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10 Red Flags of Incompatibility With Your Partner

May 16, 2022 by Chris Butler

Some things belong together, such as peanut butter and jelly or little kids and tempting mud puddles. When you are with your partner, you should both feel you were meant to be a couple. But you interrupt that pleasurable connection if you struggle with incompatibility issues.

Attraction and compatibility aren’t the same, and incompatibility is a huge issue.

You may see an attractive person across the room, and your heart beats wildly. Those feelings are physical attraction and infatuation. You may meet that person, and the sparks still there. However, once you get to know them and go on a few dates, it’s possible that you two aren’t compatible.

Even if they seem nice enough and your family and friends approve, you may be too different to continue a relationship.

Ten Signs of Incompatibility in Your Relationship

Some people get involved in a relationship and disregard the vast differences between themselves and their mates. It often ends up with a nasty breakup that hurts them and possibly others. Be cautious and look for these ten red flags that incompatibility is an issue.

1. You Have Nothing in Common

Remember the saying that birds of a feather flock together? What were some of the things that first attracted you to your significant other? Even though physical attraction is first, compatibility is what keeps people together.

On the other hand, they also say that opposites attract. While that is true on some levels, you need something you both like to form a bond. If you can’t find common ground and aren’t interested in sharing new interests, then you may be incompatible together.

2. You Fight Dirty and Often

When you hear a couple say that they never disagree, then they are either dishonest, or one of them isn’t being true to themselves. You may be together, but you and your person are still individuals with different opinions and interpretations. It’s only natural to clash horns occasionally.

The only difference is that compatible couples know each other and try not to let disagreements get out of hand. Each of you knows which buttons not to push and when the argument is getting overheated. You may bicker a bit, but your serious arguments aren’t an everyday occurrence.

However, you should take notice if you and your mate fight more than you cuddle. It’s also a red flag when one or both of you resort to calling names and hurdling profoundly hurtful insults. In this case, you’ve created an incompatible war zone and not space conducive to love.

3. You’re At Odds with Your Different Cultures

It’s beautiful when two adults fall in love and share their different cultures with each other. While blending two cultures and making compromises is difficult, it can be done. If you and your lover have cultural, ethnic, or national differences, it requires love and patience to be a couple.

Unfortunately, some couples can’t make any concessions concerning their different cultures and beliefs. Conflict often surrounds family on both sides and how you will raise your children. If neither of you can budge and you constantly feel at odds, it may be wise to rethink your relationship.

4. You Aren’t on the Same Page for Future Goals

To fulfill your destiny, you must have goals for the future. Of course, they may change countless times as a teen and young adult. Eventually, you will have your goals in mind as you map the roads that will lead you to them.

Your significant other also has long-held dreams. Just because you both have different plans doesn’t mean you can’t be together. When couples fall in love, they share their goals and weave them together as needed.

When your partner talks about the future, does it include you or just them? Are they painted in your future’s portrait? If you can’t have honest conversations and make compromises as needed, maybe you’re not meant to be together.

5. Incompatibility Makes You Feel Insecure in the Relationship

One of the basic human needs is security, both physically and emotionally. Of course, your main concern is to be confident and secure in yourself. You can’t depend on anybody to do it for you.

However, humans do need to feel secure in their relationships. You need to know that your partner has your back and best interests at heart. They will be faithful to you and will be your greatest cheerleader in life.

What if you don’t have that security? Do you have a sneaking suspicion or doubts about your person’s honesty, love, and fidelity? You are probably incompatible if trust and safety aren’t there in the relationship.

6. Your Conversations are Superficial

According to an article published by PsychAlive, couples can’t achieve intimacy unless they can effectively communicate with each other. Do you and your person have meaningful conversations or revolve around the weather? Communicating and sharing your feelings is the only way to keep a relationship alive.

Are you both active listeners? This goes beyond just hearing; you become involved in what each other is saying. Good listeners consider what the other is saying without judgment or interruption. Your relationship won’t be successful unless you both can share how you feel with mutual validation.

7. Incompatibility Occurs When You Have Different Ideas About Finances

You may have heard that money is the number one argument in most relationships. A study published by the National Library of Medicine found that although financial problems weren’t the top argument, it was often the motivation to other conflicts. The study also notes that financial arguments were often reoccurring and were less likely to be resolved.

Most of the decisions you make as a couple will depend on money. Your financial stability is paramount if you decide to make a home together or have children. To have compatible goals for the future, you must be on the same page when finances are concerned.

If you and your mate have joint accounts, you’re more apt to encounter financial differences. Having different concepts about making, saving, and spending money can create an irreparable break in your relationship. If they are frivolous and you are thrifty, it will be nearly impossible to stay together peacefully.

8. Your Values Don’t Match

When you are looking for love, you want someone who shares your values. This goes beyond religion or preferences. A person’s values show their character and how they treat others.

A person who doesn’t share your values isn’t necessarily a bad character. For instance, maybe your value system includes close-knits with extended family. Your partner may value privacy with as little family interaction as possible.

If you are devoted to your faith, you may have values that are part of it. It may be in direct conflict with your partner’s faith or absence thereof. Such conflict can get messy when it includes holidays, family, and future children.

There are a few minor differences that may be insignificant. However, you must agree on core values like love, honesty, faithfulness, and responsibility. When there’s incompatibility, it’s hard to make it work as a couple.

9. Your Senses of Humor Aren’t Congruent

Isn’t it refreshing to fall in love with somebody who has a great sense of humor? It gets even better when you have one too, and you can joke and laugh together. If you are the life of the party and your person is a grump, that’s an issue.

Your relationship can also be problematic if you are more severe, and your mate is a constant clown. Being too silly can be just as bad or even worse as being too strait-laced. For the relationship to work, you both must find a balance between the two.

While most people enjoy a good joke and belly laugh, it should never be at another’s expense. Light mutual teasing is fine if it doesn’t cross the lines of respect. If your partner intends to use hate, racism, and other inappropriate conversation as humor, you get the last laugh and break ties.

10. You Feel Negative Vibes

Many people describe falling in love as having butterflies fluttering about in their stomachs. Seeing their person’s face or feeling their touch brings instant joy. Even with each other’s faults, you and your mate still think that eternal spark.

What if your butterflies are more like moths, and the spark feels more like a burn? You must listen to your inner voice. The object of your affection may seem perfect in every way, but something in your soul whispers they aren’t the one.

It’s better to find out that there’s an incompatibility issue in the beginning. If you go into a relationship hoping that they will change, you are setting yourself up for painful failure. Listen to your heart and look the other way.

Final Thoughts on Incompatibility in a Couple

The whole idea of being in a relationship is that you belong together. It’s not to say that you won’t have your share of conflicts and heartaches, but incompatibility makes things impossible. However, the minor issues you can handle, especially if you’re both on the same page.

10 Reasons Why Materialism Might Harm Mental Health

May 15, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

There’s no doubt that our society is driven by materialism. Yet, your senses are mesmerized by media and social influencers who strive for more. Instead of just “keeping up with the Joneses,” they urge you to surpass them.

The message isn’t even as subliminal as in the past. If you want to be perceived as the wealthiest, most intelligent, and most successful person in your social circle, you need more. So, when you strain your finances to buy a sports car, a massive home, and all the bling of current fashion, do they make you any happier?

Can Materialism Affect Your Mental Health?

Humans have basic needs that must be met, both tangible and psychological. Your tangible needs include food, water, shelter, and clothing. Companionship, acceptance, affection, and validation are among your essential psychological needs.

Any other things you have are merely fringe benefits and aren’t necessarily essential for life. A study published by Psychological Science ponders the relationship between worldly goods and happiness. It discusses the work of scholar Rabbi Hymen Schechtal, who believed that happiness depends not on having what you want but on wanting what you have.

The studies concluded that for people to be happy, they need a delicate balance between the two. So, what is the link between the things you have and your mental well-being? No doubt, buying the goods you want makes you happy, or at least for a while. Here are ten reasons for you to consider how materialism may harm your mental health.

1. Materialism Often Causes Conditional Happiness

We’ve all been guilty of daydreaming, sighing, and saying, “If only I could have this or that, then my happiness will be complete.” It’s the iconic delusion that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. When you get the item, job, car, or house of your dreams, it won’t be long until you view more grassy fields.

If you haven’t learned to be grateful and content, this vortex of wanting more can be psychologically damaging. You may experience depression and anxiety because you think you “need” something. It comes down to discerning the difference between a need and a want.

2. Acceptance is a Basic Human Need

An article published by Simply Psychology references Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of human needs. In the middle of Maslow’s pyramid diagram are psychological conditions, including fulfilling relationships and acceptance. Although you can still exist without them, you would be broken mentally and emotionally.

It’s not selfish for you to need acceptance from your loved ones, friends, and peers. But do you think that your family and friends only base their approval on what you have? Today’s media and advertising are masterminds at the powers of suggestion and blurring the lines between worldly goods and self-worth.

Your whole perception of acceptance may be skewed. If you have people in your circle who only want you for what you have, you don’t need them. When you equate acceptance with possessions, you’ll never feel accepted.

3. Some People Become Hoarders

Unless you’re a confirmed minimalist, you probably have a little clutter hanging around your house. It’s not uncommon for something to catch your eye, and you buy it, whether you need it or not. Another excuse for overbuying is to hoard up a stack of items for “later” or “because they were on sale.”

Our early ancestors learned to gather and preserve as much as they could to survive. It’s a genetic disposition that continues in modern humans. Unfortunately, the hoarding gene goes in overdrive for some people, and they are drowning in stuff.

While it is wise to save preserved food and other necessities just in case, it can overtake your life. If your home is bursting at the seams with piles of things you’ll never use, it can cause mental issues. On the one hand, you are depressed because you don’t have space to breathe yet getting rid of stuff brings anxiety.

4. Allowing Society to Dictate Your Life

You would have to find a place back in the deepest wilderness to escape the hypnotic draw of society’s unrealistic expectations. Media giants capitalize on human nature as they paint a distorted picture of what you need to have the best life.

Buy this clothing brand, and you will be an instant sex symbol. Go into Debt and buy this new gadget or that new trend if you want to look rich and famous. It’s a perpetual race that you’ll never win because there will always be another gadget.

5. Consequences of Materialism

What do you consider as your most significant assets? According to the market, you can assign a monetary value to your home, vehicles, and other possessions. However, what price can you put on good health, loving family and friends, and the beauty of the natural world?

If you put all the emphasis on materialism, it will cost you in more ways than one. A report published by Debt, states that the total debt of American households as of the spring of 2021, was a staggering 14.1 trillion dollars. That’s an average of $90,460 per American, including their mortgage, credit cards, and other loans. If you did an honest review of your monthly expenses, how much is from unnecessary spending?

Frivolous spending is a double-edged sword that can destroy financial stability, relationships, and mental well-being. If you are struggling under massive debt that you accrued in the hopes of “measuring up,” you may lose it all in bankruptcy. You are more apt to developmental issues because of the strain on your income and relationships with your mate and family.

6. It May Cause You to Create a False Reality

It’s a perennial plot in countless books, movies, and tv shows. One of the main characters wants to impress somebody, so they take on another identity. They may also deceive others by making them think they are successful millionaires to hide their average life.

The urge to comply with Hollywood’s illusions may tempt you to be something you’re not. It feels satisfying when people judge you favorably by your possessions. As a result, you may be tempted to stretch the truth a bit to make your job look more lucrative and your life more luxurious.

7. You May Become More Judgmental

People who are overly critical of others usually are hiding low self-esteem. If you measure your self-worth by your possessions, you may soon use the same unfair ruler for other people. You may find yourself instantly approving of a stranger because they live in the best neighborhoods, drive an expensive car, and wear the finest designer clothes.

Sadly, you may turn your nose up at people who don’t fit into the false mold created by society. Perhaps you could miss out on a good friendship or a new love interest just because you judged them by what they have or don’t have.

Your mental health is at risk when you are bound to judge and criticize others. It can create negative thought patterns that can spoil personal and professional relationships. Negativity can slowly encapsulate you in loneliness, depression, and bitterness.

8. Price vs Cost vs Value

Does this sound like a familiar scenario? You are wandering through your favorite department store and see a gorgeous pair of shoes beckoning your attention. Unfortunately, you don’t need any more shoes, they only match one outfit, and they are a bit tight.

However, you buy them anyway because they are a designer pair, and they’re on sale. This is only a simple example of a more complex spending problem. The items can be clothes, shoes, electronics, motorcycles, collectibles, or anything.

Unfortunately, when you are caught up in possessions, you soon lose your understanding of price, cost, and value. Those shoes you bought may have a price tag of $100, but they’ll cost you more. It’s taken away money that you could have used for a necessity and will take up space you don’t have.

Additionally, wearing ill-fitting shoes can cause foot issues that require medical attention. After you calculate the price and associated costs, have these added value to you? Since they only match one outfit, they will probably stay in the back of your closet with the other castaways.

How has this splurge purchase brought any real or perceived value to your life?

9. Nothing is Special Anymore

If somebody asked you why you bought a particular item, you might reply that it’s unique to you. You could go around the house and say that everything has intrinsic value in your eyes. Ironically, if everything is amazing, then nothing is special.

This mindset may bring about hoarding tendencies or general dissatisfaction with everything. You may compulsively shop to fill that hole in your soul that feels lonely and “not good enough.” Things may hold your attention for the moment, but you may soon pitch them aside and go into debt for the newest shopping fix.

10. You Can Lose Site of Intangible Wealth

When you start measuring your happiness and success by dollar signs and possessions, you lose sight of life’s real treasures. Money can’t buy true love and acceptance from family and friends. You can’t write a check for one more stunning sunrise nor the blessings of good health.

Final Thoughts on Materialism and Mental Health

What if you awoke tomorrow morning and had only those things that you valued the most? Obsessing about getting more can risk your mental health. Instead, learn to be grateful for what you have and treasure your loving relationships and many blessings. Your life will be far richer than you ever imagined.

8 Ways to Refocus Your Brain When You’re Losing Motivation

May 15, 2022 by Chris Butler

Do you start most tasks or days with enthusiasm, but you lose your readiness to complete it somewhere along the line? Losing motivation is a huge problem that causes millions of people to struggle. You rely on your motivation to be on autopilot like these new cars that drive themselves, but you can’t always control the day or your reactions to it.

Yes, if you’re struggling to find the motivation you need, you can rest easy as this is a fixable problem. Like with most things, the change starts in your brain. First, you must fix your mindset to help get your motivation engine in the fast lane.

Many people struggle daily to have the gusto they need to complete everything. Have you ever been on your computer and you have ten tabs open, one is frozen and spinning, and you hear music playing from some random place? It’s maddening for your computer to try to configure all the commands it’s receiving at once, so it stalls.

Your brain is remarkably like a computer system. It’s intricate, and it will crash if you try to cram 100 things at once. The only problem is that your brain and body are connected, and you will feel horrible when your mind is out of whack.

Eight Highly Effective Ways to Refocus Your Brain for Increased Motivation

Have you ever had a car engine stall on you, and the car refuses to move? It’s a frustrating experience because it causes you downtime. If you feel like your proverbial engine is stalled and out of gas on most days, then here are some helpful ways for you to rev your internal engine.

1. Change Your Diet

You may lose motivation because you’re not eating healthy. If you consume carbs, fast food, and junk, then you’re not going to run on all cylinders. See, your body needs the vitamins and minerals found in fruits and vegetables.

Without these foundations for a healthy life, you’re like an engine that’s misfiring. Have you ever had a spark plug going out in a car? It will spit, sputter, and miss as it’s going down the road.

You will get horrible gas mileage, and you’ll be lucky to make it to and from work. However, it’s like the whole car gains its power and comes back to life when you put in that new spark plug. The same will happen to you when you feed your body the proper nutrition.

2. Simplify

Okay, so how many things do you think you can fit into one day without crashing? Remember, you’re not a superhero, and you don’t have magical powers. You might lack motivation because you have so many things on your plate that no ordinary human being could accomplish it all.

Try prioritizing your day by the most challenging tasks first, and then save the more straightforward stuff for the afternoon. Part of losing motivation comes from having a jam-packed and overwhelming day. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t be scared to say no.

There is power in taking control of your day, and your brain will be less frazzled. It’s time to simplify to improve your enthusiasm.

3. Take Time for Self-Care

You’ve probably heard a lot about self-care these days. According to the National Library of Medicine, more than 17.3 million people in this country suffer from depression. Shockingly, this equates to over seven percent of the population. Do you know one of the number one causes of depression?

The circumstances around you are a significant contributor and when you don’t take time for yourself. For example, what would happen if you never changed the oil or had a tune-up in your car? Eventually, it’s going to break down. The same will happen to your mind and body.

If you don’t take time to pamper yourself on occasion, then you’re just asking for trouble. When you’re losing motivation frequently, then you might want to review how much downtime you’ve had for self-care. It would be best if you had time to take care of yourself.

4. Set Small, Obtainable Goals

Do you set goals for yourself each day, week, or month? Are your goals so high that only a superhuman could obtain them, or are they realistic? Remember all those star charts and reward programs you did for your kids growing up? Well, they also work great for adults.

The child inside of you likes to see that you’ve accomplished something to made others proud. For instance, you want to please your boss, which makes you have favor in your position. When you reach these goals, you should get a reward.

What a difference it will make in your life if you set goals and watch yourself cross them off one at a time. You certainly won’t have any issue losing motivation when you see how you’re progressing.

5. Focus on Giving Rather Than Receiving

Perhaps you’re losing motivation in life because you’re focused on the wrong things. Life is about so much more than making money and having possessions. When is the last time you sat down and were thankful for all you’ve been blessed with?

When was the last time you bought groceries for someone having a hard time? Have you ever helped serve at a soup kitchen, or what about volunteering at a homeless shelter? Sometimes your perspective gets out of whack, and you need to reevaluate your life.

Step back and look at the big picture; you’re certain to find that your life is much more blessed than many around you. When you wake up and are thankful for your job and the paycheck it brings, it can increase your enthusiasm and improve your attitude.

6. Meditate

Have you ever had a car overheat on you? Do you first pull somewhere safe and shut off the engine? The car needs to cool down because you’re afraid it can catch on fire if the temperatures get too hot.

Well, think of your brain in the same capacity; if you don’t get somewhere and cool off, then you’re going to have a significant issue. Meditation is a brain reset that helps you to declutter and pitch the negativity you’ve picked up. Everyone has daily stressors, and there is no way to avoid them.

However, you can learn how to deal with the stress, process it, and release it from your body. You don’t want to hold on to all that negativity anyway. Meditation is great because you can “cool off” at your desk, in your bedroom, or on a bench in the grocery store if needed.

7. Use Positive Affirmations

How do you wake up each morning? Do you hit the snooze button five times until you don’t have a minute to spare? Do you drag out of bed like you’ve hibernated for the winter and just awoken?

Your morning routine can mean everything when it comes to your day. If you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day, it can help your motivation. Positive affirmations are like putting a little bit of high octane in your gas tank.

Cars always do better when you put a little octane booster in them, and affirmations can be just the boost you need. For example, tell yourself things like:

“I am going to have a great day.”
“I will accomplish all of my goals.”
“I’ll make time for me today.”
“I love my job, and I am thankful for the income it provides.”
“I’m loved by many, and I love in return.”

When you start using the power of positivity, it can change your entire mindset. Using these powerful statements each day rewires your brain to think more positively than negatively.

8. Focus on Accomplishments, Not Disappointments

It’s easy to become so focused on what’s behind you that you ignore what’s before you. Your mistakes are yesterday’s news; if you have breath in your body, you can make today a better day. Stop turning around and looking at all the times you failed; rather, you need to focus on the times you succeeded.

If it helps you, make a list of all your accomplishments. Whenever you feel self-doubt, get out this list and remind yourself of all the great things you’ve done. It’s hard to argue with irrefutable proof, so keep pushing those negative experiences away.

Final Thoughts on Losing Motivation…and How to Replenish It

As you struggle to stay motivated, remember that there will always be those times when everything goes wrong. Having a bad day is inevitable, but you will get through them. However, if you’re losing motivation before you even begin, you need to make changes to your life.

First, start with your mindset. Try using positive affirmations and motivation to help you stay centered and purge negativity. Other changes like eating right, getting enough sleep, and not taking on more than you can handle will also benefit.

Don’t beat yourself up too bad if you lose motivation occasionally; you will get back up the next day and have a fresh outlook.

Some Sunscreens Contain the Carcinogen Benzene, According to Lab

May 15, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Recently, an independent testing lab detected the known carcinogen benzene in 78 different sunscreens. The lab contacted the FDA after making the discovery, urging them to ban the products.

The lab, Valisure, inspects medicines and healthcare products to ensure they meet quality standards. When the company tested almost 300 sunscreen products, they found benzene in 27% of them. Even more troubling, 14 of the products (5%) had benzene levels three times higher than the recommended two parts per million(ppm). The FDA recommends this limit for benzene in medicines that require the ingredient.

“Benzene is one of the most studied and concerning human carcinogens known to science. Its association with forming blood cancers in humans has been shown in numerous studies at trace levels of parts per million and below. The presence of this known human carcinogen in products widely recommended for the prevention of skin cancer and that are regularly used by adults and children is very troubling,” David Light, founder and CEO of Valisure, said in a statement from the company.

Where does benzene come from?

Benzene, a colorless, pale yellow liquid, forms from both natural processes and human activities. Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes and forest fires. Manufacturing activities that produce benzene include burning fossil fuels and driving cars, as it is released in vehicle emissions. Also, it’s used in the manufacturing process for certain plastics, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides, according to the CDC.

Dangers of benzene to humans

Long-term exposure to abnormally high benzene levels can cause cancer, such as blood cancers like leukemia. Most exposure to benzene happens in the workplace. However, state and federal regulations have improved working conditions over the years.

The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) limits workplace exposure to benzene in the air. It cannot exceed one ppm during an average workday or five ppm over any 15 minutes.

In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) limits benzene in drinking water to 0.005 ppm, or five parts per billion (ppb). They’ve also set this limit for bottled water.

Furthermore, the FDA recommends drug manufacturers not use benzene unless necessary. Particular circumstances include if they cannot avoid using the chemical and if the drug has significant medical value. In these instances, the FDA says benzene levels shouldn’t exceed two ppm.

One of these exceptions occurred at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. When there was a hand sanitizer shortage, the FDA temporarily allowed hand sanitizers to contain up to 2 ppm of benzene. However, in March 2021, Valisure discovered benzene levels above this amount in almost 24 hand sanitizers. One of these products sold by one company got recalled later on.

Valisure found dangerous levels of benzene in sunscreens as well.

Due to their latest findings, Valisure wrote a petition asking the FDA to recall the 78 sunscreens. They’ve also urged the agency to conduct its investigation into the sunscreen companies. You can find the complete list of the sunscreen products with unsafe benzene levels in the petition. Most of the 14 sunscreen products with benzene levels higher than two ppm were sprays. However, some lotions and sunburn-relief gels contained the carcinogen as well.

Even though the FDA recommends benzene not be used in drug manufacturing, it doesn’t set limits for sunscreen. The two ppm limit only applies to the “special circumstances” discussed above. The agency does regulate sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug, however.

Because of their new findings, Valisure urges the FDA to set benzene levels for sunscreen and other drug products. Furthermore, they’ve called on them to set an exposure limit for benzene in a single day.

Since Valisure didn’t find benzene in most sunscreens tested, the company says it isn’t necessary. Therefore, no benzene should be allowed in sunscreen.

“There is not a safe level of benzene that can exist in sunscreen products,” stated Dr. Christopher Bunick, MD, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, in the statement from Valisure. “Even benzene at 0.1 ppm in a sunscreen could expose people to excessively high nanogram amounts of benzene.”

According to Live Science, the FDA is currently reviewing the petition. The agency says it’s taking the safety concerns with the sunscreens seriously. While they evaluate the petition, they will ensure U.S. consumers still have access to safe sunscreens.

Read why redheads face the most risk factors for developing skin cancer.

Should you still use sunscreen?

Even though certain sunscreens have high levels of benzene, it doesn’t mean people shouldn’t use sunscreen at all.

“Many sunscreen products tested by Valisure did not have benzene contamination, and those products are presumably safe and should continue to be used, along with appropriate hats and sun-protective clothing, to mitigate skin cancer risk,” Bunick said.

Using a safe sunscreen can help prevent skin cancer, the most common external form of cancer worldwide. 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation. To protect the skin while in the sun, make sure to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours. Experts recommend using a sunscreen with a minimum of 30 SPF, which blocks 97% of the sun’s UVB rays.

Talk to your doctor about your skin cancer risks and decide whether you should apply it daily.

Other safe alternatives to sunscreen

If you don’t like using conventional sunscreen, try these natural products instead. Keep in mind they may not be as effective as regular sunscreen, but they offer some protection.

red raspberry seed oil – SPF between 30 and 50
carrot seed oil – SPF 30
wheat germ oil – SPF 20
hazelnut oil – SPF 15
coconut oil – SPF 10
soybean oil – SPF 10
shea butter – SPF 6-10
zinc oxide
titanium dioxide

Final thoughts on lab findings showing harmful benzene levels in some sunscreens

While not all sunscreen contains benzene, the independent testing lab Valisure made a disturbing discovery. Nearly a third of almost 300 sunscreens tested contained this chemical. 5% of the sunscreen products had a benzene level three times higher than the FDA recommended amount.

Valisure sent a petition to the FDA to recall all these sunscreens to keep consumers safe. Make sure to read the petition to find out which sunscreens contain benzene so you can avoid these at the store. All other sunscreens are still safe to use, however.

15 Unique Habits of People Who Prefer to Be Alone

May 15, 2022 by Chris Butler

The population of the world is quite diverse. Each person has a personality, thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that make them unique. It’s quite fascinating when you consider that out of the 7.9 million people who live on this planet, according to Worldometer, no two are the same. Consider the vast differences in personalities. Some folks prefer to be alone, while others thrive when they’re in the spotlight.

We often hear of many stereotypes developed regarding different people, specifically those who prefer to be in solitude rather than in the crowd.

They’re often labeled as being shy, having a lack of confidence, or having a mental illness that causes them to be reclusive. The loners are introverted people who find great comfort in being alone. They don’t need anyone else to make them feel secure, as they know where they want to go in life.

These folks don’t thrive on the praise or guidance of others, as they assume complete responsibilities for themselves. Additionally, these folks don’t have time to waste, and they would see going out with a group of friends to a club as a misuse of time and money. So many folks have the need to belong, but the introvert doesn’t crave it like the extrovert does.

These people aren’t depressed, and they’re not lonely either, as flying solo has become their comfort zone. Other common traits of those who prefer to be alone is they’re quite agreeable, dependable, and conscious of those around them. They don’t care if you show up to work in a new outfit that you bought at a designer boutique, as they’re going to wear what makes them feel comfortable.

It doesn’t mean that this person isn’t fashionable, it’s just that they don’t put an emphasis on clothing and material possessions. They prefer to search much deeper for meaning, and they look at your heart more than your clothes.

Fifteen Habits of Those Who Prefer Solitude

There’s many characteristics and habits of those who prefer to be alone. Do you fit into the introvert or extroverted category, or are you a mixture of the two? This list will help you identify common characteristics of the lone wolf, and you can see if you and those around you fit.

1. They Acknowledge Their Imperfections

The lone wolf isn’t worried about having the perfect appearance to impress those around them. They desire to be authentic far above the perception of others. This mindset helps them to keep their self-esteem at a healthy level.

They’re not the type of person that blames everyone else for their blunders, as they’re comfortable enough to admit their wrongdoings. The introvert sees acknowledging their errors to grow.

2. They Have a Great Moral Compass

Individuals who prefer to fly solo frequently have a good grasp of right and wrong. Since they have a good understanding and are in touch with their feelings, they’re able to honestly think and comprehend their place in life. Introverts are typically compassionate and see others as good until they give them a reason to think otherwise.

3. Their Time Is Valuable

Most people overlook the value of time, but those who like to be alone have a better grasp of such things. They strive to make the most of the moments they spend with others, and they don’t like wasting a precious minute. They often are planners that have each part of their day scheduled.

4. They’re Loyal

While the loner likes the peace that comes with solitude, they do value close friendships too. However, they’re very selective on who they spend their time with, as they don’t want to waste it on gossipers and those who cannot contribute to valuable conversation.

Once someone earns their loyalty, they have a high ranking and value in their life. They would do anything to help this individual, as the loner is usually a great friend to have.

5. They Have Tremendous Emotional Strength

The level of emotional intelligence with the introvert is high. They spend plenty of time reflecting on their own thoughts and feelings so that they can understand their emotions. Due to this reflection, they’re able to manage their feelings well. One of the most admirable parts of this person is the inner strength and the peace they have in life.

6. They’re Open-Minded

Opposite popular belief, introverts don’t close themselves off from everyone around them. Rather, they choose to focus on the positive aspects in life. They do this to maintain a positive mindset, which is especially important in the fast-paced and stressful world around them.

7. They’re Intuitive

When a person is aware of their emotions and instinct, they’re said to have an intuitive nature. When times of trouble come, they want to be alone and think through things. They also want to surround themselves with positivity rather than negativity.

8. They Have Incredible Self-Awareness

This person has an inner sense of peace that most folks don’t possess. It’s because they don’t allow themselves to become overrun by worrying about things that may not happen. They have this inner peace because they choose to fly solo and develop their sense of self-awareness, rather than get involved with the busy and frantic worries of the day.

9. They’re Independent

The personality of those who like to be alone is that of a self-sustaining individual. They don’t require others to help them, as they prefer to do things by themselves. They’re very self-sufficient and usually quite smart.

Rather than calling for a dryer repair, they would rather order the part and figure it out. They would save money and learn a valuable skill, both of which is important to them.

10. They Surround Themselves with Other Intellectuals

While the introvert isn’t much for small talk, they do like to have meaningful conversations. They prefer to hang out with those that have a positive outlook on life more so than a negative one. These interactions are seen as an opportunity for growth.

11. They Don’t Need the Approval of Others

Being accepted by others is not on the top of their list. They love and embrace themselves as they are. They take the good and the bad and know their self-worth.

While popularity and fame are all nice things to have, they have a love for themselves that transcends these things. People refer to them as an old soul because they don’t seek the approval of anyone, and they are content in their own little world.

12. They’re Natural Empaths

While they hone their skills on their feeling and emotions, they also learn how to be empathetic towards others. Many people deal with rash emotional reactions each day, and they lash out at the ones closest to them.

This usually doesn’t happen with the introvert. They tend to be kinder and gentler to those around them, regardless of what’s going on.

13. Their Opinions Are Well Thought Out

There’s not too many topics and situations that the introvert doesn’t know much about. Part of this comes from the hours spent on reflection and research. They don’t get caught up in the hype from the local news channels, as they tend to rely on science and proven facts.

14. They Exude Kindness

They may like to be a loner, but they can still see the needs of the world around them. They’re very compassionate towards others, and don’t mind helping charities too.

They ensure that love is the dominate feeling that radiates from them, and their gentle compassionate nature is adored by many. Though they have few words, their kindness speaks volumes.

15. They Engage in Self-Love

One of the things that most of the emotionally intelligent have in common is their desire for selflove. They understand that if you don’t love yourself, then you can’t expect anyone else to love you either. They take time to accept what they’ve been given by the Universe each day.

Loving yourself opens doors to independence that those who engage in self-loathing acts would never understand. Before you can be in a relationship, you must first have an established value of your worth.

Final Thoughts on the Habits of People Who Like to Be Alone

Did you see any habits listed above that you find within yourself? Maybe there are some characteristics of the loner that you want to develop, which wouldn’t be a bad thing. Many people misunderstand the introvert and think they’re shy or just miserable and don’t like others.

According to the National Library of Medicine, some even believe these folks to be suicidal or to have serious mental illness, which isn’t true. Keep in mind isolation is a sign of mental health issues, but it’s not always the case.

Actually, the introvert is usually someone who is self-sufficient. They don’t want someone else getting into their head with all the negativity the world offers, so they’re very selective about their friends. While they do have friendships, they focus on quality rather than quantity.

The loner is a well-rounded person who just appreciates the simple things in life, like being kind to others as well as compassionate. They think before they speak, and they’re slow to anger. While it may take you a while to win their trust, once you have this person in your corner, you’re very blessed for the friendship.

15 Emotional Outlets That Most People Forget

May 14, 2022 by Chris Butler

Wouldn’t it be great if your body, mind, and spirit had a reset button like most electronics? You may not have a reset mode, but you can do things as an emotional outlet that can rejuvenate you.

These simple activities divert your brain and can help you cope with daily challenges.

What is an Emotional Outlet?

Have you heard the saying “blowing off some steam?” It doesn’t necessarily mean that your temper is flaring. When you are stressed, and your emotions are churning inside, you need constructive and healthy coping methods. Some of these outlets may include hobbies and other interests that clear your mind and relax your mood.

Since everyone is different, what works as a stress reliever for one may not work for another. Fortunately, your choices of activities are vast. Here are 15 emotional outlet suggestions for you to consider.

1. Coloring Books

Parents and teachers of young children know that one of the best ways to keep kids occupied is to give them coloring books and crayons. Notice how it calms them as they fill in pictures with vivid colors. You can have the same tranquil effect as an adult.

Adult coloring books are all the rage in department stores and art supply shops.

Whatever your favorite subject, be it nature, fantasy, or abstract, you can find it in a coloring book. They are inexpensive and come at all skill levels. All you need are some crayons or colored pencils to color away your stress.

2. Trace Your Family Tree

When you know about the past, it helps you to understand the present better. Did you ever do a family tree project in school? Most people can trace back to their grandparents and sometimes their great-grandparents.

Tracing your genealogy is not only a pleasurable pastime, but you can also glean fascinating information. Many public libraries have a local history and genealogy department, and they can help you on your journey. You can also find a plethora of online sources that show people how to trace their lineage.

During your research, you may meet new distant relatives and see the country origins of your family.

3. Volunteer

Doesn’t it seem like when you help others, you benefit, too? An article published by Aging & Mental Health explains that volunteering can positively affect your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. No matter how you volunteer, you get the satisfaction that you’ve helped make life better for a person, animals, or the environment.

4. Learn to Bake

What could be more satisfying than the aroma of fresh baked goods wafting through your kitchen? If you are looking for an efficient, emotional outlet, whipping up some homemade bread or chocolate chip cookies may be your answer. You can save money when you make your own goodies, and they taste much better than store-bought.

Start with simple recipes and work your way up to more advanced ones. Baking is something fun you can do with the family. You’ll love the smiles you see across the dinner table.

5. Take Dancing Classes

Have you ever seen a dancer who wasn’t smiling and having the time of their life? You needn’t be a Broadway star to use dancing as an emotional outlet. Whether you choose tap dance, ballroom, or even hip-hop, there are classes for them.

According to a study published by Sports Medicine, dancing is also a beneficial form of physical fitness. You can groove to your favorite tunes yourself, with a partner, or in groups. The next time you are feeling frazzled, turn on some music and get your body moving.

6. Learn a Meditative Exercise

When your emotions are over the top, they can affect you physically and mentally. One way you can address your body is with meditative exercise. Ancient practices like yoga and Qigong use gentle stretching, meditation, and mindful breathing to pull your body in sync.

Talk to a certified fitness instructor to find the meditative exercise that’s right for you. The good news is that you can practice almost anywhere, and it doesn’t require a bunch of expensive equipment. Plus, stretching and movement can help keep your bones and joints limber and healthy.

7. Take a Technical Course

Do you often get frustrated when your computer or other electronic devices go haywire? Why not consider taking a technical course to improve your skills and give your nerves a break? Most universities and community colleges offer individualized studies that don’t require you to earn a degree unless you choose to do so.

You don’t even have to attend in person since so many courses today are offered online. If you are a senior, many colleges and institutions provide deep discounts or even free classes. Learning new technical skills can always come in handy around your house.

8. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

Are you a musician, or have you always longed to play a musical instrument? Maybe you played one in your high school band and haven’t picked it up since. Playing music is an emotional outlet for the musician and those who hear it.

Be true to your dreams and take classes with any instrument you choose. You may not become a concert pianist or play the drums for a rock band, but you can have fun learning. Learn to appreciate different musical styles and incorporate them as you practice.

9. Transform Your Bedroom

Your bedroom should be a sacred space where you can cloister yourself from the world. It should be a beautiful sanctuary meant for sleep, romance, and restful contemplation. If you use your bedroom as a workspace and it’s a cluttered mess, consider revamping it.

Get rid of the clutter and create a soothing space decorated tastefully with only things you love. You’d be surprised how a couple of gallons of paint can transform the mood of a room. Invest in a lovely comforter and plenty of fluffy pillows.

10. Adopt a Pet

One of the many beautiful things about pets is that they live to please you and love unconditionally. When you are feeling depressed, spending time with a furry friend can lift your spirits. They are remarkably intuitive to their humans’ feelings.

Instead of paying exorbitant prices at a pet store, consider one of the countless dogs and cats in shelters waiting to be adopted. You can adopt a fur baby that’s been fixed for a nominal fee and had all its shots.

11. Plant a Garden

Give your green thumb some exercise and plant a garden. Even if you only have a small area in your yard, you can raise a few veggies or attractive flowers. You can even create a lovely container garden on your patio if you haven’t a yard.

It’s magical watching your seedlings grow into stunning plants that will benefit you and the wildlife around you. Growing your produce or cutting flowers you grow saves money and beautifies your space. Try planting a few pots of your favorite herbs and set them on your kitchen windowsill.

12. Go Thrifting

If shopping is your emotional outlet and you don’t want to spend a fortune, go thrifting instead. Visit thrift stores in your area to find gently used items for you and your family. You can find brand-name clothing, vintage items, and just about anything you can think of at affordable prices.

13. Play Board Games with Your Kids

You never get too old to enjoy a game with your kids. Instead of their usual high-tech video games, why not introduce them to some classic board games. Turn off the cellphones and tv and have an evening of fun and laughter.

Another classic pastime is working on jigsaw puzzles. Set up a small table in your family room so everyone can help. You can find tons of beautiful puzzle pictures and styles in department stores or online.

14. Write an Old-Fashioned Letter

Unfortunately, the gracious habit of writing letters has been replaced by impersonal emails and texting. Why not surprise a friend or loved one with a handwritten note? Buy some stationary, some colorful pens, and a book of stamps to bring back the nostalgia of letter writing.

15. Go for a Nature Walk

When the stress of life is too much, taking a walk outside can boost your spirits. It can be a stroll through your city park or a familiar path in the woods. With each step and mindful breath, you can feel the tension at ease.

Listen to the melodies of the birds and watch the antics of the squirrels in the trees. Feel the warmth of the sun, and the gentle breezes whisper past. Just a half-hour can revitalize you and may offer you a different perspective about your problems.

Final Thoughts on Using Emotional Outlets to Restore Joy in Life

Don’t let undue stress rob you of freedom and joy in your life. When you give yourself a break with an enjoyable emotional outlet, you can restore your well-being. It’s one of the most compassionate things you can do for yourself.

12 Things That Prove Your Third Eye Chakra Is Blocked

May 14, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Your third eye chakra is the sixth of seven chakras that make up your body’s energy centers. These energy centers are all connected to your physical and emotional life, determining whether your mind and body are in unison with your purpose.

You will experience unhappiness and other negative feelings when your chakras become blocked. The third eye chakra guides your spirit using inner knowledge and awareness.

Additionally, your third eye serves as a way to warn you about situations that you wouldn’t otherwise see. Finally, it allows you to understand that everything you experience in life is part of the overall plan.

Twelve Signs That Your Third Eye Chakra Is Blocked

If your third eye chakra is blocked, your perceptions will be off-balance, and the truth will seem out of reach. It also interferes with spiritual awakening. Knowing the signs that your third eye chakra is blocked can help you awaken your chakra and find happiness again.

1. You Lose Sight of Your Dreams

If you feel disconnected from your dreams or sense that there is no way to reach them, this chakra is likely blocked. Likewise, if you completely forget your goals, it is a good sign of a blockage. A good indication of this happening to you is if you can’t identify your dreams anymore.

This chakra allows for inner visualization and a deep perception of the world. When it is blocked, you can’t experience that inner vision that the senses that come with it.

Sometimes you might notice that you can’t make a plan for reaching your goals. This struggle is another sign of a blockage because you can’t tap into your inner visualization to help guide you. As a result, you will feel like you lack direction and a lack of purpose in life.

Losing sight of your dreams usually occurs when you distrust yourself and your inner voice. As a result, your life perception becomes confused and unrecognizable.

2. You Have Judgmental Thoughts

Judgmental thoughts about the actions or choices of others indicate a blocked chakra. This behavior signifies an inability to embrace uniqueness in the world around you. If you notice that you subconsciously judge others or experience narrow-mindedness, a blocked chakra could be the reason.

3. You Feel Disconnected from Your Intuition or Natural Instincts

Feeling disconnected from your instincts or intuition is a sign of a blockage in your energy center. When there is no blockage, you will experience personal understanding through intuition. Find a way to unblock your chakra and reconnect if you notice a disconnect.

Intuition and instincts allow you to use personal insight and inner guidance to move through life. You will use your wisdom to problem-solve and make decisions. If you experience feeling lost or confused about your life track, you should check your third eye chakra.

4. Your Imagination is Lacking

With a blockage, you will be unable to perceive life and all of its potential. When your chakra awakens, you will create and form ideas and plans.

If you struggle with creative problem-solving, creation, or visualization, it is a sign of lacking imagination. You must find a wake to reawaken your chakra and allow the creativity to flow through you.

5. You Experience Light Sensitivity

Unexplained light sensitivity could indicate a blocked third eye chakra. Your pineal gland is linked to your third eye, causing sensitivity to light when it is blocked. The production of melatonin decreases, interrupting your natural circadian rhythms.

Your body should adjust naturally to the cycles of sunlight, so if it doesn’t, it proves there is a problem. Pay close attention to when the light sensitivity occurs. If it is when there is low or filtered light, it is proof of a blocked chakra.

6. You Consume too Many Processed Foods

You might not realize that the food you eat can be a sign of a blocked chakra, but it is. If you regularly consume processed foods, it indicates a blocked third eye chakra. What you eat affects your energy body, so try consuming whole foods instead.

Avoid foods that contain excessive additives and chemical modification. Switching the foods that you eat can quickly and effectively clear your chakra.

7. You Feel Disconnected from Others

You might have a blocked chakra if you feel disconnected from other people, including those close to you. For example, the third eye chakra deals with feelings and experiences of oneness and unity. Those feelings can’t come through when it is blocked, and you feel disconnected.

You might notice that you feel less understanding of others and struggle with acceptance. This experience will be the case with even those you love and usually understand well. You will constantly question the validity of the people around you.

When your chakra awakens, you will see the perfect interconnection of everyone’s paths. You will see how everyone can work together and is already connected. Plus, you will see how other people are vital to your growth and development.

When your chakra is blocked, you will feel separate from everyone else. You will experience loneliness and isolation and struggle to develop meaningful connections. However, if you can clear the blockage, you will find a sense of community and belonging again.

8. You Live in Fear

Living in fear is never a good sign, and it is proof of a blocked chakra. Anytime you have an irrational fear that clouds your reasoning, you should find a way to clear the blockage. Some of the things you might fear include:

the truth
criticism
other people’s judgment
failure

Your fear might manifest as regret about the past or worry and anxiety about the future. Rather than thinking positively, you think of everything that could go wrong. Plus, you will believe that people are saying bad things about you even when they aren’t.

9. Your Sleeping Habits are Off

When your third eye chakra is blocked, it affects your melatonin production, interfering with your sleep cycle. As a result, you might experience insomnia, nightmares, or constantly feel lethargic. If you notice that your sleeping patterns are abnormal, consider whether your chakra is blocked.

Experiencing insomnia means you can’t get the quality or amount of sleep you need. You don’t wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested. Nightmares sometimes cause your insomnia, but not all the time.

Anytime you experience a dream that gives you overwhelming feelings of fear, it is a nightmare. You might not always remember the details, but you will likely carry the emotion with you after waking up. Nightmares signify fear-based energy within you, indicating a blocked chakra.

10. You are Depressed, Anxious, or Feeling Sad

Unusual depression or anxiety can indicate that your third eye chakra is blocked. A blocked chakra affects the production of serotonin, which affects your brain chemistry, moods, and emotions.

A shift can indicate a blockage if you don’t usually experience these feelings. Finding ways to stimulate the pineal gland can help alleviate these feelings.

11. You Feel Disconnected from Nature and the Universe

When you feel disconnected from nature or the universe as a whole, you likely have a chakra blockage. You might feel like you do not connect with nature and your environment. If this happens to you, you might subconsciously reject all spiritual feelings and ideas.

Other signs of a disconnect from the universe include feeling a lack of purpose and being devoid of ideas. In addition, you might notice a deep sense of longing for something that you can’t identify. Reversing these feelings is possible, but you must find a way to awaken your chakra.

To overcome this blockage, try spending more time in nature. Find a quiet place outdoors to meditate, practice mindfulness, or try new breathing techniques if you can. You will see things clearly, and the truth will appear in your heart and mind.

12. You Are Unable to Recognize the Truth

Anytime you can’t see the obvious truth, it is proof of a blocked third eye chakra. As a result, you will feel confused or disoriented as you try to see past the illusions of your mind.

Sometimes your inability to recognize the truth results from what you watch or listen to advertisements, and things on the internet. Anywhere that you experience programming and illusion, you are at risk of being deceived. However, you will see through these deceptions with an awakened third eye.

Final Thoughts on Identifying When Your Third Eye Chakra Is Blocked

Recognizing that your third eye chakra is the first step to awakening it and starting fresh. Anytime there are imbalances or blockages, your mental and physical well-being can be affected. So help yourself feel and live better by finding ways to open your chakra.

Once you acknowledge that your third eye chakra is blocked, you can find ways to unblock it. Then, when you have reawakened your chakra, you can experience growth and development again.

10 Signs That You Make Someone Nervous

May 14, 2022 by Chris Butler

Do you have a commanding presence that causes others to have anxiety when they’re around you? Some people are naturally nervous, but it could be your overall demeanor that makes someone feel fidgety.

When it comes to the dating world or looking for a job, you certainly don’t want to make others feel uncomfortable.

Have you seen someone jingle change in their pockets, pick up and put down their beverage over and over, or pace the floor? All of these are outward manifestations of inward anxiety. Everyone has those people that make them feel on edge, regardless of how much of an easy-going person you try to be.

Some folks do better at hiding these feelings of angst than others. If a person struggles with social anxiety, it might not be you that makes them feel nervous. Instead, their illness makes the encounter uncomfortable. Anxiety is not always bad; it can be a good sign in some instances.

If you don’t fear things like job interviews, first dates, or other occasions, it shows that you’re not afraid to go for those things that make you vulnerable. How much more vulnerable can you be than when you’re meeting someone you met off the internet for the first time?

Assume you have a date with someone you’ve only recently met. If your nerves don’t bother you at all, then it’s a sign that you might not be so into this person. However, if the other party is a bundle of nerves and stumbling over their words, it’s one indication that they like you. They feel they must put their best foot forward when the stakes are high.

Ten Signs A Person Is Nervous Around You

Your nerves can undoubtedly get the best of you when you need to make a good impression. If you make a person nervous, then it can be a sign that maybe your personality is bold or that you have a knack for making people feel that they need to walk on eggshells. Here are some indications that you cause anxiety to others.

1. Laughing Too Much

Some folks are naturally jolly, but others laugh at everything that comes out of your mouth. For example, if someone is anxious to be around you, then they may laugh too much.

It’s easy to tell this kind of laugh over a traditional one, as it seems forced. Additionally, someone who is giggling all the time can be irritating.

2. Can’t Sit Still from Fidgeting

Have you ever tried to take a child someplace where they needed to sit still? It’s like nailing Jell-O to the wall. They can’t help themselves, as their energy levels and possible nerves won’t allow them to be stationary.

When someone is anxious, they will have a hard time sitting. Some describe it in the old saying as a “Cat on a hot tin roof.” They’re all over the place with their nerves. They’re up and down and pacing the floor. They may make you anxious just watching them.

According to the National Library of Medicine, social anxiety is often observed in outward signs such as fidgeting or trembling.

3. They Keep Going to The Restroom

Unless someone is sick, going to the bathroom constantly is a sign of nerves. The restroom is a great place to hide when your nerves are getting the best. Furthermore, many folks feel the need to urinate when their anxiety is high, so they might be using the bathroom.

However, an escape is needed when social anxiety and general angst are at an all-time high. Splashing some cool water on the face or taking a time out can help calm jittery nerves.

4. They Display a Facial Tic

A tic is an involuntary movement from the muscles caused by nerves. For example, some people will get spasms in their arms and legs, or they will jump. Others develop a twitch that makes their mouth move, while some will feel a pulse that nearly closes the eyes. The body has strange ways of dealing with anxiety, and these tics appear under times of high stress.

5. They’re Constantly Touching Their Face

When someone is nervous, they will touch their face constantly. It seems that when your nerves are frazzled, everything itches. Have you ever been rushing to get a meal on the table, and your nose won’t stop itching?

You probably wouldn’t have that itch if you weren’t cooking. However, it always happens in the most inopportune times, and you often feel the need to itch or scratch something. Playing with your face, nose, ears, or rubbing your chin is all signs of high anxiety.

6. Their Body Is Stiff as A Board

It’s hard to deny the mind-body connection. Most folks want to make a good impression, so they want to have the appropriate body language. However, when you’re nervous, it can cause you to feel tension, which makes you appear stiff.

You can always tell when someone is tense by indications like a stiff jaw, clenching their fists, raising shoulders, and their knees are locked. But have you heard of fight or flight mode when your body senses duress? Well, it’s also known as fight, flight, or freeze? Many people freeze when they feel intense nerve issues.

7. Preening Or Other Motions of Self-Comfort

Preening is not a well-known term today, but it’s how one prepares themselves for social interaction or stress. Have you ever seen someone rub their head constantly or play with their hair? These are examples of preening.

The term preen came from birds. Have you ever seen a bird do maintenance behaviors like using its beak to clean and pick at its feathers? While humans don’t have beaks, they use their hands to preen themselves to look their best in some situations.

According to The Free Dictionary, in humans, it means to elaborately groom. It’s ironic how much the animal kingdom and human actions are related.

8. They Have No Opinion and Are Super Agreeable

When someone doesn’t want to make any waves, they will agree with whatever comes from your mouth. They will nod in confirmation if you tell them the sun is purple. It’s not that they don’t have other opinions, but it’s that you make them so anxious that they don’t want to voice their true feelings.

9. They Refuse to Make Eye Contact

One of the most annoying habits is when you try to talk to someone, and they stare off into the corner. It would help if you always looked in the eyes when speaking, as looking away or down is a sign of dishonesty. While these folks aren’t being dishonest, they cannot handle the level of anxiety they feel when they talk to someone looking them eye-to-eye.

10. Closed Body Language

This is a strange term that many won’t understand. However, each person has windows that they shut down to protect themselves. Think of it as closing the windows in your home before a significant storm.

If someone feels anxious around you, they may cross their legs, purse their lips, and hide the palms of their hands. They’re using body language to tell you they’re nervous, but they’re also closing off things that regard to touch.

When they close their hands, you can’t hold them. They don’t want you to kiss them when they pierce their lips. Finally, crossing their legs puts their intimate areas off reach too. These observations are primarily observed in the dating world.

Final Thoughts on Making Someone Nervous

Now that you know what signs can help you identify that someone is nervous, it’s time to break the ice and help them feel better. It’s always best to address the “elephant” in the room. Once you break through these barriers, causing them issues, you can move on with business.

If you notice someone fidgeting, rubbing their nose, twitching, and running to the restroom, you need to say something to put their mind at ease. They need to be reminded that you’re a human being just like them. Telling a funny joke or laughing can help break the tension, but it all depends on the person.

What is it about you that causes people to feel nervous? A quick evaluation of your overall appearance, attitude, and demeanor can be beneficial. Is there something about you that you can change to make people feel more comfortable in your presence?

You may be very likable, but the other party is the one with the issue. According to the National Library of Medicine, someone who suffers from social anxiety disorder fears social situations as they’re worried they will have a panic attack. Social anxiety can be crippling and turn into agoraphobia if left untreated.

Dealing with nerves and anxiety can be difficult, but you can help someone with these issues, at least when they’re with you.

10 Easy Ways to Open Up Your Heart Chakra

May 14, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

The seven chakras in your body make up your aura and work as energy centers that can open and close. Each energy center is in a different part of your body, with the heart chakra being in the center of your chest. This chakra focuses on feeling love in your life, and it determines if you are open to love.

If your heart chakra is closed, you won’t feel love manifesting within you. It’s important to learn how to open it so that you can experience love, happiness, and a balance within your life.

If you aren’t sure if your heart chakra is blocked, there are signs that you can watch for. You might feel sad, lonely, anxious, shy, unforgiving, or unempathetic. Other indications might include feelings of anger, jealousy, grief, or hatred.

To let go of these negative feelings, you must open your heart chakra and find balance. There are many ways to reopen your chakra, and you can implement any of them that you are comfortable with. Building some of these methods into your daily routine will help keep your chakra open, too.

How to Open Up Your Heart Chakra

Try these ten easy tips for opening your heart for love and positivity.

1. Learn About and Practice Color Therapy

Color therapy involves using light and color to balance your energy physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. Start by sitting quietly and bringing your attention to your heart and chest area. Take a few deep breaths and then visualize the first color that comes to mind.

Trust your intuition and go with the color that comes up first for you. The color you think of first is usually what your energy field needs to find harmonization and balance. This type of therapy relies on light frequencies of a specific color to enter the body.

If your heart chakra is closed, the color green will often come to mind. You can practice color therapy by simply viewing the color for a few minutes in an uninterrupted space. It is common for art therapy to play a role in color therapy, as well.

If you want to try color therapy equipment instead, you can locate a color therapist for guidance. A color therapist will use different types of psychology to treat your emotional problems and open the chakra.

2. Be Authentic

People around you will always try to change you and urge you along a specific path. They might do this unconsciously because differences make them uncomfortable. If you go along with their desires, though, you obstruct your development and well-being.

Being authentic involves standing your ground, being firm in your truth, and having the courage to speak up. You don’t have to create conflict or be mean or uncompassionate to be true to yourself, either. Being loving and connected to someone is still possible, even as you stand up for yourself and your beliefs.

When you are authentic, it means that you did your best despite the situation. You put yourself first and focused on self-love. Listen to your heart no matter what, and focus on what your intuition guides you to do.

3. Spend Time Connecting with Nature

Connecting with nature helps you reconnect with yourself on a new level. Find a quiet, peaceful place outside and come to the present. Start by focusing on the trees, plants, and other things around you because it all has an aura.

Focus on the way you feel as you spend time scanning the scenery with your eyes. Think of yourself as being part of nature rather than being a foreign object in nature. When you think of yourself this way, it helps you form a deeper connection with the earth.

Spending time connecting with nature can help with grounding, too. As your heart begins to align with the rhythm of the earth, you will remember that you are loved and valued.

4. Write in a Journal

Journaling is a beneficial way to open up your heart chakra. Fill the pages of your journal with stories of your day and with your life experiences. Anytime negative feelings start to creep in, pull out your journal and pour all of your feelings onto the pages.

Letting your feelings out in this way can bring relief and a sense of release. The way you choose to write doesn’t matter, as long as you get words onto the paper.

5. Light a Candle

Lighting a candle is a simple but effective way to open up your chakra. When you are in a quiet environment alone, light a candle and gaze at the flame. While you focus on the flame, breathe deeply in and out a few times.

After a few minutes, envision the flame spreading to the center of your chest. As you picture it, think of the Universe’s love entering and flowing through your body.

6. Set and Enforce Boundaries

Setting and enforcing boundaries is essential if you want to open up your heart chakra. As you move forward in life, you must think of yourself and what is best for you. Showing compassion for others is important, but being compassionate to yourself is even more essential.

When you set and enforce healthy boundaries in your life, you will promote the healing process. Plus, you will be more resilient and better equipped to handle things. As you enforce your boundaries, you will also experience a feeling of confidence and self-love.

7. Do Yoga

Yoga can quickly open your chakra and keep it that way as long as you continue doing the exercises. It also promotes movement and flexibility, further opening your chakra. Some of the positions that work for this include:

half camel
wheel pose
bridge
warrior 1
upward facing dog
reverse plank
bow pose

8. Practice Meditation and Mindful Breathing

Spending time meditating and practicing mindful breathing techniques is a sure way to open your heart chakra. Meditating will help you reflect and see what is coming next in your life. It also gives you the chance to open your heart to accepting and giving love.

When you begin to experience negative feelings, acknowledge them during meditation. Recognize the emotion that you are feeling, and use breathing techniques to help you accept it. By doing this, your heart will feel safe to open up and stay that way.

There are a few options regarding breathing techniques, so find the one that works best for you. One option is to inhale deeply and let the air out using a long, audible exhale. A second option is to inhale for five seconds, hold it for five seconds, and then exhale for five seconds.

Either of these options works, and you can even explore more breathing techniques when you become more comfortable with them. Breathing techniques can help you relax and calm down no matter what is going on in your life. When you can reflect calmly, it gives you a chance to open your chakra back up.

9. Connect with Friends and Loved Ones

Connecting with the special people in your life is a sure way to open your heart up. Focus on like-minded people that make you feel safe and loved. Doing this will help you heal, align with nature, and better understand what is happening in your life.

Your true friends and loved ones won’t judge you, and they will always show love and compassion. They will encourage you to be true to yourself, and they will never make you feel unloved.

When you feel like your chakra is closed, make plans to spend time with your loved ones. If you can’t spend time physically, then give them a call instead. Be intentional as you connect with them so that your heart will open quickly.

If you can’t call your loved ones, either, then you can envision them in front of you. As you visualize them, allow yourself to feel the love that you have for the person. It will ease your negative feelings and effectively open up your chakra.

10. Try Sound Therapy

Sound therapy involves different frequencies and pitches. You listen to them in a sound video or recording, and it helps bring balance to your mind and body.

The tones used for this type of therapy are associated with different feelings. Since everyone experiences differing emotions, the tones that work for one person may not work for another.

Final Thoughts on Easy Ways to Open Up Your Heart Chakra

When your heart chakra closes, it can hinder your ability to love and be loved. Opening it back up is essential to your overall well-being and becoming a more positive person. These tips for re-opening the chakra will help you overcome the negative energy that is holding you back.

Once your chakra reopens, you will experience more love in your life, including self-love. Don’t miss out on living the most meaningful life possible by leaving your chakra closed. Try these tips instead, and keep working on ways to keep it open.

The more you work on opening your chakra, the more effective it will be. Plus, you won’t struggle with it closing as much, either.

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