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Undersharing With Your Partner Leads to Isolation, According to Psychology

August 1, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

You’ve likely heard that you shouldn’t reveal too much information, but that shouldn’t be the case in your relationship. Society makes it seem like you must hide your feelings and never say when something is wrong. However, undersharing with your partner is detrimental to your relationship and overall communication.

When you experience negative emotions like anger, fear, anxiety, or despair, it’s natural to want to keep them quiet. You won’t want your significant other to see you that way, but keeping it to yourself is harmful to you and your relationship. While you don’t want to upset your partner, you also don’t want to disrupt your mental health by keeping quiet.

Undersharing with your significant other does more harm than good. It can lead to isolation, and you might not realize it until it’s too late. Vulnerability and sharing your feelings are sometimes the best thing you can do.

What is Undersharing?

Humans constantly communicate, even when you don’t realize you’re doing it. You communicate nonverbally through the following:

facial expressions
body language
voice tone
behavior

If you withhold your thoughts, your significant other still knows something is wrong. They will recognize that something is bothering you and know you’re undersharing. You might say nothing is wrong or give a vague answer rather than opening up and being honest.

Five Key Reasons for Undersharing

Every relationship is different, and there are a few reasons for undersharing. These reasons for undersharing all interfere with your relationship strength.

1 – Trust Issues Causes Myriad Communication Breakdowns

A lack of trust in your relationship can lead to undersharing. If you aren’t transparent or question things your significant other does, it can cause feelings of isolation. You must have trust in one another to make things work.

2 – Living a Busy Lifestyle

Life gets busy for everyone, and it can interfere with the strength of your relationship. You might be dealing with tight deadlines, stress at work, conflicting schedules, or other overwhelming situations. When you get home after a busy day, you want to relax and pretend everything is okay. However, since it’s not okay, it leads to internalizing and adversely affecting your relationship.

3 – Trauma Can Cause Undersharing

A traumatic event or shocking situation can change the dynamics of your relationship. Rapid and sudden life changes throw everything off, including your ability to connect.

Some traumatic events that can lead to undersharing with your significant other include the following:

The loss of a loved one
Sudden grief
Job loss
Accidents
Illnesses
Health scares

4 – Engaging in Unhealthy Relationship Behaviors

If you or your significant other engage in unhealthy behaviors, it can lead to undersharing and feelings of isolation. Some of these behaviors include:

Avoiding confrontation
Keeping secrets
Infidelity
Constant fighting
Trying to control your significant other
Forcing change
Co-dependence
Not leaning on them in times of need
Being unwilling to make sacrifices
Trying to hurt one another in daily interactions
Frequent criticism

5 – You Don’t Want to Burden Your Partner

Sometimes you keep things to yourself because you don’t want to be a burden. You don’t want your significant other to have to carry your load, so you don’t tell them what’s going on. However, you must remember that your partner wants to help if you’d let them.

Why Undersharing with Your Partner Leads to Isolation

Now that we see what causes this gap of communication, here is how it can lead you to an isolated place.

1 – It Only Allows for a Superficial Connection

Sharing with your partner allows you to feel connected, improving your well-being. When you reveal your thoughts and feelings, it promotes a meaningful bond between you. Without this level of communication, you’ll only find a superficial connection.

2 – You’ll Feel Like No one Values You

When you can’t or won’t reveal yourself, you’ll feel like no one values you or your successes. It leads to isolation because you feel like you’re on your own. Feeling like your significant other doesn’t recognize your value can cause resentment.

3 – Undersharing Can Cause Toxicity or a Break-Up

Undersharing causes conflict in the relationship. It can lead to toxic or unhealthy behaviors and even cause the relationship to end.

4 – It Interferes with Growth and Intimacy

When you under share, it leads to a communication breakdown. One or both partners stop talking about important things, sometimes stopping talking altogether. You might feel like you can’t talk to them without it becoming an argument. When this occurs, you can’t grow as a couple and will experience a lack of intimacy.

5 – This Communication Gap Might Mean You Grow Apart

Not communicating and opening up to your partner interferes with your connection. Without understanding each other’s inner thoughts, your relationship can’t evolve. Eventually, you’ll grow apart and feel alone until you either break up or fix the issues.

6 – Undersharing Leads to Toxic Behaviors

Undersharing exacerbates issues, and you can’t ignore it. Eventually, it’ll go beyond keeping things to yourself and can turn into hostility and harmful behavior.

Some signs that it’s gone too far include:

constant criticism from one or both of you
belittling each other
giving or receiving the cold shoulder
defensiveness
passive-aggressive behaviors
assuming you know what your significant other thinks, and your partner assuming they know what you think
inability to resolve arguments
no longer attempting to connect
inability to compromise

7 – Your Partner Can’t Understand Who You Are

When you under share, your significant other doesn’t have a chance to understand who you are. They won’t know what you need or how they can help you through hard times. Eventually, you’ll start to think that they can’t help, although you never gave them a chance to try.

8 – You’ll Feel Like You’re the Only One Going Through Hard Times

When you undershare with your significant other, you’ll quickly experience loneliness and isolation. It causes you to feel like you’re the only person going through negative emotions. When you feel this way for too long, it can make you feel flawed and alone. It only leads to you isolating yourself so your partner doesn’t see that you’re not in a great place.

9 – Missed Opportunities for Finding Solutions

If you don’t open up to your partner, you miss out on the chance to find a solution together. You’ll continue grappling alone, spiraling until you’re dealing with more than you can handle. Feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed can cause you to miss seeing your strengths and resources. Sharing the problem with your partner gives you another person who can offer suggestions.

10 – Undersharing Creates Negative Self Talk

If you don’t talk to someone about your thoughts and feelings, it can lead to negative self-talk. Keeping all of your emotions in can cause toxicity, including shame, to build up within. It also makes you feel embarrassed, weak, unworthy, and unlovable because your thoughts convince you of these things.

When you feel all of this, it causes tension and negativity within your relationship. Your partner will know something is wrong, and you’ll isolate yourself to hide it.

11 – Your Partner Will Think They Did Something Wrong

You might not say anything, but your partner will pick up on your body language and demeanor. They’ll know something is wrong, but they won’t know what it is unless you tell them.

Otherwise, they must guess what’s wrong and think they did something wrong. Your partner might believe they did something to upset you, causing them to become more concerned the longer you withhold.

12 – Other Effects of Undersharing

There are many effects of undersharing, making it highly detrimental to your relationship and well-being. Some of the other results include:

Lack of intimacy
Difficulty reaching goals
Increased conflict
Feeling unseen
Turning away from one another
Developing a negative perspective of one another

How to Fix It and Improve Communication

The only way to develop a deep connection with your partner is by opening up to them. Let go of the idea that you’re oversharing and embrace feeling seen, heard, and cared for as you are. It might be uncomfortable initially, but the bond it creates is worth every moment.

1 – Learn New Communication Strategies

If you can learn how to connect with your partner, you’ll have an easier time sharing your life with them. You’ll want to tell them the details of your day and the problems you’re experiencing. Find ways that work for both of you, and you’ll become more comfortable sharing.

2 – Practice Identifying and Feeling Your Emotions So You Can Communicate Them

When you become comfortable experiencing your emotions, it gets easier to talk about them. It’ll take time, so start small or seek guidance from a therapist.

3 – Advocate For Yourself, Communicate, and Set Boundaries

Speak up for yourself, and don’t be afraid to reveal your truths. When you advocate for yourself, it enforces your boundaries, allowing you to feel comfortable and respected. If your partner doesn’t know how you feel or think, they won’t know when they’re crossing a line.

4 – Learn Your Partner’s Attachment Styles

The attachment theory refers to a person’s way of handling relationships. It’s based on how they received care early in their life. Each person’s style can offer insight into how they communicate.

Final Thoughts on Undersharing with Your Partner Leads to Isolation, According to Psychology

Undersharing with your partner can cause more issues than you might initially realize. It prevents you from forming a deep bond with your partner and can create tension and further problems. No matter the reason for your undersharing, you must overcome and find a way to fix it. If you want to connect with your significant other and develop a lasting connection, it’s time to open up.

4 Causes of Midlife Weight Gain, According to Doctors

August 1, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Like it or not, as you age, you’ll have to undergo some changes, especially physical ones. Though this doesn’t happen to everyone, most of the population will struggle with midlife weight gain. Sure, there are some incredibly fit people out there who can counteract these changes. Still, everyone’s body is bound to go through some things related to hormone changes as they age.

Although many people go through midlife weight gain, the topic is still somewhat taboo. We still live in a society that believes healthy and skinny are more or less synonymous. Most people assume someone thin probably eats well and goes to the gym, even when that might be the case.

And they can’t believe that curvier people might be the ones with a healthy, active lifestyle. Still, a lot of internalized shame comes with having a little more weight. And gaining weight had always been seen as one of the worst imaginable. When someone gains weight, they’ve “let themselves go.” There are immediate negative connotations associated with the process. It shouldn’t even matter if you want to gain weight or not.

4 Causes of Midlife Weight Gain

No one should judge people based on how they look. Instead, what you need to focus on, especially as you get older, is how healthy you are. Gaining weight and being curvier aren’t bad things, but obesity is still a medical concern. Instead of focusing on your appearance, focus on how healthy you are. One of the best ways to do that is by understanding why you go through midlife weight gain in the first place.

1. Your Hormones Are Going Haywire

Hormonal imbalance occurs whenever you have too much or too little of a specific hormone. Most people will only experience temporary imbalances, though sometimes these imbalances are signs of endocrine disease. Depending on the glands and hormones affected, these diseases differ. In many cases, they are treatable and can be kept under control. And age is a factor that increases the likelihood of endocrine disease.

As you probably know, older people often have type 2 diabetes. But even if you never have to deal with a disease, you’ll always have to deal with imbalances. Common causes of hormonal weight gain are thyroid hormone deficiency, estrogen dominance, androgen imbalance, and cortisol excess. These are to name a few. In reality, most hormones can somehow affect your weight.

Men aren’t as likely to go through midlife weight gain because of hormonal imbalances. The main factor that could cause this weight gain would be high levels of stress, which leads to excess cortisol. As the body goes into fight or flight, it induces the production of fat cells and causes a declining metabolism. But this isn’t even exclusive to men. Women are just as affected by stress as men are.

In this case, they got the short straw, as their menopause will surely lead to severe hormonal imbalances. Oestradiol is an estrogen steroid hormone that plays a vital role in reproduction and developing secondary sexual characteristics. But it also helps regulate metabolism and weight gain. As a result of menopause, oestradiol levels decrease, often leading to weight gain. Though these hormonal imbalances are inevitable for both sexes, you can still manage your weight. Watching what you eat and being active will help you stay within a healthy range.

2. Your Metabolism Slows Down

This is disputed, with some experts claiming that your metabolism doesn’t slow down after forty. Instead, some argue that your metabolism stays the same from 20 to 60. Still, most research shows that metabolism slows down as you age. It seems that the basal metabolic rate decreases almost linearly as you age.

This seems to be the case because muscle mass decreases as a percentage of total body mass. As you age, your body undergoes atrophic skeletal muscle changes. That means your energy consumption as a result of physical activity is lower. Older people have a lower energy requirement. All this shows that you must adjust your lifestyle to fit your new metabolism.

Midlife weight gain usually occurs because people are unaware their metabolism is slower. They don’t understand they need to eat leaner foods and exercise more. While nutrition is important, it doesn’t precisely counterbalance the effects of slower metabolism. You avoid some of these issues by ensuring you keep your muscle mass. When you have a higher muscle mass, you burn more calories.

Thus, you can eat as you normally would without any consequences. You don’t need to worry about making drastic changes if you have a relatively healthy life. But a slower metabolism will do much damage if you’re already unhealthy. You’re doing fine as long as your weight is within the normal BMI. If you have a healthy lifestyle, the worst that will happen is you’ll gain a few pounds.

3. You Aren’t Watching What You Eat

People have always had a hard time understanding nutrition. And there’s a lot of confusing information floating around on the topic. For example, some people claim you’re healthy if you eat under 1500 calories. Calories were the most critical factor of nutrition for a long time. People wouldn’t eat pork because it had more calories than chicken.

Or they wouldn’t touch creamy cheeses and cream for the same reason. It has become more commonly known that few calories don’t mean healthy. Making sure your groceries are as natural as possible is much more critical. You need to understand what food groups the foods you eat belong to. It would be ideal for you to cut out fast food as much as possible. Don’t just focus on calories.

But the worst part is that people often don’t know what they eat or why. Especially older people, always in a rush, eat what they can. They always claim they never have the time to cook, so they constantly eat takeout. Even if they do cook, they only pay attention to the taste. They don’t care how much oil they use, what type of meat, or which sides they make. People seem to think that spending time on understanding food is a waste.

That’s why many people gain weight as they grow older. They eat the same foods they always ate but don’t understand how they interact with their new body. A more aging body will not digest fats and sugars as quickly, which shows. You won’t be able to eat as much junk food or sweets. You’ll need to learn to substitute your favorite foods for healthier alternatives.

Instead of eating ice cream, get some frozen yogurt. Also, make sure you take the time to meal-prep. If your meat is already cut and seasoned, and you have cooked sides, you need to reheat. You’ll never need to order again. The more aware you are of what you eat, the more you’ll avoid midlife weight gain.

4. You Don’t Exercise Enough

Exercise is necessary at all stages of someone’s life. Even when you get older, you still need to stay in shape. Still, many older people don’t do any physical activities other than those required daily. In America, over 27% of people over 50 reported no extra physical activity outside work. The statistics from the CDC show that being sedentary is a real issue in today’s society. And inactivity is one of the main reasons for midlife weight gain.

There are many reasons why people are inactive. One of the main ones seems to be the lack of time. This is understandable, as handling a job, family, partner, and other responsibilities is hard. But if people wanted to make time, they could. There’s this misconception that physical activity has to be extreme. You aren’t active if you don’t run ten miles or bench 200 pounds.

But an active person also finds fifteen minutes for a workout. If you want something quick to burn loads of calories, try High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT). The activities can be modified to fit beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. They can be done in the morning or whenever you find a few spare minutes. But another issue is that people rely on technology to do everything for them. For example, we drive everywhere and get little to no steps in.

Walking is one of the best ways to ensure you stay in shape without doing another physical activity. But we don’t even walk anymore. For older people, this means that they burn very few calories in a day, and they don’t even use their muscles enough. Because of that, inactivity is one of the leading causes of midlife weight gain. But this weight gain can be controlled if you do at least some exercise daily. Even walking to work can be a step in the right direction.

Final Thoughts on the Four Key Causes of Midlife Weight Gain

Reaching midlife isn’t easy at all. You have many responsibilities, a career you need to advance, and a family to look after. People usually feel burnt out and wonder whether they are thrilled with their life. Coupled with that, your body also starts going through loads of changes. You might be experiencing hair loss. Your muscles get weaker. Your eyesight might be worsening.

On top of that, you’re probably experiencing midlife weight gain. While this is normal, you can take steps to keep your weight under control. Your hormones and metabolism are probably the things you are struggling with the most. Everyone, no matter how healthy, experiences changes in hormones. As for metabolism, that will slow down with age, regardless of your lifestyle.

Still, you can mitigate their effects by eating well and exercising. Most people don’t pay attention to their nutrition, so they’ll put on those extra pounds. By cooking more and eating leaner, you can already lose some pounds. You should also start exercising, even for just fifteen minutes per day. Taking care of your body is a requirement, especially as you age.

5 Behaviors That Reveal a Partner Who Truly Values Their Relationship

August 1, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Trust is an essential thing to have in a relationship. But trust isn’t built in a matter of seconds. It has to be earned and nurtured. One of the things you need to know to feel safe in a loving relationship is that your partner values what you have.

It’s always nice to feel valued; you especially want to know your relationship is valued. Nobody wants to be in a relationship just because their partner is bored and wants to have someone. As your relationship gets more serious, you want to know it’s going somewhere. After dedicating five years of your life to someone, the last thing you want is to be broken up with like you don’t even matter.

But how can you ever tell if your partner truly values your relationship? Well, you can never be perfectly sure of how your partner feels. After all, all relationships pose some gambles. You always have to have a little faith in the possibility of your relationship being a success. Still, your partner can prove that they value your relationship.

They don’t even have to make any grand gestures. They don’t have to buy lavish gifts or take you on fancy vacations. That doesn’t mean they value you as much as it means they can flaunt their money. You can see it in little behaviors and acts when someone truly loves you.

5 Behaviors That Reveal a Partner Who Truly Values Their Relationship

If actions do speak louder than words, you should watch for these things.

1. Your Relationship Partner Does Not Just Focus on the Physical Aspect

Any new relationship has a “honeymoon phase” in which you and your partner will be all over each other. That’s completely normal, and it’s not indicative of you not valuing each other. You will go through this phase with the people you’ll have flings with. But you’ll also go through this phase with the person you marry.

Physical attraction is still a significant part of any relationship, even after this period ends. But when someone is in it just for the physical aspects, that’s a sign they don’t value the relationship. No strong connection can be built just on the physical aspects. Such a connection won’t have any long-term prospects.

If your partner truly values you, they will be loving and caring, not just focused on the physical. They will know that taking and getting to know you is just as important, if not more. They’ll stick around even when you do not want sex. For them, it’s enough to just lay in bed and watch a movie. The emotional aspect is something they care about and work for. They want to be by your side through thick and thin.

People who are just looking for a fling won’t do that. They won’t take their time to hang out with you. After all, why even bother if they’re looking for a hookup? So, if you’ve met someone who wants something more than just sex, that’s a sign they value your relationship. Don’t just settle for a fling in hopes they’ll eventually catch feelings. Go for the people who know how to balance all relationship aspects.

2. They Treat You with Kindness in a Loving, Valued Relationship

You’re probably aware that just because someone claims to love you doesn’t mean they’ll always treat you right. The people who claim to love you the most can also hurt you the most. When you start sharing your life with someone, you’ll eventually start having issues. The thing is, conflicts are every day. A healthy relationship is not about not having any disputes but knowing how to solve them and treat your partner.

People often settle for partners who yell at them and otherwise mistreat them. That happens because we always hope our loved ones will come around and start being nice to us. But kindness is never something you should ask for. If your partner isn’t kind to you of their own volition, chances are they don’t value you.

If you’ve ever wanted to know if your partner values you, pay attention to how they act. Don’t put up with people who are always snappy and ready to fight. No matter what they tell you, this behavior is unjustifiable if it happens repeatedly. Being mad or snappy sometimes is okay.

No one will ever think you don’t value them if you’ve had a bad day and you’re snappy. But if your partner always acts like that, there’s only one logical conclusion: they don’t value you as they should. Someone who respects you will always try their best to be kind, even when you’re fighting. A bad partner will yell and make fights worse, even leaving when they don’t want to deal with issues.

A good partner will stay calm and try to find ways to make things right. They will cut you slack when you are angry or tired. They’ll always be nice, even when you’re going through a rough patch. They want a stable, loving relationship, so they’ll always want to solve any issues you might be going through.

3. They Want to See You Succeed

People tend to be jealous. It’s a normal part of human existence. This jealousy comes from the psychological need to be the best out of your peers. From an evolutionary standpoint, humans have needed to have the instinct to be the best. Hundreds of years ago, you could end up dead if you weren’t above your peers. So, what does that have to do with relationships?

Although we can override our jealousy instinct, that doesn’t always happen, especially in romantic relationships. You might think your partner will only ever be jealous of other people who seem interested in you. But you’ll come across some partners who will be jealous of you. And the partners most likely to engage in this behavior are those who don’t value your relationship.

Someone who truly values you will want to see you succeed. They won’t care if you make more money than they do. As long as you are happy, they are delighted. Not only that, but they’ll do whatever they can to help you along the way. They’ll do that for you if you need them to take care of the house while you work. They will make sacrifices as long as both of you can be happy.

4. In a Valued Relationship, They’ll Always Check Up on You

When you first start dating someone, they’re expected to always text and talk to you. That’s either because they genuinely care or want to flirt and get you to date them. But sometimes, people stop putting in this effort after you start dating. If they don’t value your relationship, they’ll think they don’t have to try as you’re already together. But a relationship in which your partner takes you for granted will not last.

Someone who truly values you will always try to check on you and ensure you’re doing fine. While this gesture may seem insignificant, it can make all the difference. When someone constantly makes time to see how you are, that’s a sign they genuinely care. They want you to know they’re by your side no matter what.

This is especially important when you are both busy and can’t see each other for a while. A simple text can make you feel loved and cherished. And someone who values you knows how vital checking up on you is. It shows they thought about you even if they don’t have time to talk.

5. They Make Plans for the Future

Someone who truly values your relationship will want nothing more than to start a life with you. They’ll want to discuss the future and always include you in their plans. They don’t do it because they feel obligated to. They do it because having you in their life brings them pure joy.

But not everyone you’ll ever be with will do that. Some of your partners will run away from any discussions about the future. They’ll even refuse to plan for the next week, so making long-term plans is out of the question. This happens because these people don’t want to commit, so they avoid it at all costs.

It doesn’t matter what if they tell you they are spontaneous and don’t like plans. That’s just an excuse to let them off the hook. Someone who values you will want to talk about how your life will look and what you’ll do with your future.

Final Thoughts on Behaviors That Reveal a Partner Who Truly Values Their Relationship

Starting a new relationship is always thrilling and a journey on uncharted territories. It can be fun and exciting but also the scariest experience ever. And, if you want something serious, you need to be sure your partner wants that too. But, even if they tell you they value you, you can’t always take them at their word. People must also prove they deserve your trust to believe they are genuinely committed to you.

Someone who truly values you will show you that through their actions. They won’t just take you for granted. Instead, they’ll make a real effort to ensure the relationship grows and flourishes. If someone values you, they understand that the emotional part of the relationship is just as important as the physical side, if not more. Instead of getting mad and being mean, they’ll treat you with kindness and respect.

They’ll always be by your side and will fight to see you succeed. Even if they need to make sacrifices, they’ll do them because that’s how much the relationship means to them. This kind of partner will always take the time to make sure you’re okay, and they’ll want to talk to you as often as they can. But probably the most evident sign is that they’ll imagine and discuss a future with you. When you find someone like this, learn to love and cherish them.

3 Signs of Commitment Issues Most People Ignore

July 31, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

People often talk about the red flags of a toxic relationship. But they often forget to mention that being with someone with commitment issues is harmful in and of itself. Or they don’t talk about why these issues appear in the first place and how they can affect a faithful relationship.

One of the most common results of trauma, especially childhood neglect, is developing commitment issues. Relationships are complicated, and being devoted to someone for the rest of your life can seem scary and impossible to achieve. Still, people yearn to have someone. So, it’s not uncommon for these people to be in relationships. The bad part is that those relationships never seem to work out.

It would be best if you were careful about commitment issues. If you are the one who has them, you’ll never be able to build something meaningful. You’ll only get hurt if you are with someone who has them. Either way, you’ll need to learn to manage these issues if you have them and avoid falling for someone emotionally unavailable.

Why Do People Have Commitment Issues?

Most people probably understand what having commitment issues mean, but they are not always familiar with the specific term. The term describes harmful actions and mental health concerns an individual engages in due to fear of commitment. Feeling anxiety when considering being in a relationship is one of the most common symptoms. And it’s not just about serious romantic relationships.

People with commitment issues find it hard to hold onto friendships or casual relationships. Sometimes, these issues can even cause problems in the workplace. No matter how weird it might seem, a fear of commitment might make you reject long-term projects and assignments. Many people don’t give being faithful much thought. They understand they exist but often feel like there’s a quick solution. Contrary to popular belief, you can’t just wake up and decide, “I’m not going to be afraid of commitment anymore.”

True, some people don’t want to make a relationship work, and they are the ones who could wake up and decide to change. But that’s not the case with people dealing with commitment issues. It’s not that they wouldn’t want to have a stable relationship. They can’t because they don’t know how to deal with the trauma that caused these issues.

Amongst the leading causes of commitment issues is childhood trauma, especially neglect. The first people we trust are our parents. So, when they break our trust, they teach us we can never trust anyone. If you’ve been neglected or mistreated as a child, you’ll grow up to believe no one will have your best interest at heart.

After all, if your parents didn’t look out for you, why would other people? Or at least that’s what a child is going to believe. Part of neglect is learning that emotions are wrong and you should be cold and independent. Because of that, you grow up without knowing how to manage your feelings or even what they mean.

How Neglect in Childhood Contributes to Commitment Issues Later

Michelle Halle, a licensed clinical social worker, specializing in emotional abuse, warns people that neglect will make them unable to socialize. Her work has shown that neglect can render people unable to have meaningful relationships in the future. Luckily, she believes that people can fix this through therapy.

While neglect is one of the more common causes, other forms of abuse can lead to commitment issues. They all have a similar impact: they make people believe they are unworthy of being cared for. Often, people find it hard to trust after having lived through abuse. Not to mention that abuse victims have PTSD and those horrible images will likely never leave their minds. But they don’t even have to be abused directly.

Growing up in a toxic environment is enough to develop commitment issues. If your parents always fought and were aggressive towards one another, you’ll believe that’s how all relationships are. A bad example of relationships can affect how you approach them for the rest of your life. Even going through your parent’s divorce or marital problems can make someone struggle with a faithful relationship.

Not all commitment issues are born of childhood trauma. Developing these issues is common due to toxic and abusive past relationships. When someone has betrayed you, you may fear it will happen again. You won’t be able to give people the benefit of the doubt. You’ll always assume that everyone can hurt you, no matter how genuine they seem.

3 Signs of Commitment Issues Most People Ignore (You Deserve Someone Faithful!)

You’ll always be paranoid and think you are getting betrayed again. Every text message your partner gets could be from a potential side-piece. At least that’s what will go through your head constantly. You won’t get over your commitment issues without ever healing from all this trauma. But how can you tell when you or others struggle to stay faithful?

1. Constantly Telling Little Lies Can Hint to Whether Someone Will Be Faithful

People know that when someone is lying, there’s something shady in the middle. But that’s mostly regarding big and apparent lies. People always brush over white lies like they don’t even matter. But when someone goes out of their way to lie about what they ate for breakfast, you should be concerned about that.

Because of how parents raised them, people with commitment issues also have a history of mistrust. They were likely betrayed in the past and are afraid that will happen to them again. Chances are, they are used to lying because of their upbringing. So, they lie even when they have no reason to, just because it feels safer for them to lie.

You must be aware that you shouldn’t let these lies slide. After all, if they can lie to you about little things, they might be hiding something worse. Even worse, they could be making promises they don’t intend to keep. Confront them about those little lies and see how they react.

If they get defensive instead of trying to solve the issue, that’s a sign you can’t trust them. If you find that you are the one who lies about little things, you might be dealing with some unresolved issues. Commitment issues and lying is wrong for both parties involved, and you must sort out these differences.

2. Jumping From One Relationship to Another Signals an Issue With Being Faithful

Believe it or not, only having casual relationships and flings is not always something people do for fun. For many young people, that might be true. They don’t know what they want from a serious relationship and want nothing to bind them. But it can also signify that someone is dealing with commitment issues.

If someone struggles to commit, that doesn’t mean they’ll run from relationships at all costs. People still want to be loved, even if they don’t know how to devote themselves to someone. If your partner has a history of brief relationships and infidelity, that’s a red flag. Sometimes, they might be ashamed of their past and willing to change.

But more often than not, this behavior will keep repeating. Talk to them about their behavior if you want more out of your relationship. But be careful because boundaries won’t work in this situation. If they fear attachment, they will cross any line to get out if they get stuck. The main issue is that, even though people dealing with commitment issues hate abuse and infidelity, it’s all they know.

When a new relationship gets too much, they’ll return to toxic behaviors because those actions are familiar. Your only option is to break up if you suspect your partner is engaging in this pattern.

3. A Person Who Struggles to Be Faithful Will Never Want to Put a Label on Your Relationship

Labels scare the living hell out of most people. You don’t even have to deal with commitment issues to feel anxious at the thought of having to label yourself. On the other hand, happy couples jump at the occasion to present themselves as such. Maybe you won’t be official in the first couple of months of dating. But it’s a red flag if the one you see flat-out refuses to label you as their boyfriend or girlfriend after months of seeing each other.

You’ll often let go of the fact that your partner refuses labels. But what you should understand is that labels are essential in any relationship. First, they act as an unspoken agreement between you that you’ll be devoted to the relationship. Second, it’s a social cue that lets other people know not to advance on either of you.

No matter how insignificant labels seem, they promise you’ll take your relationship seriously. But people who have commitment issues won’t go for labels because it makes them feel trapped. Plus, it forces them to take accountability for their actions. They won’t be able to play the “well, we’re not in a relationship” card when they mess up. Don’t wait around for someone who doesn’t want to make things official. And don’t do that to someone else either.

Final Thoughts on Signs of Commitment Issues Most People Ignore

Commitment issues are not something that you should take lightly. It hurts the one who’s dealing with them, along with the people they get involved with, as these issues come from unresolved trauma. Still, if someone has issues being faithful, you should stay away from them. You won’t have a future with them unless they solve their problems.

There are many signs of commitment issues, but many people overlook them. Or some people even make excuses for them. Telling white lies, constantly jumping from one relationship to the next, and refusing labels are signs that people always never take seriously. They often correlate with commitment issues. Instead, they present, as usual, excusable behaviors. If your partner shows any of these signs, you should consider moving on to someone better. But if you are always doing things like these, maybe it’s time to see a therapist.

3 Causes of Emotional Injury and 3 Methods of Healing

July 31, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Everyone knows you can get physical injuries from falling or physically hurting yourself. Some physical injuries aren’t a big deal, just minor bruises, and scratches that will heal in a few days. But you can also get an emotional injury due to a traumatic event. And these are the injuries that are less visible and less known. When you get a visible wound, you will never leave it untreated.

You’d go to a doctor or tend to it yourself if you can. So why do people brush off emotional wounds like they don’t even matter? Part of why this happens is that people aren’t aware that emotions leave marks. They don’t know that some trauma is so bad that it scars you for life. But even those who know about emotional injuries don’t always know how to heal them.

It can be challenging to deal with such a heavy burden, but there are ways to do it. You can heal such wounds alone or with the help of friends, family, and even professionals. You must also understand why emotional injuries even form before trying to heal them.

3 Causes of Emotional Injury

These factors will give you insight into the causes of a guarded heart.

1. Unresolved Past Trauma

One of the most common causes of emotional injuries is unresolved past trauma, which everyone has. No matter how great your childhood was, you are bound to have been scarred somehow. Maybe your parents didn’t give you enough attention. Perhaps people put too much pressure on you. Many factors could have affected you without you even realizing it.

The most common events that cause trauma are cases of abuse, violence, bullying, or neglect. Of course, some things can traumatize you more than others. Repeated abuse will leave a mark that will probably never go away. But even witnessing violence, like having parents who hit each other, will traumatize you. And these issues will stick with you forever.

As luck would have it, traumatized kids grow up to be traumatized adults. Sure, most of these adults can be functioning members of society. But that doesn’t mean the trauma is not still affecting them on a fundamental level. Most of the time, this trauma lives deep inside, and you don’t even realize it’s there.

People with unresolved trauma often relieve traumatic episodes through flashbacks or nightmares. Even the people who don’t shed their past still have to deal with anxiety, depression, anger, trust issues, and withdrawal. Sometimes, these issues even escalate into self-destructive or risky behaviors.

2. Bad Relationships

Being around other people can complete us. Still, there are some people in this world with whom we can connect so well that our lives completely change. But when it comes to interpersonal relationships, not everything goes smoothly. Some relationships can scar you so much that you wish you would have never had them. And those are the relationships that cause emotional injuries.

The fact that you can get hurt in relationships is actually for both platonic and romantic relationships. Friends can betray you just as well as a partner or family member. Still, trauma can come from a toxic romantic or family relationship. And every person has had at least one toxic relationship in their life. Maybe your parents used guilt or force when things don’t go their way.

Perhaps you grew up in a violent and toxic environment. Maybe you had an abusive partner. After all, haven’t we all had at least one relationship? And there are many toxic behaviors that you can’t even spot at first. Some controlling behaviors, like co-dependency, seem normal at first.

It’s usually not until late that people realize they are stuck in a bad situation. Being out through situations like those or being betrayed by friends and family will undoubtedly leave some marks.

3. Accidents, Violence, and Other Overlooked Causes

Most people don’t think that even accidents and events that society defines as unfortunate but usual are still causes of trauma. Almost any event that scares you or significantly changes your life will leave a mark. Amongst these causes, things like robberies, being caught in a shooting, or other acts of violence are the ones that people understand will leave a mark.

Even in those cases, people think that if you only witnessed such an event, you should not feel the brunt of the trauma. But witnesses often have to deal with PTSD and other signs of emotional distress. Still, many other events leave emotional marks that people often overlook. For example, car accidents are prevalent, and a small one shouldn’t theoretically cause any harm. But even the slightest mishap can make someone refuse to step into a car again.

Sports accidents are just as expected and can be just as damaging. Besides the physical pain, these injuries render players unable to do what they love. Things like that are bound to leave people traumatized. Other things that some underestimate are divorce and the loss of a loved one. People think everything will go back to normal after you go through the grieving period. But those things leave marks that might never go away.

3 Methods of Healing

Now that you understand the root of the problem, where does healing start?

1. Use Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a relatively new field. But many advances have been made in this area over the past few decades. Still, the roots of mindfulness date back hundreds of years ago. Eastern civilizations relied on meditation for as long as anyone can remember. Only now has it started to seep into mainstream psychology. And it has been proven to be a relatively easy tool to use with many advantages.

For some people, mindfulness has been the key to overcoming their trauma. While no one can guarantee that it will solve all your issues. But it’s a good place to start. And, incorporating just a little bit of mindfulness into your daily life can make you feel loads better.

The basics of mindfulness are simple: you must listen to what your mind and body are telling you. In our daily life, we don’t always stop and take the time to be fully aware of what we feel and think. If we feel pain, we’ll potentially brush it off until it goes away. But that’s neither healthy nor will it help you heal from an emotional injury.

When being mindful, you are just taking the time to take account of your feelings. This is usually done through meditation or breathing exercises. This is helpful because it lets you feel all the emotions caused by the trauma. When you understand how you feel, you can start working on solving the problems.

2. Connect With People

People can have emotional injuries from many causes. But, if we were to boil them down, we would find that disempowerment and disconnection from others are the roots. Research shows that every different trauma can be traced to one of these two feelings. And the same study states that creating new connections is one of the most efficient ways to heal.

What’s especially important is finding people who can listen to you and act as your support system. People dealing with trauma usually struggle with trust issues, and they might want to isolate themselves. If you are in this situation, you must remember that you don’t need to go out and party all the time. All you need to do is make an effort to meet new people and communicate.

You also don’t need to give new people your trust from the beginning. People need to earn it; you need to be willing to give it. You’ll find that when someone’s there to listen to you and be supportive, you’ll be able to heal—having people around you to take care of you when things are tough means that you can take the time to focus on yourself.

3. Write About Your Feelings

Writing is a big part of healing from any emotional injury. It has been demonstrated throughout history that people write when they have something on their chest. After all, that’s where all great art came from. People have always used writing as an outlet, and its psychological benefits have been proven.

Research from Harvard shows that expressive writing can get you through hard times. You don’t need to be talented to write about what you feel. Even something like writing your thoughts in a journal will work. The whole point is to have an outlet for your feelings, regardless of their forms. If you want to write poetry or a novel, do that. Writing about your negative experiences can be freeing.

It can make you feel like your pain doesn’t own you anymore. It’s even been suggested that writing about trauma changes the way it’s organized in the brain. This can allow you to disconnect from the pain and deal with it properly.

Final Thoughts on Some Causes of Emotional Injury and Some Methods of Healing

Emotional injuries are something that everyone has. Even though you might not realize it, they’re still there and probably affecting your life. Everyone has lived through some traumatic event that they haven’t addressed. Most of the time, this happens because people always have to deal with repressed childhood trauma.

Being abused, bullied, or living in a violent environment will leave a lasting mark. But even relationship trauma and other overlooked issues, like accidents and divorce, will impact you. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to heal these emotional injuries. One of the most effective things you can do is incorporate mindfulness into your life. Use meditation or breathing exercises to get in touch with your feelings.

Writing can also help you put your thoughts in order and release some of the pressure of the trauma. You also need to ensure you don’t go through this alone. Make an effort to create new connections and find people that can be your support system.

Groundbreaking Implant Can REVERSE Parkinson’s Disease Symptoms

July 31, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Surgeons at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England, revealed a revolutionary treatment to reverse Parkinson’s disease. Called the Picostim™ DBS system, the deep brain stimulation device targets malfunctioning firing patterns in the brain. Then, the implant delivers electrical impulses to these areas, helping improve tremors and other motor control symptoms.

Tony Howells, the first patient in the world to receive the treatment, described the results as “amazing.” 25 patients, including Tony, have been selected for a trial at North Bristol NHS Trust, which will conclude in 2023.

If the trial proves successful, it will mark a huge step forward in treating Parkinson’s disease. Throughout the trial, scientists will monitor the safety and effectiveness of the implant. While it doesn’t claim to cure the disease, it can help manage symptoms and reduce the severity.

While approval for DBS devices to treat Parkinson’s exists globally, the costs and difficulty of the surgery limit its accessibility. Currently, under 5% of people with the disease receive this treatment.

However, the Picostim™ DBS system, developed by Bioinduction, contains a battery about one-third the size of traditional DBS devices. So, surgeons can implant the battery directly in the skull, which delivers electrical impulses to the brain. For comparison, other DBS devices with larger batteries, such as pacemakers, are placed beneath the skin of the chest.

Placing the implant in the skull eliminates the need for additional wires running through the chest and neck. Scientists hope that the world’s most miniature electrical impulse generator can make treatments more accessible.

This would reduce the cost and complexity associated with the surgery without impacting the benefits of treatment. Also, surgeons believe it would reduce the need for follow-up surgeries to repair frayed wires.

First Patient in the World Receives Cutting-Edge Parkinson’s Disease Treatment

The trial’s first patient, Tony Howells, received the device in November 2020. He got diagnosed with Parkinson’s about nine years ago when he noticed a slight tremor in his right hand. Tony said that even something simple, such as tying shoelaces, became a huge ordeal. What should take a few seconds ended up taking him three or four minutes due to the pain and tremors.

Mr. Howells said:

“You can’t understand how frustrating [Parkinson’s] is until it happens to you. Just doing your shoelaces up is a major operation… it affects your every day life no end.”

He said that before the operation, he went for a walk with his wife and only got 200 yards from the car. He reluctantly had to turn around and cut the trip short because he couldn’t walk any farther.

However, twelve months after the surgery, he went out for Boxing Day again and walked 2.5 miles. He said he could’ve even walked farther! Tony also enjoys being able to play golf again and move more quickly, in general.

The surgery only took three hours, about half the time of a traditional DBS implantation. Tony also said he felt a bit tired after the surgery but had no pain. Additionally, he noted that an uncomfortable side effect from his Parkinson’s disease medication, dystonia, had disappeared. Dystonia refers to involuntary muscle contractions that cause repetitive or awkward movements.

“To say I am happy about having DBS is an understatement, it’s a great way to give somebody their life back,” Tony said.

Dr. Alan Whone, Consultant Neurologist at North Bristol NHS Trust, who led the trial, said:

“We are delighted with how this first case went in the operating theatre and with how the patient’s symptoms have been improved over the last year. We are hopeful that if these findings hold up, we will have a significant technical advance by which to improve Parkinson’s care across the world”.

Who Can Benefit From The Implant Treatment?

Unfortunately, the small electrical impulse generator isn’t suitable for everyone with Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Whone says that among the 140,000 UK citizens living with Parkinson’s, only 14,000 would benefit from the device. He added that elderly patients or those with cognitive decline associated with Parkinson’s wouldn’t qualify.

The surgery applies to younger people with Parkinson’s who can have brain surgery without unnecessary risks. Surgeons place the small device in a pocket in the skull bone. Then, they run electric probes through the skull into the subthalamic nuclei located deep within the brain. If the trial proves successful, it could double the number of people eligible for the DBS device.

Dr. Beckie Port, Head of Research Communications at Parkinson’s UK, adds: ”This new device has the potential to make existing DBS surgery quicker, safer and cheaper. It could make DBS therapy more widely available to a larger number of people with Parkinson’s. However, it is important to know that DBS is not a cure and it’s not suitable for everyone with the condition.’’

Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system and eventually damages or kills brain cells. This can lead to painful, uncomfortable symptoms such as involuntary tremors, loss of motor control, and muscle stiffness. Most people develop symptoms after age 50, but about 20% of patients experience symptoms before turning 40.

Currently, about 7-10 million people worldwide have Parkinson’s disease. DBS treatments have been available since 1995, but only a tiny percentage of patients qualify for the surgery. Hopefully, Parkinson’s disease treatments will continue to improve and eventually lead to a cure.

Final Thoughts on Groundbreaking Parkinson’s Disease Device

A trial for the world’s smallest DBS device to treat Parkinson’s disease is currently underway. Surgeons at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England, have selected 25 patients for the trial. The patients will undergo implantation surgery, where surgeons will place the device in their skull bone. Then, electrical impulses will travel through wires to areas deep within the brain.

This will effectively reverse Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as tremors, difficulty walking, and other motor control issues. While the device will not cure the disease, it still represents advancements in treatment options. Hopefully, more patients will qualify for the surgery moving forward and receive the benefits of this revolutionary DBS system.

22 Positive Traits to Seek in a New Partner

July 31, 2022 by Chris Butler

You can’t choose who you love. There’s a force that’s chemical, biological, or on some other level that brings you together. Some people will attract you while others are not your cup of tea. But the main thing you must remember is to look past the physical to uncover the positive traits on the inside. Physical beauty fades, but a caring, kind heart can help build a lifelong love.

While you can’t choose the attraction, you can choose who you love. Love is a choice that goes far beyond feelings as there’s commitment and much more involved. Before you fall head over heels in love with someone, you must consider if they have the personality traits that you desire in a person.

Everyone wants an individual who maintains the highest caliber of character, but this kind of person isn’t always easy to find. So many people turn to a list to see if the potential suitor checks the boxes.

22 Positive Traits to Seek in a New Partner

Even the best relationships are challenging. No relationship is without its share of troubles, regardless of how things look on social media. There will be times when you are angry, feel unloved, and have your feelings hurt.

It would help if you found a partner who will work with you in the good and bad times. How you handle conflict is a good indication of whether you’ll stay together long term. What are the things that you most desire in a partner? Here’s a list of some positive traits you should consider.

Positive Traits The Keep Your Love Alive

1 – An Excellent Sense of Humor

Life is challenging, so you need someone who can make you laugh. When you have a good sense of humor, you can handle whatever life throws your way. Find someone who does mundane chores, like going to the grocery store, fun. When you find an individual with a sense of adventure, life will always be exciting.

2. Maturity

You don’t want to have a relationship where one person is the adult and the other acts like a child. One of the positive traits you should look for is someone who’s matured and can be an equal partner, not someone you must parent.

3. Empathetic

Life is hard, and you want a partner who understands what you’re going through. This person is caring and will offer you a shoulder to cry on when you need it most.

4. Radiates Positivity

The world around you is hostile, so you need someone full of positivity. They see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty. They can help you keep things in perspective when you might be tempted to be pessimistic.

Positive Traits That Reveal Willingness to Work as a Team

These are the habits and signs of someone with a strong moral compass.

5. Trustworthy

One of the positive traits that help to establish your relationship is trust. Why would you want to be with your partner if you can’t trust them? The person you choose to share your secrets with should be trustworthy, or they will tell your secrets to everyone they know.

6. Charitable

You don’t have to be a philanthropist to be charitable. If you like to give back by helping in soup kitchens and volunteering, you want someone who equally shares your passions. A caring and unselfish person needs someone who shares their vision for helping others.

7. Independent

An independent spirit is one of the positive traits that most people don’t list. However, if you have a dependent person in a relationship, it’s a recipe for disaster. You want someone secure enough within themselves that they don’t need you to be at their side 24×7. They can have friends and interests outside you, and it’s okay to maintain your individuality.

8. Flexibility

Wouldn’t it be nice if life was predictable? Unfortunately, life is ever-changing, and you need a person who embraces times of change. A partner who doesn’t fall apart at every shifting wind benefits you in many ways.

Positive Traits That Predict a Successful Romance

9. Willing to Give and Receive Unconditional Love

There will be days when you’re not a nice person, and there will be times when you’re cruel. Your moods will fluctuate due to the season of life you face, but when you have someone who can show you love unconditionally, you’ve found a gem indeed.

10. Kindness

A kind person will help a senior citizen load groceries in their car at the supermarket. They will hold the door for the next person at the mall and ensure that your vehicle is toasty for you on a cold winter morning. Having someone kind means they consider the other person and not just themselves.

11. Sets Boundaries

Everyone has boundaries they set as guidelines in their life. A partner with positive traits will understand that your limitations are essential. They won’t try to cross your perimeters and don’t expect you to cross theirs.

Positive Traits That Show You’re on the Same Page

12. Good Communication

One of the positive traits that you can’t live without is good communication. Being able to talk with the one you love is not negotiable. When communication is lacking in a relationship, it leaves room for misunderstandings.

13. Acceptance of Other Relationships

Taking on a partner means that they also develop relationships with your friends and family members. You need a person accepting of those in your inner circle, and they don’t try to separate you from them.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, people with narcissistic personality disorder have a tough time with relationships because they’re deceptive. They will try to take you away from family and friends so they can manipulate and use you to their advantage. You want to steer clear of these types of people.

Positive Traits That Make the Initial Attraction Last

14. Good Hygiene

Sure, putting hygiene on a list of things to seek in a partner sounds silly. However, if you’ve dated someone with poor hygiene, you would understand why it’s here. Taking care of your body should come naturally, and when someone’s hygiene is lacking, it reflects on you.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, someone with poor hygiene often has mental illness behind it. People who are depressed or dealing with other mental issues don’t feel like taking care of themselves. This type of self-neglect is pretty overwhelming to deal with in a partner.

15. Likes to Have Fun

One of the best positive traits to have in a person is that they like to have fun. Life certainly would be boring if there were nothing fun in the mix. While a sense of humor is a good thing, you also want someone who knows how to be adventurous and free-spirited at times.

16. Same Goals

While a caring partner who radiates positivity is impressive, you also want someone going in the same direction. It doesn’t matter if they’re attractive and make tons of money if you’re going in opposite directions. Perhaps you want to dedicate your life to giving back, and your partner only cares about making climbing the corporate ladder. It’s easy to see that this situation can be very troublesome.

Positive Traits That Prove Emotional Intelligence

17. Affectionate

You need someone to throw their arms around you and let you feel their love. Affection is something that happens outside of the bedroom. You want a person who loves you and isn’t afraid to hug, kiss, or hold your hand in public. Affection is one of those positive traits that relationships need to thrive.

18. Forgiving

You don’t want to share your life with someone who isn’t forgiving. This person must learn to forgive themselves when they fail and others. Forgiveness is admirable because it shows that they realize no one is perfect.

Positive Traits That Bind Couples Together for Life

19. Truthful

Part of positivity and maintaining a good relationship is being honest. No one wants to be with a person who is always telling lies. You can’t trust someone dishonest, so why would you want to be in a relationship with them?

20. Faithfulness

One of the essential things in a relationship is faithfulness to one another. Not every person on this earth can be monogamous. Some people can’t imagine themselves tied down to one person for life. Having someone who will be faithful to you even in the face of temptation is priceless.

Positive Traits That Display a Desire to Succeed

21. Strength of Character

Do you want a person who falls apart during a crisis? There will be times when you fall to pieces, and you will need someone there to help you up when you stumble. Having someone who is a pillar of strength is one of the positive traits you need in your partner.

22. Compatibility

Either you will click well together, or you won’t. There’s no way that you can work on your compatibility once you’re together. Some people attract each other like moths to a flame, while others tend to disgust one another. Find someone who you’re compatible with, and there’s attraction.

Final Thoughts on Valuing Positive Traits in a New Partner Along With Physical Attraction

After examining this list, what positive traits are essential to you? Is a caring person high on your list, or do you prefer someone who is worldly and has a sense of adventure? Finding the best person for you isn’t always easy, but you must ensure you never settle for second best just because the right one hasn’t come along.

15 Ways Pets Increase Mental Health

July 31, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

You probably love the tail-wagging greeting your dog gives you when you arrive home. Sloppy licks and wiggles are normal ways dogs express how happy they are to see you. Cats are no different. Your kitty may give you a friendly head bump or tap you on the legs with their paws to show their love. Having a sweet pet not only makes coming home enjoyable. Whether you have a dog, cat, or guinea pig, the benefits of pets on your mental health are significant.

15 Benefits of Pets on Your Mental Health and Overall Wellness

Whether your best friend is furry, fuzzy, or finned, they can significantly impact your life.

1 – Supporting your mental health

Pets have an innate way of giving support. They are incredibly loyal and dedicated to being with you all the time. A lick or a nudge reminds you they’re there for you…or just hungry. Either way, they need you. Even when you’re having a hard day, caring for a pet makes you get up to care for them. Stroking their fur is relaxing and calms you down. Your pet offers you quiet support and unconditional love every day.

2 – Comforts you

Pets remind you that snuggling isn’t optional. It’s mandatory for your fur baby. They are comforters by nature. Where humans need to learn how to comfort, pets seem to know exactly how to curl up next to you and bring comfort. Their presence offers improved mental health. Researcher Dr. Ann Berger offers insight into why we receive comfort from pets:

Dogs are very present. If someone is struggling with something, they know how to sit there and be loving, their attention is focused on the person all the time.”

So, if you don’t have a pet, knowing the mental health benefits could motivate you to find a furry friend to cuddle.

3 – Ease your loneliness

You’re never alone when you have a pet. They’re right next to you, eager for a pat on the head or tickle under the chin. You might trip over your canine because they lie right at your feet. You can complain or vent your frustration about work or school to your pets. They listen without judgment. Of course, they want you to pet them because pets seem to know when you need to touch them. It’s a basic human need they instinctively understand. Petting your sweet kitty not only lessens your loneliness but it helps lower your heart rate and helps you relax.

4 – Eases depression

Pets offer mental health benefits to everyone around them. They make you laugh even if you’re feeling sad. Whether it’s sticking their butt up in the air or flopping down on the floor comically, pets smile even if you feel blue. Pets have a positive effect on your mood. You have trusted friends who never withdraw from you but show you love and devotion even on your down days.

5 – Help with ADHD

Dogs help kids who struggle with ADHD. They help them focus and feel calm. They also help adults who have ADHD. They help you get exercise when you need to get rid of your pent-up energy. When you’re focused on your pet, you’re calmer and relaxed. Having a pet around naturally eases your restlessness.

6 – Exercise improves your mental health

Having a dog is great motivation to exercise. They need you to walk them several times a day. According to physical exercise standards, walking your dog gives you moderate to vigorous exercise depending on how fast you walk with your pooch. Not only does walking your dog increase your physical exercise, but it gets you outdoors for some fresh air and sunlight. It’s thought that older people will go for a walk with their dog more often than they go for walks with humans. That’s the power of the pet to motivate.

7 – Socializing can support better mental health

Never underestimate the power of your pet to help you strike up friendships. Pets are a natural icebreaker for talking to your neighbors. You’re more likely to see neighbors on your morning and evening walks. Discussing your dog’s breed or personality with the people you meet is natural. They may want to pet your dog or comment on how they look. These easy socializing experiences may grow into friendships down the road. You may end up meeting your next-door neighbor who loves pet sitting.

8 – Lower your risk of a heart attack

Your pet provides you with mental health benefits, and pet ownership can improve your physical health. It’s a proven fact that people who own a cat are less likely to have a fatal heart attack. Researchers aren’t sure why this is true, but it could be because cats help you feel calmer and more at peace. Or it could be that people who choose cats are naturally healthier. Whatever the reason, it’s a good thing for your heart if you’re a cat lady or cat man.

9 – Lowers your blood pressure (better mental health = less stress)

When you hang out with your pet, your blood pressure decreases. You may feel stress drop, causing you to feel more relaxed. Pets have the natural ability to help you relax, which lowers your blood pressure. Studies show that petting your fur baby decreases your cortisol levels and lowers your blood pressure. Cortisol is a stress hormone. Stroking your cat or dog also encourages your body to release mood-enhancing hormones, making you feel relaxed and happy.

10 – Eases stress, the underlying factor for many mental health concerns

Pets are a lot of work. You need to feed, water, and exercise them. They need regular check-ups and sometimes medications for physical conditions. Then there are the toys, special beds, and other paraphernalia you need to buy to keep your fur baby entertained and comfortable. Despite all the stress, your pet is your best friend. They’re there for you when you feel sad or tired. They cuddle and nuzzle you to remind you it’s time to eat or go outside. Pets give you unconditional love, and that is a huge stress release. Many offices, hospitals, and nursing homes bring dogs in to interact with people to help ease stress.

11 – Reduces your chance of allergies

Many pets shed. Although this isn’t fun to vacuum all the time, interestingly, having a pet around boosts your immune system. This is especially true for infants who are exposed to pets. Infants with one or more pets in the house are less apt to have an allergy than kids who aren’t exposed to pets.

12 – Lowers your blood sugar

Of course, your pets aren’t overseeing your diet to be sure you keep your blood sugar down, but there’s a connection between owning a pet and being more disciplined about maintaining your blood glucose levels. Having the responsibility to care for an animal helps kids who are diabetic because they learn to feed and water them daily. This transfers to their daily care. Those young people who care for pets were better at keeping tabs on their diabetes.

13 – Feel happier

People who own a pet are overall happier than those without a pet. This is because they may have a sense of belonging or meaning. When caring for a pet, you feel in control of your life and theirs.

14 – Improves your brain

Having contact with pets creates positive memories, helping your brain. People who have experienced a stroke or have dementia often smile at pets. This is because there’s a connection that only an animal can provide. Also, older people who care for pets stay engaged mentally.

15 – They make you playful

As an adult, it’s easy to lose your sense of playfulness. Maybe your job is stressful with many decisions, or you struggle with depression. No matter what’s happening in your life, your pet inspires you to be playful. They love it when you throw a ball, tickle them or play hide and seek with them. Something about a pet brings out your playfulness like you were a kid again. And that’s a good thing.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Pets on Happiness and Mental Health

It’s no wonder so many people own pets. Their sweet kisses, head bumps, or wiggles tell you they’re so happy to see you when you get home. Besides showing their love, pets provide humans with mental health benefits. You’re less apt to have allergies, a heart attack, or depression when you have a pet. Your fur baby motivates to get outside and walk for better health. The benefits of pets even include causing you to socialize more and have less stress. Having a sweet pet makes your life more enjoyable and overall happier. If you don’t own a pet, maybe it’s time you consider the advantages. There’s a fur baby out there somewhere, just waiting for a mandatory cuddle with you.

15 Metabolism Boosters Most People Forget

July 30, 2022 by Chris Butler

Are you tired of battling excess weight and feeling drained all the time? Maybe you’re convinced that you inherited a slow metabolic system. Is there anything you can do to change your body’s fat-burning capabilities? These metabolism booster tips can help.

Fifteen Easy Metabolism Booster Hacks You Should Try

You’ll be glad to know that lifestyle changes may kick your fat furnace up a few notches. While there are no “miracle” foods or supplements, there are some that may give you the energetic zap you need. Here are some metabolism boosters for you to consider.

1. Protein Is a Metabolism Booster

Your body is made of protein, so you must consume enough to stay strong and healthy. Eating protein can keep your muscles strong and your metabolism high if you work out to build muscle mass. Some people benefit from having a high-protein snack before and after their workouts.

According to an article published by Harvard University, the RDA for protein is .8 grams per kilogram of your weight. Your protein choice can be animal or plant-based. Consider metabolism boosters like lean meats, eggs, nuts, dairy, and dark-green leafy vegetables.

2. Get Enough Sleep

It’s hard to have a lot of energy when staying up all night. Sleep deprivation will catch up with you, whether it’s insomnia or you’re binging late-night television. Not only will you be in a helpless brain fog the next day, but your metabolism will be on the weak side.

If you want metabolism boosters that work, aim to get between six and eight hours of sound sleep. Avoid consuming caffeine or alcohol in the evenings so it doesn’t hinder your rest. You may be surprised at your energy when you’re well-rested and alert.

3. Reduce Your Stress for Metabolic Support

Stress will usually be a hot topic in just about any media outlet you choose. Stress has been part of the human condition since the beginning. Your brain’s automatic stress response gives your body a boost of energy to save your life.

However, your brain doesn’t differentiate which stressors are life-threatening and which ones aren’t serious. So, chronic stress puts this temporary defense mechanism on overdrive, leading to serious health risks. Metabolism boosters can be even more productive when you minimize your stress levels and learn to relax.

4. Water Is an Essential Metabolism Booster

The next time you drink a glass of cold, refreshing water, consider its crucial role in your body. The U.S. Department of the Interior published an article explaining that the adult human body comprises approximately 60 percent water. It stands to reason that you need enough water to maintain your well-being.

When you enjoy between six and eight glasses of water each day, it helps flush away toxins and lubricates your joints. Plus, staying hydrated can be one of those metabolism boosters that helps you lose weight.

5. Enjoy a Cup of Tea

Eastern medicine has touted green tea as a powerful health tonic for centuries. According to a study published by the National Library of Medicine, the natural chemicals found in green tea may promote fat burning. Good metabolism boosters like green tea may be your key to losing a few pounds.

You can also brew a cup of oolong tea from the same plant as the green variety. Sip some of these flavorful teas hot or over ice for a refreshing treat. You may consider green tea supplements if you prefer to skip the drink.

6. Trade The Saltshaker for Herbs and Spices

Your body needs a certain amount of sodium to function and survive. However, a diet heavy in salt can lead to serious health issues like hypertension and weight gain.

It creates a vicious cycle where lack of energy can affect your weight, and your weight can nix your energy levels. The good news is that you can shake your salt habit and use more herbs and spices. They lend complex flavors to your food without adding extra sodium.

7. Try a Cup of Joe for a Metabolism Booster

Perhaps you’re not a morning person and need your first cup of coffee to be fully awake. You may also sip through a whole pot of coffee at work. While you don’t want to overdo it, enjoying java can increase your stamina.

Of course, caffeine gives your brain and body the jolt you need. It’s one of those metabolism boosters that can also enhance your mood. Just be cautious with calorie-laden additives like cream, sugar, and syrups.

8. Get Your Body Moving

Your body can’t be a fat-burning machine if you prefer a sedentary lifestyle. Even having a desk job can contribute to unhealthy weight gain. Health issues like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and some forms of cancer all come from this way of life.

Make fitness a priority and try to exercise at least twenty minutes a day. Take breaks from sitting in the office and walk outside for a while. You might also consider energy-enhancing exercises like yoga, Pilates, or weightlifting.

9. Stop Smoking as Metabolism Booster

As if you need more solid reasons to stop smoking, revving your metabolism is another. Oxygen and optimal blood circulation are the main components of human metabolism. Since smoking inhibits both, your metabolic rate will be minimal.

Kick the habit, and your body will immediately start the healing process. You’ll be able to breathe better and be more active. Since tobacco and nicotine have many health risks, vaping and chewing tobacco aren’t safe alternatives.

10. Try to Be More Positive

How do you feel when you think everything and everyone is against you? These waves of pessimism make your posture weaker and rob your vitality. Negative vibes smother every ounce of strength and self-confidence you have inside.

Consider how you feel when you have a more positive outlook. You smile and laugh more and feel stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually. Improving your attitude is one of the many metabolism boosters that cost you nothing, but they’re priceless.

11. Practice Meditation for a Metabolism Booster

Did you know that your metabolism is just as much mental and spiritual as physical? No wonder concepts related to either three are referred to as energies. Meditation is an ancient practice that can bring you more clarity and internal vibrancy.

The delightful thing about meditation is that you can do it your way. You only need a quiet place to sit or lie down without being disturbed. It might seem forced at first, but soon it will come as naturally as breathing.

Now, allow your body and mind to relax and let your thoughts pass by without judgment. You’ll hear that inner voice that strengthens and guides you in this silent sanctuary of your mind. If you meditate for twenty to thirty minutes daily, your mental and spiritual vibrations will rise, possibly affecting your metabolic rate.

12. Be Careful of the Booze–It Impairs Your Metabolic System

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a couple of drinks as long as you do it responsibly and in moderation. Whether your alcohol of choice is beer, wine, or spirits, drinking too much can devastate your health. Alcohol can make you gain weight and even slow down your metabolism.

If you want to raise an occasional pint, keep it to a minimum. Also, alternate your drinks with plenty of water and ignore the salty snack foods. You can have a good time but still keep your body healthy, safe, and energized.

13. Appreciate the Gift of Laughter

When was the last time you were nearly breathless from laughing so much? A hearty belly laugh brings out the best in your spirits. Your burdens are lifted and replaced with metabolism boosters like humor and laughter for a moment.

No wonder the ancients said it was one of life’s best medicines. It’s challenging to be dreary and slow-moving when you’re giggling with glee. Give yourself a generous dose of laughter’s medicine and watch an occasional comedy or read a funny book.

14. Have a Bit of Dark Chocolate (The Sweetest Metabolism Booster!)

Have you ever seen a kid with a piece of chocolate be less than energetic? While you can’t go overboard, dark chocolate is one of the most tempting metabolism boosters. The natural flavonoids in cocoa may lower your stress hormones and increase your metabolic rate.

Remember that all chocolate isn’t created equally. Consuming a milk chocolate bar won’t offer you the same potential benefits as quality dark chocolate. Try to keep your serving at about 1.5 ounces, which is about the weight of an AA battery.

15. Don’t Forget Your Vitamin D

Vitamin D is necessary to build healthy muscles, bones, and teeth. It’s plentiful in dairy products, eggs, and some fish. Your body also makes this essential vitamin from sunlight.

Building strong muscles can help you increase your metabolism and burn fat more efficiently. According to an article published by Harvard University, the RDA of Vitamin D for adults 19-70 is 600 IU. Adults over seventy should have at least 800 IU.

Final Thoughts on the Metabolism Booster Tips Most People Ignore

You don’t have to be content with the metabolic levels that genetics dealt you. These helpful hints can help increase your metabolic rate and burn more fat. These metabolism booster hacks are a healthier version of you that will make a difference.

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