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Nutritionists Reveal Their 3 Favorite Ways to Prepare Green Beans

May 29, 2021 by Power of Positivity

What would your holiday table be without a delicious dish of green beans? These humble legumes are not only highly versatile, but they provide several vitamins and minerals. Are you looking for new and nutritious ways of serving one of America’s favorite sides?

Green beans, also known as string beans or snaps, aren’t just an American treasure. These green gems are native to South America and were introduced to the North American indigenous people. Native peoples of both Americas cultivated string beans for over 7,000 years.

When white Europeans invaded the Americas, the indigenous tribes introduced them to string beans, which were a staple in their diet. It reminded them of the broad beans that are native to Europe and parts of Asia.

The Europeans brought this new bean back to their respective countries and cultivated them successfully. Soon, string beans became a favorite in culinary dishes throughout Europe and Asia. They were among the successful crops that were started in the American colonies.

The Green Beans of Today

Whether you call them green beans, snaps, or string beans, they earned their rightful place on the world’s table. They are easy to grow and come in a wide variety of colors and cultivars. According to a recent USDA report, the United Stated processed at least 670,569 tons of snap beans in 2019.

Although most people refer to snaps as beans, they are not actual beans. Since they grow in pods, they are considered legumes like peas and peanuts. You will also see that most culinary traditions also categorize them as vegetables.

Have you ever seen a sign in the produce aisle advertising haricot verts? These French varieties are longer and skinnier than American green beans. They are often served whole by blanching or sautéing.

How Nutritious are Green Beans?

Unlike their delectable cousins’ peas, kidney beans, and pintos, string beans don’t have as much starch. Therefore, they are lower in carbs and maybe a tasty option if you count your carb intake. They are part of a balanced nutritional diet.

For a half-cup (100 grams) of snap beans, you only consume 31 calories. Yet, they are loaded with calcium, iron, and potassium. You will also get healthy protein and only about five net carbs.

Since string bean varieties come in different colors, they contain phytonutrients that are good for your whole body. They also have fiber that benefits your digestive system. The extra fiber also helps make you feel more satisfied after a meal.

Preparing Green Beans

Recipes for string bean dishes are as varied as the cooks who make them. It’s worth noting that although snaps are a healthy option, you must also consider how you prepare them. The classic creamed casserole on many people’s holiday tables isn’t the healthiest way to enjoy them.

String beans can be prepared in many ways while still maintaining their nutritional value. They also are easy to preserve by canning, freezing, or drying. However, many canned and frozen varieties in stores have unnecessary green food coloring added.

Nutritious Green Bean Recipes

Are you and your family snap bean fans? Would you like to discover some exciting ways to prepare them besides the usual fat-laden soup casserole? Here are some healthy green bean recipes that you and your whole family will enjoy. We scoured the internet for the three healthiest, nutritionist-recommended recipes.

1 – Pan-Seared String Beans

If your idea of preparing string beans consists of opening a store-bought can think of them to microwave, this is new territory. Once you’ve tasted fresh string beans gently charred in a pan, you’ll fall in love with them again. The tarragon adds an enticing nuance of anise flavor to the smoky beans.

Ingredients:

•½ Pound fresh whole string beans (washed and ends trimmed)

•Butter-flavored cooking spray

•2 Teaspoons butter or plant-based butter

•1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar

•¼ Teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste

•1 Small bunch fresh tarragon, finely chopped

Instructions:

•Place a medium-sized heavy skillet without a nonstick coating over high heat for 2 minutes.

•When the skillet is hot, carefully coat it with cooking spray. Add the string beans immediately in a single layer. Sauté the beans (no stirring) until they are lightly charring, about 2 minutes.

•Allow the beans to sauté while tossing them until tender-crisp and charred evenly on all sides, about another 5 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat.

•After the beans have rested for about 1 minute, add the butter and let it melt. Toss the beans gently until they are completely coated. Add the vinegar and toss again. If you have too much liquid, turn on the heat again to most is evaporated.

•Sprinkle the beans generously with salt and tarragon and toss again. Serve the dish immediately.

2 – Southern-Style String Beans & Potatoes

Remember going to Grandma’s house for Sunday dinner and enjoying produce straight from Grandpa’s garden? No doubt, she probably had this classic string bean side dish. Here is an updated version that would even make Grandma smile.

Ingredients:

•2 Tablespoons olive oil

•1 Small onion, thinly sliced

•2 Cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced

•3 Cups low-sodium chicken stock

•1 Teaspoon fine sea salt

•¼ Teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

•2 Pounds new yellow or red potatoes

•1-Pound fresh whole string beans, cleaned and ends trimmed

Instructions:

•In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add oil and heat until it’s shimmering. Add the onions and sauté them until slightly tender, about 2 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté until the onions are opaque and the garlic is fragrant, about another 3 minutes.

•Carefully pour in the stock and add the potatoes, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy, about 10 minutes.

•Now, add the string beans, cover the pot and simmer until they are tender, about 6 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beans and potatoes to a serving platter.

•Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the remaining liquid to a boil until it’s reduced to about 1 cup, about 5-6 minutes. Pour over the beans and potatoes and gently fold until they are completely coated. Serve this dish hot.

3 – Classic Veggie Stir-Fry

Of the countless Asian-inspired dishes, stir-fry is probably one of the most popular around the world. This is a spin on the classic vegetarian stir-fry that features tofu and a Thai-style peanut sauce. You can also leave out the tofu, or you could add chopped chicken breast if you prefer.

Ingredients:

For the Thai Peanut Sauce:

•¼ Cup water

•1 Tablespoon light brown sugar

•4 Tablespoons chunky-style peanut butter

•1 Teaspoon hot chili sauce, or to taste

•1 Teaspoon soy sauce

For the Stir-Fry:

•2 Teaspoons light brown sugar

•¼ Cup soy sauce

•1 Teaspoon hot chili sauce

•5 Cloves garlic, peeled and chopped

•3 Teaspoons sesame oil

•8-ounce package firm tofu (or one cooked boneless/skinless chicken breast) cubed

•3 Large carrots, peeled and thinly sliced

•1 Large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into thin strips

•1-Pound fresh whole string beans, with the ends, trimmed

•½ Cup water

•1 Small bunch of green onions, thinly sliced

•1 Bunch fresh mung bean sprouts, rinsed well

Instructions:

•First, prepare the peanut sauce. In a medium bowl, add ¼ cup water, one tablespoon brown sugar, peanut butter, one teaspoon hot chili sauce, and one teaspoon soy sauce. Use a whisk to blend well, then set aside.

•Next, prepare the stir-fry. In a small bowl, add two teaspoons of brown sugar, ¼ cup soy sauce, one teaspoon hot chili sauce, and garlic. Use a whisk to blend thoroughly. Set aside.

•In a wok or a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add one tablespoon of sesame oil and swirl to for an even coating. Heat the oil until it is sizzling.

•Add the tofu or cooked chicken (if using) and half the soy sauce mixture, then sauté it until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove it from the pan and cover to keep it warm.

•Add the remaining two tablespoons of oil to the pan and swirl it for an even coating. Carefully add the carrots, bell pepper, and string beans. Sauté for three minutes.

•Pour in ½ cup of water and reduce the heat to medium. Cover the wok/pan and allow the mixture to simmer until the beans are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes.

•Now, stir in the remaining half of the soy sauce mixture, tofu or chicken, half of the onions, and the bean sprouts. Sauté until the shoots are tender, about two more minutes. Sprinkle the dish with the remaining onions and serve with the peanut sauce.

Final Thoughts on Healthy Green Bean Dishes

If you are used to a bland can of store-bought string beans or ones drowning in a heavy layer of mushroom soup, you’re in for a treat. You can easily prepare tasty and healthy green bean recipes. Your family will enjoy them, and they will be kinder to your waistline.

15 Abundance Affirmations That Help You Get What You Want

May 29, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

When there is something that you want, using abundance affirmation can help you get it. Affirmations are powerful because they are charged with energy and change your mindset. They are positive phrases that can help you regain control of your thoughts and attract the things you want.

Abundance affirmations can help you attract prosperity, financial gain, opportunities, and wealth into your life. If you repeat these abundance phrases each morning, it will help you get started on the right track. You can also use them throughout the day, before important events, or anytime you need some positivity.

As you repeat these abundance affirmations, keep an open mind and say the phrases confidently. Imagine that you feel the things you are saying as you repeat them, and they will be much more effective. You have to believe your words so that your mindset can shift.

Fifteen Abundance Affirmations That Help You Get What You Want

As you become more comfortable repeating abundance affirmations, you can create your own. You can customize them to fit your specific needs and target your goals. Until then, these are the best abundance affirmations to repeat daily.

1. I am successful, and I will continue to climb.

Acknowledging your success isn’t a bad thing because it will help you manifest more success. If you admit that you are already successful, you will only grow in that regard. You don’t have to reach the finish line to reach success, either, because every milestone is an achievement.

Set small goals for yourself so that you find success right away. Then, you can build from there once you see that you are successful at achieving your goals.

Instead of aiming for the final result, aim for small steps along the way. As you continuing reaching these smaller achievements, you will have more confidence to keep going.

2. I know that I will live my dream.

If you are working toward achieving your dreams, you can rest assured that they will come true. Only when you stop working does that change. Even if you don’t see progress right away, remind yourself that everything is falling into place.

This abundance affirmation is most useful when you have been working hard but see no results. During these times, it is easy to think that things will never work out for the best. If that happens to you, use this affirmation each morning and see if it helps.

3. I view success as a necessity.

Money isn’t everything, but it is necessary if you want to live the life you have dreamed of. There is nothing wrong with wanting more in life, so viewing success as a necessity is beneficial.

Success isn’t only related to your career, either. It can apply to your home life, your hobby, or your investments. Whatever it is that you want to reach new goals in, go after them and remind yourself that, to you, it is necessary.

As you repeat this affirmation, think of what you want your life to be like in the future. If it helps, look at your vision board as you say this phrase to remember what you are working toward.

4. I possess everything I need to make money.

Nothing is holding you back from reaching your goals and getting what you want. If you feel like something is standing in your way, it is only yourself and your mindset. Everything that you need is already inside of you, so use this affirmation to use it wisely.

5. I invite wealth into my life.

Sometimes you will miss out because you weren’t open to wealth. If you constantly think that you aren’t worth it or can’t do something, you reject prosperity. Use these affirmations before situations that could involve making more money, and it will boost your confidence and push you forward.

6. I have a life full of abundance.

This affirmation is not only relevant to money and bank accounts. You can use it regarding your work life, home life, and any other part of your life. When you already feel like you have enough, you will attract more of the things you want the most.

7. I am worthy of prosperity.

You might often find that you think negatively about yourself. If you have this mindset, you will also believe that you aren’t worthy of prosperity or abundance. This mindset isn’t accurate, however, because you are entirely worthy of good things.

If you struggle with negative self-talk, use this affirmation each day. It will boost your confidence and remind you that you are more than enough.

8. I am in control of my finances.

To get what you want in life, you must control your finances. It is too easy to spend frivolously and make unwise financial decisions, but you can stay in control. Use this affirmation in situations where you know you shouldn’t spend money on something.

You can also use this affirmation when you feel like you can’t make more money. There are always more opportunities out there, and if you believe that you are in control of your earnings, you will find the right ones.

9. I see the wealth all around me.

Whatever you see around you is what you will attract in your life. So, if you see wealth all around you, then you will attract wealth and abundance.

The law of attraction explains that what you think about most is what you will manifest. Focus on the things you want more of, and you will see that it makes all the difference.

10. My income potential is limitless, and my income is continually increasing.

You are the only person that can decide where your income potential stops. Even if you are currently working a dead-end job, you can make a change for the better. To get what you want in life, you must make beneficial changes like finding ways to earn more.

If you tell yourself that your income potential is limitless, you will begin seeing all of the possibilities in life. Then, as you see your income increase, you will have the motivation to keep moving forward.

11. I don’t overspend because I have willpower.

Buying more little things will never make you feel like you are living a life of abundance. If you overspend and leave yourself in a financial crunch, you won’t feel good about it. Plus, if you dip into your savings for something non-essential, you will regret it later.

Before you make purchases, use this abundance affirmation. It will help you shift your mindset, so you can decide if you truly want to spend the money. To get what you truly want in life, use this affirmation to help you make better financial choices.

12. I am ready to embrace the rewards of financial boosts.

As your finances improve, there will be many rewards for you to enjoy. Use this affirmation each day to remind yourself that you are ready for those rewards to come into your life. When you think of these things, you will be more motivated to work hard and get what you want.

13. I know that with hard work, I can make anything happen.

You can get what you want if you don’t work for it. Even with manifesting, you must work toward your goals. When you don’t want to get started, use this phrase to remember that hard work is necessary to reach your long-term goals.

14. I watch for all financial opportunities.

If you want to get what you want, you must watch for any opportunities. Sometimes, life becomes so distracting that you miss out on things that could have been beneficial.

Stay alert and watch for financial opportunities so that you can act on them quickly. There are always opportunities to improve your wealth, but it is up to you to see them and take action.

15. I am on the right path to reach all of my goals.

You might sometimes feel like you aren’t getting anywhere, and it’s completely normal to feel that way. This feeling might make you think you aren’t on the right path, but you can’t get discouraged. Just keep moving and use this affirmation to remind yourself that you are heading in the right direction.

Everything in life takes time, and you won’t always see progress. However, the best parts of life are often the things that you can’t see because success is just on the other side.

Final Thoughts on Abundance Affirmations That Help You Get What You Want

Abundance doesn’t necessarily mean money, but the two words often go together. However, no matter your dreams, you can get what you want by using abundance affirmations.

These affirmations are positive phrases that will help you manifest the things that you want in life. Don’t get stuck in a rut because you feel like you aren’t worth more. Instead, use these affirmations to help get you going and working toward your goals again.

12 Bad Experiences That Make People Not Want New Relationships

May 28, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Every relationship comes with baggage. When someone breaks your heart, it’s not easy to get over those bad experiences. Sadly, the people you become involved with after failed relationships are affected by what others have done.

Healing a broken heart is not an easy task, and it can take years to get over a relationship gone bad. Whether you’ve been through some bad experiences that have caused you to have deep wounds, or you’re with someone who past disappointments, remember it takes time and patience to get through.

Ten Bad Experiences That Can Affect New Relationships

While you may feel that your situation is an isolated incident, many relationships, weather storms. The key is to work through these issues, if possible, so that you can be one of the couples that makes it for the long haul.

However, if things are not repairable, it can cause you many problems in a new relationship. Here are the most common bad experiences people face while in love.

1. Infidelity

Cheating is one of the major blows to a relationship. When someone goes outside of the union and has an intimate relationship, it’s devastating to the other party. It typically signals that something is wrong or their needs weren’t being met.

Infidelity is one of the biggest causes of trust issues. Though the person you’re with now might not ever consider cheating, you’ll likely be suspicious. Learning to trust again after having your heart broken will take patience and understanding from your new love.

2. Physical Abuse

Did you know that more than 20,000 phone calls are made regarding domestic violence every day across this county? There is never a reason to hit anyone, let alone someone you love. The National Statistics Domestic Violence organization states that every minute across this country, 20 people are being beaten by a lover. Over a year, this equals 10 million individuals being physically abused.

Physical abuse is a pain that affects you both inside and out. The wounds from a beating will heal, but the internal damage is not so easily removed. While in many instances, it’s the abused women, but men are also mistreated every day by their partners.

3. Lying

One of the building blocks of relationships is trust. When someone has a lying problem, it’s not difficult to catch on. Additionally, lies tend to snowball until it creates a big, tangled web of deceit.

The person being lied to will find that trusting is a challenge, and you may be suspicious if your new love tells you that they’re working late. You might want them to verify their stories or show proof of anything that doesn’t sit well with you.

The problem is that they can do everything right, but it’s the mistrust inside you that questions everything.

4. Narcissism

Narcissistic people are very manipulative and toxic to love. They aren’t in love with you; instead, they want to use you to further themselves in life. The problem is that they have an inflated vision of self-worth that is hard to handle in a relationship.

The manipulative person will use and abuse you for their gain, and they don’t mind getting physical with you to put you in your place. Coming out of such a turbulent relationship like this will undoubtedly come with baggage. According to the National Library of Medicine, narcissists have issues from their childhood they’ve buried deep, and it’s affecting their vision of self.

5. Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can be anything from alcohol to illegal drugs. When someone has an addiction, they will spend their last dime to get their fix. If you’ve lived with someone with a dangerous habit, then you know how detrimental it can be on you and the whole family.

Frequently there are severe financial issues as well as verbal or physical abuse. While some people become intoxicated and fall asleep, others become very aggressive.

6. Gas Lighting

Gaslighting is not a fun experience to live through, and many people who do such an act have underlying mental illness. Gaslighting means that someone is trying to make you doubt your sanity by using manipulative tricks. According to Medical News Today, there is often an imbalance of power that causes one party to stoop to such levels.

7. Verbal Abuse

Name-calling is a common reaction to an intense argument. However, being called names can leave immense scars even in the heat of the moment. When the person you love calls you dumb, stupid, or idiot, it does something to your esteem.

8. Jealousy

Jealousy is a significant issue that can destroy relationships. When you’ve been cheated on, you might become jealous to keep this from happening to you again. Additionally, some people are just a little more possessive than others, and it causes a lot of issues.

9. Financial Difficulties

Financial problems can shake the foundation of where you live. You live in fear when there is a money shortage or someone who spends too much. Financial stability is essential to keep your anxiety in check, and everyone wants to know that they have enough money to pay the bills and put food on the table.

If you’ve been in a relationship with financial troubles, you might be extra tight with money. People who have lived through The Great Depression often became hoarders due to their frugal nature. Did you have a relative that would save every butter container or jar that came into their home?

10. Mental Illness

Mental illness is brutal to live with because of its stigma. While many people would see no reason to leave someone they loved if they started using a wheelchair, they often think differently when they hear voices or have a psychological breakdown.

Any illness can take a toll on you and a relationship, and it may be enough to make you wary of getting involved with anyone again. People who love and are involved with severely mentally ill folks often must take on a parenting role more than a lover.

11. In-Law Disputes

Love them or hate them; your in-laws aren’t going anywhere. The mothers-in-law get a bad rap because they tend to be a bit overprotective of their children. However, you can have trouble with any family member, especially if they like to insert their opinion into your business.

In-law disputes can destroy your union because the person you love will need to create boundaries at some point and time. Unfortunately, when you’re talking about someone’s mother, father, sister, or brother, they often won’t put them in their place out of respect. If you’ve been in such a union, then you might think twice about getting involved with another overbearing group of in-laws.

12. Poor Communication

Communication is vital if you want to make a relationship work. When you don’t communicate as you should, then it’s a basis for misunderstandings, fights, and frustration between you two. Take, for instance, if you had to work over one evening.

You got busy and didn’t call to tell your spouse you would be late. They sat for hours, wondering where you were and what you were doing. There are many ways to communicate, and you could have at least sent a text. The key is that you must be engaged with one another so that one party doesn’t let their mind wander.

Final Thoughts on Bad Experiences Coming into Your New Relationships

Most people are a bit pessimistic when they start dating someone new. It’s easy to become bitter and wear your emotions on your sleeve when you’ve been hurt in the past. You must remember that being a little cynical is okay, but this person you’re seeing didn’t do anything to hurt you.

Moreover, you can’t take out someone else’s mistakes on them. They may be the perfect person for you, but you can push them away by allowing your bad experiences to dictate your future. The key is not to expect too much.

Start slow and get to know each other better. You need to find out how they grew up, their family, and what they want out of a relationship. Likely, they come with baggage too, and you will need to learn how to get over both of your pasts if you ever intend on having a future together.

Each time you fall in love, you take a chance. There’s a chance that your relationship will be excellent and be the stuff of storybooks. However, there’s a possibility that it will turn into one of those made-for-television movies that draw the masses too.

You won’t know how things will go until you get into it. However, there’s nothing wrong with being a little cautious after you’ve been hurt. Those bad experiences don’t define you, but they certainly change you and how you react to others.

This Abandoned Injured Squirrel Made a Miraculous Recovery

May 28, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Rachel, a licensed wildlife rehabber in Rochester, New York, considers Jeremy the squirrel one of her “most special wildlife patients.” He came into her life in an unexpected way, and she never imagined how close they’d become.

You don’t normally think of squirrels as companions, but Jeremy seemed to truly connect with Rachel. She gained his trust and love by caring for him, so naturally, he felt comfortable around her.

“He still comes to visit me every single day, and if I’m ever out for a walk in the neighborhood and he hears my voice, he’ll come and find me,” she says.

An Unusual Friendship Between a Woman and a Squirrel

Their story began in the spring of 2020 when a woman told Rachel about an injured baby squirrel she’d found. She’d contacted other rehabbers in the area, but couldn’t find anyone to care for him, according to Rachel.

“It was during the height of the pandemic. A lot of rehabbers were struggling to make ends meet and weren’t able to take in as many animals as usual,” she explained.

“She had no transportation, so I made the drive to pick up little Jeremy and brought him home with me. Since he was all alone, I became not only his surrogate mom, but also his playmate.”

Jeremy seemed to sense immediately that he was in good hands. He warmed up to Rachel quickly and started to improve in no time. Rachel knew exactly how to help him with her experience as a wildlife rehabber.

“He was very playful and affectionate with me, so we used his playtime as a form of therapy to strengthen that injured arm and help him recover some function,” she said. “I spent long hours each day with him doing physical therapy and massage.”

Returning The Squirrel To The Wild

Releasing Jeremy back to his natural habitat was tough, but he wasn’t gone forever

One of the hardest parts of being a rehabber is releasing an animal you’ve bonded with back to the wild. However, Rachel wanted to see him thriving where he belonged and knew the day had come to let him go.

“It finally got to the point where I knew he was going to recover enough to eventually be released back into the wild,” Rachel said. “When Jeremy was about three months old, we began the pre-release process out in my enclosed porch where he could acclimate to the sights and sounds of the outdoors.”

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She’d been preparing him for a while before officially releasing him. She wanted to make sure he had the skills necessary to survive in the unforgiving, harsh elements.

“He spent time developing behaviors that would help him survive in the wild like nest building, jumping and climbing, and storing food. When he finally proved himself ready, I opened the door and he was free to come and go on his own,” Rachel says.

However, when she finally gave him freedom, he didn’t stray too far from home. He’d become too attached to Rachel in their short time together.

“Jeremy decided to build a nest in a tree a few doors down, but he would still come home several times a day to visit me,” Rachel says.

Jeremy Needed Rachel’s Help One More Time

One day, though, he didn’t come to visit her, so she instinctively knew something was wrong.

“I went out looking for him and found that he had suffered a terrible injury. He was having trouble standing and walking, but he was too scared to let me get near him at first,” Rachel recalls. “The very next morning, though, I found him back inside my porch waiting for me like he knew he needed my help.”

Rachel once again came to his rescue and rehabilitated him. It’s rare for a wild animal to trust a human so much, but Jeremy knew he could count on Rachel.

“Eventually, he healed up enough to be set free again. The most rewarding thing has been to see him adjust back to life in the wild while still being able to maintain a relationship with me.”

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While Jeremy needed a safe environment to heal, Rachel knew she couldn’t keep him. Once again, she had to make the painful decision to let him go. However, squirrels need each other for survival, so isolating him from his natural environment would be selfish. Despite a squirrel’s ability to bond with humans and other animals, they thrive being around their own kind.

Rachel explained:

“Squirrels are wild animals, so I knew Jeremy would be happiest living life free in the trees. It’s very difficult to provide for the needs of a wild animal in captivity, so I would never recommend keeping a squirrel as a pet. But, Jeremy’s example shows that these animals are very resilient, and they have an emotional intelligence that should be appreciated and respected.”

If you happen to find a baby squirrel in the wild, you can find details here on how to care for it. After taking care of its basic needs, however, it’s important to find a wildlife rehabber near you. They have the experience and skills necessary to provide advanced care for wild animals like squirrels. However, if you’re an animal lover, you should consider getting a license of your own!

“I would encourage anyone who loves wildlife and wants to interact with them to explore the options in your area for becoming a wildlife rehabilitator,” Rachel says. “It’s not easy, and there’s not always a happy ending, but it’s definitely one of the most rewarding non-paying jobs you could ever have.”

Final Thoughts On An Abandoned Squirrel Who Made An Incredible Recovery

When Rachel picked up Jeremy the squirrel, she had no idea of the relationship that would unfold between them. Even after helping him recover from his injury and releasing him into the wild, he never totally left her side. He built a nest only a couple doors down so he could regularly visit her.

If not for Rachel, he might not have had the chance to recover and live a full, healthy life. While wildlife rehabbers don’t get paid, the satisfaction of helping an animal in need is priceless.

Researchers Reveal Petting Dogs Proven to Decrease Stress and Anxiety

May 28, 2021 by Power of Positivity

It’s no surprise that petting dogs and just being in their presence can do wonders for our health.

In fact, new research confirms what many psychotherapists suspected all along. Pet therapy works. And for college students, in particular, petting dogs can dramatically lower stress levels.

A study by Washington State University found that stressed students performed better academically after petting therapy dogs. Programs centered around lowering stress with therapy dogs improved students’ thinking and planning skills more than traditional stress-management techniques.

The study was published May 12 in the journal AERA Open, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Educational Research Association. The research showed that the stressed college students had improved cognitive function even six weeks after the study ended. The program lasted for four weeks.

“It’s a really powerful finding,” said Patricia Pendry, associate professor in WSU’s Department of Human Development. “Universities are doing a lot of great work trying to help students succeed academically, especially those who may be at risk due to a history of mental health issues or academic and learning issues. This study shows that traditional stress management approaches aren’t as effective for this population compared with programs that focus on providing opportunities to interact with therapy dogs.”

The study showing how petting dogs can decrease stress in college students

First, the research team measured executive functioning in 309 students who participated in the study. Executive function includes the set of mental skills a person needs to plan, organize, motivate, concentrate, and memorize. Pendry says that to succeed in college, any student requires these “big cognitive skills.”

This study serves as a follow-up to prior research performed by Pendry. In the study, she found that just ten minutes of petting animals resulted in positive physiological effects. Petting and interacting with animals seemed to lower students’ stress, at least temporarily.

The study lasted for three years and involved students participating in one of three academic stress-management programs. They featured various combinations of human-animal interaction and science-backed academic stress-management methods. Palouse Paws, a local affiliate of Pet Partners – a national organization with over 10,000 therapy teams – provided the dogs and volunteer handlers.

Pendry said:

“The results were very strong. We saw that students who were most at risk ended up having most improvements in executive functioning in the human-animal interaction condition. These results remained when we followed up six weeks later.”

Many universities worldwide, including WSU, have provided stress-management resources and workshops to students. Typically, the programs involve listening to an expert, watching slideshows, and taking notes, much like a college lecture. They’re usually evidence-based courses that give students tips and advice about sleep hygiene, setting goals, and stress management techniques. While they provide helpful information, studies have shown that they aren’t always effective.

“These are really important topics, and these workshops are helping typical students succeed by teaching them how to manage stress,” Pendry said. “Interestingly though, our findings suggest that these types of educational workshops are less effective for students that are struggling. It seems that students may experience these programs as another lecture, which is exactly what causes the students to feel stressed.”

Rising stress and mental disorders in college students signal a need for intervention.

Petting dogs helps because of the human-animal interaction, which allows stressed students to relax. Even if students are thinking or talking about their stressors, being around animals creates a calming effect. It helps them cope with the stress in their life instead of feeling overwhelmed or defeated. Pendry says that it improves their ability to think, set goals, concentrate, and retain information when students are relaxed.

“If you’re stressed, you can’t think or take up information; learning about stress is stressful!” she said.

Of course, petting dogs doesn’t eliminate stressors. It simply gives students support and comfort, providing a healthy outlet for their anxiety or stress. Being around animals also encourages them to remain positive and motivated to achieve their goals.

“You can’t learn math just by being chill,” Pendry said. “But when you are looking at the ability to study, engage, concentrate and take a test, then having the animal aspect is very powerful. Being calm is helpful for learning, especially for those who struggle with stress and learning.”

The WALTHAM Human-Animal Interaction Collaborative Research Program provided a grant to help fund this study.

Other benefits of petting or being around dogs

In addition to lowering stress, dogs provide many other benefits to increase our well-being. Here are just a few:

Provide us with companionship and entertainment
Help ease feelings of loneliness/isolation
Can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression
Give us unconditional love
Help improve our sleep quality
Provide physical warmth on cold winter days
Give a sense of security and safety, especially if you live alone
Improve health since they need regular walks or runs outdoors

It’s clear that dogs make life better because they give us support and love no matter what. If you’re going through a hard time, your dog will always be there to brighten your day. However, even if you don’t own a dog, you can always volunteer at an animal shelter. Maybe a friend would offer to let you petsit or walk their dog occasionally as well.

Petting or playing with dogs is very therapeutic for both humans and our furry friends. There’s a reason why dogs are man’s best friend because a dog’s love is simply unmatched. Dog owners who need need to leave their pets for a while may look for a dog daycare center to ensure they are well looked after.

Final thoughts about the study showing that petting dogs can decrease stress

Most counselors knew all along that dogs make us humans feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally. Studies now show that they can provide benefits for stressed college students as well. There’s a reason why therapy dogs often visit college campuses, as stress and anxiety skyrocket among young adults. A recent Washington State University research team revealed that petting dogs drastically lowered college students’ stress levels.

Pet therapy also improved students’ cognitive function, allowing them to perform better academically. Perhaps this study will lead to more colleges adopting pet therapy to help students cope with rising stress levels.

15 Behaviors That Reveal Someone is Overconfident

May 28, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

While confidence is an admirable quality, overconfidence is not. Someone that is overconfident can hold themselves back from working hard enough to achieve their goals. They often believe that they are superior to others and that they can easily obtain anything they want in life.

There is nothing wrong with believing in yourself, but you also have to acknowledge your limits. Overconfident people tend to think that they can do anything and everything, despite the quality of their endeavors.

When someone is overconfident, they won’t think logically to process potential outcomes. Plus, they often don’t apply themselves because they think they can do a good job with little time. They also can’t handle criticism well, make excuses, and rarely learn from their past mistakes.

Fifteen Behaviors Reveal That Someone is Overconfident

If you think you might be overconfident or know someone, you can watch for certain behaviors to know. Identifying the behaviors can reveal this characteristic and help you address it or handle it appropriately in others.

1. They Believe They Are Better Than Most People

Overconfidence is often revealed if someone thinks that they are superior to the majority of the population. Even with no evidence proving that they are better, they will feel superior, no matter the situation.

It takes a rare person to be better than the majority in every part of life. If someone you know behaves like they are, consider it a blatant red flag. No one can be perfect at everything because everyone has their strengths and weaknesses.

2. They Think they are More Skilled Than They Are

Falsely believing that they are highly skilled at something often occurs in the same ones that think they are better than most people. Overconfidence causes a person to believe that they are better at something than they truly are.

Because of this belief, they might take on too much or agree to something that they can’t handle. This type of person doesn’t do this to cause problems but because they honestly think they are good enough to do it all.

3. They Think They Can Accomplish Things Faster Than Possible

Overconfident people always believe that they have time for anything. Since they think they are good at everything, they will assume that they can do it faster than others. This mindset can cause them to run out of time or make mistakes that put the entire project at risk.

They will often miss deadlines or skip essential steps to try and make it on time. The worst part is that they never seem to learn from this mistake, either, so it continues to happen.

4. They Believe That They are Popular

There is nothing wrong with thinking that people like you or feeling confident even if they don’t. When someone assumes that everyone likes them and is popular, it is considered overconfidence. This behavior might seem harmless, but it is incredibly annoying to those that have to deal with it.

5. They Talk but Don’t Seem to Listen

If someone holds a conversation but still doesn’t seem to listen, they might suffer from overconfidence. They like to hear their voice and assume that everyone else only wants to hear what they have to say. This type of person will often take over a conversation and isn’t usually open to other ideas or opinions.

Plus, you can tell this person something, and they won’t remember it later. Their confidence seems to border on arrogance because they don’t always hear or care about anything you say.

6. They Believe the Thing They Want to Happen Most Will Happen

When they want something to happen, they assume it will happen no matter what. They often feel like they don’t have to work hard because their wishful thinking is enough. This behavior leads to them missing out on opportunities or falling short when they had a chance.

7. They Take Dangerous Risks

If someone is willing to take dangerous risks and assume they will be fine, it’s a sign of overconfidence. While this lifestyle may sound excited, it can decrease life expectancy because no one is immortal. Even with high confidence, no one is safe from the possible outcome of dangerous situations.

8. They Think They Have More Control Than They Do

Those that are overly confident will always feel like they have control, even when they don’t. This type of person can’t recognize when they have less control than they want, and they don’t always handle things appropriately.

An overly confident person often takes chances that they shouldn’t have because they feel like they control everything. This mindset causes them to ignore the information that they have at hand, too.

When someone believes they have more control than they do, they assume they can make anything happen. This person will think that they can call someone up and get a favor, or they think they can sway someone’s decision.

9. They Make Decisions That Negatively Affect Others

Overconfident people don’t only put themselves at risk, but they put others at risk, too. They have no problem making choices that negatively affect those around them.

Plus, they don’t listen to warning signs that everyone else sees and recognizes. This type of person believes they are exempt from the repercussions, and they will put everyone else in unpleasant or detrimental situations, too.

10. They Constantly Criticize Others

Someone that is overly confident will often criticize everyone else. This type of person will look for the faults in others without ever reflecting on personal shortcomings. Since they think they are better than others, this criticism will come out anywhere.

They will also make those around them feel like they can’t do anything right. As someone works on a task, the overly confident person will often criticize how they are doing it. They will often even say how they would do it differently but never step in to help out.

11. They Believe they are Above Human Error

Everyone makes mistakes, but overly confident people don’t think that they do. They don’t protect themselves from situations that could happen because they assume things will work out for them. This type of person doesn’t consider the possibility of human error in any event.

12. They Don’t Show Respect For Others

Even when you have a rival, you must show respect. Those that are overly confident often behave disrespectfully, especially when dealing with a competitor.

Most adults understand that being respectful even when you don’t particularly like someone is the best thing to do. If you often see someone disrespecting others, you can assume that they are overly confident.

Many overly confident people will even disrespect those that they aren’t competing with. They will behave disrespectfully to their friends and loved ones, too, because they think nothing will come of it.

13. They are Loud and Noisy

Overconfident people want people to notice them. They believe that if everyone is paying attention to them that they are well-liked and popular. Because of this mindset, they will often be loud and noisy to draw attention.

Plus, they tend to raise their voice to prove a point. An overly confident person will speak loudly and forcefully when in a debate. Plus, they will get louder if they feel they are losing the argument.

14. They Spend Above Their Means

If someone is overly confident, they might spend more than they comfortably should. This type of person believes that their earning potential will easily and steadily increase, even if they have no plan to make it happen. So, they spend frivolously while assuming the money will replenish.

15. They Don’t Ask for Help

When someone experiences overconfidence, they usually won’t ask for help. This type of person keeps the mindset that they can do anything, no matter how much skill it requires or the timeframe they are working with. Even knowing that they need help, they won’t ask because it would require admitting that they aren’t perfect.

They like to do things alone, even if it would be easier with help. They might want to prove to themselves that they can do it. However, chances are it is because they want to prove their abilities to everyone else.

Final Thoughts on Behaviors Reveal That Someone is Overconfident

While confidence is a beneficial characteristic to have, being overconfident is not. Find the middle ground where you are confident, but you also understand and recognize your limits. You will have the confidence to make hard decisions, but you will think logically and use the information at hand.

Whether you are the overconfident person in your life or someone else is, recognizing the revealing behaviors can help. If you recognize these things in yourself, you can correct them and grow as a person. On the other hand, if you recognize them in others, you can better handle your interactions with them.

With confidence and the ability to self-reflect, you will have what it takes to succeed and better yourself. However, with overconfidence and blinders to your limits, you will struggle. Watch for these behaviors to reveal that someone is overconfident.

10 Habits That Help You Stay Fit After Forty

May 28, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Learning how to stay fit throughout every decade in life is a key to longevity, without dispute.

How many times have you heard that age is only a number, or perhaps the adage that you’re only as old as you feel? While these are empowering and positive statements, you still need to balance your fitness level with your age.

Whether you’ve always been in good shape or you are a newbie, your body may last longer if you stay fit. It’s never too late to find an exercise regimen that’s tailored to your needs. As you get older, these needs will change.

Let’s face it; you’re probably not as strong and limber in your 40s as you were in your 20s. Your mind may be thinking you’re unchanged, but your body is telling you a different story. Physical fitness is essential throughout your life and must evolve with you.

An article published by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services explores the aspects of living longer. Research suggests that along with a healthy diet and lifestyle, exercising regularly may extend your life. Even as your body changes, muscles weaken, and joints hurt, but exercise can help you stay fit into your golden years, per the article.

Ten Habits To Keep You Fit At Every Age

Everyone is different and has health conditions and various abilities that require exercise modifications. Before you start any new exercise routine, talk to your healthcare provider or a certified fitness instructor. Consider these essential steps to stay fit after forty.

1. Start with Stretches

No matter what time of day you work out, your body needs preparation. According to an article published by the Harvard Medical School, stretching helps your muscles stay limber, strong, and healthy. When you stretch before and after your workout, you have a lower risk of muscle strain and torn tendons.

2. Get Warmed Up

Your muscles need a gradual warm-up before you do any strength training or lifting. After stretching, try a few minutes on a cycling machine or elliptical. These will gently stretch your muscles and get them ready for a good workout.

3. Know Your Limits

Your amazing body instinctively knows what’s best for it, and it will “talk” to you if you listen. Instead of a voice, it will speak to you with a trigger like muscle and joint pain that lasts for more than two days. If you’re doing an exercise that is doing more harm than good, listen to your body and make modifications.

4. Machines are Your Friends

Do you enjoy lifting weights? It’s an efficient way to strengthen your muscles and inner core. However, even the strongest athletes and weightlifters gradually lose muscle tone with aging. Consider using weight machines to get the training you want with fewer risks of injury.

5. Work with a Trainer

There is much value in working with a trainer who is well versed in safety and appropriate exercises for your weight and body type.

6. Set Realistic Expectations

You can’t work out as you did in your 20’s, so don’t push yourself to the point of injury.

7. Stay Hydrated

It’s easier for older folks to become dehydrated, so make sure you’re chugging plenty of water to keep from having issues.

8. Keep a Good Attitude by Staying Positive

It’s not easy to start a new exercise routine, and it may be quite painful at the beginning. However, staying positive will help you keep going.

9. Get Medical Approval

If you have medical conditions, you must talk to your doctor to get approval or recommendations before you begin.

10. Set Small, Obtainable Goals

It would help if you paced yourself. It’s good to have a list so that you can see the goals you’ve reached. Don’t get defeated by what you used to do; instead, set your goals for your current age and health situation.

Here Are Excellent Tips For Working Out, Decade By Decade

Keeping your body strong and healthy doesn’t end once you turn forty. Even if you can’t do everything you could as a teen and in your twenties or thirties, you can stay fit with a tailored workout. Here are some helpful fitness guidelines to consider for each decade.

• Your 40s

Many people dread reaching their 40th birthday because it’s dubbed as coming “middle age” or going “over the hill.” However, once you hit the big 4-0, you may be surprised at how great you feel. Perhaps there are still things you can do just as well as you could in your 20s and 30s.

In your 4os decade, your life is surrounded by your family and career. It’s usually a time when you are most comfortable in your routine, even when you face unforeseen obstacles. You may be pressed for time, but you can find ways to plan workout routines.

As much as you hate to admit, this is the age that the “little aches and pains” are more noticeable. Your skin starts to lose some of its elasticity, and it’s often more challenging to lose weight. Your physical fitness level in the future may depend on what you establish now.

Are you having more difficulty keeping a regular workout schedule during this hectic time in your life? Even if you can’t have an exercise routine each day, walking can help. Using stairs at work at taking a brisk walk during your breaks can keep your muscles toned, and you can burn calories.

At 40, most people have less muscle elasticity and stiff joints. Yoga is an ideal exercise that combines mindful breathing with gentle stretches and body poses. Use it as a warm-up or an entire routine to strengthen and tone your body.

If you are doing cardio and strength training, you might consider adding cycling or another high-intensity exercise. Adding it to your workout may help keep your muscles stronger and give you more energy. Again, listen to your body and discuss a plan with a certified fitness instructor.

• Your 50s

When you awaken on your 50th birthday, you may be tempted to sulk because you have lived for half a century. Why not consider your 5th decade a blessing and enjoy the years to come? Now more than ever, this is a time when your mental and physical health depends on balanced nutrition and staying fit.

This is an age where many people develop chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and arthritis. While some situations can be hereditary and inevitable, many common ones can be prevented by maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

When you are in your 50s, consider a fitness routine that includes challenging your brain. Your brain needs regular mental exercises to stay healthy and alert. An article published by the Cleveland Clinic suggests that physical activities like cycling and swimming may boost brain cell production and maintain current ones.

This is also an age where children move out and become independent, and you have more free time. Consider taking up a fun sporting hobby like golf or martial arts. These exercises require brain work as well as muscle power.

• Your 60s

During your 60s, you’ll probably take your long-awaited retirement. However, it doesn’t mean you are resigned to a rocking chair. To keep your muscles and joints healthy, you must stay active at a measured pace.

Those minor aches and pains aren’t so little anymore. You also don’t recover after exercise as quickly. Keep an exercise plan that is best for you, and try to do something physical each day.

You may continue healthy weight training, but you should consider switching to weight machines. They are more controlled, and you won’t be as likely to have muscle strains or other injuries. Weight machines are also less stressful for your aging joints.

Staying fit is even more fun when you do it in a group. Try signing up for group classes in yoga, swimming, or other fitness programs. You’ll meet like-minded people who will help you stay committed and inspired.

• Your 70s

Once you’ve reached your 7th decade, you work for the strength to chase after your beloved grandchildren and pets. Don’t let this number intimidate you or keep you from exercising. You may need to modify your activities due to your physical abilities, but you can still reap some health benefits.

A certified fitness instructor can help devise a resistance training plan that’s best for you. It would help if you keep your joints and muscles moving so they are more flexible. Stretching exercises like yoga or Tai chi are ideal for seniors.

• Your Golden 80s and Beyond

According to a vital statistics report published by the Centers for Disease Control, the average lifespan in America is 77.8 years. If you’ve lived into your 80s, you’ve probably known how to follow a healthy lifestyle and how to stay fit.

Yes, your body will have many age-related challenges, but you can still stay active. Since people of advanced age are more susceptible to Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, it’s crucial to keep your mind busy. It’s also essential to stay connected with friends and other like-minded people, so consider group exercise.

Octogenarians may have fragile bones and joints, so you should work closely with your healthcare professionals. Gentle stretching and resistance exercises can help keep you mobile and less stiff. Keep your mind sharp and do puzzles, learn new hobbies, or even take a class in something interesting for you.

Final Thoughts On How To Stay Fit Throughout Your Life

If you haven’t thought about nutrition and how to stay fit, today is the day. You are never too old to follow an exercise routine that will benefit your body and mind. The benefits may take you from youth, middle age, and well into your senior years. Remember that age is just a number, and you can feel fit and healthy at any decade in your life.

10 Ways Cope To With a Cancer Diagnosis

May 28, 2021 by Power of Positivity

When you’ve been told that you have cancer, your mind automatically assumes the worst. It’s one of the most horrible diagnoses a doctor can give you, and it’s easy to be panicked and overwhelmed by fear. A cancer diagnosis doesn’t always mean a death sentence, and in many cases, people will beat this malignancy and go on to live a good life.

The problem is all the “what if’s” that plague your mind and overwhelm you. It’s essential to have good coping skills when dealing with any chronic illness because it can destroy your mental health as well as your physical wellbeing. Thankfully, there are ways to cope and push away the negativity.

Ten Ways to Cope with a Cancer Diagnosis

The first thing you must do is not give in to fear. Sure, getting a diagnosis like cancer is scary, and you want to do everything you can to fight this horrible disease. However, you need to remain calm and don’t let horror stories scare you.

It’s essential to keep a level head and use good coping skills. Here are ten ways you can deal with your cancer diagnosis.

1. Trust Your Medical Team

Your medical team is vital to you in this time of need. If you don’t like the bedside manner of your doctors, then find someone you feel comfortable with as the patient/doctor relationship is essential. The medical team working with you must use the latest treatments and give you the best care possible.

Don’t be afraid to ask many questions and even have particular demands regarding your medical care. Additionally, you can and should get a second opinion, especially when given a grim outlook. It’s going to make the process much more difficult if you don’t trust your medical team.

2. Acknowledge Your Feelings – It’s Okay Not to Be Okay

Receiving such a diagnosis as cancer is scary. It’s okay that you’re not okay. Cry when you need to, and you don’t have to be strong for all of those around you.

You must process the diagnosis and work through your feelings. Burying things is only going to make the matter worse.

3. Don’t Jump to Conclusions

The naysayers will come in droves when it comes to a diagnosis of cancer. They will tell you all kinds of stories of people who survived and those who didn’t. Since each case is different, you must try not to jump to conclusions.

It’s okay for you to tell people not to share their horror stories with you. Mentally, you don’t need anything to drag you down at this point. Listen to your doctors and their professional medical opinion, but you should realize that even doctors can be wrong too.

4. Break Things Down into Small Manageable Bits

It’s easy to look at the big picture and to become overwhelmed. Dealing with a cancer diagnosis often requires weeks or months of treatment and possible surgery. You can be a panicked mess if you try to process everything upfront.

One of the main issues with this disease is that there is no quick fix. Even if the tumor is small and operable, you probably won’t know the severity and whether it’s metastasized until after a biopsy is done during surgery. Turn to your higher power during these times for the strength to endure what you must, as there will be plenty of waiting games.

5. Draw Strength and Inspiration from Other Survivors

For every negative story that involves suffering, there is another story of a victorious person. Dive deep into inspirational stories like the book How Chris Beat Cancer. Chris Walk was just an average guy who had a lot of life left in him.

The diagnosis was grim for Walk, as he was told he had stage -3 colon cancer. He fought this malignancy and won, and now he uses his story to help the masses. He didn’t take the traditional chemotherapy and radiation combination that often proves to be more toxic than cancer itself, but he used a toxin-free diet.

His cancer journey was used to undergo mental, emotional, and spiritual healing. Using inspiration like this will help give you the will to fight. You have options out there, and you can see how many people have beat this seemingly unbeatable illness.

6. Set Goals for A Healthy Future

Just because you’re sick doesn’t mean that you should stop living. You need to dream and make plans as if nothing were wrong. While you might not want to book a trip far in advance until you see how you feel, you can’t stop living just because you’re sick.

Many people have a few months of treatment and conquer this illness. You can’t lay in the bed and wait to die, or this disease will rob you of your life while you’re still living. You should still dream, hope, and pray for the day that you will be back to yourself and enjoying new things.

7. Don’t Push Yourself Too Much

Why is it that people push themselves too much when they feel good? Dealing with a chronic illness is tough, and you need to learn that it’s okay to rest when you need it. If you can only get out of bed for 2-3 hours before you need to lay back down, it’s okay to do what makes you feel better.

If you were healthy, you wouldn’t need all these naps and rest periods. However, you’re fighting an illness, so rest is required. Christine Miserandino wrote a book called The Spoon Theory. As someone with lupus, she often finds that she must do things in spurts, as she doesn’t have near the energy she desires.

The spoon theory is based on the belief that each action has an energy level. Each person has a different amount of spoons each day, which are based on their energy. The activities you do take away from your spoons.

A healthy person might have 19 spoons, whereas a person with cancer in the upper stages might have 4-5. Activities like taking a shower might take four spoons from you, but it may take only 1-2 from someone else. This method will help you plan your day and conserve your energy using the spoons as a simple calculation tool.

Miserandino was tired of telling people how tired and miserable she felt each day. Using the spoon theory, she found a unique way to divide her strength and talk about her lack of momentum without coming off as complaining. Simply put, you must learn to balance your energy. When you feel great, don’t do so much that you exhaust yourself for a couple of days afterward.

8. It’s Okay to Seek Mental Help

You may need to talk to someone during this trying time. A psychologist can give you coping skills to help with the anxiety and depression that often comes along with receiving such a diagnosis. Surround yourself with people who are fighting with you for victory over this condition. It changes the game when you have people standing beside you.

9. Research Your Condition

Researching your condition can be a good and a bad thing. You must maintain realistic expectations about what’s going on inside your body and what could happen. It’s easy to live in a state of denial, and rejecting what’s happening isn’t going to help matters.

Arming yourself with knowledge is wise as it not only helps understand, but it will also ensure you are getting the standard medical care for your condition.

10. Using Grounding Methods to Help You

Your whole world will be shaking out from under you when you receive a cancer diagnosis. There are going to be some hard days and dark paths you must walk down. However, it would help if you learned to ground yourself and push away the negativity.

Meditation is an excellent way to purge some of the negativity from your body, and it will put you in a better frame of mind. Using singing bowls will help to balance your energy levels as well as some light yoga. Depending on your abilities, you need to find things you can do to help calm your mind, body, and spirit.

Final Thoughts on Coping with a Cancer Diagnosis

Hearing the words “you have cancer” is one of the scariest things in life. You must understand that you will go through the stages of grief such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally, acceptance. However, some people will be stuck on one phase while another will go through them all, and then they will come back around for round two.

Your journey is very personal as no two people are alike. Although you can draw inspiration from others, you should never compare your diagnosis with theirs. Staying both optimistic and realistic is essential. Lastly, the big picture of your cancer diagnosis will overwhelm you if you allow it, so it’s best to break things down into smaller bits that you can process easier.

5 Things Children Who Listen Do Differently With Their Parents

May 28, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Are you often impressed by children who listen well…but secretly wonder how their parents achieved this?

As a parent, you strive to teach your children skills that will benefit them into adulthood. Among these life lessons are learning to communicate efficiently and how to be a good listener. They interact with their parents and acquire other valuable abilities.

Did you know that your children’s hearing abilities started before they were born? An article published by Pregnancy, Birth & Baby shares that as early as 18 weeks, a fetus can hear the many life sounds of their mother’s body. In 12 more weeks, states the article can recognize sounds and voices from outside of the womb.

Do children who listen to their parent’s voices in utero have an advantage? According to an article published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, studies suggest that fetuses may learn to recognize words before birth. Brain studies demonstrate that unborn babies can also be receptive to music.

Teaching Your Children Good Listening Skills

As you hold that bundle of joy in your arms, they’ve already had a jumpstart in hearing. Now, you can help them develop skills to become a good listener. Here are some of the most effective ways to teach your children how to be good listeners.

1. Be a Good Role Model

You are your child’s first and foremost influencer, and they will usually mimic your lead. So, if you want children who listen well, you must be a good listener yourself. The next time they are conversing with you, notice how well you listen and interact with them.

You can teach your child good manners and listening skills by not interrupting them when they’re speaking with you. They will respect that and will do the same for you and others. Be aware of how you are talking to your children and let them follow your example.

2. Offer Praise and Encouragement

It’s easy for parents to point out things that their children do wrong quickly. Children do need loving guidance from you to correct their behavior. However, they also need your praise when they are doing the right thing.

When you hear and observe your kids using good listening skills, let them know how proud they make you. Try saying something like, “Hey, I like how you are listening to your little brother and caring about what he has to say.”

Words of praise can prompt your child to continue the good behavior and make it a habit.

3. Use Storytime For Teachable Moments

One of the easiest ways to teach your younger kids to listen is to read books together. Even toddlers enjoy sitting with you to look at pictures and listen as you weave an exciting tale. Find books and tell fun stories that match their age and attention span.

After you’ve shared the story, talk about it. Not only will you gain some valuable insight into their opinions, but you will also notice their listening skills. Another benefit is that you’re helping foster a love for reading that will follow them into adulthood.

4. Make Listening a Fun Game

You can also encourage good listening skills by playing games, especially with younger kids. Get the gang together and play the classic game of “Telephone.” Gather in a circle, and you start by whispering a funny statement in one kid’s ear.

Then, that child whispers what you said into another’s ear, and it repeats until it gets back to you. Everyone will probably laugh at how the statement was misheard and interpreted. Discuss the fact that some errors were caused by not hearing whispers well, while others may lack listening. How could this work in real life?

5. Provide Simple Instructions

Children who listen do better when you tell them what to do rather than what not to do. For example: “Joey, stop running down the stairs!” is a command with no rationale behind it. Provide clear instructions on the behavior you are expecting. “Joey, please be safe and don’t run when going down the stairs, as I don’t want you to get hurt.”

Even your teenagers may be more receptive when you positively give guidance and direction. For younger children, break the instructions into smaller portions so they aren’t overwhelmed. Your kids will learn what you expect as well as good listening skills.

Sometimes, kids aren’t trying to be disobedient. If you smother them with too many instructions at once, they can shut down on you. Be mindful of their age and the task requested, and it will help with parent/child communication.

Your little ones help you fold their clothes. Now, tell them what to put in each drawer and what to place on a hanger. As they wait for the next instruction, they are also practicing being a better listener.

Five Benefits of Having Children Who Listen

Have you ever heard other parents complain that their children don’t listen to them? There’s a difference in how good listeners and their parents interact with each other. Here are five things these children do differently with their parents.

1. They Learn Better Active Listening Skills

While some people are naturally more sociable than others, good active listening skills must be learned. Children who are practicing being better listeners will also acquire active listening skills. They watch how their parents use open body language and mirror the emotions of the speaker.

Based on age-appropriate communication skills, teach your kids how to put what others say into their own words. Show them how important it is to ask questions if you don’t understand. Restating and clarification are active listening skills that help minimize misunderstandings.

These youngsters try not to interrupt as they take in the conversation. These vital tools will help them in school and later in life as working adults. They may also have better relationships with other family, friends, and their future mates.

2. They Might Be More Obedient

“Hey, did you pick up your books from the table as I asked?” “No, I didn’t hear you.” Does that sound like a familiar conversation in your house? While your kids claim they don’t hear you, the fact is they often aren’t listening to you.

When your kids listen well, they learn what is expected, and you’ll have a better outcome. Keep in mind that no child is perfect, and each kid has a willful nature that you must consider. However, helping them develop better listening skills can create a better line of communication between parents and kids.

3. They Learn to Be More Empathetic

Another crucial life skill that parents teach their youngsters is empathy, or how to relate to other people’s feelings. It’s not an automatic skill they’re born with, and it requires them to learn gradually from birth to adulthood. When your kids see and listen to you being empathetic with them and others, it provides a solid example.

According to an article published by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, using empathy examples is helpful. “How do you think Jenny felt when you called her names?” It gets the child to think and consider other people’s feelings and opinions.

4. They Communicate Better with Other Adults

Some kids are shy by nature or don’t talk a lot. However, children who listen well can learn how to communicate better with other kids and adults. If they have questions or problems, they learn how to express them at home, school, and public.

Of course, you don’t want your kids to get into conversations with strangers. But as you teach them more about adults who can be trusted, they will learn to use them as good role models, too.

Isn’t it frustrating when you try to chat with your kids, and they shrug their shoulders or mumble something that’s meant to say, “I don’t know?” It’s often expected during the turbulent teen years. Even then, you can model good listening skills for them to use.

5. They Learn More Family History and Life Skills

Do you know much about your family history and culture? If you do, you probably gleaned a lot of this information by listening to your parents, grandparents, and other older family members. Children need to learn about their respective cultures to have a connection with the past.

Children who listen to their elders also gain many valuable insights and life skills to use for the rest of their lives. When you are doing things around the house like cooking, repairs, or enjoying a hobby, share it with your kids. This is how life skills are passed down from one generation to the next.

Try to create as many opportunities as you can for your kids to listen and learn. Spend time with grandparents and other relatives who are a rich source of family history and culture. As your children listen, they gain a better knowledge of cultural identity and family pride.

Final Thoughts on Children Who Listen to Their Parents

Teaching your children to be good listeners is something you’ll never regret. Not only will it improve the communication in the home, but it will benefit them in the outside world too. They will be forever grateful that you were a good example to them, and these valuable skills can be taught to their kids one day.

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