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15 Lovely Quotes About Parenthood Never to Forget

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Parenthood is an amazing part of life, and these lovely quotes about parenthood help affirm that. While no one is ever fully ready to be a parent, it is one of life’s greatest experiences. You will find yourself while learning to raise your child.

These lovely quotes about parenthood will help you remember that parenthood is an amazing opportunity. Being a parent is a blessing, and if you can always remember that, you’ll bask in it. This isn’t to downplay the hard times, however, it’s simply to remind you of the good parts.

While parenthood is amazing, it is still hard sometimes. During the hard moments, it can be harder to remember all the great parts of it. That’s where these lovely quotes will help because they’ll remind you of how special parenting is.

Fifteen Lovely Quotes About Parenthood

Read these lovely quotes to remind you of how precious is the gift of children.

1. “No one is ever quite ready; everyone is always caught off guard. Parenthood chooses you. And you open your eyes, look at what you’ve got, say “Oh, my gosh,” and recognize that of all the balls there ever were, this is the one you should not drop. It’s not a question of choice.” – Marisa de Los Santos

lovely quotesParenthood isn’t something you can ever be ready for. Unless you’re already a parent, you will never know what to expect, no matter how much you prepare. Parenthood can be planned or it can be unexpected, and either way, you won’t be fully ready.

You don’t have to be reminded that it is one of the only things in life that you can’t mess up. There is no redo when you mess parenting up, so you have to work hard to do it right. Even so, it is the most beautiful and amazing experience. Parenthood is hard, but it’s worth every difficult moment.

2. “Parents are the ultimate role models for children. Every word, every movement, and action affects. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than a parent.” – Bob Keeshan

No matter what you do or say, your child is watching and learning from you, which is quite flattering. Never forget this because you want them to grow up and be the best they can be. So, be conscious of the way you behave so that your children have the best possible role model.

3. “I don’t remember who said this, but there really are places in the heart you don’t even know exist until you love a child.” – Anne Lamott

As Lamott reiterates, you learn about parts of your heart that are only available when you have a child. The love you will have for them is incomparable to anything else and will bring you more joy.

4. “A mother is a person who is seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie.” – Tenneva Jordan

As a parent, you will make sacrifices such as this one. You won’t be upset about it, you’ll simply be happy that everyone else has pie. These parental sacrifices tend to make you happier because, in return for your sacrifice, your children will be happy. The lovely quote reminds us that we must be selfless in our parenting.

5. “Behind every young child who believes in himself is a parent who believed first.” – Matthew Jacobson

Parents tend to believe their children can do anything, and they are correct. If a child has a parent who believes in them, then they will go on to be successful.

6. “Parents need to fill a child’s bucket of self-esteem so high that the rest of the world can’t poke enough holes to drain it dry.”- Alvin Price

As a parent, it is your job to raise your child’s self-esteem. You are capable of raising their self-esteem so much that anything the rest of the world says won’t affect it. Along the way, you will feel happier as you see your child developing in this way.

7. “In the external scheme of things, shining moments are as brief as the twinkling of an eye, yet such twinklings are what eternity is made of — moments when we human beings can say, ‘I love you,’ ‘I’m proud of you,’ ‘I forgive you,’ ‘I’m grateful for you.’ That’s what eternity is made of: invisible imperishable good stuff.”  – Fred Rogers

As a parent, you’ll experience many of these shining moments that Rogers refers to. All the small things are what will make your parenting journey the best one possible. It’ll bring good feelings to both you and your child.

pop quotes8. “The most beautiful thing in the world is to see your children smiling and knowing that you’re the reason behind their smile.” – Unknown

When you do something that makes your child smile, it is an indescribable feeling. This is the ultimate happiness for a parent. It makes all the hard times well worth it, and it’ll awaken your spirit.

9. “Affirming words from moms and dads are like light switches. Speak a word of affirmation at the right moment in a child’s life and it’s like lighting up a whole roomful of possibilities.” – Gary Smalley

When you use affirming words with your child, they will bask in it. It will help them see their potential. Plus, it will make them confident enough to try new things and pay attention to new opportunities.

10. “When you look at your life, the greatest happiness is family happiness.”- Joyce Brothers

Out of all the things in your life that make you happy, your family is the greatest of all. They are there for each moment and you will make your best memories with them.

11. “We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves.” – Henry Ward Beecher

It’s hard to understand how much your parents loved you. The only time you will truly realize it is when you have children of your own.

While you are loving your children, remember how much your parents loved you. This is the type of love only parents will understand and feel.

12. “The affection of parents makes infants feel safe in this dangerous world and gives them boldness in experimentation and in exploration of their environments.” – Bertrand Russell

A parent is a child’s comfort, especially for infants. They trust you more than anyone else in the world, and you give them the basis for exploration. When they feel safe, they’ll learn more as they explore and experiment.

13. “For me, being a mother made me a better professional, because coming home every night to my girls reminded me what I was working for. And being a professional made me a better mother because by pursuing my dreams, I was modeling for my girls how to pursue their dreams.” – Michelle Obama

Becoming a parent is life-changing, but that change is a benefit in all aspects of your life. You will become better at all things you do because you have a child who is watching. Let them see you work hard and achieve your goals. Then, they’ll know how to do it themselves when the time is right.

14. “The depth of the love of parents for their children cannot be measured. It is like no other relationship. It exceeds concern for life itself. The love of a parent for a child is continuous and transcends heartbreak and disappointment.” – James E. Faust

As stated before, the love a parent feels for their child is indescribable. It can’t be measured because there is no limit to it. Even when your child disappoints you, you will still love them through it all.

15. “A parent’s love is whole no matter how many times divided.” – Robert Breault

Parents with multiple children sometimes worry that they won’t have enough love to go around. Once the multiple children are brought into the world, however, parents see that this isn’t the case.

Since there is no limit to a parent’s love, there is enough love to go around no matter how many children they are. Parents can love all children without taking love away from any of the other children. It’s an amazing and miraculous concept, but it has been repeatedly proven.

lovely quotes for parentsFinal Thoughts on Lovely Quotes About Parenthood Never to Forget

After reading these lovely quotes about parenting, you are probably feeling lucky. Parenting is special and amazing, even during the hardest moments.

You are so special to your children, and you are their safe space. This is an amazing feeling because it’s an honor you won’t get from anyone else in life. Knowing that they rely on you, watch you, and go to you for comfort is a blessing.

Always remember that parenthood is a unique opportunity and a blessing that can’t be replaced. You’ll discover a love you never knew you could have and it can make you happier than you ever thought possible. Remember these lovely quotes about parenthood and you’ll always remember how blessed you are.

6 Easy Ways To Increase Your Resilience

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With all of the difficulties that life can bring, one must learn to be strong. But strength doesn’t come naturally to most people. It’s something that must be worked on and built over time. Still, learning to build up that mental strength is no simple feat. It can feel like an uphill battle to improving that fortitude. To help you out, here are 6 easy ways to increase your resilience.

1.    Get Some Emotional Space

When you’re close to a situation, it can be difficult to gain insight from it in a wholly rational manner. By nature, you can’t be unbiased towards your own situation, after all! As such, what you need to do is try to separate yourself from things that test you.

This doesn’t mean to avoid hardship, of course. Instead, when confronted with hardship, it means to step back from it and put yourself in the position of an observer. If you were on the outside looking in, how would this look to you? Studies have shown that distancing yourself emotionally from a situation makes things less intense, allowing for more positive methods of self-reflection.

You can apply a similar concept to memories that haunt you. When these memories crop up, watch them as if you are watching a movie. Separate yourself from the person in your memories. It’s not even a stretch to do, since you have likely learned, grown, and changed since that moment in time.

When performing this exercise of self-separation, you can help the process by asking yourself questions such as:resilience

  • Would an outsider looking in be able to see why this situation is negative for you?
  • Would an outsider looking in be able to see the points of view of the others involved in this scenario?
  • Could an outsider interpret a situation differently to you, or even be on your side at all?
  • What would an outsider’s fair evaluation of what they witness be?

2.    Break The Catastrophizing Cycle

Catastrophizing refers to the act of imagining all the worst-case scenarios instead of the more reasonable ones. For example:

  • When you hear about a storm hitting your city, you immediately fear that your home will be destroyed.
  • If you feel ill, you worry about having a life-threatening disease.
  • When you lose a job or fail a pitch meeting, you feel your career is permanently over.
  • If your partner breaks up with you, you think you’ll never find love and that you’ll die alone.
  • When an electrical appliance breaks down, you worry that it’s going to explode.

Those examples may have been somewhat extreme, but catastrophizing can also involve more minor negative thoughts. Regardless of the severity, this kind of thinking is linked to decreased positive thinking and symptoms of depression, especially in individuals who are already in somewhat difficult circumstances.

It is somewhat important to be aware of multiple possibilities, including the bad ones, so that you can prepare for different outcomes. You certainly shouldn’t only ever expert the best, as that means you won’t be ready for the many times when the best outcome isn’t the one you’ll get.

But going too extreme into the negative territory is unrealistic and unnecessary, and you can’t be resilient while you’re fretting over those thoughts. Learning to control that negativity is incredibly powerful!

3.    Learn To Forgive

Over the course of your life, many people will do you wrong. If you spend your time hating everyone who does something bad to you, you’re going to wind up being held back. In many cases, the act of bearing grudges and refusing to forgive can harm your mental and physical health, according to research.

Learning to forgive can be a complicated process, but it’s compelling to take control of your emotions and life in this way. Here are steps you will take in your journey towards forgiving others.

·         Step 1

Acknowledge what happened and the pain that it caused, and recognize how it continues to affect your life till this day.

·         Step 2

Commit to forgiveness. Forgiving someone is not something you can be wishy-washy over. You must decide to release ill will and resentment at the moment and commit to that.

·         Step 3

Understand what forgiveness requires. You don’t need to let someone get away with their wrongs, speak to them, or make nice with them to forgive, so if that isn’t necessary, focus on forgiveness from a distance.

·         Step 4

Find the opportunity for growth. This past pain has changed you. How has it made you better? How can it keep making you better?

Of course, forgiveness isn’t necessary for all circumstances. You may fully forgive a small number of people who have harmed you in excruciating and significant ways, and that’s okay. The recovery process from trauma and pain in those extreme situations can sometimes benefit from relieving yourself of the need to forgive.

But learning where a lack of forgiveness is holding you back is important. In almost all cases, forgiveness is going to have a more positive outcome for you. Learn to let go of grudges and move on with your life. You deserve better than to be held back by the pain of your past.

4.    Have Lots Of Positive Thinking

Positive emotions and thoughts are crucial in becoming a resilient person. Life will throw all sorts of curveballs at you, and if you’re in short supply of anything happy or positive, you could wind up in trouble as you struggle to stay afloat.

This is based on a psychological concept called the broaden-and-build theory. This theory refers to positive emotions as adaptations that evolve over time to serve as mental and even physical resources for the body. The goal in life, then, is to gain more and more positivity to get rid of old negativity and become stronger through those endeavors.

There are other benefits to learning to increase your bandwidth of positivity, though. Longevity, good physical health, and more fulfilling life outcomes are associated with a higher level of positive emotions. This means that these good thoughts don’t just help you get stronger. They also help your entire life improve!

Sure, it’s difficult to stay positive in bad or disappointing times. But that’s a skill that you can sharpen and improve over time, so get started right away!

pop meme5.    Practice Mindfulness to Increase Resilience

Mindfulness has become increasingly popular in the world of mental health over the last several years. Whether done in the form of meditation, in conjunction with a form of exercise, or brief few-minute bursts throughout the day, there’s no denying how commonly it’s spoken about and performed.

The reason mindfulness is such a hot topic is that it works. It is the act of focusing on the present and living in the moment, becoming aware of yourself, and simply existing. When mastered, it’s a potent tool for positive thinking, mental strength, and overall happiness. Don’t believe how effective it is?

Here are some studies that prove it!

  • “Mindfulness-based stress reduction and health benefits. A meta-analysis” in Journal of Psychosomatic Research (2004). This research paper roundly showed the positive benefits gained from mindfulness treatment across multiple groups of participants with different health statuses and conditions.
  • “Mechanisms of mindfulness: emotion regulation following a focused breathing induction” in Behaviour Research and Therapy (2006). This interesting study showed that 15-minute breathing induction exercises in mindfulness would allow for decreased severity in emotional responses to a variety of different images.
  • “Mindfulness-based stress reduction: a literature review and clinician’s guide” in Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (2008). This study indicated that mindfulness-based stress reduction treatment provides therapeutic qualities to healthcare providers and helps those with stress, anxiety, and chronic illness to manage their daily lives. It also found that all effects were positive, with no bad side effects to the treatment.
  • “Relationships between mindfulness practice and levels of mindfulness, medical and psychological symptoms and well-being in a mindfulness-based stress reduction program” in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine (2008). Performance of mindfulness practices, especially in conjunction with other calming or relaxing mindfulness-enhancing activities, leads to improvements in psychological wellbeing. The study also found that it reduces symptoms of mental and physical illness and brings down perceived stress levels.

There are plenty of guides online for how to perform acts of mindfulness. If you have a therapist, counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist, or similar medical professional, you can also ask them for tips.

6.    Remember, This Too Shall Pass

Resilience isn’t exactly easy to build. It takes a lot of time and effort to learn to be strong in all situations, and even then, you’ll have your moments of weakness because you’re still human.

The best way to begin building resilience is to apply strength in your everyday life. And sometimes, strength lies in just managing to get through the day, even when it’s difficult. The common phrase “this too shall pass” encompasses that message perfectly. Bad things happen, and sometimes your resilience will come not in fighting those things, but in outlasting them.

This is a powerful method of fostering positive thinking and hope. Knowing that a future is waiting ahead of you where this pain will be gone is an incredible way to empower yourself. It can reduce the distress you feel and remind you that even when things feel terrible, the world isn’t ending, and you will push through. Thinking of yourself as a strong warrior who survives all their worst days is a wonderful way to build your resilience.

This isn’t all just fancy talk, either. Research actually considers this method of thinking to be an effective and positive way of regulating emotions and focusing on the silver linings. Thinking about the future and realistically placing yourself in it will help you get through it. Need some help? Ask yourselves questions like:

  • Where will you be in five years?
  • What will you be doing in five years?
  • Will this matter to you anymore in five years?
  • How will this make you feel in five years?

resilienceFinal Thoughts On Some Easy Ways To Increase Your Resilience

It is never effortless to increase resilience and strength, but taking simple steps in that direction can be all you need to see long-term improvements. By beginning to work on yourself now, you’ll be naturally improving your strength already! So don’t waste any time in getting started on your journey to better resilience.

Therapists Reveal 8 Ways To Regulate Anger And Solve Problems

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Anger is a powerful emotion. Sometimes, it can be rather all-consuming and challenging to control. If you’ve ever felt so enraged that you started seeing red, there’s a fair chance that you, in the process of directing that anger at others, said or did hurtful things that you didn’t mean. But that still did not help you solve problems!

There’s no excuse for lashing out in anger, no matter the situation. But even if you bottle up your rage, you might still be handling it in negative ways, like by holding it pent up within you or expressing it in other harmful manners. It’s also not good if that anger stops you from fixing mistakes or solving problems.

That’s where emotional regulation comes into play! It can help prevent the worst effects of an emotional response or even dissipate it entirely, in a healthy way. But what is emotional regulation? Well, it’s what it sounds like – the act of balancing strong emotions to prevent disproportionate reactions. It is meant to bring feelings down to more manageable levels.

So, how can you perform this skill on your robust and blazing anger? How can you find rationality in the heat of the moment? Here’s how therapists reveal 8 simple ways to regulate anger and solve problems.

1.    Own The Anger

There’s no point in denying anger when it occurs. While you shouldn’t allow it to make you act out violently or in extremes, there’s nothing wrong with knowing and recognizing the anger and admitting to it.

solve problemsCommunicating your emotions to those around you may be the better option, states licensed clinical psychologist, author, keynote speaker, and professor Andrea Bonior, Ph.D. This preference is because:

  • To resolve something, you have to face it, and you can’t meet your anger if you don’t admit to yourself that you have it.
  • Your anger targets may not be aware of how you feel, which may escalate the situation.
  • It allows you to suggest a possible way to solve the issue or communicate your needs; for example, you could explain a need to cool off, request to change the subject or be guided through the problem.
  • It reduces your internal conflict.

2.    Take The Action You Need To Calm Down and Solve Problems

You’ve admitted that you’re angry – not it’s time to calm down. According to prolific author, licensed clinical social worker, and therapy trainer Robert Taibbi, this is an essential step in emotional regulation.

Do whatever you need to do that helps you calm down. If you need to leave the room for a few minutes, do so. It might be a good idea to get active, as studies indicate that exercise can have a positive effect on anger. Regardless, what you do to bring yourself to reality is up to you. You can:

  • Take a walk
  • Listen to some music.
  • Punch a pillow
  • Take a shower
  • Practice deep breathing or mindfulness meditation
  • Play a video game
  • Journal

Do note that if you significantly struggle with emotional regulation and can’t quite seem to get a handle on your emotions, you may want to speak to a doctor or relevant mental health professional. Though many people need to learn emotional regulation, severe difficulty in the matter can point to a mental illness such as borderline personality disorder, according to research.

3.    Make Modifications

The situation you’re in might not be one you can change. Still, there’s a chance that you can make small modifications, says Professor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Gerontology professor, writer, and researcher Susan Krauss Whitbourne, Ph.D. This is why you can pinpoint the emotion you want to reduce and focus on finding a positive way to calm down.

As an example:

  • Emotion: You’re feeling disappointed.
  • Identify the situation causing the emotion: You planned to handmake a lovely gift for a family member, but your expectations were too high. The gift doesn’t go as planned.
  • Modification: Choose a handmade gift that is within your abilities to do well.

These small modifications can be all you need to help alleviate your anger. Remember, setbacks don’t have to be the end of the world! You can find ways around them!

4.    Evaluate How to Solve the Problem

At some point in your anger, you have to ask yourself – is there an issue here? Once you’ve calmed down a little, look at the problem again. Ask yourself:

  • Was the crisis exacerbated or created due to my emotions?
  • Is there an external factor causing a disproportionate reaction to my circumstances, such as a lack of sleep or tiredness?
  • Is this a problem for me due to past experiences and trauma that likely won’t carry over to the present moment?
  • Are there more significant problems beneath the one on the surface?
  • Has this happened before? If so, how did I handle it then? Would that method work now?

Asking yourself all these questions should be able to chop down the problem into bite-sized pieces concisely. If a real problem remains, now you know its rational extent. This means you can now take appropriate action, says Taibbi. This is a crucial step in emotional regulation, according to research.

problems5.    Change Your Patterns

A lot of people are creatures of habit, in a sense. Their actions, reactions, and behaviors follow specific patterns. It can be challenging to get around that sort of thinking, as it’s so deeply ingrained into your psyche. But sometimes, that’s the best way to learn to regulate anger and solve problems, says Whitbourne. Here are some things you can change to manage anger better:

·         Thought Patterns

Everything we say and do is influenced, in some way, by our thoughts. So what are your thoughts and beliefs? What is it about them that leads to anger or sadness in certain situations? You’ve likely heard of the phrase, “don’t cry because it’s over; smile because it happened.” That’s what you have to do about your thoughts. Instead of your beliefs centering on loss, center them on the joy of experiences. Yes, you’ll still feel negative emotions for a little while, but the positive thinking will get you through a lot!

·         Attention

Often, what you choose to give your attention to is what is behind your negative thoughts and emotions. For example, you might dislike eating dinner outdoors because you’re obsessing over calorie counts, or you might feel inferior to people at parties because you don’t think you look as nice.

In that example, your focus would be on appearance. So shift that attention to something else! Think about the special treat of the outside food and how it can motivate you to give it your all at the gym later, or think about how you want to show off your cool swimsuit! Better yet, focus on you. If you keep paying the most attention to your own business, you’ll find that this thinking method comes naturally in the future.

·         Responses

The way you respond is your last line of defense between any given emotion trigger and emotional dysregulation. Learn to take control of your anger before it gets the better of you. Take several deep breaths and do what you need to do to calm down. Learn to get used to saying, “I’m feeling pretty angry right now, and I’d like some time to calm down. Can we continue this in a few minutes?”

6.    Know When To Progress

At some point, you’ll be cooled down enough to look at the problem in the eye and solve it. According to Taibbi, you should now:

  • Have clear, calm conversations with people who hurt you or angered you
  • Stop mulling, obsessing, or wallowing in the emotion
  • Be willing to find compromises, and understand that something you can’t get your way
  • Apologize if you’ve made outbursts of anger that have affected others; don’t attempt to justify, excuse, or shift blame
  • If needed, discuss with those involved how you can avoid this in the future; if not required, think to yourself how you can prevent this in the future

7.    Share It

Sharing your emotions can feel quite cathartic, according to Bonior. But you need to be careful about who you share these things with. Not all people will be prepared to hear what you have to say, and some won’t be supportive or validating of you regardless of how close they are to you.

It’s a good idea to choose close, trusted friends or family members to discuss these problems with. Make sure you let them know upfront if you’re letting off steam or want their input. There’s also the option of going to a therapist or counselor for an unbiased, outside opinion on the situation.

Can’t share what you experience with anyone? Write it down or express it in another way, such as by writing poetry, painting an angsty picture, or even heading to the gym to have a go at the punching bags.

8.    Check-In With You

The goal of learning to regulate your anger is to learn to train your brain to get itself under control so problems can be dealt with. Ideally, you’ll want to start learning to prevent anger from overflowing past a certain point, says Taibbi. Here’s a great, simple way to begin performing check-ins on your emotional state:

  • Rank your rage on a scale. Determine what number on that scale is the “dangerous” number that you have trouble dialing back.
  • Every hour, do a little check-in to see how you’re feeling and rank your anger on that scale you made.
  • If you’re getting close to the point of no return, take steps to dial it back. You know you’re getting close to the boiling point – now cool it down!

solve problemsFinal Thoughts On Some Simple Ways To Regulate Anger And Solve Problems

No one can deny that anger issues make solving problems and living peacefully with others very difficult. Unfortunately, emotional regulation can be challenging to get a grasp of. If you’re neurodivergent, you may even need the assistance of a qualified professional to help you with this skill.

Still, regardless of who you are and the circumstances of your life, there’s no shame in seeing a counselor or therapist about emotional regulation. These experts are trained to help you and can help you improve your positive thinking with their unbiased, professional techniques. Just remember: your anger doesn’t define you, nor does any emotion, and you are strong enough to control it!

6 Easy Ways to Prevent Foot Blisters + What to Do if It’s Too Late

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There’s nothing like limping around with a sore foot or blisters on your feet. It makes walking and other activities challenging, which can dampen your mood. How can you prevent this common foot condition or treat it naturally? Here are six steps to consider.

Six Tips for Preventing Foot Blisters

Because, as the adage says, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.

1. Wear the Right Shoes

blistersOne of the leading causes of painful foot blisters is people wearing shoes that don’t fit properly. Those cute little high heels may look great in the store, but they can cause misery for your feet. How many times have you buckled under the pressure of fashion and worn ill-fitting shoes just because you wanted to make a statement?

If you want to prevent blisters and other painful foot conditions, always wear the right shoes. Avoid buying shoes without trying them on and walking in them to see how they fit. A properly fitted shoe should be the right length and width, and it should support your arch comfortably.

Avoid shoes that crush your toes to an unbearable point. If your shoes are too big, the backs can rub against your heel causing sores. Consider having your feet professionally measured for proper fit each time.

2. Your Socks Make a Difference

You know that going barefoot or wearing shoes without socks can result in sores and all sorts of bothersome foot conditions. However, you can get foot blisters even when you are wearing socks if you don’t wear the right kind.

Conventional wisdom says that socks made of 100 percent cotton will allow your feet to breathe. Unfortunately, cotton socks retain moisture from foot sweat and can make your feet more prone to blistering. Instead, buy quality blended socks of the right thickness for your shoes.

If you are hiking or running, you may consider wearing two pairs of socks to protect your feet from friction. Many sock brands are made from a material that minimizes moisture so that they can be your feet’s best friend. Toss any worn socks or those with holes into the rag bag.

3. Keep Your Feet Lubricated

Think of your hard-working feet as machines. The reason you keep your tools, car, or other machines lubricated is to prevent friction from causing damage. If your feet are cracked and dry, they are more apt to get hot spots that turn into foot sores.

Before you put on your socks, give your feet a healthy rubdown with a rich, moisturizing lotion. Pay close attention to problematic areas, such as the soles of your feet and around your heels. The sides of your big and little toe are also prime targets for blisters, so slather on the moisturizer.

4. Dry Feet are Happy Feet

Dry and flaky feet can cause problems, but you don’t want them to be damp either. If you have chronic foot sweating, it may cause your feet to rub against your socks and shoes and create blisters. While you should moisturize your feet, you should also keep them cool and dry.

Be sure to dry your feet well after a bath, shower, or swimming. Don’t forget to dry well between your toes where moisture tends to hide. Sprinkle a little cornstarch on your feet to absorb extra moisture and odor.

5. Be Aware of Hot Spots

Everybody’s feet are different, and you know where your vulnerable areas are located. Have you ever noticed hot spots on your feet? It’s a warning to act before this spot turns into an irritating blister.

When you notice one of these flare-ups, stop what you are doing, and take some preventative measures. Are you wearing the right shoes, or are your socks a problem? Sometimes, putting a bandage over the hotspot will keep it secure until you change your socks or shoes.

6. Cover Hot Spots Before Activities

Even though most people’s feet have thick skin for protection, you can get hotspots no matter what precautions you take. If you already know the problematic areas that usually get tender and sore, you can minimize pain and discomfort by covering them beforehand.

Moleskin is an excellent protective material for hotspots on your feet. It is a heavy cotton material that is velvety soft and self-adhesive. It can be cut to any size to fit target areas of your feet, even on the sides.

Self-adhesive bandages also make suitable barriers on your feet. You may even consider gel bandages that protect potential hotspots while giving them a little extra cushion. Find the type of dressing that works best for you.

Helpful Ways to Treat a Foot Blister

So, you decided to rock those stilettos or adorable strap sandals and ended up with a bothersome footsore. They can appear anywhere on your foot, usually in the same areas you notice hotspots. These sores may be a small nuisance, or they can be larger and cause so much pain that walking becomes difficult.

The good news is that most sores on your feet will go away in a few days with the right treatment. Did you rub one on your foot and want to know how to take care of it? Try these simple suggestions.

feet1. Avoid Popping

No matter how great the temptation, try not to pop a blister that’s formed on your foot. Cover it loosely with a gauze bandage. Gauze is breathable and doesn’t risk sticking to the blister as a self-adhesive bandage would.

2. Keep it Clean

When a blister hasn’t popped, its thin membrane of skin keeps out bacteria and dirt that could cause infection. Gently wash around the blister and try not to pop it. However, if your blister does tear open, clean the fluid away gently and cover it with a gauze bandage.

3. If  You Must Pop

There are times when a foot blister is large, and popping it is unavoidable. You should not pop it on your own. But if you cannot resist the urge, be sure to use precautions to avoid infection. First, use alcohol to rub on a sharp sewing needle to sterilize it. Carefully lance the edge of the blister to allow the fluid to drain and relieve the painful pressure.

After the fluid is drained, gently wash the area with mild soap and water. Usually, the thin membrane of the skin will collapse on the raw skin underneath the blister. Allow it to stay there to be a protective barrier while the sore heals and apply some antibacterial ointment with a cotton swab.

If your blister drains a yellowish-green discharge or is unusually painful, consult your primary healthcare provider as soon as possible.

But… What if You Already Have Blisters? Here’s How to Fix Them

1. Aloe Vera

For thousands of years, people from all over the globe have used gel from aloe vera plants to soothe and heal burns and other skin conditions. It’s a natural moisturizer that can keep the skin around your blister cool and hydrated while it heals.

2. Green Tea Soak

Did you know that your favorite tea can help calm and heal your blistered feet? Green tea is loaded with antioxidants that can protect skin cells from free radicals and promote healing. Prepare a warm foot bath with green tea and soak your feet in it for 15-20 minutes.

3. Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil is an ideal remedy because it is a potent antibacterial and antifungal. It is also an astringent, which means it can help dry up the blister naturally. Use a cotton swab to apply tea tree oil on your blister until it heals.

4. Salt Bath

A warm, comforting salt bath can not only promote healing for blisters on your feet but is beneficial for your skin and can help you relax. Pour a fourth cup of sea salt into a gallon of warm water and soak your feet in it for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to rinse and dry your feet well afterward.

5. Apple Cider Vinegar

Maybe you already know about the countless health benefits that apple cider vinegar provides. It’s a natural astringent and antibacterial that is safe for most people’s skin. Dab a little apple cider vinegar on a cotton swab and gently apply to the blister.

6. Thyme for Garlic Remedy

Did you know that some of the most potent natural healers are right in your pantry and spice drawer? Thyme is not only a renowned disinfectant, but it is also a natural inflammatory that can promote healing to sores on your feet. Garlic is also a powerful antibiotic that protects your blisters from becoming infected as they heal.

In a medium stockpot over medium-high heat, bring a gallon of water and a small bunch of fresh thyme to a rolling boil. Remove the pot from the stove and allow the water to cool enough to be safe to the touch. Meanwhile, crush four cloves of garlic and wrap it in a sterile gauze bandage.

Soak your feet in the warm thyme water for about 20-30 minutes, then dry your feet well. Discard the garlic and apply the infused bandage to the blister-affected area. Keep the dressing on for about 15 minutes, then remove it and let your feet breathe.

blistersFinal Thoughts on Preventing Blisters on Your Feet

When your feet ache with blisters, it makes your whole body feel miserable. With some preventative measures, you may not get one in the first place. If you do, there are still some ways to treat them naturally until they go away.

Physiotherapists Reveal 8 Best Stretches To Ease Lower Back Pain

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Lower back pain is a prevalent complaint among many. Though aging tends to bring this type of discomfort on, even younger individuals can suffer from it, especially if they work desk jobs and sit all day.

Unfortunately, much lower back pain is so uncomfortable that it interferes with everyday life and positive thinking. At that point, you may want to begin taking measures to help release the tension in your back muscles. The best way to do this, naturally, is with stretches.

Stretches are gentle forms of exercise that lengthen the muscles and decompress them, allowing them to relax better and return to former flexibility. A good number of these exercises are particularly suited to the lower back pain and its surrounding area. Here’s how physiotherapists reveal the eight best stretches to ease lower back pain.

1.    Seated Forward Bend

relieve lower back painThis exercise works out the rear thigh muscles, known as the hamstrings. It helps to release spinal tension while reducing the contraction of the hamstrings.

Studies show that too-tight hamstrings can lead to an increased risk of injuries and pain in the lower back. As such, doing this stretch can have a positive effect on any back pain you experience.

Here’s how to do it!

  1. Begin by sitting on the ground with your legs straight in front of your body.
  2. Take a bath towel (standard size) and hook it around your heels.
  3. Bend forward slowly, hinging at the hip, until your stomach touches your thighs, pulling at the towel to help you get there.
  4.  Maintain a straight back as you do this. Stretch gently until you notice lower back and leg tension.
  5. Maintain the position for 30 seconds.
  6. Return to your starting position and allow a 30-second rest, if needed.
  7. Repeat the stretch three times.

Too easy or too difficult? Change where you grasp the towel to alter the tension. If the exercise becomes too easy for you, you can add to the amount of time spent in the stretch!

2.    Child’s Pose

This pose is commonplace in the practice of yoga. It works by slowly stretching the lower back muscles, reducing pain from muscle contraction. It also helps boost spine mobility, says Doctor of Physiotherapy, physical therapist, and Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Fei Jiang.

Here’s how to do it!

  1. Begin on all four hands and knees. Place your knees apart at a little wider than your hips and place your hands right beneath your shoulders.
  2. Sit backward onto your legs, taking it slow, while you move your arms to reach forward.
  3. Gently bring your head downwards until your forehead touches the ground.
  4. Focus on lengthening your back, but don’t overstretch.
  5. Maintain the position for between 20 and 30 seconds.

3.    Cat-Cow Pose

Yet another yoga pose, this stretch allows for boosted flexibility. Studies have found that improving flexibility can have significant positive effects on back pain, so this pose is a great way to get things going.

How does it work? Well, the cat-cow helps ease core muscle and lower back muscle tension, working on helping you gain flexibility in these areas. It’s a dynamic pose, pulling muscles in varying directions to engage them well.

Here’s how to do it!

  1. Begin on all four hands and knees. Place your knees right beneath your hips and your hands right beneath your shoulders.
  2. Slowly arch your back upwards as your head gently lowers forward. It would be best if you were pulling your stomach inwards towards your back.
  3. Maintain this part of the stretch, the Cat pose, for between five and 10 seconds. You should feel a gentle amount of lower back stretching.
  4. Now, reverse your position; bring your head upwards as your stomach and pelvis drop downwards, letting your back curve towards the ground.
  5. Maintain this part of the stretch, the Cow pose, for between five and 10 seconds.
  6. Return to your starting position.
  7. Repeat the cat-cow stretch between 15 and 20 times.

Not able to get on all fours right now? You can do a variation of the cat-cow at your desk, place your feet onto the ground, and keep your back straight while sitting on a chair. Rest your hands on your knees and get arching!

4.    Trunk Rotation

The trunk rotation is a great stretch for boosting core muscle strength, including pelvic, back, and abdominal muscles. Jiang states that it also boosts spinal mobility, relieving lower back and trunk side muscle tension as it goes.

Here’s how to do it!

  1. Begin by lying on your back with your knees up at a right angle, as if you are sitting in a chair at the moment.
  2. Reach your arms outwards to the sides, fully extending them, keeping your palms face-down.
  3. Roll your knees, both still bent, to the right side of your body. Make sure your knees stay together, and your palms are on the ground.
  4. Maintain the position for between 15 and 20 seconds.
  5. Return to your starting position.
  6. Do the same exercise again, this time rolling your knees to the left.
  7. Continue to repeat, alternating between right and left, for between five and 10 times on each side.

5.    Supine Figure 4

This stretch is, once again, a yoga pose, though slightly lesser-known. If you’re wondering why so many yoga poses are on this list, it’s because studies indicate that it is a positive and viable treatment for different kinds of back pain!

So, how does the Supine Figure 4 work? Simply put, it helps the lower back to feel relaxed as the hips open. Y7 instructor Hilary Wright states that the pose is good for stretching the piriformis and outer glute muscles, which can both become tense and affect contractions in the lower back.

Here’s how to do it!

  1. Begin by lying on your back with your feet pressed to the ground and your knees bent.
  2. Gradually raise your right leg, bringing it over, so your right ankle crosses over your left thigh. Keeping your right foot well-flexed.
  3. Increase the intensity by pulling in your left knee and gripping the area at the back of your left thigh. Skip this step if it is too difficult for you.
  4. Maintain the position for between 10 and 15 seconds.
  5. Please do the same exercise again, this time raising your left knee, bringing it over so your left ankle crosses over your right thigh.
  6. Continue to repeat, alternating between sides, as many times as you like.

6.    Pelvic Tilt

Many people who experience lower back pain also find their pelvis feels stiff and difficult to move. To counter that, the pelvic tilt helps relax those muscles while still working on the compression of back muscles and improving flexibility.

Here’s how to do it!

  1. Begin by lying on your back with your feet pressed to the ground, your knees bent, and your arms resting at your sides.
  2. Slowly raise your lower back into an arch, focusing on keeping your core stable as you push your belly outwards.
  3. Maintain the position for between five and 10 seconds.
  4. Relax.
  5. Now, raise your pelvis a little bit, moving it upwards, so it is pushed towards the ceiling, but without ever leaving the ground.
  6. Tighten the muscles of your buttocks and abdominals, pressing your back into the ground.
  7. Maintain the position for between five and 10 seconds.
  8.  Relax.
  9. Return to your starting position.
  10. Repeat the bridge stretch between 10 and 15 times daily, working your way up to between 25 and 30.

7.    Bridge

The bridge is a great way to see softened and lengthened sit bones, allowing for more flexibility and ease. According to Wright, it also helps activate the gluteus maximus, specifically its lower portion, used in back support.

Here’s how to do it!

  1. Begin by lying on your back with your feet pressed to the ground and your knees bent. Keep your heels near to your glute muscles.
  2. Press your feet downwards, using the force to help raise your hips upwards.
  3. Relax your body, softening the sacrum, as your sit bones are lengthened and stretch to your knees.
  4. Maintain the position for 30 seconds.
  5. Repeat as necessary.

Is the normal bridge stretch too difficult for you? Grab a firm cushion, foam roller, or similar item and place it beneath your hips while you do the exercise. This will provide less compression to your back and support your efforts!

8.    Knee-To-Chest Stretch

This stretch is straightforward, but that’s part of what makes it easy to perform and add to a daily routine. It works by elongating parts of the lower back that usually experience pain and tension.

Here’s how to do it!

  1. Begin by lying on your back with your feet pressed to the ground and your knees bent.
  2. Take both of your hands and grasp your right knee with them, then pull that knee close to your chest.
  3. Maintain the position for 5 seconds while keeping your spine pushed into the ground and engaging your abdominal muscles.
  4. Return to your starting position.
  5. Do the same exercise again, this time pulling your left knee.
  6. Continue to repeat, alternating between right and left, between 2 and 3 times on each side.

Final Thoughts On Some Best Stretches To Ease Lower Back Pain

Back pain can be annoying, but performing stretches daily can slowly but surely undo the worst of the discomfort. Make sure you’re practicing these stretches slowly and gently, without pushing yourself to injury.

If you are experiencing severe chronic back pain, it’s a good idea to talk to a doctor or relevant medical specialist to determine the cause of the problem. Extreme circumstances of back pain will need more than positive thinking, and some stretches to treat!

Doctors Explain What Happens When You Write In A Journal Every Day

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Here’s why a gratitude journal is so helpful for a happier life.

Writing your thoughts and feelings in a private notebook isn’t new. When you were a teenager, you or someone you know may have kept a diary. For teenagers, a journal is a great way to cope with the stress of adolescence. On the other hands, adults benefit from keeping a happiness or gratitude journal.

Many adults cease using diaries when they grow up. However, they shouldn’t because it can still help you deal with stress like it did during high school. For adults, it’s called journaling instead of writing in a diary.

Journaling is a technique that’s been successfully used for mental health therapy worldwide. It’s proven to have immense benefits for your mental health. Many people are unaware that it also has benefits for your physical health as well.

In this article, you’ll discover what doctors say will happen to your body when you write in a journal daily. It’s good news, so keep reading to find out more.

Scientific Evidence Behind Journaling

Writing in a journal daily improves your mental health, which leads to improvements in your physical health. It’s no secret that the mind and body are connected. The body often mimics the state of your mind.

Researchers believe journaling can help people avoid negative thoughts and improve their memories. University of Texas psychologist James W. Pennebaker, Ph.D., says that people tend to express more emotion when writing which helps them “simplify and organize fragmented memories.” Dr. Pennebaker is a lead researcher and is widely known for his research into how journaling improves cognitive functioning.

Journaling is even helpful for people with physical conditions and diseases. When they write in a journal daily about things that involve their needs, it helps them to manage their problems better. One example is a food journal – journaling about what you eat, when you eat it, and how you feel when you eat can help manage things like diabetes and weight loss.

Increases in the availability of technology have led to online journaling being popular. Even this type of journaling has shown to be a significant help in managing mental health. The ability to access the journal anytime, anywhere, makes it more convenient.

Journaling directly impacts mental health and indirectly affects physical health. In the next section, some of the more specific benefits are discussed.

Eleven Benefits of Journaling

write in a journal1 – Stress Reduction

One of the most widely known benefits of journaling is stress reduction. Many of the benefits of a gratitude journal stem from the removal of stress. This outcome is because stress affects many bodily functions, including thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physical processes.

Journaling about stressful things in your life can help you get a fresh perspective on them. Simply writing them down can feel like you’re lifting a weight off of your shoulders. With the clarity you get from journaling about these stressful things comes the rest of the benefits below.

2 – Improve Health Conditions

It may not seem like your physical health can improve when you write in a journal daily, but it’s been proven that it does. In a study by Dr. Pennebaker and Joshua Smyth, Ph.D., of Syracuse University, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis patients who journaled during the course improved their conditions four months after their journaling exercises. There are studies done for other conditions as well.

Journaling isn’t going to cure any condition. However, it will make it much more manageable by reducing the impact of the symptoms.

3 – Cope with Depression

Plenty of studies show that a gratitude journal can help improve or fight depression. It’s been shown that journaling can be as effective as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression. Sometimes, getting things off your chest, even if it is just to a notebook, is enough to make you feel better and add some positivity to your life.

4 – Mood Booster

Since journaling can help with depression, it’s no surprise that it can improve a person’s mood. People often feel a sense of relief as well as an inner-peace after journaling. This mindset can make them feel happier, freer, and in an overall better mood. This outcome is especially true when they’re getting stress relief.

5 – Face Your Fears

Journaling may not make you a superhero, but it can make you brave enough to face your fears. When you write in a journal daily, it can help you identify patterns of fear. It can also help you to see solutions to those fears. As your stress and mood are relieved, you can find the confidence to conquer your fears.

6 – Memory Improvements

Writing is a proven way to improve your memory. This improvement is actual even outside of journaling. That’s why it’s recommended that students to take notes by hand.

According to Dr. Helen Macpherson of the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition (IPAN) at Deakin University, when you write, you have a more challenging time keeping up with what you’re trying to remember (compared to typing). Writing causes your brain to encode the information differently, leading to a better chance of remembering what you’re writing.

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7 – Manage Anxiety

Writing in a journal daily can improve your anxiety because it helps you slow down and cope with your stressors at a more manageable pace. Writing calms you and allows you to clear your mind. You become more self-aware, and you feel comfortable confronting your stressors.

It’s almost like you’re in a safe place when you write in your gratitude journal daily. Your journal becomes where you can go when you need inner peace.

8 – Identify Medical Triggers

As stated before, journaling can help you improve certain health conditions. It can also help you identify specific triggers that can aggravate those medical conditions. By having a log of your activities, what you eat, and how you feel, you can go back and see what you were doing right before you got sick. This data comes in handy when you visit your doctor.

9 – Journal to Recovery

Unfortunately, so many people are subject to traumatic events. However, writing in a journal daily can aid them on their path to recovery. Journaling can help you get your negative thoughts on paper so you can stop worrying about them. This allows you to free your mind so you can process your grief.

Journaling can help with recovery from many different situations. It could be alcoholism, eating disorders, drugs, sexual violence, etc. Journaling is especially helpful in helping kids recover.

10 – Immune System Boost

Journaling will help improve specific conditions and significantly boost your immune system, so you aren’t getting sick as often. This is because you’re relieving so much stress from yourself when you write in a gratitude journal daily. Your body can stop focusing on stress and start focusing on other things that require energy and attention.

11 – Enhances Creativity

Journaling is essentially a form of self-expression. Since its private, people feel freer to let their imaginations roam while they write. You can put anything you want, leading to your wildest dreams coming out on paper (or screen if you decide to type). You may even surprise yourself at how creative you are.

It can be incredibly freeing to write anything you want without judgment. Letting your creativity come out can be incredibly inspirational and motivational. You’ll find ways to solve problems and achieve goals. The sky is the limit when you write in a journal daily.

Tips for How to Journal Effectively

It’s not hard to be an effective writer for your journal. Use these simple tips to get you going in the right direction.

  1. You’ll first want to find a private place where you feel safe and comfortable. This privacy will help you with clarity while you’re writing.
  2. Next, let go of any rules or preconceived notions about what journaling is. This is your chance to make it whatever you want or need. It’s your story, so make your own rules.
  3. Don’t second-guess yourself. Write whatever comes to mind. Write what feels right to you. You should feel what you’re writing, which should be important to you.
  4. When you write, be honest with yourself. You can’t reap the benefits if you don’t face whatever is in your head. No one will read your gratitude journal, so don’t be afraid to write everything you keep hidden away.
  5. Finally, be consistent with journaling. You should write at least 15 minutes, three times a week to be effective, but you can certainly write more than that.

write in a journalFinal Thoughts on the Amazing Things That Follow When You Write in a Journal

Journaling is a handy tool if you’re consistent with it. Daily journaling would be the most effective, but even if you only write a few days a week, you can benefit from the positivity it creates.

You don’t have anything to lose by keeping a gratitude journal. In fact, you have all the benefits mentioned here, plus many others that can improve your life. Give it a chance – you will be glad that you did.

Researchers Confirm: Climate Change Causing Droughts and Wildfires

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The world is on fire, and not enough attention is being put on this global disaster. So far, in 2020, the world has experienced some of the worst wildfires since wildfires have been tracked. Hotter, drier conditions due to climate change are making conditions more favorable for wildfires. Pair that with lightning storms that are striking hundreds of times within a short span, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Stephen J. Pyne, an emeritus professor at Arizona State University, says that these worsening wildfire problems are due to fossil fuels and climate change. “We don’t have a fire problem; we have many fire problems,” he said.

Wildfires are a global problem, and most countries, even first world countries, aren’t equipped to deal with them. The sheer size it grows to, and its speed devours land makes it an impossible beast to tame. The best (and only) defense we have is to evacuate people and try to moisten a perimeter around the blazes hoping that it won’t spread. This defense rarely works, especially during droughts, as evidenced by the billions of destroyed acres every year.

A September 28, 2020 article in Science Daily confirms that climate change is the cause of these droughts and heatwaves. Today, we will take a closer look at the dangerous shifts.

The Worst Wildfire in History and How It Compares in 2020

The worst wildfire in recorded history happened in Australia in 1939. Called the Black Friday Bushfires, it burned over 4.9 million acres and killed 71 people. Although smaller patches of fire had been burning since December of 1938, heavy, hot winds caused these tiny patches to combine on January 13, 1939, and form into a wildfire that continues to be labeled as the worst wildfire history 81 years later.

The fire burned for two days until it was extinguished by rain. There were several factors that contributed to the development of the wildfire, but the underlying cause was a drought that had lasted in the area for several years. Newspapers at that time had the temperature pegged at 114°F.

Unfortunately, in 2020, Australia also suffered a devastating wildfire disaster that topped the Black Friday bushfires. It seems that history really does repeat itself. The wildfire that occurred in Australia this year burned over 25 million acres.

The impact of these fires

droughtsAccording to Matthias Boer, lead scientist of the NSW Bushfire Risk Management Research Hub at Western Sydney University said that this was an unprecedented burning that was not observed in any other forest over the past 20 years. According to Boer, wildfires usually only burn about five percent of the forest in Australia, and countries like Africa and Asia may have as much as nine percent burned. However, the wildfires in Australia in 2020 burned over 20% of the Australian forest.

The one silver lining is that only 33 people were killed in 2020 versus 71 in 1939. This is largely due to firefighters having better training and better gear. In 1939, firefighters did not wear protective gear and had no training.

While the world seems to be getting better at saving lives, the fight against wildfires seems to be a losing battle.

How Climate Change is Leading to Larger Wildfires

For decades, researchers have been warning the world’s leaders about the devastating effects of climate change. According to Boer, the future that researchers feared is arriving sooner than expected. Despite the avid warnings and obvious evidence, many people still don’t quite understand how climate change affects the world.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change is more than just the changing of the seasons annually. It’s a global shift in the average temperature of the Earth. Over centuries, man-caused heating of the planet has been causing a warming trend that has resulted in seven cycles of glacial advance and retreat. The end of the Ice Age is a prime example of this.

According to NASA researchers, the Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by 2.05°F since the 19th century. The ocean’s surface temperature has increased by .6°F since 1969. This may not sound like much, but Earth has a delicate balance, and even slight changes in its temperature can create dramatic shifts. This has led to a decrease in the number of record low-temperature events and an increase in the number of record high-temperature events (like wildfires).

Climate change is caused by a build-up of pollution in the Earth’s atmosphere. This pollution is essentially carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that has a 53 percent density than that of dry air. This gas traps heat, leading to global warming (another term for climate change).

Why Rising Temperatures are Concerning Researchers

The important thing to remember is that the previous section’s temperature rises are the entire Earth’s average temperature. Unfortunately, many regions in the world are experiencing much more dramatic temperature increases. Not only does this increase the likelihood of severe wildfires, as is being discussed, but it puts human life in danger.

According to NASA researchers, a mere shift of 2.7°F (1.5°F) will cause 14 percent of the global population to be subjected to extreme heatwaves at least once every five years. As you can see from the previous section, the world is almost there. If the increase is 3.6°F, the affected population will be 37 percent.

Evidence of this is popping up all over the world. The Australian temperature was the hottest it had ever been when the 2020 bushfires started. The European heatwave of 2003 – the exact phenomenon that NASA researchers are referring to – killed more than 30,000 people.

In August of 2020, Death Valley, California, in the United States broke the world record for the hottest global temperature since 1931 at 130°F. If you think third place isn’t anything to worry about, Death Valley already holds the first place position. Furnace Creek, which is in the heart of Death Valley, was recorded at 134°F in 1913.

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How Climate Change Factors into Droughts

It’s obvious that droughts encourage wildfires, but it may help understand how climate change is causing droughts to get worse and to happen more frequently. Here is a quick breakdown of what happens.

A drought occurs when an area doesn’t get as much rainfall or snow as it normally would, leading to a water shortage in the area. This doesn’t mean over the course of a few days or weeks. It can be an entire season or over a period of several years. Naturally, there are areas on Earth that are extremely dry, but these are normal conditions for that area. Those areas aren’t considered as being in a drought.

The problem with climate change is that higher temperatures are causing more evaporation to occur. Water gets evaporated from plants, trees, soil, waters, and rivers – even the oceans. This leads to even drier conditions. It leads to everything being dry.

The impact of evaporation

Once evaporation occurs, this can lead to storms. Oddly enough, this can be a bad thing in a drought. With storms come lightning, and lightning strikes are what causes wildfires to start.

One would think that a storm will cause the drought to go away and would put out wildfires. It’s possible, and in fact, wildfires are put out by heavy rain. However, the temperature is still a problem. If it’s just a light rain, a lot of the rain will run off into sewers, and the rest of it just quickly gets evaporated again before it can soak into the soil.

On top of that, fire spreads extremely quickly. It can spread as fast as 6.7 mph in a forest. When you consider the fact that the average thunderstorm is around 15 miles wide, you can see how fire could easily escape the storm.

To make matters worse, there are storms in which the precipitation evaporates before it hits the ground (climate change strikes again). These are called dry thunderstorms. You get all the lightning but little to no rain.

In all fairness, some small fires can be caused by people – burning trash, camping, etc. These fires would be contained if the land wasn’t so dry from the drought. Thus, many cities prone to droughts will issue no-burn orders to their citizens to prevent these small fires.

droughtsFinal Thoughts on Climate Change, Droughts, and Wildfires

This was a lot of information that was presented. Still, one thing you can clearly deduce from it is that pollution is causing climate change, climate change is exacerbating droughts, and droughts are leading to mega-wildfires. Climate change is something that researchers have studied and issued multiple warnings about over the past century. There are numerous global warming activism groups all over the world. Their goal to bring attention to this life-altering phenomenon that is happening.

Although the damage to the Earth’s atmosphere can be halted and reversed, researchers say that it could possibly take centuries to reset the Earth’s temperature back to normal. That means that extreme wildfires and severe droughts will have to be endured for a long time. However, people and companies worldwide have been working to reduce their carbon footprints and stop climate change. There is still hope for humankind.

Nutritionists Reveal 15 Calcium-Rich Foods to Support Bone Health

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Are you getting enough calcium-rich foods in your diet? Calcium is essential for bone health, and it’s also responsible for keeping your skeletal system working correctly as well as your organs. While you can take supplements, this mineral is found in the foods you eat.

How can you be sure you’re getting the proper amount of calcium-rich foods you need to keep your levels therapeutic? Nutritionists study the appropriate foods and combinations the body needs for optimal health.

According to the experts at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), being calcium-deficient is a primary reason we lose bone density at older age. The complications that could result are brittle bones, osteopenia, and osteoporosis, to name a few.

Try These Fifteen Calcium-Rich Foods

Here are the 15 best foods that are rich in calcium you should be eating.

calcium intake chart

1. Yogurt

Dairy products are a great source of calcium, and there are so many to choose from. One cup of plain yogurt has over 440 mg of calcium? Wow, that’s a fantastic amount. Now, if you plop some blueberries or strawberries on top, you will get more protein and fiber, as well as some added sweetness.

calcium-rich2. Sardines

Eating sardines seems scary to most people. Canned seafood is an acquired taste, but the sky is limiting what you can do with these little fishes. Sardines are full of nutrients. Did you know that the average four-ounce can have more than 350 milligrams of calcium? If you can’t stomach the smell from these fish, you should try canned shrimp. A three-ounce serving of these prawns is around 120 mg of calcium.

3. Kale

Plant foods are among the most calcium-rich. One cup of cooked kale has more than 170 mg of calcium, but the raw only has 53 mg. Unlike milk, your body can easily absorb the calcium in these greens.

Be careful because not all greens are created equal. Spinach has a great deal of calcium, but it’s not as easy for the body to absorb because of the oxalic acid in it. Plus, kale is an excellent sore of protein and can help satisfy cravings for salty chips when baked and sprinkled with salt.

4.Cheese

Cheese is a tasty dairy product that gives you a lot of calcium, but the quantity will depend on the type you eat. Cheddar is a popular choice and a good option. It has almost 200 mg per ounce. If you like mozzarella, then you can get about 225 mg of calcium from one house. Parmesan will give you the highest amount at over 330 mg.

Do you like cottage cheese? While it’s not technically a cheese, since it’s made from mild curds is a dairy product with lots of calcium. If you can’t do yogurt, you might want to try this product as it has 250 mg of calcium in one cup. Additionally, the protein level is not shabby, either at 23 grams.

5. Tofu

If you’ve never tried tofu, now is the time to start. When it comes to calcium-rich foods, this one is one to consider. Did you know that if you eat just a half-cup of fortified tofu, you can get up to 800 mg of calcium?

Vegans and vegetarians love this soy-based product because it’s an easy way to get some extra iron, fiber, and protein into their diets. Remember, the options are limitless with tofu because it takes on the taste of whatever seasonings you use.

6. Broccoli

If you’re into greens, then you need to make sure you are eating enough broccoli. One cup of these tree-like stalks can give you 40 mg of calcium. Some people don’t like the crunchiness of this veggie when it’s raw so that you can cook it too. On top of the healthy dose of calcium, you will also get potassium, Vitamins C and A, as well as plenty of fiber.

7. Bok Choy

Bok choy is also called Chinese cabbage as it’s used in many Asian dishes. If you need some calcium-rich foods in your life, then you should consider this one. One cup will give you over 70 mg of calcium, but if you cook it, then it jumps to over 150 mg.

Thankfully, your body will absorb most of the vital minerals from this plant too.

8. Dried Figs

Many people watching their waistline prefer figs because they give some sweetness without a lot of calories. If you were to eat four figs, then you would get about 60 mg of calcium. Don’t forget that they also come with a nice punch of fiber and potassium.

These fruits often go unnoticed, but they should be in everyone’s home.

figs

Learn ten excellent reasons to add figs to the menu.

9. Almonds

If you were to eat about one-fourth of a cup of almonds each day, you would consume around 100 mg of calcium. Now, the only downside with this popular nut is that they are higher in calories. They will, however, give you plenty of healthy fats and fiber.

10. Whey Protein Powder

Those who want to build strong muscles often turn to whey protein powder for help. It’s also used in many recipes in Keto diets and other low carb eating plans. While it’s great for low calories and sugars, it has a fantastic amount of calcium.

Just one scoop of this powder can give you 90 mg of calcium. Did you know that this powder is made from cow’s milk, so it’s easy to see why it’s so high in calcium? The only word of caution is to avoid those that are made with artificial sweeteners or that have high sugar content.

11.Chia Seeds

Chia seeds add a little crunch to your foods, and you can use them on just about anything. Eating two tablespoons of these seeds each day will give you around 180 mg of calcium. If you like sesame seeds, then you can get 280 mg for around the same amount.

Your calcium-rich foods list should include nuts, grains, seeds, soy, and beans.

12.Soy Milk

So, soy milk isn’t as popular as cow’s milk, but it’s a great nutrition source. You can enjoy it with other calcium-rich foods for a real boost of this mineral. These plant-based kinds of milk are every bit as nutritious as the different varieties.

Additionally, avoid any of these plant kinds of milk fortified with tricalcium phosphate as it doesn’t have near the calcium content. A serving of these dairy-free milk options is about two cups, and it has around eight milligrams of calcium.

13. Fortified Cereal

You need calcium-rich foods to eat with your soy milk. Why not try a fortified cereal? Now, you must be careful when shopping for cereal because they will put all sorts of catchphrases on the outside to lure in a new customer.

The real story is on the label on the back of the box. First, you want a cereal that provides plenty of whole grains as well as low sugar. You want to stay with a brand that has less than ten grams per serving.

You want to have at least five grams of fiber, which will help to fill you up. One serving of cereal that is fortified with calcium can have up to 1,000 mg of this mineral. It’s genuinely one of the best calcium-rich foods to have in your pantry.

14. Trail Mix

Who would think that trail mix would be one a calcium-rich food? Now keep in mind that not all trail mixes are created equally. The additives to each one are different, and it can affect the calcium levels.

Find a trail mix with some almonds, cashews, or pretzels as well as some dried fruit and yogurt covered raisins. When you find one that has some of these offerings, then it’s a nutrient win. One cup of the right blend can give you about 50 grams of calcium.

15. Orange Juice

Nothing tastes better than an ice-cold glass of calcium-fortified orange juice for breakfast. The health benefits of freshly squeezed orange juice have not gone unnoticed. You need the Vitamin C it provides to fight off illnesses and boost your immunity.

By drinking just one cup of nature’s elixir, you’re getting a whopping 350 mg of calcium. Other benefits include potassium, Vitamins, C, A, and D, and magnesium.

calcium-richFinal Thoughts on Eating Calcium-Rich Foods Every Day

As you age, your bone health becomes even more important to you. Conditions like osteoporosis can creep up on you after years of deficiency in your nutrition. It’s never too late to undo the past by eating a healthy diet full of calcium-rich foods and other vital nutrients.

Incorporating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for maintaining bone health, especially as you age. Meal kit services offer a convenient solution to ensure you receive the necessary vitamins and minerals your body needs for optimal bone density.

By providing pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-follow recipes, these services make it simple to prepare meals that focus on calcium-rich foods like leafy greens, dairy products, and fortified options. This not only supports your bone health but also encourages a culinary exploration that can make healthy eating enjoyable and sustainable.

Moreover, many meal kit services now offer specialized options, including anti inflammatory meal delivery, which can further benefit your overall well-being. These meal kits focus on incorporating ingredients known to reduce inflammation, such as fatty fish, nuts, and various spices. By integrating these nutrient-dense foods into your diet, you can promote better bone health and combat potential age-related conditions.

You don’t need to make any drastic changes to your diet. Just start small like a yogurt or cereal with soy milk for breakfast. For lunch, you can incorporate things like trail mix, some almonds or figs, and a nice salad. And find little ways to add these foods to your evening meal, as well–perhaps some canned shrimp over a kale salad.

Find little ways to increase your calcium-rich food intake daily, and your bones will thank you.

Psychology Reveals How Spanking Harms a Child’s Mental Health

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Where do you stand on spanking a child? Did your parents spank you? Many other countries wouldn’t dare use hitting as a form of punishment.

Yet, America, one of the world’s freest nations, has many people who resort to acts of physical violence to discipline their children. Did you know that more than 70 percent of Americans believe that spanking their child is an acceptable form of punishment?

However, what they don’t realize is the amount of mental damage they’re doing. Sure, the sting from a belt or switch will quickly fade, but the marks left on a child who suffers from physical reprimand can last a lifetime.

Who Favors Physical Punishment?

spankingWhile spanking is a form of corporal punishment, it’s a very mild form. Did you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics says that a child of any age should never be struck as a form of discipline?

The Midwestern part of the country seems to be more favorable to this type of correction than other parts of America. Did you know that your education level can dictate whether or not you would spank? If you are highly educated, then you are less likely to use this form of punishment.

However, people who have a high school education or less seem to favor spanking as a form of reprimand. The problem with spanking comes down to the disciplinarian. See, many parents strike their children when they are angry, scared, stressed out, afraid, or fear their next move.

It’s often used as a last resort when no more options exist. Some experts call spanking an adult temper tantrum where nothing is ever resolved and only worsens the situation. Now, you may have the occasional time when your child ticks you off, and you swat them.

While it’s still wrong, it won’t cause any long-term damage. The problem comes into play when you repetitively turn to physical violence and spank your child. It’s a severe problem when you think that the only way you can handle your child is to hit them.

Hitting a kid doesn’t teach them anything at all. It shows them that if you don’t like the way someone is acting, you can hit them, and it settles the score.

Why Is It That Physical Discipline Never Works?

Striking a child should never be a dominant disciplinary method. Everyone makes mistakes, and many don’t know how to handle the situation. Use the past to make better decisions for the future. Here are ten reasons why you should never use corporal punishment on your children.

1. Violence is Never Okay

If you use physical correction on your child, you teach them that this is an acceptable way to deal with anger and conflicts. It also contradicts societal norms, making the child feel singled out and ashamed.

2.Inflicting Pain on a Child is Damaging

Making your child feel pain for the wrong choice in life is cruel. Some people believe that they are doing things for the child’s good, but the theory of “No pain, no gain” doesn’t apply here.

Child-rearing is about love, not hurting, so you need to find effective discipline methods that show you love them.

3. It Damages You Too

Not only is striking your child emotionally damaging to them, but it’s also damaging to you. Have you ever spanked your child and felt horrible afterward? You may doubt your parenting skills and feel doubt, remorse, or guilt over your actions. It makes parents feel like a bully and not a guide in life.

4. Children Can Suffer Esteem Problems

Hitting of any kind can be damaging to a child’s ego. When you spank them, they feel as if there is something wrong with them. They don’t question their behavior as they’re feeling the pain from their parent hitting them.

Did you know that this action can lead to self-image issues as well as body image problems?

depression in children

Know the signs of depression in children.

5. You’re Putting Your Child in a Powerless Position

When you’re bending a child over a bed to spank them, you are making them feel powerless. When a person feels helpless and out of control, then they will act out even more. Studies show that spanking can cause children to act worse, not better.

6. It Shows Poor Coping Skills

Parents need to instill respect, values, and standards for their children. However, when you’re hitting your child, it’s hard to show them anything other than anger and poor coping skills.

7. It Crosses the Child’s Personal Boundaries

Things have certainly changed over the past few decades. This generation knows how to respect their body and to keep people out of their personal space. You teach them that no one should ever cross their boundaries.

Yet, when a parent spanks a child, it does just that. Striking a child will break their trust as well as invade any sense of security the child feels.

8. Hitting is Not Effective Communication

Every action causes a reaction. If your child is having an issue and acts out, they will not be eager to talk to you when you spank them. Instead, sitting down and getting to the crux of the problem will do more for them than hitting ever could.

9. It’s a Bad Path to Start Down

With traditional discipline, parents start with a time out, then grounding, and there is a progression of steps. The punishments become more difficult as the child’s behavior continues. However, when you spank a child, there’s nowhere to go.

In most instances, the “whippings” become greater and turn into physical abuse. Again, it’s another way for the parent to vent their anger on the child. Sadly, it doesn’t make anyone feel better once it’s over.

10. It Doesn’t Work

Hitting your child doesn’t work as an effective form of discipline. You may stop the behavior momentarily, but the backlash from the act of physical violence is long-lasting. In the end, it’s probably going to make the situation much worse.

Is it Child Abuse?

Many experts believe that spanking your children is child abuse. True, some parents believe that a small child and a tap on the hand can help them to know a stove is hot and not to touch it. However, when you’re still striking a child that is 12-15 years of age, then it’s not about redirection.

Child abuse is anything that causes physical, psychological, or neglect of a child by their parent or caregiver. Since spanking causes physical and mental pain, it’s more than justified as abuse. Some areas of the country allow a child to be spanked without physical marks left behind.

When a police officer or Child Protective Services worker sees bruises, burns, strange marks, and other signs of abuse on a child, then they can take them. Parents try to use physical discipline too often, and it ends up in a violent encounter.

Acceptable Forms of Punishment

Now that you know what kind of discipline is unacceptable, you should also know what works well. Remember that the child’s age and circumstances dictate your reaction, but this is a general guideline.

• A Stern Talk

Talk to your child about why their behaviors are not okay, and ensure they understand. The older the child, the more talking you can do. Don’t call names, yell, or make threats.

Talk to them in a calm voice as they will be more receptive.

• Isolation

The key is to remove the child from the environment to give them time to think. This can be a time out or being sent to their room. A “naughty chair” also works great.

The time of isolation shouldn’t be for long periods. Experts recommend one minute per each year old. So, a three-year-old should sit for three minutes.

• Withholding

Withholding means taking something from the child they hold near and dear. You can remove or limit video games, computers, phones, time with friends, and deny other privileges. This method of punishment seems to work best with older kids.

• Grounding

Grounding is a time out from the things they love to give them time to think about their actions. Some parents ground kids to the bedroom, and they can only come out to eat or use the restroom. Others will ground them for a specific period. During that time, they are not allowed to do anything for fun.

spankingFinal Thoughts on How Spanking Can Harm Your Child’s Psyche

Being a parent is hard, and no child comes with a handbook. You want to do the best you can and raise healthy individuals. However, when it comes to discipline, it almost always reverts to the way you were punished.

There are too many studies that show that children who have been spanked are damaged psychologically, and you wouldn’t wish that on an enemy, let alone your child.

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