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4 Ways to Help Someone Prevent Compassion Fatigue

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Compassion fatigue is a bit of a misnomer, and its name means many people don’t understand it as well as they should. It can sometimes be looked at as a selfish thing to experience, as feeling “tired” from caring for other people can sound like a negative and self-absorbed thing to feel.

But that’s not what compassion fatigue is, and thinking of it in this manner can be harmful. It’s a severe problem, and it needs to be addressed and prevented with specific steps, especially if you’re at risk. Here are the answers to what compassion fatigue is and how to avoid it.

Defining Compassion Fatigue

Compassion fatigue refers to a condition caused by the effects of helping or caring for others. In simpler terms, it is exhaustion resulting from extreme shows of compassion. It can manifest in psychological, physical, and emotional effects and is often mistaken for generic burnout, which is a form of general mental fatigue.

Compassion fatigue tends to occur when you’ve spent a lot of time helping someone through something complicated, such as trauma or stress. It can also happen as a side-effect of specific caregiving jobs.

compassion fatigueOther Names for Compassion Fatigue

There are other terms used when describing compassion fatigue, too, such as:

  • Secondhand shock
  • Vicarious trauma or vicarious traumatization
  • Secondary victimization
  • Secondhand stress reaction
  • Secondary traumatic stress
  • Secondary survivorhood
  • The “cost of caring.”

By these names, it is easy to see that compassion fatigue is when you feel the adverse effects of other people’s troubles and problems, even though you’re not personally experiencing them yourself. But according to studies, it takes more than just general compassion to experience this fatigue – it requires empathy. This means that compassion fatigue occurs because you feel for the people you’re helping or relate heavily to the people around you.

Who Is Most At Risk Of Compassion Fatigue?

Though anyone can develop compassion fatigue, certain people are at higher risk than others. Knowing if you are in a risk group can help you ensure that you can deal with compassion fatigue. Awareness is one of the critical steps to prevention. The people most at risk are as follows:

·         Those Who Work In Healthcare

People who work in healthcare fields have very high risks of developing compassion fatigue. The job inherently requires caring about others and potentially watching them struggle with painful or difficult circumstances, breaking bad news to patients, and even witnessing death. As an example, 86% of all emergency room nurses meet the description of compassion fatigue. Physicians, mental health professionals, caregivers, critical care personnel, ambulance paramedics, and other healthcare workers are all automatically at risk due to the nature of their work.

·         Those With Unmanaged Trauma

If you’ve experienced trauma in the past and didn’t learn positive coping mechanisms, the negative aspects that linger in your life can open you up to the risk of compassion fatigue. These negative aspects may include bottling up your feelings, withdrawing and isolating yourself, or using addictive substances to cope.

·         Those Who Work In Student Affairs

Post-secondary education institutions are often home to a diverse student population, including marginalized individuals and those who deal with many personal issues. Student affairs professionals have, in recent years, experienced a steadily broadening scope of responsibilities, including the management of crises, traumatic events and even developing compassionate connections to students in their care. This emotion can put them at risk of compassion fatigue, and many staff who work in such positions have a desire to quit as a result of these effects, according to research.

·         Those With Certain Personalities

Did you know that certain personality traits can put you at risk for developing compassion fatigue? If you are a perfectionist, very conscientious, or selfless, you have a higher risk of dealing with compassion fatigue. These typically track logically – if you like to be planned and get things perfectly done, you are more likely to struggle with dealing with the messiness of caring for another person. Or, if you are more selfless, you are more likely to face tiredness from being kind to others.

·         Those Who Work In The Legal Field

Attorneys and lawyers are often at risk for developing mental health disorders due to their compassion fatigue. Many struggles with their job’s emotional and mental toll can take, as most legal training does not involve education in trauma management. Long hours and heavy pressure can further decrease positive thinking and lend itself to this problem.

·         Those With Poor Social Support

If you lack social support, you are more likely to face difficulties because you cannot gain the support of others in your caregiving duties. Your tiredness can be amplified when you don’t have anyone to help you while you spend a lot of your time caring for others or many other people.

Once again, it is worth a disclaimer that anyone can experience compassion fatigue, even if they are not statistically at risk. You shouldn’t discount your personal feelings and experiences just because you’re not in a relevant group.

Symptoms of Compassion Fatigue

It is not always easy to discern compassion fatigue, as it can be mistaken for many other issues and is easy to dismiss. Keeping an eye out for the warning signs can help you determine if you’re experiencing this kind of fatigue.

It is easy to insist to yourself that you have no right to feel negative when you’re caring for those who seem to be suffering more than you. Don’t fall into this trap.

Know the Symptoms

compassion fatigueInstead, keep an eye out for symptoms such as:

  • Feelings of anxiety, nervousness, irritability, jitteriness, anger, sadness, or other strong negative emotions
  • A reduced sense of personal accomplishment or career accomplishment
  • A lowered tolerance for stress or decreased resilience to challenging situations
  • Lower levels of empathy, sometimes to the point of no longer being able to care about others at all
  • Repeatedly dwelling on and thinking about the suffering of other people
  • Experiencing helpless, powerless, overwhelmed, or hopeless feeling when you’re faced with, witnessing, or hearing about the suffering of others
  • A loss of focus or concentration, especially when making decisions
  • Feeling physically or emotionally detached from the world around you or your personal experiences
  • Blaming yourself or berating yourself for not being able to do more or not having done more
  • Dramatic mood swings
  • Becoming extremely sensitive to any emotional feelings and situations – or losing sensitivity to them entirely.
  • Experiencing a dramatic change in belief systems regarding yourself, the world, your future, your purpose, or life
  • Higher instances of conflict in relationships
  • Worsened productivity at work, or heightened perceived productivity
  • Behavioral issues, such as inadequate coping mechanisms, substance abuse, or self-isolation
  • Physical symptoms like dizziness, nausea, headaches, digestive problems, tiredness, insomnia, and nightmares

Awareness is one of the key ways that you can prevent compassion fatigue. If you notice worrying signs or symptoms in advance, you can learn to take a step back and use positive coping methods, so your risks lessen.

How to Prevent Compassion Fatigue With Self-Compassion and Health Social Interactions

Ironically, compassion fatigue can be combated with more compassion – but, specifically, compassion towards yourself. Remembering that you need to be kind to yourself and are deserving of your own compassion is an important part of managing and dealing with compassion fatigue. Regular self-compassion as a part of your life can also be instrumental in preventing the condition by infusing you with positive habits. Here are some tips for being kind to yourself:

1 – Practice Self-Care

Taking time for yourself and to look after yourself is a top way to manage compassion fatigue and tiredness. You may feel guilty about needing to look out for yourself, but not doing so doesn’t just damage your wellbeing. It is also going to be evident around those you’re caring for. Again, this is a little ironic, but you have to care for yourself to be a good caregiver, too. Eat well, get enough sleep, exercise a little bit, and make sure you have some me-time for rest.

2 – Fully Understand Self-Care

A lot of people throw the word “self-care” around without truly understanding what it means. It’s not about robotically going through the motions of technically taking care of yourself. It means allowing yourself to enjoy guilt-free things, prioritize your well-being, and applaud yourself for taking the time for self-care. Understand that self-care is not only important. Indeed, it is also just a fantastic thing that you should be proud of yourself for doing!

3 – Schedule Hobby Time

If you’ve recently become very busy caring for something or someone, you may not have had time to do the things you love. Don’t forget to spend some time unwinding on things you enjoy. You’ll feel much better after, and this will ensure that you aren’t neglecting yourself while caring for others.

4 – Positive Social Interactions

Withdrawal and social isolation are tempting when dealing with compassion fatigue, and it’s also easy to do by accident if you’re very busy and occupied. But lacking social interaction is a quick and easy way to harm your exhaustion levels. It would be best if you were around other people and be supported by them to reduce the risk of compassion fatigue.

When was the last time you hung out with the people in your life who matter most, like friends and family? Have a meal with them, chat with them over the phone or through text, and arrange to hang out. Your loved ones don’t need to directly attempt to support you to help you with compassion fatigue; just being around them can work wonders for your positive thinking and wellbeing.

You can also find caregiver support groups if you work in a profession where compassion fatigue is common. You’ll find many people dealing with the same feelings and difficulties. It can be a great way to learn healthy coping mechanisms and build a community with supportive, understanding, and kind people.

exhaustionFinal Thoughts On How To Prevent Compassion Fatigue

There is nothing shameful about feeling compassion fatigue. If you find yourself beginning to deal with this kind of exhaustion, take the necessary steps to care for yourself and finding support. If necessary, you can speak to a mental healthcare professional for further advice and help.

Science Explains How Pesticides Can Contribute to Food Shortages

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Scientists have discovered that pesticides may lead to food shortages because of their adverse effect on bees. Specifically, the researchers found a group of pesticides called pyrethroids that contribute to colony collapse disorder in bees. This occurs when worker bees disappear, causing the queen and other members of the hive to die. Without bees, hundreds of billions of dollars worth of crops would not get pollinated, and agriculture would greatly suffer.

Because of the profound importance of bees, scientists wanted to investigate if they could separate the pesticides from the honey somehow. Researchers at the University of Waterloo created an eco-friendly, completely automated technique that extracts honey’s pesticides. This way, the worker bees will not leave the hive, and colony collapse disorder may improve.

How they removed the pesticides from the honey

pop memeThe team extracted the pyrethroids using the solid-phase microextraction (SPME) method. This made it easier for them to measure whether honey levels exceed what is safe for human consumption. It also helps pinpoint locations where farmers utilize this pesticide and how much they use. Because of its chemical makeup, the pesticide has previously been difficult to remove.

“Pyrethroids are poorly soluble in water and are actually suspended in honey,” said Janusz Pawliszyn, a chemistry professor at Waterloo. “We add a small amount of alcohol to dissolve them prior to extraction by the automated SPME system.”

When farmers spray the pesticides on crops, it affects the functioning of insects’ nerves and brains. This can lead to paralysis and ultimately death in certain species. Pesticides have been classified as neurotoxins, which is any substance that alters the structure or function of the nervous system. However, because they have been so effective at controlling insect infestations, weeds, and disease, they’re now used worldwide.

While the Environmental Protection Agency says that we need pesticides to protect crops and increase yields, they have their disadvantages. When used in excess, they can lead to mass bee die-offs, which means crops don’t get pollinated. Without bees, we couldn’t have food, so a balance must occur between protecting crops and pollinators.

“It is our hope that this very simple method will help authorities determine where these pesticides are in use at unsafe levels to ultimately help protect the honeybee population.” ~Janusz Pawliszyn

As some of the research team was based in Canada, they performed tests on honey products there. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspects foods for chemical residues there. The Pest Control Products Ac regulates maximum allowed residue limits. The team found no indication that any honey had excess pesticide levels.

However, aside from killing bees, pesticides cause food shortages in other ways as well. While pesticides do increase crop yields, they cause damage to biodiversity, which disrupts the food chain. Studies have shown that pesticides have caused widespread contamination of ecosystems worldwide. Many studies have also found negative effects on the physiology, diversity, and abundance of certain aquatic and terrestrial organisms.

Furthermore, pesticides cause widespread deterioration of biodiversity in agricultural areas, which comprises around 50% of Earth’s ice-free land. In Germany, insect losses of around 70% have been observed in the last 30 years, and bird species in Europe have declined by 50%. Major pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and monarch butterflies have also decreased in numbers in the past few decades.

In a European study, researchers found that pesticides were the sole culprit behind lower biodiversity in plants, ground beetles, and birds in wheat fields. They accounted for differences in field size, fertilizer application, and landscape diversity in the study. Another review labeled pesticides and chemical pollution as the second leading cause of a worldwide decline in insect populations. As we’ve said, without insects and pollinators, we cannot have crops to use pesticides on in the first place.

Interesting facts about pollinators

Here are some important facts about pollinators and how pesticides affect them according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:

  • Bees pollinate around $10 billion worth of crops in the U.S. each year. Of the approximately one hundred crops that most of the world eats, domestic bees pollinate only 15%. Wild bees and other wildlife pollinate around 80% of crops.
  • More than 100,000 different species – perhaps even closer to 200,000 – help pollinate 250,000 variations of flowering plants worldwide. Insects such as bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, flies, beetles pollinate most plants. However, as many as 1,500 species of vertebrates like birds and mammals pollinate plants as well. This includes flying foxes, hummingbirds, perching birds, fruit bats, possums, lemurs, and even lizards!
  • Bees exposed to pesticides recover very slowly because of their low reproductive rates. Therefore, it can take 3 to 4 years for bee populations to recover to pre-pesticide levels.
  • Crops that would produce a higher yield and quality from more pollination do not receive adequate pollination due to heavy pesticide use. Studies estimate that income from harvests could grow by $400 million a year if farms had more pollinators available.
  • Pollinators help support biodiversity; however, as we’ve stated above, pesticides destroy biodiversity worldwide.
  • Declines in pollinators may also lead to plant extinction, which would cause large disruptions in the food supply.
  • For migratory pollinators, such as bats, hummingbirds, and the monarch butterfly, their nectar corridors must remain intact. If they can’t find nectar at any point during stops along their migratory route, it could lead to population decline and even death. Nectar sources may become tainted or even disappear in areas that receive heavy treatment with pesticides and herbicides.

pesticidesFinal thoughts on how pesticides may lead to food shortages

While pesticides have been shown to increase the overall supply of crops, they have devastating consequences on the ecosystem. Heavy spraying of pesticides can lead to mass die-offs of important pollinators such as bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. It can also result in soil damage, air and water pollution, and damage to insects and aquatic animals.

More people today prefer organic or homegrown produce with fewer pesticides used. However, on a global scale, scientists are still researching safe and effective alternatives. Pesticides do help in feeding the world, but at what cost? It will take monumental scientific ingenuity, but perhaps we can have a healthier food system free of pesticides in the future.

Owners Teach Their Shiba Inu to Paint to Communicate With Him

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Hunter, a 7-year-old Shiba Inu, loves to spend his free time painting and even has his own Etsy store! His owner Denise says he seems to really enjoy it, and she feels he communicates with them through his art.

“He likes the challenge, he likes doing different things with us and interacting with us. He is very vocal about what he likes and what he doesn’t like, so we communicate in that sense,” she said.

Denise says that he’s a pretty laid-back dog now that he’s older, but as a puppy, he had a lot of energy. He wanted to learn new tricks all the time, and Denise taught him the usual commands such as sit, stay and paw. “Then eventually we ran out of tricks to teach him, so we ended up teaching him how to paint!”

 

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Hunter the Shiba Inu sells his artwork on Etsy

She says that seeing his paintings hung up in offices and homes around the world gives special meaning to his work. It makes it rewarding for Denise to see others enjoying his art, and Hunter seems to have a good time with it, too.

“They’re a very special breed. They’re not like your typical dog – they’re very stubborn,” Denise says. “You have to give them a lot of exercise and a lot of attention, so that they don’t get disruptive or they don’t cause you and your family trouble when you take them out.”

Well, even though Hunter might have a stubborn streak, his creative side comes through just as much! Perhaps this hardheaded mentality gives him the discipline and drive to continue with his paintings. He seems to enjoy learning new things, and painting just stuck with him from a young age. Hunter appears to go for the abstract style of painting, and uses all different shades of color for his work.

So far, he’s made almost 300 sales on his Etsy store, which customers have given a 5-star review. Denise classifies them by three categories: Classics, Night Sky 2017, and Seasonals. However, you can also request a custom order and Hunter the Shiba Inu painter will do his best to fulfill it!

 

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Denise runs a YouTube account for Hunter as well where she occasionally posts videos of him painting. His most recent video shows him painting on a Korean game show, so it seems that he’s getting pretty popular! He’s also been featured on another program called HARU TV.

It’s amazing what dogs can learn and how quickly they pick up on certain skills. Just like humans, dogs learn by repetition and practice, whether you teach them commands or painting. Of course, reinforcement with treats always helps dogs remember things better or perform a desirable action. However, with Hunter the Shiba Inu, it seems like he doesn’t need any extra encouragement or bribing.

 

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He truly enjoys painting, and his owners love to bond and communicate with him through this medium. It’s fascinating to see how intelligent and adaptable dogs are, and how they all have different likes and dislikes. When Hunter isn’t painting, he seems to enjoy going on hikes and trying out new dog treats. He also hangs out and celebrates birthdays with some other dog friends, including fellow Shiba Inus.

How to teach your dog to paint

If you want to try out painting with your dog, follow these tips from Little Dog Tips:

Tools and supplies you will need to get started:

  • Modified paintbrush
  • Washable, non-toxic paint – Children’s tempera paints are cheap, washable and fun to use. Acrylic paint is brighter and more opaque, but should be wiped out of fur before it dries
  • Protected surface – an old bedsheet on the floor, for example
  • High value, bite sized treats
  • Blank canvas – or maybe paper taped to a wall
  • A creative dog – ideally an adult dog past the chewing phase

Step 1: Teach “Touch” Or “Paint”

Bring a canvas into the room; your dog may go up and investigate it, or look confused at first. If your dog goes up to it, make sure to reward him or her with a treat. After your dog goes up to the canvas a few times, you can add in the cue “paint!”

You want your dog to approach the canvas nose-first. In the beginning, your dog may claw at it, but you should only give treats for nose touches. Tell your dog to sit if he or she keeps pawing at the canvas in order to “reset” him or her.

Step 2: Teach “Hold”

The hardest part about teaching your dog to paint will be getting him or her to hold the brush. Make sure to work on this step for a few weeks before moving onto the next phase.

Step 3: Teach “Give”

In order to keep messes under control, you’ll want your dog to give you the brush after each stroke. If you taught your dog the “retrieve to hand” trick while playing fetch, he or she should know how to return objects to your hand.

Step 4: Hold, Paint, Give

So, after you feel comfortable with each step, move through the sequence with your dog. Hand your dog a clean brush and ask him or her to “paint.” Make sure to stay close to the canvas so your dog doesn’t have to hold the brush for very long after each stroke. Once you’ve gone through the steps several times, your dog should feel comfortable painting with you!

Also, make sure to keep some dog wipes on hand, as this can get a bit messy!

Does your dog know how to paint or do any other cool tricks? Share with us in the comments!

Learn How a Former Bait Dog Found a Safe, Loving Home

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When a couple decided to adopt a former bait dog, their lives changed forever in the best way possible. Bait dogs grow up in a very traumatic, stressful environment and often have severe wounds from dogfighting. However, bait animals don’t actually attack; they serve as punching bags for the other dogs to test their fighting skills. Dog fighters use bait animals such as dogs, cats, rabbits, and even wild animals, though dogs are the most common.

Dog fighters often wrap bait animals’ snouts in duck tape so they can’t fight back, and they may even break their teeth. The dogs then get placed in a pit or tied to a tree so they can’t get away while the game dogs to practice. Sadly, many bait dogs don’t survive the vicious attacks. The ones who do will have physical and emotional scars for life. Most countries have banned dogfighting. But it remains legal in a few countries like Japan, Albania, and parts of Russia.

Though the practice is illegal in the U.S., underground dogfighting is still rampant. The bait dogs who escape often go to shelters, where they finally have a chance at adoption and a normal life.

When Katharine and her partner Cody saw Bubby, they just knew they wanted to bring him home. They didn’t know what to expect regarding the dogs’ temperament, but they couldn’t let him stay in the shelter. He deserved a loving, safe place to live, and they wanted to give him that.

Katharine says when she first started looking for a dog, she didn’t know quite what she wanted. However, when she laid eyes on Bubby and saw his adorable smile, she immediately felt drawn to him.

Bubby’s transition from bait dog into a family dog

“I could tell right away that he had this personality even just through a photo where I was like ‘I want to know more about this dog,’” she said. “So, I emailed the rescue about him, and within 5 minutes actually, I had a phone call from the rescue.”

They told her about Bubby’s situation and asked if she could pick him up the next day. She hadn’t expected to have a dog so soon, but she knew the former bait dog desperately needed a home. So, she told her partner Cody, and they agreed to go pick him up.

When they arrived, Katharine saw firsthand the severity of Bubby’s situation. He was underweight by about 20 pounds and had many bare patches and scars from being a bait dog. Bubby not only had physical injuries and scars; he’d also suffered emotional trauma from his former life. Katharine said he was very closed off and distrustful of them at first.

“I was a little bit nervous because you hear pitbulls are just killers, and so obviously, I didn’t want to get myself into something dangerous,” she said. “But I couldn’t be happier that I brought this man home. I’ve had many dogs in my life growing up, and this dog is everything I could have ever wanted in a dog partner.”

Bubby warms up to his new family.

While Bubby may have been scared and traumatized at first, he quickly warmed up to his new surroundings and family. Katharine says he’s very gentle, forgiving, and loving.

“He has changed my life for the better. My mental health has improved so much since having this dog because it’s just impossible to be in my own head or be upset about my own problems when I look at him, and he’s just a constant goofball.”

The pitbull brothers love their new life together.

Bubby drags his blankets all around their house, smothers them both with kisses, or cracks them up in general. Their lives have improved so much since bringing Bubby back home with them. Plus, Katharine and Cody live and work in national parks all over the country as park rangers, so Bubby lives like a king! The couple also adopted another pit bull, Simon, from the same shelter as Bubby came from.

They both enjoy the freedom and adventure the great outdoors offers and have settled nicely into their new lives. Bubby and Simon get along wonderfully as brothers and really love the companionship. Sure, they may get into fights sometimes, but most of the time, they’re happy-go-lucky pit bulls. Coming from their life as former bait dogs, they have made a remarkable transition into family life.

Pitbulls, especially those who have been raised in traumatic environments, often get a bad rap. Many people believe them to be aggressive, dangerous, and not safe for children. However, even if they’ve grown up in a bad environment, pit bulls can be some of the most loving, sweet dogs. It all depends on how their new family raises them and what kind of training they give the dogs.

If you decide to adopt pit bulls from this type of background, make sure to do your research. It will take a lot of work and commitment, but you will have a dog bestie who will absolutely adore you. The satisfaction of knowing you saved the dog from a terrible past also makes the process worth it. However, pit bulls or other powerful breeds are not for everyone, and that’s okay too.

Final thoughts: two former bait dogs get a second chance at life

Bubby and Simon, two pit bulls raised as bait dogs, now have a wonderful life with their adventurous mom and dad. They get to enjoy beautiful scenery and nature at national parks all over the country and get smothered with love every day. Raising them is a lot of work, but Katharine and Cody couldn’t imagine their life without them now. They’ve come such a long way from when they first adopted them because of all the love and support they’ve gotten.

We hope all bait dogs and dogs in abusive situations, in general, will have a chance at a better life. If you know of anyone who’s rescued or adopted a bait dog, we’d love to hear the story in the comments!

10 Signs You Have Low Self-Esteem (and how to boost it!)

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Are you confident in your abilities, or do you feel that your self-confidence is lacking? You know you need to boost your self-esteem, but doing such a task seems monumental. It’s hard to overcome all the thoughts and feelings that make you feel defeated.

If you could only look at yourself the way others see you, your picture would be quite different. Having low self-esteem is a vicious cycle that goes around and around. If you don’t jump off the merry-go-round, you will continue this pattern for life.

Thankfully, you can send your esteem soaring and boost your confidence with a little self-maintenance.

Understanding Low Self-Esteem

Your self-esteem goes in cycles. For instance, someone comments that they don’t like your shirt or hair, and then you feel bad about yourself. It’s not uncommon for you to ruminate about that issue and bring other things into your thoughts too.

You start going through a mental list of all the things that are wrong with you. Have you ever heard of the term self-fulfilling prophecy? If you keep telling yourself how worthless you are, then soon, you will start believing it.

Does this cycle all sound too familiar? Having low self-esteem can have a significant impact on your life.

low self-esteemPeople who suffer from esteem issues often deal with problems like:

•Anxiety

•Agoraphobia and social withdrawal

•Self-harm

•Eating disorders

•Fear of trying anything new

• You’re fearful of trusting your opinions

•Constantly worrying about what others think of you

Does any of these things sound familiar to you? If so, then it’s time for you to make some profound changes in how you view yourself.

Building Self-Esteem and Confidence

Do you want to improve your self-esteem instantly? You should know that it’s a process that isn’t going to happen overnight. However, practice makes perfect, and the more you practice these little tricks, the better the results.

1. Stop Ruminating and Put Your Focus Elsewhere

People stuck in the low self-esteem cycle can’t see beyond their issues to the world around them. Rather than focusing on all the things wrong in your life, put your focus elsewhere. Other people in the world are suffering just as much, if not more, than you.

Do something different that puts kindness back into the world. Shifting your focus will help you to stop ruminating about your problems and give back to others. Remember that positive actions will help you to generate positive thoughts.

2. Take Care of You

Did you know that what’s on the inside always rolls to the outside? How many times do people tell you that you don’t look like you’re feeling well today? There is a mind-body-spirit connection within each human, and they all reflect off one another.

If you want to improve your low self-esteem, you can start by taking better care of yourself. It’s the little things that will make the most significant impact. You could get a new hairstyle, buy some new clothes, or do something to enhance your appearance.

When you look good, then you will feel good too. When you love yourself first, then everything else in your life will fall into place.

3. Do Something to Break The Cycle

If you want to break free from the merry-go-round of low self-esteem, then you need to jump. It’s time for you to get away and have some fun. When you do things that are out of the ordinary, then you can change your whole outlook.

Why not take a weekend to visit family or friends that cheer you up? Instead of your usual lunch spot, why not try that new café down the street? Better yet, why not ask someone to go with you that you would never have asked before?

When you break the cycle, you can refresh your mind and thwart those negative thought patterns. So take a deep breath!  Your imagination only limits you, so you must learn to think outside the box. Remember, you are only one decision away from an entirely different life, so what’s holding you back?

4. Focus on Your Accomplishments

While you tend to ruminate about all the bad things and horrible decisions you’ve made, it’s time to look at the good. Grab a journal and start writing all the accomplishments in your life. When you tally up the results, the positive will always outweigh the negative.

Now, examine your mindset each time you did something extraordinary. Indeed, you will find that you can accomplish more when you are positive. If you want to build your esteem, then you must focus on all the good things that you’ve done in your life.

self-esteem5. Share Your Talents with The World

Each person has unique gifts and talents that they can share with the world. Perhaps you make the best brownies around, but no one will know unless you share that knowledge. Your cooking abilities may be something that you take for granted that someone else would love to know how to do.

Why not teach someone your skills? It doesn’t have to be baking; it can be something like changing the oil in a car or showing someone how to knit. You have so many gifts and talents that are hidden behind an exterior of pain, so it’s time to bring those things out of the darkness and let your light shine.

6. Create A New Vision

Do you feel that all the problems you have are your fault? Low self-esteem will make you think all kinds of silly things, but you must remember that most of your thoughts aren’t based on truth. It would help if you observed your surroundings and see what is causing you so much stress?

Is your job too demanding for you to handle? Do you have a neighbor in your apartment complex that is making life miserable? Maybe your stuck in a city or area that you don’t like.

It’s time for you to come up with a new game plan for your life. Have you ever used a vision board? These boards can help you look at where you’ve been and where you’re going.

You can examine all the bad things in your life and make a conscious plan to move forward. Plus, seeing the goals being met one-by-one is an excellent way to motivate yourself.

7. Learn to Simplify Things

Your inward man reflects on the outside, and the same can be said about your home. The type of person who lives in that dwelling will be apparent to those around you. What do those passing by think about your space?

If they drive by and see that the lawn is well manicured with no weed in sight, they will think this person has it together. Now, what do they feel when they drive by a property being overrun by hoarding? The person who is prone to hoarding has an anxiety disorder.

Remember, what’s on the inside is coming to the outside. Hoarders are afraid to let things go because their anxiety won’t allow them. It’s time for you to simplify your life and possessions.

While you may not be a hoarder, you still hold onto things you need to let go of. Stuff can weigh you down.

Start by donating clothes to a charity that you haven’t worn in years. Clean out closets, the garage, basement, and any other areas you’ve allowed clutter to accumulate. Your possessions can hold you back, and it’s time to get rid of a lot of junk that triggers your anxiety.

8. Check Some Things Off Your Bucket List

Do you have a bucket list of things you want to do? Why not make time to check a few of those things off your list? If you keep telling yourself you don’t have the time or money, you won’t accomplish one thing.

Stop making excuses for the things that can bring you pleasure in life so you can stay home and sulk in the misery of low self-esteem. It’s time for you to start living.

9. Replace Destructive Habits with Positive Ones

Did you know that many people use shopping and spending money to cope with their unhealthy thought processes? What indulgences do you have when your anxiety is at its worst?

Do you eat unhealthy foods in massive amounts or spend money you don’t have to spend? It’s time to take inventory of your destructive habits and replace them with positive ones.

10. Get Moving

Stop having a pity party and waiting for the sky to fall. You can boost your feel-good brain chemicals by exercise. Just 20 minutes, three times a week will make a dramatic impact on your life.

Many people who suffer from esteem issues have depression as an underlying complication. You can help to turn these negative emotions around by using exercise as your medicine.

low self-esteemFinal Thoughts on Recovering from Low Self-Esteem

It’s easy to get stuck in a pattern of self-destructive thoughts when it seems everything in your life is going wrong. You have the power to take control of things and turn your bad into good. Stop ruminating on all the things that you’ve failed at, and start celebrating your successes.

You can turn your low self-esteem around with positive self-talk and a few of the items from this list. After all, you’re worth the effort.

South African Rescue Dedicated to Saving Vervet Monkeys

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While vervet monkeys haven’t been classified as endangered, they have started to disappear gradually due to human activities. Found in East and Southern Africa, these monkeys tend to live in areas up to 4,000 meters in altitude. However, the ones living close to civilization have been viewed as pests by humans, unfortunately.

In order to save some of these beautiful creatures, the Vervet Monkey Foundation provides a sanctuary for orphaned and injured primates.

The vervet monkey rescue is saving this creature

Dave Du Toit founded the non-profit organization in 1993 after discovering an orphaned baby monkey and asking authorities what to do with it. Sadly, they had been euthanizing the monkeys because the public viewed them as pests, and no facilities existed to care for them. Since Dave had a love for nature and the outdoors, he decided to open a sanctuary so the vervet monkeys could live in peace.

 

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“From that day on, it was a big fight to try and save these animals and make sure they had a place to go, and to give them a second chance at living in freedom back out in the bush,” Dave said.

So far, the sanctuary has provided a home for more than 500 orphaned, injured, abused, and abandoned primates. Located in Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, the organization also gives volunteers opportunities to learn and work with the monkeys. Many people come from all over the world to help rehabilitate and care for the vervet monkeys. No prior experience is necessary, but you must be over 18 and commit to at least 4 weeks of service.

“Our main goal for our organization is to basically try and make people a lot more aware about wildlife, and that every animal has a place on Earth and a right to live on Earth,” Dave said.

While it requires a lot of time, effort, and resources to keep the foundation running, seeing the monkeys thriving makes it all worth it.

 

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Providing a high quality of life for these creatures

“It doesn’t matter how hard and how tough our days are and how we battle – at the end of the day, just seeing these little guys being happy in their own little way and being back with other monkeys playing in trees – that’s amazing.”

The VMF designed a unique rehabilitation program over the years which helps reintroduce and reacclimate monkeys to the wild. They utilize large enclosures which help monkeys naturally form troops, or families, in preparation for release into the wild. Orphaned vervet monkeys can easily assimilate into this system, and return back to a wild state within just 4-8 weeks. The VMF introduces the babies to females already living at the sanctuary to help them return to a natural way of living.

Dave loves being able to watch the monkeys thrive again after coming from sometimes tragic circumstances. Some monkeys have been abused, abandoned, or even used in laboratory experiments. When they first come into the program, many of them are scared, traumatized, and grieving about losing their families. However, when the team begins working with them slowly, they start feeling comfortable in their new environment and quickly make friends.

 

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Vervets are shy monkeys at first

Once they warm up to their new surroundings, they start to integrate themselves into troops and truly live as they were meant to. The vervet monkeys enjoy climbing trees, playing with the other monkeys, and just living in their natural environment.

“I think the reward of taking something that’s been displaced and putting them back where they belong is really amazing,” Dave said. He believes that we all should do our part to protect the Earth and make it a safe, thriving place for every species.

“Please look after what we’ve got. It’s disappearing at such a rate, and believe in me, it’s worth fighting for. It’s worthwhile protecting it and making sure there’s always spaces that you can go out and enjoy in the wild, and have natural areas.”

Not just monkeys, but all animals, including humans, need natural spaces to enjoy. Without nature, no species on Earth could exist, so Dave says “it’s very, very important to protect it.”

 

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Here are a few facts about vervet monkeys, so you can get to know them better:

  • There are 5 subspecies of vervets.
  • They live in a variety of areas but are primarily found near bodies of water such as rivers, swamps, or lakes. They can also live in savannahs, open woodlands, and riverine forests. However, they do not live in deserts or deep forests. They mostly inhabit acacia-dominated environments.
  • Vervet monkeys live in male-dominated, hierarchical groups of multiple males and females. They live in groups, called troops, which can include up to 120 monkeys. However, due to habitat loss, it rarely exceeds 30 in today’s world.
  • Vervet monkeys live around 25-30 years.
  • Unique characteristics of vervets include a black face, feet, and black-tipped tail, as well as mottled grey and white fur on its belly. Babies have pink faces until they slowly turn black at around 4-8 months due to sun exposure.
  • Vervet monkeys are opportunistic omnivores.

Currently, the Vervet Monkey Foundation is working to purchase land in South Africa to release rehabilitated monkeys. The land would be a protected forest for the monkeys, which would keep them from conflict with humans. The VMF would also maintain the 300-500 hectares of indigenous plant and animal life, helping to cultivate a thriving ecosystem. In addition, this would create dozens of jobs and new opportunities for volunteers.

The foundation is working to raise enough money to purchase the land and pay for construction. If you’d like to donate or volunteer, you can visit their website for more information.

9 Things Most People Don’t Know About OCD But Should

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Do you have daily routines that make your life a little easier? What if you obsess over these routines? Or do you fill your day with anguish if you fail to complete them? You may have an undiagnosed case of OCD, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

What is an Obsession?

When mental health specialists talk about an obsessive-compulsive disorder, they go beyond people who are simply picky. Just because you insist on keeping a clean and orderly home does not mean you have a mental issue. If you habitually drink a cup of coffee and read the morning paper before work, it’s not an obsession; instead, it’s just a habit.

The dividing line between being particular about how you do things and an obsession is the anxiety involved. So maybe you like to keep all your herbs and spices organized alphabetically in your spice drawer. Preferences like these are not an obsession unless you panic and disrupt your life to fix them.

The obsession part of the disorder is that your mind is constantly dwelling on a habitual action. It becomes compulsive when your mind compels you to complete the action repeatedly to relieve the severe anxiety. Since this anguish is so mentally and physically debilitating, it has become a recognized disorder.

OCDThe History of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Unfortunately, mental illness was much misunderstood in the past. Early physicians had sparse knowledge of how the brain works, leading to misinformation and dangerous treatments. Skewed religious beliefs guided many of these specialists, and mental illness symptoms were often considered sinister.

Until modern discoveries in mental health, those who had mental disorders found themselves at the mercy of ignorant, superstitious, and often cruel health practitioners. These patients often endured scorn, ridicule, and sadistic treatments that caused countless deaths.

In the past, medical practitioners had little clue about anxiety disorders. When patients were compelled to complete certain personal rituals, the practitioners either chalked it to female problems or witchcraft. Since some people were obsessed with washing themselves or their surroundings, the unknown disorder was often called “crazy clean.”

Throughout history and sometimes, things people don’t understand are viewed with fear in today’s society. Instead of finding a rational explanation for an obsession-compulsion disorder, those who had it were often ostracized as lunatics or pawns of the devil. Since men historically treated women as the “weaker sex,” they often developed anxiety issues. Then, society punished them for their disorders with further maltreatment or ridicule.

The misunderstanding of anxiety disorders became woven into Medieval lore of witches, demons, and vampires. Some people develop an obsession to count things to relieve their anxiety compulsively. This society developed rites of protection that included rice or salt around the house at night. The evil entity would be forced to count every grain and disappear at sunrise.

OCD Diagnoses in Modern Times

In the early part of the 20th century, pioneers of psychology, like Freud and others, offered the world a better understanding of obsessive-compulsive nature. Over the following decades, mental health specialists isolated obsessive-compulsive from other mental illnesses with a classification of its own. They realized that these patients were battling from more than just a lack of willpower.

Did you know that statistics report that approximately 2.2 million people are diagnosed with OCD in the United States? Contrary to gender bias, this anxiety disorder affects just as many men as it does women. Some of its signs and symptoms are often present in childhood.

Nine Things Everyone Should Know About OCD

Do you or a loved one have a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder? If so, you know what a burden it can be on your mind, body, and spirit. If you do not have a diagnosis, here are nine things you should know about having OCD.pop meme

1. It’s Not Just a Habit

Since many people who have this anxiety disorder speak out about their treatment journey now that it is a trending buzzword. OCD is an official mental health diagnosis that has nothing to do with regular habits or preferences. While some people may attribute their intentions to the disorder, it’s an unfair generalization of those who have this diagnosis.

2. It isn’t Always Compulsive Cleaning

This misconception comes from its hurtful label of the past as “crazy clean.” Did you know that people with the obsession-compulsion disorder can be just as messy as someone without it? The condition can also include obsessive thoughts and repetitive actions that do not do with cleaning.

3. The Disorder Has Four Types

Mental health research has divided obsessive-compulsive disorder into four categories in recent times. They include two types of obsession and two types of compulsion issues. Some people may have a mixture.

  • Germ phobia: Some people who have this diagnosis obsess over avoiding contamination. These patients will tirelessly scrub themselves and their surroundings for fear of germs. If left untreated, they often isolate themselves in constant fear.
  • Perfection: Patients with this type are like Goldie Locks and push themselves to make everything “just right.” They will obsess about putting things in order and trying to achieve perfect asymmetry. They may also see patterns and obsess about repetitive actions to achieve what they view perfectly.

Many compulsive hoarders have this type of obsession because they believe hoarding their things keeps their world safe. Since perfection is impossible, those who obsess about it often self-destruct and strain their relationships with family and friends.

  • Obsessive doubt: This diagnosis goes beyond wondering if you locked the doors before leaving the house. The people check locks several times or perform repetitive rituals driven by anxiety. Their skewed sense of reality shows they believe something terrible will happen if they don’t perform these actions.
  • Obsessive shameful thoughts: People raised in a punitive religious environment often battle this fourth type of OCD. Some ideas may be sexual, violent, or something they consider taboo. They often develop rituals to block these intrusive thoughts, and they see themselves as unworthy and wicked.

4. This Disorder Has Nothing to Do with Willpower

As if dealing with an exhausting mental disorder wasn’t enough, some well-meaning people try to downplay the patient’s symptoms. Instead of helping, these people do more to elevate the patient’s anxiety. Their ignorant comments make people with this disorder feel weak, powerless, and lazy.

5. Life with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Is Somewhat Disorganized

Perhaps you’ve seen the popular tv show about the private investigator who was obsessively organized and had compulsive organization issues. In real life, people who have the disorder can live in total chaos. Those with OCD believe they are organized. However, the obsession disorganizes instead.

6. OCD is Not a Laughing Matter

Now that this mental disorder is in the spotlight of the medical community and the media, it is a trending buzzword. Sometimes, it’s parodied and overused on tv and in movies as a joke. Those coping with profound anxiety and exhausting compulsive actions aren’t laughing.

You’ve also probably noticed the astounding increase of self-diagnosed people. Insisting that your bathroom tissue rolls over or under are a choice, not a symptom of a mental disorder. Casual self-diagnosing in conversations is insensitive and hurtful to someone who has a confirmed diagnosis.

7. Everyone with the Disorder is Different

If you’ve met someone diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder, you’ve just met one person. Not everyone with the diagnosis will experience the same symptoms or intensity. Some people may develop tics to cope with the anxiety, while others won’t present with any noticeable signs.

8. It’s Not Curable, but it is Treatable

Just because you have a diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder doesn’t mean that your life is over. Even with the most complicated symptoms, many people can manage them successfully with behavioral therapy. Of course, this is not a cure. But studies show you have a good chance of living a good life with fulfilling relationships if you seek treatment.

9. It’s Often a Lonely Disorder

Those who have obsessive-compulsive disorder deal with depression, anxiety, and loneliness. It’s especially rough for people who obsess over the fear of contamination. They will often become isolated rather than embarrassing themselves in public with odd repetitive actions and extreme anxiety.

The danger of self-isolation is that it can add depression to anxiety, and the person can become suicidal. It worsens if their family and friends think their condition is silly and try to trivialize their symptoms. Having a healthy support system is crucial to successful treatment.

OCDFinal Thoughts on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Maybe your years of battling debilitating symptoms finally led you to a proper diagnosis. So perhaps you are traveling this journey with a friend or loved one. The good news is that there is help, and those diagnosed can learn to manage their symptoms and get back into life. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable.

Experts Suggest 5 Powerful Ways To Declutter Your Mind

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Do you ever feel like your brain is too full? Do things seem to be jamming up the gears in your mind? Your head might be cluttered – and it may be spring-cleaning time! Today, we will look at simple ways you can declutter your mind

The brain is a powerful thing that is always trying to learn. It’s collecting as much information and data as possible to help you find success and live an efficient life. But sometimes, too much gets logged up in there, including things that shouldn’t be held on to.

What can you do about it? How can you free up some space so you can function at best performance again? Here’s how experts suggest 5 powerful ways to declutter your mind.

1.      Learn The Difference Between Reflection and Rumination

declutter your mindReflection is crucial in solving problems, finding self-improvement, and learning from the past. These are all crucial for decluttering your mind. It requires that you put in a fair bit of effort and thought into growing and considering your past and how it has affected you. Here are some steps for reflection that are positive and a sign of good decluttering:

  • Stepping away from an emotional situation and being with your thoughts in peace
  • Identifying emotions, situations, and triggers for certain feelings and behaviors
  • Listening to your inner voice and encouraging it to come forward so you can be true to your heart
  • Taking note of steps, you can take to have better outcomes in the future
  • Acting upon and applying the steps you’ve decided on, sometimes with clear goals in mind

However, there is a more negative form of this behavior that may crop up and is easy to confuse. It’s called rumination, which has been linked in studies to disorders like anxiety and depression.

Here are some signs that you’re ruminating, not reflecting:

  • You second-guess every thought you have or decision you’ve made.
  • Rehashing or revisiting the same problem again and again with no progress
  • You keep imagining exaggerated or catastrophic situations or outcomes.

According to a psychotherapist, licensed clinical social worker, and mental strength expert Amy Morin, the act of rumination won’t get you anywhere. But if you really need to, she recommends setting aside a specific amount of time per day for rumination, such as 10 to 15 minutes. During this period, you are free to be as negative as you like, but once the time is up, all of that must stop immediately. It’s a good way to regulate your worst thoughts without letting them control you!

2.      Write In A Journal to Declutter Your Mind

Journaling is a wonderful way to get rid of the mess that lines your thoughts and clouds your head. Decluttering expert and coach Yvette Bowlin considers the entire act of journaling to be beneficial, no matter how difficult it is for you at first. This is because:

  • When you try to think of what to write, you’re recalling your day and reflecting on it subconsciously
  • It trains you to observe situations from a third-person perspective, as if you are a reader and not the person involved, thus allowing you to get a more rational view
  • You get to express your most difficult emotions, often untangling them as you write or at least unleashing them in positive ways
  • It can give you a place to put all the noise that happens in your mind, thus helping you to declutter your brain and find peace
  • It can be relaxing when it becomes part of a daily routine; think of journaling as a way to unwind

It’s not just pseudoscience, either. The act of keeping a journal has been found to boost positive thinking, facilitate healing, improve overall mood and emotional response, and even increase immunity! Lead study author and psychologist James W. Pennebaker, Ph.D., says that the most effective form of expressive writing uses more emotion and engages in an analysis of the causes and triggers of events and feelings. Try to apply that to your journaling work!

3.      Daydream

Many people look at daydreaming as something inherently negative. But this state of rest for the brain doesn’t actually shut off your whole mind. In fact, it leaves many parts of it active and working, often in more positive ways than it can when it’s busy.

Many people actually benefit from having time to process information instead of being forced to quickly take it in and move on to the next thing. This is especially true in children, but even adults can benefit. You’ll be less stressed out and more motivated if you have the time to be confident in your understanding of a topic.

But where does daydreaming come in? Well, it’s an inward-focused action that allows you to rest your mind while continuing the fun and calming activity. This keeps the brain rested enough to process information but active enough to fuel creativity and keep you engaged.

Are you overly focused on external rewards?

Psychological scientist and professor of neuroscience and psychology Mary Helen Immordino-Yang states that the excessive focus on the external, especially in education, is misplaced. She posits that few are taught to look inward enough, and inward focus is important for things like:

  • Self-awareness
  • Building and forming memories
  • Applying learned information
  • Creating meaning from learning
  • Reaching new contexts

These factors are all needed when you declutter your mind, so daydream all you want!

4.      Be Open About Your Emotions And Express Them Freely

pop quoteEmotional suppression is a common cause of clutter in the mind. Bottling up your emotions causes them to linger. You might think that you’re just dismissing them, but in reality, you’re letting them collect, and over time, that causes a lot of thought buildup. In fact, this can be so bad for you that studies have found it can affect your mental, physical, and general health!

But why does this happen? Well, your brain is making an effort to get rid of the emotion – which is not possible – and shoves it away while putting up a face that is contrary to what it feels. This will quickly drain you, no matter who you’re hiding your real thoughts from. Here are some examples of subtle emotional repression that you might not even notice:

  • Feeling pressure to be positive and bright with everyone around you, no matter how bad you feel.
  • Hiding negative feelings for fear of being labeled sensitive, overly emotional, or attention-seeking
  • Chatting with neighbors to be polite when you’re really just exhausted and want to go home
  • Being dishonest to people to avoid difficult conversations

But how can you stop repressing your emotions when you’ve been conditioned for so long to hold them in?

Here are some ideas of how you can kindly express your feelings:

  • Do not expect yourself to be perfect or happy; this is dishonest about the human condition, and it doesn’t let you express your emotions.
  • Be honest and open about your interests and hobbies (within appropriate limits) instead of feeling embarrassed by or ashamed of them.
  • Politely excuse yourself from conversations and situations that you’re too tired to be a part of or have no interest in participating in
  • Be honest with yourself and be willing to confront difficult topics and reflect on them.
  • Communicate your need for rest and stand up for yourself when accused of laziness; all human beings require time to recuperate.
  • Replace negative thought patterns that make you think you’re forced to do certain crucial tasks with more positive ones so that you genuinely begin to want to complete them
  • Proclaim emotions out loud when appropriate instead of hiding them
  • Communicate your problems with someone’s actions or behavior as soon as possible
  • Find new inspiration sources that are more true to what you believe in and desire.
  • When you can’t directly confront a person for practical or safety reasons, write an angry “letter” to them (that you won’t send) to quickly get all your feelings out.

5.      Declutter Your Mind By Being Decisive

Being decisive is about knowing when it’s time to stop putting off a decision. It means learning to be confident in your rationality and problem-solving abilities, so you can make choices without spending too much time second-guessing.

According to Scott Roewer, a professional organizer, clutter can often be best defined as a series of delayed decisions. It sounds a little silly but think about it. All the stuff clogging up your brain are things you need to address. They’re things that require action and choice. Until you make those decisions, the clog remains!

One of the common decision-making methods is the WRAP method, coined by the Heath brothers years ago. According to a therapist, certified coach, certified clinician, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy Center owner Karyn Hall, Ph.D., this system can be handy in quickly making positive decisions. Learning this method can help you declutter your current brain and prevent future buildup.

Here are some adapted tips from this method:

  • Widen your perspective first; ask other people for opinions and accept constructive feedback.
  • Try to think of finding solutions from multiple different angles all at once
  • Consider new perspectives; think of opposite solutions on your spectrum, listen to some people you disagree with, consider their points, and consider things from external and internal perspectives.
  • Think about what needs to be true for your solution to work; is there anything you’re taking for granted that you shouldn’t assume will be a long-term factor?
  • Take things slow and small if possible; don’t jump head-first into brand new ideas unless you don’t have a choice.
  • Think about the longevity of this solution; will it hold up tomorrow, in a month, in a year, or a decade?
  • Sleep on difficult decisions if possible, so you wake up with a fresher and clearer mind to think about your choices
  • Keep sight of your main goals; don’t forget to honor the very core of your values, dreams, and priorities when you make decisions.
  • Be ready to be completely wrong; you can’t guess the outcome of all situations, so you must be ready for the possibility that you’ve made the wrong choice so you can react to a negative outcome effectively.

declutter your mindFinal Thoughts On Some Powerful Ways To Declutter Your Mind

A cluttered mind can dampen your motivation, reduce productivity, and affect your capacity for positive thinking. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you declutter your brain every once in a while. Nothing works well when it’s sluggish from dust and dirt!

Your Zodiac Monthly Horoscope for June 2021, According to Astrologer

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What is normal? None of us know the answer anymore. However, a return to some semblance of the past is happening, according to the horoscope for June of 2021.

With three planets in Gemini at the beginning of the month, there is a strong push to reengage with your environment. The energy encourages risk, adventure, and new ideas. Mercury is retrograde in Gemini until the 23rd. So use this time to get organized so that you’re ready to embrace new opportunities when it goes direct during this zodiac cycle.

The New Moon on the 10th in Gemini seals the deal, presenting new possibilities and paths that demand your attention. Uranus square Saturn announces the inner battle between fear and a desire for freedom. Each person must make their own decision on what feels comfortable. Mars trine Neptune gives your dreams and hopes the power to lead the way. It’s time to create what you want and not sit on the sidelines.

Get engaged!

Jupiter in Pisces adds a sense of confidence and increases the faith you have in taking a risk. It stations on the 21st at 2 degrees of Pisces and then goes retrograde, reentering Aquarius by the end of July. Let’s learn from what we’ve been through and adjust. Some things in our life will never be the same. Not everyone wants to return to the old way, especially when it comes to their work. With the Full Moon in Capricorn on the 21st, at 3 degrees of Capricorn, the work challenge becomes the center of attention. Working at home has made many realize how much of their lives are lost at work.

With Uranus in Taurus square Saturn, the reshaping of our boundaries is emphasized. Don’t be afraid to look at your life in a new way. There is opportunity in every crisis if you can see it. Life should work for you, not against you, and this is your chance to change.

Horoscope for Aries (March 21st – April 20th)

pop memeAries live as much by their ideals as they do reality. As an Aries, one of your missions is to find a balance between your dreams and what’s real. It is through your vision that you cut a path to your goals. Gifted with an adventurous spirit, taking a risk is not a problem if your emotional needs are met. This month Mars, your ruler, opposes Pluto, the planet of power. You’re looking for more control. As long as you are free to explore new possibilities, you’ll get your wish.

With three planets in Gemini, you’re both eager to take a new adventure and afraid of being alone. Risk takes faith, and when faith is on low, fear holds you back. This month’s communication is important. Trust your ability to talk your way through your challenges. It’s one way to open doors. With the Moon conjunct Jupiter early in the month, you feel empowered, stubborn, and invincible. You can do whatever you believe is possible.

The horoscope suggests that financially you may have trepidations, don’t let that slow you down. With Uranus in Taurus square Saturn in this horoscope cycle, it’s time to curb your spending sprees. You need to feel safe and empowered to take the next few steps. With Jupiter in Pisces, you’re ready to take a risk.

Add three planets in Gemini, and the desire to do something new is strong. Listen to it and believe in yourself. When you do, others pay attention. The Full Moon in Capricorn brings issues around your goals and career to a head. If you’re happy at work, you’ll continue to be. But if you’re not, this is the time to look for something new.

If you’re in a relationship, it’s both good and challenging. Know what you want, and you’ll get it. If you’re single, it’s a good time to meet new people.

Horoscope for Taurus (April 21st – May 20th)

As a Taurus, your ideals and desires are important to you. With Uranus in your sign, square Saturn, you’re reevaluating what’s important. That’s a good thing. Most of us create goals and ideals at an early age and never change them as we grow.

It’s important, and this is a great time to reexamine your choices and the path you chose to take. When you clarify these invisible benchmarks on your path, it empowers you. Do you have a passion? Are you working on manifesting it? When you commit to what you’re doing, it’s difficult to go astray. Wherever you are on your path, this is the time to make new choices.  Before you lies a new path – yes, take it?

You’re never quite sure who you are and what you want. These thoughts are always changing for a Taurus who hates to limit its options. However, until you do, you can’t advance. Without certainty inside, you don’t have power. The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th reveals what’s working and what needs to be adjusted. When you’re clear on who you are and what you want – you attract it. The universe is all about energy.

Jupiter in your 11th house reminds you of how important it is to have trustworthy friends. Whether or not you deserve their loyalty, you will have it this month. Mars enters Leo on the 12th, and your home life and privacy become important. Your horoscope reminds you to make sure you give yourself private time.

If you’re in a relationship, things may be rocky for the first few weeks, but it improves by the end of the month. But if you’re single, it’s a good time to reexamine what it is you’re looking for in a partner. If it’s all about a good time, you’re fine.

Horoscope for Gemini (May 21st – June 20th)

Gemini is a busy sign. In fact, you rarely sit still. Unless you work on your inner world, you are always ruled by your restless mind. However, on the positive side, you get things done. It’s your inner happiness I’m speaking to. It won’t demand attention until it’s really deprived, and then it’s more difficult to fulfill.

The New Moon in your sign on the 10th provides a desire to forge a new path. Mercury is retrograde until the 20th, and for the first three weeks of the month, it’s more productive to focus on unfinished business rather than embrace something new. Once Mercury goes direct, you can move to new projects and ideas. With Jupiter in Pisces, your goals and career get the spotlight. Jupiter always brings abundance and expansion, which means you won’t feel in control.

When this happens, faith is necessary. Uranus in square to Saturn makes setting boundaries difficult. Once again, faith is necessary.  When there’s chaos, rely on your voice and ability to say what’s necessary. Neptune stations retrograde on the 26th and rules your 10th house of career. The ideals you’ve been working toward may be closer than you think. Put in the work, and you’ll be surprised how much you accomplish.

The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th brings joint finances or emotional connections to your attention. Make sure you pay attention. What you don’t solve or deal with just comes back at another time. If you’re in a relationship, things are different in a good way. You feel more connected, and it’s empowering. If you’re single, you are seeking someone you feel spiritually connected to. Don’t settle for less.

Horoscope for Cancer (June 21st – July 22nd)

horoscopeCancers are totally capable of keeping secrets. They don’t like to share their thoughts and feelings with others unless they’re wounded and looking for validation. With three planets in Gemini, your internal world is busy focusing on solving issues that have bothered you in the past.

The horoscope reminds Cancer that the Unconscious is always busy. We’re just not always aware of what it’s trying to tell us. With Jupiter in Pisces, clarity is easier to achieve.  Jupiter represents the truth, and if you commit to yourself, your challenges begin to melt away.

Boundaries and how you set them are always important to feel safe. Adjusting them can cause anxiety, but they need to meet the moment’s needs, so do what is necessary. Boundaries mean to keep those away that cause you problems, say no to what is not good for you, yes – do what helps you get your work done. It’s important to be aware of these things and then act. Otherwise, life imposes what it wants on you. Confrontation is not easy, but it’s necessary. If you’re good at it, you will find intermittent peace. Mercury is retrograde until the 22nd. Concentrate on old projects, not new ideas.

Use your time to clear your desk and get things done. Neptune stations Retrograde on the 25th, and the square it makes to Mercury and Venus in Gemini brings issues and questions around your goals. If you can be selfish for a moment, you won’t find the quest so difficult. Once you know what you want, you can compromise with those you truly care about. If you’re in a relationship, whatever’s not working will come to a head with the Full Moon on the 24th. Deal with it and move forward.

If you’re single, you may have an epiphany regarding what you want in a relationship. Pay attention, and you’ll attract someone new and more suitable to who you are.

Horoscope for Leo (July 23rd – August 22nd)

Leos love to vie for power. It’s one of their favorite past times. However, playing with power is never a good idea. It can turn on you. With three planets in Pisces in your eighth house, you are not content, even if you have enough. That’s a Leo issue and something you struggle with often. Your ego is strong, and it always wants the best. You’re not happy unless you’re at the top, and even then, that sense of satisfaction won’t last.

You are self-judging. However, when you help others get ahead, it gives you an inner sense of satisfaction. Uranus in your 10th house of career square Saturn may change your work schedule and your relationships. Relationships are changing and challenging for a while. When you least expect others to challenge you, they will. Mars opposite Pluto at the beginning of the month creates problems. Someone will oppose you that shouldn’t. You can’t win, so don’t engage.

When Mars enters Leo on the 12th things, get better, but you may find you have fewer choices. That’s not a bad thing. You work better with limitations, even if you dislike them. They force you inward and to see the world differently. Mercury is retrograde until the 24th, and if you want to use your time wisely, pay attention to old projects and get them done. When things begin to move forward after the 24th, you can shift to new ideas and possibilities. If you’re in a relationship, you have Saturn making you pay attention to what is not working. Make sure you don’t get lost in the negative. Look at the whole picture.

If you’re single, you may feel ready for a serious relationship. Saturn doesn’t like to fool around. It wants someone it can count on.

Horoscope for Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd)

Virgo rules the house of giving and receiving. What you give comes back to you if you can receive it. If you have strong control issues receiving will also be a problem. Mercury rules your 10th house of career and will be retrograde until the 24th.

Keep your focus on old projects and issues; clear up your desk or clean out your closets. Take care of what you’ve ignored. When it goes direct, you’ll be ready to tackle new projects and ideas. Neptune rules partnerships, both business and personal. On the 23rd, it also goes retrograde. Neptune is both creative and spiritual, and when you accept the call to go within, you get answers, and your relationships improve. You value strength, but what does not mean to you.

Does strength come from success and money, from being free, or from having great relationships? Figure out what you’re really looking for, and it may surprise you. Uranus square Saturn draws attention to the boundaries and limitations of your life. Are you ready to try something new? Embrace the change, and you won’t regret it. Mars enters Leo on the 12th, ruler of your 12th house of the unconscious.

You’ll feel a lack of motivation and a desire to reflect on what’s been happening. If you haven’t figured out why you are here and what your purpose is, you’ll begin to seek those answers. It’s a lifelong quest. Mars opposite Pluto ignites your need for power and faith. Faith is important if you want to get the job done. Pisces rules your house of relationships, and with Jupiter strong all month, you’ll find a way to solve your problems.

If you’re single, it’s a good time to meet new people or make a commitment to someone you care about. If you feel it, do it.

Horoscope for Libra (September 23rd – October 22nd)

Libra is the sign of truth, and if you haven’t decided what yours is yet, you will find yourself supporting someone else’s beliefs. Teh Libra energy needs to serve, and if you haven’t decided what’s important in your life, you will serve someone else’s beliefs. Now you’ve become either a leader or a follower. With Mercury retrograde until the 24th, travel may be delayed or changed. Mercury rules how we put the pieces of our life together, and you could begin to get answers to questions that eluded you in the past.

It’s important to know what your passions are. When you know what excites you, it’s a clue to why you’re here. With Jupiter in Pisces, your work schedule improves. If you haven’t been busy, that will change. Uranus square Saturn brings the need to feel independent when it comes to your emotions. It’s too easy to live for others and not yourself. Enjoy your freedom, but without some intimacy, you’ll feel lost and alone.  Mars is opposite Pluto until the 12th. Power plays are not just possible, but something you enjoy.

It forces you to see your own position and stand up for it. The Full Moon in Capricorn in your 4th house throws your emotions into a crisis. Be prepared to find answers as to what you’ve avoided. This is your chance to fix the problem. If you’re in a relationship, things begin to get interesting around the 12th when Mars enters Leo and trines Aries. Plan something to do together, and it will strengthen your bond.

If you’re single, your horoscope says this is great time to meet new people and be inspired. Once someone has your attention, you can take it to the next level.

libraHoroscope for Scorpio (October 23rd – November 21st)

Scorpios love the feeling of control and power. What helps you achieve it is the ability to separate what’s important and what’s not. With Jupiter and the Moon in your 5th house of the Ego, you feel confident and supported.

Taking charge is what you do with ease, and for this month, it’s there without effort. However, Pluto, your ruler, is opposite Mars for the early part of the month. You have others who will oppose you at work or want you to do. Hopefully, you’re a Scorpio that can say no with ease. With three planets in Gemini in your 8th house, there is a lot on your plate to get done. With Mercury retrograde until the 23rd, you would be wise to focus on old projects and put new ideas to the side, or at least until after the 23rd. Retrogrades are a great time to get old work finished and off your desk.

Uranus in Taurus, in square to Saturn, makes communication difficult. This month you will be challenged with those that see things differently than you do. As a Scorpio, you’re more comfortable paying attention to your own opinions, and you should continue to trust yourself unless someone else makes more sense. The Full Moon in the 3rd on the 24th makes what you say controversial. If you don’t want to be challenged, keep your opinions to yourself. If you don’t care, go for it. Your ruler Pluto has been in Capricorn since 2008. It leaves in 2024, and then your life will make a major shift.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner has been changing for a while. This may improve your relationships or move them toward a crisis. If you want it to work, don’t try and control it. Understand what’s happening. If you’re single, you’re going through a period of independence. It may be difficult to meet someone serious at this time.

Horoscope for Sagittarius (November 22nd – December 21st)

Sagittarius is a very independent sign, but you are committed to life when you fall in love. With three planets in your 7th house of relationships this month, you may be exploring a relationship you are in or working to connect with. More than most signs, it’s important for you to be understood, to have someone who sees you the way you see yourself – or better.

Jupiter has entered Pisces and your 4th house of the home bringing new ideas of expansion or redecorating. If that’s not on your agenda, then the expansion will be within yourself in the form of ideas and beliefs that perhaps you have ignored. Saturn square Uranus creates tension at work and change is inevitable. People you care about can leave or move on, and the projects you’ve enjoyed may be different. Just give yourself time to adjust.

Mercury is retrograde until the 23rd, and your career and relationships are not moving quickly enough. Remind yourself that this is a time to clear up old issues before things can move forward unencumbered. Mars opposes Pluto until the 12th creates a power struggle. It has a lot to do with your opinions. If you don’t want a disagreement, be careful who and where you express yourself. After the 12th, there is less opposition. The Full Moon in Capricorn on the 24th in your 2nd house brings your focus to finances. Do you want to change how you earn your money, or is it just a passing thought?

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is busy or preoccupied. Give them the space they need. They’ll be back.  If you’re single, you’ll meet someone who barely has time for you. However, you are stubborn and persistent, so if you want that date, you’ll get it.

Horoscope for Capricorn (December 22nd – January 19th)

Capricorn is the sign of boundaries, and that’s exactly what’s changing. The change is coming from you, and it’s necessary. When your routines change, you’re not happy. They’re what anchor you to life. However, in no time, you’ll be on a new schedule. You enjoy being busy, and that should not be a problem with the three planets in Gemini.

Mercury is retrograde until the 23rd, and the emphasis should be on getting old work done. Clear your desk. Get ready for new projects and ideas by getting rid of the old. If you do, things will move forward without opposition. Saturn square Uranus ensures that change is on the way. Mars in Cancer creates power plays with Pluto. When it enters Leo on the 12th things, get better. Stand up for what you believe in, and things improve.

The Full Moon happens in your sign on the 24th, and you won’t feel in control. So let go of it during this horoscope cycle. It’s part of your karmic challenge. When things settle down, you’ll step up and take over. Neptune stations retrograde on the 13th, and your dreams and aspirations are about to manifest – or at least get you moving in the right direction. Commit to your ideals, find your passion, and you’ll be rewarded with focus and opportunity. With Jupiter in Pisces all month, communication is easy and important. Your thoughts are organized. You know what you want to say, so speaking up is not difficult.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner is more stubborn than usual. This is not the time to push or try and make something happen. If you’re single, you yearn to connect to someone spiritually or emotionally. Yes, it could happen. Just be clear on what you want.

Horoscope for Aquarius (January 20th – February 18th)

Aquarius is the energy of a free spirit, but lately, it’s been important to stay grounded and organized. That’s Saturn in your sign, and it’s there until March of 2023. During this time, you will restructure your life to accommodate the changes that are coming your way. Jupiter in your 2nd house should expand how you earn money. The choice of saving or spending is up to you. Mars opposite Pluto creates a tug of war between you and someone else.

You want things a certain way, but others are not cooperating. However, after the 12th, the struggle disappears. Saturn square Uranus brings change. The old and the new seem to be in combat. Accept the next steps of your life, and everything will fall into place. You’ve been struggling with a schedule or routine, but it may take you time to get it balanced. The Sun, Mercury, and Venus in Gemini help you out. Indeed, they are in good aspects and create options and opportunities.

Keep your focus on where you’re going instead of where you’ve been, and all will be fine. Some parts of your life will flow, so focus on what’s working, and the rest will fall into place. Mercury is retrograde until the 23rd, so you must resolve old issues before you move forward with new ideas. The Full Moon on the 12th brings the unexpected and a lot of pleasant surprises.  Don’t get stressed. Just do the things you need to do. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll feel your partner energized after the 12th when Mars enters their sign. It’s important to agree where you can and let go of the rest for now.

If you’re single, it’s a time to meet someone new and exciting. Keep your eyes open, and it will happen soon..

relationshipsHoroscope for Pisces (February 19th – March 20th)

Pisces are either extremely focused or very scattered. It depends on the day and the moment. When you don’t feel in control, just bring your thoughts back to yourself and stop worrying about everyone else. If you’re committed and clear, things flow. Things will not go as planned with Mercury retrograde in Gemini and your 4th house of the home. Let go of the control and allow things to unfold naturally.  Control is always an issue for Pisces. They need faith to feel their power. If you don’t feel it, fake it. It helps you get there.

Work on what you tell yourself. Are you supportive or critical? Give yourself what you need, and success will come easier. With Jupiter in Pisces in your sign, there’s a desire to expand and experience new things. Take a risk, make new choices. Uranus square Saturn changes the structure of your life. If you’re going to advance, you have to let go of the past. Things are changing, and it unnerves you.

Mars opposite Pluto brings attention to your finances and a desire for greater power. Power comes from believing in you, so that’s your mission. The Full Moon in Capricorn could turn a friendship into a crisis. Listen and don’t judge. Let them tell their side of the story. It’s that desire for control again.

If you’re in a relationship, things are being worked out during this horoscope cycle. Don’t be surprised if your partner brings up the past. If they do listen, it’s the only way to make it go away. If you’re single, you could reconnect to an old love. Make sure it’s what you want. When Mercury goes direct on the 23rd, you may regret your choice.

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