currently, the military doesn’t offer any vegan MREs.

Mercy for Animals encourages the public to contact state government officials about offering vegan meals for military members. The 2023 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) can address this and support the creation of plant-based MREs. If you’d like to show your support, you can do so here.

The popularity of Vegan Meals Keeps Growing in the Military.

Even though the US military doesn’t offer vegan meals in MREs, vegan entrees have gained popularity. In fact, a US army dining facility in Fort Sill, Oklahoma, began serving troops vegan options with every meal. After a soldier requested, the Guns and Rockets Dining Facility expanded its menu to include plant-based meals.

Currently, it’s the only dining facility in the army that provides vegan meals and side dishes to service members.

“We began testing items in February 2018 and were fully operational with labeling and an option at every meal by July 2018,” Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jeremy Patterson told the military outlet Stars and Stripes. “Now, we sell out of the plant-based entrée at every meal.”

“We didn’t change the menu. We just substitute the meat within the dish. Instead of chicken enchiladas on Taco Tuesday, we use black beans, and instead of beef stir fry, we use tofu. We are not reinventing the wheel with recipes. We are just taking the recipe and substituting some ingredients.”

Patterson said he hopes other army dining facilities will catch onto the trend and offer vegan meals.

Thankfully, it seems that his wish came true. The United States Coast Guard Training Center Yorktown recently began serving elaborate vegan meals in its main dining hall. The students at the training school enjoyed having plant-based options, as 10% identified as vegan in 2020.

Meatless Meals Aren’t Just For Vegans.

They got to choose between creative vegan meals like lemon-turmeric pasta with sundried tomatoes and pistachios, creamy carrot ginger soup, and jackfruit bulgogi bowls.

The meal program became so popular that even non-vegan students chose plant-based options. The training center won an award from PETA, honoring its progress in offering vegan meals.

In 2021, the South Korean defense ministry also confirmed offering vegetarian and vegan meals. While they wanted to accommodate Muslim military enlistees, anyone could ask for meatless meals when they signed up.

In the US, the military keeps a reserve of prepackaged vegan meals, but they’re not for soldiers. A Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) spokesperson revealed that the meals instead get distributed as humanitarian aid to civilians. While they technically aren’t labeled vegan, they contain only minimal animal products such as milk or cheese.

Since vegan foods have a longer shelf life and cost less than animal products, they’re a better choice for humanitarian aid. Also, vegan meals can more easily be made halal.

Plant-based foods have started to catch on worldwide, in both the military and civilian world.

Final Thoughts on Survey Showing Most Military Members Want Vegan Meals

A recent Mercy for Animals survey, which included 226 US service members, found that 81% want vegan meals. Currently, only 17% of meals offer vegetarian options, while none cater to vegans. However, this may change with the passing of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act. MFA hopes to bring more awareness that more service members want plant-based options.

In other countries like South Korea, the plant-based diet has also grown in popularity. The military recently began offering vegetarian and vegan options to cater to Muslim enlistees. Several military dining halls in the US have also started serving troops plant-based meals. As veganism grows, we will likely see more schools and other institutions providing vegan options.

Study Confirms That Diet and Exercise Are Key to a Longer Life

August 13, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

If you want a longer life, follow a healthy diet and exercise regimen. A new study confirms that these two lifestyle factors matter the most in preserving health. On the other hand, vitamins and supplements may have a neutral or even negative impact on well-being.

Many rely on multivitamins and various supplements for nutrients they may not get in their diets. In fact, U.S. adults spent around $50 billion on vitamins and supplements in 2021. Some of these supplements may have benefits, but scientists say they’re not necessary for health.

The researchers added that for non-pregnant, healthy Americans, vitamins have no nutritional or health value. Some people take them to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease or cancer. However, no clinical trials have proven a link between vitamins and lower disease risk.

“Patients ask all the time, ‘What supplements should I be taking?’ They’re wasting money and focus thinking there has to be a magic set of pills that will keep them healthy when we should all be following the evidence-based practices of eating healthy and exercising,” said Dr. Jeffrey Linder, chief of general internal medicine in the department of medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Linder and colleagues from Northwestern Medicine published their research in JAMA Network on June 21. The report suggests new recommendations from the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). This independent panel of experts makes scientifically-backed recommendations about clinical preventive measures.

Recently, the USPSTF performed a meta-analysis of 84 studies on the effectiveness of vitamins. Based on this review, they revised guidelines about taking multivitamins, paired supplements or single supplements. They found “insufficient evidence” to support that supplements led to a longer life and reduced disease risk in healthy adults.

Diet and Exercise Play Largest Role in Longevity

Linder added that the task force isn’t condemning vitamins but rather questioning their efficacy. If they led to a longer life, we would have evidence supporting this by now. On the other hand, research shows that specific vitamins can have a detrimental impact on health.

In fact, the task force found that taking beta-carotene supplements can increase the risk of lung cancer. Also, they advised against taking vitamin E supplements, determining that they have no impact on lowering cardiovascular disease or cancer risk. They also do not affect reducing mortality.

“The harm is that talking with patients about supplements during the very limited time we get to see them, we’re missing out on counseling about how to really reduce cardiovascular risks, like through exercise or smoking cessation,” Linder said.

Still, vitamins and supplements remain popular in the US, with over half Americans consuming them. Linder and his colleagues believe supplements will only increase in the future.

They say that people who buy vitamins believe they’re investing in their health and ensuring a longer life. Some don’t have the time or income to prepare fresh foods, so they turn to vitamins to supplement their diet.

This seems like a logical approach since fruits and vegetables lead to reduced disease risk in general. And, if you can receive the same benefits in pill form, why invest time and energy in maintaining a balanced diet?

Some People Can Still Benefit From Vitamins

However, the researchers explain that vitamins alone can’t offer the same benefits as whole fruits and vegetables. Fresh foods combine vitamins, fiber, phytochemicals, and micronutrients that interact to provide health benefits. Taking vitamins alone may not have the same effect as eating whole foods that naturally contain life-sustaining compounds.

However, the researchers added that people who have vitamin deficiencies can still benefit from taking supplements. For instance, older adults who take calcium and vitamin D could prevent bone fractures or osteoporosis. This could help ensure a longer life for the elderly.

In addition, pregnant women or women trying to get pregnant should still take a multivitamin.

“Pregnant individuals should keep in mind that these guidelines don’t apply to them,” said Cameron, a Northwestern Medicine physician. “Certain vitamins, such as folic acid, are essential for pregnant women to support healthy fetal development. The most common way to meet these needs is to take a prenatal vitamin. More data is needed to understand how specific vitamin supplementation may modify risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes and cardiovascular complications during pregnancy.”

But, Longer Life is Mostly Dependent on Lifestyle Factors

Another study from Northwestern discovered that many women in the US have suboptimal heart health before pregnancy. Therefore, Cameron added that doctors should work with patients to enhance cardiovascular health as part of their prenatal care. Vitamin supplementation can help ensure a healthy pregnancy, but other factors such as diet and exercise, are equally important.

Despite the abundant knowledge about health in the modern era, many people suffer from chronic diseases. Dr. Jenny Jia, a co-author of the editorial, said it’s unsurprising that most of the disease burden falls on low-income families.

Due to costs and safety concerns, they have an exceptionally hard time maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. The US food industry manufactures many cheap, hyper-palatable foods, making healthy foods inaccessible to many. However, by prioritizing nutritious foods, industries could ensure a longer life for millions.

“To adopt a healthy diet and exercise more, that’s easier said than done, especially among lower-income Americans,” said Jia, an instructor of general internal medicine at Feinberg and a Northwestern Medicine physician. “Healthy food is expensive, and people don’t always have the means to find environments to exercise — maybe it’s unsafe outdoors or they can’t afford a facility. So, what can we do to try to make it easier and help support healthier decisions?”

Final Thoughts on Study Proving Diet and Exercise Lead to Longer Life

Jia also studies the prevention of chronic diseases through lifestyle changes in underprivileged communities. Throughout the past few years, she’s worked with food pantries and banks that provide free groceries for needy families. She tries to help clients choose healthier options at food banks while also educating the public about donating more nutritious foods. Hopefully, these measures will lead to a longer life and improved health for many.

In conclusion, there are no shortcuts to maintaining health and ensuring a longer life. The research by Northwestern Medicine scientists proves what we knew all along: diet and exercise are essential for wellbeing.

17 Things You’ll Miss About Being Single

August 12, 2022 by Chris Butler

New love is exciting, and it’s the stuff that fairy tales are made of. But, what about all those single days? Though you enjoy having someone to share your life with, there are plenty of things that you will miss about having some alone time.

Seventeen Things People in Happy Relationships Miss Most About Being Single

A long-term committed relationship comes with some sacrifices that many people overlook. While you love your partner, there are many things you’ll miss about the single life.

Do not feel guilty if you are happy in a relationship but still recall the good times you had when you flew solo. We all evolve in life–entering a new phase does not diminish the fond memories of the old one.

1. Single People Don’t Answer to Anyone

There’s an obligation to cook well-rounded meals when there’s more than just you in the home. While a burger and fries might suit a single person, you want to cook something better as a couple. Eating what you want and where you want is something that many people miss about their single days.

2. Eating Whatever You Want

When you’re part of a couple, you must consider their food likes and dislikes. If they hate pizza, it can mess up your Friday nights. What about taco Tuesday that they’re counting on? It makes things challenging when you don’t even like tacos.

Learning how to cook and eat with each other’s preferences in place can be a challenge. Though new love is exciting, trying to eat something they don’t like can be complicated.

3. A Single Alarm Clock

Gone are the days when only one alarm blared you into the day. If your partner has to get up before you, their alarm clock can be an annoyance that disturbs your sleep. The new love part is exciting, but you wish they wouldn’t need an alarm clock to get up.

4. Having the Bed to Yourself

Is there any better feeling than sleeping alone? You can lay sideways in the bed if you want to, and there’s no one hogging the covers. Having a bed to yourself allows you to get some of the best sleep in your life. When you bring another person into this space, things can get cramped.

5. Being Single Means Only Having One Schedule to Consider

While you and your partner will indeed like similar things, it’s highly doubtful that you will do everything alike. Sometimes they want to watch a game or go to a sports event, and you may not like sports.

When you’re with someone you love, it’s all about give and take. You must give up some of the things you love so that you can spend time doing something they like. If you’re not flexible, it will be challenging for a relationship to work.

6. You Can Stay Out as Late as You Want

You can come and go as you please when you’re not tied to someone else. So you don’t have to answer for that midnight run for a candy bar. Nor do you feel any pangs of guilt if you come home too late. There’s no need to feel guilty about going out with your friends for a drink.

7. Sleeping As Long as You Want When You Were Single

Remember those Saturday mornings when you slept till noon? If your partner is an early bird, they might not appreciate you sleeping in for so long.

Your time is your own when you’re single, and you love that there’s no one to answer to for sleeping too much. You can take an entire day to slumber, and no one cares when you’re by yourself.

8. Traveling Spontaneously

Remember those days when you would hop in your car and let the road take you wherever you wanted to go? Now, you must concern yourself with your partner’s schedule. What if they can’t get time off work? You may feel guilty being spontaneous when they’re stuck at home.

9. Giving Up your Self-Sufficient Independence

There’s a sense of self-sufficiency that comes with being single. Women don’t depend on men to change the lightbulb, fix the sweeper, and do those little things. It’s refreshing when you know you don’t need to depend on anyone else.

On the flip side, a man may like cooking and doing things like sewing on a button. Being by yourself allows you to learn how to care for yourself without depending on anyone, and it’s a beautiful feeling.

10. Your stuff Stays in the Same Location

When you live by yourself, nothing ever gets moved unless you’re the one to move it. However, when someone else is in your space, you might have to hunt for things that have been relocated. One of the best things about flying solo is that you have your system going on, and when you bring in a partner, they mess with the flow of things.

11. Engaging In More Self-Care

When you’re part of a couple, your time alone will decrease. Self-care is nothing you should ever cut back on, but when you’re with someone else, you might take this private time to be with them. If you’re going months without a haircut or struggling to get that pedicure, you must know that it’s vital to have time for yourself.

12. Single People Have the Most Personal Space

There’s not a person alive who doesn’t value personal space. Sometimes you need to be alone and shut the door. When you’re part of a couple, they may feel something is wrong, or you’re upset when you want to be alone. There’s always someone to answer to, which can complicate things.

13. Making Your Own Decisions

New love is fantastic, but sometimes you like how being single makes you more accessible. If there’s a decision about where you will live, work, or if you take that vacation, you don’t need to consider anyone else. Sometimes being with a partner can feel like you’re wings of freedom have been clipped a bit.

14. Not Answering to Anyone About Money

Being single means that you can spend or save as you desire. You don’t have to worry about someone else spending money you wanted to put back, and there’s no need to answer why you must have that $6 gourmet coffee each day. Your finances were yours to do with what you please, and you didn’t need to answer to anyone.

15. Single People Spend Less Time on Daily Hygiene

Shockingly, you will miss those times when you didn’t have to groom as much. Women might especially forget the no-shave winters, as now they must ensure their legs are always touchable and soft.

Men may want to go without shaving their beards, but it might irritate their partner’s face. There’s endless grooming when you’re with a partner, as you want to ensure that you’re not offensive and remain attractive.

16. The Excitement of the Chase

Some folks love dating. The thrill of a first date can be exhilarating. However, you don’t have anything to look forward to when you’re already with someone.

Being chased or pursued by a potential suitor is quite exciting. The flowers, candy, gifts, endless phone calls, and texts are motivating. Consequently, these things sort of end when you settle into a routine.

17. Using Fake Excuses to Get Out of Things

When dating, you could tell the little white lie to get out of things. Conversely, avoiding dreaded activities when they live with you is much more challenging. They know if you’re busy or not, and you certainly can’t make up somewhere to be when you’re with them 24×7.

According to relationship coach Sam Owen, even a little, tiny white lie can devastate your relationship. You must be upfront and honest about everything if you don’t want to return to those single days.

Final Thoughts on Things You Miss About Being Single

While there are certainly some things you will miss about your time alone, there’s so much more to life than being a party of one. Having someone to share your life with is one of the greatest blessings, as you know someone always has your back and is by your side. Think about all those cold nights when there’s no one to snuggle up to.

According to John Hopkins University, there are twelve elements to any good relationship. One of these essential elements is alone time. Just because you’re part of a couple doesn’t mean that you can’t or shouldn’t have some time alone. You need that space to regroup sometimes; the right person will understand and give you the necessary space. So enjoy your excellent new relationship, knowing it’s natural to remember those memories fondly from when you were single.

12 Behaviors a Loyal Partner Will Display

August 12, 2022 by Chris Butler

It’s normal to question if you have a loyal partner. They’re all heavy words– faith, honesty, truth, and loyalty. You may have some basic concept of these things, but it’s not until you’re in a fully committed relationship that you truly understand them.

You can be loyal to your favorite restaurant, your faith, or a sports team. Even these things take your time to develop that respect. Your favorite eatery earned a special place in your mind because of all the good experiences while dining with them. One thing you cannot do is force someone to be loyal to you. These are things that someone earns over a period.

Twelve Signs of a Loyal Partner

When you first start a relationship, you can’t expect this person to have the kind of devotion a couple of 25 years has developed. Just like your love blossoms and grows, so does your dedication. How do you know if you’re dating someone who is a loyal partner? Here are some signs of a dependable and devoted person that you should see from early on.

1. Their Phone and Email Accounts Are Not Hidden

It’s an honest person who leaves their phone on the table with you while they go to another room. They don’t try to hide texts, phone calls, or email messages. They’re transparent with their phone and don’t mind you going through them.

People who have something to hide will be very secretive with their phones. They will take calls in the other room, downplay texts, and act suspicious every time it rings. Someone who never deletes their history and is trustworthy with their phone is a keeper.

2. A Loyal Partner Maintains Appropriate Boundaries with Others

One of the biggest signs of a loyal partner is maintaining proper boundaries with others. Are they flirtatious with people when they’re with you, or are they sending nonverbal cues while in your presence? These are disrespectful actions that show they’re not loyal or committed.

You can bet this person has a wandering eye and won’t be faithful to you. Save yourself the heartache and move on. Someone in the relationship 100 percent will only have eyes for you. Even if someone flirts with them, they will politely turn them down.

3. They Show Consistency

Consistency is a part of loyalty. Your partner shows up daily and proves how devoted they are to you. You don’t have those games of hot/cold behavior where you can’t decide if they’re on today or off.

You know where you stand with them. They’re consistent in everything they do. You look forward to those cheesy texts each day because you know that you’re the first thing on their mind when they get up.

This person knows that the foundation of loyalty and faithfulness is consistency, and they’ve mastered it.

4. A Loyal Partner Will Keep Their Word

If someone tells you that they’re going to be at your front door to pick you up at six pm, you expect them to be there. You’re only as good as your word, and a loyal partner knows how to say what they mean and mean what they say.

You can count on this person to do what they promised they would do. When there are little broken promises every day, it puts a wedge between you. However, if you can count on them as you count on the sun to come up in the morning, you’ve found a loyal partner you should hold onto.

5. They Manage Their Emotions Effectively

If someone can manage their emotions, it shows they’ve matured. They know how to be empathetic towards you and the situations you find yourself in, and they’re loyal because they’re not constantly being spastic. Coping with stress is a constant battle in life, and you can’t have someone loyal to you unless they learn effective ways to cope with daily stressors.

Mental Health America warns that people who don’tknow how to manage their emotions will turn to things like bullying, self-harm, and substance abuse. You don’t want any of those things in a relationship, so ensure they can manage their stress effectively.

6. They’re Proud to Show You Off

There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the friend zone in a relationship. You want someone who isn’t afraid to show you off, as they’re proud you’re with them. They won’t hesitate to post your pictures on social media and declare their love publicly.

They want you to go to all their social events with them, as they can’t imagine one night without you. When someone is proud that you’re their other half, it shows loyalty and devotion.

7. They’re the Rock You Can Lean On

Your home is built on concrete footers, ensuring it’s not going anywhere. Wood is a vital building material but put into the ground can rot and decay over time. However, laying the solid rock foundation behind it makes it a tower of strength.

You want your partner to be as strong as you and your home’s foundation. They hold you up when everything around you seems to fall apart. They’re faithful, steadfast, and supportive. They know the right words to say to make even the darkest night seem brighter.

8. They Always Tell the Truth

What most people wouldn’t give to have a partner who tells the truth! Some people seem to have a problem with the very concept of the word. However, the truth is not a problem if you’ve found a loyal partner. They’re honest and transparent, qualities you want in any person.

9. They Embrace Routine and Change

If you know one thing about life, it’s constantly changing. What’s here today may be gone tomorrow. You want someone who can embrace change as well as routine.

There will be seasons in your life when everything seems mundane and boring, but these are the times you should relish the most. It won’t be long before everything turns upside down, and the foundation is the only thing you have remaining in your relationship. Being flexible is an admirable quality that helps you weigh out the ebbs and flows of life.

10. They Guard Your Secrets

A loyal partner is someone with whom you can be vulnerable without the fear of them telling your embarrassing stories. You know that you can tell them anything, and it will never go beyond the two of you.

They’re fiercely protective of you and won’t dare betray your trust. This is one of the impressive signs of loyalty in a relationship, and it’s a sign that this person is a keeper.

11. A Loyal Partner Displays Physical and Emotional Intimacy

Many people get hung up on physical intimacy, but the truth is that you need emotional intimacy too. Sometimes it’s things like wrapping your arms around them in a tight hug or patting their shoulder that mean so much. You don’t always have to connect intimately, as there are many other needs in a relationship.

12. They Always Talk Positively and Tell the Truth About You

Someone who is a loyal partner will say the same things to your face that they say when you’re not there. You don’t want someone who kisses you and then sticks a knife in your back when you turn around. Talking trash about your partner is not classy, and it just shows that they’re not a loyal person to you.

Your devoted partner should talk about you positively to others and be the first one to jump to your defense. Not only is this a sign of a healthy relationship, but it also shows that they’re 100 percent devoted to you.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Truth and Kindness a Loyal Partner Will Display

The truth is that a loyal partner is not always easy to find. Even the princess had to kiss a few frogs before one turned into a handsome prince. You want someone with whom you can grow individually and as a couple.

They should enhance your life and not further complicate it. Together, you can grow into a potent force that can stand the test of time.

7 Habits to Build a Healthier Relationship

August 12, 2022 by Chris Butler

Perhaps you’ve recently hit a few roadblocks in your love life and want to create a healthier relationship. Most of us desire a stress-free, happy romantic life full of kindness and empathy. But things don’t always work that way.

Life comes with many problems and challenges we must navigate, including in our relationships. However, we can learn to fortify our relationships, so external stressors don’t affect them as much.

7 Habits to Build a Healthier Relationship

Below, we’ll review a few essential habits that ensure a more fulfilling relationship–one filled with empathy for each other and compassion.

1. Practice Mindfulness With Your Partner.

To have a healthier relationship, you and your partner need quality time for each other. This isn’t always easy to accomplish with life’s pressures and demands. However, no relationship can survive if couples don’t try connecting and listening to one another. Being mindful means shutting out distractions so that your full attention goes to your partner.

So, to create a healthier relationship, turn off the TV, smartphones, and other devices in your partner’s company. This shows them that nothing will come between your time together. Your company email or Facebook feed will still be there later, but your partner needs your empathy now.

You don’t have to plan an elaborate date to enjoy each other’s company. Just sitting and talking with them could help you reconnect. In today’s world, many relationships have fallen victim to the digital revolution, with more people distracted than ever. However, we can begin restoring our relationships by being present for one another.

2. Allow Time For Fun Activities.

You may feel restless or bored if you’ve been with your partner for many years. Daily life is an endless cycle of commuting, working, making meals, and doing chores. Any relationship will lose its luster after a while, so making time for fun is essential.

Some studies indicate that even planning an exciting activity with your partner can spice things up. Doing something spontaneous, like taking a last-minute weekend trip, could reignite the spark you’ve been missing.

So, to build a healthier relationship, put aside work and chores for a while and have some fun! Go to a theme park, plan a trip to an exotic country, or even try a new restaurant in town. This will help you feel more satisfied in the relationship and let go of worries for a while.

3. Practice Active Listening and Respond With Empathy.

Sadly, many people today don’t make time to listen to one another truly. We have become human doings rather than beings, rushing from one place to the next. We have forgotten the art of slowing down, telling stories, and showing empathy for one another. You can see this in almost every interaction, not just romantic relationships.

So, if you want to repair communication with your partner, set down the devices and practice active listening. This involves looking your partner in the eyes when they speak and turning your full attention to them. It means not interjecting and listening until they have finished speaking. In essence, it means listening to understand rather than reply. When you respond, do so with empathy and kindness to convey the depth of your love.

People need to feel heard and seen to find happiness in relationships. So, show your authentic self and share your deepest thoughts with your partner. And give them the space and permission to do the same with you.

4. Approach Problems In the Relationship as a Team.

Many people would have healthier relationships if they had a team mentality. When problems arise, most people in relationships naturally go on the defense and get into arguments. They’re seeing issues from a “me vs. you” mindset instead of approaching them as a couple. However, finding a solution that benefits you both will strengthen the relationship.

5. Express Gratitude For Your Partner.

How often do you tell your partner “thank you” for something they’ve done? If you want a healthier relationship, it’s important to remind your SO of everything you love about them. You may not say it enough if you’ve been with them for many years. However, expressing gratitude about minor things, such as making coffee or washing your car, can make them feel appreciated.

5. Have a Nighttime Routine Together.

This one might seem strange, but having a nightly routine could help build a healthier relationship. If you have to do chores anyway, why not make it more fun by getting your partner involved?

It also offers bonding time, especially if you’ve both been at work all day. Brushing your teeth or making tea together may not sound all that exciting, but it’s another opportunity to connect.

Going to bed simultaneously can also benefit couples, as studies have shown it can boost REM sleep. So, to create a happier relationship, make time to unwind with your partner at night.

6. Turn the Negatives Into a Positive.

Every couple gets under each other’s skin at some point, but fighting over petty matters creates tension. For example, perhaps your boyfriend or husband isn’t pulling his weight regarding household chores. You may feel resentful or passive-aggressive if his behavior continues and he seems indifferent about it. However, instead of lashing out, take a more constructive approach by expressing your needs clearly and calmly. Rather than getting upset at them for their behavior, explain what would make you happy. They’ll be more receptive if you express what you want rather than what you hate about their behavior.

7. Speak Your Relationship Partner’s Love Language.

Love language refers to the ways your partner expresses and receives love. Marriage counselor Dr. Gary Chapman came up with five love languages that describe how couples experience love. These include acts of service, words of affirmation, gift giving, quality time, and physical touch.

Some people respond more strongly to kind words or affirmations of love, while others would rather receive love through actions. To know your partner’s love language, ask them directly how they prefer experiencing love. Understanding your SO’s needs will help build a healthier relationship.

Final Thoughts on What Creates a Healthier Relationship

In today’s world, we’ve overcomplicated relationships and perhaps expected too much from our partners. At the end of the day, we’re all imperfect humans just trying to make it in life.

Our relationships can provide comfort and happiness, but problems will always arise. It’s how we approach them and weather the storms that determine the outcome of our relationships, though. So, if you want a healthier relationship, remember to look at it as a team effort and have realistic expectations.

5 Reasons Why Highly Intelligent People Often Have a Messy House

August 12, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Have you ever heard that creative people tend to have a messy house? Many creative people also possess the superior intellect and thrive in chaotic environments. Highly intelligent people emphasize solitary pursuits like research and contemplating solutions to life’s problems.

They don’t feel as concerned with keeping up appearances and maintaining a spotless household. Simply put, they don’t have time for trivial matters like cleaning when they’re trying to solve world hunger or develop a life-saving technology. People with high intellect tend to focus on one subject, making it challenging to meet other responsibilities.

5 Reasons Why Creative, Intelligent People Have A Messy House

In some cases, having a messy house implies laziness, but not when it comes to brilliant folks. They’re some of the most energetic people on the planet, but they use their energy wisely. Below, we’ll explain why intelligent, creative people tend to have cluttered households.

1. An Unkempt House Can Encourage New Ideas.

A study by researchers from the University of Minnesota found that a messy house could encourage creativity and novelty. They discovered that a cleaner environment does have its perks, such as promoting generosity and healthy eating. However, a disorderly environment makes people more likely to think outside the box.

“Prior work has found that a clean setting leads people to do good things: Not engage in crime, not litter, and show more generosity,” psychological scientist and lead author of the study Kathleen Vohs explains. “We found, however, that you can get really valuable outcomes from being in a messy setting.”

For example, the researchers asked participants to brainstorm new uses for ping pong balls in one experiment. They divided participants between a messy room and a clean one. Both groups generated the same number of ideas. But, impartial judges rated ideas from people in the unkempt room as more enjoyable.

“Being in a messy room led to something that firms, industries, and societies want more of: Creativity,” says Vohs.

Next, the researchers asked participants to choose between a novel product and an existing one. They found that most people in the messy room chose the new product, indicating that a disordered environment encourages non-conventional thinking. However, most participants in the tidy room chose an established product.

“Disorderly environments seem to inspire breaking free of tradition, which can produce fresh insights,” Vohs concludes. “Orderly environments, in contrast, encourage convention and playing it safe.”

2. They Don’t Adhere to Social Norms.

Some people prefer a messy house because it stimulates new ideas and views of the world. Highly intelligent people also dislike authority and have a propensity for independence.

Therefore, they may not clean their house as often because they don’t see the point in following the herd. To them, a messy house doesn’t say anything negative about their character, so they have no problem with it.

They don’t care about being accepted by others, so they make up their own rules. Intelligent, creative people only clean when they can’t take the mess any longer. They’d rather spend a day tidying up than doing a little each week like most people do.

3. Intelligent People Use Their Energy For Other Pursuits.

People with high intelligence spend most of their time reading books or researching interesting subjects. They’re so immersed in their passions that cleaning rarely crosses their minds. That’s why they prefer to clean once a month or when they get around to it.

They might use their energy for developing new technologies or running a large company that requires much of their attention. Highly intelligent people focus on complex ideas such as quantum physics or other scientific subjects. They don’t have the bandwidth for trivial matters like having a messy house.

4. They’re Lost in Their Thoughts, Not Caring About the Messy House.

Creative people often get so lost in their thoughts that they don’t notice their surroundings. They’re off in their own world, contemplating our universe’s existence and nature. They get so immersed in these ideas that they hardly pay attention to anything else. Relationships and eating take a backseat to their brainstorming sessions because they require so much mental stimulation.

Unlike most people, they don’t get excited by everyday events like eating at a new restaurant or buying the latest gadgets. Intelligent people come alive by discussing ideas rather than people or places. So, it makes sense why a messy house wouldn’t bother them if they’re contemplating the bigger picture.

5. They Have A Messy House Because Cleaning Seems Boring.

As we hinted at in the point above, geniuses find cleaning quite monotonous and uninteresting. They only clean when necessary but have a higher threshold for messiness than most people. Intelligent people require more mental stimulation than cleaning can provide, so it’s not on the top of their to-do list. After all, they’ve got companies to run and scientific endeavors to pursue.

Everyday tasks seem dull compared to envisioning a better future and taking steps to achieve it. That’s why intelligent people seem to lack the common sense of regular folks, but they think on a different wavelength. Ordinary people may enjoy the reward of a clean home, but a genius will see it as punishment.

Final Thoughts on Why Intelligent People Usually Have a Messy House

If you have astute friends or family, you may find that they keep a messy house. Perhaps it bothered you in the past, and you immediately wanted to tidy things up for them. Now you know why they live in a disorderly environment and don’t seem phased by the clutter. Of course, many people with average intellect also live in chaos, so a person’s environment doesn’t tell the whole story.

However, some of the brightest people in history seem to have put cleaning on the backburner. Do you know any brilliant people who also have a messy house? Let us know in the comments!

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