Weekly tips, affirmations, and small actions to feel your best.

15 Affirming Statements to Help You Raise More Confident Children

Raising children is hard no matter what, but it’s even harder to raise confident children. There are so many things for children to learn that it can seem impossible to teach them all. Luckily, positive affirming statements can help you raise more confident children.

Positivity promotes an overall sense of well-being. When a child feels good, they will be open to things they would otherwise shut out. Plus, they will be more likely to be confident throughout their lifetime.

By teaching your children positive affirmations, you will be helping them succeed in life. You can’t be by their side every moment, so you must give them the necessary tools ahead of time. Start by teaching positive affirmations because they can use them anywhere and at any time.

You will have to help them remember and repeat the affirmations at first. Once they get used to it, though, they will begin to recognize their favorite ones without help. When they can do it without help, you will know that they are doing it when you aren’t around, too.

Why Positive Affirmations Help Raise Confident Children

confident childrenPositive affirmations are suitable for everyone, and this includes children. As they go through life, they learn and grow while often dealing with overwhelming situations and emotions. Using affirming statements in these situations will help them replace negative thoughts with positive ones.

They will be able to see solutions to their problems rather than unachievable obstacles. Using affirming statements helps them strengthen their brain, more specifically, what is called the ‘control center’ of the brain. Your children will be able to think in a way that promotes the following:

  • problem-solving
  • impulse control
  • emotional regulation

Positive affirmations for kids also promote resilience that lasts a lifetime. They will handle change and unexpected situations easier. Plus, they will be able to get away from negative thought patterns easier.

Fifteen Positive Statements to Help You Raise More Confident Children

Affirming statements will stick in their brain subconsciously. Plus, once they’ve repeated them enough, children will begin using the affirmations even when you aren’t around. This makes it easier for the child to redirect their thoughts when necessary.

1. I will always try my best.

When children do their best, they feel good about themselves. This can instill confidence and help them continue trying hard. They won’t give up as quickly when things don’t work out, either.

Have your child repeat this affirmation at the beginning of each day to help them give their best effort. When you help them say this statement each morning, it will still be in their mind when you aren’t there.

2. There are positive things in all situations; I just have to find them.

Teach your children to look for positivity in all situations. This will help them be happier, more confident, and more emotionally stable. When things don’t go their way or something changes, they will be more resilient, too.

3. When I mess up, I will try again.

Messing up is a part of life, even for adults. Using this phrase will remind your children that it is okay to mess up as long as they try again. This affirmation can give them the motivation to try until they get it right.

4. I will practice hard to build my skills and get better.

Children should understand that it takes practice to get better. They can’t be great at something overnight, and they can’t improve if they don’t practice. Using this affirming statement before practicing will help them give their best effort to learn.

5. I am good enough, and I don’t have to be perfect.

This statement affirms that the child is good enough as they are. Perfection is impossible, so they must understand that they don’t have to be perfect. Knowing this will help them accept and love themselves, even though they aren’t perfect.

It also allows them to know that other people don’t have to think they are perfect. They can be themselves without worrying about perfection.

6. I am unique, special, and loved.

Children must know that they are unique and loved. It is clear that everyone is different, and your child should know that it is a good thing to be unique. Help them embrace their differences while reminding them how much they are loved.

A child who knows that they are unique and loved will be happier and more confident going through life. They know that there are people who love them unconditionally and that they are free to be themselves.

dermaplaning7. I can speak up when I am uncomfortable or when something isn’t right.

When children know that they are allowed to speak up, they will be more likely to do it. This is important in a few different situations.

If they are uncomfortable with something, they need to know that it is okay to say so. When they don’t think that something is safe, respectful, or kind, they can speak up, then, too. Using this affirmation can help give your child the confidence to speak up when they need to.

8. I set boundaries for myself, and I respect the boundaries of others.

Teach children about setting boundaries, and then have them repeat this affirmation daily. They have a right to decide their limitations and have others respect them. Likewise, confident children respect the boundaries of others, too.

9. I am in control of my body and my actions.

Children should know that blaming others for what they have done isn’t acceptable. They control their bodies, and they are the only person who can decide what they will do.

It is also important for children to know that they don’t have to do what other people say. Since they control their bodies, no one else can force them to do things they don’t want to do. This is another place where boundaries are a beneficial idea.

10. I work hard and do great things.

To do great things, a person must work hard. This is true for both adults and children. Have your child repeat this affirmation to be more likely to work hard and see great results.

11. I can learn new things.

New things can be intimidating, but a confident child will give anything a try. Before going into a situation where something new might occur, have your child say this affirming statement. They will feel more confident in their ability, and they will be more likely to enjoy the learning process.

12. When things get hard, I will keep trying.

Life isn’t easy, and that is evident from a very early age. Sometimes, it is tempting to give up when things get hard, but that isn’t what a confident person would do.

A confident person would keep trying when things get hard. Using this affirming statement will help your child keep trying, too, and become more confident along the way.

13. It is okay to ask for help when I need it.

It is better to ask for help than to struggle alone. With help, a child can learn more than they would have alone.

Plus, asking for help when help is needed is an important part of being confident. It helps the child realize that it is okay not to be perfect, too.

14. I am learning what I like and what I am good at.

Children try new things all the time, and it may seem like they change their minds often. This is normal because they are learning about themselves. They shouldn’t feel wrong about this, because it is an important part of developing into a confident person.

15. It is okay to express my emotions.

Expressing emotions is important, and it can improve confidence and self-esteem. Children must know that their feelings are valid and should be experienced. As they express their feelings, they are learning to control their emotions and deal with them positively.

When a child is comfortable expressing their emotions, they can learn how to overcome them, too. All of this allows them to be more confident with who they are.

confident childrenFinal Thoughts on Affirming Statements to Help You Raise More Confident Children

Raising confident children is important if you want them to have the best chances in life. They will try new things, practice until they get better, and speak up for themselves and others. Plus, they will be more likely to ask for help and express their emotions when necessary.

Since you can’t be with your children all of the time, using affirming statements can help. As stated before, you may have to practice with them initially, but they will get better over time. Before you know it, they’ll be uttering the words to themselves anytime they begin to waver.

These affirming statements can help you raise more confident children, so use them every day. Give your children the best chance in life by helping them become confident with who they are.

20 Happy Phrases That Spread Joy and Positive Vibes

Even happy and joyful people get down sometimes in life. It is essential to spread joy and positive vibes to get back on the right track when that happens.

Your happiness is important, and not only for yourself. Your mood and the vibes you give off affect everyone around you and can contribute to their perspective, too.

Twenty Phrases That Spread Joy and Positive Vibes

If you feel yourself being negative, turn to these happy phrases. They will help spread joy and positive vibes to you and then to those around you. Allow these happy phrases to help you reach your goals and stay on your unique path in life.

chasing money1. To spread positive vibes, I must first be happy with myself.

You cannot radiate joy and positivity if you are unhappy with who you are. Learn to love yourself and live a life that you are happy with. Then, you will be able to spread happiness to others while also increasing your inner positivity.

2. Everyone has greatness inside of them.

There will be times when you feel low and like you have nothing to offer. When that happens to you, remember this happy phrase and use it as encouragement. Greatness lies inside everyone, and you have to look for it and know that it is there.

3. The key to a joyful and positive life is creating a life I love.

You have to love the life you are living if you want things to work out. Only then can you be joyful and positive and spread it to others. Make decisions that you can live with, and follow the path that you desire.

When you make decisions for yourself and follow your path, you’re sure to be happier. Then you can spread happiness and positivity to others, too.

4. Without hardship, I would never learn or grow.

Obstacles and hardships shouldn’t be considered a bad thing. Remember that without them, you will never learn or grow into a better version of yourself. Embrace and learn to enjoy hardship because of the growth that will come from it.

5. Even one single person can change things for the better.

You don’t have to follow the crowd to make a change. Likewise, you don’t have to have others on your side or in your group to make a change. You can make a change by yourself, and seeing the difference will be inspiring.

Once other people see you making a positive difference, they will be more likely to join in, too. With additional help, the change that you make will be even more significant. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have support, though. Just keep doing what you know is right.

6. When I want to spread joy and positive vibes, I must change my thought process.

Positive feelings and vibes can only come with positive thoughts. If you notice that your thoughts are negative, make a conscious decision to change them. Focus on positivity, and you will see that joy and positive vibes follow.

7. I am pushing away the thoughts that say “I can’t,” and I grow more positive because of it.

While you’re pushing negative thoughts away, you have to be sure to push out the “I can’t” thoughts. These types of thoughts will only hold you back and prevent you from joy and positivity. Instead, use phrases that begin with “I can,” and you will notice a positive change.

8. The storms will end, and there will be plenty of sunshine for everyone.

Bad times happen to everyone, but they always end. This should still give you hope for the future because things always get better.

Once the storm passes, you will experience sunshine again. Don’t be discouraged if you see others having a joyful time because there is enough of it for everyone. When you can be happy for the sunshine others are experiencing, you’ll spread joy and positivity.

9. The things that I learn can never be taken away from me.

One thing you can always be happy about is that your knowledge can never be taken away. Everything you have learned in your life will stay with you forever. Your wisdom can help you be happy, and it can help you spread joy and positive vibes.

10. Where there is love, there is the potential for joy.

With people or things that you love surrounding you, you can be happy. Look around and count your blessings regularly, and you will be more joyful and positive.

If your loved ones are far away, make time to talk with them or video chat with them. Even doing this can increase your happiness and help spread joy and positivity.

positive vibes11. The best part about making a mistake is how much I learn from it and can teach others.

Mistakes happen, but you can’t beat yourself (or others) up over them. Remember that mistakes aren’t a bad thing because they are always a learning opportunity.

When you make a mistake, reflect on what went wrong. Then, think about what you can do differently next time. With your wisdom, you will get farther, and spreading the knowledge to others will promote joy and positivity.

12. The things that make me unique are the things that make me special.

Being different is a good thing, and you should embrace what makes you different. When you acknowledge that your differences make you unique, you will notice that you become more joyful. Self-acceptance is key to spreading positive vibes.

13. I will change myself so that I can change the world.

If you want to see a joyful and positive change in the world around you, then be the one to start the change. Reflect on what you could change about yourself to make the world a better place. Then, come up with a plan to get it done and get started.

With those changes, you will be more joyful and positive. Plus, others will see the difference in you and want to reach the same happiness level. Before you know it, you will have caused those around you to begin changing for the better, too.

14. I can accomplish anything with hard work and determination.

Nothing in life will be handed to you, so you have to work for it. Be determined as you work toward your goals, and you will reach them more quickly. Plus, you will be happier and more positive along the way, too, helping yourself and those around you.

15. With positive thoughts, anything is possible.

Always remember that the world around you is a reflection of your thoughts. If you notice negativity in the world, it is likely because your thoughts are negative. Try thinking positively all the time and see what a difference it makes in your life.

16. A simple smile can change everything.

When you’re feeling negative, try smiling for a while. Smile in the mirror and smile to anyone you may see or pass. When you do, you will notice that your mood improves a little each time.

Not only will your mood improve, but the attitude of those around you will improve, too. It is the best way to spread joy and positive vibes.

17. If I do what I am passionate about, life will be full of positivity.

Follow your dreams and do what you are passionate about. You can give your all and do what makes you happy at the same time. With that will come joy, positive vibes, and success that is incomparable to anything else.

When you do what you love, your life will change for the better. Then, you can help change the world for those around you, too.

18. I will trust my heart to lead me in the right direction.

Follow your heart when you are making decisions. Your heart will lead you in the direction of your passions and toward the things that you are good at. Don’t let anyone sway your decision, and be confident enough to follow a different path than everyone else.

19. I will be confident, know my worth, and believe that I am talented.

Confidence and a self of self-worth will get you far in life. It will help promote joy and positivity, and you will recognize your talents and strengths. Use this happy phrase anytime you begin to feel down, and it’ll spread happiness and positivity again.

20. Joy and positivity only come when I walk my own path, and I can inspire others to do the same.

You can’t be happy if you keep following others because you will never know what your life should be like. Following others means giving up your passions, goals, and desires as you strive to make someone else happy. Doing this won’t help, though, because if you aren’t happy, you can’t spread positivity to those around you.

positive vibesFinal Thoughts on Happy Phrases That Spread Joy and Positive Vibes

Spreading joy and positive vibes don’t only help you, but they also help those around you. As you spread positivity, you will be helping yourself succeed and helping those around you stay positive.

You will notice that things work out better and that you stay happier more often. Use these positive phrases anytime you begin to feel negative, and you will get back on the right path.

10 Reasons to Brew a Cup of Stinging Nettle Tea Every Day

Stinging nettle tea is a robust herbal beverage made from the roots and leaves of the herbal plant bearing the same name. As one of the most popular medicinal plant teas, nettles are brewed into tea worldwide because of their many health benefits. Science explains the ten primary reasons you should brew a cup of stinging nettle tea every day.

However, before we begin our discussion, we must caution you to check with your primary care physician or pharmacist before adding this herb to your diet. It can cause interactions with specific medications, primarily blood thinners.

What is a stinging nettle herbal plant?

The stinging nettle plant, or Urtica dioica, is part of a large family of perennial herbs. It’s called nettle, stinging nettle, or wild nettle. Nettles can grow up to 6 feet tall. The stinging nettle plant leaves have tiny hairs that contain chemicals that sting you if you touch them.

The plant has small green and white flowers clustered near the top of the stem of the plant. Stinging nettle plants are one of the most popular medicinal plants in the world. Part of its popularity is because nettles are easy to grow, so they’re inexpensive. Plus, they are very non-toxic, so you don’t need to worry about making tea with this herbal plant.

stinging nettleCan you eat the stinging nettle plant?

In many rural areas, nettles are eaten in the springtime. The Romans ate nettles and used the roots to tenderize meats. Nettles mixed with potatoes and cheese is a popular dish, especially in poorer countries. Nettles can be cooked, boiled, or added to soups or salads. It’s a good substitute for spinach since it has a similar taste and consistency to this vegetable. It’s great in

  • Pasta
  • Soup
  • Stews
  • Juice
  • Tonics
  • Teas

You can buy stinging nettles in bulk from online health stores or natural grocery stores or grow it in your garden.

Ten surprising benefits of drinking stinging nettle tea

Here are ten compelling reasons to incorporate this hot beverage into your health routine.

1 – Urinary tract infections

Women get UTIs more than men. These infections can affect your bladder or urethra areas, but the disease may turn deadly if left untreated if it travels into your kidneys. Symptoms of a UTI include

  • Pelvic pain
  • Frequent urination
  • Pain when you urinate
  • Blood in your urine
  • Cloudy dark urine
  • Tiredness
  • Fever and chills (if you have a fever)

If you have a UTI, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics, but stinging nettle tea is a great remedy for treating a urinary tract infection. The nettle tea helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract.

2 – Reduces symptoms of osteoarthritis and joint pain

Joint pain and osteoarthritis are common problems as you age, especially if you’ve been active all your life. This wear and tear on your joints can be very painful. Taking non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) is not a good long-term choice since they can put you at risk for heart attacks, strokes, and stomach problems.

One study found that stinging nettle tea can help reduce your joint pain and osteoarthritis, especially in your spine, hips, knees, and hands. You can also apply nettle leaves to your hands to reduce your joint pain.

3 – Provides an anti-itch solution for your dog

If your dog gets dry, itchy skin, especially in the winter, stinging nettles tea may be the solution. Make a strong tea from the stinging nettle plant. Allow the tea to cool completely, then pour the cooled tea all over your dog’s coat and skin until it’s soaked. Let your dog drip dry. This herb is a great anti-itch remedy.

However, don’t allow Fido to roll in the herb plants, the plant in its native form can irritate their skin, just like yours!

If you have any questions on using this herb on your pooch, then please call your vet first.

4 – Reduces an enlarged prostate

Studies suggest that stinging nettles compounds can help an enlarged prostate. It helps treat this condition by preventing the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a form of testosterone. This conversion is what helps reduce the amount of testosterone helps shrink the prostate. Some researchers think it could help treat prostate cancer.

herbal teas

These eleven herbal teas can help fend off viral infections.

5 – Lowers high blood pressure

Stinging nettles can be an effective way to moderate high blood pressure. High blood pressure causes a force of your blood against your artery walls is too high. High blood pressure is considered high if it’s 140/90 or higher. Sometimes there are no symptoms until you get your blood pressure checked by a doctor. Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to stroke or heart disease. Doctors usually suggest eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and if that doesn’t help, you’ll need to take medication to lower your blood pressure.

Early findings suggest that stinging nettle could be a possible remedy to lower your blood pressure, especially if you’re already on antihypertensive drugs that aren’t working. Be sure to talk with your naturopath before you start drinking nettle tea for your high blood pressure. They can suggest how much you should drink each day to prevent unwanted side effects.

6 –  Works as an anti-inflammatory

If you suffer from inflammation, you may be tempted to grab an over-the-counter drug to ease your pain. But many of these drugs that are on the shelves have serious long-term side effects. Some doctors say an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce some of your discomforts. Try drinking stinging nettle tea to ease your inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory ingredients help relieve pain in a natural, non-toxic way.

7 – Fights allergy symptoms

Stinging nettle tea can reduce your allergy reactions by stopping or slowing down your body’s histamine production when you encounter an allergen. When your body is allergic to something, it produces more histamines causing allergic symptoms like

  • Sneezing
  • Cough
  • Itchiness
  • Congestion

Researchers aren’t entirely sure how the nettle’s properties work, but they still believe that nettle tea effectively helps you feel better from an allergy.

8 – Prevents anemia

Anemia is a condition where your blood doesn’t get enough red blood cells, or your red blood cells don’t function properly. This leads to less oxygen being sent to your organs. Symptoms include

  • Fatigue
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rapid heartbeat.

Stinging nettles contain vitamins A, C, and iron. These help with your body’s production of red blood cells and help these cells work properly to prevent anemia.

9 – Reduces headaches

Stinging nettle tea has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce pain, including your headaches. Stinging nettle tea is a safe non-steroid way to find relief if you suffer from chronic headaches.

10 – Anti-aging

Antioxidants help fight the toxins that attack and break down your cells, causing your skin to age. Stinging nettle extract used for teas or oils can raise your blood’s antioxidant levels and help your skin look younger and less aged.

Will stinging nettle tea interfere with medications?

Yes! If you take any medications, please check with your doctor or pharmacist before adding this to your diet.

Stinging nettle can interfere with certain medications. Medications like antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners) are affected by nettle tea because this herbal plant reduces your blood’s clotting ability. Hence, it interferes with any blood-thinning drugs you’re on, such as the following:

  • Warfarin
  • Coumadin
  • Clopidogrel
  • Plavix
  • Aspirin
  • Diuretics
  • Blood pressure medications

Other side effects include some diarrhea or stomach cramps in some people.

Can I grow my own stinging nettle herbal plant?

You can also grow stinging nettle plants since it’s a perennial herb plant. Just be sure to keep it in a pot because it’s a very invasive herb. If you grow your own stinging nettle plants, here’s how to harvest the leaves for tea.

Warning: Never harvest nettles for food or tea after the plant flowers since the older leaves contain cystoliths that are bad for your kidneys. If you want to gather leaves after the plant flowers, be sure to dry out the leaves, which will kill the cystoliths.

It’s easy to dry out the nettle leaves for tea. Gather the leaves (don’t forget the gloves). Bundle them in 5 to 8 branches. Hang to dry in a spot that gets lots of air. The leaves should dry out and crumble when you crush them. The leaves will not have the sting left, but the hairs may still be there and cause a little pain when you touch them. You can store the dried leaves in jars in a dark place for at least a year.

Nettle tea recipe

  • 2-3 teaspoons of dried nettle leaves
  • ½ teaspoon of cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon of dried ginger

Mix these in a tea strainer. Pour boiling water through the filter into a mug. Cover the cup with a lid, then allow the tea to steep for 15 to 20 minutes.

stinging nettleFinal thoughts on adding nettle tea to your daily routine

Stinging nettles are underestimated plants that researchers are beginning to notice. This herbal plant has a wide variety of proven health benefits. This plant can be used in cooking or medicines. Undoubtedly, researchers will continue to find ways to use this herb to help fight diseases and conditions naturally.

20 “I Statements” to Boost Your Mood on a Bad Day

When you have a bad day, it might seem like nothing can improve your mood. Finding a way to turn your day around is essential, or it will only get worse. Luckily, you can change the course of your bad day and mood by using positive “I statements”.

“I statements” are positive affirmations that begin with the word “I”. As you say them out loud, the statements trigger your brain’s reward centers to promote positivity and boost your mood. If you use these statements when you are in a bad mood, they can change your thoughts, increase positivity, and improve your day.

Your words are powerful, and when you say positive things to yourself, it helps promote positivity within. Likewise, negative phrases can promote negativity and attract negative energy. Make sure you help yourself out by sticking to positive thoughts and saying positive things to yourself.

There will be times you struggle with this, so keep these positive “I statements” nearby. You can use them anytime you feel like you are in a bad mood or having a bad day. The best part is that they are easy to remember.

Twenty “I Statements” to Boost Your Mood on a Bad Day

Say these phrases to uplift your mood when you are feeling blue.

i statements1. I am a happy and positive person.

Tell yourself that you are a happy and positive person, and you will begin to be one. Being happy and positive will make you feel better, and it will improve the mood of those around you. With all of the happiness and positivity going around, your day is sure to improve.

2. I will become a better version of myself because I went through this.

Having a bad day is frustrating, upsetting, and worrisome, but you will get through it. As you go through it, you will grow, learn, and become stronger. Then, once you get through the bad day, you will have become a better version of yourself because of it.

It can be hard to remind yourself that you are becoming better when you are upset, though. Write this positive affirmation down so that you can keep it with you. Then, you will always have a reminder to repeat this affirmation when you’re having a bad day.

3. I am important and am making a difference.

Knowing that you are important can boost your mood on even the worst days. It makes you feel fulfilled, and you will know that your time is well-spent and making a difference. When you feel like things aren’t going well or like you aren’t doing enough, repeat this affirmation.

4. I do not need to be perfect, I only need to make progress.

You don’t have to do everything right. Remind yourself that it is okay to make mistakes or be behind others. As long as you are making progress, you are doing just fine.

5. I am safe and at ease.

Knowing that you are safe can offer much relief on a bad day. Remind yourself of your safety often when you feel anxious or upset, and you will feel better. With safety comes ease, and as you tell yourself you are safe and at ease, you will truly feel it.

6. I will stick with positive thoughts no matter what.

It can be easy to let negative thoughts take over when you’re having a bad day. Your thoughts become your reality, though, so try to avoid negative thinking. Focus on positive thoughts and check them often to keep them in line.

7. I love myself just the way I am right now.

If you love yourself the exact way you are now, you will feel empowered. This will help you overcome your bad mood while you work toward your goals and your happiness.

8. I will take care of myself.

Physically and mentally taking care of yourself can drastically improve your mood. On a bad day, you may not want to do anything productive, but you must fight through that feeling. Repeat this affirmation so that you can take care of yourself and boost your mood.

9. I am worthy and good enough.

Always remind yourself that you are good enough no matter what you are going through. Don’t let your bad mood affect your sense of self-worth. Repeat this affirmation throughout the day until your bad mood improves.

Beating yourself over things or being negative toward yourself will only make your bad day worse. Give yourself the advantage of knowing your worth to help you get through and improve your mood.

10. I will make this bad day better.

With this mindset, you can boost your bad mood and make the whole day better. Repeat this positive affirmation until you believe it, and then go about your day. You will notice the difference as your mood improves.

pop quote11. I have a wonderful life with things to be grateful for.

No matter what is going on in your life, you have plenty of things to be grateful for. If you need something to boost your mood, then remind yourself of those wonderful blessings. As you think of them, you will surely notice an improvement.

If it helps, you could even write down a couple of things you are grateful for each day or when things get hard. Writing them down will help them stick in your mind as you go through your day.

12. I trust that I am on the right track.

Even as you miss things from your past, you must trust that you are heading in the right direction. Stay in the moment and know that you are where you belong right now. This will boost your mood and give you more confidence as you continue.

13. I trust that I make the right decisions.

As explained before, you should trust the path you are on, and you should also trust the decisions you make. If you decide what you think is best, you can trust that you made the right choice. This can help cheer you up when things don’t seem to be going well, so repeat it as often as needed.

14. I will not compare myself to other people.

Comparing yourself to others is sure to ruin your mood. Always avoid comparisons like this, but especially when you are having a bad day. Instead, avoid any comparisons, and you will notice that your move improves.

15. I am going with the flow and accepting things as they come.

Accepting things as they are can drastically improve your mood. Go along with what is happening if you can’t change it instead of letting it ruin your day. As long as it isn’t hurting anyone, keep moving forward and accept what is happening instead of wallowing.

16. I will listen to myself.

Listening to yourself is essential if you want to boost your mood on a bad day. You know what you want or need, but you have to be willing to listen to your mind and your body. If you listen to yourself, you can improve your mood and turn the day around.

17. I forgive myself.

Everyone has things from their past that they regret, but you must forgive yourself. If negative thoughts about your past are the cause of your bad day, repeat this affirmation until you feel better. Your past doesn’t define you, so you can’t let it affect your mood.

18. I know that this will pass, and things will get better.

Bad situations and bad days always pass, so remember that as you go through a bad day. With this knowledge, you can boost your mood because you are hopeful for the future.

19. I choose to put myself first and do what I need to do.

If you choose yourself, your entire day can improve. You can’t spend all of your time and energy worrying about others or taking care of them. Do what you need to do and put yourself first when necessary, and you will be in a better mood.

20. I will not spend my time or energy worrying.

Worrying about things or becoming anxious won’t help. It may even make things worse. Repeat this affirmation if you notice that you are spending too much time worrying.

If you can stop worrying, your mood will improve and your day will get better. It will help you think more clearly as you work through problems, too, making the situation pass more quickly.

I statementsFinal Thoughts on “I Statements” to Boost Your Mood on a Bad Day

Everyone has bad days sometimes, but you have to get through them positively. Boost your mood as much as possible by using these positive statements. They will remind you of all the good in your life and that all bad times will pass.

Plus, they remind you of the things you must do for yourself to boost your mood. By saying these positive affirmations to yourself, you will notice an improvement.

These positive affirmations can help you stop worrying, stressing, or feeling frustrated. They can help you refocus and think clearly, helping you get through the problem. When you notice that you are struggling, recall these positive statements to help boost your mood.

4 Habits Liars Have That Reveal Their True Personality

Have you ever felt that someone is lying but hadn’t had a quick way to prove it? It can be uncomfortable to try to spot liars. And directly accusing someone of lying, especially without evidence. If you’re right, you cannot back it up, and it’s your word against theirs. And if you’re wrong, that’s just awful and unfair on the person in question!

Worse still, even when you know someone is lying, certain people can be very good at deception. This makes it easy for them to cover their tracks and say the right thing, removing suspicion from themselves and leaving you feeling conflicted or caught in a corner.

If you’ve been in a situation like this, worry not! Get your positive thinking going, and you’ll see plenty of non-confrontational ways to check someone’s truthfulness. Here’s how experts reveal 4 questions you can ask to spot liars, or, more specifically, four types of questions useful in lie detection.

1. Ask Questions Focused On Them

Liars often do their best to separate themselves from what they say to add distance between themselves and the stories they tell. This allows them to slightly avert accountability, pushing that onto the people around them. Renowned social psychologist James W. Pennebaker has found that many liars do this by referring to themselves in the third person.

spot liarsFor example:

  • “It wasn’t finished,” instead of “I didn’t finish it.”
  • “You don’t give people things just like that,” instead of “I didn’t want to give them that.”
  • “The plate was dropped,” instead of “I dropped the plate.”

But that’s not all you can to spot liars.

Liars, especially when part of a group, team, or community, will often use “us,” “we,” “our,” and other similar terms to avoid accountability for their actions. It doesn’t just lump their behavior in with many others, but it also makes them sound like they’re reasonable. For example:

  • “We found this acceptable,” instead of “I found this acceptable.”
  • “No one really saw an issue there,” instead of “I didn’t see an issue there.”
  • “We made a mistake, and we’re working on it,” instead of “I made a mistake, and my team is now working on it.”
  • “Our team really dropped the ball on that,” instead of “I really dropped the ball on that.”
  • “All of us agreed that this would be best,” instead of, “I thought it would be best, and I made everyone else think so too.”

Finally, liars may switch pronouns to avoid responsibility. Instead of referring to something as theirs, they may use generic pronouns to detach themselves. For example:

  • “I was driving the car,” instead of “I was driving my car.”
  • “The decision was…”, instead of “I decided to…” or “My decision was…”
  • “That action was unavoidable,” instead of “I felt that my actions were unavoidable.”

So, how do you avoid this?

What you have to do is directly confront them personally. When they try to hedge, ask follow-up questions that put the onus on them. For example:

  • When they say “It wasn’t finished,” instead of “I didn’t finish it,” ask, “Who didn’t finish it? Was it you?”
  • When they say, “Our team really dropped the ball on that,” instead of “I really dropped the ball on that,” ask, “Who was directly responsible? What part did you play in it?”
  • If they say “I was driving the car,” instead of “I was driving my car,” they, ask “And this car belongs to you?”
  • When they say, “No one really saw an issue there,” instead of “I didn’t see an issue there,” ask, “What did you personally think?”
  • If they say, “We found this acceptable,” instead of “I found this acceptable,” ask, “So you found this acceptable?”

2. Ask Things You Know The Answer To

You may not know everything about a situation, but you’re likely aware of one or two objective facts about it. When you question someone you think is lying, ask about what you know and what you don’t know. If they mess up and lie, don’t reveal it right away. Wait for them to continue building their falsified story on this lie. That way, you’ll have a good idea of what is truthful and what isn’t.

Consultant Forensic Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist, and Chartered Scientist Coral Dando, Ph.D., goes a step further. In her decade serving the London police force, her expertise and observation have led her to use these kinds of questions to understand a person’s behavior better when they lie. If you’re incredibly observant, you may be able to pick up on specific tells that someone performs when they lie, as you’ll know when they’re contradicting the facts you already know.

An essential aspect of this is knowing when and how to withhold information from a liar so you can use it to check their honesty. Research has indicated that furnishing people with too many details too early can give them sufficient time to plan their elaborate lies, making it difficult for someone to be positive if they’re lying or not.

Strategic approaches will likely be taken by liars who know too much too quickly. However, having to make up things on the spot, liars quickly, will always lead to discernable mistakes.

liar

Revealed–the behaviors of a compulsive liar.

3. Ask Something Unexpected

Lying is a delicate business, and liars have to make sure they’re on top of their deception. It’s not uncommon for those who often lie to try their best to avoid cliches, especially if they’re one of many people being questioned. Phrases like “I’m not sure” and “I don’t remember” will quickly single them out. So they tend to try and build narratives that let them seem reasonable, sometimes with as many details as they deem relevant as possible.

According to a trained federal agent and deception detection expert, J. J. Newberry, approximately 4% of all people are excellent and accomplished liars, often to the point that they give off no clear signs of lying. That means there’s only one way to call them out: to catch them in their lies.

With all this information, we reach a simple conclusion. Good liars know to prepare in advance, but the problem with well-rehearsed stories is that they lack real-life details. Asking them for something unexpected can throw them off, and research has found that this is a quick way to leave liars floundering.

Lies can often be tangled, so asking them something unexpected can get a liar stuck in their own web. Here are some examples of good unexpected questions:

  • Lie: “I wasn’t free because of a work dinner.” Unexpected questions: “Who was sitting on your right?” “What did you eat?”, “What kind of wine did they serve?”
  • Lie: “I was actually with my friend at the time.” Unexpected questions: “What color was their shirt?”, “What was the weather at their place like?”, “How was their wife?”
  • Lie: “I have plenty of experience in this field, as my last job involved this work.” Unexpected questions: “Where did you work last?” “What was your biggest failure as you learned?” “What kind of computer was at your old office?”

4. Ask For A Story

Asking someone questions one by one has its uses. But asking for a story of the events they can tell is a useful way to sniff out a liar. Even those with the most positive demeanors and deceptive tricks tend to reveal certain tells when they have to tell a whole story, and studies have found that particular ones are almost always going to be found in a liar’s tale.

University of Massachusetts’ Professor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences and American Board of Professional Psychology-certified author in this field, Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D., outlines the following ways someone may reveal that they are lying in a story:

·         Talking Very Slowly

Someone who has to make up their lies on the spot will likely try to buy time by slowing down their speech. This is because lying is a mentally taxing exercise – you need to put effort into being consistent, sounding realistic, and self-editing if necessary.

·         Being Too Vague

People lying will often be highly brief or vague when telling stories. That’s because they don’t want to accidentally implicate themselves with unnecessary details. If they spend time on unnecessary details, it will usually be because they’re trying to distract you by over-describing something they know.

·         Mentioning Bad Memory

Anyone can have a bad memory, but liars will often talk a little too much about their memory-related troubles to downplay their inaccuracies. Though not definitive, it’s a good idea to make sure you don’t allow a liar to excuse every single weird contradiction with “bad memory.”

·         Being Extremely Positive

This one is a little strange but think about using this tactic to spot liars. Most innocent people aren’t fond of being questioned, especially if they retain feelings of guilt over being unable to prevent what happened or are struggling with the emotional backlash of the event. Liars will often do their very best to put on positive thinking, allowing them to appear completely calm and reasonable. They may downplay any negative feelings they have. And they make no complaints about being questioned at all (though some liars also go the opposite route, which can make this tell hard to judge).

·         Making Spontaneous Corrections

Liars often need to backtrack, leading to the need for quickly making sudden corrections that they try to brush off. For example, someone might say, “It happened at 12, no wait, maybe it was at 2”. A few of these in an account aren’t inherently signs of lying, but multiple spontaneous corrections should raise some eyebrows.

However, it is a good idea to use knowledge about someone before jumping on any of these “tells.”

Neurodivergent individuals may have many different “tells” that suggest lying, even when they’re truthful. So if you’re dealing with someone with a mental or learning disability, make sure you take that into account!

spot liarsFinal Thoughts Asking the Right Questions So That You Can Spot Liars

Asking the right questions is often all you need to spot liars quickly. Be calm, direct, and casual, staying away from obvious aggression or accusations, and you’ll soon notice inconsistencies that blow someone’s lies wide open.

9 Ways Crying Helps You Relieve Stress And Start Healing

When was the last time you cried? What was it about? Can you remember how you felt after letting all those tears flow?

Some people are ashamed of crying and view it as a symbol of weakness. That’s a very unhealthy way to look at things, and it goes against the human body’s natural functions. Here are 9 ways crying helps you relieve stress and start healing.

1.    It Helps Restore Balance

Have you ever noticed that you cry in different circumstances in different ways? Think about it! How do you cry when you’re:

  • Sad
  • Frightened
  • Stressed out
  • Happy
  • Relieved
  • In pain

cryingIt’s common to think mainly of sadness when you think about crying, but crying happens for countless reasons. However, the main thing linking them is that most tears are brought on by extreme emotion.

Why does this happen? Research suggests that this is due to the body and mind’s need to restore positive equilibrium to the emotions. In other words, these extreme forms of emotion need to be balanced out, and crying helps to release that pent-up stress and bring the brain back to a more reasonable, “average” emotional state.

So if you’re stressed out or in emotional turmoil, crying can help to relieve some of that by bringing you to a state of balanced emotion. This allows you to begin the healing process, recovering from your feelings’ extremities healthily and naturally.

2.    It Helps You Soothe Yourself

Self-soothing behavior refers to the natural ways that you may try to help yourself feel calmer or better in general. Most people learn to self-soothe in childhood. Not all forms of self-soothing behavior are healthy, however. Still, to provide you with examples, here are some common ways that people self-soothe, even if some are not the best options:

  • Biting fingernails
  • Twirling hair
  • Rocking back and forth
  • Taking a warm bath
  • Listening to relaxing music
  • Chewing gum
  • Drinking alcohol or smoking cigarettes

Self-soothing behaviors have to be healthy and positive to be effective, of course, and crying is one way to do that! This is because when you cry, you activate your brain’s parasympathetic nervous system, which aids in the body’s recovery and rests. It’s not instant, but after several minutes of crying, you’ll begin to feel the self-soothing effects.

3.    It Gathers Support

Some people feel ashamed of crying because they feel like it draws attention to them. But that’s counterproductive thinking! When you need to heal, you need other people to be able to empathize with you. Social support is a significant factor in recovery, and it can help reduce the severity of negative emotions and stress.

Crying is an attachment behavior, and studies show that crying can actually encourage people to rally around you and provide you with the support you need. People who care about you and matter in your life will be able to easily recognize that your tears indicate something serious – provided you don’t cry all the time, of course!

This is especially useful when it’s too difficult for you to articulate what you’re feeling. Crying provides clear and direct communication: you’re in trouble, and you need help and support. There’s a reason that from infancy, we learn to cry to convey information – it works well into adulthood, as long as it’s not done in excess.

Better yet, crying can help to strengthen certain bonds that you share with others. It shows that you trust those you’re crying around, and they can show that they care about you by being supportive. Many relationships (platonic or otherwise) can feel a closer connection after this show of vulnerability.

4.    It Facilitates Faster Moving On

If what you’re coping with is a loss or tragedy of some kind, there are many possible ways to react. You may:

  • Become angry
  • Blame others
  • Feel resentful
  • Feel guilty
  • Repress the emotion
  • Become sad

Of all these options, becoming sad is the fastest way to help you get over something difficult. This doesn’t mean that you’ll magically feel better, but being sad and crying allows you to grieve naturally.

Other methods of handling these kinds of situations typically make things worse. It’s completely okay to have an initial reaction to things that don’t involve crying, but a day or so later, anger, guilt, and resentment are nothing but counterproductive. They’re self-destructive and can trap you in cycles of negative emotion that are tough to handle.

When you cry, it’s a sort of acceptance. This happened, and it’s terrible, but you’re living in that moment and experiencing it. On the other hand, resentment, repression, guilt, and other similar behaviors trap you in the past, keeping you stuck in this tragedy for a long time.

At the end of the day, grieving is a highly personal process and journey. All that is known is that crying can have a positive effect on recovery and healing from that process. However, you should expect grief to affect you in its own unique way.

5.    It Improves Mood

When you cry, you’re likely to feel a little better afterward. It won’t be a dramatic change, but you’ll find yourself with a little more positive thinking after you cry. However, there are some caveats to this and some things to keep in mind:

  • It is not unlikely that individuals misremember the large variation between their emotional state before and after crying; in other words, it helps, but not as much as most people think.
  • The way others react to your crying is more important than the crying itself; multiple negative reactions are likely to make you feel worse afterward, but being shamed or made fun of will always result in your feeling worse.
  • Crying too much or in excess may no longer provide any positive benefits to you.
  • It can take as long as two hours before you even begin to feel better after crying, so it’s not immediate relief.

But with all those disclaimers, why is this factor of feeling better still important? Well, when you want to begin to heal, your brain needs to register it as a possible and doable goal. Feeling slightly better after crying is like taking a tentative but solid and reliable first step into recovery!

pop meme6.    It Prevents Spirals Into Depression

Continual repression of emotion can lead to worsened intensity of that feeling. Studies indicate that bottling feelings up can be unhealthy, but expressing those emotions can lead to significant improvements in overall mood.

When you cry, you’re admitting that you’re sad. You’re openly expressing negative emotions, even though it may be difficult to do. This prevents the emotion from becoming overwhelming, stopping the chance of you spiraling into the development of a mood disorder such as depression.

7.    It Helps You Sleep

Have you ever noticed that you sleep extremely deeply after a good cry? There might be a good reason for that, though the main study found this result was conducted on infants, so take it with a grain of salt.

Supposedly, crying is a tiring activity, and it can be emotionally exhausting. Naturally, the body then craves sleep to recover. This allows you to fall asleep easily, and the nap can help you feel refreshed and recharged after you’ve been through something difficult.

It is also commonly known that getting enough sleep can aid mental health, too, so crying to sleep can indirectly facilitate emotional healing. Sleep can:

·         Reduce Stress

A lack of sleep contributes to irritability, unstable mood, and other similar problems. Of course, this all leads to heightened stress. If you need to be calmer, you’ll want to get more sleep, and crying can help with that relief.

·         Reduce Anxiety

Sleep deprivation is a common contributor to anxiety, and it starts an unhealthy cycle because anxiety, in turn, makes it harder to sleep! Studies show that individuals with anxiety are more likely to experience sleep issues and vice versa. Basically, the sleepier you are, the tougher it is for you to cope with anxious thoughts and emotions, which can hamper your healing process.

·         Reduce Depression Symptoms

Most research indicates that a lack of sleep can lead to a significantly decreased level of positive thinking. More importantly, some research suggests that your risks of developing depression double if you don’t get enough sleep.

8.    It Reduces Blood Pressure

People often joke about their blood pressure rising when they’re stressed out, and like many jokes, it has its roots in reality. Being very stressed out can lead to an increase in overall blood pressure, and that can cause other problems for you that may distract you from the healing process.

Luckily, studies have suggested that your blood pressure can go down after a good cry. Your pulse will get steadier, your vitals will balance out, and you’ll feel the physical effects of your emotions slowly fade away.

9.    It Reduces Pain

Crying, especially over a prolonged period, reduces a couple of neurotransmitters (or hormones). Two of them are endorphins and oxytocin, which are positive, feel-good hormones that boost mood and reduce the severity of pain on an emotional and physical level.

If you’ve ever felt numb while crying, this is because of these hormones working their magic. They’re helping to reduce the worst of the pain you feel, allowing you to better process your emotions. It’s a great way to begin working on healing right off the bat.

cryingFinal Thoughts On Some Ways Crying Helps Relieve Stress And Start Healing

Allowing yourself to cry can help stress-relief and overall healing, so don’t be afraid to bring out the tissues and sob. There’s no shame in needing emotional release, especially in difficult times.

Of course, there’s a limit to healthy tears and what they can do. If crying begins to interfere with your everyday life or reaches the point where you can’t do daily tasks, you should speak to a doctor or mental health professional.

You should also see professionals if your crying isn’t helping you and you feel worse or don’t seem to have any mood improvements over a prolonged period of time. Remember, you are not alone, and some people care about you and want to help you!

Google Develops AI to Help End Food Waste and Feed the Hungry

A Google subsidiary called X, or The Moonshot Factory, aims to end food waste around the world with AI. The offshoot created two programs to help food producers, suppliers, and commercial kitchens direct extra food to food banks. Having excess food may seem like a good thing, but it doesn’t usually go to people who need it most. Because of the massive food distribution problem plaguing the globe, Google wanted to find viable solutions.

So, they created Project Delta, a machine learning program that uses vast data and algorithms to detect wasted food. The calculations guarantee that the extra food will go to those who really need it in an efficient manner. The AI accomplishes a seemingly impossible task, eliminating the need for manpower in the process.

A report by the Food and Agricultural Organization of the UN found that food waste totals 1.3 billion tonnes globally each year. That equates to around one-third of the global food supply spoiling or getting thrown out. At the same time, almost 1 billion people around the globe suffer from malnourishment and food insecurity. In the U.S. alone, 30 to 40 percent of food produced gets wasted, which costs retailers a whopping $57 billion annually. Meanwhile, around 1 in 8 people in America suffer from undernourishment.

The food waste problem doesn’t just affect consumers and businesses, either. The environment takes a huge blow as well due to wasted resources like water, fuel, electricity, and fertilizer. Plus, many hours of human labor go into the production and processing of food, only for much of it to spoil. Furthermore, the methane produced from rotting food in landfills contributes greatly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Clearly, we have more than enough food to go around, but it doesn’t get distributed properly.

Why food waste happens, and how Google is tackling it

pop memeThe problems mostly occur somewhere in the supply chain. Buyers estimate how much food they will need, and the suppliers attempt to sell as much as possible. The food producers grow or manufacture as much food as they can to make a profit. The buyers, usually supermarkets and restaurants, then purchase a certain amount according to their inventory.

Inevitably, disparities occur between the demand and supply of a product. When it comes to food, markets, and the final consumer may overestimate how much they really need. However, owners of busy restaurants and markets don’t usually have the time or resources to allocate to managing food waste. This is where Google’s AI comes in to solve the food distribution crisis affecting millions.

Google’s offshoot called X aims to provide innovative solutions to complex problems the planet faces. They want to make the world a better place for everyone, tackling problems from food waste to protecting the oceans.

Emily Ma, who writes for X’s blog about the progress of Project Delta, says the team now has a prototype ready. The team’s mission from the start involved creating a more efficient food system to allocate resources correctly. In order to do that, they had to know the location and condition of the foods, and where to route it to. After two and a half years of testing different technologies, they’ve built an intelligent food distribution system.

How they started the program

The process of creating the prototype began with talking to people in the supply chain – grocers, fishermen, farmers, and food banks. To solve the problems, they had to find out firsthand where the hangups in the system occurred. They found out that a lack of communication created much of the food waste problem. For example, no industry standard existed for food suppliers to share their inventory, or for food banks to register their needs.

In the blog, Emily wrote that “this means that a food bank in Texas might work with a grower in Florida for oranges when a grocery store 20 miles away could have donated exactly what they need.”

The team also found out that no industry standard existed to communicate about food locations, quantities, and items. For example, in the data sets they looked at, they found 27 different ways to refer to Texas e.g. TX, Texas. Tx., NX, TXTX, etc. You can see how this would cause confusion and miscommunication, leading to possible food waste issues.

Dana-bot is born, Google’s AI prototype for an intelligent food distribution system

Working with Kroger, Feeding America, and the Southwest Produce Cooperative, the team successfully created a prototype called Dana-bot. They named it after their friend Dana, the COO of the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona. The prototype uploaded data about donated food from the food banks’ data set and categorized each entry. Then, it matched the food with the real-time needs of nearby food banks in the Feeding America network.

The team then started working with Kroger on ways to alleviate its food waste problem. Their prototype gave Kroger more insight into foods being recycled and how they can manage surplus items. For example, Kroger used to recycle excess deli products because of health concerns. However, with X’s program, they can now safely donate these foods to food banks that need them.

Finally, the team spent time in a Google commercial kitchen to gain insight on food waste there. After interviewing chefs, they realized it takes 30-60 minutes per shift for staff to track food waste by hand. They then saw an opportunity to use technology to make this system more efficient. The team installed cameras next to garbage cans to record data about foods being thrown out. After running a trial with 20 units for six months, the machines collected double the information that the manual system had.

In the future, the team sees potential for the AI to suggest efficient, safe ways to reuse or recycle foods. For example, it could track trends on certain foods and suggest dishes to use them in based on other ingredients available.

food wasteFinal thoughts: Google develops AI to help tackle the growing food waste problem

Technology is the way of the future, and this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The right use of technology can change the world for the better, as Google proved with their prototype. Machine learning has already helped grocery stores, food banks, and commercial kitchens cut down on food waste. The Moonshot team is excited to see how AI will solve one of the world’s toughest problems in the coming years.

6 Activities That Boost Your Mental Health in 30 Minutes a Day

Are you seeking to boost your mental health, but you don’t know where to start? Look no further! As it turns out, simple activities can be all you need to give your brain a little edge. Best yet, you can spend as little as thirty minutes daily to reap the rewards.

Small things that you do can have a surprisingly significant impact on your overall psychological state. That’s why it’s important to understand how different things can affect it, for better or worse. Here’s how experts reveal six meaningful activities that boost your mental health.

1.    Writing In A Journal

The act of writing down everyday experiences, thoughts, and feelings is incredibly therapeutic, and for many, it’s the cause for significant increases in mental health. According to Talkspace’s Chief Medical Officer, psychiatrist Dr. Neil Leibowitz, even just writing something and then throwing it away can help you manage your emotions and anxieties.

When you write in a private journal, you’re able to express everything you’re thinking about without worrying about being judged. You can let your pen carry all your emotions and anxieties, including ones you know are irrational or only temporary and will no longer affect you later. Whatever you think can be written without harming those around you, and you can look back over your writing later and reflect on your mistakes, feelings, and reality.

boost mental healthJournaling can provide these boosts to mental health:

  • Reduce depression scores among individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder, according to research
  • Be similar in effectiveness to positive therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
  • Increase positive thinking by reducing depressive symptoms such as rumination
  • Reduce the severity of stress and anxiety symptoms, according to studies
  • Aid in positive recovery after traumatic, stressful, or difficult life events

2.    Strength Training

Strength training is a form of exercise that involves building muscle and improving endurance and strength. It is also often called resistance training and usually uses weights, though many different resistance tools exist.

Psychotherapist, mental strength coach, and licensed clinical social worker Amy Morin states that strength training can be used as an intervention for many mental health issues and boost positive thinking. Here are some of the mental health benefits of this activity!

·         Cognitive Function

Individuals with mild cognitive impairment find that strength training can help improve their cognitive ability. Imagine, then, what it can do for you!

·         Anxiety Reduction

Excessive worry, restlessness, and similar symptoms are common with anxiety and physical symptoms like muscle tremors. Strength training can help to reduce the severity of these symptoms.

·         Self-Esteem

Those who perform strength training are more likely to have a slightly more positive self-perception. Working out can be beneficial to the body, allowing people to feel more confident as a result.

·         Depression

While strength training can’t cure depression, it can certainly help to reduce its overall symptoms. Regular exercise allows for mood regulation, especially on those with mild-to-moderate symptoms normally.

3.    Gardening

Few people realize just how great the impact of gardening is on health. According to Morin, it’s a beautiful way to exercise, get fresh air and sunlight exposure, and improve your home. More importantly, though, it’s great for your mental health. Here are some studies that show the benefits of this activity:

  • “A Potential Natural Treatment for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Evidence From a National Study” published in American Journal of Public Health (2004). This research showed that being among nature could reduce ADHD symptoms, allowing for better focus and concentration. If you are a neurodivergent individual with this or a similar disorder, being in a garden may essentially help your mental health.
  • “Parks and Other Green Environments: Essential Components of a Healthy Human Habitat” published by the National Recreation and Park Association (2010). This collection of different findings revealed many fascinating aspects of nature’s effect on mental health. One of them was that 79% of hospital patients experience calmer positive thinking and feel higher relaxation levels after being in a garden.
  • “Gardening promotes neuroendocrine and affective restoration from stress,” published in the Journal of Health Psychology (2011). This randomized controlled trial study revealed that gardening is an incredibly effective stress-fighting habit, even reducing cortisol levels, the stress hormone, in the blood of the participants.

4.    Yoga

People talk about yoga’s benefits so often now that it can seem cliche to recommend it for mental health, but the simple fact is that it works, and it works well! Registered dietician Rachael Link lists the following science-backed ways that yoga can boost your mental health:

anxiety symptoms·         Reduced Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety is the country’s most commonly diagnosed disorder, and yoga can help with that tremendously. Those who practice yoga are more likely to experience positive thinking and tend to have lower anxiety levels.

·         Decreased Stress Levels

Studies have shown just how effective yoga can be regarding stress. It helps to reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone, and in the span of just a few months, the results can be quite dramatic!

·         Reduced Depression Symptoms

A lot of research has shown that practicing yoga may aid in the management of depressive symptoms. This is even more effective when used alongside more mainstream treatment methods as a supplementary treatment.

·         Reduced PTSD Symptoms

Post-traumatic stress disorder is challenging to manage. Studies have found that it may be an effective method of side treatment for the disorder when used alongside other treatments. In fact, it can cause more than half of those with the disorder to recover to the point of no longer fitting PTSD criteria.

5.    Reading

Reading is an extremely beneficial activity that is enriching for the mind. Whether you prefer fiction, non-fiction, or something else entirely, reading is always a benefit. Here are some of the science-backed benefits that indicate mental health can be boosted by the simple act of being a bit of a bibliophile!

·         You’re Less Stressed Out

Reading for just half an hour has been found to have positive effects on physical health, including reduced heart rate and lowered blood pressure. This translates to mental health by making you less stressed out overall. When you read, you lessen feelings and experiences of psychological distress. The same study that found this also revealed that reading is just as compelling as humor and even yoga. The thirty-minute period for effectiveness means you don’t have to dedicate endless time to reading, either!

·         You’re More Empathic

Reading fiction, specifically literary fiction, has improved empathy among readers in research. This is likely because the act of reading puts you into the inner lives of fictional characters, bringing you to understand and see through their perspectives, even when you don’t relate to them. In turn, this allows you to understand better the emotions, beliefs, and thoughts of others. Experts call this concept the “theory of mind,” which involves human beings’ natural ability to maintain, build, navigate, and comprehend social relationships.

·         Your Brain Gets Stronger

When you read, a large number of complex signals get sent through your brain’s circuitry. The more you read, the more complex those signals get, creating a sophisticated network in your head. Research has found, through functional MRI scans, that reading a novel lights up so many different parts of the brain. Essentially, when you read, your brain grows stronger and stronger over time, and the more you read, the better and more powerful your brain becomes.

·         You Are Less Susceptible To Cognitive Decline

According to the National Institute on Aging, reading is a good way to aid in mental engagement as you get older. For the most part, research into the benefits of reading in cognitive disease prevention is still young. Still, some research has indicated that senior citizens who read daily have a better cognitive function. It is also believed that the earlier you begin reading daily, the better it will be for your brain.

6.    Take A Break

Some people look down on breaks, viewing regular rests as lazy or unproductive. This is a completely unfair and untrue statement. Science has revealed time and time again that breaks are good for you and are often better for accomplishing goals than not taking any breaks.

Breaks can be meaningful simply because they mean that you’re taking time for yourself. According to psychology writer Meg Selig, who is also an author on books related to habits for success and other similar topics, here are some reasons taking breaks can be beneficial to your mental health:

·         Resting Lets The Brain Work

It sounds contradictory, but it’s actually entirely true! Resting allows the brain to function, and not actively engaging your mind doesn’t mean it is resting idle and unused. In fact, it’s quite the contrary! The brain is more creative when it gets to wander, and taking breaks allows it to process recently acquired information. The more you rest your mind, the easier it is for you to learn new things, say studies!

·         You Get Renewed Motivation

Everyone needs to take a break sometimes, as the brain’s prefrontal cortex can get overworked. When you focus too much and obsessively over an effort, the sustained attention required for something challenging can deplete your brainpower over time. When you take breaks, you let your brain rest, renewing its motivation. Studies have shown that actively deactivating and reactivating goals is conducive to ensuring renewed and focused motivation with positive thinking.

·         You Don’t Get Fatigued From Decisions

Every day is filled with decisions that need to be made. For people who have many choices to make, this can lead to something known as decision fatigue. This refers to the occurrence of the dampening of reasoning ability and willpower as a result of tiredness. A famous study showed that judges who had to make a lot of decisions were less likely to grant parole to prisoners when they hadn’t had a break in a while, as their minds naturally gravitated towards the easiest answer: “no.” Basically, you need breaks if you want to make rational, non-impulsive, effective decisions!

boost mental healthFinal Thoughts on Some Meaningful Activities That Boost Your Mental Health

You can perform countless activities to aid your mental health, and these six are scientifically guaranteed. After a little while of regularly practicing these activities, you’ll see how meaningful they can be and how much they can aid you!

Watch This Adorable Pembroke Welsh Corgi Make Incredible Trick Shots

Have you ever seen a corgi play basketball before? Watch out Air Bud, because Lilo the corgi is coming for you! Her owner Denny says they first discovered Lilo’s talent during his wife’s birthday party.

“There were balloons all over the ground and Lilo would chase them up into the air until they popped,” Denny said. “One time, she actually hit a balloon into a basket, and we all looked around and were like, ‘Did anyone get that on camera?!’”

Since then, Lilo’s been steadily practicing and learning new tricks. The adorable corgi has become famous on platforms like TikTok, where she’s amassed over 125k followers! She’s even been featured on our Facebook page. Her audience loves watching her amazing talent for basketball and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Meet Lilo

The Pembroke Welsh Corgi got her name from the move of the same name. Denny and his wife decided to name her Lilo “because of her strong alpha personality.” She certainly seems to love taking charge and showing everyone who’s boss!

Denny says Lilo scored her first basket in June of last year, and they’ve been doing trick shots ever since. His favorite memory of her so far is from early on in their journey trying to make baskets.

“I got off work, and I went into my living room, and there Lilo was laying next to the basket,” Denny says. “I was like, ‘Oh, that’s interesting!’ So I went and picked up the basket, and I picked up the ball, and Lilo immediately jumped on this couch and she was ready to play.”

He says from that moment on, he realized that Lilo enjoyed shooting baskets as much as he enjoyed watching her! She truly seems to love doing trick shots, and catches onto new tricks quickly. Corgis are known for being highly intelligent, receptive dogs, so this isn’t surprising. However, not too many corgis can play basketball, so this makes her one-of-a-kind.

How Denny comes up with trick shot ideas for his corgi

“Coming up with a trick shot can be very challenging, as most of it is just us throwing things at the wall and seeing what sticks,” Denny said. “More often than not, as you can tell by my reactions, I don’t really expect most of them to go in.”

Lilo is no quitter though, and keeps at it until she masters the shots. It’s a great workout for Denny as well!

“Lilo keeps surprising all of us whenever she keeps trying, and she keeps wanting to play and keeps hitting the ball. Whenever we do stair shots, I’m usually drenched in sweat from having to go and get this ball,” Denny says.

His wife even made a joke that their roles have reversed now since Denny fetches the balls when Lilo throws them! Denny jokingly says that was a tough realization, but he wouldn’t have it any other way. Lilo seemed to catch onto the tricks pretty quickly, but this is typical behavior of the bright, active breed.

“Training a dog to do these kinds of tricks – they may look hard or impossible – but honestly, dogs are extremely smart creatures.”

Denny went on to say that you just need some time, patience, and a whole lot of chicken jerky. This is good advice if you ever want to teach your dog some new tricks! Make sure to have lots of treats and meat snacks handy.

He says they taught her to do trick shots after she made her first basket with the balloon. They used that same motion to teach her the command “hit” when they threw her the ball. Lilo is one smart girl! They use a mini basketball goal as well as a little cloth basket for her tricks.

She’s learned many types of tricks so far, including “the Kobe,” where she spins around before hitting the ball. She also can bounce it off a wall or backboard, or just hit it straight from her nose into the goal. Lilo has even made a shot from the second story of their house when Denny put the goal on the first floor! One time, Denny threw the ball behind him where Lilo was standing, and she hit the ball over him into the basket!

Denny says he hopes they can keep providing new content and trick shots to bring more joy into our lives. We hope they do too! Lilo probably has tons more tricks up her sleeves.

A little bit about Welsh corgis

As we said, corgis are extremely bright, lively, active dogs who love to play. They make wonderful family pets, as they are affectionate, but not overly needy. They continue to rank as one of the top herding breeds in the world. Corgis are also known for being strong, athletic “alpha” dogs who love showing off their skills.
It’s no wonder Lilo has a natural talent for basketball – it’s in her genes! If you want a corgi, make sure you have plenty of extra energy to keep up with these dogs. They love to play and interact with their owners, so they do best with high-energy people. Perhaps you could even teach your dog basketball or some other sport, as Denny did with Lilo!

Final thoughts: this adorable corgi will knock your socks off with her amazing tricks

Lilo is no ordinary dog – in fact, she’s well on her way to the NBA! Her trick shots have made her famous all over the world, and Denny hopes to continue making videos. She’s certainly come a long way from her first basket trick with the balloons!

If you’d like to know more about Lilo, you can visit her website here. Also, Denny has cute accessories like phone cases, tote bags and stickers you can buy to support their efforts. On their site, he says if you have any ideas for trick shots, send it to him and you’ll get a shoutout plus free merch!

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