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18 Things That Can Help You Look 10 Pounds Lighter

January 7, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

If you want to look 10 pounds lighter, there are many things you can do to achieve that goal. Rather than dieting to lose weight, you could make some small changes to make you appear smaller.

Wearing unflattering clothes or clothes that don’t fit can make you look bigger. On the other hand, styling clothes properly and wearing the right things can make you look lighter.

When you want to look good and feel good, appearing lighter can make all the difference. By following the tips discussed below, you can instantly look 10 pounds lighter.

How to Look 10 Pounds Lighter

Try these useful hacks to gain a slimmer appearance.

1. Wear a V-Neck

Wearing a shirt with a V-neckline can take attention away from your midsection. It makes your upper body look thinner and longer. This high focal point created by the V-neck top will make your body seem better proportioned.

You can find V-neck tops in all types, from tank tops, t-shirts, sweaters, cardigans, dresses, jackets, and camisoles. This type of top is great for everyone and will bring balance to your hips and thighs, too.

2. Make Sure Your Underwear Fits Properly

Yes, even the part of your outfit that no one will see is important if you are trying to look thinner. Wearing the wrong size bra can make your chest seem misshapen, which instantly makes you look bigger. Plus, wearing the wrong size bra can highlight back fat, too.

If your underwear is too tight, it will create bulges that show through your pants and skirts. It will also highlight rolls, a muffin top, and cellulite, even through your clothes. Plus, too tight underwear can cause unsightly visible panty lines, which cause the butt and hips to be bulkier.

Another option aside from traditional underwear is choosing shapewear instead. Shapewear will give you more support and hide imperfections such as bulges and cellulite. Plus, it will make you look 10 pounds lighter, too.

You don’t have to choose full body shapewear, either. For something simpler, you could choose a shapewear camisole, a corset, or shapewear tights.

3. Choose a Shirt with Buttons

This tip to look 10 pounds lighter is so easy. Anyone can do it. If you want to look thinner, choose a shirt that has buttons.

Then, put a t-shirt underneath and leave it unbuttoned. Leaving it unbuttoned will make your body appear longer, which instantly makes you look thinner.

4. Wear the Right Skinny Jeans and Style Them Properly

Skinny jeans are a great fashion item if you wear the right pair and style them well. Wearing skinny jeans that are tight on your calves will make them appear larger, so choose a little loose pair. Then, it would be best if you show your ankles.

By showing your ankles, you are showing one of the skinniest parts of your body. This one simple trick will make it seem like you are 10 pounds lighter.

For optimal results, you should wear shoes that match the skinny jeans, too. Wearing contrasting shoes will visually break up your legs, making them seem shorter and wider.

5. Choose Jewelry That Draws Attention to Certain Areas of Your Body

You can use jewelry to make you look 10 pounds lighter instantly. By choosing a long necklace, you will be making your neck appear longer and thinner. Plus, a long necklace will draw attention away from your hips and your midsection.

Earrings can play a role, too. If you wear big earrings, then attention will be drawn to your face instead of your body.

When it comes to other jewelry, cuffs and bangles for bracelets will draw attention to your wrist instead of your arms. Likewise, eye-catching rings will do the same, drawing attention away from your upper arms. This jewellery Bondi Junction shop has a wide variety of jewelry pieces.

6. Avoid Baggy Shirts and Sweaters

While you may think baggy tops will hide your body and make you appear skinnier, it does the opposite. Wearing baggy shirts or sweaters can hide your waistline, making your lower body appear shorter. If you only have baggy tops, add a thick belt to help elongate your body.

7. Don’t Wear too Many Oversized or Baggy Things at Once

As mentioned before, baggy tops can make your body appear shorter and wider. Likewise, other baggy or oversized items will do the same. Not only will they do the same, but adding too many baggy things at once can make you appear bigger than you are.

Even accessories can make you look bigger. If you are wearing wide pants or an oversized top, you should avoid an oversized purse. Choosing a small clutch or handbag can even out the look, whereas wearing them all at once will not.

8. Wear a Long Coat

If you are wearing a coat with your outfit, make sure the coat is longer. This is especially true if the color of the dress and the color of the coat are contrasting. Doing so will cause your body to appear thicker because it has been visually cut.

You could consider a long coat even if you are going casual, too. A long coat will keep you warm but will also lengthen your body, making you appear lighter.

9. Don’t Pull Your Shirt Down too Far

When you put a shirt on, you may be tempted to pull it down as far as you can. However, it would be best if you avoided this temptation as it can make you appear bigger. It makes your body look disproportionate as you are taking away from the body half of your body.

If your shirt is too long and you can’t help that it is long, tuck it in instead. This will help your body seem more proportioned. Adding an unbuttoned jacket or sweater over the tucked-in shirt will help elongate the body, too.

10. Avoid Wearing Dresses That Are Too Tight

While sizing down may seem like a good option, it isn’t. It doesn’t do you any favors and will highlight your midsection in unflattering ways.

Instead, wear dresses that are looser at the bottom but still flattering to your waistline. This will make you appear lighter than if you had chosen a tight dress.

11. Show Your Thinner Body Parts

Covering up every inch of your body will not make you appear lighter. Instead, it will have the opposite effect and will make you appear heavier.

To avoid this, make sure to show thinner areas such as your wrists, neck, or ankles. By showing these parts of your body, you will make yourself look much lighter.

12. Wear Skinny Heels with a Narrow Toe

Wearing skinny heels such as stilettos will help you appear lighter. Even better, make sure to wear a shoe with a pointy toe. This will make your calves appear thinner and your legs longer.

On the other hand, wearing thick heels or rounded toes will make your legs look bigger. Your legs would appear shorter and thicker, too.

13. Avoid Embellishments and Small Designs or Prints

When you choose clothes and look for clothes that are free of embellishments, you want to look lighter. When it comes to jeans, wear jeans with unembellished pockets and extra embellishments.

Clothes that have those added embellishments create the illusion of bulk, making you appear bigger. The same goes for small designs or prints, as they draw too much attention to unflattering areas.

14. Wear Longer Shorts

Wearing very short shorts will make you appear bigger. It will highlight all of your flaws and make them look worse than they are. So, choose a longer pair of shorts instead, and you’ll instantly appear lighter.

15. Get a Spray Tan

Spray tans help hide blemishes that cause an unflattering visual breakup of your body. You will seem thinner if you have clear visual lines across your skin. Getting a spray tan can hide veins, cellulite, stretch marks, and brown spots that cause the visual breakup mentioned before.

16. Wear an Open Jacket

Wearing an open jacket or cardigan will always make you appear lighter. If you wear it over a V-neck shirt, it will be even more flattering. When you want to look lighter, put on a blazer or other jacket to make an instant difference.

17. Think About the Materials You Wear

The materials you wear play a role in your appearance. Flat materials such as cotton, denim, silk, or wool will not add volume. Other fabrics such as jersey, cashmere, fine cotton, and a touch of spandex will make you appear thinner.

On the other hand, other materials will make you appear bigger. These materials include corduroy, velvet, metallic, leather, suede, angora, taffeta, satin, fringe, and flannel. If you want to appear lighter, you should avoid these fabrics at all costs.

18. Wear the Same Color on Top and Bottom

If you wear the same color on top and bottom, it will create an uninterrupted visual line. This elongates your body and makes you appear smaller.

On the other hand, if you wore contrasting colors on top and bottom, it will draw eyes to your midsection. If this is the area you want to take attention away from, it is best to avoid wearing contrasting colors.

Final Thoughts on Trying out These Hacks to Look 10 Pounds Lighter

Most people want to look 10 pounds lighter once in a while. Whether you are going on a date or going to a fancy dinner, there are times when you will wish you could make that change. It is easier than you think, however.

You can look 10 pounds lighter in an instant, without dieting or exercising at all. By making these simple changes, you will instantly look lighter and feel better about yourself.

Yale Researchers Found How to Help Parents End a Child’s Temper Tantrums (For Good)

January 7, 2021 by Power of Positivity

Temper tantrums are a normal occurrence in toddlers. One of the biggest challenges for parents is knowing how to deal with screaming, hitting, and falling on the floor child without getting upset. Researchers at Yale University and other leading universities reveal some helpful strategies for parents to know what to do when their child has a temper tantrum.

What is a temper tantrum?

Temper tantrums are common for kids between the age of 2 to 4. The older your child is, the fewer temper tantrums they will have. Studies found that it’s prevalent for toddlers to have a tantrum at least once a day. They can last as long as fifteen minutes. It’s an exhausting experience for you as a parent to watch your child go through this out-of-control episode. But, as a parent, it’s possible to help your child manage the tantrums.

What causes temper tantrums?

Just about anything can set off a toddler’s temper tantrum, but the most common triggers are tiredness, sickness, or hunger. Frustration also triggers tantrums due to the toddler’s combined desire for their parents’ attention and a desire to be independent. Kids also use their tantrums to manipulate their parents because it’s an effective way to get what they want quickly. Temper tantrums also occur due to your child’s frustration when you don’t let them do dangerous things like touch the stove. Over time, your child will learn how to express their feelings by naming emotions like happy, sad, and mad rather than going into a temper tantrum. Until then, it’s up to you as a parent to learn strategies to handle your child’s tantrums.

Yale reveals a new, effective program for parents to help end temper tantrums for good.

Yale reachers are working on an online tool to help parents with their child’s temper tantrums. The program will be 8 module video series with easy-to-understand strategies for dealing with children’s temper tantrums. You can do it at your own pace, and there’s hope to incorporate a few telehealth visits during the series. This 50-year-old program isn’t up and running yet, but their goal is to have it ready for parents as soon as possible.

What do you do during a temper tantrum?

Sometimes temper tantrums can’t be avoided. The first thing is to remember when your child has a temper tantrum is that it’s a normal thing for toddlers. When your child has a tantrum, try to stay calm, it’s actually a way to teach your child to have self-control. It’s not easy. Take a breath and remember what it was like when you were little. When you remember how you used to be, it can help you relate to your child.

Remember the acronym RIDD.

Studies show that using the acronym R.I.D.D. can help you handle your child’s temper tantrums.

Remain calm: Quietly try to redirect your child or distract them. If they’re hurting another child or you, tell them, “No biting” in a firm, but calm voice.
Ignore the tantrum. Sometimes this stops the child since they aren’t getting your attention.
Distract: You can pick up your child and take them to another room. One person found that singing a song and dancing around stopped her child during their tantrum. This can work short term, but will probably lose its effect over time.
Do say yes: This means that if your child has a physical need, you help them such as food, water, or nap. If it’s simply a demand, then it’s best not to give in since this will reinforce to them that tantrums get them what they want.

Time out may be effective for a while, but it will lose effect if you use it a lot. Time outs should be short. A rule of thumb is 1 minute per how old your child is, so a two-year-old should have a two-minute-long time out.

Affirmation and roleplay

Another helpful strategy is to notice when your child is doing something well. Be sure to be specific in how you encourage them. Say something like,

“I like the way you didn’t get upset when I said no more cookies. You’re showing me self-control.”

Instead of assuming your child will learn on their own to control themselves, try to role-play to teach them. Kids love to pretend, so practice the role play when your child is doing well, never while they’re having a tantrum. Make it a fun time for them with you pretending to be the child, and they’re the adult. Act out what it looks like doing it the wrong way and what it looks like. Throughout the day, you can remind them by saying something like,

“Remember how we acted out what to do when you’re angry? You can say,’ Mommy, I’m mad about not getting a cookie.’ instead of falling on the floor. Right?”

Your child may not get it at first, but after practicing the “right way” by doing role play, your child will begin to practice what you acted out over time. It’s a process of your training and their learning.

Preventing a temper tantrum

Prevention is another way to handle temper tantrums. There are ways to offset your child’s angry outbursts.

Schedule: Kids do well with routine. If possible, create a schedule for your day for meals, nap time, and playtimes. This builds a sense of security for your child because they know what’s coming next. You can tell them, “Okay, five more minutes of playtime. Then we’ll have lunch.” This helps them adjust to forthcoming changes.
Manage their stress: Try to avoid creating a lot of stress for your child if they are prone to tantrums. Be consistent in how you relate to them. If you are unpredictable, it builds stress and frustration in your child.
Be a good role model: Yelling at your child won’t help them learn not to yell when they’re angry. Communicate with them, teach them to use words like angry, frustrated, sad, or mad. Ask them questions to help them work out how they feel at the moment. Say something like,

“Are you crying because you’re hungry? Please stop crying and sit down. Mommy has your lunch right here. See?”

“Does not being able to go outside make you feel angry? We don’t always get to do what we want. It’s hard, I know. Let’s play puzzles.”

At first, they won’t be able to communicate what’s going on inside their hearts and minds, but you can still use this language so that over time, they’ll begin to communicate their feelings.

Give your child positive attention:

Give your child positive attention by playing with them, reading books, including them in your daily tasks of cooking or cleaning. Try to childproof your house, so you aren’t constantly correcting your child about touching things. Be sure you’re aware of what they’re watching on television or their tablet. Aggressive games and shows can cause aggressiveness in kids.

How do you know if something’s wrong?

Sometimes temper tantrums go beyond what is normal for a toddler. If your child is constantly aggressive or intentionally hurting themselves or others or can’t calm themselves down after 25 minutes, this could be an indication there’s a deeper issue. It may be helpful to talk to your pediatrician about your child’s behavior.

Sometimes, atypical temper tantrums indicate that a child has a specific condition such as the following:

Oppositional defiant disorder
Post-traumatic stress (PTSD)
Autism
Generalized anxiety disorder
Learning disability
Vision problems
Hearing problems
ADHD

If your child has one of these disorders, getting an early diagnosis helps them and you. Your pediatrician can evaluate your child or recommend a specialist to diagnose your child.

What about bites?

Researchers reveal that children, especially with lesser developed language skills, commonly bite during frustration.

If your child is a biter, try to protect other kids and yourself from getting bit. If your child bites someone, clean it out with soap and water. If your child bites you or another child and breaks the skin, clean out the wound with soap and water, and then apply an antibiotic cream. Keep an eye out for infection and continue to apply the topical antibiotic cream on the wound.

Final thoughts on managing temper tantrums, once and for all

Don’t worry. Temper tantrums don’t cause harm to your child’s brain. Even if they hold their breath, it won’t injure them. Of course, temper tantrums can be disruptive to your life, especially if you’re out in public. For sure, it’s embarrassing, but anyone who’s had a child understands what you’re going through. The main thing to do when your child has a temper tantrum is to stay calm. Try to distract your child with another activity or a funny dance.

Sometimes the best practice is to ignore the outburst but never allow your child to hurt themselves or someone else. Kids thrive on a routine, so try to keep a routine at home, scheduling their meals, playtime, and naps. If your child has unusually long or aggressive tantrums, talk with your pediatrician for advice. They can evaluate your child based upon their past experiences or any health issues that could be going on.

You can teach your child to communicate their feelings and create fun times of role play doing the right thing when they’re upset. And don’t forget to give your child positive attention throughout the day by playing with them, reading to them, or including them in your daily routine.

Most of all, remember to hang in there. Your child will grow out of their temper tantrums.

10 Daily Habits That Eventually Cause Wrinkles

January 7, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Developing wrinkles is inevitable eventually, but many daily habits can cause wrinkles to appear sooner. Seemingly harmless habits can speed up the appearance of aging, something most people work to slow down. Wrinkles happen due to collagen and elastin breaking down, which weakens the skin’s structure.

Being aware and knowledgeable of what causes wrinkles to occur can help you right now and long-term. Knowing what these daily habits are that cause wrinkles will help you slow the progress even further. You will be able to make the necessary changes and work on looking as youthful as possible.

Your skin is the first part of your body that shows signs of aging. Skin can be affected when things are even slightly off in your body. You need to change these daily habits if you want your skin to stay youthful and healthy.

Using all the face cream and anti-wrinkle serum in the world won’t help if you don’t make some lifestyle changes. These 10 daily habits can eventually cause wrinkles, which is quite surprising since the habits are so common.

Daily Habits That Might Eventually Cause Wrinkles

1. Chewing Gum Frequently

If you chew gum every day, you may develop wrinkles quicker than those who don’t. The non-stop chewing motion causes wrinkles to develop around the mouth because it overuses the muscles. It also causes a break down of supportive tissue, which weakens the elasticity of the skin.

You could consider using breath mints instead of gum to help break the habit. This will help slow down the development of wrinkles around your mouth.

2. Running and Other Outdoor Exercises

You always hear how running and other forms of exercise are extremely beneficial to you and your body. This is true, but you still have to be careful, or your skin can suffer.

First, running burns fat from under the skin, which could cause your wrinkles to become deeper. When this happens, they will be easier to see on your skin. Running can also cause cell damage, which can be counter-acted with vitamins that fight free radicals.

Another reason running can cause wrinkles is that runners tend to forget their sunscreen. When you head outside for any exercise, you must apply sunscreen with SPF. Even more beneficial is waterproof sunblock because sweat can cause the sunscreen to wash away.

3. Looking at Your Phone, Tablet, or Computer too Much

This is something most people do many times a day. With a cell phone constantly nearby, it is hard to avoid looking at it frequently. This daily habit can cause premature wrinkles to appear on your skin, however.

Looking at a phone, tablet, or computer can cause premature wrinkles for a couple of reasons. First, looking downward at the device continually can cause unnatural wrinkles on your neck. These neck wrinkles are unnatural because they wouldn’t have appeared at all without the help of electronic devices and continued downward glances.

If your job requires you to stare at a computer or other device all day, you’re in trouble when it comes to wrinkles. When you concentrate so hard on a screen, you tend to frown the entire time. This causes premature wrinkles to appear around your mouth.

These daily habits may sound like ones you cannot combat, but there are solutions to help you. First, make sure you put your devices at eye level when you use them. This even includes your cell phone and tablet.

Setting your devices up at eye level will help avoid the neck wrinkles that were mentioned before. Then, to combat the wrinkles around your mouth, remind yourself throughout the day to stop frowning if you have to put a mirror next to your computer to be reminded to change your expression.

4. Not Wearing Sunglasses

Sunglasses are much more than a simple fashion accessory. Squinting in the sun is a sure way to create or deepen wrinkles around your eyes.

These wrinkles will appear as crow’s feet next to your eyes or cause wrinkles between your eyes. Plus, they could appear as wrinkles between your eyebrows if you often try to concentrate on things while in the sun.

Any kind of sunglasses is better than wearing no sunglasses at all. For the best results, however, look for sunglasses that have plastic frames and UV filters. Surprisingly, metal frames can cause sunlight to reflect onto your cheeks, causing skin damage there, too.

5. Using Straws Often

Some people use straws when they drink coffee or tea to avoid getting stains on their teeth. This seems like a great daily habit because it’ll help maintain a white smile, but it can cause another problem, too. Using straws too often can cause premature wrinkles or cause existing wrinkles to deepen.

6. Side or Stomach Sleeping

Surprisingly, the position you sleep in can cause wrinkles, but it’s true. Sleeping on your side or your stomach can cause wrinkles because your face is pressed into the pillow. This causes your skin to fold and sleep lines, or wrinkles, to form.

Wrinkles caused by side or stomach sleeping can cause new wrinkles on the forehead, lips, and cheeks. If you already have these wrinkles, it will cause them to worsen. To avoid this, you should try sleeping on your back whenever you can.

7. Smoking

Smoking is highly detrimental to your skin because it releases an enzyme that will break down collagen and elastin. The smoke from cigarettes also causes blood vessels to constrict, which causes a lack of oxygen and nutrients. All of this causes new wrinkles to form and old wrinkles to deepen.

8. Wearing Contacts Everyday

Putting in contacts requires pulling your eyes in unnatural directions and unintentionally creating wrinkles. Even if you can do it without pulling on the sensitive skin around your eye, you will still be lifting your brow. Raising your brows like this daily can cause wrinkles on your forehead.

Another reason that wearing contacts every day can cause wrinkles is that they don’t protect from UV rays. Glasses protect the skin around your eyes from UV rays, but contacts cause you to lose that benefit. This will further cause wrinkles and the breakdown of your skin.

9. Consuming too Much Sugar or Other Unhealthy Foods

The food you consume plays a huge role in the health of your skin. Sugar is the biggest culprit in contributing to wrinkles, much to the dismay of anyone with a sweet tooth.

There are a few reasons that sugar causes wrinkles. It increases oil production, causes breakouts, contributes to dark circles under your eyes, and breaks down collagen. If you cut sugar out of your diet, you will notice a huge difference in just three days.

Other unhealthy foods that might eventually cause wrinkles include those filled with inflammatory properties. These foods include white bread, processed foods, and red meat. Avoiding them will work wonders for protecting your skin and slowing down the formation of wrinkles.

10. Not Drinking Enough Water or Drinking Unhealthy Drinks

Water is a necessity in life, and you have to make sure you are consuming enough. The minute you begin to become dehydrated, your wrinkles will appear deeper. This is because staying hydrated plumps the skin positively, helping to hide the appearance of wrinkles.

It goes beyond simply consuming enough water, however. It would be best if you tried to stick to water whenever you can because consuming alcohol or caffeine is even more detrimental.

Too Much Alcohol

Alcohol quickly dehydrates you, causing your current wrinkles to show up more. Plus, it causes new wrinkles to form. However, this isn’t only due to dehydration because alcohol consumption also stops or slows down cellular regeneration.

Too Much Caffeine

Coffee and other forms of caffeine are great, but you should avoid overconsumption. It can cause cortisol levels to elevate, which quickly speeds up the aging process and wrinkle formation. Caffeine also leads to dehydration and your skin drying out.

Final Thoughts on Daily Habits That Might Eventually Cause Wrinkles

Most people want to slow down the aging process and prevent wrinkles. Surprisingly, however, many daily habits can eventually cause wrinkles. Once you know these detrimental habits, you will be able to make some changes for the better.

From the things that you eat and drink to the way you sleep, many unexpected things can contribute to the development of wrinkles. Take care of your skin by taking care of your body, and you will notice the appearance of wrinkles fade a bit. Plus, you will be able to prevent more wrinkles from forming.

Remember these daily habits that might eventually cause wrinkles as you go about your day and pay attention to how many you are guilty of. It isn’t too late to make healthy changes when it comes to wrinkles. Starting now will make a difference, and each time you change one of these habits, you are helping yourself.

Psychology Explains Why People Feel Stuck in a Relationship

January 7, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

There are many reasons that people feel stuck in a relationship. When anything other than being romantically attached is keeping you from leaving, you are likely feeling stuck. It’s unfortunate when a relationship reaches this point, but it can happen over time.

Feeling stuck is when you no longer have romantic feelings for your partner, but you stay anyway. Whatever your reason may be, from loyalty to something else, it causes a feeling of being stuck in a relationship.

It may be hard to understand why you or someone else stays when the romantic attachment is gone. Never the less, it happens often. Even the reason that feeling stuck happens in relationships is hard to figure out.

While it may be hard to accept or pinpoint the reason for feeling stuck, there are now answers. Psychologists have figured out why people feel stuck in a relationship, helping you to understand, too.

Why People Feel Stuck in a Relationship

Through a study of both married and unmarried couples, researchers began to identify why people feel stuck. It was quickly discovered that many of the participants described feeling stuck in their relationship.

From that discovery, the researchers decided to study how and why certain things keep a couple together. They began by defining what it means to be stuck and determined that at least one of three instances would occur. These instances include:

-feeling like you shouldn’t have stayed in the relationship for this long

-taking a long time to end the relationship, even after you have decided to

-feeling uncertain about being with that person

The feelings mentioned above likely won’t be there at the beginning of the relationship. Usually, the relationship starts great, and both people are happy.

As the relationship continues positively, you will form a deeper connection, sense of loyalty, and entanglements. Then, once the happiness and positivity fade, this all leads to feeling stuck in a relationship. With all of the obstacles that will have to be overcome, it may seem impossible or hard to leave it behind.

By continuing the relationship instead of facing the obstacles, you are only making the situation worse. It allows more and more constraints to occur, causing you to feel even more stuck than before.

What Causes Partners to Stay

Here are some reasons people stay together.

1 – Financial Instability

When a couple pays bills together and buys things for the home together, finances are easier to manage. So, when you do the math and realizes how much more income will go to bills when only one person contributes, it causes some anxiety about leaving.

It causes a complete lifestyle change, and some people can’t afford to make it alone. This financial problem can prevent them from leaving when they become unhappy.

If the person feeling stuck is the one who makes more money, they may worry about their partner. They may realize that the other person would struggle financially if they left. This often stems from feeling obligated to take care of their partner or from a sense of loyalty.

2 – Children

Having children with someone is a leading reason that people stay in a relationship. Uprooting the children or disrupting their lives is a serious concern for most parents. Plus, parents want a stable home for their children and don’t want them to experience being in a divorced family.

Another reason children play a role in couples staying together is because of co-parenting. Even if you leave someone, when you have children together, that person will still be involved in your life. Plus, this would mean you probably have to share parenting time, giving up precious time with the children.

3 – Loyalty or Obligation

A huge reason that couples stay together even when the romance has faded is out of loyalty. They may also feel they are obligated to stay for financial or other reasons. The longer a couple has been together, the more likely this scenario will occur when the romance fades.

4 – They Got Serious Without Thinking It Through

Sometimes, when a relationship seems perfect in the beginning, couples move too quickly. They begin forming bonds and connections too early in the relationship that is not easy to undo. Instead of staying together for a while and thinking about taking big steps, they act on impulse.

This could mean moving in together early in the relationship or having a baby before truly knowing one another. It could also mean getting married quickly and beginning the married life before they were ready.

Once the excitement and perfection of the new relationship fades, however, feelings can change. This is unfortunate in these instances because it can be hard to get out of a lease or separate possessions. Even more serious is when a baby is involved because it requires co-parenting and continued connection.

Oftentimes, when things moved too quickly, one partner will feel like they have sacrificed their dreams. They likely had to give something up to live the life they have with their partner. This can cause them to feel stuck once they have realized what has happened.

5 – Nostalgia

All relationships had happy times at some point, and this could be a reason someone stays. When times get hard, people will look back on all the good times and reminisce about the way they felt.

Sometimes you may even have good times again, making you rethink the way you feel. Just as quickly as the happy feeling returned, however, you will likely return to the feeling of being stuck.

6 – They are Too Comfortable

Comfort in a relationship is important. If you have grown comfortable with someone, it could be hard to leave. Even when the romantic aspect of the relationship is gone, comfort often overshadows it.

7 – They Think There are too Many Obstacles to Overcome

Sometimes, it isn’t simply one or two obstacles preventing someone from leaving. They may have many things to overcome, making it seem impossible to get out of the relationship.

How to Become Un-Stuck

As easy as it is to start feeling like you are stuck in a relationship, there are a few ways to get rid of this feeling. If you feel like you are stuck, you have to take action in some way.

1 – Make a List and Rank All the Important Things in Your Life

When you do this, you will be forcing yourself to think of what is most important. If there are things high on the list that you can’t do while in your current relationship, it will be an eye-opener for you.

You could also list the things you want in life and the things you believe they want. If the views don’t align, you must consider that maybe it’s time to walk away.

2 – Plan a Way Out and Act on It

Before any further obstacles can occur, you need to make a plan and get started. The sooner you get out, the less there will be to overcome in the process. Remind yourself that you can walk away, and you can make it without the other person.

3 – Reflect on the Good Times and Reconnect

Sometimes, you aren’t able to walk away from someone, however. The obstacles that are in place may prevent you from leaving. You may not even want to leave, even if you feel stuck, because you want things to be good again.

When this is the case, you should think back on the good times. Remind yourself of the reason you fell in love in the first place. Recall your happiest moments and the way you felt at that time in your life.

Talk with your partner about these things, and remind each other why you formed a life together. Then, try to stop thinking about how you feel stuck or why you can’t leave. Instead, focus on the happier times and try to reconnect in that way, again.

If you can’t leave, you might as well make the most of it. When you reconnect and rekindle positive feelings, you may find that your relationship isn’t as bad as you thought. Your partner will likely be just as happy with the reconnection as you are.

4 – Avoid Forming Obstacles Too Soon

When you begin a new relationship, go slowly. Don’t be afraid to take your time as you get to know your partner. By doing this, you will let the excitement of a new relationship fade away and reveal what the relationship may look like long-term.

Then, once you have settled into the relationship slowly, you can assess. If you find any hints of wanting out, you can walk away freely without dealing with any obstacles.

Final Thoughts on Why People Feel Stuck in a Relationship

As you can now see, there is psychological research to back up why people feel stuck in a relationship. There are many reasons someone might feel this way, and figuring out the cause is essential if you want to fix it.

Once you have figured out the cause, you can evaluate what is most important to you. Then, deciding if you should take action to leave or to fix things will become easier.

Doctors Explain How to Use Meditation to Sleep Better

January 7, 2021 by Sarah Barkley

Many people have trouble falling asleep or suffer from insomnia regularly. If you are one of them, you are not alone in this. Since so many people have this problem, doctors have worked to determine how to use meditation to sleep.

Using meditation to sleep is helpful because it is a relaxation technique. Meditation will inspire inner-peace and you will be less stressed, anxious, or tense. Since it relaxes your body and mind, meditating before bed will help you sleep better.

There are different ways to use meditation to sleep, so try them all and decide which ones work for you. Remember that what works for one person may not help another, so don’t get discouraged if the first one doesn’t help. You should also keep in mind that meditation is a practice, and you’ll get better each time you do it.

How Does Meditation Help with Sleep?

Doctors have discovered that meditating before bed leads to several physiological changes. Studies show that those who normally have insomnia have positive results after trying meditation to sleep. The participants noted fewer symptoms of insomnia and a decreased level of fatigue during the day.

The researchers determined that meditation helped in a few ways. First, it helps with relaxing and calming the mind. It can also help you take control of your autonomic nervous system, which helps you fall into a deeper sleep.

Meditation helps increase serotonin and melatonin levels, both of which will help you sleep better. It can also reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, which can further relax you. Plus, it stimulates areas of the brain that promote healthy sleep patterns.

All of the changes that occur in your body when you are falling asleep are the same changes that occur when you meditate. This means that it is effective in helping you fall asleep and stay asleep.

How to Use Meditation to Sleep Better

When using meditation to sleep, Doctor Joyce Walsleben from the New York University of Medicine recommends doing it right before bed. You should be in a calm, quiet environment, as well.

She does note that you can do these types of meditation anytime throughout the day. When using meditation specifically for sleep, however, make sure to do it right before bed for the best results.

You won’t need any tools or equipment, and meditation only takes a small amount of your time. As mentioned before, meditation is a practice so you won’t do it perfectly right away. The key is to keep working at it each day, and each day you’ll experience more of the benefits.

The Basic Steps

While there are different types of meditation you can do for sleep, they all follow the same basic steps. These steps are as follows:
1. Create or find a quiet, calm environment.
2. Get comfortable and lie down.
3. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing, inhaling, and exhaling deeply.
4. Push all negative thoughts away, and bring your focus back to your breathing.

Now that you know the basic steps to follow, you’ll be ready to practice some of the techniques to sleep better.

Mindfulness Meditation

The main focus of mindfulness meditation is to focus on the present. You will become more aware of your consciousness, your body, and your breathing. This technique requires you to let your thoughts go as they come to your mind.

To practice mindfulness meditation, you should first remove all distractions from the room you are in. This includes your cell phone or computer. Then, do the following steps:

1. Lie down and get comfortable.
2. Inhale for 10 counts, holding your breath for 10 counts, and then exhaling for 10 counts.
3. Repeat the breathing pattern five times.
4. Inhale deeply and tense your body up at the same time.
5. Hold that position for a second or two.
6. Relax and exhale, and repeat the tensing and relaxing process five times.
7. Focus on your body and your breathing again.
8. If any part of your body feels tense, relax it.
9. Push away all thoughts as you think about breathing in and out steadily.

Guided Meditation

This type of meditation is when someone else leads you through the meditation. They will tell you what to do and when to do it, helping you to stay focused as you relax. Guided meditation is sometimes also referred to as guided imagery.

It is called guided imagery because oftentimes, the person guiding you will tell you to envision things. They might ask you to envision relaxing scenes such as clouds, water, or mountains. Sometimes they may leave it open-ended and ask you to envision the place you find most relaxing.

It is common for a guided meditation to involve not only envisioning the sights but to use your other senses, well. Think of the smells of the place you are imagining, and of the way it would feel for you to reach out and touch something there.

Since you may not always have someone there at night to guide you through the meditation to sleep, there are other options. Many podcasts, apps, and streaming services offer guided meditation that you can play before you go to bed.

Once you have your guide ready, lie back, and relax as you focus on the words. The more you focus and do what the guide says, the sooner and better you will sleep.

Body Scan Meditation

With this technique, you don’t literally get a body scan. Instead, it means that you focus on each part of your body to become more aware of tension and pain so that you can relax those parts. To do body scan meditation, follow these steps:

1. Lie down and get comfortable.
2. Close your eyes and slow your breathing.
3. Pay attention to the weight of your body as a whole.
4. Then, focus on one body part at a time, starting with your face.
5. Focus on the specific parts such as your jaw, eyes, and muscles.
6. Continue down your body to your neck and shoulders next, relaxing them as you go along.
7. From there, keep going down to your arms and fingers, then to your stomach, back, hips, legs, and feet.
8. Focus on all of those parts individually, taking note of how that body part feels.
9. Keep your thoughts solely focused on your body.

Abdominal Breathing Meditation

This technique requires you to breathe from your abdomen and focus on your breathing. Simply lie back and get comfortable, and consider listening to soft music as you do this. Then, put your hands on your stomach and focus on how your hands move up and down as you breathe.

Focusing on the movement of your hands helps you take your mind off of your troubles. It is a calming way to distract yourself and will help you eventually drift off to sleep.

Meditation Through Counting

When you have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, this technique is an easy one to help you sleep better. To do it, start by breathing in deeply, holding it for a few counts, and then let the breath out. Relax your body, and then breathe in, hold it, and let it out again.

Once you have repeated that process a few times, finding something to count down in your mind. One example is to think about going downstairs and counting all of the imaginary stairs along the way. As you count down, it helps you slow your body down, too.

Other Benefits of Meditation

Using meditation to sleep isn’t the only benefit you can find by practicing meditation regularly. Some of the other benefits of meditation include:
-less stress and anxiety
-boosting your mood
-increased inability to focus
-increased cognition
-a better pain response
–lowering blood pressure
-improving heart health
-less inflammation
-fighting off cravings and addictions

Risks Associated with Meditation

There are not many risks associated with meditation. It is safe for most people and in most instances. There are rare times when meditation can be harmful, however.

If you have ever struggled with mental illness, meditation could trigger those symptoms. Meditation could trigger the following side effects in those who have suffered from mental illness:
-anxiety
-derealization
-depersonalization
-dizziness
-mood changes

Even those who struggle with mental illness will likely not experience these risks, however. They are rare, but it is important to mention them just to be safe. If you aren’t sure whether it is safe for you, you can ask for guidance from your doctor.

Final Thoughts on Doctors Explain How to Use Meditation to Sleep Better

It is normal to struggle with falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good sleep. Many people suffer from this problem, which prompted doctors to explain how to use meditation to sleep better. Their useful information is already helping so many people, and it can help you, too.

Remember that what works for one person may not work for you, but you shouldn’t give up. Keep trying these techniques until you find the ones that work for you. Give yourself some time, because meditation does take practice to master.

Doctors Explain 6 Causes of Sleepwalking (And How to Stop It)

January 7, 2021 by Power of Positivity

When you lie down at night, you hope to stay safe and sound in your bed. If you need to get up to get a drink or visit the restroom, you’re usually at least half-awake and aware of what you’re doing. However, people who walk in their sleep have no realization of their nocturnal wandering.

Walking in your sleep can be quite scary as you appear to be awake, but you’re not. Many people take part in activities and say things they usually wouldn’t when they are at rest. The technical term for sleepwalking is somnambulism, and according to the Mayo Clinic, it occurs more frequently in children than adults.

Understanding the Stages of Sleep

Insomnia is the lack of sleep, but parasomnia is when you’re aroused enough to walk during your rest. To fully understand this medical condition, as there is a lot of sleep myths around, but you must know the different stages of sleep. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, there are four stages in your rest, and they are as follows:

• Stage 1

During this stage, the brain is switching over from wakefulness to sleep. There will be just a few minutes where you are lightly sleeping, and during these moments, the body decelerates your heart rate, breathing, eye movements, and brain waves.

• Stage 2

This stage occurs right before your body goes into a deeper state of rest. Your eye movements cease as well as all body movements. An EEG shows brain waves are slow, but there will still be an intermittent burst of electrical activities.

Did you know that you will spend more of your rest time in this phase than in any of the other stages?

• Stage 3

If you don’t make it to stage 3, then you won’t feel refreshed the next day. During this phase, your heart rate and breathing have dropped to the lowest points. It’s hard to wake you from this phase as your muscles are completely relaxed.

• Stage 4

REM is the stage of rest that typically occurs about an hour and a half after you’ve been asleep. You can identify this stage as the eyes are now racing back and forth under your eyelids. The brain waves also change during this stage to a pattern typical of when you’re awake.

Everything in your body goes to a level as if you’re awake, such as your heart rate increases, your blood pressure elevates, and you’re breathing much faster. It’s important to note that your body has become paralyzed as a safety precaution during this state.

This little feature keeps you from acting out your dreams. The older you get, the less time you will spend in this sleep realm. This is where your body gets the restorative rest that it needs to thrive the next day.

Why Do Some People Sleepwalk?

According to the Sleep Association, walking in your sleep is a disorder of arousal. The most common phase for walking during your sleep is in stage three, known as N3. You should note that it’s tough to wake someone when they’re in this state, so therefore it’s hard to wake someone who’s walking/talking.

It’s also possible to have night terrors during this phase, which commonly occurs with other sleep disturbances. Studies have shown that under a great deal of stress, those who are already sleep-deprived and those who have any disruption to their sleep schedule are more likely to sleepwalk. It’s impossible to walk or talk during REM sleep as the body paralyzes itself to keep from harm.

However, you often hear of people being startled out of REM sleep and unable to move for a few seconds. The most common cause of this phenomenon is because the brain is awake, but the body is still asleep as the muscle cannot move. So, the switch between being awake and asleep is malfunctioning. It can be quite a scary experience, but it only lasts for a few seconds.

Historical Accounts of Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking was recognized in ancient times, shares an article published by the Journal of the History of the Neurosciences. According to the report, both Hippocrates and Aristotle wrote about medical anomalies such as these.

Characters who walk in their sleep have also been portrayed in the arts, shares the article. It mentions Shakespeare’s “McBeth” and Eugène Scribe’s La Somnambule as examples. Over the years, sleepwalking has been a staple of comedy routines. However, living with the symptoms of a sleeping disorder is no laughing matter.

Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with somnambulism? Maybe you remember an occurrence when you were a child, or perhaps it’s a recent condition. Since everyone is different, you may have all or a few of these symptoms.

What are the Symptoms of Sleepwalking?

Usually, you will walk in your sleep about an hour or two after you’ve fallen into a deep state of rest. It’s not likely that you would do this activity during a short nap. Walking in your sleep can be an occasional occurrence, or it may trouble you chronically.

Most episodes only last for a few minutes. However, some people may experience an episode that lasts much longer.

Here are some common symptoms of sleepwalking:

•You will rise from your bed and walk around in the room.

•You can sit or stand with your eyes wide open, even though you’re still asleep.

•Your expression may be startled with wide, glassy eyes.

•If others try to communicate, you cannot respond.

•It may be difficult to awaken from this state.

•When you finally awaken, you may be dazed and confused for a few minutes.

•You usually won’t remember the episode in the morning.

•Since your sleep has been disrupted, you may experience brain fog during the day.

•You may have vivid nightmares or terrors along with walking in your sleep.

More Serious Symptoms

•You may do regular activities, like trying to talk, dress, or eat.

•You might try to leave the house or even drive your car.

•Sometimes, you may urinate on the floor because you think you’re in the bathroom.

•In rare cases, you may become violent, as you’re acting out a dream.

•You also risk falling down stairs or trying to jump out a window.

Risk Factors That Cause Sleepwalking

You may have episodes of walking in your sleep if you have any of these risk factors:

1 – Heredity:

Did one or both of your parents have sleepwalking issues? An article from the Sleep Foundation states that 41 percent of children who have somnambulism had one parent with the disorder. When both parents had it, the statistics go up to 61 percent, says the article.

2 – Reactions to Certain Medications

Sedatives are prescription medications that help you relax and sleep. If you are taking these medications, you may go into a deep sleep and experience an episode of somnambulism, says an article published by Sleep Medicine Reviews.

3 – Stress

Although it’s impossible to eliminate all stress from your life, you can reduce it. It can keep your body in a constant state of panic and survival mode. Stress can also cause you to walk in your sleep.

4 – Alcohol abuse

If you are inclined to drink too much alcohol, it can affect your health in several ways. Alcohol has a sedating quality, and heavy drinking knocks you into a deep slumber. These booze binges can often cause somnambulism.

5 – Traumatic Brain Injuries

Brain injuries can cause multiple physical and mental health issues. A study published by the Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment Journal found that traumatic brain injuries can disrupt normal sleeping patterns. It can cause sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and walking in your sleep, says the study.

6 – Sleep Deprivation

It’s no wonder that so many people complain that they don’t get enough sleep. When you are juggling caring for your family, working, and other responsibilities, you may feel groggy and drained. Having a sleep debt is just asking for trouble.

Reducing Sleepwalking

The above-listed risk factors are part of the solution. But you might also need to see a doctor. Your physician can order a sleep study and get to the root of your issue. Here are some other things to try at home.

Manage your stress. If stress triggers sleepwalking, it might be severe enough to warrant a visit to a counselor for help.
Note the patterns. If you sleep walk at the same time each night, set an alarm and wake yourself up before it begins. This will help you stay safe.
Establish healthy bedtime routines and habits to help ease yourself into a deeper state of rest.
Eliminate alcohol if you suspect it contributes to your unrest.
Visit your doctor. He or she will order a sleep study to help you pinpoint a cause.

Final Thoughts on Understanding and Reducing Sleepwalking

Sleepwalking is a common occurrence, but it occurs mostly in people under a great deal of stress, suffering sickness, or those who have had their sleep schedule disrupted. Thankfully, there are things you can do to combat this problem. If you notice that you have an ongoing issue with walking during your sleeping hours, it’s best to have a sleep study to see if there is an underlying issue.

Many people have sleeping disorders that can be quite dangerous. From night terrors to acting out your dreams, there’s a reason why the body paralyzes you during your rest to keep you safe. There have been many cases of people committing horrible acts while stuck in this sleep/dream realm.

Who can forget the horrifying case where 24-year-old Kenneth Parks drove over 14 miles and killed his mother-in-law? Sure, this is an extreme example of what can happen to those who walk in their sleep, but it’s something to consider.

The jury acquitted him of all charges because it was proven he was asleep during the entire event. Sleep disorders are severe, and if you have any issues with walking or night terrors, you need to seek help immediately.

10 Benefits of Honesty in a Relationship

January 7, 2021 by Power of Positivity

What virtues do you seek in a potential mate? You’ll probably say kindness, loyalty, good humor, empathy, and generosity. Above all, you expect honesty in any partner you choose.

Have you ever been with someone who lied whenever their mouth was open? Perhaps you discovered their deceit long into your relationship. If you can’t believe that your partner is truthful with you, who can you believe?

Relationships should start by being honest. If you and your significant other will stay together, you both need positive bias and accuracy. Being honest with each other can increase your optimism that the relationship will last.

Commission Versus Omission

Did you know that you can be truthful while being deceitful simultaneously? If you deliberately tell a lie, you commit a dishonest act. However, concealing information and not telling the truth is just as dishonest. In a healthy relationship, there should be no secrets between you and your significant other.

Of course, this does not include harmless secrets like a surprise birthday party or a special gift. However, it would help if you never concealed secrets dealing with unfaithfulness or other devastating information. Remember that half-truths can be more dangerous in a relationship than a whole lie.

10 Benefits of Honesty in a Relationship

You have many benefits to being honest with each other in your partnership. Here are the most common reasons why trust is so important.

1. Being Honest Builds Trust

If there’s no trust in your relationship, you have nothing. When you and your mate are honest with each other, you need not second guess one another. Do you feel confident nothing is going on when they call and tell you they are working late at the office?

What if you go on a business trip with a coworker? Would your mate trust that your trip is legitimate? On the flip side, would you trust that your person would stay true to you while you are out of town? If the answers to these questions are indecisive, your relationship could have problems.

Trust issues can destroy your relationship. You need to know that the person you’ve entrusted your heart will always be true to you. Also, it would help if you built trust with them. An honest relationship frees you from suspicion, jealousy, and constant surmising.

2. You May Have Less Stress

How would you feel if you and your partner were not being honest with each other? The stress of continually covering your tracks can be devastating. You probably will not be in a loving mood when you’re both stressed to the max.

Did you know that stress can negatively affect your physical and mental health? An article published by the National Institute of Mental Health warns that chronic stress may lead to heart issues, hypertension, diabetes, stroke, and certain cancers. It may also contribute to premature death.

Sincere people also learn how to de-stress with their partners. When was the last time you took a long weekend together to relax? Also, consider massages and healthy romantic life as ways of lowering your stress levels.

3. Truthfulness May Improve Your Health

Since dishonesty in a relationship can harm your health, it stands to reason that being honest may improve it. Research published by the American Psychological Association found that people who tell the truth saw a significant health boost. They may have less stress, depression, and fewer physical complaints per the article.

Of course, honesty won’t boost your health if you and your partner don’t take care of yourselves. Being honest also includes the acknowledgment that you need to practice a healthier lifestyle. Proper diet, exercise, and a clear conscience can go a long way to keeping you and your partner healthier and happier.

4. Being Honest Can Build Your Confidence

Let’s face it, telling lies and hiding harmful secrets does little for your self-confidence. It may keep you in your mate’s good graces for a while, but you will feel miserable on the inside. When you don’t have inner peace and self-acceptance, it will eventually show on the outside.

Honest people often feel a boost of confidence when they know that they’ve nothing to hide. Your partner can trust you with their heart and life, and you have the confidence to accept them at their word. When you are truthful with yourself, it can help you be the person you want to be.

Others will see your self-confidence, and it may make them more confident in you. It’s especially the effect that you want for your significant other. You make mutual admiration and respect possible when you are genuine.

5. Being Truthful is Much Less Work

Being a liar requires a lot of energy. Dishonesty creates a snowball effect that takes constant maintenance. For example, you tell your partner a lie. Then you often must tell another lie to cover the first one, and the falsehoods snowball.

You must spend valuable time and effort keeping track of the lies so your secrets aren’t revealed. Conversely, telling the truth doesn’t take any effort or creative wording. You state the facts as they are and have nothing to hide.

The time and energy you and your partner save by being honest can be used for more positive activities.

Researchers reveal that trust outweighs love in successful relationships.

6. Honest People Attract Other Honest People

If you’ve studied the law of attraction, you understand that like calls unto like. Remember the old saying that “birds of a feather flock together?” So, if you are honest, you are more likely to attract other honest people’s attention.

It’s especially essential when you are looking for a committed relationship. Of course, the law of attraction is not always foolproof. At some point in your life, you’ve had to deal with toxic people, regardless of your honest personality.

However, most people treasure honesty and will choose to be with people with that virtue.

7. Genuineness Encourages Self-Reflection

You can’t be honest with anyone else until you are honest with yourself. As a genuine person, you are compelled to self-reflect and see who you are. If you don’t like what you see, maybe it’s time that you make some changes.

Honesty with yourself makes you want to be a better person, friend, and mate. Perhaps you need to adjust your attitude and long-held beliefs that no longer serve you. Working on yourself is a positive effort that your significant other will notice and appreciate.

8. Honesty Offers Freedom

When you lie to people, you are forging a chain of shame and guilt that imprisons you. Maintaining the ruse robs you of energy and freedom. The only way that you can be free is, to be honest.

Have you or your partner ever asked a friend to conceal a lie? Even though a true friend wouldn’t use it against you, it has created an indebtedness that will eat at your conscience. Plus, you lose a lot of credence with your friend, who must keep the lie hidden.

Honesty breaks the chains, and you no longer have the burden of guilt. You have a free conscience, and you can rest at night knowing that you’ve been truthful. This freedom can ease tensions and stress in your relationship.

9. Your Partner Will Respect Your Opinion

Your significant other asks for your opinions often because they know you’ll be honest. Sometimes, it isn’t easy to be candid because you’re afraid of hurting their feelings. Your honest opinion may sting a little, but they will respect you in the long run.

For example, what do you say if your person asks if you like their outfit? They will respect you more if you say the color isn’t right for them than if you say whatever they want to hear. You needn’t be mean, just honest.

When you’re truthful about the small things, your lover knows they can trust you with the more significant situations. It’s all about stating kind but honest opinions every time. Having a respected view means everything in a relationship, personal or professional.

10. Honesty Creates a Positive Atmosphere

The atmosphere is bound to be stagnant and negative if you are in a shrouded relationship of lies and secrets. Maybe you notice that it’s easier to pick fights and stay angry at each other. Frequently, dishonesty breeds a toxic environment where a couple shifts the blame and is perpetually mistrustful.

However, genuine people tend to create a festive atmosphere that makes everyone feel welcome and comfortable. The good news is that positivity is contagious and will attract more positive things in your life. You and your significant other will also feel more optimistic about your relationship.

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Honesty in a Relationship

You owe it to your partner and yourself to be honest in your relationship. It’s the cornerstone that supports all other desired virtues. It is the only way you can love and accept each other for who you are.

10 Things Your Sleeping Position Reveals About Your Relationship

January 7, 2021 by Deborah Tayloe

What is your preferred sleeping position? Do you and your partner like to snuggle tight, or do you desire to have your blanket and space in the bed? Did you know that how you sleep says a lot about your relationship?

Psychologists have studied the various sleep patterns and their importance in a relationship, and it’s quite a shocking revelation. A study from the University of Hertfordshire in England shockingly found that 68 percent of the people who participated in the research preferred not to touch at all during their slumber.

Of those people who didn’t touch, 94 percent said their relationship was healthy. Could your resting position be a stance, or is there more to it? The article also referenced another study by the University of Chicago. It found that testosterone levels can drop too low when a man doesn’t get enough sleep.

While the studies referenced in this article point out that your sleep position doesn’t matter, other references beg to differ. According to Patti Wood, the author of Success Signals a Guide to Reading Body Language, your body language tells a great deal about your relationship. For instance, those who sleep back-to-back are still connected yet independent.

Ten Things Your Sleeping Position Says About Your Relationship

If you think your relationship is secure, what does your sleeping position determine? Here are the most common positions observed and what they mean for your partnership. Could there be trouble brewing under the covers?

1. Spooning = Protection

Spooning is the most popular sleeping pose, with both big and little spoons. The big spoon is the person that feels like the protector, and in many instances, it’s the man, but that’s not always the case. The little spoon is the one that needs protection.

This bedtime position shows that the little spoon might be vulnerable in the relationship and need to be safeguarded in life. The big spoon feels superior and acts as a protector over the small spoon. This intimate stance provides the couple with the skin-on-skin contact they both crave and the extra TLC and nurturing that the little spoon needs.

2. Back-to-Back = Closeness and Independence

If you fall asleep facing the opposite direction, your backs manage to touch. It’s called the back-to-back position. Your connection is usually at the spine, and your behind may or may not meet. If your bottoms do make contact, it’s called a moon landing, which is an ironic term.

Touching your backsides means that you both have a strong desire to stay connected romantically, but you’re still independent. You don’t need your spouse to define you as strong enough to live with or without them. Couples who prefer this sleeping position have found that they are amazingly comfortable with one another and can relax and just be themselves.

This couple loves each other but values being two separate people. If you and your spouse have recently had an argument and go to this position, there’s still a connection, no matter how hard things are.

3. Sweetheart Cradle = Trust and Teamwork

The sweetheart cradle is a very endearing position. When one partner rests their head on the other person’s chest, they hold each other close. It’s common for the couple to intertwine their legs as they nurture each other.

What stands out most about this position is that the couple is a team, and a superior level of trust exists between them. While snuggling in this position, they both feel romance and protection. Oddly enough, it’s found that new couples prefer to sleep this way, as well as those who have broken up and got back together.

4. Leg Hug = Strong Sexual Connection

Some people are more sexual beings than others, and the leg hug is one way to decipher. When legs and feet are touching, it shows that one person wants or needs more of a sexual or emotional connection with their partner. When legs are tangled, it shows that the two of you are interwoven together as one unit.

5. Both on Stomach = Fear and Anxiety in The Relationship

Not all sleeping positions are favorable. If a couple sleeps apart on their stomachs, it’s a sign of anxiety and fears in their relationship. When there is no touching, it can be an indication of a lack of trust.

If you find that the two of you seem to go to this position, then it’s time to reevaluate your relationship. Your body language speaks louder than words, so you need to talk about what’s happening.

Look at the importance of touch in your daily life.

6. No Contact, Back-to-Back = Strong Independence

So, most people will assume that no touching in bed is terrible, but it doesn’t have to be. If a couple can share the same space yet sleep apart, it’s a sign that they both have a strong independent nature. The connected yet self-sufficient lover usually connects back-to-back with no touching involved.

These partners are liberty lovers, as they are both so secure within themselves that they don’t need any extra security from one another. The real problem occurs if one person is sleeping on the edge of the bed, trying desperately to be separate. It’s a sign that they are disconnecting or that the mattress is too small.

7. Pet Barrier = Using Animals to Avoid Issues

Most pet lovers share their intimate space with their furry friends. While it’s not bad, it can cause issues with your spouse if you let them sleep in between you. Your pet will undoubtedly feel your love and devotion towards them, but your partner may feel lax.

It’s commonly a sign that you and your spouse are avoiding an issue in your relationship and using your pet as a buffer for the problem. It’s like the elephant in the room that no one is talking about.

If you must have your pets in your bed, make them sleep around you, not in between. There are newfangled beds made with separate additions for Fido. Plus, if it means your relationship’s health, you should consider letting them sleep with the children or in a cage at night.

Plus, a pet bed beside your bed isn’t a bad idea, either. Not every couple with pets in their bed uses them to bridge the divide, but it happens more often than you would think.

8. Front to Front = A Like-Minded Couple

The front-to-front sleeping position is a variation of being thoroughly intertwined, but you face one another this time. It’s also interesting that most couples keep their heads at the same level. There may or may not be any touching, as some like draping their arms across one another.

This sleeping stance is one of intimacy, and it shows that the two of you are very like-minded people. Plus, there’s a great mood in your relationship as you two enjoy spending time together.

9. The Shingles Position = Compassion and Trust

Both people are sleeping on their backs in this position, but one has their head resting on the other’s shoulder. This stance shows a superior level of camaraderie, and one person allows the other to take the role of the protector. When you sleep like this, it means that there is both compassion and trust in your union.

10. Intertwined = Can’t Get Enough of Each Other

When you and your partner are thoroughly intertwined, you love being close to each other. This is one of the most romantic sleeping positions around. This sleeping style is often observed among new couples, and it’s often used as a transient pose that leads up to or comes after a romantic encounter.

Younger crowds often observe this position, especially when they first start dating. There is so much love between you that you want to be as connected as possible. A couple would rarely continue this pose throughout their entire relationship, but if they do, it’s a sign that they are very reliant upon one another.

Final Thoughts on Sleeping Positions

Have you ever really taken a moment and considered how you and your partner sleep at night? Do you like to snuggle tight or prefer to have your side of the bed with your blanket? There are different opinions on whether these positions have any bearing on a relationship, and some psychologists are divided.

Still, it’s interesting to find your sleeping position on the list and see if it’s accurate for your relationship. Perhaps, you will learn something about you and your spouse you didn’t know, or maybe you will see something underlying that needs to be discussed. Could the way you sleep at night dictate your relationship’s strength, or is this just a useless babble? It’s up to you to decide.

Dentists Explain 10 Causes of Halitosis (And How to Fix It)

January 7, 2021 by Power of Positivity

There’s nothing worse than bad breath. Have you ever had such horrible halitosis that you can’t stand the smell of your own breath? Many conditions can cause your breath to smell foul, and there are ways to combat these issues.

Did you know that many people have extreme anxiety when it comes to their breath, especially if others have made comments about the odor? If it’s not caused by poor dental hygiene, then even if you brush and use every mouthwash on the market, it won’t make much difference. Some chew gum until their mouth aches, but still, they have horrible breath.

Chronic halitosis is not something to ignore. It’s the body’s way of telling you that something isn’t right. According to Medical News Today, it’s the third most common reason people visit a general dentist. The article also states that about 25 percent of the population deal with foul odors in their mouth. Sadly, most of the cases are from poor oral health.

Common Causes of Halitosis

You can brush your teeth three times a day and floss when needed. However, your breath may have a pungent odor. Here are the ten most common causes of halitosis.

1. Foods You Eat

If your diet is full of spicy foods and those containing onions and garlic, then it’s no wonder why your breath may be foul. Your diet certainly has a great deal to do with how your breath smells. If you eat Italian for lunch, then it’s understandable that the garlic content can affect your breath for the rest of the day.

If you have a date or a big meeting at work, you might want to skip the spicy curry. Keeping some breath mints in your pocket might help, but when there are garlic and onions in the mix, it’s hard to overcome.

2. Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is a miserable feeling, and many things can cause this issue. Medication is undoubtedly a big problem, specifically antidepressants, water pills, and stimulants. The saliva glands may not produce the proper amount of saliva, which helps to wash the bacteria away.

Bacteria and a dry mouth can create an awful aroma. Try drinking a lot of water and sucking on a breath mint to help keep moisture in your mouth.

3. Tobacco

Cigarette and cigar smoke can give your mouth a horrible smell. Did you know that when you smoke, it leaves particles in your lungs and throat that can irritate it? According to Quit Smoking Forever, tobacco alone has 60 aromatic hydrocarbons in it that can cause halitosis.

Cigarettes alone smell terrible, but they also dry the saliva in your mouth, causing you to keep bacteria floating around. When the bacteria mixes with the toxins from the cigarettes, it can cause a quite intense mouth odor. If you don’t want your date to cringe when you want a kiss, then stop smoking.

4. Bad Dental Hygiene

How many times do you brush your teeth each day? According to the Mayo Clinic, you need to brush at least two times per day to have excellent oral health. It’s best to brush after every meal, if possible. These experts suggest that you use toothpaste with fluoride as well as mouthwash and floss, while if you need to visit your dentist for other reasons as dentistry there are great resources that explain you why at sites like https://www.dentaltown.com/blog/post/23725/how-modern-cosmetic-dentistry-is-transforming-patient-confidence.

Brushing your teeth is just one part of the process. If you don’t floss, tiny food particles become lodged in the gums’ edge and between the teeth. These food particles can rot and cause a smell.

If you don’t brush for at least two minutes each time, you won’t remove all the plaque and bacteria in your mouth. Finally, use a strong mouthwash to finish off your tooth-brushing session and kill any bacteria left behind.

Another part of good oral health is going to the dentist at least two times per year. Your dentist will make sure you have no cavities and see how good a job you’re doing at brushing. They can also identify if there are any issues, such as gum disease.

Some people are genetically predisposed to have dental problems. However, you can stay on top of these issues by seeing your dentist and practicing good dental hygiene at home.

5. Crash Diets

It seems rather odd to include crash diets in the list as a cause for bad breath. However, have you ever heard of anyone on the keto diet complaining about their breath? Sadly, the keto diet is one of the biggest culprits of bad breath.

When you’re eating a diet high in fat and protein, your body goes into a state of ketosis. Burning ketones in the body is a smelly business. Some say it’s a fruity odor, while others say it just plain stinks. If you’re plagued by bad breath on a diet, then you might need to scrape your tongue regularly or add some carbs to help combat this common problem.

6. Conditions of Mouth-Nose and Throat

Another reason you may be battling bad breath is issues with your mouth, nose, or throat. These work together so closely for respiration that it also affects the other two when one is affected. The common cold usually includes your nose and throat, so it usually presents as foul breath from your mouth.

Sinus conditions are another issue that can make your breath less than fresh. When you have a sinus or throat infection, your halitosis is often a tell-tale sign. Of course, any conditions in your mouth or tongue will show up in your breath.

If you have a throat or mouth infection that stinks up your mouth, consider using salt water rinses. Gargling salt water can not only help your symptoms, but it can also keep your mouth fresh and hydrated. Sucking on menthol cough drops can soothe a sore throat and make your breath smell minty clean too.

7. Diseases

Did you know that healthcare providers often check your breath for signs of an underlying condition? Many diseases like liver disease and cancer cause chemical imbalances in your body and let their presence be known with foul breath.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a disease and notice your breath is affected, talk to your healthcare specialist. Keep a supply of your favorite mints or chewing gum handy. You might also consider rinsing your mouth with a homemade herbal mouthwash.

8. Medication

Do you ever listen to those long, boring medication infomercials that interrupt your favorite television show? Dry mouth is a common side effect that you’ll hear on many of them. Of course, where there’s dry mouth, your breath can pay the price.

Some medications for chemotherapy or cardiac issues break down chemically in your body and can cause halitosis. Do you know the unpleasant smells that some vitamins and supplements have? When you take a lot of them, you may notice the same scent on your breath.

Talk to your healthcare provider about any medications that are causing unpleasant side effects like bad breath. Sometimes, drugs can be exchanged for another that won’t give you the same problems.

9. Foreign Bodies Lodged in The Nasal Cavities

Young children are notorious for sticking small things up their nose for curiosity’s sake. However, their inquisitive nature can create a health hazard that you can’t see until later. The infection will usually manifest as sinus problems, runny nose, and rank breath.

Small objects can not only be a choking hazard for children, but they can also pose a risk of being stuffed up the nose. Keep these objects well out of their reach. If you suspect that your child has a foreign object lodged in the nasal cavities, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

10. Stomach Issues

Your mouth is the first stop for food going into your digestive system. From your mouth, your esophagus is connected to your stomach. It stands to reason that any issues you have with your stomach would show up as bad breath.

People with acid reflux or chronic heartburn often complain of having stinky breath. When your stomach acids are regurgitated into your esophagus, it may also contain broken-down bacteria that has a terrible odor. You may also get sour burps, which also can overwhelm you with foul breath.

Consider following an eating plan that is less acidic, so you don’t have so much indigestion. Certain herbs like peppermint and ginger can also soothe an upset stomach. Plus, they can also freshen your breath.

Final Thoughts on Managing Your Halitosis

Living with bad breath is no fun. If you have a chronic condition, you must identify the cause of the issue and then try to fix it. Many things can be combated with avid brushing, flossing, and mouthwash. However, some problems are beyond your control.

If a medication is causing you such issues, then you should seek help. Additionally, if poor dental health is the cause of your halitosis, then talk to a dentist in San Francisco about ways to combat this problem. There’s no reason to be anxious about your bad breath, as there are things you can do to fix it.

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