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10 Things You Can Do to Attract Positive People

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If you want to be more positive, one of the best ways is to surround yourself with positive people. That sounds simple enough, but first, you have to attract positive people. This is easy for some people, but it’s hard for others.

If you aren’t a naturally positive person, attracting positive people could pose a problem. Luckily, there are things that you can do to help attract positive people. It’s all about your mindset and attitude, and these changes will benefit you in many ways.

The things you should do will include putting yourself out there and checking your thoughts. Once you get used to doing these things, they will become a habit you won’t have to think about anymore. It’ll become more natural to you the more you work at it.

The Benefits of Surrounding Yourself with Positivity

Spending your time with positive people is beneficial in many ways. It’ll make you more positive and help you accomplish more in your life. Other ways that of surrounding yourself with positivity can benefit you include:

  • having a positive influence
  • experiencing greater happiness
  • making better decisions
  • easier to avoid negativity
  • more success and achievements
  • happy memories that will last forever
  • a greater overall sense of well-being
  • hope and excitement for the future

Ten Ways You Can Attract Positive People

attract positive people1. Say Positive Affirmations Before Going to Social Events

Positive affirmations can help you be more positive in all instances, and socialization is no different. Find affirmations that make you feel happy and excited to spend time with others. This will open your mind, help you be more positive, and help you attract positivity.

This can help you avoid negative thinking before going out, which would cause you to give off negative vibes. You should feel confident and happy before socializing if you want to attract positivity.

2. Eliminate Negative People from Your Life

If you have negative people in your life, you need to limit your contact. Otherwise, they will drag you down and cause you to feel negativity. You won’t be able to attract positive people if you’ve been exposing yourself to negative vibes.

Without their negative energy in your life, you’ll feel happier and less stressed. When you’re happier, you’ll attract more positive people.

3. Show Gratitude

Showing appreciation and gratitude for what you have and the people in your life goes a long way. When people see that you are happy and use a grateful mindset, they will be attracted to you.

Plus, if you are always grateful, you’ll be more open to new situations and people. Your thinking won’t be so self-centered, leaving room for more relationships with positive people.

4. Go to Social Events That are Out of Your Comfort Zone

To meet and attract positive people, you have to leave your house. Don’t cancel plans or avoid a gathering because you had a bad day. Go out and have fun, because it’ll boost your mood and allow you a chance to attract positivity.

This doesn’t mean you have to go out and party. It simply means to go to social events that are new and have different people at them. This could be joining a club, going out for coffee, or going to a dinner party.

It may be uncomfortable at first, but you have to get out and meet new people to attract positive people. Find events that will attract people who share common interests and remember to practice positive affirmations beforehand.

5. Be Flexible

When you’re able to go with the flow without getting upset, you’ll attract more positive people. However, if you react negatively and get angry about an unexpected change, it’ll have the opposite effect.

Life is full of unexpected events, so people want to be around those who make it an easier process. If you can adapt to any situation easily, you’ll have an easier time attracting positive people.

This means you should avoid arguing or bursting out in anger when a change may occur. It also means being open to new ideas and trying new methods. Being flexible is a sure way to portray positivity and attract it in return.

pop meme6. Avoid Negativity

You will attract the type of energy you are putting out. So, if you are putting out negative energy, that’s what you will get in return. You’ll be attracting negative people and finding yourself in negative situations.

If you can avoid negativity, however, you can change that path. Start being positive in all situations, and you’ll get positivity in return. This means you will attract positive people as you are giving out positivity.

Positive people will avoid negativity, so they’ll avoid you if that what you are putting out. It’s all about your mindset and the vibes that you are radiating.

7. Help Others and Give Love

Helping others and giving love often will help you attract positive people. These helpful and loving gestures don’t have to be anything big, so it’s not hard to do.

You can compliment someone or listen to a friend vent. Donating to a good cause or volunteering your time are also great options. It’ll make you feel happier and more positive, and others will notice.

Remember to give in a loving way, not in a way that can be used for your benefit later. You shouldn’t expect anything in return, or that positive vibe will go away. Some tips include:

  • give small gifts randomly to friends or family members
  • give gifts anonymously
  • do things for people you don’t know and don’t expect recognition
  • bring happiness to people you love with nice surprises, but try not to get caught

When you want to give love but are unsure what to do, try to envision the things you love. It’ll help you give off loving vibes, and your attitude, words, and actions will reflect it. This will draw positive people to you, and they will feel safe in your presence.

8. Stop Being Judgmental

Being judgmental is a form of negativity that positive people don’t enjoy. Positive people will sense that you are being judgmental and will avoid you because of it. Be understanding and try to avoid giving mean looks to someone holding up a line or doing something wrong.

Instead of judging, give other people the benefit of the doubt. You never know what their situation is, so try to be understanding instead. If you can’t keep the judgmental thoughts out of your head, keep them to yourself, and refocus your thoughts.

9. Tell the Truth

Telling the truth is so important when it comes to making and sustaining positive relationships. Being honest is important to positive people, and they expect everyone in their life to be honest. Otherwise, it can cause negativity, and they won’t want that around.

It would help if you also were honest with yourself. If you are holding onto any relationships or friendships that aren’t working, you must consider walking away. Toxic relationships don’t leave much room for positive ones, and they will continue to pull you down.

Think about your current social circle. If anyone criticizes you, makes fun of you, or belittles you, they are toxic. Even if they are important to you, distancing yourselves from them is essential.

10. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a type of meditation that involves refocusing your thoughts. You focus your thoughts on only the present moment and how you are feeling right then. It helps you with being positive, which will help attract positive people.

One way to practice mindfulness is to pay attention to the world around you. Notice the things you’re touching, hearing, seeing, and smelling. If you’re eating, focus on the flavors and how you feel about them.

Another way is to focus on each moment. Don’t dwell on the past or stress about the future. Instead, look for the good in every moment.

Accepting yourself is an essential part of practicing mindfulness, too. This means consciously changing negative thoughts to positive ones. Talk to yourself how you would talk to someone you love and lift yourself the way you raise them.

Finally, make sure to focus on your breathing. When the negativity starts to creep in, take a moment to close your eyes and do some deep breathing. Focus on your breathing for a couple of minutes, and it’ll allow you to be more positive.

attract positive peopleFinal Thoughts on Things You Can Do to Attract Positive People

If you want to live a life of positivity, you have to attract positive people. Finding friends and loved ones that are positive is life-changing.

It can give you hope for the future, motivation to reach your goals, and the drive to achieve great things. Plus, they will support you in times of need and lift you when you need a hand. They will be there to listen, give advice, and boost your self-esteem by reminding you how great you are.

The people you surround yourself with impact your mental health, whether you realize it or not. Follow these tips to attract positive people, and you’ll be surrounded by positivity in no time.

Logging Industry May Turn Amazon Rainforests into Savannahs

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Researchers warn that the Amazon rainforest may soon turn into a savannah-like ecosystem due to excessive logging and climate change. As much as 40% of the existing rainforest could transform into a savannah, according to a study in the journal Nature Communications. Since rainforests need a certain amount of rainfall and moisture levels to thrive, prolonged drought and severe wildfires can throw off balance. The new landscape would have far fewer trees as well as woodlands and grasslands characteristic of savannahs.

Scientists knew these changes would occur eventually but thought them to be a few decades away, at least. Of course, it will take a while for the complete shift to occur. However, since the transformation is already underway, it’s extremely hard to reverse. Some scientists believe that in as little as 50 years, the forest of the Amazon could completely disappear. Since rainforests play a huge role in regulating the climate by absorbing carbon dioxide, the loss could prove catastrophic.

Why understanding how logging harms the Amazon is essential

Rainforests also support many more species than savannas – especially the Amazon – which is considered the most biodiverse place on earth. The Amazon represents over half of the world’s remaining rainforests. However, due to a historic drought, around 40% of the forest sees such little rainfall that it could now be classified as savannah. Researchers used computer models and data analysis to study current rainfall levels in the forests.

Mother Nature quotes

A well-known economist warned Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, about the dangers of continued logging in the Amazon rainforest. He says that deforestation and the increase in wildfires could push the rainforest past a tipping point within two years. After this, it would transform into a savannah, releasing billions of tons of carbon into the atmosphere. This would only increase global heating and cause erratic weather across parts of South America.

Of course, some climate scientists disagree, saying that the tipping point won’t occur for 15 to 20 years. Others, however, agree with the warning and believe that Bolsonaro’s destructive policies and climate change pose an imminent threat to the Amazon. The wildfires in the Amazon this year are the worst the rainforest has seen in a decade. Sadly, there’s been a 60% increase in wildfire hotspots compared with last year.

How trees benefit the environment

It goes without saying that the world’s forests benefit ecosystems significantly, providing oxygen to the species on Earth. About three trillion trees exist on the Earth, but before humans, the planet had twice as many.

Due to increasing development, 10 billion more trees get cut down than are planted each year. This contributes greatly to the carbon dioxide emissions that have played a large part in climate change. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, so planting them in huge numbers may help reverse the climate crisis. Of course, much more about our modern life needs to change, but planting trees is a good start.

In addition to absorbing carbon dioxide, trees provide habitats for thousands of species. Cutting down trees and other ecosystems cause huge losses of animal life and contribute greatly to the sixth mass extinction event. If business as usual continues in the Amazon, scientists estimate it could lose around 55 different species by 2050. Under the more optimistic scenario where farmers and ranchers complied with environmental laws, the number reduced to 38.

Since tropical rainforests house around 50% of the known terrestrial species on only 6% of Earth’s land, they are vital to wildlife. They also help to control rainfall since water evaporates from the leaves. Furthermore, urban areas benefit from trees because they help cool cities down and reduce air pollution. They also help promote mental well-being, as green spaces can reduce stress and anxiety, studies have found.

What the study researchers say about logging and the fragility of the rainforests

Lead author of the study Arie Staal said that rainforests’ wrong conditions could lead to them drying out. While they produce their own rainfall in the correct climate, anything that throws off balance can cause disaster. Staal and colleagues analyzed rainforests in the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Oceania to determine their stability. Using computer models, they made determinations about how reduced rainfall would affect the rainforests.

“By using the latest available atmospheric data and teleconnection models, we were able to simulate the downwind effects of the disappearance of forests for all tropical forests. By integrating these analyses over the entire tropics, the picture of the systematic stability of tropical forests emerged,” says Obbe Tuinenburg, former assistant professor at the Copernicus Institute of Utrecht University and visiting scientist at the Stockholm Resilience Centre.

logging

As forests grow and spread across a region, this affects rainfall. Forests create their own rain because leaves give off water vapour and this falls as rain further downwind. Rainfall means fewer fires leading to even more forests. ~Prof. Obbe Tuinenburg

However, if large areas of the rainforest disappear, the rainfall in the region will decrease dramatically. The computer models used by scientists in the study confirmed this in simulations. Staal told the Guardian that drier rainforests increase wildfires’ likelihood, making it harder for the trees to make a comeback. Once the rainforest passes the tipping point, it won’t likely return from savannah to its previous state, he said.

The researchers used computer simulations of where tropical forests might exist in certain climate conditions. They used this information to determine the minimum and maximum areas of likely forest cover. Also, they analyzed different scenarios based on greenhouse gas emissions. They concluded that once the trees disappeared, the likelihood of them growing back would decrease dramatically.

Overall, the researchers found that increased emissions would cause more parts of the Amazon to lose natural resilience. This would cause them to dry out and transform into a savannah-like environment over the course of decades, perhaps even sooner. They found that even the most resilient areas of the Amazon rainforest would shrink in a high emissions scenario. If we don’t cut down on greenhouse gases, scientists warn that the Amazon could reach the tipping point sooner than we think.

If we removed all the trees in the Amazon in a high-emissions scenario a much smaller area would grow back than would be the case in the current climate. ~ Lan Wang-Erlandsson, Stockhold Resilience Centre and co-author

The researchers found that the smallest area that can sustain a rainforest in the Amazon decreases by 66% in the high emissions scenario.

Ingo Fetzer of the Stockholm Resilience Centre, co-author of the paper, said: “We understand now that rainforests on all continents are very sensitive to global change and can rapidly lose their ability to adapt. Once gone, their recovery will take many decades to return to their original state. And given that rainforests host the majority of all global species, all this will be forever lost.”

This study only analyzed the effects of climate change on the Amazon and other rainforests. It doesn’t take into account the destructive consequences of logging due to development. However, scientists believe that deforestation has caused a huge increase in wildfires throughout the Amazon.

What can we do about climate change?

It seems that we can’t do much about climate change–at least not individually. However, if we demand stricter environmental policies from our governments, this can lead to huge improvements. As a collective, we are responsible for protecting our planet and taking only what we need from it. By cutting back on consumption and pressing our leaders to adopt better policies, we can make a difference.

It will take a monumental effort on everyone’s part and cooperation among all countries in the world. Even if we can’t totally stop climate change, we could slow it down by simply working with the environment instead of against it. Here are a few ideas for how you can work to combat climate change:

  • Eat all the food you buy at the store. Buy local, organic food whenever possible.
  • Reduce water waste
  • Invest in renewable energy for your home
  • Weatherize your home by making sure it’s properly insulated
  • Buy energy-efficient appliances
  • Use public transportation instead of driving a car
  • Fly less often
  • Unplug devices when they’re fully charged or if you rarely use them.

loggingFinal thoughts on how the logging industry could turn the Amazon into a savannah

Logging combined with climate change could bring drastic changes to the Amazon rainforest in just decades. All around the world, we’ve seen the devastating effects of climate change on the environment. It seems that wildfires, hurricanes, floods, and all other natural disasters have gotten much worse. As the world heats up due partially to human activities, we must figure out how to adapt.

Unfortunately, we can’t totally stop climate change, but we can certainly do our part to slow it down. By making more environmentally friendly choices, shopping less, and holding leaders accountable, we can bring about change. We should also fight for stricter controls over logging around the globe. We all must work together if we want a sustainable, clean world for future generations.

Research Finds That Memory Results from Combining Two Different Neurons

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Memory and neurons are two of the most prevalent topics under investigation by the scientific community today. With so many memory-related neurodegenerative diseases affecting the population and increasing numbers, understanding how the human brain works is more important than ever. That’s why it’s so exciting that researchers have made an interesting discovery in memory consolidation.

A team of researchers, led by professors from multiple universities, made the discovery. Credited to McGill University in Canada, the lead professors on the team were Dr. Nahum Sonenberg and Dr. Arkady Khoutorsky from McGill, Dr. Kobi Rosenblum from the University of Haifa in Israel, and Dr. Jean-Claude Lacaille from the Université de Montréal in Canada.

Their research discovered that two different neuronal systems are involved in memory consolidation and that each can be targeted independently to control long-term memory. This discovery leads to the possibility of targeted treatments for neurodegenerative such as Alzheimer’s disease and autism.

Understanding the research can be complicated if you don’t know some basics. This article will explain what neurons are, how memory works, and how the two neuronal systems contribute to memory. Keep reading to find out more.

How Does Memory Work?

neurons

Human memory is a complex process in which people obtain and retain information. It’s an understatement to say that memory is essential. For without it, a person can’t function. From the time a baby is born, memory allows the baby to become a functional person.

According to researchers at Harvard University, there are levels, or systems, of memory which psychologists call a “dual-process” memory. The first is where the “unconscious” actions are stored and retrieved. This includes walking, talking, and all the other routine actions people do without thinking about them.

The second is conscious memory, where things you try to remember are stored and retrieved. For the second system to function correctly, it must work in conjunction with system one.

Each one of the systems operates in three phases – encoding, storing, and retrieving information. There are two types of storage that you may be familiar with. They are short-term memory and long-term memory. Information first encodes to short-term memory and then transfers to long-term memory upon retention.

Short-term memory can only hold between five and nine bits of information at a time for up to 30 seconds. The more this information is repeated, the more likely it is to be transferred to long-term memory. From there, the brain can recall the information when needed.

Memory systems are made up of nerve cells called neurons. Neurons are the basic building blocks of the entire brain and central nervous system.

Researchers don’t know how many neurons the brain and central nervous system has, but they estimate the number to be around 100 million. They are split into three main systems, and, as stated in the research, two of these systems are now known to aid in the memory process.

The Two Neuronal Systems Involved in Memory

Neuronal systems are named after the function of neurotransmitters contained in the system. These chemicals send messages between nerve cells (called synapses) in the brain. There are over 40 neurotransmitters in the brain, categorized into three neural systems.

McGill researchers focused on the two neuronal systems most important for daily functioning. They are the excitatory and inhibitory systems.

Excitatory System

The name of the system accurately identifies what these neurons do. They “excite” the brain. Another way to put it is that they are more likely to result in the receiving neuron jumping into action.

For example, you can thank histamine for your allergic reactions. This is what triggers your immune system to get rid of foreign irritants that get inside your body. The allergic reaction doesn’t feel good, but it’s your body’s way of protecting you.

The excitatory neurotransmitters are:

  • Glutamate (Glu)

    This is the most crucial neurotransmitter in the brain. It’s present in over 90% of brain synapses. Because it’s essential, your glutamate levels must be well-regulated, or nerve cell death can occur. This can lead to severe neurological conditions and diseases.

  • Acetylcholine (ACh)

    This neurotransmitter can be used in both the excitatory and the inhibitory systems. It’s a significant player in the parasympathetic nervous system responsible for contracting muscles, slowing heart rate, dilating blood vessels, and regulating bodily secretions. People with Alzheimer’s disease often have a severe shortage of ACh.

  • Histamine

    This neurotransmitter exists in many living organisms. It is responsible for activating the immune system in case of physical damage, infection, or allergic reaction in humans. Histamine allows blood vessels to dilate and become more permeable. This allows immune system cells to leak from blood vessels, travel to the injured spot, and begin the process of healing.

  • Dopamine (DA)

    This is the neurotransmitter that’s responsible for your pleasure and reward reaction. In other words, it’s the “feel good” neurotransmitter. Dopamine production is increased with the excitement of something that provides you with a reward and decreases with disappointment or an ending of the exciting activity. It’s also responsible for many other functions in the body.

  • Norepinephrine (NE)

    In conjunction with adrenaline (the next one on the list), this neurotransmitter regulates your reaction to stress. It helps increase your heart rate and blood pressure when needed. It’s also a major player in regulating your mood. It can cause mood reactions from euphoria down to depression.

  • Epinephrine (Epi) (adrenaline)

    Epi, better known as adrenaline, is a neurotransmitter and hormone because of its role outside neurons in the brain. It’s responsible for the fight or flight response in times of stress. Because it significantly increases cardiac output, physicians use it to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), respiratory distress, and revival attempts during CPR administration. It’s available in the form of an EpiPen when needed in emergencies.

brainInhibitory System

Inhibitory neurotransmitters are the opposite of excitatory neurotransmitters – they’ll likely result in inaction by the receiving neuron. We can see an example of this in the role of serotonin. It acts as a regulator of excitatory neurotransmitters, essentially dampening their effect. A straightforward way to put this is that it’s a mood regulator. Researchers believe an imbalance in serotonin could contribute to the highs and lows of a bipolar person’s moods.

The inhibitory neurotransmitters are:

  • Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

    This neurotransmitter is also an amino acid. It calms you during anxiety, stress, and fear. GABA supplements have become popular since this amino acid does not occur in many foods.

  • Serotonin (5-HT)

    As explained above, it helps to regulate your mood. It also aids in digestion, sleeping, and eating. It can also help to control your bowel movements.

  • Dopamine (DA)

    This neurotransmitter, as explained in the previous section, is also an excitatory neurotransmitter.

How These Systems Affect Memory

Researchers have already been exploring the idea that the excitatory system regulates memory. This occurs through an essential factor for protein synthesis called eIF2α, which is in the hippocampus. However, through the work of McGill University researchers, we now know that the inhibitory system also has the eIF2α essential factor.

Stimulating the eIF2α essential factor in excitatory and inhibitory systems enhances long-term memory storage. However, research shows that, in the excitatory system, phosphorylation of a subunit of eIF2α can inhibit the transition of information from short-term to long-term memory. This subunit of eIF2α is the central component of the integrated stress response (ISR).

This is where the inhibitory system comes in. When phosphorylation of the subunit of eIF2α in the inhibitory system occurs, this inhibits the IRS, causing the exact opposite effect – an enhanced ability for the brain to transition information from short-term to long-term memory.

How to Put This Discovery to Use

Now that researchers have discovered that a genetic change in the inhibitory system’s eIF2α essential factor can enhance storage in long-term memory, they hope to create treatments for people with neurodegenerative diseases that target this genetic change. This is significant because of the way that IRS relates to neurodegenerative diseases.

Some people have a specific version of the apolipoprotein E allele, which is a leading factor in developing neurodegenerative diseases. Known as ApoE4, this version of the allele creates an integrated stress response. Cellular stress signals lead to the phosphorylation of eIF2α in the excitatory system.

The ability to manipulate the phosphorylation of eIF2α will counteract the effects of the ApoE4 allele. In theory, no degeneration of neurons will occur if the allele can’t activate the IRS system. According to Dr. Nahum Sonenberg, scientists hope to use this new development to create preventative and post-diagnosis treatments for people suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.

neuronsFinal Thoughts on the Research and the Two Neuronal Systems

The discovery of the neurons’ role in the inhibitory system for memory regulation is a massive breakthrough in the scientific and medical communities. Currently, there are no cures for neurodegenerative diseases, and treatments only prolong the inevitable. The diagnoses of these diseases are always fatal, even if it takes years. The afflicted person will suffer an increasingly diminished quality of life for as long as it takes for them to succumb to the disease.

With new cases of neurodegenerative diseases on the rise each year, humankind desperately needs a cure or effective treatment. The research has a long way to go. But this discovery offers hope to people at risk for cognitive diseases.

Experts Reveal 7 Traits That Make You A Good Listener

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There’s an ancient saying that states that the reason we have two ears and only one mouth is because we’re meant to listen much more than we speak. Though it’s a bit of cliche, that’s a lesson that we should be carrying with us throughout life – and one you should practice in your conversations with others.

But being a good listener is a skill that not many can hone. It’s a little more complicated than it might seem! Here’s how experts reveal 7 things that make you a good listener.

1.    Mirroring The Words Of Others

Mirroring other people has been known as a hallmark of good listeners for decades of research in sociology. But why does it work so well?

According to the Center for Leadership director Adam Goodman, there is a higher chance of misunderstanding someone than understanding them purely because of how many different factors are involved in accurate communication and listening.

These three behaviors might cause misunderstandings:

good listener

  • Subconsciously anticipate what the person will say, causing preconceived ideas before the person has even spoken.
  • Agree to the point initially, only to realize that the person meant something different a few sentences later
  • Think too much about how to best respond to someone, causing you to drift into your own train of thought and miss key information from the other

Instead of doing this, there’s a better way to pay attention: by mirroring. In the context of listening, mirroring refers to the act of paraphrasing and repeating someone’s statements in your own words. This not only makes them feel like they’re being listened to, as it is an engaging and positive form of active listening, but it also forces you to focus on carefully attempting to understand the other person.

2.    Making Eye Contact Reasonably

Eye contact establishes feelings of trust and helps you connect to the person you’re listening to. Looking away or refusing to meet someone’s eyes can send many bad messages to the person you’re trying to speak to.

Eye contact is a key sign that someone is listening, so lacking it usually conveys a lack of confidence or, worse still, just plain indifference. According to Michigan State University Extension educator Jodi Schulz, This is, who specializes in youth development, resource development, family enrichment, and similar areas of expertise. She also outlines some great, research-backed tips for making positive eye contact:

  • When listening to someone, you should maintain eye contact approximately 70% of the time (this drops to 50% while you’re speaking)
  • When looking at someone while listening, maintain an interested, open expression and smile if it’s appropriate.
  • Hold eye contact for around four or five seconds before looking away.
  • When looking away from a person, do so in a slow and relaxed manner to the side, not downwards or too quickly; doing either of the latter can make you look nervous or unsure.
  • Establish this eye contact as soon as possible when someone begins speaking to you
  • If you’re unused to or feel uncomfortable about eye contact, practice slowly and work your way up to confidence with the habit.

Naturally, certain neurodivergent individuals may be unable to maintain eye contact at all. If you’re one of them, then don’t worry! There are other ways to show that you’re listening, and the people who know you enough won’t take the lack of eye contact the wrong way.

3.    Being Present

You can’t listen to something if you’re far away. That’s why all good listeners are capable of being mindful and present in their conversations, says the University of Maryland School of Social Work assistant professor, Paul Sacco, Ph.D. This awareness allows you to retain the information being said to you more easily, as you’re paying much more attention.

To be present, you should:

  • Turn off or put away devices and screens.
  • Stop doing other tasks, if possible.
  • Clear your mind of other concerns for the time being.
  • Turn your full attention towards the speaker.
  • Ignore all distractions until the conversation is over, if possible.

Distracted listening sends an apparent message, whether consciously or subconsciously, to the person you’re supposed to be listening to. When you get distracted, the conversation shifts, and they get the idea that they’re not important to you.

Conversations have nuance. If you’re not present, it can be difficult – if not impossible – to correctly understand all of that nuance. So learn to shift your focus onto the person at hand!

4.    Putting Away Agenda

You can’t help having a natural agenda in your life and interactions. Don’t feel bad about it – everyone has their own! But to be a good listener, you must learn to quiet that hidden agenda that may exist within you.

It’s easy to think about yourself when others are talking, but controlling your habits is your own responsibility, says MIT Leadership Center executive director Hal Gregersen. Quiet your mind and turn off any agendas that you may have. Besides, it’s important for you, as an individual who is learning and growing, to hear information contrary to your usual mindset!

There isn’t much point in listening to someone intelligent if you don’t walk away with more information and valuable thoughts than you initially had. If you think someone has any new information to offer you, you’re not listening well enough!

pop meme5.    Asking Questions

When you ask questions, you’re providing “feedback” to the speaker that shows that you’re not just listening but also interested. It’s also a method of validating the speaker’s feelings, says Sacco, and it can let you push the conversation forward in thought-provoking ways that are fulfilling to the person you’re listening to.

But there is, of course, a bit of a trick to asking questions that really promote better conversation without taking the spotlight from the listener. Essentially, you want to leave the listener with more positive thinking, feeling like they have been heard and understood.

Here are some tips for doing that when you’re in the seat of a listener:

  • Ask for clarifications and elaborations where you need them; this indicates that you are genuinely seeking to understand the other person.
  • Be empathic first and foremost; put yourself in that person’s shoes and try to understand the struggles or perspectives they see
  • Try to aim for open-ended questions that allow the speaker to elaborate in a free and easy manner; “yes” or “no” types of questions can halt the conversation quickly.
  • Don’t ask questions that challenge or belittle the speaker; this will result in defensiveness and is a mark of a poor listener.
  • Don’t change the subject before the current topic has been correctly or naturally resolved; this gives the impression that you can’t be bothered to listen and want to hurry things along.
  • Don’t naturally assume that you always have all the answers – your thoughts aren’t necessarily accurate to a person’s unique situation.
  • Try to foster a genuine interest in the people you listen to; feigned interest is surprisingly easy to spot.
  • Try to ask genuine questions, meaning ones you are actually interested in hearing the answers to; you’ll both enjoy the conversation much more.
  • Don’t speak until the other person has finished their piece; interruption is not a sign of good listening in the slightest.
  • Before you speak out of turn, ask yourself why you’re talking in the first place – if nothing productive can come of your speech, it’s best to wait and continue listening first.

6.    Don’t Get Defensive

Defensiveness is nothing more than a wall of pride that keeps you from seeing what you need. If you’re defensive, you’re ultimately going to fail to listen, and no trick allows you to do both.

It’s actually pretty easy to listen well if you’re only being told what you personally want to hear, says Sacco. The trick comes in listening to someone that is telling you things that might:

  • Hurt your ego
  • Criticize you or give you negative feedback
  • Trouble your thoughts with their implications

Yes, not all negative words indeed said to you will hold value worth retaining. But to sort out valuable, constructive criticism and meaningful, if difficult, information and separate them from the worthless negativity, you actually have to listen to it first.

This is easier said than done, but it’s important, to begin with positive thinking. Remember that you can improve yourself when you hear negative words. Focus on trying to understand what the other person is attempting to say to you before reacting defensively.

If you need to, step back and take a moment to process the information. Sometimes, learning to stop impulsive responses will make the difference between a productive and nonproductive listening experience.

7.    Being A Good Leader

People who are good leaders inspire confidence in the people they work with. You can’t do that if you aren’t a good leader. In fact, many famous leaders, including Virgin Group CEO Richard Branson and Marriott International executive chairman J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr., believe that listening to employees and asking them for their opinion is crucial in being a good leader. This is because:

  • Listening to others grants you insight into other perspectives and ideas that spring from other perspectives
  • Showing others that you care about their thoughts lets them trust you more
  • Respecting the opinions of others, even when you disagree with them, gives you additional information into the way the world runs

Studies show that a huge number of good listeners are perceived in positive ways as leaders and people who are worthy of the responsibility. So strive to learn from the people around you, and you’ll be a better listener and a better leader, all in one.

good listenerFinal Thoughts On Some Things That Make You A Good Listener

Being a good listener reflects well on your character, shows others that you care, and, somewhat unexpectedly, gives you the chance to better yourself. You can learn a lot from others’ words – and you can also gain closer bonds with the people you listen to if you do a good job of it!

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you have trouble listening at first. It’s a skill you need to practice and build up over time. Give others time to speak and concentrate on understanding them, not attacking them, or thinking of your own responses!

 

15 Emotional Drains That Trigger Negativity

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There are many emotional drains in life that can trigger negativity. These drains can be work-related, lifestyle issues, or personality traits.

No matter the cause, these emotional drains can wreak havoc on your life if you let them. It can affect all aspects of your life, including your professional life, relationships, and overall well-being.

It might lead to loss of motivation and constant fatigue, and there will be no sign of relief. Before it gets to this point, it’s important to figure out what causes the emotional drain.

Fifteen Emotional Drains That Can Trigger Negativity

Do you feel overly pressured by life? Avoid these fifteen things. They can impede your ability to be optimistic, which research proves can reduce your physical and mental well-being.

1. High-Pressure Jobs or Heavy Work Loads

emotional drainsMedical professionals, law enforcement, and teachers tend to have high-pressure jobs. Other careers can be high-pressure as well, but it normally depends on your workplace.

Having a heavy workload also contributes to an emotional drain, and that could include schoolwork, too. Working long hours without time for relaxation or socialization can quickly lead to problems.

When you are required to constantly engage with your job, co-workers, or bosses, it can lead to burning out. It will cause you to feel like the work never ends, and you’ll never be able to have downtime. While this may sometimes be unavoidable, you have to have time for rest and recuperation.

2. Feeling Like You Have No Control Over Your Life

Autonomy is necessary for humans because it allows us to feel like we are in charge. When you don’t have the autonomy, however, it can lead to emotional strain.

This could happen when you lack resources to get things done because you’ll feel like getting things done is impossible. Another time this might happen is when you feel like you don’t get a say in decisions.

You may feel this way in the work environment if your boss calls at all hours, even on your days off. It will leave you feeling like you are always on call and unable to lead a life outside of work. This causes you to feel out of control because you have no say in your life.

Another example of experiencing this in the workplace is constantly changing priorities. It’ll leave you feeling like you can never get ahead, which causes serious burnout.

3. Despising Your Job or Not Getting Recognized

There could be many reasons why you hate your job. Sometimes it’s as easy to pinpoint as not being recognized for your hard work. Other times, it may be a little more difficult to figure out.

Think of the type of work you are doing. If it is monotonous or too easy, consider if either of those things is the issue. Sometimes you need to challenge yourself and try new things to avoid emotional drains.

When you feel unrecognized or like your work isn’t challenging you enough, consider your options. You could ask for a promotion or for a raise, or maybe even for extra vacation time. Figure out what would make your job worth it, and then ask for that.

Other reasons you may despise your job could include the following:

-unfair treatment of employees

-no say in your schedule or workload

-unclear or confusing expectations

-constant chaos

-bad attitudes of co-workers and superiors

-micromanagement from your boss

4. Having a Baby or Raising Children

Both the mother and father can experience burnout from parenthood or having a new baby. There are different types of burnout parents can experience, including emotional and physical exhaustion, frustration, or defeat. Plus, parents can experience a mixture of those emotions, making the situation even worse.

Once you figure out what the types of emotional drains you’re experiencing, you’ll be able to get control of them. Then, you can figure out a plan for making the situation easier instead of letting it become more negative.

5. Financial Problems or Potential Homelessness

Anyone would feel emotionally drained if they were facing homelessness. Any financial problems can cause an emotional drain, however. It can cause a loss of hope for the future, which will lead to unnecessary spending, making the situation worse.

Plus, calling companies to deal with your missed payments can cause an overwhelming amount of stress. This leads to avoiding the calls, furthering your financial troubles. Creating a budget can be stressful, but doing so can help with your emotional strain.

Buying stuff you can’t afford or making yourself feel better with retail therapy can cause burn out, as well. It’ll set you further behind in the future, and those fixes aren’t as easy to handle.

Getting ahead of your finances and avoiding excess spending can reverse these emotional drains. Then, you won’t have this negativity in your life, and you’ll be able to look forward to a better future.

6. Taking Care of a Loved One

When you are taking care of a loved one, it will be hard in all aspects. Oftentimes, caregivers become emotionally, mentally, and physically exhausted. This can lead to a negative attitude, which is detrimental to you and the person you’re caring for.

Usually, caregiver burnout happens when there is no one else to help out. Plus, if you are giving more help physically or financially, than you can handle, it’ll lead to emotional distress. If the situation isn’t improved, it can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and fatigue.

7. Going Through a Divorce or Other Upsetting Life Event

Divorce and other upsetting events such as death often have the same emotional repercussions. The processes tend to be drawn out and demand much focus.

It is important to find something that takes your mind off the situation for a while in both situations. If you don’t, you will trigger negativity, and the situation will become even harder.

emotionally drained

Here are the signed your partner is an emotional vampire.

8. Suffering from a Chronic Illness

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness can be both a positive and a negative event. It is positive in the sense that you now have answers and can begin to understand your situation. On the other hand, it is negative because now you have to accept the situation.

Acceptance can be hard, and it is a process that takes time. You may experience anger, denial, depression, isolation, and grief during it. Sometimes, hopelessness and a feeling of being out of control will follow.

Suffering from a chronic illness means your life changes completely, so feeling emotionally drained is understandable. However, you have to find a way to get through it so that the negativity is minimized.

9. Dealing with Injuries That Interfere with Your Normal Life

When you are used to living your life a certain way, an injury can be devastating. It may force you to take a break from your work and spending time resting and healing. For some people, this is emotionally draining.

While resting, you will have more time to think and become bored or restless. After some time, it can lead to depression, stress, anxiety, and lowered self-esteem. Another common emotional drain is that you may feel hopeless and that you’ll never fully recover.

10. Lack of Balance Between Home and Work

As explained before, your work life can be a huge source of burnout and mental exhaustion. Those reasons were all different, however, because they were only related to work. Lacking balance between your home and work life can be a difficult source of negativity that is important to address.

You have to switch off work mode at the end of your day and focus on your home and personal life. If you can’t do this, you’ll bring work negativity back home, and it will impact your family and relationships.

Finding a way to leave your work at work (or at least on your desk) will allow you to enjoy life. You’ll be able to bond with your family and work on your hobbies. Both of these things are essential to living a fulfilling life.

11. Too Many Responsibilities Without Help

In all aspects of your life, you will become emotionally drained if you take on too much. When you realize you have too much on your plate, you should ask for help. Otherwise, more negativity will pile on, and you won’t be able to do anything productively.

If you don’t ask for help, you feel the need to be in control and figure out how to change that mindset. You have to delegate tasks and ask for help, or the emotional impact will worsen.

12. Not Having Supportive Relationships or People You are Close To

Personal relationships are important when it comes to your emotional well-being. Reach out to the people you care about and spend time with them. To establish supportive relationships, you have to spend time together and build trust.

Make sure to take the time to do this. Then, your emotional drains may reduce as you have something to look forward to. Knowing you have support can be life-changing, and it’s important if you want to live more positively.

13. Lack of Sleep

Research shows that if you aren’t getting enough sleep, your emotional well-being severely suffers. It can cause irritability, stress, anxiety, and depression. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep so that it doesn’t lead to negativity.

14. Need for Perfection

If you are always striving for perfection, you will become emotionally drained. You will feel like nothing you do is ever good enough, leading to negative self-talk. Eventually, it will cause depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

15. Pessimistic Thoughts

Have pessimistic or negative thoughts all the time can have a severe emotional impact on you. This will lead to further negativity in all aspects of your life.

While you may think the pessimistic thoughts aren’t affecting you, that is not the case. These thoughts will negatively impact your personal life and your professional life.

You may notice you are overly pessimistic if you first look for the negative things in all situations. It can also be the feeling of helplessness and having no hope for the future.

emotional drainsFinal Thoughts on Emotional Drains That Can Trigger Negativity

By avoiding these emotional drains that can trigger negativity, you’ll be able to lead a more positive life. If you let the feelings continue, however, it might trigger negativity. Remember these emotional drains the next time you feel like you are struggling. If you can pinpoint what is draining you, you’ll be better able to get it under control.

Experts Reveal the 15 Best Relationship Hints

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What does it take to cultivate the best relationships in life? Good friends are indeed one of life’s most valued treasures. At times, these people know you better than you know yourself. But today, it’s easy to confuse online friends with authentic, in-person interactions. Our experts reveal the best relationship hints to help you overcome that hurdle.

They use gentle honesty, as they support and guide you through this crazy thing called life. They’re there to share in your laughter as well as wipe your tears. Their company reminds you that you’re never alone on your journey.

If you’re lucky enough to have found even one such person, then you are blessed beyond measure. People have tried to substitute real friendships with virtual ones, and it’s not the same thing.

Virtual Friends Aren’t the Same

How many people do you have following you on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Snap Chat? Counting your friends on social media outlets and those who you see and interact with in-person is drastically different. The best relationship hints we share today will address how to help your personal friendships flourish.

Look at your friend, count on Facebook. If you have 700 friends on your wall, it doesn’t mean that they’re real friends. Honestly, you probably only know about one percent of those people.

While emails, text messaging, and social media are great ways to keep in contact with your friends and family, there are some people on your list that are nothing more than acquaintances. Technology cannot replace authentic in-person relationships where you are physically present with another human being, according to Alejandro Jadad of the University Health Network in Toronto.

Fifteen Best Relationship Hints, from the Experts

best relationship hintsYour parents probably taught you all sorts of things about having and being a friend. One thing they probably didn’t tell you is about the impact relationships can have on your mental and physical health. A good friend can help to boost your confidence and be there to calm you down when your anxiety is too high.

Did you know that genuine friendships will shape your life if you prefer to be around people who are upbeat, positive, headed in the right direction, and those who value themselves, as well as others?

Are there any requirements to consider when looking for a good friend? How many times did your parents chastise you and say, “You are the company you keep”? This adage rings true to this day.

However, there were a few things about relationships that your parents probably didn’t mention, and here are 15 that you should know.

1. Communication is Key

If you want to have a good relationship with both friends and lovers, you will learn the fine art of communication. Check-in with each other and make sure the other one is okay. Part of being a friend is being there in good times and bad.

How will you know if your friend needs you if you don’t communicate effectively with each other?

2. Be Willing to Forgive

When you forgive others for their wrongdoings, then you release positive energy into the universe. So, when it comes time for you to be forgiven, karma will pay you back.

Always be eager to forgive even when the things done to you hurt deeply. Forgiveness is just as much for you as it is for them. NIH experts suggest that the ability to forgive someone is a sign of a strong person.

3. Accept People for Who They Are

When it comes to friends or lovers, never change people to be what you think they need to be. Rather, the best friendships are those where you both accept each other for who you are, which includes faults and all. Of all the best relationship hints, this one can be the most challenging to accept.

4. Encourage Them to Be All They Can Be

Being a good friend means that you have someone behind you, pushing you to be all you can be. It’s someone that makes you feel better when life is rough, and they give you the little boost you need to try new things. No one wants a Negative Nelly as their friend, so you need to be an encourager.

5. Compliments Go A Long Way

If you want to have the best relationship with your friend, then you will remember that a little compliment can go a long way. Pay attention to things like new outfits, a change in hairstyle, or a new cologne or perfume. Notice the little things and compliment them as it helps to build their esteem.

6. Be Honest – Even When it Hurts

The old adage that honesty is the best policy still rings true. Don’t tell someone what they want to hear; rather, you need to tell them the truth. If you disagree with them, it’s okay to have a difference of opinion.

If everyone had the same thoughts and theories in this life, it would be quite a boring place to be.

7. Respect Their Values, Religion, and Family

Today, respect for values, religion, political association, and family is essential. Learning to agree to disagree is one of the best relationship tips anyone can offer you.

Respect doesn’t mean that you agree or want to live the way that they do. It just means that you respect their individuality and accept them as they are. A study in American Psychology reminds us that cultural diversity is all around you and you must be respectful of others and their differences.

partner

These ten signs reveal that you can trust your partner.

8. Don’t Make Promises You Can’t Keep

It’s easy to overextend yourself when trying to help others. However, the best relationships are the ones where you both know your boundaries and can say “no” when you can’t handle anymore.

A true friend will respect your limitations and understand when you’ve reached your limit. It’s better than the alternative of making a commitment and canceling at the last minute or being a “no show.”

9. Make Time Even When You Don’t Have Any

Your life is jam-packed with things from family to work. You may wonder how you will even have time for a friend. Thankfully, the best relationships are those who make time for each other even when there is no time left.

You will move appointments around, text on your lunch hour, and find ways to stay in touch. Relationships, like flowers in the garden, need constant care, and nourishment. It would help if you found time to spend together for your friendship to thrive.

10. Share Your Values and Secrets

It would help if you were careful when starting new friendships that you don’t divulge too much too fast. However, the best relationships are the ones where you can tell someone anything, and you know they have your back.

They wouldn’t tell or use what they know against you. They respect your values and keep your secrets. A friend that doesn’t talk about you behind your back or gossip is truly a gem.

11. Trust is Important (the best relationship hint)

One of the foundations of any friendship is trust. If there is no trust in your relationship, then is there any connection? You don’t want to be with someone that you always must second guess their motives.

Having a good friend is someone that you know what they are telling you is the truth and that you don’t even need to question their word.

12. Do Crazy Things Together

Life can be mundane with work and family responsibilities. The best relationships are those where you can throw caution to the wind and do something that’s crazy fun. Perhaps you hop a flight and spend the night in a big city exploring. Do something, anything spur of the moment just because you can.

Life would be boring if you did the same things all the time, and the best relationships are those who can have fun and make life an adventure.

13. Be Faithful and Devoted

Of course, your spouse and family must come first, but to be a good friend, you must have devotion towards one another. Though you often hear the terms love and dedication when talking about romantic relationships, they can also be used when it comes to friendships too.

14. Don’t Take Your Friendship for Granted

It’s easy to take a relationship for granted. Do you automatically assume that someone will be there for you because they always have been? If your friend babysits your children, don’t just expect this kind behavior as part of your friendship duties.

If they didn’t do this favor for you, who would your kids stay with? You should notice any act of kindness they do towards you, no matter how small. While they may not take money for watching your kids, you can get them a gift card or a candle. At the very least, a card will say how much you appreciate them.

15. Genuine Friends are Hard to Find

Real friends, the ones that stick by you through thick and thin, are hard to find. If you have found someone that is there to lift your head when the burdens of life are too much and is a shoulder to cry on, then you have found a precious gem. Friendships take a lot of work, but they are so worth the effort.

best relationship hintsFinal Thoughts on Taking These Best Relationship Hints to Heart

Friendship is one of the most essential things in life, and a person can never have too many friends. While your life may be chaotic, stressful, and downright devastating at times, they make things better.

Thankfully, it’s good to know that it’s a little less challenging when you have a good friend by your side. The best relationships are those that honor your difference and enjoy the similarities.

15 Habits That Reduce Early Mental Decline

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Wouldn’t it be amazing if you stayed young and mentally sharp forever? Unfortunately, the time has a way of robbing us of our vibrancy with each passing moment. There’s no such thing as a Fountain of Youth, but you can try these 15 helpful hacks to delay premature aging and mental decline.

15 Healthy Habits to Help Reduce the Odds of Early Mental Decline

These good habits can help avoid cognitive decline.

1. Drink Enough Water for Hydration

mental declineDid you know that your brain is composed of about 75 percent water? It only stands to reason that you should drink enough water to keep your body and mind hydrated for optimal health. If you stay in constant brain fog, you may not be getting enough to drink.

Health experts recommend that you consume at least 6-8 glasses of water daily. You may need to drink a little more when you are especially active. When you drink enough water for hydration, your brain can stay healthy, and you can prevent mental decline.

2. Practice Yoga

The practice of yoga goes back thousands of years to ancient India, where early Hindu practitioners created a philosophical system that included body, mind, and spirit. Gentle yogic poses and mindful breathing not only can strengthen your body, but it can supply more oxygen to your brain and reduce tension.

3. Try Aerobic Exercise

Aerobic exercise increases your heart rate and floods your body with oxygen-rich blood. Not only does this form of exercise help you burn fat more efficiently, but it also nourishes your brain. The extra blood and oxygen keep your brain healthy and can protect your cognitive functions and memory.

A brisk walk can provide enough aerobic activity to benefit you’re your entire body. You don’t have to work out for hours in a gym. Talk to a licensed fitness trainer to find other aerobic exercises that are best for you.

4. Attend Social Events

If you want to prevent mental decline as you get older, avoid keeping yourself isolated from family and friends. Your brain thrives on socialization and stimulating conversation. When you attend social events, you often meet new people and learn new ideas to expand your understanding.

Studies show that people who self-isolate too often deal with depression. It’s a downward spiral as the depression can lead to a reduction in your mental capabilities. Make it a point to spend time with family and friends for outings and other exciting events.

If you live alone and have a small circle of friends, you can always go to social events to meet others. Spend time in the library, go to museums, concerts, and other places that pique your interests. The social interaction will keep your brain busy and happy.

5. Practice Meditation

Meditation is an ideal way to ease your mind and calm your body from stress. Like yogic practice, it is an ancient technique used to reduce stress and bring harmony to your body, mind, and spirit. When you meditate, you breathe mindfully and allow your brain to focus on a higher power.

All you need is a comfortable and quiet place to meditate for 10-15 minutes. At first, it may feel a little silly, and your thoughts will go haywire. With practice, you can let your thoughts pass without judgment, and you’ll be able to do it effectively.

You can give your mind a rest from a barrage of thoughts when you meditate. It may minimize mental decline and bring clarity to your thought processes. Try to meditate a few minutes each day and see how it can benefit you.

6. Enjoy Brain Teasers

You can’t get a healthy body that is toned and fit without work. It requires a proper diet and a daily exercise regime, including cardio and weight training. If you keep a sedentary lifestyle without exercise, your health and body condition will deteriorate.

Your brain needs the same stimulation. To maintain good brain health and prevent mental decline, it needs to be challenged and exercised daily. Remember the old saying that warns if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it?

Instead of spending mindless hours watching television, enjoy a few puzzles and brain teasers to boost your deductive reasoning and critical thinking skills. Work crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or any other fun games that challenge you. Answering trivia questions can also get your mind working.

7. Get Enough Sleep

According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in every three Americans don’t get enough rest each night. If you are among the sleepless crowd, you know how miserable it makes you feel and how insomnia clouds your thinking and perception. Sleep deprivation can cause a host of health and mental conditions, including eventual mental decline.

Although medical experts recommend that you get between six to eight hours of rest a day, some people need a little more and some a little less. If you aren’t getting enough rest and feel its effects, the reasons could be physical or environmental. Talk to your healthcare provider to find ways to help you get sufficient rest.

8. Eating a high-protein diet

The Ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus once noted that we are whatever we eat. If you consider your current diet routine, you may not be happy with the outcome. A recent study shows that approximately 36.6 percent of Americans eat high-calorie fast food every day.

With alarming statistics like these, no wonder America is battling an obesity epidemic, especially among young people and children. Obesity contributes to many deadly ailments like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, strokes, and cancers.

Research indicates a positive correlation between a healthy high-protein diet and the prevention of mental declines like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Other studies also suggest a decline in brain function for people who chronically consume junk food. A balanced diet is the best route to take if you want your body and mind to stay strong and healthy.

Daily recommendations for protein intake are between 5-6 ounces. Enjoy lean portions of poultry, beef, and pork. Other rich sources of protein include nuts, eggs, fish, and dark leafy greens.

9. Consume Organic Vegetables

Do you know what you are eating when you buy regular fruits and vegetables at the grocery store? Most produce found in supermarkets across America have been treated with chemical pesticides and fertilizers hazardous to your health. Many of these chemicals can cause cancer.

It’s worth the extra cost to buy certified organic vegetables and fruit. Many people are avoiding the middleman and growing their own produce. While studies show no difference between the nutritional value of regular produce and organic, organic produce still has higher levels of antioxidants.

organic produce

Here are some compelling reasons why so doctors recommend organic foods.

10. Increase Your Antioxidants

These powerful antioxidants fight free radicals in your bloodstream that can damage cells. Protecting your cells with antioxidants may delay the aging process for your skin, your internal systems, and your brain. As you age, damaged brain cells aren’t replenished as quickly, and that’s why many seniors experience mental decline.

A diet rich in a variety of organic vegetables and fruit may improve your cognition in the long run. They also provide brain-healthy vitamins and minerals and rough fiber for proper digestion. The USDA recommends that you get at least five servings of vegetables a day and four fruit servings.

11. Reduce Stress

Whether you’re a commoner who works every day, a celebrity, or royalty, you should realize that everyone deals with pressure. Your stress may be different from movie stars, but everyone’s bodies will react negatively to chronic strain. You may not be able to eliminate all your stress, but you can reduce it.

Your body is hardwired to protect itself with an automatic survival instinct. When your brain feels threatened, it pumps stress hormones called cortisol and adrenaline into your blood to prepare you for a fight, flight, freezing, or fainting. Since your brain doesn’t differentiate between dangerous threats and aggravation, you can live in a state of chronic stress that can wreak havoc on your health.

12. Stop Smoking

Smoking tobacco can destroy your entire body, including your brain. Not only can the plethora of hazardous chemicals affect your brain cells, but they can also contribute to mental health problems.

13. Reduce Your Alcohol Consumption

You know what overconsumption of alcohol can do to your liver, but do you also know that it can cause brain damage. If you experience blackouts due to heavy drinking over time, it can destroy brain cells that can’t be replaced. Keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.

14. Get Treated for Depression

Medical experts believe that depression is caused by a mixture of genetic and environmental factors. When you have a chemical imbalance in your brain, it can affect your memory and cognitive functions. Consult a mental health professional for depression treatment.

15. Practice Positivity

Have you ever noticed how weak your body feels when you stay in a negative funk? Be kind to your brain, and you must learn to be positive. Surround yourself with other positive people, and you will see how your mental health will flourish.

mental decline foods to eatFinal Thoughts on Preventing Early Mental Decline

Although it is normal for your memory and cognition to slip a bit as you get older, you needn’t experience a complete mental decline.

If you keep your body strong and healthy with proper diet and exercise, you may lower your risks of disease, dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Make sure you eat a high-protein diet and avoiding fast food and sweet treats. Food is meant to nourish the body and provide fuel, not just to please your palate.

When you take good care of yourself with body, mind, and spirit, it will serve you well into your golden years. And that commitment to self-care can help prevent early mental decline.

15 Things You Can Do to Adopt A Positive Mindset Right Now

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Living a more joyful lifestyle is beneficial to all aspects of your life. It’s easier than you think, too, as it simply takes adopting a positive mindset.

While it may be hard to remember all the tips for positivity right away, they will quickly become a habit. You’ll notice an improvement in your mood, stress levels, and productivity almost immediately.

Living life with a positive mindset is about more than just seeming happy all the time. It is beneficial to your home life, work-life, and your health. Use these tips to adopt a positive mindset to change your life for the better today.

Things You Can Do to Adopt A Positive Mindset

Try making these fifteen changes to multiply your positive thoughts.

1. Begin Your Day with a Positive Affirmation

positive mindsetThink about the times you’ve woken up late and had to rush and panic to get to work on time (or late). You tend to have a rough day the rest of the day when things like this happen. This is because your morning sets the tone for the day, so make sure to bring positivity into your mornings.

If you start your day positively, you’re more likely to keep a positive mindset all day long. Choose some positive affirmations to repeat to yourself in the morning, and it will help you set a positive tone.

2. Find the Good in Every Moment

Even in moments that don’t seem to be going well, you can find something good if you look for it. Focus on any benefit, no matter how small. This could be hearing your favorite song during your drive home from work or that the sun is shining.

If you have to find a new plan because something didn’t work out, think of it as a learning opportunity. You will either try something new or learn something, so there’s a benefit in that, as well.

Even in the hardest times, finding something good can bring a little light to your life. It will help you refocus your thoughts and start being positive.

3. Learn from Every Mistake or Failure

As stated before, when things don’t go as planned, it will be a learning opportunity somehow. Mistakes and failures happen, and they are only to be expected on the path to success.

When this happens to you, focus on what you can do next instead of what went wrong. While you have to think about what not to do next time, don’t fixate on the issue. Once you’ve determined the area that didn’t work out, you have to create a plan next time.

Use those hardships and obstacles as stepping stones to the right path. Come up with a new plan using the new knowledge you have. You now know what didn’t work, so it’s time to learn what will work.

4. Avoid Negative Self-Talk and Practice Positive Self-Talk

Sometimes you’ll have negative self-talk without even realizing it. Your thoughts will be a continuous stream of negativity, and you’ll bring yourself down. Over time, these thoughts will cause you to have a decreased sense of self-worth, which can interfere with your life.

Make a conscious effort to check your thought processes if you realize you often have negative self-talk. When you find your thoughts are negative, replace them with something positive.

Tell yourself that you are learning when things go wrong, rather than telling yourself how bad you are. When you didn’t succeed at something, tell yourself that next time you’ll do better. When you can replace the negative self-talk with positive, you’ll notice a significant difference in your life.

Also, avoid constantly thinking about or talking about what you want. When you are always reminding yourself of what you don’t have, it’s a form of negative self-talk. Instead, remind yourself of what you do have and express your gratitude for those things.

5. Surround Yourself with Positive People>

By surrounding yourself with positive people, you’ll be able to adopt a more positive mindset. You’ll hear nothing but positivity from them, which will quickly benefit you. It can change your mindset, your words, and your actions for the better.

It is important to note that this works oppositely, as well. If you surround yourself with negative people, you’ll begin adopting their negative mindset and outlook. It may be necessary to eliminate certain people from your life if you see that this is a problem.

However, if you can’t remove them from your life, try to limit your time spent with them. When their negativity becomes too much, remove yourself from their presence for a while.

6. Write in a Gratitude Journal Daily

There is no better way to be positive than to count your blessings as often as you can. Each day, write down a couple of things you are grateful for in a journal. It’ll help remind you of all that you have and all the great things in your life.

The things you write down can be small events, such as seeing a butterfly or having a cup of coffee. Or, they can be huge things like getting a promotion or seeing a friend from out of town. No matter what you write, you’ll be able to reflect positively if you do this daily.

Writing in a gratitude journal daily can help develop a positive thinking habit. It can change your entire way of thinking. Plus, when you’re having a particularly bad day, you can read over the previous days and remember it all.

7. Stop Complaining

Complaining is a sure way to breed negativity. When you’re thinking of these complaints internally, it is detrimental to you. Speaking them out loud, however, will be detrimental to those around you, too.

When you complain, it also affects your productivity, which could cause unnecessary stress. Even listening to people’s complaints can have this effect, so it’s important to avoid complaints altogether.

8. Force a Smile

Even when you don’t feel like smiling, force yourself to do so. By forcing yourself to smile, you will be reducing stress and fostering a positive mindset and emotions.

Plus, research shows that receiving a smile can boost your mood. When you smile at others, they will likely smile back at you, creating a circle of positivity.

By performing an action that is generally associated with happiness, it will make you feel happier. Then, smiling at others and receiving a smile in return will only increase the positive effect. You can’t lose when it comes to smiling.

pop meme9. Focus on the Current Moment

This doesn’t mean to think about this morning or any other time of this day. It means to only think about the moment you are in right now. Forget anything that happened to upset you early in the day or even earlier in the hour.

The same goes for things that might happen later in the day. Please do not focus on those, and try not to even think about them unless they bring you positivity. Instead, focus on only what is happening right this very second.

Remind yourself that at this very moment, nothing bad is happening. Don’t let memories or potential situations ruin the way you feel right now. Take a deep breath and look around for something to brighten your spirits.

10. Make Time for Self-Care

This tip is heard so often that it is generally ignored, but it is essential for adopting a positive mindset. It directly affects your mental and emotional health, and ignoring it can cause you to feel overwhelmed and negative.

You have to make time for self-care so that you can recover from all of life’s twists and turns. There is no right or wrong way to spend this time, as long as you disconnect and take some time for you.

11. Avoid Gossip

While gossip may be entertaining and an easy way to pass the time, it causes negativity. No matter if you are listening to it or engaging in it yourself, it is unhealthy and will cause problems.

When you have no choice but to be there, try to tune it out as best you can. If someone tries to pull you into it, say that you would rather not get into it. They may be put off at first, and you may feel uncomfortable, but it will be for the best.

Another benefit is that if you aren’t participating in gossip, other people won’t be as likely to gossip about you. This will further reduce your stress while allowing you the relief of not knowing secrets about those around you.

12. Tell Jokes and Find Things to Laugh About

Laughing and telling jokes is a sure way to make you feel more positive. Laughing will increase the endorphins in your body, which are known to make you feel good. Plus, it will help reduce stress and relieve tension.

Overtime, laughing often can even release neuropeptides, which help fight stress and can reduce your risk of serious illness. It’ll help you cope better and make you feel happier in general. Overall, laughing promotes a positive mindset and make your life better in all ways.

13. Take Breaks and Utilize Them Well

Sometimes, it may seem like a good idea to skip your breaks at work. Even when you take them, it can be hard to stop thinking about work and relax for a few minutes. However, it’s important to find a way to do that because otherwise, you’ll quickly become irritated and negative.

14. Always Find Something to Look Forward to After Work

If you have nothing else to look forward to, make a plan to eat your favorite snack, and watch TV. Even something simple like that can help you stay positive throughout the day. It will help you find a balance to life and something to always look forward to.

15. Meditate Regularly

Meditation can help reduce stress and anxiety and promote positivity. Taking five minutes a day to meditate can help drastically, and this can even count as self-care. You’ll notice a difference immediately when you begin implementing meditation.

positive mindsetFinal Thoughts on Things You Can Do to Adopt A Positive Mindset

Adopting a positive mindset is life-changing and can help you lead a better life. You will be more productive and have a greater sense of well-being. It can be hard to stop negativity, but developing positive habits will help reverse the negativity. Remember these tips for adopting a positive mindset so you can work on it every day.

United Nations Urges Humankind to End the “War on Nature”

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Recently, the United Nations held the first summit on the climate change crisis. Scientists warned that high temperatures, rising sea levels, and numerous chemicals in the air cause an imbalance in nature.  The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reminded world leaders that they promised to help save the environment a decade ago. But they have failed to step up their efforts.

Guterres said that diseases like HIV, Ebola, and viral infections continue to spread due to the influences of the following?

  • Climate change
  • Deforestation
  • Food production

He also warned that as many as one million species face extinction.

Guterres made the following plea:

“Humanity is waging war on nature. And we need to rebuild our relationship with it. Degradation of nature is not purely an environmental issue–it spans economics, health, social justice, and human rights.”

He urged the heads of state who were turning in via video link or in-person to stop the assault on the environment to save the Earth. He reminded them that they committed themselves to save the Earth decades ago but did nothing.  A number of other world leaders echoed Guterres’s words, saying that  2021 should be their year of action to save the Earth’s environment.

Another well-known proponent of conservation, Sir David Attenborough, an English broadcaster and natural historian, is also outspoken about the need to save the environment. He recently suggested earmarking $500 billion for the earth’s conservation every year due to its serious needs.

Climate change concerns continue to rise.

united nations climate changeProponents suggest that forest fires and the Arctic ice levels are signs of the earth’s pending demise.

Attenborough has definitely become a celebrity. He recently went on Instagram to share his concerns, and after six days of being on social media, he had five million followers.

He said that years ago, he sensed that global warming was occurring in the 70s. According to Attenborough, he knew that it was a life and death issue when he saw a dead coral reef on the Barrier Reef in the 1970s.

Sir David suggests that it’s very simple to solve the world’s environmental problem. “I think there are two things you could do: One, it’s perfectly simple, don’t waste. Don’t waste power, don’t waste paper, don’t waste food, don’t waste time,” said Attenborough. “The second thing is, convince the man or woman who represents you politically of what you’re concerned about in whatever political system you live in.”

Producer, Alastair Fothergill, agrees with Sir David Attenborough that saving the Earth is a simple fix. He said, “It really depends on your lifestyle, and this is the difficulty in talking about the solutions; we have to always talk about what the human race needs to do as a whole because everyone’s lifestyles are different. You know you could already be vegetarian or maybe you walk to work.”

Alastair’s newest film about the environment,  “A Life On Our Planet,” came out in theaters in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Ireland, Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Australia, and New Zealand. You can watch it on Netflix.

A film that serves as a wake-up call

The film “A Life On Our Planet”  depicts the growing environmental destruction through the decades in the eyes and career of Sir David Attenborough. The film’s goal was to help people relate to the topic, so it was less abstract or disconnected from real life. Attenborough warns that as wildlife declines, our own destruction isn’t far behind. He addresses each decade of his life, explaining how the natural world’s decline is near and any vestiges of wildlife face certain doom. It’s a scary film. But most reviewers were infatuated with Attenborough calling him much loved and respected. In his native United Kingdom, he is, indeed, a national treasure.

The film has gotten high reviews for the emotional appeal and somber mood. Many people who believe the film’s claims wonder if the much loved and respected Attenborough’s urgent appeal is enough to make the changes needed.

Interestingly enough, in an interview in 2018, Sir David Attenborough suggested that giving dire warnings about devastating environmental issues was a “turn off.” He said that emphasizing this type of warnings about the planet would be acting like an “alarmist” and would be like “proselytizing.”

It would seem from watching “A Life On Our Planet,” that he’s changed his mind on being an alarmist. Most who watch the film said the film is horrifying until the last 30 minutes when Attenborough offers a glimmer of hope only if everyone on the planet completely changes the way they live.

Interestingly enough, there are no disagreements with Attenborough and his film’s assessment of the earth’s condition. Typically, on controversial issues, there are many opinions. But on this issue, if there are opposing sides, they are either quiet or not allowed to share their disagreement.

algae power plant

Learn about the algae power plants could help to reduce emissions.

The climate change controversy

Today, one of the most polarizing scientific debates related to the environment is climate change.  It’s as controversial for the public and for scientists as well. Although there are a growing number of people who adamantly disagree with climate change, you don’t hear about it very much. For the most part, the public believes most scientists support the idea that climate change is human-made. The public also hears messaging that a catastrophe on the earth is shortly due to climate change.

But like other scientific debates, an oversimplification occurs. People begin to mistrust science so that people either decide that climate change is an absolute real problem or they decide it’s a complete hoax. In reality, scientists rarely agree on any scientific issue.

Geoffrey C Kabat, in his scientific article, “Taking Distrust of Science Seriously,” said the following:

“To overcome public distrust in science, scientists need to stop pretending that there is a scientific consensus on controversial issues when there is not.”

Telling the public that 97% of scientists believe something is a political and confuses the public. Many people have far less, if any, scientific knowledge. These scare tactics emphasize catastrophic situations. Scientists call those who view things in this nuanced way deniers of the truth. The fact is that climate change is very untestable and very complex. There are many missing pieces of the puzzle.

Scientists have few controlled studies on climate change. They have measurements of temperatures and atmospheric CO2 levels. The idea of greenhouse gas isn’t new; researchers discovered it over a hundred years ago.  Scientists have some specific points of disagreement about climate change. What they know and what remains unknown puzzles most. Regardless, the public is led to believe that scientists understand everything about climate change.

This oversimplifying or politicizing the climate change issue for research funding or career gain puts scientific studies on climate change at risk. Science is rarely as neat and tidy as politicians or media would suggest.

united nationsFinal thoughts on the United Nations warning and trusting the world’s scientists

You must decide how you can help the environment. Of course, it’s unrealistic to believe that everyone on the planet will contribute to the cause of saving the environment. But for those who take these issues seriously, they will make the necessary life changes. Regardless of the warning signs, many people wonder if the earth is in such a decline as the United Nations warns.

So far, it’s hard to find anyone who denies that we are polluting the planet. Some controversial scientific debates continue over climate change–that’s how science evolves. You must attempt to understand both arguments before making a judgment call. And we must each do our part to save the planet.

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