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13 Reasons To Never Text Your Ex (And How to Move On)

March 18, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

After a breakup, you might want to text your ex, but you should refrain. It is never a good idea, even if it seems innocent enough. Instead, focus on healing and moving forward to get through it.

Texting your ex can slow the healing process and even set it in reverse. Whether you broke up with them or were the one broken up with them, you should avoid sending that text.

If you find that you want to text your ex, there are many excellent reasons not to. It won’t benefit you and could interfere with your well-being and sense of self-worth. When you feel tempted, read these reasons not to text them, and you will feel better.

Thirteen Reasons Never to Text Your Ex

Breakups hurt. You only drag out the pain when you text your ex.

1. You Will Have a Hard Time Finding Closure and Getting Over Them

If you text your ex, even if you say it’s to get closure, you will prevent yourself from moving forward. Sometimes, it is best to let things be and never speak the final words you wanted to. Each time you reach out to or text them back, you slow the process down.

Stop torturing yourself this way, and give yourself a chance to get over your ex. If you want to heal from your emotional pain, you must resist the temptation to text your ex.

2. You Lose Your Sense of Self-Worth and Devalue Yourself

No one is perfect, but imperfections don’t mean you aren’t worthy or valuable. You are good enough the way you are right now, and anyone would be lucky to have you. When you send a text message to your ex, you risk losing your self-worth and devaluing yourself.

Not only do you devalue yourself in your own eyes, but you devalue yourself in your ex’s eyes, too. If they think you are always thinking of them, they won’t see you as the valuable person that you are. So, even if you are thinking of them, they will value you more if you don’t text them.

3. Your Ex Won’t Be as Attracted to You

While your appearance may not have changed, texting your ex can make you seem less appealing. If they don’t want to talk to you, they will become annoyed, angry, or think you are desperate.

When this happens, they will begin to find you less attractive than they used to. The decreased attraction is often due to psychological reasons, and the more you reach out, the worse it becomes.

4. If They Want to Talk, They Will Let You Know

If you are tempted to text your ex, remind yourself that they could contact you if they wanted to talk. You are worthy of someone who wants to talk and who reaches out to you, too. Don’t waste your time or thoughts on someone who isn’t making you a priority.

5. You Will Feed Their Ego and Give Them Unrequited Satisfaction

Without communication, your ex will have no idea if you are over them or not. When you reach out to your ex, they will know you aren’t over it, which will feed their ego. Plus, it makes your ex feel like they have the upper hand in the situation.

Even if you don’t want them back, reaching out to them will make them think you do. If you are the one who ended the relationship, your ex might think you regret your decision. On the other hand, if you were dumped, they will think you are pining over them.

Another thing to consider is that they might think they are the best you can do. Since you still want to talk, your ex will further feed their ego with the idea that you can’t do any better. You know you can, so don’t give your ex that satisfaction.

No matter what your ex thinks when you reach out, you don’t want to fuel this. It will only boost your ex’s ego and leave you feeling a lack of self-worth.

6. It Isn’t Worth It

This simple reason to never send your ex a text is incredibly accurate. While you may feel good as you send the message and maybe even afterward if you get a response, it isn’t worth it.

Each time you text them, you undo your progress toward getting through the pain. It also intensifies the pain you feel once the conversation is over. Texting your ex is never worth holding up the healing process, as it is already hard enough.

Even if you get answers from your ex about things you were wondering, it still isn’t worth it. If they answer your questions, you still can’t solve the problems or undo the pain that has already happened. Your questions are better off left unanswered.

7. The Result Probably Won’t Be What You Wanted

Think about what you are expecting from contacting them. Whatever it is you are expecting might not happen. Even if it goes well initially, the old issues will come back up, resulting in another fight or break up.

Chances are that reaching out won’t even fix things right now. You could end up extremely disappointed or even hurt more than you already were. When you text your ex, your expectations will be much higher than they should be.

8. It Could Make You Look Desperate

If you text your ex, they will assume you want to get back together. Even if you don’t say that you want to, that is the message you will send if you reach out to your ex. It comes across as desperate to someone looking for flaws, imperfections, or weaknesses in others.

It is important to note that even if you want to get back with your ex, you should avoid looking desperate. Consider waiting for your ex to reach out to you because doing it any sooner could cause you to look weak in their eyes.

9. You Could Be Ruining Potential Relationships or Dates

When you constantly wonder what your ex is doing or try to reach out to them, you miss other opportunities. You won’t be as open to going on a date with someone else, and if you do go on dates, you won’t be fully present.

Resist the urge to text your ex so that you can be open to new relationships or dating. Each time you text them, you are getting further away from other potential relationships. Avoid this backtracking by refraining from sending that message.

10. It Could Be Detrimental to Your Well-Being

Acknowledge that you are better off without that person in your life, especially if the relationship was toxic. You can be happier and more at peace now that they aren’t in your life. Texting them will only cause things to become toxic again, and you don’t need that in your life.

11. It Could Hurt Them

If you are the one who ended the relationship, it could hurt the other person if you texted them. There is no need to do any more damage than necessary, so resist the urge. If you want to contact them, make sure you spend time thinking about it and acknowledging your intentions.

When the other person still wants to be with you, ensure you only reach out if you want to reconcile. Anything else will only make them feel worse.

12. They Might Take Advantage of Your Feelings

Reaching out could make you vulnerable if you were the one you were broken up with. Your ex might tell you what you want to hear and then repeatedly hurt you.

When it happens a second time, it might hurt even worse. Plus, as explained before, it causes your ex to think you aren’t as valuable and don’t need to be respected. You deserve to be treated well by your partner, so avoid texting them to spare yourself unnecessary pain.

13. You Deserve More

Most importantly, you should never send a text to your ex because you deserve more than that. You deserve and will find someone who treats you much better and makes you happier. Don’t settle for someone who doesn’t want to spend time with you or share life experiences with you.

Final Thoughts on These Excellent Reasons Never to Text Your Ex

Always remember that you are strong, even when you are hurting. You may miss your ex and wish you could have the good days back, but it doesn’t always work out to try again. Trying to rekindle a broken relationship can cause more pain and unhappiness, as these reasons never to text your ex explain.

You are worthy and valuable, and you must treat yourself that way. If you keep moving forward, the pain will ease and eventually disappear completely.

Your soulmate should be your best friend and your true love. Remember that when you get the urge to text your ex because you truly do deserve more.

8 Signs of Gestational Diabetes, According to Science

March 18, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Few people realize that there are several different types of diabetes. It’s possible to develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Thankfully, it usually resolves after delivery, but it does put them at a higher risk of developing type-2 diabetes later in her life.

The scary part of this condition is that it can affect the infant’s health both in the womb and long-term. Due to the risks involved, expectant mothers must be under constant medical care to prevent this issue. Prevention is the key but arming yourself with knowledge is the place to begin.

If you’re pregnant, may become pregnant, or have a wife or loved one expecting, then you need to understand gestational diabetes and how to manage it.

Understanding Gestational Diabetes

There is one goal of pregnancy: to have a healthy baby when it’s over. Sometimes, complications arise that make carrying the fetus more of a challenge, one of which is gestational diabetes.

If you should develop this condition while pregnant, then you want to do everything you can to protect the child in the womb. When sugar levels are above average during the pregnancy, it only increases the chances of the infant being born preterm. Actually, the highest risk comes when the mother develops this condition before 24 weeks, according to the National Institute of Health.

These babies are also more susceptible to conditions like jaundice, breathing complications, and low blood sugar at birth. Women most at risk include those that are overweight or who don’t stay physically fit during pregnancy. Additional hazards include those with high blood pressure, who have had this condition in previous pregnancies or have heart disease.

The key is to get treatment as soon as possible to keep both the mother and child safe from harm.

8 Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Roughly one out of ten women will develop this condition or ten percent. Doctors are concerned about this form of diabetes when a woman presents with the following symptoms:

An increased or unusual thirst
Frequent trips to the restroom to urinate
High levels of glucose in the urine
Vomiting
Fatigue
Frequent UTI or bladder infections
Skin infections
Vaginal infection

It can be difficult to distinguish if these are typical pregnancy symptoms or if they’re caused by gestational diabetes. Since this is a significant risk, it’s essential to monitor blood sugar levels during these nine months. If a doctor suspects diabetes, then they will do a glucose monitoring test.

Drinking a potent, sugary liquid will see how the body handles the excess of sugar. The mother’s glucose levels will be checked at various intervals to see if the sugar elevates to dangerous levels. If the blood sugar goes into an unacceptable range, then gestational diabetes will be diagnosed.

What Triggers This Form of Diabetes?

Sugar is a form of energy used by the body. The pancreas works hard to create insulin that helps turn this sugar into fuel, and it also establishes the metabolism. The placenta is rich in hormones, and these hormones can block insulin production, which prevents the body from regulating glucose levels.

When insulin production is blocked, the glucose levels in the blood rise to dangerous levels. These high sugar levels will damage the organs, blood vessels, and nerves inside the body. Sadly, the high sugar levels might resolve after pregnancy, but the organ and other damage are permanent.

Identifying Risk Factors

Some women have a more severe threat of developing this form of diabetes than others. Those with the most significant risks include:

1. Older Mothers

Being pregnant over 30 increases the chance of developing diabetes, among other complications. Though women choose to have babies later in life, it also raises more concern when a woman is between the ages of 30-35 or over. The advanced age of the mother increases the chances of down syndrome, lower birth weight, stillborn babies, and others, according to a study published by the New York Times.

2. Genetics

Family history plays a huge role in medical issues. When it comes to diabetes, it tends to run in families. If a parent of the expectant mother has diabetes, then her chances of developing this condition are higher. Additionally, if the mother suffered from this condition in an earlier pregnancy, then she may have it in her subsequent ones.

3. Overweight Women

Anytime an expectant mother has a BMI that is over 30, it increases the chances of complications. Diabetes causes women to gain weight during pregnancy, which will only increase the risks. The production of insulin is hampered by carrying extra weight on the body, and it can drive sugar levels to unsafe ranges.

4. Present Medical Conditions

When there are preexisting medical conditions before the pregnancy, then it increases the chances of developing this form of diabetes. One group of ladies at the highest risk is those that have PCOS. This condition causes a hormonal imbalance in the body that causes metabolic syndrome, increasing the chances of complications during pregnancy and delivery.

5. Large Amount of Abdominal Fat

Abdominal fat is a risk factor that has a significant bearing on diabetes. It’s primarily a considerable risk in the first trimester as this is usually when this condition develops.

6. Women Placed on Bed Rest

If there are issues during the pregnancy that cause a lady to be put on bed rest, it increases the risk of developing diabetes. During bed rest, it’s common to put on weight from being sedentary, making it easier to develop this condition.

7. Previous Diagnoses of Pre-diabetes

When a lady has elevated glucose levels before pregnancy, it puts her at an increased risk of developing diabetes during these nine months. Though cravings are hard to control during pregnancy, they can help keep diabetes at bay when a lady eats a healthy diet.

8. Twin or Triplet Pregnancies

Anytime a mother is carrying more than one fetus, it increases the risks of her developing gestational diabetes. It’s imperative to eat enough nutrition to feed all the babies, but making healthy selections may keep this condition at bay.

Complications from Gestational Diabetes

The effects that diabetes has on the fetus can be long-term. In fact, they may have complications that follow them throughout life. It’s not uncommon for the child to develop lifelong illnesses due to the high levels of sugar they were exposed to in the womb.

Treatment is the best option to keep the fetus’s risks lowered, as it can affect the overall health and wellbeing of the child. Here are the most observed complications of pregnancy-related diabetes:

Baby can have low blood sugar at birth
Jaundice
Delivery complications
Breastfeeding difficulties
Baby growth is abnormal in the womb (macrosomia)
Pale skin
Increased risk of the child developing diabetes in life
Mother may have increased sugar levels after delivery
Baby can have respiratory issues
Mother can develop blood cancer called polycythemia
Intrauterine growth restrictions
Placental insufficiency

Getting Treatment

It’s imperative to monitor glucose levels during pregnancy and after delivery. The most significant assistance that a mother can provide is changing her lifestyle to accommodate the baby and her body’s needs. The key is to get up and move, even on those days when she feels like staying in bed.

Exercise is a powerful weapon against diabetes, and it can help to reverse high glucose levels in the body. On top of exercising as much as possible, it’s also essential to monitor your blood sugar levels. A pregnant mother with diabetes or elevated glucose levels should be checking her blood sugar at least four times a day, if not more.

While there are some invasive techniques to lower blood sugar, plenty of natural substances can do this without side effects. Chia seeds are known to lower blood glucose levels, and according to Medical News Today, they are perfectly safe to consume during pregnancy.

Some say that consuming chia or flax seeds is the equivalent of natural insulin. The good news is that there are little to no side effects, and the price is very affordable.

Final Thoughts on Gestational Diabetes

There’s something so wonderful about being an expectant mother. Carrying a child inside the womb and feeling it grow and develop into a baby is memorable. However, some complications can arise during this process, one of which is gestational diabetes.

Rather than leaving things to time and chance, those who are at a higher risk should be proactive. Eating a healthy diet full of fiber and protein, as well as getting plenty of exercise, may help keep this condition at bay. It’s not a bad habit to monitor blood sugar levels during pregnancy either.

Finally, working with an excellent medical team, getting glucose tolerance tests periodically, and staying healthy is the best way to decrease the chances of complications like diabetes.

6 Health Benefits Of Deeper Relationships

March 18, 2021 by Lakeisha Ethans

Close relationships can have some pretty magical effects on your world. It’s why social support is so vital to many people’s lives and why you often feel better around friends, family, and loved ones.

Many people underestimate just how powerful, healthy companionship can be. Don’t make that mistake, or you’ll be missing out on these six health benefits of deeper relationships!

1. They’re Good For Mental Health

Mental health benefits are perhaps the most obvious ones of positive, deep relationships. Good relationships can make you feel good, after all! Though you can have mental illnesses while being in healthy, deeper relationships, the fact is those good relationships can provide you with the support that bolsters your overall psychological state. Here are some specific ways that this works:

· You Experience Less Stress

Happy, deep relationships can make you feel less stressed out overall when compared to people without intimate relationships, according to research. Studies go as far as to say that single people have a higher stress response than married people, thanks to the natural social buffer that marriage provides.

· You Feel Happier

Deep relationships can give you oxytocin boosts. Oxytocin is a feel-good hormone that boosts your positive thinking, and it’s commonly triggered by activities involving comfort and affection. In fact, it’s even known as the bonding or love hormone. Being in deeper relationships improves your happiness levels in pretty significant ways.

· You Feel Less Lonely

Did you know that loneliness kills? Studies have found that those who feel lonely have a higher chance of passing away early than those with more fulfilling social lives. Having deeper relationships ensures that some of the worst of that edge of loneliness are taken off, and you may even not truly feel lonely at all when you have meaningful connections like these.

2. They Help The Aging Process

For many, intimate, deeper relationships are meant to be ones you keep until you die. The goal is often to grow old together, and it’s pretty convenient that relationships like this can also make aging a smoother process overall! Here’s how:

· You Age More Gracefully

Growing old with someone is surprisingly good for the entire process of getting old. This statement doesn’t refer to aesthetic appearance so much as health. It’s commonplace for one’s health to degrade as they age, and being in a relationship doesn’t prevent that – but it can sure help! Studies indicate that being in a positive marriage can mean your health is better overall as you age.

· You’re Less Likely To Have A Heart Attack

Cardiovascular disease can become a significant risk factor the older you get. Being with someone can help lower that risk, according to studies! Better yet, this applies to all ages – it’s just more important to note as you get older. It is believed that this happens because you are more likely to take care of yourself when you have a partner and will be encouraged by that partner to get regular health checks.

· You Live Longer

The theory that married individuals live longer than those who are single is a long-standing one. Though studies have provided differing results, the consensus is that a positive marriage increases one’s lifespan. Being happy with someone for all those years can be beneficial, as it turns out!

3. They Give You Support

The support you get from deeper relationships is a beautiful thing, whether they’re platonic, romantic, or familial. This kind of support can provide you with a more positive view of life and ensures that you’re never alone in your times of need. Here are some types of support you’ll get from deeper relationships:

· Social Support

Human beings are social creatures and naturally feel bolstered by positive support from others. Having a network of people you love, care about, and who love and care about you is a fantastic benefit from getting through the ups and downs of life!

· Practical Aid

On a practical level, having deeper relationships means there are always people to turn to for help. This applies to all sorts of different areas. You can get a friend’s help when moving house, talk about dilemmas with trusted partners, or ask for a family member’s expertise in solving a problem. It’s a great give-and-take that comes with deeper relationships – you help them, and they help you!

· Healthy Encouragement

When you have deeper relationships, you can feel more encouraged to take care of yourself. You’re more likely to exercise if your friends do, eat well if your family does, or break bad habits if your partner helps you work through them, for example. This kind of help and support is a huge benefit.

4. They Encourage Self-Improvement

When you’re in a deeper relationship with someone, it’s common to feel more motivated to continue to work on yourself. You want to be a better friend, family member, partner, or person to them, and to do that, you have to keep working on yourself. This can be kicked further into gear when something you’ve done harms a person you have a deep relationship with. Here are some ways that this may happen:

· You Get The Chance To Be Kind

It’s easy to fall into self-serving patterns in life when you don’t have deep relationships that you care about. Being around other people, especially those you love, teaches you the value of sacrifice and selflessness, and it also allows you to showcase your compassionate side. Without close relationships, you wouldn’t have people that push you to want to be kind to them in the first place, especially if those actions aren’t ones you typically feel inclined to perform. For many, compassion and care are traits that one must practice to become internalized, and you can do that in deep relationships.

· You Get Farther On Your Journey

Personal growth is complex, and a lot of people struggle to keep going in difficult times. Progress isn’t linear, and when you fall back or stumble, it can be tough to want to move on. It may even feel like you’re moving backward. But with the support of those you love and who love you, it becomes more manageable, and they can keep you on track and show you the reality of how much you’ve grown.

· You Aim Higher

It’s easy to sell yourself short when you lack confidence in your ability. Close relationships with others, when they’re positive, can boost your self-esteem, so you feel more encouraged to set your sights on better goals ahead.

5. They’re Good For Physical Health

Physical health is one of the most important things you need to take care of in life, and luckily, more profound relationships can help keep you in good health. Feeling cared for and caring for others does some pretty wonderful things to your body.

Of course, you need to make a conscious effort to maintain your physical wellbeing outside of this. Families, friends, and other loved ones can’t help you if you eat terribly or never exercise. Still, there’s something to be said about the impressive effects of close, positive relationships on these aspects. Here are some of those effects:

· Stronger Immunity

We’ve already discussed how positive relationships boost oxytocin levels, improving mood, and reducing mental strain. This better positive thinking can help improve your immune system and make you less susceptible to illness, according to research.

· Lower Blood Pressure

Having close relationships is suitable for your anxiety and stress levels, which correlate with your blood pressure. Hypertension can be harmful to your overall health and put you at risk for a large number of potentially dangerous health issues, such as heart disease. By keeping your blood pressure in check, deep relationships keep you healthy.

· Better Pain Tolerance

When you’re around people you love – or even just when you think about them – you’re able to tolerate higher levels of pain. In fact, studies have shown that just looking at a picture of a romantic partner can reduce experiences of pain. You gain more resilience and strength through reminders of your loved ones.

6. They Add Value To Aspects Of You

Deeper relationships color the world you live in and add a different flavor to your everyday experiences. In other words, they sprinkle additional value into many different facets of your world. Here are some examples of this:

· Personal Value

To preface, your self-esteem should come from yourself first. In no way should this suggest that you must derive your value from others. Instead, this concept suggests that you can benefit from feeling appreciated by those you share deep relationships. While you can be confident and happy without other people, you can’t deny that knowing others value you makes you feel good!

· Life Value

Human nature dictates that many feel best when they feel like they’re needed and loved and when they need and love and return. It gives you a feeling of meaning and purpose in your life. While you may have other sources of purpose, too, like lofty ambitions, career goals, and other desires, something is comforting about the intimacy and relaxed nature of the meaning you get from deeper relationships. They’re something solid and unshakeable, and they can make you feel fulfilled already, just as you are, without the pull to chase bigger dreams constantly.

· Community Value

The ability to form deeper relationships often means that you’re a part of something bigger than yourself. You become a portion of a bigger group that gives you a “home” and space where you are welcome. Whether this community comes in the form of a simple close friend group, in a more formal organization, or somewhere in between, it’s a valuable experience and one you’ll inherently get a wellbeing boost from.

Final Thoughts On Some Health Benefits Of Deeper Relationships

Even self-proclaimed introverts can gain benefits from being in deeper relationships. You don’t need to have a big group of friends or go out every other night to get these positive effects. Just build close bonds with the people you do like and care about. The people who matter most are the ones who will create these benefits, only by being in your life, without even needing to try!

10 Skincare Habits That Smooth Wrinkles and Fine Lines

March 18, 2021 by Power of Positivity

As you age, wrinkles are inevitable. You develop crow’s feet around the eyes and laugh lines around the mouth. How many times have you looked at a model or celebrity and wondered what was their secret to youthful skin, and how do they smooth wrinkles to have such a flawless appearance? You can’t completely eradicate them, but you can smooth wrinkles to improve their appearance.

Do you need some expensive elixir that you can slather on your face to turn back the hands of time, or are there changes in your daily routine that will alter things? Having firm skin is a plus as you get older, but rhytids or wrinkles or inevitable. During the aging process, your skin doesn’t have the proteins it needs to keep it tight.

The production of elastin and collagen is diminishing, which is why wrinkles form. Over time, your skin can’t fight off damage as it becomes thinner and less resistant to the elements. Thankfully, there’s no reason to dread a few lines on your face, as you’re not the only one with these marks.

Ten Skincare Habits to Smooth Wrinkles

While you don’t have superpowers that can turn back the clock on your skin, you can help smooth wrinkles by enhancing your beauty routine. By making a few alterations in your habits and care plan, you can diminish the appearance of fine lines or keep wrinkles at bay.

1. Moisturize Daily

Hydrated skin looks better than skin left to time and chance. Do you use a daily moisturizer? A moisturized face always looks better than a dry and brittle one.

Plus, women will find that their makeup glides on more easily when their face is well nourished. When you use moisturizer, it provides a barrier for your skin that shields it from damage. Use a moisturizer with lipids and ceramide in it, as this product can imitate your skin’s nourishing system.

2. Use Facial Masks

You can find facial masks using just about any natural element you can imagine. Some of the best ones include clay and mud. It would help if you used a mask to moisturize and help clear your clogged pores.

These inexpensive treatments can smooth wrinkles as well as give you clean skin that glows with health.

3. Try Anti-wrinkle Cream

There are numerous anti-wrinkle creams on the market. Thankfully, you don’t need some concoction with caviar or some other exotic additive to have healthy skin. The most critical area to focus on is under your eyes.

The skin under the eyes seems to have the most problem with thinning as you age. The eye skin can become loose and develop wrinkles quite quickly. If you want to smooth those wrinkles and keep new ones from forming, then investing in a good eye cream is worth the sacrifice.

4. Drink Water

Is it possible that having glowing skin is as easy as drinking water? Hydrated skin looks better and has a glow that doesn’t come from any product you can buy. Your skin needs water to maintain proper health.

Remember, it’s the largest organ in your body, so it needs plenty of fluids. When your skin is dry and brittle, it will be more prone to showing lines and having poor tone. Dry skin looks rough.

However, if you consume the recommended daily allowance for your weight, it can make your skin look and feel much better. One trick to making sure you get the right amount of water is to keep a bottle with you all day long. Sipping continuously throughout the day is much better than sitting down with a gallon jug and a straw.

5. Use Sunscreen When You’re Outside

There’s nothing better than sitting outside and allowing the golden rays of the sun to penetrate your body. It’s a great way to get the necessary Vitamin D that your system needs. However, while you may pick up some vitamins, you can also cause damage if you’re overexposed.

Harmful rays from the sun, also called ultraviolet light, can be very damaging to your face. Thankfully, there are ways that you can protect your skin when you need to be outside for long periods. Using sunscreen and a hat can help to shield your face.

If you tend to burn, you want to use a product with an SPF of 30 or better, and some products offer 100 SPF protection. While tanning lotions seem like the best choice to give you a golden hue, opt for a sunless tanning cream instead. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for tanning options, items like that Fake tan for men are now trending.

These products still let you absorb the nutrients from the sun, but they block harmful UV rays.

6. Petroleum Jelly Maybe the Key

It sounds bizarre to slather your face with petroleum jelly, but it’s a beauty hack that’s been used for centuries. It was the Native Americans who discovered this oil-based jelly, and they used it for burns, to remove makeup, and for their overall beauty treatment.

This jelly can keep your face from getting dry, which is the problem with most cleansers with an alcohol base. You may be concerned that putting all that oil on your skin can clog pores and contribute to acne, but studies from the National Institute of Health show that it penetrates and doesn’t clog.

While this shouldn’t be used as your primary moisturizer as it will make your skin too greasy, it should certainly be done on occasion to help smooth and prevent wrinkles.

7. Stop Smoking

You know smoking is bad for you, and it can be very detrimental to anyone around you. Most people don’t realize that smoking can be a significant contributor to wrinkles and aging skin. A study referenced by the Journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons examined 79 sets of twins.

One of the twins smoked, but the other twin didn’t develop this habit. The purpose was to examine the skin and how smoking cigarettes affected the development of wrinkles. Shockingly, the study found that smoking aged the skin by about five years.

Additionally, it has other harmful health concerns like an increased chance of developing cancer. Plus, smoking is quite expensive. Think of all the money you could save if you quit.

8. Increase Beta Carotene Consumption

You know beta carotene is suitable for your eyes, but there is a medical debate that enhancing this red-orange pigment can also help your skin. If you scan the ingredients of any of the expensive wrinkle creams, you will see components such as Vitamin A, retinol, and beta carotene. Isn’t it funny that creams include ingredients that you can get naturally from food?

If you want to boost your beta carotene levels, you can eat more carrots and sweet potatoes or take an herbal supplement. Research from the National Library of Medicine shows that by increasing this pigment, you can keep wrinkles or photoaging at bay.

9. Cleanse Your Face Twice Daily

How many times do you wash your face each day? It would help if you always wash your face first thing when you wake up in the morning. During the night, you sweat and pick-up dirt and oils from your pillowcase.

Washing these impurities off your face in the morning can help to relieve oxidative stress on your skin. Additionally, you should also wash your face before you go to bed, especially if you wear makeup.

Even the best makeup clogs pores and has harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin when left on for long periods. Once you’ve washed your face with warm water to open your pores, splash it with cold water to close them again.

By simply developing a good face washing routine, you can smooth wrinkles or keep them away.

10. Alter Sleep Positions

The way you sleep may be putting wrinkles on your face. When you press your face into the pillow at night, it leaves these areas of your face more susceptible to wrinkles as that skin becomes weaker. A study referenced by the Aesthetic Surgery Journal states that when you sleep on your back, you’re less likely to develop as many wrinkles as when you sleep on your stomach.

Final Thoughts on Ways to Smooth Wrinkles

For much of history, people have searched for the fountain of youth. Remember Ponce de León and his infamous journey that located sacred and restorative water. Sadly, History Channel states that this is a myth-based on hype more than fact, but there are ways to help the stave the process of aging.

What most people don’t realize is their daily habits have a significant influence on their skin. Sure, you can’t turn back the hands of time and change the thinning and loss of collagen that comes with age, but you can do things to improve your skin’s health.

Whether you suffer from crow’s feet, necklines, tear troughs, or nasolabial folds, there are ways to smooth wrinkles or fine lines and lessen the appearance. By incorporating a few of the ten habits listed above, you can improve your skin’s appearance and overall health.

Psychologist Discovers How Your Brain Can Make You Overeat

March 18, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

A new study conducted by a 10-member team of scientists revealed what causes people to overeat. The research team included Sergio Iñiguez, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology at The University of Texas at El Paso. Iñiguez directed UTEP’s Iñiguez Behavioral Neuroscience Lab and helped formulate experimental techniques for the study Brandon Warren, Ph.D., assistant professor of pharmacodynamics at the University of Florida, led the study.

Their investigation discovered a specific area of the brain involved in recollection and the desire to seek food. This region of the brain triggers overconsumption of food in some people. The research could lead to inventions and treatments to prevent the desire to overeat.

Through the research, Iñiguez found that people tend to overeat when exposed to environments or triggers which encourage treats. This may explain why some people still desire dessert even after consuming a large meal. The study revealed that neurons in a certain brain region govern a person’s tendency to order dessert after seeing it. The team also found that rat subjects ate fewer treats when they regulated that area of the animal’s brain.

Diseases Associated with Overeating

Researchers say that the study could eventually help treat diseases linked to obesity, such as:

stroke
Type 2 diabetes
high blood pressure
high cholesterol
coronary heart disease

“This is a big discovery because we now have experimental tools that allow us to turn off neurons while the subjects engage in a specific behavior,” Iñiguez said. “This research shows that a specific part of the prefrontal cortex of the brain is important for the initial stages of learning to seek food.”

The study on what happens when you overeat

The researchers published their findings in the journal Trends in Cognitive Sciences.

Lowe and colleagues explained that previous studies on obesity have focused on the brain’s reward-processing mechanisms and areas. Specifically, the “striatum, midbrain, amygdala, and orbitofrontal cortex,” as well as the dopamine-releasing dorsal striatum, have been heavily studied. However, the authors say that the prefrontal cortex could also provide clues into the causes of overeating.

In addition to helping with executive functioning, this brain region helps with decision-making and planning future actions. It also acts as a “filter” to help a person respond appropriately in social situations.

Due to these repetitive behaviors surrounding food, the brain’s pathways become altered, creating a vicious cycle. Then, the new pathways in the brain encourage people to overeat at mealtimes. This ultimately leads to a mutually reinforcing relationship between overeating and the prefrontal cortex.

“It’s not just the case that obesity is causing these issues in the brain structure and function, but it is this reciprocal relationship — that differences in brain structure and function can cause obesity — that’s really important,” says Lowe.

Lowe also hopes that their research will lead to better treatments for obesity. “By reframing the issue of obesity around prefrontal activity, as opposed to reward region responsivity, we can explore treatments and preventative measures that may inhibit unwanted weight gain,” Lowe explains.

How mindfulness and exercise could help prevent overeating

Even though the brain responds strongly to habits and stimuli, we have the power to change them. Exercise and mindfulness, in particular, help increase activity in the prefrontal cortex and therefore regulate eating habits.

“Exercise has been shown to increase activity in our prefrontal cortex,” suggests Lowe, “which in turn lets us better ignore food cravings, going well beyond its traditional role as merely a means of getting rid of surplus calories.”

“By focusing on the healthiness and long-term consequences of the food we are eating instead of just taste, we are able to make better dietary choices,” she continues, explaining the benefits of mindfulness on eating habits.

What the co-author says

Study co-author Amy Reichelt, a BrainsCAN postdoctoral fellow at Western University, explains how childhood eating habits influence the brain.

“Making good eating habits during our formative childhood and adolescent years can help set healthy eating up for life and ensure the prefrontal cortex functions correctly,” Reichelt says.

“At this age, an adolescent’s prefrontal cortex is not fully developed, which in part explains the impulsive and hot-headed decision making of our youth — the control system isn’t fully engaged yet.”

“Related to this aptitude for poor decision making are poor eating habits,” she continues, “with adolescents eating more unnecessary calories from junk foods than any other age group, a habit that can last into adulthood.”

The researchers say that additional research is needed to solidify the benefits of exercise and mindfulness on obesity. They also hope to do further studies into how to personalize therapies and treatment modalities.

Final thoughts: Researchers find that the prefrontal cortex influences people to overeat

In a new study from top scientists, they found that the prefrontal cortex can cause someone to overeat. Specifically, when this area of the brain is underactive, it can cause disruptions in signals. This disrupts a person’s ability to make decisions, ward off food cravings, and eat moderately.

Other research shows that exercise and mindfulness can help stimulate the prefrontal cortex, which will improve functioning. However, they say more research is required to provide more evidence for this claim.

In summary, it’s reassuring to know that we have the power to overeat by altering our everyday habits.

Researchers Explain Why People Enjoy Napping During The Day

March 18, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Many people view napping as lazy in our modern world, but it actually can lead to better health. Furthermore, researchers found that specific genes determine how often a person naps, if at all.

Investigators at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) led the study. The journal Nature Communications published it on February 10, 2021.

The MGH team also collaborated with colleagues from the University of Murcia in Spain and several other institutions. They discovered dozens of genes that determine a person’s tendency to sleep during the day. Also, they found an association between napping habits and cardiometabolic health.

“Napping is somewhat controversial,” says Hassan Saeed Dashti, Ph.D., RD, of the MGH Center for Genomic Medicine, co-lead author of the study. Iyas Daghlas, a medical student at Harvard Medical School (HMS), also led the study. Dashti explains that countries like Spain, where daytime naps have been an integral part of the culture now discourage it. However, some companies in the U.S. have begun encouraging employees to rest each day to increase productivity.

Dashti says the following:

“It was important to try to disentangle the biological pathways that contribute to why we nap.”

Richa Saxena, Ph.D. from Saxena Lab at MGH, co-senior author, and colleagues performed prior research about sleep. They utilized vast databases of genetic and lifestyle factors to analyze sleep quality, duration, and other information. Interestingly, they discovered specific genes associated with sleep duration, insomnia, and one’s tendency to rise early or stay up late.

The team wanted to gain further insight into the genes linked with taking a daytime snooze. So, Saxena’s team collaborated with co-senior author Marta Garaulet, Ph.D., of the Department of Physiology at the University of Murcia. They performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS), which involves scanning markers across genomes of many people to uncover genetic variations. In analyzing the DNA, they could identify genes associated with a disease or, for the purpose of this study, habits.

What the study revealed about how genes affect napping habits

For the study, the team used data from the UK Biobank, which stores genetic information about 452,633 people. Researchers asked all the participants if they nap during the day “never/rarely,” “sometimes,” or “usually.” The GWAS then identified 123 regions in the human genome that influence one’s napping habits.

Individual participants wore activity monitors called accelerometers, which provide information about daytime sedentary tendencies. This can indicate a preference toward daytime napping. This objective data provided further evidence to support the self-reported claims. “That gave an extra layer of confidence that what we found is real and not an artifact,” says Dashti.

Other aspects of the study supported the results. For instance, researchers independently replicated these findings in genome analysis of 541,333 people collected by 23andMe. Furthermore, many genes near or at regions identified by the GWAS have already been found to influence sleep habits. For example, the MGH team and colleagues discovered that the gene KSR2 helped regulate sleep in a prior study.

After analyzing the data, the team identified three main mechanisms that encourage napping:

Sleep inclination: Some people require more sleep than others due to genetic variations.
Restless sleep: Daytime slumber can help counteract a poor night of sleep.
Early risers: People who wake up early can catch up on sleep with a nap.

“This tells us that daytime napping is biologically driven and not just an environmental or behavioral choice,” says Dashti. The team found that some of these mechanisms influence cardiometabolic health, such as large waist circumference and high blood pressure. However, they say they will need to do more research on this topic. “Future work may help to develop personalized recommendations for siesta,” says Garaulet.

Gene variations

Several gene variants linked to napping have already been associated with signaling by a neuropeptide called orexin. This helps to regulate wakefulness.

“This pathway is known to be involved in rare sleep disorders like narcolepsy, but our findings show that smaller perturbations in the pathway can explain why some people nap more than others,” says Daghlas.

The benefits of daytime napping on health

So, if you like to take naps during the day, blame it on your genes. While more research is needed about the link between napping and health, some studies have found a positive association. If you enjoy naps, you can feel better about them because of these science-backed benefits:

You’ll feel happier

Science shows that daytime naps of 30 minutes or less can increase positivity and mood. Compared with those who nap more than 30 minutes or never, the first group had an overall happier outlook.

It helps you overcome the midday slump.

Most people start to feel tired around 2-3 PM. However, according to Harvard University, napping can help re-energize you for the rest of the day.

Your productivity improves

According to the NSF, napping improves work performance, reduces mistakes, and lowers the risk of accidents.

You’ll have a sharper memory.

Researchers at Saarland University in Germany found that students who took a 45-60 minute nap had a 500% improvement in memory.

Your heart will be healthier.

The Harvard School of Public Health and the University of Athens Medical School (Greece) performed a study on napping. They found that people who slept for 30 minutes or more had better heart health at least three times per week. In fact, they had a 37 percent lower risk of dying from heart disease.

Final thoughts: study finds some people enjoy daytime naps due to genetic variations

A groundbreaking study found that specific genes can influence a person’s tendency toward napping. A genome-wide association study identified 123 regions in the human genome that correspond with napping habits. They found that these genes can affect everything from sleep duration to sleep quality.

The research team wants to do further studies about sleep habits and a person’s overall health. So far, there’s been conflicting studies about the benefits of a daytime snooze. However, research does say that short naps of thirty minutes or less can improve mood, productivity, and heart health.

15 Quotes on Motivating Yourself to Live Your Best Life

March 17, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Life should be enjoyed and lived to the fullest, but sometimes you might not want to. There will be times in your life when you lack the motivation needed to live your best life. These quotes on motivating yourself will help remedy that, though, and get you back on track.

You may find that you have no desire to go out and live life and work toward your dream. Or, you might feel like giving up after facing adversity. If this is the case, these quotes on motivating yourself to live your best life can help change that.

If you don’t work on living your best life right now, then you are standing in the way of personal happiness. To live a happy, fulfilling, and meaningful life, you must keep moving forward even when you don’t feel like it. You will face obstacles and hardships, but pushing through them will help motivate you.

Fifteen Quotes on Motivating Yourself (and leading your best life!)

As you go through life, remember these quotes on motivating yourself. By doing so, you can live your best life even when things aren’t going perfectly.

1. “Instead of complaining about your circumstances, get busy and create some new ones.” – Ralph Marston

Spending your time complaining about what has happened won’t get you anywhere. Instead, put that energy into creating a new set of circumstances for yourself. You make the decisions in your life, so decide to do what will make your life better.

2. “If you organize your life around your passion, you can turn your passion into your story and then turn your story into something bigger―something that matters.” – Blake Mycoskie

Figure out what you are passionate about, and then organize your life around that thing. Doing what you are passionate about is what matters in life, and you can turn your passion into something great. This is your story to create and tell, so make sure it’s a good one.

3. “There is no greater gift you can give or receive than to honor your calling. It’s why you were born. And how you become most truly alive.” – Oprah Winfrey

You are meant to live your life going after your calling. Put your time, energy, and resources into what you are good at and what you are meant to do. This is the best gift you can give or receive, so don’t hold back on it.

You will feel most alive as you work toward what you were called to do. It is the reason you are on the earth and the thing that will make you happiest.

4. “People who use time wisely spend it on activities that advance their overall purpose in life.” – John C. Maxwell

Don’t waste your time on things that don’t matter, don’t fulfill you, or don’t advance your purpose. Choose to do the things that will benefit you and help you learn or grow. If you always work toward bettering yourself, you will surely live your best life.

5. “The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there.” – Unknown

You can’t get to the top without working for it, and nothing will ever be handed to you. Keep moving forward and, before you know it, you will be through the hard part. The hard work you put in will result in an easier time later on.

6. “The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.” – Barack Obama

If you fight through hardship and adversity and keep moving forward, you will be immensely rewarded. Feeling sorry for yourself or complaining will only waste time that could be spent on living your best life. Do as Obama suggests, and press on through everything that comes your way.

7. “Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.” – Jim Rohn

The current moment should be designed with a happy future in mind. Don’t wait for happiness to come to you, but instead, get out there and start creating it right now. Do whatever it takes to create the life you dream of, and happiness will come naturally.

8. “I would argue that nothing gives life more purpose than the realization that every moment of consciousness is a precious and fragile gift.” – Steven Pinker

If you realize what Pinker realized then you will embrace each moment for the gift that it is. As he explains, this realization will help you see how precious life is and that you should cherish each moment. This realization will help motivate you to live your best life and live in the moment.

9. “Success seems to be connected to action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” – Conrad Hilton

Whatever it is that you want to do, you must work for it. You will encounter obstacles and hardship, but keep moving forward and working toward your goals. No matter what those goals are, the only way to reach them is through action.

10. “Every day, it’s important to ask and answer these questions: “What’s good in my life?” and “What needs to be done?” – Nathaniel Branden

Asking yourself the questions Branden suggests each day can help you live the life you want to live. First, focus on the good things in your life. If it helps, write them down every day so that you can focus on them more intently.

Then, once you have reflected on the good things, think about what needs to happen next. Figure out what will make your life better, and then decide to do those things. Between reflecting on the good and determining what needs to be done, your life will improve.

11. “Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” – Unknown

While many of these quotes on motivating yourself are about being active, this one suggests the opposite. Sometimes you must take the time to sit quietly and calmly and allow happiness to come to you. You can’t always chase after it.

If you spend time doing this, you will suddenly know all the good that you have in your life. Give yourself time to moments like this.

12. “The purpose of life, after all, is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experience.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Doing anything other than living life, experiencing everything you can, and embracing new things means you are wasting your precious days. Embrace every experience that comes your way, and avoid living in fear. If you can do those things, you will live the best life intended for you.

13. “You are confined only by the walls you build yourself.” – Andrew Murphy

Break down the walls you have built for yourself, and you will begin to live your best life. Let your guard down and go after what you want or need in life. You are the only person holding you back, so make the changes you need to live the life you dream of.

14. “There’ll be two dates on your tombstone and all your friends will read ’em but all that’s gonna matter is that little dash between ’em.” – Kevin Welch

Your birth date and the day you pass away are meaningful, but the dash in between is even more special. That dash symbolizes all of your life experiences, memories, loved ones, and much more. Stay motivated to live your best life so that the dash on your tombstone is meaningful when the time comes.

15. “No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world.” – Robin Williams

If you want to change your life for the better, then you must speak up. Give ideas, be open and honest, and do everything you can to make the world a better place. If you stay silent, nothing will change, and your life will remain the same.

Final Thoughts on Quotes on Motivating Yourself to Live Your Best Life

Remember that you should enjoy life, and you must do what you can to live that way. Find happiness and fulfillment, and embrace each moment as it comes. When all else fails, come back to these quotes on motivating yourself to live your best life.

With the advice given in these quotes and the experiences shared, you are sure to change your life for the better. Always remember that you deserve to be happy and live the life you have dreamed of. Continue working toward that so that you can live your best life, as these quotes on motivating yourself encourage.

If you found that one of these quotes on motivating yourself was more helpful than the others, save it. You can print it and put it in a place you see every day, such as your office or on your bathroom mirror. As needed, come back here to re-read the quotes on motivating yourself to help you live your best life.

15 Daily Positive Habits That Help Boost Low Energy Levels

March 17, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Ever wonder why certain people get so much done in the day? If you’re constantly struggling to get going in the morning or get past low energy levels during an afternoon slump, it’s time to find new ways to find some energy for yourself. Most of us would like to be more alert and focused throughout the day. There are a few ways to achieve this – from sleeping more to reading to exercising. There are also supplements like Noocube that can give you an extra boost. While these supplements are not “magic pills”, they can aid your other healthy efforts and improve your mental performance.

15 Positive Habits That Boost Low Energy Levels

Get a new lease on life by boosting low energy in all-natural ways. Read on for 15 great ways to reclaim your energy.

1. Hydrate First Thing in the Morning

Water does the body wonders. If you’re feeling a little sleepy or like you lack motivation, make sure you’re not dehydrated.

If you want to start your day off as refreshed and healthy as possible, try pouring yourself a glass of water. With an energizing glass of water, you’ll be able to give your body the push it needs to handle the day.

To wake up even faster, experts suggest downing a cup of hot water. With a dash of sea or rock salt and some lemon juice, you’ll be able to cheer up your body and balance your electrolytes. Likewise, the combo will help to soothe your digestive system, accelerate your blood circulation, and promote your body’s pH balance.

2. Eat Nutritious Foods

Just like your body needs its water, it needs the proper nutrition to function. Without an adequate amount of fruits and vegetables, you’ll feel depleted and tired more often than not.

Get back into business by filling up on healthier foods. Stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables to make sure you have the nutrients you need.

A plant-based diet is higher in alkaline foods and is very nutritious. When it comes to plants, you’ll never go wrong with big leafy greens.

Other nutrition superstars include pineapple, grapefruit, pomegranate, and more. Additionally, superfoods such as raw cacao, spirulina, and chia seeds, are foods that are packed with energizing ingredients.

3. Rise With the Sun

The sun has unique power when it comes to energizing the body. Rising with the sun is an effective way to help your body follow its natural rhythm.

Setting your internal clock to awaken with the sun will boost your energy overall. This is especially true if you ditch your curtains and let the sunlight flood your room to wake you up.

Just as it’s helpful to take in the sun to help kickstart your morning, it’s also helpful to get out into the sun throughout the day. If you feel yourself burning out, taking breaks to go outside will help you perk up.

4. Start Exercising

Exercise is another natural way to help your body refill its fuel tank. Moving your body will give you the boost of adrenaline needed to help you start your day.

Whether you go for a quick morning jog or take a bike ride, getting moving earlier on will help you to find more energy throughout the day.

Before getting your workout in, be sure to choose your favorite type of fitness that will energize you rather than exhaust you. For example, doing yoga early in the morning is preferable to a heavy session of weightlifting.

Pay attention to the exercises that leave you feeling fully refreshed and exhilarated. These are the go-to exercises that will help you stay awake and alert during the day.

5. Take a Shower

Water is beneficial both inside and outside the body. This powerful purifying element is a great way to start and end the day.

If you’re looking for a quick way to wake up, try taking a cold shower. A cold shower will increase your body’s blood circulation, improve your immune system, and regulate your endocrine system.

Experts recommend taking a three-minute-long shower to beat the effects of fatigue. Even a 30-second blast of cold water will be enough to get your body stimulated.

6. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword; it’s one of the best ways to stay present and alert. Whenever you start to feel yourself burning out during the day, take a short break to practice mindfulness.

During your break, spend time alone. At this time, give your mind and body a chance to relax. Sitting in a comfortable position, close your eyes, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.

This breathing technique will allow you to center yourself and let go of any lingering stress or anxiety. Taking just a few minutes to practice mindfulness and meditative breathing will help keep any anxiety-related fatigue at bay.

7. Detox From Low Energy Creating Toxins

Toxins rob the body of its natural energy throughout our daily lives. We encounter toxins in the air, processed foods, and water. Over time, these toxins can build up, taking a toll on your body’s ability to function correctly.

One of the easiest ways to get energized and get rid of these toxins is detoxing your body. The best way to start your detox is t eat antioxidant-rich foods and stay away from sugary and processed items. During your detox, you’ll soon see the powerful effects of removing toxins from your body.

In addition to intentionally taking toxins out of your diet, try a massage, steam bath, aromatherapy, or meditation to complete this process.

8. Take the Stairs

If you find yourself in a mid-day rut and are near a set of stairs, you’re in luck. Jogging up a staircase may be more effective than downing another cup of coffee if you’re trying to beat your afternoon slump.

Research shows that taking the stairs for just 10 minutes can boost your energy levels as much as 4 oz. of coffee would. Whether you take the stairs or use a stair climber, use this hack to keep you powering through your day.

9. Try Orange-Colored Glasses

Orange-colored glasses can quickly help you get a better outlook on life. This orange-colored solution will help take the edge off your day by reducing your exposure to blue light.

The orange tint will effectively block the blue light emitted from your electronics. Wearing these glasses throughout the day will help block your blue light, making it easier to rest, sleep, and wake up energized for another day of work.

Likewise, while most people fall asleep with their smartphone in hand, this is counterproductive to getting a good night’s rest. Ensure you’re getting the rest you need by limiting your interaction with blue light towards the end of the night.

10. Take More Protein

Whatever diet you follow, chances are you’re not getting the right amount of protein. While you can add more protein to your diet with certain meats, consider using protein powder.

With a protein boost via a smoothie, shake, or protein bar, you’ll help to give your body a boost. With this addition to your diet, you’ll have a higher level of energy, and you’ll feel fuller for a more extended period.

11. Take B-12 Supplements

If you’re looking to improve your memory or concentration naturally, it’s time to consider taking B-12 supplements.

Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient for the body. One of 8 B vitamins, B-12, plays a role in your body’s production of blood cells, your nervous system’s health, and your concentration levels.

While this supplement may not inherently provide you with a vast energizing boost, it helps individuals deficient in B-12.

Not sure if you’re getting enough of this vitamin? If you take any antacids, are vegan, have a compromised immune system, or have a similar condition, you may very well benefit from adding this supplement to your diet.

12. Cut the Smoking Habit

Smoking is a threat to your overall health. While it contributes to the potential for lung disease, smoking tobacco also affects your energy levels.

As the nicotine in cigarettes acts as a stimulant, it speeds up the heart rate, leading to higher blood pressure. With your brain overstimulated, you’ll have a hard time getting to sleep.

Try weaning yourself off the cigarettes to feel more energized during the day. This way, you can keep cravings at bay and help yourself have a more restful sleep.

13. Try a Catnap

A catnap can help you get through the day and feel more energized. A short nap between 10 – 30 minutes is all you need to reset your body for the day.

Experts recommend napping anytime before 4:00 pm to keep your sleep schedule on track. This type of shorter nap will improve your overall alertness, cognitive function, and improve your memory.

Want to nap longer? Try to limit yourself to 30 minutes. This way, you’ll avoid the phenomenon of “sleep inertia” that will prevent you from feeling fully alert.

14. Listen to Fast-Paced Music

Fast-paced music can help override the brain’s fatigue signals. This type of upbeat music will help you stay focused as you find new motivation to get more work done.

Try a song that plays at 145 BPM. This type of beat will make it easier to focus as you catch your second wind.

15. Start Dancing

You don’t need to be a professionally trained dancer to make this tip work for you. With just a few dance moves, you can wake your body up even more.

Take a 5-minute break to get your groove on. Whether you shake your hips or move your head, a little bit of dancing can change your whole day.

We all get 24 hours in the day. With the proper energizing regimen, you’ll be able to tackle whatever the day has to throw at you.

Final Thoughts on Having Less Low Energy Every Day

Keep this guide in mind as you find new and healthy ways to stay alert, awake, and active. Embrace one or two of these new habits to see if you can reap the reward of a much-needed energy boost.

11 Behaviors That Reveal Someone Has a Sensory Processing Disorder

March 17, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Sensory processing disorder is a condition where the body-brain interprets your senses differently than most folks. For instance, you may be sensitive to noises, certain materials that brush your skin, or fluorescent lights that nearly blind you.

Every day, your body and brain are busy interpreting the signals it receives. The process happens so often that you hardly notice it’s occurring. Your sight, touch, smell, taste, movements, and hearing are all part of your sensory experiences.

You know that not everyone views the world the same, and many see things or hear them differently than you. This is all because their sensory processing system is diverse. However, sometimes the sensory processing mechanism inside the brain is over-responsive, and it can cause significant discomfort in everyday life.

One person might be overly sensitive to touch, while another individual is susceptible to sound. In many instances, these differences are subtle, but their sensory issues can be crippling for some folks.

An Illustration of Sensory Processing Disorder

A few years ago, a video circulated the internet to help others understand how sensory processing disorder works. By walking through the grocery store of someone with this neurological disorder, it’s easy for anyone to see how uncomfortable it can be.

Watching the video, viewers see how an ordinary trip to the local grocery store turned into a nightmare for someone with this neurological disorder. Sadly, SPD affects one out of every six children in this country, according to Star Institute. Parents who have children who scream, cry, and throw tantrums, may think their child is just acting up in the store.

However, the problem may be their overstimulated by the environment. This condition often exists in children who are on the autism spectrum as well as those that have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although, it can also occur by itself with no other known issues.

Adults can suffer from SPD too. It’s not uncommon to see these neurological issues after trauma to the brain or a long-term illness. Even anxiety can cause the senses to be off, making for an uncomfortable experience trying to get through daily life.

Behaviors That Identify Sensory Processing Disorder

Since the symptoms of SPD overlap many other neurological conditions, it’s not always easy to identify. However, the most common behaviors or symptoms are as follows.

1. Keen Hearing

Those who suffer from SPD may have hyper-acute hearing. They can hear the slightest sounds, and often they find them to be overwhelming.

It’s not uncommon that a person is highly bothered by a noise that other individuals won’t notice. Their keen sense of hearing can make them also hypersensitive.

2. Hypersensitive Hearing

While most folks wouldn’t think anything of silverware clanking at the dinner table. However, those with SPD may find the racket unsettling.

Their hypersensitive nature may cause them to avoid the dinner table, have a meltdown, or refuse to eat. The excessive noise may be enough for the adult to raise their anxiety and cause a panic attack. If a person tends to avoid the dinner table, then further investigation should be done.

3. Rejects Physical Contact

A person with SPD may be uncomfortable with any form of touch. To this individual, something as minor as a touch or handshake is too many stimuli. This person may be surprised or even frightened if someone tries to hug them.

It’s not uncommon for this individual to avoid contact with others due to the fear of getting too close. With these sensitivities, walking barefoot outside in grass or sand may be sensory overload. Things that most people enjoy, like the fresh air blowing on their skin, might be too much to handle.

4. A lack of coordination

Have you ever met someone who struggles with a lack of coordination? They may seem as if they have all thumbs when they try to do anything. This person will often break things and mess up anything they touch.

Society might label this individual as uncoordinated, but it could all stem from the fact that they have poor motor coordination. They find it terribly difficult to hold a crayon or use a fork during childhood. As an adult, it morphs into an ungainly or awkward nature.

5. No Sense of Personal Space

One thing that those with sensory processing disorder often do is latch onto others. They may not know personal boundaries because they want to touch anything and everything around them.

Part of this disorder is that some feel comfort when they’re close to another object. Just being next to a person makes them feel safe, especially when they experience these weird sensations that come along with SPD.

6. Exceptional Tolerance for Pain

Those with SPD might display a high pain tolerance when they get hurt. Shockingly, some of them might not even realize they’ve been hurt, which can cause a whole other set of issues. In some instances, their response to pain may be delayed due to their inadequate processing from the body to the brain.

7. Severe Aggression

Some folks tend to be a bit aggressive, and many may not know their strength. This is especially seen in the formative years with children. They may be rough and act like a bully to other kids.

They probably don’t mean to react this way, but they don’t have any clue how significant their strength. Sadly, this brute force may cause them great difficulties in making friends, or there is the possibility of hurting another child.

8. Gets Sidetracked Easily

Many people with SPD are diagnosed with ADHD. This is because the part of the brain that controls focus is altered in both conditions. Because their senses are heightened, this person cannot stay focused.

Being in a classroom or an office where someone with SPD must sit still for long periods can be torturous to them.

9. Problems Learning New Tasks

Folks with SPD have great difficulties when it comes to learning new things. They take longer than the average person, and they often fall behind. It’s easier to identify these issues in the school-age years rather than in adulthood.

10. Meltdowns

While you may see a meltdown or an anxiety attack on the outside, what’s going on inside is much more severe. Those with sensory processing issues often go into overload when they cannot process all their stimuli.

Think of it like your computer. If you open 20 browsers and have several programs going at once, the system will freeze or crash. It’s because the capacity of the CPU is maxed out.

The same things happen inside the person’s mind with SPD, so they meltdown because they cannot take all the stimuli.

11. Hiding

When the world and all the noise and chaos around is too much, the person with SPD hides. A child may find a closet or cubby hole where they can go alone to calm down.

The adult may shut themselves in their bedroom. They need to go somewhere to allow their senses time to calm so they can regroup.

Why Sensory Processing Disorder May Not Be Just Autism

SPD and autism are often confused, but they are not the same disorder. SPD affects the central nervous system and how it receives and responds to the signals it collects.

The crux of this issue is that the brain doesn’t know how to interpret the signals, either over or under reacts. People can have problems with the sensory processing system in their bodies and be autistic, but they don’t always occur together.

Autism is not an actual neurological disorder but rather seen as a developmental ailment. A person with this condition has problems with behavior, communication, and interaction with others.

Remarkably, folks with autism and sensory processing disorder have significant brain differences that cannot be ignored. Research suggests that the minds of those with SPD have reduced connectivity in specific areas accountable for sensory processing.

However, the brains of those children affected by autism performed inversely in areas associated with emotional advancement and memory.

Final Thoughts on Sensory Processing Disorder

You may find that you or a loved one might have some sensory processing issues.

SPD comes in all shapes and sizes, and most develop coping skills to combat the issues. However, sensory processing disorder is debilitating and makes you want to avoid places like the grocery store or a shopping mall. The next time you see a parent in a store with a child having a major meltdown, rather than instantly thinking about behavioral issues or a lack of discipline, consider that the child might have sensory issues and are in pain.

How different would the world be if we looked through eyes of kindness and understanding rather than judgment? While others see and hear screaming or temper tantrums, what the child could be dealing with on the inside is unbearable to them. Additionally, the adult with strange behaviors and tends to avoid social settings might also be suffering from SPD.

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