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4 Ways to Handle Painful Emotions That Are Too Hard to Let Go

May 2, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Everyone deals with negative thoughts and feelings. Sadly, these painful emotions seem to always surface at the most inopportune times. The real issue is these unresolved emotional struggles can distract you from the things in your life that are good.

If you give these thoughts much credulous, you will soon notice that your mindset is more negative than positive. Breaking the habit of a pessimistic mindset is not easy, and it requires retraining your brain to let things go. When’s the last time you’ve felt stressed out?

The average person feels stress quite often, and it can get to explosive levels before you know it. Consequently, when you’re under pressure, your mind tends to ruminate about all the issues from your past that keep resurfacing. How do you calm the chaos in your mind and get the internal chatter to stop?

Four Ways to Deal with Painful Emotions

It would help if you learned to deal with these emotions that cripple you. If you want to live a happy and healthy life, you must let go of the past.

Whether someone has hurt you or you’ve been abused doesn’t matter; any hurts can cause you to ruminate on all the wrongs in your life. Thankfully, there are four ways that you can use to conquer these problems and move on.

1. Learn to Be Present in The Moment

One of the most powerful tools you will learn is how to be in the moment. It’s easy for your mind to wander to the past when things are going crazy. Your mind needs justification for what you feel, so it likes having a pity party and bringing up all your painful emotions from the past.

Another problem that commonly happens is that people worry about things that haven’t even happened yet. How many times do you sit and fret over something that may or may not occur in the future? If you have an anxiety disorder, you’re prone to worry more than someone else.

However, an article referenced a study about worry. Experts found that more than 85 percent of the things you fret over will never happen. Think of all that time you waste because you’re not present in the moment.

Both your future and your past are robbing you of valuable time in the present. The way to counteract this issue is to focus on the here and now and not give yesterday or tomorrow center stage. Now, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan, but it means that you don’t let what hasn’t happened yet clutter your mind.

It sounds like a simple process, but it’s not as easy as it appears. However, there are a few tricks that can help you be in the moment. Find an image that brings you peace. Maybe your place of refuge is a beach surrounded by seagulls and waves crashing all around.

When you hold this picture, allow your mind to let go. If this trick doesn’t work, then you can try counting. When anxiety from painful emotions starts revving up, then you need to defuse it. Start by counting from 100 down to one. You can even calculate by fives if it makes things more interesting.

The key is to focus on counting; then, your mind doesn’t have time to ruminate about all those painful things. This strategy helps you to clear your mind so that you can reconnect with the world around you.

2. Re-Center Your Mind and Find Tranquility

If you allow your thoughts to have center stage, then you will disconnect from the world around you. How can you be focused on your job or your child that’s toddling bout if your mind is a million miles away? Even worse, if you feel guilt or shame associated with these emotions, it can put you in a horrible mood.

The more power you give to these harmful and painful emotions, the stronger they become. It would help if you defused these feelings by reconnecting with the world around you. One way that you can reconnect is by volunteering. It’s challenging to have a pity party for yourself when you see that someone else has things much worse than you.

Another thing you might want to do is put your feet on the floor to ground you and pay attention to your surroundings. Focus on the here and now and notice the room’s color, the smell wafting through the air, and the conversations going on around you. Dialectal behavioral therapy teaches you to come out of anxiety by focusing on the atmosphere.

Since your brain cannot focus on two things at once, it’s much more pleasant to focus on your space rather than these emotional challenges. Lastly, to reconnect with what’s around you, you should go outside in the sunshine. Even if it’s raining, who says there’s anything wrong with dancing in the rain?

Mother Nature has so many therapeutic properties that many don’t use. Do you love the smell of spring rain as it sends the nectar of sweet flowers permeating through the air? Have you noticed any birds building nests as they prepare for a new life?

There is so much beauty and tranquility all around you, but if you’re caught up in the chatter inside your mind from your pain, then it will pass you by.

3. Stop Being So Self-Conscious

When you allow these painful emotions to creep in, it promotes self-negativity. Are you a self-conscious person by nature? Do you have a dialogue that runs through your mind that keeps your esteem low?

Negative and hurtful emotions often come with damaging thoughts. All these thoughts play like a film in your mind that keeps going round and round. Sadly, these thoughts are very distracting and keep you from accomplishing what you need to do.

Have you ever tried to talk to someone whose mind was a million miles away? It’s like pulling teeth to get an answer from them. You become impossible to talk to, and it’s a challenge for you to focus when you pay attention to this reel of negativity that’s running in your mind.

To boost your esteem, you should do activities that make you feel more confident. Can you bake or cook well? Why not whip up a batch of cookies to take into the office with you? When people taste the goodness that comes from your hands, their compliments will give you a boost.

It feels good to be complimented. Now, once you have that feeling fresh in your mind, you need to remind yourself how great it feels when you put aside all the negativity and allow yourself to shine.

4. Don’t Run from These Thoughts – Process Them

Have you ever met someone that can’t get over an issue? Take, for instance, a woman named Ruth. She was engaged to be married to the love of her life, Bob.

Ruth and Bob had an excellent relationship, and he completed her. She was so looking forward to spending forever with him. One day they were swimming at the local quarry, and Bob dove into a section that wasn’t as deep as he thought.

He ruptured his stomach and had other internal injuries. Bob passed away that day, and Ruth was never the same. Though she found love again and married, there wasn’t a day that went by that she didn’t think about Bob.

The pain she felt in her heart was too much for her to bear, and even with seven children and a house full of work to do, her mind often replayed the events of that day. Sadly, Ruth never came to terms with the significant loss she suffered in her life, and she developed bipolar disorder.

Had she processed the feelings appropriately and dealt with her pain, her outcome might have been quite different. The fact is that your negative and hurtful emotions will haunt you if you allow them to. What Ruth needed to do was to stop ruminating about the events that happened.

She felt remorse because the tragedy left her unable to deal with the situation effectively, so she hid the emotions deep inside and never talked about it. How much better she would have felt if she let out those emotions and talked about them. Bottling things inside can be dangerous, as your mind can only handle so much stress and pain before it shuts down.

You mustn’t run from your issues and learn effective ways to deal with them. Speak things into the open, cry at the top of your lungs, be angry at the situation, but the good news is you will finally come to terms with things. It’s okay to hurt, and it’s okay to cry, but you can’t let it go on forever.

Final Thoughts on Handling Your Painful Emotions

Your life is going to have ups and downs. There will be triumphs, and there will be tragedies. It’s just as important to give the successes in your life the same amount of attention that you give your failures.

When situations shake you to your core, you must get help in dealing with these emotions. If the tricks above don’t help you process things, then get the use of a counselor who is well trained in cognitive behavioral therapy CBT or dialectical behavior therapy DBT. The important thing is to get these feelings from the inside out to have a happy and positive life.

11 Signs You Have Negative Energy Stuck In You

May 2, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

It might be negative energy if you feel like you can’t experience joy or find excitement in life anymore. This type of energy is common and happens to everyone occasionally.

If there is seemingly nothing serious going wrong in your life, but you still can’t find happiness, it is likely because of negativity.

To change this, you must first recognize if negativity is afflicting you. The key to figuring it out is self-reflection and self-awareness. Both of these things will help you figure out the problems and help you get them under control.

Recognizing the signs of negative energy will help you see it in yourself. Once you have acknowledged it, you can make the necessary changes to better your life.

Consequences of Negative Energy

Since your thinking becomes your reality, negative energy leads to a negative life. If you are constantly down about life, you will attract toxicity and unpleasant situations. When you are positive, though, you attract more positivity.

Eleven Signs You Have Negative Energy Stuck Inside You

With positivity, you will find joy in life and accomplish more. You can fully experience life and surround yourself with positive people.

1. You Often Have Negative Thoughts and Speak Without Thinking

Having negative thoughts and negative self-talk is common for people with negative energy. Even something as simple as telling yourself that you can’t do something can influence your energy. Additionally, telling yourself that you look bad can interfere with your optimism and positivity.

Along with negative thoughts, you might say things without thinking about them first. Speaking without thinking is especially a problem when you’re angry. You will begin voicing those negative thoughts, hurting yourself and others.

2. You Have Trouble Falling Asleep Or Staying Asleep

It is hard to fall asleep with negative energy as worries constantly run through your head. Trying to fall asleep in bed does nothing to keep your mind off the negative thoughts.

Once you finally do fall asleep, the sleep might not be very restful. You might wake up frequently or be unable to fall into a deep sleep at all. Thinking about the things bothering you doesn’t help you feel better, either, and will only worsen your feelings.

3. You May Have Stuck Negative Energy If You Always Feel the Need to Prove Yourself

You likely have negative energy if you always feel like you must prove yourself or win every argument. You will assert yourself in a way that makes you feel superior to others.

Even when you are wrong, you will continue justifying your points and trying to discredit the other person. Humility will be an issue for you, and you will feel frustrated when someone else does better than you.

4. You Seek Answers from External Sources

If you often look for answers from people other than yourself, you might be a negative person. You know yourself best, and you know what will bring you happiness. When you get your answers anywhere other than yourself, you are hindering your ability to be happy.

You might ask everyone else what you should do in a situation when you are the only one qualified to decide. Another instance is if you go online to look for answers that you should be deciding on your own.

5. You Are Hard on Yourself and Compare Yourself to Others

Negative people give themselves a hard time about everything. They judge themselves and obsess over flaws, imperfections, or mistakes they have made.

If you are someone that does this, then you might also constantly compare yourself to others. You will compare yourself based on material possessions, achievements, personal lives, and anything else. Comparing yourself likely affects your life and causes more problems for you.

Comparisons will only make you feel worse about yourself. You will be even harder on yourself than you already are, and a vicious cycle will begin.

6. You May Have Stuck Negative Energy Look for Someone Else to Blame

If you look for someone else to blame for your problems, you might be negative. Another sign of negativity is if you find yourself blaming the world around you for things, too.

When things go wrong, you will place the blame anywhere you can. Placing the blame means you will have excuses for anything that happens and never seem to learn from your mistakes.

7. You Don’t Do Things that are Interesting to You and Nothing Excites You

Sometimes you will avoid things even if they are interesting to you. You might feel like you are stuck in the same place, and nothing makes you happy anymore. Even activities you used to enjoy won’t please you.

If you feel this is all true for you, your energy might be negative. It might get to the point that you don’t want to interact with other people, either.

8. You Have Low Self-Esteem and Self-Worth, and You Frequently Criticize Yourself

When you believe that you are unworthy of having good things in your life, you are likely exhibiting negativity. You will have negative opinions about yourself and will overly criticize your actions and words.

If you dwell on mistakes or things you have said, you are exhibiting negativity. This mindset wears you down and makes it all worse for you.

The lack of self-esteem can cause you to struggle with speaking up or introducing yourself. Feeling worthless can even prevent you from doing things or moving forward in life.

9. You May Have Stuck Negative Energy If You Have Serious Mood Swings and are Overly Emotional

Your emotions might sway drastically and unexpectedly. You will become easily overwhelmed and struggle to function as you usually would. When you notice that this is happening, it generally means your energy is too negative.

Having mood swings and being overly emotional can occur if you have had too many bad experiences. If you didn’t cope with those experiences properly, they might resurface as negativity.

Your emotions will get the best of you, and you won’t think logically. It affects your personal and professional life and creates toxicity.

10. You Can’t Make Friends Easily

Negative people don’t like going out of their comfort zone, causing them to have trouble making friends. You will have a fear of being judged by others since you so often judge yourself. This fear will cause you to keep to yourself instead of getting to know new people.

When you do get to know people, you will push them away with your negative energy, too. The negativity might cause you to be argumentative with friends you already have, causing problems in your current relationships.

11. You Tend to Ruminate and Feel Everything Deeply For Lasting Periods

If you tend to ruminate, it means you think deeply about things and over-contemplate everything. You will overthink things that don’t matter or went well until you convince yourself it was a negative experience. Doing this leads to beating yourself up or having regrets about your past.

How to Make a Change for the Better

If you have negative energy stuck in you, letting it out can change your life. The key is to make better habits and use self-awareness to catch yourself giving in to negativity. Making this change is easier than you think and will become more natural the longer you do it.

First, you must learn to shift your energy when you notice negativity. Look for the joy in the little things to help you develop a more positive mindset. Focus on the things that bring you joy and help you experience happiness.

When you experience negative self-talk, switch to more positive thinking instead. Changing your mindset can be hard when you are surrounded by other negative people, though. Consider the people you spend time with and limit your time with those who exhibit negativity.

Start believing in yourself once you have set yourself up for a positive environment. Know what you are capable of, and never sell yourself short. Remember that you don’t need anyone else’s approval and that you must accept responsibility for what happens in your life.

Focus on things you can do now to make your life better instead of yearning for things out of reach. When you focus on what you can do and work on those things, you will notice constant progress, giving you something to be proud of.

Make it a habit to focus on your thinking to recognize negativity. You can easily shift your thoughts and energy if you catch your negative mindset before it’s too late. Self-awareness is essential when trying to develop positive energy.

Final Thoughts on Signs You Have Negative Energy Stuck in You

Living with negative energy stuck in you can wreak havoc on your life. Negativity can affect both your personal and professional life, making things harder than they need to be.

Consider if you exhibit any of the signs of negativity. Then, you can make a change for the better. Recognizing the problem is key to changing and living a more positive life.

Woman Transforms Her Body, Dancing Her Way to Fitness

May 2, 2021 by Power of Positivity

One determined woman decided to embark on a fitness journey to reclaim her health. When Amber first started, she had no idea how much this decision would change her life. Fast forward five years, and she’s lost a total of 132 pounds! For her, becoming a mom made her realize the importance of improving her health. Once she transformed her body, she did not look back. One Fit Mother does women’s personal trainer Charlottesville.

“When I started my journey, my highest recorded weight was 323 pounds. I’ve been overweight all my life since I was a little girl,” Amber said. “When I had my daughter, I was rushed into emergency C-section, and that’s when we realized that my weight had taken a toll on my body. It was causing me to have preeclampsia.”

Doctors explain that preeclampsia can be exacerbated by obesity or overweight. This condition is characterized by high blood pressure, excess protein in the urine, and swelling of the legs and hands. Scientists believe that insulin resistance, inflammation, oxidative stress and vascular dysfunction, commonly found in obese women, may contribute to preeclampsia. While the condition isn’t always life-threatening, severe cases can be fatal.

“I think that was like my turning point because I was about to not only be a mommy, but be a mommy that could possibly lose my life because of my weight. I was terrified.”

From then on, Amber decided to get serious about her health, no matter how hard the journey seemed. When she first started, the biggest hurdle was getting over the mental blocks she had about working out. However, once she got in the right mindset, everything got easier.

Amber hit the ground running and never looked back

“In the beginning it was really difficult for me, especially learning how to eat, learning proper nutrition, and learning how to work out. There were multiple times I went [to the gym] and I’d see people running, just running miles upon miles. Mentally, I would get defeated before I would even start. I think that overcoming my mindset was probably one of the biggest challenges for me,” she said.

Also, it took her a while to figure out the types of exercises she enjoyed. She combines weight training and cardio, but she says cardio works best for her.

“Cardio and dancing just really helps me relieve all of that tension.”

It didn’t take long for Amber to see results, as her body transformed. She stepped on a scale after six weeks of working out at the YMCA and had lost eight pounds! Seeing her efforts pay off encouraged her to keep pushing.

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“I think that was my motivation, like that was just what I needed to get going. It was just seeing those small goals, seeing myself achieving different milestones, and every few months seeing my body changing. Realizing how strong I was, those were probably the biggest motivating factors for me.”

The positive outcomes

Amber has noticed so many positive changes in her life since reclaiming her health. She’s learned how to love herself and her body, and she’s realized the importance of giving herself praise on the journey. Overall, she shows herself much more love than before, and knows that being healthy is a form of self-care.

While she still wants to lose more weight, she’s proud of how far she has transformed her body so far. Amber tries to maintain the same energy she had in the beginning, even on the days where she gets discouraged. Some days she feels overwhelmed or not in the mood for a workout, but she keeps pushing herself. On the hard days, she tells herself:

“Your goal is closer than you think; just look back on how far you’ve come.”

The story of how Amber transformed her body inspires thousands on social media

Amber frequently posts about her struggles and triumphs along the journey toward reclaiming her health. She goes by “Bae Goals” on Instagram, where she shares her rawest thoughts about mental health, exercise, and life in general. She’s amassed 120K followers on her account, and many of them feel motivated after hearing her story. Amber talks openly about struggling with addiction, and shares with her followers how helpful counseling has been.

Oftentimes, being overweight or obese hides even deeper issues that people don’t talk about. Getting to the root cause of the addiction is the first step to overcoming it. Amber has worked hard to achieve her goals and reclaim her health, and her journey isn’t over yet. While she’s working toward her fitness goals, she also has some ambitious business ideas.

Amber believes continuing to share her story and inspiration with others is important. She’s currently working on a book, speaking engagements, coaching, and branding opportunities. After reclaiming her health, she feels called to help others along their journeys too.

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In an inspirational Instagram post, she says:

“I never knew how heavy the weight was until I put it down. The weight of depression, the weight of rejection, the weight of wanting to end my life. I didn’t realize it until I laid all those weights down that they were keeping me held back. Imagine how high you can jump when you’re not being weighed down with [stuff] you can’t control.”

“Give up on giving up. It’s okay to restart. Don’t feel pressured by this Internet to be someone you’re not. Be true to you and be authentic…I am laying the weights down daily. Join me and get your mind back. I’m climbing this mountain not because I want the world to see me, but because I want to see the world. I refuse to limit myself.”

Final thoughts on how Amber transformed her body and reclaimed her vitality

Not only did Amber’s physical health improve, but she transformed her mental and emotional states, as well. When you start looking after your health, it affects every aspect of your being. It isn’t just about getting skinny or looking like the Instagram models; it’s about overall well-being.

If you have been hesitating to start your health journey, hopefully Amber’s story can give you the encouragement you need. Remember, it’s never too late to become a better you!

10 Ways People Provoke Their Partner Without Realizing It

May 2, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

You already know the ways that your partner inadvertently provokes you. What you might not realize, though, is that you provoke them without realizing it, too. Some of the things you do can push your partner away or cause conflict between the two of you.

Acknowledging that you provoke your partner without realizing it can help you make a change for the better. Once you know that you are doing it, you can look out for those situations and reel it in before it goes too far. When you can do this, you will notice that your relationship strengthens, too.

Most of the time, communication can help limit unintentional provoking. Ensure that your partner feels safe being open and honest with you, and ask for the same in return. You will still encounter experiences where the two of you provoke one another without realizing it, though.

How People Provoke Their Partner Without Realizing It

Knowing the ways that you might be contributing to this problem can help you address them. Many of the actions are ones that you wouldn’t even consider to be detrimental to your relationship. You will find that you are surprised, but knowing the provoking behaviors will make your relationship better.

1. Assuming They Know What You are Thinking

When you keep your thoughts and feelings to yourself, you shouldn’t expect your partner to know. If they are upset or angry, telling them can help you work through it. Choosing to keep it bottled up isn’t only detrimental to you, but it hurts your partner, too.

Even if it wasn’t your partner that upset you, you should still talk to them about it. If you are giving off negative vibes or acting aloof, your partner might think it is directed at them. On the other hand, if they know what is wrong, they won’t think you are upset with them.

Plus, it will help you work through your feelings. As you talk to your partner, you will process it all a little better. You won’t be as likely to take out your negative emotions on your partner, either, which often happens when you keep them bottled up.

2. Excluding Them

Excluding your partner without realizing it is so easy to do. It can be as simple as watching a tv show alone that, so far, you had watched with them. When your spouse looks forward to creating memories and sharing emotions during a show, it can upset them if you do it without them.

This situation isn’t only specific to tv shows you watch together. Anytime you do something without your partner that you usually do with them, you’re excluding them. It may seem harmless, but it makes them think you don’t see it as a special time together.

3. Withholding Emotionally

When you withhold from your partner, it affects them deeply. Withholding can include not showing affection, a lack of eye contact, or not paying attention to them when they are speaking. In relationships, it is essential that each partner feels seen, wanted, and cared for.

4. Throwing Things Away Without Asking

You might think it’s harmless to throw things out when cleaning, decluttering, or redecorating. Your partner may disagree, however, so it is always best to ask them first. Throwing things away without asking first might give the impression that you don’t respect your partner.

Their items might have sentimental value, so even if they are old and stained, ask before throwing them away. It could cause your partner to think that you don’t appreciate their taste or want them to change. To avoid any of these negative situations, remember to ask first.

5. Never Complimenting Them

Compliments might not be everything, but they are essential in the grand scheme of things. If you don’t compliment your partner, they will never know the things you love about them. Please don’t assume they know because, unless you tell them, they have no way of knowing.

Please don’t leave your partner wondering what it is that you like about them. Doing so may lead them to believe that you don’t see anything special.

6. Trying to Get Them to Trigger You

You might not realize it, but sometimes you may try to get a reaction from your spouse. If yelling triggers you, then you might yell at them continually until they yell back. Then, you become upset because they triggered you, even though you were the one doing the provoking.

This situation often occurs because you are trying to get your partner to validate your negative self-thoughts. You think badly about certain areas of your life or your past and end up portraying those situations again.

Another example of this is if you felt rejected when you were younger and fear rejection now. Even though you’re afraid of being rejected, you will do things to push your partner away. You will do things to get your partner to act in the way you have feared in your mind.

If you have a negative view of how relationships can work, this issue comes up more frequently. Try to let go of painful memories from your past, and learn to recognize when they are affecting your relationship.

7. Punishing Them in Passive Aggressive Ways

If you notice that your partner has been distracted or bothered lately, you might provoke them without realizing it. When your partner isn’t as focused on you, then you might start avoiding them. You might ignore them passive-aggressively, which only makes them feel worse.

You might also punish them if your partner wants to discuss things you aren’t interested in. They might want to talk about finances or other important topics, and you might want to clear your mind. If this is the case, you might find ways to avoid them to avoid the conversation.

Avoiding them is a way you might be punishing them for not understanding your desire to ignore the topic. They will feel denied, rejected, and unsupported.

8. Saying Things You Know Will Upset Them

You know your partner better than most, so you know just what to say when you want to upset them. Behaviors, tones, looks, or body language that you know triggers them could be a way you are provoking them. You might not even realize you do it, but try to pay attention to those instances.

When you and your partner are arguing or disagree, you may use those things to get the upper hand. It is likely an unconscious decision, but it hurts them all the same. Recognizing your partner’s triggers and respecting them enough to avoid causing them pain can make all the difference.

Stay aware of the way you behave when you disagree with your partner if you realize that you are responding in a way that will hurt your partner, make a different decision.

9. Complaining or Criticizing

You are likely provoking your partner if you complain about or criticize them. It might make them feel like you have lost sight of who they are as an individual. Constant criticizing and complaining can also make them focus on their negative traits.

If they are focusing on their negative traits, then those are the things that will shine through more. So, not only will you provoke them by constantly pointing those things out, but it can make the problem worse, too.

Your words can hurt or undermine your partner, causing them to react negatively. They will feel disrespected, unappreciated, and unloved and respond defensively or angrily. You might also notice that they shut down emotionally when this happens, furthering your emotional distance.

Avoiding constant criticism doesn’t mean that you should keep all of your thoughts and feelings bottled up. Instead, look for positive ways to tell your partner what you are thinking. Be caring and understanding while conversing about it; they will respond more positively.

10. Giving Their Words a False Meaning

When your partner talks to you, you might notice that you misinterpret their words. Even if you don’t misinterpret them immediately, you may convince yourself that there was a hidden meaning. You will interpret the things they say in a way that matches the negative self-thoughts you have in your head.

Your view of yourself is likely negative compared to how your partner views you. They might become upset When you believe they were trying to say something negative about you. Trust that there is no underlying meaning behind what your partner said, and your relationship can improve.

Final Thoughts on Ways People Provoke Their Partner Without Realizing It.

When you recognize how you might provoke your partner without realizing it, you can work to fix the problem. Focus on your behavior toward them, and make sure that you aren’t unintentionally hurting your partner.

By being self-aware, you can stop these provoking behaviors and strengthen your relationship. Focus on communicating and considering your partner’s feelings to help you stop provoking them.

15 Quotes on Friends to Remember When You Feel Lonely

May 2, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

The feeling of being lonely can hit you at any time, in the most unexpected of situations. Oftentimes, there is nothing you can do right at that moment to ease the feeling of loneliness. Memorizing some quotes on friends can help you change that, though.

If you think of your friends and loved ones when you feel lonely, the loneliness will ease, and you will find happiness again. Quotes on friends can help you recall the great friends you have and remind you that they are always with you.

Fifteen Quotes on Friends to Remember When You Feel Lonely

Sometimes the best cure to loneliness is a reminder of the people that are in your life. When you are struggling, reach out to those that mean the most. These quotes on friends will help you remember to do that.

1. “Growing apart doesn’t change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I’m glad for that.” – Ally Condie

If your friends are far away, this quote can help you remember that they are always with you. Condie’s words will help you feel like you aren’t alone because you have someone who grew with you. They are always out there, and they are always a part of you.

2. “I think if I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don’t walk away, don’t be distracted, don’t be too busy or tired, don’t take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.” – Jon Katz

When things get hard, you might find that you distance yourself from your friends and leave yourself lonely. It can be easy to let life come between you and your friends, but try to make every effort you can. By staying in contact with your friends and maintaining the friendship, you will never feel lonely.

Make your friendships a priority. Remember that friends are what makes life so special, and embrace those you are closest to.

3. “Life isn’t about having a thousand friends. It’s about finding the very few right ones you need.” – A.R. Asher

When you feel lonely, don’t resort to spending time with those that aren’t truly your friend. You could be surrounded by dozens of people and still feel alone if you aren’t with the right people.

Find a few close friends that make you feel happy, secure, safe, and cared for. Once you find those people, you will never have to feel lonely again because they’ll always be a phone call away.

4. “If you make friends with yourself, you will never be alone.” – Maxwell Maltz

While it is nice to have close friends nearby, you should also find a friend in yourself. Learn to love yourself, and you will begin to enjoy your company. Once you start to enjoy time spent alone, you will never have to worry about feeling lonely again.

5. “My circle is small, but the love is enormous and genuine. It gets no better.” – Alex Elle

When you feel lonely, remember that the people in your life are special. Even if there are only a few, you know that you are loved and that you love in return. There is no better feeling than this.

If you use this quote as a reminder that you are not alone, you will feel better. Even when your friends aren’t around, you won’t feel lonely because you know they are out there.

6. “A strong friendship doesn’t need daily conversation, doesn’t always need togetherness, as long as the relationship lives in the heart, true friends will never part.” – Unknown

You don’t have to talk to your friends every day for the love to remain. The amount of time you spend together doesn’t matter, either. True friends carry one another with them in their hearts, so they are never alone.

7. “Talking to your best friend is sometimes all the therapy you need.” – Unknown

There is nothing comparable to talking with your best friend about your problems. If you feel lonely, call your best friend and talk for as long as you can. Sometimes all that you need is a friend to talk to and comforting reassurance that you aren’t alone.

8. “Good friends are like stars. You don’t always see them, but you know they are always there.” – Unknown

As adults, your friends can’t always be by your side, even if you want them to be. You have jobs, families, and other responsibilities to tend to, and they do, as well. Having responsibilities means you won’t see your friends as often as you’d like, and you might end up feeling lonely.

If this happens to you, remember this quote on friends. The quote will remind you that even if your friend isn’t physically by your side, they are still there.

9. “A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.” – Arnold H. Glasgow

When you feel lonely, it might be tempting to turn to people that bring you down or hold you back. Looking for companionship and a way to fill the void can leave you feeling blinded. Remember this quote by Glasgow, and you won’t find yourself in that position.

Friends should only support you and help you, and they shouldn’t stand in your way. They will help you when you fall and guide you when you need guidance. Leave space in your life for positive friends, even if you are looking to ease loneliness.

10. “Having a soulmate is not always about love. You can find your soulmate in a friendship too.” – Unknown

If you are waiting for a romantic relationship to cure your loneliness, you might be looking in the wrong place. Friendships can be just as fulfilling as a romantic relationship. Focus on your friends and those there for you, and you will find that you don’t feel as lonely.

When you find yourself yearning for a romantic relationship, spend time with your friends. Do something that will make you laugh and forget about what was bothering you. Then, you will see that your soulmate can easily be found in a best friend, too.

11. “I don’t cry because we’ve been separated by distance and for a matter of years. Why? Because for as long as we share the same sky and breathe the same air, we’re still together.” – Donna Lynn Hope

Inevitably, friends will separate by a long-distance move. They might be away from one another for years, even. If you are in this position, find comfort that you and your friend are under the same sky.

Not only that, but you are breathing the same air and living in the same world. Breathing the same air and being under the same sky means that you are together despite the geographical distance.

12. “No matter where you are, you will always be looking at the same moon as I am.” – Unknown

If you find yourself feeling lonely, take a step outside at night. Look for the moon, and find reassurance that your loved ones are under the same moon. This thought can make you feel like you aren’t quite as alone, bringing you a little peace.
13. “One measure of friendship consists not in the number of things friends can discuss but in the number of things they need no longer mention.” – Clifton Fadiman

When you feel lonely, close your eyes and envision your friends. Think of those that know all of the intimate details of your life, as Fadiman explains in this quote.

They will be the friends that you don’t have to explain things to anymore because they know everything there is to know already. If you think of them, you will feel comforted as they are your safe space.

14. “If there is ever a tomorrow where we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we are apart, I’ll always be with you.” – A.A. Milne

Your friends will always be with you, even if they aren’t physically by your side. Please find comfort in that thought and allow it to bring you strength and wisdom as you go through life.

15. “In everyone’s life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.” – Albert Schweitzer

When you feel lonely, reach out to the friend that relights your inner fire. Sometimes that is all you need to feel better. If that friend is far away, give them a call and spend time talking until your flame rekindles.

Final Thoughts on Quotes on Friends to Remember When You Feel Lonely

Loneliness is an unpleasant feeling that can be hard to get rid of. When life gets busy, or you aren’t feeling like yourself, you might find that you aren’t spending enough time with your friends. If your friends live far away, it poses another issue, too.

Either way, no matter which situation you are in, these quotes on friends will help when you feel lonely. The quotes on friends will remind you of all the great people in your life and remind you that you are never alone.

4 Things Never to Spend Money On

May 2, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

Everyone’s looking for better ways to save and spend money, but that’s not always an easy task! With the way the world works, hidden charges and unexpected financial necessities always pop up, even when you’re trying to put your cash to more positive uses.

It’s tough to know what you can cut back on and where you’re unknowingly overspending. To help you out, here are 4 things you should never spend money on and tips to save more money in four handy ways.

4 Things You Should Never Spend Money On

Are you wasting money without realizing it?

1. Don’t Spend Money on Excess Food

In the United States, a whopping 30-40% of all produced food winds up going to waste, according to statistics from the United States Department of Agriculture. This is a significant amount! Admittedly, a fair bit of this comes from restaurants and other businesses, but households contribute to it. And when you’re trying to save money, even a little excess food can add up.

There are many ways aside from food waste, though, that may be a sign that you’re spending too much on excess food. Here are some ways that you’re doing this:

· Shopping For Groceries When Hungry

When your stomach is rumbling, you’re more likely to want to scoop up anything that looks yummy at the grocery store. Even if you have a meal plan and a well-written grocery list, you may be tempted to buy that little extra snack or decide to make a last-minute meal addition that you don’t need.

· Shopping For Groceries When You’re Very Free

If you have nothing to do that day, you’ll spend more time wandering the aisles and are more likely to buy things that you don’t need. Lots of people find themselves buying more things when they’re bored, too.

· Considering Expiry Dates Before You Spend Money

A lot of perishable foods do have genuinely accurate expiry dates. But a lot of dried goods, processed foods, canned foods, and similar items have dates on them that are mostly arbitrary. Besides, some foods that do expire more quickly can be saved by putting them in the fridge or freezer. Learn to trust your sense to determine when something is spoiled, not the numbers on the packaging.

2. Don’t Spend Money on Lottery Tickets

35% of all Americans purchase lottery tickets every month at least, according to research by Bankrate. That’s a much too high amount to spend on something that has the entire purpose of taking your money away! There’s absolutely no value whatsoever in buying lottery tickets, so you should never spend your money on them. Here’s why:

· You’re Not Going To Win

The odds are hugely against anyone ever winning a lottery. That’s how it’s an entire workable business model for the companies behind them. You literally only have a 1-in-37 chance of earning back the cost of the lottery ticket – so you can imagine how slim the odds are of hitting the jackpot.

· Your Money Will Go Farther Elsewhere

That survey from Bankrate indicates that the average purchaser of lottery tickets spends $75 on them every month – and you’re not likely to get any of it back, ever. During a recent finance workshop, an example came up about smart budgeting techniques as seen on CT, where experts highlighted how reallocating even small, regular expenses—like lottery ticket purchases—can lead to substantial savings over time. So put aside the money you usually spend on lottery tickets and use it for provisions or just set it aside to save. You’ll be rewarded with a full piggy bank that gives you more than a lottery ever will!

· You’re Being Taken Advantage Of

Lotteries are designed to appeal to those with lower incomes. They’re meant to sell the idea that you, too, can get rich. Most of a lottery company’s profit literally comes from the country’s poor buying empty hope and pipe dreams. Don’t fall for the scam.

3. Don’t Spend Money on Excess Fees

Excess fees that aren’t a part of required taxes and pre-agreed terms are ones you should never spend or waste money on. Most of these excess fees are only incurred due to mistakes or a lack of knowledge on your part, which is what makes money lost on them even sadder! Here are some fees you should never be paying for:

· Bank Fees

Bank fees can be deducted from your account even when you have no money in them, and the fact that they’re deducted at all is something to avoid. Before setting up bank accounts, thoroughly research them and choose ones without fees. If you’re currently using a bank that charges these fees, it’s fairly easy to make the switch to one that doesn’t!

· Late Fees

Budgeting, scheduling, and planning are all important parts of life. If you want to avoid late fees, you need to be on top of your bills. Keep a list of bills and their normal due dates, and when you get physical bills, place them in one dedicated, neat pile that’s easy for you to see, so they’re not out of sight, out of mind. If you know you’re going to be late for a payment, you can call the relevant company and request an extension. You may have the option to make partial payment beforehand and the rest later, even if you don’t get that extension.

· Credit Card Interest

Here’s the reality. Credit card interest is ridiculously high – way too much so to be worth it. If you can’t afford to pay your card off, you shouldn’t have it at all because you can’t afford that card, to begin with – and no amount of positive thinking will change that! There are many other ways to build credit, and the one you use shouldn’t be costing you extra money.

4. Don’t Spend Money on Expensive Cleaning Products

There are a lot of cleaning products that you can make out of simple items. Though it may take a bit of time, most of these items are super easy and convenient to DIY and cost much less than their commercial counterparts in the long run. In other words, buying these cleaning products is a poor way to spend your money unless you don’t have the physical ability to make your own. Here are some cleaning products you shouldn’t be buying!

· Household Cleaners

Commercial house cleaners damage your lungs and cost much more than simple homemade items. There are tons of recipes available online, all using simple ingredients, even across different specialized purposes. Essential oils are also a great way to make your homemade products smell nicer if you really want a noticeable scent!

· Laundry Products

Fabric softeners, dryer sheets, and similar products are actually completely unnecessary for clean, fresh clothes. And even the detergent itself is something you can make all on your own, with easy recipes available all over the internet!

· Washcloth and Paper Towels

Rags made from recycled clothes or materials are reusable and don’t create waste, unlike paper towels, which are one-use only, and washcloths, which cost more than they should for something you’re just going to get dirty. Wash your homemade washcloths and rags regularly and sun-dry them, and you’re all good to go.

· Certain Personal Care Items

Products for personal hygiene are driven by marketing schemes. You don’t need a hundred fancy products to stay looking good and feeling fresh and clean, and most products don’t even do what they claim to do. Learn to make your own and, if all else fails, do some research and stick to just a few key products.

4 Tips To Save More Money

Now let’s look at how to start saving for a rainy day.

1. Track Your Spending

Lots of people think they know how much they’re spending, but they don’t. According to a study by the Federal Reserve, consumers who perform mobile banking and can check their balance as needed may choose not to purchase something based on the listing of the credit limit and account balance. This means that there are quite a number of people whose last line of defense between buying something or not is the reminder of how much they actually have.

Mobile banking helps, but its success implies that tracking your spending will help even more. Truly knowing how much you spend and what can give you a rude awakening that makes you revisit your spending and change how you spend the money you have.

2. Learn To Repair Things

Lots of things can be fixed instead of tossed out, and that can already save you money. But paying for repairs can still be costly, so learning the skill of repairing certain items can be beneficial.

Of course, some items are best left for professionals to fix, and others are completely unsalvageable and have to be thrown. But learning to fix a leaky sink, patch holes in clothes, and fill holes in walls are safe skills to try and pick up, and in this day and age, there is a wealth of tutorials available online to help you!

3. Commit To Savings

Committing in advance to putting aside savings can have a positive effect on the total amount you save, according to research. This is because the act of simply saving as and when you feel like it is easy to create excuses for. Commitments are harder to ignore. Plus, starting with small commitments increases your chances of making bigger commitments when you become more ready.

The easiest way to do this is by seeing if your employer has an option for automatic saving plan escalation. If not, you can commit to a starting savings amount, then commit to increasing it by a tiny amount every quarter, or commit to increasing it by a larger amount whenever you get a raise. This creates more positive thinking surrounding the act of saving.

4. Clear and Sell Often

It’s easy for items to pile up as you purchase or receive them. Some get put to good use, and others don’t. Every year – or even every season – you should go through your belongings and see which ones you don’t use as much. This will allow you to:

Find items you thought you lost and that you can now use
Determine which items you haven’t touched at all
Consider if any items you have aren’t ones you truly need
Better understand the kinds of things you needlessly spend money on

You can then opt to sell the excess items you have online, via yard sales, or through other means. This gets you some extra cash while you retain the lessons you’ve learned about what not to buy more of in the future.

Final Thoughts On Some Things You Should Not Spend Money–and How to Start Saving

Saving money and building your bank account isn’t an easy job. So don’t waste your money on unnecessary things, and you’ll find that saving money comes more naturally!

3000-Year-Old Egyptian Lost City Discovered by Archaeologists

May 2, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Late last year, archaeologists made a surprising discovery – a 3,000-year-old Egyptian lost city buried beneath the sand. They call it the second-most important discovery since the opening of King Tut’s tomb in 1922. The team discovered this lost city close to the world-famous Valley of the Kings.

Archaeologists began the excavation about 300 miles south of Cairo, Egypt, in September 2020. It didn’t take long before the team uncovered vast mud and brick formations zigzagging in all directions.

Renowned Egyptologist and former antiquities minister Dr. Zahi Hawass announced the incredible discovery on Facebook. He said the ruins of the lost city were uncovered near Luxor, home of the ancient pharaohs.

The discovery of the ancient Egyptian city near Luxor has captivated the world, shedding light on a bygone era with remarkable detail. As archaeological teams continue to unearth the site’s secrets, the role of excavation contractors becomes crucial in ensuring that the excavation process is conducted with precision and care.

Such contractors are essential in managing the complex logistics of large-scale digs, including the careful removal of sediment and preservation of delicate artifacts.

In this context, companies like Franky’s Excavation are pivotal, providing specialized services that facilitate thorough and efficient excavation work. Their expertise ensures that every layer of soil is meticulously handled, helping archaeologists maintain the integrity of the site while uncovering invaluable historical treasures. As the excavation of this ancient city progresses, the involvement of such skilled contractors will undoubtedly play a key role in bringing more of Egypt’s rich history to light.

The lost city: Dazzling Aten

Called “Dazzling Aten,” it’s the most significant ancient city in Egypt identified by archaeologists to date. The lost city dates back to the reign of Amenhotep III, one of the greatest rulers of Egypt throughout history. He founded the city and ruled Egypt along with his son Akhenaton from 1391 to 1353 BCE. Hawass described the city as well-preserved, with walls nearly complete and “with rooms filled with tools of daily life.”

“Many foreign missions searched for this city and never found it,” he said. “We began our work searching for the mortuary temple of Tutankhamun because the temples of both Horemheb and Ay (two other powerful pharaohs during that time) were found in this area.”

Archaeologists reveal Aten was the most significant administrative and industrial settlement on the western bank of Luxor during the Egyptian empire.

‘The city’s streets are flanked by houses, which some of their walls are up to 3 meters high,’ Hawass continued, ‘we can reveal that the city extends to the west, all the way to the famous Deir el-Medina.’

Archaeologists discovered plentiful buried treasures in the city’s ruins.

Since excavations began between the temples of Ramses III and Amenhotep III, archaeologists have found ‘tombs filled with treasures.’ They’ve found several neighborhoods, including a bakery equipped with ovens and pottery for storage in the southern area. They believe that the kitchen employed many workers who catered to significant events, like festivals.

The team also found evidence of larger, more organized administrative and residential districts protected by a zigzagging wall. Since these districts had a single entry point, archaeologists believe city officials wanted to control access, keeping the area secure. The zigzag walls were not a common feature in the architectural elements of ancient Egypt. They mainly appeared in structures toward the end of the 18th dynasty.

Interesting finds

In another of the city, archeologists found evidence of a workshop. One side of the workshop housed a production area for mud bricks used to build temples. Archaeologists unearthed artifacts from craftsmen such as jewelers, brickmakers, and glazers as well. Evidence of their work appeared in mud bricks bearing the seal of Amenhotep III. These very bricks likely helped build several nearby temples, like the Temple of Ramses II.

The team also uncovered a vessel containing 2 gallons of dried or boiled meat (about 10 kg). It had the following inscribed on the outside: ‘Year 37, dressed meat for the third Heb Sed festival from the slaughterhouse of the stockyard of Kha made by the butcher luwy.’

This priceless discovery reveals the names of two people who called the city their home. Not only that, but it proves that the city dates back to the reign of King Amenhotep III and Akhenaten.

Furthermore, the excavation uncovered a mud seal with the inscription “gm pa Aton,” translated as “the domain of the dazzling Aten.” Hawass said that King Akhenaten named a temple at Karnak ‘Dazzling Aten.’

Archaeologists hope to uncover more about this fascinating period in Egyptian history.

The northern part of the city revealed a cemetery, but the team doesn’t yet know the extent and preservation. Stairs carved into the rock pave a path to the rock-cut tombs scattering the graveyard. Graves in the nearby Valley of the Kings have similar construction.

“Work is underway, and the mission expects to uncover untouched tombs filled with treasures,” says Hawass.

Al Jazeera reports that treasures such as Hawass describes have already been uncovered. Archaeologists have found items such as jewelry, pottery, and scarab pendants so far. Inscriptions on some artifacts tell a story about this critical period in history.

Betsy Brian, a professor of Egyptology at Johns Hopkins University, said the following:

“The discovery of the Lost City not only will give us a rare glimpse into the life of the Ancient Egyptians at the time where the Empire was at his wealthiest but will help us shed light on one of history’s greatest mystery: why did Akhenaten and Nefertiti decide to move to Amarna.”

One fact about this period in Egypt still puzzles historians. Amenhotep III’s son Akhenaten moved the capital to Amarna after he died. Historians don’t know why this occurred, but Hawass and other archaeologists hope further excavations will reveal the answer. They also want to know if the city was repopulated when Tutankhamen later moved the capital to Thebes. The inscription on the pot containing dried meat said ‘Year 37,’ a year before the citizens abandoned Aten.

As archaeologists continue excavations, we’ll likely have a much better understanding of this fascinating period in Egyptian history. The discovery could also help revitalize the tourist industry in Egypt after years of political unrest.

Final thoughts about this ancient lost city in Egypt recently discovered by archaeologists

A team of archaeologists recently uncovered the 3,000-year-old city of Aten in ancient Egypt. So far, they’ve found evidence of residential districts, a bakery, a cemetery, and a considerable workshop used for the production of bricks. Artifacts unearthed include pottery, scarab pendants, jewelry, and tools used in daily life. In the months to come, the team hopes to understand more about the events that unfolded 3,500 years ago.

The ongoing excavations could perhaps revamp tourism in Egypt, as recent events have deterred visitors. The unexpected discovery makes history and will give us a glimpse into life in ancient Egypt.

5 Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Vegan Burgers

May 2, 2021 by Power of Positivity

As the weather gets warmer, you’ll probably notice that your neighbors are firing up their grills for another exciting grilling season. You don’t have to be left out of the burger mania just because you follow a vegan lifestyle.

According to an article published by the American Dietetic Association, at least 2.5 percent of Americans identify as vegans.

Five Yummy and Easy Vegan Burger Recipes

Forget all the complicated recipes and expensive protein replacements. These recipes for simple vegan burgers are chock full of natural meat alternatives mixed with veggies and flavorful spices. Heat your grill or the stove and try these mouthwatering burgers that are vegan-friendly.

1. Tofu Barbecue Burgers

Makes: 2 servings

Ingredients:

16 ounces firm tofu, pressed overnight and halved

For Barbecue Rub:

•1 Tablespoon onion powder
•1 Tablespoon dry mustard
•Tablespoon sweet paprika
•2 teaspoons garlic powder
•¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Barbecue Sauce:

•½ cup ketchup
•1 small onion, minced
•1 large clove garlic, minced
•2 Tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
•2 Tablespoons brown sugar
•½ teaspoon prepared Barbecue rub
•1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
•1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•2 fresh hamburger buns

Directions:

•Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

•In a small bowl, add dry mustard, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, cumin, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix until dry rub is combined well and set aside.

•In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, prepare the barbeque sauce by adding ketchup, onions, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ground cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon prepared dry rub. Stir well until the mixture comes to a boil.

•Reduce heat to low and allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove saucepan from heat and allow to cool for about 5 minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until velvety smooth. Set aside.

•On a medium sheet pan lined with aluminum foil, spray a light coating of vegetable oil spray. Season both sides of tofu slices with remaining dry rub and arrange them on a prepared sheet pan. Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes on each side. Remove from oven.

•Place a saucepan with barbeque sauce over medium-high heat until it’s hot again, about 4-8 minutes. Use a meat brush to coat tofu burgers with sauce on both sides generously.

•On a griddle pan over medium-high heat, spray a thin coat of cooking spray and toast buns until golden brown. Arrange burgers on each bun and top with veggies and vegan condiments of your choice.

2. Shroom & Onion Vegan Burger

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

•4 large Portobello mushrooms
•¼ cup olive oil
•¼ cup balsamic vinegar
•1 small bunch of fresh basil, minced
•1 small bunch of fresh oregano, minced
•3 large cloves garlic, minced
•¼ teaspoon Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
•1 large white onion, sliced into ¼-inch rings
•4 vegan-friendly whole wheat burger buns
•2 large tomatoes, sliced
•1 cup fresh mixed greens

Directions:

•On a large sheet pan, arrange Portobello’s cap side up.

•In a small bowl, add 3 Tablespoons olive oil, balsamic vinegar, basil, oregano, garlic, salt & pepper. Use a whisk to combine well and pour over the mushrooms. Turn mushrooms over and use a meat brush to coat both sides well with the marinade, then flip them back to stem-side up.

•Set aside and allow mushrooms to marinate at room temperature for at least 30 minutes, uncovered.

•With about 10 minutes remaining for the marinade, prepare the caramelized onions. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining olive oil until shimmering. Add onions and sauté until soft, translucent, and golden brown, about 7-10 minutes. Transfer onions to a bowl and set aside.

•In the same skillet, arrange mushrooms and sauté until golden brown and slightly softened on the edges, about 4-6 minutes on each side. While the mushrooms sauté, brush them with remaining marinade for optimal flavor.

•Transfer shrooms to a platter. Place burger buns flat and toast in the same skillet until lightly brown, about 2-3 minutes. Place a shroom burger between each of 4 buns and top with tomato, greens, and other tasty vegan condiments.

3. Classic Chick Pea Vegan Burgers

These tasty legumes, also called garbanzo beans, are an excellent meat alternative. A study published by Journal Nutrients states that garbanzo beans are nutrient-dense and are an excellent source of fiber. Plus, they are a delicious addition to these burgers.

Makes: 6-8 servings

Ingredients:

•1 (19 ounces) can chickpeas, drained & rinsed
•1 small red onion, finely chopped
•Small zucchini, grated
•1 small bunch of fresh cilantro, chopped
•3 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
•2 Tablespoons vegan peanut butter
•1 Tablespoon sriracha sauce
•1 teaspoon garlic powder
•One teaspoon ground cumin
•½ teaspoon sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
•1 cup quick oats
•3 Tablespoons olive oil

Directions:

•Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil and set it aside.

•In a large bowl, add drained chickpeas and use a fork to mash them into a pulp.

•Add onion, zucchini, cilantro, vinegar, peanut butter, sriracha, garlic powder, cumin, salt & pepper, and oats.

•Use hands to knead ingredients until well blended. Form mixture into 6-8 equal-sized vegan burgers.

•In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil and add burgers.

•Cook until lightly brown, about 3-5 minutes on each side. Place patties on burger buns and add your favorite vegan toppings.

4. Black Beans Vegan Burger

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

•1(15 ounces) can black beans, drained & rinsed
•1 small white onion, chopped
•One large clove of garlic, minced
•1 medium carrot, grated
•One small green bell pepper, minced
•1 Tablespoon cornstarch
•1 Tablespoon warm water
•¼ cup Sriracha sauce
•1 teaspoon ground cumin
•1 teaspoon ground chili powder
•One teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
•¼ teaspoon sea salt & freshly ground black pepper
•1 cup whole wheat Panko crumbs
•¾ cup all-purpose unbleached flour

Directions:

•Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a sheet pan lightly with vegetable oil spray and set aside.

•In a large bowl, add beans and mash into a pulp. Mix in onions, garlic, carrots, and bell pepper and knead into a thin dough-like consistency.

•In a small bowl, add cornstarch, water, Sriracha, chili powder, cumin, Old Bay, salt & pepper. Whisk until thoroughly blended. Pour into bean mixture and stir until incorporated.

•Whisk the remaining ingredients together in a separate small bowl. Stir cornstarch black bean mixture to enhance thickness.

•Divide mixture into four equal mounds on a prepared sheet pan. Gently flatten them into 3/4- inch thick vegan burgers.

•Bake burgers until lightly browned and crisp and done on the inside, about 10 minutes on each side.

•Arrange burgers on whole wheat vegan buns and add toppings of your choice. You can also enjoy it without the bread and have a salad on the side.

5. White Beans Vegan Burgers

Makes: 4 servings

Ingredients:

•½ cup dry quinoa
•One cup cold water
•1 teaspoon garlic powder
•1 small bunch of fresh thyme, minced
•One teaspoon smoked paprika
•1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•14 ounce can of white beans, like cannellini, drained and rinsed
•½ cup fresh or frozen corn
•1 medium red bell pepper, seeded & finely diced
•1 small red onion, finely diced
•Medium lemon, juiced
•1/3 cup almond flour
•1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed & 3 Tablespoons water (mixed in a small bowl)
•1 teaspoon Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
•¼ cup olive oil

Directions:

•In a small bowl, mix ground flaxseed and water well and set aside.

•In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add water, quinoa, garlic powder, and half the thyme. Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid is evaporated and quinoa is tender for about 15 minutes. Turn off heat, remove the lid, and allow quinoa to rest for at least 10 minutes.

•In a large bowl, add beans and use a fork to mash about ¾ of them. Leave a few whole for texture. Now, add quinoa, onions, red bell pepper, corn, remaining thyme, paprika, cayenne, and lemon juice. Mix well.

•Add almond flour, flaxseed mix, salt & pepper, and mix well until it makes a soft dough. Divide mixture into four equal parts and form them into flattened patties about 4 inches big and ½-inch thick.

•In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Arrange patties in the skillet and cook until heated through and lightly browned, about 4-5 minutes on each side. Transfer patties to a platter.

•Build vegan burgers by placing patties between burger buns. Top with lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and any other tasty vegan condiment you prefer.

Did you know that all these quick and tasty burger recipes can be made ahead of time? Form patties and separate them with a sheet of waxed paper, then place them in the freezer. When you’re hungry for a burger, take them out of the freezer and thaw it in the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts on Easy Vegan Burger Recipes

You needn’t spend a fortune on the premade products in the grocery store. These vegan burgers use common ingredients to make delicious and healthy burgers your whole family will love. Don’t be surprised if they request them to be served on more occasions than Meatless Mondays.

10 Symptoms of A Panic Attack to Never Ignore

May 2, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Suddenly, the world around you looks different, and it’s almost as if you’re looking through a snow globe as your perception distorts. Your head is spinning, your heart is racing, and your body begins to sweat like you just ran a marathon. The symptoms of a panic attack seem overwhelming.

But could it be something else?

For example, is your anxiety causing all this discomfort?

Understanding Panic Syndrome

There are more than 2.7 million people in this country that have panic disorder, according to Anxiety Disorder Statistics. Panic and anxiety are often confused as they’re remarkably similar. You can have panic attacks when everything seems to be going great, or you can have them in during times of extreme stress.

Your body feels stress, and the fast-paced society in America does nothing to help alleviate this tension. Anxiety is a constant issue for many. It’s an ache in the pit of your stomach that makes life unbearable at times.

Panic, on the other hand, is the feeling of impending doom or a complete meltdown, which occurs when your anxiety hits an all-time high. While you may feel anxious, you still function, but the symptoms of a panic attack stop you in your tracks.

What’s so confusing with panic attack symptoms is that you don’t know whether it’s anxiety or something medically gone awry. How do you know the difference, and when should you seek help?

Symptoms Of A Panic Attack You Shouldn’t Ignore

Even experts don’t know the difference between panic and heart trouble until they run tests and do a full evaluation. After you’ve dealt with this disorder for some time, you will be able to recognize similar signs and symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms of a panic attack that you should not ignore.

1. Chest Pains

Chest pains are something that you should not take lightly, no matter what the cause. Panic can cause your muscles to restrict in this area and give you the sensation that you have a heart attack. The key is to see if the pain alleviates or goes and comes.

During a panic, the pain will last during the attack, but it should quickly subside. Also, panic is known for getting the stomach acids all churned up, which can also cause an uncomfortable sensation in your chest.

2. Difficulty Breathing

Being unable to catch your breath is a terrifying feeling, especially if it comes on suddenly. Many people hyperventilate during panic because their body’s abundance of hormones causes an upset. Remember the old trick of breathing into a bag?

Many people breathe too fast when they’re panicked, and it’s often hard to tell the difference between being short of breath and hyperventilating. Using the bag trick helps you put some of the oxygen you’ve lost back into your body. You must be careful because many people who have heart attacks or other sicknesses will often hyperventilate.

3. Sweating

Sweating is a way to cool down the body, and it’s expected when you’re working hard or in extreme heat. However, when the body is under intense fear, sweating can come on quickly, even when you’re sitting watching television.

4. Dizziness

Dizziness is always alarming as you think the worse. While many things can cause you to be dizzy, your anxiety will tell you it’s the most troubling condition like a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. Different people report feeling various things.

Some folks say that they feel as if they’re on a merry-go-round, and they can’t get off. Others have a slightly unbalanced feeling. They can still walk and move around, but they feel like their equilibrium is off.

According to the National Institute of Health, many vestibular disorders can cause vertigo or an unbalanced sensation due to an inner ear disturbance.

5. Feeling Faint or Passing Out

Feeling faint goes one step beyond dizziness. You may feel as if you’re going down, and something is pushing you to the ground. Sadly, this fear is probably all in your mind.

Conditions like vasovagal syncope can cause this feeling, but people don’t pass out with panic in most instances. According to Cedars-Sinai Hospital, those who have syncope usually regain consciousness quickly. Some cases of panic are so severe that people pass out, and relatives or friends call the squad.

However, the most common way to differentiate between the two is that panic doesn’t usually cause fainting, and syncope and other conditions will cause these frightening experiences.

6. Heart Palpitations

Heart palpitations feel like many things to different people. Some say that they think their heart is doing flip-flops, while others feel like it’s skipping a beat or off rhythm. It’s important to notate the frequencies of these occurrences and how long they last.

If you have runs of palpitations in a row, it’s essential to get emergency care. Since it’s so hard to differentiate panic from heart problems, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Stress can cause your heart to do funny things, but so can heart disease.

Also, conditions like a-fib can be a deadly situation that needs to be addressed quickly. The Mayo Clinic states that this rapid and unsteady heart rhythm can cause cardiac arrest or death if left untreated.

7. Chills

Have you ever watched a scary movie and seen an actor or actress so scared they’re shaking with fright? The same thing is happening inside your body. When you have an intense fear of panic or anxiety, it can cause your entire body to shake.

The rush of adrenaline and cortisol can cause you to feel sensations. The good news is that these shivers will quickly pass when your hormone levels go back to normal. Chills can be associated with sicknesses, too. Therefore, you must ensure it’s anxiety and not a stomach bug or the flu.

8. Unable to Move – Paralyzed

Sometimes you can get so fearful that you cannot move. The body can experience fight, flight, or freeze episodes that render you frozen. When the symptoms of a panic attack get so severe that you are catatonic or feel trapped, it’s a sign that your condition may morph into a somatoform disorder.

Somatoform disorders are a group of psychiatric conditions that are lumped into one. When you’re under such anxiety and stress that it comes out in a physical symptom, you’re experiencing conversion disorder. It’s called conversion disorder because the body is converting pressure into physical symptoms, and the most observed is a headache.

However, people can experience hysterical blindness or paralysis due to extreme levels of anxiety. According to American Family Physician, conversion disorder falls under the somatoform category.

9. Fear of Dying or Losing Control

Anxiety is often called the great pretender because it can make you think and feel things that aren’t real. One major issue that people with panic disorder face is fear of dying. Your body feels sensations that you don’t understand and are abnormal, so your first thought is that you’re going to lose control of your life is over.

Many people avoid going in public once they have panic attacks, which can morph into agoraphobia, a social anxiety disorder. Additionally, after you’ve dealt with panic for so long, you may become desensitized. For instance, you may feel impending death but shake it off due to panic.

However, something may be wrong in the body that is causing you to feel this way. Other issues, like brain cancer, can cause you to feel sensations. So don’t be so quick to dismiss things just because they follow a typical pattern.

10. Feelings of Detachment

One of the worst symptoms of a panic attack that people experience is detachment. Do you feel detached from your body during periods of strong unease? This only occurs in those who have a severe issue with anxiety, and it’s a coping mechanism from the body.

You may feel as if you’re looking at yourself from the outside or taking on an alter ego. According to the Calm Clinic, detachment can be mental, emotional, or physical.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Ten Symptoms of a Panic Attack

When you look over the list of things that happen to you during the panic, it’s truly horrifying to think that chemical imbalances and circumstances can do this to you. Since anxiety mimics so many other conditions, you can never be too sure.

While you don’t want to run to the hospital each time you have some heart palpitations or chills, you need to learn when you need to be evaluated. A panic attack’s symptoms differ for each person, and your panic can change over time.

Your attacks may start as choking sensations with a fear of impending doom and your heart racing, but years down the line, they become more or less severe with different symptoms. Thankfully, there are many holistic methods to treat both panic and anxiety so you can live a happy and worry-free life.

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