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15 Self-Motivation Quotes to Achieve All Your Goals

March 1, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Even when you love what you do and have a vision for your life, some days won’t be as easy as others. You’ll have days when you want to give up or choose something more fun than working toward your goals. When you experience days like this, you’ll need to boost your self-motivation to keep you moving forward.

With good habits, you won’t have this kind of lousy day frequently, but you’ll still experience them once in a while. When it happens, you can use self-motivation quotes to give you a boost of inspiration. These quotes will help you focus and get back on track to achieve your goals.

If you haven’t developed good habits yet, these quotes can help you every day as you work on your new routine. When you set new goals and implement a plan, it can take some time to become accustomed to the schedule. These motivating quotes will give you the willpower to establish beneficial habits.

Whenever you need a boost of motivation, revisit these quotes on self-motivation. The words come from people who have been in your position before, so they can help guide you through. With determination and a positive mindset, you’re sure to achieve your dreams.

Fifteen Self-Motivation Quotes That Will Inspire You to Achieve All Your Goals

1. “Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” – George Herbert

If you wait for the right timing, you might never find an opportunity to chase your dreams. Follow Herbert’s advice and get started right now using whatever you have handy. You can collect better tools as you make progress, but you have everything you need right now.

2. “It’s up to you to make your life. Take what you have and stack it up like a tower of teetering blocks. Build your dream around that.” – Cheryl Strayed

You are the only person who can control your life. Make the most out of your situation using what you have right now, and build on that foundation.

3. “I don’t focus on what I’m up against. I focus on my goals, and I try to ignore the rest.” – Venus Williams

When you focus on what you’re up against, it only causes fear and insecurity. However, when you focus on your goals, you can ignore the negative feelings. Plus, it’ll make the obstacles seem a little less daunting.

4. “Whatever you want in life, other people are going to want it too. Believe in yourself enough to accept the idea that you have an equal right to it.” – Diane Sawyer

You might be afraid to go for your dreams because other people want them, too. Self-limiting thoughts can make you think that you’re not worthy of the position or that someone else is better than you.

However, you must follow Sawyer’s advice and believe in yourself. You deserve good things, and you are worthy of obtaining them.

5. “We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.” – Arianna Huffington

Chances are, you have more than one life goal. You’ll have at least one career-related goal and one personal goal. If you want to put in time for both, you’ll have to figure out how to manage your time wisely.

Self-motivation requires you to get started and focus until the task is complete. When you work this way, you will get more work accomplished in less time, and the work will be of a higher quality. Then, you’ll have time left over to dedicate to your personal goals.

6. “Set your goal, don’t give up when you face obstacles, and stay focused, as the power within is truly amazing!” – Catherine Pulsifer

Pulsifer makes the road to success sound easy in this self-motivation quote. Follow her advice and stay focused as you overcome obstacles. You have the power within you to make it happen.

7. “Impossible is just a word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it. Impossible is not a fact. It’s an opinion. Impossible is potential, impossible is temporary, impossible is nothing.” – Muhammad Ali

Anything is possible if you believe in yourself and focus on making positive changes in your life. Only people who don’t want to put in the effort to do great things describe things as impossible. Keep your goal in mind and ignore anyone who tells you that you can’t do it.

8. “Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses, focus on your character, not your reputation, focus on your blessings, not your misfortunes.” – Roy T. Bennett

Everyone has weaknesses, but they also have strengths. Don’t fixate on the things you aren’t good at because it won’t help you get anywhere in life. Instead, focus on your strengths and build your life around your unique talents.

9. “The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.” – Barack Obama

As Obama explains, good things come to the people who persevere to accomplish their goals. Don’t waste time wallowing in self-pity when you could put pushing forward and getting one step closer.

10. “Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.” – Zig Ziglar

Everyone has the same amount of time in their day, so using a lack of time as an excuse isn’t a plausible reason. It all depends on how you choose to use your time. Focus on the essential tasks first, and you’ll see more progress.

11. “We hold ourselves back in ways both big and small, by lacking self-confidence, by not raising our hands, and by pulling back when we should be leaning in.” – Sheryl Sandberg

When you need motivation, focus on building self-confidence and speaking up. Participate in discussions, ask questions, and take in all the information you can. When you live this way, you’ll always find the inspiration to persevere.

12. “Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.” – Paulo Coelho

Keep your eyes on your goals, or you’ll stray from the path. Focus on making progress toward your dream life so that you always remember what you’re working toward.

13. “I had 22 jobs before I started my own business at the age of 23, and I didn’t want one more boss telling me what to do. So I was motivated simply because I didn’t want a boss.” – Barbara Corcoran

One of the best ways to achieve your goals is to figure out why you want them. Spend time thinking about why you want what you are working toward so that you can remind yourself whenever necessary.

As Corcoran explains in this quote, your self-motivation can come from surprising places. Think about what you want most, figure out why you want it, and then you’ll feel more motivated to work toward it.

14. “Stay focused and don’t allow distractions to fill your mind or derail you from taking continued action.” – Byron Pulsifer

Distractions are a part of life that you must learn to ignore. Don’t let things get you off course and cause you to miss out on opportunities. Keep taking action and stay focused on your goals.

15. “Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration. The rest of us just get up and go to work.” – Stephen King

You’ll get all the inspiration you need in life if you just get started. Don’t sit around waiting for inspiration to strike because it might never happen that way. If you want to experience new opportunities and take steps toward your goal, you must get out there and work for it.

Final Thoughts on Self-Motivation Quotes to Help You in Reaching All Your Goals

There will be days when you feel like giving up or skipping out on your priorities. You can’t give into too many days like this, though, or it’ll stand in the way of reaching your goals. When you need a boost of inspiration, these self-motivation quotes can change your mindset.

As you read these self-motivation quotes, spend time reflecting on the words and thinking about the meaning. If you feel like you’ve lost sight of your goals or you’re just having a bad day today, these quotes can make all the difference. Remember the words or write down your favorite quotes so that you can recall them later on, too.

The more often you read inspiring quotes, the more they help influence your mindset. They will help guide your mind back on track, allowing you to refocus on your priorities.

Psychologist Reveals 7 Easy Steps to Breaking Bad Habits

March 1, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Everyone has bad habits, and many people wonder how to change them for good. They resist change even when they know it’s what’s best for them, hindering their progress with breaking bad habits. If you are in this position, you’ll be relieved to learn that it isn’t as hard as it seems.

Cleveland Clinic psychologist Scott Bea reveals that people resist changing their bad habits because the behaviors bring them comfort. It’s not that they don’t want to be healthy or happy, but they crave comfort. This information can help you address the issue and make positive changes in your life.

Breaking bad habits is essential because they prevent you from reaching goals and affect your health. Bad habits can also be detrimental if you’re in charge of others, whether in a leadership position or as a parent. Your behaviors will likely influence others to form the same bad habits, affecting everyone involved.

When you know what you’re up against, you can make a plan and focus your effort and energy on change. While breaking habits can be challenging, you can find success and stop reverting to your old ways. To help you get started, Bea explains seven ways to find success.

Breaking Bad Habits Starts With Understanding How Habits Form

Before you can effectively make a change, it’s helpful to know how habits form to begin with. Essentially, your brain finds comfort in the rewards that come from each pattern. It creates a neural pathway that makes the repeated activity a subconscious habit.

Habits start with a trigger or a cue that tells your brain to react automatically. Your automatic reaction might be a physical, mental, or emotional behavior in response to the stimulus. Once you act, your brain decides whether the reward is worthwhile.

Your brain determines which actions offer pleasant rewards because it releases dopamine when you experience pleasure. If a behavior relieves stress or makes you feel good, your brain releases dopamine, rewarding your brain.

Your brain remembers the habit loop, starting with the trigger. Then, anytime you encounter the cue, you’ll automatically respond the same way you did before. It creates a cycle that becomes hard to break during your daily routine.

Seven Steps to Breaking Bad Habits

While bad habits are wired into your brain, you can make a change for the better. You can break bad habits and replace them with healthier ones through constant repetition. These tips can help you with breaking bad habits once and for all.

1. Set Achievable Goals While Working on Breaking Bad Habits

One mistake people tend to make when breaking bad habits is setting unrealistic goals. They want to change everything about their life all at once, and it’s more than anyone can handle. Instead of falling into this trap, start with one habit at a time, adding in others as time goes on.

Once you set your first goal, make sure to ease into the change. Pushing yourself too much the first day can cause you to stop trying altogether. Instead, set smaller goals leading up to overall improvement. Make sure your plan is specific and gives you something to focus on.

If you want to be healthier, choose certain achievable behaviors that you can consciously do. For instance, start eating a healthy lunch each day, consuming essential vitamins and nutrients. Then, once you become comfortable with that, you can change your breakfast routine and then dinner routine.

Similarly, if you want to become more physically active, you’ll want to start with low-intensity exercises that are short. Start with 10 minutes, working your way up to more extended periods. These small increments make developing a new daily routine easier as you gradually eliminate the harmful actions.

2. Avoid Temptation

Avoiding temptation is sometimes the best way to go when you’re breaking bad habits. Whenever possible, stay away from your trigger. If comfort food is your problem, stop buying it and remove it from your home.

However, it isn’t always possible to avoid your bad habit triggers. When encountering the cue, use the words “I don’t” instead of “I can’t” because research shows it’s more effective. Saying “I don’t” helps you avoid giving into temptation, whereas “I can’t” can cause you to resist change.

3. As You Are Breaking Bad Habits, You Will Be Uncomfortable

Breaking bad habits is uncomfortable, so you must prepare for it. You’ll want to resist discomfort by giving into your usual behavior, but it won’t help you long-term. Remember that the pain will ease as you get used to the change.

This situation is where willpower comes in because you’ll have to tell yourself no. Accept that it will cause discomfort, and you’ll be more likely to succeed.

4. Acknowledge That Breaking Bad Habits Doesn’t Happen Overnight

Breaking bad habits is a journey, and there will be many ups and downs along the way. You can easily fall back into the cycle, starting all over again. However, if you experience a relapse, know that you can start again.

It often takes many tries before you successfully break a habit, so remember that it is a journey and not a one-time process. Your mind and body will likely resist the change at first, sending stress signals because of the new action. This situation is all part of the journey, and you’ll eventually adapt to the change, allowing you to embrace the new rewards.

It might help to plan for moments when you want to give in. You know they’ll happen throughout the journey, so prepare for what you’ll say to yourself to entice willpower.

5. Reward Yourself

To overcome bad habits, you must find an even better reward to replace them. The incentive doesn’t have to be something tangible, as it can simply come from the way your action makes you feel.

One incentive could be saving money. Every time you urge to purchase the product, set the money aside instead, saving up for something you want. If your habit doesn’t involve buying anything, you can put a dollar aside every time you resist the urge.

Establishing incentives makes it more likely that you’ll continue breaking bad habits. Figure out the reason for your bad habit, and then find a beneficial way to handle it instead. For instance, if you eat snacks as a distraction from work, find a better distraction such as taking a walk.

6. Come Up with a Plan for Breaking Bad Habits

Having a plan is an excellent way to encourage successful change in your life. Start by choosing a start date and writing a list of the behavior you’re starting with. Remember to use specific goals that lead you to the overall change.

Another way you can plan is by thinking about your triggers and what you can do to avoid them. Consider whether someone else leads you to the behavior, and consider distancing yourself from them. If your habit is related to a specific location, limit your time at that place.

Likewise, if your habit is about the feeling that follows it, come up with something else that gives you the same emotion. Ask yourself why you keep doing the action and then find something positive to replace it with.

7. Find Ways to Maintain

As you work to reach your goal and even after you’ve achieved it, maintaining your objectives is essential. It will take time and effort for your mind and body to adjust, so be patient with yourself. It’s easier to maintain the change when you make gradual improvements, making it less daunting.

If it helps, carry a list of benefits with you to reference at times of weakness. Make some of the benefits immediate instead of ones you won’t experience until later. In a moment of weakness, you need something to help you overcome right away.

Tracking your progress also helps with maintaining your new habits. When you see your progress, it’ll motivate you to keep going with the change. Don’t obsess over it, but take time once a week to evaluate your progress.

As you track your progress, pay attention to your improvements and shortcomings. The progress will help motivate you, and the imperfections will show you where you need more resiliency.

However, don’t change your plan after just one week if your results aren’t what you wanted. It sometimes takes a few weeks to see results when breaking a habit. Instead, see how things progress for a while, and then switch it up if it isn’t working.

The ultimate aspect of maintaining your new habits is to keep practicing them. Reinforce them until it requires less willpower and becomes your new automatic behavior.

Final Thoughts on Psychologist Reveals Seven Easy Steps to Breaking Bad Habits

Breaking bad habits can be tricky if you don’t know the best steps to follow. However, you must replace bad habits with good ones to improve your overall well-being. Bad habits are incredibly detrimental to your mental and physical health, so it’s worth the discomfort.

These tips can help you make a beneficial change in your life. Remember that you will likely experience setbacks, but it’ll get easier the more you consciously change your behavior.

15 Quotes for Closure After A Relationship

March 1, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Going through a breakup is hard, especially if you haven’t gotten closure yet. When you want to find comfort, it can be hard to do at first. Luckily, there’s lots of comfort and wisdom found in the words of others because many people have experienced breakups before.

It’s essential that you find closure, whether you broke up with someone or the other person ended the relationship. Your life changes either way, and there will likely be some pain, regret, or rumination during your journey. However, the sooner you find closure, the sooner you can find happiness again.

Quotes are a powerful method for overcoming the experience and helping you move forward. It allows you to readjust and cope with the change, giving you the inspiration that you need to move in the right direction. When you refocus on the positive things in your life, you’ll find purpose once again.

Moving on is a process, but you aren’t alone in it, as these quotes will prove. Remember that many other people have gone through it before, and they found happiness again. These quotes can help you get through the process of letting go and finding mental closure after a breakup.

Fifteen Quotes for Mental Closure After Ending a Romantic Relationship

1. “It is always important to know when something has reached its end. Closing circles, shutting doors, finishing chapters, it doesn’t matter what we call it; what matters is to leave in the past those moments in life that are over.” – Paulo Coelho

A crucial step in finding happiness again is recognizing when the relationship is over. Once you’ve acknowledged the fact, make an effort to leave the past alone. The moment is over, so don’t reach out through texts or phone calls, and let go of anything that brings you back.

2. “Remember that sometimes not getting what you want is a wonderful stroke of luck.” – Dalai Lama

While it might not feel like it at the time, not getting what you thought you wanted is sometimes a good thing. When something doesn’t work out, it means that there is someone better for you out there. Life changes are unavoidable after a breakup, so you’ll likely encounter new experiences and opportunities, too.

3. “There’s a trick to a ‘graceful exit.’ It begins with the vision to recognize when a job, a life stage, or a relationship is over – and let it go. It means leaving what’s over without denying its validity or its past importance to our lives. It involves a sense of future, a belief that every exit line is an entry, that we are moving up, rather than out.” – Ellen Goodman

A graceful exit can make the healing process more manageable, as you won’t have so much to regret in the end. When it’s time to part with someone, don’t get stuck in denial or waste time ruminating on the past with your ex. Instead, focus on the future and remember that something greater is coming.

4. “Ending something, whether it’s a dream, a goal, a friendship, a relationship, or a tie with someone, is always hard. Always sad. There’s a lingering regret of what went wrong and questions that will never be answered. But I came to realize that as a page of my life ends with them, somewhere, somehow, a new chapter is waiting to start.” – Unknown

There will be a little sadness involved, no matter how things end. At one point in your life, your ex was an essential person in your life, and you’ll likely think back to those times. You will also likely think of what went wrong and wonder why things happened the way they did.

Your questions won’t always get answered, so you must learn to accept not knowing. Learn to look at the situation differently and think of it as a new chapter that you get to experience in your life. Thinking of it this way will help you with finding happiness again.

5. “One of the best times for figuring out who you are and what you really want out of life? Right after a breakup.” – Mandy Hale

As Hale explains, the best time to learn about yourself is after a breakup. When your relationship ends, you’ll begin thinking about things differently, and your life will change significantly.

You can reevaluate what you want in your life and start making the changes right away. With no one to tell you otherwise, you are free to start fresh and make your life whatever you want it. Plus, you can spend time reflecting and figuring out your deepest goals and desires.

6. “Closure happens right after you accept that letting go and moving on is more important than projecting a fantasy of how the relationship could have been.” – Sylvester McNutt

When you accept that your relationship is over, it offers the closure you’ve been looking for. Accept things as they are right now, and focus on moving forward instead. Don’t waste time or energy imagining how the relationship could have been because your reality is right in front of you.

7. “Don’t dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” – Denis Waitley

Dwelling on what went wrong in your relationship won’t help you move forward. Instead, follow Waitley’s advice and focus on what to do next in your life. When you think about your next step, you can move on and find happiness again.

8. “It all begins and ends in your mind. What you give power to has power over you.” – Leon Brown

Your mind is powerful, so focus on what you want for your life. If you want to be happy, focus on happiness and make sure your thoughts align with it. Please don’t focus on your pain, anger, or other negativity because it’ll take over your mind. If you ever need a reminder, use this quote for mindful inspiration.

9. “Letting go doesn’t mean that you don’t care about someone anymore. It’s just realizing that the only person you really have control over is yourself.” – Deborah Reber

When a relationship ends, it’s sometimes hard to let go because you still care for the other person. However, as Reber explains, you can let go and still care about someone. You can’t control the other person, but you can control yourself. So, even if you still care for the other person, you must let go and move on to find happiness again.

10. “If you really want closure… at some point, you have to shut the door.” – Jacki Wells Wunderlin

You can’t keep looking back and hoping for things to be different. Moving on requires shutting the door on your past and moving forward toward something else.

11. “It was strange, really. A couple of months ago, I had thought I couldn’t live without him. Apparently, I could.” – Gabrielle Zevin

This powerful quote is a reminder that you can live without your ex. No matter how much you loved your ex, you can get through it and find happiness again.

12. “Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have – life itself.” – Walter Anderson

Life doesn’t always go the way you hoped it would, but you must accept things as they come. When you can release the negative feelings and embrace life as it is, you’ll feel much better.

13. “The end of a relationship is not always a failure. Sometimes all the love in the world is not enough to save something. In these cases, it is not a matter of fault from either person. Some things cannot be, it’s as simple as that.” – Ashly Lorenzana

As Lorenzana explains, the end of a relationship doesn’t indicate failure. Instead, it only shows you that this person isn’t the one for you. Don’t beat yourself up over what you could have done differently because sometimes it just wasn’t meant to be.

14. “Someday, you’re gonna look back on this moment of your life as such a sweet time of grieving. You’ll see that you were in mourning and your heart was broken, but your life was changing.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

When you’re in mourning, it’s hard to see that things will ever get better. Remember this quote and know that someday you’ll look back and see that this time in your life isn’t all bad. As your heart breaks, you’re at the beginning of something great.

15. “Ends are not bad things, they just mean that something else is about to begin.” – C. Joybell C.

The end of your relationship doesn’t signify a lousy situation. Instead, it means that you’re going to experience something even better. Your life is changing hugely, so embrace the moment and allow yourself to be happy again.

Final Thoughts on Quotes for Mental Closure After a Relationship and Be Happy Again

Finding mental closure after a relationship ends can be tricky, and you might feel like you’ll never be happy again. However, many people have gone through it before and found that it was a blessing in their life. Follow their advice and remember their words of encouragement to help you get through.

It’s normal to grieve the end of a relationship, but don’t beat yourself up over what went wrong. Instead, pick up the pieces and move forward in your life. Before you know it, you’ll realize that you’re happy again.

Instagrammers Tell Stories of People Who Helped Others in Extreme Weather

March 1, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Extreme weather events have been ramping up in frequency and severity due to climate change. The unstable weather caused by warming temperatures leaves many communities reeling from one disaster after another. While we can’t predict when the next storm will strike, we can count on each other to make it through.

After hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and any other natural disaster, you’ll always find people coming together to help. If you’re worried about climate change, perhaps you can find reassurance in humanity’s resolve and empathy during trying times. After all, we’re one big, human family, and we should remember what unites rather than divides us.

Instagrammers Share Stories of People Helping in Aftermath of Extreme Weather

We hope these stories provided by Instagrammers can bring you hope in times of great change. There’s nothing we can’t overcome if we simply open our arms and hearts in times of need.

1 – Hurricane Harvey devastated Southeast Texas, but it couldn’t destroy the Texas spirit of giving.

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Many people used their own boats or jet skis to rescue others from rising floodwaters and sea levels. Houston, shown in the first photo, was hit particularly hard, with some places reporting 50+ inches of rain in a matter of days. Thousands of homes and cars were destroyed in the extreme weather, but many selfless citizens risked their lives to save others. People also donated whatever supplies they could in a time of need.

As the floodwaters began to recede, many of those who had used their boats or jet skis to rescue others found themselves in need of repairs. The intense conditions and constant use took a toll on their watercraft, leaving many with damaged engines or faulty parts. Thankfully, services like The Jet Ski Doctor offered much-needed assistance. With their expertise, they quickly got people back on the water, ensuring that those who had been heroes during the crisis could continue to serve their communities without delay.

Hurricane Harvey was the worst flood event in U.S. history and caused over $125 billion in damage. More than 100 people died from the storm, making it one of the deadliest in Texas in a century.

While some communities lost everything, it didn’t stop people from extending a helping hand. For instance, the grocery chain HEB traveled to south Texas where Harvey made landfall to deliver groceries. Restaurants cooked meals for citizens who couldn’t access stores due to flooding. Houston’s Muslim community opened its doors to thousands of people who’d lost their homes and needed a temporary shelter.

2 – Recent tornadoes in Kentucky took dozens of lives and upended communities, but the heart of humanity lit a candle in the darkness.

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Rare December tornadoes tore through the cities of Mayfield, Dawson Springs, Bremen and Princeton. A violent EF4 tornado tracked 165 miles, forming in northern Tennessee before it finally dissipated in central Kentucky near Falls of Rough.

Making a dangerous situation even worse, the tornado outbreak happened during nighttime hours. The night sky and heavy rain hid the tornadoes from view, so many people never saw them coming. Some worked shifts at the local Amazon warehouse and Mayfield candle factory, both of which were leveled by the tornadoes.

In wake of the catastrophic damage and unseasonable extreme weather, organizations all over the country mobilized to help. Mercy Chefs, a non-profit that serves warm meals to citizens following natural disasters, traveled from Virginia to serve Kentuckians. They cooked hot food for victims, first responders and volunteers, providing comfort in a dark time for the state.

Other nonprofits and community members helped with cleanup efforts and collected funds for those who lost everything. Some even sifted through rubble to save others trapped beneath piles of wood and debris. One of the most heartwarming stories from the tragedy came from the Hopkins Country Sheriff’s Office. In Dawson Springs, police officers rescued two babies from a debris pile; one child suffered a head injury, both both survived and will make a full recovery.

3 – The 2021 Snowpocalypse knocked out power for millions of Texans. But Southern hospitality got them through the harrowing extreme weather event.

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When historic Winter Storm Uri blasted Texas with cold temperatures, many weren’t prepared. Since Texas usually doesn’t get below freezing in February, it came as a shock to most. The extreme weather left millions in darkness when it froze the main power grid, and many had to use firewood or blankets to survive.

Some people even burned backyard fences or furniture to make it through the cold, bitter nights. While they struggled to survive, this didn’t keep them from checking on their neighbors. One woman who was a nurse decided to check on her elderly neighbors after power had been out for 24 hours. She brought them food, refilled their toilets with melted snow, and checked their pulse each morning.

Another Texas couple even let their delivery driver, Chelsea, stay the night with them as the roads became impassable. They cooked her a steak dinner for Valentine’s Day, and Chelsea returned the kind gesture by baking them a coconut cake. After a few days, they had become family, all because of the kindness of strangers.

4 – A car accident left drivers stranded on I-95 in Virginia for over a day. Luckily, some of those drivers stepped up and helped however they could.

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Many drivers ran out of gas since they had to run their cars constantly to stay warm. Some had no food or water, and it quickly turned into a dire situation. However, one truck driver dipped into his food supplies so people trapped on the interstate could have a meal. Another woman begged an EMS driver to let her kids stay the night in an ambulance since she’d run out of gas. Without a second thought, the paramedics allowed her and her children to take refuge in their ambulance to stay warm.

In extreme weather events, it’s the kindness of strangers that makes difficult times a little more bearable. Sometimes, those strangers even end up becoming family. It’s heartwarming stories like these that help restore our faith in humanity.

Final Thoughts on Stories of People Helping Others in Extreme Weather

No one wants disaster to strike, but it seems that extreme weather events have become the new normal. However, when it’s a life or death situation, it’s comforting that thousands of strangers usually come to the aid of others. Sometimes, they put their own lives in danger to rescue others, proving that humans act selflessly when it truly counts. With everything going on in the world, we hope these stories remind you that good always trumps evil in the end.

10 Brain Hacks to Help Switch to a Money Saving Mindset

March 1, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Saving money is essential, but not everyone is doing it. You might have good intentions but can’t seem to follow through on the saving part. If so, you can learn to switch to a saving money mindset and boost your financial situation significantly.

Learning to save money means figuring out what you need to do, how to do it, and how to stick to it. You likely already know how to open a savings account, but there’s much more to it after that. It isn’t about being smart or having willpower, but it’s about how you handle the environmental cues around you.

You can read all of the budget advice you want, but it won’t help if you don’t know how to make your intentions happen. Tips like cutting expenses and living below your means are great, but they don’t help you develop a saving money mindset. You must train yourself to naturally make choices to save money if you ever want to put the tips to good use.

Ten Brain Hacks to Help Switch to a Money Saving Mindset

Changing your perspective and taking action are essential steps to developing the best mindset. A money saving mindset requires psychological changes to break bad spending habits.

1. Learn from Past Mistakes When Switching to a Money Saving Mindset

We’ve all made financial mistakes in the past. All that you can do is learn from the situation and work to overcome the effects. Then, you can keep that wisdom in mind throughout your life so that you never make the same mistake again.

Move on from your mistakes, but don’t forget about the damage it caused. Most importantly, don’t let it cause further damage to your financial wellbeing. It’s not too late to make changes, so don’t let your past make you feel defeated.

If you ever encountered financial issues due to over-spending, you can learn from the mistake by tracking your spending. Even better, try breaking the habit of spending money daily. Commit to taking a break from spending, allowing your mind to open up to new ideas.

Another common mistake that people make is not prioritizing where their money goes. You might look at your bank account and think you have extra spending money and then fall short when it comes time to pay a bill. Once you get hit with fees for late payments, you’ll realize your mistake and hopefully learn from it.

As long as you learn a valuable lesson, you won’t fall into the same trap again. Use the knowledge to develop a money-saving mindset and promote positive results from now on. Learning from mistakes helps rewire your brain to avoid the situation from occurring again.

2. A Money Saving Mindset Means Gaining Control of Small, Frequent Purchases

You might not realize how much money you spend on small, frequent purchases, but they add up. Every time you eat out or buy a coffee, it decreases your ability to save. It might not seem like much at the time, but it adds up to a decent amount.

Track your expenses and note every small purchase you make over a specific time. You might be shocked to see the number, and you’ll recognize why you’re struggling to save. However, it isn’t as easy as telling yourself you will stop with the purchases because you also must change your environment.

One thing you can do is unlink your credit or debit card from apps you tend to spend the most on. Entering your card information each time adds a process that acts as a barrier. The more work you have to do to buy something, the less likely you will go through with the purchase.

Another option is to limit the number of times you can buy something each week. If you buy coffee at a drive-thru daily, try limiting yourself to only a few times a week instead. Your brain can better process the number of times you make something rather than the amount of money you spend.

3. Treat Your Savings Account Like a Bill

After you figure out your monthly bills, determine how much is leftover. Consider your savings account another statement, and put your extra money towards your future. You can apply the funds to your savings or retirement, but don’t go out and blow it on things you don’t need.

Try not to think of it as extra money because you can always use it for your future. Saving for your future is just as important as paying your other bills. When you treat it that way, it helps you develop a saving money mindset.

If it helps, have this money come directly out of your paycheck and into a savings account that isn’t easy to access. Then it’ll be harder to put the money toward frivolous things or withdraw it for something else. When it comes directly out of your paycheck, you likely won’t even think about spending it.

4. Think of Your Income in Terms of Weekly Pay

Studies show that it is harder to save when you think of your monthly salary instead of your weekly income. People who view their weekly income tend to be better at budgeting, allowing them to improve their finances.

The amount of money made no difference in the results, and it seemed to be all about how they viewed their salary. This environmental cue makes a huge difference. If you want to save more money and you currently view your monthly income, start looking at it as a weekly number.

5. Wait Fifteen Minutes Before Making Purchases

If you’re tempted to buy something, give it 15 minutes before you make the purchase. The impulse loses its effectiveness after 15 minutes, so you might not spend the money after all. If you still want to purchase in 15 minutes, you can consider it safe to buy.

By giving yourself 15 minutes, you’re more likely to save money than if you purchased things impulsively. If you can, it’s even better to wait a full day or a week before making purchases.

When the waiting time is up, you likely won’t want to buy anything at all. The emotions tied to making purchases wane quickly, so giving yourself time is the best way to train your brain.

6. Use Your Birthday to Your Advantage

Transition moments are the perfect time to develop a money-saving mindset. Having age-specific financial goals can help you build your savings and hit the targets. When you have a date set, it helps make the changes you need to reach your goals.

If your birthday is coming up, set that as your date for making these beneficial changes. It’s a start to a new year of your life, and you’ll have the motivation to make it the best one yet. A fresh start always makes things seem easy as it’s a new season in your life, and you’re more open to adapting.

It’ll help if you put a date on your schedule for the day or week before your birthday. At that time, spend some undistracted time setting your goals and determining how you’ll make the necessary changes. As you define your goals, make sure you focus on developing achievable ones that you can realistically reach.

Having specific goals before your birthday gives you a purpose and direction for money management. It’s easy to lose focus when you don’t have detailed plans and dates in place.

7. Minimize Your Financial Accounts

Having multiple financial accounts can cause trouble in your money-saving efforts. They’re harder to keep track of, and it’s tricky to use multiple accounts in a way that helps long-term.

Plus, handling multiple accounts can be overwhelming, and you’ll quickly get distracted trying to go back and forth. Having many financial reports makes it harder to recognize spending habits or progress.

You’ll have quick access to your overall financial situation by minimizing your accounts. You’ll know where you stand at every moment, and you’ll see when you’re making progress towards your goals. These easy visuals help with developing a money-saving mindset.

8. Pre-Commit to a Money Saving Mindset

When you know you have money coming in soon, pre-commit to saving a pre-determined portion of it. Pre-commitment makes you more likely to keep a higher percentage of your income.

Deciding how much money you’ll save in advance shifts the decision-making environment and changes the cues. It helps you take control and think about how you can benefit your future self.

Then, when the money comes in, you’ll have already thought about how the savings could benefit your future. It’ll make you more likely to follow through with your savings plan.

9. Think About the Price of Items in Terms of How Many Hours You’d Have to Work for It

When you want to buy something that you don’t need, it might help think about the number of hours you’d have to work. Once you realize that you have to work nine hours to pay for something, you might think twice.

As you teach yourself to think this way, it’ll start to become a subconscious thought that steers you away from overspending. It’s sometimes hard to refrain from frivolous purchases, but it’s also hard to give so many hours of your life.

10. Pay All of Your Bills at One Time

By paying all of your bills at one time, you trick yourself into saving money. When your bill due dates spread throughout the month, your bank account might make it look like you have more money than you do. A portion of your funds is already earmarked for other bills due later.

However, as the money sits in your account, you are more likely to spend it before your bill is due. Then, when the date comes, you won’t have the money you intended for the expense.

When you pay all of your bills at once, you can get a more accurate sense of your available funds. You’ll also be more likely to make your payments on time, resulting in better credit scores and fewer charges. If it’s easier, you can ask your credit card company and service providers to change your billing date.

Final Thoughts on Brain Hacks to Help Switch to a Money Saving

Improving your financial situation isn’t always easy, but it’s essential for switching to a saving money mindset. It can change your life and future as you set aside funds to grow your savings account. You don’t have to utilize all of the tips at once, but try one or two out and see how it goes.

Once you become comfortable with the changes, try another brain hack to help switch to a saving money mindset. It’ll create a powerful impact on your financial situation, and your savings will quickly increase. As you develop a money saving mindset, you’ll take control of your finances and change your life.

10 Twitter Users Clearly Define Depression to the World

March 1, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

People usually define depression based on their personal experience with it. Two people suffering from depression may have different perceptions and symptoms. While mental health stigma isn’t as prevalent nowadays, many people still misunderstand what living with depression means. Like anything in life, it’s challenging to comprehend what someone else goes through without being in their shoes.

For example, severe depression may have difficulty getting out of bed or taking showers each day. People without depression may view themselves as lazy or lacking willpower. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. They have a chemical imbalance which makes it almost impossible to live normally.

On the other hand, someone with high-functioning depression may have no problem completing daily tasks. They may have a successful career, a thriving family life, and appear happy on the outside. However, they still experience depression, though not severe enough to interfere with their lives. To an outsider, they seem “normal,” even though they’re still struggling inwardly.

10 Twitter Users Better Define Depression to People Who Don’t Understand

Indeed, how people define depression will vary, but everyone deserves to feel heard and seen regardless. Below, we’ll share a few accounts from people living with depression who explain the battles they face each day.

1 – Depression doesn’t mean you don’t care; it just means you don’t have the energy to.

The most frustrating thing about depression has got to be the indifference. You want to care but all you can muster is autopilot. And you sit there watching life pass you by as you battle the mental fog.

— Boss Baby (@penguinhowler) January 26, 2022

Many people define depression as the lethargy and lack of energy they frequently experience. After taking care of the necessities in life, they may not have anything left for other activities. Battling your mind every day takes a toll on you after a while, so you do what you can to survive.

2 – You can have the whole world in your hands and still suffer from depression.

Depression is an internal battle. Has nothing to do with the amount of love that surrounds you.

— Tasha (@Tash_NoChill) January 22, 2022

As we said in the beginning, depression looks different for everyone. A person with a stable job and loving family can still suffer from severe depression, even if they don’t show it. Even if you have a reliable support system, it doesn’t change how you feel inside.

3 – Taking pills to control depression symptoms does not make you weak. It’s an illness that requires medication to treat in some cases, and that’s perfectly okay.

I’m a medical doctor who specializes in psychiatry. I’m trained in therapy. I have a good support system. I see my own therapist. I exercise regularly & eat healthy.

I still have to take an antidepressant to control my anxiety and depression. And it’s okay if you do too.

— Melissa Shepard, MD (@drshepard_md) January 25, 2022

There’s no universal answer to depression; some people respond to lifestyle changes, and others need medical interventions. No matter how you treat or define depression, you’re not weak or inferior for seeking help when necessary. Many people need medications to ease depression symptoms, including doctors, so never feel ashamed at taking something that makes a living a little bit easier.

4 – Men also suffer from depression and other mental illnesses, even if they’re not always vocal about their feelings.

My two farmers.

Men get anxiety
Men get depression
Men get mental illness

Instead of saying man up and suck it up.

Let’s say: it’s okay. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help

It’s okay and it will be okay

We’re stronger together❤️
#Bellletstalk pic.twitter.com/3eC3zQC8Rr

— highheels&fields (@lesleyraekelly) January 26, 2022

Check on the men in your life because they deserve to have their voices heard. Men suffer from higher suicide rates than women, so let’s end the stigma surrounding male mental health. They’re human, too, and it’s high time we recognize the struggles they face.

5 – Your mental and emotional health should come first because you can’t pour from an empty cup.

I urge y’all to pay attention to your #mentalhealth because your mind, body, & soul can only take so much before the stress of it begins to negatively impact your quality of life. That’s my current situation but getting the help I need. Don’t minimize your #depression & #anxiety.

— Megsie (@warriormegsie) January 21, 2022

Love yourself enough to look after your needs and nurture your soul. When you’re feeling good, you’ll have more energy to devote to others in your life as well.

6 – This image captures the internal battle many people face with depression.

Fighting inner demons.#mentalhealth #depression pic.twitter.com/nFkL2ZqAKu

— Daniela Schreiter (@Fuchskind) January 25, 2022

No matter how you define depression, you can probably relate to this picture. Sometimes, you may feel overwhelmed trying to fight your inner demons because they never seem to disappear. Remember to honor your feelings and practice self-care – the world outside can wait in those moments.

7 – A person living with depression may appear selfish, but they’re just trying to get through the day. They need love and support more than anything else.

My #depression isn’t selfish, I need validation and love but I have no energy or will to do what it takes to keep up my end of relationships. Lately I’ve been so irritable. I stare at the ceiling for hours at night. This is not your everyday darkness, this is advanced darkness

— (@DeepHydrangeas) January 19, 2022

Like this Twitter user, some people define depression as irritability or emptiness. These are common symptoms of depression, as the illness drains your energy and capacity to deal with everyday life.

8 – Depression isn’t a character flaw; it’s a mental health condition. Just be kind because everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about.

Even the strongest of us break down at a point. Mental health issues are real just be kind to everyone. #mentalhealth #depression pic.twitter.com/TPeqCDEoQc

— akosua_rockson (@RocksonAkosua) January 25, 2022

9 – Depression can make you feel like you’re losing yourself slowly. It’s painful to watch yourself fade away and not know how to feel like you again.

I’m Shattered in pieces, idk which piece should i choose.#quote #Sad #idk #depression pic.twitter.com/izq7zZWmGA

— kurumi (@caramel_131) January 20, 2022

Others define depression as a feeling of brokenness, like being shattered in a million pieces. In many ways, it’s like depression steals your identity, which can lead to feeling empty inside.

10 – Perhaps this sums it up best: depression just ‘is,’ and needs no further explanation.

#Depression Try to understand what they’re going through.

‘Its hard to be a friend to someone who’s depressed, but it is one of the kindest, noblest and best things you will ever do’ -Stephen Fry-#mentalhealth pic.twitter.com/E76RcNBI66

— Sunny #PeaceAndJusticeProject #WeAreAllAssange (@animal_paws) January 22, 2022

So, in summary, it’s not always easy or necessary to define depression. Everyone suffers through it differently, but one truth remains: the need to spread love and kindness without asking who’s worthy of it.

Coping Skills for Depression

No matter how you define depression, it’s important to have coping skills in place to manage symptoms. The following can help boost your mood when you’re feeling depressed:

Spend time in nature. Sunshine and the great outdoors can lower stress and temporary relief for depression. Studies confirm this, saying that contact with nature boosts positivity and gives a sense of purpose in life.
Practice mindfulness or meditation. When you’re depressed, it’s essential to listen to your intuition. We’re so disconnected from ourselves in the modern world, but we can start healing by simply being present with ourselves. Set aside at least 30 minutes per day to meditate, practice yoga, or any other exercise that fosters mindfulness.
Cut down on work or other responsibilities. We’re obsessed with productivity but often forget to look after our well-being. Health, happiness, and peace should come first, so don’t feel ashamed to cut back on responsibilities if you’re overwhelmed. Everything else can wait, but your search for inner fulfillment can’t.

Final Thoughts on How Twitter Users Define Depression

Millions of people live with mental illnesses, and they all experience them differently. Because people today feel more comfortable talking about mental health, it’s helping end the stigma and normalize seeking help. Hopefully, the accounts featured above provide clarity and understanding of what it’s like to live with depression.

These 20 Habits Can Help Recharge Your Positivity Batteries

March 1, 2022 by Kristen Butler

Do you ever feel an emotional slump during the day as if you’re running on empty? Maybe you can’t focus or feel drained of all your energy. Life is no fun when you feel negative and downtrodden all the time, but there is a better way to live. All it takes is learning how to recharge your positivity when you feel depleted.

Have you ever seen someone so down and depressed that it seemed to carry the weight of the world on their shoulders? Negativity doesn’t make for a great look on you. Thankfully, walking through life with a positive outlook is like stepping from the darkness into the sunshine. It changes everything.

These Twenty Behaviors Can Help Recharge Your Positivity Batteries

If you’re tired of the slumps, and you want to have a more positive life that’s full of joy and happiness, then it’s a choice you must make. Here are 20 easy ways to recharge your batteries and get back on course.

1. Reconsider Your Eating Habits

You can’t expect to put soda pop in your car’s gas tank and get very far. In fact, not using the correct fuel could cause irreparable damage to the engine. The same thing can happen when you don’t refill your body with the healthy foods it needs to survive and thrive.

One of the best ways to recharge your batteries is to maintain healthy eating habits and avoid junky processed food. According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, a nutritious diet keeps your brain working at optimal levels.

2. Try to Exercise Each Day

Have you ever noticed how pumped you’re physically and mentally after a good workout? It’s because exercise stimulates your brain to produce endorphins and other “feel good” hormones. Even taking a brisk walk, 15 to 20 minutes a day, can strengthen your body and help recharge your batteries.

3. Recharge Your Positivity by Performing Stretches

Pet parents can learn many lessons from their fur babies about relaxing and recharging their batteries. You’ve probably seen your dog or cat do a few stretches from head to toe when they awaken. They also like to stretch after running and playing with the family.

When you get out of bed each morning, consider doing some stretches to get your body limber and ready for the day. Yoga and other traditional gentle stretches are ideal for adding to your daily routine. A body that’s fit and relaxed is less vulnerable to injury.

4. Get Enough Sleep

Sleeping is a natural state of relaxation that allows you to recharge your batteries physically, mentally, and spiritually. Unfortunately, many people are sleep-deprived and go through an overwhelming brain fog throughout their day. If this condition is chronic, you can develop severe health conditions.

Like most people, you probably feel your best with at least six to eight hours per night. Keep your bedroom as dark as possible and maintain a comfortable temperature. Your bedroom should be a serene oasis reserved only for sleep and romance.

5. Take a Power Nap to Recharge Your Positivity

When you listen to your body, it will tell you what you need. Sometimes, you need to recharge your batteries mid-day or early in the evenings. Maybe you’ve had an incredibly stressful day and need a little siesta.

A quick power nap for 15 to 20 minutes can energize you and clear your mind. Be careful that you don’t nap for too long. When you oversleep during your power nap, you’ll be wide-awake in the middle of the night. Sadly, you’ll be frazzled the following day.

6. Enjoy a Warm Bath

Pamper yourself and wash your stress away in bubbles by enjoying a warm bath. There’s something about water that relieves muscle tension while it soothes and calms your nerves. Lock the bathroom door, light a few candles, and enjoy a rejuvenating soak.

7. Recharge Your Positivity Batteries with Aromatherapy

Are there certain smells that evoke pleasant memories and boost your spirits? An article published by Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience explains that your sense of smell links to emotions and past experiences. The next time you need to recharge your batteries, use some of your favorite essential oils as aromatherapy, such as rose, orange, or ylang-ylang.

8. Tap into Your Creativity

It’s easy for your brain to get bored, and you feel like you’re on autopilot. Nix the boredom and give your brain a creative challenge. Schedule time for doing hobbies or learning something new.

9. Take Regular Technology Breaks

How did humans survive without smartphones, computers, and other modern technology? These are inventions that are supposed to make your life easier. However, these same gadgets can rob you of precious energy and quality time with family and friends.

Try to give yourself well-deserved technology breaks, especially during family dinners. Put away your phone and mobile devices, turn off the TV, and forget social media for a while. Not only will your eyes get some rest, but so will your brain and the rest of your body.

10. Reconnect with Family and Friends

While you’ve determined to take regular technology breaks, use the time you save for reconnecting with those in your circle. Of course, that doesn’t include social media. Make a date, go out to lunch with your besties, and recharge your batteries.

11. Avoid Negative People and Emotional Triggers

The best way to keep a positive attitude is to avoid negativity as much as possible. While you’ll always have some grump in your extended family or at work, they needn’t monopolize your time. Also, try to avoid emotional triggers that damper your spirits.

12. Meditate to Recharge Your Positivity Batteries

You can recharge your positivity batteries by spending fifteen or twenty minutes a day in meditation. Designate a quiet space at home or work, close your eyes, and be mindful of breathing. Meditation provides respite for your mind and energy for your body and spirit.

Don’t worry about the intrusive thoughts. Acknowledge them and let them float away like fading clouds. If it helps, you can meditate with music or other calming sounds.

13. Reduce Your Multitasking

At some point, multitasking became the buzzword for everyone’s resume. It’s a badge of honor that proves you can exhaust yourself doing a dozen things at once. Not only do you quickly deplete mental and physical energy, but the quality of your work will suffer.

Although you must juggle various duties, try to keep them at a minimum. You will have more creative stamina, and each project will be your best. Even when you have pressing deadlines, you can pace yourself and not be in a nervous tizzy.

14. Write in a Journal to Recharge Your Positivity Batteries

Sometimes, it recharges your battery to be alone with your thoughts. What better way to do that than a personal journal? It’s an ideal tool for recording your innermost thoughts, dreams, and ideas.

Plus, reviewing your accomplishments ever so often boosts confidence and positive energy. Your journal can be as straightforward or as creative as you like. You can write in it as often as you like, and nobody has to read it.

15. Have Some Fun

The most obvious way to catch a break and reboot your system is to do something fun. Whether it’s doing something artistic, traveling, or participating in a sport, it’s a break from routine. Why not do it with your family and make some beautiful memories.

16. Make a List of Your Goals

How do you know when you’ve arrived at your destination if you don’t know where you’re going? That’s why it’s essential to list your goals and how you plan to achieve them. This list will also inspire you to create more aspirations as you reach each level of success.

17. Let Go of the Past

Adverse events in your past can drain your present energy if you meditate on them. At some point, you acknowledge past failures, hurts, disappointments, and toxic people and decide to forgive. Or you may be the person who needs to apologize and make amends.

Either way, you have to free yourself from these massive weights so you can go on with your life. When you’re no longer shackled by bitterness and love undone, you feel lighter and more positive. You will revitalize your mind for today and whatever lies ahead for you.

18. Tune in to Music to Recharge Your Positivity Batteries

Few could deny music’s emotional and spiritual impact on every living thing. Another way to reboot your energy is to listen to some of your favorite songs, no matter what genre. Get your body grooving to the beat, sing, laugh, and get lost in harmony.

19. Show Gratitude Each Day

How do you feel when you give someone a gift and express their sincere gratitude? You’ll often find that the giver is just as blessed as the recipient. Make a habit of showing your appreciation to others and the Universe, and notice how your positive energy grows exponentially.

20. Spend Some Time Outdoors

The Universe is an ever-expanding source of energy that resonates in all things, including every cell in your body. So, it stands to reason that spending time in nature is a superb way to recharge your batteries. You wonder what secrets the breeze whispers through the trees as your heart rejoices in the chorus of birds overhead.

Make it a point to spend a few minutes outdoors every day. Instead of sitting at your desk during lunch break, go outside and commune with nature. You can’t help but feel more positive about your connection to everyone and everything.

Final Thoughts on Recharging Your Positivity Batteries So You Can Shine On

Your body isn’t meant to be in perpetual motion, and you need a chance to rest and revitalize yourself. When you combine these suggestions with a healthy dose of positive thinking, you’re on the right track. Remember to be kind to yourself and get the rest you need to kickstart another day…and SHINE ON!

These 7 Metabolism Myths Can Harm Your Weight Loss Efforts

March 1, 2022 by Sarah Barkley

Metabolism is a common word regarding diet and healthy living. Since everyone is talking about it, misinformation gets passed around often by well-meaning people. It’s hard to tell which metabolism myths are real and which aren’t, but learning about them can help your weight loss efforts.

Many of the myths have been in existence for decades, making most people believe they are real. Once you know the metabolism myths to stop listening to, you can ditch the ideas that hinder weight loss. For more ideas, you can read about intermittent fasting here. Then, you can work toward hitting your goals, as you won’t waste time or effort on incorrect rules.

Metabolism is a series of chemical reactions that allow your body to burn calories. It includes your resting metabolic rate, physical activity’s thermic effect, and feeding’s thermic effect. These concepts are a lot to understand, which is why they are often misunderstood and have many associated myths.

Seven Metabolism Myths That Can Harm Your Weight Loss Efforts

Without debunking the myths, you’ll waste time and energy worrying about things that don’t matter. It’ll prevent you from reaching your weight loss goals and interfere with your overall health. While it’s impossible to debunk every metabolism myth, here are seven to get you started.

1. Exercise can Increase Your Metabolism, and You Don’t Have to Eat Healthily

Many people believe that their metabolism will increase if they work out enough. People assume that they’ll lose weight if they burn more fat than they take in each day. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way, and working out won’t eliminate the effects of a poor diet.

One of the reasons that exercise alone won’t boost your metabolism is that there isn’t enough time in the day. Most people don’t have enough time to burn more than a few hundred calories, and junk food will put you well beyond that. Even if you plan to work out that day, you must consciously choose healthy eating.

Eating unhealthy foods takes a toll on your body and weight loss efforts. While exercise is essential, you can’t count on it alone. Pay attention to your eating habits and daily dietary intake to see if you’re hindering your weight loss efforts. You must get a healthy mix of physical activity and essential nutrients daily to fulfill your metabolic needs.

2. Eating Breakfast Boosts Your Metabolism (myth alert!)

Most people have heard that breakfast is essential daily and boosts your metabolism. However, experts say breakfast might not have anything to do with speeding up your metabolism.

The myth comes from the thermic effect of food, which occurs when your body uses energy to break down food. This process happens no matter when you eat your first meal, so it doesn’t have to be breakfast. You can eat whenever it works best for your lifestyle and schedule.

3. Cardio is Better for Your Metabolism Than Strength Training

This metabolism myth is common because cardio burns more calories than strength training. However, burning more doesn’t always mean it’s better for your metabolism. Instead, a higher metabolic rate requires more muscle mass.

Studies show that resistance and strength training reduce fat while increasing muscle. Cardio only reduces fat without doing anything for your muscles. So, speeding up your metabolism requires more than just cardio; strength training is the way to go.

Additionally, cardio will only boost your metabolism for at least one to two hours. If you opt for strength training, the boost can last up to 24 hours, helping your weight loss efforts all day. You’ll get more out of your workout by implementing strength or resistance training daily.

It’s essential to note that any physical activity helps burn fat. Don’t skip out on cardio altogether because it reduces the risk of health conditions. The best option is to combine strength training and cardio each day.

4. Eating After 7:00 PM Ruins Your Metabolism

A long-held metabolism myth is that you shouldn’t eat after 7:00 PM or you won’t lose weight. However, it doesn’t matter if you eat late at night or not because it doesn’t affect your weight either way. The only thing that matters regarding late-night snacks is what you choose to eat.

If you choose a healthy snack after 7:00, it won’t harm your weight loss efforts. It will help keep your metabolism going overnight, regulate your blood sugar, and help you meet your protein goals. Choose something healthy, like a low-fat cheese stick or Greek yogurt.

However, if you choose an unhealthy snack, it could hinder your weight loss efforts. Junk food and desserts can cause weight gain, but eating them early in the day or late at night affects your outcomes. So, enjoy your late-night snack, and don’t assume you have to eat your treats early, either.

5. Many Small Meals Throughout the Day Boosts Your Metabolism

One myth that can hinder your weight loss efforts is that eating many small meals is better than three big ones. Eating small meals doesn’t boost your metabolism at all, and it can do more harm than good. Most people struggle with portion sizes, so eating many small meals leads to overeating.

People believe this myth because frequent eating throughout the day can curb cravings but doesn’t boost metabolism. However, there’s nothing wrong with this eating schedule as long as it works for you and doesn’t lead to overeating.

As further proof that eating many small meals doesn’t boost metabolism, you can skip meals and lose weight. Your body won’t suffer from skipping a meal unless you’ve missed multiple meals. However, skipping meals can cause you to miss out on essential nutrients that keep you energized throughout the day.

If you eat three full meals a day, you can eat snacks in between. Eating healthy snacks can help curb your cravings the same way eating many small meals does. Snacks can prevent you from getting too hungry, helping you resist overeating.

6. Some Foods and Drinks Boost Metabolism

Many people believe that caffeine, green tea, and spicy foods boost metabolism, but that isn’t accurate. These foods and drinks can give your metabolism a jolt, but it isn’t enough to make a difference. Plus, the jolt doesn’t last long, either.

The only foods that can truly boost your metabolism are those with nutrients and vitamins. You must consume more than one food to receive adequate nutrition for improving your weight loss efforts. Don’t focus on adding something specific to your diet, but ensure eating many nutritious but low-calorie foods daily.

To add a variety of nutritious, filling, and low-calorie foods to your diet, look for the following:

Fruits
Vegetables
Low-fat dairy
Lean meats

7. Metabolism Slows with Age (the most surprising of these metabolism myths!)

A common myth is that your metabolism slows down as you get older, so people think there’s nothing they can do about it. However, this decline only occurs if you become less active. If you continue being active as you get older, your metabolism won’t slow down.

Three Ways to Boost Metabolism Naturally (Without Relying on Those Debunked Metabolism Myths!)

So what can you do to increase the metabolic process?

1. Drink Plenty of Water

Your body needs water to function, including processing the food you eat. If you aren’t drinking enough water each day, it slows your metabolism down. Studies show that those who drink water throughout the day burn more calories than those who don’t.

If it’s hard for you to drink enough water, start drinking a glass of water before every snack and meal. You’ll get used to drinking so much water and consume more than you did in the past. Water also helps suppress your appetite, making it highly beneficial for weight loss.

2. Get Enough Sleep

You’ll be more energized and focused during the day when you get enough sleep. You’re more likely to make better food and movement choices with energy and focus.

You won’t feel as sluggish, giving you the energy to move whenever the opportunity arises. Plus, you can make nutritious choices with a focused mind rather than reaching for a sugar-filled treat.

3. Take Time to Move During Your Workday

If your workday takes up a significant portion of your day, finding time to move regularly is essential. Schedule short breaks throughout your day, making sure to get out of your chair and move around.

Taking short breaks to move around isn’t only beneficial for weight loss. It also helps boost productivity and concentration, allowing you to work more efficiently.

Final Thoughts on Metabolism Myths That Can Harm Your Weight Loss Efforts

Knowing the truth about metabolism myths can make all the difference in your weight-loss efforts. You can adopt new and eliminate old habits, guiding you closer to success.

Don’t hold up your progress by believing the myths you’ve heard all your life. Do research to see what will work best for your weight loss efforts because these aren’t the only metabolism myths you’ll find. Aim to eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, move frequently, exercise, and get plenty of sleep.

This Sweet Ginger Cat Will Melt Even The Coldest Heart

February 27, 2022 by Kristen Lawrence

Tommy, a 4-year-old ginger cat, lives in the UK with his loving cat parents. The adorable tabby cat garners a lot of attention on social media for his fashionable bandanas and bowties. He’s the perfect model for them, if you ask us! We hope his story brightens your day and warms your heart during these cold winter days.

“When Tommy first came to our home, he was very nervous and he used to run away and hide, but after a couple days he was absolutely fine,” Tommy’s mom said. “We were looking to adopt another kitty, so we found through another friend that there was one in need of a home down the road.”

This Sweet Ginger Cat Will Warm Your Heart

Once they found a ginger cat close by, they decided to provide a loving home for him. They adopted him when he was just eight weeks old in July 2017. They also had two other cats at home that got along wonderfully with their new furry addition. Just like any ginger cat, Tommy loves the simple things in life.

“Tommy loves his treats as any cat would; one of his favorites are the nice, licky treats. Tommy is very lovable and loving, and he loves to sit on our lap to cuddle. He loves playing with his toys and he loves to go out to explore,” his mom says.

When he’s not doing normal cat things, he also loves being a ham on social media! You can find the ginger cat on Instagram @the_ginger_tom.

“We love to spend time cuddling with Tommy; it makes us happy and makes him happy too. If you’re thinking of adopting a pet, we recommend lots of cuddling, lots of love, lots of pet playing as well,” Tommy’s mom said.

Enjoy perusing his Instagram page and admiring his luscious good looks! He probably makes all the other ginger cats out there jealous, because he’s one handsome fellow!

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tommy (@the_ginger_tom)

Interesting Facts About Ginger Cats

National Tabby Day is April 30, so if you have a ginger cat, make sure to celebrate him or her on this day!
Tabbies got their name from their resemblance to silk sold in Baghdad’s “Attabiy” district. In the 14th century, the French named them “atabis,” which became “tabis,” and nowadays, we simply call them tabby cats.
Tabbies aren’t an actual breed of cats, but a way of describing their physical characteristics. One of the telltale signs of a tabby is a unique “M” mark in the middle of their forehead.
You might think tabby cats only come in the color orange. While most people think of a ginger cat as a tabby, they have other coat colorings as well. Black and grey tabbies also exist, and you can usually spot them because of certain patterns on their coats.
About 75-80% of ginger tabby cats are male, and only 20-25% are female.
Ginger cats have five distinct coat patterns. Classic tabby cats have striking swirling patterns, mackerel tabbies have long, thin stripes, and spotted tabbies have large or small spots. Ticked tabbies have unique markings on their faces and agouti hairs (hairs with more than one band of color) throughout their bodies. Finally, patched tabbies may showcase one or more of these patterns, with most of them residing on their legs and head.
Tabby patterns come in handy in the wild, as they help camouflage big cats while they hunt for prey. Large ginger cats like tigers benefit from these markings on their coats. Leopards also bear these patterns.
Ginger cats and kitties have a warm, affectionate, playful personality. They also have high intelligence, but unfortunately, that can make them incredibly stubborn as well.
Tabby cats make wonderful family pets due to their social nature. They enjoy playtime and will gladly participate in activities with their human family.
Like most cats, ginger cats love a good hunt. If you have a mouse or other rodent in the house, a tabby cat won’t hesitate to chase it down.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tommy (@the_ginger_tom)

Basic Ginger Cat Care

If you decide to adopt a ginger cat, you’ll need to ensure you can properly care for him/her. Follow these tips to keep your tabby safe and healthy:

Cats are carnivores, so make sure to feed them foods made only for cats and not table scraps.
Make sure to spay or neuter your cat as soon as possible. Skipping this step can lead to thousands of unwanted cats being born each year, with an average lifespan of just two years. As you can imagine, homeless cats have very rough lives on the street. Also, feral cats can cause significant ecological damage. They’ve been linked to declining bird populations in Australia and North America, and have even caused extinctions on islands across the globe.
Avoid declawing your cat, as tabby cats need their claws for scratching. This behavior is instinctive and helps them stretch, remove dead parts of their nails, and mark objects with their scent.
Take your cat to the vet at least once a year. Even if nothing seems wrong, a good check-up will keep your ginger cat healthy and happy.
Keep a few toys around the house so your cat stays occupied while you’re gone. Some ideas include strings, balls, sticks, or fake mice. Also, consider buying a cat stand or tower, because cats love to climb!

Final Thoughts on Tom the Handsome Ginger Cat

Have you ever seen a cat as photogenic as Tommy? We didn’t think so! He just looks like a pro model in all his pictures; his parents should feel very proud! Tabby cats aren’t just beautiful to look at; they also have a heart of gold and offer companionship to humans. They love to play and will happily engage in any activity with their humans.

If you’ve ever owned a tabby cat, you probably remember their warm, friendly demeanor. Everyone talks about dogs being a man’s best friend, but ginger cats have just as much love to give. Have you ever owned a tabby cat? Let us know your experience in the comments.

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