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These 10 Habits Can Help You Stop Procrastination

March 11, 2022 by Deborah Tayloe

Today’s society strongly emphasizes multitasking and doubling your assignments to get things done. If you’re one to put things off, it can make your workload heavier and heighten your stress level. How can you break this procrastination cycle and learn how to balance work and pleasure?

Benjamin Franklin advised that you should never put off until tomorrow the things you can do today. It’s excellent advice, but it can sometimes be challenging to follow. You may have been stuck in a procrastination rut for years, no matter how hard you try.

An article published by The New York Times explains that “procrastination” derives from Latin words meaning to “put things off until tomorrow.” Even some Ancient Romans were tempted to skip a few tasks that could wait.

The article further states that it’s not a character flaw, but it’s more of a way to cope and handle stressful situations. You must be realistic about how much you can do in a day; if you pile on too many things, you become overwhelmed.

Work quality will be sacrificed if you try to cram too many tasks into a short period. Often you may have an overwhelming schedule because you keep putting things off.

Ten Habits to Help Break the Harmful Procrastination Cycle

Nobody starts procrastinating out of nowhere. It’s a vicious vortex that begins in childhood. Here are ten habits to help you break that destructive procrastination cycle today.

1. Realize Procrastination is Normal, and Stop Beating Yourself Up

Along with the doubled-up hassle of putting things off is the guilt and self-loathing. When you’re cramming for yet another deadline, you get frustrated with yourself. Still, you can always find excuses for waiting until tomorrow to finish things.

The first step toward changing your habits is acknowledging them and giving yourself a break. Many people procrastinate–you’re not alone. Be self-compassionate and realize that you’re now doing something about the issue.

2. Discover The Reasons Behind This Behavior

Have you ever wondered what started your procrastination? What are the reasons behind this aggravating habit? You’ll be happy to know that it isn’t just laziness on your part, as it may have a more profound psychological link.

In an interview published by the American Psychological Association, Dr. Joseph Ferrari discusses possible psychological issues behind procrastination. He states that issues like passive aggression, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even revenge may be an impetus. These are personality disorders that many people develop early in life.

Some honest introspection can help you discover why you procrastinate. Do you put off doing specific tasks because they are emotional triggers? Do fear and perfectionism hold you back from what you need to accomplish?

3. Use the Pomodoro Technique

What does a tomato have to do with learning how to break your procrastination cycle? Remember those cute little kitchen timers that your mother or grandmother had shaped like a tomato? You may even have a vintage one sitting on your kitchen counter.

It inspired the Pomodoro Technique, using the Italian word Pomodoro for tomato. According to an article published by the National Library of Medicine, Dr. Amrita Mandal says Francesco Cirillo developed the technique in the 80s. He named his innovative idea after the iconic timer he used as an Italian university student.

The Pomodoro Technique has become a globally popular tool to overcome procrastination. Its effective time management means that it’s easy to implement in your home or office. Here are the basics, according to the article:

Choose a task
Set your timer to 25 minutes
Focus on working until the timer rings
Take a five-minute break and do what you want
Continue these work/rest intervals to complete your day’s duties
For every four tasks that you complete, you’ll extend your breaks from fifteen to thirty minutes

4. Implement Deadlines to Make Yourself Accountable

Everybody has deadlines, whether for school, work, or home. The consequences may be severe when you miss one. You could face overdue bills, possible job loss, or failing grades. Unfortunately, many people wait until the last minute to complete a task when it’s due.

If deadlines are your Achilles tendon and you’re prone to procrastination, be proactive. Break the task into smaller tasks and give each one a time frame. When you meet the deadline of each minor assignment, you’ll finish on time.

5. Set Up a Rewards System

Of course, a job well done is its incentive. But until you finish the task, the reward may seem far from reach. Another way to halt the procrastination cycle is to devise an incentive system during and afterward. It can give you a positive mindset to get your tasks done.

For example, say you’ve been procrastinating weight loss. You keep saying you’ll start on Monday, but Monday never comes. Maybe the results are too far away for you to perceive the rewards.

Instead, break your big goal into smaller goals and reward yourself for each step. Say you treat yourself to a movie or a weekend away for every ten pounds you lose. The rewards will be immediately enjoyed, and you’ll soon have the big bonus of a new wardrobe and a new you.

6. Work on Enhancing Your Focus

Focusing on the task at hand doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Mental issues like ADHD or anxiety disorders can keep your mind in chaos. You try to finish a job, get distracted, and end up in a procrastination cycle.

It takes practice to enhance your focus. Try to minimize distractions around your workspace. Identify things that rob your direction, such as constantly checking email or social media.

If noise distracts you, consider wearing earphones while you’re working. Put your emails and social media on hold and check them only on a break. Meditation and visualization are excellent tools for boosting your focus.

7. Practice the Two-minute Rule

Another valuable tool for effective time management is the two-minute rule. You jump into the task and do part of it for at least two minutes. Those minutes may be all you need to get past the avoidance.

For example, do you hate to tackle your inbox at work? Try the two-minute rule instead of finishing the task until things are late. Take a deep breath and immediately begin sorting your paperwork.

You may see that it’s not that bad, and you continue to work for another few minutes. The goal is to get used to doing the task instead of avoiding it. You might be surprised you can complete these dreaded tasks on time.

8. Use Chunking to Manage Your Expectations

Remember the example of using smaller goals for weight loss? The concept of dividing tasks into smaller ones is called chunking. It can be used for your most minor chores to achieve your life’s dreams.

It follows the mantra of “one day at a time.” However, you can break that down further into one hour or even a few minutes at a time. The most significant tasks aren’t so overwhelming when taken step by step.

Have you dreamed about a vacation to Europe? Why not create a vision board that lists each step necessary, such as creating a budget? Decide a date and write down each smaller goal you need to accomplish before your dream getaway.

9. Uncover Your Triggers

One of the components of the procrastination cycle is emotional triggers and avoidance. Perhaps an incident in your past brings up unpleasant emotions, so you avoid specific tasks. Your only way to break the cycle is to identify and learn how to deal with your triggers.

You’ve put off visiting family for the holidays because you can’t deal with a toxic family member. Or maybe you procrastinate talking to your boss about a raise because you fear rejection. Putting these essential things off only keeps you a hostage of your past.

Refuse to allow a toxic person or past hurts to stand in your way of joy and fulfillment. The worst thing you can procrastinate is joy. Learning to identify and get past your emotional triggers makes you more apt to delay tasks.

10. Make Your To-Do List More Manageable

One of the hallmarks of an organized person is the to-do list. It can be a little scribbled note or an elaborate spreadsheet or calendar. These lists help keep you focused and minimize your chances of forgetting something important.

Take an honest look at your to-do list and ask yourself if it’s realistic. Have you piled so much on your plate that you can’t finish anything? Maybe your planning needs to be tweaked by chunking and prioritization.

Making your list more reasonable allows you to get more done. You’ll be less likely to procrastinate and have a feeling of accomplishment. Don’t forget to make time for yourself and your family and friends.

Final Thoughts on Habits to Help Break the Harmful Procrastination Cycle

Managing your time can be easier when you learn to prioritize, focus, and complete each task. Use these and other helpful hacks and determine to break the procrastination cycle for good, and you can have a sense of accomplishment about getting things done. There’s no better time than the present to start.

Study Explains How the First Born Child Is Often the Most Intelligent

March 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A study by German researchers reveals that the firstborn child tends to have higher intelligence. Of course, being the oldest doesn’t always equate to having more wisdom, but the eldest sibling does have some advantages.

For example, when parents have their first child, they spend more time with them. The undivided attention they give to their first born may influence their IQ. Since the parents only have one child to look after, they can invest more energy and effort into raising them. They may have more time to teach the child vital reading, writing, and other educational topics.

However, the parents probably have other obligations when the second or third child comes along. Demanding careers and busier schedules make it challenging to devote as much time to later-born children. This doesn’t mean the parents love them any less; it’s just the harsh reality of trying to juggle family life with other responsibilities.

Also, parents are still learning the ropes of child-rearing with the firstborn child. In this “experimental” phase, the parents want to get everything right, so they indulge their child. After they feel more comfortable with parenting, they may loosen their grip and have a more relaxed approach.

Children born later may enjoy having more freedom and fewer rules to follow. However, they don’t benefit from their parents’ uninterrupted attention as the first born child did.

Study Explains How the First-Born Child Is Often the Most Intelligent

Birth order doesn’t always determine intelligence, but this study found that first-born children had slightly higher IQs. Researchers from the University of Leipzig studied the birth order of 20,000 people from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany.

They assessed intelligence based on verbal ability and general IQ tests. Researchers also gave personality tests to the participants in adulthood, which measured the “Big Five” personality traits. These include extroversion, emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness.

The researchers determined that first-born children had, on average, an IQ of 1.5 points higher than second-born children. So, being the oldest child seems to have only a slight impact on intelligence. The results determined that the eldest child had a higher IQ 60% of the time. Also, birth order seemed not to influence personality traits.

The findings have been published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Other studies confirm the theory that the oldest child possesses higher intelligence. A study published in the Journal of Human Resources found that firstborn children exhibit more academic prowess. Their parents tend to invest more in their education, which gives them an advantage over their siblings. Researchers found that they scored better on cognitive tests than their younger siblings at the same age.

The findings were based on the Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of the Youth, which includes data on thousands of young adults between 14 and 21.

The survey began in 1979 and asked questions on employment, income, education, family life, and other background information. Researchers interviewed the respondents at the beginning of the study and every two years since 2014.

Co-author Jee-Yeon K. Lehmann, an economist at the Analysis Group in Boston, said she was astounded that parenting styles affected a child’s cognitive abilities early in life. She added that new parents tend to be more aware of how their actions affect their firstborn. However, they’re not as rigid with each subsequent child since it’s not their first rodeo.

Being the First Born Offers Several Advantages

While the study found that parents give equal love and affection to all their children, the oldest still receives more mental stimulation. Families can’t offer the same engagement in educational activities such as reading, teaching the alphabet, and playing with second or third-born children.

As families face time constraints, they consciously or unconsciously adjust their behavior and attitudes about parenting. However, like the previous study, the authors found that parenting styles did not impact children’s personalities. First-born children displayed more confidence, especially regarding their intelligence and academic performance.

In addition, the mother’s behavior became more relaxed with each subsequent pregnancy. For example, the study found that women started prenatal care later if they’d already had a child. They also didn’t breastfeed as often and drank more alcohol than first-time moms. Studies reveal that breastfed babies have better cognitive performance as they get older.

So, it’s clear that parental behaviors and habits profoundly influence children. Firstborn children may have the advantage, but parents should try to give each subsequent child the same love and attention. Early life experiences have a lasting impact on a child and can significantly influence their academic success.

Of course, you can also count on your eldest child to help with some responsibilities. Many parents rely on older children to babysit, read, change diapers, feed, and play with their younger siblings. Raising a family is no easy task; it truly takes a village to accomplish.

As life becomes more demanding, parents often ask the older child to step up and help around the house. This can reduce the burden on parents and instill a sense of responsibility in the eldest child.

Final Thoughts on Studies Showing Oldest Child Has Higher IQ

Being the oldest child in the family comes with greater responsibility and numerous benefits. Your parents probably spent more time with you as a child, helping you develop essential skills such as reading. They also had fewer responsibilities and more energy to invest in their academic success and emotional health.

So, if you’re the firstborn in your family, you should consider yourself lucky. Your parents may have been harder on you, but it’s only because they devoted so much time to ensure your success. Plus, wisdom comes with age, so you can share what you’ve learned with younger siblings.

Scientist Explains How Long It Takes to Get Over a Breakup

March 11, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

The end of a relationship can be challenging for anyone, no matter how long the relationship lasted. It’s a source of pain, and you’ll likely experience lingering grief as you work to get over a breakup. You might wonder how long the heartbreak will last and, while there’s no definitive answer, there are a few guidelines.

Sometimes it only takes someone a few weeks to get over a breakup. For others, it could take months or years to heal fully. Everyone recovers at a different pace, and many factors contribute to the speed of the healing process.

While there is no definitive answer, scientists have researched how long it takes to get over a breakup. Their guidelines can help you understand your timeframe, and then you can use the tips below to help you get through it.

How Long It Takes to Get Over a Breakup

Many people have tried to figure out how long it takes to get over a breakup. However, there is still no concrete answer for the average time it takes.

Some people say that a breakup recovery takes half the time you were in the relationship, but it isn’t accurate. The length of your relationship is only one determining factor.

People together for a decade can move on within months of breaking up. On the other hand, people who were together for a few months could take a year to get over it. As researchers worked to find answers, they utilized a few research methods.

Scientific Research on How to Get Over a Breakup

Scientists have researched the average time it takes to get over a breakup. In one study, researchers surveyed college students that had recently gone through a breakup. The results showed that people who, on average, experienced the loss of love 11 weeks before felt empowered, confident, and happy.

Another study focused on people who went through a breakup within the past six months. The participants filled out a questionnaire every two weeks, rating their levels of distress. Their levels declined steadily; on average, they felt better around ten weeks after the breakup.

The results of these two studies were based on the average timeframe, so remember that it might be different for you. What you can take away from the information is that you can start feeling better quickly.

Market Research

Market researchers used online polls to ask individuals how long it took them to heal from a breakup. The results showed that it took unmarried people an average of three and a half months to get over a relationship. Those going through a divorce took about one and a half years to move on.

Although this information provided an average timeframe, yours could vary significantly. It all depends on other determining factors, as explained below.

The Factors That Contribute to the Timeframe it Takes to Get Over a Breakup

You must consider many things before estimating a timeline for your healing process. Everyone heals at a different rate, and the timeframe varies because of these factors.

Your Level of Commitment

The more invested you were in the relationship, the harder it’ll be to get over. If you are heavily committed, you’ll experience more distress, and the grief will likely last longer than it would for someone else. However, it’ll be more manageable if you both decide you don’t see a future together and want to look for something else.

Your Living Arrangement

If you lived with your ex, it might be harder to separate your lives, prolonging your healing time. Not only will you have connected your lives, but you might also have combined your finances. Plus, if you had shared friendships because of living together, that could also shorten the healing process.

Betrayal

When a partner cheats, the recovery time might be more difficult. You’ll have to process more than the breakup; you’ll have to overcome the infidelity. An unfaithful partner breaks your trust, making your healing process much different.

The Quality of Your Relationship

Healthy relationships are beneficial to your overall well-being. When they end, you’ll likely take longer to get over it than if you were in an unhealthy relationship.

You might feel differently if you were in an unhealthy relationship involving communication problems or other issues. In these cases, you might feel more relieved once you have time to reflect. Your healing process might be a little quicker in this situation.

Who Initiated the Breakup

You might be sad when you choose to end a relationship, but it won’t be as bad as it would be if you got dumped. Deciding to end things might even bring a sense of relief that feels fulfilling. However, this isn’t always the case because you might have to leave a relationship you didn’t want to.

Even if you weren’t overly committed, getting dumped hurts a bit. It can make you feel inadequate and diminish your sense of self-worth.

Your Childhood Experiences

You might take longer to get over a breakup if you experienced losses and trauma as a child. Likewise, if you didn’t have stability or independence in your childhood, it could cause a lack of self-confidence now. You might feel like you’ll never heal and move on, but remember that you will.

Six Tips to Help Get Over a Breakup

You will get through this time in your life, even if it takes longer than you expected. You might have trouble sleeping, have no appetite, or see constant reminders of your ex.

When it seems like your pain will never disappear, you might want to know how long this feeling will last. However, you can’t control the timeframe as you work to get over a breakup, but there are things you can do to help.

1 – Give Yourself Time to Grieve

Accepting the end of your relationship and allowing yourself to grieve is essential to getting over it. You can’t recover from losing love if you suppress your feelings. Experiencing all the feelings might be hard at first, but it’ll make it easier to get through it.

2 – Spend Time with People You Love

Social support is one of the best ways to get over a breakup. Your loved ones can give emotional support, help distract you, and offer company when you feel lonely. Not only will your time with your loved ones make you happier, but it’ll also remind you of all the love you still have.

3 – Prioritize Self-Care When You Must Get Over a Breakup

When you go through a breakup, you might not feel like taking care of yourself. The easier option is to stay in bed and avoid doing anything. However, getting out of bed, showering, and leaving the house can make all the difference.

Giving yourself some time is okay, but you must return to your routine as soon as possible. Make sure you eat healthy meals and drink plenty of water to take care of yourself. Plus, do things to make you feel good about yourself throughout the day.

4 – Give Yourself a Clean Break

You likely won’t get a clean break if you have kids together or share assets. However, if possible, give yourself a clean break from your ex. Talking to them regularly won’t help you get over them and will make you question what went wrong. It’ll also decrease your self-esteem and make you feel inadequate.

5 – Work On Finding Yourself Again

If you get out there and rediscover who you are and what you like, you’ll have an easier time getting over a breakup. You can rethink what you want for your life and chase your goals without worrying about anyone.

6 – Spend Time Volunteering

When you aren’t feeling great emotionally, you can help yourself heal by helping others. When you help people who are less privileged than you, it’ll give you a sense of life satisfaction. It’ll also boost your self-confidence, empowering you to move on.

How to Know When You’re Over a Breakup

There’s no sure indication that you’re over a breakup, but there are signs you can watch for. You are likely over it when you:

No longer feel pain thinking back on the good times with your ex
Feel complete on your own
Stop avoiding shared activities or favorite places
Feel ready to date again

Final Thoughts on Scientist Explains How Long It Takes to Get Over a Breakup

While experts have tried to pinpoint a specific time frame for getting over a breakup, there is no way to know for sure. One thing is for sure, though, that you will heal from your loss of love. The recovery process differs for everyone, so be patient as you work to overcome the heartache.

It might seem like it’ll never go away when you are in pain, but it will. Follow the tips discussed above to help yourself heal; you’ll be there before you know it. Remember that the process is different for everyone, so give yourself all the time you need.

Where to Start on the Journey of Self-Discovery

March 11, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Do you want to find yourself? Many people do, and the subject has a wealth of fictional and nonfictional content. The goal of self-discovery could be humankind’s great purpose. To get deeply in touch with oneself and know oneself so intimately seems simple and yet remains quite elusive.

If you’ve wanted to start your self-discovery experience, you may be confused about where you should begin. It’s a huge ordeal and a very overwhelming one, and its daunting nature can cause many people to simply never start it at all. Luckily, there are a few precise places where you can saddle up for the ride. Here’s where to start on the journey of self-discovery!

1. Get To Know Yourself Deeply and Enjoy Your Self-Discovery

The first place you must begin to start on your journey of self-discovery is, perhaps obviously, with yourself. You have to know your true identity, what’s most meaningful to you, and who you genuinely are beneath the surface.

Of course, this is a challenging process. It’s not easy to get deeply in touch with yourself, and it takes an honest effort. Here are some ways to get started.

· Identify Natural Passions

There are a lot of things in the world that you may enjoy. But some things are even closer to your heart than that! Find out what you’re naturally in tune with. What are things that make you feel expressive? And what are things you’ve always loved?

What moves you, pulls you, and makes you feel like you have a purpose. These are the things that you can use in your self-discovery. Please pay attention to your subconscious and what it gravitates towards. These preferences may be built on your experiences, past, or even natural temperament. You’ll want to pay extra attention to things that feel like second nature to you!

· Separate Yourself From Others

This sounds like a simple concept, but it’s harder than it seems. When you go through life, you subconsciously pick up on the ideas and thoughts of those around you. It’s easy to go with the flow and not think about what that entails. Indeed, you might easily muddle the opinions of others with yours.

The status quo has a pretty strong pull, so you have to actively take the time to separate yourself from those norms to achieve self-discovery. What do you truly want in life? What are your honest opinions on specific concepts? How about even the most controversial ones? What do you think about the world? What beliefs or values do you have that may differ from the norm?

· Do Some Backward Planning

As its name suggests, backward planning is the act of planning your life in reverse. You start by thinking about yourself as an old, retired individual. Then, you fill in the blanks. What would that future you be most proud of? What do you want them to be able to reminisce on? Once you have your answer, you can determine what you can do to achieve those results. Research shows that this is an excellent trick to plan and stick to goals throughout your life properly!

It is worth keeping in mind that self-discovery is a process and getting to know yourself deeply will also be a process. You’re unlikely to unearth every truth about yourself from the get-go. It’s okay to take time to discover yourself, to get things wrong sometimes, and to make changes as you develop, grow, and change yourself. That’s all part of the process of profoundly getting in touch with who you are!

2. Find Your Ways To Claim Space

Many people who have yet to begin their self-discovery journey fear taking up space. If you’ve ever felt like you needed to quiet yourself or make yourself smaller so you’re less of an annoyance, then you know what that feels like. You also know what that feels like if you’ve ever felt like you didn’t fit in anywhere or that you had to bend over backward to feel like you belonged.

Self-discovery requires that you break free from this fear of taking up space. You need to have that space so you can perform all your discovery-related tasks! This is also an essential part of living a purposeful life. It would help if you found places to fit in and claim the space you deserve. This will let you stretch out and live up to your potential.

There are plenty of different ways to claim space, but here are a few ideas!

· Find Communities You’re Comfortable In

Support systems are crucial to human happiness. After all, we’re all social creatures by nature! Different people have different social needs. But the bottom line is that you need at least one place where you feel that you belong. Seek out communities that have similar goals, passions, or interests to you. A good society has people who lift each other and are kind and respect each other. Having a sound support system like that will facilitate your self-discovery through helpful encouragement!

· Make Time For Yourself, and You Embark on Self-Discovery

With all the obligations you have in your day-to-day life, it’s hard to set aside real quality time for just you. Don’t make the mistake of neglecting this need. Taking that time for self-care can be crucial for physical and mental health, according to studies. Spending time with yourself, loving your own company, and falling in love with yourself is a critical step of self-discovery. It gives you the chance to have the right energy and motivation to pursue your goals and what you want in life properly.

· Make Your Mark On The World

Not everyone’s self-discovery necessarily includes their impact on other people, but it’s a significant factor in many people’s journeys. Making your mark on the world is a powerful way to claim space, and even a small mark can be a massive thing in the grand scheme of things.

One great way to do this is by performing acts of kindness, volunteering with causes you believe in, and just being good to others. Studies show that these acts will improve your mental health and make you feel more satisfied in life. Making your mark will also increase your ability to have self-efficacy, which is the motivation, resilience, and regulation necessary to put your goal-related plans into action.

· Let Go Of The Need For External Validation

Getting praise from others is nice, but it’s not the main thing that should be driving your journey of self-discovery. If you do everything to receive validation from others, that means your motivation is entirely conditional. Your self-discovery requires that you’re the main person driving it. A mix of external and internal motivation is needed, but the latter is certainly much more crucial.

3. Keep An Open Mind During Your Time of Self-Discovery

We’ve already talked about self-discovery as a process that takes time and how you might sometimes be wrong or need to change your track. That’s a hugely important part of this journey: maintaining an open mind and being okay with the possibilities that may one day come to fruition.

But how can you maintain an open mind? Here are some tips for moving forward in that way:

· Learn And Try New Things

You’re never too old to learn something new. If something interests you, don’t shy away from it because you don’t know anything about it. If you stifle the number of things you explore, that means you’re limiting the potential for discovery that you have. Trying and learning new things will keep you sharp and set the stage for further open-mindedness down the line. It can be intimidating at first, but the more you practice trying novel things, the more you’ll enjoy the process!

· Question Yourself

Like all other human beings, you have shortcomings, points of weakness, and various past experiences you’re still learning from. This means that you can’t lose sight of the fact that, as valid and valuable as you are, you’re not immune from making new mistakes. This means you need to retain an open mind about yourself, too. You must question your thoughts, re-examine your values, and consider your perspectives, prejudices, and errors.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should become your own worst critic. It just means that you need to remain aware that your thoughts aren’t always perfectly accurate. That’s how you continue your self-discovery journey and don’t get lost along the way!

· Request Feedback From Others as a Tool of Self-Discovery

If you have a sound social support system, their feedback and advice can be invaluable when you need it. While other people shouldn’t dictate everything about your life, the people you trust can see some blind spots you may have missed and offer new insights and perspectives. It’s a great idea to have diverse groups of trusted individuals to ask for advice, as this will give you many different ideas to pull thoughts out of. Widening your horizons comes more easily when you’re around people who can already guide you to new roads!

· Use An Abundance Mindset

An abundance mindset involves a lot of positivity and gratitude. It means that you understand that your unique journey of self-discovery is entirely your own and that you’re not in a rush to compete with others. It allows you to let go of the fear of missing out or falling behind.

You understand that life is not a race and are grateful for your unique experiences and the roads that you take along the way on the trip. In other words, you trust that you’ll end up at your goals eventually, as you’re committed to them. So instead of worrying about whether you’ll ever get there, you focus on enjoying the journey on the way!

Final Thoughts On Where To Start On The Journey Of Self-Discovery

Everyone’s self-discovery journey is unique, so it’s hard to give specific advice for your beautiful, one-of-a-kind experience. But there are some great ways to get started on that journey. By getting to know yourself, finding ways to claim space, and maintaining an open mind, you’ll be starting off your trip on the right foot!

Science Explains What It Means When You See Eye Floaters

March 11, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

You are probably used to having a clear vision. Even if you suffer from vision impairments, like myopia or hypermetropia, at least you don’t have dots in your vision. But, some people don’t have the luxury of seeing clearly. Some people have to deal with seeing spots and eye floaters that drift around and that you can never seem to focus on.

And these spots are more likely to develop in older people. Sometimes, they can even appear as flashes. Not many people have to deal with them, at least not when they are young. So, if you wake up one day and you suddenly have then, it’s normal to be confused. This condition is not an issue that people often discuss or even know about–until it happens to them.

And, because they are not common knowledge, they catch many people off guard. But you need to check them as soon as they appear because sometimes they indicate that you’re dealing with something worse. And you need to be aware that they become more common as you get older.

What Are Eye Floaters?

Eye floaters are the little shapes you notice floating in front of you. They are never clear, and you can’t focus on them. It can seem like you are looking at a photo taken with a camera that has dust on its lens. And, no matter how hard you try to blink them away, they won’t disappear. Even when you look at something else, eye floaters move around with your vision.

They appear when your vitreous humor gets more liquid, but some parts of it get harder. The vitreous is a gel-like substance in the middle of the eye. As people get older, this gelatinous substance shrinks, creating particles. These particles detach from the mass and start floating through the vitreous. As they move through the mass, they pass in front of the macula, which is the center of the retina. Because of this, they can obstruct your vision.

Eye floaters have been described in many different ways by different people. Some people even get creative with it and say they see spiders, amoebas, or clouds. But usually, they are spots, squiggly lines, strands, dark spots, or shadowy shapes. These shapes are most noticeable when looking at a plain background, like a white wall.

Why Do Eye Floaters Form?

1. Aging Can Cause Eye Floaters

The eye is one part of the body that is especially vulnerable to change when you age. As you get older, the muscles that control your eyes get weaker, and you start losing your eyesight. And the part that takes an immense toll is the vitreous. When you are young, it has a gelatinous texture. It can keep its round shape, which keeps the round shape of the eye.

This substance fills the space between the lens and the retina, taking up 80% of the eye. The vitreous allows you to see clearly. It’s a transparent substance, allowing the light to pass through it and reach the retina. But the vitreous doesn’t stay bouncy forever. As you get older, the vitreous liquefies, which causes it to shrink, sag, clump, and get stringy. These particles harden, and they start floating through the liquid.

Initially, they will be all over your eye, but they will settle and sink towards the bottom of your eye in time. Once they are there, you won’t notice them anymore. However, it would be best to visit a doctor when you started seeing these floaters. While they aren’t usually concerned about it, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. Torn Retina

Because the vitreous sags as you get older, it pulls away from the back of the eye, tugging on the retina. In some cases, the force of the pull can be strong enough to tear the retina. And if the tear isn’t discovered, fluid can pass through the incision until it detaches the retina. A simple tear will only lead to eye floaters or might cause you to see flashes. But it’s still an emergency that you must take seriously.

When your retina gets partially detached, you will see a lot of new floaters or even a dark shadow obstructing your vision. But if the retina gets detached, it can lead to vision loss or even total blindness.

3. Inflammation in the Posterior Part of the Eye

This is an inflammation of the uvea, a layer of fibrous tissue that surrounds and protects the eye. It contains blood vessels, which is why it can cause inflammation in other structures of the eye. It can affect the iris, the ciliary body, or the choroid. When this inflammation affects the retina or the optic nerve, it can even lead to permanent vision loss.

Posterior uveitis is the rarest form of uvea inflammation. Still, it can affect both eyes, and its victims can be old or young people. This condition can cause inflammatory debris to be released into the vitreous, thus causing floaters.

4. Bleeding In the Eye

There are many reasons why bleeding might occur inside the eye. Because the eye has many veins, most of them very thin, there is a high likelihood that one might burst. And this bleeding can be caused by diabetes, hypertension, and injuries. When blood cells are released into the eye, they are perceived as floaters.

One way to make sure that this will not be a problem is by treating the underlying conditions. If you have diabetes or hypertension, make sure you keep them under control if you don’t also want your eyes to get affected.

5. Surgeries and Medication Can Cause Eye Floaters

The vitreous is very sensitive. Some eye medication is injected straight into the vitreous. Because of this, it can cause air bubbles to form. And certain vitreous surgeries add silicone oil bubbles into the eye.

Either one of these bubbles can be seen as a floater. If you can avoid any intrusive intervention in the vitreous, it would be best. Otherwise, you have to deal with the risk of getting floaters, or your existing condition might worsen.

How to Handle Eye Floaters

1. Pretend The Eye Floaters Are Not There

Eye floaters are usually nothing to worry about. They aren’t an emergency, and as long as you get regular eye check-ups, you should be fine. So, in most cases, the best way to deal with floaters is to straight-up ignore them.

In most cases, eye floaters will fade, disappear, or you will get used to them. Floaters sink to the bottom of the eye if you give them some time. And, even if they don’t fade, your vision will begin to adapt. This is the only non-invasive way through which you can deal with floaters. But, if they become a nuisance or they obstruct your vision, you might have to consider other options.

2. Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a procedure that aims to break up eye floaters. It can reduce their presence, but there are low chances that it will remove them altogether. This procedure is still experimental, so it’s not recommended as the preferred treatment. In some cases, it can increase the number of floaters. And, if the lasers aren’t pointed correctly, they can damage your retina.

But this procedure is still being developed. And, if the details can be perfected, it might turn out to be the best way to deal with floaters. It’s much less intrusive than surgeries, and it’s better than ignoring the issue.

3. Vitrectomy

A vitrectomy is the most invasive procedure that you can use to deal with the eye floaters situation. To perform this, a doctor will remove the vitreous and replace it with a solution meant to replicate it. This solution will have the gelatinous texture it needs to have, and it will maintain the shape of the eye. In time, the body will produce more vitreous, replacing the artificial one.

There is no guarantee that this procedure will remove all eye floaters. Additionally, more floaters can be formed in time. So, even though this is the best method to get rid of floaters, it’s not permanent. And you might even need to perform this procedure again. But you should never consider this unless you have a severe case of eye floaters.

Final Thoughts On What It Means When You See Things Floating In Your Eyes

Eye health is a topic that many overlook and the average person doesn’t know much about how to take care of their eyes. Not only that, but when something’s off with their vision, most people brush it off. They think that it’s not a big deal their vision is a little blurry today. Tomorrow will surely be better.

But because of this, many people start needing glasses or even get so bad as to risk going blind. But when you add eye floaters to this whole equation, it all gets that much more confusing. Eye floaters are the little shapes and spots that you get in your field of vision. The feeling is like looking at something through a dirty window. But you can’t clean this dust off. These floaters are, unfortunately, here to stay.

Eye floaters aren’t common among young people. But as soon as you pass 60, the risk of getting them goes through the roof. And you need to learn what they are if you want to deal with them. They are usually parts of the vitreous that have hardened, detached through the mass, and floated through the mass. But other things, like blood cells and air bubbles, can be seen as floaters. They float around, and when they get over the retina, they will partially obstruct your vision.

They mostly go with aging, but a torn retina, inflammations, bleeding, and even surgeries and meds can cause it. It’s usually nothing to be worried about. It can be annoying for a little while, but after some time, the floaters sink to the bottom of the eye, and you can ignore them. But it would help if you still did routine check-ups, as they can signal that something worse is going on. If the eye floaters become unbearable, you can consider an invasive procedure, like laser therapy or a vitrectomy.

Science Explains 5 Things People Do for Healthy Skin That Don’t Actually Work

March 11, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Your daily skincare routine has a significant effect on your skin’s health. Your weekly facial mask routine won’t matter much if you don’t properly care for your skin daily. However, sometimes, the products you use for healthy skin do more harm than good.

Many people want glowing, radiant skin, and they’ll do anything to achieve it. If you’re one of us, you might switch your products out often to see if something else works better. You might be drawn to facial scrubs your friends swear by, but it’s not always to your benefit.

Many people assume skincare myths are true, hindering their chance at obtaining healthy skin. While you do things to achieve healthy skin, your actions might do the opposite and make things worse. Your skin is a delicate organ, and experimenting with it isn’t ideal.

If your routine consists of any of the myths discussed below, it’s time to make a change. Once you know which habits aren’t improving your skin health, you can learn what to do instead.

Five Things People Do for Healthy Skin That Don’t Actually Work

Avoid these skincare habits–you are wasting time. Besides that, you might even be doing more harm than good.

1. Not Using Enough Sunscreen

Everyone needs sunscreen, no matter your pigmentation or resiliency to burning. As you apply your sunscreen, you must use enough of it. Many people only use a pea-sized amount of sunscreen on their face to still get color.

However, a pea-sized amount of sunscreen is not enough to protect your skin. You must apply about half of a teaspoon or more for your face alone. This amount of sunscreen will give you the perfect coverage to protect your skin from UV rays.

Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen if you want to maintain healthy skin. Experts recommend reapplying every two hours or immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.

2. Relying on Facial Wipes or Toner and Not Cleansing After

You might think using a facial wipe to remove your makeup at the end of the day is enough, but it’s not. You must wash your face with a mild cleanser after removing your makeup.

The makeup wipes don’t remove dirt and buildup from your skin and pores, so don’t skip it, or it can hinder your epidermis functions. Plus, some makeup wipes leave a film of residue on your skin containing alcohol, fragrance, solubilizers, and surfactants. If you don’t wash these ingredients off, they can irritate and dry out your skin.

Additionally, don’t rely on toner as a facial cleanser, either. Toner is for after cleansing to soothe your skin and restore the pH balance.

3. Using Alkaline Facial Cleansers for Healthy Skin

Alkaline facial cleansers have pH levels 6.0 and higher, stripping your skin of natural oil. They make your skin tight and give you the feeling of having spotless skin.

However, alkaline products cause your skin to produce more oil to make up for what is lost. Your skin becomes more bacteria-prone, and your breakouts will likely worsen.

Not only do alkaline facial cleansers remove natural oil, but they also destroy the moisture barrier. Aim for a cleanser with a pH level of around 5.0. It will help decrease sebum production and repair your moisture barrier.

4. Using Just Anything, and Avoid Using Many Products at Once

You might see a product advertised online with promises to solve all your problems. However, everyone has different skin, so what works for one person might not work for you. It could worsen your condition, instead.

Be careful not to use anything that you aren’t sure of. You might want to try an all-natural skin remedy, but you never know how your skin will react. Your skin is fragile, and you must treat it with care. Only use products that you know are safe and be wary of home remedies unless you know you aren’t allergic.

Additionally, you shouldn’t use too many products at one time. You might think it’s beneficial to layer your skin with many products, hoping to solve many issues at once. However, it could quickly cause an adverse effect.

5. Over-exfoliating or Using Abrasive Scrubs

Exfoliating your skin is beneficial, but you must be careful when you do it. First, avoid exfoliating too much because overdoing it can cause skin irritation. Don’t exfoliate more than twice weekly to remove dead skin cells and achieve glowing skin.

Additionally, don’t use overly abrasive exfoliating scrubs. You don’t have to remove an entire layer of skin to exfoliate properly, and it’ll cause more damage if you do. Giant exfoliating beads cause skin tears and inhibit healing, damaging it rather than making it healthier.

Over-exfoliating doesn’t only cause skin tears, either. It also dries your skin out and reduces the natural barrier and nutrients.

In turn, your skin becomes oilier as it produces extra sebum to compensate for what your product removed. You’ll experience more clogged pores and breakouts than you did before you started exfoliating.

Nine Healthy Skin Remedies That Work

Now that you know some of your skincare habits aren’t helping, it’s time to learn what you can do instead. These remedies for healthy skin can help you achieve the glowing and mostly blemish-free face you desire.

1. Use Sunscreen Daily

Even if it’s cloudy or cold outside, you must wear sunscreen. With regular sunscreen use, you’ll show signs of aging slower than others. Plus, you’ll protect yourself from the harmful effects of UV rays.

2. Avoid Picking at Your Skin

Popping pimples or poking at blackheads won’t make them disappear. Instead, it’ll make them last longer and become more discolored. Plus, if you pick at it, the discoloration will last longer, even after the pimple goes away.

While picking at your blemishes is tempting, keep your hands away from your face. You add more oil, dirt, and bacteria every time you pick at your skin.

3. Use a Gentle Exfoliator

Exfoliating is great for your skin when you do it with care. Choose a gentle exfoliator and use it twice a week. Removing dead cells will make your skin smooth, clear, and well-balanced. Regular exfoliating also helps your skin absorb your other products better. If those products are worthwhile, you’ll want to make sure they penetrate your pores for the best effects.

4. Use Topical Retinoids

Topical retinoids treat acne, psoriasis, and some cancers. They also promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production. One of the best products you can use is retinoids because they slow the effects of aging and keep your skin healthy.

5. Avoid Smoking

Smoking cigarettes restricts the blood vessels near your skin’s surface, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. When this happens, it speeds up aging and makes your skin look dull. It also slows the production of collagen, a protein that makes your skin resilient and smooth. If you avoid smoking, you’ll notice fewer lines and wrinkles around your eyes and mouth.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough sleep can make all the difference in the health of your skin. If you don’t get eight hours of sleep at night, it can cause skin inflammation and exacerbate acne. It can worsen conditions like Rosacea and make your skin age faster.

7. Drink Plenty of Water

Your body needs water to function, essential to your overall health. Drinking plenty of water also improves your skin health by keeping you hydrated. With hydrated skin, it’ll appear dewy and look like you’re glowing.

8. Remove Your Makeup Before Sleeping or Working Out

Washing your makeup off before bed can lead to beautiful, healthy skin. Sleeping in makeup promotes breakouts, increased pores, and free radical damage to your skin. If you prioritize removing your makeup, you will prevent these issues from occurring altogether.

Additionally, always take your makeup off before working out. When you have sweat on your skin and wipe it off during your workout, it can push makeup into your pores. Plus, washing your face before working out prevents dirt, dead cells, and other debris from entering.

9. Use the Best Products for Your Skin Type

Don’t switch products frequently; you’ll need time to see if one works for your skin. Avoid using many at the same time, as well. Instead, find what works best for your skin type and stick to it.

Then, develop a skincare routine and don’t skip it when you don’t feel like washing your face. Force yourself to go through the steps each night, and you’ll quickly see an improvement in your skin health.

Final Thoughts on Science Explains Five Things People Do for Healthy Skin That Don’t Actually Work

Sometimes the things you do for healthy skin don’t work. Many times, these habits can worsen your condition and exacerbate symptoms. Your skin is delicate, so treat it that way each day. Now that you know which habits you should break, implement some tips for improving skin health. You’ll find that they work much better in improving the appearance of your skin, and it’ll feel better, too.

UK City Finds Way to Help Restore the Declining Native Bee Population

March 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

In Brighton, England, the council passed a mandate that new buildings use “bee bricks” to help the bee population recover. Bees have been dying at record rates globally due to pollution, pesticides, habitat destruction, and climate change. However, considering nature when constructing our cities could help them come back.

In Brighton, the construction initiative would include new buildings taller than five meters. The bee bricks look like blocks of Swiss cheese with many small holes to create homes for nesting bees. These offer an ideal habitat for 250 of the 270 bee species known as solitary bees in Britain.

As the name suggests, they like to nest alone, often building their homes in the ground. Some, however, prefer to seek out small holes in buildings for their shelter.

Sadly, the bee population in the UK has been rapidly declining since the 1970s. Between 1985 and 2005, honeybee hives have reduced by 50%, and since 1900, 13 bee species have gone extinct. 35 more face the threat of extinction this century due to environmental pressures.

Planting flowers rich in nectar can help bee populations recover. But in dense cities, this isn’t always an option. Bee bricks offer a solution that allows bees and humans to coexist in urban areas.

“Bee bricks are just one of quite a number of measures that really should be in place to address biodiversity concerns that have arisen through years of neglect of the natural environment,” said Robert Nemeth, the town councilor behind the initiative first proposed in 2019.

UK City Finds Ways to Help Restore the Declining Native Bee Population

However, some experts believe the bee bricks may do more harm than good. Some have said the holes aren’t big enough to support a nest and that the bricks won’t help bee populations recover. Others say the bricks may attract mites or parasites and require regular cleaning to prevent disease spread.

Luckily, some studies have found that bees nest in bee bricks with holes as small as 5-8mm wide and 70-80mm deep. Some scientists say bees will naturally avoid dangerous nesting areas as far as the mites. They added that the mites would leave after a couple of seasons, and the bricks wouldn’t need cleaning because of beneficial microbes.

Lars Chittka, a professor in sensory and behavioral ecology at Queen Mary University, told The Guardian that bees “naturally possess hygienic behavior that would allow them to mitigate the risks at least to some extent, or that they would assess the holes’ states before using them, which should to some extent counterbalance the risks that come with such long-term nesting opportunities.”

Of course, it will take a few years of studying the bee bricks to determine their effectiveness. However, it’s encouraging those city councils are beginning to consider biodiversity in their building initiatives.

In addition to the bee bricks, the Brighton city council also included “swift bricks” in the mandate. The bricks have a larger hole in them to provide a habitat for nesting birds, such as swifts. Before migrating to Africa, these tiny birds spend a few months in the UK per year. The government consulted the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to determine ideal placement for the swift bricks.

How You Can Help Bee Populations Flourish

If you’re inspired by the UK’s initiative to help declining bee populations, you can also participate in their recovery. In addition to considering bee bricks in the construction of new homes and offices, you can encourage bee recovery by planting a garden. This act of kindness benefits us since bees are responsible for one in every three bites of food we eat. Simply put, we need bees to survive, so it’s in our best interest to give them a healthy habitat.

To plant a pollinator garden in your backyard, follow these tips:

Make sure to plant only native or non-invasive species. Most pollinators have adapted to feed on specific plants native to their environment. As a bonus, local plants usually require less water than ornamentals.
Encourage diversity in your garden. If we want thriving bee populations, it’s essential to ensure they access abundant pollen and nectar. A beautiful garden teeming with life will attract more bees to your backyard.
Choose flowers that bloom throughout the growing season and plant large patches to better foraging.
Plant various species to attract not just bees but other pollinators like butterflies! Monarchs have made an enormous comeback recently, and perhaps the rise in backyard gardens played a role.
Don’t use pesticides or insecticides since these chemical poisons can kill pollinators. If you have a biodiverse garden, animals will naturally help manage pests.
Keep areas of sunny, bare soil since bees often like to nest underground.
Leave small branches, hollow twigs, rotted logs or tree stumps, and decaying plant material in your garden. These also make lovely homes for nesting bees.

As we evolve as a species, we’ve realized the importance of coexisting with nature. After all, we’re dependent on Earth for our survival, so we should tread lightly and take care of our home. Since we rely on bees for much of our food, it’s essential to protect them from environmental threats. Luckily, it seems we’re turning things around and taking steps to restore nature in all its beauty.

Final Thoughts on How Bee Bricks are Restoring Bee Populations

In the UK, the city council decided to mandate that all new buildings taller than 5 meters must have bee bricks. These bricks have small holes bored in them that allow bees to nest. In addition, they will install swift bricks in buildings to provide habitats for tiny birds such as swifts. These initiatives offer hope for our world and show what we can accomplish by helping nature thrive.

Even though the world seems chaotic and turbulent, we’re making great strides to heal our planet. As we leave behind destructive ways of living, we’re ushering in a new, exciting era of compassion and restoration. And we can all take part in this paradigm shift.

MS May Stem from Epstein-Barr Virus, Harvard Study Reveals

March 11, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

A groundbreaking Harvard study reveals that an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection may lead to multiple sclerosis (MS). MS affects nearly 3 million people globally and currently has no cure. However, most people infected with Epstein-Barr will not develop MS.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health researchers led the study, published online in Science.

“The hypothesis that EBV causes MS has been investigated by our group and others for several years, but this is the first study providing compelling evidence of causality,” said Alberto Ascherio, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard Chan School and senior author of the study. “This is a big step because it suggests that most MS cases could be prevented by stopping EBV infection, and that targeting EBV could lead to the discovery of a cure for MS.”

Multiple sclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease, affects the central nervous system by damaging the myelin sheaths protecting spinal cord and brain neurons. When the immune system attacks these nerve fibers and protective coverings, it leads to inflammation. This alters electrical signals in the brain, disrupting communication between the brain and the body.

Scientists haven’t been able to pinpoint the cause of MS but believe EBV is a likely culprit. Epstein-Barr, a herpes virus, can cause highly infectious mononucleosis and lies dormant throughout the host’s lifetime.

So far, it’s been difficult to determine a causal relationship between EBV and MS. Firstly, MS affects a relatively small population, and the onset of MS symptoms usually occurs ten years after an EBV infection.

Researchers believe this study finally proves a link between the two conditions.

MS May Stem from Epstein-Barr Virus, Harvard Study Reveals

To establish the correlation between EBV and MS, researchers performed a study with over 10 million young adults actively serving in the US military. They determined that 955 had been diagnosed with MS during their active duty.

The team then analyzed serum samples taken every other year by the military. Using these samples, they could determine if a soldier had EBV when the first sample was taken. They also established the relationship between EBV infection and the onset of MS symptoms in active-duty soldiers.

The researchers determined that the risk of multiple sclerosis increased 32-fold following an EBV infection. However, it did not increase after an infection of other viruses. Serum levels of the neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of nerve deterioration caused by MS, only increased after an EBV infection.

Other risk factors for MS couldn’t explain these findings, suggesting EBV as the leading cause of MS. Ascherio says the delayed onset of MS following an EBV infection may result from undetected or mild symptoms. Because MS can mimic other diseases in its early stages, it often gets misdiagnosed.

Common Early Signs of Multiple Sclerosis Include the Following:

vision problems, such as blurred, double, or loss of vision
tingling and numbness in the face, arms, legs, and fingers
pain in the legs, back, limbs, and joints
involuntary muscle spasms
weakness or fatigue due to muscle atrophy or nerve damage
dizziness, vertigo, and coordination problems
bladder and bowel dysfunction
sexual dysfunction
cognitive decline, such as memory problems, trouble focusing, and shorter attention span
emotional distress, which may include depression, anxiety, irritability, and/or mood swings

Diagnosing and Treating MS

A neurologist will likely perform these tests to diagnose MS:

Comprehensive neurological exam: This involves a cranial nerve exam (vision, hearing, facial sensation, strength, swallowing), reflexes, coordination, and balance.
MRI: Doctors consider this the best technique to diagnose MS. It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to detect any brain and spinal cord myelin damage.
Spinal fluid analysis: The doctor will insert a long needle into your spine to take a fluid sample. In people with multiple sclerosis, the cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually has elevated protein levels called oligoclonal bands.

To make a diagnosis of MS, doctors must find evidence of nerve damage in at least two different areas. Also, they must determine that the damage occurred during more than one episode. Finally, they will attempt to rule out any other causes of the symptoms.

Since permanent neurological damage can occur even in early stages of MS, it’s important to see a doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms. As the disease progresses, relapses can become more unpredictable. However, doctors who detect the signs early can provide treatments to slow progression and manage symptoms.

Treatment for MS currently includes administering anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies via intravenous infusion. These antibodies reduce circulating memory B cells, where EBV infection usually remains dormant. However, since this therapy can increase infection risk, researchers say that targeting EBV directly would improve treatments.

Ascherio said this:

“Currently there is no way to effectively prevent or treat EBV infection, but an EBV vaccine or targeting the virus with EBV-specific antiviral drugs could ultimately prevent or cure MS.”

To reduce your risk of contracting EBV, avoid kissing or sharing drinks, food, or personal items with people diagnosed with EBV.

When dealing with medical conditions like EBV, it’s important to recognize that the quality of care you receive plays a crucial role in managing your health and preventing complications.

If you’re facing issues related to improper treatment or medication administration, such as an Incorrect Intramuscular Injection, it is essential to seek legal advice.

A skilled medical lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of medical malpractice cases where misadministration of vaccines or other treatments is involved. They can assist in gathering evidence to support your claim and ensure that your case is presented effectively.

Other Harvard Chan School researchers who participated in this study include Kjetil Bjornevik, Marianna Cortese, Michael Mina, and Kassandra Munger.

This groundbreaking study will hopefully lead to improved treatments for EBV. This, in turn, may help prevent multiple sclerosis, a debilitating disease that can have lifelong effects.

Final Thoughts on Study Linking MS With Epstein-Barr Virus

A new study by Harvard researchers discovered that MS likely stems from the Epstein-Barr virus. They found that infection of EBV increased the risk of MS 32-fold. Also, they determined that other viruses did not increase the risk of multiple sclerosis.

The study could have important implications for future EBV and MS treatments since targeting EBV could prevent or cure multiple sclerosis. There’s no vaccine for EBV, but researchers believe this would eliminate most MS cases. While other factors likely play a role in developing multiple sclerosis, the study marks an important step toward finding a cure.

Lucid Dreams: Facts, Fiction, and How to Experience Them Yourself

March 11, 2022 by Lakeisha Ethans

Lucid dreams have become an increasingly popular topic in recent years, especially in young communities and social media. But the concept of being able to dictate your goals and control them as if you were awake can sound a little far-fetched! Some might even think that this is some new-fangled myth perpetrated by the internet.

In reality, lucid dreams are genuine, and they’re far from new. Eastern traditions have long considered dream state awareness necessary in certain beliefs and practices. Even Aristotle himself has described lucid dreaming in his writings. Essentially, we’ve known about lucid dreaming for thousands of years!

But it wasn’t until the 19th century that people began to study this event in a more official, academic manner. And it wasn’t until a few decades ago that experts discovered reliable and effective scientific measures that objectively study the phenomenon. As such, there’s still a lot to learn about this experience.

With all of that being said, you’re probably wondering just how you might be able to have a lucid dream. In this post, we’ll aim to help you better understand the cycles so you can distinguish facts from fiction and even try to experience them yourself!

1. What Are Lucid Dreams?

Lucid dreams are typically defined as dreams where the sleeper retains awareness of reality. This means that a sleeper knows that they’re in a dream but continues to experience the dream and can decide how they act in it. Sometimes, this includes controlling aspects of the dream, such as its direction, “plot,” or environment.

The phenomenon of lucid dreaming is not particularly understood or well-researched. As a result, there’s a lot that we don’t know about the concept and how it works. It’s theorized in some studies that lucid dreams develop due to activity in the brain’s prefrontal cortex. Too little activity here could make it difficult for someone to be aware of a dream.

Your cortical activity is low when you can’t differentiate between a wake or sleep state. Lucid dreamers supposedly experience high cortical activity during dreams that are comparable to their state when awake. This is why, in some circles, lucid dreams are called hybrid sleep-wake states – you’re somewhere between those two experiences.

A majority of experiences related to lucid dreaming occur during REM sleep. REM stands for “rapid eye movement.” If you’ve ever seen someone’s eyelids moving around while they’re asleep, that’s likely the stage of sleep they were in. This is the final stage of a healthy, typical sleep cycle.

Typical visions can occur during any stage of sleep, but non-REM stages don’t facilitate lucid dreaming. Researchers believe that lucid dreams result from non-lucid dreams that originate in one of the three non-REM sleep stages and continue into the REM phase.

2. Myths About Lucid Dreams

There is a lot of misinformation surrounding lucid dreams. Here are some myths you may have heard about it and what the reality is:

· Myth: Lucid Dreams Are Rare

While not the most common experience, about 23% of people have a lucid dream monthly, according to research. This means that nearly one in four people that you’ve met have one of these experiences per month!

· Myth: You Need To Be Spiritual To Lucidly Dream

Lucid dreams happen to many people, including those who aren’t spiritual and aren’t trying to have a lucid dream. If you know how to encourage that phenomenon, you can experience it regardless of your spirituality.

· Myth: You Can Get Stuck In Lucid Dreams

It’s an understandable fear. The idea of being trapped in a dream world, never being able to return to reality, is the subject of many fictional movies, after all. But by its very nature, lucid dreaming allows you to wake yourself up because you’re aware that you’re dreaming.

· Myth: Young People Make Up Lucid Dreams

Given the prevalence of younger generations talking about lucid dreams, some have been quick to attribute this to a desire for attention. In reality, lucid dreams decrease in frequency as you age, say studies. This is why younger people may have these dreams more often than someone middle-aged.

· Myth: All Lucid Dreams Experience Sleep Paralysis

Sleep paralysis can occur during REM sleep, but it’s not necessary to go through it to experience a lucid dream. Some techniques can increase the chances of experiencing waking sleep paralysis, but it’s not a universal experience.

· Myth: Dying In Lucid Dreams Is Dangerous

This speculation probably comes from fictional books, movies, and shows. Lucid dreams are just that – dreams. Whatever happens in them stays in them. While all dreams can be ways for your subconscious to contact you, they don’t dictate anything themselves.

· Myth: You Can Share Lucid Dreams With Other People

This is a bit of an overly fantastical idea. Maybe technology will allow the sharing of dreams eventually. But for now, this is entirely fictional.

3. Lucid Dream Induction Techniques

Those who want to experience this phenomenon can make use of scientific induction techniques. An induction technique is a method used to induce the desired outcome. In this case, that outcome would be successful. Here are the three most well-known ways to achieve that goal:

· Mnemonic Induction of Lucid Dreams (MILD)

MILD is probably one of the most studied lucid dream induction techniques. It was created in 1980 and was among the first to serve this process. The concept is based on setting an intention that you can act on later, also known as prospective memory. To use the MILD technique, you need to think of a recent dream while you’re in the process of falling asleep.

You then point out something strange about that dream that separates it from reality, such as having wings on your back. Then, think about the desire to return to the vision and remind yourself of that strange thing that will inform you that you’re dreaming. Finally, tell yourself that the next time you dream, you would like to remember that you’re dreaming. This is a great technique to use anytime, but it’s especially effective when you’ve just woken up in the middle of the night from a dream.

· Wake Back To Bed (WBTB)

The WBTB technique builds on the researched idea that the chance of lucid dreaming connects to general alertness over specifics. It involves attempting to induce REM sleep during consciousness. One common way to achieve this is by waking up five hours after bedtime.

Once you wake up at this point, you stay up for half an hour and perform a simple, quiet activity that requires your careful attention, like reading. Finally, after those thirty minutes, you go back to sleep. The goal is to put yourself back into REM sleep directly, simply immediately.

· Wake-Initiated Lucid Dreaming (WILD)

WILD is a complex induction technique that requires the creation of a hypnagogic hallucination. Essentially, you’re aiming to immediately enter a dream as soon as you leave the awake state. This allows for your brain to remain conscious as the rest of your physical body sleeps. The technique is hard to learn, as you’ll be hallucinating wilfully before bedtime, which comes with its own set of complications.

4. Tips For Experiencing Lucid Dreaming

Induction techniques on their own can be pretty effective, but there are additional ways to increase the chances of lucid dreams. Here are some great tips for incorporating into your daily life to encourage successful dreaming:

· Get More REM Sleep Through Good Sleep Hygiene

To arrive at the fourth and final stage of a sleep cycle, you have to be getting good quality sleep. It’s not always enough to get enough hours of sleep per night – you need that sleep to be high-quality. Sleep hygiene will help you here.

Sleep and wake at the exact times each day, avoid stimulating activities close to bedtime, and put screens away an hour before you turn in. You should also ensure a comfortable bedroom environment by reducing artificial light, reducing noise, and maintaining a cozy temperature for your preferences.

· Reality Checking

Reality checking is a variety of training for your brain. The goal is to rapidly boost your metacognitive abilities so that you can become even more aware of your well, awareness. This is useful for lucid dreams because the amount of metacognition you have during both states and wakefulness are almost the same.

As such, training that skill while awake translates to higher levels of that skill in dreams, or so studies suggest. Reality checking can be done during waking hours. Every two or three hours, ask if you’re dreaming while checking your environment. You must pay close attention to your consciousness, how you interact with your surroundings and take note of things that prove your wakefulness.

This can involve checking mirrors to guarantee a normal reflection, looking at your hands to ensure normality, or watching the clock to ensure time is passing as usual. Later on, when you’re dreaming, you’ll perform reality checking naturally and become aware that you’re in a dream.

· Dream Journaling

Dream diaries are an excellent way to make yourself remember various dreams. This allows you to easily take note of abnormalities and common signs you experience that reveal you’re not in reality. The more you log visions in a journal, the more adept you’ll become at noticing that you’re dreaming. Reading the journal will also help cement your knowledge of reality versus the dream world.

Final Thoughts On How To Experience Lucid Dreams Yourself

Lucid dreams are still shrouded in a lot of mystery. There are many myths surrounding them, and not everyone even believes they exist. And yet, they’re surprisingly common, and the chances are that you’ve experienced at least one in your life already.

Inducing lucid dreams involves a commitment to practicing induction techniques and adding certain habits to your everyday life to improve your chances. Patience is key to learning the proper methods. There are also plenty of communities online that can offer additional advice on how you can successfully experience this remarkable phenomenon.

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