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Science Explains If It’s Better to Eat Before or After a Workout

September 19, 2020 by Power of Positivity

To eat or not to eat, that is the question on many fitness enthusiasts’ minds. Are you still baffled as to whether you should eat before or after working out? Many experts say that there’s no easy answer because it depends on the person.

Do you exercise as soon as you get up, or do you wait until the evening? That’s a factor to consider for your food choices during the day. How your body will respond is based on whether you eat before or after your workout.

Some people prefer to wait until after exercising to refuel their bodies, called a fasted workout. If you have a bite to eat before you hit the gym, it’s known as a fed workout. Before you make your decision, here are some points to consider about each option.

Eating Afterwards: Fasted Workout Pros

Here are the benefits of a “fasted workout.”

Fasted Workouts Allow Your Body to Burn Fat for Fuel

Think of your body as an automobile. Instead of gasoline, your body is fueled by carbohydrates and body fat. When you eat, your body breaks the food down and converts the fat to triglycerides and the carbohydrates like sugar and glycogen. The triglycerides are stored in your fatty deposits, and the glycogen is stored in your muscles and liver.

If you eat a meal before you work out, your body will use the carbs from that food for immediate fuel. Your blood glucose and levels will also be higher after you eat. Fasting workouts make your body use its fat reserves for energy, meaning you will burn more fat.

Fasted Workouts May Help You Avoid Indigestion

Maybe you’re one of those people who feel queasy while trying to exercise after eating. If you do a fasted exercise session, you may not get the usual nausea and indigestion. Meals heavy in carbs can also give you that groggy feeling similar to where you stuff yourself at the Thanksgiving table.

Fasted Workouts May Stop Exercise Procrastination

How many times have you been determined to get up a half-hour earlier in the morning for your exercise routine? Maybe you’ve been intent on doing a workout right after work, instead. Deciding when to eat and when to exercise can make a big difference in following your goal.

Before you plan your time slot for exercising, think about your usual mornings at home and your days at work. You wrestle the kiddos out of bed, make sure they are ready for school, feed them breakfast, and rush them out the door to catch the bus. Then, you grab a health shake and hope you make it to work on time.

While running back and forth at the office, you may be tempted to grab something not-so-healthy from the vending machine. Maybe you eat lunch while trying to finish emails or make important phone calls. No wonder you procrastinate working out after work.

Instead, you might consider a fasted workout in the morning, even if you need to set your alarm clock to get you up earlier than usual. Did you know that exercise can make your body produce hormones that boost your moods and performance? Not only can you burn some extra body fat, but you’ll have a jump start on your day.

Cons of Fasted Workouts

Here are a few reasons a fasted workout might not work for you.

Less Energy During a Session

Knowing when to eat is a vital tool for working out. You may do your best when you eat before exercising. It may boost your energy and help you have a more productive session.

However, exercise regimens must be tailored to the individual. Are you one of the many people who notice a less intense workout if you don’t eat beforehand? Many individuals experience this energy droop.

For an optimal training session, your body needs glucose for its fuel mix. If you don’t have some available in your bloodstream at the time, your body must tap into your reserves that are stored as glycogen in your muscles.

What if you don’t have enough glycogen in your reserves? Then, your body will turn to its fat reserves for energy. Unfortunately, fat isn’t oxidized as quickly as carbs (glycogen) in your body, so your exercising performance may be lackluster.

Your workout intensity will also help you decide when to eat. The average person doing a 30-minute session a day may not have an issue with fasted workouts. However, you may not reach peak performance for high-intensity training without a pre-workout meal.

Low Blood Sugar

If you are following an exercise routine, you are also probably maintaining a healthy diet. Are you trying one of the many diets that encourage a low-carb and high-protein intake? You’ll have less glycogen stored in your muscles, so your body won’t have the extra fuel it needs for a workout.

In this case, fasted workouts can cause a sudden drop in your blood glucose levels, and you may feel groggy and nauseous. You may even be tempted to binge-eat. If this is your experience, a fasted workout may not be the best option for you.

Eating Before: Fed Workout Pros

Here are some great reasons to opt for a fed workout.

You’ll See Fewer Drops in Blood Sugar

Do your blood glucose levels drop significantly before eating? A fed workout may minimize this condition. Knowing when to eat when you have an insulin sensitivity is essential for your health and your workout success.

You Will Have More Energy for Workouts

It stands to reason that if you want energy and strength for an optimal workout, you need fuel. Having a small meal before your exercise session will provide your body with protein and carbs to burn. You’ll notice that you can exercise harder and longer.

Deciding when to eat for the best workout can make a difference in how many calories you burn. A pre-workout meal may help you sustain longer sessions and lift heavier weights. These benefits can result in burning more fat and sculpting a leaner body.

Preserves Your Muscles

Muscle preservation is an essential component of strengthening and toning your body. Did you know that some people lose more nitrogen during a fasted workout than a fed one? Nitrogen is critical for processing protein that builds and maintains healthy muscles.

Helps Burn More Calories After Your Workout

Did you know that your body continues to burn calories after you finish an exercise session? You are breathing harder and inhaling more oxygen, which burns more calories for a bit. This process is called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), which isn’t inhibited after a fed workout.

Fed Workout Cons

Here are some reasons that you might to skip the “fed workout.”

Need to Give More Thought to Your Snack

If you opt for a fed workout, pay close attention to what you consume. Skip milk, high-fiber, or high-fat foods, as you could get a stomachache if you work out after eating these. The Mayo Clinic suggests a smoothie, a piece of fruit, an organic energy bar, or a half of a peanut butter sandwich as great options.

You Might Feel Sluggish

Many fitness enthusiasts report feeling sluggish after eating, losing the motivation to work out after a meal.

Additional Tips on When to Eat in Relation to Your Exercise Sessions

Knowing what to eat for an optimal workout is just as important as knowing when to eat. Not all foods are created equal. If you decide that a fed workout is best for you, consider these points:

• Stay Hydrated

You lose a lot of water during a heavy exercise routine, so you should consider drinking some before you start. Keep plenty of water handy for during and after the workout. Some trainers also recommend sports drinks to replace essential electrolytes.

• Eat Some Carbs

Your body must have a certain amount of carbohydrates for energy and survival. Complex carbs are best for your pre-workout snack or light meal. Try steel-cut oatmeal, a slice of whole-wheat toast, a piece of fruit, or a low-sugar/low-fat energy bar.

• Try a Protein Shake

For a healthy boost of protein, you can’t beat a tasty protein shake or a fruit and protein smoothie. Protein shakes are quick and easy to make. You may also enjoy a small handful of nuts, low-fat Greek yogurt, a boiled egg, or a lean slice of turkey.

What Should You Eat After a Workout

Do you do well with a fasted workout? It would help if you had some nourishment as soon as your session is complete. Rehydrate your body and replenish your electrolytes with water or a sports drink. Then, have a light meal or snack that’s high in complex carbs and protein.

If you choose, you can enjoy another health shake afterward. For the best post-workout food combination, try things like fish, brown rice, quinoa, beans, or a little tofu.

Final Thoughts on When to Eat–Before or After a Workout?

Have you ever finished an intense workout and felt like you could eat everything in the refrigerator? The feeling is incredibly potent if you’ve completed a fasted exercise session. Be careful not to give in to cravings.

If it helps, pre-portion your workout meals and snacks. You’ll have them on-hand before or after and won’t be grabbing the first thing that comes to mind. Fruit, health shakes, and low-fat protein bars are quick snacks when you are on the go from the gym.

Enjoy a balanced meal with protein, complex carbs, and essential fats. Eat the correct portions and keep your calories under control. Overeating and indulging in empty calories will only defeat your workout efforts.

Deciding when to eat for an optimal workout is a personal choice. Both fasted workouts and fed activities have their benefits and shortcomings. Before you make a choice or start any new exercise regimen, discuss it with your primary healthcare provider, a certified trainer, or a registered dietician.

10 Untrue Stereotypes of an Only Child

September 19, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many people think an only child is selfish, spoiled, and overindulged. While growing up as the only kid in a home will mold your behaviors and personality, it also comes with a lot of stereotypes. Did you know that single-child families are becoming more common these days?

Back in the 1980s, about 10 percent of women had just one child. However, in 2020, the number of people with one offspring has risen to over 17 percent. Family size and structure changes with the times, but the only child misconceptions don’t seem to change. Here are some of the most common myths about being a party of one.

Ten Untrue Stereotypes About an Only Child

People often make unfair assumptions about a person who is an only child, like these.

1. Shy in Large Groups

Does being an only child mean that you must be a shy person? Just because there is no one around your home to fight and argue with like siblings, it does not mean that you don’t develop social skills.

You still go to school or work and interact with others there. Growing up in a smaller family doesn’t mean that a person will be timid. An individual can grow up in a home with five children and have a backward personality, and the single child home may have a kid that is a social butterfly.

The reality is that temperament all comes down to how well a person is socialized, and you can get that from outside your home.

2. Only Children Are Spoiled Brats

Sure, there are plenty of rotten kids that come from a home with no siblings. Additionally, there are families with lots of kids that have spoiled brats too. Whether a child is overindulged or not is a product of the parents and family members.

Being an only kid doesn’t mean that you get a ticket to everything you want in life, though it would be nice. Actually, many parents seem to be tougher on an only child as opposed to those who have many children. There’s no one else to help with dishes, take out the trash, and do all those little things that take teamwork.

If anything, being the only kid in the house can be challenging. There’s no brothers or sisters to play with, dream with, get into arguments with, and love.

3. Constantly Worry About Parents’ Deaths

All children worry about their parents getting older and passing from this life. However, more responsibility falls on an only child because they are the only ones to handle everything.

Thankfully, most people don’t sit around and think about such morbid things all the time, and if they do, they probably need to seek mental health assistance. The thoughts of parents passing from this life are hard to handle, regardless of whether you have siblings or not.

4. Prefer to Be Loaners

Why does the only child get the stereotype of being a loaner? Numerous children who have no siblings crave the social interaction of others. Many solo kids would love to have siblings to play with, and they often beg their parents to add to the family.

So, the fact that many people think only kids are loaners isn’t factual. Now, there will be some that do prefer to be alone and crave solitude. However, it all comes down to personality and not the family dynamics.

Many loaners are actually people who suffer from anti-social personality traits, which has nothing to do with having a brother or sister.

5. Want Things Done Their Way

If you don’t have any brothers or sisters, it means that you also want things done your way, right? Being controlling is a personality flaw that can happen to anyone. It’s usually based on circumstances rather than family structure.

If one of your parents is controlling, then you too may have such a personality. Also, some people like to try to control a situation when they have inadequacies inside. People who have siblings can be just as controlling as those who don’t, so this stereotype is false.

6. Adverse to Conflict

Everyone can stand up for what they feel is right. If someone is not treating you well or taking advantage of you, you can and should stand up for yourself. Being an only kid doesn’t mean that you will tower in the corner when life throws you lemons.

Some people don’t like conflict at all. They may take their traits back after their mom or dad, who is also passive. Sure, some individuals would do anything they could to keep from having a confrontation, but it has nothing to do with your family dynamics.

Again, this is another issue that has more to do with your personality than the fact that you have no siblings.

7. Are Highly Sensitive

Perhaps being overindulged makes a person overly sensitive, or the person could have something like social anxiety that makes them this way. Some people are more sensitive than others.

Have you seen individuals that tend to cry while others would rather rage with fury than to shed a tear? An only child may be a sensitive person, but they may be a fireball who won’t take any garbage from anyone in life.

It’s just the luck of the draw as to whether you’re a sensitive person or not. It has nothing to do with your family setup.

8. Have a Unique Family Dynamic

True, an only kid doesn’t have to worry about sharing with other children, but they certainly do have things that are unique to their household. There’s no one to blame all the empty water bottles in the living room on, and there’s no one to take the fall for the garage door being left open all night.

An only kid sure does have a unique family dynamic, and it can sometimes be lonely. However, since they’ve never known anything else, it’s routine to them.

They have a different kind of normal than other people. So, true, there is a different family makeup, but every home has different dynamics to consider.

9. Get Along Well with Adults

It’s a unique trait to be able to socialize with adults at a young age. Some children are far beyond their years and have learned the fine art of conversation, while others tend to be unable to mingle and have a good dialogue.

An only kid may have more opportunities to learn how to socialize with adults, but that doesn’t mean that they have mastered it. The single kid might prefer the company of children to grownups, but they have learned how to work the room of grownups because it’s all they’ve been around.

Whether a kid gets along well with adults isn’t going to matter if they have siblings or not. It all comes down to how they were raised.

10. Like Privacy

One of the nice things about being an only kid is you don’t have to share a room or toys with others. However, one of the worst things about being an only kid is not having other children in the home. If you have a brother or sister, you can share secrets, blame things that happen around the house, and have someone to be there for you all your life.

You have someone to talk to when your parents make you mad and life has been unkind. Sure, there are plenty of only kids that crave privacy and their own space because it’s all they’ve known. Then, there are some people that grew up in larger families who would do anything for some solitude.

Can you imagine sharing a room with 2-3 other kids? It’s simply hard to pinpoint and say that an only kid would want complete privacy when their personality might be the type that wants people all around them.

Dealing with the Loneliness of Being an Only Child

While the only child gets a bad rap because people think they get everything they could ever want, many don’t know the loneliness that comes with being a party of one. Did you know that it’s quite common for the only kid to make up an imaginary friend to have someone to talk too?

Shockingly, 65 percent of only children develop an imaginary friend to help them cope with being alone. This invisible friend helps to fill in the gap where there is a lack of siblings. Don’t fret if you see your child doing this as it’s an emotional and mental health need that they’re fulfilling.

Now, if the friend starts doing menacing things around the house and is a scapegoat for bad behavior, then it’s time to be concerned. When you see, pretend, or fantasy friends pop up around your home, you can rest assured that your child is developing their imagination.

Final Thoughts on the “Only Child” Stereotypes

The truth about the child that lives in a home with all adults is that most would love to have a sibling. While some may have problems sharing with other children, it’s something they would gladly do.

Just because you grow up in a family where you’re the only kid doesn’t mean that you will have major issues in life. In fact, you’ll probably be just as typical as the kids next door or be even more well-rounded because you got extra attention from doting parents.

7 Exercises for Better Defined Triceps

September 19, 2020 by Power of Positivity

There’s nothing worse than arm fat. Even if you’ve lost 100 pounds, it still seems to be with you. Some embrace it and let it just be part of their self as it is. Still, others feel very self-conscious of their wobbly arms and cover up even in the heat of the summertime.

If you’re someone who would like to deal with flabby arms fast, you may be looking for a significant pill or a particular exercise that will make the fat magically melt away. A triceps workout is your best option as it helps to put some definition in the upper body.

While they are small and strategic movements, they make a big difference. One of the things you will notice right away in a triceps workout is how it burns when you’re doing the maneuvers.

While the arms may be screaming, you will also feel something happening in your core too. While triceps are great, don’t forget the importance of cardio too.

Since you want to burn fat, you must also keep up on a healthy eating routine and do a mixture of exercise. To get started, you need to have three days that you devote to working out. You need some dumbbells or a lightweight kettle-bell. Here are seven maneuvers for the best workout for your arms.

Seven Moves to Tone Your Triceps

These seven exercises will have your arms toned in no time flat. Most people begin to see results within a few weeks.

1. Triceps Swing Backs

Start by standing at the right side of a weight bench. You should have a dumbbell of no more than 10 lbs. in your right hand, and make sure you keep your palm facing in.

Now, put your left leg and left hand on top of the workout bench. Slowly lean forward, making your hips and upper body at a 45-degree angle. You want your upper arm to be parallel to the floor, so bend your elbow till you achieve this stance.

Pull your abdominal muscles tight, keep your elbow near your waist, and bend your knees a bit. You want to make sure your upper arm is still and slowly straighten your arm behind you completely. The goal is to have one end of the dumbbell face the floor.

Lastly, you want to bend your arm for you to lower the dumbbell. Do ten reps on the left side, and then switch and do the right side.

2. Skull Crusher

When you do this barbell exercise the right way, your skull will be safe. It’s a traditional barbell lift performed on a workout bench.

The weights can be adjusted according to your strength endurance, and they can help tone and strengthen your arm muscles.

To do this exercise safely, you need a spotter who can be your gym partner. Spotters keep their hands positioned under the barbells as you lift so that you can’t drop it on yourself.

Lie on your workout bench, stretch your arms straight up to grasp the barbell that the spotter has placed above you. While trying not to move your shoulders and upper arms, bring the barbell down toward your face by bending your elbows.

Bring the weights up by straightening your elbows into the starting position. Try to do four sets with five to seven reps.

3. Reverse Triceps Extensions

To do this maneuver you want to stand in front of a cable extension, and make sure you set it as high as it can go. Keep your right arm against your side, and you should try not to move it.

Reach with your left hand to grab the cable. As you continue to hold the rope, smoothly bend your elbow at a 90-degree angle. As you straighten your elbow, stretch your arm down while pulling the cable down at the same time.

Hold this position for 1-2 breaths then return to the starting position. Do three sets of 10-15 reps. Switch arms and repeat the steps.

4. Push-up & Claps

If you remember the classic push-ups you did in high school gym class or in the military, this option will be a fun twist. Not only does it work your back and legs, but it gives all your arm muscles a full workout.

Start by getting on the floor in the push-up position. Keep your elbows slightly bend and go down towards the floor. Now when you come up, lift your hands from the floor and clap them once. Quickly set your hands back down to keep your balance.

Once you have done a push-up and clap together, it counts as one rep. Strive to do 15-20 reps per set. The clapping motion will help to work those arms and tighten that flab. Don’t fret if it takes you a couple of times to perfect this maneuver.

5. Triceps Towel Stretch

The towel stretch is comfortable and doesn’t require any extra equipment. Grab a beautiful sized bath towel, but you don’t want one that is too thick and hard to grasp when bunched. Fold the bath towel long ways until it’s at its longest shape.

Now, place your right hand by your head holding the top of the towel, and place your left hand behind your waist to catch the end of the towel. You want to move this towel back and forth as if you were drying your back after a shower.

The only key here is that you want to dry for longer than you would if you were wet. You want to do ten reps with your right arm in the upper position; then, you should switch and do ten reps with your left hand in the upper position.

You will feel the burn on the hand that is on top. It’s the one doing most of the work as the bottom side is just a support for the towel’s end.

6. Dynamic Triceps Warmup

You should do this maneuver before any other strenuous workouts as it helps to warm up those muscles. Place your arms at your side, stretched out like you’re about to fly. Make sure your palms are facing downward.

With your arms extended, start to roll the arms backward until you’re forming circles. The goal is to do ten of these circle movements. Now, rotate your arms and do ten circles going forward. To intensify the warmup, face your palms backward, down, and upwards.

7. Triceps Dips

If you’re serious about getting rid of that arm fat, you need to utilize these dips. Start by sitting sideways on a workout bench. You need to keep your feet flat on the floor and your hands on either side of you on the bench.

Now, place your feet out in front of you until your body is at a 45-degree angle, and your arms are resting behind you on the bench. It seems like an odd position, and it’s not going to be the most comfortable, but it works.

You will feel a bit suspended, which is how you should be. Now, start doing a reverse squat with your hands firmly placed on the bench. Dip down and up. If you do this exercise right, the heel of your foot should never leave the floor nor will your behind touch it. Do 15-20 reps of this maneuver.

Why are the Arms so Prone to Fat?

There are many different reasons why you may have excessive arm fat. You can blame your parents if you notice that they have this problem, you can blame your diet or your age. All these factors come into play when it comes to your bat wings.

Did you know that body fat can increase by up to 30 percent as you age? Many people notice the fat deposits seem to collect in the rear end and the arms. The only real way to get rid of age-related fat is by having surgery. You can tighten it through exercise only a small bit.

If you have fat caused by overeating, then it seems to be more willing to respond to workouts. You need to cut about 500-1,000 calories from your diet. In addition to the calorie deficit you create, you need to also increase your workout time to about five days per week.

Since each person is different, as are your calorie needs, you should use an online calculator to figure out how much you need to eat to lose. The goal is to lose a safe one to two pounds per week. If you are losing it any quicker than that, it can be counterproductive and make your fat hang even more.

Final Thoughts on Building Better Triceps

Your body needs time to build muscle to shrink some of the stretched skin. Though, you should set realistic goals for yourself. If you have four inches hanging from your arms, it’s unrealistic to think that you can get rid of all of that by exercise alone.

Thankfully, by doing some sculpting exercises and working those bat wings, you can at least make them look better when you’re wearing a tank top. Find the best workout that helps you to see results, and you must stick with it.

10 Red Flags Someone Has Suicidal Thoughts and How to Help

September 19, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Life is a precious gift that is renewed each day. For some, it can become so burdensome that they decide to take their life. How can you detect warning signs of suicidal thoughts before it’s too late?

Brief History of Suicide

Anthropologists and zoologists agree that suicide is a human action. The act of killing one’s self may be older than recorded human history. One of the first recorded suicides may be from Ancient Egypt, with records being more common in Ancient Greece and Rome.

As centuries passed, suicide became woven into the tapestries of art, literature, and music. The legendary Egyptian Queen Cleopatra was said to have taken her life by a venomous snake bite. Who could forget the double suicides of Romeo and Juliet?

Taking one’s life hasn’t always had the moral implications it does today. In some cultures, suicide is considered honorable and loyal under the right circumstances. Suicide missions have been war tactics for years in some countries.

Modern Suicide Statistics

To get an idea of how disturbing the numbers are, try counting from 1-40. By the time you get to 40, one person has taken his life somewhere in the world. One suicide approximately every 40 seconds equals about 800,000 people a year.

Mortality statistics show that suicide is the second most common cause of death among people in the 18-24 year-old bracket. Nearly 45,000 people take their life in America every year. Statistics show that the races most at risk are Caucasian, Native Americans, and Native Alaskans.

Suicide Prevention

It’s normal to want to give up when you are depressed and overly stressed. However, suicidal thoughts are a cause of concern and shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s a cry for help that must be answered before it’s too late.

Do you or a loved one have suicidal thoughts? Maybe your teen has seemed withdrawn and in a constant dark mood lately. Has your senior family member lost interest in things she used to do and is fixated on death and dying?

It would be a blessing if people who wanted to take their own lives would seek help immediately. Unfortunately, they usually don’t, so it’s up to family and friends to discern the warning signs. Here are ten warning signs that someone is contemplating suicide and needs immediate intervention.

Red Flags of Suicidal Ideation

If your friend or loved one is thinking about suicide, he won’t always say anything about it. Changes in normal behavior are of concern. Carefully notice these non-verbal pleas for help.

1. Withdrawal from family, friends, and society

2. Chronic drop in mood

3. No longer attentive to personal hygiene or appearance

4. Behaving recklessly, especially if it’s out of character

5. Poor diet, overeating, malnutrition, weight fluctuations

6. Constantly being distracted

7. Being uncharacteristically angry or in a constant rage

8. Persistent insomnia

9. Substance abuse, such as drugs or alcohol

10. Giving away sentimental or expensive possessions

Other Clues Someone is Suicidal Never to Ignore

Are you listening to what your person is saying, even if you must read between the lines? Anyone can have a bad day and make negative comments. However, pay attention when someone is always making references to these points.

1. Expressing hopelessness

2. The belief that no one loves them or believing they’re a burden

3. Expressing feelings of worthlessness or loneliness

4. Fixation on death

Suicide Risk Factors

Did you know that some factors can make you more apt to entertain suicidal thoughts? Just because you are in a risk group doesn’t mean it’s a given. However, statistics show strong correlations between risk factors and suicide.

Suicidal ideation and attempts
Substances abuse concerns
Mental health troubles such as depression, anxiety, bipolar, PTSD
Bonding issues with parents, family, friends, romantic partners
History of incarceration and legal issues
Financial problems
Abuse history, especially physically and sexually
Easy access to things like medication and weapons
Recent death or suicide of a family member or a close friend
A victim of bullying
Chronic physical illness or disability
LGBTQA+ youths are more likely to commit suicide than heterosexual teens or young adults.

According to statistical data, men are more likely to commit suicide than women. Their methods are also usually more violent, such as self-inflicted gunshots, hanging, or cutting. Women often choose to take poison or overdose on prescriptions.

• Mental Illness: Common Link

When you compare the signs and symptoms of suicidal thoughts with clinical depression, they are almost identical. Also, people diagnosed with these conditions won’t always have every one of the signs. Statistics show that as many as 60 percent of those who commit suicide were diagnosed with clinical depression.

Do you suspect that someone you love may be having suicidal thoughts? Have you noticed one or more of the signs and symptoms? How can you seek help for your friend or loved one?

Beware of the Myths About Suicidal Behaviors

Even in the 21st century, myths about people who are having suicidal thoughts are prevalent. Such misperceptions not only hinder people from getting help sooner but can cost a valuable life. Don’t believe these common myths.

Myth #1:

All you need to do for a suicidal person is to give him a hotline number.

Truth:

While suicide crisis hotline numbers are a lifesaving asset, there are no guarantees that your loved one will call just because you gave him a number. Instead, consider calling 9-1-1 or taking him to the emergency room yourself.

Myth #2:

Never ask a depressed person if she is considering suicide.

Truth:

The signs and symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts coincide, so it’s vital to ask. If your friend or loved one is deeply depressed, your questions may save her life.

Myth #3:

Once somebody has hit rock bottom, he isn’t at risk for suicide.

Truth:

Really? When a person has gone as low as he can go, he is even more apt to contemplate suicide. A person can be suicidal in any degree of hopelessness or despair.

Myth #4:

If someone is considering suicide, she will do it, no matter what.

Truth:

This dangerous myth assumes that intervention is useless. Never shy away from asking direct questions and helping your person get the help she needs.

Myth #5:

If it’s not wintertime, you don’t have to worry about suicide.

Truth:

This myth is based on fact, albeit twisted. Yes, many people commit suicide during the winter holidays. But a person can take his own life any day and any time of the year.

Myth #6:

This person is too religious to consider suicide.

Truth:

Suicidal ideation is no respecter of persons, religious or not. Although having a spiritual support network is vital when someone is in crisis, it is no guarantee that they won’t have suicidal tendencies.

Ask Candid Questions

Don’t beat around the bush when you are dealing with someone’s life. Ask direct questions concerning whether they want to take their life.

How are you coping with the stress in your life?
Do you ever feel like just giving up?
Do you think about dying?
Are you thinking about hurting yourself or committing suicide?
Have you ever thought about suicide before, or tried to harm yourself back?
Have you thought about how or when you’d do it?
Do you have access to weapons or things that can be used as weapons to harm yourself?

If the person answers yes to one or more of these questions, it’s time to intervene immediately. Whether you drive her to the emergency room or call 9-1-1, please don’t leave him or her alone. Make sure she is in the hands of medical personal and be as supportive as possible.

Final Thoughts: What If You Are Having Suicidal Thoughts?

What if you are the one who is thinking of ending your life? Under normal circumstances, you may dismiss the idea. You never know how you may feel when you are influenced by overwhelming stress and depression.

If you’ve experienced a significant loss or have a history of mental illness, you must talk to someone when you feel down, and that life isn’t worth living. Have you noticed any of the signs and symptoms of suicidal ideation? Do you work with a mental health provider?

Don’t wait until you are in crisis to consider counseling. When you are already working with a counselor, she may see the red flags when you can’t. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you know and trust if you feel like hurting yourself or taking your life. There is help and hope for you. Out of all the deaths around the world each day, perhaps suicide is the most preventable cause.

Remember that the more you know about the signs and symptoms, the quicker you can intervene to stop someone from who wants to take their life.

15 Ways to Make a More Positive Environment Every Day

September 19, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Your environment has a lot to do with your mood. Indeed, many people don’t realize how much their environment affects their happiness and even their outlook on life. A positive environment or a negative situation has a massive impact on whether you’re a positive or negative person.

One study, published by researchers at IOP Science, shows that having green areas such as trees and landscaping in a neighborhood positively correlate with a “joyful” factor. Also choosing to add a retaining wall or two to your landscaping can be a big step, depending on the size and scope of the project. Retaining walls Lenexa can be functional, decorative, or both and some experienced retaining wall contractors can plan, design, and install all types and sizes of retaining walls for residential and commercial properties. Other things will also keep your environment positive.

Here are 15 ways to create a more positive environment at home or work

1. Let in some light.

It’s no secret that darkness and depression go hand in hand. There have been numerous studies done linking these two things. Always being in a dark environment can alter your mood. You won’t be as happy and positive as you could be.

If you work in a dark environment, you can’t do anything about that. However, on your breaks, try to relax in a well-lit room or even outside. In your home, try to stream in as much natural light as possible. Natural light puts you in a better mood than artificial light.

2. Decorate your space to your liking.

Dull, boring, bare walls don’t inspire much. This is especially true if your walls are a flat, dull, stark color. This is one reason why people hate working in cubicles so much.

Adding some personality to your space can go a long way when it comes to putting you in a positive and inspired mood. Personalizing your space, whether it’s home or work, is a great way to create a positive environment.

3. Put affirmations on your walls.

This is probably one of the easiest ways to create a positive environment. Being able to read positive messages throughout the day can subconsciously put you in a positive and motivating mood. It’s almost like tricking yourself into being positive.

You can buy fancy wall messages if you want to be more decorative, but you could also write out your affirmations and stick them on your wall. This might be a little more logical if you work in a cubicle. Either way, get some positive messages up in your line of view.

4. Socialize more.

Lack of social interaction can make you feel lonely, negative, and depressed. Even introverts need to interact with people sometimes. If you’re always by yourself, you need to push yourself to get out and meet people.

You don’t have to become a social butterfly, but you should at least make an effort to make a friend or two. You can easily do this by joining a group. A book club, a fitness class, or volunteering are great ways to get out and meet people.

5. Take care of background noise.

Background noise, also known as noise pollution, can have a dramatic effect on your mood and your health. In some cases, you can’t do anything about the noise. Urban areas are drowned in background noises like traffic, sirens, and people.

Unfortunately, background noise has been linked to an increase in high blood pressure, anxiety, and depression, among other things. While you might not be able to get rid of it, you can do something to reduce it. Earplugs help, or you could try a white noise machine.

6. Keep your work in your workspace and keep your relaxing space work-free.

It would help if you had clear boundaries in your home to maintain a positive environment. This means that you should designate a place in your home for work only. If you have an office that is great, but if you don’t, you should block off an area and let that be your work area.

Doing this allows your mind and spirit to relax fully when you’re in your relaxation areas. Being able to relax has a significant impact on whether you’re positive or negative. If you can never relax, you can be sure that your mood is going to lean more towards the negative side.

7. Clean up clutter.

Regularly seeing piles of clutter everywhere throws off your brain’s dynamic. It can make it hard for you to focus, affect your memory, and decrease your productivity. Even worse, the effect is cumulative, so all of this continues to pile on until you’re left feeling uninspired and unmotivated.

Cleaning up clutter helps to keep you in a positive spirit. Your brain isn’t thrown off by disorganization, and you can focus more. You’ll find yourself happier and in a better mood.

IKEA’s Bully a Plant project proves the power of positivity can alter your outcome.

8. Surround yourself with positive people.

If you’re always around positive people, that positive attitude is going to rub off on you. Even if you think of yourself as a leader and not a follower, surrounding yourself with the wrong people will eventually have a negative effect on you.

Instead, keep your circle full of people with a positive outlook on life. This could mean cutting some people out. Sometimes even family and friends are the ones you need to drop from your circle. It doesn’t mean you should not ever talk to them again. It just means to keep them at a distance, so they don’t influence your environment.

9. Start a garden or buy some plants.

You don’t have to become a gardener, but greenery and pretty flowers have been known to increase happiness and positivity. If you don’t want to grow plants, buy them. It could be a small plant for your desk, or it could be large floor plants for your home.

You don’t even have to buy real plants. Fake plant arrangements that look great can have the same effect. This way, you can reap the benefits without having the stress of keeping them alive if you don’t have a green thumb.

10. Enjoy the little things in life.

There is so much to enjoy in life. If you’re continually ignoring these little things, it can take the joy out of your day. Wake up, go to work, come home, do it all again. That’s a monotonous cycle that doesn’t inspire a positive mood.

Try enjoying the warmth of the sunshine for a few minutes. Smell the flowers outside of your job before you go in. Watch a street act—Pet a puppy. Admire an elderly couple who is still in love after decades. It’s the little things that make life worth it.

11. Make sure your environment smells good.

According to Rachel S. Herz, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Brown University, odors can affect your mood, but not like it does for everyone else. You must have associated that odor with something in your life. Therefore, if a scent is offensive to you, it can put you in a bad mood, which can crush your positive environment. For anything else that smells bad to you, do what you can to remove the odor from your situation.

12. Don’t stare at screens all day.

Studies show that the average American spends 7 hours a day staring at screens, and it’s causing vision problems, eye strain, headaches, and neck pain. With all of this going on, it can be hard to remain positive. Try to limit your screen time as much as possible. Put up your phone and read a book instead of watching tv.

13. Exercise more.

When you feel good physically, you feel good mentally. The effects of regular exercise on your mood is no secret. It’s been studied over and over again. Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel good and puts you in a great feeling. You’ll feel better and be in a more positive mood.

14. Be kind to people.

Being helpful to people will inspire people to be kind to you. You’ve heard that old saying – treat others how you’d want to be treated. Treating other people well will make you feel great and make them feel great. Then they’ll want to make you feel great, and it becomes an environment where everyone is making everyone feel great. How can you not think positive like that?

15. Eat healthily.

You are what you eat. You’ve probably heard that several times before. Studies have shown that certain foods can affect your mood and even the way you feel about life in general.

Eating healthy is a great way to feel good about yourself. As stated before, feeling good mentally equals feeling good physically and vice versa. Your mental state is as much a part of your environment as any tangible object, so eat healthy to keep yourself feeling good.

Final Thoughts on Creating a Positive Environment

Creating a positive environment starts with yourself. You must make your physical environment warm, happy, and inviting. You must also have excellent mental and emotional health to keep you in a positive spirit. Don’t be afraid to remove anything that inspires negative thoughts or emotions. The more happiness, light, and positivity you invite into your life, the better you’ll feel and be. Before you know it, being positive will be a way of life.

15 Red Flags Someone is an Emotional Vampire

September 19, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you’ve never dealt with an emotional vampire, you’re lucky. However, it could be that you don’t realize that a friend or loved one is like that. These types of people will drain you of your energy and emotions, and, to make matters worse, they won’t care.

For your health, it’s important to recognize when someone is an emotional vampire. Once you identify this energy zapper, learn to deal with them pleasantly while keeping them at arm’s length.

Know the fifteen signs someone might be an emotional vampire

Here are 15 red flags for which you should look.

1. They always turn the topic to themselves.

For some reason, no matter what you’re talking about, they’ll find a way to make it about themselves. Are you talking about your college grades? Somehow the conversation will turn in to how your scores affect them. What about a great date that you had yesterday? Yep, all about them.

If you’re feeling left out of a conversation with someone all the time, this is a significant, glaring indicator. This self-centered friend is incapable or possibly unwilling to allow someone else to be the center of attention in a conversation.

2. They always seek validation.

They probably have low self-esteem, so they require constant validation. The crazy thing is that you probably know this on some subconscious level, and you feel bad that they have low self-esteem. Therefore, you try to be friendly and supportive because you care.

They feed on this caring emotion from you. Indeed, they may even always fish for compliments. No matter how tiring this gets for you, they’ll continue to do it until you put a stop to it.

3. Emotional vampires thrive on and seek out drama.

Problems, negativity, and drama have a lot of energy. Energy suckers are naturally drawn to drama because it feeds their personality. Sometimes they may even go to extremes to instigate drama.

Continually seeking out drama is childish, but emotional vampires don’t see it that way. Instead, it’s a thrill to them. If you’re not careful, you can find yourself squarely in the middle of their drama simply because you’re associated with them.

4. They are emotionally unavailable.

If you think that your energy-sucking friend will be there for you when you need a shoulder to lean on, think again. They are selfish and emotionally unavailable. They will suck away all of everyone’s emotions, but they are unwilling to share when you need some.

Of course, they may be so wrapped up in themselves that if you tell them exactly how you’re feeling, they’ll dismiss it and change the subject to how they’re feeling. Even worse, they might make you feel bad that your bad feelings are making them feel bad. It’s a crazy cycle.

5. They always seem to have a negative vibe.

If you are a spiritual person, you may be able to detect people’s vibes when they come around. An emotional vampire will always project a negative vibe or aura. It can be so strong that it’s hard to ignore.

If you keep yourself around such a strong negative vibe, some of it may rub off onto you. Even the healthiest people might be slightly affected. The best thing you can do is stay away from people with negative vibes.

6. Every situation is always a crisis.

You may notice that your friend over-dramatizes every little thing. The most superficial problems that can easily be solved seems like the Titanic is about to sink again. What’s worse, it may seem that your friend is always having these minor-major issues.

People who suck up energy and emotions need to turn everything into a crisis so they can get more power and feelings out of you. It’s a vicious cycle in which you’ll continuously feed their needs until they wear down your last nerve.

7. They hold ridiculous grudges.

If your friend is holding grudges from elementary school, this is a big red flag. It seems that they can’t let anything go, ever. You can be sure that your friend will be holding grudges on their death bed.

This grudge-holding stems from their desire for drama all the time. If they forgive people, there will be no more drama. That means no more emotions for them to suck up, and they can’t have that.

8. They will complain about everything all the time.

It may seem like nothing is ever good enough for your friend. They have a problem with everyone and everything. They never have compliments or anything good to say.

Life can be very dull and harsh, being around a person who complains about everything. They’ll try to suck all of the joy out of whatever you’re doing so you’ll be as miserable as they are. If you’re a healthy person, you can fight against this, but it doesn’t make it any less irritating.

9. These friends seem to be unaware of others.

A person who is an emotional vampire doesn’t pay any attention to the fact that there are other human beings on the planet. They can happily go through life, never connecting with people, giving them credit for anything, or even recognizing that they have feelings and emotions.

Examples would be dismissing the excellent job that their waitress did or ignoring how their partner feels about them forgetting their anniversary. They can be cold, cruel, and seemingly heartless.

10. These folks never accept responsibility for their actions.

As much trouble as your friend can cause, they will never accept responsibility for their role in the drama. According to your friend, everything is everyone else’s fault. They play the victim role exceptionally well.

Even when it’s obvious that your friend is to blame, they will deflect that blame elsewhere. There is no reasoning with a person like this. You’ll only drive yourself crazy, trying to get them to see the light.

11. Emotional vampires continuously try to one-up you.

Unfortunately, they don’t just suck up negative energy. They suck up all energy. This means they want the power of being “the best” at all times. They won’t celebrate in your successes. Instead, they give you an empty compliment and immediately compare it to something they’ve done better than you. Here is an example.

“Oh, you finally lost that ten pounds? Great. Keep working at it, and you might be able to look as good as I would in that dress.”

It’s an empty compliment. This phrase is not a compliment (because they are incapable of giving real compliments). It’s just your friend trying to prove that they’re better than you.

12. They think that only their needs matter.

This makes sense because a person like this doesn’t pay any attention to people around them anyway. It’s almost like they live in a bubble, and they only pull you in long enough to drain your emotions. In their bubble, no one else’s needs matter.

Just keep in mind that if you keep this person as a friend, they’re not going to care about what’s happening in your life genuinely. They are more of a “surface” friend. They’re incapable of caring about your needs.

13. They are masters at guilt trips.

Emotional vampires seem to be skilled at making you feel guilty. They can even make you feel guilty about something that you had absolutely nothing to do with. Before you know it, you’ll be caving into what they want in an attempt to apologize for nothing.

Sometimes it can take a little time to recognize that they do this to you. However, when you realize it, get out of it. They’re not going to stop guilt-tripping you. It’s just who they are.

14. Emotional vampires are bullies.

People like your energy draining friend are unpleasant to be around. They have a nasty personality. They’re mean, selfish, insecure, and hostile. They are also bullies.

Bullying doesn’t work on everyone, but emotional vampires seem to have an innate quality that allows them to sense weaker people. They’ll bully these people into giving them what they want – energy and emotions.

15. Talks nonstop.

After reading the other fourteen red flags, it shouldn’t be surprising that all those energy suckers talk nonstop. If they don’t even acknowledge the people around them, it’s not going to occur to them that people have an opinion (or maybe they don’t care that people have an idea). To them, they are the only ones that exist or matter, so why would anyone else have anything to say?

They may rarely give you a chance to even reply to what they’re saying. Why? Because they don’t care what you think or how you feel.

Final Thoughts on Dealing with the Emotional Vampires in Your Life

Throughout this article, we’ve referred to the energy sucker in your life as your friend. However, let’s be honest. This person is not a friend. They’re a leech. They’re simply a parasite in your life feeding off of your energy and emotions. They’ll keep mooching off of you until there is nothing left, or until you put a stop to it.

Don’t allow emotional vampires to consume you. Use these 15 red flags to recognize them for who they are. Then cut them off and enjoy your life.

Family Therapist Explains 10 Ways to Win Over Your In-Laws

September 18, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Getting married is an exciting adventure filled with love and plenty of planning. One thing that the happy couple doesn’t prepare for is what it’s like to meet the in-laws. There have been movies made about the dreaded encounters when you meet your mother and father-in-law, and they learn that you will take the hand of their son or daughter. The good news is it makes for great movies and videos, but you can have a beautiful relationship with your family, and everyone can live in harmony. Now, it all comes down to the personality of each party and their views on things. Some people are easier to win over than others.

Not only can an awkward relationship with your love’s family cause you anxiety, but it also puts your partner in the middle of any disputes. Over the long-term, your partner will also suffer stress from this predicament.

10 Tips to Build an Excellent Relationship With Your In-Laws

If you want to have a good relationship with your in-laws and win them over from the start, here are some tips that can help you accomplish this task.

1. Respect Their Religious Beliefs

Whenever you join two families together, you are bringing different backgrounds, traditions, and beliefs. You must respect their family and their views, even if they don’t align with yours.
In some faiths, women wear caps over their heads as a covering. Here are some examples. In the Mormon faith, they don’t believe in drinking caffeine of any kind. In the Muslim faith, alcohol is a no-go.

It’s easy to see how just these three examples could bring about major conflict with some people. However, while you don’t have to live by their rules and regulations, you should follow them while you’re in their home. So if the family is against drinking, you shouldn’t bring a flask in for dinner.

These little gestures of kindness can have a significant impact on your relationship with your in-laws. Additionally, you want your husband or wife to feel that you have respect for their family, or it can cause a significant rift. Being positive about religious diversity will go a long way, according to studies.

2. Always Show Kindness

It would help if you treated your partner’s parents how you want your parents to be treated. Even if they step across the line or say inappropriate things, you want to make sure that you treat them with respect. It’s perfectly acceptable to say something like, “I respect and value your opinion, but we will have to agree to disagree.”

There’s no need to argue and fight when you can state your feelings and move on. This world would sure be a boring place if everyone had the same opinions.

3. Include The In-Laws When Appropriate

One of the things that cause rifts with the in-laws is they feel excluded. When a son or daughter starts spending time with a love interest, the family often feels left out. They may not be present at Sunday dinners anymore, or they may not be as readily available to help with household needs.

You will probably encounter a lot of ill feelings because you take him or her away from them. The vital thing to counteract these feelings is including them. If Sunday dinner is a big thing at their house, then make sure that you attend also.

Though it’s difficult, you need to make sure that you don’t cut off people that were so special just because you’re busy being in love. You will need those relatives one day, so it’s best to start on the right foot.

4. Be Up Front and Honest

Honesty will go a long way with your future relatives. It’s easy to want to embellish your accomplishments to put yourself in a brighter light. Frankly, who doesn’t want the family of their future husband or wife to think they are going places?

It would help if you remembered that the things you say could and will impact your relationship at some time. If you exaggerate your salary or social standing, eventually, they will know the truth. Dishonesty can cause you plenty of problems when it comes to your in-laws, so it’s best to stick to the facts and be truthful from the start.

5. Defend Them When They Feel Slighted

One way to get on your mother or father in-law’s right side is to come to their defense. According to research, family members care if others in the unit feel they receive justice. Even if it’s just in family arguments or disagreements with the cell phone company, you need to play their defender.

When you rush to their defense during times of adversity, it shows that you are rooting for them and on the same team. They will appreciate that you stand up for them, especially when it seems like they’re on the losing end.

6. Laugh at Their Jokes

Some new family members may try to win you over with levity. Even if they tell the dumbest jokes you’ve ever heard, and they are not remotely funny, you still need to laugh.

When you give them the pleasure of thinking they’re funny, it’s a form of bonding. They want someone who is not only going to treat their son or daughter properly but will also listen to what they have to say.

7. Keep Conversations Light

One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your future relatives is to delve into in-depth topics too soon. Never discuss politics or religion unless you have no choice. These two subjects have caused war and many violent encounters across the country, and the last thing you want to do is talk about such matters with the family.

Try to keep things neutral and positive. Please talk about the weather, sports, and your partner when they were a child. If you want to make a good impression, then don’t get into anything controversial.

8. Offer a Helping Hand to the In-Laws

If you want to butter up the in-laws, then you can offer to lend a helping hand. A mother loves nothing more than their soon to be daughter in law to help peel potatoes or do other mundane tasks.

Perhaps, they need a new light hung in the Livingroom as the old one is on the fritz. If you have electrical skills and can hang that light for them, they will bond instantly with you. Helping them doesn’t mean making them feel like they can’t do something for themselves.

You want to tread lightly because some people may find it offensive if you try to take over their home, and this is especially true about a woman in her kitchen. Make sure it’s known that you want to help and not take charge.

9. Become Interested in Family History

Every family has a story. They may be relatives of a famous person, or they may have some well-to-do millionaires that they are close too. When you are going to marry someone, you must know about their family.

Additionally, family members will like the fact that you seem interested in their clan. Therapists advise that there are always destructive dynamics that you want to steer clear of in every family. So you should learn as much as you can about their history.

10. At Least Consider Taking Their Last Name

The older generation is a bit more old-fashioned. It was always commonplace for the women to take the man’s name in marriage. However, millennials have changed things dramatically. These days, you can hyphenate your name, keep it the same, or the husband can take the wife’s name.

If you want to impress them and let them know that you love their family, you can at least consider changing your name to match theirs. They will respect the fact that you at least considered the possibility.

Final Thoughts: What Not to Say or Do to The In-Laws?

Now that you’ve learned all the things you should do to get in your new family’s good graces, there are a few things that you should avoid. Here are the top things to avoid when dealing with your in-laws.

1. Don’t talk about religion or politics.
2. Avoid Subjects about alcohol or your consumption.
3. Don’t criticize their parenting skills or offer suggestions.
4. Never put down their son/daughter’s ways to them.
5. Don’t call them mom or dad right away without being told it’s okay.
6. Never tell them they have a standing invitation to your home.
7. Avoid making them feel inferior to your family.
8. Don’t talk about your family’s finances or yours either.
9. Avoid discussion holiday schedules in advance.
10. Don’t let the relationship turn into a power struggle.
11. Keep your not-so-nice opinions to yourself.
12. Never discuss the not-so-savory circumstances you’ve faced.

Dealing with in-laws can be a nerve-wracking experience. You want to put your best foot forward and hope they like you. Remember, these are the people that you’re going to see on every holiday, birthday party, or other special occasions. You want to forge a good relationship with them even if you don’t like them.

No one says that you must be good friends with your relatives, but you must find ways to get along even if it’s just for your spouse’s sake. If you want to win these people over, then you must be cautious during your first few encounters.

11 Surprising Rosehip Oil Benefits for Your Skin

September 17, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Rosehip oil has many benefits that will immediately make you want to add it to your skincare regime. As it gains popularity, more people wonder about rosehip oil’s benefits for the skin. Surprisingly, there are many, making it a beneficial ingredient for all areas of your skincare.

Rosehip oil, harvested from the seed of rose plants, contains vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids. These components are essential for skincare, giving you the beautiful skin you desire. You may have already noticed, but many skin care products in the store contain rosehip oil because of their beneficial properties.

Research shows that rosehip oil skin can reduce redness, slow aging, eliminate acne, and moisturize your skin. Many products claim to do these things, but dermatologists back rosehip oil, agreeing it is beneficial for skin care.

Your skin is your largest organ, and it protects all of your other organs. Considering this, taking care of your skin is essential to maintaining your overall health. Learn about the benefits of rosehip oil for the skin and implement it into your daily skincare routine.

What Is Rosehip Oil (and what is it good for)?

Rosehip oil gets extracted using a cold-press method from the crushed seeds of a wild rose plant called Rosa canina. The oil contains many nutritional benefits, including vitamins, antioxidants, and fatty acids.

While rose oil comes from the petals, rosehip oil comes from the seeds and fruit, which sit just below the rose. It is a light, unscented oil, making it ideal for skincare or mixed with other ingredients.

Rosehip oil is often used with essential oils as a carrier oil. Essential oils are sometimes too intense to put directly on your skin, but the rosehip oil dilutes it safely. Plus, using rosehip oil with essential oils can offer many more benefits than just using essential oils alone.

Eleven Benefits of Rosehip Oil for Skin

Let’s look at rose oil’s benefits for face and skin care.

1. Rosehip Oil Hydrates Your Skin

Your skin can lack hydration due to extreme weather or as your skin ages. Rosehip oil rehydrates it with its essential fatty acids, linoleic and linolenic. These acids keep your cell walls strong, so they don’t lose water, resulting in soft and supple skin.

Rosehip oil for the skin also contains high levels of antioxidants, which further the hydration benefit. Your skin will easily absorb the oil and its antioxidants, allowing nutrients into the skin’s deepest layers.

2. Rosehip Oil Moisturizes Your Skin

Since rosehip oil locks moisture in your skin cells, it is a natural moisturizer. The oil isn’t greasy, making rosehip perfect for any skin type. It contains fatty acids and water, which are essential for skin nourishment.

3. Rosehip Oil Exfoliates and Brightens Your Skin

Rosehip oil contains high amounts of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A, also known as retinol, promotes skin cell turnover, while vitamin C helps with cell regeneration. Together, these vitamins eliminate and replace dead skin cells, leaving your skin vibrant and smooth.

Additionally, rosehip oil is high in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that promotes skin cell renewal. As you exfoliate with the oil, your skin becomes brighter, and your skin tone evens out.

4. Rosehip Oil Enhances Collagen Formation

Collagen is essential for skin firmness and elasticity and is known as your skin’s building block. As you get older, your body naturally produces less collagen. The vitamins A and C are essential for collagen production in rosehip oil.

Plus, studies show that rosehip oil stops creating enzymes that break down collagen. Breaking down those enzymes ensures that your collagen levels aren’t compromised. Collagen also helps improve the appearance of wrinkles and keeps the skin moisturized.

5. Rosehip Oil Helps Reduce Skin Inflammation

Rosehip oil contains polyphenols, anthocyanin, and vitamin E, which all have anti-inflammatory properties. This oil also contains the anti-inflammatory fatty acids linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and oleic acid. These components help control inflammation and redness, bringing relief to your skin.

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, rosehip oil can help treat:

rosacea
psoriasis
eczema
dermatitis

6. Rosehip Oil Protects Your Skin from UV Rays

Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can lead to premature aging and other skin issues. The UV rays interfere with your body’s ability to make collagen, making it lose elasticity and defining wrinkles. Research shows that vitamins A, C, and E combat visible sun damage and reduce the detrimental effects of UV exposure.

7. Rosehip Oil Helps Reduce Hyperpigmentation

When excess melanin forms dark spots or patches on your skin, it is hyperpigmentation. This condition can occur because of sun exposure, hormonal changes, and certain medications. The retinoids found in rosehip oil can help reduce the appearance of these spots.

Additionally, rosehip oil contains lycopene and beta-carotene. Studies show that these two components can lighten the skin, helping reduce dark patches.

8. Rosehip Oil Helps Reduce Scars, Wrinkles, And Stretch Marks

The fatty acids and antioxidants in rosehip oil promote tissue and skin cell regeneration. This benefit allows the oil to reduce scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks as it heals and revives damaged skin.

In one study, researchers studied two groups of people for twelve weeks after surgery. One group used rosehip oil twice daily on their incision, and the other didn’t use it at all. At the end of the study, the results showed that those who used rosehip experienced significantly more healing.

The beneficial properties of rosehip oil can prevent and undo oxidative damage and promote collagen production. It also promotes healing as it stimulates the healing macrophages.

9. Rosehip Oil Helps Fight Free Radicals

The vitamin C and antioxidants found in rosehip oils help fight free radicals in your skin. By fighting free radicals, this oil helps protect your skin from oxidative stress. This oxidative stress protection prevents skin damage and eliminates the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while brightening your skin.

10. Rosehip Oil Helps Fight Acne

Since rosehip oil has anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, it helps fight acne. It promotes cell turnover and reduces clogged ducts. Plus, it calms redness while reducing acne cysts.

11. Rosehip Oil Is Known to Have Anti-aging Properties

The vitamin C in rosehip oil gives it a strong anti-aging effect. It protects and repairs your skin from damage and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, rosehip oil contains carotenoids that promote skin cell turnover.

How To Use Rosehip Oil

Here are some ideas of how to use rosehip seed oil to benefit your daily beauty routine.

1. As a Spritzer

Using rosehip oil as a spritzer can help when your skin is dry as it infuses your skin with hydration. Mix filtered water in a small spray bottle with five drops of rosehip oil and two drops of lemon balm oil. Spray it on your face and skin whenever you need some hydration.

2. As an Exfoliating Scrub

To help remove dead skin cells, exfoliate your skin with a rosehip oil mixture. Combine one teaspoon of sugar or baking soda, ten drops of rosehip oil, and three drops of lavender essential oil in a small container. Then, use your fingertips to gently rub it on your face in a circular motion before rinsing it off with cold water.

3. As a Moisturizer

You can make a moisturizer using rosehip oil and a few other ingredients. Fill a glass bottle ¾ of the way with rosehip oil, and then add ten drops of moisturizing essential oil. Add a few drops of lavender or lemon essential oils to give the moisturizer a scent.

4. As a Remedy for Oily Skin

To relieve oily skin, mix one teaspoon of rosehip oil with one tablespoon of sweet almond oil in a glass bottle. Then, add three drops each of lavender, tea tree, and frankincense essential oils. Apply three drops of this mixture to your clean skin, gently massaging it with your fingertips.

5. As a Makeup Remover

You can effectively remove makeup with this rosehip oil and don’t need any other ingredients. Put a few drops onto a cotton ball and use it to wipe away any makeup. You can use rosehip oil on your face daily, making it the perfect addition to your routine.

6. As a Blemish Remover

If you have blemishes, you can use a rosehip mixture to reduce their appearance and heal them quickly. Mix one small bottle of rosehip oil with three drops of vitamin E and tea tree oil. Rub the mixture on your blemishes twice a day for the best results.

Possible Side Effects of Rosehip Oil

Rosehip oil is safe for most people, but there are a few issues you should watch out for. If you experience any side effects, discontinue use right away because it could indicate an allergy. Some of the side effects include:

red, itchy skin
itchy or watery eyes
scratchy throat
nausea or vomiting
difficulty breathing
wheezing
swollen mouth, throat, or face
rapid heartbeat
stomach pain

Final Thoughts on the Benefits of Rosehip Oil for Skin

The benefits of rosehip oil for skin seem never-ending, and they work for any skin type. Rosehip oil can make your skin healthier, radiant, and more refined even as you age.

This all-natural skincare product helps ease inflamed or dry skin and prevents it from recurring. Your skin will feel and look better, and you don’t have to use chemicals to achieve the result.

15 Reasons Why People With Kind Hearts Live Happier Lives

September 17, 2020 by Power of Positivity

People with kind hearts lead happier, more rewarding lives.

Think about it.

Does it seem like people have forgotten the “Golden Rule” these days? Wouldn’t it be nice if one of the soft drink companies could come up with a kindness cocktail or a niceness nectar for people who need a boost of humanity? A Harris Poll found that only one-third of the population considers themselves happy.

The study gave a survey to 2,345 U.S. adults. It was shocking to see that two-thirds of the population isn’t content with their lives, jobs, or overall well-being. These numbers are awful, and something must change. A happy person is usually someone who is kind and looks out for others.

Why Kind Hearts Are Happier?

While the number of joy-filled people may be lacking, those who are kind tend to live longer lives. It’s a novel concept to think that showing kindness to your fellow humans could make you live longer.

Why would being happy affect your longevity on the earth? Here are 15 reasons why kind hearts tend to stick around longer than those who tend to be melancholy.

1. Being Kind Boosts Happiness

When you’re doing something for others, it gives you a sense of accomplishment. Everyone is busy and has a hectic schedule, but when you take a few minutes to be kind even when you don’t have to, it gives you a whole different outlook.

Imagine how different the world would be if people automatically loaded groceries for senior citizens, opened doors for mothers with infants, and just did random acts of kindness for no other reason than the feeling of warmth and happiness it brings. It feels good to help others, and it puts a bounce in your joy-filled bounce in your step.

2. Luckier in Love

Have you ever seen a couple that is so in love that they ooze with mushiness? Then there are those people who tend to be so unlucky that they find every narcissist and toxic person along life’s highway. Why are some people so blessed with good relationships while others struggle?

The key to being lucky in life may be having a kind heart. There are all kinds of people that you date when you’re playing the field. However, the one you choose to marry or commit too is always the one that completes you.

It’s the person that makes you want to do better and work harder. Perhaps, it’s the person who is kind to others, and you see their heart before anything else. Generous people tend to be happier in love because they attract people with like minds.

Being kind and having a big heart are attractive features that everyone wants in a spouse.

3. Engage in Philanthropic Activities

Some many charities and organizations reach out to those in need. Doing philanthropy work tends to get your mind off your troubles and focus on what matters most.

It’s hard to complain about your sore knees when you see someone who lost their legs due to a disease. Benevolence helps you to view the world through a different pair of lenses.

When you have a joyous existence, you count your blessings instead of pinning for your wants.

4. Don’t Suffer from many Health Problems

Harvard Medical School recently did a study regarding the health link to happiness. Happy hearts generally don’t have as many health problems as those who tend to be negative and pessimistic.

True happiness is learning how to free yourself from stress. When you are under constant duress, your cortisol and adrenaline levels are too high. Having these hormone levels at accelerated heights causes your heart to work overtime.

Lowering your stress levels decreases your risk of heart attacks and strokes, not to mention other muscle tension issues. A joy-filled heart is like good medicine to the soul.

5. See the Good in all Around Them

How many times do you look at the good around you? You might look at your home and see a dripping faucet, carpets that are worn, and lights that need to be replaced. However, kind hearts and happy people will be thankful they have a place to lay their heads.

You can extend kindness to others when you see the blessings you have and think of those who are less fortunate.

6. Tend to Have Many Friends

When you’re in the market for a friend, you want the kind, loving, and eager person who is willing to help you. No one wants a needy friend who keeps the relationship one-sided.

Kind hearts attract the masses because everyone wants to be their pal. They’re the ones that you can count on when you need to vent, and they will be there at a moment’s notice when you call anytime day or night.

7. Take Time to Enjoy the Simple Things

Kind hearts love to enjoy the simple things. They find grounding in the beautiful aroma of a rose or the splendor of rainbow after a storm. They have an infectious manner that brings everyone into their simple life.

These people tend to be laid back and don’t allow the simplest of life’s pleasures to pass them by.

8. Never too Busy to Help Someone in Need

Martin Seligman wrote a book about how to have a meaningful life. For this story, he conducted a study. He wanted to see who was happier the people who chased after their pleasures or found pleasure in helping others.

He dubbed the study “Philanthropy versus Fun.” The first group sought happiness by self-pleasure, and the second group found contentment by doing charitable acts. The results were remarkable. The group that helped their fellow man was happier for longer than the group that sought to please themselves.

Happy hearts are never too busy to read to the blind, work in a soup kitchen, or run errands for the elderly.

9. Would Give the Shirt off Their Back to Someone

Happy people would gladly give you the shirt off their back. They are not stingy with their possessions, and they will gladly share. They’re the person that always has a small gift or token to give you whenever they see you.

They may make crafts or baked goods for a new neighbor moving in. Sometimes, they are often a doormat because people take advantage of their generosity, but they don’t let these negative experiences stop them from being kind.

10. Forgiveness Comes Easily

Their forgiving heart is apparent in life’s troubles. These people usually don’t hold grudges or stay mad too long. They are easy to forgive and forget about the past because they don’t want to let it affect their future.

11. Believe Life Comes with Purpose

Someone who has joy chooses to live their life with purpose. They are not content with getting up in the morning, going to work, and returning home. They want to live each day to the fullest. Therefore, they look for opportunities to give back and to make an impact every day.

12. Never Stop Chasing Their Dreams

Just because kind hearts want to help others doesn’t mean that they ever stop chasing their dreams. These people are often goal-driven. They can set goals and make sure they accomplish them. Their tenacity and drive are attractive to others.

13. Always Put Their Family First

Family is an integral part of life. A kind person makes sure to see their mom on Mother’s Day. They send cards to everyone on their birthdays, and they would never miss a family function. They put family first and try to be actively involved with their close and extended relatives.

14. Are Accountable for Words and Actions

Being accountable for your words and actions is a big job. Kind hearts would never want to hurt you for anything. If they feel they have hurt you, then they would be the first to apologize. Though they try to do right, they will admit that they’re not perfect, but their ability to quickly resolve wrongdoings makes them a joy to be around.

15. Prioritize Relationships over Possessions

Worldly possessions don’t mean that much to someone who puts their investments in relationships and experiences. They don’t find joy in new cars or bigger homes. Rather, they make connections and people a priority.

It’s a blessing to be around someone who has their priorities straight and doesn’t spend time trying to keep up with neighbors and family members who seem to have more money. It’s refreshing to find someone that can find contentment in the things they have.

Final Thoughts on How People with Kind Hearts Always Seem to Be Happy

Every day when you get out of bed, you make choices. You select the clothes you will wear, decide what cologne or perfume to put on, and pick out your food for breakfast. Additionally, you choose whether you will be happy or sad.

You decide whether you will help the lady struggling to load her groceries at the supermarket, and you choose whether you will blow up at your spouse for leaving their dirty clothes on the floor. Make a conscious choice to take joy over sadness and happiness over sorrow.

You have the power to change your entire life by simply altering your mindset. Be the person that everyone wants to be around and the one that is considered one of the kind hearts.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!