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10 Secret Phrases People Say When They’re Asking for Help

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Those who struggle with mental illness don’t like asking for help. A mentally ill person often fails to speak up when they are struggling and need some help, but they may hint at it.

Research sourced from the National Institute of Mental Health shows that nearly one in five adults has mental illness. With this being the case, it is undoubtedly possible that someone you love struggles.

When they hint at it, they’ll use secret phrases that they hope others pick up on. Saying they need help can be hard for them because it’s difficult to admit to a struggle. They may also be afraid of how those around them will act if they ask for help.

Knowing these secret phrases is essential because you’ll be able to pick up on the hints. Since asking for help is so difficult for some people, those who love them will need to know these phrases.

Phrases People Say When They are Asking for Help

1. “I can’t sleep.”

When someone is struggling with their mental health, they often cannot sleep at night. They lie awake while their thoughts run wild. It is not for any specific lack of trying that they can’t sleep, but it’s that they are so overwhelmed inside.

This phrase is a good indicator that they are asking for help. They need someone to help through hard times. Or, it may be that they need someone who can listen to them as they talk.

2. “I’m really tired.”

Similarly to the “I can’t sleep” phrase, people who need help may also say, “I’m really tired”.

The person may not truly be tired. Indeed, the narrative could be a way that they are letting you know they are struggling. It could also be their excuse to stay home instead of heading out for social interaction.

Other times, they really might be exhausted. When they weren’t able to sleep all night, they will be drained during the day.

If you notice someone is often tired during the day or they tell you they are tired, pay attention. It could be a first indication that they need help but don’t want to ask for it. Show them kindness during this time, because they need it.

3. “It’s one of those days.”

This saying secretly means that they could use some help today. The person’s thoughts and feelings are getting the best of them, and they need a way to alleviate some of it.

Those individuals who struggle with mental illness know that not all days are great. There are many days that you can tell are going to be negative.

When this happens, it will be the only thing on the person’s mind. It can make them seem quiet, distracted, irritable, or sad. This confusion can also make things difficult as they try to go about their daily tasks.

4. “Can I call you?”

Sometimes, even if they don’t talk about what’s bothering them, people who want help will call to speak. They need to hear someone’s voice and know that someone is there for them. It also helps them get their mind off of their struggles.

By answering the phone when they call, you’ll be showing them that they aren’t alone. The person needs to have someone in their life that they know will always be there when they need someone.

5. “I’ll deal with this later.”

Even when something should be dealt with right away, someone who needs help may give up, instead. It means that they are getting overwhelmed, frustrated, anxious, or depressed about it. When they say this phrase, they’d love it if you could help them out.

Sometimes, they say they’ll deal with something later when they can’t think about it right then. When the mind is preoccupied with negative thoughts, they will struggle to keep their thoughts straight. This mindset can lead to giving up on what they are trying to work on.

6. “I don’t feel good.”

When you can tell that something is wrong and you ask about it, this may be the response you get. It doesn’t always mean they feel sick.

It could mean that they are depressed, anxious, or any other negative feelings. For them, it’s easier to say they don’t feel good than it is to ask for help. This moment would be a good time for you to sit with them, and no words or entertainment will be necessary.

7. “I have a headache.”

They may use this secret phrase in the same way that they use the last one. It’s how they explain their demeanor being off, and it’s how they let you know something is wrong. If you know someone who often uses this as an excuse, it could be their way of reaching out for help.

Of course, if the person doesn’t generally say this, it could genuinely be a headache they are suffering from. If this secret phrase happens on multiple occasions, however, it could be a sign.

8. “I need to lay down.”

Sometimes people get so overwhelmed by their emotional responses that they need to lay down. It may seem impossible for them to do anything else, and they feel safe and secure lying down. When this happens, they likely could use some help, even if you can’t do anything to fix it.

Your aid could come in the form of finishing up whatever they were working on. Or, your support could be that you spend time with your friend, so they know they aren’t alone. Sometimes knowing someone who cares about you is nearby can help relieve some of the feelings.

9. “I’m OK.”

When someone says this, it generally means they are not alright. This phrase is an answer someone will give when they don’t want to come right out and say that something is wrong. It doesn’t mean that things are going well for them, and they likely have something on their mind.

10. “I can’t think right now.”

With thoughts and emotions overwhelming their brain, they will have trouble focusing. The task at hand could be one they do every day, and they will struggle when they need help. This response is because they aren’t able to think clearly.

They need a distraction, which you could offer them by talking about other things. Maybe what would be best, however, is to talk about how they are feeling. While you shouldn’t force them to talk, encourage them to do so and make sure to listen attentively.

How to Respond When Someone Is Asking for Help

Often, the person who needs help doesn’t want you to fix their problem. They also aren’t looking for reassurance or encouragement. Instead, the things that tend to help them include:

listening as they talk
an empathetic listener
someone to validate their emotions
a home-cooked meal
someone to sit in silence with them
a hug
a patient person to be there for them
compassionate support
show kindness

Things You Should Avoid Saying to Some Who Needs Assistance

“I know what you are going through because it happened to me.”

When you say this, it is turning the conversation to you and your problems. While you may be trying to be helpful, you have to remember that everyone’s situation is different. What techniques worked for you might not work for them, so telling them what you did to overcome won’t help, either.

It might also make that other person feel as if you don’t care about what they are going through. Plus, even if you don’t realize it, it shows that you aren’t listening to how the other person feels.

“Your situation isn’t that bad. There was a time…”

When you respond to their conversation with a story about someone who had it worse, it invalidates their feelings. It diminishes what they are going through, and makes it seem like you aren’t being compassionate. The stories you might tell won’t help the situation, and they aren’t exactly an act of kindness, either.

“Get it together.” or “It’s not that bad.”

These types of comments show that you don’t understand how the person is feeling. It only makes them feel more lonesome and unsupported. They’ll be more likely to withhold their opinions in the future, too.

“I’m worried you’ll never get through this.”

This statement is the worst thing you could ever say to someone who needs help. If you tell them that you are worried about this, they’ll give up on themselves. They will stop trying to get through hard times and live in misery, instead.

Instead, stay positive and supportive while showing confidence in them. If they know you believe in them, they’ll believe in themselves, too.

Other things you should avoid when talking to them include:

explaining their situation or feelings for them
saying that everything will be alright
changing the subject
trying to fix their problem
not allowing them to show their emotions
analyzing the situation
pushing spiritual beliefs on them

Final Thoughts on the Secret Phrases People Say When They’re Asking for Help

People who struggle with mental health challenges do not like asking for help, but they sometimes need it. Remember these secret phrases people say when they’re asking for help and do what you can to help them. Sometimes all someone needs in life is a friend to be there for them and show them extra kindness and compassion.

Sometimes, those in our lives need more help than we can give. When this situation is the case, it’s essential to seek professional advice. For more resources and information, you can visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website.

15 Symptoms of Flu That Mean It’s Getting Worse

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Being sick is never a good thing but the symptoms of flu are some of the worst ones to experience. If you are ill with influenza, you may already be experiencing symptoms. There are some symptoms, however, that indicate the flu is getting worse.

The length and severity of the illness and symptoms differ for everyone. Not everyone who catches the flu will experience the same symptoms. You may only experience a few of the symptoms on the list when you get sick.

The symptoms of flu are already bad enough. Knowing what may be coming next is essential to preparing for it and taking care of yourself. The flu goes through a set of stages, though, and progresses as the days go on.

Symptoms of Flu That Mean It’s Getting Worse

You’ll want to get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids. Otherwise, the symptoms will only get worse. If you think your flu is worsening, these symptoms may help you confirm and plan for your days ahead.

1. Trouble Breathing or Shortness of Breath

With anything in life, if you are having trouble breathing, something bad is happening. Whether it is the flu worsening or something else entirely, it is scary and alarming.

If the difficulty breathing occurs only when you are laying down, there could be a less-serious explanation, however. When you lay down, your diaphragm pushes up and your lung capacity decreases.

Since your respiratory functioning is already at a disadvantage because of influenza, those movements make it difficult to breathe. You don’t have to overly worry unless the trouble breathing comes along with a fever or severe cough.

Additionally, if you have difficulty breathing while laying on your side, you may need medical attention. You should also consider seeing a doctor if the trouble breathing lasts for more than a few days.

2. Chest Congestion

Congestion is caused by inflammation, which is one way the body tries to get rid of viruses. When your body realizes there is a virus present, it sends out an inflammatory response. This causes your sinuses to become inflamed, which then leads to congestion.

If this happens to you when you have the flu, it may be getting worse. You will likely start to feel worse and your symptoms may flare-up.

Once the inflammation begins, you may find it more difficult to breathe. You will likely have a difficult time eating, and you’ll have trouble sleeping.

A natural remedy for congestion is to sit in a steaming shower or bathroom. The steam will help relieve the inflammation, which will then ease some of the chest congestion.

3. Weakness, Unsteadiness, or Dizziness

Having the flu can wreak havoc on your body. You’ll be stripped of nutrients, fighting off a virus, and feeling defeated all at the same time. Oftentimes, dehydration results from the symptoms of flu, which can cause you to become weak, unsteady, or dizzy.

The key to overcoming these symptoms is to drink lots of water and get plenty of rest. Walking or standing will only make it worse, so it is best to give in and lay in bed for a while. Keep in mind that if you are feeling weak, unsteady, or dizzy while standing, it could cause a painful fall.

4. Confusion

If your case of the flu gets bad enough, it can get into your brain, causing inflammation. When this happens, it can affect your memory, clarity, concentration, and ability to focus.

5. Muscle Pain or Body Aches

If you experience body aches, they will likely begin in your head, back, arms, or legs. They will quickly spread and make you feel like your entire body hurts.

Some people describe this as bone pain or body aches, while others believe that it is muscle pain. Either way, it is uncomfortable and is a likely symptom of flu.

Another form of body aches you may experience is a pain in your joints. They tend to become inflamed when your body is fighting a virus, which can cause them to ache. You’ll notice it when you bend your knees, move your fingers, sit down, or walk around.

6. Fever That Goes Away and Then Comes Back

The flu often causes fevers that are above 100F. If your fever starts to go down or goes away completely but then returns, your illness is likely getting worse.

7. Cough That Starts to Improve and Then Returns

As with a fever, this is a bad sign. A cough may not be alarming initially or by itself. If it begins to go away and then returns even worse, however, it’s likely a problem.

A cough is the body’s way of getting rid of invading viruses. Drink lots of water or caffeine-free tea to help ease the coughing and sore throat that is sure to follow.

8. Headaches

Headaches may be one of the first symptoms to appear and one of the last to go away. With the flu, headaches are often caused by the inflammation of the sinus cavities.

Other times, you may feel a headache that seems to be behind or around your eyes. When this happens, it is a sign that you are also dehydrated.

9. Chills or Sweats

You may experience chills or sweats even if you don’t have a fever. It’s oftentimes a good indicator that you have the flu or that it’s getting worse.

10. Pain or Pressure in Your Chest

If you have the flu and chest pain or pressure occurs, you likely have a bad case of it. While sometimes, chest pain is caused by congestion or coughing, it could be an indicator that things are worsening.

It could indicate that you are developing bronchitis or pneumonia. Another thing it can indicate is that the infection has spread to other parts of your body.

If you think the chest pain is related to coughing or congestion try home remedies to ease the flu symptoms. You can drink warm liquids such as warm water with honey mixed in or a hot caffeine-free tea.

On the other hand, if you think your chest pain is something more severe, call your doctor. They can rule out other causes or offer other remedies for getting through it.

11. Gastrointestinal Issues

Not everyone who gets the flu experiences gastrointestinal problems. Those who do, however, can be sure that their illness is only getting worse. This could be in the form of nausea, stomach pain, cramping, vomiting, or diarrhea.

If you are experiencing these symptoms of flu, remember to drink extra water. Dehydration can quickly follow gastrointestinal problems, and that will only make you sicker. Avoid caffeine and sweetened juices, as those can lead to further dehydration.

12. Fatigue

While it is normal to feel abnormally tired when you are sick, the flu will have you feeling even worse. If you suddenly become fatigued or the fatigue just won’t go away, it is an indicator that it’s getting worse.

Fatigue is also a symptom of a common cold, but it’ll be worse with this virus. It is often one of the first symptoms that you will experience.

You should give in to this feeling, even if you have other things you want to do first. Getting rest and allowing your body to recover is essential to getting better. Rest helps improve the immune system, allowing your body to fight off the virus more effectively.

13. You Lose Your Sense of Smell

When you are sick, your white blood cells release natural chemicals that kill viruses. These chemicals cause increased mucous production and nasal inflammation. When this occurs, you will likely lose your sense of smell altogether.

14. Having a Metallic-Like Taste in Your Mouth

To properly taste your food, you have to be able to smell it. This is because 80% of taste is directly related to smell.

So, when you have the flu and can’t smell anything, you will likely notice your food having a weird taste. If this symptom of flu is just beginning for you, it’s a sure sign that the illness is getting worse.

15. Unable to Keep Food or Water Down

When you are sick, you may not feel like eating much. It’s important to keep food and water in your body, however, so your body can fight off influenza. A sign that your illness is getting worse, however, is the inability to keep anything down.

If you vomit every time you drink or eat something, your flu is getting worse. It can be dangerous and lead to severe problems if it persists. You will want to consult a medical professional if your illness gets to this point.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Symptoms of Flu That Indicates It Is Getting Worse

Many symptoms of flu mean it’s getting worse. Getting ahead of them and making a plan for dealing with it and getting through can make all the difference.

Oftentimes, the only thing that can make it better is to get plenty of rest and drink lots of water. Influenza is a difficult illness to deal with, so knowing what to expect is essential to getting through it.

3 Ways to Make The Voice In Your Head Be Quiet (For Good)

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The voice in your head can either empower or tear you down, and it can sometimes feel like you’re fighting a battle with your brain. While some people actually don’t have an internal monologue, most people have some self-talk going on inside their head during the day. New research reveals that humans have, on average, around 6,000 thoughts per day. Apparently, the voice in our head stays quite busy!

Some experts estimate that around 80% of our thoughts are harmful, and 95% are repetitive. With that said, we need to use our brains in order to solve problems and complete daily tasks, so it wouldn’t serve us to silence our thoughts completely. However, figuring out how to eliminate or reduce our negative, repetitive thoughts would improve our lives and give us a better outlook. So, how do we go about doing this?

We will give you a few ideas, backed by science, that will allow you to cut through the static in your mind.

Here’s how to quiet the voice in your head for good:

Understand that you are not your thoughts.

Just like everything else in existence, thoughts are simply energy vibrating at a particular frequency. Thoughts are representations of matter, and everything you see around you started as an idea. What we think, therefore, can shape reality and actually transform how we perceive things. Science reveals that many different realities exist at any given time based on the person observing it.

With that mind-blowing piece of information, you can see why two people may perceive an event or object differently, even though they’re looking at the same thing. However, some advanced yogis have found a way to transcend the mind altogether and go beyond all these different realities to experience higher consciousness. How do they do this? By meditating.

Meditation allows you to quiet the voice in your head and unite your soul with superconsciousness, or universal intelligence. Meditation is a form of yoga, and yoga actually means “union with the soul.” Our minds often vacillate from one idea or stimuli to the next, and we can’t accomplish anything like this or even figure out what to achieve. We alternate between different thoughts and emotions and can’t see reality clearly.

However, when you practice meditation, you slowly start to witness your monkey mind becoming more natural to control. Your worries and constant mental chatter begin to dissipate, and you actually connect with your soul and higher consciousness. We have such a limited perception of reality when we experience it through our senses. But, by expanding our knowledge beyond our mind and body, we start to understand that we are much more than just our thoughts.

We are consciousness experiencing itself as a human being.

If you want to begin a meditation practice, start with a few minutes per day until your mind and body get used to being still. Then, once you’ve gotten comfortable with it, try to meditate for 15-30 minutes each day, preferably in the night or morning. Make sure you choose a quiet area of your home and focus on your Breathing.

Try to focus only on the task at hand.

Many times, our monkey mind shifts from one thought to the next, and we don’t actually give our full attention to what we’re doing. However, you can train your mind to remain in the present moment so you can feel more peaceful. You’ll notice much better mental clarity and productivity when you focus entirely on the task at hand.

Shockingly, a 2010 study performed by two Harvard psychologists found that people spend around 47% of their time awake thinking of something other than what’s going on. In other words, they spend almost half their time thinking about what they’re not doing. This makes for a miserable, scattered mind that doesn’t know what it wants.

To correct this, try single-tasking instead of multitasking, which doesn’t even exist anyway. Multitasking confuses our brains since we’re essentially switching quickly between one task and another, but accomplishing much less. With single-tasking, you’ll finish work faster and do a better job since you won’t have as much to think about at one time. Doesn’t this make so much sense?

While this won’t quiet the voice in your head completely, it will significantly help with feeling frazzled or overwhelmed by your thoughts. Not to mention, you might get done with work or school assignments faster if you practice giving your full attention to whatever you’re doing.

Practice breathing techniques.

Our minds can get the best of us sometimes, especially when we have a lot on our plate. If it feels like you can’t keep your head above water lately, try some breathing techniques to help you feel more peaceful. Here are a few to start with:

5-4-3-2-1 technique

Before beginning this exercise, take a few deep breaths to let out any frustrations or worries about your day. If you feel anxious or upset, your Breathing will probably be shallow and fast, so the exercise works best if you can slow it down a little. Once you’ve done this, practice these five steps, which gives the technique its name:

5: Acknowledge FIVE things you can see in your environment. Even if it’s something small, like a blade of grass or a bug on the wall, take note of your surroundings.

4: Acknowledge FOUR things you can physically touch near you. Perhaps you have a cup of coffee at your desk or a book on your nightstand. Then feel four things near you to connect you to the present moment.

3: Acknowledge THREE things you hear. Focus on sounds outside your body, such as the coffee brewing in your coffeepot, the wind blowing in the trees, or someone turning the pages of a book.

2: Acknowledge TWO things you can smell. Hopefully, you can focus on pleasant smells in your environment, such as a field of wildflowers or dinner cooking on the stove. If you need to, walk toward these smells and take a second to breathe them in.

1: Acknowledge ONE thing you can taste. If you have a snack near you or a cup of coffee, take the time to experience the flavors. This will reconnect you to your body if you feel anxious or stressed.

The idea of this exercise is to reconnect you to the present moment and help alleviate anxious or intrusive thoughts. Noticing stimuli in your immediate environment is a form of mindfulness, and this will keep your mind peaceful when you feel overly stressed or upset.

4-7-8 Breathing

If you want to feel more peaceful, try this breathing technique developed by Dr. Andrew Weil to help you relax your mind. You can practice this either lying down or sitting up, but make sure to have good posture if you choose an upright position. First, rest the tip of your tongue against the roof of your mouth, right behind your two front teeth. Keep your tongue here throughout the exercise, even when you exhale. It may take some practice, but this step is essential.

In one breath cycle, follow these steps:

First, move your lips apart and make a whooshing sound as you exhale.
Then, close your lips, inhaling through your nose as you count to four silently.
Then, hold your breath for seven seconds.
Exhale through your mouth for eight seconds, once again making the whooshing sound.

Practice this for four cycles of breath to start. Once again, the idea behind this exercise is to focus on the breath, so you don’t replay distressing events in your head. It takes work to master the monkey mind, but it can be done with consistent practice.

Final thoughts on how to quiet the voice in your head for good

In today’s demanding, fast-paced environment, keeping on top of our mental health often gets put on the back burner. However, it makes life much more comfortable and more fulfilling if the mind remains calm and under control. It takes practice, but doing things such as breathing techniques, meditation, and focusing your full attention on the task at hand can make a huge difference. We all want to feel more peaceful, and luckily, we can achieve this state by making a few adjustments.

Keep in mind that our brains tell our bodies what to do, so you have an immense amount of power within you. You have to learn how to wield it so you can master your thoughts and not allow them to control you. Many people struggle with getting their minds to calm down, feeling overwhelmed with life’s constant pressures. However, you have to remember that no one else but you get to direct your life.

If you can win the ultimate battle, the one with your mind, then you can overcome anything life throws your way.

11 Things Cold Feet and Toes Can Reveal About Your Health

September 15, 2020 by Deborah Tayloe

You may think it is not a big deal that your feet and toes are always cold. But chilly toes and feet aren’t something to ignore. You might chalk the chill up to nothing, but you could be making a mistake. Indeed, you could find that you have the first symptoms of an underlying health problem. Knowing the early signs of trouble can help you manage a previously undetected disease and prevent further consequences. Here is a handy list of eleven common health conditions associated with cold feet and toes.

11 Health Conditions Revealed by Cold Feet and Toes

You might find your cold feet and tingly toes annoying. But the truth is, they could point to a more severe underlying cause. Take a look.

1 – Diabetic neuropathy

Tingling in your hands and feet is a common complication of type 1 and 2 diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage that can happen if you have diabetes. It usually develops slowly, even over a decade before it’s found. The most frequent first symptom of this condition is the feeling of numbness or a sense of “pins and needles” in your feet. Other symptoms can include those on this list:

Hypersensitivity to touch or loss of touch
Hard time walking
Burning feeling in your feet, mostly at night
Feeling weak in your muscles
Feeling bloated
Stomach problems-nausea, vomiting, or indigestion
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Dizzy when you stand up
Can’t empty your bladder
Vision problems

See your primary care physician if you experience these symptoms. They can help get your blood sugar levels down with mediations. They will also give you recommendations for diet and exercise to control diabetes.

Know the causes and symptoms of neuropathy–and how to care for yourself at home.

2 – Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease that causes hardening or restricting of the arteries. Over time, you might plaque can build up inside the walls. This blockage prevents proper blood flow, so your arteries get blocked. Arteriosclerosis is at the top of the list of causes of death in the United States. Having cold feet or weird nerve sensations could be a sign your circulation is blocked due to a lack of proper blood flow due to arteriosclerosis. You can prevent fatty deposits from accumulating in your arteries by following the healthy tips listed below:

Stop smoking
Eat a healthy diet
Get exercise
Keep a record of your cholesterol levels, blood pressure, BMI, and weight

3 – Raynaud’s disease

Raynaud’s disease or phenomenon impacts your blood vessels, causing them to not send blood to your feet or hands. The phenomenon happens when you’re out in the cold or when you experience stress. Other symptoms include numbness and coldness in fingers and toes. It’s caused by narrowing or restricting in your blood vessels. Primary Raynaud’s phenomenon is most common in women aged 15 to 25, who live in a cold climate. Secondary Raynaud’s phenomenon occurs in people who are 35 to 40 years of age who have connective tissue diseases like the following list:

Scleroderma
Lupus
Sjogren’s syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Blood vessel diseases

Some medications have been known to cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, including high-pressure medications, migraine medications, over-the-counter cold medicine, and narcotics. Specific jobs can put you at risk for Raynaud’s phenomenon, such as working with chemicals, using certain tools all the time like a jackhammer.

4 – Vascular disease

Your vascular system includes your veins, capillaries, and arteries, which circulate blood throughout your body. When you have vascular disease, it affects your circulatory system, causing blockages and restricting your blood flow to all body parts. You’re more prone to vascular disease if you have any of these risk factors:

High cholesterol
High blood pressure
Injury to your veins
Infection in your veins
History in your family of heart disease
Take certain medications
Overweight
You’re older, the older you get, the more prone you are to vascular diseases
Don’t exercise
Smoke
Sitting a lot

5 – Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism affects about five percent of the adult population in the United States, and it’s more common in women than men. Sometimes called an underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones for your body. It can be fatal if left untreated. The thyroid gland impacts nearly every organ in your body, including your heart and metabolism. Because your thyroid gland controls your heart and body temperature, if your thyroid gland is not working correctly, you’ll have circulation problems such as cold feet and toes. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include the following:

Feeling cold all the time
Tiredness
Puffiness if your face
Joint pain
Extra dry skin
Slow heart rate
Depression
Irritability

Talk to your doctor if you have some (or all) of these signs. They will give you a simple blood test to check thyroid hormones. You can take thyroid replacement medication if your thyroid isn’t functioning correctly.

6 – Poor circulation

Poor circulation is usually due to other health problems. The most common reason for poor circulation is being overweight, heart problems, blood clots, diabetes, or artery disease. Symptoms of circulation problems include these:

Tingling
Numbness
Stinging pain in your legs or arms
Muscle cramps

If you’re experiencing symptoms of poor circulation, talk with your doctor immediately. Your doctor can do tests to find the cause. The typical tests include the following:

Blood pressure checks
Test for Raynaud’s disease
CT scan or ultrasound for blood clots or blockages
Blood sugar test for diabetes

7 – Peripheral neuropathy

This is another condition that can result due to complications related to diabetes. Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that affects your legs and feet. It’s prevalent. About one half of those who have diabetes get peripheral neuropathy.

Common symptoms include

Tingling in feet or hands
Pain
Weakness in your hands and feet
Lack of feeling in your feet
Sharp or burning pains in your feet
Pain to any touch

Having peripheral neuropathy puts you at risk for infection and injury since you lose the ability to feel correctly. In the most severe instances, it can lead to amputation.

8 – Frostbite

It’s easy to get frostbite and not realize it. If you’ve been outside in cold temperatures too long, you’re at risk for frostbite. In the right conditions, frostbite can happen in less than 30 minutes. You feel frostbite mostly in your extremities, such as your toes and fingers, but you can also get it in your nose, ears, cheeks, or chin. Your feet may feel numb and tingly. Other symptoms of frostbite include these signs:

Prickly feeling in your toes
Numbness
Gray-colored skin
Stiffness in your hands and feet

Dress appropriately in cold weather. Don’t stay out too long in frigid weather.

9 – Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes you extreme fatigue and musculoskeletal pain. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include these additional red flags:

Cold feet and hands
Temporomandibular joining dysfunction (TMJ)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Cystitis
Endometriosis
Mood issues
Memory problems
Brain fog
Insomnia

10 – Vitamin B deficiency

If you’re not getting enough B vitamins, you may experience tingling in your feet. Your deficiency may be due to other health problems or a diet lacking enough B vitamins. Other symptoms of having a vitamin B deficiency include the following:

Feeling extremely tired
Tingling in your hands and feet
Constant headaches
Nausea
Gut problems like IBS
Dizziness
Intermittent shortness of breath

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, talk with your doctor. They can run tests to determine if you have a vitamin B deficiency.

11 – Anxiety

Did you know that stress, panic attacks, and anxiety can cause your feet and toes to feel cold? You may have experienced that odd feeling in your gut or gotten a stress-related headache. When you get stressed, it causes your blood flow to get redirected, so it doesn’t go to your extremities but towards the larger organs in your body. When you get stressed, it’s a “fight or flight” system your body goes into. Even if you are not in a life-threatening scenario, your body may react to the stress as if it were life-threatening.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing When Cold Feet and Toes Might Point to a More Significant Problem

It’s easy to put off health issues when life is busy, but it may be time for a check-up if you’re experiencing chilly toes and feet. Many of these conditions develop slowly over time. That is all the more reason to get an early diagnosis to control the disease. These are eleven common ailments that affect women more than men. So, if you’re a woman, listen up. Let your cold feet and toes motivate you to explore what’s happening with your body. It could be a disease or condition, or it could be the way your body deals with stress. Whatever the cause, your health is worth it. Plus, you’ll enjoy having warm toes and feet again. Take care of yourself, and be well.

Doctors Explain Causes and Symptoms of Screen Fatigue (And How to Help It)

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

You’re on your computer, tablet, or smartphone all day long. You get migraines, neck pangs, and sometimes feel exhausted after a short session. You assume you didn’t sleep right, but it could be that you’re fighting screen fatigue. Did you know that being exhausted from being on a computer is a legitimate medical condition?

It wasn’t until recent years that computer vision syndrome became a problem. With people using computers at home and work along with other smart devices, the folks affected by this medical issue has increased. Did you know that staring at a computer for long periods in specific positions will cause eye strain, visual problems, and even physical pain?

If you think it sounds a bit dramatic, you should know that it’s happening to people across this country every day. The most common symptoms are headaches and eye strain, but there are issues with neck and shoulder pain too.

What causes these problems? Well, many people don’t have their computer and desk at the right height for their bodies. Poor posture and sitting too close or too far away from the screen can cause pain.

Many people have uncorrected vision problems that they try to complement by sitting closer to the screen. However, sitting closer only worsens the strain on the eyes. While work brings burnout issues, other concerns stem from screen fatigue.

Zoom Meetings Increase Computer Vision Syndrome

Recently Zoom meetings have increased in popularity. Online discussions and video calls are replicas of in-person communication, and while it’s convenient, it’s not the best option for your health. When you have a meeting face-to-face, you can easily read body language, facial expressions, and have a sense of how the other person thinks and feels.

While virtual meetings are a good alternative, there is a break in communication with technological pauses and the inability to see someone as well as you can in person. All the non-verbal cues you pick up on when you’re with someone are missed when the meeting is online. Have you participated in these meetings and thought that people look irritable, sleepy, and tired?

Another problem is that people try to do more multitasking. Since the meeting is virtual, they are working on other documents, answering phone calls, and supportive staff questions, and they don’t give the meeting their full attention. All these things will affect your energy level as well as your focus and mood.

Ten Useful Tips on How to Beat Screen Fatigue

It’s evident that computer time in America has increased. Now, it’s time to do something about it. Here are some easy tips that can help you to combat the problem you have with screen fatigue.

These seven “text neck” remedies can alleviate the back pain that comes from spending too much time on your cell phone.

1. Practice Good Posture

Your parents and teachers knew what they were talking about when you were a child, and they always reminded you about your posture. Bad posture not only makes you appear sloppy and less confident, but it can also hurt your body.

To fix your posture, raise the screen, and adjust your chair to sit in a good position. If you feel any neck strain or have problems seeing the computer, you need to adjust to correct the issue.

2. Alter your lighting

Is the room that you work in too dark, or is it too bright? Check the brightness on your screen and make sure it’s in the perfect position to prevent strain. It would help if you had it somewhere in the middle to avoid problems from neck pain and eye strain.

Another factor to consider is the natural light of a room. The more natural light you have, the less artificial light you will need. Remember that the lighting of your room makes a big difference.

3. Take Breaks for Your Eye’s Sake

Even if you have fantastic posture and the best lighting possible, you still can’t sit on your computer all day long. Your body and mind need time to rest. Did you know that your eyes need exercise too? After you’ve been on your computer for a couple of hours, take time and go outside.

Try focusing on vivid and colorful things to refocus your eyes and give them a workout. Screen fatigue is a real thing, and it can affect you. Your work lifestyle must be adjusted to combat the fatigue and stress you feel from being on your computer all day long.

4. Alter Your Work-Life Balance

If you notice that you have more neck pain and headaches than average, it might not all be about screen fatigue. Did you know that if you’re working more than 30 hours a week and not engaging with your family, it can cause your body great distress? The average workweek is five days a week, with nine hours each day.

Sadly, American’s work more than any other country in the world. The average person will work around 46 hours each week, which is 499 more hours a year than the French, and 137 more than those in Japan. It’s staggering when you consider that the most significant part of your life revolves around work.

Your neck pain may be from stress, and those migraines may come from just working too much. It would help if you had a healthy work/life balance to avoid stress.

5. Purchase Blue Light Glasses

Your computer screen emits blue light rays that are very damaging to your eyes. If you notice that your vision isn’t what it used to be, can it be related to how much time you spend on the computer? Sadly, something that is necessary for work can cause so much damage.

Many people praise blue light glasses because they block those harmful lights that cause damage. It can help relieve some of the strain and issues associated with computer vision syndrome.

6. Don’t Negate Self-Care

One of the reasons you may feel so exhausted when you’re working on a computer all day is that you have neglected your self-care. It might not be the computer’s fault at all. If you’re not getting enough sleep, don’t have time to engage in the things you love, it will cause you problems like stress. Make time for yourself, even if it’s only 30 minutes each day.

7. Never Demand an Eight Hour Day

Why do Americans believe that you need to work at least eight hours each day? People in the Netherlands only work four days a week, while the people in Denmark have a workweek that is 33 hours a week. There’s no reason that you can’t get the things done that you need to with six hours a day versus eight, or maybe even less.

Other Things to Consider About Too Much Technology

Screen fatigue is a group of disorders caused by the fact that your eyes must continuously refocus, and in the meantime, it causes damage. Millions of people are affected by this condition because of their smartphones and laptops.

The fatigue usually starts when someone has problems with their vision. It’s the first symptom and the most serious. The symptoms are blurry vision and a hard time seeing far away even if you are wearing your corrective lenses. While the problem is not permanent, the strain can build up over time and be harder to recover.

Another problem that people have is double-vision, and it’s never something you want to experience. You often hear about seeing double after head injuries, but it can be caused by eye exhaustion. Your eyes are exhausted when they are always trying to refocus, and the strain can cause them to have times when they are blurry.

Bloodshot eyes are another common problem, and it means that a blood vessel is about to break. Thankfully, taking a screen vacation can help tremendously. However, if this problem happens time and again, it can lead to complications and permanent damage.

Lastly, scrolling through your phone or laptop can make your neck stiff if you hold it in the wrong position. Have you ever had a crick in your neck that doesn’t seem to go away? The muscles tense up, and you can develop “text neck” Being stuck in awkward positions can strain the muscles and even affect your spine.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding Screen Fatigue

Being hunched over a computer is no way to spend the day. If you notice that you have constant neck and back strain, you need to watch being locked in weird positions. You should never stare at a computer for more than 20 minutes without a break. If you don’t abide by those rules, you will undoubtedly have pain that reminds you of the much-needed breaks you should take.

Do you notice any of the signs of screen fatigue or computer vision syndrome? The good news is that you don’t have to suffer when there are things that you can do to prevent this problem from occurring or worsening.

10 Symptoms of Food Poisoning Never to Ignore

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you have ever had to cope with food poisoning, then you know the unpleasantness of the experience. Fortunately, food poisoning usually passes after a few days. But there are some dangerous symptoms of food poisoning never to overlook. If you have these symptoms, you should reach out to your doctor immediately. Here’s the list of the ten symptoms of food poisoning you should never ignore.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning stems from eating contaminated food. The most common causes of food poisoning are bacteria, parasites, or viruses. You’ll show signs of food poisoning anywhere from two to six hours after eating contained food, depending upon the type of bacteria that’s was in it. Typical symptoms of food poisoning include the following:

Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Headache

What is the most common cause of food poisoning?

There is a long list of bacteria and viruses that cause food poisoning, but here are the most common types that cause food poisoning.

coli: This bacteria can be found on undercooked meats or raw veggies and fruits. It’s especially dangerous for children to get sick from E. coli.
Listeria: This type of bacteria shows up on deli meats and soft cheeses.
Norovirus: This virus spreads quickly. You can get it from a minuscule participle of an infected person’s poop or vomit. You can also get it from being close to someone who has norovirus.
Salmonella: This bacteria is the most common reason for hospitalizations and deaths due to food poisoning. It’s found on raw eggs, undercooked meats.
Staph infections: These infections can be transferred from an infected person’s hands touching food.
Clostridium perfringens: This bacteria can thrive on raw meats or poultry.
Trichinella spiralis: This worm enters the body through raw meat, especially pork. If you don’t cook the meat properly, you will get infected by the worm.

Dangerous symptoms of food poisoning never to ignore

Note: These symptoms should set off an alarm in your head–call your doctor for advise, especially if symptoms persist for more than two days. If you have underlying health problems, do not delay in calling your physician for advice.

Bloody stools

It’s good to get this checked out since you could be having internal bleeding and not know it. It’s not untypical to have a bloody stool when you have food poisoning, but having them too long or too often is a bad sign.

High fever

If you have a fever of 102 degrees, Fahrenheit call your doctor right away. The fever combined with fluid loss can mean you need immediate attention to prevent severe consequences.

Frequent vomiting

Throwing up is one of the classic symptoms of food poisoning. If you’re vomiting too much too often, you can get dehydrated. Take a break from drinking when you first start vomiting. After an hour of not vomiting, try some ice chips to see if you can keep those down. At this point, you can sip a little soft sports drink because these have extra electrolytes in them. Be careful not to gulp down your beverage, or you could end up back at the toilet. Keep eating ice chips and sipping a sports drink to get hydrated. You can also drink hot tea or seltzer water.

Dehydration

If you’re not urinating or if you have a parched mouth or feel dizzy when you stand up, it could mean you’re dehydrated. As soon as you stop vomiting, you should begin to build up your fluids. If you can’t keep fluids down for too many hours, you should contact your doctor. You might need to head to the hospital to get an IV to get rehydrated. Some people are prone to dehydration, so if you’re one of them, you need to be even more careful if you get food poisoning. There are several hydrating drinks and powders on the market that are good to keep on hand in case of stomach problems. These hydrate you faster than standard sports drinks or other liquids.

Diarrhea that lasts more than three days

Similar to constant vomiting, if you have diarrhea for too many days, you’ll get dehydrated and weak. It’s essential to be proactive if you do have diarrhea for more than three days, contact your doctor. They can write you a prescription to stop your diarrhea and allow your body a break.

Learn why hydration is an essential good habit for everyone.

Difficulty breathing or heart palpitations

This is uncommon with food poisoning, but it does happen. Food poisoning is hard on your body, especially your heart, if you’re older. Difficulty breathing or heart palpitations can occur when your body is under stress. Don’t delay. Contact your physician right away or visit the emergency room if you have these symptoms.

Can’t urinate

This is a sign you are dehydrated. Don’t ignore this. Push fluids, and if this persists, contact your doctor right away.

Confusion

Confusion is rare, but if you or someone you’re caring for has food poisoning and gets confused or disoriented, it means they are dehydrated. Push fluids, such as sports drinks, right away. Contact your doctor if the confusion persists.

Dizziness

Like confusion, lack of urinating, dizziness could be a sign of dehydration. But sometimes you feel weak after vomiting and having diarrhea. Stay in bed at least 24 hours to allow your body to rest. Drink lots of fluids and if you feel hungry, eat some food. Follow the BRAT diet if you want. It can help you get started on eating foods again.

B-bananas
R-rice
A-apple sauce
T-toast

At one time, doctors recommended everyone eat the BRAT diet after being ill, but now they feel like you can eat other foods if they’re bland enough. So, use common sense and don’t overdo overeating heavy or spicy food, or you could end up getting sick again.

Vision changes

Again, vision changes when you have food poisoning are rare but can happen, especially if you have heart problems. Don’t wait for this to go away. Contact your doctor right away to get help.

Can there be long term health issues from food poisoning?

Food poisoning usually lasts a few days at the most, but some people end up in the hospital with long-term problems and even death. Some food infections cause long-term issues such as the following:

Arthritis: Studies found that there have been Salmonella outbreaks that have caused long term arthritis afterward.
Brain damage: Some bacteria or viruses potentially can cause brain infections called meningitis.
Kidney failure: Your kidneys go through a lot when you get food poisoning. Getting dehydrated is serious because it can result in kidney damage or kidney failure.

What foods commonly cause food poisoning?

There are some particular foods you should be wary of, especially in the summer months when it’s hot outside and food can spoil easier.

Turkey, chicken, and other meats

Undercooked meats or meats that you’ve left out too long can grow bacteria and make you sick. Raw chicken, undercooked turkey are big culprits. If you’re cooking meat, cook it thoroughly. Use a meat thermometer to guarantee you’ve cooked the meat properly. Wash your hands with soap and hot water after handling raw meat of any kind. Never touch your mouth, face, nose, or eyes when you’re handling meat.

Fruits and vegetables

Lots of hands touched the produce you buy at the grocery—everyone from the pickers and packers to those who put out the produce at the grocery store. Your product harbors lots of germs, even if it’s organically grown. Fresh fruits and veggies harbor bacteria and viruses, so be exceptionally throughout when you wash your produce. Rinse your veggies and fruits under running cold water. You can soak them in cold water if you want. Rub the outside of the produce and pull off out leaves of leafy greens. Don’t use dish soap or bleach, since these can leave a residue on your produce.

Raw milk, raw soft cheeses

Soft cheeses like feta, brie, blue cheese, Camembert, or queso fresco can carry bacteria or viruses. Also, ice cream and yogurt. Buy reputable brands of these products to ensure say handling. But sometimes, an outbreak can’t be prevented, so if you hear of a recall on foods, follow the guidelines right away.

Raw eggs

Be careful about eating raw eggs. You are placing yourself at elevated risk for a round of salmonella poisoning.

Seafood

Be sure to wash seafood thoroughly and cook it. If you eat raw seafood, buy it only from reliable dealers who you trust will handle it correctly.

Sprouts

Sprouts sit in water in a warm place, which is the perfect place for fungus bacteria to grow. Wash your sprouts well and pat them dry before you use them to rinse away anything harmful.

How to treat food poisoning

If you do get food poisoning, you need to be vigilant about replenishing your body with fluids to avoid dehydration. Replace your fluids after you’ve not vomited for at least an hour. Then begin sipping liquids. Try food after several hours if you feel hungry.

Those at risk

Older adults or people that are immune-compromised should take special precautions if they get food poisoning. They will need to keep special hydrating fluids on hand. There are several over-the-counter products you can buy to help you get hydrated.

Homemade rehydration solution

You can make your own rehydration solution for yourself or your children. Here’s the simple recipe

4 cups of Gatorade (Gatorade G2 is best because it contains high levels of the needed electrolytes)
1/2 to 3/4 teaspoon of plain table salt
Chill, stir and drink completely.

The Brat diet can help calm your stomach after a stomach bug.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Symptoms Food Poisoning

Food poisoning isn’t fun. Try as you may to wash your produce, cook meats thoroughly, and wash your hands often when handling raw meat, sometimes you still get a food-borne illness. Fortunately, food poisoning doesn’t last that long. Stay hydrated and rest up for at least 24 hours, and pretty soon you’ll be back to normal.

However, if symptoms of food poisoning do not improve in a day or two, seek the guidance of your primary care physician. They can advise you of the next steps, or if you need professional treatment.

Study Reveals Raspberries Can Help Reduce Skin Inflammation

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

As part of your body’s natural defense, inflammation plays a huge role in healing. Sometimes it can be uncomfortable and undesirable, however, and finding a remedy is essential. One natural remedy is raspberries because they can reduce and prevent inflammation.

When inflammation occurs, it means that your body detects the presence of a foreign object, bacteria, virus, or other irritants. Once it realizes this, your body will begin an attack on the foreign body. While this all sounds like it’s beneficial, sometimes it isn’t. Inflammation can lead to chronic diseases and autoimmune diseases. Additionally, your body can make a mistake and attack its healthy cells as it would the harmful cells.

Since inflammation is only beneficial in some situations, it’s essential to reduce skin inflammation. Reducing the inflammation will also make you more comfortable. As stated before, these berries could likely aid in this endeavor.

Sixteen Primary Symptoms of Inflammation

There are two primary types of inflammation, and these include acute and chronic inflammation. The symptoms of each are similar, but the length of time is the most determining factor. These symptoms include:

Pain that can be continuous or may only occur when the affected area is touched
Redness around the affected area
Difficulty using that part of your body
Decreased ability to breathe and smell
Swelling or edema
Heat around the affected area
Unexplainably tired
Not feeling well in general
Fever
A rash appears
Blisters or pimples
Overly smooth skin
Scaly skin
Itching or burning sensation
Cracked skin that may (or maybe not) bleed
Skin thickens

Acute inflammation generally only lasts for a couple of days but can become subacute and can last for six weeks. Chronic inflammation can last for months and sometimes even years. It more often links to diseases than acute inflammation does.

Other differences between acute and chronic inflammation include the onset and outcomes. The onset of acute inflammation is only a few days, whereas chronic inflammation takes much longer to occur. With acute inflammation, the inflammation improved quickly unless an abscess developed. When this happens, it could cause chronic inflammation to develop.

Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, can cause tissue death or thickening. Plus, it will likely scar your connective tissue.

These signs of inflammation don’t always occur, either. It is not uncommon for inflammation to show no signs. Skin inflammation is different, however, because you can see it on your skin when it occurs.

Study Confirms That Raspberries Might Help Reduce Skin Inflammation

A well-renowned study examined the effects this fruit has on skin inflammation.

One study, performed on mice, showed that including high amounts of raspberries in the diet could reduce inflammation. No studies have been done on people yet, but they are likely in the works.

In the study mentioned above, performed by researchers at Ohio State University, scientists used a controlled study to compare results. One group of mice were given the human equivalent of one serving of raspberries each day. The other group was not assigned any berries.

After three weeks of following these diets, irritants were placed in the mice’s ears. The goal was to cause skin inflammation due to contact with an irritant. Scientists found that the mice who consumed raspberries daily had less inflammation than the mice that didn’t. This proves their theory that berries might help reduce skin inflammation.

The conclusion reached by scientists reveals that this fruit may help in significant ways. In the mice, the berries reduced inflammation caused by contact with a harmful substance or irritant. They also reduced inflammation on the skin caused by allergic reactions.

The amount of inflammation that was noticed is comparable to the effects of medications that people take. Since all-natural options are preferrable, this is good news for those that suffer from skin inflammation. By merely consuming the fruit each day, skin inflammation can be relieved, and medication may not be needed.

Studies have not conclusively confirmed if raspberries help reduce inflammation for other types of diseases or conditions. With the results of this study, however, scientists are hopeful for future studies on different conditions.

More research is necessary, but so far, success is found in using these berries for the reduction of skin inflammation.

Skin Inflammation That is Related to Skin Diseases

1 – Dermatitis

This condition occurs when you come into contact with an allergen or with a harmful substance. Harmful substances could include poison ivy or poison oak, perfumes or colognes, and even cosmetics. Often, these reactions aren’t severe, but they are uncomfortable. Some of the symptoms of this skin disease are:

dry, scaly, or flaky skin
hives
blisters or pimples
redness of the skin
itching or burning sensation
dark spots on the skin
being sensitive to the sun
swelling
stiff or tight feeling skin
open sores

2 – Psoriasis

This condition is when your body attacks your normal, healthy tissues. It is an autoimmune disease and causes skin cells to re-grow too quickly.

Psoriasis causes patches of thick, red, scaly skin most often on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, or palms. It can also occur on the bottoms of the feet, inside the mouth, and just about anywhere on the body.

3 – Allergies

When an allergic reaction occurs, it might cause the skin to become inflamed or break out into hives. This can happen from different types of allergies, such as food or medication allergies.

4 – Fungal, bacterial, or viral infection

These types of infections frequently cause skin inflammation. Some of the conditions that do this are:

ringworm
cellulitis
impetigo

5 – Eczema

This condition causes itching and inflammation of the skin. It generally develops in childhood and is outgrown, but it doesn’t always go away as adults suffer from it, too. Most often, eczema occurs behind the knees or in the crook of the arms. It can be present on any part of the human body, however, so don’t rule eczema out just because of its location.

This condition can spring up for several reasons, including the following factors:

genetics
allergies
immune disorder
bacteria on the skin

Other Care Hints for Skin Inflammation

Raspberries aren’t the only natural thing that can help reduce skin inflammation. There are many natural remedies, including herbs, a change of your diet, and other treatments you can try at home. These methods include:

1 – Cool, wet compresses

Applying cool, wet compresses or wraps to the inflamed area can help ease the irritated skin. Make sure the compress is clean, or it can lead to further irritation. Taking a cold bath in clean water can have the same effect, but don’t include soaps or other possible irritants.

2 – Warm oatmeal bath

Oatmeal baths contain anti-inflammatory properties and soothe the skin. Soaking in one can help ease skin irritation. Plus, it can protect your skin from other irritants, too.

3 – Increased intake of vitamin D

Find foods that are rich in vitamin D and make sure to implement them regularly in your diet. You can also find all-natural vitamin D supplements if you are struggling to consume enough.

4 – Tea tree oil

This essential oil contains both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. It can help treat dermatitis and other skin conditions. You will simply rub the tea tree oil into the infected area as needed to ease the discomfort.

5 – Wear clothes that don’t irritate the skin

Clothes play a significant role in skin irritation and inflammation. Wear clothes that are smooth or soft, and it’ll help treat unpleasant skin conditions. Plus, it will help prevent new irritations.

6 – Manage your stress

Being overly stressed can cause skin inflammation. By managing your stress appropriately and positively, you’ll be able to reduce the inflammation. One way to manage stress is by exercising, or you can choose meditation or whatever else works for you.

7 – CBD oil

This oil can benefit the skin because it contains anti-inflammatory properties. CBD oil also reduces sebum production and can provide natural moisture to infected areas. Best of all, studies show it can relieve skin pain and itching.

8 – Change your diet

Certain foods cause inflammation because they contribute to weight gain. Over time, they can cause diabetes and other chronic diseases. Some of the inflammation-causing foods include margarine, carbonated drinks and sodas, fried foods, red meat, and refined flour.

You shouldn’t be disappointed about having to eliminate foods from your diet. There are plenty of other delicious foods that you can eat instead. Raspberries aren’t the only food that can help, and some other foods that are good for reducing inflammation include:

tomatoes
olive oil
nuts
fruits and berries
fatty fish
spinach

Final Thoughts on Science Reveals Raspberries Might Help Reduce Skin Inflammation

Scientists are working diligently to understand why and how raspberries can help reduce skin inflammation. For conditions such as dermatitis, allergic reactions, and many more, this fruit can help treat it.

By consuming a large number of these berries each day, you may be able to see a difference. Skin inflammation is uncomfortable and sometimes painful, so finding a way to ease it is essential. While more research needs to be done, science has already revealed that it likely works. Since this fruit is right for you anyway, you have nothing to lose when trying out this remedy.

10 Reasons Why No One Should Beg for Love from Their Partner

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Nobody should need to beg for love from their partner. Ever. Period.

If you have to beg for love, you are in a bad relationship. This behavior isn’t something that should have to be done in any relationship. It’s a sign that your partner isn’t as dedicated as you are and that the feelings may not be equal.

A relationship is supposed to be a true partnership, and it requires two people to complete it. Both partners should work together to show affection or overcome issues. If only one partner is doing this, there is going to be a never-ending cycle of negativity.

If you find yourself in a relationship in which you have to ask for attention and affection, it’s a bad relationship. Your partner should be putting in as much energy as you are. Otherwise, you’ll be forcing the relationship along by yourself.

Aside from making you feel empty and lonely, there are many other reasons you should never beg for love. If you have to beg, it’s a sign that you aren’t their priority and likely never will be. You must think first about yourself and your well-being and decide that it’s time to move on.

Ten Reasons Why Nobody Should Beg for Love

Learning to appreciate yourself will help to boost your self-confidence. Know what you are worth!

1. Someone Else Will do The Things They Won’t

If your partner isn’t doing the things you need from them, it’s not your fault. Don’t beg for them to do something they aren’t interested in. You can find someone else who will be full engaged in the relationship.

Someone who is fully dedicated to the relationship will be able to connect emotionally. Your significant other will be supportive and interested in what is going on in your life. Plus, they will want to spend as much time with you as they can.

The person who wants to be with you won’t leave you feeling like your self-worth is diminished. You will feel happy and fulfilled after spending time with them. Remember, if you have to beg, it’s a bad relationship.

2. They May Not Be Ready

If your partner isn’t showing love, it could be a sign they aren’t ready for the relationship you need. No matter what you do or say, you can’t force them to be prepared.

Don’t waste your time trying to change someone who can’t be changed. Wait for a partner to come along who is ready when you are and who won’t hurt you in the process. Your well-being is more important than their lack of being willing.

3. They Don’t Appreciate You

If you have to beg, it’s a clear sign they don’t appreciate you, which means they don’t deserve you. You shouldn’t waste time praying for the love of someone who doesn’t deserve it. Eventually, someone who does appreciate you will come along and treat you the way you deserve to be.

Since your happiness is essential, you should never have to beg someone to treat you well. Instead, save your energy for someone who will never have to be asked twice to show you affection.

4. Begging Won’t Make Your Partner Love You

You cannot force someone to love you, and no amount of begging will change their mind. Just like with you, you can’t force an emotion to be happy. So, if this person doesn’t care to give you love, attention, or affection now, they’ll likely never care to.

5. It Extends Your Recovery Time

If your partner isn’t all-in, you’re going to feel sad and lonely often throughout the relationship. Eventually, the relationship will end one way or another. So, you shouldn’t spend your time being upset about the way you feel in your relationship.

You already feel bad that they aren’t giving you love and affection, so you might as well end it instead. The pain will occur in both instances, but do not force this relationship to work. Instead, move on. You will get through the hurt more quickly. By dragging the connection on any longer, you’ll only be pushing back your healing timeline.

6. It Can Stop You from Meeting the Right Person

When you are putting your energy into someone who doesn’t love you, you could be missing out on something better. There is, indeed, someone special out there who will love you the way you deserve to be loved. Do not let the right one pass you by because you are trying to gain the affection of someone who doesn’t want it.

If you stay in a poor relationship with someone you have to beg, the right person won’t be an option. Don’t put yourself in this position because you deserve true happiness and love someday.

7. It Can Cause Your Self-Worth to Diminish

Your self-worth, self-esteem, and confidence will all take a massive hit if you beg for love from your partner. It’s demeaning to you, as well, and will make you feel like you are unworthy. You have to remember that you are worthy and that it is your partner’s loss.

A relationship should only make you want to be better, and it should make you happy more often than sad. It should boost your feelings of confidence and make you feel secure about who you are. It should never cause your self-worth to be diminished.

Here are twelve signs that your significant other is ruining your self-esteem.

8. You are Perfect for Someone Else

Even though no one is perfect, you are perfect for someone. Remember this and remind yourself that if you have to beg your partner for love, you aren’t ideal for them. Don’t waste the fantastic things you have to offer on someone who doesn’t see how special you are.

Someone will want to be there for all you have to offer and for your flaws. They will love your imperfections just as much as they love everything else about you. Wait for that person who will accept everything about you and love you just the same, it’s worth it.

9. It Gives Your Partner the Upper Hand

When you beg for love, it makes the other person feel like they are above you. If the relationship continues after you beg, their treatment of you will only be worse because of it. The connection will never be equal, and you will always feel like something is missing.

They may use the begging against you and make it sound like they did you a favor. Or, the person could even use your plea as a tool to hurt you further by creating a joke out of it. Don’t make it even easier on your partner to hurt you.

Even worse, they may use it as an opportunity to use you. They would see that you are willing to do anything to gain their love. This scenario could lead to them, making you do things you aren’t comfortable with or that make you unhappy.

10. You Shouldn’t Have to Prove Your Worth

If your partner doesn’t see your worth, they don’t deserve your time or energy. You are worthy of someone who wants to spend time with you and who loves you. When that special someone wants to be with you and values who you are, they will make every effort to be there.

Instead of feeling so badly in your relationship, it’s better to wait it out until someone amazing comes along. This will help your self-esteem and confidence, and it will give you the chance to meet new people.

What to Do to Avoid Feeling You Must Beg for Your Partner’s Love

If your partner doesn’t answer your phone calls, stop calling them. Plus, if they are never the ones to call first, stop being the one to connect.

Either they will notice that your presence is missing, or you will realize that you deserve better. As your calls go unanswered, you will only feel worse, so avoid it, and it will help you move on.

Don’t wait for your partner, either. If you’re not positive, they’ll come through for plans or to talk. Please do what you want to do and make plans as you feel like it. If they wanted to spend time with you, they would have set up schedules or let you know they wanted to.

Take this time to realize that you will find someone who values you and cherishes your time spent together. You shouldn’t beg for love, because then you’ll never know what real love is like. Someone else will cherish you the way you are looking for.

Finally, learn to love yourself. If you can truly love yourself, you won’t feel like you have to beg for love from anyone. You will know your value and know that you deserve more than you are receiving. Loving yourself will help you wait for the right person to come along, and you’ll be available when they do.

Final Thoughts on Reasons Why Nobody Should Beg for Love from Their Partner

If you feel like you must beg for love for your partner, you have to do what is best for you. Remember to value yourself and give your time to those who willingly give their time, too. Instead, fill your life with people who love you and make you feel happy.

You deserve to be happy and to have everything you ever wanted in a relationship. If you beg for love, you aren’t getting what you wanted and what you deserve.

Therapist Reveals 15 Ways Nagging Harms Relationships

September 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In a relationship, nagging usually doesn’t accomplish anything except making both partners distance themselves from each other. Therapists agree that it is something that can tear a relationship apart.

Sally Connolly, LCSW, LMFT, a therapist with over 30 years of experience, says the following about this behavior:

“Nagging, or making the same request over and over again, usually does not get the desired result. Instead, it generally leads to a downward spiral with negative thoughts and feelings about each other and withdrawing, feeling discounted, misunderstood, controlled or unimportant.”

If you find yourself in a continuous cycle of pestering your partner about the same things, you can be doing more harm than good. You may not even realize the damage it’s doing until it’s too late.

15 Ways That Nagging Can Cause Hard Feelings in a Relationship

Here are 15 ways that, according to therapists, nagging can harm your relationship.

1. Your partner feels like you aren’t listening to them.

At some point and time, your partner may have revealed to you why they won’t do whatever it is you keep bugging them about. Maybe you didn’t agree, or perhaps you forgot. Either way, your partner will feel like you just aren’t listening to how they think about a particular situation. When a person feels like they aren’t being heard, they stop trying to talk to you. They may feel like the situation is hopeless.

2. There is a breakdown in communication.

This goes hand in hand with the first tip. Because your partner feels like you aren’t listening, they may stop trying to communicate with you altogether. There will be no more feedback on what you’re saying. They may begin to ignore you entirely, which will probably make your nagging worse. Eventually, you’ll start to feel just like your partner does – that they aren’t listening – and communication will break down between the two of you.

3. Arguments become more passive-aggressive.

After a breakdown in communication, the only thing that’s left is taking jabs at each other. Talking is getting you nowhere. Arguing is getting you nowhere. Now you’re left with resentment, which can manifest itself in the form of passive-aggressive behavior. This can further alienate your partner, as well as yourself. You’ll find yourself in a hostile relationship, which isn’t healthy for either one of you. It won’t last long with things being that way.

4. It can make your partner feel like you’re trying to his or her mother.

People love their mothers, and they may even seek out partners that have the same traits as their mother. This is especially true for men. However, that doesn’t mean they want to date their mother. You don’t want to be your partner’s mother any more than they want you to, but when you constantly nag your partner, it can remind them of how their mother used to get on them.

5. It just makes life dull and annoying.

No one wants to be around someone that gets on their nerves all the time. Just imagine if you must be around someone who is always pestering you, bothering you, telling you what you’re doing wrong, or getting on you about something. Yes, it’s frustrating being around or living with someone who won’t listen, but being a nag is never the answer. You need to find common ground on the situation.

6. It can make your partner tune you out.

The silent treatment. That would probably get on your nerves more than arguing would. Your partner may decide that they aren’t going to deal with your nagging. They are just going to ignore you and tune you out when your lips start moving. This can get irritating because they may begin tuning you out even during times that you aren’t a nag. They ignore you all the time now.

7. It can put your partner under a lot of stress.

Your partner may not know what to expect from you when you continuously nag them, and this can put them under a lot of stress. They don’t know how to act in front of you, what to say to you, or how to react to you. They may feel like you resent them or that they can’t please you. Not knowing what to do or say in front of someone you care about can create so much stress that you don’t want to be around that person. This is what can happen to your partner.

Here are five signs of poor communication in a marriage (and why this spells trouble!)

8. Your partner may begin to dread seeing you.

From the last tip, where your partner is stressed out, they’ll begin to dread seeing you because being around you isn’t a pleasant experience. They’ll start to expect drama from you, and no one likes to deal with drama. You can be sure that once you get to a point where your partner dreads seeing you, your relationship will be close to coming to an end.

9. Your partner may begin to confide in someone else.

You can probably think back to when you and your partner could talk about anything. That may not be the case anymore. You may begin to notice that you don’t speak as much or at all. This means your partner is probably confiding in someone else. It could be a friend or family member. You should hope that it’s not another romantic partner. Just keep in mind that your partner is human. If you make it difficult for them to talk to you, they’ll end up talking to someone else.

10. Your partner may begin to speak ill of you to others.

When your partner begins to confide in others, it might not be all pleasant talk. It’s going to hurt if you find out that your partner is saying bad things about you behind your back. Your partner probably needs an outlet to express how they’re feeling. Unfortunately, if you constantly nag them, they probably aren’t feeling good, so they’re probably not saying good things.

11. Your partner might lose their self-esteem.

When someone is continuously told that they’re doing something wrong, they may begin to feel like they can’t do anything right. It will start to weigh on their confidence and self-esteem. The last thing you want to do is to make your partner feel bad. You nag because they aren’t listening to you, and it can be frustrating. However, it would be best if you found a better way to communicate because you’re only making your partner feel bad about themselves.

12. It can make your partner react in a way they’ll regret later.

All that passive-aggressive behavior and the hit to their self-esteem can make your partner react in a way that they don’t intend to. Remember, your partner is human. People can only take so much before they snap. Don’t let things get to that point. Cut out the nagging before things escalate to the point of no return.

13. Your partner might stop coming home.

If you live with your partner, you probably expect them to come home each night. You may begin to notice that your partner has to “work late” all the time. It may get to a point where your partner stops coming home altogether. That’s going to cause a lot of additional problems in your relationship.

14. It can lead to depression.

When you constantly nag your partner, everything starts to break down, as discussed in the previous tips. This can lead to both of you being extremely unhappy with each other. You may love each other, but you can’t stand to be around each other. Now you’re both depressed, and your relationship is in jeopardy.

15. It can lead to substance abuse.

When all other methods of coping fail, substance abuse could be next on the list. This can happen to you, as well as your partner. This is probably the worst thing that could come from constant nagging. Substance abuse will introduce a whole host of new problems to the relationship. Old issues won’t even stand a chance of being solved. You should stop being a nag before things get to this point.

Final Thoughts on How Nagging Can Cause Breakdown of Love and Trust in Your Relationship

Understandably, you nag your partner because they aren’t doing something right, no matter how many times you bring it up. You’re irritated and frustrated, and you probably don’t know how else to get through to your partner. However, nagging is never the answer. It only makes things worse.

You need to sit down and have an in-depth conversation with your partner. Get their feedback on what’s happening between the two of you and make sure you listen and consider their side of things. This should help to clear up the situation, but if it doesn’t, then you need to consider the fact that the issue may never be resolved. You need to decide if it’s a relationship dealbreaker or a quirky habit that you can live with.

Whatever you decide to do, stop nagging your partner all the time.

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

Understand that you are not your thoughts.

Try to focus only on the task at hand.

Practice breathing techniques.

5-4-3-2-1 technique

4-7-8 Breathing

Bloody stools

High fever

Frequent vomiting

Dehydration

Diarrhea that lasts more than three days

Difficulty breathing or heart palpitations

Can’t urinate

Confusion

Dizziness

Vision changes

Turkey, chicken, and other meats

Fruits and vegetables

Raw milk, raw soft cheeses

Raw eggs

Seafood

Sprouts

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!