Page 234

14 Reasons Why Married Couples Are Happier

July 2, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Getting married is a joyous time for couples. They commit to a lifetime together and dream of all the future holds. Marriage can also be a stressful experience as life changes drastically, but many people believe married couples are happier.

Society portrays marriage as a necessity for couples, leading many people to believe it’s the ultimate life goal. However, it can be complicated, and a happy partnership requires choosing the right person for you.

The idea of why married couples are happier is still up for debate because experts can’t agree on the reasoning. While some studies show that being married brings happiness, others show that a variety of factors make you happy.

The Science Behind Happiness of Married Couples

A psychologist from the University of Denver conducted a study about married couples being happier. With the help of his colleagues, the study followed 168 people who were engaged to be married. The study showed their journey from engagement to married life, helping experts understand the happiness factor.

While some evidence supports the idea that married couples are happier, it’s not simple. It turns out that couples living together without being married can have the same level of happiness. The key is to have a healthy relationship rather than lingering in unfulfilling ones.

During the two-year study, participants were surveyed every two months about their:

General health
Alcohol use
Life satisfaction
Psychological distress

The survey helped experts identify physical or mental changes leading to the participant’s wedding day. They also monitored changes after the wedding. The reported changes indicated that couples aren’t always happier after the wedding, further confusing the discussion.

It is important to capture every moment during the wedding day with a reliable film wedding photographer, who can provide timeless and high-quality images that preserve the genuine emotions of the day. Looking for wedding photographers Rhode Island contact Stacy Smith Photography.

Also, hiring the best wedding photographer New Orleans would be a great option. This way, couples may remember the reason why they got married, and it’s all about their love for each other.

This study shows that there’s more to a happy couple than a legal certificate. The reason people believe that married couples are happier can bring enlightenment to the situation, though. It’s not the marriage that creates a happy life, it’s all about the health and positivity of your relationship.

Further studies show that people who remain single experience steeper drops in happiness. Since they have decreased happiness levels, married couples seem even more joyful together. Knowing why married couples seem happier can help you find the same joy in your relationship.

Why Married Couples Are Happier

1. Married Couples Share Commitment, Intimacy, and Trust

Getting married teaches couples the importance of committing to one another and establishing trust. If you treasure your partner, you won’t want to succumb to temptation and ruin what you have. The way you feel about your partner brings happiness, whereas couples who don’t commit are unhappy.

It implies the promise that neither of you will betray your partner by going behind their back to do things. You won’t lie to them or ask others to keep things from them, or it can cause unhappiness and conflict.

Marriage also brings about a deeper level of intimacy. It gives a sense of comfort, allowing you to be who you are without judgment. You can be honest and vulnerable without disrupting your sense of peace.

2. Married Couples Enjoy Security

Getting married is a process, and it’s legally binding. The endeavor makes the partners less likely to walk away when things get complicated. It brings a sense of solidarity and security that being unmarried doesn’t allow.

3. They Have Someone Who Accepts Them

Getting married implies that each partner accepts the other for who they are. They don’t want to change their partner and enjoy their partner’s personality. When people feel accepted, they tend to be happier, making others think it leads to happiness.

4. Financial Improvement

While money isn’t everything, having another income in your home is nice. Having a partner gives you someone to help out with the finances, easing your burden. Without the stress of financial problems, you’ll likely be happier.

5. More Support and Encouragement

Couples can provide support and encouragement in ways that other people can’t. Knowing you have someone by your side and giving you the strength to persevere can be empowering. They’re there for you no matter what comes your way, and that’s a feeling that doesn’t compare to anything else.

You won’t feel alone when struggling or hurting when you’re in a healthy relationship. You always have your person to share things with, good or bad. They’ll help you work through your emotions and offer another perspective.

6. Married Couples Can Get More Done

Being married allows you to divide up activities and get more done. You can share responsibilities and split up activities such as:

Family activities
Household chores
Community events
Planning leisure activities
Driving children to and from school or sports

When you divide these activities, it relieves stress for both of you. It also allows you to embrace more leisure activities.

7. Marriage Allows for a Strong Family Unit

You can build a strong family unit with your partner, embracing the journey as you go. A healthy relationship involves couples who think for the benefit of their family rather than being selfish.

Studies show that absent parents cause mental and behavioral issues in children. So, having both parents present can improve your child’s well-being. This information doesn’t imply that you can’t co-parent successfully because you can as long as both parents are actively involved.

When both partners are happy, the family unit strengthens. If you have kids, it also solidifies their view and perspective of a strong family unit. You’ll notice happiness and fulfillment as you continue your relationship and build a healthy family.

8. Deep Friendship

Having a deep friendship with your partner is one of the reasons married couples are happier. Experts from the National Bureau of Economics Research explain that people who consider their partner their best friend are more optimistic than others. People who have a best friend outside of the relationship don’t experience the same joy in their relationship.

This study showed that the results were the same for married couples or long-term partners living together. If you live with your best friend and share your life with them, it’s easy to find happiness. It brings emotional closeness, trust, and understanding from someone who understands your personality and values.

9. It Is the Ultimate Act of Love

When you love someone, you can envision a happy future with them. Marriage lets your partner know you want to take the next step with them. It’s one of the best ways to show your partner how much you love them. Plus, it shows you’re ready for a committed relationship with respect and love.

10. Marriage Promotes Physical and Psychological Health

Married couples encourage one another to live healthier. They speak up about irregular or unhealthy eating or drinking habits. Improving these lifestyle habits promotes better overall health. Regular meals, healthy drinking habits, and trusted social groups lead to improved changes.

11. They’re Already Happy

When happy people enter a healthy relationship, it leads to a happy relationship. Happy people attract other like-minded people, often resulting in a pleasant experience.

Plus, if people get married, it typically implies they’re happy together. So, once they join in marriage, they add to the idea that married couples are more comfortable because they came into the relationship that way.

Unhappy couples aren’t as likely to get married, meaning they aren’t considered in this topic. It can skew the results, making it seem like marriage leads to happiness.

12. People Recognize Your Relationship

Many people don’t recognize a relationship unless you get married. People in long-term relationships may hear negative comments about their relationship. While a long-term relationship can be just as strong, not everyone sees it that way. It causes tension and stress within the romance, potentially leading to arguments.

13. It Distracts You from Unpleasant Thoughts

Experts say that people are happier when they’re talking and being intimate. Spending time with your partner and investing in your relationship brings happiness. Resting and relaxing doesn’t encourage the same level of joy because your mind can wander to unpleasant experiences.

14. Married Couples Often Have an Active Social Life

Getting married can bring out your social side, improving that part of your life. You always have someone to go out with, so you don’t have to ask around to make plans. You’ll always have fun because you’re going out with your best friend. Plus, you’ll be confident enough to socialize with new people with them by your side.

Your partner can also improve your social life by bringing their relationships to your partnership. Expanding your social circle, you’ll meet and get close to their friends and loved ones. This improved social life brings a source of happiness that many people don’t always recognize.

Final Thoughts on Reasons Married Couples Are Happier

If a marriage involves the reasons mentioned above, both partners are likely happy to be together. However, long-term relationships with couples living together can produce the same results as happily married couples.

While getting married can make you happier, you must be in the right relationship. An unhealthy partnership will deplete you of joy, doing the opposite of what a marriage should involve.

Remember that you can be happy if you’re single, in a long-term relationship, or married. While some information shows that married couples are happier, it has more to do with a healthy relationship.

13 Red Flags That Reveal Emotionally Unavailable Parents

July 1, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Parents provide the first sense of validation and guidance in their child’s life. They teach about boundaries and making decisions, allowing kids to form healthy relationships into adulthood. However, emotionally unavailable parents neglect to provide their children with the comfort and validation they need.

When parents don’t provide this guidance, it causes emotional issues for their children. It makes it hard for their kids to trust people, hindering their ability to build meaningful relationships. Emotionally unavailable parents neglect their children because they don’t give them what they need for proper mental health growth.

Kids with emotionally unavailable parents can develop problems that last well into adulthood. These issues stem from emotional abuse and include:

PTSD
Bipolar disorder
Insecurities
Depression
Fears
Dissociative identity disorder
Anger management issues

Identifying the red flags that reveal emotionally unavailable parents can help you address the issues in your life. If your parents weren’t there for you emotionally, make a change to improve your life right now.

Five Causes of Emotionally Unavailable Parents

While there’s no excuse for your parent emotionally neglecting you, there are some reasons it happens. If your parent went through mentally harmful situations, it could affect their parenting style.

1. Mental Health Conditions

If your parent has a mental health condition, it can cause them to be emotionally unavailable. While it isn’t their fault, they have a condition. It’s still essential that they reach out to get help.

2. Deep Insecurity

If your parent has crippling insecurity, it can cause them to be emotionally distant. Their fear could overtake their ability to interact, especially in a loving way. They might be afraid to mess up how they raise you, unknowingly causing further issues.

3. Trauma

When your parent experienced trauma in their past, it can linger into their parenting style. They may have gone through adverse life-changing events or experienced abuse.

4. Narcissistic Personality Disorder

People with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) cannot care about anyone but themselves. If your parent has this condition, it can be hard to make them guide you. It’s not your fault, and understanding the disorder can help you remember that it’s not you.

5. Hormone Deficiency

If your parents’ hormones are imbalanced, it can affect their personality and behaviors. They might not be able to attach emotionally, even if they want to.

Thirteen Signs of Emotionally Unavailable Parents

You’re not alone if you have emotionally unavailable parents. If you can identify the issue, you can learn how to overcome it and live a fulfilling life.

1. Emotionally Unavailable Parents Don’t Tell You That They Love You

Parents should vocalize their love for their children. It helps build a foundation for self-esteem and makes the child feel safe at home. This situation can be unsettling and confusing if you don’t hear it from your parents.

A parent telling their child they love them helps them feel secure. They’ll know that their parent will always be there for them. When a child knows they can always fall back on their parents, they’re more likely to seek healthy relationships with boundaries.

2. They Neglect Setting Rules for Their Children

Parents who don’t invest in their children don’t always care how they behave. If your parent was like this, they might have let you do whatever you wanted. While being overly strict isn’t ideal, there should be rules and boundaries.

The child might think it’s great at the time, but it’s highly detrimental long-term. It can also be unsafe if a child is allowed to do anything they want. The structure benefits social development, so parents need to implement it sometimes.

3. They Aren’t Interested in Your Accomplishments

Praise isn’t everything in life, but children must hear it from their parents. When a child works hard on a test, a parent should be interested and excited for the child. Parents who say nothing about it or barely engage are emotionally unavailable.

It can be devastating when your parents don’t care what you do in your life. Eventually, you’ll feel like you can’t share things with them because it’ll only lead to disappointment. When a child grows up this way, they’ll likely question their abilities well into adulthood.

4. Emotionally Unavailable Parents Don’t Listen to You

Emotionally unavailable parents don’t acknowledge what their children say. They don’t take the time to focus on the child, either being preoccupied or withdrawn. This behavior invalidates your child and the neglect can make them feel unloved and unwanted.

Don’t confuse not listening with the normal dynamics of a parent and child relationship. Sometimes disagreements arise, and one person will accuse the other of not listening. This situation is different because an emotionally unavailable parent often doesn’t respond.

Not listening leads to your parents not understanding you or your thoughts. It’s frustrating and causes children to miss out on the validation that helps form healthy relationships later in life.

5. They Don’t Hold Themselves Accountable

Emotionally unavailable parents blame their children for things that aren’t their fault. When the parent makes a mistake, they don’t admit it and tend to accuse the child instead. Or, they’ll say that the child caused them to mess up.

They might call you dramatic if you try to talk to them about the situation. They’ll accuse you of starting a fight rather than realizing you’re only trying to discuss a problem.

6. They Neglect Activities or Miss Important Events

Parents can’t always attend every event, coach a team, or be involved with the PTA to engage. They should prioritize some of your important events and make it a point to show up.

Of course, some jobs don’t allow any time off, but those parents still talk about the events with you and show excitement for them. As children become teenagers, not seeing their parents attend any events makes them feel unsupported or unloved.

7. The Don’t Congratulate or Validate You

No matter how well you do, emotionally unavailable parents don’t validate your hard work. They won’t congratulate you for a well-done job, and you’ll feel like nothing you do is good enough. If you do great, they’ll still point out one flaw and disregard the rest of your work.

When parents behave this way, the child thinks they aren’t worth anything. It can also cause the child to question their self-worth, pushing them down a negative path.

8. They Don’t Make You Feel Special or Important

Parents should make their children feel important every day. Without this kind of nurture, it can leave a person feeling worthless and unloved. Young children struggle with this the most because they’re growing and maturing then.

It’s hurtful to children of all ages when parents neglect making them feel special. Plus, the effects of this situation during childhood linger into adulthood, too.

9. Emotionally Unavailable Parents Yell Often

Emotionally unavailable parents often shout and scream over minor things. They over-react, leaving their children living with excessive hostility.

This situation affects children for life, confusing them about what healthy relationships and love look like. All parents lose their tempers sometimes, but the yelling shouldn’t be constant.

10. They Don’t Care About Their Child’s Happiness

Emotionally unavailable parents don’t seem to care about how their child feels. They prioritize their happiness instead and don’t care about the repercussion. This hurtful and disappointing behavior hinders a child’s view of healthy relationships.

11. Emotionally Unavailable Parents Don’t Show Affection

Studies show that children who receive regular hugs experience more positive emotions than those who don’t. Hugs increase oxytocin levels in the brain, helping people feel closer to loved ones. It also positively affects stress-related hormones that improve moods and ease anxiety.

When parents show their children affection, they grow up feeling loved and cared for. Feeling safe and loved is essential to a child’s growth and development.

12. They’re Friendlier to Other People Than to You

It’s a red flag if your parents behave one way in public but entirely differently when with you. They might smile and laugh with friends but then mope around the house, ignoring the family. These are the parents who prioritize appearances rather than emotional stability at home.

This behavior leaves children feeling stuck, empty, and alone. They feel unloved, wondering why the person supposed to love them is nicer to others.

13. They Neglect to Ask Questions or Talk to You About Your Life

Parents should ask questions about their child’s life, no matter how old they get. Emotionally unavailable parents don’t ask questions, leaving their children feeling inadequate. It makes it seem like they’re uninterested in you and your life, causing feelings of insignificance and loneliness.

Final Thoughts on Emotionally Unavailable Parents

Emotionally unavailable parents stand in the way of healthy child development. The issues linger into adulthood, giving adult children problems to overcome.

If you recognize any of these red flags of an emotionally unavailable parent, remember that it isn’t your fault. Your parent behaves this way because of inner turmoil they haven’t dealt with yet. Try not to take it personally because the neglect has nothing to do with who you are.

7 Behaviors That Reveal Someone With a Strong Personality

July 1, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Do you have a strong personality? If so, people may describe you as assertive, dominant, or even intimidating. Strong characters tend to know what they want in life and speak their mind confidently. Strength means they don’t sit on the sidelines and wait for anyone to give them directions; they act without needing approval from others.

People with a strong personality seem to have no fear of anything. They’re not easily swayed by circumstances and roll with the punches, no matter what happens. Strong people benefit society in many ways, from watching over the vulnerable to tackling complex problems.

They also aren’t afraid to stand up to bullies or people who belittle others. People with a headstrong demeanor live purposefully and don’t hide from challenges. You have probably met many strong people in life, and they likely displayed some of the following traits.

7 Behaviors That People With A Strong Personality Display

1. Their Strength Means They Don’t Allow Disrespect from Others

People with a strong personality have no tolerance for disrespect or bullying. They have an aura of self-confidence and strength, which automatically repels those with harmful intentions.

For example, narcissists prey on people they perceive as quiet, weak, or vulnerable. However, a person with a strong personality would never allow themselves to be manipulated or controlled.

They have clear boundaries with people and demand respect, ensuring they surround themselves with authentic individuals. Because they don’t tolerate flakiness or inconsiderate types, it’s easy for them to avoid drama. When they walk into a room, their assured, composed energy shows people how to treat them without saying a word.

2. A Strong Personality Avoids Toxic People.

Someone with a strong personality doesn’t mesh well with overly harmful or toxic people. They know that having a positive outlook on life will enhance their well-being and make it easier to achieve goals. A strong person sees negative people as a drain on their energy and prefers to keep uplifting friends. This preference doesn’t mean they lack compassion or understanding about the inevitable suffering in life.

However, since they have an optimistic attitude, they naturally feel drawn to others with similar strength. They’re kind to everyone but only keep friends that inspire and motivate them toward greatness.

3. They Don’t Require Validation or Approval.

A strong personality doesn’t need anyone to build them up or validate its existence. They already feel complete on their own, so no words of praise or criticism phase them. Strong people aren’t arrogant or aloof; instead, they have a clear sense of self and move through life with ease. This clarity of identity means they’re not constantly searching outside themselves for approval.

They get the job done because it’s their duty, not because they expect fame or attention.

4. They’re Self-Reliant.

If you know a strong personality, you probably notice that they often don’t ask for help. Instead, they would rely on themselves for the answers since they’re confident in their abilities. These people like to learn about subjects in-depth and remain curious throughout life. If they want something, they do what it takes to achieve it without complaining or feeling sorry for themselves.

This independent streak gives them a strong work ethic and allows them to become a jack of all trades. They only ask others for assistance as a last resort or if it’s a complex problem requiring specific knowledge. Of course, they have a small support system, but take full responsibility and don’t expect others to save them.

5. A Strong Personality Holds Their Ground.

They don’t need others to speak for them or tell them what to think. They’re independent thinkers who come to their conclusions and don’t mind standing alone. After all, they would rather be a lone wolf than go along with the crowd, anyway. In debates, they listen to the speaker without interrupting but will firmly stand their ground.

The strong personality doesn’t change their opinions on a whim just to fit in with others. They have clear convictions and live according to their standards, not society’s expectations. Strong people dare to live authentically and never sacrifice their values to maintain the status quo.

6. They Have An Open Mind.

While a strong personality might have a stubborn streak, they remain open-minded and flexible. They stand their ground but aren’t afraid to admit when they’re wrong. So, once they’ve gathered all the facts and heard every side of a story, they might change their minds. They fluidly move through life, despite having sincerely held beliefs.

This ability also means they’re open to new experiences that will help them grow. Whether that means changing their career or moving to a different city, they’re always looking to expand their horizons.

7. A Strong Personality Practices Active Listening.

Finally, strong people know when to stop talking and listen to others without feeling a need to interject. They realize that relationships require effort from both people, and if one person doesn’t feel heard, it creates an imbalance. It’s also a basic rule of respect to consider others’ thoughts and opinions. Plus, studies show that active listening enhances trust and empathy in relationships.

A strong personality isn’t domineering or controlling but sees everyone as equal to them. Just as they ask for respect in relationships, they reciprocate by treating others with decency and compassion. Despite what the word implies, being strong doesn’t mean steamrolling over others. It means feeling confident in your skin and permitting others to do the same.

Final Thoughts on Basic Qualities of a Strong Personality

Some people may shy away from those with strong personalities because they intimidate them. However, influential people attract others and have a calm, open demeanor. They’re not interested in trampling on others to appease their egos.

Instead, they have learned to feel secure within themselves and don’t need strength from others. This self-confidence radiates outward and makes others feel safe in their presence.

While they don’t tolerate disrespect or toxicity, people with strong personalities still treat everyone with basic kindness. They have learned to accept reality, both good and bad. We can all benefit from having a strong person in our lives, someone to anchor us in turbulent times.

5 Reasons People Feel Unmotivated (and How to Fix It)

July 1, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

People feel unmotivated for various reasons, such as lack of purpose or mental disorders like depression. Regaining motivation doesn’t happen overnight, but you can feel inspired again by taking baby steps. The most important thing to remember when feeling unmotivated is to sit with your feelings rather than fight them or overcome obstacles.

Remember that you’re not a machine, and you don’t owe the world anything. You’ve come here to realize your true nature and a sense of purpose. You will naturally serve the world without much effort since the energy will flow freely.

When we live our truth, all the obstacles we face seem to melt away. Our vision becomes more precise, and we feel at one with the world around us. If that sounds like a pipe dream, perhaps you need a change in perspective. We’ll give you a few common reasons why people feel unmotivated and how you can find inspiration.

5 Reasons You Feel Unmotivated (And How to Reignite Your Spark!)

Do you recognize any of these signs of an unmotivated life?

1. When Unmotivated, You Don’t Live With Purpose.

When you suppress your true desires in life, you lose energy and vitality. Living to please others in fear of rejection or shame may cause you to follow the wrong path. If your parents wanted you to attend college and become a doctor, you might have felt pressured to make them happy. However, did you ever stop to think about what you truly wanted in life?

Others may encourage us to get a typical job because of societal pressures and a sense of security. But, this path isn’t for everyone, especially the dreamers, creators, and visionaries among us. People that think outside the box typically don’t do well in routine careers, and that’s okay. However, if your dream requires a degree, there’s nothing wrong with following the crowd.

The bottom line is that you shouldn’t allow others to dictate your life trajectory. By following your heart, you will awaken and inspire the creative spirit in others. So, if you feel stuck or unmotivated, ask yourself if you’re living your truth. If not, it’s time to move beyond your fears and find your voice!

2. You Don’t Exercise.

This may seem like a strange reason for feeling unmotivated. However, studies show that exercise helps improve motivation and ward off symptoms of depression. This occurs because exercise releases feel-good hormones such as dopamine and serotonin, which can boost your mood. Of course, if you feel unmotivated, it isn’t easy to get off the couch and hit the gym.

But, after your first gym session, it becomes easier to continue the workouts each time. After a few weeks, it will become part of your everyday routine and won’t require as much effort. Try exercising just three days per week to start, and do something that you genuinely enjoy. Moving your body will allow your mind to become more flexible, making your goals more attainable.

3. You’re Burnt Out and Can’t Deal with Obstacles.

When you overwork yourself, you start to feel unmotivated about life. You may become frustrated, depressed, or restless with little energy left for yourself. Unfortunately, more people have started to experience burnout at work than ever before. In fact, a recent survey from Indeed found that 52% of workers felt burned out in 2021.

Burnout can happen for several reasons, such as being disconnected from your job, experiencing chronic stress, or feeling unmotivated. When you feel unable to cope with life’s incessant demands, it can cause burnout syndrome.

If you feel unmotivated due to overworking or disinterested in work, ask your boss for a few days off. This way, you can recharge your batteries and perhaps look into other types of work.

4. If You’re Unmotivated, You May Lack Structure or Discipline.

Everyone needs a reason to wake up in the morning. If you feel unmotivated, perhaps you don’t have a routine or obligations to fulfill. Some people shy away from discipline, but it makes you feel better in the long term. In today’s world, we have become spoiled by instant gratification, but as they say, nothing good comes easily.

If you want to achieve your goals, you will have to sacrifice some of these habits. Or, prioritize the most critical tasks to knock them out while you have the energy. Setting a schedule will help you stay focused and avoid obstacles such as scrolling on social media or watching TV. You can permanently save these activities for the end of the day when you’ve completed your work.

5. You Have Unrealistic Goals.

Just as lack of discipline can make you unmotivated, so can setting too many lofty goals. Being on either end of the spectrum can quickly lead to restlessness and frustration. For instance, think about someone who aims to lose thirty pounds by the end of the month. They will most likely quit shortly because of their unrealistic expectations.

So, if you feel unmotivated, perhaps you should reassess your goals and desires in life. Remember to take baby steps and focus on smaller achievements along your journey. No one builds an empire in one week; manifesting any vision takes time and persistence.

To keep motivated, celebrate your small wins along the way to the finish line. With this attitude, it becomes much easier to feel inspired.

Final Thoughts on Feeling Unmotivated and Ways to Fix It

Sometimes, everyone feels unmotivated; it’s just a part of life in today’s fast-paced world. Often, though, a lack of motivation stems from having unrealistic goals. daily obstacles, or overworking ourselves. Frankly, we expect too much from ourselves and society in general, causing us to work ever-longer hours to keep pace with demands. However, we can see the detrimental effects of our obsession with productivity playing out in real time.

People have become more stressed, unhappy, and unhealthy than perhaps in any previous era. We must restore our balance between ourselves and nature by working moderately and simplifying life. Motivation naturally increases as we do what’s needed rather than what our egos desire.

Science Reveals Why You Feel Tired After Eating

July 1, 2022 by Chris Butler

Postprandial somnolence is the scientific term for some people’s shared experience of feeling sleepy after eating a meal. It’s challenging if you struggle to stay awake at work after you eat. It causes you to lose focus and lack motivation. You may be curious about what causes the common health issue of food exhaustion.

Here are reasons why scientists think you feel tired after eating.

Why People Feel Tired After Eating

It’s a typical experience because it takes your digestive system several hours to digest a meal. Thus, it’s normal to feel drowsy after eating. If you go back to work after lunch, you’ll notice this because you need to focus on your job. Don’t worry too much, but be aware of what you’re eating and how it affects you. Here are some other factors.

1 – You are eating big meals

Did you know it takes your body two to three hours to digest a meal? Your body is working full time to digest the food you eat. Enjoying a heavy meal while your body breaks down an earlier meal slows down your system. This leads to feeling tired and sluggish. Consuming less helps you not feel so full, and you won’t feel as sleepy later.

2 – Your body makes too much serotonin

Some people feel tired after eating because their bodies produce too much serotonin. This hormone regulates your sleep and moods. Although it’s a good hormone to have, too much of it causes drowsiness, tiredness, and even feelings of a lack of motivation. So, be aware of eating foods rich in serotonin, including

Pineapple
Cheese
Eggs
Tofu
Soy products
Turkey
Chicken
Nuts and seeds
Salmon

If you notice feeling tired at work after lunch, try to avoid these foods that could increase your serotonin levels.

3 – You enjoy eating foods with tryptophan

This amino acid comes in protein-packed foods like cheese, turkey, fish, chicken, and eggs. Eating a meal that contains these foods will make you feel sleepy because they’re high in tryptophan.

4 – Blood sugar dips

When you eat, your blood sugar goes up, but your blood sugar drops back down as the insulin releases into your bloodstream. This drop causes you to feel sluggish and tired. Some people have a health issue that causes low blood sugar after dining. It’s called postprandial hypoglycemia21. This triggers drowsiness and feelings of weakness.

5 – You eat high-fat foods

Eating high-fat processed foods is another cause of food coma after a meal. Scientists aren’t sure why high-fat meals cause drowsiness. But eating a lighter meal with whole grains, low-fat proteins, fresh vegetables, and crisp fruits can help you avoid this mid-day sleepiness. Try eating whole foods like these:

Avocados
Peanut butter
Vegetables and vegetable oils
Brown rice or quinoa

6 – You don’t get enough sleep

A significant contributor to daytime drowsiness is not getting enough sleep at night. If you have trouble sleeping at night, it throws off your circadian rhythm so that your body is off all day, and you’ll feel tired, especially after consuming your mid-day meal. Aim for at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night to help offset feeling tired during the day after you eat.

7 – You drink alcohol with your meals

Alcohol contributes to tiredness after eating. It makes you feel sluggish and tired when combined with a meal. Even though you feel like drinking helps you fall asleep, sleep quality is worse. Avoid drinking alcohol with your meals if you want to avoid a daytime slump.

8 – You have thyroid problems

Individuals with an underactive thyroid condition are prone to feeling tired after a meal. This is because your body’s metabolism slows down, making you feel fatigued. You may also experience dry skin, moodiness, and constipation.

9 – You’re drinking too much caffeine

A steamy cup of coffee in the morning is a great way to start your day. But if you drink too much coffee and other caffeinated drinks, it may lead to health issues. Overdoing the caffeine can lead to

Poor sleep
Irritability
Jitteriness
Sluggishness
Leads to heart problems
Anxiety

Keep tabs on how much caffeine you drink during the day to avoid feeling tired after eating.

10 – You take medications for another health issue

Certain medications cause drowsiness after you eat. If you take medications, read the side effects and understand the best times of day to take your meds. It may help to carry them around bedtime to avoid daytime drowsiness.

11 – You don’t eat enough

If you don’t eat enough during the day, you’ll feel tired when you eat a meal. This is because skipping meals makes your energy levels drop. When you finally eat, you tend to overeat, which causes your body to overwork while digesting your food. This leads to tiredness.

12 – You need to exercise more frequently

It sounds counterintuitive, but getting more exercise gives you more energy. When you’re not getting enough exercise, you will lack the power to do your daily tasks. Lack of exercise also makes your digestive system sluggish, so you gain weight and feel even more tired.

13 – You’re dehydrated

Dehydration could be the reason you’re feeling so tired after eating. Lacking enough fluids makes you feel tired and lethargic. Remember to drink an adequate amount of water all day to avoid dehydration, especially in the hotter summer months. Most adults should drink at least eleven to fifteen cups of water a day.

14 – You’re eating sugary meals

Sugar and processed carbs make your blood sugar levels rise, then crash shortly afterward. Skip the candy bar after lunch and eat a handful of berries instead.

15 – You lack specific vitamins and minerals

Another reason you feel so tired after eating could be a shortage of specific vitamins and minerals. You can get your blood work checked to see if you’re low in vitamins and minerals such as

B12
Vitamin D
Magnesium
Iron
Zinc
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
Creatine

16 – You may have an undiagnosed health issue or medical condition

If you upped your exercise, changed your diet, and tried to plan for smaller meals. Still, you feel exhausted after dining–you may have a health issue. If tiredness prevents you from being able to do your daily tasks, talk to your doctor. Your extreme fatigue after eating could be chronic. You may struggle with a health issue, such as the following:

Allergies, especially food allergies
Anemia
Celiac disease
Diabetes
Anemia

How Do You Counteract Food Exhaustion After Eating?

If it’s a challenge to stay awake after eating a meal, some suggestions may help you.

Don’t eat big meals a day: Try eating mini-meals throughout the day. Avoid sugary, high-fat snacks. Instead, choose to eat fruits, lean proteins, or vegetables.
Eat smaller portions: Eat half as much as you normally would eat. This makes it easier for your body to digest the good. You’ll have short bursts of energy from eating instead of feeling tired after eating a big meal.
Get enough sleep at night: Try to keep a regular bedtime, and avoid things that disrupt your ability to sleep, like blue screens before bedtime, snacking too late in the evening, or drinking caffeine too close to bedtime. Take a quick power nap only if you need it.
Exercise: A short walk around the neighborhood or doing some exercises helps your blood sugar levels stay up and gives you energy. Take a walk after you eat a big meal. This can help your body digest better.
Eat a balanced diet: If you’re struggling with fatigue after you eat, it could be that you’re not eating well. Focus on healthy proteins, whole grains, fruits, and non-starchy veggies.
Don’t drink too much caffeine: Avoid drinking too much caffeine during the day. It may help you function during the day, but it’ll keep you awake at night, disrupting your rest. This makes you tired the next day and prone to drowsiness, especially after a meal. Read drink labels. Many low-calorie drinks contain caffeine, even some seltzer waters. Certain herbal teas have caffeine, too.
Bright light therapy: Studies show that exposure to bright light lamps could help counteract sleepiness after meals. Researchers are still studying how to apply this to work settings, but they think using a bright light therapy could have a future impact on workers.

Final Thoughts on Identifying the Health Issue That Makes You Feel Drowsy After You Eat

It’s no laughing matter if you struggle with feeling sleepy after eating. It’s challenging to get your work done when you lack focus and feel moody and lethargic. Researchers are trying to understand all the causes of postprandial somnolence, but it’s usually because you’re eating too high fat, sugar, processed foods, and too large portions for your meals. Be aware that you could have a health issue causing a food coma after eating. Check this list of typical reasons you may feel tired after eating. Try some suggestions on avoiding post-meal drowsiness to see if they help. If not, be sure to speak with your doctor, who can diagnose any health issues that may cause you to feel exhausted and tired after you eat.

Science Explains What Happens to Your Body When You Take Probiotics Every Day

June 30, 2022 by Chris Butler

Over the years, probiotics have become a household word. This “good” bacteria can benefit some people, but they aren’t helpful in all situations. Probiotics aren’t medicine. They’re a natural supplement found in many foods. It’s essential to understand the difference when taking them for gut health. Here is what scientists suggest happens to your body when you take probiotics every day.

What are probiotics?

Probiotics are a combination of live yeast and bacteria in your body. They’re considered the ‘good bacteria which keep your gut healthier and boost your immune system. Probiotics are part of the microbiome, a group of organisms made up of microbes that live together in and on your body, keeping it healthy. Microbes in your lower intestines digest your food, fight off bacteria and keep you regulated. When these microbes get off balance, it leads to health problems.

What are the health benefits of probiotics?

Researchers are still learning the health benefits of probiotics and who benefits the most from taking them. Probiotics may help treat people who have these health conditions, including:

Antibiotic-resistant diarrhea
Inflammatory bowel disease
Irritable bowel disease
Hypercholesterolemia
Obesity
Atopic dermatitis
Pediatric acute infectious diarrhea
Gastro symptoms like gas, bloating, and constipation, especially in older people.

Studies show that taking a probiotic while on an antibiotic may help you avoid diarrhea. Researchers are still unsure whether probiotics help healthy individuals.

When choosing a probiotic to improve your gut health, what do you need to know?

There are so many probiotics on the market that it’s hard to know which ones live up to their claims. Many probiotics get destroyed by your stomach acids even before reaching your digestive tract. So, consider these things when you buy a probiotic.

Shelf-stable: Make sure the probiotic supplement is shelf-stable. Probiotics shouldn’t need to be refrigerated, and they should last at least two years.
Soil-based organisms: Your probiotic should be soil-based.
Strain varieties: Choose a probiotic at least ten probiotic strains. These include the following: Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bacillus coagulans, Streptococcus thermophilus, Bifidobacterium strains.
A high number of probiotics: Your probiotic should have at least 50 billion probiotics per serving.
Delay release: Choose a delayed-release capsule that protects the probiotics from stomach acids.
Prebiotic included: Choose a probiotic with prebiotics included in the supplement’s formula.

What foods are natural probiotics?

There are many foods loaded with probiotic cultures for good gut health. Today, people understand that it’s best to get their nutrients from healthy foods rather than supplements to meet their dietary needs. If you want to be sure to get enough probiotics in your system, these are some excellent foods with natural probiotics.

1 -Dark chocolate

Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that are good for your gut. Be sure to choose dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for the best source of prebiotics and probiotics.

2 – Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics. It has two strains of bacteria that restore your gut health. Some people say that eating yogurt regularly helps repair your gut to the right balance of good bacteria if you’re on antibiotics. Be sure the label on the Greek yogurt you choose says live active culture for the best results.

3 – Sauerkraut

Sauerkraut is a cabbage fermented with lactic acid rather than vinegar. Thus, it delivers the most probiotic benefits. Sauerkraut contains fiber, vitamins K, B, C and iron. When you buy sauerkraut, ensure it’s unpasteurized and fermented with lactic acid. Buy it fresh rather than on the shelf in a can.

4 – Kimchi

Kimchi is a spicy Korean dish made from fresh cabbage and vegetables fermented in lactic acid bacteria. This spicy side dish boosts your gut health, similar to sauerkraut. Kimchi comes either pasteurized or unpasteurized. You’ll find the best benefits in unpasteurized kimchi with live active cultures. Buy fresh kimchi at the market or make your kimchi to guarantee it’s new.

5 – Kombucha

Fizzy and fermented and made with drinks like black or green tea, kombucha has grown in popularity over the past few years. It’s not a cure-all, but many people have experienced health benefits from this probiotic blend. Be sure to buy an authentic kombucha, not a kombucha-type drink. There are many copycats, so read the label to see if the drink contains lactic acid.

6 – Kefir

Kefir is a dairy with probiotics. Even if you’re lactose intolerant, you should be able to drink kefir. It’s made from lactic acid, yeast, and bacteria. It’s thought that drinking kefir will improve your gut and bone health and help fight infections. Be sure to read the label to guarantee you’re getting genuine kefir and not an imitation drink.

7 – Pickles

If you like to eat dill pickles, you’re getting natural probiotics. Made from cucumbers fermented in their lactic acid, pickles contain good bacteria and salt, and water. Pickles are sour probiotic snacks. You should choose the type of pickle in the refrigerator section of your grocery. These contain lactic acid. Conversely, food manufacturers make shelf pickles with vinegar, not lactic acid.

8 – Tempeh

Tempeh is fermented soybeans made into a loaf or patty. Thus, it works for people who enjoy a plant-based diet. It’s high in protein and a great source of probiotics, calcium, and protein. Be sure to buy fresh tempeh for the best health benefits and taste.

Probiotic risks

There is a wide assortment of probiotics currently on the market. The FDA does not regulate most supplements. Because of this, it’s hard to know what’s inside many of these supplements. There is a risk of taking these probiotics because of the unknown ingredients that could make you sick. Beware of probiotics from other countries, especially those countries that don’t have the same medical standards as the United States.

A second risk is that many people assume probiotics are like medication instead of supplements. The lack of quality of some of these probiotics that promise to cure you of certain health conditions could be dangerous. Many of these probiotics don’t list the ingredients or disguise them. Studies show that unregulated probiotics may transfer a plasmid-mediated antibiotic resistance to your gut, especially in certain at-risk groups. Researchers suggest you use discretion when choosing a probiotic that may not have FDA approval and could cause more harm than good. Generally, it’s best to get your nutrients from eating healthy foods rather than taking supplements.

Misuse of probiotics can kill you.

It may sound dramatic to say probiotics can kill, but it can happen–rarely. People with serious medical conditions like severe infections should avoid probiotics. Probiotics are harmful to these individuals. There have been cases where probiotics led to sepsis in people who are:

Post-operative patients
Infants with serious illnesses
Elderly patients
Immunocompromised patients
Cancer patients on immunotherapy inhibitors-Avoid taking them since they lower your chances of remission.
Babies: Probiotics aren’t safe for babies, especially preemies, since their immune systems are still developing.

Individuals in the ICU who take probiotics can develop bacteremia or fungemia, two deadly infections. The risk is incredibly high if they have a catheter. Sepsis can spread to other patients in the room through the air, hand contact, or objects and utensils used by the medical staff.

Two common probiotics that can kill high-risk people include the following:

Saccharomyces: This yeast causes fungemia in the person who took the probiotic and those around them. Most of these cases happen in intensive care units in hospitals.
Bifidobacterium: These bacteria cause invasive infections and even sepsis in people with low immune system function. It’s essential to understand a person’s health status before giving them probiotics. You could cause them a severe or even deadly infection.

Should you take probiotics every day?

Whether it’s healthy to take probiotic supplements every day for gut health. Probiotics are safe for most people, but it’s probably better to skip them if you fall into specific categories. Even if you’re healthy, sometimes probiotics can cause side effects such as

Gas
Bloating
Diarrhea
Upset stomach

Once you get used to them, your system settles down, and the side effects will go away. Most importantly, is t at before you give probiotics to someone, be sure you understand their health conditions. Generally, unless your doctor prescribes probiotic supplements, it’s best to get your probiotics from a well-balanced diet that includes foods that naturally have probiotics. Your digestive system functions quite well, so there’s no need for daily probiotic supplements.

Final thoughts on understanding how probiotics help your gut health–and who should avoid them

Today, people understand that the best way to stay healthy isn’t to take great supplements, but to eat healthy, natural foods, including those with natural probiotics.

If you want to receive the many benefits of probiotics, choose fermented vegetables such as kimchi or sauerkraut or fermented dairy foods like kefir for probiotic health in your gut. Hopefully, this article helps you answer whether it’s healthy for you to take probiotics every day or if you should look for ways to get them in your diet.

Dads Adopt a Family of 6 Siblings to Keep Them Together

June 30, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

In 2021, six siblings who had spent 5 years in foster care finally got adopted by their two dads. They found their forever home and couldn’t have asked for better parents. Steve and Rob Anderson-McLean, a couple from Pennsylvania, adopted the six brothers and sisters to keep them together. They first heard about an adoption need for Carlos, 14, Guadalupe, 13, Maria, 12, Selena, 10, Nasa, 9, and Max, 7, in 2018.

When the two dads saw their pictures for the first time, they instantly felt called to adopt them. The couple knew that many siblings get split up in the foster care system, which can cause lasting psychological damage. They didn’t want to see that happen to these siblings. The state also agreed they should stay together, luckily.

So, in July 2018, all six kids came to live with the two dads as their foster children. After just the first week, the siblings asked their new parents if they could stay forever. They’d been having a blast going to the zoo, and parks and playing in the backyard together.

In their time in foster care, they never had much of a chance to have fun. So, they soaked up the experiences as much as possible, and never wanted them to end.

Steve and Rob expressed initial concerns about how the oldest sibling, Carlos, would react to having same-sex parents. Since he was a teenager, they thought he might have problems adjusting. Thankfully, he didn’t seem phased at all and fit right in with the family.

All six siblings just feel grateful to have two caring dads that want to give them the world. They look forward to Friday nights at the trampoline park the most. But after the adoption, they enjoy every moment together.

The Family of Eight Loves Their New Life Together

The two dads felt so lucky and blessed when they officially adopted the children on May 23, 2019. Steve already had two sons from a previous marriage, Parker, 25, and Noah, 21, as well. The judge told the couple that from now on, the adoptive children were just as much their own.

When the dads looked up into the grateful eyes of their new children, they couldn’t have been happier. They have never forgotten that special day, and have always treated the siblings like their biological children.

After spending 1,640 days in foster care, the siblings finally had a chance at a normal life after adoption. The couple says the children have brought so much love and warmth into their lives. They also get along wonderfully with friends and extended family, a bonus to the arrangement.

Steve and Rob Anderson-McLean have been a couple for nearly two decades. They held a commitment ceremony in 2006 before tying the knot in Maryland in 2013. After Parker and Noah grew up and moved out, they felt like they weren’t yet done raising children. Steve said that after he and Rob saw a TV show about a couple adopting siblings, they felt inspired to do the same.

After researching adopting kids, they learned how many siblings get separated in the system. It broke their hearts, and they wanted to prevent that from happening. So, they started searching in the United States for children to adopt. They came across the six siblings on an Ohio website stating they had been in foster care for almost 5 years.

Sadly, the children had been victims of abuse and neglect, and the parents lost custody of them in 2017. They initially matched with the children in June 2018, hoping to give them a much better life. The siblings went to live with the two dads the next month, and the rest is history.

The Kids Still Can’t Believe They’ve Been Adopted

Adoption can sometimes be a difficult, tedious process, but it’s worth it to transform children’s lives. Steve knew he could give the children a better opportunity. But, he didn’t realize how much the siblings would impact him and his husband. The family of eight thoroughly enjoys their new life together, and the children couldn’t feel more thankful for their dads.

But, sometimes they still can’t believe they’ve been adopted and even worry it won’t last. One day, their 7-year-old son Max came up to Steve and said, “I’m adopted.” It seemed as though he had to say it out loud to accept the new reality of his adoption.

After hopping from one foster home to the next, Steve understood exactly how Max felt. He also asked Steve if he could get unadopted, so his dad reassured him that would never happen. He told him that he would always be their son, a message that the couple reiterates to all the children. They want to ensure the kids know they aren’t going anywhere.

They’ve lived with the couple for three years, but it feels like they’ve known each other forever. Rob says they’ve had an emotional bond for many years. They make new memories every day and feel blessed to have each other. And, their love knows no bounds, helping to transform the children from their turbulent past.

Carlos told his parents that having a stable, forever family seemed surreal. He no longer had to call himself a foster kid, a label he thought would always stick with him. Now, he’s a son to two loving dads who ensure they give the children the best life possible.

Final Thoughts on Dads Adopting Six Siblings to Keep Them Together

When two dads adopted six siblings in Pittsburgh, they didn’t realize how much it would change their lives. The children came from an abusive household and lived in the foster care system for nearly 5 years. Sadly, they had never known love, stability, or security, things they desperately needed. Thankfully, Steve and Rob decided to give them a second chance and transform their lives with love.

After hearing their story, they felt heartbroken about the children’s past and wanted to make a difference. Now, the family of eight has lived together for three years and will cherish many more together. It’s amazing how love and affection can heal even the most broken souls. If you have ever considered adoption, hopefully this story will inspire you to do so!

5 Tips to Rebalance Life and Bring Back Joy

June 30, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Do you feel a need to rebalance your life? Perhaps you’ve been feeling frazzled or pulled in many different directions. When we’re too busy in the outside world, it usually means we have to sacrifice in other aspects of life. For instance, if you spend all your time at work, you won’t have any extra time for relationships, health, or self-care. In a noisy and rushed world, it may seem impossible to rebalance your life with chaos around every corner. After you solve one problem, it seems like another crops up before you have a chance to recuperate. Life requires endless juggling and multitasking.

So this balancing act can take a toll after a while. However, we have a few tips on how to feel more peace and joy in daily life below.

5 Ways to Rebalance Life and Create More Happiness

Try these new habits to set priorities and make a happier life.

1. Learn How to Say “No” to Rebalance Life.

If you want to rebalance your life, you will have to learn to create boundaries. It’s essential for your mental and spiritual health to assert yourself at times and not allow others to take advantage. By delegating tasks to others and saying “yes” to yourself more often, you will have more inner peace. Oftentimes, an imbalance in our lives stems from not prioritizing ourselves enough.

We expend so much energy trying to help others or be the perfect employee that we have nothing left for ourselves. It isn’t selfish to say “no” when you genuinely don’t have time or energy for more tasks. In this world that stresses ever-greater productivity, we must regain our power. Humans aren’t machines and need time to rest from the rigors of modern life.

Allow yourself to set boundaries at work and in personal relationships, and you’ll find balance more easily.

2. Stop Trying and Just Go With the Flow.

Ironically, when we attempt to control life, it usually causes everything to spiral into chaos. But if we don’t take any action, life will also slip through our fingers and result in even more problems. Like anything else, balance is necessary to keep life flowing without disruptions.

You can compare it to a musical instrument that requires tuning and regular maintenance to play the correct notes. To rebalance life, we need to learn to tune ourselves to the natural rhythms of the universe. Nothing in nature strives to achieve anything outside of itself, yet we still find it profoundly beautiful.

Since we’re nature as well, we need only slow down and learn to let things unfold without judgment. Exerting too much control over life’s events always leads to suffering and misery. To restore balance, we need to find our center and a sense of inner peace. With a clear mind and calm, steady heart, our energy will flow freely and we can achieve what’s necessary.

3. Listen to Your Own Intuition.

Many times, we follow the crowd instead of listening to our inner voice for the answers. However, we all have a unique path in life, so it doesn’t make sense to look outside for wisdom. No one else can make you happy except yourself, so create your own rules in life. Only by looking within can we rebalance our lives and discover the unique story we’re here to tell.

If you feel disconnected from yourself, take time to discover your soul and ignore the outside world. All the noise and mental chatter distract us from our true nature of peace, joy, and infinite wisdom. However, we can recover our souls by tuning into intuition rather than reason.

4. Practice Discipline.

Sometimes, you need to set priorities to rebalance your life. If you find yourself spending hours binge-watching Netflix or scrolling social media, for instance, you would benefit from discipline. This doesn’t mean you should throw away your phone or go to extreme measures, of course. Having a schedule of tasks you must complete each day would help in this case.

For example, you should always complete the most important things first and set aside distractions such as smartphones. Studies show that even having your phone in the same room reduces cognitive capacity and attention. So, make sure to leave your devices elsewhere while completing work.

Also, you might benefit from prioritizing certain activities, such as meditation and exercise, before beginning your workday. Making time for self-care and mental health will make it easier to accomplish necessary tasks. Discipline may not sound fun, but it leads to greater happiness in the long-term.

5. Avoid Multitasking.

If you want to rebalance your life, start by completing only one task at a time. After all, research shows that our brains can’t effectively multitask because it hinders cognition. Multitasking doesn’t mean that we’re accomplishing many things simultaneously, but rather switching between tasks. The study found that multitasking lowers productivity by 40%, meaning it will take you longer to finish work.

So, this point also ties back into discipline and focus, since we can achieve more with intense focus. Think of a doctor performing an intricate surgery or a student studying for a difficult exam. They perform tasks slowly and methodically, absorbing information as it comes to them. We find greater peace and fulfillment if we approach life in this manner. Remember, nature doesn’t rush, yet everything gets accomplished.

Final Thoughts on Ways to Rebalance Your Life and Leave Multitasking Behind

In our modern times, we have become disconnected from what brings true joy and lasting peace. We have become burnt out and discontent in our rush to achieve things at an ever-faster pace. That’s because working longer hours and earning more money doesn’t actually create peace or happiness. It only presents more problems to solve in our quest to outperform everyone around us.

Therefore, we need to slow down and look to nature for answers. Creating joy comes from living a fulfilling life that benefits others in some way. It comes from taking time to smell the roses, not from racing through life without reason.

So, give yourself permission to live on your own terms, and don’t apologize for it. Whatever makes you come alive, do it, because we need more people living with passion in this world.

Strong People Know When to Stop Fixing Problems for Others and Take Care of Themselves

June 30, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

It’s natural to want to help your friends or family during a struggle. You want them to live a joyful life with everything they need. While you might want to fix their problems, there comes a time when you must stop. Sometimes you must prioritize caring for yourself first.

You might think that fixing things makes you powerful, and you go out of your way to achieve the feeling. However, accepting that you can’t always solve issues for others doesn’t make you powerless. Instead, it helps you put the energy into solving your problems and taking care of yourself.

You become a stronger person when you know when to stop fixing problems for others. Once you start taking care of yourself, it’ll improve your overall well-being. Figuring out when to stop first requires learning why you want to fix people’s troubles.

Nine Signs That You Are Fixing Problems for Others

If you’re unsure if you are fixing problems for others, you’ll want to figure it out. Most fixers, or people who try to fix difficulties for others, are empaths, but there are other signs, too. The signs that you’re a fixer include:

Trying to take someone’s pain away when they’re feeling down
Getting someone back on track after they take the wrong path
Attempting to force someone to make healthier life choices
Fixing people makes you feel good
Feeling needed and purposeful when fixing things for others
Dropping what you’re doing to help someone
Feeling guilty about saying no or disappointing someone
Being hard on yourself when you can’t help or fix an issue
People often take advantage of you

Eight Reasons Why You Should Stop Fixing Problems for Others

While wanting to take care of a loved one is ideal, it doesn’t always work out how you’d hoped it would. It could cause unintended problems for you or the other person.

1 – Fixing Problems for Others Could Make Things Worse

Solving other people’s issues can often worsen things, even when you want them to improve. You can inadvertently cause more complications by getting bossy, giving unsolicited advice, or behaving like you know everything. It can convey that you think you know better than them and don’t trust their judgment.

If you keep pushing, it can cause more stress and conflict for the person. It can also negatively impact your relationship with the person you want to help.

2 – You Don’t Know What They Want

While you can assume what people want, you never honestly know. You don’t know what they need, either, and it’s presumptuous to believe otherwise.

3 – Not Everyone Wants to Fix Their Problems

People might not want to change, at least not how you want to help or think they need help. It’s their choice if they’re going to make a change, and you can’t force them. Even when you have their best interests at heart, you can’t make them see the situation as you do.

4 – It Takes Away Their Opportunity to Grow

When you make decisions for others and continually fix their issues, it takes away their autonomy. This situation interferes with their learning and growth. You take away their chance to become better, and they won’t learn how to handle their life independently.

Struggles make people more potent, but they must have the opportunity to deal with them. Once they handle their situation, they’ll feel empowered and ready to tackle the next challenge.

5 – You Start Caring for Yourself, Instead

If you spend all of your time and energy trying to fix other people, you miss out on personal growth. It distracts you from solving your problems, preventing you from becoming the best version of yourself.

6 – You Miss Out on Opportunities and Experiences

When you always want to fix others, it causes you to miss out on experiences. You might pass on trips or opportunities because you feel you must be available.

Some people believe that if they are constantly present, the other person will be sad. Or, they think that they must be there to take care of the person whether they want it. You should feel comfortable doing things you enjoy, visiting new places, or accepting opportunities despite the hardship of others.

7 – Fixing Problems for Other People Disrupts Your Well-Being

Fixing things for others interferes with your life and well-being. It can cause you to obsess over the choices of those around you. It can also cause you to worry about the impact of your life choices on the people you care about.

8 – Problem Solving for Your Friends and Family Can Cause Negative Feelings Later

When you constantly sacrifice your needs and wants for someone else, it can cause negativity. You’ll begin to experience resentment, lack of appreciation, or anger. These feelings often stem from helping others out of obligation or guilt, but they can occur when you want to help.

Four Ways to Stop Fixing Problems for Others

If you’re a natural fixer, it can be hard to stop fixing troubles for others. You want everyone to be happy and do well with their life, and that’s hard to let go. However, you can stop stepping in and continue rooting for them to do well.

1 – Determine Whose Problem It Is

You might already know that you can’t control people or make their problems disappear. Still, you could get sucked into trying to fix things for others. This situation often occurs when you’re unsure about whose complication it is.

It can cloud your judgment when you strongly desire to help and protect those closest to you. You might think that you know best, regardless of what the other person wants. However, you must assess if it is your problem to fix.

Even if the problem affects you, it doesn’t make it yours. If you don’t realize that it isn’t your problem, it can send you into a spiral of trying to fix things that you can’t control.

2 – Realize Which Problems You Can Do Something About

You can’t fix everyone’s problems, but you can solve your issues. If someone’s complications cause you to feel anxious, stressed out, or angry, you can deal with those things.

Focus on dealing with what you can, letting go of trying to help the other person. Remember, you can only do something about how it affects you, and you can’t force the other person to change.

3 – Remember That You Must Let People Grow

Depriving someone of their chance to grow is unfair. You must allow people to work through their problems, and they’ll be ready for the next one. Give the other person the opportunity to learn and grow because they need to experience it.

4 – Focus on Yourself Instead

Anytime you get the urge to fix things for someone else, take a step back. Instead, focus on yourself by doing something that will help you grow.

Spend the time and energy doing something that helps you become a better version of yourself. Learn a new skill, develop existing talent, or seek new opportunities.

When You Can Help

There will be times when you can help other people, but you must distinguish when it’s appropriate. If you step in too soon or too often, it shows you are enabling their behavior. Take some time to assess the situation and determine what you should do.

Start by asking yourself if the other person wants your help. If they don’t want your assistance, you shouldn’t try to force it. However, if they desire your assistance, ensure you give the kind of help they need and want.

You should also ask yourself if you desire to control or influence. Your goal should never be to handle the situation, so don’t step in if you can’t refrain. It is likely okay to help the person out if you can offer influence and new information.

How to Start Caring for Yourself Again

Caring for yourself is an essential aspect of your life. If you think you must put others first, it’s time to shift your mindset. After all, you can’t give to others if you neglect yourself.

You must nourish yourself and live a fulfilling life, and it all starts with not fixing problems for others. Work on solving your problems instead of focusing on other people’s issues.

Focus on self-nourishment, meaning taking time to hone in on your needs and wants. Take some time alone to relax without pressure, or get away with your spouse for a weekend. It might also mean taking the job of your dreams, even if it means leaving someone behind.

Self-love and self-care can make all the difference in your life. You’ll stop trying to fix everyone else’s problems, allowing you to improve your energy.

Another way to start taking care of yourself is to share your talents and resources with others. Give your time and attention without stepping in to save the day. You are not responsible for anyone else, and offering your talents is more than enough.

Final Thoughts on Strong People Know When to Stop Fixing Problems for Others and Caring for Yourself, First

While you might want to care for your loved ones, it’s not always beneficial. Sometimes it’ll cause more issues rather than making things better. Plus, even if you fix it, you’ll hinder the other person’s progress.

Instead of doing things for people and fixing their issues, you must allow them to do it themselves. They must deal with the consequences or complications, allowing them to develop. Rather than putting your time and energy into others, focus on taking care of yourself instead.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!