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Science Explains The Signs of Melasma (And Why It Happens)

April 15, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Once you become pregnant with your first child, your body will never be the same. Sometimes, your complexion will get dark patches called melasma.

Many people (usually females) wonder if there is anything they can do about this skin condition.

While this dermatological problem is more common in women, it can also occur in men. Another name medical experts have given it is chloasma. According to an article published by Collegium Antropologicum, this “pregnancy mask” usually affects 50-70 percent of all expectant mothers.

What Causes Melasma?

Although medical researchers and dermatologists don’t completely understand this skin condition, they believe that pregnancy hormones play a significant part in their formation. A study published by The New England Obstetrical and Gynecological Society found that oral contraceptives can also contribute to dark patches. The study also suggests that hormone replacement and sensitivity to progesterone and estrogen can be triggers.

1. Stress

According to another study published by the British Journal of Dermatology, stress might also be a risk factor for melasma. Since stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisone relate to several other health conditions, it stands to reason that it could be behind these spots. This may account for the males who have the mask too.

2. Sun Exposure

It’s not a coincidence that many people who develop dark patches notice them in places exposed to the sun. Melanocytes are specialized skin cells that control pigmentation. Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can affect these cells and cause dark splotches.

Is Hyperpigmentation the Same?

Not all hyperpigmentation is the same. It’s a general term dermatologists use to describe any skin condition that causes darker spots. This may include freckles, age spots, acne scars, and dark patches.

The difference is that these spots are usually related to pregnancy and hormones. However, some cases may be related to overexposure to the sun. It usually appears on more conspicuous places like your face, neck, shoulders, and sometimes along your hairline.

As with most types of hyperpigmentation, these spots are usually more of a cosmetic issue rather than a risk to your health. To be safe, you should have any skin condition tested to ensure you know what you have.

The Two Primary Signs of Melasma

Everyone dreams of a flawless complexion, but there’s no such thing. For many reasons, human skin gets bumps, breakouts, and disorders one time or another. However, people often worry more about moles and dark patches.

Fortunately, a pregnancy mask is a common and harmless condition. It can make you feel less confident in your appearance, though. Here are two signs that point to a case of melasma:

1. Pregnancy Mask

During the first few weeks of pregnancy, your hormones are working overtime. You may notice dark patches of skin on your cheeks, forehead, nose, or chin. These patches are usually symmetrical and may be different tones darker than your usual complexion.

2. Dark Patches on Other Areas

Any areas that are exposed to the sun can be prone to these dark patches. Some people get them on their necks and forearms. Rarely will this condition appear anywhere else? The patches may get a little darker during pregnancy.

People of all races and skin tones can develop dark spots. However, those with more melanin and darker skin may be at a higher risk. You may also be genetically predisposed if the females in your family have this condition. Also, you may notice these spots if your skin has suffered from sun damage.

How is it Diagnosed?

By conducting a visual exam of the affected areas, your healthcare provider can usually diagnose this skin condition. However, they may need to rule out more serious dermatological issues by performing more tests, which are straightforward exams that are noninvasive.

To ensure that your skin isn’t affected by fungal or bacterial infections, they may use a Wood’s lamp examination. It’s a specialized light placed against your skin to discover how deep the dark patches have developed. If your specialist suspects a more serious condition, they may remove a small piece of skin for a biopsy exam.

Is There a Cure for Dark Patches?

If you developed dark patches due to pregnancy or taking oral contraceptives, it may fade away by itself. That’s the case for many fortunate women. It might take some patience for them to fade away slowly, but it can happen.

What if your dark patches of skin don’t go away? Your healthcare provider may prescribe topical medications that can lighten the affected areas. In some cases, a dermatologist may perform dermabrasion or chemical peel to remove the upper layers of skin to make the dark patches less noticeable.

Technically, there is no real “cure” for melasma. Even if you go the extra step to have a dermatological procedure, there’s still a chance that the dark patches can reappear. Sometimes, ongoing treatments may be recommended.

Learn how raspberries are a surprising tool to fight against skin inflammation, according to doctors.

Natural Remedies to Try

Your grandmothers relied on Mother Nature for many ailments, including skin conditions. Did you know that some common ingredients in your pantry can be used to attempt to fade dark patches on your complexion effectively? Here are a few to try:

1. Lemon Juice

When women didn’t like their freckles in the past, they often used fresh lemon juice to lighten them. The same remedy can also be used for dark patches. All you need is a lemon.

The citric acid acts as a natural bleach by rubbing a halved lemon over dark patches on your skin. Used once a day, you may notice that these areas may noticeably fade. Make sure you follow by rinsing with cool water and patting your skin dry with a towel.

Research explains citric acid is the component that causes this lightening effect. It is worth a try!

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

This perennial first aid has been used for years to kill germs and fight infection. It also can be used to fade stains on your teeth or dark patches on your complexion. Dab a cotton ball into hydrogen peroxide and gently rub it over the discolored areas.

Dermatologists who offer hydrogen peroxide acne creams to their patients note that it causes skin irritation in some people.

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

In recent years, the medical community has discussed the promising health benefits of ACV. It’s a natural antimicrobial and antifungal and is loaded with antioxidants and probiotics. No wonder it is also good for your skin.

Did you know using apple cider vinegar as a skin tonic may help fade dark patches and other skin discolorations? Apply it gently on the spots with cotton balls, then rinse with cool water.

4. Raw Honey

Thank the humble honeybees for sharing their health-beneficial food. Since ancient times, people have used honey to soften and moisturize their skin. It can also be an excellent skin toner and natural spot fader.

In a small bowl, mix some raw honey with a tablespoon of water. Use cotton balls or swabs to gently apply the sweet mixture on any discolored skin patches you have. Allow it to stay on your skin for fifteen to twenty minutes, then rinse with cool water.

Honey is a proven antioxidant. So, even if the remedy does not reverse your melasma, it does support healthier skin.

Two dermatologist-recommended Tips for Coping with Dark Patches

If you belong to any of the risk categories for these spots, it may be a condition that you’ll have for life. There are no guarantees even with dermatological treatments. The good news is that there are ways you can make the dark patches less conspicuous.

1. Use Makeup

Women who have dark spots or other skin conditions may find that makeup can be a saving grace. You can find concealers, foundation creams, and powders for just about any skin tone. Most reputable cosmetic companies offer them to fit your budget.

Use a product that best matches your skin tone. Apply concealer on the dark patches with a clean brush or sponge in small dabs to create a heavy coating. Then, blend it in with your foundation for a natural look.

2. Be Sun Smart

Yes, it would help if you had fresh sunshine daily to boost your moods and help your body manufacture Vitamin K. However, there is such a thing as getting too much of a good thing. You may have developed dark patches because of years of overexposure to UV radiation from the sun.

Have you ever noticed how people look after being a life-long sunbather or frequenter of tanning salons? Their skin loses its elasticity, and it becomes prematurely wrinkled, dark, and leathery. It can also be a precursor to melasma.

Prevent any further skin damage by wearing sunscreen of at least an SPF 30-50. Remember that the sun’s UV radiation is present any season and even on overcast days. Wear broad-brimmed hats on sunny days and cover your skin with light clothing if you are outside long. Avoid the sun during peak afternoon hours.

Final Thoughts on Fixing Melasma

This skin condition may not be uncommon, but it can make you self-conscious. You may not have a positive body image in the first place. If dark patches affect your self-esteem and make you feel anxious or depressed, consider talking to a mental health provider.

Developing dark patches on your skin can be frustrating for you. Fortunately, melasma isn’t a health concern and isn’t difficult to treat. With a few natural beauty tips and discussions with your healthcare provider, a clearer complexion might be yours soon.

Hennepin County, MN Purchases a Hotel to House the Homeless

April 15, 2021 by Power of Positivity

One community stepped up to the plate and took bold measures to house the homeless. When they saw this population rising, they purchased a hotel to convert into a shelter.

In 2019, statisticians estimated that the homeless population in the United States was close to 570,000. This number has undoubtedly increased since that time, and especially during the pandemic. One community found a creative way to help house the homeless in their area. How Hennepin County demonstrated care for this often forgotten population is inspiring.

Who are the homeless in America today?

Today’s homeless people are a wide and diverse group representing different ages, family situations, and health issues. There are more homeless families in certain parts of America. One study found that more two-parent families live in the western and southern parts of the country. Many of the homeless still comprise people searching for jobs or working in low-wage jobs. They can’t make enough money to afford all the living costs like rent, clothing, food, transportation, and health care.

Today’s homeless people are uniquely different compared to the homeless in the past. Studies found that today’s homeless population include:

56% are men.
25% are women.
Approximately 20% are adolescence or families with kids.
Many suffer from chronic mental illness.
Many of the women are victims of physical or sexual assaults.
The average age is 34 to 37 years of age. Homeless women are either several years younger than the average age of men, or they are elderly.
Homeless adults typically haven’t been married.
In cities, minorities represent the largest homeless population.
49% of homeless adults have a high school diploma.
A large number of homeless are veterans.
The number of elderly who are homeless has increased over the years.

Today’s homeless population is considerably more diverse than the homeless population in the past. There are more adolescents, families with kids, young adults, and elderly individuals.

What one county did for their homeless population

Hennepin County, located just 25 miles north of Bloomington, Minnesota, has taken a dramatic step to house the homeless population in their area. When the pandemic hit, the county leased two Holiday Inns for shelters for homeless people. But the county has decided to purchase an Extended Stay America hotel on American Boulevard and Lyndale Avenue in Bloomington to house the homeless.

After purchasing the hotel, they plan to move the occupants from one Holiday Inn to this Extended Stay America. Extended Stay America is an economy hotel chain that provides apartment-like rooms for travelers. With a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom, the studio apartment will give the homeless all they need for a home.

The county will begin moving the homeless into the hotel, simultaneously stopping the use of the hotel. Hennepin County plans to house two main groups of the homeless population: the elderly and those who have pre-existing conditions that put them at a higher risk of getting Covid. They’ll continue this during the entire pandemic.

Of course, Hennepin County is committed to getting the approval it needs from the City of Bloomington to be sure they’re compliant with the laws and policies related to this project to house the homeless. They’re using CARES Act money for this purchase. Through the Coronavirus Relief Fund, the CARES Act provides financial installments to states, local and tribal governments to help with the impact of the Covid pandemic. By June 2021, the county plans to consolidate all the shelter residents into one place.

What are the main causes of homelessness?

Homelessness is a growing problem in the United States. There are a certain number of common causes, including:

Lack of affordable housing:

The average house price can be more than three times the average income. Without affordable houses in their area, people will have fewer choices where to live. They often end up choosing a place that isn’t safe or isn’t near their work, which causes them a long, expensive commute.

Declining wages:

Even though the cost of living has gone up for many people, their pay hasn’t. Because of this, it’s hard for people to cover their daily living expenses and save money for emergencies. If they have an unexpected emergency, it can wipe out everything they have. This makes them potentially vulnerable to homelessness.

Unemployment:

As wages decrease, unemployment rises. The pandemic has contributed to unemployment, but homeless people face even more problems getting a job. The reasons for unemployment include things like

No permanent address. Employees require a permanent address.
It’s hard for unsheltered people to be groomed properly for a job.
Gaps in the work history of homeless people scare employers.
The lack of a cell phone means that employers can’t call them.
No car, so getting to work on time may be hard.

Mental Illness:

People who have mental illness are also more susceptible to homelessness. Not having a stable lifestyle often makes their mental health problems worse. If these people don’t get the treatment they need, it may worsen their illness.

Substance abuse:

Like mental illness, substance abuse puts people on the streets. It’s often the reason someone has lost their job or home, giving them little choice of where to go. Sadly, without the proper treatment, if a person suffers from substance abuse, this can lead to crime, which may land the person in jail.

Domestic violence or physical abuse:

Violence against women or children often prompts them to run away from home with nowhere to go. They may live in shelters, a car, or as a last resort, the street. Experiencing the trauma of abuse can have a cyclical effect upon these people, leading them to substance abuse and homelessness down the road.

Racial discrimination:

There is a higher rate of homelessness amount people of color. According to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), blacks in the United States are three times more likely to lose their housing.

What states have the most homeless people?

The top ten states with the highest homeless population are the following:

California
New York
Florida
Texas
Washington
Massachusetts
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Georgia
Ohio

Final thoughts on finding creative solutions to house the homeless in the United States

Homelessness is a growing problem in the United States. There are various reasons people end up homeless, but the pandemic has made homelessness even worse. It’s inspiring to hear how one county has found a way to care for people struggling with homelessness. Hennepin County has demonstrated how to house the homeless, especially the elderly and those people with a pre-existing condition, with their purchase of an Extended Stay America hotel.

Hopefully, Hennepin County’s creativity to fight homelessness will inspire other communities to do the same. Homeless people deserve a chance to get the help they need, whether it’s affordable housing, better employment opportunities, or help with mental illnesses. Let’s work together to solve this difficult problem affecting so many Americans today.

20 Positive Affirmations to Help Overcome Rumination and Regret

April 15, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

If you find that your thoughts are overrun with thoughts of rumination and regret, you must find a way to overcome them. Living your life feeling weighed down by those negative emotions is no way to live happily. It can hold you back and cause problems in all areas of your life.

You don’t deserve to live a life of negativity, and there are ways to heal from it. Positive affirmation can help you overcome feelings of regret and negative thoughts of the past. By overcoming, you can live a life full of happiness, joy, peace, positivity, and hope for the future.

If you feel weighed down by regret, try using these positive affirmations to help. Using them in the morning will get you in the right mindset to get through the day. You can also use them randomly during the day to help you push away negative thoughts.

20 Positive Affirmations to Help Overcome Rumination and Regret

Figure out which time of day works best for you, and begin making these positive affirmations a regular part of your routine. You will quickly notice the positive changes that come from affirmations to help you overcome rumination.

1. I am focused on the present and enjoying my time right now.

By keeping your thoughts on what is happening in your life right now, you can quickly overcome rumination and regret. Thinking of the present will help you build relationships and create positive memories to replace the negative ones.

Don’t miss out on this time in your life because you were too busy thinking of the past. Instead, push those thoughts aside and use this affirmation to keep your thoughts where they should be.

2. I am patient with myself and understanding of my weaknesses.

Being patient with yourself is essential if you want to overcome feelings of regret. Healing takes time, and you can’t rush the process.

Understand that you aren’t perfect because no one is. You are sure to make mistakes, so be understanding of that and remember to be patient always.

3. I exhale rumination and regret, and I inhale positivity and hope for the future.

After you say this positive affirmation, make sure to act it out, too. Then you will sense that you can feel rumination and regret leaving your body as you exhale.

On the inhale, you will feel positivity and hope taking its place. As you do this each day, you will feel more positive and notice that the negative feelings ease. You

4. I am free of the things that I regret from my past.

When you tell yourself that you are free of the things you regret, you will feel it leaving you. It won’t happen all at once, but you will notice it lifting a little more each day. Use the affirmation each morning to get yourself going on the right foot as you begin your day.

5. I will not let regret hold me back.

If you are feeling rumination and regret, you won’t want to move forward in your life. You can’t stay stuck in the same place forever, though. This positive affirmation will help get you moving when you feel like you can’t do something. You will never know until you give it a shot, and trying will help you overcome your negativity.

6. I am on the right track, and my future is promising.

No matter what has happened in the past, you are on the right track now. As long as you are always working toward a goal, your future is promising. Use this affirmation to reaffirm you are on the right path, and it will help you stay there.

7. I let go of self-judgment and focus on the positives.

Judging yourself will never get you anywhere. It will leave you stuck in the same place all of the time, and you will have a constant feeling of regret. If you find yourself getting sucked into self-judgment, repeat this affirmation until your mindset changes.

8. I am exactly where I am supposed to be, and I am grateful for that.

Life has a way of working out for the best, so rest assured that you are where you need to be. You wouldn’t be where you are or have the life you do if anything had been different. Be grateful for what has happened because it led you to where you are and the person you have become.

9. I am at peace with the things that have happened.

When you can find peace with the past, you will overcome rumination and regret. Accept what has happened because you can’t change it now. Then, find peace so that you don’t have to feel this way anymore.

10. I am compassionate with myself as I work to heal.

Show yourself sympathy and concern as you work to overcome and heal. When you are compassionate with yourself, you will feel much better, and the negativity won’t take over so much.

11. I know I am overcoming this feeling a little more every day.

As each new day comes, you will feel a little better. Keep on being positive, moving forward, and doing your best each day. You will get stronger and heal more all of the time.

12. I replace all negative thoughts with positive ones.

Repeat this affirmation each morning to help you get started on positivity right away. This reminder to think positively will help you take a step forward each day. Plus, you can use this positive affirmation throughout the day as needed, too.

Use it anytime you feel the need, and then follow it up with a positive thought. Before you know it, you won’t negatively think of the past anymore. Your thoughts will be more focused on the present, positive situations.

13. I am proud of the person I have become.

When you can be proud of yourself, you won’t feel like you can’t overcome rumination and regret. Being proud of who you are right now can make all the difference when it comes to healing. Use this affirmation to remind yourself of all that you have to be proud of.

14. I let go of feelings of regret and guilt.

When you permit yourself to let go of these negative feelings, it will be easier to do. Sometimes you will find yourself holding onto guilt simply because you feel guilty.

Don’t hold onto it because it isn’t doing anything beneficial for you. Instead, use this affirmation to help you release feelings of regret and guilt.

15. I no longer have regrets because I learned lessons along the way.

Think of all of the lessons you have learned with every mistake you have made. You are a different, wiser person because of your past. Sometimes the wisdom you gain is a benefit that can help you overcome regret.

16. I am moving forward with pure intentions.

It doesn’t matter what has happened in the past as long as you have pure intentions moving forward. With pure intentions, you can feel good no matter what you are doing. Remember this as you go through your day and use this affirmation to solidify it in your mind.

17. I am in control of my thoughts, and my mind is clear and focused.

You are the only person that can control your thoughts. Whether they are negative or positive, the decision is yours to make. Remember that you have control of your mindset and that you have a clear and focused mind always.

18. I forgive myself for any mistakes I have made.

It is a normal part of life to make mistakes, and it is truly the only way you can learn. Forgive yourself for any mistakes you think you have made, and it will help you overcome. If you can forgive yourself, the rumination and regret won’t overtake your thoughts as often.

19. I am letting go of all that has hurt me and looking forward to peace and love.

Sometimes the things you regret the most are the things you had no control over. You will find yourself thinking if you had done things differently, someone wouldn’t have hurt you.

Let go of those thoughts because they won’t do you any good and won’t change anything that happened. Instead, as you let go of what has hurt you, envision the peace and love you can find now.

20. I permit myself to heal from the things that happened in the past.

You have to permit yourself to heal before the process can begin. Holding onto the pain won’t help you make any progress with healing. Tell yourself that it is okay to heal, and you will find that you begin to overcome thoughts of the past and regrets.

Final Thoughts on Using Positive Affirmations to Defeat Rumination and Regret

Don’t continue living your life feeling weighed down by rumination and regret. Instead, find a way to overcome those negative feelings. These positive affirmations can help you heal as you move forward in life once again.

These affirmations will help you overcome, and they will help you prevent regrets later on, too. Make sure that you are living your best life so that you can be happy, joyful, and positive.

7 Quad Stretches to Improve Flexibility and Strength

April 14, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Tight quadriceps are a common cause of knee pain, lower back pain, and pelvic pain as they reduce flexibility. It can also cause you to lose your balance easier. If you suffer from any of those issues, you can use quad stretches to improve your flexibility and make your body feel better.

Your quads are made up of four muscles in the front of your thigh. This group of muscles between your hip and knee is one of the strongest groups of muscles in your body. It is common for your quads to become tight because they are overworked compared to the muscles on the back of your thigh.

When you use quad stretches to improve flexibility, it can help reduce knee pain because your knee will straighten properly. Quad stretches can prevent injuries, too, because muscle tightness makes the risk higher. If you participate in activities such as kicking or running, doing quad stretches is even more essential.

7 Quad Stretches to Improve Flexibility

Since your quads are made up of four different muscles, different stretches are essential. If you feel like your quads are tight, give these stretches a shot and see which ones feel good for you. As a bonus, most of the quad stretches discussed help, other muscle groups, too.

1. Lunges

A couple of types of lunges can improve your flexibility, including kneeling lunges and runner’s lunges. Both types stretch your quads while also stretching your hips. The position you choose is entirely up to your preference, and they are both just as effective.

Kneeling Lunge

When making a kneeling lunge, you start in a standing position. Then, using your right foot, take a step back before lowering your knee to the ground. Your left knee should be at a 90-degree angle while your right knee is on the ground.

Once you are in this position, lean forward, stretching your right leg. As you do this, make sure that your left knee stays behind your toes.

Don’t stop leaning forward until you can’t go any further. Then, hold that position for up to 30 seconds before switching legs and doing it again.

If you want to intensify the level of stretching in your quad as you lunge, then try slightly lifting your back foot. It will cause a deeper, more effective stretch. Raise your foot as high as you are comfortable lifting it.

Runner’s Lunge

For this stretch, you will want to start in a plank position, keeping your hands directly below your shoulders. Step forward with your right foot until it is right on the outside of your right hand. Let your hips and back sink toward the ground and hold the position for 30 seconds.

Focus on your breathing as you hold the position. Once the time is up, switch sides, moving your right foot back and your left foot forward.

2. Supported Hero’s Pose

This stretch helps relieve tension in your quads while helping you relax. You will need something to support your back, such as a yoga block, pillow, or something else. Starting on your knees, place the item between your feet so that it is behind you.

Once the item is in position, lean backward, resting your lower back and hips on it. Lift your chest and hold the position for at least 30 seconds. As you get more comfortable with this stretch, make the item you are using higher.

Not only does this stretch benefit the quad and improve flexibility, but it also does the following:

stretches chest
relieves stress
eases depression
improves digestion
stimulates abdominal organs
relieves discomfort caused by cramps
stimulates the thyroid gland
stretches the entire length of your spine

3. The Quad Stretch

The quad stretch is a simple stretch that you can do in a few different ways. Depending on the position you prefer, you are sure to find one of these quad stretches that you like.

Standing Quad Stretch

This stretch can be done easily throughout the day since it doesn’t require anything special, and you don’t have to get on the ground. To begin, stand with your feet together and raise one leg behind you, bending your knee. Keep your thigh positioned in front of your body, and then use your arm to hold your foot up near your bottom.

Your other foot should be directly under your hip, making it easy to reach your foot with your hand without twisting your body. Once you are in this position, extend your quad until you notice a comfortable stretch. Hold it for about 20 seconds, then switch sides and repeat.

Side-Lying Quad Stretch

This stretch is similar to the standing quad stretch. It is essentially done the same way, only lying on your side instead of standing up. Start by lying on your right side with your legs stacked together, one on top of the other. Use your hand to prop up your head, making sure to point your elbow straight ahead.

Then, pull one foot up toward your bottom and hold it with your foot. Extend your thigh by shifting it back a little. Hold the position for 20 seconds before switching sides.

This quad stretch not only improves flexibility in your quads, but it addresses all aspects of your leg. It stretches your hip, thigh, calf, and even your foot.

Kneeling Quad Stretch

Doing this stretch in the kneeling position can help loosen your muscles above the knee joint. Easing the tension in those muscles promotes increased mobility, prevents knee pain, and reducing any knee pain you are already experiencing.

You will begin in a lunging position, with your right foot forward. Then, lower your left knee to the floor and balance in that position. Once you feel stable, reach back using your left arm and hold on to your ankle or toes.

Stay in this position for around 30 seconds, and push a little further if you can. Switch sides and repeat the process, holding for another 30 seconds.

4. Butterfly Stretch

As you use this quadriceps stretch to improve flexibility, you will also release tension in your hips, quads, and lower back. To start, sit down with your knees bent and feet directly in front of you on the floor. Then, turn your feet, bringing the soles together while allowing your knees to go out to each side.

Put your hands on your ankles or feet and lean forward, pushing your thighs open wider. As you lean forward, lengthen your spine, fold forward, and relax. Stay in the position for at least 30 seconds before releasing.

5. The Frog Pose

This stretch not only stretches your quads, but it stretches your gluteus maximus, arms, chest, and shoulder blades, as well. To begin, lay on your stomach and prop yourself up on your elbows. Then, bend your knees and reach back to hold your feet.

When you grab your feet, you should already feel your body stretching. Try to have your fingers pointing the same way as your toes and elbows pointed toward the ceiling. Then, using your chest, push up as high as possible and hold it for five breaths.

6. Child’s Pose

If your muscles are sore, this stretch will help you relax while releasing tightness in your quads. Not only does it ease tension in your quads but in your hips and lower back, as well.

To do this stretch, start on your hands and knees before separating your knees away from each other. Bring your toes together while keeping your knees apart.

Sit back on your heels and walk your hands out above your head until you feel your sides stretch. Then, rest your forehead on the ground in front of you. Hold this pose for at least 60 seconds, keeping your arms and shoulders relaxed.

7. Prone Quad Stretch

Start by laying on your stomach with your legs extended and your feet hip-distance apart. Using your elbows and forearms, prop yourself up and keep your elbows aligned with your shoulders. Don’t move your upper body during the stretch, aside from the one arm you will be using.

Starting with the left side, bend your knee and pull your foot toward your bottom. Use your left hand to hold your foot or ankle to keep it stretched tight. Your knee should always be pointing straight down toward the bottom of your mat if you’re using one.

Once you feel your quad stretching, hold the stretch for up to 30 seconds. Release the left side and then switch to the right side. Repeat this process three times.

Final Thoughts on Quad Stretches to Improve Flexibility

When your quadriceps are tight, it is likely causing you pain or discomfort. These quad stretches can improve your flexibility, helping your knee bend properly and preventing pain or injury.

Whether you are an athlete or just someone who wants to reduce or prevent knee pain, these quad stretches can work for you. They will help you improve balance, flexibility and range of motion while helping you physically feel better.

Start Your Day with This Creamy Overnight Oatmeal Pudding

April 14, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Overnight oatmeal pudding may sound strange, but we guarantee it makes the best breakfast ever. It combines two delicious foods, oatmeal, and pudding, to make a creamy creation that we think you’ll love. We’re all about experimenting with new ways to enjoy our favorite foods, and this definitely exceeded our expectations. If you’ve grown tired of the same old eggs and toast for breakfast, why not try something new?

Oatmeal pudding requires a little preparation, but when you taste this recipe, you’ll thank yourself for putting in the effort. We will give you three different recipes for this mouth-watering twist on traditional oatmeal for breakfast.

Have dessert for breakfast with this creamy overnight oatmeal pudding (3 ways)

What you’ll need:

A large pot
Spoon
Saran wrap
Two small bowls
Small plate
Blender

Ingredients:

1/3 cup quick oats
1 mashed medium ripe banana
3/4 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla
1 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp yogurt
One tbsp maple syrup
Shaved dark chocolate

How to make the chocolate banana oatmeal pudding:

Pour the quick oats into the pot, then add the banana, milk, vanilla, and cocoa powder. Cook on medium, then bring to a boil. Stir frequently to make sure all ingredients combine thoroughly.
Now, get out a small bowl and line the bottom and sides with saran wrap. Spoon the oatmeal into the bowl and refrigerate overnight.
The next day, grab a small plate and flip the oatmeal upside down on the plate. Remove the saran wrap.
In another small bowl, mix the yogurt and maple syrup along with another tsp of vanilla. Stir with a spoon until creamy and completely blended.
Pour over the oatmeal, and top with shaved dark chocolate. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/2 cup strawberries
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup quick oats
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 cup chopped strawberries
1 tbsp yogurt
1 tbsp milk
1/2 tsp vanilla

How to make the strawberry oatmeal pudding:

Blend the strawberries, milk, and water thoroughly. Pour in the large pot.
Add in the quick oats and tsp of vanilla. Stir and bring to a boil.
Once you have a creamy, thick consistency, stir in the chopped strawberries.
Line your small bowl with saran wrap, and transfer the oatmeal to the bowl.
Refrigerate overnight, then flip it over onto a plate and remove the saran wrap the next day.
Then, in a small bowl, mix the yogurt, milk, and vanilla with a spoon.
Pour the “pudding” over the oatmeal and garnish with strawberries if you’d like. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup quick oats
1 tbsp chia seeds
3/4 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla
2 tbsp yogurt
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tbsp maple syrup

How to make chia cinnamon oatmeal pudding:

First, add the quick oats, chia seeds, milk, vanilla, yogurt, and cinnamon to the large pot.
Bring to a boil.
Line your small bowl with saran wrap, and transfer the oatmeal to the bowl. Refrigerate overnight.
Flip onto the plate the next morning and remove the saran wrap.
In a smaller bowl, mix the other tbsp of yogurt, 1/2 tsp cinnamon, and tbsp maple syrup. Blend with a spoon until fully combined.
Pour over your overnight oatmeal and garnish with chopped nuts if you’d like. Enjoy!

These oatmeal pudding recipes will provide you with a healthy, nutritious breakfast that tastes amazing as well.

Health benefits of oatmeal

Not only are oats gluten-free, but they’re also packed with essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. In a half-cup of dry oats, you’ll get over 100% of your daily recommended intake of manganese. It also provides 13 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 8 grams of fiber.

It’s high in the following nutrients as well:

Phosphorus: 41% of the RDI
Magnesium: 34% of the RDI
Copper: 24% of the RDI
Iron: 20% of the RDI
Zinc: 20% of the RDI
Folate: 11% of the RDI
Vitamin B1 (thiamin): 39% of the RDI
Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid): 10% of the RDI
Oats contain a group of antioxidants called avenanthramides, which are found almost exclusively in oats. This antioxidant helps to lower blood pressure and inflammation.
Oats contain a high amount of a soluble fiber called beta-glucan. It partially dissolves in water and forms a thick, gel-like substance in the gut. This powerful fiber can reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels, improve gut bacteria, and increase satiety.
Oats work to fight obesity since they keep you fuller longer. The beta-glucan in oatmeal triggers peptide YY (PYY) release, a hormone produced in the gut during digestion. This satiety hormone increases fullness, reducing calorie intake and preventing obesity.
Oatmeal helps to reduce constipation due to the high fiber content. In one study, 59% of elderly patients stopped using laxatives after consuming oat bran daily for three months.

Overall, oats have incredible health benefits and have been a staple in many cultures for centuries. Because of their calorie density and impressive nutrient profile, oats provide a well-rounded, healthy breakfast.

Making the oatmeal pudding only adds to the health benefits since yogurt contains essential proteins and fat. In particular, Greek yogurt is a powerhouse of nutrients and has 40% of your recommended daily protein in 8 ounces. It’s popular with people following low-carb diets since most sugars are removed in the straining process.

Final Thoughts: These overnight oatmeal pudding recipes will make you look forward to breakfast

Since you have to make part of the recipe the night before, a delicious breakfast will await you the next morning. You can choose any of the suggestions above or come up with your own oatmeal pudding recipes. In general, you’ll want to combine some fruit, milk, and yogurt with the oats to make them creamy.

It’s basically like having dessert for breakfast because of the sweeteners, making the first meal of the day even better. It even looks sort of like a sweet treat, so for anyone who despises breakfast, this may change your mind! Let us know how you liked it in the comments.

15 Behaviors That Can Help You Release Repressed Emotions

April 14, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Having repressed emotions is one of the heaviest loads you will carry in this life. Do you have emotional baggage that you cannot seem to get over? When the past binds you, you can’t move on to your future and purpose for your existence.

Your past is not a prison sentence. So why do you let it keep you chained? Alas, there are ways to get rid of all these negative repressed emotions so that you can be happier and live a healthy life. If you think it’s impossible to let go of past feelings, you need to retrain your brain to think and respond differently.

Fifteen Ways to Get Rid of Repressed Emotions

If you’re ready to make some changes, you should know that it’s not going to be easy, but it can be done. Some people find comfort in self-pity because it gives them an excuse not to move on or do something about the situation.

Today can be a fresh start by developing some new behaviors and habits that will transform your life. Here are the 15 best ways to help you get rid of these pent-up emotions.

1. Laugh More

Have you ever been around someone jolly? Happy people often smile, laugh constantly, and are a pleasure to be around.

Do you know what else is so unique about these happy folks? They have an infectious personality. It’s hard to feel down when you’re laughing, and when you smile, you help push the negativity away.

2. Cry It Out

Many people thought that crying is a sign of weakness in previous times. However, psychology has proved that this is untrue. Having a good sobbing session can be very cleansing for the soul.

When you release all those repressed emotions, you’re letting go of things that are troubling you.

3. Seek Counseling

When the emotional load that you carry is too heavy, it helps to talk with someone. Counseling is an excellent tool because it gives you a third-party opinion. Having someone from the outside looking in can help you to put things into perspective.

4. Stop Overthinking

Do you tend to overthink things? Stop overanalyzing all the little insignificant details. If your spouse cheated on you, then you may beat yourself up with thoughts of what you could have done differently to change the situation.

Stop blaming yourself for things out of your control. Sure, your relationship might not have been the greatest, but it’s never a reason to cheat on someone. When you overthink each little detail, it will drive you mad.

5. Exercise

When you feel stressed out or emotional about your life, then work it out in the gym. Did you know that burning calories and sweating can also help to make you feel better? Harvard Health Publishing did an article on how moving can improve depression.

Even if you take the stairs instead of the elevator at work, it can dramatically impact you. Exercise is the key to mental health, and now many studies back up these claims. The key to working out those repressed emotions is to move your body more.

6. Journaling to Get Out Repressed Emotions

Journaling has been done in some methods since the beginning of time. While you don’t need to carve your life’s occurrences into rock walls anymore, it’s beneficial to write things down. Use your pen and paper to get out those repressed feelings that keep you from fulfilling your purpose.

If you’re having a difficult time, then journal about it. When you write in a journal, you’re getting out all those negativities without involving anyone else. Remember having a diary as a kid to write to the diary your deepest and darkest secrets?

Well, journaling is the same thing as the treasured diary you kept as a child.

7. Meditate

Meditation is a beautiful way to help clear your mind of the negativity that holds you down. When you meditate, you’re freeing your mind of all the sadness that keeps you from going forward. The good news is that you can meditate anywhere when you feel overwhelmed by your emotions.

If you’re driving down the road and sobbing due to past hurts, pull over to the side and meditate to get yourself under control. It’s best to use guided meditation until you learn how to do it without a guide, which will come with time.

8. Practice Forgiveness

Has someone hurt you so deeply that you can’t get over it? Try forgiving them rather than blaming them. When you forgive, you release the event that was done to you to move on with your life. Forgiveness isn’t about them; it’s about finding healing for you.

9. Ask for Forgiveness

Maybe the events from your life have caused you to do something you regret. When you have hurt others with your words or actions, then you need to ask for forgiveness. Your activities often keep you from moving forward as you live in regret, but you must learn to forgive yourself.

10. Try Symbolic Cleansing

Symbolic cleansings are extremely popular for many reasons. To do such a ritual, write a letter to the person or circumstances that keep you captive. Once the letter is written, go outside and burn it while asking the Universe for help in overcoming these matters.

Many people say that they feel a release when they do these cleansing rituals. There are other methods to do these cleansings, such as putting a letter in a time capsule and burying it.

11. Turn Your Focus to Positive Things

If you dwell on the negative things all the time, then you will be a negative person. However, if you focus on positive things, then you will have a more optimistic outlook. It takes real work to see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty, but you can retrain your brain to have a positive outlook.

12. Learn to Let It Go

Stop beating yourself up over past mistakes. If you allow some situations, it will destroy you. Repressed feelings can eat away at your well-being like cancer. However, it would help if you learned to let things go.

When old thoughts or feelings come creeping in, you need to counteract them with something positive. When your mind starts wandering to areas you want to release, then remind yourself that you don’t live there anymore, and you’ve moved on. Stop whining over spilled milk. Clean up the mess, release it was a common mistake, and move on.

13. Plan for a Future From Repressed Emotions

When you stop dwelling on the past, then you can look to the future. One ancient writing wrote that when people don’t have a vision, they perish. If you can’t look beyond your current situation to the future, then you will become stagnated.

Have you ever seen a body of water that has no movement? This is often observed down south in the bayous. The water collects and doesn’t get enough oxygen, so it becomes stagnated. You will see it turn green as bacteria and other fungi gather.

Your soul is much like this water. If you don’t make plans and have some movement, you will become stale and exist. Not much life thrives in these swamp waters because it’s not fit for habitation.

Having a dream and a vision for your future refreshes you and gives you a reason to keep going.

14. Create a Positive Mantra

Developing a positive mantra is an excellent way to release repressed emotions and become a new you. Start by changing your attitude. Did you know that one year equals 365 possibilities, and those are further chances to do something different?

When self-doubt fills your mind, use a positive mantra to combat it. Say things like:

“No lazy artist ever made a masterpiece.”
“When I step out of my comfort zone, I will accomplish great things.”
“The biggest journey in my life begins with one small step.”

A mantra is not only something you quote, but it’s something you learn to live by.

15. Engage in Self-Care

Self-care is so essential to your overall well-being. You need to take care of yourself, and you need to be good at your job, parenting, and relationships. According to an article written about this topic by Southern New Hampshire University, when you engage in self-care, you lower your risks of heart disease and burnout.

Final Thoughts on Letting Go of Repressed Feelings

Unsettled emotions get imprisoned in your body where they grow and worsen, depleting your strength, leading to exhaustion, emotional disparity, and ultimately illness. When you habitually suppress emotions, you generate toxicity in the mind and body. You’re an emotional creature by design, and you need to let these feelings escape.

How many times did your parents tell you that you needed to be seen and not heard? It would be best if you learned to let go of past emotions to live a happy and healthy life.

Baylor Study Finds Amino Acids that Improve Cognition in Older Adults

April 14, 2021 by Power of Positivity

A clinical trial performed by Baylor College of Medicine researchers found that certain amino acids improve cognition in older adults. In the pilot human trial, the researchers examined the effect of supplementation with GlyNAC. This is a combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine, precursors of the natural antioxidant glutathione. They found that these amino acids could improve muscle strength and cognition and promote healthy aging in older adults.

Published in the journal Clinical and Translational Medicine, the study found that older adults saw improvements in many age-related defects. When taking GlyNAC for 24 weeks, volunteers in the study had better markers in the following areas:

glutathione deficiency;
oxidative stress;
mitochondrial dysfunction;
inflammation;
insulin resistance;
endothelial dysfunction;
body fat;
genomic toxicity;
muscle strength;
gait speed;
exercise capacity and;
cognitive function.

After the study…

However, the benefits started to wane after volunteers stopped taking the supplements for 12 weeks. During the study period, volunteers responded positively to the supplementation.

“There is limited understanding as to why these defects occur in older humans, and effective interventions to reverse these defects are currently limited or lacking,” said corresponding author endocrinologist Dr. Rajagopal Sekhar, associate professor of medicine in the Section of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism at Baylor.

For the last two decades, Sekhar and his team have studied the reasons for age-related defects in humans and mice. They have found that mitochondria, which power the cell’s biochemical reactions, along with free radicals and glutathione, particularly impact aging.

How mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to aging

Mitochondria provide energy to the cells, burning fat and sugar from foods to generate this energy. Having poor mitochondrial health directly leads to aging and the many problems associated with it. Sekhar believes that improving mitochondrial health holds the key to reversing or slowing down aging.

When the mitochondria supply energy, they produce waste byproducts called free radicals. These molecules have been known to cause cancer, as they damage cells, membranes, lipids, proteins, and DNA. Antioxidants such as glutathione, the most prevalent antioxidant in our bodies, work to eliminate these harmful free radicals. If these molecules don’t become neutralized, they can cause oxidative stress, which therefore impairs mitochondria function.

Researchers have observed that older people have consistently higher oxidative stress levels and lower glutathione levels than young people. However, animal studies performed by Sekhar’s team have found that GlyNAC supplementation can increase glutathione while lowering oxidative stress. They also observed that mitochondrial function totally improved in the aged mice taking GlyNAC.

“In previous work, we showed that supplementing HIV patients with GlyNAC improved multiple deficits associated with premature aging observed in those patients,” Sekhar said. “In this study, we wanted to understand the effects of GlyNAC supplementation on many age-associated defects in older adults.”

The study showed that GlyNAC improved cognition and other defects in aging

As the world’s population ages, age-related diseases continue to rise. Current scientific research has pinpointed nine hallmark defects that experts believe cause unhealthy aging.

“It is believed that correcting these aging hallmarks could improve or reverse many age-related disorders and help people age in a healthier way,” Sekhar said. “However, we do not fully understand why these hallmark defects happen, and there are currently no solutions to fix even a single hallmark defect in aging.”

However, Sekhar’s trial results show promise, as GlyNAC supplementation for 24 weeks improved four out of nine aging defects. To gain more insight into how GlyNAC could help mitochondria fully recover, the team conducted a pilot clinical trial.

“We worked with eight older adults 70 to 80 years of age, comparing them with gender-matched younger adults between 21 and 30 years old,” Sekhar said. “We measured glutathione in red-blood cells, mitochondrial fuel-oxidation, plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress and oxidant damage, inflammation, endothelial function, glucose and insulin, gait-speed, muscle strength, exercise capacity, cognitive tests, gene-damage, glucose-production and muscle-protein breakdown rates and body composition. Before taking GlyNAC, all these measurements were abnormal in older adults when compared with those in younger people.”

The team instructed the older adults to take GlyNAC for 24 weeks and then stop for 12 weeks. Sekhar and his team took measurements at the halfway point (12 weeks) and after the 24 week period. They repeated these measurements after participants stopped taking GlyNAC for 12 weeks as well.

“We are very excited by the results,” Sekhar said. “After taking GlyNAC for 24 weeks, all these defects in older adults improved and some reversed to the levels found in young adults.” The researchers found that the volunteers tolerated the supplement well throughout the study period. However, the benefits started to decrease after participants ceased taking the supplement.

“I am particularly encouraged by the improvements in cognition and muscle strength,” Sekhar said. “Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) are serious medical conditions affecting memory in older people and leading to dementia, and there are no effective solutions for these disorders. We are exploring the possibility that GlyNAC could help with these conditions by conducting two pilot randomized clinical trials to test whether GlyNAC supplementation could improve defects linked to cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease and in MCI and possibly improve cognitive function.”

“The overall findings of the current study are highly encouraging,” Sekhar said. “They suggest that GlyNAC supplementation could be a simple and viable method to promote and improve healthy aging in older adults. We call this the ‘Power of 3’ because we believe that it takes the combined benefits of glycine, NAC, and glutathione to reach this far-reaching and widespread improvement. We also have completed a randomized clinical trial on supplementing GlyNAC vs. placebo in older adults, and those results will be forthcoming soon.”

Final thoughts on learning how researchers determined certain amino acids improve cognition in older adults

A groundbreaking study from Baylor College of Medicine found that older adults supplementing with glycine and N-acetylcysteine had markedly improved health. These amino acids are the precursor to the natural antioxidant glutathione, the main ingredient in the GlyNAC supplement. Researchers noted that adults supplementing with GlyNAC for 24 weeks had better cognition along with many other improvements. These findings may lead to better treatments for age-related diseases in the future.

15 Habits That Cause You to Attract Toxic Love (and What to Do Instead)

April 14, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Everyone longs for love, and many people seek to be in a fulfilling relationship. However, there are some instances when a relationship can become toxic. If you see these warning signs early, you can avoid toxic love and free your mind and heart to attract the love you truly deserve.

While the toxic person in the relationship is the one exhibiting negative behavior, there may be some habits you have to let go of so you can protect yourself from relationship danger.

“There are those whose primary ability is to spin wheels of manipulation. It is their second skin and without these spinning wheels, they simply do not know how to function.” ~C. JoyBell C

These Fifteen Things Might Attract Toxic Love into Your Life

Here are 15 habits that are causing you to attract toxic love.

1. You Don’t Point Out Changes in Behavior

One of the warning signs to look out for is your partner’s behavior. When someone is trying to manipulate you, they may be kind and charming until they get what they want from you. Observe your partner and see if they still show affection toward you after a disagreement or once you don’t honor their requests.

Don’t make excuses for your partner’s actions if they stop talking to you for long periods or start speaking harshly to you every time you express your opinion or don’t measure up to their expectations, no matter how small they may be. Make your observations known and make it clear that you don’t appreciate being manipulated.

2. You Allow People to Play Mind Games with You

Some people are so desperate to maintain a relationship that they accept toxic love in the form of mind games. You may not realize that your manipulative partner is trying to play with your mind and how you see reality. However, if you find that your partner starts leaving out details when explaining things to you or twists the truth when they are backed into a corner, they try to make you think that you’re crazy.

In an article in Psychology Today, Preston Ni, M.S.B.A. explains that this tactic intentionally balances the power in any relationship.

This manipulation is a control tactic that toxic people try to use to avoid apologizing or acknowledging unhealthy behavior. Ignoring these mind games is just one of the bad habits that will attract toxic people to you.

3. You Allow Your Partner to Control the Relationship

Over time, you may find that your partner is not satisfied unless they are in control. This is unhealthy for a relationship since you are supposed to work together to achieve fulfillment in your union and various parts of your life.

While it is normal to let your partner have the spotlight sometimes, especially when they celebrate a special moment in their lives, your significant other may be toxic if they always find a way to focus on them, even when it should be on you.

If your partner always feels that they know what is best for you and has a tantrum any time, you don’t want to do things their way. If you feel like you can never win with your partner, you’re likely dealing with a controlling individual.

4. You Don’t Call Your Partner Out for Being Unreliable

When you feel like you can’t depend on your partner, you may be experiencing toxic love. Don’t be so focused on being in a relationship that you excuse your partner’s behavior when they don’t show up for you. If your significant other never “have the time” to do favors for you but expects you to meet all their desires or doesn’t attend events that are important to you, this could be a sign that they are trying to get you to plead for their attention.

While it is natural to forget something your partner has asked you to do every once in a while, you shouldn’t accept this excuse every time your significant other proves to be unreliable.

5. You Stay In Relationships Longer Than You Should

You may feel that if you’ve been with your partner for a long time, you have to stay in the relationship because you’re invested. If your significant other senses this and is toxic, they may continue to verbally abuse or manipulate you since they know you won’t end the relationship.

After all, if you have children together and share a home and finances, it is more difficult to break free. In some cases, toxic partners will break up with you. Once they see that you have finally accepted the end of the relationship, they will rekindle things, which puts you in an unhealthy relationship cycle.

6. You Change Who You Are

Relationships are about compromise, but you shouldn’t become a different person just because you have a significant other. You want someone who loves you for who you are, and if you want to avoid attracting toxic love, you can change who you are just for the sake of a relationship.

The right person will appreciate your authenticity and help you grow mentally and spiritually.

7. You Give Too Much

One of the red flags you should look for when you enter into a relationship is a person that expects you to do all the giving. It’s important to share and be open in a relationship, but your partner should do the same.

If you’re always the one who has to compromise and your partner is never willing to bend, you are likely dealing with a manipulator. So set those boundaries, and don’t feel guilty for doing so.

8. You Try Too Hard to Protect Yourself

If you’ve been in a toxic relationship before, you may be very guarded in your dealings with others. You may come across as arrogant or closed off before you’re afraid of being hurt again. Toxic people can sense this and will often pursue you so you can feel even worse about yourself.

It’s important to take time to heal before getting into another relationship so you can be wise without giving off undesirable energy.

9. You’re Scared to Tell the Truth

To have a loving and satisfying connection, you must be honest with your partner. If you’re afraid to tell the truth, because you’re afraid that your partner will be violent or unwilling to hear you out, this is one of the warning signs that you may be in a toxic relationship.

Even if your partner feels irritated by what you have to say, you shouldn’t be scared to speak up.

10. You Allow Your Partner to Complain Too Much

A report in Psych Central warns,

“Over time chronic complaining will destroy nearly any relationship.”

When you do something nice for your partner or make a special effort to ensure their happiness, it is wonderful to expect them to be grateful.

When you work hard to make your relationship enjoyable, you shouldn’t allow your partner to constantly criticize you and make you feel that you can’t do anything right. After all, your significant other should make you feel better about yourself, not worse.

11. You Take the Blame for Your Partner

Do you find that you accept the blame for your significant other’s actions? According to Christine Carter, Ph.D. with the University of California Berkeley, you should definitely watch for this red flag. You may be so afraid that your partner will leave if they have to be accountable for their actions. This can cause you to excuse unacceptable things.

If you’re taking responsibility for your mistakes, your partner should as well.

12. You’ve Lost Your Passion for Life

If you’ve been ridiculed by past lovers or family members about the things you’re passionate about, you may try to suppress these things when you get into a new relationship. Being in a toxic relationship can cause you to disregard the things that are important to you.

You must regain your love of the hobbies and causes that make you who you are; it will remind you that you’re unique and should be treated with care.

13. You Always Seem to Seek Approval

We all want our partners to understand and connect with us on a deep, mental, and intimate level. However, it would help if you always weren’t looking for approval from others, including your partner. When a toxic person knows that you crave their approval, they will mentally and verbally abuse you to make themselves feel powerful.

Strive to be secure in who you are so you won’t attract toxic people.

14. You Don’t Have Faith In Yourself

When you don’t believe you are a wonderful person with great things to offer the world, you’ll be more likely to stay in an unhealthy relationship. When you have confidence in yourself, which is the ability to embrace and improve on your flaws, showcase the best parts of who you are, you can attract confident people and sense when someone doesn’t mean you well.

15. You Are Afraid to Be Alone

If you are a person who thrives on the idea of being with someone, this could be one of the bad habits that keep connecting you with toxic love.

We all have a natural desire for connection, but you have to be comfortable being alone. This will teach you valuable things about who you are and what you require in a relationship. Spending quality time alone also helps you be honest about what you can give to your partner.

Final Thoughts: Your Habits May Attract Toxic Love

There are several signs that point to toxic love in your relationship. If you are always trying to excuse your partner’s bad behavior or find that you’re always attracting people who don’t have your best interest in mind, keep these red flags in mind to avoid unhealthy relationships in the future. You’ll find that you have more peace of mind and will finally attract the satisfying relationship you desire.

20 Body Positive Quotes to Help You Accept Yourself As Is

April 14, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

It can be hard to accept yourself as is, but you can make it happen with a little help from body positive quotes. With self-acceptance, you can be more confident and surer of yourself. You will feel better both inside and out, and you will know your value and self-worth.

Everyone looks different, but that is a beautiful thing. It makes you unique, and the different things about you are what make you special. Without those qualities, you wouldn’t be who you are.

20 Body Positive Quotes to Help You Accept Yourself as Is

Learn to love yourself and accept yourself as you are right now. If you find yourself struggling, these body positive quotes can help.

1. “Feeling beautiful has nothing to do with what you look like.” – Emma Watson

The way you look doesn’t determine if you are beautiful. Your thoughts and feelings about yourself are what will make you feel your true beauty. Learn to accept yourself and love your body and appearance just the way it is right now.

2. “How I feel about myself is more important than how I look. Feeling confident, being comfortable in your skin — that’s what really makes you beautiful.” – Bobbi Brown

If you feel good about yourself, you will be confident and comfortable even with your flaws. Acknowledge that everyone looks different and that everyone has imperfections. Then, choose to see your beauty regardless of anything else.

3. “If we make self-love or body acceptance conditional, the truth is, we will never be happy with ourselves. The reality is that our bodies are constantly changing, and they will never remain exactly the same. If we base our self-worth on something as ever-changing as our bodies, we will forever be on the emotional roller coaster of body obsession and shame.” – Chrissy King

You can’t dread body changes, or you will begin to hate your body all of the time. Your body is constantly changing, so you must learn to love it in all of the stages. If you can accept yourself as is, you will handle these changes with grace.

4. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Don’t ever change who you are to please others. Be yourself no matter what, and you will love the person that you are. Accepting yourself is easier when you are true to yourself.

5. “You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise L. Hay

Self-criticism won’t get you anywhere, as past instances have likely already proven to you. If that type of behavior doesn’t work, then there is no reason to do it, and it’ll only bring you down more. Instead, turn those negative self-thoughts into approving thoughts, and you will notice a difference.

6. “What makes you different or weird, that’s your strength.” – Meryl Streep

Don’t view your unique characteristics as flaws. Instead, recognize them as what sets you apart from the crowd. Those things will make you memorable, so anything that makes you different is a strength.

7. “Your words have so much power. Every day, if you tell yourself ‘I love you,’ if you give yourself one word of validation, it will change your mind.” – Ashley Graham

Saying positive things to yourself can completely change your mindset. It will help you accept yourself just as you are, and you will notice the difference quickly.

8. “To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are.” – Kurt Cobain

You are the person you are supposed to be, which means you are unique and special. There will be differences between you and everyone around you, but that is okay. Embrace what makes you the person you are instead of wasting your precious time wishing for something else.

9. “You are not a mistake. You are not a problem to be solved. But you won’t discover this until you are willing to stop banging your head against the wall of shaming and caging and fearing yourself.” – Geneen Roth

Don’t shame yourself or hold yourself back with this type of negative thinking. You are valuable and worthy, and you are not a problem. Remember these words from Roth to help you accept yourself.

10. “I’ve made peace with the fact that the things that I thought were weaknesses or flaws were just me. I like them.” – Sandra Bullock

Oftentimes, the things you dislike most about yourself are the things that make you special. Don’t do this to yourself because everyone is unique, including you. You aren’t the same as anyone else, but that doesn’t mean your differences are weaknesses.

11. “Shine a great light on your most amazing qualities. We tend to focus on the negative aspects of us and forget all the greatness that we have within.” – Harnaam Kaur

Don’t focus on the aspects of yourself that you feel are imperfect. Instead, focus on all the great things about yourself to highlight the wonderful person that you are.

12. “By speaking of ourselves in a positive and affirmative fashion and finding ways to eradicate self-hate, we can foster a sense of love and compassion powerful enough to restructure our society’s entire perspective of ‘body love.'” – Jessamyn Stanley

If you find yourself thinking negatively about yourself, remember this body positive quote. It will remind you to love yourself and show yourself compassion. In turn, you can accept yourself as you are right now.

13. “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

By being yourself, you are truly accepting yourself. Accepting yourself and staying true to yourself makes body positivity easier. Then, you can feel good knowing that the only opinion of you that matters is yours.

14. “Being a healthy woman isn’t about getting on a scale or measuring your waistline. We need to start focusing on what matters — on how we feel, and how we feel about ourselves.” – Michelle Obama

Weighing yourself or going down in pants sizes won’t ensure that you are healthy, as Obama explains. Health goes beyond the way you look because it depends on how you feel mentally and how you feel about yourself.

15. “No amount of self-improvement can make up for any lack of self-acceptance.” – Robert Holden

You can fix all of the things you think are wrong with you, and you still might not love the way you look. That’s because self-acceptance depends only on your mindset and the way you feel about yourself. Learn to love yourself and the way you are right now, and everything else will work out.

16. “When we’re awake in our bodies and sense, the world comes alive. Wisdom, creativity, and love are discovered as we relax and awaken through our bodies.” – Tara Brach

By accepting yourself as you are right now, you allow the world to come alive, as Brach explains. Allow your wisdom, creativity, and love to flow through you in this way.

17. “Since I don’t look like every other girl, it takes a while to be okay with that. To be different. But different is good.” – Serena Williams

This body positive quote can work for anyone, not just for girls. When you look different, it can be hard to accept. Everyone looks different, though, and it is a good thing because it makes you the person you are.

18. “It’s also helpful to realize that this very body that we have, that’s sitting right here right now…with its aches and its pleasures…is exactly what we need to be fully human, fully awake, fully alive.” – Pema Chodron

Your body is what gives you the life that you have now. It holds you up, makes you feel alive, and lets you be awake. Without your body, these things wouldn’t happen, so make sure to appreciate the body you have been given.

19. “Being unkind to your body in any given moment won’t change your body in that moment. It will change the way you feel about being in your body. You can interact with your body differently. You can choose your body back. Regardless of how easy or difficult it is to live there.” – Anna Sweeney

When you are unkind to your body, all that it does is make you feel worse. Instead, try being kind to your body and thinking good thoughts about yourself. You can choose to love yourself and accept your body as it is right now.

20. “Everybody has a part of her body that she doesn’t like, but I’ve stopped complaining about mine because I don’t want to critique nature’s handiwork…My job is simply to allow the light to shine out of the masterpiece.” – Alfre Woodard

Everyone has insecurities, but those are things that were meant to be a part of you. Nature intended for you to be just as you are, so accept it and let the light shine through.

Final Thought on Reading Body Positive Quotes to Help You Accept Yourself Just As You Are

As you go through your life, don’t let negative self-talk bring you down. Body negativity won’t help you feel better, and it won’t change the way you look, either, as these body positive quotes explain.

Instead, learn to accept yourself as you are right now because your unique qualities are what make you special. With self-love, you won’t stress about the way you look because you have already accepted yourself. If you find yourself struggling, recall your favorite body positive quotes that you read here.

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