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5 Reasons Why Optimistic Thinking Can Help You Have a Better Life

March 23, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

If you’re not an optimist, you might find those who practice optimistic thinking to be a little annoying. They seem almost insufferably happier, and everything seems to go their way. And when it doesn’t, they still smile and carry on with no skin off their back! Pessimists may even wonder if any of that perceived happiness is real.

The truth is that it is authentic! Optimists and those who utilize positive thinking tend to have happier lives and greater satisfaction. The human brain is potent, so how you think can dictate many aspects of your life. Here are five reasons optimistic thinking can help you have a better life.

1. Higher Achievements Come From Optimistic Thinking

Those who want a better life typically seek to achieve more in it. These achievements can be in any sector that matters to you. They may be in your career, from a financial standpoint, or regarding your impact on the world.

Optimism may be a significant driving force behind achievement. Positivity seems to be a cycle that perpetuates itself, with this happy thinking leading to more happiness through success. Studies suggest that this may be because of these factors:

Optimistic thinking encourages you to try your best and reach for goals; you’ll expand your comfort zone and take on new challenges
Optimists adapt to challenging situations more quickly, allowing them to overcome hurdles and face challenges with greater determination.
You’re less likely to allow discouragement to win you over when you’re optimistic, so you’ll try to achieve more goals at a faster pace.
Pessimism often means you believe you’ve done more poorly, which can be a self-fulfilling prophecy. This opens you to the risk of future bad performance.

2. Optimistic Thinking Translates to Better Leadership Skills

It’s almost hard to believe that optimistic thinking may bolster your leadership ability. But it has a lot to do with the contagiousness of positivity and the attitude that comes with it! Even just working in a team with optimism can boost synergy among the team members. Here’s how positive thinking lends itself to better leadership skills:

· Reliability

Most people are naturally more trusting of positive leaders and have bold, bright personalities. Upbeat leaders exude an air of confidence that makes them inherently more reliable. You get the sense that these people know what they’re doing and can pull off their plans!

· Communication

A good leader knows how to communicate expectations and handle conflict intelligently. They can manage different desires and needs within their team and talk positively to team members needing more support or advice. They know how to deliver bad news and encourage their team to take on challenges. And finally, they’re willing to hear constructive criticism and don’t react negatively to the feedback. All of these are traits you’ll find in those with optimistic thinking!

· Engagement

Leaders have to engage with the people who work with them. This means working closely with various people, each with its values, flaws, and strengths. Under the wrong leadership, teams often struggle because of their differences. Optimistic leaders can connect their teams with sound strategies and middle ground on values, as they see the best in their team members.

· Risk-Taking

Not all risks are made equal, and a good leader wouldn’t take unnecessary risks. But, at the same time, a good leader knows how and when to take calculated risks. They’re willing to step outside of their comfort zone and do things that seem challenging to help their team and goals. Optimists are incredible at this. They can visualize success enough to make fear fade into the background. And, if the risk-taking doesn’t succeed, they have new lessons that they can implement with their team. They’ll also easily take responsibility for the decision and listen to their team’s feedback!

3. Improved Physical Health Goes Along With Optimistic Thinking

It sounds far-fetched, but it’s surprisingly accurate! Optimistic thinking links to significant improvements in physical health. When you practice positive thinking, you’re more likely to maintain better well-being than pessimists. Studies say that this includes:

50% lower cardiovascular disease risk
Reduced infectious disease risk
Higher survival rates when fighting cancer
Longer lifespans
Generally better health

It’s worth noting that some of these benefits may be indirect. For example, optimistic thinking may reduce heart disease risk by reducing stress. Survival rates may be higher because it allows people to better maintain their strength through the ordeal of recovery and treatment.

There are also more adequately studied ways that these indirect benefits occur. For one, optimists tend to know more about the health of their physical bodies. They are also more aware of what they must do for their health, say studies. It’s a natural effect of liking themselves more – they’re more interested in caring for their bodies and getting actively invested in health topics. They keep themselves aware!

Benefits of Optimistic Thinking

Those with optimistic thinking engage in healthier behaviors, contributing to their longer lifespans and better general health. For example:

They’re less likely to smoke or drink in excess, as they have the best coping mechanisms for stress and other issues, say studies.
They exercise more and stick to their fitness goals with incredible willpower and regulation. The same goes for dietary purposes, so they eat healthier, too.
According to research, they get more sleep at a better quality due to reduced stress and better time and schedule management.
They engage in healthier intimate behaviors, say studies. This means they are less likely to take anonymous casual partners that could put them at risk of disease.

Regardless, the many benefits of optimism can help you live a better life through increased physical health. Even if that occurs indirectly, that’s a good enough reason for many!

4. Optimistic Thinking Leads to Better Social Relationships

Optimistic individuals tend to have more friends and better social relationships. Research has shown that optimists:

They are better liked than pessimists
Have more friends
Develop more robust, healthier relationships with their friends
Have fewer poor social interactions
Manage their friendships better
Can rely on social circles in times of need
Receive a lot of social support that boosts their mental health

On top of that, even if their relationships are primarily average or the support they receive is less than it could be, optimistic thinking morphs that towards the positive. Optimists naturally feel more satisfied with their social relationships and interactions.

The good news is that this can form an upward spiral. The more satisfied you are with your relationships, the more positive people you attract. Then, the more extensive your social network, the better your optimistic thoughts will become as you reap the benefits of that support.

Birds of a feather flock together, which you could say in this case. Optimistic individuals are more likely to enjoy relationships with fellow optimists. This reduces toxic environments and creates healthier social circles.

5. Better Mental Health Comes From Optimistic Thinking

It’s easy enough to draw a connection between optimistic thinking and mental health. But dismissing that as nothing more than a correlation is also easy. If someone has good mental health, to begin with, indeed, that’s what makes it easy for them to be optimistic, right?

Well, that’s not necessarily the case! Studies have shown that reframing thought processes for more optimistic thinking could be effective in clinical depression treatment. It can be as effective as antidepressants – or even more effective!

Better yet, those benefits, as mentioned earlier, are often long-lasting, so they’re not just a quick, easy fix that goes away after a while. Training your brain for optimistic thinking can completely transform your mental health. This outcome happens for the following reasons:

· You Envision Positive Things

Visualization is a powerful method for improving mental well-being and life satisfaction. When you imagine positive events, your body gets the rush of joyous anticipation, and you experience the things in your life much more vividly. This creates more pleasure in your life, and waiting for good things feels much quicker.

· You Cope Better With Difficult Situations

It’s easy to get lost in thoughts about that negativity when bad things happen. Optimists can get their heads above those dark clouds, seeking the positive in bad situations. They believe in the possibility of things working out and see what they can learn from each challenge. This means that their hurdles feel easier to overcome.

· You Have Higher Self-Esteem

Optimism means you’re kinder to yourself. You see the good parts about you and don’t get lost in an overly critical inner voice. This isn’t to say that you overlook your flaws and weaknesses – you’re just more compassionate about them. You recognize that you don’t have to be perfect and are gentler on yourself. In turn, this facilitates more personal growth, which will lead to even more self-esteem!

Final Thoughts On How Optimistic Thinking Helps You Live A Better Life

Optimism is a powerful trait that can grant you better leadership skills, social relationships, mental health, and physical health. It can also help you achieve your goals through resilience, persistence, visualization, and affirmation. These reasons are undoubtedly convincing for pessimists looking for a sign to turn over a new leaf!

In your crusade for optimistic thinking, consider that there are some potential pitfalls of excessive optimism. These pitfalls include poor risk assessment, which can counteract the increased achievement rate from positive thinking. Another pitfall is optimism bias, which causes you to underestimate the real risk of a negative result for a given situation.

The final pitfall to remember is that many fall into it while trying to increase their optimism. This pitfall is toxic positivity, which involves repressing, ignoring, or avoiding negative feelings to overvalue positive feelings. As a result, you might invalidate yourself and others and be unable to process and regulate negative emotions.

Luckily, it’s not difficult to avoid the pitfalls of excessive optimism. Acknowledge the truth of problematic situations while seeking out their silver linings. Realistic approaches to optimism will give you all its benefits and help you have a better life!

5 Mindfulness Tips to Help Reduce Migraine Pain Immediately

March 23, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Migraines are a huge problem for a lot of the population. The migraine pain that comes with it is often excruciating, and many people resort to medication as a method for managing that pain.

But what if there were supplementary treatments that could help reduce migraine pain? You may still need to use painkillers, but you might be able to rely on them much less. The secret lies in mindfulness!

Mindfulness is the act of being present in the current moment, accepting the situations you can’t control, and regulating your emotions, thoughts, and responses. It’s great for mental and physical health, and it may also be capable of relieving the pain from migraines! How? Here are five mindfulness tips to help reduce migraine pain immediately.

Meditative Practices to Reduce Migraine Pain

Mindfulness and meditation often get lumped together as one and the same, but they’re not definitions of each other. However, meditation is a common tool to further drive mindfulness. If you’re looking for a good way to handle migraine pain, this is a good place to start.

Studies have shown that mindfulness practices involving meditation can be useful as alternative migraine treatments. They also have lots of other benefits related to reducing inflammation, improving pain tolerance, reducing stress levels, and improving quality of life.

When you feel a migraine setting in, you can work to reduce that migraine pain by performing a few meditative practices. It’s hard to be mindful directly when you’re in pain, and meditation can be a good way to help the process. You can try one of the following methods:

1 – Rhythmic Breathing for Migraine Pain

This process is a common technique used for relaxation, and it can help you with your migraine pain. Start by entering a comfortable lying or sitting position. Loosen your muscles and any tight clothing, close your eyes, and get cozy. Once ready, breath in slowly through your nose. As you do this, count to six. Once you finish your six-count inhale, hold your breath for four counts. Then, exhale slowly to another count of six. Repeat the process for many minutes, focusing on your breathing the whole time. Don’t allow your brain to wander – focus only on your breathing and how air enters and exits your body and affects the rise and fall of your stomach.

2 – Do Guided Meditation to Decrease Migraine Pain

If you need some help with your meditation, try some gentle guided meditation. Mindfulness meditation apps and videos are easily available online for you to use, and they’re easy to follow and evocative for effectiveness. If you can’t listen to audio while experiencing migraine pain, it’s a good idea to get in the habit of regular guided meditation outside of migraines. That way, when you do have a migraine, you can immediately get into your normal meditation routine for mindfulness.

3 – Go For A Walk Could Lessen Migraine Pain

This might not be the best idea for those with severe migraine pain. But if you’re able to, a meditative walk – done in a safe location – can be a great way to get into mindfulness. Put on some comfortable shoes and find a good place to walk, preferably surrounded by nature. Start to walk and focus completely on your legs and feet and how they feel as you move. Pay close attention to each motion of your body and muscles. Take your time focusing on one group of muscles at a time, going from your feet up to your face. Of course, again, walking might not be feasible when you’re in the middle of a migraine. This is a practice better reserved for when you first start noticing migraine symptoms or when you’ve come out of the worst of a migraine.

4 – The C.A.R.E Technique and Migraine Pain

Miles for Migraine’s Executive Director, Shirley Kessel, spoke on a Facebook Live stream by the American Migraine Foundation about this. She explained that mindfulness gives people the ability to slow down so they can stop focusing on worries about the future and pain from the past.

Kessel stated that stress is one of the biggest triggers for migraines, accrediting over 70% of cases to this cause. Mindfulness can help to reduce the severity of migraine pain, as it allows you to stay in the present, free yourself from judgment, and acknowledge how you feel. You’ll be able to better regulate migraine-causing stress that way.

For this purpose, Kessel recommends using the C.A.R.E process. This mindfulness technique is described by her as follows:

C: Check-In

Start by focusing on yourself and asking yourself how you’re doing. You can also use the question “What is here right now?”. This gives you the chance to truly check in with yourself and determine how you’re feeling at that exact moment. This is a big first step to mindfulness. Be present and make sure you answer that question honestly! If you have trouble getting in touch with yourself, focus first on deep breathing, feeling each rise and fall of your chest. A lot of us naturally avoid acknowledging painful emotions because we don’t want to get lost in them. Take time to bring yourself to a state where you can consider your feelings and take inventory of yourself!

A: Allow

This step involves allowing the current moment to simply exist as is without trying to fix, solve, or change it. This even applies if you’re feeling something bad or painful. It’s tough, but it has to be done. This is an important part of learning proper acceptance without judgment. The sooner you stop judging yourself for how you feel, the better. And, of course, the sooner you learn to accept situations outside of your control, the less stress you will experience over them. There’s a lot of power in saying that you’re allowing these circumstances to simply exist as they are. The act of such detachment is incredible for migraines, migraine pain, and mental health.

R: Respond

Once you’ve checked in and allowed the situation to be as it is, you now need to respond to it. When the migraine pain has started to subside, consider what is currently needed and what you can do to improve your situation. Sometimes, this means simply distracting yourself from something that you can’t control and doing something to relax or unwind. At other times, this means taking a more direct approach. Since it’s stress we’re discussing, the right response might be to delegate tasks, ask for help, or organize your schedule. Or it might be to do a few stress-reducing exercises or de-stress with a relaxing night in!

E: Embody

If you want to really reduce migraine pain off the bat, you can’t leave out the final step of C.A.R.E, which is embodying mindfulness. To do this, you must focus on the question “what is enough?” or “how much is enough?”. This involves incorporating mindfulness into your everyday life and determining exactly how much of it that you need. Once you get into the habit of regularly putting mindfulness to work, this will come more naturally. Though you still may experience periodic migraines, you’ll have less migraine pain overall as you stay aware of the present, always.

5 – Daily Intention-Setting Can Reduce Migraine Pain

If you experience migraines and migraine pain almost daily, it may be time to incorporate mindfulness into your routine in a reliable way. Getting that mindfulness time first thing when you wake up can reduce the chance of a severe migraine later in the day. After all, research shows a reliable link between migraine relief and mindfulness.

Intention-setting is a great daily form of mindfulness and should be done when you wake up every morning. This connects you to your daily goals, personal state, and aligns your subconscious and conscious mind with each other. It also motivates you, so you’ll be more productive on top of being able to potentially better manage your migraines.

To perform daily-intention setting, follow these steps:

Step 1

Wake up and immediately begin. Don’t check your phone or emails. This is really best done as soon as you wake up for the first time that day. You can also do it if you need to reorient yourself after naps. Sit up, either in a chair or in your bed, staying comfortable. Feel the cushion beneath you and keep your back straight but relaxed. Close your eyes and draw awareness to yourself and the present with the first two steps of C.A.R.E.

Step 2

Breathe in and out deeply. Use the rhythmic breathing methods – six counts of inhalation, four counts of holding, and six counts of exhaling. Do this three to five times before allowing your breath to naturally settle into a pace that is most natural to you. Follow that natural instinct and stay aware of your body and how it moves with each breath.

Step 3

Once your breathing is regulated, ask yourself what you want to do today or what your intention for the day is. You can ask yourself general questions or opt for more focused inquiries. For example, “What quality do I want to develop?”, “How can I feel most fulfilled today?”, or “How can I best make my desired impact?” are great questions. You can even ask yourself multiple questions as long as you answer them honestly and don’t overwhelm yourself.

Step 4

Set your daily intention firmly. These intentions can be set with a positive and specific affirmation. For example, you might say “I will be confident at work today and trust in my capabilities.” Or you might say “I will remember my self-worth and value.” You can also string multiple things together, such as “Today, I will be kind to myself, eat well and nourish my body, persevere through challenges, and be tolerant of those around me.” Repeat the intention a couple of times so it sticks.

Step 5

Check-in regularly, following the C.A.R.E technique if desired, throughout the day. When you feel migraines begin to surface, draw your attention to your daily intentions and you might just notice that the migraine pain slowly ebbs away.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Reduce Migraine Pain Immediately

Migraine pain is no joke, but mindfulness may be able to help reduce its severity. Tips such as using meditative practices, the C.A.R.E technique, and daily intention-setting can help facilitate those beneficial results.

10 Ways to Communicate with Spiritual Beings Around You

March 23, 2022 by Chris Butler

Almost all concepts in the Universe have a polar opposite. For example, yin and yang, light or dark, good or evil, sacred versus profane, etc. Likewise, the temporal world and spiritual world are mirrored images. You can connect with spiritual beings as quickly as earthly ones.

You need to know how to open up your soul and listen for a response.

Four Types of Benevolent Spiritual Beings

If you’re unsure about believing in supernatural beings, they understand. The good news is that they believe in you and want to help you on your spiritual journey. These are four types of benevolent celestial guardians that you probably recognize.

1. Angels

Angelic beings inhabit most religious and cultural traditions in some way. They are divine messengers sent to help their mortal charges. Archangels help with healing and offer guidance, while guardian angels protect from physical and psychic dangers.

Since the beginning, they have been popular subjects in art, music, and literature. Although they’ve been known to assume human form, they’ve never been mortal. Angels are often depicted with wings and swift messengers in the heavens, but they don’t always have wings.

2. Ascended Masters

Unlike angels, these celestial beings were once human and have transcended into immortality. They are often religious figures of reverence, such as Jesus, Mohammed, Buddha, or the Virgin Mary. Saints from all religious traditions are also part of this magnificent spiritual heritage.

3. Departed Loved Ones

The bond that connects you with your loved ones isn’t broken at death. They awaken spiritually and continue their relationship of love and devotion. Their spirits work to help you in your bleakest moments, just like they did when they were alive on Earth.

4. Spirit Animals

Many world religions recognize the spirituality of all animals. They believe that the spirits of departed animals connect with humans. They can offer mortals their noted attributes on a spiritual level.

How to Communicate with Spiritual Beings

You must communicate with your spirit guides and other heavenly beings with an open and honest heart. When you’re open to their messages, you’ll be surprised at how you mature mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Here are ten ways for you to consider communicating in spiritual realms.

1. Practice Living in the Present

Getting lost in your thoughts in a society that urges multitasking is easy. You’re often so caught up in life that you haven’t time to open your spiritual senses. Regrets of the past and anxiety for the future hinder the moment’s blessings.

If you want to be more aware of the spiritual beings in your life, try to be available for it. Practice meditation or a mindful exercise to bring your mind, body, and spirit into the present. You may be surprised that heavenly messages have been waiting for you.

2. Look For Signs from the Spiritual Beings That Guide You

If you are new to spiritual awakening, communicating with your spiritual beings may feel intimidating. Your rational mind is used to verify beliefs by the physical senses. It isn’t easy to accept something or someone you can’t see with your eyes and hear with your ears.

Your loving spirit guides understanding of your human limitations and innate need for proof. That’s one of the reasons they leave subtle clues that are only relevant to you. Some of these signs may be so obvious that you don’t recognize them.

Since spirit beings are associated with flying, they often use birds, butterflies, dragonflies, and ladybugs as signs. They also enjoy sending you a caressing breeze or leaving objects, like pennies or pretty stones, to get your attention. It’s their way of assuring you of their benevolent presence and their wish for your happiness.

Also, they’re not a bit offended if you ask them for a specific sign. For example, you may request that someone give you flowers immediately. Or maybe you could ask to see a hummingbird in a place they usually don’t visit.

3. Seek More Knowledge about Spiritual Beings

The reward of diligent seekers is knowledge and discovering what they want. If you want to learn more about your heavenly guardians, research. The public library and the internet are virtual treasure troves of information about spirituality.

You may also find a trusted mentor with experience working with spirit guides and the cosmic realms. They can share their knowledge and expertise and offer practical advice. Remember that your beloved guardians long to share their infinite wisdom with you.

4. Remember to Use Spiritual Rules of Etiquette

While many ascended masters and other spiritual beings were once human, some never were. However, it’s essential to remember that they appreciate the same consideration you show to your earthly family and friends. Etiquette in the spiritual realms is congruent to those in the physical world.

When you welcome your spirit guides into your life, treat them as the adoring friend they are. They will happily tell you their name and more about them if you ask. Your celestial guardians also like to be treated respectfully, so “please” and “thank you” are always in order.

5. Cultivate Your Spiritual Side

As a triune being, caring for your spirit is just as important as caring for your body and mind. Indeed, it can make you more gracious, compassionate, and self-actualized.

Resolve to do something every day to cultivate your spirituality. Meditation, yoga, and visualization are excellent tools to open your third eye. The more time you spend in celestial realms, the deeper your connections to spiritual beings will be.

6. Learn How to Use Divination Tools

Humans developed physical tools over millions of years to make life’s tasks more manageable. Essential tools like the wheel, fulcrum, and levers opened doors for countless tools and innovations in the modern world. Likewise, divination tools are necessary for working in spiritual dimensions.

Divination tools can help you communicate effectively with your heavenly guardians. Choose one that feels right or “speaks” to you. Consider tarot cards, runes, crystals, or I Ching coins.

7. Develop Your Intuition to Detect Spiritual Beings

Did you know you can develop and strengthen your intuitive skills like your muscles? According to an article by the University of Minnesota, it can help you identify and understand your intuitive experiences. The more you practice, the more you increase its usefulness.

Use meditation and visualization and learn how to trust your inner voice. Your spirit guides often use telepathy to speak to you, so it’s an essential skill to hone. Your intuition is a direct line to the heavens and the compassionate spirit beings who long to communicate with you.

8. Communicate with Your Guides Daily

The difference between a friend and an acquaintance is the depth of familiarity and relationship. You may greet a next-door neighbor each morning, but that doesn’t mean you’ve formed a bond. Close friendship requires work, time, and consideration from both parties.

The same principle applies to spiritual relationships as earthly ones. Opening your heart daily and conversing with your celestial guardians creates a stronger bond. You’ll probably notice a difference in your life’s outlook when you spend quality time with these heavenly companions.

9. Trust Your Guides with a Situation

The test of any vibrant relationship is the ability to trust each other. Knowing someone has your back when you’re in distress is a blessing. You also feel honored that a friend has the same confidence in you.

Your spiritual guides are eternally at your side and have your best interests at heart. While they’ll never overstep their boundaries against your free will, they are pleased to help. The key is that you must be willing to allow them.

Try trusting them with more minor issues in the beginning to build trust. You’re short on time and need a good parking spot. Humbly ask your spirit guides for help and be ready to thank them for the anticipated results.

Once you’ve built faith in your heavenly helpers, it’ll be easier to lean on them for more urgent requests. Remember that they’re not genies who will shower you with treasure. They aim to protect you and gently guide you on your destined path.

10. Keep a Journal to Record Interactions with Spiritual Beings

Forming a loving relationship with your spiritual guardians is an adventure every day. Some of the blessings and miracles you’ll encounter may be too numerous to remember. Consider keeping a journal of your spiritual connections as a point of reference and faith-building.

It can be as minimal or elaborate as possible because it’s for your eyes only. Of course, you can share it with a trusted friend if you like. Record any signs and spiritual impressions you see each day and any messages from your spirit guides.

Maybe you have the psychic gift of automatic writing or drawing. These are phenomena that the spirits do through your hands. It’s another way they must communicate with you.

Final Thoughts about Communicating with Spiritual Beings

Did you know that your loving spiritual guardians are as eager to speak to you as you are to them? Once you connect with their benevolent presence, you’ll never be the same. They knew you before birth and have always been by your side.

13 Key Signs of High-Functioning Depression Never to Ignore

March 22, 2022 by Chris Butler

High-functioning depression is perhaps more insidious than we can imagine. It impacts people across the board–even those with significant successes in life.

In Michelle Obama’s podcast, she admits, I’m waking up in the middle of the night, cause I’m worrying about something, or there’s a heaviness … There have been periods … where I just, have felt too low … I know that I am dealing with some form of low-grade depression.

Ms. Obama’s description of what she experienced, calling it low-grade depression, is often called high-functioning depression. This type of depression can plague individuals even in the midst of what seems to those outside to be an everyday, happy, active life.

What is high-functioning depression?

High functioning depression’s scientific name is Persistent Depressive Disorder. NIH estimates that approximately 2.5% of adults in the United States experience Persistent Depressive Disorder at some point in their lives.

High-functioning depression is the term most people use today to describe this type of depression that remains even though a person functions in their work, at home, or in school. It often goes unnoticed by family and friends and sometimes even by the person who has it.

Sadly, many people who have HFD believe they don’t need to get help because they’re able to “press through” their sadness. They feel happy on the surface but could be still battling underlying symptoms of depression.

What are the 13 key signs of high-functioning depression?

High-functioning depression is hard to detect because the symptoms are less debilitating and less visible than other depression. The symptoms of this condition include:

Insomnia or sleeping too much
Loss of appetite or overeating
Fatigue
Lack of concentration
Feelings of hopelessness
Feelings of sadness
Poor self-esteem
Lack of energy or motivation
Feelings of guilt about your past
Tearfulness
Irritability
Easily overwhelmed
Getting frustrated easily

Your symptoms may last for a couple of days, or you may constantly have a poor mood that lasts for years. Most people can live reasonably normally but still struggle on the inside. If you struggle with HFD, remember, you’re not alone. There is a treatment for your depression. You don’t need to suffer.

Why is it hard to notice high-functioning depression symptoms?

People who experience high functioning depression rarely have paralyzing depression symptoms. They can usually go about their everyday life and routine with no signs of sadness. They have energy and seem to experience satisfaction and enjoyment. But those individuals who suffer from HFD will describe how they feel inside as “numbness.”

This situation is why mental health providers may misdiagnose HFD. Plus, those who suffer from it have a problem acknowledging their real feelings.

Who is most at risk for high-functioning depression?

Specific individuals are more susceptible to depression, including those who have

Family history of depression
Trauma, stress, or significant life changes happening
Taking certain medications or physical illness

Why don’t individuals who suffer from high functioning depression seek help?

Those who struggle with high functioning depression don’t always seek help because they may feel like their depression isn’t as severe or persistent. They may tell themselves that it isn’t a real problem or don’t want to bother their family or friends.

Maybe they feel as if they should go through the pain and suffer in silence. This may cause those who suffer from high functioning depression to feel isolated. Because they don’t seek help, they feel even more isolated and sad until they increase their risk of suicide. All types of depression are treatable. The first step is to talk with a counselor. They may prescribe medications to help control your depressive feelings and thoughts.

What can help individuals who suffer from high functioning depression?

Besides taking medication and regularly seeing your therapist, you can do some practical things to help fight high-functioning depression.

Acceptance

Accept the fact that you have this persistent condition. By accepting that you experience high functioning depression, you can feel relief or grief. It’s the first step to being able, to be honest with yourself.

Acknowledge that it affects your life. Once you’ve accepted this, you can adjust your life around it if needed.

Keep the faith

Connect to God. Find time every day to pray and read about God. Seeking help from a higher being will add meaning and purpose to your life. It can bring a sense of peace and calm to your heart and mind.

Disconnect once in a while

Limit your screen time on your iPhone or computer. There’s such a thing as screen time depression. If you look at a screen for several hours per day, it can make you feel anxious and depressed.

Discuss your emotions

Talk about how you’re feeling. Talking out your sadness and anxiety can help you feel better. Don’t worry about talking about your depressive symptoms. Don’t hide your feelings. In the end, others will be glad you were honest with them.

Keep a routine

A simple daily routine when you eat, exercise, work, and sleep can help reduce your symptoms.

Exercise to decrease high-functioning depression

Getting regular exercise sets off brain molecule changes that enhance your sense of happiness.

Enjoy nature

Get outside. Getting outside is a natural cure for depression. Whether you run, hike or walk, the fresh air and sunshine can help improve your mood. Plus, you get your blood going, allowing you to feel physically better.

Be social

Plan social activities. That’s because even if you don’t want to, time spent with your family and friends helps alleviate your sense of isolation and loneliness.

Relax

Try yoga classes, meditation, or massage to fight your high-functioning depression.

Connect in the community

Get active in your community. It may be helpful to get your mind off yourself and focus on the needs around you. Get involved in your community by volunteering at an animal shelter, homeless shelter, or food bank. Maybe you could tutor kids after school to help them learn to read or coach a kid’s baseball team.

How can you help someone with high-functioning depression?

The main thing that you can do for someone suffering from high functioning depression is to let them know you’re there for them. It’s not always easy, but your presence can be crucial for admitting and finding help for their depression. Here are some ways to help someone you know who is suffering from high-functioning depression.

Acknowledge that their feelings are valid and authentic.
Please encourage them to get counseling.
Help them keep a regular schedule of eating, exercising, and sleep.
Remember that you’re limited to what you can do. You can’t force them to do something.
Don’t judge them.

Things to watch for include:

Hygiene changes such as changes in bathing, shaving, or other toiletries could be a sign of depressive states.
Changes in eating habits. Weight loss or weight gain without trying.
Suicidal thoughts or talk. Here are a few signals. Finding a new home, giving away treasured items, writing a will, sending an email or text that apologizes for things that happened in the past.

If someone you love has suicidal thoughts, get help right now.

Please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline right as soon as possible at 1-800-273-8255. You may want to text the crisis text line at 741741. These services are open 24/7 and free. The calls are confidential. If you are concerned about a friend’s social media posts, you can directly connect with the social media outlet or dial 911 on your iPhone and explain your concerns.

Do you have high-functioning depression?

How do you know if you’re dealing with high functioning depression? Here are some signs that you may deal with a form of high-functioning depression.

People describe you as gloomy. You rarely see the bright side of things.
Have you been called lazy because you can’t get the energy to do things?
You don’t feel good about yourself. You hate compliments but like to criticize yourself.
Your weight goes up and down because your appetite grows or diminishes depending on how you feel.
You cry about things easily or feel hopeless for no reason.
You aren’t performing well at work or school.
You’re tempted to take something like alcohol or drugs to feel better.

Final thoughts on overcoming high-functioning depression

Some people like to call high functioning depression the invisible illness. It’s hard to admit your struggles with depression but usually have the chance to talk about what you’re going through help. Mental struggles aren’t something to be ashamed of, and many people have similar struggles. If you struggle with high functioning depression, be sure to talk with a doctor or counselor right away. There are successful treatments for your depression. You don’t need to suffer alone.

3 Steps for Healing Karmic Trauma So You Can Be Happy Again

March 22, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Have you heard of karmic trauma? If you feel that you’re being held back in life by some invisible force that seems to come from inside you, that trauma may be to blame. You don’t have to be spiritual to believe in karmic trauma despite how it sounds. Other people may refer to it by more familiar terms, such as emotional baggage or traumatic stress.

Karmic trauma lives deep in the subconscious mind. It’s the result of numerous forms of conditioning that have impacted the way you think, process emotions, and view yourself and the world. That trauma is often a result of painful circumstances that taught you lessons that you may not have adequately learned. You may have taken the wrong message out of them or avoided their truths.

Karmic trauma could be the reason for your current suffering. It could be why you can’t find peace and seem to be in a constant state of disharmony. If you deal with post-traumatic stress or have had past negative experiences that still cause you pain, it’s time to address your karmic trauma. It would be best if you experienced a breakthrough that will push through that pain. Here are three steps for healing karmic trauma so you can be happy again.

1. Acknowledge The Truth Of Your Karmic Trauma

The reason it’s so hard to heal from karmic trauma is because we try to avoid their roots. It’s very reasonable to want to repress those feelings. After all, it’s normal to want to escape from things that cause you pain. People naturally push away too painful things for them to understand and process.

But suppressing the truth about your feelings or how the past impacts you doesn’t solve the problem. Studies even show that this can make the pain worse, creeping into your subconscious, so you indirectly live in that pain. You can’t fix what you refuse to acknowledge or even look at.

This conundrum brings us to the first step in healing karmic trauma: acknowledging the truth. Truth is painful, but it can also set you free if you’ll pardon the cliche. Here’s how to recognize the truth:

· Admit The Situation Out Loud

Say what is hurting you and what past events you have been avoiding. Sometimes, speaking the truth breaks the seal of silence that has kept that truth in for so long. If you have trouble verbalizing it, try writing it down or recording it in some creative way. What matters is that you are no longer avoiding it but openly admitting it in a way that you can acknowledge it.

· Ask Yourself Questions About This The Root Of Your Karmic Trauma

If you have trouble tracing the roots of karmic trauma, you can speak to yourself in the form of an open monologue. Ask yourself probing questions about how you feel, why you think that way, and what links those feelings have to your past. Sometimes, you need to coax this information away from the very recesses of your brain. A little digging with questions can pull the roots free.

· Name Your Emotions

Each emotion carries the weight of a karmic past into the present. Naming these emotions can help you make sense of them, and research suggests it can be helpful for regulation and happiness. Naming these emotions can allow you to confront them more directly, and it can get you into the swing of being honest about the truth. Get detailed as you name these emotions, name particular feelings, and dig deeper to find the sentiments beneath those surface feelings.

· Let Yourself Feel

Allow yourself to sit in the negative emotions. Act as a witness to them, watching them go by and observing how they interact with your body. Research has shown that this can help people cope with severe grief, bereavement, and loss. As such, it’s likely a reasonably workable technique for managing the pain of karmic trauma.

2. Recognize The Cycle Of Karmic Trauma

A karmic cycle is a repetitive pattern in your life. This pattern brings you back to moments and situations of hurt and pain. These are patterns that you repeatedly feel drawn to, often subconsciously, even though they harm you.

This is a clear sign of karmic trauma. As much as it is toxic, this pattern is also comforting because it’s what you’re used to. Studies show we gravitate to these patterns due to that inherent comfort. To some degree, you bemoan your fate every time you find yourself back inside that pattern. But you also don’t know how to leave it, and it’s all you know.

This may manifest in many different ways. Maybe you keep pushing away potential friends. Or perhaps you tend to quit things that second they get difficult. Or maybe you end up in toxic or abusive relationships repeatedly. These are all examples of a karmic cycle that you’re stuck in and need to break out from.

To heal karmic trauma, you must break karmic cycles. But identifying these cycles can be difficult. Here are some ways to recognize the signs that you’re stuck in a looping cycle:

· You Keep Attracting A “Type” Of Person

Consider the people in your life. Do you seem to fulfill the same role for most of them? Do you often feel drained by that role? Maybe you’re often the “mom friend” or tend to be the listening therapist friend for everyone. Or do they all seem to have similar personalities and flaws, to the point that you have to interact with them in a similar way to keep the peace? Ask why these are the people you’ve chosen to bring into your life and question the health of these relationships.

· You’re Punishing Yourself For Something In The Past

Is there guilt or shame lurking in your past? Sometimes the responsibility is due to a mistake you’ve made, and sometimes it’s due to things that aren’t your fault. Regardless of their nature, that kind of shame and guilt will cause you to enter karmic cycles as a method of self-punishment. Instead of atoning for real mistakes or resolving unnecessary feelings of guilt, you continue to metaphorically self-flagellate. That’s a karmic cycle born from karmic trauma.

· You Keep Having To Face The Same Fears

There’s nothing wrong with facing your fears, and that’s something to be encouraged. As you heal from karmic trauma, you’ll find that you need to face many old fears to break cycles and move forward. But something’s wrong if it’s just the same, single fear that you keep repeatedly facing – especially if you resolve that fear by running from it or avoiding it.

· Things Feel Familiar

Sometimes, you know you’re in a karmic cycle because your brain remembers this situation. Your previous boss yelled at all their employees, too, so you’re on edge in your workplace as you’ve been for years. Your new partner reminds you of the passive aggression of one of your parents, but that also seems to make you more connected to them. You find yourself stuck by deja vu while having another beer tonight, remembering how a parent did the same. When you lash out at your child, you remember how your guardian lashed out at you, and a part of you hates yourself for it. If things feel familiar, ask yourself why.

3. Take Responsibility For Your Role In Your Karmic Trauma

Karmic trauma is not your fault. But, as with all things in life, the way you choose to respond to its presence is under your accountability. That means that if you’ve been stuck with karmic trauma for a long time, the best way to heal it is by taking responsibility for it.

Do note that this does not mean blaming yourself for the source of your karmic trauma. Instead, it means taking your life into your hands now to proceed peacefully without being weighed down by it.

You have the power to change your situation and heal yourself from karmic trauma. If you don’t harness that power, you’ll never come out of your situation. You need to take responsibility for your healing, even if it’s difficult and even if your ego rejects the concept. Here are some steps to take in this regard:

· Stop Blaming Others For The Karmic Trauma

Yes, some people have wronged you and harmed you, and they are at fault for their actions. But it’s time to stop directly blaming them for every bad thing that happens in your life. You don’t need to forgive them – merely to accept the reality of your life and how they shaped it. Then, say you’re taking your life in your own hands, and they no longer have any power over you. When you stop blaming others, you find the strength to hold yourself accountable and move on.

· Get To Know Your Triggers

Your triggers are things that pull you into karmic cycles. They’re also things that get huge adverse reactions from you due to karmic trauma. Please know your triggers profoundly and personally, then use that knowledge to better prepare yourself for them. The next time you’re triggered, you can put into action a plan that will help you regulate your response. Don’t let yourself be controlled by these triggers.

· Set Goals For Healing Your Karmic Trauma

Goal-setting is a great way to keep on track when you’re in recovery. Determine the things you want to work on and set some goals related to how you’ll work on those subjects. This may include going to therapy, journaling, meditation, or other management methods. Just remember that healing is often not linear, so your goals need to be reasonable. They should challenge you without setting unrealistic expectations that will only leave you feeling sad and disappointed!

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Heal Karmic Trauma To Be Happy Again

Healing from karmic trauma is not easy, but it’s something that you can do. If you want to be happy again, start by acknowledging the truth about your trauma. Then, learn to recognize the signs of a karmic cycle. Finally, take responsibility for breaking those cycles and kickstarting your healing process!

Why It’s Not a Sign of Weakness to Ask for Help

March 22, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

It’s a common misconception that it’s a sign of weakness to ask for help. However, knowing when you need an assist is a sign of strength. It is one of the hardest things for people to do, showing courage and a willingness to admit vulnerability.

Asking for help doesn’t mean that you are dependent on anyone. Instead, it shows a willingness to grow and learn as you gain knowledge from those who know more about it than you do. There are many benefits to asking for help, proving that it’s not a sign of weakness.

You can’t know everything, and you’re stronger in some areas than other people are. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses, so utilizing them can improve performance. Not admitting when you need a little support is the true sign of weakness as you won’t deliver the best effort.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to develop your skills and get help in areas you aren’t an expert in. It’ll save you time, help you learn, and offer many other benefits. Understanding why it’s not a sign of weakness can help give you the courage to speak up next time you need something.

Why It’s Not a Sign of Weakness to Ask for Help

1. It’s a Sign of a High Performer

Research shows that high performers are more likely to ask their colleagues for help. They want to improve and know that asking for advice can boost personal performance. You can’t learn something new if you never ask someone to show you, so it’s not a sign of weakness.

On the other hand, people who don’t ask for help tend to be low performers. They assume they already know everything and that their performance levels are high, although that might not be accurate.

2. It Helps You Develop a Growth Mindset

When you receive help from others, it can help you develop a growth mindset. It proves that making an effort and looking for a solution allows you to learn new information. When you continually gather information, it helps you think long-term with a growth mindset.

3. It Improves Your Mental Health

Asking for help can connect you to others, allowing you to learn new things. Feeling connected to others and learning new things both improve your mental health. You’ll feel better knowing that you have people who support you and that you can continue learning.

Additionally, asking for help improves your mental health because it allows you to make time for yourself. When you have help with tasks, you’ll have more time to care for your needs and do things you enjoy.

4. It Strengthens Bonds

When you ask for help, it encourages bonds with the person who helps you. It forces you to put your trust in others, allowing them to trust you, too. Expressing the need for support encourages ongoing collaboration or mentorship, enabling you to grow.

It helps if you ask someone for help that you can help in return if the need arises. Plus, studies show that asking someone for assistance indicates that you like them, promoting a relationship and healthy support system.

5. It Allows You to Reassess Your Priorities

You’ll experience a time when you must reassess your priorities in life, which isn’t always an easy thing to do. However, reassessing gives you the chance to focus on what matters most to you in life. By asking for help, you can decide which tasks to delegate and which to keep.

Asking for help allows you to improve your life. When you feel better and happier, you’ll perform better in all areas. It will make you stronger and let you experience optimism and excitement.

6. It Encourages Others to Ask for Help

Sometimes people don’t ask for help because no one else has asked yet. They often wait until someone else asks first, and you can be the leader who paves the way. It shows that you are open to asking for and receiving a hand up from others, creating an environment for growth.

7. You Learn About Other People’s Passions and Strengths

Asking for help allows you to get to know people better. You’ll see their strengths and talents, allowing other people to shine. If your strengths lie in other areas, you can produce better work by accepting help from someone.

When you know what someone’s strengths are, you’ll know who to turn to for collaboration. Producing the best work is always more important than controlling every detail, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

8. It Improves Resilience

When you ask for help, it makes you feel good as you learn and develop in that particular area. It also shows that you have supportive people in your life, making you feel even better. When you feel good, you’ll experience hope and optimism, helping you become more resilient.

9. It Encourages Teamwork

Working as a team improves an individual’s work ethic, promoting enhanced effort. Even if the other person helps you with something unrelated to what you’re doing, it improves overall performance. By asking for help, you not only have less work, but you also work more effectively on your other tasks.

10. It Allows Others to Relate to You

Asking for help doesn’t show that you are weak but allows others to relate to you. It shows that you are imperfect like everyone else around you. When you aren’t afraid to hide when you need help, the people around you will feel at ease.

11. You Give the Gift of Happiness

When you ask someone for a hand, it will likely make them happy because they’re able to give you something. While the person might not physically give anything, helping you out will still trigger their body to release oxytocin. Oxytocin is a hormone that promotes happiness and encourages bonding, too.

12. It Changes Your Mindset

Asking for help allows you to change your mindset and stop assuming you have to do everything yourself. You are worthy of receiving assistance from others, and acknowledging the fact will help you open up time in your life. It gives you the time and opportunity to do things that empower you to grow.

You can ask for help with things at home, work, or anywhere else. It allows you to stay sane as you go through your daily tasks. You don’t have to put everything on yourself, and requesting some support will make you recognize that you’re not alone.

13. It Helps You Maintain Energy and Focus

By asking for help, you allow yourself to stay focused and energetic. When you share a task with others or have someone working alongside you, it makes the experience more fun. You might not do anything differently, but you’ll enjoy the situation more when you aren’t alone. The more relaxed you are, the more you can maintain energy and focus.

14. It’s a Good Character Trait

The good people in your life will respect you for asking for an assist. It’s a good character trait because it shows courage and a willingness to learn. When you express vulnerability by asking for help, it allows others to see you positively.

If anyone in your life thinks you’re weak for asking for help, they likely aren’t someone you want around anyway. The people who matter will like that you want to improve yourself and will be more than willing to give you a boost.

15. It Decreases Procrastination

Asking for help can encourage you to stop procrastinating. You won’t put things off when someone is there to help because you don’t want to waste their time. The task will also seem more manageable when you have someone to work alongside you or teach you something new.

Three Easy Tips For Asking for Help

Now that you know why it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help, it’s time to start asking. Don’t miss an opportunity to get help when it’s available by using the following tips:

1. Change Your Expectations

Don’t beat yourself up by believing that you should do everything alone. You don’t have to do it on your own if someone is willing to give you a hand. Change your expectations and remember that it’s okay to ask for help and not know everything.

2. Don’t Make It Hard to Help

Before you ask for help, think about who you’re asking. You’ll want to ask the right person to help you, so consider their strengths ahead of time. Make sure you ask someone who can do the task and won’t make you feel bad about asking.

3. Ask Directly

Don’t drop hints or wait around hoping for someone to offer their assistance. Instead, be direct and clearly say what you need help with. Tell them what you need, how you want it done, and when you need it right from the start.

Final Thoughts on Reasons Why It’s Not a Sign of Weakness to Ask for Help

Many people falsely believe that asking for help is a sign of weakness. However, asking for a hand-up indicates a strong and courageous person willing to learn from their peers and superiors. It increases resiliency and promotes bonding, too.

Once you start requesting assistance, your mindset will shift, and you can re-prioritize your life. You’ll find meaning in your tasks and experience improved job performance while bonding with those around you.

While asking for help isn’t always easy, you’ll get better at it the more often you do it. You’ll quickly see the benefits of getting support from those around you, and your life will improve.

Talented Artist Crafts Stretchable Sculptures Made Entirely From Paper

March 22, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Felix Semper, an internationally renowned artist, creates stretchable sculptures using only paper. Semper’s work reflects his life experiences and culture, and his mind-bending sculptures have been featured in various media worldwide. Some of these include The New York Post, CBS, FOX News, BBC, MTV, ESPN, Business Insider, NBC, and ABC. Celebrities, corporations, and art collectors worldwide have bought his unique stretchable sculptures.

He’s currently working with CMO’s and marketing teams to develop corporate art that represents the company and its mission. Some celebrities and global corporations that have collected his work include Microsoft, Business Insider, Marriott International, Champs Sports, Adidas, A$AP Rocky, DJ Khaled, Fat Joe, Wendy Williams, Ryan Seacrest, Kelly Ripa, and many other private collectors.

Semper always looks to improve his work and incorporates new materials such as vinyl records and other everyday objects. At first glance, the sculptures appear to be made of stone or clay but are made of many layers of paper! He usually supplies the paper from books, sliced wood, and recycled materials. This illusion makes the paper sculpting art even more astonishing and fun to look at.

Inspired by everyday items and pop culture, Semper has created a wide variety of sculptures in his unique style. Some of his works include a Campbell’s soup can, a Coca-Cola can, Nike shoes, Bart Simpson, DJ Khaled, Superman, a blinged-out bulldog, Bob Marley, and other pop culture icons and typical food products. As he stretches out the sculptures, it gives a “playful mobility as opposed to the traditional aesthetic,” as he says on his website.

In addition to creating sculptures, he also enjoys painting in his spare time. The images are done mainly in a realistic style using oil paint on canvas. You can see that he mimics the raw, street, and graffiti art style that he uses in his sculptures.

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A post shared by Felix Semper (@felixsemper)

Semper’s Journey Creating the Sculptures and Other Artwork

“I started doing art to kind of heal a wound, I used to own a business, I used to be a developer, a builder. I kind of started making art just to heal my wounds, kind of figure out what I was going to do, what my next thing was going to be.

“I’ve always been an artist, obviously; you don’t decide to become an artist one day. You kind of are born that way. I used to be a graphic artist in a print shop back when I got out of high school. So, I kind of went back to my roots started drawing and painting, and doing sculptures. And you know, little by little, I just started developing that gift. And one day, I decided that I wanted to make a sculpture,” he said.

One day, he decided to make a sculpture outside while it was snowing, a first for him. His art display began drawing a crowd, and when he finished, everyone said, ‘You should definitely pursue sculpture because you have a raw talent!’ So, he started gluing solid sheets of paper into a stack and then carved them. It looked incredible, almost like real stone, except it was just layers of paper. However, he couldn’t prove it since it appeared as a solid structure.

“So I started figuring out how to make it move. And then it took me a year and a half to figure the whole thing out – trial and error. But finally, the whole thing came about and it looked amazing. I took it to New York, Washington Square Park, and the feedback was phenomenal,” he said.

He Sees the Whole World as His Canvas

Many things inspire his sculptures, including everyday food products like cheese crackers, potato chips, and canned soup. Of course, he creates shoes, people, and other sculptures, showcasing his talent through his dynamic creativity.

“Anything that I’ve come across, that I’ve made, I’ve been inspired by things that are around me daily. So, I think my inspiration comes from the world around,” he says.

If you’re interested in creating these sculptures yourself, he offers some advice for beginners.

“I would say that people who want to start creating art, just do it. Don’t wait for the inspiration because that inspiration is a myth. I think you need to create, and the moment you start creating, you start taking the motion to make something. I think you’re going to see that evolve and grow into something else, and then your imagination will start working along the way. So, I think taking action is the most important thing you can do in anything, especially in art,” he says.

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A post shared by Felix Semper (@felixsemper)

We hope you enjoyed hearing about Semper’s unique stretchable sculptures! If you want to display them in your home, he has an online store to purchase select works. He also sells some of his paintings and can make customizable sculptures or paintings, depending on your preference.

His passion for creating art has brought him on a journey worldwide, all because he didn’t give up. Semper’s story proves that when you follow your soul’s calling, life starts to flow beautifully.

Opportunities just find you, and the world opens up to your creative energy. If you’re interested in any art or another creative pursuit, keep creating and don’t worry about the money. If you create from your heart, everything will fall into place eventually.

Final Thoughts on the Artist Who Crafts Stretchable Sculptures Made Entirely From Paper

Semper began creating art at a young age but mainly stuck to graphic art and paintings. The idea to craft sculptures didn’t come until later when someone at his impromptu art show saw his talent. They encouraged him to keep at it, so he put all his efforts into the stretchable sculptures. Today, he’s known worldwide, and corporations, celebrities, and art collectors have praised his artwork.

The sculptures truly are mind-altering to look at, and his attention to detail makes them quite realistic. Which of the sculptures is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

Stress or Anxiety? Counselors Reveal the Differences and How to Cope

March 21, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Stress and anxiety are often discussed together and confused for one another. However, there is a difference between the two, and understanding whether you have stress or anxiety can help you overcome it. Understanding the distinctions can make all the difference in learning to cope appropriately.

The symptoms of stress and anxiety are similar, but there will be distinct differences. Once you learn how to tell them apart, you can find the best ways to reduce the symptoms.

A person’s background, socioeconomic status, talents, education level, or anything else doesn’t matter regarding stressful experiences. However, if it turns into persistent worry, it’s reached the point of anxiety. Identifying if you have stress or anxiety will help you alleviate the discomfort.

Before discussing the differences between stress and anxiety, it will help understand the stress response. When you experience stress, your body begins a process to help you overcome it, and it can directly affect your anxiety levels.

The Stress Response

When you experience stress, your body gives a quick surge of energy. This surge encourages you to stay and deal with the situation or escape whatever is happening, otherwise known as the fight or flight response.

Your pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which travels to the adrenal glands. Once it reaches the adrenal glands, it converts cholesterol and other things into cortisol.

The cortisol causes body chemistry changes, stimulates the release of glucose into the liver, and blocks the immune system. A secured immune system causes inflammation and red blood cell clots. Plus, the adrenal glands produce adrenaline in preparation for fighting or fleeing.

The Differences Between Stress and Anxiety

Stress occurs because of events or situations that upset your mental and physical balance. Anxiety is different because it’s based on internal factors influencing your reaction. The easiest way to remember the difference is that stress results from events, while anxiety occurs because of the body’s response to stress.

Once stress occurs, it triggers anxiety in some people and causes worry, fear, emotional and physical symptoms, hypervigilance, and avoidance. However, stress doesn’t trigger anxiety for everyone. Everyone experiences stress, but pressure doesn’t affect all people.

A significant difference between stress and anxiety is that anxiety is a mental disorder, but stress isn’t. Stress occurs when a task seems to be more than a person can handle. On the other hand, anxiety is intense and occurs when stress isn’t managed appropriately.

Stress

Stress occurs when identifiable external factors affect your life. This stimulus could be a looming deadline, a job joss with overdue bills, or simply navigating your way through a rough day. Anytime demands seem too high, it will cause you to feel stressed and overwhelmed.

Juggling multiple roles such as being an employee, a parent, and a spouse can leave you feeling frazzled. Likewise, never-ending to-do lists and multitasking do nothing to make your life any easier. It creates stress, but not necessarily anxiety.

Stress isn’t an enjoyable experience, but it is your body’s natural and healthy response to an ongoing situation. Your body works to warn and protect you from unpleasant or unknown situations.

Some of the symptoms include:

Increased irritability
Disruptions to your sleep pattern
Lower energy levels
Breath and heart rate changes
Frequent headaches
Appetite changes or sudden cravings
An intense feeling of overwhelm
A constant sense of urgency

Anxiety

Anxiety is how your body reacts to stress when not addressed or recognized. It comes from internal factors that linger even after the stimulus is gone, and it’s hard to shake the unpleasant feeling. Your body will stay in fight or flight mode, waiting for something terrible to occur.

You can learn to manage anxiety when you know what you’re dealing with. Learn to identify the triggers because they can be debilitating. Some symptoms of anxiety include:

Feeling restless or tense without an identifiable reason
Constant nervousness
Racing thoughts, often about the past or future
Avoidant behavior
Easily overwhelmed
Frequent irritable and impatient
Lack of focus
Severe sleep disturbances
Appetite changes
Abdominal pain
Feeling a need to control
Excessive worry
Increased heart rate
Sweating
Rapid breathing

Factors That Turn Stress into Anxiety

When a person’s basic needs go unmet, they’re more likely to develop anxiety disorders. Everyone needs sleep, nutrition, and movement to cope with stress appropriately. If your basic needs aren’t met, you won’t function to the best of your abilities.

Not everyone experiences anxiety, so it’s hard to tell what turns stress into anxiety. However, experts can explain some factors that increase the chance of anxiety becoming an issue. These factors include:

Whether the stressor is mild, moderate, severe, life-threatening, or situational
The number of stressors experienced at one time
How long the stress lasted
The level of control a person experiences
Genetics
Health conditions

Anytime worrying takes up more of your day than the stressor took up, it’s a sign of excessiveness. It’ll quickly interfere with your daily life if you don’t find healthy coping mechanisms.

How to Tell the Difference

One way to tell the difference between stress and anxiety is how long the feeling persists. If the response continues after the stressor is gone, it indicates anxiety. When it is only stress, the feelings ease, and you’ll quickly feel better afterward.

Another way to tell if you are experiencing stress or anxiety is to identify the cause. If you can recognize the source, then you likely have pressure. However, if you can’t identify the root cause, it might be anxiety instead.

Anxiety also controls the future, whereas stress is more about the present. If you find yourself getting upset about what might happen in the future, it’s a sign of anxiety.

How to Cope with Stress or Anxiety

If you can appropriately deal with stress as it occurs, you’ll be less likely to experience anxiety. However, if you already have it, you can learn to cope. Either way, dealing with stress or anxiety is essential to living a fulfilling life.

Learning to cope with stress or anxiety will directly help you with the other one, too, so it doesn’t matter where you start. The coping mechanisms are often the same, so you’ll see progress as long as you get going.

Take Care of Yourself

Make sure to get enough sleep each night, eat a nutritious diet, and exercise regularly. You’ll feel good about yourself and your life when you meet your basic needs this way. Then, you’ll be more resilient to stress and be less likely to develop anxiety.

Focus on the Positive Aspects

No matter what stressor you experience, you can find a positive aspect of the situation. If you can force yourself to identify something positive, you’ll cope better with the stress. Make a conscious effort anytime you feel negativity creeping in.

You’ll also want to avoid negative self-talk because it only highlights what’s going wrong. Remind yourself what you can do instead of focusing on what you can’t.

Do Things You Enjoy

When stress or anxiety has taken over your mind, take a break from your task and do something fun. Try out some Slurricane Cannabis Strain, spend time working on an activity you enjoy, and you’ll find that it entices a clearer mind and renewed energy.

Meditate

Meditation can help you calm your mind and focus on the present. It only takes a few minutes, although you can do it longer. Implement deep breathing into your meditation for even more coping benefits.

Identify Your Triggers

When you know what triggers your stress or anxiety, it’ll be easier to cope. You can avoid the triggers altogether or prepare yourself for the experience. Either way, you’ll be better able to handle the situation before it leads to anxiety.

Turn to Your Social Support System

When times get tough, one of your best options is to turn to those who care about you. Your friends, family, or coworkers can help you overcome hard times. They’ll help you reassess your outlook on life and become more optimistic when dealing with stress.

Journaling

Writing your thoughts down in a journal can help you cope with unpleasant situations and prevent your stress from becoming anxious. If anxiety has already set in, journaling can help you overcome the feelings and start feeling better.

Take some time each day to write down your thoughts, even if it’s only a few lines. Making it a habit will help you remember to write things down when you feel stressed or anxious.

Final Thoughts on Stress or Anxiety? Counselors Reveal the Differences and Explain How to Cope

Stress and anxiety have similar symptoms, so it’s sometimes hard to tell the difference. However, figuring out if you have stress or anxiety can help you learn to cope.

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Scotland Saves Their Wild Salmon Population by Planting Trees to Shade Rivers

March 21, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Wild salmon in Scotland face increasing threats from rising water temperatures due to climate heating. In fact, fisheries scientists have found that remote rivers in Scotland have already become too warm for Atlantic salmon during summertime. In an attempt to protect them, officials have decided to plant trees along the riversides.

For instance, fisheries have planted 250,000 saplings along vital tributaries of the River Dee, one of the most popular salmon fishing rivers in the country. By 2035, they aim to plant one million trees of various species in the River Dee’s catchment. The trees planted would include native rowan, Scots pine, willow, birch, aspen, hawthorn, and juniper trees.

Wild Salmon Facing Multiple Threats in Scotland

Sadly, salmon catches along the River Dee have declined by a staggering 80% since 1957. In 2018, Scotland recorded the lowest number of catches since records began, which fueled recent conservation efforts.

That summer, climate change caused water temperatures in 70% of rivers to rise beyond safe levels on at least one day. Records showed they surpassed 23C, a dangerously high temperature that can result in stress and abnormal behavior in salmon.

Since Atlantic salmon live in cold waters, they can’t survive in summer water temperatures above 33C. While temperatures haven’t exceeded 23C yet, it’s a possibility without direct climate action.

Luckily, trees offer a natural way to shield salmon from rising temperatures. However, marine scientists discovered that only 35% of Scotland’s rivers had optimal tree cover.

Lorraine Hawkins, the river director for the Dee District Salmon Fishery Board, said that the rivers and burns in Scotland provide nurseries for young fish. When it gets too hot, it impacts their feeding and growth, which can lead to massive dieoffs.

Unfortunately, temperatures aren’t expected to cool off anytime soon. Even if we can limit temperatures to 1.5C warming or less, water temperatures will still keep rising.

Wild salmon populations also face other threats besides climate change, making it difficult for them to survive. Dams and weirs in waterways block them from traveling upstream to migrate and lay eggs.

In addition, rising seal populations endanger salmon since they feed on them. Bycatch from trawling the ocean floor along with unhealthy rivers also threatens wild salmon. Finally, parasitic sea lice can infect salmon, especially around fish farms.

Trees Provide Relief by Shading Rivers

The rivers meander through 64,000 miles of the countryside, providing habitats for salmon, birds, insects, and other marine animals. Fisheries hope that the massive tree-planting project will improve overall biodiversity and have already seen positive results. In the uplands, marine scientists have noted an increase in insect life and leaf fall.

The added trees have also helped buffer areas surrounding rivers from floods. Officials have fenced off tree nurseries in order to manage vital nutrients more efficiently. Hopefully, these conservation efforts will ensure the long-term stability of wild salmon in Scotland.

Scottish ministers have proposed ideas to conserve salmon populations but have been slow to enact change. So, fisheries decided to get the ball rolling with the tree planting project throughout the country.

It turns out that trees and salmon have a mutually beneficial relationship. The trees provide much-needed shade for salmon spawn, and the salmon offer nutrients to riverside vegetation.

When their bodies decompose, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients enter waterways and become available for vegetation. One study discovered that trees lining rivers where salmon live grow over three times faster than trees along salmon-free waterways.

Since the trees won’t take as long to mature, they will sequester carbon faster, helping us in the fight against climate change. It seems like a win-win for humans, animals and nature!

How Salmon are Adapting to Climate Change

With warming ocean, river, and stream temperatures, wild salmon have been forced to adapt quickly. They’ve evolved over millions of years to make it here, so they’re resilient animals. However, wild salmon now face immense environmental and evolutionary pressures, causing their populations to rapidly decline.

The wild salmon that do survive have adapted by doing these things:

Migrating further north where waters aren’t as warm. Both Atlantic and Pacific wild salmon have been observed moving northward.
Migrating from the ocean to rivers earlier in the year. Salmon DNA reveals that nature now selects for salmon migrating earlier, meaning it’s an evolutionary response to climate change.
Remaining in cooler pools of water until ocean or river temperatures become safe enough for the salmon.

We Can Also Help Salmon Adapt

Various officials have mentioned several mitigation strategies to reduce the impacts of climate change on wild salmon. Some of these strategies include:

Installing water temperature monitors in rivers to help locate hot spots. In Nova Scotia, officials have installed these monitors in the Margaree and Mabout Rivers, for example. If the monitors record high temperatures, work crews will plant trees along the rivers to provide shade for wild salmon.
Diverting the flow of rivers to create larger pools of cold water. This provides shelter from extreme heat for salmon swimming upstream.
Replacing culverts and road crossings with alternatives so that salmon can access previously blocked areas. This will expand their habitat and open up new areas for them to spawn.
Employing fish rescue programs to provide assisted migration for salmon. In some areas of the Pacific Northwest, wild salmon are already transported past dams and weirs so they can make it upstream. Also, when stream levels dip too low, fish rescue programs assist the fish into waterways with higher flow.

Final Thoughts on Saving the Wild Salmon in Scotland

Across the globe, salmon populations face imminent threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and other human-caused factors. However, some humans have come to their rescue in order to preserve the species that cultures around the world rely on. Some strategies they’ve employed include planting trees along rivers to provide shade, diverting water in rivers to increase flow, and removing culverts to increase habitat. Hopefully, we will see a large increase in salmon populations as a result of these efforts.

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