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Couples Lose Weight Better Together, According to Research

October 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

When you’re in a relationship, you won’t want to do 100% of everything together. There will be things you’ll do with your partner, while others you prefer to do on your own. Losing weight should be one of the things you do together, if you both need to lose weight. Studies show that when couples lose weight together, they’re more likely to lead to success with their weight loss goals.

Why You’re Stronger Together

Most people have some type of support when they’re trying to lose weight. It’s rare that a person will be doing it completely alone. It could be a friend, family member, personal trainer, mentor, or buddy partner. Either way, they’ll have the support of someone. That’s because losing weight is hard, and it’s not uncommon for people to lose their motivation sometimes.

Having a support system helps to keep you going. Even more importantly, it helps to keep you accountable. Once people know you’re trying to achieve a goal, you’re more likely to stay on track. It would be embarrassing not to meet the goal after talking about it, which is a big motivator.

When that support system is a loving partner, it’s even more potent. If you and your partner have a stable relationship, working together on a daunting goal like losing weight keeps you more motivated than any other relationship. The bond that you have with your partner is the fuel that keeps you going.

Hurdles That Happen When Couples Lose Weight Together

When you’re in a relationship with someone, they have a unique effect on you that no one else can have. It’s almost like you’re more assertive with your partner. This comes in handy when you must navigate weight loss hurdles.

Uncertainty

One weight loss hurdle is uncertainty. When the going gets tough, many people become uncertain about why they’re putting themselves through the torture of all that exercise and eating like a rabbit. There are times it can get downright miserable.

There is no better person to push you past that uncertainty than your loving partner. They can remind you of why the journey is essential.

Insecurity

Another hurdle is insecurity. Let’s be honest. You might feel embarrassed about going to a gym and working out in front of all those fitness nuts. By going with your partner, you’ll be less likely to worry about what the other gym-goers think. You’ll be with someone who loves you just the way you are, so you’ll feel less awkward and less vulnerable.

Staying Motivated

Staying motivated is undoubtedly one of the biggest hurdles that people face when losing weight. Angela Fitch, MD, Director of Medical Weight Loss at the Women’s Center, said, “Whether you’re changing your lifestyle for the better or maintaining it, having someone to encourage and challenge you along the way, really helps motivate men and women.”

There will be times where one of you is feeling unmotivated, but the other person has enough motivation for both of you. The next time, the motivation or lack thereof may be reversed. Either way, at least one of you is going to keep the other on the right track.

Benefits of Slimming Down with Your Partner

According to an August of 2020 article in Science Daily, new research cites the following reasons to join your partner in a weight loss journey.

You’ll be more likely to implement healthy lifestyle changes.

Losing weight isn’t all about dropping pounds. It’s about keeping them off for the long-term. Doing that requires significant lifestyle changes.

Researchers at Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences and the Academic Medical Center conducted a study that showed that couples who implemented lifestyle changes together were more successful. While the research didn’t focus on weight loss, it’s clear that making healthy lifestyle changes leads to weight loss. These changes won’t seem so hard when you have someone being as positive about them as you are.
You’ll spend quality time together.

Any quality time you can get with your partner is a blessing, especially these days when people are always so busy. Achieving a goal like losing weight, plus all the moments along the way, lead to memories that will last a lifetime. You’ll be that much closer to your partner when you share something so significant in your lives.

Of course, losing weight isn’t about romantic quality time together, but the romance is there underneath the sweaty exercise sessions and salads. Romance will likely get more comfortable as you both shed the pounds and feel better about yourselves.

Doctors explain the consequences of leading a sedentary life.
You can see what you’re both made of.

It can be rewarding to look at your weight loss journey with your partner in a competitive spirit. Of course, you don’t want to be excessively competitive, but studies have shown that a little competition keeps the passion going in a relationship.

By being competitive and pushing each other, you can encourage each other to be the best you can be. Knowing what your partner is made of and how hard they’re willing to work to be the best helps you to see them in a shining light. It also pushes you to do more. Ultimately this competitive spirit will lead to significant achievements along the way.
Your relationship will stay strong.

Imagine how awkward it would be for one person in the relationship to go through a transformation for the better, but the other person just settles for being unhealthy. You might love each other.

But eventually, the differences in lifestyle choices may drive a wedge between you. To keep this from happening, you both need to lose weight together unless one person is already at their ideal weight.

The good news is that as you both start slimming down, your bond will strengthen, and your relationship can flourish even more. You’ll be more attracted to each other and prouder to be with your partner. Looks aren’t everything, but it sure helps.
You’ll teach your kids about healthy habits and teamwork.

Kids are impressionable. Even if they don’t say anything, they’re watching your every move and learning from them. If they see you and your partner working together to achieve a common goal, they’ll understand the concept of teamwork, which will help them in school and in life.

When couples lose weight together, they show their kids that living a healthy lifestyle is normal.

If they see both parents agreeing on healthy decisions, they grow up with the concept that being healthy is correct. It will be less of a struggle for them to live a healthy lifestyle because they’ll be used to it already.

Tips for When Couples Lose Weight Together

It’s not always rainbows and butterflies when couples lose weight together. There are going to be some rocks in the road. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t dodge them and keep the journey going. Here are some tips you can use.

Men tend to lose weight faster than women, even if they both do the same things and eat the same things. If you’re a woman, don’t get frustrated with this. There is really nothing you can do about it.
While it’s nice to have your partner step in and motivate you when you’re feeling tempted, there are going to be times where you want your partner to back off so you can reward yourself. It’s understandable. After all, you’re human. Just talk to your partner and tell him/her how you feel.
When you go to the gym together, you don’t have to do the exact same exercises in order to be working out together. The fact that you’re there together is enough.
Above all, be positive and encouraging, no matter what. If your partner messes up and has a cheat day or they skip the gym a couple of times, don’t get down on them. Instead, find a positive way to motivate them back to the right path.

Finding a Balance Between Working Together and Working Individually

It’s great when couples lose weight together. But just like everything else in a relationship, you need to have some personal time on your weight loss journey too. One big reason for this is that you’re two separate people, and your bodies aren’t going to respond the same way. You may have to change up your routine to meet your own needs, and your partner may need to do the same.

This could mean that one person needs more calories than the other, or maybe one needs more cardio than the other. Perhaps your work schedules don’t match up on certain days. Or maybe one person needs to lose more weight than the other. Differences in goals mean that you’ll need to have times where you’re working towards them individually.

Another consideration is that if you do everything together all the time, you’ll eventually burn each other out. Sure, you love each other, but you each need your own sense of identity. Plan the journey together, but make sure you each get breaks to explore on your own.

Final Thoughts About When Couples Lose Weight Together

When couples lose weight together, they significantly increase their chances of success. The thought of becoming healthier together with the one you love is often enough to keep you motivated. This is especially true when you both start seeing the fruits of your labor. If you find yourself in a situation where your partner doesn’t want to lose weight with you, talk to them and let them know how important it is to you. Chances are they’ll join in more for you than themselves. But as they see the changes, they’ll find their own inspiration. Before you know it, you’ll be a healthy, happy couple.

30 Foods That Healthy People Include in Their Diets

October 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

What do healthy people eat that make them so strong? Do they cut out all sugars and carbs as suggested in the popular Keto diet, or do they just know the proper combinations of foods to eat to fuel their body.

You would be surprised by what they do and don’t eat, as they know all about proper nutrition. If you don’t know where to begin, then here’s a nice list to get you started.

30 Foods That Healthy People Include in Their Eating Plans

Are you embarking on a journey to a healthier lifestyle? Then never overlook the value of eating nutrient-dense foods.

1. Eggs

Eggs are good scrambled or fried, but these healthy little wonders can be used for just about anything. Their high protein content keeps you full for more extended periods, and they’re low in calories too.

2. Beans

Do you remember the old song “Beans, beans good for your heart?” Well, it seems that the song had some truth to it. There are numerous varieties, and they’re full of calcium, magnesium, and potassium. One cup of beans has about 17 grams of protein, which isn’t too shabby either.

3. Greek Yogurt

Who doesn’t love yogurt? Greek varieties give you immune-boosting properties and have almost double the protein of the regular array. No wonder healthy people eat this stuff anytime day or night.

4. Nuts

No wonder squirrels hide and collect nuts. They are a protein powerhouse, and did you know that they can help keep your glucose levels regulated? Also, many studies show that a handful of almonds works better on migraines than prescription medications. Salicin and magnesium are a powerful antioxidant found in this type of nut, and it’s what healthy people eat to keep headaches at bay.

5. Salmon

If you need a good boost of Vitamin D, then salmon is the easiest way to get it. It has all the omega-3s fatty acids that healthy people crave, and it keeps you fuller for more extended periods.

6. Flaxseeds

The omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds cannot be denied. Plus, it can cut the risk of heart disease by up to 46 percent. Another tremendous advantage is that it can prevent blood clots from forming and blocking your arteries.

7. Fat-free Organic Milk

You need some type of milk in your diet, but the organic variety is just better for you. Drinking milk makes sure you have adequate D levels, and it can help to protect from heart disease too.

8. Spinach

Spinach has lutein, which you need to protect against macular degeneration as well as heart attacks. Plus, it has iron and folate in it that is known to help with cholesterol and energy levels.

9. Sweet Potatoes

Carrots aren’t the only food containing beta-carotene as the sweet potato has a high content too. The nutrients in these vegetables can help to maintain the , skin, and urinary system.

10. Olive Oil

Healthy people use olive oil for everything. From drizzling on a salad to sautéing their vegetables, this is one heart-healthy fat you can’t get enough of.

11. Garlic

What would a dish of spaghetti or a stew be without garlic? While it tastes great, it also has antibacterial and antibacterial benefits. It can help fight infections as well as lower high blood pressure problems.

12. Lean Beef

The less fat on the meat you eat, the better off you’ll be. Beef is full of zinc and B vitamins that can help you stay healthy. Try to buy grass-fed beef as it has powerful brain-boosting antioxidants that healthy people want.

13. Blueberries

By eating just a half cup of blueberries each day, you are getting more than your required amount of antioxidants. These little berries can help with memory loss as well as provide maximum health benefits.

14. Apples

You know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away, so it’s an easy way to add some extra healthy goodness to your diet. Apples are known to help reduce the risk of heart disease and be high in both fiber and water. They’re a nutrient powerhouse.

15. Dark Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth, and there’s no shame in that, you need to use dark chocolate instead of milk varieties. The antioxidants in dark chocolate can help keep your blood platelets from sticking together. Plus, it’s lower in carbs and sugar too.

16. Pomegranates

Health-conscious people love pomegranates because they are packed with antioxidant compounds. They’re known to help reduce Alzheimer’s disease by warding off inflammation in the body. They taste great and can be used as in a juice or eaten raw.

17. Oysters

While oysters are an acquired taste, it’s one taste that you should acquire. The health benefits are unbelievable. They are a significant source of iron. Just one small oyster can provide you with 3 milligrams, which is one-sixth of your daily goal.

18. Chia Seeds

You can talk about healthy foods and not mention chia seeds. They are packed with calcium, zinc, magnesium, and iron, which you need to keep your body in top shape.

19. Lemon

You know that lemons are a citrus fruit that is full of Vitamin C, but did you know that they’re also full of antioxidants? They have anti-cancer properties as well as flavonoid compounds. They’re great with salmon, in your tea, in an ice-cold drink, or just by themselves.

20. Quinoa

If you love rice but don’t like the calories and carbs it packs, then you should try quinoa. First, it’s a plant-based grain that is remarkably like rice, but this one contains all nine essential amino acids that your body needs to thrive. Adding something this multivitamin-heavy to your diet can only enhance your health.

21. Sardines

While sardines are another thing on this list that is a bit of an acquired taste, it’s certainly something that you should consider adding to your diet. These minuscule fish have been proven to reduce inflammation as well as slow tumor growth.

Being a significant source of Vitamin B12 is good too. The more Vitamin B12 you have, the better it will keep your nerves and blood cells healthy.

22. Figs

Figs are potassium-rich, and they can lower your blood pressure by up to 20 percent. They are a high source of calcium and are perfect as an addition to cottage cheese, desserts, and even oatmeal.

23. Peanut Butter

Low carb and health-conscious people know that peanut butter is a staple when you want to eat healthily. Make sure to use a natural or sugar-free variety, but you can enjoy this when you have a sweet craving. The monounsaturated fats in this delicious spread will help you lose weight.

24. Brussels Sprouts

As a cruciferous vegetable, Brussel sprouts are excellent at lowering your risk of cancer. They’re rich in iron and potassium, as well as folate. They can be sautéed with onions and garlic in some olive oil for a delicious heart-healthy meal.

25. Tomatoes

The antioxidant that gives the tomato its bright hue is called lycopene. Did you know that lycopene will help to protect against heart disease and breast cancer? Healthy people don’t eat them in sugar-loaded jarred pasta sauce; instead, they find healthy ways to eat these red delights.

26. Oranges

Oranges are another citrus fruit bursting with vitamin C. As far as nutrients, they have pectin, Vitamins B1, and A, as well as potassium. These nutrients are essential for your vision and immune function. Who doesn’t love a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice anyway?

27. Kale

You know that dark, leafy greens are good for you. However, did you know that kale has vitamins A, K, and C? It’s a nutritional powerhouse for your body.

28. Mushrooms

The beautiful thing about mushrooms is they are versatile, fat-free, and have hardly any calories. There’s also no sugar to worry about either. You can gobble shiitakes or white buttons all you want.

29. Avocado

Very few healthy people pass up these green wonders in the grocery store. They are wonderfully packed with soluble fiber, Vitamin E, folate, and potassium, all of which you need to stay healthy.

30. Oatmeal

Eggs aren’t the only thing healthy people eat for breakfast. Oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious way to keep heart disease at bay. Did you know that it also can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes?

Final Thoughts on Adopting the Eating Habits of Healthy People

The next time you head to the supermarket, don’t just put everything you see in your cart. You need to mentally prepare yourself for a shopping trip based on your health needs.

If you want to be one of the healthy people that are fit, trim, and have built their immune system, then you will learn to eat for your body’s needs. Just adding some essential fruits and vegetables into your day can help you to live longer and healthier. Isn’t your health worth the time and effort it takes to adopt a new lifestyle?

How to Make Honey Ginger Tea to Soothe Coughing

October 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Is there anything quite like a steaming, fragrant cup of honey ginger tea? It’s been a relaxing health tonic for thousands of years for good reason, especially with a drizzle of honey. You can quickly learn how to make honey ginger tea to soothe coughing and other ailments.

Ginger’s Early Origins

When you think of ginger, your mind may go back to the delightfully sweet and peppery cookies your grandmother made during the winter holidays. Ginger lends a touch of warm spiciness to many foods and beverages. Chances are you have a sealed piece of fresh ginger root in the refrigerator and some dried powdered ginger in your spice drawer at this moment.

Have you ever considered the history of this beloved plant? Since it’s the root of the ginger plant used, botanists classify ginger as a culinary spice. It is native to China and Eastern Asia, and it’s a close cousin of turmeric, another pungent spice.

Food historians and anthropologists have found evidence that suggests that ginger was first discovered in its native China around 3,000 BCE. It was one of the many spices and herbs used in Ancient Chinese and Indian medicine. Ginger was consumed whole, powdered, dried, and in countless topical ointments.

The Significance of Ginger in the Western Hemisphere

The popularity of this esteemed spice stayed in the Far East until the beginning of the Common Era. When the Romans became the world’s leading power in the first century CE, they discovered ginger by trading with Chinese and Indian merchants. Toward the beginning of the second century, ginger began building a reputation for culinary and medicinal uses throughout the Roman Empire.

During the Middle Ages, ginger was a well-established spice used for digestive problems and circulation issues. When the Europeans invaded North and South America, they introduced ginger to natives in tropical zones, where it started to flourish.

The earliest American settlers already had an insatiable taste for ginger because of memories of their homelands in Germany, England, and France. Ginger was an indispensable ingredient in both savory and sweet recipes. The settlers recreated popular European treats like ginger beer, ginger ale, and gingerbread, and they knew how to brew honey ginger tea to soothe coughing.

For generations, they used ginger for their upset stomach, and they taught their children how to make honey ginger tea to soothe coughing. It was a staple in everyone’s spice cabinet as well as in the local apothecary’s shop. After the War for Independence, this hardy plant root followed settlers during America’s era of expansion.

Ginger in Modern Times

Although some wild ginger cultivars are native to North America and have been consumed for centuries by natives and European settlers, modern research has discovered that some of its compounds may be toxic. However, the research confirms that wild ginger is still as safe as a topical treatment. Most of the ginger you see in the grocery stores were imported from the East, while two percent is produced in Hawaii.

You already know the earthy, sweet spice that ginger adds to dishes worldwide, especially Asian-inspired ones. If you’ve never had it steeped to make a tasty tea, then you are in for a treat. It didn’t take long for the Ancient Chinese and other Far East countries to create ginger tea for religious significance and medicinal purposes, like making honey ginger tea to soothe coughing.

Why Should You Drink Ginger Tea?

Not only is honey ginger tea comforting and delicious, but research backs up many of it believed medicinal qualities. Perhaps you’ve heard of past generations drinking a little ginger tea for a cold, often with a touch of honey. It’s easy to learn how to make honey ginger tea to soothe coughing and other health benefits.

Is that nagging cough getting you down? When your ancestors had a cold or flu, they often turned to Mother Nature’s pharmacy and learned how to make honey ginger tea to soothe coughing. Here are some of the benefits of ginger tea that has the attention of the medical science community.

1. May Help Prevent Colds

Did you know that ginger is a significant source of Vitamin C and beneficial minerals like magnesium? While nothing can guarantee you won’t catch the virus that causes the common cold, ginger tea provides powerful antioxidants to make your body less susceptible to it.

2. Soothe and Repress Coughing

Ginger tea has noted anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce inflammation from asthma, coughing, and sore throat. When you give it a boost with the healing properties of raw honey, it can help relax your airways, so you aren’t hacking as much. Learning how to make honey ginger tea to soothe coughing can help you and your family any time you need.

3. Break up Mucus

You know how miserable it is when you have a mucus buildup due to a cold, flu, or allergies. The warm steam from a fresh cup of ginger tea can help loosen the excess mucus and make it easier to expel. Plus, the tea soothes and relaxes your throat when it’s sore from coughing.

4. Relieve Nausea

Have you ever felt waves of nausea because of motion sickness or another condition? Why not brew a hot cup of ginger tea? It can comfort your stomach and soothe the lining of your esophagus after vomiting. Drink some before the onset of your symptoms, and it may calm your stomach, so you don’t vomit at all.

5. Improve Your Circulation

Ancient civilizations who venerated ginger often used it to improve their circulation. Even though they didn’t know the chemistry behind it, modern science has discovered the vitamins and amino acids can benefit your circulation. Some studies suggest that it may prevent plaque buildup in the arteries that can cause cardiovascular disease and stroke.

6. Reduce Stress

If you are like most Americans, you probably have more stress than is necessary. Did you know that chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure, coronary diseases, stroke, cancer, and even premature death? When you learn how to make honey ginger tea to soothe coughing, the warmth and aroma can also calm your nerves and effectively reduce your stress levels.

7. Reduce Inflammation

Inflammation is responsible for most diseases and disorders, like arthritis. Do you want a natural remedy to reduce inflammation in your painful and stiff joints? The anti-inflammatory properties in ginger tea can minimize the swelling so your joints can have less pain and more range of motion.

Brew Your Way to Better Health

Do you want to learn how to make honey ginger tea to soothe coughing and other ailments? If you know how to boil water, then you won’t have any problem. The basic ingredients are fresh ginger and honey, but you can use other ingredients to suit your taste.

Honey Ginger Tea

Try this soothing and delicious brew.

What You Need:

•4 ounces organic fresh ginger root, sliced into 1- inch pieces

•4 cups of filtered water

•Organic Raw honey, to taste

How To:

•In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, add the water and bring it to a boil.

•Add the ginger slices to the water and stir a few times. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for five minutes. If you want a stronger brew, allow the water to simmer 2-3 minutes more.

•Use a small strainer to strain the tea into a teapot carefully. For each cup of tea, pour enough tea to fill the cup a little more than ¾ of the way to the brim. Drizzle in about a teaspoon of honey, or to taste. Stir the tea well and enjoy it hot.

•If you prefer iced tea, allow the simmered tea to cool to room temperature. Strain it into a pitcher and chill it in the refrigerator at least four hours or overnight. Fill glasses with crushed ice, and add the tea with a splash of honey and stir well.

Ginger Tea Precautions

Before you learn how to make honey ginger tea to soothe coughing and other conditions, keep some precautions in mind. While people have drunk ginger tea without a problem for thousands of years, you may be sensitive to ginger. If you drink too much ginger tea, it can cause indigestion and diarrhea.

Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it can’t have side effects. The compounds in ginger can reduce your blood pressure and thin your blood, so you may not want to consume it if you take blood-thinning medications. Talk to your primary healthcare advisor about all the medications you take before consuming ginger or taking ginger supplements.

Ginger tea has been a traditional home remedy for generations of women with pregnancy morning sickness. Some research suggests that it can minimize nausea connected with chemotherapy. Since the research is preliminary and the remedy is controversial, err on the side of caution and seek medical advice first.

Final Thoughts on Consuming This Honey Ginger Tea

Once you learn how to make honey ginger tea to soothe coughing and other ailments, it may become your favorite tea variety. Along with honey, feel free to add other yummy additions like lemon or a complementary herb. Calm your cough and discover other possible health benefits one delicious cup at a time.

11 Ways Emotional Trauma May Harm Your Health

October 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Have you experienced emotional trauma? Traumatic events happen to everyone in life. Whether it be the tragic loss of a loved one or a cheating spouse, it’s hard to get over being hurt.

In many instances, trauma causes physical problems like a broken arm or leg, but physical issues will heal. It’s the emotional and psychological problems that can take a lifetime to get over. Trauma imprints itself into your mind, and it can affect your physical well-being.

Many of the scars you have might have come from a rocky childhood. You may replay the events like a video loop that never stops. The constant strain and anxiety that these images create can devastate your mental and physical health.

How do you change from a victim’s role to a victor over the things that have happened to you? It’s not easy, but it can be done.

What Is An ACE?

ACE stands for Adverse Childhood Experiences. If you were in the foster care system, suffered from physical, sexual, or verbal abuse, as well as any other horrific event, it can leave a lasting impression on your brain. Did you know that people who have experienced childhood trauma are more likely to develop a substance abuse issue?

Your childhood experiences have a significant impact on your future. Mental health professionals score a person on the ACE table to see their risk of future issues. Those who score really high on this test are the ones who are in danger of violence and perpetration, while those that score lower may have depression and anxiety.

Anything traumatic that happens to you before you reach the age of 18 is an ACE, and it can affect your future. Things like teenage pregnancy, serious injuries, attempted suicides, sex trafficking, and being sexually deviant can all have a severe impact on your psyche.

When the Past Won’t Release Its Hold on Your Future

Have you ever heard someone tell their life’s story? It’s the part of their past that they allow you to experience. However, for everything they tell you, there are many more hurtful things that they do not say.

There are things that each person has been through that they bury so deep that they don’t tell anyone. These are often referred to as “skeletons in the closet.” The only problem with these issues is that they sit in the corners of your mind, and they fester.

Most people don’t like going to the dentist’s office. You dread the needles coming close to your tender gums and the irritating noise created from the drill. However, when you have a cavity causing the nagging pain, you will do anything to stop the hurt.

You build the experience up in your mind till you’re almost in a full-blown panic attack by the time you reach the dentist’s chair. Thankfully, there is a moment when that rotten tooth is extracted that the pain suddenly stops. You feel that all the struggle to get to this point was worth it because you had a resolution.

Your past experiences are much like that to you. You’ve magnified them and went over them time and again until you’ve almost driven yourself crazy. Then, there’s the time when you learn to let them go.

The relief you feel when you no longer allow the past to dictate your tomorrow is a remarkable feeling, but it doesn’t happen overnight. Walk into any substance abuse rehabilitation center across the country, and you will be stunned by the stories you hear. These people don’t want to live this kind of life.

They want help with the inner pain they feel. Most of these individuals are trying to self-medicate to make the emotional turmoil and internal pain stop.

11 Ways Emotional Pain Causes Physical Issues

Your mental well-being is essential. Whether you’ve witnessed a violent crime, suffered through a natural disaster, or were bullied every day you were in school, it can cause you a lifetime of pain. Do you know that it can be responsible for the physical ailments you have too? Here are the top health problems caused by emotional trouble.

1. Anxiety

There are 40 million people in this country between the ages of 18-54 that suffer from anxiety. Anxiety comes in various degrees, from mild to debilitating. A car accident can give a person such bad stress that they fear getting behind the wheel again. Anxiety is an unrealistic fear of things that probably won’t occur.

2. Obesity

While some people medicate their troubles with drugs or alcohol, others will use food. Your emotional trauma gives you a greater risk of gaining weight. More than 40 percent of the population in this country is obese, and at the crux of much of this is an underlying emotional trauma.

3. Heart Problems

Heart disease is the number one killer. While the American Heart Association doesn’t list obesity as the problem, it’s the most common cause of heart disease. If you’re overeating to help your mental well-being, then it can kill you.

Never ignore these ten hidden signs someone is suffering from mental abuse.

4. Substance Abuse Disorders

Did you know that 75 percent of individuals who have survived abuse or violent trauma will have issues with substance abuse? The numbers are staggering when you consider how full the treatment centers are across the country.

5. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

You’ve probably heard of PTSD from soldiers who fought in a war. They often see things so horrible that they can’t get them out of their mind. The diagnosis of this anxiety-related disorder became increasingly popular after Vietnam.

PTSD causes a person to have flashbacks and relive the trauma time and again. You don’t have to go to war to have PTSD, as you can have it from being in a car accident or a victim of a violent crime.

6. Depression

Depression is an epidemic these days, and the emotional trauma that many people experience makes them more susceptible. There are more than 350 million people in this world that suffer from depression, and many of them are suffering from emotional distress.

7. Diabetes

Diabetes can be genetic, or it can be caused by a poor diet. Obesity, heart disease, and diabetes all run together when someone is trying to self-medicate with food. Emotional trauma can cause you to eat massive amounts, or you may starve yourself. There’s no rhyme or reason as to why the body does certain things.

8. Personality Disorders

There are currently ten personality disorders recognized by the American Psychiatric Association. These disorders often stem from deep emotional trauma suffered as a child. They can cause instability in moods, violent behavior, poor self-image, and problems functioning in everyday life.

9. Strokes

Ruminating about emotional traumas can cause your blood pressure to rise. While stress and trauma won’t directly cause a stroke, it can indirectly cause the issues that can lead to one. Any self-medication such as smoking, drinking, overeating, or taking illegal drugs also increases your chance of a stroke.

10. Sleep Disturbances – Night Terrors

Another problem that can come about with trauma is issues with sleep. Take, for instance, a child that was sexually abused at night. Even in their adult years, they may be unable to sleep well at night for fear of what might happen.

The risk of abuse repeating itself is long gone, but the traumatic experience is forever notched in the brain.

11. Muscle Aches and Pains

When you’re under stress, your body can feel the pain of the inner turmoil. Your muscles store energy, whether good or bad. Have you ever been to a chiropractor because your back kept slipping out of place? Stress is a significant part of your body’s inability to function normally.

How many times do you get headaches or neck pain when you are under stress? Emotional trauma can put you in a state of constant pressure, and your body can feel the effects of the higher cortisol levels.

Final Thoughts on Recovering from Emotional Trauma

While it’s easy to see that there are many ways that any emotional trauma you have suffered can cause you pain. But it is also nice to know you don’t have to live that way. Therapy can give you the keys you need to lose the chains of trauma that bind you.

You don’t have to be a victim anymore. You can overcome the events of the past so that they do not hold you back from a bright future anymore. Your mental well-being is counting on you to take the first step towards healing.

Trainers Reveal 6 Calf Stretches to Reduce Knee Pain

October 11, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Don’t your muscles feel great after a healthy stretch? You probably focus on your arms, back, and the bigger muscles in your legs to relieve tension and pain. Have you tried the benefits of calf stretches to ease pain in your knees?

Your calves do a lot of work each day that you may not even notice. The Ancient Greeks and later the Romans thought the muscle in the back of the leg resembled a stomach, so it was named the gastrocnemius. Together with the soleus muscle, it creates what you call your calves.

These muscles surround the lower leg bone, the tibia. Sometimes, you don’t think about your calf muscles until you wake up with an aching Charlie horse, or your knees are giving you problems. If you don’t do something at the onset, it can lead to chronic pain issues.

Did you know that calf issues can cause other parts of your body to have pain? You may notice problems in your ankles, shins, and feet. Some lower back issues stem from poor calf mobility.

Why Should Care About Your Calves?

Did you know that your calves can absorb nearly 12 times your body weight when you are stopping or changing directions quickly while sprinting? Your calves are responsible for slowing your body during a run. Keeping them toned and healthy helps you avoid injury.

It would help if you also had muscular calves to stabilize your knees and other leg joints. When you are doing jumping exercises, you can get hurt if your knees aren’t supported properly.

Healthy calves allow you to make quick motions, like sprints, squats, and high jumps. Your primary calf muscle, the gastrocnemius, is made of fast-twitch muscle fibers that make these movements possible. The more you stretch and exercise your calves, the greater your ability to do these power-boosting exercises.

Since both of your gastrocnemius and soleus play a pivotal role in knee and foot movement, it makes sense that any issues with your calf would affect these. Also, you have a thin membrane called fascia that keeps your calf muscles together, and it runs from your upper leg to the base of your foot.

Fascial tension can cause your pain when you walk, stand, or squat and negatively affect other muscles.

Calf Stretches Can Help Relieve Muscle Cramps

Have you ever awoken from a sound sleep with a stabbing cramp in your calf? These acute attacks may make you feel like you are dying of pain, but they are harmless and usually don’t last long.

Leg cramps, or Charley horses, are common in people who have overexerted themselves or are kids with growing pains. They usually happen when you are lying down, especially at night. The calf muscles often go into tight, painful spasms that may have you jump out of bed for relief.

Experts say that these cramps can affect you if your electrolytes are low. They recommend a sip of pickle juice to replenish your electrolytes and relieve the cramps. You can also get rid of a painful Charley horse instantly by standing up straight and stretching your calves by raising your toes toward your body.

Regularly stretching your calf muscles can prevent these leg cramps. Usually, they are sporadic and will go away quickly. However, if you have chronic cramps in your calves, you should discuss it with your primary healthcare provider.

How to Create an Effective Calf Exercise Routine

Good calf stretches and traditional massage techniques can help you relieve tension and pain before it becomes an issue. You can do them at home, and you don’t need a bunch of expensive equipment. Here are six beneficial calf stretches and massage techniques to add to your daily exercise regimen.

You want your calves to be smooth and relaxed to receive the optimal benefits of calf stretches. When these muscles are relaxed, they are easier to stretch and lengthen. Try a few simple lunges or squats with body weights to test your range of motion after stretching.

One of the many benefits of regular stretching exercises is that it affects your brain and your body. As you achieve new ranges of motion safely, it signals your brain to set them as a standard. Your warmup exercises may help you have more energy during the day and increase your mobility.

1. Warmup Calf Massage with a Tennis Ball

What You Need:

•A standard tennisball

•Foam yoga block (optional)

How To:

•Sit comfortably on your exercise mat with your legs resting straight ahead. Put the softball right above your ankle at the base of your left calf.

•Roll the softball gently from side to side as you gradually work it up toward the top of your calf. You will probably notice some tender spots as you keep massaging. If so, keep the softball in that spot while you roll your left foot to the right and the left for about 15-20 seconds.

•For a little more pressure during your massage, use a yoga block to elevate your leg while rolling the softball. You’ll also have more room to rotate your ankle. When you have completed the massage on your left calf, repeat the same steps on your right calf.

2. Soleus Massage

What You Need:

•Foam Roller

How To:

•Place your foam roller flat on your exercise mat. Sit on the roller comfortably with your feet stretched out in front of you.

•Now, rock slowly side-to-side as you work the foam roller down your calves. If you notice any sore spots, keep the roller in place for 15-20 breaths and feel the tension and pain release.

•Do 2-3 repetitions and pay close attention to tension or tenderness in your calves, glutes, and hamstrings.

The first two massage exercises should have your calves smooth, relaxed, and ready for stretches. If not, continue massages until they are ready. For optimal benefits, go straight into the stretches.

3. Downward Facing Dog Stretch

If you are a yoga enthusiast, you will probably recognize this basic yoga pose. It’s a superb stretch that benefits your calves, shoulders, hamstrings, and even your ankles.

How To:

• Get down on your hands and knees comfortably on your exercise mat. Position your knees beneath your hips and your wrists beneath your shoulders.

• Push your hand against the mat while you smoothly raise your rear into the air and move your head between your elbows. Use your heels to hold your position.

• Stay in the position for 30-60 breaths while rocking your feet from time to time.

4. Heel Stretches

Your calves are connected to your Achilles tendon in your heels so that these unique calf stretches can stretch and strengthen them.

What You Need:

• Foam or wooden yoga block (or a step or stair)

How To:

• Take your yoga block and place it on your exercise mat. You can also do this stretch on an elevated surface like a low-rising stair.

• Position both your feet on the block or stair and have your left heel over the edge.

• Gently lower your left heel to the floor or ground, using most of your body weight. Hold this position for 20-30 breaths. Now, use your right heel and repeat the steps. You can bend your legs a little if you want to stretch other parts of your calves.

• For more muscular calf stretches, try the same steps while using both heels. Use the balls of your feet to raise your heels from the ground and hold for 20-30 breaths.

5. Resistance Band Calf Stretches

What You Need

• A sturdy resistance band or a rope

How To

• Sit comfortably on your exercise mat with your legs straight ahead.

• Arrange the resistance band around the ball of your left foot. Bend your toes toward your body, and you stretch the band. As you push your right heel away from yourself, you will feel your calf muscles stretch more.

• Hold this position for 30-60 breaths, then repeat the steps for your right leg.

6. Wall Stretches

This is a convenient calf stretch that you can do at home or on break at work.

How To

•Stand naturally about two feet from a sturdy wall. Take a step forward with your left foot and place the ball of your foot against the wall. Your right heel should stay firmly against the floor.

•If you need extra support or balance, place your hands flat against the wall at your sides. If you use your right foot to press against the floor as your hips move forward, you can intensify the stretch.

•Hold this position for 30-60 breaths, then return to the starting position. Repeat the same steps for your right leg.

Final Thoughts on How Calf Stretches Can Provide Knee Pain Reduction

Before you try these stretches or any other exercise, talk to your primary healthcare provider or a certified fitness trainer. So if you keep your calves in excellent shape, you can help reduce knee pain. That’s because when your calves are strong, they will continue to support your knees–and the rest of your body for years to come. Consider adding these massages and stretches to your regular exercise routine.

15 Life-changing Quotes About Positivity

October 10, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Many quotes about positivity can help you develop a positive mindset. They explain how important and life-changing it is to be positive. Plus, they offer suggestions for how you can become a more positive person.

When you feel discouraged, it is hard to bounce back, which is when quotes about positivity will be most beneficial. You have to remember that there is always a way around any problem. If you can remember this and know that things will work out, you’ll find the right solution.

These quotes about positivity can remind you of all the positivity around you. You’ll be able to think of the blessings in your life and figure out positive ways to handle unexpected situations. With positivity, you can change your life for the better and continue bringing positive opportunities to your life.

Life-changing Quotes About Positivity

1. “What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficulty, and every difficulty has an opportunity.” – J. Sidlow Baxter

Every moment in your life is dictated by your attitude toward it. If you view unexpected challenges as an opportunity instead of an obstacle, you’ll be able to get through it. Use it as a learning opportunity and find a new way to accomplish your goal.

Remember that there is an opportunity in every difficulty, and you can’t succeed without encountering some difficultly. The two go together, and you have to choose which mindset to take on.

2. “You can’t make positive choices for the rest of your life without an environment that makes those choices easy, natural, and enjoyable.” – Deepak Chopra

Surrounding yourself with positive people and things is the only way to ensure personal positivity. If you want to make positive choices, you have to have positivity around you. Then, it will be natural for you to choose positivity.

3. “Optimism is the most important human trait because it allows us to evolve our ideas, to improve our situation, and to hope for a better tomorrow.” – Seth Godin

When you are optimistic, you will be able to change your way of thinking. Your ideas can evolve based on many factors, and this may just improve your life. When you encounter an unexpected problem, you’ll be able to quickly adapt and move forward.

With this way of thinking and living, you’ll be able to remain hopeful about life. Difficulties won’t seem so disastrous, and you’ll know that tomorrow is a new chance to try again.

4. “A positive attitude causes a chain of reaction of positive thoughts, events, and outcomes. It is a catalyst and it sparks extraordinary results.” – Wade Boggs

With a positive attitude, you’ll have positive thoughts, as Boggs explains. This attitude will also lead to positive opportunities and situations. By simply changing your attitude, you can change your entire life for the better.

5. “Cultivate an optimistic mind, use your imagination, always consider alternatives, and dare to believe that you can make possible what others think is impossible.” – Rodolfo Costa

With a positive and optimistic mindset, you’ll be able to achieve what seems impossible to others. Think positively and know that things will work out if you simply consider other options.

Sometimes you have to think outside the box to find a solution. Only then will you be able to do what no one else can do.

6. “Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us all be thankful.” – Buddha

Even if the day didn’t go perfectly, you should still think positively. Remember that it could always be much worse, so find the good in each day. Even if the only good thing you can think of is being alive, at least it’s not the worst-case scenario.

This quote isn’t to downplay anything bad that happened. Instead, it is intended to remind you that you are alive and life will keep moving. You have a chance to try again, and that is always worth being happy about.

7. “I think it’s important to get your surroundings as well as yourself into a positive state – meaning surround yourself with positive people, not the kind who are negative and jealous of everything you do.” – Heidi Klum

You can’t be positive if you are surrounded by negativity. You have to put yourself in positive situations around positive people.

Don’t allow those who are jealous of you or always thinking negatively impact your wellbeing. It’s best to not spend much time around people like this, so you may have to adjust your environment. Positive people will want the best for you and will be happy to see you succeed.

8. “If you see the world and yourself through a lens smudged by negativity, then you’ll find much misery. If you look outwards and inwards through lens brightened by positivity, you’ll find much to be happy and appreciative about.” – Henrik Edberg

Your world is what you make it, so it’s important to keep your view clear of negativity. When you are feeling negative vibes, consider your mindset at that time.

Make a conscious decision to change your thoughts, and you’ll start to view your life positively. Then, you’ll be able to see all that you have to be grateful for.

9. “When you are joyful, when you say yes to life and have fun and project positivity all around you, you become a sun in the center of every constellation, and people want to be near you.” – Shannon L. Alder

If you radiate positivity, positive people will be drawn to you. Enjoy life and find things to be happy about. You’ll feel better while becoming the person others want to be around.

10. “While you’re going through this process of trying to find the satisfaction in your work, pretend you feel satisfied. Tell yourself you had a good day. Walk through the corridors with a smile rather than a scowl. Your positive energy will radiate. If you act like you’re having fun, you’ll find you are having fun.” – Jean Chatzky

Instead of struggling to find satisfaction, just pretend to be happy and satisfied with how things are already. Tell yourself that you are happy and enjoying the day, and exhibit positivity always. If you do this, you’ll find that you are feeling better and that things seem to have improved.

11. “The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” – Christopher McCandless

When life changes, embrace the change. Think of it as a new opportunity rather than the end of a piece of your life. This positive mindset will change your life and help you get through anything.

12. “If you work hard enough and assert yourself, and use your mind and imagination, you can shape the world to your desires.” – Malcolm Gladwell

You are the only one who can determine where your life will take you. Work hard, do your best, and use your mind to its full ability. If you do these things, you’ll be able to make your world exactly how you wanted it.

13. “It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.” – Germany Kent

Life will suddenly become better if you start counting your blessings daily. Filling your thoughts with all the great parts of your life will leave little room for negativity.

14. “No exact recipe for today. Gather all available ingredients and whip yourself up something delicious.” – Lin-Manuel Miranda

There are no set instructions for how to live your life today. Like each day, you are winging it as you go along. Work with what you have and make something amazing out of it.

15. “Surround yourself with the dreamers, and the doers, the believers, and thinkers, but most of all, surround yourself with those who see the greatness within you, even when you don’t see it yourself.” – Edmund Lee

By surrounding yourself with people like Lee describes, you’ll open doors for positivity to fill your life. You’ll become a better person, become more successful, and think more positively. Even when you aren’t seeing how amazing you are, they will see it.

Final Thoughts on Life-changing Quotes About Positivity

These quotes about positivity can help you remember why you should always be positive. Plus, they’ll give you tips on how to change your mindset to be more positive.

Remember that there is always a way to accomplish your goals, you just have to stay positive. If you can stay positive, the good things will come to you. Remember these quotes about positivity next time you’re feeling discouraged and it’ll help you get through.

15 Quotes About Being Happy Even When Facing Challenges

October 10, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

These quotes about being happy can help you find joy even during challenging times. In life, we inevitably face hardships and obstacles along the way. Finding a way to be happy during these hard times can significantly improve your life and overall wellbeing.

Being happy will allow you to live a fulfilling life that you love. You will enjoy what you do each day and be less stressed. Plus, studies published by the National Institutes of Health show that happiness leads to a longer life.

When you can learn to be happy during challenging times, your life will change for the better. You will become more resilient and better able to handle stress. This will also allow you to make better decisions and think more clearly.

Fifteen Uplifting Quotes About Being Happy During Challenging Times

Your happiness affects all areas of your life, from your health to your mental abilities. Remember these quotes about being happy even when facing challenges, and you’re sure to notice the difference.

1. “The brick walls are there for a reason. The brick walls are not there to keep us out. The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough. They’re there to stop the other people.” – Randy Pausch

Don’t view challenges as an inconvenience. Instead, think of them the way that Pausch does. The obstacles are there to weed out those who don’t truly want to reach the goal. Those obstacles, or brick walls, stop the people who aren’t willing to work hard. This is what will set you apart from the other people. You were the one willing to find a way around the obstacle.

2. “When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” – Helen Keller

There is always something in life to be happy about. If something bad happens, look away and find the other door. By embracing the good that is coming, you’ll always be happy.

Always think of one thing you are looking forward to. If you don’t have anything big planned, you could look forward to a hot shower at the end of your day. You can find happiness by simply looking for the open door of happiness, even if you have to open it yourself.

3. “We can’t control the world. We can only (barely) control our own reactions to it. Happiness is largely a choice, not a right or entitlement.” – David C. Hill

As Hill explains, you can control the world or what happens in it. You can only control yourself and your reactions, and sometimes even that is hard. So, instead of feeling negative, decide to be happy in all moments. Look for the good in seemingly bad moments, and count your blessings as often as you can.

4. “In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy.” – Albert Clarke

Happiness must come from gratefulness. Be thankful for what you have and show your love for those who are important to you. When you do this all of the time, you’ll find happiness.

5. “It is not in the still calm of life, or the repose of a pacific station, that great characters are formed. The habits of a vigorous mind are formed in contending with difficulties.” – Abigail Adams

Every great person has to go through challenges to become who they are. These hardships will help develop your character and make you stronger as you go through it. Remember this, and it will help you stay happy as you work through the challenge.

6. “The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature, and God. As long as this exists, and it certainly always will, then there will be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.” – Anne Frank

Fresh air and nature are sure ways to boost your spirits. When you are going through a hard time, spend more time outside in a quiet place. Bask in the world around you, and you will find comfort and joy.

7. “Focused will is incredible. If you have a dream and you don’t give up no matter what obstacles come up, then life’s problems will fall away, and you will get what you want. It happens. It works.” – Yanni

You can’t give up in the face of an obstacle or hardship. Keep pushing and working toward your goals. When you do this, the challenges will disappear, and you’ll be happier.

8. “There is only one way to happiness, and that is to cease worrying about things which are beyond the power of our will.” – Epictetus

When you can’t change something, stop worrying about it. If you continue to stress and worry over things you have no control of, you won’t be able to find happiness. Learn to let go and move on so you can be happy.

9. “Our very survival depends on our ability to stay awake, to adjust to new ideas, to remain vigilant and to face the challenge of change.” – Martin Luther King Jr.

If you want to be happy, you have to be willing to adapt. You have to stay alert and notice what is going on around you, and you have to live with an open mind. Being happy means, you have to be open to change and learning new things unexpectedly.

10. “In our lives, change is unavoidable, loss is unavoidable. In the adaptability and ease with which we experience change, lies our happiness and freedom.” – Buddha

Bad things happen, and changes occur unexpectedly. Even so, you must learn to adapt easily and move forward so that you can be happy.

11. “Expect obstacles and face them head-on. They are going to come up, so the way you handle them is what makes all the difference.” – Lance Dale

As stated before, challenges in life are unavoidable. The only thing that makes a difference is how you approach and handle the challenge. If you handle it positively, you’ll be happy.

12. “We tend to forget that happiness doesn’t come as a result of getting something we don’t have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.” – Frederick Keonig

You can’t become happy by getting something new. Instead, you can only be happy when you are grateful for what you already have. Acknowledge the good things in your life and show your gratitude as often as you can.

13. “Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s a day you’ve had everything to do, and you’ve done it.” – Margaret Thatcher

While spending a day relaxing is always welcomed, it’s not going to make you happy if you do it often. The days that make you happy are the ones where you were doing things and moving forward. So, even when you feel down and like giving up, you have to keep moving to be happy.

14. “Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.” – Carl Jung

Bad things happen to everyone, and it’s necessary to deal with if you want to experience happiness. If you never encountered hardship, you would never know how great the good things are. Only with this comparison can you recognize true happiness.

15. “Smiling is a wonderful way to get a boost of happiness. The next time life presents you with a challenging situation, take a deep breath and smile.” – Morris Pratt

When you smile, your mood will improve. Whether it is a fake smile or a real one, it can make you happier.

When you encounter a challenge, put a smile on your face and keep it there. It’ll help you get through the problem without losing your happiness.

Final Thoughts on Quotes About Being Happy Even When Facing Challenges

Challenges are expected in life, but these quotes about being happy even when facing a challenge can help. It is possible to remain happy when things are going the way you had hoped. Life can’t always be perfect, so you have to roll with these hard times and keep your wellbeing intact.

The next time you are facing a challenge, remember these quotes about being happy. Keep a smile on your face and look for the good in each moment. Show your gratitude for what you have, and be thankful always.

If you take the advice given in these quotes about being happy, you can get through the challenge positively. You deserve to live a happy life, so stay positive as you face hardships.

15 Fun Quotes About Friends and Family

October 10, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Friends and family often create joy in our lives, so it’s fitting that there are fun quotes about them. These quotes will remind you of the fun times you’ve had with your friends and the memories that were created. The fun quotes will help you feel gratitude for your loved ones and help you realize how lucky you are.

Your close friends and family are important, and they have helped you become the person you are. No matter what distance lies between you, they are there in your heart and soul. As you grew together, you became permanently entwined in one another’s lives.

Those who you see often are still contributing to the person you are yet becoming. The length of the friendship won’t matter, because all close friends and family are important and dear.

Close friends and family are special because no matter what happens, they want to see you smile. Your happiness is just as important to them as their own, and you’ll know who these people are. These fun quotes about friends and family will bring your loved ones to mind and a smile to your face.

Fun Quotes About Friends and Family

1. “Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” – C.S. Lewis

When you realize that you have something in common with another person, it forms a bond. If the thing you have in common is unusual, the bond will be even tighter. Friendships form over people having things in common, and this fun quote explains just how that happens.

2. “The real test of friendship is can you literally do nothing with the other person? Can you enjoy those moments of life that are utterly simple?” – Eugene Kennedy

With a true friend, you will be able to enjoy your time when you are doing nothing. Simply spending time relaxing with them will be enough, because the companionship is what’s important. When you can enjoy time like this with a friend, you will know that they are real friends.

3. “Being a family means you are a part of something very wonderful. It means you will love and be loved for the rest of your life.” – Lisa Weed

When you have a family, it means you always have someone to turn to. You are part of something that can’t be broken, and you will always have someone who loves you. Remember that even when times get hard between you, they will still be there when you need them.

4. “Family members can be your best friends, you know. And best friends, whether or not they are related to you, can be your family.” – Trenton Lee Stewart

Friends and family are very similar because they both love you unconditionally and want the best for you. They will be there in your times of need and during times of peace. You will always be able to count on them.

With that being said, remember that your family can also be your best friends, as Stewart explains. Likewise, you can consider your best friends to be family regardless of the lack of blood relation.

5. “It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

You don’t always have to be serious or professional around your friends. Be silly, laugh, and be yourself. With a friend, it’s encouraged.

Friends are the people you feel comfortable being yourself around. You should feel comfortable and be able to let your true colors show.

6. “Real friendship is when your friend comes over to your house, and you both just want to take a nap.” – Unknown

You don’t always have to be doing something fun when you’re with a friend. If you’re tired and want to lay around, have the companionship is enough. When you have someone that you are comfortable enough in their presence to take a nap, keep them around.

7. “I don’t need a friend who changes when I change and who nods when I nod; my shadow does that much better.” – Plutarch

Life wouldn’t be much fun if your friends were just like you. They should make things different. So, be yourself and let them be who they are, too.

You need someone in your life who has different ideas from your own. They should bring new insight into your life and cause you to see things you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. This is a good thing because you don’t need a second shadow.

8. “Families are the compass that guides us. They are the inspiration to reach great heights, and our comfort when we occasionally falter.” – Brad Henry

Your family is often your inspiration to reach your goals. Plus, they are where you go for comfort when you’re feeling down. They are there for the good and the bad, remaining steady as they guide you.

9. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey

Your true friends and family will be there when things aren’t great. They won’t only show up for the excitement and fun, as Winfrey explains. The ones who stick around when life gets hard are the ones you should keep close.

10. “The single most important factor in our long-term happiness is the relationships we have with our family and close friends.” – Clayton M. Christensen

Even being successful and having materialist things can’t make you happy. Having good relationships with friends and family can, however. This is the only way to reach long-term happiness because momentary happiness can’t replace that.

11. “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust

Your loved ones help create who you are. They bring happiness that leads to all the other amazing things about you. When you have them in your life, show them you are grateful for what they bring to your soul.

12. “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs. The ones you accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile, and who love you no matter what.” – Unknown

Friends can be family, too. The people who are there for you through everything and want to be in your life are your family. Whether they are blood or not, your family will want you to be happy and feel loved all the time.

13. “You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach because you do not just live in a world, but a world lives in you.” – Frederick Buechner

If your friends and family are far away from you, remember that you still have them inside you. They will always be there in your heart and mind because your memories and emotions are there. When you are missing them, look inside yourself, and you’ll find a little piece of them there.

14. “The family – that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to.” – Dodie Smith

No matter how far away you go or how often you see one another, your family is always with you. All the memories that you have shared and all the times you grew together are there. You can’t escape it, as it’s always going to be a part of you.

15. “You can always tell a real friend: when you’ve made a fool of yourself, he doesn’t feel you’ve done a permanent job.” – Laurence J. Peter

The way to recognize a friend is by telling them when you’ve done something dumb. Once you’ve told them, a true friend’s opinion of you won’t change. They will continue loving you the same as they did before, and they will still realize how amazing you are.

Final Thoughts on Fun Quotes About Friends and Family

Certain people in your life likely came to mind as you read these fun quotes about friends and family. If so, be sure to share the quote with them, so they know you were thinking of them.

Close friendships and family connections are important, so be sure to nurture the relationships and show that you are grateful. These are the people who contribute the most to your life, and that want to see you happy.

Friends and family help you grow and are there for you when you’re down. They are there for the good times and the bad, and you can always count on them. Remember these fun quotes about friends and family so you can share them with your loved ones.

Rescue Dog With a Hilarious Obsession With Sticks

October 9, 2020 by Kristen Lawrence

Snoop, aka The Big Snoop Dog, is best known on the Internet for having a strange obsession with sticks, big or small. Snoop is full of personality and has a loving home, but it wasn’t always this way. His owner Elliott first came across him back in October 2015 when he was living on the streets with a homeless man. He was very underweight and tied to a metal gate when Elliott first saw this rescue dog.

He said the homeless man was shouting, “Anyone got a home for a dog?!” Elliott knew then that he had to take Snoop home with him. He went up to the man and told him he’d take Snoop, and the rest is history. His breed is a boxer crossed with Bullmastiff, with a little bit of Staff in the mix as well. Elliott says the dog has made a big positive impact on his life.

“He makes me laugh every single day, cause whenever we go out for walks, he carries the biggest sticks you can imagine,” Elliot says. “They’re basically tree branches, not sticks. He’s also a really loving, calm and gentle dog.”

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Snoop is a homebody

He adds that when Snoop is home, he sleeps quite a bit. In his sleep, you can tell he’s chasing rabbits or carrying big sticks because his feet are constantly moving! Elliott said his favorite memory of him and Snoop was their first day together. His girlfriend had no idea he was bringing home a dog that day, and he wanted to surprise her.

He put Snoop in the living room and shut the door, and then went to find his girlfriend, Abby. When she opened the door, she instantly fell in love with Snoop. And, she

Elliott says his advice is that if you’re looking to get a pet, you should think about adopting rather than buying one. “There are millions of pets out there, similar to Snoop that aren’t so fortunate and need to be given a better life.”

Luckily, Snoop found an amazing new home and has loving owners who enjoy every memory they make with him. If you look at his Instagram, it seems like he has a stick in his mouth during every outdoor adventure. His reputation for picking up huge sticks as large as tree branches definitely gets some laughs out of Elliott, Abby, and anyone else passing by!

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Self-care, rescue dog style

He also really enjoys mud baths, jumping in any muddy puddle that crosses his path. Sure, it may make bath time a little longer and more tedious, but his owners love seeing him happy, so they don’t mind. Getting him into the tub is a whole ordeal, though! (He doesn’t seem to like regular baths too much, only mud ones).

It’s amazing to see how much this dog has grown since his days on the streets. Snoop is an active, happy, friendly dog who loves going on adventures with Abby and Elliott. Based on his pictures, he seems to really love days at the beach and hikes in the woods where he can find some tree branches to run around with. It seems tons of other people like keeping up with his adventures because he now has almost 40k followers on Instagram.

About the breed

Boxer enthusiasts boast of their favorite breed as being upbeat, playful, and gentle dogs. Males usually weigh around 65-80 pounds, and females weigh around 15 pounds less. They are one of the most popular dog breeds for their loyal, affectionate, loving demeanor. Bullmastiffs are much bigger dogs, usually weighing around 100-130 pounds. Despite their large size, they make great family pets and protectors. Finally, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier weighs anywhere from 40-70 pounds and are known for being good-natured and confident. They are loyal, highly trainable, and have a beautiful glossy coat.

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Final thoughts on living with a rescue dog

So, Snoop has a mix of all these breeds, but you can easily see the boxer and bullmastiff in him. Now that he’s off the streets, his coat looks healthy and shiny, and he’s gained a good amount of weight. He’s average-sized for a boxer, but definitely not as large as a purebred Bullmastiff. He’s simply adorable, and his owners think so, too!

If you’ve been thinking about getting a dog, all three of these make wonderful pets. However, a boxer and Staffordshire Terrier are probably easier to care for than a Bullmastiff due to its size. Remember, no matter what dog you decide on, try to adopt it instead of going to a breeder. Many dogs are at shelters or out on the streets just waiting for someone to come along and take them home.

He’s been featured on popular sites such as The Dodo, Lad Bible, VT, and of course, us! We hope you have enjoyed reading about this beautiful dog who got a second chance at life. Have you ever gotten a rescue dog? Please share your story with us in the comments!

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