Page 452

Counselors Explain How Setbacks Can Make You Even Stronger

February 5, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Failures are common no matter which walks of life you come from. Author Allen Klein once said, “I contend that not only can you laugh at adversity, but it is essential to do so if you are to deal with setbacks without defeat.” He hit the nail on the head with this statement.

A study done by Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management showed actual scientific evidence to support that old saying, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” According to Dr. Yang Wang, Ph.D., people who keep pushing past their setbacks come out much better in the long run.

Conquering adversity in life makes you a strong individual, as evidenced by Dr. Wang’s research as well as others’ research. Keep reading to find how setbacks can make you stronger, according to these scientists and other counselors.

Areas of Impact from Setbacks

People tend to think that you learn the biggest lessons from being successful or from successful people. However, this is not necessarily true. While it’s true that it takes a high level of intelligence to reach success, you learn what to do from being successful. However, you learn what not to do from failing.

Maybe winning without failure sounds efficient, but knowledge is power, and you get that from trying new things. Failures prepare you for many scenarios you may encounter during your success because you will know what to do when these situations arise in the future.

Remember that adversity is an equal opportunity teacher. Studies show that it equally affects people no matter their age, race, gender, cultural background, or social status.

Determination

One of the biggest areas of impact is determination. Failures can increase your determination, especially when you realize that failure is not the end. Someone could tell you all day long that you have a second chance at whatever you failed at, but the experience is the best way for you to see this.

Failing does not mean that it’s over. Failing simply shows you that it’s okay to make mistakes and that you can bounce back from them. Once you’ve clued into this, your determination will become stronger than ever.

Emotional Maturity

Another area of impact which is not typically recognized often is emotional maturity. You may not think that emotional maturity is important when trying to succeed, but you would be wrong.

When you encounter setbacks, it can be heart-wrenching. Your emotions may be all over the place, depending on how bad the setback is. However, the more you fail, the better you get at handling these problems.

As you get better at handling problems, you will also get better at managing your emotions. Emotions out of control can cause you to make bad decisions, give up on your goals, and ultimately be a weak person. This is why emotional maturity is so important. You shed all these bad habits, keep your emotions under control, and keep pushing forward despite any failures you may encounter.

Pride/Humility

One big area impacted by failures is pride or humility, depending on how you look at it. Many people, especially people who don’t fail often, have too much pride. You can’t tell them anything. In fact, they have so much pride that they have a long way to fall when they do fail.

While pride has its place in life, it can also cause many problems. Failing helps you keep your pride under control and give you a layer of humility. This layer of humility is what gives you the ability to absorb life lessons.

Think about it – An extremely proud person does not think that there’s anything that anyone can teach them. This is a mistake because life is never done teaching you lessons. Failure is what enables you to continue learning to grow and become the best version of yourself.

Determination, emotional maturity, and humility are three parts of a perfect package to help you reach success. Failure is simply putting these three skills to practice. As you develop these three skills, you become a stronger person.

Failure Gives Success its Value

Confucius said, “better a diamond with a flaw, then a pebble without.” Many people think that success is flawless. However, this is far from the truth. The road to success, paved with failures, is much more valuable than the perfect, flawless road to success.

As stated above, failures teach you lessons. The value in those lessons is immeasurable. If you reach success without these lessons, you have really earned nothing.

The value of success is not measured in numbers. It is measured in knowledge, skill, sweat. It is measured by what you learned along the way and the obstacles that you conquered. Without failures, there is no value in success. Without setbacks, you really have not grown at all.

The key to building the value of your success through failures is to learn not to look at adversity as a failure. It would help if you looked at them as lessons. You are the student, and life is the teacher. Every time you mess something up or every time something doesn’t go your way put the emotions to the side (emotional maturity) and find something that you can learn from the situation. Make a mental note or even a physical note if you need to refer to what you’ve learned later.

Some of the greatest and most successful people in the world suffer failures along the way. Some of them were even catastrophic failures that caused them to have to start from the beginning. If these people had not learned from these failures and had given in, the world would have missed out on some of the best inventions, events, businesses, sports, and more.

One example is Michael Jordan, one of the best NBA players in history. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team. He lost so many games during his career, missed so many shots, and let his team down numerous times. He could have thrown in the towel at any moment. However, he kept pushing until he was not just his best, but he was the best. Now he is a player that all other NBA players aspire to be. He is a diamond with flaws, but he is much better than that pebble.

How to Get Stronger from Your Failures

Getting stronger from adversity is not going to happen overnight but reading this article and taking this advice is a great first step towards that goal. Once you have a good understanding of the information above, you can start taking more tangible steps to become stronger from your challenges. Some of these steps are listed below.

1. Be a glass-half-full type of person.

You can’t get stronger by being negative all the time. According to a licensed clinical social worker and psychotherapist, Amy Morin, Psy.D, you need to think about setbacks in a productive way. Otherwise, you could develop unproductive behavior or stall your self-development progress.

When you experience challenges and failures, look for the silver lining. Anything positive that you can pull from it is what’s going to make you stronger. Don’t think of your challenges as failures. Think of them as ways that you can improve yourself.

2. Learn from your mistakes the first time around.

You may have heard the saying, “insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result.” You will not get stronger by repeating the same mistakes.

You need to learn from the mistakes the first time and make sure that you do things differently. Otherwise, you are really not learning anything. If you’re not learning anything, you’re not getting stronger.

3. Sometimes, you must lose to win.

In many cases, a failure is not really a failure at all. It is simply a push in a different direction.

No one wins every single battle. However, the point is to win the war. There will be times when you must take a loss or failure, and you cannot get personal about it.

Learn to let things roll off your shoulders. If something goes wrong, don’t dwell on it. Take the lessons you have learned and move on to the next battle.

Final Thoughts on How Setbacks Make You Stronger

If you have been paying attention thus far, you will notice that the central theme of this piece was that learning from your mistakes is how setbacks can make you stronger. If you do not learn anything, then your failure is just that – a failure.

In life, learning never ends. It doesn’t matter how old you get, how much money you make, how many friends you have, or how many awards you win. You will always continue learning. The moment you feel that there is nothing else for you to learn, you have failed.

Strength comes from knowing that there is more out there. It would be best if you accepted that you have more to fight for and more to gain. After all, if there were nothing more out there, then you wouldn’t need to be strong anymore.

Just keep in mind that you will see yourself getting stronger and stronger with every setback you face in your life if you learn from failure.

Psychology Explains Why Nostalgia Boosts Optimism

February 4, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Do you consider yourself a sentimental person? Perhaps a picture or a song evokes memories of the past that you love. You may often find your heart snuggled in the warm blankets of nostalgia.

Is being nostalgic beneficial, or can it harm your life? It’s a delicate balance that only you can decide. While being present in the moment is essential, your treasured recollections help mold you into the person you are.

What Is Nostalgia?

When people discuss being nostalgic today, it’s usually in a relaxed, positive way. However, that wasn’t always the case, explains a study published by History of Psychology. It was coined in 1688 by a Swiss physician named Johannes Hofer, as it’s a pseudo-Greek word meaning “longing for home.”

Today’s society would consider such sentiments as expected, if not expected. But the concept of mental health was still in the Dark Ages during Hofer’s time. When people in those days relived the past too much, doctors viewed it as an illness.

Hofer attempted to describe a mental condition that the Germans called Heimweh, or homesickness, says the study. Do you know that feeling you had when you went to summer camp when you were homesick? Who would say in modern times that such sentiment was negative and a sickness?

According to an article published by the Association of Psychological Science, nostalgia was considered a psychiatric disorder up into the early 20th century. Past physicians identified its symptoms like anorexia, rapid heartbeat, and crying. These symptoms often presented in immigrants and students who were shipped to boarding school, states the article.

In an article published by the journal of History and Memory, Michael S. Roth presents medical cases where nostalgia was treated as a dreaded illness. They viewed nostalgia from a historical point when it was viewed as a disease of homesick soldiers.

In the past, physicians often believed it was pathological and prescribed bizarre treatments for it, per the article.

The Good News about Reminiscing

Fortunately, mental health and behavioral sciences have evolved, and experts have discarded sentimentality’s negative implications. Not only is recalling pleasantries from your past normal, but it can also be beneficial.

How do you feel when you recall some of your favorite memories? According to a study published by Cognition and Emotion, being nostalgic may build your optimism. The study found that when participants savored their past, it may create more nostalgic memories and greater optimism.

The Different Ways You Remember

If you often find yourself drifting into scenes from the past, you may have your senses to thank. Your brain uses your five senses to interpret each experience you have. Any similar experience can act as a recall button for your brain to remember those events.

First, you may often use pictures and the written word to evoke pleasant memories. Have you ever wondered why many people keep photo albums and images of loved ones and past events? These act as touchstones and can help you relive the memory.

Sound is also a powerful component of your memories. Have you ever heard the first notes of a song on the radio, and it immediately transports your mind to where you first heard it? Poems, stories, and oral history all play a part in your reminiscing.

For many people, particular scents bring back fond memories. Perhaps the smell of cinnamon makes you hungry for your late grandmother’s apple pies. Or do you ever smell a perfume or aftershave that smells like something a past loved one wore?

Taste and touch are also involved in recalling your past. Remember how refreshing your mother’s homemade lemonade was on a hot summer day? When you touch the keys on a piano, do you remember how nervous you were at your first piano recital?

How Being Nostalgic Can Make You More Optimistic

Often, you may use your senses to recall these beautiful times purposely. However, at any sudden, your feelings can bring automatic recall. In your mind, you are there and experiencing the sights, sounds, tastes, and feel of everything around you. Here are some ways that being nostalgic can be beneficial.

1. It Can Remind You That Your Life Has Meaning

If you’re like most people, you’ve often pondered the meaning of life. Have you ever wondered if your life served a purpose? Being nostalgic may shed some light on these central existential questions.

When you are lonely, remembering good times with family and friends remind you that you’re loved. Have you ever had brief moments of feeling that you’re useless and that nothing you do matters? Remembering your accomplishments reminds you that you are successful and worthy, even if you’ve made mistakes.

Recalling the lives of positive people in your past can also make you more optimistic. As you consider the things they did and their triumphs over tragedy, it encourages you. Your fond memories can make you realize that your life is worth living, and there are more memories to be made.

2. It Keeps You Connected with Others

Nostalgia can bring you closer to the people you love, especially when you are lonely. When you are away and feeling homesick, the memories of being with family and friends are comforting. They can bring great joy, optimism, and a sense of belonging.

Reminiscing can be even more beneficial when you are doing it with somebody else. When was the last time you called one of your siblings to chat and laugh about some of your shared childhood memories? Do you sometimes meet your best friend for lunch to catch up and recall some of your best times?

Before written language, humans passed on their history and traditions by a story. Children sat at their parents’ and elders’ feet and heard about how their people lived and survived. Then, they were instructed to retell these stories to their children while adding their own experiences.

Through nostalgic recollection, families wove a delicate rug of history, culture, and preservation. Each detail represented an enduring memory that connected them. Even with centuries of written history, families still carry on the tradition of sharing their past stories with younger generations.

Do you remember sitting with your grandparents and listening to their beautiful tales? Not only were they entertaining and informative, but their nostalgia connected them with you. Their memories became part of your memories and who you are today.

This connectedness not only provides enjoyment in your life and theirs, but it fulfills a basic human need. Not only do you need human companionship, but your soul craves to belong. Your memories are the threads that keep you connected to family, friends, and the world.

3. It Can Help with Life Changes

What are some of the milestones you cherish in your life? Among them are probably some of your firsts, such as the first day of school, getting your driver’s license, first kiss, the first day of college, etc. These happy memories often represented difficult life transitions.

Being nostalgic provides continuity between your past and present. For example, puberty is usually a stressful transition from being a child to a teenager. Although these years are often turbulent due to raging hormones and testing boundaries, memories from childhood helped.

4. It Can Make You More Optimistic About Your Goals

It’s hard to accomplish anything with an opposing viewpoint. Such a dark attitude can produce a self-fulfilling prophecy. However, remembering your past accomplishments can make you more optimistic about succeeding in the future.

Sometimes, your memories can help you set higher goals for yourself. Not all your memories are good ones. Nobody likes to ruminate about their past failures and shortcomings. However, you can even use negative experiences to learn not to repeat them in the present or future.

Dr. Maya Angelou once observed that before you know where you’re going, you need to know where you’ve been.

5. It May Help Decrease Symptoms of Depression

When you are feeling depressed, it’s not easy to be optimistic. However, a study published by the University of Kansas demonstrated a promising link between nostalgia and decreased symptoms of depression. The study found that the more nostalgic the participants were, the greater their depression symptoms were reduced.

As you stepped into the adult world of college, your first apartment, or your first real job, recalling times as a teenager can be a boost. Changes are difficult, even if they are inevitable and beneficial. When you are nervous about a new life transition, memories of your past can encourage you to take the next step.

You were courageous and did it back then, and you can do it now.

Even when you’re just feeling a little down, some of your favorite memories can perk you up. You might feel more optimistic about your day. Eventually, you may cue yourself with nostalgia to cope with negativity in a better way.

Final Thoughts About Nostalgia to Boost Optimism

Not all memories are good, and some can be a negative influence on you. However, these studies suggest the benefits of being nostalgic about fond memories. Not only can they help you be more optimistic, but they can encourage you to make beautiful memories every day.

Eye Doctors Reveal What Happens if You Lack Lutein in Your Body

February 4, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Did your mother or father ever tell you to “Eat all your vegetables, so you’ll grow up to be healthy and strong?” How many times did you push your peas away or try to feed the carrots to the dog? Your parents knew that veggies were beneficial because they are loaded with vitamins and minerals–including lutein.

What is Lutein?

Do you remember your parents telling you to eat carrots for good eyesight? They didn’t know that carrots and some other tasty vegetables contain lutein, also called xanthophyll. How does this substance help your body?

When you consider the color palette on your plate, fruits and veggies provide a rainbow of red, orange, and yellow hues. Xanthophyll is a carotenoid that’s responsible for these lovely colors. When you see the stunning foliage of trees in autumn, you see this natural pigment at work.

As a vitamin, this carotenoid acts as an antioxidant, per an article published by Nutri-facts. As oxygen is being absorbed into your system, some rouge compounds called free radicals remain in your body. If they aren’t effectively neutralized with antioxidants, they can cause damage your internal organs, and they can be detrimental to your health.

Even many dark green fruits and vegetables have xanthophyll. The only reason you don’t see it is because the abundance of green chlorophyll masks it. Xanthophyll is also present in animals and humans that ingest it, says a study published by the Archives of Biochemistry and Biophysics.

Xanthophyll gives egg yolks their classic yellow color, and it also provides color for animal flesh, feathers, and shells.

Eye Disease

When you think of xanthophyll, you can remember it as eye power. A diet rich in this powerful antioxidant can help prevent age-related macular degeneration (AMD), states an article published by the American Macular Degeneration Society. The report cites a study that demonstrated that six milligrams of xanthophyll a day could lower your risks of AMD by 43 percent.

According to a study published by Nutrition Journal, xanthophyll has other protective benefits for your eyes. It may help prevent eye diseases like retinitis pigmentosa and an inherited disorder called chloride mix. When you ingest xanthophyll, you may lower your risks of cataracts, says the study.

Eye Fatigue

With all the work that your eyes do in a day, it’s no wonder that they get sore and exhausted. They are constantly barraged by computer screens, cell phones, and artificial light. Supplementing your diet with xanthophyll may help reduce eye strain symptoms.

Your Skin

You only have one body of skin in your life, so you must protect it. One of the best ways is to wear sunscreen all seasons and wear light clothing that deflects the sun’s harmful UV radiation. Your diet also contributes to your skin’s health, especially one rich in beneficial antioxidants.

Did you know that the xanthophyll in colorful fruits and veggies can also defend your complexion? A study published by the Clinical, Cosmetical, and Investigational Dermatology shows promising correlations. Not only can it protect your skin from sun damage, but it can also boost antioxidant power to improve your overall skin tone.

Six Other Benefits of Lutein

While xanthophyll is one of your best friends for your eyes and skin, it may also prevent other diseases and disorders.

1. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

ALS is a progressive neurological disease that affects cells in the brain, and spinal cord explains in an article published by Nutri-Facts. As these specialized cells are attacked, it affects the voluntary muscle system. The report cites a study finding that diets high in xanthophyll and beta-carotene may prevent or delay the onset of this debilitating disease.

2. Parkinson’s Disease

Medical science is discovering more about how xanthophyll can help protect cells in your body, including brain cells. Experts believe that Parkinson’s Disease is caused by damaged nerve cells that drop dopamine levels and leads to movement problems. A study published by Nutritional Neuroscience states that xanthophyll may protect these nerve cells or reduce the damage.

3. Cardiovascular Health

Your body depends on your heart and a vast network of blood vessels to circulate life-sustaining blood. When you eat a diet that’s high in saturated fats, it can eventually clog your arteries and threaten your heart. This condition, known as atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, explains an article from the American Heart Association.

This article cites a study that showed how xanthophyll on the artery walls might prevent bad cholesterol from sticking and clogging the vessels. The study concludes that enjoying fruits and vegetables abundant in xanthophyll may prevent early-onset atherosclerosis. Since this condition causes most heart problems, the research suggests that xanthophyll can promote good cardiovascular health.

4. Cognitive Function

Do you want to keep your brain happy and healthy? Besides your regular brain fitness activities, you may consider eating vibrant fruits and veggies containing lutein. According to an article published by Current Developments in Nutrition, this carotenoid may benefit your cognitive performance from infancy clear into your senior years.

5. Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is another common disease in America. An article published by the American Heart Association states that approximately 103 million people in the United States are diagnosed with high blood pressure. The report also warns that the death rate due to hypertension rose by 38 percent in 2015.

If you have high blood pressure, you may be following a healthy diet and fitness plan to reduce it. Part of your plan probably includes eating a lot of fruits and vegetables.

6. Lowering Breast Cancer Risks

To date, there are no “cures” for cancer of the breast or other types. However, you may reduce your risk factors by modifying your diet, like eating lean proteins and more whole foods. Research published by the Molecules Journal suggests that the xanthophyll in fruits and vegetables may inhibit breast cancer cell growth.

What If You Don’t Have Enough Xanthophyll in Your Body?

Did you know that your body contains xanthophyll? It’s one of the things that give your retina color. However, your body doesn’t generate its own, so you must get this nutrient from the food you eat. A study published by the European Journal of Nutrition says that the average consumption of approximately 1-2 milligrams may not be enough for you.

Without this beneficial nutrient, you could be putting your eye health at risk. Since xanthophyll is an essential antioxidant, lower levels may result in less protection against free radicals. Plus, you may be missing out on its many other possible benefits.

How to Get More Xanthophyll in Your Diet

If you want to get healthy, ditch the junk food and sugary snacks, and follow a nutritious diet plan as discussed with your primary healthcare provider. You should get most of your daily intake of xanthophyll from fruits and vegetables.

The chances are that some of your favorite fruits, veggies, and herbs are also abundant in this nutrient, which means you won’t need to alter your diet too much. Egg yolks are another excellent source of xanthophyll and protein, and they are low in carbohydrates too. Here are some whole tasty foods for you to consider:

Eggs
Papaya
Oranges
Brussels sprouts
Green beans
Broccoli
Collard greens
Spinach
Corn
Turnip Greens
Kale
Peas
Carrots
Leeks
All colors of bell peppers
Parsley
Basil

Wheat and other grains offer a significant amount of this nutrient to your diet. This list is not exhaustive but represents some common fruits and vegetables most people eat.

An article published by the BrightFocus Foundation lists egg yolks at the top, whose carotenoid content is about 89 percent xanthophyll. Corn tops the article’s vegetable list at 86 percent. However, the report does mention that you should go easy on the eggs because of their cholesterol content.

What about Supplements?

If you’re concerned that you’re not getting enough of this vital nutrient in your diet, many supplements are on the market. However, the exact amount the body needs isn’t precise. An article published by the Center for Science in the Public Interest recommends that you get your share of this antioxidant by consuming a plant-rich diet.

The article also mentions that since xanthophyll is fat-soluble (dissolved in fat), you need a certain amount of healthy fats with every meal to absorb it. Consider heart-healthy fats like those from plant oils, fish, and nuts. Avoid things like vegetable, corn, or canola oils as they’re high in trans and saturated fats.

Final Thoughts on Getting More Lutein in Your Diet

Lutein creates a kaleidoscope of color in our world and on your plate. When you enjoy meals that include fresh fruits and vegetables, you are more than likely to get your daily needs. Not only are they delicious, but they can provide this vital carotenoid for your vision health and other benefits. If you are having visual difficulties, you may visit professional optometrists for a check-up.

Kind People Rescue and Train Macaw Parrots to Fly After Years of Neglect

February 4, 2021 by Kristen Lawrence

Mikey and Mia, two adopted macaw parrots, now enjoy a life of freedom thanks to their parents who rescued them. They came from a pretty rough situation, as most people adopt macaws thinking they are easy birds to look after. However, they actually require a lot of work and attention.

“Families buy them thinking they’d be colorful, fun birds and then realize they are a stupid amount of work and rehome them,” their owner said. “They are the number one most rehomed pet in the world.”

Caring for macaw parrots

He goes on to say that macaws are very difficult to care for, and many new owners give up after realizing this. They require a lot of attention, and a large space to fly and move around in. Mia and Mikey share an aviary together, and their owners created a netting over the backyard so they can fly outdoors as well. They also trained them to free fly, which took many months of practice.

They require a lot of toys as well because they need a fair amount of stimulation. Mikey and Mia’s dad says he buys them a new one every couple of weeks or so! In addition to the large space and toys, they need a specialized diet for optimal health. They eat around 15 different fresh fruits and vegetables per day.

While Mikey and Mia have grown to love their human parents, the birds still love flying in their natural habitat.

“The moment we go outside, and let them basically be free, they are in their absolute happiest place ever.”

The owners said their favorite memory of them is actually when they free flew for the first time. Also, when Mia and Mikey finally starting getting along is up there with their most cherished memories.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by (@mikey_themacaw)

The owners’ advice for anyone thinking of adopting a macaw

“If you think you’re ready to have a child, then you could be ready to have a macaw. It’s that kind of commitment. They are going to live forever – 68 years of a lifespan. They are extremely noisy, they are extremely messy, and they require ridiculous amounts of attention.”

Not only do they require a lot of patience and looking after, but you also have to plan ahead for vacation time.

“You can’t just get up and holiday whenever you want. You have to have someone trained to look after them or find bird boarding accommodation. ”

Also, macaw owners should know that they will have to pay careful attention to the birds’ diet. Macaws require a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, typically found in nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables, and parrot food.

Training macaws

Finally, macaws need a lot of training. As highly intelligent birds, they become bored easily without new challenges or tasks to stimulate them. When the macaw gets restless, he may start chewing on things around the house or causing havoc in some way.

Because of all these reasons, many people can’t commit fully to having these birds, so they end up being rehomed. If you do decide to buy one, make sure to do your research, and remember they will become a part of your family. Unlike low-maintenance animals like cats or fish, macaws want to feel included in family activities. They need a “flock” to feel like they belong, otherwise they will likely suffer psychological damage.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by (@mikey_themacaw)

When macaws get bored, they become prone to feather-destructive behaviors, such as feather plucking. Make sure to create a stimulating, enriched environment for your macaw with climbing nets and ropes, toys, and a varied diet.

Facts about the macaw parrot

Macaws come from South and Central America, as well as Mexico. Some evidence shows that the Caribbean also had native macaws, like the Cuban and St Croix macaw, but they have now gone extinct. Macaws mostly inhabit rainforests, primarily dwelling in treetops. They can also be found in grassland and woodland environments.

They have been kept as pets since the beginning of the 20th century. The Pueblo Indians in the U.S. had them since around 1100 A.D. and coveted the scarlet macaw above all.

Macaws are commonly classified into two groups: large macaws and mini macaws. Large macaws include those of the Ara, Anodorhynchus, and Cyanopsitta genera. Macaws in this group include the hyacinth, as well as the critically endangered Lear’s macaw and Spix’s macaw. Large macaws can grow to 36” in length with a wingspan of up to 42”. The mini macaws usually only grow to around 20 inches in length and include those from the genera Diopsittaca, Orthopsittaca, and Primolius.

There are 18 different species of macaws, but most of them do not get adopted as pets. The most common macaw pet species include the blue-and-gold, green-winged, Hahn’s, hyacinth, scarlet, military, and severe macaw.

Many people refer to macaws as the giants of the parrot world. The hyacinth macaw is the tallest parrot, measuring about 40” in length. Macaws are characterized by long tail feathers and huge beaks. Their beaks are large, curved, and powerful in order to crack open the hard shells of nuts and seeds. Their feathers are bright and colorful, ranging from the hyacinth macaw’s hyacinth blue to the scarlet macaw’s scarlet red colors.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by (@mikey_themacaw)

Final thoughts: the macaw parrot is a beautiful bird, but they may not make great pets for everyone

Macaws are undoubtedly majestic, beautiful birds, but they do require a lot of attention and work. If you want to adopt one, make sure you have plenty of time to train and play with your macaw. They don’t like being left alone for long periods of time and need lots of affection. Luckily, Mikey and Mia found a great new home with loving parents who give them everything they need.

While they didn’t get along at first, they slowly warmed up to each other and are now two peas in a pod. Macaws are surprisingly affectionate birds with warm hearts and will give you back tenfold all the love you give to them. Having a macaw is much like having a child, but it can be a greatly rewarding experience.

15 Smart Habits That Help Promote Healthy Eyes

February 3, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Healthy eyes make a big difference in your life. Whether you’re watching your daughter play baseball or enjoying an early morning sunrise while jogging, your eyes work hard to show you what’s going on around you. There are many practices you can incorporate in your life to keep your eyes healthy plus protect your vision.

Here are 15 simple habits for healthy eyes.

How can you promote ocular wellness for life?

1 – Sunglasses

It’s tempting to want to reach for the cute sunglasses that are trending right now. But that shouldn’t be your only criteria when you shop for sunglasses. Look for sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays. The UV rays or radiation from the sun can damage your eyes, lens, and cornea. Certain eye conditions develop due to overexposure to the sun, like cataracts and maybe even macular degeneration. Your sunglasses should block out at least 75% to 90% of the sunlight. The lens shouldn’t have weird imperfections that can distort your vision. A gray lens is supposed to be best for seeing colors properly, but usually, the lens’s color doesn’t matter for protection. Choose wrap-around sunglasses or a close-fitting style with a wide lens to get the best protection. If you’re at the beach, wearing a hat along with sunglasses adds more protection for your eyes.

2 – Eat a healthy diet

It’s easy to forget how important your diet is for all parts of your body and your eyes are no exception. Eating a healthy diet rich in minerals and vitamins will make the difference between whether your eyes are healthy or not. Over time, poor eating will come back to haunt you with eye disease and other health problems. To keep your eyes their healthiest, add these foods to your diet.

Dark leafy greens:

Eating leafy, dark greens like kale, spinach, and collard greens for vitamin C and folic acid.

Oily fish:

Oily fish are high in omega 3s. Studies show that eating many Omega 3 rich fatty acids can protect your eyes from eye conditions like macular degeneration and dry eye disease. Choose oily fish for the highest levels of Omega 3, including:

Salmon
Mackerel
Lake trout
Bluefish tuna
Sardines
Herring

Nuts and seeds:

High in Omega 3 and vitamin E, these little tasty morsels are great on salads or snacks. Choose nuts and seeds such as

Walnuts
Peanuts
Cashew
Flax seeds
Chia seeds

Carrots and sweet potatoes:

Orange veggies are rich in beta carotene and vitamin A. That’s why they are orange. Vitamin A is an essential vitamin for your eyes to help your retina properly absorb light.

Eggs:

Eggs are a great source of lutein, which helps reduce eye disease.

3 – Give up smoking

Smoking increases your chances of getting macular degeneration or cataracts. Smoking also makes your blood vessels get narrower, which leads to improper blood flow to your eyes and other parts of your body. This makes you susceptible to strokes and high blood pressure, which affect your eyes.

4 – Exercise

Staying physically active lowers your risk of heart conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol, which affects your vision. Exercise increases your blood flow sending oxygen to the parts of your body, including your eyes. You’ll have better cardiovascular health, which is important for good eye health.

5 – Safety glasses or goggles

When you’re at work, playing sports, or doing home repair projects, remember to wear protective eyewear. It may seem like a nuisance to put them on, but one injury to your eyes could damage them and change your life. It’s not worth the risk to your eyes for a small inconvenience, like wearing safety glasses or goggles.

6 – Normal age risk

Getting older carries some risks, especially to your eyes. As you age, you’re more apt to have eye problems due to regular wear and tear on your eyes, genes, and other things like sun exposure or your workplace. If your general health is good, you’ll be less prone to eye problems later in life.

7 – Rest your eyes

Your eyes work hard all day. If you use a computer or a smartphone during the day, be sure to give your eyes a break during the day. The rule of thumb is to take a break every 20 minutes to look at something that’s 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This gives your eyes a rest from looking at a screen all day. Besides decreasing your eye strain, these breaks can help reduce headaches caused by too much screen use.

8 – Good contact care

If you wear contacts, always wash your hands when you remove or put them into your eyes. Keep the contacts disinfected properly, and don’t wear them longer than you’re supposed to. At the first sign of irritation, itchiness, or pain, call your eye doctor for a check-up. You could have an infection.

Learn how you can reduce eye fatigue.

9 – Regular eye exams

It’s important to take good care of your eyes, just like you do your body—schedule regular check examinations, especially an exam that looks for eye diseases. Your eye doctor will dilate your eyes to be able to look for signs of disease. Even though your eyes feel healthy, you could have eye problems. Catching it early could be the difference between saving your vision. Those who need eyeglasses to correct their vision may use these details.

10 – Adjust the brightness of your computer screen

Using a computer all day can take a toll on your eyes. But taking frequent breaks and adjusting the brightness on your computer screen will help prevent eye strain. Keep the brightness level as low as possible without causing you to squint. Turn on a few lights in the room, unless there are windows for natural light. Having background light reduces glare from your computer screen.

11 – Don’t get too close

Keep a safe distance from your computer, phone, or television. It’s suggested that you keep your computer at least 20 to 40 inches away from your face and eyes. Hold your phone 15 to 20 inches away. Using these devices at a closer range can cause eye strain.

12 – Don’t let your eyes get dry

When your eyes get too dry, they are susceptible to infection, blurriness, or double vision. Blink as often as you can. If needed, buy over-the-counter eye drops that add moisture to your eyes.

13 – Wash your hands

Your hands can harbor germs and bacteria. Always wash your hands before you touch your eyes, especially if you wear contacts. Use warm water and soap, and be sure to rinse your hands completely. Washing your hands can prevent eye infections like pink eye and even keep colds, flu, or Covid from entering your body.

14 – Limit the use of tablets, smartphones, and computer

Try to give your eyes a big break away from your devices as often as you can. Get outside and go for a walk, enjoy the natural light and colors in nature all around you. Your devices emit blue light waves that can, over time, damage your eyes. Some people suggest that you take lutein and zeaxanthin supplements to protect your eyes from blue light exposure.

15 – Be careful with your eye makeup

Eye makeup is safe to wear as long as you remove it every night before going to bed. Also, check the expiration dates on your eye makeup and throw away anything that has expired, even if it looks okay. Keep brushes and wands clean. Never share your eye makeup with anyone. This is a sure way to get or pass on an eye infection.

What other things contribute to your risk of eye disease?

As you age, you naturally become susceptible to some eye diseases. Plus, you may have certain genetic tendencies in your family that put you at greater risk for eye problems. Eye disease risks also include:

Being overweight or obese
Having a family history of an eye disease
Being African American, Hispanic, or Native American

Final thoughts on keeping healthy eyes for life

There’s nothing better than seeing a beautiful painting or watching the sunset over the ocean. Taking care of your vision guarantees you’ll be able to see these things for a long time. There are many ways for you to keep your eyes healthy. These 15 suggestions provide everything you need to know to keep your eyes safe, well-nourished, and free from infection.

Practice health habits like washing your hands before touching your eyes and wearing safety goggles. Keep up to date on your regular eye exams, and don’t forget to ask your grandma about the family history of eye disease. Start practicing good habits to promote healthy eyes today. You’ll be glad you did for the rest of your life.

Do You Need Help Controlling Your Road Rage?

February 3, 2021 by Power of Positivity

You’re late for work, and your nerves are shot. If you are late one more time, you’re getting written up by your boss. You have 1001 things on your mind, and someone pulls in front of you, going 45 in a 60-mph zone. The road rage kicks in.

So, it begins. Rather than kindly pass them, you honk your horn, yell a few choice words, and make a big spectacle as you go by. Could you have an issue with road rage? It’s a widespread problem with dangerous implications. According to Car Insurance 101, road rage is the number one cause of accidents in the United States. So, if you get injured in a car accident because of road rage or negligence, you may hire an auto accident attorney to help you file a claim for a fair compensation. Accomplished accident lawyers have the knowledge and experience to ensure that your rights are protected.

Shockingly, here are some disturbing facts about rage behind the wheel that you should consider:

Nearly 94 percent of accidents are caused by road rage.
Road anger attributes to over 30 murders every year.
80 percent of people experience frequent agitation behind the wheel.
Aggressive driving will cause fatalities in two out of three crashes.
Males are more prone to driving with rage than women.
Teenagers are the most aggressive drivers, specifically males.
Mississippi holds the record for the state with the most road rage.

It just seems natural to be upset when someone cuts you off in traffic, pulls out in front of you, or nearly causes you to wreck. You’re only human, and these emotions are typical when someone has done you wrong.

13 Tips for Fixing Your Road Rage

It’s imperative to get your aggressive driving under control as 100 people will die every day in this country due to this common issue. Here are some things that you can do psychologically to help you lay off the horn and have a peaceful time behind the wheel.

1. Get Up Earlier, So You’re Not Late

Most people are so frustrated behind the wheel because they’re always running late. You can stop this vicious cycle by only getting up a half-hour earlier. If you know that the traffic is bad where you will be traveling, you need to allow yourself extra time.

Avoid the very thing that gives you rage, which is being late. You will see a significant change in your driving demeanor when you thwart the things causing the issue.

2. Find A New Route

If you must travel I-95 every day to work, then you already know that it’s going to be crazy busy. However, is there a way that you can avoid using this route? What if you took some side streets or the scenic road instead of the fast lane?

While it may take you 10-15 minutes longer to avoid the freeway, you can certainly keep yourself from going into a rage. An incident on the way to work can transform your attitude for the whole day.

3. Listen to Music

Have you ever heard the old saying that “Music calms the savage beast?” Well, you should use that theology to calm your inner rage when driving down life’s highways. Turn on some music that makes you feel good. It’s hard to be angry when you’re jamming to your favorite tunes.

4. Carpool

Perhaps you wouldn’t be so prone to rage if you had someone with you. Having someone carpool with you can be the answer to your problem, especially if anxiety is at the crux of the issue. When you’re chatting and enjoying good conversation, it’s easier to let small driving infractions pass you by.

5. Take the Bus

If you work in a bustling area, then there will be times when you can’t avoid crazy traffic that gives you a headache. Many sites have some public transportation that can help you avoid the traffic nightmare. Why not sit back and relax with a good book or some music and leave the driving to someone else?

6. Meditate Before Driving

It helps to use meditation before you get behind the wheel. You can learn proper breathing techniques and get your mind-body-spirit centered before you get on the road. Ensure that you use a calming meditation and not one that is supposed to put you to sleep.

7. Get Adequate Sleep

One of the main reasons people are so on edge behind the wheel is that they didn’t get sufficient sleep the night before. If you don’t have at least 7-9 hours of shut-eye, then you’re going to be cranky the following day. Have you ever seen a baby that cries and screams when they’re sleepy?

Well, road rage can be kind of like a temper tantrum when an adult is exhausted. No one likes to deal with a cranky person, so get the rest you need.

8. Stop Tailgating

Did you know that tailgating is one of the biggest causes of aggressive driving rage? When someone is riding your bumper, and you feel as if you stop, they will ram into you, it’s a cause for alarm.

Now, you need to make sure that you don’t do the same thing to others. Allow at least 2-3 car lengths between you and everyone on the road to avoid tailgating induced rage.

9. Learn Your Triggers

It’s essential to note your mental triggers. Once you find the things that drive you crazy, then you should go out of your way to avoid these things. For instance, if you hate trying to merge left when traffic is coming in from the right, you should get over earlier rather than later.

Oncoming traffic can be a nightmare to deal with, so by avoiding the trigger, you can prevent an aggressive meltdown.

10. Put A Photo on Your Dashboard

What are the things that matter most to you in this life? Do you have a spouse, children, parents you adore? Why not put a picture on your dash of the thing that keeps you going each day?

Anytime you feel like your rage is about to hit a boiling point, look at those that count on you. You can use this as a reminder that you need to calm down because people count on you to make it home alive.

11. Learn Rhythmic Breathing

For many drivers, rage is nothing more than your anxiety boiling over the top. An article in Psychology Today suggests that deep breathing is an effective way to control your anger.

If you have a problem with pressure, you can use little tricks to help you get things under control. Rhythmic breathing is merely inhaling deeply through your nose, holding it for a few seconds, then exhaling through your mouth.

The beauty of this controlled breathing is that it can calm your heart rate, anxiety, and rage all at once. Plus, it can increase your focus, which is essential on the road.

12. Count To Ten

Before you put your hand on that horn, count to ten. Have you ever heard that you need to go outside and count until you calm down when disciplining a child? The same principle is in place on the roadways.

If you’re feeling really “hot-headed,” then you should pull over until you can gain composure. However, mentally counting to ten forces the brain to focus on something else besides the crazy driver in front of you.

13. Take A Driving Class

Road rage is a major issue in this country. Many classes are focused on helping people to channel this negative energy into something positive. A quick course filled with videos of what happens when aggressive driving is used can be eye-opening.

14. Consider replacing your car if it is a Lemon Car

If you find that your car is a Lemon Car, it’s crucial to consider replacing it to ensure your safety and avoid further inconvenience. A blog on LemonLawFirm.com says Lemon cars can pose significant risks and ongoing problems that may not be adequately resolved, making a replacement a wise choice for your well-being and peace of mind.

Accessing the Risk

Since road rage is such an issue, it’s worth taking a self-test to see how much at risk you’re behind the wheel and if your driving is in danger of causing an accident. Can you answer yes to any of these factors?

Speeding and running red lights because you are always running late.
Tailgating people who get in the fast lane going slow.
Flashing your lights or honking the horn while driving.
Yelling obscenities to those drivers who tick you off.
Weaving in and out of traffic.
Thinking you should correct people who don’t know how to drive.

How many of these statements sounded like you when you’re behind the wheel? Do you see where there is room for you to make improvements? If you can answer yes to any of these factors, it might be time to consider how an injury lawyer could help if you find yourself in a situation where someone’s negligence on the road leads to an accident.

Final Thoughts on Learning to Control Your Road Rage

Driving down life’s highways is scary enough without adding rage to the mix. One wrong decision while behind the wheel of an automobile can cost your life and the lives of others. Thankfully, there are ways that you can get your rage under control.

It’s possible that at the core of your aggressive behaviors is an anxiety disorder. If anxiety is causing you to be a frantic mess while driving, you should talk to a doctor or therapist. It could be that your rage is generated from a lack of sleep, frequent problems being late, and general stress that comes from traveling bustling thoroughfares.

An article posted on the National Library of Medicine referenced a Plos One psychological study that found that many drivers who engage in aggressive driving are often those with ADHD. Interestingly, impulse control issues can also play a part in the type of driver you become.

Whatever the reason behind your road rage, it’s time to get it under control. You don’t want to be or cause another statistic or incident that could have been avoided.

What Creates Emotional Stability in a Relationship? 7 Habits to Adopt

February 3, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Emotional stability is one of the most important aspects of a relationship. It involves communication, respect, trust, and many other factors. Without emotional stability, people can expect to drift away from one another.

You must figure out how to reach emotional stability to keep your relationship healthy. The things you do daily make a big difference because achieving peace must be consistent. Consistency allows both partners to see how meaningful the relationship is to the other person.

With emotional stability in your relationship, things will flow better, and you will handle it better. There will be more happiness and more time for doing fun things together. If your relationship is stable, your bond will be healthier, too.

No relationships are perfect, so you must work to create emotional stability in all relationships. Relationship counselors explain some ways you can make stability, helping relationships everywhere.

What Creates Emotional Stability?

Counselors explain that some things that create emotional stability in relationships are simple but important. It would be best to discuss your favorite binge-worthy shows, favorite things to do, or any other fun facts about yourself. This helps people get to know one another and to connect.

You could also talk about the things that you don’t like. Openly share your beliefs, too, because it’s essential to know one another in that way, honestly. You won’t know if something will work for you (or the other person) until you know facts about one another.

It is best to find out early if you can deal with the other person’s thoughts. Only then will you be able to focus on creating emotional stability in your relationship. Once you have done this part, there are different ways to stabilize the connection.

1 – Paying Attention to Your Partner

Learn and acknowledge your partner’s needs and wants, which involves paying attention to them. Listen to what they say and look for something they may not say out loud. Relationship counselors have determined that this will make a big difference in your relationship.

2 – Develop Trust

You have to trust one another if you want to have a stable relationship. Trust may not happen right away, so work to develop it naturally. You’ll know when you have reached it, and it will make a big difference in your relationship.

3 – Be Available

This doesn’t mean being physically available. You must be emotionally available, as well. This means you can’t hold back emotionally, and you must genuinely listen to and try to understand your partner. If you hold back or don’t make yourself available, you won’t develop emotional stability or a strong bond.

4 – Show Affection

As your relationship progresses, you may become less affectionate. It is important not to let this happen or to make changes if it has already. Kiss one another, hold hands, hug, and cuddle.

5 – When You Fight, Be Fair

Sometimes, when you’re angry, you might find yourself saying things you don’t mean. Try not to do this as it can create even more problems between you. You should avoid bringing up the past and only argue or discuss the issue at hand.

6 – Try to See Their Perspective

Take a walk in your partner’s shoes every once in a while. Do this not only when you disagree, but also regularly. Spend time trying to see things from your partner’s perspective.

Doing this will help you understand them better. You may be able to figure out why they behave or react to certain situations the way that they do. It can make your relationship better in all areas.

7 – Overcome the Problems

Relationships have some problems no matter how stable the partnership is. This is normal, but you have to work to overcome those obstacles. If you ignore them, you won’t be able to have a stable relationship.

Even if you get past it by pushing it away and waiting for time to pass, it’ll cause issues and a rift. There will always be underlying issues that were never honestly dealt with. Please talk about the problems and work on them until you have found a solution you are both happy with.

How to Recognize Emotional Instability

Emotional stability makes relationships go smoother, and less drama will be involved. You will always know where you stand with one another, and communication won’t be a problem. Without stability, you’ll have to dedicate extra time and lots of energy to your relationship.

Before you can create emotional stability in a relationship, it’s vital to recognize instability. These things will stand in the way of achieving a stable relationship. By identifying and acknowledging these issues, you can change them or decide if it is something you can handle.

1 – Watch for Angry or Entitled Statements

When someone makes a mistake and expects someone else to fix it, they may be entitled. They don’t want to experience any of the consequences, either. This is a sign of emotional instability.

It’s also a sign of emotional instability if they get angry or upset about small things. Even being questioned or asked for further information will upset them. This is not a good sign, and you should consider if you can handle their anger over this.

2 – They Don’t Show Up to Things They Say They Will Do

If someone can’t keep their commitments, they may be mentally unstable. They won’t show up to pre-planned events that they said they would. Plus, they may not turn work in on time, or they won’t do things that they say they will.

3 – Their Family Is Dramatic

As badly as you may not want to admit it, if their family is dramatic, they may have mental instability issues. This stems from not having loving or reliable caregivers, or they may just have had parents who overreact.

There is a genetic component, so if their parents are unstable, they may be as well. They will have learned habits from their parents rather than developing healthy mental health habits.

Also, please pay attention to how their siblings behave. They may have some of the same traits as their siblings, even if they don’t show immediately.

4 – They Show no Empathy

If you tell your partner something and don’t respond in an empathic way, it’s a red flag. They should respond in a supportive way rather than changing the subject or ignoring it.

5 – They Try to Make Themselves Sound Better Than You

You may notice this when you try to tell your partner something about your life. If they respond with something about their own life instead of empathizing with you, it’s a sign of emotional instability. You may tell them about a stressful situation they are dealing with and respond to their stressful situation.

This shows that they are unstable. They may even think they are empathetic by sharing their story, but it isn’t. Another example of this is when you tell them your goal, and they respond with a plan that seems more significant.

6 – They Don’t Pay for Things That They Owe

This may sound like it has nothing to do with a relationship, but it’s a good sign to watch for. If they won’t pay for things they owe unless they are continually reminded, it’s a sign that they are unstable. This signifies that they feel entitled and like they don’t have to hold up their end of responsibilities.

7 – They Won’t Admit When They Are Wrong

A person who can’t admit when they were in the wrong is someone who is emotionally unstable. They may lie or make excuses when something goes wrong. Or, they may make the situation seem less severe than it truly is.

8 – They Run from Their Problems

If they run away from problems, it’s not a good sign. If you notice that they avoid their issues rather than dealing with them, you can expect that in your relationship, as well.

9 – They’re Too Intense

They might be too intense if they rush into things or disclose too much information too soon. Plus, if they make it sound like they idealize you, this might be a problem, as well.

Final Thoughts on What Creates Emotional Stability in a Relationship? Counselors Explain

Having emotional stability in a relationship is essential for having a healthy relationship. Work toward this goal if you want to enjoy your relationship and make happy memories. No relationships are perfect, but you can always work to create stability.

With these tips, you will be well on your way to a relationship with emotional stability. The only way to grow with your partner is through strength, and is achievable with these tips. You don’t want to feel like something is missing in your relationship.

Make sure you do your part and find someone willing to do theirs. It takes both partners to make a relationship emotionally stable. While your relationship may not be perfect, you can work toward emotional stability with these tips.

15 Best Jobs for Someone With Social Anxiety Disorder

February 3, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Do you suffer from a social anxiety disorder?

According to Mental Health America, there are more than 15 million people that struggle with this mental health condition. Anxiety disorders come in all shapes and sizes.

Social anxiety is difficult to maneuver in the job place. Your fear is heightened by being around others, especially when you’re apprehensive of an impending panic attack. Many people turn to disability to make ends meet, but it’s not always cut and dry to get mental health claims assistance.

If you desire to be in the working world, you must learn how to manage your social anxiety disorder. You learn the things that trigger you and those that you must avoid.

Best Jobs for Anxiety

Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean that you can’t have a job. Your disability may be invisible to everyone around you, but you can feel the pangs every time your anxiety rears its nasty head. Here are some jobs that you can do to bring income into the home. Learn more about jobs you can apply with the help from experts working at the Lehi recruitment agency.

1. Blogging

To be an influential blogger, you need to have a niche. Do you like writing about cooking, weight loss, parenting, or your social anxiety disorder? While blogging doesn’t start you off making thousands, it can undoubtedly build with time.

Bloggers can develop a massive following due to the number of people that are online looking for self-help. If you have a topic that interests you and you’re knowledgeable about, then you can have fun and make money.

2. Stay-Home Parent

While it may not be a source of income, being a stay-home parent can undoubtedly save you money. Have you seen the price of daycare these days? It was once thought that women could only fill this role; however, men prove that they can be just as good at child-rearing as women.

Many people find that once they must pay for daycare, there is little reason for one party to work. This is especially true if you have more than one child. Plus, you get to be there for the first steps and to ensure their health and safety.

3. Accounting

Accounting is a numbers game, and accountants have little interaction with people. If you like minimal customer contact and playing with numbers, then an accounting job may be perfect for you.

Those interested in this field should brush up on frequently used accounting programs like QuickBooks and Excel. They can also use AP automation for easier creation of accurate financial data. You should also know that accountants can make some serious cash. According to US News and World Reports, an accounting professional can make a medium salary of over $70,000 a year.

4. Computer Programmer

Computer programmers and even developers make good money, and it’s one of the fastest-growing jobs around.

According to Diversity Q, it’s one of the fastest-growing jobs among women. The great thing about being a computer tech is that you can work from anywhere, and there are always great jobs to choose from these days.

5. Vet Tech

Did you know that animals are very calming to people with any anxiety? According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, 74 percent of people with anxiety improve when they get a pet. There have been many studies done where pets help to calm people and even lower their blood pressure.

Can you think of a perfect job for someone tense and anxious? You would get to help pets of all kinds, and you can help yourself at the same time. Vet techs don’t require college in most cases, and you can work close to home. Any animal shelter, rescue, pet store, or veterinarian center uses techs.

6. Maid

If you have a social anxiety disorder, then being a maid might be what you like. Did you know that many times obsessive-compulsive disorder runs alongside other anxiety-based conditions? If you love to clean, then why not use your skills to make money?

If you don’t like being around others, you can choose a cleaning job where you work solo or with a partner. Maids can make fairly good money, especially if you get into a job at a hospital or other larger institution.

7. Writer

Do you have a book in you just waiting to be birthed? You could be a writer that does self-publishing or uses a publisher. There’s no stopping you once you get the first book under your belt. Whether fiction or non-fictional readings, you can entertain the masses while never leaving your home.

8. Factory Work

One thing that bothers a great many people is being in large crowds. The unpredictability can drive your anxiety mad. Factory work will be repetitious, so it might not amp your anxiety as you know what’s coming and what to expect. Some factories are a bit lower-key than others. Factory work pays well and offers a wide variety of options for you to consider.

9. Psychologist

Did you know that many psychologists or counselors often have mental health issues within themselves or their families? Many of these professionals use their family backgrounds as a reason to try to help others.

If you can work one-on-one with people, then counseling may be the thing for you. Thanks to online education, you can now get a degree from the comfort of your home.

10. Special Needs Teacher

Teachers are always in high demand, especially those that deal with special needs. Since you understand the horrors of anxiety, you can use your gifs to help others. Did you know that the government offers many incentives for you to get a degree in special education?

According to the US Department of Education, teachers can get up to $17,500 of student loans forgiven when selecting a specialized field.

11. Dog Walker/Trainer

Okay, so unless you live in New York City or Los Angeles, you’re probably not going to make a ton of money as a dog walker. However, since you already know that dogs can help you control your anxiety, this might be a great job for you. If you want to get out of the house and mingle a bit with a man’s best friend, then try dog walking.

12. Truck Driver

Do you love to drive? There’s nothing better than a road trip to make you feel great. You can blast your music, talk on your cell phone, and go all over the country. Truck drivers are an integral part of society, and you can make a ton of money.

Did you know that the average truck driver makes over $60,000 a year? So you might want to consider applying for CDL Truck Driver Positions with this kind of salary. According to Indeed, it’s a great career path with good benefits and plenty of money. Truckers get to see many new states, and they don’t have to worry about being in large crowds either.

13. Artist

Many people combat their social anxiety disorder with art. Do you have a talent with a specific style of painting that you think could bring money? Many cities have starving artist sales, or you can even sell your work online. It takes some time to get started and build a clientele, but who knows you could be the next Picasso?

14. Security Guard

Being a security guard is a pretty low-key job. However, according to Salary, an armed security guard can make anywhere from $30,000 to $37,000, just depending on where you live. Unarmed guards can make a little less.

Security guards usually don’t have to deal with many people, and they don’t need extensive training. There are tons of security jobs in every city across this country, so work is easy to find.

15. Overnight Stocker

If your social anxiety disorder gets the best of you, then perhaps you would prefer to work at night. An overnight stocker usually only must deal with other workers on shift with them. The crowds are generally much less at night, and you can make a decent living.

According to Zip Recruiter, most stock professionals make around $13 an hour. If you find a full-time job with a big company, you can get insurance and benefits too. The only requirement for this career is that you can bend and lift upwards of 50 lbs. Of course, each job will have specifics.

Final Thoughts on Social Anxiety Disorder and Working

Don’t think that you can’t live a full life and have a great job because you have a social anxiety disorder. It would help if you learned your comfort level and know what you can tolerate when working in public.

If you feel that your anxiety is severe enough, you can always choose a job that allows you to work from home. If you have a social anxiety disorder with agoraphobia, staying around the house may be a better option. Getting out even for just a few hours a week can be therapeutic, if possible.

Staying behind four walls all day long might make your general anxiety worse. Thankfully, some programs can help people like you have a great job and work within your limitations.

Do You Have Hypersomnia? 12 Signs You Sleep Too Much

February 2, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Do you wake up tired after you’ve slept the entire night? Do you feel as if you could sleep 10-12 hours each day and it still wouldn’t be enough? You may have a condition called hypersomnia, which is a rare sleep disorder that can wreak havoc on your life.

Also called idiopathic hypersomnia or IH, this disorder is neurologically based. Sadly, the effects of this condition can interrupt every part of your life. It most commonly develops in the preteen years, but it can happen at any age.

IH comes on gradually. This condition’s hallmarks are that individuals cannot stay awake or alert enough to function during daylight hours. It’s classified as EDS or excessive daytime sleepiness, but EDS is a symptom and not a condition in itself.

IH is often mistaken for narcolepsy because a person will fall asleep at the most inappropriate times, and they have no control over it. The disorder becomes so debilitating that it inhibits daily functioning. Another commonly seen problem with this illness is that people have a challenging time waking up once they are asleep.

Even those daily naps can prove problematic when it comes to waking up and functioning normally. Still, if you were to get 15 hours of rest at night, it’s not going to affect how tired you are during the next day. No amount of sleep seems to fix things, which is how this condition is distinguishable from general fatigue.

Since this is a chronic condition, a person may have periods where things are better, and they get worse again. IH’s constant fluctuations make it challenging to do much of anything when it’s at its worst, but there is a time when it’s in a remission type state.

What Causes Idiopathic Hypersomnia?

What causes this neurological disorder is a mystery. Researchers have found strong genetic links that cannot be denied. Additionally, if other sleep disorders, like narcolepsy, run in your family, it can put you at an increased risk of developing this condition.

Some theories have been examined as to what causes this disorder; here are possible links that researchers believe can be contributing factors:

•Obesity

•Substance abuse issues

•Neurological diseases like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s

•Depression

•Sleep deprivation

•The use of some medications

•Sleep apnea

•Genetics

One benefit that people who suffer from narcolepsy have is that they can create a schedule with naps. While this tends to help this person, it doesn’t do much for the person suffering from hypersomnia. Naps cause you to wake up feeling more unrefreshed than before, and you find it hard to awaken once you’re asleep.

Twelve Common Symptoms of Hypersomnia

Having IH is exceedingly tricky. The symptoms are pretty much the same across the board, though their severity may wax and wane. One person may experience all the symptoms while another has only a couple. Here are the signs of IH:

1 – EDS or Excessive daytime sleepiness

This symptom inhibits daytime activities and makes working and having a social life challenging.

2 – Excessive Sleep

If you’re sleeping more than ten hours in a 24-hour time span, and you still don’t feel refreshed, it’s one of the hallmark signs.

3 – Napping Distress

You can take naps, but they do little to help your situation. Additionally, you may have a hard time awakening from your slumbers. While most people can nap for an hour or two, you can take naps for 4-5 hours without issue.

4 – Brain Fog

When you’re awake, you feel like you’re in a trance-like state. You can’t remember things, and your concentration and attention spans are suffering.

5 – Chronic Headaches

Due to sleeping more than the body needs, it’s not uncommon to have chronic headaches.

6 – Raynaud’s Phenomenon

This is a circulation issue where the fingers and toes can turn a purplish color and be cold. It’s often observed alongside autoimmune conditions.

7 – Dizziness

Feeling lightheaded and as if you were going to pass out is a common issue. It can stem from blood pressure issues that are common in this disorder.

8 – Orthostasis

When you arrive from a seated position, your blood pressure drops dramatically. This can also contribute to lightheaded feelings.

9 – Sleep Paralysis

According to the National Library of Medicine, this phenomenon occurs when you awaken and are entirely paralyzed. Your brain is conscious and awake, but you are unable to move. It usually passes in a few minutes as it’s a condition where you’re shifting through sleep realms too quickly.

10 – Difficulty Regulating Body Temperature

Those who have this condition might be unexplainably cold and then warm a short while later.

11 – Vivid Dreams and Hallucinations

Do you suffer from vivid dreams? IH might be the underlying reason that you have them.

12 – Excessive Sweating

People with IH might wake up in a pool of wet sheets due to excessive night sweats.

Here are possible causes of your vivid dreams.

Getting A Diagnosis

It’s not uncommon for hypersomnia to be misdiagnosed. Since the symptoms of this disorder are so close to other conditions, it happens often. Additionally, it’s not unusual for a person to have a couple of sleep disorders, making things more challenging to pinpoint.

The first thing a doctor will want to do is a physical examination. They need to know all about your medical history and if anything like this has happened before. Your family history is also essential as genetics is thought to play a massive role in developing this condition.

Once they’ve gathered this information, they will want to do some tests to rule out other disorders. The most used tests are:

•Polysomnogram

A polysomnogram is like a sleep study. You must go to a center and stay overnight for monitoring. The doctor wants to see your brain activity as well as watch both your eye and leg movements.

They also need to evaluate your oxygen levels, heart rate and make sure your breathing functions are adequate when you’re asleep. This will help them rule out conditions like sleep apnea, where a drop in oxygen can contribute to similar issues you’re having.

•Sleep Latency

Conducting a sleep latency test may be done several times to see the varying results. This examination will measure your sleepiness and the various sleep stages that you go through when you take naps. It works best if given a day or two after a polysomnogram as it provides the best results.

•Sleep Journal

Keeping a sleep diary can provide a plethora of information to doctors. Since tests can be subject to what’s going on at the current time in your body, the journal gives them a broader picture. Giving them your sleep and wake times and how many total hours of rest in a day can be beneficial.

•Epworth Sleepiness Scale

The sleepiness scale helps a doctor see what’s going on when you can’t put things into words. It’s a simple questionnaire used since 1911 to help people evaluate what’s going on. It’s used to help diagnose sleep apnea as well as narcolepsy, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Treatment for Hypersomnia

There is no cure for hypersomnia, but there are some ways to reduce the symptoms. First, the goal will be to help control the excessive daytime sleepiness, which will, in return, help with the feelings of drunkenness and brain fog upon waking.

The FDA has approved numerous treatments for narcolepsy, but there is none currently for IH. Some doctors will use experimental things in an off-label manner, but it’s controversial.

One treatment option that might work is behavioral modification. It tends to be more successful with narcolepsy, but scheduling sleep and nap times with IH isn’t always practical. However, since there are not many options, it’s worth a try.

It’s important that anyone suffering from IH avoid driving a car or using any heavy equipment as this can be dangerous. When you’re sleep isn’t controlled, dosing off behind the wheel can be catastrophic. Only a doctor can evaluate you and permit such activities during periods of remission.

Final Thoughts on Living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia

Living with hypersomnia is miserable. It can affect every aspect of your life because you cannot control when and if you will suddenly fall to sleep. There’s often a stigma associated with sleep disorders, like narcolepsy, where it’s believed that a person has a mental illness or just lazy.

What many don’t understand is that this is a neurological condition that you have no control over. While the FDA approves no treatment options, you can do plenty of holistic things to control this issue. Some recommend getting more exercise, eating a healthy diet, and adding supplements like fennel, green leaf juice, and stinging nettle tea to your day.

Thankfully, periods of hypersomnia tend to wax and wane, which means that there can be times of complete remission. It’s best to work with an herbalist to find some herbal remedies and lifestyle changes to help you when your flares are at their worst. While it’s not fatal, it can certainly make living challenging, but you can learn to manage this condition effectively.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

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

Areas of Impact from Setbacks

Determination

Emotional Maturity

Pride/Humility

Failure Gives Success its Value

How to Get Stronger from Your Failures

1. Be a glass-half-full type of person.

2. Learn from your mistakes the first time around.

3. Sometimes, you must lose to win.

Final Thoughts on How Setbacks Make You Stronger

What Is Nostalgia?

The Good News about Reminiscing

The Different Ways You Remember

How Being Nostalgic Can Make You More Optimistic

1. It Can Remind You That Your Life Has Meaning

2. It Keeps You Connected with Others

3. It Can Help with Life Changes

4. It Can Make You More Optimistic About Your Goals

5. It May Help Decrease Symptoms of Depression

Final Thoughts About Nostalgia to Boost Optimism

What is Lutein?

Eye Disease

Eye Fatigue

Your Skin

Six Other Benefits of Lutein

1. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

2. Parkinson’s Disease

3. Cardiovascular Health

4. Cognitive Function

5. Hypertension

6. Lowering Breast Cancer Risks

What If You Don’t Have Enough Xanthophyll in Your Body?

How to Get More Xanthophyll in Your Diet

What about Supplements?

Final Thoughts on Getting More Lutein in Your Diet

Caring for macaw parrots

The owners’ advice for anyone thinking of adopting a macaw

Training macaws

Facts about the macaw parrot

Final thoughts: the macaw parrot is a beautiful bird, but they may not make great pets for everyone

Here are 15 simple habits for healthy eyes.

1 – Sunglasses

2 – Eat a healthy diet

Dark leafy greens:

Oily fish:

Nuts and seeds:

Carrots and sweet potatoes:

Eggs:

3 – Give up smoking

4 – Exercise

5 – Safety glasses or goggles

6 – Normal age risk

7 – Rest your eyes

8 – Good contact care

9 – Regular eye exams

10 – Adjust the brightness of your computer screen

11 – Don’t get too close

12 – Don’t let your eyes get dry

13 – Wash your hands

14 – Limit the use of tablets, smartphones, and computer

15 – Be careful with your eye makeup

What other things contribute to your risk of eye disease?

Other health conditions that cause eye problems include:

Final thoughts on keeping healthy eyes for life

13 Tips for Fixing Your Road Rage

1. Get Up Earlier, So You’re Not Late

2. Find A New Route

3. Listen to Music

4. Carpool

5. Take the Bus

6. Meditate Before Driving

7. Get Adequate Sleep

8. Stop Tailgating

9. Learn Your Triggers

10. Put A Photo on Your Dashboard

11. Learn Rhythmic Breathing

12. Count To Ten

13. Take A Driving Class

14. Consider replacing your car if it is a Lemon Car