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20 Quotes to Help Change Your Mindset from Negative to Positive

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Negative thinking impacts your life in many detrimental ways. Negativity influences your overall sense of wellbeing and your relationships, and it can hold you back from reaching your goals. Positive thinking quotes can quickly help you change your mindset from negative to positive, allowing you to live a more fulfilling life.

Using quotes to help you think more positively makes it easier to get through hard times. When you’re feeling down, these quotes can help you change your mindset and move forward. These quotes can be a helpful reminder anytime you feel angry, depressed, stressed, or just under the weather.

While it’s easy to wallow in negativity, you don’t want to keep that mindset for long. Maintaining a positive mindset will help you become successful, and it’ll improve your relationships. Plus, you’ll feel better overall, thinking clearly and peacefully.

Twenty Quotes to Help Change Your Mindset

Shifting to positive thinking can also help you improve your problem-solving skills. You’ll see the bigger picture and recognize alternative ways to accomplish your goals. If you struggle with a negative mindset, use these quotes to help you change it.

change your mindset1. “Negative emotions like loneliness, envy, and guilt have an important role to play in a happy life; they’re big, flashing signs that something needs to change.” – Gretchen Rubin

While negative emotions seem to have no benefits, Rubin explains that they do. These feelings allow you to recognize when something in your life needs to change. When you listen to the warnings, you can make regular improvements in your life.

2. “I think it’s important to get your surroundings as well as yourself into a positive state – meaning surround yourself with positive people, not the kind who are negative and jealous of everything you do.” – Heidi Klum

The people in your life play a role in your mindset. If you spend your time with negative people, you will develop that mindset, as well. Choose positive people, instead, and you will have an easier time making the change.

3. “Plant seeds of expectation in your mind; cultivate thoughts that anticipate achievement. Believe in yourself as being capable of overcoming all obstacles and weaknesses.” – Norman Vincent Peale

You can shift your mindset when you expect more of yourself and think positive thoughts of achievement. Remind yourself that you can overcome anything, no matter how hard it seems.

4. “It takes but one positive thought when given a chance to survive and thrive to overpower an entire army of negative thoughts.” – Robert H. Schuller

When you experience a negative thought, you can push it away by thinking positively. As Schuller explains, one positive overpowers many negative thoughts. If you find yourself thinking negatively, make a conscious effort to replace it with another idea.

5. “If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” – Marcus Aurelius

Most of the time, your discomfort from a situation is because of your reaction to it. If you react negatively, you will suffer. However, if you respond positively, you can overcome the problem instead.

6. “Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal. Nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude.” – Thomas Jefferson

With the right attitude, anything is possible. If you always have a negative mindset, on the other hand, you won’t accomplish much of anything.

7. “Man is not suffering by external forces as much as his own dysfunctional mind and self-inflicted negative stimulus.” – Aditya Ajmera

When you feel like you’re suffering, check your mindset and see what you’re thinking about. If your thoughts are unhelpful and detrimental, then you have found the source of your suffering.

8. “Sooner or later, those who win are those who think they can.” – Paul Tournier

The people with positive thoughts and self-confidence are the ones that tend to succeed. Their success is often due to positive thinking because your thoughts tend to determine the outcome.

9. “I realized that if my thoughts immediately affect my body, I should be careful about what I think. Now, if I get angry, I ask myself why I feel that way. If I can find the source of my anger, I can turn that negative energy into something positive.” – Yoko Ono

When your thoughts make you angry or upset, you must find a way to change them. Figure out what causes is causing those thoughts, and then you can begin to change your mindset.

10. “The positive thinker sees the invisible, feels the intangible, and achieves the impossible.” -Winston Churchill

With a positive mindset, you can see things that other people don’t recognize. It leads to achievement and success, and you’ll be far ahead of all the negative thinkers.

change your mindset11. “A negative attitude drains, a positive attitude energizes.” – Lindsey Rietzsch

Negativity drains you of your energy, hope, focus, and everything else that you need. On the other hand, a positive attitude gives you energy and the determination to keep moving forward.

12. “Nothing good stands without the right attitude. You may know how to do it, but if the attitude is negative, all you can say is ‘I could have done it.’” – Israelmore Ayivor

If you let a negative attitude stop you from doing something, it won’t matter if you knew how. All that matters is that you stayed positive and gave your best effort.

13. “Attitude is more important than the past than education than money than circumstances than what people do or say. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill.” – Charles R. Swindoll

Don’t let outside sources affect you if you want to change your mindset from negative to positive. Whatever happened in your past shouldn’t affect your perspective. Plus, you can be positive no matter what your education level is, how much money you have, or what your circumstances look like.

14. “And I knew, then and there, that no matter what happens one should never let the negatives in their life become the manifesto of their whole being. It always takes two to tango. Negatives don’t come without positives.” – Zainab T. Khan

Things won’t always work out the way you wanted them to, but you can’t let negative thoughts take over your life. When you experience something negative, remind yourself of this quote because a positive will come, too.

15. “We lost because we told ourselves we lost.” – Leo Tolstoy

When you allow negative thoughts to fester, they become your reality. So, as Tolstoy explains, if you tell yourself that you’ll lose, that’s what will happen. The next time your negative thoughts tell you that you can’t do something, make sure you switch them and say that you can.

16. “Discipline your mind to think positively. Discipline your mind to see the good in every situation and look on the best side of every intent” – Roy T. Bennett

With practice, your thoughts will gravitate toward positivity more often than negativity. Teach yourself to see the positive aspects of all situations, and you’ll live a happier life.

17. “Negativity is cannibalistic. The more you feed it, the bigger and stronger it grows.” – Bobby Darnell

As Darnell explains, negativity feeds on itself, growing stronger each minute. The longer you let it fester, the more intense it becomes. Remember this quote the next time you struggle to change your mindset.

18. “Watch out for the joy-stealers: gossip, criticism, complaining, faultfinding, and a negative, judgmental attitude.” – Joyce Meyer

You might not realize it, but having a negative mindset involves more than just negative thoughts. Negativity thrives on gossip, criticism, complaining, and many other things. Be careful how you speak because it can make all the difference between a negative and positive mindset.

19. “It would be easy to become a victim of our circumstances and continue feeling sad, scared, or angry; or instead, we could choose to deal with injustice humanely and break the chains of negative thoughts and energies, and not let ourselves sink into it.” – Erin Gruwell

When you have a victim mentality, negativity will take over your life. However, if you choose to deal with things positively, you’ll experience positive energy that helps get you through.

20. “Look for something positive in every day, even if some days you have to look a little harder.” – Unknown

The best parts of life aren’t always easy to spot. Stay on the lookout for little bits of joy that breed positivity within.

change your mindsetFinal Thoughts on Quotes to Help Change Your Mindset from Negative to Positive

If you want to change your mindset from negative to positive, these quotes can help you. Changing your mindset can improve all areas of your life and help you feel more fulfilled in life. Plus, it’ll positively influence your professional and personal relationships.

If you want to live the best life possible, switching from negativity to positivity is essential. Remember the quotes that resonated with you the most, and recall them during challenging times.

5 Powerful Traits A Strong Person Looks For In A Partner

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A strong person is someone who’s built their life and self with a focus on growth, maturity, resilience, and openness. Though it can be challenging to embody strength, it’s a trait that most people can successfully achieve in their lifetime. Once someone reaches that point, they’ve gained a new outlook on life – and they’ll want to surround themselves with similar people.

This desire means that a strong person often looks for specific traits in the people they let into their circle. That’s even more true when they seek a partner. For them to see a future with someone, that person must be able to meet their strength halfway. After all, choosing a partner is a significant decision in life. Because of that strength, they won’t settle for less than what they deserve!

Maybe you want to be a stronger person who picks better partners. Perhaps you’re trying to build qualities that would be best suited to a strong relationship. Or, possibly, you’re a strong person who wants to consider your next steps. Whatever the case, you need only read on to get the information you need! Here are five powerful things a strong person looks for in a partner.

1.    A Strong Person Needs Honesty And Trust From A Partner

Trust and honesty go hand-in-hand, and they’re both powerful building blocks for a relationship. A strong person has no time for a relationship that isn’t founded on these traits. They want someone truthful with them, so they never have to second-guess what’s real. And they want someone who will trust them, so there aren’t incidents involving a breakdown of communication.

Ultimately, a strong person doesn’t have time for games. They need a functional and positive relationship that won’t bog them down in the pettiness that comes from distrust and lies. As such, they want honesty and trust because they want:

strong person·         Peace Of Mind

Have you ever been in a relationship where you felt that you couldn’t trust your partner? Or perhaps one where your partner made it clear they didn’t trust you? These sorts of issues cause quick deterioration of any relationship. You can’t feel at peace, and you’re always looking over your shoulder. Either you’re trying to prove your innocence constantly, or you’re trying to invade your partner’s privacy constantly. Whichever way it goes, it’s not healthy, and it’s exhausting!

·         Commitment

You cannot be truly committed to someone you lie to and who you don’t trust in turn. Sharing a deep, understanding bond of trust and truth is crucial to facilitating any deeper bond. This is even more powerful because studies have shown that these traits are part of a robust positive cycle. The more trust you have, the greater your commitment. The greater your commitment, the greater your confidence!

·         Comfort and Security

Getting close to someone with the foundation of trust and honesty allows for wholesome, comfortable, and safe-feeling bonds. Research has shown that this form of attachment development is ideal for a healthy and positive relationship. The ability to grow vulnerable and be completely open is a beautiful and influential part of a partnership, and strong people crave that!

2.    A Strong Person Wants A Partner With A Sense Of Humor

Strength isn’t about stoic seriousness. In fact, for many, humor is a sign of resilience. The strong desire to find someone ready to laugh at themselves, their mistakes, and adverse circumstances. That’s probably why strong people gravitate towards funny people when seeking a partner! Humor is capable of:

  • Helping people to cope with difficult situations
  • Taking things quickly, even in the event of less-than-ideal circumstances
  • Diffusing a tense or uncomfortable situation
  • Maintaining a fun, loving, and exciting relationship
  • Allowing contentious topics to be brought up lightheartedly
  • Improving self-awareness and the awareness of others
  • Providing a non-confrontational and positive approach to conflict
  • Creating a clear divide between serious issues and non-serious ones
  • Sharing many moments of laughter and building memories on them
  • Improving mood and boosting positive thinking
  • Encouraging your special someone to follow their heart.

Of course, humor is not the best approach in all situations unanimously. But it can be a great approach to many, and it can be a great approach to life. Strong people like funny people because they’re resilient and enjoyable partners. They don’t have to be full stand-up comics, but a compatible sense of humor, used often, goes a long way!

3.    More Similarities Than Differences

There’s a saying that “opposites attract.” While that’s not necessarily wrong, it’s not an approach that works in all circumstances, and strong people know that. Moreover, studies show that being more similar than different can be a pretty big deal in ensuring long-term relationship satisfaction!

Of course, that doesn’t mean a strong person wants to date themselves. No, it’s more than they want to be with a partner who’s similar to them in the ways that matter. The definition of what “matters” will differ from person to person. Regardless of their meaning, a strong person knows what is important to them and will seek partners with those similarities. Examples of parallels that could matter to some strong people may be:

·         Social, Political, Or Economic Views

Not all views are “agree to disagree” types of opinions, and strong people know not to compromise their integrity.

·         Preferences For Dates And Downtime Activities

To have quality time with a partner, of course, you’ll want to be able to do things you both enjoy. For example, someone who values their quiet home time may not be compatible with someone who wants to party nightly.

·         Future Goals

A strong person won’t give up their desired future for someone else. For example, someone who wants kids will not want to date someone who wants to be childfree.

strong person4.    Fundamentally Positive Traits A Strong Person Seeks In A Partner

It’s not surprising that someone with positive traits is a more desirable partner on all fronts. Few people want to be with jerks! But you may have noticed a degree of attraction that people have for the “bad boy” or “bad girl” types. There can be something enticing about the “danger” or unpredictability that their mysterious ways offer!

Strong people don’t have much interest in people of that sort. They want those with genuine hearts of gold. They don’t want someone who’s only nice to them – they want someone nice to everyone! This is an entirely non-negotiable reality for them, which means they’re also careful in evaluating potential partners.

This doesn’t mean that solid people are suspicious. It’s quite the contrary! They’re willing to give everyone a chance to showcase their true qualities. They’ll take the time to get to know someone instead of judging them by the facade of early dates. They know that genuine goodness isn’t always obvious or flashy and want to see the content of someone’s innermost character.

This is a great thing because these traits of fundamental “goodness,” such as compassion, generosity, and warmth, are crucial in relationships. Studies have shown that more “agreeable” personalities lend themselves to healthier, more satisfying relationships. These traits also allow people to pick partners who are likely to be a good match for their positivity, too!

5.    A Strong Person Knows The Value Of Maturity In A Relationship

Long-term partnerships are stronger when all parties involved are emotionally mature. While there will be space and time to grow together, they also come into the relationship with wisdom. Those who lack that wisdom may not be sufficiently equipped for the connection that strong people seek.

Strong people want someone equipped with the necessary maturity to handle different situations in a positive way. They’re happy to make mistakes and learn as the relationship develops, but there must be a baseline of maturity to begin with. Without it, the growth mentioned above can’t happen! Here are some signs of maturity that strong people look for in a partner:

·         Openness

Someone open-minded and emotionally open isn’t blocking their partner out with unnecessary walls. They’re not shooting down any feedback or new ideas. Instead, they’re ready to receive beneficial and constructive information, as well as to provide it. They have no interest in keeping secrets that make things more difficult. And they don’t have an interest in shutting down the possibility of growth! It’s no wonder that strong people seek this trait.

·         Communication In Conflict

Conflict will arise in any relationship, no matter how much one tries to avoid it. Strong people know this, and they don’t mind that at all. All they want is a partner who will continue to work with them through conflict. Maturity means there won’t be tantrums or kicking and screaming, nor will there be childish shutdowns and invalidations. Instead, there will be honest and direct back-and-forth that allows for productive discussions instead of shouting matches.

·         Independence

A lot of immature people wind up forming codependent and unhealthy attachments to their partners. A strong person doesn’t want that, mainly because they’re independent themselves. They don’t want to lose their freedom and personal space to a partner who latches onto them and blurs boundaries. As such, they choose mature and capable partners who don’t need them but want them.

·         Willingness To Face Hard Times

Immature people are likely to run or cower when difficult situations are upon them. They may practice avoidance tactics or throw in the towel at the first sign of trouble. Strong people detest that idea. It goes against all the strength that they have! They want a partner who will be with them through thick and thin and who’s in it for the long run. That way, all partners can draw strength from each other and bond as they overcome challenges side by side.

strong personFinal Thoughts On Some Powerful Things A Strong Person Looks For In A Partner

Looking for a serious, long-term partner is not an easy task! Many people out there seek similar relationships, and they all have their desires and baggage. The goal is often to find someone compatible enough with you to build a healthy relationship from your bond.

A healthy relationship requires honesty, trust, humor, maturity, positive traits, and things in common for strong people. So if you consider yourself a being of strength, it’s time to adjust your dating goals accordingly!

20 Positive Quotes to Give You Strength on the Darkest Days

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When you’re going through a hard time, you’ll have days when you need extra strength. The darkest days are the hardest, but getting through them will make the other days a little easier. Reading quotes to give you strength can help you get through, knowing you’re not alone and that it will pass.

Quotes can help no matter what you’re going through, from relationship problems, financial difficulties, the loss of a loved one, or anything else. Knowing that things will get better will give you hope for a better day tomorrow. Plus, they will give you strength as you realize that you can get through anything.

Even the strongest people face dark times, so these quotes are beneficial to anyone. They remind you not to give up, to remain hopeful, and to stay strong. Your true inner strength will shine through during these times, allowing you to see what you’re capable of.

Twenty Quotes to Give You Strength on the Darkest Days

These positive quotes give you the strength to keep pushing on, no matter how hard things get. If it helps, write the quotes in a place you will see each day as a reminder to push forward.

give you strength1. “It is only in our darkest hours that we may discover the true strength of the brilliant light within ourselves that can never, ever, be dimmed.” – Doe Zantamata

You discover your true inner strength when you feel like you’re at your lowest point. You are wonderful the way you are, and you are strong enough to get through anything. No matter what you’re going through, it can’t take away your identity.

2. “You need to spend time crawling alone through shadows to truly appreciate what it is to stand in the sun.” – Shaun Hick

You will never know how great the good times are if you haven’t experienced darkness. Remind yourself that once this feeling passes, you will appreciate the good times much more than before.

3. “Courage does not always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

On your darkest days, give yourself credit for making it to the end of the day. By being willing to try again tomorrow, you show true courage to keep pushing through.

4. “We don’t develop courage by being happy every day. We develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity.” – Barbara De Angelis

You can’t become more courageous or more assertive if you never encounter hard days. Each dark day you have, you grow stronger as you push through.

5. “Anyone can give up; it is the easiest thing in the world to do. But to hold it together when everyone would expect you to fall apart, now that is true strength.” – Chris Bradford

If you want to show everyone what you’re made of, keep moving even during hard times. When you persevere, it shows your true strength, so remember that when you feel like giving up.

6. “You have power over your mind – not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

You can’t control anything except your mind. When unfortunate events outside of your control threaten your wellbeing, remember this quote to give you strength. You can choose to be strong during your darkest days, no matter how bad you’re feeling.

7. “Life keeps throwing me stones. And I keep finding the diamonds.” – Ana Claudia Antunes

When it seems like one bad thing after another happens, look for the good in each situation. As Antunes explains, there are plenty of diamonds to find amidst the hardship.

8. “Challenges are what make life interesting, and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.” – Joshua J. Marine

Life would be boring if you never encountered challenges and obstacles. While you’d likely rather not deal with dark days, it makes your life more meaningful. Your life journey is what gives you fulfillment and satisfaction in the better days ahead.

9. “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.” – Khalil Gibran

You can’t reach gain strength without encountering hard times and getting through them. Your dark days are making you stronger and ready to handle anything. Life is all about picking yourself up and finding joy even during the hard times.

10. “The trick is to enjoy life. Don’t wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead.” – Marjorie Pay Hinckley

You might be tempted to wish the days away when things get hard. As Hinckley explains, though, you should focus on enjoying life instead. When you focus on joy and positivity, it helps you live a meaningful life even amidst hardship.

give you strength11. “Going through challenging things can teach you a lot, and they also make you appreciate the times that aren’t so challenging.” – Carrie Fisher

You can’t learn anything when everything is easy. Try thinking of your challenging situation as a learning opportunity. Not only will you learn from it, but it’ll also help you enjoy the good times even more.

12. “Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help you discover who you are.” – Bernice Johnson Reagon

Your dark days aren’t meant to stop you from moving forward in life. As Reagon explains, the challenges happen to help you find yourself and determine your strengths. Don’t let your darkest days paralyze you, but see how you can learn and grow from them.

13. “Hope is important because it can make the present moment less difficult to bear. If we believe that tomorrow will be better, we can bear a hardship today.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Without hope, you’ll feel like you can’t get through anything, especially the darkest days. Remain hopeful so that you can believe tomorrow could be better. It’ll help you get through the hard times right now, and you’ll be more appreciative when the good day comes.

14. “And once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about.” – Haruki Murakami

It might be hard to see it right now, but the storm you’re enduring is worth it. While you likely won’t remember how you made it through, you will remember how much you changed throughout the struggle. You will grow and improve with each step you take, resulting in a different but better person.

15. “Sometimes you don’t realize your own strength until you come face to face with your greatest weakness.” – Susan Gale

You might never realize how strong you are if you don’t encounter dark days. When you face hard times and persevere, you’ll give yourself more credit than you did before. Then, on your next dark day, you’ll already know that you can handle it.

16. “As with the butterfly, adversity is necessary to build character in people.” – Joseph B. Wirthlin

Butterflies are the perfect example of something that requires adversity to reach its full potential. Think of yourself as a butterfly as you overcome the darkest days, knowing that beauty lies ahead.

17. “When you have exhausted all possibilities, remember this: you haven’t.” – Thomas Edison

No matter what the situation is, there is always something more you can do. Whether there is a method you haven’t tried yet or a way to make your method work, you can figure it out. Sometimes, the best possibility is to walk away from things that make you feel bad, though.

18. “Every adversity, every failure, and every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or a greater benefit.” – Napoleon Hill

Every time you experience hardship or have a dark day, remember this quote. Each adversity, failure, or heartache precedes something good.

19. “I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness for it shows me the stars.” – Og Mandino

While everyone enjoys the good days, you must embrace the dark days, too. As Mandino explains, the darkness offers brightness and hope for the future.

20. “All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me…. You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” – Walt Disney

It might be hard to recognize the benefit when you’re going through your darkest days, but there is usually at least one. When you’re having a hard time, remember that it is all happening for a reason, and things will get better.

give you strengthFinal Thoughts on Positive Quotes to Give You Strength on the Darkest Days

These positive quotes can give you strength on your darkest days. Re-read these quotes whenever you struggle to get out of bed or can’t switch your negative thoughts. They’ll give you a boost of encouragement and strength, helping you get through the day.

Better yet, spend a few minutes each day reading over your favorite positive quotes. It’ll get you started on a good note each morning, allowing you to recall the words of wisdom later on.

Why Authenticity in Relationships Comes From These 12 Habits

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You’re hardwired to be accepted and receive praise from those closest to you. You want the people around you to notice when you get a new haircut, outfit, or car. It’s natural to conform yourself to a manner that you feel will be accepted by everyone. But authenticity in relationships is also a critical factor in making them last.

Thus, there’s a big issue with striving for approval and accepting superficial praise to stroke your ego. When it comes to relationships, you find yourself in the same situation. Meeting someone new can be intimidating, and you want this person to like you, so you change to make yourself more attractive.

Authenticity in relationships is a huge problem. If you’re dating someone you feel is outside of your caliber, you may lie to keep this person interested. For instance, one of the classic examples is someone who says they’re a fuel pump technician, but they are a clerk at a gas station.

Be careful when selecting your words and dressing or acting differently, as you can give off a whole other persona. What happens when the person you’re dating finds out you lied to them? Dishonesty can ruin your entire relationship, as no one wants to be with someone who is deceptive.

Twelve Ways to Create Authenticity in Relationships

authenticity in relationships

Honesty is always the best policy, and how can you build a relationship when you’re starting on the shaky ground of deceit? Here are some habits and ways to increase relationships’ authenticity to make them last.

1. Be Vulnerable

If you want a deep connection, you’re going to have to be vulnerable. Whether the relationship is romantic or platonic doesn’t matter; a certain level of realism is needed. Your time on planet Earth will give you a lot of experience with things from pleasure to pain.

Sharing these experiences with people and not leaving out anything is valuable. Both parties need to be vulnerable to increase authenticity.

2. Never Judge

If you want to have friends and be loved, you must avoid pointing the finger. Don’t judge people or be pretentious, as it’s never desirable. Why do people judge you on your clothes, where you live, what kind of car you drive, and how much money you make?

All these superficial things don’t matter. It’s what’s on the inside that truly counts, and you’re not going to see these beautiful things if you don’t stop looking at the exterior. A classic instance of this is people who struggle with obesity.

Your parents told you never to judge a book by its cover, but those who have a weight issue say they’re prejudged before anyone gets to know them. According to Harvard Health, there are many reasons why someone might be obese, and they don’t always involve overeating.

If you’re quick to judge someone’s exterior without knowing the story, you might miss out on some of the most extraordinary relationships. Authenticity in relationships takes the good and evil and loves anyway.

3. Forgive

You do things you’re not proud of because you’re human. Be eager to forgive others when they fail, as you are not the moral compass for society. When you forgive others, you release good karma into the atmosphere, and others will forgive you.

The next time you look at yourself in the mirror, you want to see someone who has made many mistakes but never let the insane world get to them. Choose to forgive not only others but also yourself.

4. Embrace Differences

Similar to finding common ground, you want to embrace the diversity among you. Wouldn’t the world be boring if everyone thought and acted like you?

You need different points of view and life experiences to make for a good conversation. Plus, when there are differences, you push one another to try new things and experience fun times you never thought possible. Bringing people who differ from you to the table helps push the boundaries of self-growth.

5. Admire One Another

No one likes a “brown noser,” but you do like someone who notices the good things about you. If you want authenticity in relationships, then try complimenting them. Take notice of the good stuff, and don’t focus on the wrong things.

Mark Twain wrote about the power of praise by saying he could feast for two months off just one nice compliment. It gives you a boost in your esteem that you need to keep going.

6. Be Trustworthy

No matter how juicy the gossip your partner or friend tells you, being trustworthy is one of the fundamentals that will make or break your union. If you want your relationship to last, you must use trust as one of your building blocks.

When you can’t trust one another, you will examine and possibly doubt every word. Should this person confide secrets in you they don’t want the world to know, don’t repeat them. If you tell even one person, you’ve betrayed their trust.

While some folks are eager to forgive such a trespass, others will cut you off for treason.

authenticity in relationships
7. Find Common Ground

While the old saying states that opposites attract, you must have some common ground to lay your foundation. It will become apparent if you have nothing in common with your partner but more with others. Don’t fixate on all your differences; you need to focus on the similarities.

8. Learn Effective Communication

Do you classify yourself as a good listener? You can distinguish good listeners by the number of people who call to tell them your problems. In a relationship, you must listen and concentrate on the other person.

Don’t overanalyze everything they say or interject your feelings. People usually talk because they want someone to listen to them. Being a good conversationalist is an integral part of a relationship because you will have difficulty without communication.

9. Give With Nothing Expected in Return

It’s always more blessed to give than to receive. Never share with the expectation of getting something in return, as this defeats the whole purpose of charity. Giving someone something with no strings attached gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling that you’ve done right by humanity.

Your partner or friend should know that you’re always there for them. Remember the old passages that say if you have two shirts, give your neighbor one? Well, remember that “sharing is caring,” and when you share with others, you’re showing how much you care.

10. Be Present

Being present is a big issue with so many folks today. Assume you go out on a date with your partner. They don’t put their phone down for five minutes the entire time you’re at dinner. They’re answering calls, texting, and responding to emails.

In the two hours you were in this restaurant, you did nothing but watch them on their phone. You two didn’t talk much, and you didn’t spend any particular time together. While it’s going to be a challenge, turn off or silence your phone.

Your partner deserves your undivided attention, even if it’s only for an hour. Would you please allow them to answer their questions rather than text messages? According to Fatherly, cell phone addiction can destroy a relationship as quickly as infidelity.

Apparently, “phone snubbing “is getting out of control, but is it worth losing someone you love?

11. Don’t Strive for Perfection

You’re not perfect, so why do you expect those around you to be? If you want authenticity in relationships, then allow your friends and partner to be authentic.

12. Be More Open to Suggestions and Compromises

Is it your way or the highway? You won’t gather many friends if you have an attitude that you’re always right. You must be open to the suggestions of others and eager to compromise.

Your opinion matters too, but you need to be open to hear other points of view. Not only will it help to brighten your horizons, but it allows the other person to feel they’re listened to.

authenticity in relationships
Final Thoughts on Authenticity in Relationships

Relationships are a challenge. Whether you’re looking for your forever partner or your best friend to share your secrets with, there’s a level of authenticity in relationships that’s required. It would help if you had good communication, never to point the finger of judgment, and were eager to show your failures as well as your successes.

Karen L. Rancourt, Ph.D., has researched the building blocks of relationships. She’s compiled a list of what a healthy relationship needs, such as values, commitment, appreciation, honesty, and accommodation. When you find a friend or lover who will stick beside you for life, you don’t want to lose them because you’re unauthentic.

Strive each day to tell someone something nice, spend time with them, put down the cell phone, and give them your undivided attention. Relationships take work, and you must be willing to get your hands dirty to help yours blossom.

20 Coping Mechanisms for Stress Never to Overlook

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How’s your stress level these days? Do you feel like self-care after working, dealing with bills, household chores, and handling your kids? If you feel stressed to the max, don’t worry, as you’re not alone.

The good news is that you can find effective coping mechanisms for stress to make your burden lighter. Maybe you don’t know that you’re stressed out, and you need some help identifying the culprit of what you’re feeling inside.

Signs It’s Time to Start Developing New Coping Mechanisms for Stress

Here are some common signs that your stress levels are too high:coping mechanisms for stress

  • Frequent headaches
  • Sleepless nights
  • Lack of energy
  • Tired all the time
  • Excessive alcohol or drug use
  • Dizzy spells
  • Episodes of heart racing
  • Feelings that you can’t get anything done
  • Moody or irritable
  • Even small tasks seem unachievable
  • Bowel upset
  • Grinding teeth
  • Muscle tension (neck, back, shoulders)
  • Sweating
  • Brain fog
  • Poor performance at work
  • GI disturbances
  • Feelings of isolation and worthlessness
  • Constant worrying or obsessive thinking

Are you experiencing any of these things regularly? While some of these symptoms can be indicative of another condition, many point to stress-related symptoms. Some people have a challenging time admitting that they need help as they fear it shows signs of weakness.

However, anxiety and stress are just outward expressions of people who’ve been vital for way too long. You need to find coping mechanisms for stress that can help to release some of the tension you feel inside.

Effective Coping Mechanisms for Stress You Should Utilize

If you are tired of being exhausted and run down and feeling like life is running over you, then maybe it’s time for you to stand up and do something about it. Life is always nerve-wracking, but you can learn coping mechanisms for stress that can put it in its place. Here are twenty ways that you can manage the angst you feel.

1. Accept That You Cannot Control Everything

One of the most powerful poems ever written was the Serenity Prayer. It would help if you learned to accept the things you can’t change, the power to change the things you can, and the wisdom to know the difference between them. Realizing you can’t control everything is the first step in managing stress.

2. See a Counselor

Counseling is a great option to help you unwind. Since a counselor is a third-party, unbiased person, you can say anything you want and not worry about hurting their feelings. They can help you with management techniques.

3. EFT Tapping

Tapping is a technique that helps to control stress by working on the pressure points in the body. It follows the ancient Chinese acupressure methods with a bit of modern psychology by utilizing the meridian points. According to The Tapping Solution, when you’re simulating certain areas in the body, you’re lowering your cortisol levels as well as forcing the brain to relax.

4. Limit Alcohol and Stimulants

The worst thing you can do for stress is turning to alcohol, tobacco products and consume too much caffeine. These can all stimulate the body, which makes sleep difficult. Additionally, numbing the pain with alcohol will not resolve anything, as you’re just adding another issue to the mix.

5. Eat Healthily

When you feel stressed to the maximum level, you probably do not feel like cooking a healthy dinner. You likely grab a burger on the way home from work. However, your body needs fruits, vegetables, and protein to function. Changing your eating habits can positively change how you feel; ask those who do the keto diet and have terrific mental clarity.

6. Practice Meditation With Tibetan Singing Bowls

You know by now that meditation is a good thing for you. However, doing meditation with the Tibetan singing bowls takes it to a whole other level. The powerful healing properties of these bowls have been used for centuries among Buddhists.

According to Shanti Bowl, these bowls should be placed near your chakras to help you enter a deep meditative state. It’s in this state that your mind lets loose of the stress and troubles and purges negativity.

7. Re-Balance Your Work and Home Life

If you are not spending enough time with your family and friends and working too much, you need to re-balance your life. You can’t work all the time, and you need socialization to help you relax and unwind.

8. Get Regular Exercise

One of the best coping mechanisms for stress is to exercise. When you’re doing a workout, you’re increasing the feel-good chemicals in your brain, lowering your cortisol levels or your fight or flight response.

9. Consider Supplements

Many people find that they’re stressed out because their body is deficient. You can take a supplement to help you balance things. Some of the best supplements are:

  • Lemon balm
  • Ashwagandha
  • Green tea
  • Valerian
  • Kava kava
  • Omega – 3 fatty acids
  • B12
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium

10. Use Essential Oils or Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries to stimulate healing. Did you know that lemon balm has powerful anti-anxiety effects that can calm you down? Try things like peppermint, lavender, bergamot, and sandalwood.

coping mechanisms for stress11. Learn To Say No

One of the most significant issues, why people are so stressed out, is because they do not know how to say no. Sure, it may seem like a good idea to put your kid in two sports programs, but have you stopped to consider the toll all that running will take on you? Learn to set healthy boundaries and know when to say no, as it can save you a lot of stress.

12. Maintain a Positive Attitude

Your attitude is everything. If you’re constantly negative and always waiting for the sky to fall, then your stress levels will be too high. However, if you learn to let things roll off your back and start looking at things through rose-colored glasses, it can change you for the better.

13. Practice Mindfulness

One of the biggest reasons people have stress is that they’re not present in the moment. They’re worked up because they are worrying about things that haven’t even happened. Please don’t pass by a beautiful flower without smelling it, and don’t let a gorgeous sunrise or sunset go by without a gaze either.

14. Chew Gum

A study cited by Science Direct shows that those who chew gum have lower stress levels. Could managing your stress be as easy as chewing gum? Experts believe that when you’re making the continual chewing motion with your mouth, you’re promoting blood flow to your brain and calming your brain waves.

15. Get Outside in the Fresh Air

Perhaps some of the simplest ways to control your stress are just by going outside. Have you ever experienced a panic attack but felt much better when you went out in the fresh air? There’s something tranquil about the great outdoors that tends to melt the cares of life away.

16. Don’t Procrastinate

Much of your stress can be self-inflicted. Do you commonly procrastinate? When you put off today’s work for tomorrow, you’re only making your outlook bleak. Stop putting off tasks that you can finish, and get them off your plate.

17. Try Deep Breathing

Deep breathing is a great way to purge the negativity within and clear your mind. The most observed styles are the following:

  • Coherent
  • Resistance
  • Breath

18. Take on a New Hobby

Diversion is an excellent tactic for stress, and when you’re having fun, it’s hard to be stressed out. Why not attempt golf, swimming, croquet, or some other fun thing you’ve wanted to try? Bring a friend along and have a few laughs, and your stress levels will decrease.

19. Laugh More

Life is too short not to have fun and laugh. If you can’t remember the last time you’ve laughed out loud, then it’s been too long. It’s time for you to start enjoying life, and there should be at least one thing each day to smile and be happy about.

20. Take a Bubble Bath

There are few things as calming to the mind and body as a bubble bath. There’s something tranquil about bathing in the warm bubbles and letting the cares of life slip away. When you’re looking for coping mechanisms for stress, why not light some candles and emerge yourself in a tub full of fragrant bubbles?

coping mechanisms for stressFinal Thoughts on Trying These Coping Mechanisms for Stress

If you were asked to rate your stress levels on a scale of one to ten, where would you fall? After reviewing this list, do you see anything that can improve your life by alleviating some of the constant mental pressure? According to the American Psychological Association, at least 45 percent of the population reports stress within the past thirty days.

Stop getting overwhelmed by the big picture and start living in the moment. Your entire life can change when you learn to put things into perspective. When your mental pressure is out of control, understand these effective coping mechanisms for stress to be a happier person.

How to Stay Away From Drama And Negativity In 3 Ways

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Do you often find yourself stuck in uncomfortable and harmful situations? Do you notice that you tend to land squarely in the middle of drama? Or do the people around you always seem to have some new negative issue every day? If you’ve said “yes” to any of those questions, you might be surrounded and be seeking a way to stay away from drama and negativity!

There’s no way to avoid all negativity in your life entirely, and you can’t control whether or not people have drama, either. But there’s a vast difference between a constant barrage of drama and just dealing with the occasional uncomfortable event. If you’re in dire circumstances way more often than neutral and positive ones, you might need to reevaluate your life.

So how can you keep yourself clean of those types of situations? Is it even possible when you’re surrounded by people who seem to attract them? Here are three practical ways to stay away from drama and negativity.

1.    Stay Away From Drama By Taking Stock Of Yourself and Your Life

If you find it challenging to stay away from negativity or drama, chances are you’re one of its components. This doesn’t mean you’re starting or fueling drama. Instead, this only suggests that elements of your life and environment put you at risk of that negativity. To fight this, you’ll have to take honest stock of your life and yourself. So take a good, long look at yourself in the following ways:

negativity meme

·         Assess The Situations You Find Yourself In

You need to address those events when you’re constantly stuck in situations filled with negativity and drama. What about them made you feel like you were embroiled in drama? Did you feel threatened? If you were involved, how did you react, and what triggered that reaction? You’ll need to process your thoughts and experiences in a way that allows you to reach your roots. Go beyond just looking at the symptoms and find their causes instead.

·         Determine Your Boundaries and Limits

Constantly being embroiled in drama against your will can mean that you did not establish clear boundaries. Everyone has different limits, and you’ll need to know what yours are to stave off negativity. Be more aware of the things you’re uncomfortable with and the limitations in your life.

Psychology Today notes that you live a fuller life once you learn how to stay away from drama.

You’ll then need to communicate these boundaries to others and ensure consequences for crossing them. Be honest about how you feel, enforce limits, and deal with those who ignore them quickly. This also includes making and maintaining realistic commitments.

·         Assess The Relationships You Have

If those in your life are often involved in some form of drama or other, assess your relationships with them. Are there those you’re close to that tend to create or fuel drama? Are there people in your life who are beacons of negativity? Do your relationships feel positive? Have you surrounded yourself with positive people or negative ones? You’ll want to cultivate balanced, honest, and supportive relationships. If those terms don’t describe your relationships, it may be time to start finding better people to be around.

·         Consider Your Unresolved Problems

Do you often find that you’re a crucial component of the drama around you? At the same time, are you not sure why or how you wind up in that cycle? There’s a chance that there are unresolved issues or emotional baggage that you’re not properly managing. These problems can crop up in related and unrelated conflicts, leading to even more drama—the points you need to be resolved correctly and with only the relevant people. Awareness of them can help you stop being led by these issues in other separate conflicts.

negativity detox

2.    Adjust Your Interactions With Others to Stay Away From Drama

Drama rarely ever gets stirred up without the presence of more than one person. This means that how you interact with others can be a catalyst in negativity and drama. You’ll need to learn to manage your relationships better – whether they’re platonic, romantic, or familial – to keep the peace. It can be quite a balancing act, but making a few minor adjustments already goes a long way. Here’s how to start:

·         Start With The Benefit Of The Doubt

It can be tempting to roll your eyes and assume that someone is starting drama. But often, such an assumption only creates more problems! It’s best to give people the benefit of the doubt first to reduce the risk of drama. This will keep the positive thinking going and can open the door for better communication and interactions.

·         Be Present and Aware

Start being alert and fully present when interacting with those who start drama and bring negativity. This will allow you to catch warning signs and note triggers that may spell an upcoming disaster. You’ll also get better at figuring out when it’s best to hold your tongue and stay quiet. In addition, your increased presence in your interactions with others may be enough to diffuse drama. For those who want to be heard or validated, being genuinely mindful without distractions when interacting with them can fill that need.

·         Lose The Urge To Please

People-pleasing is exhausting, especially when you have an impulse for virtually everyone. The more you try to please others, the more others will expect, and the worse the drama will be. This kind of behavior also tends to attract negative people who seek to take advantage of you. And that’s not even getting into the resentment that can build up when you people-please excessively!

·         Be Honest

Remember those boundaries we discussed? Well, you’ll need to be upfront with someone whose interactions tend to violate yours. Be honest about how much you’re willing to give to a relationship of any kind with them. Be truthful about your emotional bandwidth and what you can do for and with them. If you can’t give them enough, that’s okay! You can go your separate ways. Sometimes, people aren’t meant to be friends or develop relationships. It’s not something that should reflect negatively on either of you, and that’s how you formulate positive circles.

·         Mind Your Own Business

A lot of times, you can stay out of drama by staying in your lane. Focus on yourself and your life, and don’t poke your nose where it doesn’t belong. You’ll find your interactions with others are less tense when you haven’t forced your way into them. So don’t give unsolicited advice, don’t add to gossip, or provide your input where it’s not asked for or wanted. Plus, the less time you spend in other people’s beeswax, the less involved you’ll be in whatever drama they have going on!

breathe darling

3.    Learn To Minimize The Severity Of Automatic Reactions

When you face a difficult situation, your mind automatically starts racing to find solutions. This distraction means you can easily fall into the trap of relying on reflex when responding to unfavorable circumstances. The automatic reactions you have, while occasionally useful, will often not be the most suited to your situation. This adds more fuel to the fire!

The goal when faced with a difficult situation involving negativity, drama, or the risk of either is to respond mindfully. Instead of reacting on a reflex, you’ll have to pause, be present, and consider your options before taking the next step. After all, reactions are how you wind up saying or doing things you’ll regret, especially in the heat of the moment. To minimize the severity of your automatic reactions, try doing the following:

·         Think Before You Act To Stay Away From Drama

It should go without saying that you need to look before you leap. But in heated moments of high emotions, it can be tough to remember how important that is. Stop and take a deep breath first instead of immediately pouncing on the first thing you think and feel. Consider why you’re upset and whether your reaction is rational or helpful. Ask yourself questions and answer them honestly to figure out the roots of your feelings. It might also be wise to ask for a few minutes to breathe or process a situation when you’re in conflict. This will give you and the other people involved the chance to come down from the emotional high.

·         Be Kind And Empathetic

When someone comes to you and seems to be inciting drama or bringing drama to you, pause. Consider if that’s the case. A lot of times, people aren’t necessarily bringing negativity to you. They may be trying to vent, so they express frustration because they trust you with their emotions. Lending them a listening ear can create a favorable situation and strengthen your relationship with that person. Of course, you’re not obligated to provide that listening ear. You should enforce the boundaries we mentioned before if you can’t offer emotional support at the moment. Just remember to approach the situation with compassion and understanding instead of negatively reacting to perceived drama!

·         Know When To Walk Away

You can’t always be a hero, and you can’t always be an opponent. Sometimes, you’re just a person who doesn’t want to deal with other people’s negativity. At that point, you need to understand that getting up and walking away is okay to maintain your positive thinking. If someone is toxic or highly dramatic, you don’t need to engage with their shenanigans. The option of simply removing yourself from a given situation can be the most effective weapon you have against negativity. Giving someone dramatic even more attention won’t help matters and can often only make the situation worse for you in the long run. So underestimate the power of providing no reaction at all by just walking away!

stay away from drama

Final Thoughts On Finding Effective Ways To Stay Away From Drama And Negativity

Life isn’t always sunshine and butterflies. Sometimes, harmful incidents will occur, and drama will be brought into your life. The trick is learning to avoid their most extreme forms so you can focus your energy on managing their unavoidable instances!

12 Signs of a Highly Sensitive Nervous System

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Have you ever had friends or family remark that you are a sensitive soul? Perhaps they’ve taken it a bit further and said you were too sensitive. Having a highly sensitive nervous system can have many challenges.

Sensitivity is a subjective personality trait that’s intrinsically connected to your nervous system. It entails your thoughts, emotions, and physical senses in a way that doesn’t always feel good. In fact, your heightened sensitivity may hinder you from enjoying your best life.

According to an article by Andre Psychology Today, research has found that an overly sensitive nervous system is genetic. So, if one or both of your parents had this issue, chances are you do too. Scientists also believe that heightened sensitivity may come from many genes, not just one.

Here’s one instance that you can blame your genetics. In one way, many people say that they prefer a sensitive mate. These are the people who are more empathetic and may invest more into the relationship.

On the other hand, being highly sensitive can create problems for you and your partner. It may cause you to be overly emotional and be offended easily. You may be more apt to hold grudges or feel like your significant other doesn’t care enough.

Do You Have a Highly Sensitive Nervous System?

highly sensitive nervous systemIf you’ve been labeled as “high strung,” you probably knew you were highly sensitive from a young age. While being sensitive can lead to positive relationships, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Here are 12 signs that you may have a sensitive nervous system.

1. You Experience More Intense Emotions Than Most Others

Experiencing and displaying emotions are an integral part of the human experience. In an article published by Greater Good Science Center, researchers have identified about 27 emotions. Rather than having distinct boundaries, your emotions seamlessly overlap.

Maybe you’ve noticed that your emotions are more potent than others in the room when hearing a story or watching a movie. You may empathize with the same feelings in the story or film in greater intensity. It’s as if you were experiencing what you’re hearing or watching, whether it’s joyous, sad, or scary.

2. A Person with a Highly Sensitive Nervous System Probably Has Overwhelming Feelings of Stranger Danger

Even adults should use good judgment when interacting with people they don’t know. As a person whose nervous system is highly sensitive, strangers may heighten your anxiety. These feelings may bloom into social anxiety that makes you hesitant to go to parties or other fun outings.

3. You Have a Hair-Trigger Startle Reflex

Remember the fun you had as a child by sneaking up on your friends and shouting boo? They might have jumped and made a noise from being surprised out of fear. The natural reflex infants have when startled stays with you as an adult, as it’s part of your survival instinct.

For example, you and your friends go to a haunted house attraction for Halloween. Sudden noises and ghouls jumping out of nowhere make them jump, but your response is more substantial. If people have told you that you are jumpy and nervous, you may have a highly sensitive nervous system.

4. You Have Problems Sleeping

Wouldn’t it be great if everyone could sleep soundly every night and awaken refreshed? Did you know that a book excerpt published by the National Institutes of Health states that 50-70 million Americans have sleep problems? If your nervous system is highly sensitive, it may exacerbate your sleepless nights.

Maybe you’re one of the millions of people who don’t have problems falling asleep, but they awaken several times in the night. One of the issues may be that subtle light and noise are distracting you. Ensuring that you have a dark, quiet, and comfortable room may ease your nerves for better sleep.

5. You’re Not a Social Butterfly if You Have a Highly Sensitive Nervous System

People who have highly sensitive nervous systems are often introverts who avoid crowds at all costs. It’s not that they dislike others or have poor communication skills. Such sensitive introverts are often warm, conversant people when one-on-one.

Strangers, bright light, noise, and other sensations can overwhelm your sensitive nerves and intensify your anxiety. So, you deal with this overstimulation by staying away from big groups. Unfortunately, such an inability to cope may lead to agoraphobia and intense fear of open spaces and crowds.

6. Your Stress Levels Are Over the Top

Whether you’re a pauper or a prince, the stresses of life are inevitable. Some pressure is essential for learning, growing, and coping. It also signals your survival instinct to fight, fly, freeze, or faint.

However, those with highly sensitive nervous systems may have a stress overdrive. Your survival instinct is meant for emergencies to give you temporary strength for running or fighting. If it stays on a continual cycle, the stress hormones dumped into your bloodstream can be devastating for your mental and physical health.

If this sounds like you, you must discover ways to lower your stress levels. Meditation and quiet walks in nature may help soothe your frazzled nerves. You might also find it helpful to write your feelings in a journal each day.

highly sensitive nervous system7. Those with a Highly Sensitive Nervous System Cannot Bear Commotion

Some people not only cope with chaos, but they also thrive in it. However, if you have a highly sensitive nervous system, you’re not one of them. When you deal with noise and confusion, you may feel panicked and have a sense of loss of control.

Your ideal environment is calm, quiet, and orderly. Of course, real life doesn’t always put you in such a place. When you feel overwhelmed and your nerves are on edge, finding your safe place can help.

8. Your Five Senses are On High Alert

If your nervous system is highly sensitive, it’s not unusual for your other senses to perk up. Your eyes may be overwhelmed with too much light and vivid blends of color. The beat of the music may be fantastic to the crowd, but your sensitive ears may be in misery.

You may be pretty sensitive to certain smells, like perfumes or animals. Some sensitive people are picky eaters due to their heightened tastes. You might also feel itchy and uncomfortable with different textures.

Since you can’t stay in a bubble all your life, you can effectively cope with your heightened senses. Judicially avoiding too much stimulation can help you maintain your nerves while still interacting with family and friends. It’s all about knowing your triggers and how best to minimize them.

9. You’re Often Undecisive

When it comes to crucial decisions, some people have an easier time than others. If you have a highly sensitive nervous system, any decision can wreak havoc on your mind. Rather than make a choice, you may stay in limbo and frustrate yourself as well as those around you.

9. You Do Not Handle Stress

Stress is inevitable, but some folks tend to handle it better than others. However, if you have a sensitivity issue, stress may cause you to blow things up to unhealthy levels. Perhaps, you’re one of those who make mountains out of molehills, so everything seems amplified.

10. You Crave Order and Beauty

Who doesn’t want to be in a space that’s clean, bright, and lovely? Unfortunately, you don’t always get that choice. As a person with a highly sensitive nervous system, a dark, ugly place is your worst nightmare.

For you, serenity, peace, and aesthetics make all the difference. You are most comfortable in a space with calming colors, minimal noise, and tasteful décor. It lightens your spirit and relaxes your nerves.

11. You Often Fear Rejection

It doesn’t matter if you have a highly sensitive system or not; rejection is painful. Belonging and connecting with others is one of your basic needs as a human. When someone rejects you, it leaves you with a feeling of worthlessness and invalidation.

Fortunately, most people are more apt to accept rather than reject you. The fear of rejection may hinder you from meeting the love of your life or realizing your dreams. A highly sensitive nervous system often requires personalized coping strategies to overcome this fear.

12. You Feel Like an Odd Duck

It’s common for people to be in a room filled with strangers and feel like they don’t belong. For those with a highly sensitive system, it may be a chronic discomfort since childhood. Maybe you’ve often felt like you were born out of your time, or you’re a square peg trying to fit into a round hole world.

Your heightened sensitivities may have created unhealthy coping mechanisms that make you feel even more different. This anxiety may lead to greater sensitivity, evolving into a drowning whirlpool. When you feel like you don’t fit in anywhere, it can erode your self-confidence.

highly sensitive nervous systemFinal Thoughts on a Highly Sensitive Nervous System

Learning to accept your highly sensitive nervous system is your first step to finding healthy coping skills. You can discover ways to channel your anxiety in more positive ways. Plus, you’ll learn how to love yourself and celebrate your uniqueness.

20 Relaxing Hobbies That Melt Away Stress

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Life is stressful, and there’s no way around all the pressures around you. However, you can find effective ways to relieve stress by making some simple lifestyle changes. Taking on a new hobby can help you clear your mind, release negativity and enjoy life.

If you’re like most people, you have no clue where to start. You know you need to relieve stress, but how do you get rid of it? There are many stress management techniques to consider, but the best way to obtain rid of all that pressure is by having fun.

Relaxing Hobbies To Help Your Stress Levels

Do you love being in the great outdoors, spending time with pets, jamming to music, or throwing down in the kitchen? Here are 20 of the best ways to reduce your stress levels, all while having a great time. Be assured; there’s something on this list for everybody ready for change.

relaxing hobbies1. Doing Puzzles

Puzzles are a great hobby that takes intense focus and a good amount of concentration. Who has time to think about the past due electric bill or upcoming mortgage when you’re trying to find that one part to a 1,000-piece puzzle? When you focus your brain on something other than your troubles, you diminish the power they have over you.

According to Self Growth, there is healing power in puzzles. These “games” have been around in some form since the 1700s. When you’re working on these classics, you’re utilizing both sides of your brain simultaneously.

Some think that these are very much a metaphor for life, and when you solve one of these puzzles, you’re sending messages to your brain that you can fix other things.

2. Spend Time With Your Pet

Do you have a pet? There’s been tons of research done on the therapeutic benefits of having a pet. Not only can they help you to reduce your stress levels, but these furry friends provide great companionship.

Yes, even a goldfish can help you. Watching a fish swim back and forth in a tank is mesmerizing. If you need help with stress, consider spending more time with your current pet or adding one to your brood.

3. Baking Amazing Desserts

Something is satisfying about making desserts and smelling the unique aromas waft through your home. Now, don’t cheat and scratch something out of a box, but get a recipe and try your hands at something homemade. There’s something therapeutic about getting your hands dirty as well as seeing the fruits of your labor.

4. Volunteer and Give Back

Perhaps you need to put your stress into perspective. One of the best ways to forget your problems is by giving back to your community. Find something to do that helps those less fortunate, and it will tend to make your stress and troubles seem less trivial.

5. Coloring

Coloring is one of those relaxing hobbies that take you back to your childhood. The addition of adult coloring books challenges people of all age groups. If you don’t want to use some premade sketch, you can also try your hand at drawing.

6. Get Involved in Music

Music is very therapeutic. While you may not have the setup to start a band, why not try your hand at the piano, guitar, or other musical instruments? There is something you can learn to play, even if it’s the tambourine or the recorder.

7. Reading

Silence your phone and turn off your social media. Instead of scrolling through countless hours of banter, why not get lost in a good book? There are so many books that you can find pleasurable that allow you to get lost in the story.

8. Origami

If you’re looking for one of those relaxing hobbies that don’t cost a fortune, origami might be for you. There are so many resources that can help you start these ancient paper folding techniques. Who knew you could make something extraordinary from the back of an old grocery list?

9. Hiking

If you’re stress out, you need to get out in nature, inhale the tranquility of the fresh air, and bask in the rays of the golden sun. Why is hiking such a stress-busting activity? Well, you can get away from your troubles and enjoy the beautiful scenery provided by Mother Nature.

10. Embrace a New Language/Culture

There is so much more to embrace than the way life is done here. Why not immerse yourself in another culture and learn the language? Maybe you have ancestors from a foreign land.

Wouldn’t it be great to learn your heritage all while connecting with people who live there? Relaxing hobbies can also include educational trips or vacations.

relaxing hobbies11. Gardening

Anything that allows you to be outside in the fresh air is a win-win. Creating something with the labor of your hands is just fascinating. Additionally, think of all the great food you can eat during harvest?

12. Start a Collection

There are tons of things that you can collect. Many people love combing through thrift stores and antique malls as relaxing hobbies for their stress. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a ton of fun. Some feel like collecting can be a scavenger hunt for adults.

13. Stargazing

Did you ever lay under the stars and dream about being an adult? Well, as an adult, you can lay under the stars and watch your troubles melt like lemon drops. Mother Nature provides the perfect backdrop to a peaceful night.

14. Go Camping

Who said you need electricity and the internet to have a good time? Why not go “off-grid” and camp? You should try it at least once in your life, and who knows, it might become a new hobby for you.

15. Journaling

Rather than blowing up at your spouse or children when you’re stressed, why not write it all down? Journaling has become a very therapeutic practice that many counselors recommend. It’s all about getting the angst from the inside to the outside where it can’t rot.

According to Alicia Nortje, Ph.D. from Positive Psychology, starting a gratitude journal is an excellent way to combat stress. In her writings, she cites studies where people started journaling and were monitored. The results were terrific, and the stress levels decreased.

16. Cooking

Cooking and baking are similar but two different things. Baking is for bread or desserts, but cooking can be pretty intensive. There’s something about getting your hands dirty while preparing a masterpiece that’s a great way to relieve stress. The other good part is that you can dine on incredible foods that show you how easy it is to take nothing and make it into something.

17. Calligraphy

Calligraphy is a lost art that seems to be making a comeback. Someone who acquires this skill doesn’t need to buy those overpriced cards or gifts, as you can make them yourself. It can relieve stress, but you can also be very proud of learning a new art form.

18. Yoga

When it comes to relaxing hobbies, there’s probably nothing as tranquil as yoga. Not only is it beneficial for your health, but it can make your limbs more flexible and strengthens your core. Since there are so many different styles and poses, you can find something that works well for you.

After you finish a workout session, you will be amazed at how much better you feel. Yoga combined with meditation is the perfect way to end or begin any day.

19. Swimming

Swimming is one of the best exercises around as it works for all your muscle groups. However, did you know that swimming can be very calm and relaxing to your mind? When you’re floating around the water and letting the cares of life slip away, you can have a fantastic time.

20. Knitting, Crocheting, or Quilting

Okay, it may seem like these ancient needlepoint forms are more for women, but even men enjoy these favorite pastimes. There’s something so fascinating about making something with your hands. The repetitive movements you can do while watching a great show seem to take your mind off your worries.

Since these handicrafts are becoming increasingly popular again, learning them can help you pass them along to your children and even grandchildren.

relaxing hobbiesFinal Thoughts on Doing Your Favorite Relaxing Hobbies

It’s essential that when you choose a hobby, you find one that will not add further stress. Some people won’t find anything therapeutic about cooking, as they can’t stop thinking of the mess. That’s okay if cooking isn’t for you because you can do tons of other things.

The goal is to change your perspective with relaxing hobbies that take your mind off your troubles. Everyone has anxiety and stress in their lives, but you must find a way to reduce these feelings so they don’t turn into full-blown disorders. What hobbies are you ready to try?

5 Simple Habits That Fill Your Heart With Gratitude

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Do you ever feel like you’ve forgotten how to be thankful for what you have? That you always chase more and more and still you are never happy? Have you forgotten what gratitude even feels like? Perhaps it’s time to consider some new ways to fill your heart with gratitude.

This is the reality for most people trying to get by in today’s society. Life gets in the way, they work all the time, and they have less and less time to stop and be grateful. Sometimes life gets too hectic to appreciate the little things. It’s legitimate to have a hard time understanding how to be appreciative of your life. If this is your case, here are some tips to fill your heart with gratitude.

What Is Gratitude, And Why Is It Important?

There are many different definitions of gratitude. The simplest one describes it as the thankful appreciation of what one receives, whether tangible or intangible. Experiencing gratitude at its core requires conscious effort. In practice, it is much more than showing good manners. It requires acknowledging someone else’s gesture towards you or the things going well in your life. Meaning it’s not enough for good things to happen. You have to give them value and recognize them for what they are. These are not just simple occurrences of daily life but actions and situations that give you a net benefit.

Two Stages Of Gratitude

fill your heartIn this sense, there are two stages of gratefulness. First, there’s the affirmation of goodness. Second, the process of understanding where goodness comes from.

Gratitude is just as much an emotion as it is a feeling. You can feel grateful and be grateful. Feeling grateful requires you recognize the positives and their outcome. Being grateful takes everything a step forward by making you want to reciprocate the good that you received.

But why is it so important to feel and be grateful? Well, gratitude has been linked to health and psychological benefits.

It improves health by facilitating a state of relaxation. It improves the immune system and decreases blood pressure. Grateful people seem to cultivate better habits. They eat more nutritious food, exercise, and avoid risky behavior.

According to psychologist Robert Emmons, gratitude facilitates a more optimistic attitude. It amplifies positive emotions, such as joy, and makes you more resilient. Grateful people tend to be less depressed and anxious.

It has also been shown that grateful people have more brain activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. That is the part associated with learning and decision-making. Essentially, grateful people tend to be faster learners and have better decision-making skills. And this is a long-lasting change in how the brain works.

Lastly, according to researchers Adam Grant and Francesca Gino, gratitude leads to stronger relationships and a sense of community. People develop a sense of trust and companionship when they appreciate each other’s help. Being openly thankful towards someone will increase the chances of them liking you.

Five Quick Ways To Fill Your Heart With Gratitude

Gratitude is great on an individual level. But how can you learn to practice gratitude in your daily life?

1.    Keep A Gratitude Journal

What kind of advice is this? You’re not twelve anymore. Why would you need to keep a journal? It seems like it wouldn’t help at all, but have a little faith in the process.

Usually, people tend to lose track of little things. If someone complimented your hair or gave you a pen, it might slip your mind. Small gestures are easily missed, especially during a busy day. This is why it’s crucial to create a habit of writing down everything good that happens to you in a day. You avoided walking in mud. Write that down. Someone held the elevator for you. Yes, that’s journal-worthy. This will focus your attention on the positive and make sure you never forget all the good you encounter daily.

Why is this important? It reminds you that the world is not as black as it seems. Thinking of a few things to be thankful for daily will rewire your brain. This is also known as practicing mindfulness. Every day take a few minutes to think about 5 to 10 things you appreciate. Picture them in your mind, and let the gratitude flow through you. In 8 weeks, this will become a habit, and your brain will be rewired for positive thinking.

2.    Volunteer to Fill Your Heart With Gratefulness

Help puppies at an animal shelter find their forever homes. Work on homework with disadvantaged kids. What better way to practice gratitude than to give back to a cause you are passionate about?

Volunteering is the most selfless way to have a positive impact on society. Not only is it good because it helps the needy immediately, but it can also shift your perspective on life. It will make you aware of all the hardships in the world, thus disallowing you to take things for granted.

Being faced with the harsh reality of the world will give you something to use as a comparison when analyzing your life. You will never think that spilling a coffee is the worst thing that could happen. Instead, you will learn to be appreciative of the comfort you have in your daily life. You will start feeling grateful for the little things you used to take for granted.

Research proves that volunteering to help increases your well-being. Thus, it increases your ability to feel gratitude. This theory has been supported by University of Pennsylvania professor and psychologist Martin Seligman.

fill your heart

3.    Put Yourself In Someone Else’s Shoes

Complementing the idea of volunteering, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes broadens your perspective on life.

Make a conscious effort to understand how other people feel, how and why they have it worse. How do people working in retail feel when blatantly disrespected by rude customers? How does that orphaned kid feel knowing they have no support system and no one to lean on financially? Or how does that single mother manage three kids and two jobs?

Understanding that others have it worse gives you a better grip on what good and bad mean. Comparing your stable life with someone who has it much worse can humble you. According to psychologist Jordan LaBouff, it is nearly impossible to be compassionate without being modest.

By being humble, you will also be on the right track to learning to embrace setbacks. You will know to look for silver linings and single out the excellent no matter the situation. This will improve the positive mindset and put you on the right track to feeling grateful. It will also make you more likely to be proactively grateful and engage in random acts of generosity.

4.    Spend Time With Loved Ones, It Will Fill Your Heart

Spending time with people who make you happy will open your eyes to the positives in your life. Making an effort to use your free time to meet friends and family will make you more positive and appreciative of what you have.

But simply spending time with people is not enough to be genuinely grateful. You should share that gratitude with them openly. Please make an effort to tell your family you are thankful to have them around and raised you. Let your friends know you appreciate all the times they helped and supported you. Remind your significant other how much you love them.

Always remember to thank people who lend you a hand. And, if you can, repay their kindness with a kind act of your own. Whenever someone helps you, make an effort to help them in their times of need. Focus on others and try to let go of selfish behaviors. Instead of buying yourself an expensive perfume, maybe buy one for a family member. Seeing the joy on their face will make you instantly feel grateful and happy.

Use visual reminders to make sure you stay grateful. It has been shown that people are the best visual reminders of why your life is good. Whenever you feel down, meeting with someone you love will instantly remind you of why you have so many things to be grateful for.

5.    Make Gratitude Part Of Your Routine

Once you understand how to feel and be grateful, the final step is to remember to practice it every day is not enough to engage in a fleeting act of kindness once in a blue moon. You have to be actively grateful.

Therefore, you have to make gratitude part of your daily routine. Doing that is dependent on your language and mindset.

Learn to use positive language. Not only when referring to other people and things, but also when referring to yourself. Stay away from gossiping and bad-mouthing others, but also stop being self-derogatory. Also, learn to say thank you more often and don’t assume you are entitled to kindness. If someone borrows you a pen, thank them. If they give you a ride, thank them. No matter how small or big the gesture, learn to be vocally thankful for anything.

Lastly, be fully present. Focus on what you have, not on what you had or might have. Understand that you live in the moment, and you should be thankful for any small thing. Maybe you have a worse job now, but if you still have your health, be grateful for thaDon’tn’tthaDon’tn’tthaDon’tn’tthaDon’tn’t wallow in self-pity thinking about what you had. Instead, make peace with what you have now. Be optimistic and do the best with what you have.

fill your heartFinal Thoughts On Some Quick Ways To Fill Your Heart With Gratitude

Gratitude is something foreign for most people. Everyone is taught to crave more and more, to the point where even the richest, healthiest, and prettiest people are unfulfilled. It can be hard to be grateful for your average life in this never-ending chase for material goods. The good news is, it is not impossible. You can not only learn to feel appreciative, but you can work gratitude in your daily life.

If you find yourself forgetting why you should be thankful, keep a gratitude journal of all good things happening to you. Volunteer and put yourself in other people’s shoes so that you can understand how bad it can get. That way, you will realize how good life is by comparison, and you will never take things for granted. Lastly, spend time with loved ones and practice positive thinking, like saying thank you more often. Incorporate these tips in your daily life, and after a while, they will become unconscious habits that fill your heart and restore your soul.

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