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10 Habits That Make Every Day a Happy Day

September 16, 2021 by Kristen Butler

If you had all the riches the world could afford and didn’t have joy, what good would they be? The good news is that you can have a happy day every day without spending a dime. It all depends on your attitude and habits.

10 Habits That Can Make Every Day a Happy Day

There will be days that the rainclouds will cover the sun. However, keeping a positive outlook and finding joy in the ordinary can motivate you. Here are ten habits that can make every day a happy day in your life.

1. Keep a Positive Attitude

It’s a mark of maturity when you realize that some things in life are beyond your control. No matter how much you worry and fret, you can’t change them. However, you can change your attitude about the unchangeable and inevitable.

Refuse to listen to negative self-talk and try to be more positive. A positive attitude sees reality and makes the best of it.

2. Practice Good Posture

Have you ever noticed when somebody is feeling down in the dumps, their posture mimics their mood? When you are having a bad day, you might slump a little in your chair and look toward the ground as you walk. Not only does bad posture dampen your spirits, but it also causes problems for your bones, joints, and muscles.

If you want to have a happy day, remember to keep your chin up. It’s hard to see the sunshine when your face is toward the ground. Try to practice good posture by keeping your spine straight, your head up, and your arms naturally at your side.

You needn’t look like a tin soldier. Just avoid slumping and pick your feet up when you walk. Even when things aren’t going so great, you do your body a favor when it’s poised correctly. Maybe the spring in your step is what you need to feel more positive about your day and the situation.

3. Give the World a Smile

There’s something about a genuine smile that makes you and others around you feel better. According to an article published by Federal Occupational Health, flashing your pearly whites has a plethora of benefits. These include boosting your mood, easing stress, and possibly benefiting your immune system.

Another benefit of smiling mentioned in this article is that people may change their attitude about you. When you see somebody smiling at you, you’re more apt to consider them friendly, outgoing, and even trustworthy. Smiling not only makes your day brighter, but it can uplift the spirits of others you meet in your day.

4. Practice Gratitude

Sometimes, even adults are like children making a list of holiday gifts. You may tell yourself that when you have a certain amount of money or have the dream home or luxury vehicle you’ve always wanted, then you will be happy. Unfortunately, the more you get, the more you want, and it’s a vicious cycle.

It’s a learned habit that society pushes into everyone like children. Keep up with the Jones, and more is “more.” If materialism can bring fulfillment, then why are so many wealthy people in the world miserable?

A study published by Child Development found that although Americans are better off than they’ve ever been, rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide among the elite have soared. As people get more materialistic, explains the study, they are less satisfied with the beautiful things they have.

Instead of grumbling about the things you don’t have, you can be thankful for the many things you do have. Practicing gratitude every day can lessen your need for more materialism. You begin to cultivate the joy of intangible blessings that money can’t buy.

Journaling is an ideal way to give you a dose of happiness. You can record your thoughts in a notebook or save them on your computer. When you feel down, review past journal entries, and notice how it renews your joy and gratitude.

5. Practice Random Acts of Kindness

It makes for a happy day when you do something nice for somebody, especially a stranger. According to an article from the Journal of the American Academy of Physicians Assistants, the phrase “random acts of kindness” has been around since the 1980s. You can feel good about doing something out of the abundance of your heart.

One of the most popular ways of showing a stranger kindness is to pay their meal ticket without them knowing. Such generous actions often happen in fast-food drive-throughs. The next time you want a lift in your spirits, try treating a stranger to a meal or a cup of coffee without them knowing their benefactor.

You might also drop a few coins in someone’s expired parking meter.

6. Volunteer

One of the mantras of joyful people is “pay it forward.” In other words, use the blessings you have to bless others. Giving your time is just as precious as giving money or other resources.

Just about any social or religious organization depends on volunteers to help the people they serve. No matter your interests, you’re bound to find a local organization that could use your help. Whether it’s reading books to your local Head-start classes, visiting seniors in nursing homes, or caring for animals at a shelter, anything is appreciated.

Volunteering can bring more life satisfaction and a sense of well-being, especially for senior volunteers. When you bring happiness to others, you get the same in return.

7. Learn How to Say No

Do you consider yourself a people pleaser? We all like to help our family and friends when they ask. Maybe you are one of the thousands of people who are worried that saying “no” is unacceptable and will hurt other feelings.

Yes, you do feel a sense of joy and satisfaction when you lend a hand. However, being a chronic people pleaser can have the opposite effect. Instead of feeling joyful, you may become tired, frustrated, and resentful.

If you want brighter days ahead, then learn to say “no.” It’s okay to help others when you can, but don’t allow people to take advantage of your kindness. Anyone who cares and respects you will understand when you must decline a request.

Are you tired of being stepped on or feel like you must lie to a constant taker? You’re within your rights to smile and politely tell them that you’re sorry, but you can’t help them this time. No excuses are necessary, and those who care for you will understand.

8. Be Good to Yourself

Have you always tried to abide by the “Golden Rule” and treat others how you want to be treated? The implication is that you should do for other people what you do for yourself. How many friends would you have if you treated or talked to them the way you do yourself?

Self-love and respect do not equal selfishness or narcissism. You deserve the same compassion and consideration that you give to others. If you’re only living for other people’s gratification, it will affect your happiness and well-being.

Use compassionate self-talk and avoid negativity. Give yourself time to relax and enjoy some of your favorite past-times. It will enrich your life, and you’ll find that you’ll have more happy days.

9. Kick the Clutter

In the whirlwind of materialism, you may be up to your eyeballs in “stuff.” All the things the media says you must have can eventually suffocate you. It’s time to step back and take inventory of what matters most in your life.

Remember, the cardinal rule of decluttering is if you don’t use it within six months, get rid of it. Whether you sell, donate, recycle, or pitch, decluttering your space can help clear your mind. You may find a few things you didn’t know you had.

As a daily habit for happiness, try to keep only those things that bring beauty and joy into your life. When you bring one thing into the house, get rid of something else. Not only will you clear some space in your home, but your donations can help others in need.

10. Gather Around Happy People

It’s been said that joy is contagious, and it’s true. Have you ever been in a foul mood and sat for a while with a positive person? As you both are talking, you may soon feel that grumpy spirit lift.

According to the law of attraction, positive people will draw other positive people. Conversely, negative people will attract more negativity and can ruin the whole atmosphere. The more you spend around positive people, the more you’ll notice a change in your attitude.

Final Thoughts on Habits for Happiness

Life is too short to be pessimistic and dreary. When you include some of these helpful habits into your daily life, you’ll notice the difference. Your happy day can be as joyful and fulfilling as you make it.

10 Targeted Exercises That Tighten Your Obliques

September 16, 2021 by Chris Butler

One of the sources of pride for many fitness enthusiasts is their abdominals. Guys with the iconic “six-pack” will often use any excuse to peel off their shirts to display their washboard abs. However, part of keeping your abdomen in shape is working on your obliques or side abs.

What Are Obliques?

This word comes from an Old French and Latin root that means “to slant to the side.” Ironically, oblique was also a synonym for envious. If you are jealous of the chiseled abs and side abs you see in fitness magazines, it’s never too late to start exercising to shape yours.

Most people know this distinct set of abdominal muscles that run from the upper abdomen to the hip muscles. You have these on each side, and they are the place where the dreaded love handles appear. It’s no wonder that so many people want to target these muscles and get them in shape.

Purpose of Your Side Abs

Did you know that you had two kinds of obliques? According to an article published by Yoganatomy, they are internal and external. The external ones start from your lower eight ribs and travel down to your pubic bone. Your inner side abs run along your lower four ribs to the right, ending above your pelvis.

The purpose of your internal side abs is to give your trunk flexibility and to compress it. They can work together to affect your entire trunk or separately, only flexing one side. Your external side abs do the same thing, except when they work individually. The article states that they bend the opposite side of your trunk.

What Causes Love Handles to Form on the Obliques?

Those despised fatty deposits on your side abs are a common problem, according to the Men’s Journal. When you eat an abundance of empty calories and lead a sedentary lifestyle, your body must store the excess fat. Unfortunately, it sends them to places that have many fat cells, like your abdomen and obliques.

The article states that love handles are a physiological problem and that men are more prone to them because of how they store fat. For some people, developing love handles is a genetic disposition. Your side abs are one of the most stubborn areas to target for losing fat.

Being Realistic with Your Obliques Workout Routine

Unfortunately, there are no magic pills or new-age exercises that can guarantee results in targeted areas. You may be fighting genetics and other variables in your fight against blubber. However, it would be best if you took joy in knowing that you’re trying your best, and you’re bound to get some payoff for your hard workouts.

According to an article published by Harvard Medical School, your best practice incorporates core, ab, and oblique workouts at least twice a week. You can set aside one day for them or make them part of your aerobic routine. You are aiming for a healthy balance in diet and workouts.

Unique Exercises to Target Your Problematic Obliques

If you want to get your body into optimal shape, you can do so at home. Many exercises specific to your core, abs, and side abs can be done without special equipment. All you need is a clean, safe area, comfortable workout clothes, and a sturdy exercise mat.

Are you ready to work on those unsightly love handles? Remember that every person loses fat differently, and results can vary. Here are ten helpful exercises that will target your obliques:

1. Bicycle Crunch

Lie comfortably flat on your back on your exercise mat.
Gently bend your legs and bring your knees toward your abdomen.
Put your hands behind your head and interlace your fingers for support while bending your elbows.
Now, compress your core muscles as you inhale and lift your head, neck, and shoulder off the mat.
Smoothly bring your left elbow towards the knee on the opposite side. Now, try straightening out your left leg simultaneously.
As you exhale, go back to the first position and twist your body to the opposite side. Bend your left leg while straightening your right leg.
Try to keep both legs from touching your mat as you move. Try five to eight repetitions.

2. Heel Tapping

To begin, lie on your mat with your back and knees bent. Keep your arms naturally at each side with your palms facing the ceiling.
Inhale, tighten your core, and lift your head until your upper back is off the mat.
Reach sideways with your right arm and tap your right heel with your hand. Exhale as you turn to the starting position and do the same steps with your left hand and left heel. Do this five to ten times.

3. Russian Twist

Sit comfortably on your mat and bend your knees while keeping your feet flat.
Next, lean back slightly until you’re lifting your feet and balancing on your bottom.
As you inhale, stretch your arms out and twist your trunk until your arms drop at your side. Exhale with each opposite twist.
Keep breathing and twisting back and forth with your arms dropping to the left and right. Try ten to fifteen repetitions.

4. Mountain Climber

Stand on your mat in the high plank position with your hands flat and aligned with your shoulders. Try to keep your back as straight as possible.
Bring your left knee upwards toward your chest while keeping your right tip toes firm on the mat.
Now, stretch your left leg back into the first position while pulling your right knee toward your chest. It’s as if you are climbing on a flat surface. Do five to ten repetitions while mindfully breathing.

5. V-Up

Begin by lying comfortably on your mat flat on your back.
Stretch your arms behind your head and keep them as straight as possible. Try to keep your legs straight on the floor with both feet touching.
As you inhale, lift your upper body while lifting your legs. Remember to keep your arms and legs straight.
Exhale while you slowly lower your arms and legs. Do this for five to ten repetitions.

6. Side Plank

Lie with your right side comfortably on your mat.
Raise your upper body off the mat and use your right forearm for support. Bend your knees at a 45-degree angle and position your left leg on top of your right leg.
While your feet are still touching, use your side abs to pull your left hip toward the ceiling. You can either rest your left arm on your side or stretch it overhead while in this position.
Hold for two or three breaths, then switch sides and repeat the steps. Try to do three to five repetitions.

7. T-Rotation

Position yourself on your mat as if you were ready to do a pushup, keeping your arms straight.
Now, raise your left hand and rotate your body’s left side upward until you are sideways. Your body is forming a T-shape. Hold for 1-2 breaths.
Return to the starting position and rotate the right side of your body. Try to keep your hips raised and your body as straight as possible.
Do these for five to ten repetitions.

8. Pointer Dog

Position yourself on all fours while aligning your hands with your shoulders and your knees with your hips.
As you tighten your core, stretch out your left arm and right leg simultaneously. Remember to breathe while keeping your back and hips stable.
Return to the beginning position and repeat with your right arm and left leg.
Try to do five to ten repetitions.

9. Bear Crawl

Begin on all fours with your knees raised slightly off the mat.
Inhale as you move your right knee to your left elbow. Bend your left arm as your knee moves upward.
Keep your right arm on the mat as you exhale and rotate.
Move back to the starting position and repeat with your left knee.
Do at least five to ten repetitions.

10. Spiderman Pushup

Place yourself in the plank position with both hands a bit wider than shoulder distance. Try to keep your body aligned straight.
As you lower your chest to the floor, bend your elbows so they make a 45-degree angle backward from your body. At the same time, bring your left knee up and toward your elbow. Picture yourself as a spider climbing a wall.
Now, press your chest upward while stretching your knee and bring your foot back to the mat. That is one repetition.
Repeat these steps on the opposite side with your right knee and elbow. Try to do five to ten repetitions.

Before You Start Working on Your Obliques

If you have back, neck, or other joint problems, you may need to modify these exercises. Consider speaking with a certified fitness instructor about the best ones for you. Remember to warm up with stretches and stop any training immediately if you experience pain.

Final Thoughts About Exercises for Your Obliques

Are you tired of coping with those unattractive love handles on your side abs? With proper nutrition, exercise, and using these specific movements in your routine, you’ll see a difference. You can say goodbye to the love handles and welcome finely chiseled abs with sleek obliques.

5 Ways To Commit Yourself To Continuous Personal Growth

September 16, 2021 by Kristen Butler

Becoming a better person seems like a simple concept on paper. You need to reflect, consider your past mistakes, and focus on your goals for who you want to be as you move forward. Sounds doable, right?

But anyone who’s tried to truly work on themselves will know just how difficult it can be! You need to be fully committed to the process, even when it gets painful or tough, and that’s a struggle for anyone. But don’t be discouraged! There are ways that you can make this effort easier. Here are five ways to commit yourself to continuous personal growth.

1. Visualize Your Goals

Your goals for personal growth can feel very far away, especially if you have big ones. Setting smaller short-term goals in order to make the climb more manageable is a great way to handle that, but there’s also an additional tool that you can use: visualization!

Visualization is an incredibly powerful way to take control of your goals and manifest them. While visualization alone doesn’t get the job done, it can provide inspiration, motivation, and clarity by helping you to anticipate success. It also allows you to become more confident and determined in your personal growth.

Research has found that the act of visualizing success is just as convincing to the human brain as achieving that success. In other words, when you visualize well, your brain becomes certain that it will achieve that goal and becomes more committed to it. Visualizing the act of growth and the actions you have to do to achieve that growth is also as helpful as imagining success, and it commits your brain to the imagined actions.

There are, of course, some caveats to this. Overindulgent visualizing will likely not provide the same positive benefits. That’s why using visualization hand-in-hand with short-term and long-term goals is important. A vision that seems very grandiose requires further breaking down into smaller goals.

2. Start Your Days Off Well

The way that you begin your day can determine the tone for the rest of it. You don’t need to have a picture-perfect start, but knowing how to set the day’s mood with a positive morning routine can be beneficial when you work on personal growth. You want to be able to put your best foot forward every day so you can make productive steps towards your goals.

There are many different kinds of routines that are great for the morning, but they have common themes. Most involve a mixture of physical and mental activity, as these factors provide benefits for your overall wellbeing. As an example, let’s take the 20-20-20 routine, created by humanitarian, leadership expert, and well-respected author Robin Sharma. The 20-20-20 routine involves the following components, each broken up into 20 minutes for a total of one hour.

· Exercise

Exercise has been very well-researched, and its benefits for mental health, physical wellbeing, and positive thinking can’t be denied. With the release of feel-good hormones, the health benefits of the workout, and the energy boost from the pulse-racing activity, your body can get charged for the day. You’ll be more productive and energized with just 20 minutes of daily exercise!

· Reflection

Twenty minutes of reflection can do a lot for your personal growth. It ensures that you have time to contemplate your daily plan, incorporate steps towards your goals into your to-do list, and set the tone for more focused action. After you’ve looked over your itinerary, you can devote some time to reflecting on the previous day and learning from it. You’re now equipped with all this knowledge to take with you during your daily activities.

· Personal Growth

The final twenty minutes of the 20-20-20 routine is dedicated to personal growth. You’ll spend this time catching up on things like podcasts or books, reading up about skills, or anything else that furthers your learning. The goal is to use this daily time to actively work towards being better and improving yourself. When you set the tone for the day with this growth in mind, you’ll continue to grow throughout your waking hours!

Remember. You don’t have to use the 20-20-20 routine specifically. Any positive morning routine that gets your brain ready for growth throughout the day will do the trick. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the routine that works for you.

3. Prioritize Experiences Over Results

A lot of people are very results-focused. It’s perfectly fine to like to see efforts pay off and to desire validation through evidence of success, but leaning too far into that can harm your commitment. You see, the whole point of personal growth is improving through challenges and mistakes. This means that you’re going to make more mistakes as you go!

When you only focus on results, it’s easy to lose positive thinking as you become disheartened by “failure”. Seeing repeated results that aren’t to your liking may make you believe that you’re not capable of the personal growth that you seek, causing you to abandon the journey.

This is why it’s important to prioritize experiences instead of results. As you go through personal growth and overcome challenges, you’ll learn a lot more from the actions and steps in the journey than you will from reaching the finish lines. By paying attention to the experiences you gain, you’ll be able to focus on learning lessons, reflecting on behavior, and discovering new knowledge.

In addition, focusing too much on results can cause you to avoid risks and challenges. When you’re afraid that you won’t get the result you want, you’ll just bow out and run away. But if you want the experience, you’ll care more about how much you can grow from the difficult hurdle and will be willing to face it head-on!

4. Find and Become A Mentor

When encouragement is in short supply, the aid of a mentor can be a lifesaver. Mentors are people who can teach, guide, and hold you accountable, preventing you from making excuses and steering you on a continually committed path.

On top of that, there’s a lot to be learned from people with more experience than you, and you can hear all sorts of outside perspectives that can help your growth. You’ll be inspired and spurred on, and you’ll want to do better and stay motivated for both you and your mentor.

But you can do more than just find a mentor if you so choose. You can also become one! If you have a reasonable amount of knowledge in a subject, you can take someone under your wing to guide them on their journey. You can feel inspired by the trust that your mentee places in you, and your desire to remain a good role model will help your commitment to your own battles.

5. Learn To Manage Stress Better

Seeking personal growth isn’t an easy task, and it can become stressful sometimes. If you don’t know how to manage the stress that you experience, you’ll be more likely to lose motivation and quit on your journey. And that’s not something you want to have to do!

Research shows that stress, pressure, anxiety, and depression can all have profoundly negative effects on someone’s motivation and subsequent performance in life. While a little bit of stress can drive forward momentum, too much of it can quickly leave you feeling overwhelmed.

If you want to stay committed to continuous personal growth, you’ll need to be able to balance stress well enough. Here are some tips for doing so:

· Exercise

You’ve probably heard time and time again that exercise is good for stress, and that’s because numerous studies say that it is. Getting your heart pumping can help relieve excess tension while releasing positive hormones. You’ll also feel more confident. Any kind of exercise works, as long as it gets your heart rate up. You can do anything from walking to dancing and from going to the gym to gardening!

· Take Regular Breaks

Working non-stop on one task, even when it comes to a goal of personal growth, can be draining. You do need to give yourself breaks so you can recuperate and come back fresher and stronger! While you should always keep your goals in mind, you should also learn to rest. Taking short, quick, and infrequent breaks improves your focus and decreases stress, according to research.

· Sleep Well

Getting a minimum of seven hours of sleep per night is crucial to keeping your stress levels down. A lack of sleep and the ensuing tiredness can spike stress and negatively affect your day-to-day performance, thus hampering your personal growth, say studies. You should also maintain good sleep hygiene, so go to sleep at the same time every night in a comfortable, dark environment and set alarms for the same times every morning!

· Use A Journal

Journals are great tools that allow you to express your thoughts and fears without being worried about judgment. The written accounts of your emotions are also easy to look over and reflect on later when you have a clearer head. You’ll get to relieve stress through self-expression and gain insight into your triggers and stressors, all at the same time! It’s no wonder that studies recommend journaling for managing stress that’s as severe as anxiety!

· Eat Healthily

You don’t need to eat an absolutely perfect diet in order to manage stress, but you do need to be mindful of what you put in your body. Decrease your intake of sugars, processed food, junk and fast food, and unhealthy fats. To fill the gaps, increase your intake of whole foods. Also, make sure to drink enough water and to eat enough so you always have the energy you need! Fueling your body well will keep the levels of the stress hormone cortisol well-balanced.

If you truly struggle with getting stress under control, you can talk to a doctor or mental health professional about possible ways to relieve that tension. Chronic stress is no joke and can be very hard to manage on your own!

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Commit Yourself To Continuous Personal Growth

Everyone wants to grow and improve, but few have the drive necessary to follow through. This isn’t to say that it’s an impossible task, but it’s certainly a hard one. Without commitment and motivation, it’s simply not possible to ensure continual personal improvement. Being sure to incorporate these five methods for improving that commitment can be a great help on your personal growth journey!

15 Reasons Why People Make Excuses for (and Enable) Their Loved Ones

September 16, 2021 by Chris Butler

It’s always nice to know that you have someone in your corner that will defend you no matter what you’ve done. It’s the very reason the saying “blood is thicker than water” remains so popular. Family sticks together no matter what! But do you also make excuses, enabling poor behavior?

However, while it’s good to protect someone occasionally, it can create a dependency pattern if it becomes a habit. Your actions can enable someone when you constantly make excuses for their bad behavior. How many times have you defended your child to the principal or another parent, but you still ground them when they get home?

The key is to put on a good front so that the rest of the world doesn’t see your family as broken or imperfect. However, you still need to take care of the issue behind closed doors. If you let your child get away with being disrespectful to teachers and other authoritative figures, it’s going to come back to bite you later.

When Defending Poor Behavior Becomes Enabling

It’s okay to defend your family and friends, but sometimes it can be prolonging the inevitable. For instance, assume you work in a factory with your sister. Your sister is constantly messing up and is about to lose her job.

You try to be protective of her, so you take the wrap for her last blunder. When people ask what’s going on with her, you make one excuse after another. What no one knows is that she has a drug problem you’re trying to hide.

While you want to help your sister keep her job, are you assisting her by covering up a severe dependency issue, or are you enabling the condition to continue? Losing her job is bad, but it’s way better than losing her life.

While many folks feel justified in their decisions to cover up behaviors, it’s not helping. Instead, it only makes the situation worse.

Here’s a Pop Culture Point of Reference

Here’s a popular program that demonstrates this harmful enabling perfectly.

My 600 Pound Life is a top-rated television show that’s on TLC. Dr. Nowzarden is a brilliant bariatric surgeon that works with St. Joseph Medical Center-Houston. He treats patients between 600-800 pounds who are considered severely morbidly obese.

One of the fascinating parts about extreme obesity is the enabling aspects that often occur. There is almost always someone who is buying the food and enabling the people who seek help from Dr. Nowzarden. While they’re not verbally making excuses, they do it with their actions.

In many instances, these people are in serious condition and will die if they don’t get help. Sadly, family members and friends sneak them high-calorie foods. They justify their actions by thinking they’re hungry. They will be mad or not sustain themselves on the 1,200 a day diet.

There are times when you can and should stand up for those you love. On the other hand, you might need to step back and let the consequences teach them life lessons. How can someone grow and become better if people make their toxic behaviors acceptable?

Fifteen Reasons Why People Make Excuses for Their Friends and Loved Ones

If you’re constantly in defense mode for your family, you need to examine the rationale behind these motives. Ask yourself if you’re helping or hindering them? Here are the fifteen most common reasons why people make excuses for their loved ones.

1. They Fear Punishment

No one wants someone they love to get into trouble. Many people will take the rap or make up an excuse to cover up a mistake. However, some will go as far as lying to help cover their tracks.

While protecting is one thing, it’s never okay to lie for another person. The truth of the matter will always come out, and then you will look just as guilty as they do.

2. They Live in Denial

Part of the reason you may not have wanted to tell on your sister in the example above is that you live in denial. Many people want to escape reality because it’s easier to believe a lie than face the truth. Some people believe in the “Out of sight out of mind” philosophy.

If you don’t see her do harmful substances, then maybe it’s not true. Sadly, in your heart, you know she is in trouble. Your focus should be more on getting her help than covering up for her.

3. They Feel Sorry for Them

Perhaps one of your family members lies constantly. You may feel sorry for them and the problems they have in life. They lie because they feel like they haven’t accomplished anything, and they have low self-esteem.

Many people will find themselves making excuses because they feel sorry for the person in this predicament.

4. They Don’t Want to Cross Them

If your marriage is on the rocks and you suspect your spouse of cheating, you may not want to confront them. Others don’t know that your partner has a habit of becoming quite aggressive when they’re enraged, so you would rather be quiet. Living in fear is no way to live your life, but it’s one reason why so many people come up with colorful excuses.

5. They’re Ashamed

Perhaps you don’t want to admit that your spouse is having an affair because it’s too painful, and you’re ashamed. You would rather not let anyone know about this secret part of your life. Shame can be a big reason people will make excuses and hide behind lies, as they want to keep others from knowing the truth.

6. They Want to Avoid Hurting People

Sometimes the truth is hard to handle, such as finding out your spouse is cheating or addiction. Many people will cover up lies and defend others because the truth is more painful than the lies they tell.

7. They Don’t Want to Fight

Sometimes being honest and not accepting the situation for what it is can cause significant arguments. You will often see parents trying to keep things from their spouse or children because they can’t bear tension in their family. Avoiding an altercation is one primary reason why people cover up some things.

8. They Fear Loss

Making excuses for someone isn’t always done because it’s the best option; it’s just because someone is afraid of losing this individual. If you call out this person on their issues or side with others against them, the pain of losing them may be too great to handle.

9. They Want to See Good

Some folks don’t live in denial about their loved ones, but they choose to see the good rather than the bad. When someone brings up their issues, they will talk about all the good in them rather than what they need to work on.

10. They Don’t See the Issue As Significant

Everyone sees things differently. While one person might judge someone and say what they did was horrible, sometimes, it’s might not be that bad. Individuals might come up with excuses for their loved ones when the situation isn’t as bad as it’s being made to be.

11. They Want to Manipulate Others

It often happens that people make excuses because they’re helping their loved one manipulate someone. They may be involved in their scheme, and they have their back no matter what the issue.

12. They Don’t Want People to Think Bad of Them

In the above illustration, if other coworkers found your sister to have a dependency issue, then they might look at her differently than they do now. While she may come across as accident-prone, it’s better than having them think all the worse things about someone you love.

13. They Know How Fragile They Are

Many folks will embellish their life or lie about their accomplishments to make themselves appear grander. For instance, they may say their job pays more or hold a higher position than they do. However, creating an excuse for their lies may be warranted because you know how low their self-esteem is, and you don’t want to break them further mentally.

14. To Justify Bad Behaviors, They’re Involved in

It’s effortless to make excuses for someone when you’re involved in bad behaviors. It’s easy to read an article about a celebrity and pass judgment, but you find it’s much harder to pass judgment when you’re somehow tangled in the web they weave.

15. They Have Co-Dependent Tendencies

Someone with co-dependent tendencies is more willing to make excuses for others than someone self-assured. This person is also probably plagued with dysfunctional communication, concerned about pleasing others, and afraid of being rejected or abandoned.

Final Thoughts on Why People Make Excuses for Others

The Karpman Drama Triangle is a theory that was created by author Stephen Karpman M.D. He explains this concept in his exciting book A Game Free Life. He explains that while it seems harmless to make excuses for people and their behaviors, it often comes with severe consequences.

You create patterns of dysfunction when you enable someone in their drama. While you want to have your family’s back and support them, you must learn when it’s helping and hindering them.

Researchers Find a Method For Making Green Fertilizer

September 16, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

A team of international scientists has created a more sustainable method for making green fertilizer. Led by Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore), the researchers focused their investigation on a key compound in fertilizer called urea. This is a natural nitrogen-rich substance found in the urine of mammals. It’s used in commercial fertilizers to increase crop yields, but traditional methods to create it require immense energy.

The current Haber-Bosch method of making urea doesn’t coincide with a more sustainable world. The process converts hydrogen and nitrogen into ammonia, which forms the base of commercial synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. While it’s arguably among the most impactful industrial chemical reactions in history, it takes a huge toll on the environment.

The chemical reaction requires temperatures around 500 degrees Celsius and pressures of 200x sea-level atmospheric pressure. This creates a huge carbon footprint, accounting for approximately 2% of global annual CO2 emissions. To put that in perspective, the Haber-Bosch process emits more carbon dioxide than any other chemical reaction. What’s more, it consumes nearly 5% of the world’s annual natural gas production to create hydrogen and generate heat.

So, the NTU researchers wanted to devise a more eco-friendly way to make green fertilizer. As global food demand increases, it’s of utmost importance to practice sustainable agriculture. The team believes the findings of their research may help agricultural companies reach this goal.

To make green fertilizer more efficient, scientists turned to an already-existing urea production method. Known as electrocatalysis, this process uses electricity and potentially sunlight to trigger chemical reactions in a solution. While producing urea this way requires less energy, it historically hasn’t produced enough to replace the Haber-Bosch method.

How scientists made green fertilizer more sustainable and efficient

So, to improve the alternative method, scientists used nitrate instead of nitrogen to bond with carbon dioxide. They used the nanomaterial indium hydroxide as a catalyst solution. Scientists discovered that this process produced urea for green fertilizer five times more efficiently than previous attempts using electrocatalysis. Not to mention, the improved method created a greater output of urea than the older process.

Co-lead author of the study, Professor Alex Yan from the NTU School of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), said, “Our method essentially manipulates the chemical reaction process to become ‘highly selective.’ By picking a better catalyst, we helped the nitrate ions and carbon dioxide molecules to optimally position themselves to facilitate urea formation while suppressing the creation of unnecessary by-products like hydrogen, leading to higher efficiency and better urea yields.”

The international research team includes researchers from Texas at Austin, University of Science and Technology of China, and Harbin Institute of Technology, China. The study findings have been published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Nature Sustainability in July. Also, NTU patented the alternative urea production method to make green fertilizer.

Researchers say the improved urea production technique may pave the way for sustainable chemistry in the future. They also hope it will inspire more eco-friendly agricultural methods to feed the rising global population.

The study provides evidence of the university’s pledge to address humanity’s greatest challenges on sustainability. Called the NTU 2025 strategic plan, it aims to transform scientific research into technological advancements to heal our planet.

The new method for making green fertilizer can compete with the Haber-Bosch process

Scientists tested the efficiency of their improved method in the lab as a proof of concept. They discovered that the process resulted in a urea yield of 53.4%. Luckily, this makes it competitive with the traditional Haber-Bosch method, which transformed agriculture in the 1910s.

The two-step thermal process relies solely on fossil fuels and requires extremely high temperatures to create a reaction. It also needs high-pressure conditions, making it unsustainable and environmentally destructive. The first step of the process uses nitrogen and hydrogen to make ammonia. Next, it’s bonded with carbon dioxide to form urea.

In comparison, the new method of creating green fertilizer requires far less energy and complexity. For starters, the technique requires only one step instead of two. It takes much less energy to break the bonds of nitrate than nitrogen, which helps produce higher urea yields. Combined with carbon dioxide and hydrogen, the process triggers urea formation at room temperature.

According to researchers, since the method only requires one step, it’s simple enough to scale up. Farmers could easily operate the electrocatalytic device to produce urea for fertilizers. Also, the method could one day run solely on renewable energy, making it even more eco-friendly. The team hopes that large-scale industrial companies will adopt this method to reduce energy use.

The first author of the research, Dr. Lyu Chade, Research Fellow from the NTU School of MSE, said:

“With advances in solar technology, we may potentially use sunlight to power the electrocatalysis process in future, which can further help lower global emissions.”

In the future, the researchers hope to keep increasing yields and improving the catalytic selectivity. To do this, they will research catalysts that would increase reaction speed. Also, they’ll investigate methods to power the process with solar energy. Finally, the team will work to build a prototype device to demonstrate large-scale urea production.

Final thoughts: scientists are successful in making green fertilizer even more eco-friendly

As the global population continues to grow, scientists have been working on methods to produce green fertilizer. Current processes for producing fertilizer require massive amounts of energy via fossil fuels, which increases greenhouse gases. To create a more sustainable green fertilizer, scientists improved upon an already-existing method known as electrocatalysis.

Using nitrate instead of nitrogen and the nanomaterial indium hydroxide as a catalyst made this process five times more efficient. The team says this formula can apply to both large- and small-scale farming processes. In the future, the team aims to achieve even higher yields and speed up reactions. They also hope to one day power the process using only solar energy.

This groundbreaking research may usher in a new era of agriculture run on clean energy rather than fossil fuels. If the green fertilizer totally replaces synthetic fertilizers, it would reduce global annual emissions by 2%.

3 Effective Ways To Enforce Boundaries Without Stress And Anxiety

September 16, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

Do you feel like the people in your life are overstepping? Do you feel pushed to the limit but don’t want to speak out of fear of seeming insensitive? Is the thought of enforcing boundaries causing stress and anxiety?

When it comes to interpersonal relationships, people tend to forget that some actions are off-limits. Boundaries are vital to ensure proper socialization, but the question is how to enforce them healthily?

What Are Boundaries? And How Do They Impact Stress And Anxiety?

A boundary is a limit between you and another person. It’s the line of demarcation between where your rights end and the rights of the other person begin, and vice-versa. The purpose of setting a boundary is to protect you and your needs.

According to therapist Hanna Stensby, boundaries are about being clear about your values and setting limits around people and activities in your life that don’t bring you joy.

Types of boundaries:

Here are a few categories of boundaries that you should know:

Physical: you are entitled to your space, however wide it may be, as are others.
Emotional: you are entitled to your feelings, as are others.
Intellectual: you are entitled to your thoughts and opinions, as are others.
Sexual: you are entitled to your body, as are others.
Financial: you are entitled to your financial freedom, as are others.
Social: you are entitled to your friends, as are others.
Spiritual: you are entitled to your spiritual beliefs, as are others.

Often people feel entitled to certain opinions that might overstep these boundaries. For example, your friend might think it is fair to split the bill evenly, but you consumed way less than half of the bill. Or maybe your partner might think it is okay to kiss you any time without asking your permission.

Not understanding the needs of the person you are interacting with can lead to dangerous situations: you might end up being hurt, feeling violated, you might be guilt-tripped into acting in ways you are not comfortable with, and so on. This doesn’t just hurt you and put you in uncomfortable or toxic situations but can destroy the trust in a relationship and create a power imbalance.

Boundaries are vital for your well-being, as well as the well-being of your social interactions. The problem is that many people feel guilt, stress, and anxiety when trying to enforce them. But why is that?

Why Does Enforcing Boundaries Lead To Stress And Anxiety?

Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, thinks that the main obstacle people face when setting boundaries is guilt. People tend to feel guilty for setting a line and are afraid of potentially hurting someone else’s feelings in doing so. Fear of being disliked or rejected is also something that stops people from discussing what their limits are.

Studies have found that the feeling of guilt leads to stress and anxiety. Whenever people try to set boundaries, they feel like they were mean to another person. By believing you were a bad person, you start to think that you violated your moral and ethical framework, thus feeling ashamed and blame-worthy. This has been linked with the need to repent for your actions, thus inducing self-loathing behaviors, usually stress and anxiety.

Stress and anxiety are not only harmful because of their immediate negative effects but also because they have long-lasting impacts on your health.

What about cortisol?

The overexposure of the body to cortisol and other stress hormones can lead to the following:

Heart problems
Headaches
Insomnia
Low energy

Therefore, setting boundaries can be quite a frightening process. If you try to do it, you might run into a wall of guilt. If you don’t set them, you might have problems in your relationship, and your rights might be violated. So, how can you effectively navigate the sea of obstacles that come with boundary-setting?

3 Ways To Enforce Boundaries Without Stress And Anxiety

Now that you know the importance of drawing the line, let’s look at how.

1. Identify And Remember Why You Set Boundaries In The First Place

Feeling scared of alienating the people in our lives is expected. That doesn’t mean you should let them stomp all over you.

To properly enforce boundaries, you first have to understand why you set them in the first place. If your boundaries are absurd and they hurt others, chances are they aren’t based on legitimate values and aren’t protecting your rights, but rather restricting others’ freedoms.

The first step to finding what your core values are is to self-reflect. What are you comfortable with? What makes you uneasy? And what triggers your fear, anger, or anxiety? These and more are vital questions when trying to understand your limitations.

It is also important to remember that boundaries can differ from person to person. You will probably have looser boundaries when it comes to your relationship with immediate family members than with friends or partners. Some friends will make you feel more comfortable than others, thus requiring fewer boundaries. You have to understand yourself and how you view and interact with others to have a real grasp of your needs and values.

If you have true values as the basis of the boundaries, you will feel it. They will be based on self-worth, on trying to strengthen the bond in the relationship or otherwise compassionate and meaningful reasons. Whenever you feel guilty about setting boundaries, instead of being overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, try reconnecting to that core value that shapes your boundaries.

Dr. Julie Hanks suggests using reminders as to why your boundaries exist when you feel the guilt coming on.

Have mantras like these:

“It’s ok to have boundaries.”
“I have legitimate reasons for setting these boundaries.”
“Just because I feel guilty doesn’t mean I did something wrong.”

As soon as you remember why the limit exists and how it helps you and others, you will find that the guilt will subside. Thus, you won’t have to deal with overwhelming stress and anxiety.

2. Let Go Of What Other People Will Think

Are they going to be mad at me for asking them to be less touchy? Are they going to stop being my friend if I ask them to stop guilt-tripping me into offering them financial support? The list of questions goes on. And they will never leave your mind if you don’t try to get rid of them.

In learning how to set boundaries effectively, you also have to learn how to deal with all types of responses from people, whether positive or negative. You have to face the inevitable fact that some people will not be ok with you wanting to enforce limitations all of a sudden. And that’s ok. Stop trying to please others at the expense of your well-being. Instead, try to learn that life is just too short to hold on to certain individuals desperately. Whatever you do, you will never be able to please everyone. The only feelings and well-being you have close to full control over are your own, so you should always pursue your best interest.

Letting go of people is inevitable in your life. You must learn to accept this instead of being forced to let them go after they cause damage. You can’t change someone else’s behavior if they aren’t open to change, and you shouldn’t have to.

The people who won’t accept the boundaries you need to set are those you shouldn’t have in your life anyway. Instead of viewing a refusal to respect your needs as you doing something wrong, understand that it Is just a red flag warning you to cut that toxic person out of your life as soon as possible.

The sooner you accept that some people are not worthy of your time, the easier it will be for you to focus on your needs and set whatever boundaries you need to set without feeling stressed or anxious.

3. Learn To Communicate

When learning how to enforce boundaries, most people mistake setting them in their minds but failing to communicate them to others. That can lead to stress because you have certain expectations that cannot be met. After all, the other person doesn’t know what you need until you tell them.

Don’t expect people to read your mind, be assertive and tell them what you need and why you need it. If you have a clear set of rules in your head that the other person doesn’t know about, you will get frustrated and stressed whenever they break those rules. The sooner you tell them, the sooner they can adjust to what you need. You will empower yourself to feel less stressed or anxious.

You also need to be compassionate and ask others what their boundaries are. If you demand, you will feel guilty, but if you ask and learn to give back, others will feel safe around you, and they will be more open to embracing your boundaries without any pushback.

You cannot expect someone to go out of their way to make you feel comfortable without you respecting what they need as well. Boundaries can also be flexible and can be decided after a conversation with the other person.

Respect is a two-way street, and the more you communicate, the better your relationships will be and the less stress you will face when asking for your needs.

Final Thoughts On How To Effectively Enforce Boundaries Without Stress And Anxiety

Boundaries are a tricky topic. On the one hand, they are the key determinant of a healthy relationship. On another, they are this scary unknown thing. If you feel anxious about approaching the subject of setting boundaries, remember that your feelings are valid. It is hard to set limits that work for everyone effectively.

If the thought of having to set boundaries stresses you out and makes you feel anxious, remember that there are ways to enforce them healthily. As long as you understand and remember why they exist in the first place, you will be one step closer to manage them properly. Learn to accept that some people will not be ok with boundaries, and that means they are toxic, and you need to let them go, and, most importantly, learn to communicate and respect other people’s boundaries as well.

20 Signs Your Relationship Really Was Meant to Be

September 16, 2021 by Chris Butler

How do you know if you’re meant to be? When you’re dating someone you have strong feelings for, you can’t help but question if this is the person for you. It’s not uncommon for people to fall for the wrong individual and end up having a lifetime of regrets.

Is there a way to know if the person who’s taking your eye is the one for you? Well, there are all sorts of theories on the matter, but you can’t just trust what your heart tells you. You must use your mind in these situations as your heart gets caught up in the sensations you feel.

Twenty Signs You Are Meant To Be

There are some signs that the person you’re with is perfect for you. Here are twenty indications that the one who has stolen your heart is your soul mate.

1. You Understand and Support One Another

You know that no matter what you say or do, this individual understands and supports you. Even if your idea seems crazy and off-balance, they’re willing to listen to you. They get you on a level that few do, and they embrace your crazy as well as your sanity.

2. The Communication Is Good When a Relationship Is Meant to Be

You could sit and talk for hours to this person as you have excellent communication. You can’t wait to tell them about your day, gossip from your friends, and everything else. The two of you have great conversations at dinner time, before bed, and many times throughout the day.

3. You Set Goals and Dream Together

You’re both heading in the same direction, so you love to dream together. You have big goals for the future, but the plans all include each other. You can’t picture tomorrow without one another being there.

4. You Trust Each Other Completely When a Relationship Is Meant to Be

The level of trust that exists between you and your partner is incredible. It doesn’t matter what’s going on; you know that you can tell them. You have no problem sharing your deepest and darkest secrets, as you know they won’t tell a soul.

5. Lazy Days Still Feel Like Bliss

You’re so comfortable with one another that lying around watching TV in your pajamas is okay. You don’t need big adventures and to spend a ton of money to have quality time. You go together like a sock and shoe, and just being still is enough for you both.

6. You Build One Another up, Not Tear Each Other Down

You would never think of calling them a name or tearing them down, and they feel the same way about you. When you speak to each other, you try to build self-esteem and not destroy it. You know that when all the chips are down, and things aren’t going well, they will always be the ones in your corner cheering you on.

7. It’s All About the Little Things

While the big things are great, you love how they know all the little things about you. They know how you take your coffee, your favorite candy bar, fruit, cuisine, and what makes you tick. They’ve taken time to get to learn as much as they can about you, and all these little things seem significant.

8. You Don’t Like Being Apart When a Relationship is Meant to Be

One way that you know you’re meant to be is that you can’t stand being apart from one another. Even going to work away from them for eight hours seems unbearable. You’re truly best friends and enjoy time together.

9. They’re Always on Your Mind

You think about them constantly, and they feel about you too. You get random texts throughout the day or emails that remind you of how important you’re in their life. Your mind daydreams about the house with the white picket fence and children.

10. You Share Everything

There are no secrets between the two of you, as you share everything. You can’t wait to call them when something happens to you. Whether the issue is big or small, you know they’re always there to listen and support you.

There are no surprises as you know absolutely everything about each other, which brings you comfort.

11. You’re Happy Together

You can honestly say that you’re happy. You feel the inner peace that comes from being with them. They make you a better person, and you do the same in return. You’re so connected that you live in pure bliss most days.

Sure, life is challenging, but the challenges are always better when you have an amazing support system.

12. There’s No Lies or Deception

You and your partner don’t lie to one another, and there’s not a deceptive bone in their body. So you feel sure that what they tell you is the truth that you never second guess anything.

You feel like you can stand up for this person when the world is against them, as you have no doubts in your mind that what they say is 100 percent authentic.

13. Your Vulnerabilities Are Well Known

Many people put up walls in a relationship, but there are no walls with you and your partner. You feel free to expose your vulnerabilities and to let your guard down. They know about previous traumas, things that hurt you deeply, and you feel safe in their arms.

14. There Are Very Few Arguments

While it’s normal to disagree, you certainly don’t argue with one another. You’ve both learned how to master friendly disagreements without escalating the situation. You have a system worked out to banter about issues without taking it to an extreme.

Additionally, you know the importance of resolving issues sooner rather than later. You wouldn’t dare go to bed angry or sleep apart.

15. Your Family and Friends Like Them

Another sign that your relationship is meant to be is that your friends and family like them. Your family might even consider them part of the pack by now. Unlike some individuals who want to avoid meeting your inner circle, your partner has embraced them with open arms.

If these people are important to you, then your partner must get to know them too. Remember, in-laws will be a part of you for the rest of your life, so you need to make sure it won’t be a bumpy road that will make you miserable.

16. You’re Connected Spiritually

While you’ve mastered connecting on a physical and emotional level, you’re also connected spiritually. You have a similar belief pattern that enhances your relationship. According to Chopra, many people divorce or go separate ways because their spiritual beliefs don’t align.

An agnostic or atheist person might not mesh well with someone who’s a devoted Christian. If your spiritual visions don’t align, they might become a source of contention. However, you both come from similar backgrounds and have a shared vision for spirituality; it is another sign you’re meant to be.

17. Your Gut Instincts Tell You It’s Right

Your gut instincts or your intuitive nature is a good gauge of how well things are going. You will get an ache in the pit of your stomach when things aren’t quite right. However, you have nothing but good feelings about your partner, and there are no reservations or hesitations.

18. You Laugh Together When It’s Meant to Be

You have a lot of fun together. While you know life isn’t all about fun and games, it’s enjoyable being by their side. They’re the kind of person that makes going to the grocery store entertaining, and you need their levity in your life.

19. They’re Eager To Commit

Unlike some folks who have significant issues with commitment, they can’t wait to pledge their love and devotion to you. They were calling you their boyfriend or girlfriend right away. There are no commitment phobias here as they let you know where you stand in their life.

20. You’re Attracted to Them

While you can’t always judge a book by its cover, there does need to be some physical attraction. You’re head over heels for this person, and their looks are just the icing on the cake. According to Madeleine A. Fugère, Ph.D. from Psychology Today, physical attraction is important because it can inhibit romance if it’s not.

Fortunately for most of us, people don’t look for supermodels but find themselves attracted to others for wit or intellect–not just beauty.

Final Thoughts on Being In a Relationship That I Meant to Be

Most folks are looking for a sign or some divine inspiration to point them in the direction of finding their soul mate. Matters of the heart are some of the most asked questions. However, when someone is meant to be, it’s a feeling that engulfs you and brings you comfort.

If you find yourself constantly questioning if things are right, you might want to reexamine the relationship. As the old saying goes, when it’s right, you know it. There’s no reason to guess things second or have uncertain feelings in the pit of your stomach.

If you find the one your heart longs for, then run to them with open arms and embrace the gift you’ve been given.

These 15 Behaviors Explain Why the Happiest Couples Stay Together

September 15, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

Do you want your relationship to be lasting and fulfilling? By observing the behaviors of the happiest couples, you may discover the reasons for their success. They are simple steps that you can incorporate into your relationship.

Fifteen Behaviors of the Happiest Couples

Each couple is unique, and people usually know what makes each other tick. However, some behaviors are essential for a relationship to last. Here are 15 tips that the happiest couples share.

1. The Happies Couples Share Important Values

While opposites may attract, a couple still must have a shared sense of values. The happiest couples agree on morals and the virtues that make a life together so beautiful. Even when a situation may be in an ethical gray area, they can usually agree on the right thing to do.

It’s easier for you and your mate to trust each other when you have mutually understood boundaries and codes of behavior. There may be some adjustments and compromises if you’re from different cultures. However, your relationship will be lasting if your values are in sync and you can share them with your children.

2. The Happiest Couples Are Fully Invested in the Relationship

The happiest couples you meet have fully invested their hearts and lives in each other. That’s not to say that you lose your individuality. You both have determined that your relationship was meant to be, and you cultivate it with love, time, effort, and compassion.

Sometimes, the ghosts of past relationships and unfortunate situations haunt people. If you allow your past to dictate your future happiness, it can hurt your current relationship. Both you and your significant other will be happier if you’ve come to terms with the past and can move on.

3. The Happiest Couples Communicate Effectively with Each Other

An article published by PsychAlive emphasizes how imperative communication is in a relationship. The happiest couples depend on good communication to explain their reality. The article explains that when you can express yourself and listen well to each other, it forms the basis for lasting intimacy.

Do you and your special person take time each day to talk to each other? What were the day’s events, how do you both feel, and what are the pressing issues? Actively listening validates not only your feelings but also minimizes misunderstandings.

4. The Happiest Couples Know How to Fight Fairly

Even the most loving and committed couples will have occasional disagreements. You’re still individuals and are bound to have differing opinions about a subject. Couples inevitably make mistakes and unintentionally hurt one another.

It’s normal to have a spat and be angry at your mate. The difference between lasting and toxic relationships is how these disagreements are handled. Abuse of any kind is not acceptable from either partner.

Those in a lasting relationship have learned to express themselves without hostility. They know how to apologize and not shift the blame. Likewise, these couples practice forgiveness and learn how to change and grow from mistakes.

5. The Happiest Couples Are Equals

When you’re in a loving relationship, you’re partners’ inequality. The idea of one partner being submissive to the other’s authority makes for a tumultuous relationship. You can understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses while staying on equal footing.

The happiest couples share authority and responsibility. When you have important decisions, you both take an active role in discussing the pros and cons. It’s all about mutual respect and valuing each other’s opinions.

6. The Happiest Couples Provide a Safe Place for Each Other

Couples in lasting relationships have created a sanctuary for each other. When you’re together, you can close the door to the world and feel safe in your partner’s embrace. You know that you have each other’s back and are determined to protect the other, no matter what.

Neither of you should feel embarrassed or intimidated to say what’s in your heart. You are mutual cheerleaders, and you’re not afraid to show your vulnerability. When a couple trusts each other and doesn’t betray that trust, they are more likely to stay together.

7. The Happies Couples Are Unafraid of Intimacy

A relationship built on physical intimacy alone is shallow and won’t last. However, romance is beautiful and essential for the happiest couples. They are intimately familiar with each other and feel safe and lively in their closeness.

Intimacy is more than just a physical response. Walking together and cuddling on the sofa while watching a movie are also ways couples connect. They know how to keep the romance alive and relish each other’s company.

8. The Happiest Couples Know How to Laugh

Is it possible to have joy without laughter? Humor is a vital part of a healthy relationship, states an article by the University of Kansas. The report cites work by Dr. Jeffrey Hall, who says that the humor couples create is strongly connected to relationship satisfaction.

When’s the last time you had a good belly laugh with your mate? Do you have some harmless inside jokes that make you smile? It’s also a boost to your relationship if you know how to laugh at yourself.

9. TheHappies Couples Value Their Individuality

Most couples describe the unity of their relationship. It involves a harmony of body, mind, and spirit. Although the happiest couples cherish their bond, they also remember that they are also separate beings.

A true mate won’t expect you to conform to their tastes and opinions. They don’t forget what attracted them to you in the first place. You can be a couple while maintaining your style, interests, and ambitions.

10. The Happiest Couples Grow as a Couple

Relationships are living entities that will grow and thrive with loving attention. If you don’t allow your relationship to grow, it will stagnate and may not last. The happiest couples understand each other’s hopes and dreams and work together to achieve them.

They also use past adversity as a teaching tool for change and growth. Do you and your partner engage in activities that will expand your minds and enrich your spirits? It’s fundamental to you as an individual and a couple.

11. The Happies Couples Know How to Have Fun

Remember the old saying that all work and no play make you dull? While you are both adults and take financial responsibility, you must cultivate your relationship. Relaxing and having fun is one of the fundamental ways that keep happy couples together.

It’s up to the couple what they consider fun and leisure. Traveling to new places and experiencing new things together is always a plus. You may also enjoy watching movies together or playing a classic board game.

12. The Happiest Couples Always Bury Their Grudges

If you’ve been together for any length of time, you’re bound to offend one another. Sincere apologies not only say you’re sorry but that you’re determined not to make the same mistake. Loving partners don’t hesitate to apologize and make amends for their offenses.

Some offenses can be more grievous than others. However, couples can heal together when forgiveness overcomes grudges. Forgiveness doesn’t excuse the violation but allows you to move on with your life.

13. The Happiest Couples Value Occasional Solitude

Just because you’re in a loving, committed relationship doesn’t mean you need to be together 24/7. While you adore each other’s company, you also need occasional alone time to reflect and regroup. If not, too much togetherness may lead to irritability and arguing.

Do you make time for yourself each day? Taking a warm bubble bath or closing yourself away to meditate and write in your journal can refresh you. When you show yourself love, it’s easier to share the love with your partner.

14. The Happiest Couples Still Pay Each Other Compliments

No matter how long you’ve been together, it would help if you still heard how attractive you are. Your mate needs to hear these words, too. Sincere compliments remind you that you’re special and will always be beautiful in each other’s eyes.

Healthy couples know how to make loving comments about their partners. They also show appreciation and gratitude and don’t take each other for granted. Always let your personality shine.

15. The Happiest Couples Avoid Jealousy

Of course, you want to be the only object of your mate’s desire. However, unfounded jealousy makes the other person feel you don’t trust them. The old “green-eyed monster” can destroy a relationship quickly.

A lasting relationship is built on trust; until that is broken, you must trust each other. If you have an insecure and jealous partner, ask yourself if the relationship is worth it. It may be time to move on if you’re unworthy of trust.

Final Thoughts on How the Happiest Couples Stay Together

Love is a choice, and relationships require time, patience, and much work. However, many couples have found the secret to a lasting happy relationship. When you value your mate and remember these simple tips, you are well on your way to a happily ever after.

Scientists Reveal a Bacteria That Could Store Energy and Create Fuel

September 15, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Researchers from Cornell University have discovered a bacteria capable of synthesizing complex, energy-dense organic molecules from CO2 and renewable energy. This could provide an affordable, eco-friendly, scalable system to store and retrieve energy from renewable sources like wind and solar. In fact, no sustainable methods currently exist to store and capture green energy, as batteries harm the environment. We need a way to create fuel that’s clean and safe.

Now a kind of bacteria called Shewanella oneidensis might provide a solution. The microbe uptakes electrons into its metabolism and uses the energy to create essential precursors for ‘fixing’ carbon. This process occurs when plants or organisms utilize carbon from CO2 and add it to an organic molecule, usually sugar.

Scientists have been working on genetically engineering a new bacteria that can do even more than store energy. The bacteria would use precursors from carbon to make organic molecules, like biofuels.

The study, published August 11, 2021, in Communications Biology, explains for the first time how bacteria converts energy into metabolism.

“There are only a very small number of microbes that can really store renewable electricity,” said Buz Barstow, assistant professor of biological and environmental engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the paper’s senior author. He explained that even fewer microbes could effectively fix CO2.

“We want to make one,” Barstow said. “And in order to do that, we need to know the genes that are involved in getting the electrons into the cell.”

How a bacteria could help store and create fuel

For the study, researchers used a method called ‘knockout sudoku,’ which the team designed to help inactive genes one at a time. This way, they could isolate them and better understand their functions.

“We found a lot of genes that we already knew about for getting electrons out of the cell are also involved in getting electrons in,” Barstow said. “Then we also found this totally new set of genes that nobody’s ever seen before that are needed to get electrons into the cell.”

First author Annette Rowe, Ph.D. ’11, an assistant professor of microbiology at the University of Cincinnati, made an important discovery. She identified a pathway called extracellular electron uptake (EEU), which moves electrons into the bacteria’s metabolism. As a result, this pathway efficiently converts carbon dioxide into sugars and biofuels. In fact, scientists believe it could become mass-produced and cheaper to run in the future.

In their research, the team found similar genes in many different bacteria. This brought them to conclude that bacteria may have used a similar pathway before life on Earth developed photosynthesis. They would’ve utilized electrons from oxidizing iron to take carbon from CO2 to make sugars.

“When we build a microbe that can eat electrons, which we are doing now, it will incorporate those genes,” Barstow said.

Other uses for Shewanella bacteria

Barstow will add the genes to the common bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) to start the process. Genetically engineered bacteria fueled by electrons could provide a low-cost method of making biofuels, food, and chemicals and even sequestering carbon.

Prior research found that the Shewanella bacteria can serve as “living electrodes” for controlled radical polymerization. NASA may even use this versatile bacteria to produce energy and clean wastewater in its spacecraft in the future. When scientists first discovered the bacteria in 1988, it was the only known microbe able to breathe by transferring an electric charge to metal outside its cell membrane.

NASA sent a batch of Shewanella to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2018 to observe how they behave in space. The data collected helped NASA learn what these organisms need to thrive in space and how astronauts can utilize them. As a result, the experiment laid the foundation for future life-support systems and lengthy missions into space.

According to John Hogan, a scientist who oversaw the space station experiment, the bacteria has other applications. These include making fuel or electrolysis cells that would utilize genetically engineered microbes as catalysts on their electrodes. Next, the fuel cells could help process wastewater while generating energy. The microbes could then convert the waste into products like edible biomass, medicines, and bioplastics.

Hogan said this:

“The fuel cell is just a tool to make products we’re interested in. On one side, you’re making energy, and on the other side, you’re making products. That’s one of the reasons it’s interesting.”

This bacteria may prove useful for a variety of industries and functions in the future. So perhaps we’ll one day power our homes and businesses using fuel created from these very microorganisms. While these bacteria can create energy, other types of bacteria can remove excess energy.

How E. coli bacteria could lower carbon dioxide levels

As carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas levels continue to rise, scientists worldwide have been sounding the alarm. Recently, they discovered that E. coli bacteria might provide a solution to the climate crisis. Israeli scientists found that these bacteria could help remove carbon from the atmosphere. The team spent over ten years genetically engineering the bacteria to “eat” CO2 and convert it to other forms of energy.

Researchers say that E.coli may also help save the planet in other ways. Indeed, the team believes their findings will expand the bacteria’s products to include biofuels, food, and other substances. Scientists already use E.coli to produce synthetic versions of life-saving medicines like insulin and human growth hormone.

Final Thoughts: A bacteria might help us store and create clean fuel

Most people only think of bacteria as harmful organisms that cause deadly diseases. However, it seems they aren’t just evil invaders of our immune systems; they may actually help save our planet. Scientists have found that a bacteria called Shewanella oneidensis can store and retrieve renewable energy. The genetically engineered bacteria could also have other applications like producing food and chemicals and even capturing carbon.

Along with the E.coli bacteria, these microbes could solve the greatest challenge in our modern times. Climate change will undoubtedly cause suffering, but we have a better chance of surviving it by working with nature to create fuel from bacteria.

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