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3 Reasons Why You Should Stop Controlling Everything

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Do you feel pressured to be and act perfect? Does the pressure of your responsibilities make you feel the need to control everything at all times? Do you feel like you’ve forgotten how to let go and relax? In this hectic world, the need to feel in control is a hole many people fall into. And, if you are that way, it is not your fault. Thankfully, there are ways to learn to let go and focus on growth.

How Does A Controlling Behavior Manifest?

People need to be able to have control over certain aspects of their life. Otherwise, you couldn’t plan and make sure your life is in order. No one is suggesting you suddenly start not caring about if you get fired or not, but maybe needing to be in charge of what your friends wear on a night out is a bit much. But where’s that fine line between being in control of your life and having a controlling behavior?

Research has shown that controlling behaviors are either genetic or environmental. You are either born with a heightened need to make sure everything goes exactly how you want it to go or you are raised like that. If your parents always took charge of your life and you were raised surrounded by strong language such as “you have to wear that shirt because I say so”, “you have to study at least five hours today.” Other similar statements, chances are you don’t know any better than replicating that behavior yourself.

Controlling behaviors often stem from anxiety or fear. When uncertainty is your biggest enemy, you want to do everything in your power to eliminate it from your life. But this action leads to more anxiety, severe self-criticism, troubled relationships, and wasted time and energy.

controllingAre You Prone to Controlling Everything By Nature?

If you are not sure whether you have a controlling personality, here are some signs that you should look out for:

  • Needing to know what will happen, when it’s going to happen and how it’s going to happen at all times.
  • Over-planning and think there’s only one way of doing things
  • Getting mad when things don’t go according to your plan
  • Becoming critical of others and tend to boss them around
  • Disliking change and surprises
  • Having absurdly high standards
  • Distrusting of others and their way of handling things

If you find that some or all of these apply to you, you might be a bit of a control freak. But that doesn’t mean you will be like that forever. There are ways to learn the art of letting go.

How To Achieve Change?

In this context, the best way to strive for change is through long-lasting growth and personal development. The concept of growth is believed to be the foundation of one’s way of being.

You get to know, express, and trust all aspects of your human experience through inner growth. It is often defined as the subjective experience of change in behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.

Personal growth is said to occur through a reflective process. People analyze their past and present and envision their future selves. To achieve change and growth, you must be ready to look inward and be analytical. You must set a goal you desire to reach; acknowledge your flaws and work towards fixing your flaws to be able to achieve that goal.

This process is often associated with a lifestyle change, with performing new activities and trying new approaches in life. It was found that change promotes happiness, mental strength, and emotional resilience.

Three Reasons Why You Should Stop Controlling Everything

The journey towards growth and change might seem antithetical with perfectionists and controlling mentalities, and, in many ways, it is. But that doesn’t mean controlling people can’t learn to relax and embark on the road of self-discovery.

1.    Controlling Everything Can Make You Feel More Fearful

Whenever you feel like uncertainty is going to be the death of you, remember, it might all be in your head.

Most times people tend to be their own worst enemies. Perfectionists tend to overthink every little detail of their life, thus creating dark scenarios that will never come true in the real world. This leads to overwhelming fear, which in turn leads to stress, a constant state of anxiety and shuts you down.

When compelled by fear, you turn to fight or flight mode. You feel like you need to control everything around you, otherwise, you will get hurt. But that is just not the case. Even though all fear is legitimate, this type of fear is all in your head and you have the power to extinguish it.

The experts agree that controlling everything feeds your fear!

Clinical psychologist Robert Puff, Ph.D., suggests facing your fears head-on as the most effective strategy. If you can manage to logically understand why you are afraid, and embrace whatever consequences that fear might have, you will be freer.

Imagine being afraid of crowds. Logically, why are you afraid of that? Because you are afraid of not being able to escape. Why is that a bad thing? Because tragedy might strike and you might find yourself in a middle of a riot, let’s say. Okay, that isn’t good. But the likelihood of that happening is low. Moreover, you cannot stay inside your house all your life. No amount of Postmates is going to allow you to never go out in society. And can you control when there’s a riot? Obviously not. Instead, focus on the consequences. What is the worst that could happen? You might get robbed. Okay, that’s also bad. But is it as bad as you replaying worst-case scenarios in your head? Is it as bad as trying to control your every little step? Definitely not.

As you try to understand your fears and think logically, you will also be in a better state of mind for growth and change. Facing your fears means a change in your lifestyle, it means reflecting on who you are and why you feel what you feel. Through discovering yourself you will be able to learn to let go of the need for constant control.

Letting go and trying to go with the flow is going to prove that you are scared for no reason. Try going to the park without a planner in hand. Just go, walk around, sit on a bench, read. After all is said and done, you will be unharmed, relaxed and you will have understood that you don’t need to control everything.

controlling2.    Controlling Everything Decreases Self-Acceptance

The main struggle controlling people have is accepting that they are human, they are flawed and they will make mistakes sometimes.

By changing up your routine and striving for growth, you allow yourself some leeway in life. In trying new activities, you will learn that sometimes failure is normal and to be expected. You will make mistakes and be forced to learn how to deal with them.

Controlling behaviors don’t allow you to try some of the things you always wanted to do. How could you ever pick up a new hobby if you don’t allow yourself to do things that don’t have a direct and pragmatic benefit for your life?

Trying to control everything is not going to make mistakes and flaws disappear. It’s only going to make you frustrated and self-critical of yourself. Why lose sleep over trying to control the inevitable when you can change up your routine and embark on a new journey?

The best way to learn to let go is to force yourself to do something new, something you never thought you would do. Try something crazy, like skydiving. Learn a new language. This sort of change will make you accept who you are as a person and will leave room for growth.

3.    Trying to Control Every Situation Can Hinder Your Relationships

People who are controlling to a fault tend to push people away because of their tendency to be judgmental and critical of every little decision others make.

Christi Garner, a cognitive-behavioral therapist, suggests that maintaining healthy relationships starts with yourself. She states that control should be seen as a coping mechanism for anxiety, a primal reaction to fear. Therefore, if you feel the need to be in control of how your relationships develop, chances are you are afraid of something going wrong.

But the people close to you feel this fear and they know you are trying to control how they act for your own benefit. Needless to say, people hate being controlled. Don’t be surprised if you find them slowly letting go of their relationships with you.

Change and growth are the only ways to make sure this won’t happen. If you want to keep your friends, family and loved ones close, try a different approach. Instead of always needing to manage when and where you meet up, give them the chance to organize. Instead of trying to change the way they act, acknowledge that you have no right over their lives and maybe you should be the one to change and become more accepting.

Why does it matter?

Controlling a relationship can mean you feel frustrated and disappointed in the people close to you. You might find yourself guilt-tripping them, or giving the silent treatment. You might feel jealous or anxious when they are with other people.

Find a support system if you feel this way, pinpoint your triggers and focus on change, either internal or external. Allow people to do the things you are so afraid of, like setting up a date or going out without you. Try to get to know new people yourself.

Change is essential for letting go and learning how to be a good friend or partner again.

controllingFinal Thoughts On How To Stop Controlling Everything And Focus On Change

Exerting excessive control over others can make people irrational. Sometimes, it’s not even about fear, you were just raised to be controlling. But this behavior is not doing you or others any favors.

Change and growth are the things you should focus on if you want to turn your life around and learn to let go of the tendency of controlling everything. Try reflecting on who you are, be rational, and try new things, and you will become less fearful, more accepting of who you are, and you will have better relationships. And, who knows, you might even find yourself leaving the house without a planner!

4 Possible Negative Effects of Therapy or Counseling on Mental Health

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You know that counseling is usually positive for people who need help with their mental health. However, some people experience negative effects of therapy. Unfavorable outcomes are infrequent. Still, they are worth noting as you weigh the pros and cons of treatment.

Therapy is a trusted go-to for many individuals who struggle with their mental health. The use of treatment, counseling, or psychotherapy, which is a therapy that applies psychological theories and methods to treatment, can be a beneficial way for individuals to work through their mental conditions, disorders, and imbalances.

Admittedly, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding therapy and other mental health interventions. Much of which stems from a lack of understanding of the nature of mental disorders. In recent years, activists and experts have attempted to overwrite that stigma by showcasing the many benefits therapy and counseling may hold. Indeed, that is a good thing!

Unfortunately, in the process, many have lost sight of the grey areas within mental health interventions. Psychotherapy and counseling are under-researched areas of science, and though they have had proven benefits, problems and adverse effects remain an issue. From side effects to the poor practice of the professionals involved, studies have found that between 5% and 20% of therapy and counseling patients experience adverse effects.

This is not to say that you should avoid therapy or counseling altogether. Instead, it suggests the necessity of understanding that neither are miracle cures and being prepared for “side effects” – as you would with any health-related procedure. So, what can you expect, and what adverse effects of therapy should you know? Here are four possible negative effects of therapy and counseling on your mental health.

1.    You May Develop A Dependency

The goal of therapy or counseling should be to equip you with the information you need to continue living your life unassisted after completing an intervention program. But sometimes, treatment doesn’t successfully meet those goals, causing you to become overly dependent on that intervention.negatve effects of therapy

This outcome might happen as a result of these things:

  • An overdrawn period of therapy or counseling extending beyond the actual needs of the patient.
  • A failure on the part of the professional to educate the patient on how to properly apply the intervention results to their everyday life.
  • The development of a victim mentality by the patient due to the way they look at their problems.
  • A failure on the part of the professional to lay out goals and set expectations for the scope of the treatment plan.
  • A lack of personal responsibility on the part of the patient in applying what they learn to their lives in practical ways.
  • An excessive level of self-absorption on the part of the patient, where they focus exclusively on their problems without factoring in those around them, the world outside, and who it affects.

Therapy dependence is a severe adverse effect that can come from improperly administered interventions. Think about it this way. If you needed surgery, the goal would be for you to continue living an everyday life after the surgery. The goal isn’t for you to continue getting that same surgery again and again. In fact, that could lead to worse health and ultimately provide no new benefits for you.

Some might say the same thing about therapy. It should not be a permanent fixture in your life forever, except in very rare or extreme cases. If you’re in treatment, you should be looking to the future and focusing on how to continue your life without it, not using your sessions as a crutch to avoid everyday life’s struggles!

2.    Your Symptoms Could Worsen

When you go into therapy or counseling with positive thinking, the very last thing on your mind is the chance that all of your efforts may wind up making your problems worse. Unfortunately, this is a problem that you may face when you go out to find a professional who can help you with your mental health.

It has been noted that certain conditions or issues put someone more at risk of deterioration after an intervention. It can be tough to distinguish between the negative effects of therapy and the necessary short-term “deterioration” that is necessary for long-term improvement. However, in general, the more severe the mental health issues that you face, the higher the risks are of you deteriorating or getting worse after seeking professional help.

Research published in the International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Science shows that the heightened interpersonal issues, the seriousness of symptoms, and the severity of the diagnosed disorder can all contribute to the overall severity of the condition. These factors can affect the feasibility of positive psychotherapeutic interventions.

Some Difficult to Treat Mental Health Disorders:

Other disorders may be harder to treat effectively. These include:

  • When treated with critical incident stress debriefing, anxiety disorders may lead to worsened symptoms and higher scores of anxiety.
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder in young children, when treated with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, says a study in the Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.
  • Dissociative identity disorder, when treated with suggestive techniques to encourage memory recovery, could cause an increase in self-destructive behavior.

Of course, this does not mean that you can not seek mental help if you have the aforementioned conditions. Instead, be aware of the state of your mental health over time and bring up any concerns you have with the professional you’re working with. This awareness and openness may help to prevent the worst of it!

3.    You Can Learn Bad Habits In Group Therapy

Many attend group therapy for its social aspects. You can support other people, they can help you, and you can learn from each other. At the same time, you get the necessary social interaction and avoiding self-isolation. But a lot of group-based therapy interventions can do more harm than good in some instances.

Research has found that individuals in group therapy may learn harmful habits off of each other. Instead of the treatment helping the people involved improve, the social interaction may cause everyone to drag down each other. This is a significant concern for certain types of group therapy!

It’s worth noting that this is especially prevalent in youth group therapies. Besides that, a lot of other group interventions work perfectly fine. It can vary from community to community, depending on the people participating. So it’s a good idea to be aware of the possible adverse effects anyway, even though you’re still likely to benefit from group therapy.

pop meme4.    You Could Have A Poor Therapist or Counselor

The professional who treats you is an integral part of your mental health intervention experience. Research has found that many common negative effects of therapy come from harmful therapists. Some kinds of negative professionals are these:

·         Lack of Empathy

A counselor or therapist must respect their patient and provide them with a kind, understanding, and empathic ear. Being especially self-focused or harsh can cause a patient to feel that the counselor is pushing aside their concerns. Poor empathy from a professional in this scope can completely ruin the positive thinking levels, as they seek to be heard but are instead met by coldness and an inability to relate or understand.

·         Passive Behavior

A therapist or counselor may behave very passively towards their patient. This behavior might lead to an alienated feeling on the part of that patient. The latter may feel alienated and deprived of critical features of the necessary therapeutic experience, including feelings of hope. Professionals who tend to treat their patients in passive ways can seem distant and disinterested during sessions.

·         Controlling Behavior

Some therapists or counselors may behave in controlling manner, overstepping boundaries and repeatedly insisting on forcing specific patient outcomes. It’s easy to see why this isn’t considered a positive form of treatment!

·         Underestimations

A counselor or therapist needs to understand and validate the severity of a patient’s symptoms. Professionals who fail to do so may underestimate the conditions of those they treat, leading to incorrect treatment methods.

·         Lack of Experience

Not all therapists or counselors have the right experience for certain patients. A professional could be well-versed in depressive disorder intervention. But they are out of their depth in trauma work, for example. And, of course, some newer professionals in the field may not benefit from sufficient experience in their line of work. Therefore, they may make mistakes with their patients.

·         Wrong Fit

Sometimes, a therapist or counselor isn’t inherently bad. They’re just the wrong fit for you. Their experiences working with patients may not benefit you. Or their methods might not quite work for your issues and how your brain works. Getting caught in the trap of sticking with the wrong therapist can lead to uncomfortable, unhelpful, and ultimately unproductive counseling or therapy sessions. Recognizing when someone’s style isn’t working out for you is important.

negative effects of therapyFinal Thoughts On Some Possible Negative Effects Of Therapy And Counseling On Your Mental Health

Therapy and counseling can both be beneficial when you’re facing difficulties with your mental health. Unfortunately, a lack of sufficient research means that people are unprepared for possible adverse effects. Indeed, they may not realize the existence of such effects until it is too late. This is especially harmful to those already in a very dire mental state when seeking help!

Of course, this is not to say that you should avoid that help altogether. The purpose of this article is not to frighten you away from therapy or to decide against seeking help. Instead, it is to ensure that you are aware of the complex natures of therapy and counseling. Indeed, this knowledge can prepare you for and become aware of any adverse effects.

If you’re facing mental health struggles or even need some help with specific psychological factors, don’t fear therapy or counseling. You can benefit immensely from professional support for any personal health struggles, including mental ones. There is no shame in seeking the help that you need.

So, what should you do so you can benefit from therapy and save yourself from negative effects? Start by shopping around to meet different therapists. Get to know a few options, and then decide from there who you’d like to work with. Be aware of the signs that you’re experiencing negative effects. Then be prepared to stop going to the intervention if you encounter such issues. It cannot be easy to find the right therapist or counselor, but the positive results will be noticeable!

3 Ways Airing Grievances Creates Negativity

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If you’re like most people, you have someone in your life who’s a chronic complainer. It doesn’t matter how much you try to accommodate them kindly. They always want to air their grievances, creating a whirlwind of negativity.

Such negativity often creates a toxic environment for others. Chronic grumblers prefer to use words like “always,” “never,” or “too” in their general conversation. They say things like, “It’s always too cold here,” “I never have good luck,” or “They always do that and never think of me.”

Dealing with such attitudes can try the most patient mate, family, friend, or coworker. You’ll hear a usual list of grievances from A to Z, including past grudges. Try as you will; they’ll always find some reason to be ungrateful and petty.

Do you see some of these negative patterns in your speech and actions? Many chronic grouches often try to excuse their behavior by saying, “that’s just how I am,” or “I tell it like it is.” But what if how you are and your skewed opinions hurt you more than the supposed problems?

3 Ways Airing Grievances Causes Negative Thinking

A disgruntled attitude does much more than smother you in negativity. It can isolate you from others and rob you of any joy and hope in your life. Here are three ways that chronic complaining can affect your well-being:

complainer1. Complaining Affects Your Brain

Your brain is the most intricate computer in the Universe. Like a mechanical operating system, it’s hardwired to keep your body running efficiently. Your daily habits register in your brain, and they create neurological paths that make these actions easier.

In other words, the more you do something, the more apt you are to repeat it. If you’re a chronic complainer, you’re programming your brain to continue the negative thoughts and actions. Your brain recognizes a pattern and makes it part of your neurological processes.

How chronic complaining affects the brain was the subject of a revealing study published by Stanford University. Researchers discovered that not only can complaining rewire your brain, but it may also shrink your hippocampus. Since this area is crucial to your intelligence and problem-solving abilities, shrinkage can be devastating.

2. Constant Grievances Attract Negative People

One of the beautiful aspects of the law of attraction is how like attracts like. The more positive affirmations you project into the Universe, the more positive results come back to you. However, this law also works on the negative side, and you draw more negativity when you are pessimistic.

Those who constantly voice their dissatisfaction will attract the same negative people into their circle. Have you ever heard the saying that misery loves company? When you grumble and grovel and rarely have anything positive to say, these people will join your chorus of woes.

Plus, negative attitudes and chronic complaining are usually a big turn-off to most people. These actions repel those who find the silver lining and enjoy expressing their gratitude. Instead, you’ll be left with like-minded people in competition to see who’s the most miserable.

Another reversal of the law of attraction is that negative affirmations create more negative actions. Comments like, “Here’s another reason why my life is rotten,” or “Nothing good ever happens to me” invites more negativity. The Universe must agree, and you’re sure to have a lifetime of aggravation and disappointment.

3. Constantly Airing Grievances Can Affect Your Physical Health

Have you ever noticed how you feel when your conversation is rife with complaints and discontentment? Not only does it suppress you mentally, but it takes a toll on your body as well. Incessant complaining can raise your stress levels and eventually affect your overall health.

According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, chronic stress can lead to illnesses and disease. It may make you more vulnerable to vascular-cardiac disease, hypertension, diabetes, insomnia, and some forms of cancer. Although some stress is good and can’t be eliminated, undue stress is an enemy to your body, mind, and spirit.

How to Convey Your Grievances for Positive Results

You have every right to register your problems and concerns. However, how you express, it makes the difference. If you’re being mistreated or someone isn’t keeping their end of the bargain, speak up for yourself.

1. Prepare Yourself

There is a right time and place to air your grievances. It’s not in public or at a time when emotions are going haywire. Find a quiet, private place where you can have a conversation. Beforehand, take a few healing breaths and ensure that you can positively address your concerns.

2. What is the Cause of the Grievance?

Before you can solve any problem, you must define it. Having a concise definition of the issue can minimize the chances of misunderstandings. Perhaps the other person was never aware that you had a problem.

Voice your concerns clearly and calmly. Heightened emotions often thwart the problem-solving process and may make matters worse. After you’ve stated what’s on your mind, give the other person time to respond.

3. Word Choices Are Essential

Not only is it important what you say, but also how you deliver it. You won’t get anywhere with your grievances if you start into a verbal attack. The other person will automatically ignore you or become defensive.

Instead, please focus on the problem and how it makes you feel. For example, “When you invite dinner guests over and inform me at the last minute, I feel like you don’t consider me.” Or try something like, “I feel shut out of your life when we don’t have meaningful conversations.”

You’ve gotten your point across without being offensive or accusatory. In a healthy personal or professional relationship, the other party will acknowledge your feelings. You’re creating a safe environment for practical problem-solving.

grievances4. Suggest a Solution

Do you have a pressing issue at work? While supervisors may appreciate your honest feedback, constant bellyaching only paints you in a negative light. When you come to the table with a problem, be prepared to offer a solution.

Helpful introductory phrases for this can be “what if we- “or “maybe we could.” Notice that you’re also using inclusive pronouns to make the other person feel like part of the solution. After you’ve offered your suggestions, listen to what the other person says or suggests.

5. Be an Active Listener

Frequently people sabotage the problem-solving process by not actively listening to each other. Hearing and listening are two distinct actions. While your auditory nerves allow you to hear people, listening is an active

role.

Focus on what your partner or coworker is saying. Try to mirror their emotions and use neutral, open body language. Afterward, restate what they’ve said in your own words to assure there are no misunderstandings.

6. Write Down Ideas and Suggestions

Sometimes when you are trying to solve a problem, you may forget important details about the discussions. Keeping a pen and paper handy will let you jot them down for later. It’s essential if you are problem-solving with a group of people with multiple suggestions.

7. Be Empathetic

When you are airing grievances and offering solutions, be attentive to the other person’s feelings. Maybe they have issues that you weren’t aware of that compounded the problems. Try to put yourself in the other person’s shoes and understand why they may have certain feelings and opinions.

8. Putting Ideas into Action

Now that you’ve presented your grievances and discussed them civilly, you can put suggestions to the test. Some problems may be solved immediately after the conversation. However, others may take a little time to implement changes in words or behavior.

How to Overcome Negative Thinking That Stems From Your Grievances

It’s unreasonable to expect yourself to be sunny and happy all the time. Life has unexpected twists that can bring a bevy of emotions. You may not have the ability to change some things, but you can choose how you feel about them.

1. Prioritize Your Issues

First, learn how to prioritize problems and grievances in your life. Are there some instances where you may be over-reacting? When you use discernment and address problems that matter, you won’t spend your days trying to extinguish imaginary fires.

2. Coping with the Complainer

There are some grumps in your life that you can’t altogether avoid. However, you can usually choose how you relate to them. Try to keep conversations upbeat and refuse to be drawn into their whirlpool of bitterness.

3. Practice Gratitude

When you are grateful for all your blessings, you’re less likely to act like an angry bear waken from hibernation. Consider keeping a running list of gratitude and post it where you can see it every day. Focus your conversations on your blessings and less on your problems.

grievancesFinal Thoughts on Voicing Your Grievances

If you have a gripe with anyone at home or work, it’s fine to let them know how you feel. It’s much better than harboring bitterness, and you can strengthen your relationship with positive problem-solving. Resolve issues as soon as possible, so you can get back to enjoying the beautiful things in your life.

Pacific Ocean Clean Up Yields Over 20,000 Tons of Waste 

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A nonprofit organization called The Ocean Cleanup recently collected 20,000 tons of plastic from the Pacific Ocean. The massive cleanup operation marked a considerable step toward completely ridding the oceans of plastic.

The environmental company based in the Netherlands creates technology to remove plastic pollution from oceans and rivers. 27-year-old Boyan Slat founded the company nearly a decade ago, in 2013. At just 18 years old, he knew his purpose in life: making the oceans more habitable for marine life. To do that, he wanted to develop technology to extract the trillions of plastic items from these delicate ecosystems.

He hopes to remove 90% of ocean surface plastic by 2040. It’s an ambitious goal, but some scientists remain skeptical about the organization’s execution. In 2018, the Ocean Cleanup launched its first plastic-catching device, but ocean currents caused it to break.

A follow-up model released in 2019 performed better than the first model. However, the company said it would probably require hundreds of those devices to reach its goal. Scientists and engineers wondered if the organization could deliver its promises backed by millions in funding.

This past summer, The Ocean Cleanup revealed its latest model, nicknamed Jenny. They believe this new device will make a massive dent in the plastic pollution clogging the oceans. The device acts as an artificial floating coastline with a plastic-trapping mechanism resembling a giant arm. Once the plastic gets caught in this fold, it makes its way into a large net shaped like a funnel.

Then, two ships tow the net through the water at a speed of roughly 1.5 knots. You could probably walk faster than that, but the slow speed ensures the net doesn’t break in rough waters. Ocean currents push any floating plastic toward the device, making it easy to trap the wayward garbage.

Pacific Ocean Clean-Up Yields Over 20,000 Tons of Waste

pacific oceanThe team launched Jenny in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in August 2021. This ocean area contains the most extensive collection of plastic garbage in the world. Located between Hawaii and California, over 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic swirl continuously in this enormous vortex.

According to a 2018 study in Scientific Reports, the vortex “covers an estimated surface area of 1.6 million square kilometers, an area twice the size of Texas or three times the size of France.”

At the time of sampling, the team estimated that over 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic had accumulated in the Pacific Ocean. It’s believed that the plastic weighed about 80,000 tons, 4-16 times higher than prior calculations. To put the sheer enormity in perspective, that’s the equivalent weight of 500 Jumbo Jets.

So, it’s of paramount importance to clean up this floating wasteland in the Pacific Ocean. The team couldn’t think of a better place to test their latest device than the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. They wanted to see if Jenny could carry large volumes of plastic to shore without any disruptions.

Luckily, Jenny performed even better than they expected. She hauled 9,000 kilograms, or 20,000 pounds, of plastic trash out of the Pacific Ocean. This overwhelming success proves that waste cleanup efforts with more of these devices would pay off.

How the New Technology Removes Plastics from Oceans

Slat’s first ocean-cleaning prototype, a 330-foot-long floating boom, resembled a long pipe in the ocean. While this first model failed, he’s significantly progressed in developing a functional, effective device. The latest U-shaped funnel version allows for more flexibility and can’t break as easily.

The net attached to the device gets filled with plastic every few weeks. Then, the crew pulls the net out of the water, removing the plastic onto two ships. Once they bring it to shore, the team sorts the plastic, recycles it, and creates sunglasses from the waste. 100% of the proceeds from the sunglasses go toward continuing cleanup efforts. The company hopes to collaborate with popular brands to create other recycled products in the future.

To clean 50% of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch in five years, Slat estimated it would require about 10 Jennys. He said that one of these devices could haul 10,000 to 15,000 kilograms of plastic from the Pacific Ocean.

Experts Still Concerned about the Devices

Scientists and engineers have voiced concerns about plastic-cleaning devices despite the recent successful cleanup. The Ocean Cleanup technologies capture a variety of floating garbage, from fishing nets to laundry baskets to microplastics. However, the machines only collect plastic floating near the ocean’s surface. Experts estimate that the ocean floor may have thirty times as much plastic as the surface.

The organization says the large plastic pieces on the surface will eventually break into microplastics. Even though they can’t access the plastic near the bottom, they argue it’s still better than doing nothing.

Of course, the best way to prevent plastic from entering the oceans is to stop producing and consuming it. Experts estimate that nearly 11 million metric tons of plastic enter the oceans annually. By 2040, they believe this number may almost triple to 29 million metric tons. According to the Ocean Cleanup, ten Jenny devices can collect about 15,000-20,000 metric tons annually.

That would barely make a dent in the plastic choking the oceans. The boats that pull the device use fuel, putting further strain on the environment. The original device passively collected plastic using the movement of ocean currents. However, the newly clean water quickly became polluted again since trash leaked into the ocean with this design.

The organization said they purchased carbon credits to offset the environmental cost of the boats’ emissions.

This project is a massive undertaking requiring support from the public and business interests. While some kinks need ironing out, Slat believes a small fleet of these systems would go a long way in cleaning the oceans.

pacific oceanFinal Thoughts: A new device eliminates 20,000 tons of plastic waste from the Pacific Ocean

Without healthy oceans, we can’t survive on this planet. Knowing the dire situation, the Ocean Cleanup vows to eliminate 90% of floating ocean plastic by 2040. While the devices still need some fine-tuning and scaling, they’ve already shown great promise in cleaning the Pacific Ocean. Hopefully, we will one day have an utterly plastic-free world where all life can thrive.

10 Foods That Help Slow Down Aging

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Do you want to slow down aging for as long as possible? Do you wish to keep your skin free of lines? Is there a way that diet could help you do that?

What you eat directly affects your health. What your skin and hair look, the strength in your bones, your metabolism, everything relates to your diet. If you eat healthy foods, there’s a higher chance you will live a healthy life. So, what’s the best way to have a balanced diet and slow down aging?

How Are Diet And Health Are Intertwined?

According to Timothy Harlan, MD, poor-quality foods can cause inflammation. And, as aging is a chronic inflammatory state, the link between diet and aging becomes clear. And they don’t affect the skin only. These foods can be harmful to your overall health. They can lead to heart disease and diabetes.

For example, overeating sugar and processed carbohydrates can damage the skin’s collagen, which will make your skin less springy. That’s why the skin starts to become more wrinkled. Or so says Andrea Giancoli, MPH, RD, a policy analyst for Beach Cities Health District.

The skin is the organ that reflects overall health levels the best. The skin goes through two processes of aging. The first one is intrinsic aging, which is chronological and affects the skin like other organs. The second one is extrinsic aging, which results from environmental and other external factors. These might be sun exposure, pollution, UV radiation, smoking, sleep deprivation, and poor nutrition.

slow down aging10 Foods That’ll Help You Slow Down Aging

You can combat extrinsic factors, but mainly through prevention. You can maintain your skin’s youthful appearance by striving to live a balanced lifestyle, have a good diet, exercise, and limit stress factors. Food can help you achieve that because of the chemical composition they have. Vitamins, carotenoids, flavonoids, and plant extracts have been reported to possess potent antioxidant properties. They are used in the skincare industry to prolong youthful skin appearance.

1.    Bell Peppers

Whether red, yellow, orange, or green, bell peppers are filled with antioxidants called carotenoids. Carotenoids are pigments that color certain plants yellow, red, or orange, indicating possible anti-inflammatory properties that can protect your skin from sun damage and other environmental factors. The red bell pepper is the richest pigment, thus having the highest amounts of antioxidants.

Additionally, they contain vitamin C, suitable for collagen production because it keeps your skin flexible. It also fights cell damage, boosts the immune system, and is anti-inflammatory. Also, each half-cup accounts for 47% of the daily recommended intake of vitamin A.

2.    Blueberries

Blueberries are very popular because they are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamin C, and vitamin K. A cup contains only 84 calories, with 15 grams of beneficial carbs.

They are rich in antioxidants that protect the skin from radicals (molecules that can damage cells and cause aging and diseases). They have the highest antioxidant levels of all popular fruits and vegetables. The antioxidants in blueberries are flavonoids. A study showed that after a few weeks of drinking mixed apple and blueberry juice, oxidative DNA damage was reduced by 20%. Another study showed that obese people noticed a 4-6% reduction in blood pressure after eating two ounces of blueberries daily. This might help prevent heart disease in the long run.

3.    Broccoli

Broccoli has many nutrients, like fiber, vitamins, iron, and antioxidants. While it can be served raw or cooked, steaming appears to provide the most health benefits.

Broccoli is very low in calories (31 calories per cup) but high in fiber, promoting gut health. It is relatively high in protein, higher than most whole foods.

Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K1, Vitamin B9, potassium, manganese, and iron when it comes to vitamins minerals. Vitamin C is essential to promote skin health and boost the immune system. Thus, it can slow down aging. The other nutrients are good for lowering blood pressure, transporting oxygen to cells, bone health, and more. Broccoli contains other nutrients, such as carotenoids and other antioxidants.

The vegetable helps to prevent cancer and improve eyesight, amongst other health benefits.

4.    Spinach

Spinach is a leafy vegetable rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It is deficient in calories (23 calories per 100 grams) and high in insoluble fiber, which can protect your digestive health.

Similar to broccoli, it’s rich in vitamins and other nutrients. It has high levels of vitamin C, which boosts skin health and slows down aging. Other nutrients, like calcium, promote bone health.

It is filled with plant compounds, like lutein, which improves eye health, and nitrates, which promotes health. It has antioxidants like kaempferol and quercetin, decreasing the risk of chronic diseases and reducing inflammation. These antioxidants also fight oxidative stress and help reduce the damage it does.

5. Avocado

Avocado is a unique fruit, as it is high in healthy fats. It is referred to as a superfood because of its many health properties. There are many types of avocadoes, but the most common is the Hass variety. It has 20 different vitamins and minerals.

The most abundant nutrients are vitamin K, folate, vitamin C, potassium, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. For every 100 grams, you get 160 calories, two grams of protein, and 15 grams of healthy fats. It is a low-carb and vegan-friendly food.

They are higher in potassium than bananas, and a high potassium intake is linked to reduced blood pressure. It lowers the likelihood of heart attacks, strokes, and kidney failure. It is high in oleic acid, which reduces inflammation and benefits genes linked to cancer. Eating avocado has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Avocado is associated with many health benefits in that it will reflect on your skin and help keep it youthful.

slow down aging6.    Dairy Foods

While the first five foods on the list were all whole, vegan foods, this won’t be the best choice for everyone. But, if you don’t have any restrictions or allergies, you should incorporate dairy items into your diet.

Dairy is a crucial ingredient for strong bones. It is high in calcium, higher than any other food. Dairy is the best to ensure your bones are in top shape and you can move around quickly. Try incorporating milk, yogurt, and cheese into your eating habits. The intake of calcium reduces the risk of bone fractures.

You shouldn’t swap dairy with non-dairy alternatives, like almond milk, as those items don’t have calcium. Instead, you should get dairy items that are low in fat to encourage healthy eating.

7. Green Tea

Green tea is less processed than other teas, but it has higher antioxidants. The antioxidants are polyphenols, which prevent chronic conditions. It also has flavonoids, a plant-based nutrient, that can be used as an anti-inflammatory.

The compounds in green tea can fight radicals, thus preventing cellular damage. It can significantly lower blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It can help with weight loss and lower BMI.

Finally, green tea promotes hydration, which can make your skin glow. It can also guard against UV damage, which can slow down aging.

8.    Dark Chocolate

Everyone loves sweets, so the fact that dark chocolate can help to slow down aging is just a bonus. It can be enjoyed alone or with nuts to boost the health benefits (nuts can also prevent aging and many other benefits). And, for the people who want vegan foods, there are dairy-free alternatives to dark chocolate.

Dark chocolate increases blood flow and circulation, which helps with moisture in the skin. Moisturized skin reduces the likelihood of wrinkles being formed. Dark chocolate is also rich in antioxidants, reducing inflammation and slowing aging.

9. Salmon

It is nutritious and promotes healthy skin. Along with most fatty fish, it has omega-3 fats that create a strong skin barrier and have anti-inflammatory qualities.

Salmon contains an antioxidant called astaxanthin. A study was conducted on people with sun-damaged skin. For 12 weeks, they consumed high amounts of astaxanthin and collagen. After those weeks, they experienced improvements in skin elasticity and hydration.

Salmon and other fatty fish are high in protein, essential for collagen and elastin production. These molecules encourage skin elasticity, strength, and plumpness. It is also high in selenium, which can help reduce and prevent UV damage.

10.  Coffee

Probably everyone’s favorite morning drink, coffee doesn’t just wake you up. It can help with skin aspects and other health conditions.

Coffee decreases vasodilatation and is an immunosuppressant. Because of these qualities, it can soothe rosacea, a skin inflammation. Interestingly enough, only caffeine intake from coffee decreases the risk of rosacea. Caffeine from other beverages, like tea, soda, and chocolate, doesn’t have the same effect.

Additionally, caffeine is associated with reducing the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer. A coffee per day reduces the risk by about 10%. And, the more coffee people drank, the lower the risk became. Of course, decaf coffee won’t do the trick. This results in a better skin condition that makes you look younger.

slow down agingFinal Thoughts On Foods That’ll Help You Slow Down Aging

Everyone wants to slow down the aging process. But that can be difficult. Sometimes, people even rely on medical interventions to make themselves look youthful. But there are better ways to maintain your looks without getting cosmetic surgeries.

Diet is a great way to care for your health, especially your skin health. The skin is the organ that shows signs of aging, so the more you take care of it, the younger you will look. Having a balanced diet can also boost your immunity and prevent diseases.

Whether you want vegan foods, whole foods, or you would eat whatever, some items will make you look younger in every category. Vegan people can get vitamins and antioxidants that lower inflammation and boost elasticity from bell peppers, spinach, avocado, and more. And, the people who don’t follow any restrictions can dabble in some dairy foods and maybe some fatty fish. No matter what items from this list you incorporate into your diet, you will slow down aging and enjoy a balanced life.

Professional Animator Now Makes Magic in His Garage

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Cameron Porter, a professional animator, turned woodworker, makes stunning creations right out of his garage. Born and raised in Nova Scotia, Canada, he now calls Columbia, South Carolina home. He’s enjoyed making art from a young age, often helping his parents with home improvement projects and now he can work on the garage, and he even got a garage storage lift to make sure everything is organized while he works.

After leaving his career as an animator, he realized he had a passion for woodworking, especially the lathe. A woodturning lathe helps shape wood by rotating the piece around a stationary cutting tool. It’s mainly used for removing unwanted portions of wood to create the desired shape. Everyday items made using a lathe include cylindrical or circular objects like furniture legs, lamp posts, baseball bats, and bowls.

Using this tool, Cameron creates art in many forms for his home business known as Cammie’s Garage. While he makes mostly decorative items, he also crafts bespoke functional pieces, such as bowls, stools, and even a chess set. He sells some of his work on Etsy, where many buyers have given him five-star ratings.

Here’s more about how this professional animator became a talented woodworker, making magic in his garage.

Maintaining a functional and secure workspace is crucial for any woodworker, and Cameron’s garage is no exception.

For those who also work from their garages, ensuring that the garage door operates smoothly is essential. While Cameron focuses on perfecting his woodturning skills, he understands the importance of reliable garage door functionality.

Its same for the residents in Boise, ensuring that your garage door remains in top condition is as vital as the craftsmanship itself. Garage door repair in boise is a service that helps maintain the efficiency and security of your workspace, allowing you to focus on what you do best—creating exceptional art and functional pieces.

“I’m a full-time studio artist; I have what I consider a very meager workshop with a limited amount of tools. In reality, you don’t need tools to make art – you just need your hands and some imagination,” Cameron says.

He’s always been a creator but didn’t begin his woodworking career until later in life. However, it’s never too late to follow your passions, as Cameron shows us. Sometimes, you need a reset in life to reignite that spark within you.

“I’ve been an artist since I was a child, but I didn’t start doing it for a career until I was in my late 20s. I had a 20-year career in the animation industry, including working on The Simpsons TV show and movie,” Cameron explained.

Now, the animator turned woodworker creates masterpieces in his garage.

“Life took me in a different direction, and when I was about 40 years old, I went to university and got a Studio Arts degree. While I was going to university, I discovered that I really enjoyed working with wood.”

The animator reveals some of the woodworking process on his YouTube channel. He shows viewers how to make certain items like tables, spoons, bowls, and even a wooden race car! Cammie’s Garage is now thriving, all because Cameron took a chance and followed his heart. While he mainly creates this wood art as a hobby, he makes custom pieces upon request as well.

“Art can mean a lot of things to different people. I like to make art that hopefully will enrich people’s lives. So, in my opinion, a home without art is empty,” he says.

Like most artists, he doesn’t create art with any specific result in mind. Instead, he lets his imagination take over and sees where it leads him. After all, art is all about letting go and creating what inspires you. It’s very much an intuitive process, which doesn’t follow rhyme or reason.

“I often start with an idea or notion and make things up as I go along. I know it’s finished if I get to a place where I feel like it meets the idea that I had in my head. And really, a piece is done when the artist says it’s done,” Cameron explains.

When he’s only working for himself, it might take him a while to finish a project. However, if he’s doing work for a client, he must meet specific deadlines. This timeframe helps speed up the process and puts his creative juices into overdrive.

Behind the scenes of the woodworking process

“Motivation is sometimes difficult to come by. For me, just staring at a blank canvas is the most daunting barrier to starting a piece. Having a purpose or a deadline, or a commission is usually the best motivation I get,” he says.

Cameron believes that art means something different for everyone. Some people want beautiful decorations to adorn their home with, while others desire functional art. Some people enjoy abstract art, while others prefer more realistic pieces. To each their own, right? That’s what makes life beautiful – the diversity in all existence.

“I think many artists would argue that your work should have a meaning or a message. I don’t necessarily agree with that. Sometimes it’s okay just to make things that are nice to look at. I try to create things that I believe are visually compelling, I hope,” Cameron says.


He offers the following advice for anyone wanting to get started with woodworking:

“If you want to make art, just go make art! You don’t need tools – all you need is your hands and some imagination. When I encourage people to go make art, I tell them: ‘Now go make something beautiful, or ugly.’”

The professional animator proves that you can always change directions in life, no matter your circumstances. Sure, it will take hard work and dedication, like anything, but you hold all the power you need. If you remain persistent and allow your intuition to guide you, there’s nothing you cannot accomplish.

Tips on getting started with woodworking

  • Gather any necessary tools. While you don’t need anything fancy to start, simple tools like a tape measure, chisel, and sander will come in handy.
  • Learn about different wood species to ensure you have the suitable wood for your project.
  • Gather resources from industry experts or blogs.
  • Start small. After learning about woodworking, set your sights on a small project to learn the ropes. Once you’ve mastered making something simple, like a cutting board or wall shelf, you can move on to larger projects.

Final thoughts on the professional animator now making wooden masterpieces

At some point in life, we all begin to question our purpose. Most of us follow the safe path in life, but that can get pretty boring after a while. As they say, life begins when we break out of our comfort zone, and that’s exactly what Cameron did.

After a 20-year career as an animator, he decided to get a degree in Studio Art. While in school, he found his true calling: woodworking. Now, he creates beautiful art made from wood right in his garage. If you’d like to check out his work, make sure to visit his Etsy or YouTube page.

4 Early Morning Habits That Will Set You Up For Success

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The trick to success isn’t in one big gesture but multiple small, positive habits. Consistency is key to achieving your goals and being effectively productive. That’s why you need to start from the top – that is, the top of your day! Indeed, these early morning habits can help you shape your success.

What you decide to do when you wake up determines the mood of the rest of the day. Taking control of your morning is powerful. It’ll give you the chance to ensure that the next 16 hours or so of your wakefulness are bright and filled with achievement. So, where do you start? Here are four early morning habits that will set you up for success.

Best Early Morning Habits #1 – Visualize Your Success

Visualization is a powerful tool. The human brain experiences mental imagined events the same way it experiences real ones, say studies. As such, visualizing success makes the brain naturally confident in its capabilities and puts it on the right track. You need to be specific in your imagination and immerse yourself in detail into the world in your brain.

While simply thinking about success and envisioning it is a great start, there are even better habits to use for this purpose. Here are some early morning habits to use to visualize your success:

·         State Affirmations With Commitment

Many positive affirmations involve the use of a statement of personal value. You’ve probably heard mantras like “I am capable of what I set out to do” or “I achieve my goals.” But you can take them a step further by stating affirmations with commitment. This exercise is a great way to create affirmations that are results-oriented. So ask yourself what you’re committed to, why it’s meaningful, what you can do about it, and how you’ll commit to those actions. In this way, you affirm your commitments every day. You can also make changes as desired to set different daily intentions for better success!
early morning habits

·        Replenish Motivation

Some good early morning habits for success boost and replenish motivation. The truth is that motivation isn’t an infinitely self-sustaining function. It would be best if you worked on self-motivation continuously. Reaffirm your motivations by listening to inspirational podcasts, videos, and quotes each morning. Remind yourself of why you’re doing what you’re doing. This early morning habit will guarantee that you’re sufficiently inspired for the day!

·         Don’t Stick To The Status Quo

Success looks different for everyone. The success that you visualize should be strictly your definition of it. It’s okay if you have an unusual goal or are going against the grain. Your visualizations will work best when you genuinely believe in them, and that’s hard to do when you’re following a crowd. Find your meaning for success in life and pursue it relentlessly.

Best Early Morning Habits #2 – Get Organized As Part Of Your Early Morning Habits

Success is often about having all your ducks in a row. Knowing what you need to do for the day is essential, and there are tons of early morning habits that play into this. Here are some of the best practices for better habits in organization:

·         Develop A Routine

Having the same schedule every morning is an excellent way to get yourself ready. It gets your brain into the mindset of preparation and alertness. You associate this routine with the start of a new day, and your mind acts accordingly. Studies show that people function best with routines, which are essential for efficiency, productivity, and cognitive function. A little variety can be fun, but it’s best to save that for the rest of the day! Morning routines filled with good early morning habits will set you up for success.

·         List The Things You Need

If you have the same things you need to bring every day, you might be frustrated when you forget them. And yet, people are always leaving their wallets, keys, and other crucial items behind! Have a checklist near your door that you can quickly sweep over before you go. According to research, the brain reacts well to lists and plans to grab these items more effectively. That way, you won’t get stuck doubling back and can focus on success!

·         Get Your To-Dos Down

A to-do list can be stressful or valuable. It all depends on how you go about it. However, research shows that writing a to-do list can make you much more organized and productive throughout the day. Scribbling the things you need to get done that day is an excellent way to utilize this early in the morning. It helps you wake up directly to the right mindset, so you know what your game plan is.

It’s also great because you don’t have to try and remember all your commitments desperately! If desired, you can use a long-term scheduling system instead, where you write down your to-dos as you find out about them. This means you can write to-dos weeks in advance. If this is your preferred method, your early morning habits should involve looking over your daily schedule and making changes as needed.

·         Develop A Timetable

When you have a to-do list ready, you can set it to a nice and neat timetable. This habit allows you to stay on task throughout the day and track your progress. Your productivity and effectiveness will be on point from the start, which is always an excellent way to set yourself up for success. Just make sure to set realistic expectations with reasonable periods. If you do it well, studies say this makes for successful time management.
early morning habits

Best Early Morning Habits #3 – Work On Yourself

Successful people are constantly working on themselves. That’s why some of the best early morning habits are all about that! Every moment of the day is a precious one to someone striving for success. So use that time to work on yourself in simple, achievable, and positive ways. These methods can set the tone for the day’s success, and it’s entirely up to you which steps you take for self-improvement. Here are some ideas!

·         Meditate

Meditation is a handy tool for grounding yourself, reducing stress, and giving yourself time to wake up. It’s one of the best early morning habits for success, with research showing that it improves productivity and performance. You can easily find guided meditation videos online to follow each morning. Try to spend at least ten minutes performing this habit!

·         Keep A Gratitude Journal

Every morning, write down a few things you’re grateful for. You can also write about the previous day. Anywhere from five to ten things will suffice. This is an excellent practice for improving life satisfaction, giving you a positive mindset that works wonders for your potential success. It’s a thoughtful way of thinking about yourself and your life, and it’s a great way to build gratefulness. Studies reveal how gratitude also increases resilience, which you’ll need to face the day well. Besides, it’s a beautiful trait for personal growth!

·         Exercise

Even a short period of exercise is capable of waking you up significantly! You’ll get a nice burst of energy from something as low-intensity as yoga stretching and as quick as a minute of jumping jacks. If you want to commit to a longer exercise routine, that’s one of the best early morning habits for success! You’ll feel more alert and ready to take on the day.

·         Do Some Reading

No matter the time of day, reading is one of the best habits out there. So use it in your morning routine! Is there something you’d like to learn or get better at? Pick up a good nonfiction book about the subject and spend some time reading a few pages every morning. You can read while you eat breakfast, during your commute, or simply by setting aside some time for it. Even if you only read five pages per day, you’ll be finishing at least a book a month! These books can give you so many lessons on self-improvement that inspire and spur your success.

·         Sit In Silence

Even if you’re not doing anything actively, sitting in silence is a surprising way to work on yourself. For at least 10 minutes, do absolutely nothing and relax in silence. The quiet might seem tedious at first, but it’s very therapeutic. It turns your attention inward, clears your mind, and relaxes you, so you’re set up for the day’s success.

Best Early Morning Habits #4 – Eat A Good Meal

Breakfast is the first meal of the day, and that makes it the most important. Those who skip breakfast don’t often realize what they’re missing out on! You’ve been asleep for at least eight hours, so of course, you require some fuel. This meal provides you with the energy you need to start your day on the right foot.

Studies show its numerous benefits, ranging from mental and physical health improvements to better stress management. Here are some tips for making eating a good breakfast one of your early morning habits!

·         Eat Lots Of Protein

Carbohydrates are great for energy. Healthy fats are ideal for satiety. But protein does both of those things and more! It helps you feel satiated without too many calories, it gives you the energy to get your motor running, and it’s fantastic for the brain. Research shows that it has tons of positive effects on cognitive function. Great protein options for breakfast for success include cottage cheese, eggs, Greek yogurt, and almonds.

·         Prep Meals Ahead (This Is One Of The Best Morning Habits To Also Help You Eat Healthily)

Do you often find yourself running late, leaving you unwilling to prepare breakfast so you can stay on top of your schedule? Plan meals and prepare them in big batches! This allows you to quickly grab food out of the fridge and warm it up. It’s a good compromise between home-making breakfast every day and ensuring you have enough time to spend on other habits.

·         Stay Hydrated

Hydration keeps your head clear. You need water for every single one of your body’s functions. That includes your cognitive ability! People are often so focused on grabbing coffee or a smoothie that they forget to add water to their breakfast menu. If you want to set yourself up for success, it starts with getting enough water in your system!
early morning habits

Final Thoughts On Some Early Morning Habits To Set You Up For Success

If you want to develop good habits, start first thing in the morning! There are so many ways that you can craft a good routine of multiple great habits. These habits will help you to find success every single day!

3 Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms (And How To Change Them)

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How do you cope with difficult situations, sensations, feelings, and thoughts? Do you do your best to process and handle these events well? Or do you turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms that turn out to make matters worse?

If you’ve noticed that the ways you cope aren’t particularly productive, it may be time to alter them. Proper coping strategies should be helping you, not making things worse. But how can you tell if you’re coping poorly, and what can you do about it? Here are three unhealthy coping mechanisms and how to change them.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Separating Yourself From Reality

Reality is important because it’s, well, real! But sometimes, reality comes with negative truths and facts that can cause mental and emotional stress. This behavior can lead some people to adopt unhealthy coping mechanisms that attempt to separate them from reality. These coping strategies may involve:

·         Repression or Denial

Denial and repression are both unhealthy coping mechanisms that come from the same cloth. They involve refusing to acknowledge the truth of a situation to create a false sense of security. You don’t want to accept reality, so you insist that what’s happening isn’t real. You revise your beliefs into the desired reality, creating fantasies that elevate your idea of yourself, the world, and your situation. Some people also do this to meet expectations, especially when it comes to repressing or denying emotion. For example, you might decide to pretend that you’re okay so that no one judges you or uses that against you.

unhealthy coping mechanisms·         Dissociation

Dissociation is an inability to express certain parts of personal experiences. This behavior often involves separating your awareness from the reality of your emotions, thoughts, and feelings. It’s most commonly invoked automatically as one of the brain’s subconscious coping strategies for extreme trauma. You don’t remember what happened, so it can’t hurt you. However, this is nothing more than a survival mechanism to get you through the moment. To heal from trauma, research indicates that you have to live through it and experience it.

·         Toxic Positivity (one of the overlooked unhealthy coping mechanisms)

Positivity is a good thing, and on its own, it’s one of the better coping strategies for various challenging situations. But there’s a point where it can be taken too far, and that’s how you get toxic positivity. This habit involves the act of avoiding anything and everything that is even slightly negative. It can also include refusing to acknowledge or experience negative emotions, thus interfering with repression and denial. Forcing positivity instead of realistic optimism can be highly detrimental, separating you from reality and causing bottled-up negative emotions.

·         Romanticization Of Past Events (one of the most unhealthy coping mechanisms)

When you’re in transitional phases in your life, it’s tempting to look back and romanticize the past. You look at what you went through with nostalgia-filled rose-colored glasses, glossing over all the negative things you left behind. This makes you long for a more comfortable past, so you can’t look to the future with positivity.

To stop separating yourself from reality, you have to find value in admitting to the truth. There has to be a point where you realize that a refusal to accept fact prevents you from moving forward. Learning better ways to cope with reality can also prevent you from needing to separate yourself from it. You can work on changing this poor coping skill in the following ways:

·         Get In Touch With Your Subconscious

Talk to yourself regularly and ask how you’re feeling. Openly speak to yourself about what you think and how different events have affected you. Remind yourself that it’s okay to feel whatever you think and ask yourself deep and probing questions. Whenever something challenging happens, spend more time speaking to your subconscious and understanding how it feels.

·         Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is an excellent tool for maintaining groundedness. Its concept is simple: you have to be present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations. However, those experiences shouldn’t define or control you, nor should you try to manage them. All you need to do is be their witness, acknowledge them, and let them pass so you can process what remains. Studies find mindfulness to help cope with anxiety and cope with depression.

·         Keep A Journal

A journal is a safe space where you can write about anything under the sun without judgment. Keeping a journal can let you note and process painful emotions, grounding them in reality while allowing healthy expression. Research indicates that journaling can improve mental health!

Do note that separation from reality that stems from severe trauma requires professional assistance.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Self-Medicating

Self-medicating is the act of treating emotional or mental distress, discomfort, and pain with something that quickly makes you feel better. While it can be done healthily, many people turn to very negative forms of this behavior. Unhealthy self-medicating may involve:

·         Food

Emotional eating is one of the most common unhealthy coping mechanisms. Releasing temporary feel-good hormones from fatty, sugary, and fried foods often serve as a “balm” in emotional distress. This pattern causes an unhealthy relationship with food and can lead to food and eating disorders. It may also work in the opposite way, where one self-medicates by starving themselves to feel better about their appearance.

·         Alcohol

Alcohol’s nickname, “liquid courage,” can lead it to be an attractive option for self-medication for many people. Research shows that those who self-medicate with alcohol may do so to avoid feeling powerless or helpless. This consumption leads to addiction, which is often further handled with additional unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as denial.

·         Drugs

Like alcohol, drugs provide an effect that can be alluring to those seeking any method of coping with depression, anxiety, or other turmoil. They can make you feel more confident and energized at the moment, though the aftereffects make that counterproductive. Again, as with alcohol, this can lead to addiction and further bad coping strategies.

·         Media Consumption (one of the unhealthy coping mechanisms that traps you quickly!)

“Binge-watching” is a common term in these modern times, and it’s a more realistic term than you may think. Consuming media, whether TV, movies, books, comics, or music, can be a form of self-medication. This method of escapism ties in with a separation from reality. You don’t want to live in your world, so you seek an alternative one in fantasy. This habit can also happen via mindless social media scrolling.

·         Spending

Purchasing items creates a temporary release of feel-good hormones like dopamine. The acquisition of products to improve emotional state even has its term: retail therapy. This can cause financial stress and lead to numerous unnecessary purchases that don’t provide long-term value when taken to an extreme. It can even become addictive.

If you’d like to change unhealthy coping mechanisms of self-medicating, you need to replace the “medication” with something good. Here are some ways to alter this behavior:

unhealthy coping mechanisms·         Find The Root Of Urges

The urge to self-medicate is often a mindless one. When you feel the desire to perform unhealthy coping mechanisms of self-medication, take a pause. Ask yourself why you think this way and trace the root. Once you find the source, acknowledge it, accept it, and redirect your attention to something that handles it specifically. It may be helpful to use the tips to ground yourself and prevent separation from reality.

·         Exercise

A lot of the positive hormone rushes that you get from self-medication can be found in exercise. Exercising releases many different forms of productive hormones and makes you feel good about yourself. This covers lots of bases that are filled by self-medicating.

·         Participate In Hobbies

Engaging in hobbies is a commonly referenced way to avoid harmful self-medicating behaviors. Like exercise, hobbies make you feel good and give you the mood and confidence boost associated with toxic substances. You’ll also build skills, feel more accomplished, and be more productive as a result.

·         Get Enough Sleep

A lack of sleep can increase the desire to self-medicate. You’re tired, less resilient, and more susceptible to emotional stress when you’re not getting the rest you need. Make sure you sleep for at least 7 hours each day. Feeling restored and energized can prevent the desire to self-medicate or binge excessively.

Do note that many self-medicating problems require professional treatment, especially if they involve addictive substances.

Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms: Social Negativity

Socially negative behaviors are common unhealthy coping mechanisms. They involve behavior that makes you interact with others in a harmful or toxic way to cope with your feelings. You might do this through:

·         Projection (an unhealthy coping mechanism most people don’t consider)

When you experience negative thoughts or feelings, you may be ashamed of them if they’re less “nice.” For example, if you think you’re behaving selfishly, you may feel uncomfortable admitting that to yourself. Or, if you worry you lack the capability, you might not want to think about that at all. This makes you project those feelings and thoughts onto others. Projection is the act of transferring your emotions and thoughts onto someone else and making yourself believe that they’re to blame. For example, you might say, “That person’s the one who’s selfish, not me!” or something along those lines. This thinking distracts you from your accountability in that matter.

·         Isolation

When you’re overwhelmed by adverse events or emotions, you might want to withdraw from everyone else. Other people might force you to confront your feelings, or it could just make you more tired. So you separate yourself from others, severing connections. But human beings require regular social interaction to flourish, even if it’s just a little. Isolating yourself will only make you feel worse and will rob you of crucial social support. It also makes you more likely to continue that isolation.

·         Refusing Assistance

If you’re a perfectionist, you may believe that your efforts are only valuable if you do them entirely unassisted. Even when stress gets to you, and you feel exhausted, you refuse all help from others. This stubborn action causes you to become even more fatigued, ultimately resulting in burnout.

·         Downward Comparison

To manage issues stemming from low self-esteem, you may perform comparisons of yourself with others. Instead of looking upwards to find inspiration, you seek those you can look down on. You tell yourself that at least you’re not as bad as they are. Unfortunately, this only reinforces feelings of inferiority and doesn’t make you feel better. Plus, it’s pretty mean to do.

If social negativity is among your unhealthy coping mechanisms, it’s not usually others who are at fault. To change those coping strategies, you have to start with yourself. You can do so by:

·         Building Self-Confidence

Many actions of social negativity stem from poor self-esteem. You wouldn’t project, compare, isolate, or refuse help if you believed in your capabilities! Building self-confidence is a long, arduous task, but you can start by countering negative self-talk with positive affirmations. When your inner critic says something mean about you, silence it with facts about your strengths and abilities.

·         Surrounding Yourself With Positive People

An excellent social circle can help you to feel welcomed, safe, and uplifted. The people around you should be a source of encouragement, not unhealthy or toxic competition. They can also provide you with an open ear and a shoulder to cry on while increasing your sense of belonging!

·         Embracing A Growth Mindset Instead of Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

A growth mindset is the opposite of a scarcity mindset. It believes that everyone has an infinite capacity for personal growth and that each moment can teach a positive lesson. Instead of thinking that you’re running a race or contest against others, think only of your journey. Your mistakes aren’t a sign of failure or shame because you’re doing “worse” than others. These mistakes are merely lessons that you can use to grow and be better!

Do note that you may need professional assistance if you have social anxiety or other disorders that affect social behavior.

unhealthy coping mechanismsFinal Thoughts On Some Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms And How To Change Them

Everyone has a few unhealthy coping mechanisms on their plate. Some are more harmful than others, but all of them can be changed. Understanding where your unhealthy coping mechanisms stem from and what those strategies are is an important step. Once you do that, you can work on changing them.

Meet A Woman Who Quit Her Day Job And Became A Pottery Master

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Kara Leigh Ford, a pottery master from England, quit her day job to pursue her passion full-time. As more people find dissatisfaction with the nine to five lifestyle, they’ve turned to entrepreneurship to make ends meet. With the advent of the Internet, following your dreams has never been easier. So when Kara started making pottery, she quickly found an online audience for her work.

“I make objects out of clay, and I teach others pottery too. I started pottery as a hobby nearly fifteen years ago. After finishing my Fine Art degree, I was working a nine to five office job, and I needed to do something to keep me sane. So, I started a pottery evening class, and I was hooked,” Kara explained.

She loved it so much, and she would rush home from work each day and design pots late into the night. Now her greatest passion has become a viable business, done right out of her home studio. There, she hand makes everything, including tableware, mugs, teapots, teaspoons, kitchenware, and larger art pieces.

The whole process can take anywhere from two to six weeks to complete, but it’s well worth the wait. Kara makes everything with love and great attention to detail, imbuing each piece with a refined yet rustic charm.

Kara says this about her work:

“I’d like to think my work offers a more mindful eating and drinking experience. Drinking from a handmade mug is a very different experience to drinking from a mass-manufactured mug. Think of me (the maker) whilst choosing a cup from the cupboard, enjoy the feel of the form beneath your fingertips and study the colors and textures of the glaze whilst waiting for your tea to brew. Feeling the love and care that went into the piece, taking time to ground yourself in this object which was born of earth, water, and fire.”

More about the woman who quit the nine to five grind to become a pottery master

Reminiscing about the beach gets her creative juices flowing more than anything else. She grew up along the Devon coast in England, where the beach was practically her backyard. When Kara, the pottery master, makes her pieces, she thinks of the lazy summer days next to the ocean. Most artists find inspiration in nature, and for Kara, it’s always been the beach.

Her favorite beaches include Bantham, Bigbury, and Challaborough, all of which have been incorporated into her works. She designs her pottery, intending to transport people to their favorite beach or coastline. Kara herself makes regular trips to the beach to recharge and gather inspiration.

It wasn’t long ago that she would visit those beaches with a head full of dreams. Now, they’ve become a reality, thanks to her hard work, dedication, and belief in herself.

“Being a full-time artist always felt like something other people did – a little too far out of my reach. Five years ago, I gave up the day job, and I built my own pottery studio. My work is inspired by the Southwest coast of England, the texture and colors of the beaches that I grew up by. All of my glazes are named after my favorite beaches and the changing moods of the ocean,” she said.

Some names of the pieces include Stormy Seas Dinner Plate, Calm Seas Bowl, Frosty Blue-Green Mug, Sandy Bay Jug. Aside from naming the works, part of the creative process includes deciding on a color scheme and form. With a background as a painter, Kara first decides on colors and textures.

From painter to pottery master

“As a painter, I was always very inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe. I also see her color pallet reflected back at me in my pottery,” she explains. “There’s something about working in 3D that painting on a canvas could never afford me. I think about the colors that I want to use on a pot first before I think about the form it’s going to take.”

“Every time I open my kiln, it’s a surprise. Every pot I make has its own unique character; no two pieces are ever alike. I want each one of my pieces to feel like it has a soul, I describe my work as natural, calm, and uncluttered. I make everything myself on the potter’s wheel, I use stoneware clay and formulate my own glazes,” she says.

The pottery master sells her work in her online store, featuring everything from mugs to lemon squeezers to teapots. She even offers travel mugs if you like having coffee or tea on the go. Of course, all her products have trademarked blue hues, giving them a calm vibe.

When Kara isn’t making pots, she teaches others how to make them. She offers online courses about the basics of pottery, as well as how to market it online. In addition, she teaches private lessons to those who are serious about learning the craft. For those who prefer reading, she also wrote a book for beginners interested in pottery.

Kara says she’s fortunate to have realized her dream. With the help of her community and loving husband, she got her studio set up and ready for operation. Following your passion means taking a leap of faith and sometimes asking for support, but it’s worth it because your heart will never steer you wrong.

Final thoughts on the woman who gave up her day job to make pottery

Being a pottery master didn’t happen overnight for Kara, but her dedication and passion catapulted her dream. She had a goal, made steps toward achieving it, and didn’t stop no matter what obstacles she faced. Now, she works out of a pottery studio in her backyard, running a full-time business. She designs and handcrafts the pottery, in addition to writing books and selling courses for beginners.

She makes being a pottery master look easy, though we know it took many years of hard work. Which of Kara’s pieces did you like best? Tell us in the comments!

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