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How to Use The Elimination Diet to Reveal Food Allergies

December 3, 2021 by Chris Butler

What if you may be allergic to a particular food but don’t know which one? There must be a reason for your digestion problems and skin breakouts. Why not consider an elimination diet to put your system back on track?

To begin an elimination diet, you’ll remove different foods that could be the culprit of your allergic reactions and digestive issues. Then one at a time, you’ll bring the foods back into your diet to pinpoint the things that give you problems. It can be one specific item, or it can be a whole food group.

An article published by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America states that at least 32 million Americans battle food allergies. Approximately 26 million are adults, and 5.6 million are children. According to the article, the most common allergens are milk, eggs, shellfish, soy, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, and fish, ranging from mild to severe.

How Does the Food Elimination Diet Work?

When you ingest a food that you’re allergic to, your immune system reacts by producing proteins called antibodies. Your body’s response to the antibodies is often a rash, hives, or digestive upsets. An elimination diet usually lasts between three to six weeks because it takes about 21 days for any antibodies to be out of your system.

At first, you eliminate a designated food and notice any reduction or relief of any allergic reactions. It will probably take about three weeks to see a difference. Then, you gradually introduce the same food to see if your immune system overreacts again. This process of elimination can help you identify those food sensitivities.

What Are Common Signs of Food Allergies?

It’s frustrating when you’re following a healthy diet and still have health problems you can’t fix. If so, trying this specialized diet could help you find if a food allergen is to blame. Often, you can have a food sensitivity that doesn’t show up on a standard allergy test.

When you’re allergic to a particular food protein, your immune system will overreact and register positive on a medical test. However, you could be sensitive, and you’ll still have symptoms without a positive test result. They can range from skin issues, breathing difficulties and even digestive problems.

You may regain better health when you identify a food allergen and remove it from your diet. Did you know that an unidentified allergy or sensitivity to food causes chronic inflammatory reactions in your body? Left unchanged, this may increase your chances for developing serious health issues, such as:

Asthma
Arthritis
Migraines and other headaches
Joint and muscle pain
Chronic fatigue
Depression and Anxiety
Nutrition deficiencies
Skin issues like hives, acne, and eczema
Hardening of the arteries
Kidney issues
Gallbladder problems
Learning Disabilities
Neurological disorders
Autoimmune disorders, like lupus
Adrenal fatigue
Sleep disturbances and Insomnia
Obesity

Types of Elimination Diets

Since food allergies may vary according to allergen and intensity, the elimination diet has three levels. Choose the one that best fits your needs:

1. Simple Elimination

If your symptoms are less severe, eliminating one trigger food may be more manageable. According to an article published by FAACT, the triggers for most adults with allergies are fruits and vegetables, dairy, eggs, and wheat. Try to eliminate one of these food groups and see the results.

2. Moderate Elimination

Instead of just skipping one food group, this level eliminates several at one time. You may consider moderate elimination if your allergic symptoms are more complicated. These are the everyday foods that cause the most triggers and the most common foods that people eliminate at this level:

Caffeinated foods, like coffee, soda, tea, and chocolate
Alcohol
Dairy products
Certain fruits and veggies
All fats
Eggs
Nuts and Legumes
Foods with yeast
Gluten (wheat)

3. Strict Elimination

At this level, you’ll only eat or drink what’s on the list. Since such a restriction isn’t healthy, it should never be followed for longer than three weeks. You may notice some surprising triggers include the following:

Meat: lamb and chicken
Vegetables: Beets, asparagus, lettuce, carrots, sweet potatoes
Fruit: Apples, apple juice, apricots, cranberries, peaches, pears, pineapple
Grains: Rice, rice cakes, rice cereal
Sweeteners: Beet or cane sugar, honey
Fats: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Safflower oil
Flavorings: Salt and white vinegar

Regardless of which test diet you choose, you will gradually re-introduce each food to see if it causes a reaction. Start with small portions in case your response is severe. It’s also essential to stay hydrated with plenty of water.

Benefits of an Elimination Diet

Are you tired of being sick without knowing the reason? If medical tests don’t reveal any other physical cause, you may be allergic to a food or food group. Here are some benefits of an elimination diet to consider:

1. Reveal Unknown Food Allergens

You may be having health issues and not realize that a portion of food could be doing it to you. Some of your favorite foods may be making you sick, and you never knew it. Once you’ve identified your food allergens, you can create healthy meal plans without them.

2. Relieve Skin Issues

Remember how aggravating it was to deal with acne as a teenager? It can be even more frustrating to have it as an adult. Did you know that an allergy could cause your adult breakouts to food?

These hidden culprits may also be the reason that you are experiencing itchy dermatitis or eczema. It’s especially tell-tale when traditional treatments aren’t helping. The results of this trial diet may be clearer skin, fewer breakouts, and minor itching.

3. Relieve Migraines

Comparing them to headaches is like comparing a hydrogen bomb to a firecracker for those who struggle with migraines. Migraines can be a chronic issue that can be completely debilitating. Did you know that food allergens can cause migraines?

A study published by Headache Journal included twenty-one participants who had issues with migraines. After they eliminated certain foods during a test diet, most participants saw a reduction in their migraines. It demonstrated a positive effect on their well-being too.

Some people have regular headaches when they consume trigger foods. If you have chronic headaches, a food allergen may be the reason. This specialized diet may help identify your triggers, so you’ll have fewer headaches.

4. Help Treat Learning Disorders

Medical researchers aren’t entirely sure what causes certain learning disorders such as ADHD or autism. However, they have found links between these disorders and being allergic to a food. According to an article published by Reports of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, food allergens may play a role in developing these disorders.

Although food elimination hasn’t proven to cure ADHD or autism, it may help ease some symptoms. Foods high in sugar are notorious for increasing ADHD symptoms, so eliminating sugar has been successful for many folks.

5. Reduce IBS Symptoms

When you have gut issues like IBS, it affects your whole life. The price for enjoying delicious meals is often pain, bloating, and chronic diarrhea. Can eliminating certain foods from your diet minimize these exhausting symptoms?

A study published by the Journal of American College of Nutrition discusses promising results. Dr. Jeanne Drisko et al. found that IBS patients who tried a controlled elimination diet and added probiotics had fewer symptoms. The results were confirmed for 100 percent of the 20 patients, according to the study.

6. Help Leaky Gut Syndrome

Leaky Gut Syndrome is a painful disorder that is an apt description of its symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with LGS, contents in your digestion system seep through tiny holes and can make your entire body sick. LGS is often responsible for chronic inflammation and other autoimmune issues.

Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis are typical results from LGS. It also makes it difficult for your body to absorb certain vital nutrients. Wheat allergies also called gluten intolerance, and other food allergens may be the cause.

Even if you can’t cure the disease by eliminating trigger foods, you may ease some of its symptoms. You may have fewer bouts of diarrhea and other painful gastrointestinal issues. Fewer symptoms can mean an improvement in your lifestyle.

Final Thoughts on the Elimination Diet Benefits

While you may lose some weight during a diet of elimination of allergens, it’s not safe for the long term. After you’ve discovered your trigger foods, you may need a registered dietician to help you develop a new diet.

Remember that everyone is different, and your results won’t be typical. If you feel dizzy or overly weak, you may be eliminating too much too quickly. You should start the reintroduction phase and see how you feel.

Undiscovered food allergens can affect your health and entire well-being. When you try eliminating foods to find triggers, your whole life can improve. Skipping a food or food group is worth it when you have fewer health issues and a better outlook.

15 Positivity Exercises to Make You Happy Every Day

December 3, 2021 by Kristen Butler

Many folks find that it’s a daily struggle to remain positive. Even if you start out good and feeling cheerful, it won’t be long until something negative knocks the positivity right out of you. It’s easier to be a pessimist than an optimist, but you can choose your mentality by adding these positivity exercises to your routine.

Do you know what happens when you allow a negative thought to linger in your mind? It won’t be long until you feel down, anxious, and even depressed. Many people are guilty of overthinking situations, and how many times have you worried about stuff that doesn’t even happen? All these feelings do nothing but leave you miserable.

While being positive continuously is just not feasible, you can be upbeat most of the time. The fascinating thing about changing your mindset is that it will alter how you handle things during the day. Most of all, when you incorporate positivity exercises into your day, you can improve your health and become a happier person.

Fifteen Positivity Exercises To Make You Happy Every Day

There are many benefits to positive thinking. When life throws you a curveball, you can learn to find solutions rather than running and hiding, hoping the storm passes. When you have a positive mindset, you will feel this fantastic release that helps you in every aspect of your life.

Stress harms your body, but optimism is the fuel that you need to keep going. Do you need to boost self-esteem, enhance your relationships, be a better spouse, friend, and worker? Here is 15 positivity exercise you need to incorporate into your day.

1. Exercise Your Right to Indulge in Positivity Affirmations

There’s a lot of buzz about positive affirmation. The reason why these declarations are so important is straightforward. In the Bible, Proverbs 23:7 states that as a man thinks in his heart, so shall he be. This advice means that if you believe that you’re a failure and can’t do anything, then that’s precisely what you will do.

However, if you tell yourself things like “I am loved, I am enough, and I will have a wonderful day,” then you’re going to manifest these things. People think that manifesting and visualizing are all part of new age stuff, but this is from ancient times. The Bible was translated to English in 1611, and even then, they talked about such matters.

2. Read an Encouraging Book

If you’re tired of the negativity, turn off social media, flick off the TV and start ingesting positive things. Books are a great way to read about people who have overcome insurmountable odds. You can try reading some positive quotes or self-help writings that can give you a boost of positive energy.

3. Load Your Brain With Positive Thoughts

If you want positivity to come out, then you need to put positivity into your mind. If you’re going to think positively, then start with the people in your inner circle. You don’t want negative folks and are always on the verge of a breakdown to surround you.

Instead, find yourself some people who will live you up, be a support system, and pour positivity into you. Your whole attitude will change when you make some adjustments and try some positivity exercises.

4. Try Self-hypnosis as a Positivity Exercise

Hypnosis was invented by James Braid, a Scottish surgeon, in 1841, according to Hypno-Therapy. Additionally, the article states that it’s become the norm and not the exception. While you’ve heard of going to a therapist’s office and lying on a couch and being put under, you have the power to do the same thing.

Find a suitable meditation or a motivational tape and open your mind and allow it to go into a relaxed state. When you’re in this state, you will enable the positivity from the guided meditation to penetrate you for positive thinking.

5. Believe in Yourself

One of the best ways to enhance your positivity is to start believing in yourself. You set dreams and goals, but do you think that you can achieve these targets? When you stumble and fall, you must learn to accept your blunders with grace. Then, you should pick yourself up and start again.

You’ll never learn to walk as a child unless you fall a few times. As an adult, you’re never going to obtain the positive place you want to be without a few stumbles along the way.

6. Stop Creating Excuses (One of the Most Challenging Positivity Exercises!)

Quit making excuses about everything you can’t do and start making declarations about what you will do. Change your attitude and watch all the amazing things that start happening to you. It’s incredible how procrastination truly holds people back.

7. Count Your Blessings

Rather than being upset about all the things you don’t have, why not start counting your blessings daily? You won’t have time to worry about more significant bank accounts and the latest car when you consider all you have in this life. So many people would give anything to be and have the things you do, so don’t ever take it for granted.

8. Journal Writing Is a Productive Positivity Exercise

One of the best positivity exercises you can do is to practice gratitude through journaling. Journaling is a great way to help you with gratitude because it keeps a record account of the things you’ve overcome, the growth you’ve obtained, and the goals for tomorrow.

9. Overcome Painful Past Experiences

Stop turning around and looking at your past. While there are some good things that you don’t want to forget, some terrible things can hinder you and make you harmful. Keeping your mind focused on the moment will help you to live the life you want.

10. Pause and Breathe

Life can be overwhelming, so you must take time to relax and breathe. You must breathe to live, but it can also calm you and bring you back to the present. When you feel overwhelmed, and negativity starts creeping in, stop everything and practice some simple breathing.

11. Stop Beating Yourself Up (One of the Most Necessary Positivity Exercises)

Do you beat yourself up over past mistakes and current failures? Why do you expect that you will be perfect? Are there any ideal people on this earth?

Stop being so hard on yourself and focusing on your flaws. It’s time you forgive yourself and instead of tearing yourself apart, start building your esteem to empower you. Negative self-talk will get you nowhere fast.

12. Speak With Positivity

Have you ever listened to yourself speak? The words that come out of your mouth are powerful. Some say that the power of your tongue holds life and death. So, start speaking blessings to your life, prosperity to your wallet, and happiness to your soul.

13. Create a Special Mantra to Include in Your Positivity Exercises

Mantras are a saying that you tell yourself over and over. It’s an encouraging phrase that helps you think positively. For instance:

“I know that anxiety is contagious, so I’m going to remain calm.”
“Longevity connects to healthy eating, so today I strive to fuel my body and not burden it.”
“I understand that a vehicle in motion stays in motion, so I need to move if I want results.”

Try quoting these mantras to keep you on the right path when life starts too much or your stress levels increase.

14. Use the Mirror When Performing Positivity Exercises

The mirror technique is a simple way that you can help improve your esteem. It takes just a few minutes, and you can do it every day. Grab a mirror and find a quiet space to sit and focus. Now, take a good hard look at yourself.

You need to tell this person how much you love them, how wonderful they are, and how you’re going to be a happier, healthier person. You will be surprised at how this trick can help.

15. Plan Sensible Goals

Stop making huge goals that you know are impossible. Instead, you need to set small, achievable goals. Once you reach one of these aspirations, you will be encouraged to do more.

Final Thoughts on Positivity Exercises

Negativity is the norm, so it takes an influential person to stand up and be positive. While you won’t achieve perfect optimism overnight, you can by practicing some positivity exercises each day. You must choose your words wisely, even the ones that you say to yourself in your mind.

Sure, your life has been full of trauma, abuse, and unfortunate events, but so has everyone else. You can either develop the victim mentality or decide to be a victor, but the choice is yours alone. Do you know what a critical component between depression or anxiety is negativity?

An article posted on Forbes states that one of the elements of depression is social media. Watch what you ingest into your body, as the more negativity you consume, the more negative you will be. Additionally, these positivity exercises can help you be a better person and one that people will love to be around.

Toxic Poop: Sorting Out the Fact from Fiction

December 3, 2021 by Chris Butler

You know the importance of passing healthy stools as it rids the toxins from your body. However, have you ever thought that the poop inside you could be dangerous? Well, you can tell a lot of what’s going on in your system by your feces. But toxic poop may form from food that does not eliminate from your system.

The buildup of this toxic fecal matter is known to cause significant damage to your body. While this is a relatively new theory regarding gut health, it is worth consideration. The jury is still out on whether it’s a fact or fiction, but here are some things to consider.

Understanding Toxic Poop

No one likes to talk about doing their business. Going to the bathroom is a private matter. However, your bathroom habits can be very foretelling of what’s going on inside. The only exception to this rule is toxic poop.

According to the Gut Health Project, It’s believed that the average person has between 10-20 lbs. of fecal matter that’s trapped inside their body? This is the poop that doesn’t come out with a regular bowel movement, but it’s stuck on the inside. It’s located in the small/large intestines and colon, which can’t be healthy for you.

Remember, fecal matter is waste that is necessary to remove from the body. It’s all the digested food and toxins your system needs to flush. Fecal toxicity occurs when more toxic poop builds, which could be part of why you feel so badly.

Many people go to doctors and have tons of tests run. Consequently, holistic practitioners believe the problem could be as simple as eliminating the toxic fecal matter in their gut.

What Are The Symptoms of Toxic Poop?

Many believe that when the buildup of fecal matter inside your gut reaches massive levels, you will begin to have many symptoms. Have you noticed that you’ve been moody, irritable, and haven’t been able to pay attention as you could before? These can all be signs of a toxic load that’s lodged in your gut.

According to EMZU, holistic practitioners believe there’s a link to more than 170 different medical conditions that are caused by a toxic poop buildup. These cite the following twelve health conditions as signs of this problem:

Eczema
Rosacea
Acne
Depression
Anxiety
Type II Diabetes
Insomnia
Joint pain and inflammation
Premature memory loss
Arthritis
Obesity
Autism

Why The Gut-Brain Connection Matters?

While many things can cause these issues, you can’t ignore the fact that your gut-brain connection is significant.

Even the world of traditional medicine is now agreeing that there’s something to be said for mental health issues and GI difficulties. Each meal that you eat comes with waste that your body must eliminate. Your body only extracts vitamins and minerals from your food, and it removes the rest from the body like garbage.

Your digestive system plays a big part in your overall health; talk with any of the researchers who have delved into the gut-brain connection. Information on the Vagus Nerve has become quite popular. An article published in the National Library of Medicine states that this nerve is part of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Shockingly, it plays a big part in the digestion of food as well as your moods. So, if you’re full of toxic waste, it’s no wonder it could affect your mental health. What happens if you don’t poop regularly?

If your intake is less than your output, then you’re going to have a backup. If 25 cars enter the on-ramp to the freeway, but only 15 get on the expressway, then you have ten cars just sitting there waiting their turn. It’s a similar theory with your digestive system.

You have a stool that backs up into your system, waiting to exit, but they get pushed up into the intestines and never make it out. It’s very similar to a bottleneck experience in traffic. Some disagree with this theory and feel it’s nothing but a gimmick to sell products to empty the colon.

Is it possible that you have pounds of feces inside you that remain stuck inside and never pass? Some people say that they feel amazing after a colon cleanse, but is it essential?

Do You Need A Colon Cleanse?

You have this toxic poop in your system, and you need to flush it, but how do you go about doing it? The key is to keep your colon and your intestines in top shape, which will help to reduce any GI issues like bloating and constipation. Your digestive and immune systems must be in good condition so that you don’t need to flush your colon.

However, if you find that your health is not where it needs to be, and you have GI issues, then a colon cleanse may be right for you. Here are some ways that you can cleanse the waste from your system.

1. Handle Constipation

According to Health Guidance, you should have between one to three bowel movements each day. There’s a considerable variation because some people go more frequently and some less. However, you know what’s normal for you, and you want to stay within those realms.

You can also identify when you haven’t been pooping regularly and get the classic signs of constipation. You must deal with any issues related to constipation immediately, so you can prevent the pain of being backed up. Many natural things can stimulate the bowels, like bananas as well as figs and prunes.

2. Bulk Up On Fiber

Fiber is a natural way to cleanse the colon. You don’t need any unique products that can cause damage, as you can remove waste by eating more fiber. Things like vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts are each natural ways to get rid of any backed-up poop.

3. Hydrate Your Body

When you drink water, it’s absorbed by the fiber that’s lingering in your GI tract. Thus, it helps to keep things flowing smoothly in your intestines and colon, as well as keeping your body hydrated. Make sure you drink water all day long. Ladies need at least twelve cups and men about fifteen, according to Harvard Health.

When you illuminate processed junk foods and start eating a healthier diet, you will automatically see changes in your digestive system. Many colon cleanse products on the market have some dangerous side effects, so you should choose wisely. Things like guar gum are included in these mixes, and they are known to cause intestinal blockages, according to an article on Live Strong.

Is Toxic Poop Fact or Fiction?

Poop isn’t toxic in most instances, but you can have a GI tract that’s not functioning correctly. Western medicine doesn’t accept the whole premise of harmful waste, as they find it misleading and confusing to people. Additionally, many of the companies that promote and sell colon cleansing products claim that you can remove up to twenty pounds of feces from your body, which is a vast stretch of the truth.

There’s no scientific evidence that a toxic backup exists, but research states it’s a myth. The most profound argument against such an issue comes from the medical community and surgeons. If such a backup existed, why do surgeons not observe it when they perform surgery?

Both radiologists and gastroenterologists can’t back these claims, so it appears that the theory of toxic fecal matter lingering in the gut is purely speculation.

Final Thoughts on Sorting Out Fact Versus Fiction Regarding Toxic Poop

The war between Western medicine and holistic practitioners still rages on. However, the theory of standard practices is to put a bandage over things rather than treating the problem. It cannot be denied that many holistic therapies have helped when traditional medicine fell short.

Take, for instance, Suzanne Somers. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2001. Rather than taking chemo, which tears the body down rather than building it up, she opted to use mistletoe extract. Dr. Stanislaw Burzynski administered this treatment, and Somers claims it worked wonders.

Somers has lived another twenty years cancer-free, but would she have had the same luck with traditional treatments? So, while conventional doctors might look down their noses at some of the natural practices, millions of people find relief in them.

As far as a toxic colon is concerned, it never hurts to bulk up on fiber, drink more water, and make sure your bowel habits are regular. If doing things to make your system better makes you feel great, would it hurt to ask your doctor whether it’s worth a try? Whether you have twenty pounds of poop backed up inside you or not, you can still benefit from healthy eating.

When it comes to buying expensive colon cleansing kits that promise stellar results by taking a magic potion, be wary of them. There’s plenty of natural things that will keep your bowels moving and eliminate the excess waste you have inside.

12 PTSD Symptoms Never to Ignore (and How to Fix It)

December 3, 2021 by Chris Butler

PTSD symptoms can be easy to confuse with other mental health disorders, but it always stems from a traumatic event.

The unpredictable nature of life means that you will experience some trauma and grief along the way. PTSD, called shellshock or battle fatigue in past eras, was something that the medical community believed that people in war experienced. According to Health Guide Info, it was discovered in the 1600s by Swiss military physicians. Still, it wasn’t until 1980 that the American Psychological Association declared it an official mental health disorder.

Distressing life events happen to people every day, and some can process and move on from these occurrences better than others. According to the National Library of Medicine, PTSD is simply a condition where the traumatic stress of the past dramatically affects the present. The article states that it can be from a car accident, war, assault, abusive situation, or loss.

Why is it that one person can have a horrific accident and not be phased by it that much? They get back in the car and drive again without issue. However, another individual is afraid to get in the car for years and develops a phobia of being in a vehicle? There’s no rhyme or reason why the brain responds to such things, but there’s a way to get through them with help.

PTSD Symptoms Never to Ignore

The first key to getting treatment for post-traumatic stress is to realize that you have a problem. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe condition that affects about six percent of the population at some time during their life, according to the Veteran’s Administration.

Remember, it’s not a sign of weakness to have this condition, but it does indicate that you need help. Here are twelve PTSD symptoms that you should never ignore.

1. Avoidant Behaviors

Remember when you were a child, and your mom told you not to touch the stove? You, like most children, probably felt it anyway. However, you soon learned that it was hot and burnt you.

So, the next time mom was cooking around the stove, you avoided the area. Why did you avoid the stove, even though it was a standard appliance in your home? You associated the stove with pain, so you learned avoidance behaviors. The same thing happens when you have post-traumatic stress disorder.

You will avoid the places, people, and things that remind you of the event. This sign is one of the most troubling PTSD symptoms as you find a way to adjust your life to live with your anxiety, which only makes things much worse.

2. Nightmares Are One of the Most Common PTSD Symptoms

Since PTSD is an anxiety-based condition, you might wake up with nightmares as your fears dominate your subconscious. It’s not uncommon for people with this mental health disturbance to wake up with their heart racing, sweating, and feeling like they’re panicking as they relive the moments when everything in their life changed.

Sadly, there’s no magic pill for your dreams, but you can learn to control your thought with positivity during the day to affect the night hopefully.

3. Hypervigilance

Hypervigilance is a state of increased alertness, and it’s not uncommon for you to experience this arousal after a traumatic event. You feel like you’re always on guard and waiting for impending doom.

There’s a strong link between PTSD and panic disorder, as they both are caused by anxiety. Living in a state of fight or flight can be unbearable.

4. PTSD Symptoms Can Cause Loss of Concentration

If your body is already in a hypervigilant state, it’s no wonder that you can’t concentrate. How can you maintain your focus when you’re trying to keep it together?

Readjusting to life after a traumatic event can be pretty challenging, as you won’t view anything as the same. What happened to you is so powerful that it alters your very state of being.

5. Social Anxiety and Isolation

Your painful memories cause PTSD symptoms to increase. One of the most challenging is social anxiety. You don’t want to go in public, so you choose to isolate yourself. What if you experienced a robbery at a restaurant?

Your mind would be fearful every time you went into an eatery. The chances of the incident happening again are slim, but just the flashback and the anxiety it brings is enough to give you a phobia regarding any association. You find it’s easier to stay in the safety of your four walls than to venture out.

6. Memory Loss Is One of the Lesser Known PTSD Symptoms

Have you ever heard of a mental block? Sometimes the brain tries to protect itself by blocking out events or segments of time surrounding those events. According to the Sage Neuroscience Center, these blocks can be simple things like writing or traumatic experiences.

It’s like your brain short circuits, and the power supply is low for a while. Some people will recover these memories, while others will live with a permanent block.

7. Avoiding Once-loved Activities

PTSD symptoms cause people to avoid things that once brought them so much pleasure. Going to the movies, restaurants, and enjoying a party doesn’t feel the same anymore.

8. Intrusive Thoughts

Dealing with intrusive thoughts is horrible. Anxiety is the great pretender, and it can have you thinking and feeling all sorts of things that aren’t true. One of the PTSD symptoms that are hard to get over is dealing with these annoying thoughts.

For instance, it’s these thoughts that tell you all the reasons why you can never get into a car again after an accident.

9. Traumatic Flashbacks

Linked with traumatic flashbacks is a strong startle reflex. Someone who is constantly remembering their time at warm might shutter if you come up behind them. Their startle reflex, along with flashbacks, transports them back to the time and place where things happened to them.

10. Negative Perception of Yourself and the World

When you consider all the PTSD symptoms, it’s only natural that you might develop a negative perception of yourself and the world around you. When negative things have happened to you, you tend to view the world through skewed lenses. Consequently, you must change your view of yourself and the things around you, as this will only increase and make your depression and anxiety worse.

11. Sleeplessness Is One of the Most Frequent PTSD Symptoms

Sleep doesn’t come easy for those who have suffered any traumatic event. Your mind races, you feel fear, and you’re leery of going to sleep because you may have another nightmare. These are all reasons why people with PTSD can’t go to sleep or stay asleep for long.

12. Moody and Irritable

While it is one of the PTSD symptoms, it can occur for many reasons. When you have high anxiety levels, it’s only typical that you will suffer moodiness and irritability. If you’re not getting enough sleep, isolating yourself, and having chronic anxiety that’s causing you to operate in overdrive, it’s only natural that your mood will be affected.

How to Fix PTSD Symptoms

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a fix for PTSD symptoms and you could make it all go away? Sadly, there’s no quick fix for such a complex issue. You must come to terms with the traumatic event that happened to you, realize it wasn’t your fault, and move past it.

How do you move past such an occurrence? Well, it’s going to take time and patience. Some people never move past the moment when their life changed, but others find coping mechanisms to help. The first thing you can do is to get a therapist who can help you.

Another advisable route is to join a peer support group. Hearing the stories of others and how they’ve handled such events can be very healing. It counteracts the intrusive thoughts of anxiety that tell you that you’re all alone.

You must realize you’re not alone. There’s a vast network of survivors who’ve encountered things just like you, and they’ve overcome. This should give you hope to know that you too can overcome whatever has come your way.

Another thing to so consider is your mindset. If you dwell on negativity all day long, then you’re not going to have enough positivity in you to conquer these demons. You must use positive affirmations like “I will get better” and “I won’t let my traumatic event define me.”

The rehabilitation centers across this country are full of people who don’t know how to cope with their distress. Rather than using the available positive routes, they chose to handle the pain the only way they knew how. Now, they have an addiction to add to the other circumstances beyond their control.

Final Thoughts on Understanding Why You Should Never Ignore These PTSD Symptoms

There is a strong connection between trauma and mental illness. However, you can fully recover and have a good life. If necessary, you need a sound support system, a well-trained counselor versed in PTSD, and be open to some radical treatments like hypnosis.

Being proactive in your healing will put you in a better place. The last thing you want to do is try to self-medicate the pain away, as there’s another way and folks who want to help.

15 Suspicious Behaviors That May Reveal a Liar

December 3, 2021 by Chris Butler

By now, you’ve probably dealt with people who have a challenging time telling the truth. While they may have the best of intentions, they can’t seem to be honest. These are the most difficult folks to deal with because once you learn to lie to cover your tracks, the lies seem to snowball out of control.

The last thing you want is to be in a relationship with someone who can’t be honest. If you have good senses and listen to your inner voice, you’re undoubtedly suspicious of them by now. Telling lies comes easy to some, so you need to be on guard to protect yourself.

Fifteen Suspicious Actions That May Reveal a Liar

Can you spot a sneaky liar? Do you know how to sense their negativity and know their lying right through their teeth? If not, here is a list of suspicious behaviors that indicate that someone is less than truthful with you.

1. Counter Accusations Are Suspicious, as a Liar Might Try to Gaslight You

Should you confront a person with your suspicion that they’re lying, they may try to turn it around on you. For instance, if you ask them if they’re cheating on you, they will counter with a statement that you’re the one cheating and you have a guilty conscience. It’s not uncommon for an untruthful person to blame anyone and everyone else for avoiding their sins coming to the forefront.

2. An Unblinking Stare Might be Suspicious

One of the sure signs that someone is being untruthful is that they’re not blinking. Blinking is a natural part of your body to flush your eyes, and according to Healthline, you should blink around 15-20 times each minute. When they stare at you coldly without blinking, it’s a sign that they’re being dishonest.

Additionally, someone that blinks constantly is displaying signs of distress or anxiety. A person afraid of being caught in their lie would blink more so than the sociopath who has mastered the art of deception, and it doesn’t faze them.

3. Frozen Like a Deer in the Headlights

Most people use somebody’s body language when they speak. Please pay attention to people next time you’re deep in conversation and learn their body mannerisms. When the subject matter is light and casual, most individuals don’t use as many gestures.

However, when someone is dishonest, their movements are subconscious and become more profound. On the other end of the spectrum is those folks who freeze in fear. They stand like a deer in a headlight that knows their demise is soon to follow. This person is afraid you’re suspicious of them, and they’re in danger.

4. A Blushed Response

How many times have you blushed when your emotions get the best of you? Blushing is a normal response to an emotional situation, and it’s an indication that anxiety levels are rising. People blush over the simplest things, like when someone tells them they’re pretty or feel butterflies in their stomachs.

However, for someone being dishonest, the blushed response is likely due to being anxious that you’re close to uncovering their deception.

5. Sharing Too Much Information May Reveal Suspicious Behavior

When you ask a simple question, you want a simple answer. If someone goes into great detail telling you times, places, people, and all sorts of extras, you can almost ensure that they’ve taken the time to concoct the perfect lie. No one remembers such details unless they’ve made a point to recall these things.

6. Symbolic Stifling of Communication

When you think of ways to spot a liar, you probably haven’t considered that they may cover their mouth. Instinctively, someone who is worried that their words will give their deception away will cover the place where the lies originate. This action is also a sign that they don’t want to answer your questions as they might incriminate themselves.

Experts call this a stifling of communication because they try their best to avoid your interrogation. Additionally, they may not fully cover their mouth, but they may play with their lips using their fingers or chew on something too.

7. Develop a Sudden Stutter

Have you ever been nervous and become tongue-tied? It seems that every word you speak comes out jumbled due to your nerves. This speech pattern is a typical pattern observed with someone who isn’t being honest. They often try to talk too fast, and their nerves get in the way and cause the words to come out wrong.

Some people naturally talk fast, like those who suffer from attention hyperactivity disorder, but if a person usually is cool as a cucumber and is now stumbling, pay attention.

8. Animated or Theatrical Personality

How do you know if you have a liar on your hands? Well, it’s easy to see by their animated and sometimes theatrical actions. You can always tell when someone is stressed and anxious when they start waving their arms about, as this is suspicious behavior.

Some believe this is a subconscious sign that they’re preparing for a fight. Now, if someone typically has such dramatic behavior, it’s probably nothing concerning. The real problem is observed when these actions are out of the normal realm for this individual.

9. Protecting Their Vulnerable Points

When a person senses danger or feels backed into a corner, they prepare to come out swinging. An instinct built into each person naturally wants you to protect the most private susceptible parts of your body. For instance, a man may defend his genital region, while a woman may try to cover her neck with their hand.

10. They Duck the Question or the Topic

Have you ever asked someone a question, and they will change it around to an entirely different subject and change the topic? They’re using avoidance tactics because they don’t want to answer what you’ve asked of them. This is very suspicious, and they may be trying to avoid you finding out the truth.

11. Memory Complications

Sudden memory complications can strike anyone, but if this person suddenly has a case of amnesia without an accident, they’re likely telling you a whopper. This is, no doubt, another chance for them to come up with a highly polished lie.

12. Repeating the Question

When someone asks you to repeat the question, it might be because they need time to get their story straight. You will commonly see this tactic in a courtroom when someone doesn’t know what or how to answer a question. They heard you correctly the first time in most instances, but they need a few seconds to gather their thoughts.

You might be shocked to learn that this tactic develops primarily during childhood, but a professional liar never drops this little trick they learned.

13. Changes in Breathing

A study was conducted by the University of Otago and reported on Medical Express. They state that someone experiencing moderate levels of anxiety will experience variations in blood oxygenation and flow.

You may see someone who is deceptive breathing fast, or they may slow their breathing down dramatically. Any changes in breathing are suspect, especially when it happens while they’re being asked for answers.

14. Curious Verbal Problems Might Be a Sign of Suspicious Behavior

Sudden verbal problems can also be a sign that someone is deceptive. They may display issues like stuttering, repeating the exact words over, and having difficulty making a complete sentence. These peculiar verbal problems suspect that the person isn’t being honest, and their anxiety makes communication challenging.

15. Exhibiting Jerky Movements

When you notice a person showing jerky movements, it’s a sign their anxiety is in overdrive. They may do things like moving their limbs quickly or dart their eyes back and forth. If they have keys or spare change in their pocket, they may toss it around the entire time you talk.

You can always tell that someone is worried that their deceptions will be uncovered. All you need to do is observe their body language and jerky movements, which indicate an anxious nature.

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Suspicious Behaviors of a Liar

If you want to catch someone deceptive, you might want to use the old proverb that reminds you that it’s easier to catch flies with honey than vinegar. When you come out swinging like a lion ready to pounce, you’re probably not going to get very far with someone dishonest. The common interrogation tactics don’t work with everyone.

Most people will respond much better if you sit down and calmly discuss things with them. Whether you’re in the middle of a heated argument or trying to be civilized, you’ll likely see some of the behaviors listed above come out. A habitual or pathological liar will resort to tactics like gaslighting to get the blame shifted from them to you, while this isn’t the only scheme they’ll use.

If you’re suspicious of someone’s behavior and think they might be dishonest with you, the chances are that they’re being deceptive. Always trust your gut instincts and do your detective work to ensure you uncover the whole truth and nothing but the truth. You might be pretty shocked at what you find.

How to Do Guided Sleep Meditation to Release Stress

December 3, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Do you want to learn how to do guided sleep meditation to release stress? If so, we’ll take you through the process step-by-step, so you can start feeling more relaxed and peaceful. Many people today meditate, do yoga, or perform deep breathing exercises to relieve tension. Everyone can benefit from relaxation techniques, especially to help wind down before bed.

How Can Guided Sleep Meditation Help You?

Studies show that that guided sleep meditation can help in a variety of ways:

Reduces insomnia
Decreases daytime fatigue
Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
Increases melatonin and serotonin, which relax the body for sleep
Activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes restfulness and tranquility

A 2015 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that mindfulness meditation reduced insomnia symptoms in adults. Researchers separated 49 participants into two groups; one took meditation classes for six weeks, and the other learned about sleep hygiene. They noticed that the meditation group experienced less daytime fatigue and fewer instances of insomnia at the study’s conclusion.

So, if you struggle with insomnia or racing thoughts before bed, you’ll benefit from these relaxation techniques. Read on for how to do guided sleep meditation to release stress.

How to Do Guided Sleep Meditation to Release Stress

This guided meditation was created for you to have a restful night’s sleep more easily. Make sure you’re lying down in a comfortable position before getting started. Also, remove any distractions from the room, ensuring you have a quiet atmosphere for the best results. The relaxing voice will help you drift off into sleep in no time.

Guided Sleep Meditation Tips

First, take a deep breath in, hold it and release it through your mouth. Notice how your body feels as you breathe deeply, the expansion and contraction of each breath.
It should feel natural and relaxing to your mind and body as you focus only on breathing. Detach yourself from any worries, fears, or racing thoughts, and keep your attention on the here and now. Your body knows how to relax. However, you forgot the basics of it in the daily hustle and bustle. So, reclaim your right to peace and dive deeply into this guided sleep meditation.
Forget the world and ‘be.’ Stretch out and feel the tension leave your muscles as you listen to this relaxing meditation.

After getting into a comfortable position and relaxing your body, you’re ready to learn how to do guided sleep meditation to release stress.

Phase 1: Awareness of the Mind and Body

Gently close your eyes and tune everything else out around you.
Pay attention to how your body feels in this moment. If you’re still feeling tense, consciously release tension by breathing deeply in and out.
The more you focus on the present moment, the greater peace you’ll feel. All the stress of the day will begin to melt away.
Don’t try to stay awake through the entire meditation; allow yourself to fall asleep when you’re ready.
Now, imagine your favorite image of something sinking or floating down. You may notice your breathing begin to change from shallow to deep, slow breaths.
Feel the meaning, freedom, and relationship of each breath as you remember your true nature. Peace, joy, and love come naturally to us, but we need to remove the layers we’ve built around ourselves.
Allow yourself to relax and forget anything else but this moment. Sleep will come naturally if you focus solely on the woman’s voice in the guided meditation. Remember that you deserve to replenish and heal your body from the day’s stresses.
As you listen to this recording on how to do guided sleep meditation to release stress, your conscious mind will learn to trust your body’s natural ability to sleep.
One by one, the thoughts in your mind will start to fall away as you sink deeper into relaxation. The ideas that seemed so important will fade the longer you listen to the guided meditation.

Phase 2: Moving into the Subconscious of Sleep

Notice how light your body feels now. Your breathing starts to resemble the waves in the ocean, rising and falling gently. If it helps, visualize the waves crashing against the shore, remaining in tune with nature. Remember: you are nature, too.
All worries are far away from you now as you drift further into a dreamlike state. The calm you feel washing over you ensures you’re safe and secure while you rest.
Dream of tranquil places, like floating in the ocean or resting on a soft cloud. Allow your mind to embrace sleep and peace, and put away any thoughts that trouble you.
Remember that you have a sanctuary within you, a place where only you can go to rest. Go there, and forget the world for the night. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to this moment and place each time. You deserve it.
You’ll feel the lightness take over your body, from your feet up to your head. Your mind and body should feel weightless and relaxed.
Remember that you’ve done your best today, as you’ve always done. Every day, you become stronger and more capable, so sleep now and enjoy a rejuvenating rest.

Millions of people find peace as they learn how to do guided sleep meditation to release stress. Since the modern world comes with so many worries, people have found solace in meditation and relaxation techniques. Deep breathing, mindfulness, and awareness of the inner self can bring the peace we’re so desperate to discover. Allow the quietness of nighttime to recharge your mind and body as you drift off to sleep with this guided meditation.

Final Thoughts: This Guided Sleep Meditation Will Help You Fall Asleep Quickly

According to the American Sleep Association, about 10% of US adults have chronic insomnia. Fifty to seventy million adults struggle with sleep disorders, in total. Sleep deprivation is so pervasive in modern society that the CDC declared it a public health crisis.

It may seem hopeless when stress takes over your mind and makes it difficult to fall asleep. However, once you learn how to do guided sleep meditation to release tension, it can help immensely. We sincerely hope this meditation recording brought you peace of mind and much-deserved rest. Sweet dreams!

Researchers Explain How Grocery Shopping Reduces Carbon Footprint

December 3, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

A new study reveals how savvy shopping at the grocery store can lower your carbon footprint. As awareness about climate change grows, more consumers want to make a positive impact on the environment. Some people do this by adopting a vegan or vegetarian diet, but that’s not realistic or feasible for everyone. Still, researchers say people can make intelligent food purchases in other ways.

A research team from Purdue University in Indiana identified three ways Americans can lower their carbon footprint. Luckily, they don’t require drastic changes, such as switching to a vegan diet. The findings were published in ACS’ journal Environmental Science & Technology on November 3, 2021.

Transporting food from farms to tables contributes 19-29% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Agricultural production accounts for 80-86% of total food system emissions, varying levels depending on the region. Livestock, such as cows and pigs, don’t convert plants to energy very efficiently. Therefore, meat and dairy products contribute higher emissions than fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Because of this, previous studies have investigated changes individuals or households can make to lower their carbon footprint. However, researchers based their claims on an “average American diet” without considering variations. In reality, people eat a widely varied diet depending on preferences, culture, and other factors.

Researchers Explain How Smart Grocery Shopping Can Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

To account for this diversity, the research team wanted to take a more comprehensive approach. Hua Can and colleagues analyzed 2010 data from over 57,000 US households to identify which specific items produced the highest emissions.

Then, they added the GHG emissions from growing and harvesting the various foods. They excluded packaging and transportation emissions due to the unavailability of this data. Next, they compared these emissions calculations to those produced for a healthy, eco-friendly diet.

The team’s analysis found that 71% of homes surveyed could lower their carbon footprint from buying groceries. They suggested three significant ways for consumers to do so:

Small households of one or two people should purchase fewer bulk food items. Because some of the food will inevitably spoil before it’s eaten, it leads to food waste. Researchers say manufacturers should offer smaller, more affordable package sizes to combat this problem.
Eliminating foods high in calories with low nutritional value would lower one’s carbon footprint by 29%. Not to mention, cutting out these foods would possibly improve health as well.
People should buy fewer savory baked goods and ready-made foods. While these foods produce relatively low carbon emissions, the volume of purchased items adds up to significant emissions.

In conclusion, the researchers say adopting these grocery shopping strategies can help people reduce their carbon footprint.

How Eating Less Meat Reduces Your Carbon Footprint

While the above methods lower food production emissions, researchers have found that eliminating or reducing meat consumption makes significant differences. For example, a study published in Nature Food found that animal-based foods produce twice the emissions of plant-based foods.

The researchers from the University of Illinois discovered that animal agriculture and livestock feed accounts for 57% of GHG emissions from food production. Meanwhile, the cultivation of plant-based foods accounts for only 29% of emissions. To put this in perspective, 1kg of wheat produces only 2.5kg of greenhouse gasses. 1kg of beef, on the other hand, results in a staggering 70kg of emissions.

Much of the emissions come from the land required for grazing animals and feed production. The paper found that the majority of the world’s arable land feeds livestock instead of people. Not to mention, livestock (especially cows) produce large amounts of the potent greenhouse gas methane.

A separate UK study of 2,041 vegans, 15,751 vegetarians, 8,123 fish-eaters, and 29,589 meat-eaters found similar results. Peter Scarborough and his colleagues at Oxford University calculated the greenhouse gas emissions of each diet. Not surprisingly, vegans and vegetarians had the lowest carbon footprint – 6.4 and 8.4 pounds of CO2 per day, respectively.

Heavy meat-eaters, or those who ate more than 3.5 ounces per day, produced 15.8 pounds of carbon dioxide. However, the average British person eats about twice that much meat, so they’ll have a larger carbon footprint. Researchers say that these amounts would likely increase in the US as the average American eats 12 ounces of meat per day.

In summary, they say that going vegetarian or vegan can lower your carbon footprint by up to 60%.

Other Ways to Eat a More Climate-friendly Diet

As we said before, vegan or vegetarian diets may not appeal to everyone. However, you can still help the climate by changing other habits, namely:

Shopping local. The farther a product travels, the larger the carbon footprint. Therefore, buying farm-fresh, local food reduces impacts on the climate while helping smaller farmers.
Pay attention to food packaging. Try to buy foods with less plastic, as plastic production dramatically contributes to climate change. For instance, you can swap reusable bags for plastic bags when buying produce.
Consider buying groceries online. This option may not sound very climate-friendly, but it lowers emissions in the long run. When someone delivers your groceries, either locally or through a subscription company, they have multiple orders in tow. When you drive to your grocery store, you’re buying for just yourself. Therefore, buying online reduces the number of cars on the road, lowering emissions from individual trips.

Final Thoughts on How Shopping Smarter Can Lower Your Carbon Footprint at the Grocery Store

Multiple studies show that eating a meat-heavy diet contributes significantly to carbon emissions. One study found that going vegan or vegetarian can reduce your footprint by a whopping 60%.

However, you don’t necessarily have to change your diet to impact the climate positively. Another study discovered that making a few changes, such as buying small quantities and eliminating packaged foods, could reduce emissions by nearly 30%. Also, buying locally and shopping with reusable bags instead of single-use plastics can make a difference.

This study shows that the fate of the climate rests in our hands. If everyone made these minor adjustments to their diets, we could make a considerable dent in emissions.

How Solar Energy Helps to Create Self-sustaining Cities

December 3, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Researchers advise that solar energy could lead to self-sustaining cities popping up around the globe. New models revealed that buildings in the city of Melbourne could provide 74% of their electricity through solar technology.

This technology would apply to individual residences, neighborhoods, and even the entire city. Before implementation, it’s crucial to check your roof first with the help of roofing contractors like the Ludington roofing contractors. If workers install them in roofs, walls, and windows, it could quickly ramp up clean energy throughout the city. If you’re looking for experts in residential shingle roofing Corpus Christi, you may contact A.T Pioneer Roofing.

Researchers from the ARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science based at Monash University took part in the study. Collaborators at the University of Lisbon also pitched in. The findings have been published in the journal Solar Energy.

The study marks the first-ever modeling of the feasibility and effect of window-integrated photovoltaics in addition to other solar technologies on a citywide scale. The study reveals that citywide adoption of existing solar rooftop technology could dramatically reduce Melbourne’s emissions. Therefore, it would lessen dependence on electricity produced by fossil fuels. Energy-efficient window replacements in Michigan from Pure Energy Window Company have been designed to significantly reduce heating and cooling costs. Their innovative technology not only enhances insulation but also provides a sleek aesthetic that complements any home style.

Study authors added that comprehensive installments of energy-efficient solar windows would amplify the effect. Photovoltaic technology deployed in building facades could also lower the city’s carbon footprint.

Researchers hope that their models will encourage policymakers, energy providers, construction companies, and building owners to create more self-sustaining cities. Due to greater affordability and availability, installing photovoltaics in both new and existing structures has never been easier. Additionally, adopting comprehensive strategies such as roof repair solutions in Menomonee Falls ensures that these structures are not only energy-efficient but also well-maintained for the long term.

The team compared Melbourne’s electricity needs in 2018 to the potential electricity production using widespread solar energy. They obtained data on Melbourne’s CBD (central business district) from Jemena, CitiPower & Powercor distribution companies. The independent Victorian research body, the Centre for New Energy Technologies (C4NET), provided access to the data.

How Solar Energy Helps to Create Self-sustaining Cities

They found that self-sustaining cities could provide 74% of Melbourne’s building consumption needs through solar power. Rooftop solar would comprise 88% of the electricity, with wall-integrated and window solar providing 8% and 4%, respectively.

The team found that wall and window-integrated solar power performed better in winter months compared with rooftop solar. They delivered more reliable, sustainable benefits and value throughout the year due to less sunlight reduction.

The potential contribution of window-integrated solar increased to 18% in neighborhoods due to tall buildings and window-to-wall ratios. Researchers identified the yearly solar radiation on Melbourne’s building surfaces to pinpoint the ideal areas to install solar panels. They took into account technical constraints and costs in their assessment of self-sustaining cities.

Comprehensive models simulated the solar radiation and PV potential of urban areas in Melbourne. The research team considered various factors, such as the impact of shadows cast by balconies and performance specs of the sun-powered technologies.

Researchers used correlation and linear regression analysis, along with other methods, to determine the relationship between urban indicators and PV potential. The study area included the 37.4 km2 area of central Melbourne, of which 35.1km2 consists of residential and commercial buildings erected in 2019.

The results indicated that the most significant possibility to create self-sustaining cities lies in further rooftop solar development. Many neighborhoods throughout Melbourne already have rooftop solar installed. In fact, rooftop solar additions to the city accounted for most of Victoria’s 72,000 installations in 2020.

Australia Leads the Way in Greener Municipal Planning

Australia ranks highly in sustainability, generating the most solar power in the world. It has eight times the global average of rooftop solar per person, paving the way for self-sustaining cities. The Commonwealth’s Clean Energy Regulator revealed that 2.7 million homes had rooftop solar power installed by the end of 2020. This means that, across Australia, 25% of homes run on solar energy.

Researchers discovered other areas with potential solar installation potential in Melbourne. However, the high-density urban centers had the most significant development prospects. The central business district (CBD), in particular, would benefit from window-integrated solar panels.

“By using photovoltaic technology commercially available today and incorporating the expected advances in wall and window-integrated solar technology over the next ten years, we could potentially see our CBD on its way to net zero in the coming decades,” said lead author Professor Jacek Jasieniak.

The research team believes that rooftop solar technologies will help Melbourne transition to a self-sustaining city.

“We began importing coal-fired power from the LaTrobe Valley in the 1920s to stop the practice of burning smog-inducing coal briquettes onsite to power our CBD buildings, and it’s now feasible that over one hundred years later, we could see a full-circle moment of Melbourne’s buildings returning to local power generation within the CBD, but using clean, climate-safe technologies that help us meet Australia’s Net Zero 2050 target.”

Co-author Dr. Jenny Zhou said: “Although there’s plenty of policies supporting energy-efficiency standards for new buildings, we’re yet to see a substantial response to ensuring our existing buildings are retrofitted to meet the challenges of climate change. Our research provides a framework that can help decision-makers move forward with implementing photovoltaic technologies that will reduce our cities’ reliance on damaging fossil fuels.”

First author Dr. Maria Panagiotidou adds: “In the near future, market penetration and deployment of high-efficient solar windows can make a substantive contribution towards the carbon footprint mitigation of high-rise developments. As the world transitions towards a net-zero future, these local energy solutions would play a critical role in increasing the propensity of PVs within urban environments.”

Final Thoughts on How Self-sustaining cities Run on Solar Power May Soon Become a Reality

Clean energies such as solar power have become cheaper and easier to install in recent years. Many cities, especially in Australia, have made plans to integrate solar to achieve self-sustaining cities fully. If this pattern continues, cities all over the world may soon run on zero-carbon energies.

A study found that in the city of Melbourne, nearly 75% of buildings could generate electricity through solar technologies. So, keep your eyes peeled, as self-sustaining cities may crop up in your area soon.

12 Behaviors Reveal Someone Is Keeping a Secret

December 3, 2021 by Chris Butler

Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been together for years, you may question your partner’s actions. When someone is keeping a secret, they act differently or strangely. However, these deceptive folks seem to follow a pattern, and it’s not hard to figure out when someone is being dishonest with you.

It’s not acceptable to keep secrets from one another when you’re in a relationship. There are some instances where you might not tell something very personal right at the start. Consequently, if you are together for any length of time, there should be nothing hidden, as it will always come out.

Twelve Behaviors Reveal Someone Is Keeping a Secret

Have you been getting some weird vibes from your person? Remember, the ugly truth is still better than a beautiful lie, so you need to confront them. Here are twelve signs that someone is keeping a secret from you.

1. A Person Keeping a Secret Is Defensive When Confronted

If you’ve been suspicious of their actions for a while, you’ll eventually work up the nerve to confront them. During this confrontation, their actions will mean everything. Do they become defensive?

You should expect clear answers when you ask a question, but someone who jumps to their defense is suspect. Additionally, if they become agitated and seem like they’re panicking, you might be close to uncovering their secret.

2. They Avoid Topics About Their Family

At the beginning of your relationship, there are a few reasons why some folks don’t want to discuss their family. When you come from trauma or have a complex background, it’s not the first thing you want to share with people. However, you can’t ignore that there might be another reason they’re so reluctant to talk about their family.

They could be secretive to protect you or want to protect themselves from what you will find. Did you know that most toxic people have poor relationships with their family and few friends? If you’ve linked up with someone with narcissistic personality disorder, they may have few people who are close to them and with good reason.

According to the National Library of Medicine, NPD is the new borderline personality disorder of today. The article says that this individual is so self-absorbed that they have little regard for anyone else. This disorder doesn’t bode well in a relationship, even with family members.

3. They Give too Much Information

Some folks don’t give enough information, and some people give you too much. When their story is so well played and has every detail explained down to the letter, you can’t help but think it sounds well thought out. Why is it that people who lie tend to make their fibs so elaborate?

Now granted, some people prefer to give all the details, but they will do this in all instances and not just one. Trust your gut if your person is sharing too many details regarding a specific situation.

4. You Never Know What Mood They Will Be in if Keeping a Secret

Do you walk on eggshells around this person because their moods are constantly fluctuating? You can go from a hero to a zero in a couple of seconds. One sign that people keep a secret and try to hide things is that they are waffling all over the place with their moods.

5. They Cancel Your Plans Constantly

It doesn’t matter if the plans were made months in advance or a few days; they seem always to find a way to bail on you. They may even ghost you and don’t have the courtesy to show. When someone keeps a secret, they tend to be flighty and not like to make firm plans as things are constantly changing in their world.

6. They Think White Lies Are Okay

Some people think that white lies are okay, but a half-truth is still a whole lie. It would help if you were cautious of anyone that thinks anything deceptive is okay. Spinning the truth or telling white lies should be a big deal.

Anyone willing to lie about the small stuff will have no issue lying about the big stuff too.

7. You’ve Never Been to Their Place

Do you find it odd that they want to always come back to your place, but they would never have you over to their house? Now, if a person lives with their mother or has roommates, then you can understand. However, they will be upfront and honest with you about those matters from the start.

If they act weird anytime you ask to see their place, then you might smell a rat. While you don’t want to assume, some people cheat and have a spouse with kids at home. So, you must be careful.

8. Sometimes They Act Paranoid

If your partner is lying, they can’t fathom that you wouldn’t lie also. It’s because they have a very skewed view of the world. So, in return, they might start being suspicious of you, even if there’s no basis for it.

How often have you heard that someone cheating turns it around and blames their spouse for cheating? Part of it is gaslighting, but the other part is that they believe since they’re guilty that you must be too. Additionally, paranoia can be part of a mental health disorder called schizophrenia.

If you notice that they’re generally paranoid about people, places, or even things, it’s cause for concern. However, just being paranoid about specific topics or situations isn’t a sign of such a condition. According to the Nation Library of Medicine, someone with paranoid schizophrenia has delusions and hallucinations. They state that up to 72 percent of people with this disorder will have these mental disturbances.

9. They Avoid Going Out in Public

Some people prefer to stay home and chill, but be wary if your partner suddenly doesn’t want to go out anymore. There can be conditions like depression that can make someone avoid the public, but you will see other signs of a mental health disorder.

It’s completely normal to go to the movies and dinner, but if you can’t get your partner to do that, something isn’t right. You deserve better than staying home all the time, and it could mean that they don’t want to be seen in public with you.

10. Someone Keeping a Secret Refuses To Commit

Some folks have commitment issues by nature. For instance, they might have grown up in a home that was dysfunctional thanks to divorce, so this will impact them significantly. However, there might be another reason why your new love interest refuses to commit. If you’re stuck in the friend zone, then you need to find out why.

11. They Turn Things Around on You

Gaslighting is when someone takes a situation about themselves and puts it onto someone else. Deflecting is very common from abusive people, and they usually turn it around on you. For instance, they may be keeping a secret about having an affair, and you’re starting to put together the puzzle pieces.

However, when you confront them, they might turn it around and say you’re the one having an affair as you brought it up. They will find some way to turn it all around, so it’s your fault. This is a common tactic used to get the focus off of them and put it on you.

12. They Don’t Like To Take Photos Together

Most couples love to take pictures together. With the age of social media, plastering your photographs on the world wide web seems to make things official. However, if your person constantly comes up with excuses because they don’t want photos, it might signify they’re lying.

Be careful because some folks don’t want any photogenic evidence of their lies. This is especially true of serial cheaters, as they will avoid social media altogether.

Final Thoughts on Signs Someone Is Keeping a Secret

Negative people tend to come with a boatload of toxic garbage. You may not initially see all the signs of a self-centered liar, but you will see their true colors over time. Remember, someone with NPD can be pretty charming when they want to be, and they can make you think that you’ve latched onto a real catch.

Consequently, you will see how much of a nightmare it is to deal with this individual daily after the relationship moves forward. When someone is keeping a secret, they will resort to all sorts of tactics to keep you from uncovering the truth. They will turn things around on you, lie, become defensive, and even become abusive to keep you off their trail.

However, their actions speak loud and clear. If you feel in your gut that something is wrong and things are not as they seem, you should always trust your instincts. These little urgings from your soul are there to protect you, and you should always investigate when things don’t feel right. Your new love may be keeping a secret they don’t want you to uncover.

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