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Psychology Explains How Reconnecting With Your Inner Child Restores Joy in Life

March 21, 2022 by Chris Butler

Over the past few decades, the average life expediency has increased. Despite this good news, researchers say that stress-related problems which lead to mental health problems are on the increase. Understanding what causes stress and how to minimize it is critical. Could reconnecting your inner child help bring back the joy?

Studies suggest there could be valuable benefits of learning about the phenomenon of the inner child concerning your health and your sense of well-being. What you learned during your childhood could be significantly helpful to you as an adult. Reconnecting to your inner child as an adult may be beneficial to find healing, restore joy in your life, and help you find purpose.

The summary of the findings showed that the inner child’s phenomenon is: Gaining useful life lessons through childhood experiences are made up of four themes: sharing relationships, playing to heal, being strong or frail, and supporting the next generation.

Reconnecting with your inner child can restore your happiness

Remember the playful days of your childhood? Restoring that feeling can make you happy again.

1 – Learn practical life lessons by reconnecting with your inner child

Researchers say that useful life lessons during childhood help you adapt as an adult. In essence, your inner child affects your adult decisions and view of life.

2 – Relationships

Strong relationships with family and friends affect you as an adult. Caring for siblings or doing things together as a family affects how you raise your children. Experiencing openness with peers as a kid builds your sense of feeling secure and safe. Your inner child experiences shape how you view your family and friends into adulthood. Many friendships last a lifetime, and you learn to treat others well from your younger self experiences.

3 – Mental health

Your life journey is how you view your life and what you learn about life from your past experiences. This is what people describe as their inner child. Certain strengths and knowledge you carry into adulthood contribute to your inner child. Incidents and events during childhood emphasize the impact of your inner child, either promoting or hindering your health and sense of well-being.

4 – The importance of play

Reading, make-believe play, and fun playtimes help shape your curiosity and desire to learn. Playing outdoors in nature and with animals provides positive mental health experiences in the inner child. Many participants experienced this as a child today as adults love athletics and being outside. Social competence increases when, as a kid, you take part in sports. You learn how to decide, prioritize and work together as a team. Restoring your inner child could mean joining a sports team to have fun. Revisiting your childhood experiences could regain your sense of joy and laughter.

5 – Spiritual health increases by reconnecting with your inner child

Researchers found a significant quality added to your life when you find meaning and purpose because human beings are a combination of the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. Experiencing things like these as a child will enhance your spiritual health.

Faith
Optimism
Hope
Inner peace
Wonder
Awe

Your view of the world affects your healthy choices as an adult. Making sound decisions in your everyday life and making sense of it promotes joy and overall well-being. Faith in God, studies show, can enhance your understanding of purpose and meaning in life.

6 – Being strong

Childhood experiences result in life lessons about how to handle situations in adulthood. Learning how to stand up for your beliefs and setting barriers is one way to restore your inner child as an adult. When you were younger, you learned independence and self-confidence during periods of freedom where you had to work things out yourself.

As a child, you had curiosity and weren’t afraid of conflicts. You can learn from this childlike view of life, allow yourself to be curious again, and resist the urge to give in to fear when things are difficult.

7 – Being frail

Perhaps you remember being left alone, separated from your parents. These traumatic experiences can breed insecurities and separation anxiety struggles that last into your adulthood. Looking at these childhood experiences is helps you understand today’s struggles and how to react to them.

You may feel frail because of your reaction to stressful life situations. Connecting to your inner child experiences helps you figure out how to deal with these seeming “frailties.” Learn the lessons of your inner child and restore your joy.

8 – Social lessons

Handing conflicts in your relationships as a child can affect you as an adult. Perhaps you didn’t handle it well when you were younger, so today, for instance, you can’t stand up for yourself at work. Of course, negative experiences can make you stronger. Perhaps you didn’t get recognized for things you did as a kid, so today, you’re more empathetic towards others who experience the same thing. You understand what it’s like when someone overlooks you.

Reconnecting with your inner child helps you learn valuable lessons as an adult and overcome negatives that still hinder you. Maybe you learned to solve conflicts with your friends by working out disagreements and arguments. Sometimes kids march home if they don’t get what they want, so you learned that not everyone likes to work together to solve problems. Playing with other kids teaches you to be less rigid and more flexible in your friendships.

How reconnecting with your inner child can teach you life lessons as an adult

Useful studies that illustrate your inner child experiences and their impact include:

Good relationships with your parents, siblings, and friends help you learn confidence and how to believe in yourself. You understand social dimensions and well-being.
Challenging childhood experiences help you understand how to be more kind and empathetic towards others.
Role-play and make-believe playing along with reading and listening to stories, showed you the existence of your inner child and helped you have a foundation of awe and curiosity later in life.

You aren’t a victim of your inner child.

Perhaps you had a terrible childhood with parents who failed you. Remember, you don’t need to be held captive by your history. To see yourself as limited to your past inner child’s experiences is discouraging and be unhelpful. Many people find help and healing by trusting in God. Well-known author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada says in her foreword to Vaneetha Rendall Risner’s book, The Scars That Have Shaped Me,

Most people think that living with quadriplegia would be utterly overwhelming. And they’re right. It is. Shortly after I broke my neck, I met a young man in rehab who told me he had been in a wheelchair for eight years. I gulped, pushing down the panic in my throat. To me, eight weeks of paralysis seemed impossible. But eight years?! It was unimaginable to me, a spinal-cord injured teenager who still retched at the thought of living life sitting down. But that was decades ago. I can hardly believe I’ve been living without use of my hands or legs for almost 50 years. I still look back and wonder, how did I make it to this point? And how have I done it, for the most part, with a smile? Even after all this time, total paralysis still seems impossible.

But with God all things are possible. And whenever I try to explain how I have “arrived” at this point, I shake my head in amazement. It has everything to do with God and his grace that sustains—not just over the long haul, but grace given in tiny moments, like stepping-stones leading you from one tick of the clock to the next. And the beauty of God’s grace is that it squeezes those hard moments together, eclipsing the years until one day you look over your shoulder and all you see is five decades of God at work.

Try as you may, you cannot recall the horror of it all— grace softens the edges of past pains, choosing only the highlights of eternal importance. What you are left with is peace that’s profound, joy that’s unshakable, and faith that is ironclad. It is the hard but beautiful stuff of makes your life.

Final thoughts on how reconnecting with your inner child can bring joy back to life.

You can have fun as an adult reconnecting with your inner child. Your past experiences teach you many lessons. Your younger self experiences shape how you view the world as an adult. These lessons may include trust, friendship, independence, and empathy towards others.

As you reconnect with the things that shaped you as your younger self, you may find joy, curiosity, and awe. Of course, it’s important to remember that you’re not a victim of your history as a child. Perhaps your growing-up years were full of heartache and neglect. It’s good to know your identity isn’t wrapped up in these things.

Many people find help trusting God to bring healing and wholeness into their lives, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Scientists Discover the One Genetic Factor That Determines Blue Eyes

March 21, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen reveal the gene that determines blue eyes. The team found that a genetic mutation occurred 6-10,000 years ago in modern-day Europe. All blue-eyed humans today have this common genetic ancestor.

“Originally, we all had brown eyes,” said Professor Hans Eiberg from the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine. “But a genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene in our chromosomes resulted in the creation of a “switch,” which literally “turned off” the ability to produce brown eyes.”

The OCA2 gene codes for the P protein, which helps produce melanin, the pigment that gives our hair, skin, and eyes their color. Researchers found that the “switch” occurs in a gene adjacent to OCA2; however, it doesn’t completely turn off the gene. Instead, it lowers melanin production in the iris, which results in blue eyes instead of brown.

The team added that if the OCA2 gene had been eradicated, human beings would have no pigment in their hair, eyes, and skin. This condition is known as albinism, which affects about 1 in 18-20,000 people in the US. Globally, genetics experts believe that albinism occurs in nearly 1 in 3,000 people.

Humans With Blue Eyes Have Less Melanin

Researchers found that melanin levels in the iris cause variation from brown to green eyes. However, humans with blue eyes only have a slight variation in melanin in their irises.

“From this, we can conclude that all blue-eyed individuals are linked to the same ancestor,” says Professor Eiberg. “They have all inherited the same switch at exactly the same spot in their DNA.” On the other hand, brown-eyed individuals have significant individual variations in the parts of their DNA that govern melanin creation.

Professor Eiberg and his colleagues studied mitochondrial DNA. Then, they compared the eye color of blue-eyed individuals from Jordan, Denmark, and Turkey. Eiberg first began his genetic research in 1996, when he discovered that the OCA2 gene determines eye color. Now, he and his team have pinpointed the specific genetic mutation which produces blue eyes.

This genetic mutation that causes blue eyes is neither beneficial nor detrimental to human survival. It’s simply one of many mutations such as hair color, freckles, or beauty marks, all of which contribute to the incredible diversity in humans.

As Professor Eiberg says, “it simply shows that nature is constantly shuffling the human genome, creating a genetic cocktail of human chromosomes and trying out different changes as it does so.”

The findings have been published in the journal Human Genetics.

How Many People Have Blue Eyes?

Around twice as many people in America have brown eyes as blue eyes. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, blue-eyed Americans made up nearly half of the population.
Globally, about 9% of people have blue eyes, making it one of the rarest eye colors in the world. Green eyes are the rarest of the most common eye colors, making up only 2% of the global population.
Blue eyes are still the most common eye color in Europe. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, over 50% of citizens have blue eyes. That number jumps from 80% to 90% in Finland and Sweden.

Interesting Facts About This Eye Color

Having this eye color at birth doesn’t mean you’ll have them for life. Humans don’t have much melanin at birth, which explains why so many blue-eyed babies develop hazel or brown eyes. Blue eyes may turn darker in a few months or years after birth as their melanin levels increase.
People with blue eyes have a higher risk of certain eye conditions. Melanin seems to protect the eyes from damage caused by UV radiation and visible blue light from the sun. Since blue eyes naturally have less melanin than brown or green eyes, they’re more vulnerable to damage. Research shows that people with blue eyes have a higher likelihood of developing eye cancer and cataracts. However, their risk of age-related macular degeneration is not higher than those with darker eyes.
Unfortunately, studies have also found a link between people with blue eyes and alcoholism. A study of 1,200 people of European ancestry found that those with lighter-colored eyes had a higher incidence of alcohol dependency. However, more studies are necessary to determine the genetic association.
Blue-eyed people may have a higher pain tolerance. One study by the University of Pittsburgh found that pregnant women with blue or green eyes experienced less pain during birth than those with darker eyes.
People with blue eyes may have an advantage in academic achievement. American scientists found that blue-eyed people performed better on activities that required strategic thinking and self-pacing. They indicated such activities as studying for an exam, playing golf, or running cross-country. However, their findings haven’t been confirmed and are just observations currently.

Final Thoughts on the One Gene that Causes Blue Eyes

Interestingly, there’s more to our eye color than meets the eye. The genes that determine eye color may also play a role in our susceptibility to disease, personality, and achievements in life. Of course, many other factors influence our lives, so taking these studies with a grain of salt is essential. However, a genetic mutation occurring thousands of years ago resulted in the blue-eyed humans we see today.

University of Copenhagen researchers have determined that a genetic mutation affecting the OCA2 gene causes blue eyes. This mutation occurred in ancient Europe 6-10,000 years ago, and people born today also carry that gene. People with this eye color have less melanin than their brown-eyed counterparts, resulting in lighter eyes, hair, and skin.

While you wouldn’t think eye color determines much about your life, it may play a minor role. Studies have shown that blue-eyed people have a higher pain tolerance. If you have blue eyes, perhaps you notice these traits in yourself. Even if not, you still make up only 9% of the world’s population. So you are, indeed, a rare breed in modern times.

Researchers Reveal How Cannabis Can Help Prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

March 21, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Researchers from The Salk Institute for Biological Studies in California have discovered how cannabis can protect against Alzheimer’s. Most previous research has focused on THC and CBD compounds, but little is known about the non-psychoactive compound cannabinol (CBN).

In their latest research, Salk scientists have uncovered how this therapeutic compound can help prevent nerve damage and cell death. They suggest that CBN could potentially treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Their findings were published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine on January 6, 2022.

“We’ve found that cannabinol protects neurons from oxidative stress and cell death, two of the major contributors to Alzheimer’s,” says senior author Pamela Maher, a research professor and head of Salk’s Cellular Neurobiology Laboratory. “This discovery could one day lead to the development of new therapeutics for treating this disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, like Parkinson’s disease.”

Cannabinol comes from the cannabis plant and resembles THC molecularly. However, it differs since it’s not psychoactive and isn’t as heavily regulated by the FDA. 710 Friendly is an online platform that connects people interested in exploring the benefits and uses of cannabinoids like cannabinol. The term 710 friendly meaning refers to the acceptance and promotion of cannabis oils and concentrates, as ‘710’ spells ‘OIL’ upside down. Prior research by Maher’s lab discovered that CBN protects the brain, but they weren’t sure how until this study. Now, they’ve uncovered the mechanism driving CBN to protect brain cells from oxidative damage and death.

CA Researchers Find Cannabis May Help Prevent Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s

In the study, Maher’s colleagues examined the process of oxytosis or ferroptosis. These are cell death pathways in neuronal cells in the aging brain. The process begins with the depletion of an antioxidant called glutathione and results in the eventual death of brain cells due to lipid oxidation.

This free radical reaction occurs between fatty acids and oxygen in the brain, starving cells of oxygen. Mounting evidence shows that oxytosis may be a key driver of Alzheimer’s disease.

The team introduced cannabinol to nerve cells in the study, followed by a compound to induce oxidative damage. They discovered the CBN helped protect our body’s mitochondria, the “energy powerhouse” inside neurons. In cells damaged by oxidation, mitochondria curl up in a shape that resembles donuts.

Scientists have noted this change in dying cells in the brains of those with Alzheimer’s disease. However, treating cells with cannabinol stopped the mitochondria from curling up and ensured they continued functioning.

To verify the therapeutic effects of CBN on mitochondria, researchers reproduced the experiment in nerve cells without mitochondria. In these cells, CBN didn’t have the same protective impact.

“We were able to directly show that maintenance of mitochondrial function was specifically required for the protective effects of the compound,” Maher said.

In another vital discovery, researchers found that CBN did not trigger cannabinoid receptors, which produce a psychoactive effect. So, cannabinol would provide a therapeutic effect without triggering the “high” caused by THC.

Cannabis Offers New Opportunities for Healing

“CBN is not a controlled substance like THC, the psychotropic compound in cannabis, and evidence has shown that CBN is safe in animals and humans. And because CBN works independently of cannabinoid receptors, CBN could also work in a wide variety of cells with ample therapeutic potential,” says first author Zhibin Liang, a postdoctoral fellow in the Maher lab.

The findings also suggest that cannabinol could protect the brain against other neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s. They also saw glutathione depletion with Parkinson’s, but cannabinol would keep mitochondria intact.

“Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in changes in various tissues, not just in the brain and aging, so the fact that this compound is able to maintain mitochondrial function suggests it could have more benefits beyond the context of Alzheimer’s disease,” Maher said.

Maher notes that the study reveals the necessity for further research on how cannabinol interacts with the brain. Also, they want to investigate other less common cannabinoids to study their therapeutic potential. In total, the cannabis plant contains between 80 to 100 different cannabinoids.

The next step of the research will involve replicating the results in a preclinical mouse trial. Hopefully, the studies will lead to better treatments for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s in the future.

The National Institutes of Health, the Paul F. Glenn Center for Biology of Aging Research at the Salk Institute, an Innovation Award from the Salk Institute, the Shiley Foundation, the Bundy Foundation, and the University of California San Diego funded this study.

Other Benefits of Cannabinol

While little research exists about the therapeutic effects of cannabinol, some studies reveal its benefits. Here are just a few ways cannabis can heal the brain and body:

It could provide pain relief. A 2019 rat study discovered that CBD and CBN relieved myofascial pain in rats. However, a mixture of CBN and CBD reduced pain more than either compound by itself. The researchers found that both compounds could help manage pain from fibromyalgia and temporomandibular disorders.
May delay symptom onset of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). A 2005 study on rats discovered that CBN delayed disease onset by more than two weeks and didn’t affect the rats’ survival. Since ALS is a neurodegenerative disease, CBN likely works in the same areas of the brain that cause Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.
It could have anti-inflammatory benefits. Another 2016 rat study revealed that cannabinol could lower arthritis-related inflammation. However, no studies have been performed in humans thus far.

Cannabinol could have several therapeutic applications and possibly prevent neurodegenerative diseases from developing. This study also proves that nature is the best medicine, so we should use our efforts to protect it.

Final Thoughts on Study Showing that Cannabis Protects Against Alzheimer’s

Many studies have proven the protective effects of cannabis, but most have focused on the compounds THC and CBD. Since nearly 100 different cannabinoids exist in cannabis, it’s essential to learn all we can about them. Researchers from The Salk Institute in California have recently studied the compound CBN and found that it could prevent neurodegenerative diseases.

While more research is needed, the preliminary findings show that cannabinol protects nerve cells from oxidative damage, which causes eventual cell death. Since oxidative damage is a crucial contributor to Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases, it’s clear that cannabinol will play a role in future treatments.

Psychiatrist Explains Why Empaths Have a Higher Risk of Fatigue

March 20, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

While being an empath is an incredible gift, it can take a toll on your mind and body. It brings you closer to the people you love, but it can also cause you to put yourself last. Empaths become overwhelmed by other people’s feelings and can develop issues.

When empaths become overwhelmed by other people’s feelings, it can cause chronic stress and Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome (AFS). Understanding why this happens can help with staying in control of emotions and not feeling them so heavily.

Empaths often experience sensitivity and are labeled as too emotional. They often feel drained after spending time with people because they take on the other person’s emotions, too. Empathetic people absorb the energy of others, offering to heal while taking on the pain themselves.

While it’s a blessing that deeply empathetic people have compassion for others, it can take a toll. All negative energies and emotions stand in the way of their overall well-being. It drains the mind and body, leading to issues like Adrenal Fatigue.

What is an Empath?

True empaths take on the emotional and physical experiences of others. They are highly-sensitive individuals with a keen awareness of how other people feel and what they’re thinking. Because of this, they tend to be introverted and need space and time alone to recharge.

They typically feel anxious in crowds, and studies indicate a link between social anxiety and highly empathetic people. They are sensitive to certain noises and multiple conversations and sounds. It becomes overwhelming, and they prefer to be in a quieter location.

According to Dr. Judith Orloff, in her book The Empath’s Survival Guide, you’re an empath if you exhibit three or more signs. These signs include:

Being labeled as too emotional or sensitive
Feeling your friend’s happiness, sadness, and other emotions
Getting your feelings hurt easily
Feeling drained after being in a crowd
Needing time alone to recharge
Getting frazzled by noise, overwhelming smells, or excessive chatter
Preferring to take your car places so you can leave whenever you want to
Overeating as a coping mechanism
Being afraid of being overtaken by intimate relationships

Using these signs to identify if you’re an empath will help you take control of your emotions. You’ll know what you’re dealing with so you aren’t overwhelmed by everyone else’s feelings. When you understand it, you can care for your well-being and use empathy for the greater good.

Benefits of Being an Empath

While being a highly empathetic has its drawbacks, it also has benefits. These benefits include that they are:

Great listeners
Consistently show up during times of need
Generous
Highly intuitive
Emotionally intelligent
Able to recognize when someone tells the truth

What Makes Being a Highly Sensitive Person Hard

While the benefits of being highly empathetic are great, they result in drawbacks. Feeling what their friends and loved ones are going through causes overwhelming emotions, increasing the risk of Adrenal Fatigue.

One of the issues is that empaths have trouble telling other people no. They don’t set or enforce boundaries and take on too much. Over time, their extra stress and emotions can cause issues such as Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome.

Being highly empathetic causes sensory overload because the person takes in so much at once. When there are many sights or sounds, they can quickly become agitated. Sensory overload can lead to the following symptoms:

Headaches
Anxiety or panic attacks
Depression
Unhealthy binging
Insomnia or unhealthy sleep patterns
Body aches and pains
Digestive problems
Weight changes
Adrenal fatigue

What is Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome

Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome includes many symptoms resulting from long-term stress. It can occur from emotional, mental, or physical stress and affects certain people more than others. Single parents and people who work long shifts often suffer from it, although anyone with an overloaded schedule can fall victim.

Symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue

Symptoms of adrenal fatigue include the same signs of being an empath. The symptoms include:

Tiredness
Struggling to fall asleep
Waking up frequently
Overdependence on caffeine
Salt and sugar cravings
Lightheadedness or dizziness
Low blood pressure
Lack of appetite
Muscle weakness
Brain fog
Irritability

It can be hard to pinpoint AFS because its symptoms are similar to those of other conditions. However, if you have these signs and symptoms, it might help learn more about Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome. Once you know why empaths struggle with it more than others, you can find ways to remedy the situation.

Why Empaths Have a Higher Risk of Adrenal Fatigue

It’s easy to see why people become fatigued after a long day of strenuous activity. However, empaths feel drained after a long day of emotionally taxing activity. When they socialize or take in too much stimulation, they become exhausted.

They Take on More Than They Can Handle

Many people don’t realize how hard it is to deal with mental and emotional exhaustion. Though highly sensitive people experience it regularly, it can be debilitating. When they take on the emotions of others, they increase their stress until they can’t handle it anymore.

It Creates a Hormonal Imbalance

An empath’s body reacts to the emotions that they take on, creating a hormonal imbalance. Their body will release more cortisol, resulting in the symptoms of AFS. It can lead to severe energy crashes, leaving them unable to care for themselves or their problems.

An increase in cortisol triggers hormone production in other areas of the body, too. These areas include the thyroid, pancreas, and sexual organs.

The overproduction also stimulates neurotransmitters in the brain and leads to the inability to manage the overload. After a while, it leads to adrenal insufficiency, where the body stops producing enough hormones, creating even more problems such as fatigue.

They Feel Responsible for Others

Empaths often feel responsible for the well-being of everyone in their life. They focus their energy on their loved ones to ensure everyone is cared for and happy. After a while, it runs them down until they experience fatigue.

They Have Trouble Sleeping

Highly empathetic people also have a hard time sleeping because their mind races. They require time to process emotions before going to bed, and it can be hard to relax until they have that time. However, if they regularly overload their schedule, they won’t get the time they need to recover.

As they lay in bed at night, the overload comes rushing to their mind, demanding attention right then. It not only makes it hard to fall asleep, but it also reduces sleep quality.

How to Relieve Adrenal Fatigue

If you think you’re dealing with adrenal fatigue, there are many ways to deal with it. You can alleviate the symptoms associated with being highly empathetic, too. These ideas will also prevent adrenal fatigue from setting in if it hasn’t yet.

Establish a Self-Care Routine

Implementing a self-care routine ensures that you take care of yourself. Leave time to experience your feelings and take steps to protect yourself from burnout. Take care of your physical needs first, and then make time to do something you enjoy.

Practice Meditation

Meditation is a great way to cope with excess stress. Leave time each day to process your emotions and release some of what you’ve taken on. If you find time for meditation each day, it’ll be easier to alleviate the symptoms of adrenal fatigue.

Set and Enforce Clear Boundaries

Empaths have trouble setting boundaries, but it’s a meaningful way to alleviate symptoms. Learn to say no when you’re overloaded or don’t want to do something.

You don’t have to do things you don’t want to, and the people in your life should respect that. If you notice some people don’t respect your boundaries, it’s clear that they cause you harm. Listen to your body and what you feel comfortable with, and never be afraid to say no.

Use Visualization

You can use this technique when you encounter a stressful situation and can’t get away. It protects and supports you as you work through an uncomfortable situation.

Get Plenty of Sleep Each Night

When you get plenty of rest, you’ll easily handle stress. Set a sleep schedule, including a relaxing routine, and stick to it every night. You’ll sleep better and feel restored each day.

Limit Your Time with Toxic People

If you absorb the energy and feelings of others, you’ll want to be careful about who you spend your time with. When you recognize that you always feel bad after spending time with a specific person, limit your time with them. It’ll ease the symptoms of adrenal fatigue and allow you to feel better.

Final Thoughts on Psychiatrist Explains Why Empaths Have a Higher Risk of Adrenal Fatigue

While being a highly empathetic is a blessing, it comes with immense challenges. You can alleviate the symptoms by making a few lifestyle changes when you realize why it’s so exhausting. It can benefit your life if you know how to manage it appropriately.

Empaths must find ways to cope with overstimulation and absorb the feelings of others. When they find healthy ways to cope, they can use their empathic nature to their advantage.

Neuroscientist Explains How Overexplaining Is a Sign of Childhood Trauma

March 20, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Do you find yourself overexplaining to friends and acquaintances? You might consider this a personality quirk, but scientists have found that it’s a sign of childhood trauma. Of course, sharing personal details about your life with loved ones isn’t abnormal. It only becomes a problem when you share to an excessive degree or want to please people.

Overexplaining is a typical trauma response for people walking on eggshells around their parents. They worried so much about doing or saying the wrong thing that it paralyzed them with fear. So, people-pleasing became the default behavior, as a survival instinct to avoid perceived abandonment.

Neuroscientist Explains That Overexplaining Is a Sign of Childhood Trauma

However, it’s important to remember that you shouldn’t bear the burdens of what happened to you. You wanted to please your parents out of a need for safety, but now, you have no reason to feel anxious.

We often carry our childhood trauma with us as adults, but releasing it offers so much freedom and relief. Clinging tightly to your negative childhood experiences only hurts you in the end.

But, if you haven’t yet released past trauma, it can manifest in the form of overexplaining or oversharing. Dr. Caroline Leaf, a communication pathologist and cognitive neuroscientist, explains more about this theory and how she helps people “grow their brains” with cognitive techniques.

Oversharing is a fawn trauma response to avoid conflict and appease others. Children do this unconsciously when trying to exert control over a situation; in their early development, they rely on instincts for survival and safety. As adults, we often do this to control our anxiety, but it usually backfires because we’re not getting at the root of the problem.

Dr. Leaf says that we need to find the thought “root” that triggers this behavior to heal our trauma. If you find yourself overexplaining a lot, you probably spend tons of mental energy managing your feelings and trying to decipher others’ impressions about you. This takes a toll on you after a while and can lead to mental exhaustion.

Seven Common Reasons for Overexplaining

Dr. Leaf explains typical reasons people overexplain or overshare:

You’re trying to keep yourself safe or avoid anxiety. This probably means you have unhealed trauma and haven’t found the thought “root” leading to this behavior. Usually, the root cause is a toxic relationship or parental figure who mistreated you. While the fawn trauma response may have helped in your past, it’s now hindering you from leading a full life.
You may also find yourself overexplaining if you’ve been gaslit. Now, you’re immediately defensive if people try to distort your words, so you overexplain to outsmart the other person. After all, you don’t want them to use anything you say against you.
Or, maybe you’re just trying to explain where you’re coming from, and it’s not associated with any trauma. You may also overexplain due to thinking on your feet, a typical behavior in today’s world.
Many people overshare because they need to justify themselves or their actions. They need validation from other people, which often signals unhealed trauma.
You’re overexplaining because you feel like you’re responsible for anything wrong that happens, perhaps. Maybe someone in your past blamed you for their problems, and you’re still holding on to that misplaced guilt.
Or, maybe you overshare because you’re trying to evoke authenticity and encourage others to feel comfortable in their skin. However, overexplaining can sometimes mean you want others to feel sorry for you, another sign of childhood trauma.
Finally, perhaps you enjoy talking and consider yourself an extrovert! Overexplaining isn’t always a negative thing; it’s your intentions behind it that matter.

Dr. Leaf added that it’s important to learn self-regulation and examine why you sometimes overshare. If you can understand the reasoning behind your thoughts and behaviors, you can heal them at their root.

Five-Step Process to Uncover the Root of Overexplaining

Over the last 38 years, Dr. Leaf has worked on a mind-management system to reveal the roots of undesired behaviors. Doing this allows you to rewire your brain, heal past trauma and remove the barriers holding you back. In one of her clinical trials, participants who practiced these techniques over 21 days saw an 81% decrease in depression and anxiety.

Here are the basics of the mind-management technique to detox your brain:

1 – Gather:

This step involves gathering information about your thoughts and behaviors. First, think of this step in terms of overexplaining. Now, recall something that happened to you recently, and try remembering your thoughts in the moment. Did you apologize profusely or have trouble saying no? Did you find yourself overexplaining for clarity? Or, did you worry about how the other person would react to what you said?

Next, think about how oversharing may affect your life. Oversharing resembles overexplaining, but oversharing usually involves disclosing personal details about your life. Overexplaining means feeling the need to describe an event or thought excessively. Now, think about your common behaviors in everyday life. Do you post private details about your life online or use social media to express your emotions?

Dr. Leaf says: “Remind yourself that oversharing doesn’t create intimacy; it can be a sign of self-absorption that is masked as “vulnerability.”

2 – Reflect:

Contemplate your answers to step 1 and understand why you exhibit these behaviors. Also, think about how overexplaining may harm your relationships and life in general.

3 – Write:

Keep a journal to record your thoughts and hopefully better understand the root of your trauma.

4 – Recheck:

Try to see your behaviors in a new light, and avoid being so hard on yourself. Transform any negative thoughts into positive ones using affirmations and self-love. You’re worth it!

5 – Practice your new way of thinking each day:

You can do this by:

Being patient with yourself and not expecting change overnight
Celebrate small victories, such as setting boundaries or saying ‘no.’
Letting go of the need to please everyone. Do your best, but never forgo your values to make someone happy.
Give yourself grace and sit with your feelings. Please don’t feel ashamed for having emotions because it makes you human.
Practicing mind-management, where you know how your behaviors affect others and can adjust them accordingly.

Final Thoughts on How Overexplaining Can Signal Childhood Trauma

Hopefully, you understand why you overexplain and use these tools to correct the behavior. Now, remember that oversharing isn’t always bad; it’s only harmful when trying to overcompensate for something. Or, if you feel anxious in social settings and overexplain to feel adequate, that’s a sign you have some inner healing to do.

Overexplaining doesn’t have to rule your life, though – a qualified therapist or self-help techniques such as this one can help you heal from the past.

Meet a Deer Mouse Named Harriet Who Loves to Snuggle

March 20, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Rachel and her pet deer mouse Harriet live together in New York and have a very close bond. As a wildlife rehabilitator, Rachel gets to enjoy the company of many animals such as squirrels, chipmunks and mice.

It’s always bittersweet releasing the animals back into the wild, because Rachel forms a relationship with each one. When she decided to rehabilitate Harriet, she thought the deer mouse would eventually want to return to her roots. However, it seemed Harriet wanted to stick around in her new, cozy home instead of roughing it in the wild.

“Harriet is a deer mouse, and she was found in somebody’s house when she was about 8 days old. They didn’t know what to do with her, so they brought her to an animal hospital. But the animal hospital didn’t accept wild mice. So they called me because I’m a wildlife rehabilitator and I’ve raised orphaned mice in the past,” Rachel explains.

Meet a Deer Mouse Named Harriet Who Loves to Snuggle

During colder months, deer mice like to build nests inside homes in rural or suburban areas. They’re especially attracted to homes in heavily wooded locations with protective vegetation and piles of firewood since these make great nesting sites. They may also build nests in warm barns, cabins, garages, attics, and other lightly trafficked areas.

Since deer mice are so small, they can hide out for a while before anyone notices their presence. Some people choose to call pest control to deal with them, but luckily, the person who found Harriet had a heart for animals. Even though they couldn’t keep her, they still wanted to ensure her safety. Raising the deer mouse wasn’t an easy task, however, since baby mice need a lot of food.

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“When I first got her she was very, very small. She weighed about as much as two pennies and she still had her eyes closed. I had to feed her with a tiny syringe every 3 hours around the clock, so it was a lot of work to raise little Harriet,” Rachel said.

Rachel wanted to release the deer mouse into the wild once it became strong enough. However, it seemed Harriet had other plans.

“All of the other mice I’ve raised have eventually become wild and were able to be released, but Harriet has a very unique personality. I’m usually able to pair up orphaned babies with others of their own species so they can interact. But unfortunately, there were no baby mice Harriet’s age so she became very attached to me,” Rachel says.

Harriet Has So Much Love to Give

Most people just see mice as pests, but they can make loving, sweet pets if you’re loyal to them. Mice are actually highly intelligent and can form bonds with humans, just like cats and dogs. Plus, it’s hard not to fall in love with this deer mouse after seeing its adorable face!

“She loves to be held and snuggled, and she loves to get massages – she’s pretty laid back for a mouse. She’ll jump right in my hand when I’m reaching to her cage, and sometimes she even makes a little purring noise to let me know that she’s happy,” Rachel says.

Besides choosing domestic life over a natural existence in the wild, Harriet has another personality quirk. It seems she’s a bit lazy, which certainly isn’t the norm for a deer mouse! Perhaps she just doesn’t like certain forms of exercise, though.

“Most mice love running on a wheel, but Harriet isn’t a fan of exercise, she is more a fan of the dinner. She’s a little bit plump, but we’re working on that. She’ll occasionally run on her wheel or on her exercise ball, but her favorite thing to do is actually play inside my hoodie,” Rachel explained.

The deer mouse also seems a bit picky about her diet, only enjoying the highest quality foods.

“I try to give her a balanced diet because she refuses to eat any type of commercial mouse food. She does eat berries and avocado; she really likes that and she’ll nibble on most vegetables. Her favorite thing of all is vanilla yogurt,” Rachel said.

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Rachel’s Advice for Anyone Who Wants a Deer Mouse

“I wish everyone can get to know more about these little creatures. They often have a bad reputation but each one has a unique personality. So, if you ever find a mouse in your house, just remember Harriet, and hopefully, it will motivate you to treat them with the kindness that they deserve.

“Mice are relatively easy to care for as long as they have a cage that’s kept clean and have enough toys to keep them busy. They are nocturnal, and they can be a bit difficult to handle, so I wouldn’t recommend mice as a pet for young children. But if you’re content to just watch and be entertained by them, they can be better than TV,” Rachel said.

If you’re wanting to get a deer mouse, make sure you’re prepared to deal with a few noises in the night since that’s when they’re most active. Other than that, mice are relatively low-maintenance animals that just need clean living space, food, water, and loving home. Keep in mind that they can carry diseases, though, so it might be best to get a captive-bred pet mouse.

Final Thoughts on Harriet the Deer Mouse

If you’re a mouse lover, your heart will easily turn to mush just looking at Harriet. Not to mention, she’s got a sweet personality to go along with that tiny frame. Even though you may not want a mouse as a pet, you can still appreciate them and treat them with kindness.

If you ever see one in or around your home, make sure to remove it humanely or call animal control. They will likely bring it to a pet shelter or animal hospital where they’ll attempt to find it a new home. Rachel’s story reminds us that any animal can offer love when we treat them with the respect and compassion they deserve.

4 Things That Help Regulate Anger Immediately

March 20, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Why is it so challenging to regulate your anger? There are different kinds of fury, and it’s essential to understand which type you’re dealing with at the time. For instance, some people become outraged at the social prejudices in the world. Indeed, this could be considered a fit of warranted moral anger.

However, what about the kind where you blow your top at the grocery store clerk because they’re not moving the line fast enough? How often have you given someone a not-so-lovely gesture because they cut you off in traffic, otherwise known as road rage? There are all kinds of anger, and you need to learn what’s healthy and justified and what’s unhealthy and needs attention.

Keeping Your Emotions in Check to Regulate Anger

Since the dawn of time, people have had a hard time getting their emotions in check. Even back in Biblical times, Cain killed Able, his brother, over jealousy in Genesis chapter 4, and it was the first recorded murder of all times. It just shows that humans are faulty regarding the emotional arena. But there are healthy ways to deal with this surge of rage.

If you’ve ever been to therapy, you will recall them saying that you need to count to ten, breathe, and take a walk when you feel like your emotions are out of control. While these are all great strategies, they may not work when you’re about to blow your top. Some people have enough self-control and restraint to keep from exploding, but others have little control and can be dangerous when their rage gets to a certain point.

Now, the strategies of counting to ten and so on can be effective when you’re dealing with simple matters like stress from work. However, when you feel like your emotions are in a pressure cooker all day, you’re going to find that breathing and taking a walk is less productive. How can you keep yourself from reaching your boiling point?

Avoiding Meltdown Mode as You Try to Regulate Anger

There are many ways to defuse your explosive behavior, including effective conflict resolution. Some people have poor coping skills, and you throw a mental health issue like anxiety in the mix, and you have the perfect storm. It would help if you learned to be flexible and tolerant, as these vital skills will keep you from reaching meltdown mode.

Right now, in the world, emotional tensions are imminent. Some people have good coping skills, but all the stress from the past couple of years has blocked these abilities. The world, in general, is chronically stressed, and the part of your brain that can use engaging skills like tolerance is damaged.

According to Harvard Medical School experts, you develop chronic inflammation when you find yourself under intense stress. While you’re concerned about your anger, you should also focus on the inflammation surging through your body that can cause more than rage.

Inflammation is linked to cancer, heart disease, and even type 2 diabetes, all of which can wipe you out without proper management. The Harvard report suggests that another thing to consider is how the inflammatory response impedes your coping skills.

If you’ve raised children, you know the temper tantrums they throw all too well. However, adults have these tantrums, too, mainly occurring when things don’t go their way.

Four Science-Backed Steps to Regulate Anger

It would help if you had tips, tricks, and tools to help you regulate anger immediately. When you’re at work, and someone rubs you wrong, or you’re at home, and one of the kids won’t settle down and behave, you need practical skills you can employ to keep yourself from a meltdown. Thankfully, here are four tips to regulate anger immediately that you can consider.

1. Stop Jumping to Conclusions

Why do people assume so many things before they have the whole story? Let’s imagine that you pass by a restaurant after work hours and you see your spouse’s car parked there. The problem is that they told you they were working over at their job but didn’t say anything about going out to eat.

Naturally, your mind starts racing because you don’t know the whole story. Your spouse has never cheated on you, so this fury is not warranted. You’re not in a positive mindset because of the day’s stresses, but you jump to conclusions and think the worst.

Your partner was talking to a new member of management who wanted some ideas about implementing changes. You automatically assumed they were dishonest and cheating during a business dinner with several people. It’s so easy to create scenarios in your mind due to a lack of a positive mindset, and your negativity will cause you to think and believe things that aren’t true.

If you would ask questions and get some reassurance before jumping to conclusions, it will help you to regulate anger. Another issue is that this can break down the trust between you. Your partner might not be so happy about your speculations.

2. Learn to Engage Active Listening

Your communication skills may be top-notch, but do you regularly listen actively? When you’re in a conversation, you should always repeat what someone says. First, it will give you validation that you heard things correctly, and second, it shows them that you’re listening.

Do you know how many arguments spark because people don’t know to listen clearly, or they put their interpretation on things? According to the CDC, when you listen actively, you’re giving someone your full attention, looking them in the eyes, and getting down to their level. Additionally, when you repeat back parts of the conversation, you let them know you hear every word they say.

These skills can reduce tension and stress, as it’s easy to interpret things like you heard them. However, when you learn to repeat stuff back, they can correct any tone variations or phrasing that might confuse you and answer any questions.

3. Assure Folks You’re Resolution Minded

When a situation causes your blood to boil, you need to ensure everyone knows your intentions. You want to show empathy and understand the problem, and you need to state this upfront. Take on the attitude of being more curious than furious, and it will help you in your attempt to regulate anger.

Ask yourself what the person wants, what’s driving them at the moment, and how you can help the situation. When you are resolution-minded, it keeps you from hitting those explosive levels in your emotions.

4. Understand That Everyone’s Doing Their Best

One of the most important things to remember is that everyone is just trying to survive. Over the past few years, everyone has coped with so many new circumstances. Everyone wants to make it through the day. Maybe you’re expecting too much of a person or the situation, and you might need to adjust your expectations.

Don’t be so quick to tell a parent in the store to calm their screaming child just because their cries are causing your nerves to be on edge. Remember, that parent doesn’t want that child to cry either. While dealing with this sobbing kid, they are doing their best to get their shopping done.

When you start looking at the world by realizing that everyone is trying, it will help you regulate anger and reassure you it’s not personal. It’s a powerful tool to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and view the world from their lenses for a minute. It will change your perception.

Final Thoughts on Things to Regulate Anger Immediately

When you become more empathetic in situations, you will stop looking at things from your point of view and switch the way you view things. It can change how you react by simply altering your perceptions. When you remain calm, you can learn to build your tolerance to frustration.

Most people become angry because they don’t have the whole story or misinterpret things. Keeping yourself calm and avoiding exploding is a significant feat. However, the more you practice regulating anger, the better you will become. Once you master this technique, you will also learn to calm others and manage your emotions.

If you blow your top, it will have a domino effect, and the entire situation could turn volatile quickly. Thankfully, you can avoid stress and keep yourself from the melting point by practicing the four tips listed above. Having empathy is all the reassurance you need to regulate your anger.

Counselors Reveal 6 Negative Feelings to Release Immediately

March 19, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Did you know negative feelings get stored in our bodies, making us feel chronically stressed? When we don’t release our emotions, they build up inside us until we eventually explode. It’s a massive problem in the modern world because many people feel trapped in certain situations. This leads to stress, which can cause innumerable health problems.

However, even if we can’t alter our environment, we can change our attitude about it. Frequently, it’s not the circumstance that causes negative feelings but our perceptions. To live a happy, fulfilled life, it’s essential to release destructive thoughts and feelings. By doing so, you will feel much lighter and connect with life and people on a deeper level.

Trapped negative feelings can lead to mental and physical health issues if left unchecked. Some research links negative attitudes to chronic stress, heart disease, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure, to name a few conditions. People today experience ill health for various reasons, many out of their control.

However, we can control our attitude about life, which isn’t dependent on outer circumstances. For example, many people in third-world countries are happier than those in the Western world, which proves this theory. So, if you want to become more optimistic and release negative feelings, keep these in mind as you emotionally detox.

Self-Help Expert Reveals 6 Negative Feelings Everyone Should Release Immediately

1 – Feeling stuck

You know that feeling when you have so many dreams and goals but can’t seem to get off the couch. Or when you feel like a bystander to your own life, just watching as it passes you by. This stuck feeling means you have trapped energy somewhere in your mind or body. You need to ask yourself what’s causing it and how you can move beyond the feeling.

Perhaps it’s just a gentle reminder you need to switch up your routine or try something new. It could mean taking more radical action, such as changing careers or moving to a new city. Either way, feeling trapped means you need to dig a little deeper to uncover the root cause.

2 – Guilt

Guilt manifests in our consciousness when we’re too hard on ourselves. We might replay events from the past and continue blaming ourselves or feel guilty in the present for taking time to rest instead of being productive 24/7. This toxic emotion causes so many people to suffer needlessly.

We expect too much from ourselves and others, so we naturally feel disappointed and ashamed when we don’t live up to our wildly unrealistic expectations. When you find this negative feeling creeping up on you, remember that you’re worthy already and don’t need to do anything to earn acceptance.

3 – Shame

Many people today also harbor this negative feeling. We feel ashamed for so many reasons – our weight, financial status, career choice, being an introvert, and so on. Our need to label ourselves and ideas as “good” or “bad” led us to this predicament. If you’re feeling shame, stop what you’re doing and repeat after me: “I am enough. I’m proud of who I’ve become. Other people’s opinions of me are none of my business.”

Shame is a very low vibrational energy that drains the life force right out of you. Instead of judging yourself and analyzing everything you’ve done wrong, why not shift that energy into something more positive? Don’t allow negative feelings to take up space in your head because they’re robbing you of your divine birthright to happiness.

4 – Overwhelm

This negative feeling arises when we have too much on our plates. Type A personalities can probably relate to this because they always have a million projects going on. However, even go-getters need a break sometimes, so remember to back off the gas pedal when you’re feeling exhausted. There’s nothing wrong with achieving things in life, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of your health, family, and inner peace.

5 – Anxiety (one of the most outcomes of negative feelings)

Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the most common mental illnesses. Sadly, the pandemic seems to have exacerbated mental health problems during these uncertain times. However, we can still rein in these negative feelings by practicing mindfulness. If you’re grappling with anxiety, try these simple tips:

Remember to breathe. When you’re anxious, your breathing gets fast and shallow, which only makes you feel worse. Breathe deeply and calmly, focusing only on your breath. This will help you regain equilibrium and clear your mind.
Simplify your life. Modern society does have its perks, but it comes at the steep price of our mental health. Just because the world is complicated doesn’t mean you have to follow along, however. Do away with unnecessary material items, find a job you enjoy that isn’t overly demanding, and create your joy.
Reframe the situation. Remember, it’s often our attitude that determines our reality, not our outer circumstances. When you feel anxious, remember the threats aren’t real – it’s just your mind playing tricks on you.

6 – Regret

Like shame, regret lowers your energy levels because it keeps you stuck in the past. There’s no point in dwelling on past mistakes because you can’t change the outcome. Forgive yourself for anything you’ve done wrong, and move on with your life. Remember the lesson, but don’t define yourself by it.

Final Thoughts on Releasing the Negative Feelings That Weigh You Down

Negative feelings make you feel heavy, mentally and emotionally. When we bear their weight for too long, it can lead to physical and mental health problems, becoming chronic. It’s time for humanity to move past the negative reality we’re creating and usher in a new paradigm. However, we can only do that when we decide to free ourselves from the burden of negative feelings.

Start today by cleansing yourself of any feelings or thoughts that no longer serve you. You’ll feel a massive weight off your shoulders and have a more cheerful outlook on life as well.

15 Positive Mantras to Help Be Happy Every Day

March 19, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Positive mantras promote concentration, focus, and confidence. They allow you to feel better and be happy every day as you learn to eliminate negative thinking. These daily affirmations can help with quieting anxiety and maintaining a healthy brain.

Repeat the mantras each morning as you get ready for your day. It’ll start you out on the right path, promoting happiness from the start. Then, use the positive mantras again anytime you feel negativity creeping into your thoughts throughout the day.

You will also benefit from using daily affirmations before bed each night. It calms your mind before you lay down to rest, helping you sleep better and solidifying the positive statements.

Writing the words down or printing them out can help you make them a part of your daily routine. When you see them as you start your day, you’ll take the time to repeat them. Then, you’ll have frequent reminders throughout the day, as well.

Fifteen Positive Mantras to Help Be Happy Every Day

After you become comfortable repeating the following positive mantas, you can come up with your own. The more often you use affirmations, the better they will work for you. Keep an open mind and allow yourself to believe the words.

1 – I am grateful for all the gifts life has given me.

Think about all of the experiences you’ve had, people you’ve loved, or things you’ve acquired. While you likely worked hard to have a good life, these blessings are still gifts.

Use this affirmation to remind yourself that you have great things, people, and opportunities in your life. With the reminder, you’re sure to be happy every day.

2 – I release negativity and open myself to positivity.

As you let go of negative thinking, it leaves space for positive thoughts. As soon as you start getting ready for your day, repeat this affirmation until you feel positivity flowing within. When you do, you’ll experience more positive thoughts throughout the day, allowing for happiness and peace.

3 – I am living a good life.

Even if you aren’t where you want to be yet, you still have a good life. When you use this positive mantra each day, you’ll remember to embrace what you have. Take a few minutes each day to remind yourself that all is well, and you’ll feel much happier.

4 – I am radiating love and accepting it in return.

When you tell yourself that you’re radiating love, you’ll find that it truly happens. Switching your mindset and thinking loving thoughts can make all the difference in your life. When you radiate love and are open to accepting it, you’ll feel happy every day.

5 – I am okay and happy right here, right now.

When times get hard in your life, using this mantra can help you refocus and calm your mind. No matter how chaotic things get, there is still good all around you.

As you say the words, envision things in your life right now that make you happy. Even in the most challenging times, you can think of something. Take a few moments to remind yourself that you are okay and open to happiness right now.

6 – I am worthy of happiness.

Negative self-talk sometimes convinces you that you don’t deserve to be happy. However, you are worthy of happiness and deserve it every day of your life. Don’t let negativity convince you otherwise and hold you back from living the best possible life.

You don’t have to be like everyone around you to earn a happy life. Instead, you have to be yourself and be an excellent person to experience happiness.

7 – I am surrounded by incredible family and friends.

Many people view their loved ones as the essential thing in their lives. However, it’s easy to forget how great your support system is when times get hard. You might shut everyone out and try to tackle life’s challenges all alone, hindering your happiness.

This positive mantra serves as a reminder of the loving family and friends surrounding you. Think of your support system, and you’ll quickly experience happiness every day. It’ll also encourage you to reach out to them when you need a boost of positivity, as you’ll already be thinking of them.

8 – I love myself for who I am, and I strive to become better every day.

You can want to be a better version of yourself and still love who you are right now. It’s easy to think of who you want to be and beat yourself up for not being there yet. However, you’ll get there quicker if you love yourself and enjoy the person you are today.

Use this affirmation that even as you work to better yourself, you’re already great as you are. Embrace your body, mind, and life as they are now, and it’ll continue to improve.

9 – I am enough, just as I am right now.

You are enough for anything you want or need in life. Use this positive phrase to remind yourself that you have what it takes, no matter what your situation looks like right now. Things might get hard sometimes, but you are enough, and you can get through anything.

By using this positive mantra each morning, you’ll start the day knowing that you have what it takes. It boosts your confidence and self-esteem, making you happy each day of your life.

10 – I am letting go of things that aren’t good for me.

If you want to be happy every day, you must let go of things that no longer serve you. For starters, let go of the past and release the worry of the future. This phrase will help you focus on the present and what you can change.

This phrase may also encourage you to let go of other things that aren’t good for you. You’ll go through your day thinking about the words you repeated that morning, allowing you to prioritize things in your life. Before you know it, you’ll let go of all the things that disrupt your happiness and live a fulfilling life every day.

11 – I control my emotions, and I choose happiness.

You can decide how you feel, even when it seems like everything is falling apart. When you encounter an obstacle or something that upsets you, repeat this affirmation. It’ll remind you that no matter what happens, you can choose happiness and focus on the good things in your life.

12 – I forgive myself for the past and focus on the present.

If you haven’t forgiven yourself for past mistakes, you’ll struggle to find happiness each day. By repeating this mantra, you’ll release the past and stop beating yourself up for things you can’t change. You’ll start to focus on the present, allowing you to fully embrace what you have and who you are right now.

Holding onto mistakes from the past only hurts you and stands in the way of your dreams. Don’t be angry or hurt about what happened in the past because you can’t change that now. Use this affirmation to forgive yourself and move on in life.

13 – I am where I’m supposed to be right now.

Everything in life happens for a reason, so trust that you are right where you should be at this moment. You might not be where you want to be, but you can still embrace this stage of your life.

This affirmation reminds you to look for learning opportunities and experiences that can help you improve yourself and your life. You can only build your life on your previous experiences, and there’s a reason you are here right now.

14 – I am looking for things to laugh about.

Laughter is powerful and can help you find happiness each day. Experts say that laughing not only makes you happy but also increases oxygen intake, stimulating the heart, lungs, muscles, and other vital organs.

Laughter also releases endorphins into the brain, decreases heart rate, improves your immune system, and relieves stress. That’s not all, though, as it also reduces pain and increases personal satisfaction.

With all of the benefits of laughter, your happiness relies on finding something to laugh about every day. The more you laugh, the better you’ll feel and the happier you’ll be.

15 – I am calm and at peace.

When you tell yourself that you are calm and at peace, you’ll quickly feel happier about life. While this affirmation is beneficial to anyone, it is helpful for those who suffer from anxiety. It can help you refocus your thoughts and eliminate negative thinking before it gets out of control.

Final Thoughts on Positive Mantras to Help Be Happy Every Day

If you want to be happy every day, you must focus on positive thinking. These positive mantras can help you shift your mindset and start your day with positivity. They help eliminate negative thoughts and focus on the good things in your life.

Positive affirmations are the perfect way to change your habits and convince yourself that life is excellent. Your thoughts impact your emotions, so make sure you focus on the good things in your life.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!