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Psychology Explains What Eye Contact Says About Your Personality

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

They say that your eyes are the window to your soul. When these spiritual windows are open to others, what can they decipher about you? Psychologists assert that your eye contact says a lot about your personality.

Most predatory animals, including humans, have forward-facing eyes that give them a binocular vision. Our early ancestors could easily focus on their prey as well as dangerous animals and situations to avoid. Your eyes still provide safety and are continually processing pictures of the world around you.

Did you know that roughly half of your body’s sensory receptors are found in your eyes? They can detect visible light wavelengths up to 700 nanometers and many spectra of colors. Six extrinsic eye muscles control their complex movement.

When you combine positions of your eyelids and eyebrows, your eyes help to create instantly recognizable expressions. Humans are adept at interpreting eye contact, so we assume that someone looking into our eyes has nothing to hide. How you use your eyes to communicate with others usually mirrors what you are feeling or thinking.

What the Eyes Say Without Uttering a Word

Here is why eye contact is an essential part of your body language.

Think of all the idioms you’ve heard about eyes and personality. They say a shifty-eyed person can’t be trusted. “She loves him, and you can see it in her eyes.” “He couldn’t even look me in the eyes and tell me the truth.”

Good eye interaction with others suggests that you are confident in your abilities. People may view you as more successful, and you may have better leadership qualities than those who avert their eyes. Your gaze may reveal an attraction to another, or it can imply aggression and malice.

Some cognitive disorders, such as the autistic spectrum, are known for their avoidance of connecting with other people’s eyes. Many people who battle depression, anxiety, or ADHD have difficulty focusing their eyes, especially when in a conversation. For others, eye connection aversion may be low self-esteem from a lack of confidence and basic shyness.

Understanding Eye Communication

While you assume that anyone who looks you eye-to-eye is telling the truth, it’s not necessarily so. Pathological liars often use eye connection to manipulate people into believing their lies. They often become so jaded that they can lie without as much as a blink. Here are some other things your eyes can show.

• Friendliness and Familiarity

When you are in public and surrounded by strangers, you can expect to meet a few people’s glances. However, most people only look strangers in the face for only a couple seconds, and then they look away. Looking at someone any longer becomes staring, and it makes others feel uncomfortable.

Friends and acquaintances will usually meet your eyes in a longer, natural way. Close friends and family can often look into your eyes and intuitively know how you feel before asking. You may tell them that you are feeling fine, but your eyes can betray you.

• Authority and Trustworthiness

If you want others to respect your authority, you must look them straight in the eyes when you talk. Would you have much confidence in a person in leadership who was shy and kept averting his eyes? When you make direct eye contact and smile while conversing with or addressing a group, people will respect you more and will assume you are successful and trustworthy.

• Mutual Attraction

The eyes are only second to the heart when it comes to stories, songs, and art about love and romance. When you are attracted to someone, you instinctively gaze into his eyes as he does yours. Scientific research demonstrates that people who are attracted to each other look into the others’ eyes more often and for extended periods.

Do you want a special someone to be more than just friends? How do you look him in the eyes? He may think you aren’t interested if he sees you avoiding his eyes and looking all around.

Eye connection in sexuality is another point that divides us from the animals. Unlike most of them, humans are usually intimate face-to-face and eye-to-eye. We often feel more attracted to those who express attraction to us in their eyes.

• Intimidation

Have you ever watched two cats locked into a staring contest? In the animal kingdom, staring allows them to size up their adversaries. There is a wild glare that means a clash of wills is about to happen.

While we are not felines, we still use our eyes to intimidate others, often without thinking. Remember the sharp glance your mother gave you when you were misbehaving in public? She didn’t have to say a word, but you got the point.

• Memory Enhancement

Why is it that you may forget names, but you hardly ever forget a face? Your brain is making countless references and notations when you look into another person’s eyes. Your first impression of this person may be what her eyes tell you.

It will trigger a memory in your brain when you meet the person again and make eye contact. For this reason, psychologists encourage people to look at each other when meeting and often during conversation. Not only does it suggest to the other person that you are genuinely interested in what she has to say, but you will be more likely to remember her and the conversation.

Do Your Eyes Have It? Different Types of Eye Avoidance

How can you use proper eye contact to your advantage? Do you want to reflect confidence and honesty? Here are some helpful ways to identify common eye contact problems and how to improve them.

• The Low Looker

In many cultures, it is considered rude and forward to look at someone straight in the eyes, especially those of authority. A downcast glance shows reverence, respect, and humility. Unfortunately, women were often taught to keep their head and eyes lowered as a sign of loyalty and subservience.

If you are a low looker, then train yourself to hold your head high and meet other people’s eyes. Keep good posture, let your eyes show that you are friendly, intelligent, and subservient to no one.

• The Kewpie Doll

Have you ever seen one of these iconic baby dolls with their pixie smile and adorable side glance? You wonder what they are thinking. Whether it is from nervous tension or learned behavior, many people often avoid direct eye contact by looking to the side or a corner of the room.

“Kewpie dolls” personalities often have a difficult time when they are in leadership and must address a group. Are you one of these who keep your eyes glued to a corner rather than face your audience? Practice speaking in a mirror and retrain your eyes to look at the eyes of your listeners.

• The Rapid- Fire Blinker

Some people have a nervous tick in their eyes that often gets worse when they are talking to people, or they experience eye twitching. While they try to keep their eyes focused during a conversation, all the other people can see is a flurry of blinks and twitches. If they gradually gain control of their eyelids, a rapid-fire blinker may also be a low-looker or a kewpie doll.

Some rapid-fire blinkers not only blink, but they often have conversations with their eyes closed. Occasionally, they may open their eyes to flash a bit or to acknowledge what the other person is saying, but their eye contact is limited.

Do you want to remedy your Rapid-Fire Blinker habit and practice good eye connection? Since rapid blinking may be symptoms of a physical or mental condition, consult your professional healthcare provider. Practice keeping your gaze steady and relaxing your eyes.

• Give Your Eyes a Rest

Although making good eye connection is beneficial in a conversation, there can be too much of a good thing. When you are having a discussion with another person, some eye movement is expected. A thoughtful pause to glance up and think about what the person is saying is helpful because a constant stare will make others uneasy.

• Practice Makes Progress

Some people are naturally talented conversationalists, but you can learn these skills with practice. Maintaining proper eye connections with others can be practiced in front of a mirror or with a trusted friend. If you have one or more of these common eye aversion characteristics, you can retrain yourself.

As you talk to the mirror or your practice partner, train yourself to rest your sight at the other person’s eye level. If he wears glasses, you could focus on the rims or study his eyebrows, if you feel uneasy about looking pupil to pupil.

If you feel your eyes going back into their old habit of aversion, gently bring them back into focus. Ask your trusted practice partner to give you honest feedback and to let you know when your eyes aren’t making the proper connection.

Not sure if your guy friend is flirting with you? Here are the signs.

Final Thoughts on Using Proper Eye Contact in Life

Using proper eye interaction in your professional and personal life can tell others a lot about you. Show people that you are self-confident and can make eye contact when you are conversing. You’ll discover that people will be more apt to confide in you and will see the confident, fascinating person you are.

Cardiologists Explain 5 Foods That Are Bad For Heart Health

June 3, 2020 by Lakeisha Ethans

The food we eat contributes to our health’s good and bad sides. If you eat good food, you gain benefits. If you eat bad food, your health suffers in the long run, and you’re more at risk for diseases and disorders that could shorten your lifespan. Therefore, it makes sense to eat foods to increase your heart health.

One of the most important organs to care for regarding the food you eat and the beverages you drink is your heart. Many things contribute to heart health, from artery width to blood pressure, and when these factors are thrown out of whack, your heart may end up suffering for it.

Given that the heart is responsible for keeping your body alive, it’s no surprise that caring for your heart health through your diet is very important. Eat the wrong foods; your heart could wind up calling it quits sooner than you’d like, and no one wants that!

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of conflicting information about what helps the body and what harms it. With all the data you read and process, it’s tough to tell what you should listen to – but keep your positive thinking and listen to the experts! Here’s how cardiologists and dietitians explain five foods that are bad for heart health.

Learn how to avoid a heart attack.

1. Processed Meat

Processed meat of all kinds typically has a lot of saturated fat, and even low-fat options can’t escape the large amount of salt used in their creation.

Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center’s Woman’s Cardiovascular Health Program Director, Dr. Laxmi Mehta, states that salt restriction should be a more frequent part of healthy diets, given how much sodium can affect high blood pressure and overall heart health. Here are some processed meats to avoid:

· Rotisserie Chicken

There are some arguments to be made about whether or not Rotisserie chicken is, in fact, a kind of processed meat at all. But the truth remains that this precooked meat is usually packed with sodium and saturated fats. And you can’t control how it’s cooked, so you have no idea what’s in it!

· Bacon

A majority of the calories in bacon come from a notoriously bad component for the heart: saturated fat. This can bump up harmful cholesterol levels in the body, increasing the risk of stroke, heart attack, and other issues. The preservatives used in bacon are often equally risky to consume.

· Sausages

Sausages are in the same boat as bacon. They’re packed with saturated fat, and there’s a ton of sodium present in low-fat options, says Essential Nutrition For You owner and Master of Public Health Rania Batayneh.

· Deli Meat

A lot of deli meats have sodium nitrate, which is a kind of preservative present in even the low-fat varieties of common cured meats. According to Fisher Nutrition Systems founder and Licensed Dietitian Nutritionist Suzanne Fisher, nitrates can add to internal inflammation. This kind of inflammation is not of a positive variety and can potentially lead to atherosclerosis.

2. “Healthy” Foods That Are Poor for Heart Health

Many healthy foods are just that – marketed foods, trying to be sold by companies and businesses that are eager to entice the health-conscious crowd. Unfortunately, these foods often have hidden components that harm your heart health. Here are some to be wary of:

· Flavored Yogurt

Plain Greek yogurt with no flavoring is healthy, but fruity varieties of yogurt are often packed with lots of sugar. Fisher says that sometimes, this can be as much as six teaspoons’ worth or more!

· Energy Bars

Energy bars are often used as meal replacements; some are healthier than others. But many are often highly processed, packed with sugars, preservatives, and flavorings that do more harm than good.

· Green Juices

Green juices are a bit of a staple in health communities, but a lot of green juices that you can buy from restaurants or shops have at least two servings in each cup, which adds to sugar and calories.

· Sports Drinks

Most people don’t need more than water to rehydrate themselves. The belief that anyone who exercises needs their electrolytes to be replenished is entirely false – only athletes who work out a lot need them! Sports drinks are packed with a lot of sugar, and some even have more than the daily recommended intake.

· Granola

Though touted as a healthy breakfast food, granola has a lot of calories and a lot of sugars, says Fisher. Whole-grain cereals with low sugar are better options, and oats are excellent, too.

· Diet Soda

Some people turn to diet soda for a calorie-free “healthy” alternative – but it certainly isn’t one! A lot of research links soda, whether it has calories or not, to heart disease, often due to chemicals or artificial sweeteners, says cardiology associate professor and St. John Episcopal Hospital chief of cardiology Dr. Regina Druz. Some research also shows that those who drink diet soda may eat more as an overcompensation method.

· Fruit Smoothies

Smoothies sound healthy, but they often come in large servings and have lots of sugar. Make sure you know what’s going into your smoothies first, and don’t forget that eating fruit gives you more fiber than drinking them. These fibers can help balance out blood lipid levels that keep your heart healthy, says Fisher.

3. Sugary Foods

We’ve mentioned a few times already just how bad sugar can be for the heart. For a long time, we believed fat was the culprit, but that turned out to be because a lot of research surrounding heart disease was funded by the sugar industry back in the day – which is a surefire, positive way to guarantee some iffy science. Here are some sugary foods that wreak havoc on your heart:

· Candy

All kinds of candy affect the heart negatively, from hard candies to gummies. In fact, did you know that a majority of Americans consume over 10% of their daily calories just by eating candy? They also have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

· Cereal

Some cereals are healthy. Some have more than 8 grams of sugar in a single serving, especially if they’re low-fat. Sugar is more of a risk to you than fat is, says Batayneh.

· Ice Cream

Ice cream has plenty of saturated fat and sugar, and the big calorie counts of each serving don’t help. Heart attacks can even occur as a result of the increased triglycerides in your body from ice cream!

· Pastries

Pastries such as donuts, cakes, and similar products have lots of white flour, fat, and sugar, and they can even boost the risk of trans fat transportation. Trans fats bring down positive cholesterol while bringing up harmful cholesterol.

· Soda

Did you know that around half of the sugars that the average American eats in a day come from beverages? Soda is a big player in this field, and your risk of stroke and heart disease both increase when you drink these sweet drinks daily.

4. Sauces and Dressings

A hidden source of harmful components for the heart lies in dressings, sauces, and dips. You may not realize how much sugar, salt, and saturated fat exists in some of your favorite seasonings. Here are some that may surprise you:

· Barbecue Sauce

A lot of barbecue sauce has heaps of sodium in it. There are some options with less sugar and less salt, but you can also try making your own for exciting results.

· Low-Fat Salad Dressings

Reduced-fat dressings usually don’t taste the same as their fatty versions, meaning more sugar must be added to maintain the flavor. Fisher adds that something low in calories or fat is not necessarily healthy or suitable for the heart.

· Marinara Sauce

Marinara sauce and similar pasta sauces have lots of sodium and sugar in them. You can typically find low-sodium alternatives, but making some yourself is also good.

· Ketchup

Ketchup is a classic condiment, but according to cardiologist and Univision Network chief medical correspondent Juan Rivera, it’s packed with sodium. In fact, ketchup has 14% of the American Heart Association’s recommended sodium intake in just two tablespoons. Those tablespoons also hold 8 grams of sugar!

5. Fried Foods

According to studies, individuals who consume a lot of fried food regularly are at higher risk of passing away due to heart and artery diseases. This alone is enough to tell you that fried foods don’t have a lot of positive effects on your health. Here are some fried foods to avoid:

· Fries

Fries are about as fried as food can get! Potatoes on their own have a lot of components that contribute to hypertension and diabetes risk. Adding a fried factor to them – often with lots of salt to top it off – further worsens that risk.

· Fried Chicken

Due to the way it’s cooked, Fried chicken holds a lot of trans fats, says Batayneh. Trans fats are easy to reuse when frying foods, which is why they’re so popular, but there have been moves taken to reduce their usage.

· Pizza

As a white flour dough, pizza has plenty of reasons to get your heart in trouble. But add toppings like processed meats (such as sausage and pepperoni), cheeses, and pickled vegetables can make up more than half of the recommended daily sodium intake!

· Potato Chips

Like fries, potato chips already have a terrible start just by being made from potatoes. Higher servings of potato chips contribute more to weight gain than all other varieties of food, and that’s not surprising given the shocking calorie counts many of them hold.

Final Thoughts On Some Foods That Are Bad For Heart Health

A lot of typically unhealthy foods for the heart are no-brainers, but they still bear repeating and are warnings that should be taken seriously. Does this mean you can never have a treat of fried meals again? No, but it does mean limiting your consumption of candies, fried goods, processed foods, and other similar products.

People often think that genuinely healthy food doesn’t taste good – but it can! So put on some positive thinking and work on correcting your diet. You’ll feel much better, and your heart health will thank you!

15 Signs of a Spark Between Two People

June 3, 2020 by Chris Butler

You’re sitting in a crowded room, you turn, and suddenly your eyes meet another person’s eyes. You feel an immediate attraction, a connection to that person. Is it real? Many people wonder how to know. So, what are fifteen signs of a spark between two people?

15 Signs of a Spark When Two People Feel Mutual Attraction

Watch for these things.

1. Body language reveals a romantic spark

One of the first signs that there are sparks between two people is often their body language. They may lean in towards one another when they talk or touch arms when they share something. Their expression says,” I want to be close to you,” and “I’m attracted to you.”

They may touch hands, pat one another on the back, or lean on another’s shoulders to show interest. Body language is a good sign. However, it can be deceptive, so keep an eye out for other giveaways as well.

2. Eye contact

Continually looking at one another is a sure sign that sparks are going off between two people. Usually, they can’t take their eyes off one another. It’s as if they are like two magnets being pulled together by their eyes.

You look at the other person’s nose, mouth, eye color, and body. Everything about them is interesting to you. Watching this happen to two people is fun, but of course, it’s most fun if you experience it yourself.

3. Smiling at each other signals a spark

Lots and lots of smiles, you can’t stop laughing at the person when you’re attracted to them. They make you happy to see them, and they feel the same. This behavior is a sure sign of sparks ignited between the two of you. Studies found that when the flashes of romantic love ignite, your brain kicks up the level of dopamine that stimulates your brain’s pleasure center. You feel pleasure and happiness, so you smile. You have a crazy, happy-looking smile that others immediately notice as a sign of sparks flying around.

4. Infatuated

They’ve captured your attention; you’re curious about them and wonder what they’re like. This is infatuation. It’s often one of the first things you feel when you catch that person’s eyes across the room. It’s a draw and desire to know more. Infatuation isn’t wrong, but by its very definition, it is a short-term kind of passion that will go away.

It won’t kill the sparks, but infatuation is often based on the intrigue of not totally knowing someone. So your infatuation will go away, but you can still be attracted to them as you get to know them.

Here are 5 ways to reveal your love to your partner.

5. Stomach flip flops

When sparks exist between you and someone else, you may feel your stomach doing flip-flops, or some people call it butterflies. Studies show that every culture has a different way of describing this emotional state. But when you feel this, you feel an attraction to the other person.

Of course, your stomach feelings will change over time, but it’s usually a sign of sparks between two people.

6. Look forward to being together

You can’t wait to see the person even though you’ve just met them. You feel like you’ve known them for years and want to know them more. This is a sure sign of a spark if you look forward to being together. You don’t care if you go for a walk, a drive through the country or to a little restaurant down the street, you want to be together again.

It’s a good sign that you want to be together. This feeling really shouldn’t go away over time the way infatuation does. In a good solid relationship, a couple enjoys time together and hates to be apart.

7. Chemistry

Chemistry is the tension and attraction you feel towards another person. Of course, physical attraction plays a part in this too. There may be a mix of desire and tension between you. It’s not good to assume this will be a good relationship because of this chemistry you feel. You can feel it with lots of people.

Chemistry should be about the person’s body, mind, and soul. It can be hard to do, but try to stay calm and not give to throwing your heart away too quickly, even if you feel chemistry. Stay positive and move slowly.

8. Flirting shows a spark

You’ll be flirty when you’re just getting to know someone, and you think there is chemistry between you. Not too flirty, but just enough to let the other person know that you are interested and you think they’re cute and fun to be with.

It’s okay to flirt, but don’t throw yourself at the person. This comes on too strong, and if the other person isn’t feeling it, you won have embarrassed yourself by being too forthcoming.

Learn how to attract a man without saying a word.

9. Work hard to look your best at all times

You want to put your best face forward when attached to someone. You’ll work hard to dress your best, fix your hair, shave, and smell nice, too. You want the other person to think you’re attractive and sexy.

It’s a natural thing to do when there’s a spark between two people. If the other person isn’t doing this, it could be a sign they aren’t as attracted to you as you thought.

10. Miss each other when you’re not together

You’ve just met and hung out together once. Now you can’t wait to be together again. You already miss the person, their smile, their laugh, the way their eyes twinkle when they look at you. It’s all there-it’s a sure sign the spark has been charged up if you miss each other apart. Missing each other when you’re apart should last in your relationship.

Even couples who have been together for years experience this when they spend time apart. So, if this spark is there and seems to last over the first days, weeks, or months, that could be a sign of a long-lasting relationship developing.

11. Feel comfortable being together

When there is a special connection between you and another person, you will feel extremely comfortable with them. You can relax and feel safe around them. Safe to share your deepest thoughts as well as physically safe.

If someone makes you feel unsafe, walk away from the relationship even if at first there were sparks. It sounds weird, but it happens. You should always feel safe in a relationship.

12. Want to learn new things about the other person

When you first get to know someone, you can’t learn enough about them. You want to know their likes and dislikes, about their childhood, their hobbies, their fears, their favorite foods, and their heroic deeds. Everything they have ever done is suddenly so important to you. They will want to know everything about you. It’s a sure sign that sparks are flying between you.

13. Share similar values

Sparks flying doesn’t negate the similarity of your values. As you get to know someone, you will value what they value, you feel what they feel. Your similar values can forge a closer bond between the two of you. Sometimes sparks fly when you’re at an event where similar values are being shared, so it only makes sense that the person you find yourself attracted to has the same values as you.

14. Both of you like who the other person is

When the sparks fly, you like who you’re looking at. You like them physically, but as you get to know them, you also like them intellectually and soulfully. You appreciate who they are without judging them. You feel like they are your other half. They meet your needs and inspire you to be a better person.

15. Time stands still when you have that spark

You hear this in songs, but when sparks fly between two people, it seems to happen. You lose track of time when you’re together, talking and hanging out. It’s as if you wish you could turn the clock back to have an entire day together again.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing a Spark of Chemistry

When two people feel an instant connection across the room or in a crowd, there can be sparks that instantly fly. It’s as if forces outside yourselves are drawing you together. It’s not something you can make happen. It’s either there or not. It’s often the beginning phase of a relationship, but it shouldn’t define your relationship because that’s unrealistic for a long-term relationship.

Enjoy these first moments, days, weeks, or months of the sparks, but be sure the relationship moves on into a deeper, more meaningful kind of relationship. Sparks can mean a fun relationship is potentially happening, so ride the wave of discovery and see if it blossoms into something more.

Psychologist Explains Why Introverts Need Time to Recharge Their Batteries

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you know someone who needs to slip away to recharge batteries every so often?

It isn’t easy to understand others in this world. You may sit next to a lady at work and know nothing about her. Then on the other side of you may be a gentleman that you could tell his story as if you had written a book on his life.

The difference is one has an introverted personality, and the other has an extroverted one. How would you classify yourself? Do you tend to be outgoing and the life of the party or sit back and watch as life happens around you?

You will meet people every day who are either social or anti-social, according to the world’s perception. However, both types of individuals are just as valuable to society. You view people through your eyes and with your methods for doing things, and your expectations skew your opinion of others. Thankfully, everyone is unique.

Understanding the Differences Between Introverts and Extroverts

Personalities can be grouped into two categories. The extroverted person tends to be favored in society, and if someone isn’t a socializer, then they are considered abnormal. Those with an introverted personality may have a challenging time in school and the workforce, as they are commonly misinterpreted.

A teacher may write on their grade card that they don’t like to participate in class, or a boss might see them as quiet and disconnected. Being in a romantic relationship can be even more difficult. They may continuously field insinuations that they don’t love their partner or don’t communicate efficiently.

In life, the extrovert is often celebrated. They’re the ones that get the job promotions, have the best relationships, and are go-getters. The sad thing is that introverted personalities often are disregarded and very misunderstood.

Children are taught that they must speak up for themselves and be more assertive in life. When they go to college, they will get farther when they network and put themselves out there. An extrovert has no problem mingling with strangers and thrives during social events, while the introvert is often a bundle of nerves at the thought of a crowd.

Since an introverted personality doesn’t feel like they fit into the mainstream, they avoid social interactions. Their feelings make them question if there is something wrong with them. The energy from a large group can make an extrovert thrive, but the introvert feels drained and like they need to recharge their batteries.

12 Ways Introverts Can Recharge Their Batteries

Did you know that over one-third of the population is introverted? People look down on these folks because they are quiet and avoid gatherings. Sadly, these individuals often go through life being viewed through biased eyes.

In the continent of Asia, being an introvert is considered a high quality that is valued among the people. In the Western world, it’s the opposite. Anxiety is high among introverts because they continuously feel as if they can’t measure up to social norms.

All this pressure to fit into a world where they don’t fit causes them significant problems. These individuals need to recharge their batteries, and here are just a few ways to do it.

1. Meditation

Meditation has been around for more than 5,000 years. Introverts looking to recharge their batteries should look to this Chinese method first. When you’re meditating, you’re releasing anxiety and tension that harbors inside.

One of the biggest problems an introvert has is that they cannot articulate how they feel, and all their emotions become trapped inside. This ancient art is a great way to relax the mind, body, and soul. By visualizing and releasing pent up energy, it can be a very freeing experience.

2. Alone Time

Have you ever heard someone say that they wanted some alone time? Introverts love to go into space, close the door, and be alone with their thoughts. It’s a way to recharge their batteries by sitting in the quiet.

Remember, these people don’t always know how to vocalize how they are feeling, so they need a quiet space to reflect.

3. Go Where Nobody Knows You

When you feel introverted claustrophobia, you want to go somewhere where you won’t stand out in the crowd. Maybe you want to hear the noise around you, but you don’t want anyone to expect anything from you.

Some introverts love having people around, but they don’t want to interact with them. If you’re feeling a bit claustrophobic and can’t get any peace, then drive to another city where no one knows your name.

You will be surprised how much better you feel to mingle in an area where people don’t want to chit-chat.

4. Delve into a Good Book

Is it any wonder that the introvert usually loves a good adventure story? Books allow you to transport yourself to another time and place. You can live out an account through the character, and it doesn’t make you uncomfortable either.

Some people use books or movies to get over the loss of something near and dear to them. It’s an outlet that helps recharge your batteries and help you escape the stressors of life.

5. Engage in Mindful Distractions

To recharge your batteries and keep you from ruminating about things, engage in mindful distractions. Items such as crossword puzzles or coloring can help you to focus on something other than your feelings. You need these distractions to help you with your anxiety.

6. Take a Walk in Nature

One of the best things for you to do when you feel like you need to be alone is to take a walk. Did you know that walking barefoot on the earth it will help you feel grounded?

If you feel like your world is out of sorts, then taking your shoes off and feeling the ground beneath your toes can be beneficial. There’s something so calming and tranquil about the gentle breeze blowing against your face and the whistle of the birds in the distance.

If you feel like you need to be alone to stop the noise inside your head, Mother Nature can provide the relief you need.

7. Soak in a Hot Bath

For centuries, the value of a warm bath has not gone unnoticed. Roman bathhouses were used for public sanitation, and these bathhouses allowed people to socialize. The concept developed into the swimming pools of today.

An introvert won’t like the socialization of a public pool, but a hot bath can bring about the same effects. You can recharge your batteries while listening to soft music, sipping champagne, or relaxing in some delicate bubbles. It’s hard to feel stressed or out of sorts with life when you’re soaking your troubles away.

10. Take a Drive

Another way that introverts can get the peace and tranquility they crave is by taking a drive. There’s something almost euphoric about jumping behind the wheel of a car and blasting the radio. The best time to drive is down a country road when the sun is shining bright.

These little get-a-ways don’t cost hardly anything and can be just what you need to regroup and recharge.

11. Journal

Did you know that many people can’t express how they feel, but they can write it down? Just like so many people use text messages to break up with a lover. It’s easier to put things into writing than to vocalize them.

A journal can be written or on your computer. It’s just a place where you can collect your thoughts and get out of your feelings. It’s also a great way to be alone and has time to meditate on the day and your life.

12. Listen to a Podcast

Podcasts have become the best way to gain inspiration without leaving the comforts of home. Ted Talks, as well as The Moth, are two great places where you can find stories of people who have overcome insurmountable odds in front of them.

Introverts care and have hurts, but they don’t share with the world their pain. While listening to these short stories of how people have won against a great battle, it can help you with what you face.

Final Thoughts on Breaking Away to Recharge Batteries, as Needed

The things that work for extroverts won’t always work for an introvert. People watching, for instance, might make you more nervous. Additionally, going to a spa and having a massage, pedicure, or manicure might not be the ticket.

You can treat yourself to a gift for a job well done, but your idea of relaxation isn’t going to be going to a rock concert. The noise, crowd, and claustrophobic nature of the venue may be too much for you to handle.

You should lay your head on the pillow and know that you are uniquely you. While you may never become the director of a corporation or a politician, your contribution to society is significant.

The world would be a boring place to live if everyone were the same. Having a quiet and subservient personality is what many people are attracted too. Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, you can still have a successful career, a beautiful family, and a life that many people desire.

15 Red Flags Someone Has Impostor Syndrome

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Impostor syndrome is a term used to describe a condition in which a person doubts his or her abilities. People who suffer from this syndrome may feel inadequate or feel as if they don’t deserve their jobs or achievements.

Does that sound vaguely familiar to you? No wonder! A clinical research project found that 70% of people will experience impostor syndrome at least once in their life.

15 Behaviors of Impostor Syndrome

1. You Feel Like You’re An Actor

If you have impostor syndrome, regardless of how much you achieve, you may feel as if you are an actor playing a role. This emotion can happen regardless of which jobs you’ve held or how well you performed on those jobs.

You may feel the need to make certain moves to prove you’re “legit.” For instance, if you’re a college professor, you may need to dress or behave a certain way to prove yourself. Perhaps you make a habit of mentioning individual awards you’ve won or displayed your awards or trophies prominently in your office.

You might also find yourself applying for grants, entering contests, and continuously working on more projects than you can handle. This is because you want to prove that you’re doing more than acting a role. For you, a list of accomplishments shows that you’re a bona fide success.

2. You Question Your Awards

Even high achievers can feel like impostors. If you’ve worked hard to win a prestigious award and always question if you deserve it, you may have this syndrome. This uncertainty is especially true if others around you recognize your talent and praise it.

The next time you find yourself doubting that you deserve something, consider that others would disagree with you. If a committee of people chose your project as the winner, it’s because they found it worthy.

3. You Don’t Apply for Better Jobs

Some people with impostorism fail to seek out better work opportunities. They may even fail to realize that they can do better than their current jobs. If your co-workers or loved ones keep asking why you don’t apply for that job in management, and you cannot give a solid reason why then you may be suffering from the syndrome.

Failure to pursue better opportunities can also lead to job dissatisfaction in the long run. While a person feels like the current job is not challenging enough, he or she is afraid to reach for a better opportunity.

4. You Don’t Ask for a Raise

If you feel inadequate on your job, you may not believe you’re worth what you’re being paid. This can hold you back from advancing on the job. For instance, you may be resistant to ask for a raise, or you may believe that you don’t deserve a promotion.

In reality, you may be a prime candidate for a raise or a promotion. Consider those around you. Are your co-workers promoted even though they’ve achieved less than you? If so, then you’re perhaps more qualified than they are.

5. You’re Terrified of Being “Discovered”

People who feel like impostors live in fear of being found out. For instance, if you’re a professor, you may worry that your colleagues will find that you aren’t as effective at teaching as you should be. If you’re a physician, you may worry about receiving criticism from patients who doubt your abilities.

However, a fear of being discovered isn’t limited to high achievers. People who work in working-class jobs may worry about being exposed at work, too.

6. You’re Unable to Take Credit

Have you ever been praised for achievement and made excuses for why you were able to achieve it? For instance, people who feel like impostors will rarely, if ever, give themselves enough credit.

If someone with this syndrome publishes an article or a book, he or she may claim it was achieved by getting lucky or having connections in the business. Meanwhile, to others, it is obvious that the achievement was earned through skill and hard work.

7. You Have An Irrational Fear of Failure

Everyone worries about failure from time to time. However, those who feel like frauds will worry to the point of obsession. This worry may cause them to work harder than necessary in hopes of avoiding failure.

Worry can also cause constant anxiety or panic. Fear of failure may lead to avoidance or rejection of new opportunities at work or at school.

In a research article on mental health, it was found that a fear of failure is especially prevalent in college students. The research suggests practicing mindfulness may be a way to combat anxiety related to performance and evaluation. Mindful activities are designed to help a person overcome their tendency to be judgmental. Some mindful exercises are as follows:

Yoga
Meditation
Group discussions

8. You Have an Inferiority Complex

An inferiority complex is a term used to describe a condition in which you feel you’re inadequate or you’re unworthy. You may feel you aren’t as good as others.

For instance, in your workplace, you might believe that you aren’t as smart as others, even though you don’t have much proof of being inferior in terms of intelligence. Inferiority complexes aren’t limited to the workplace, either. For instance, some students feel they aren’t as smart as other students, even if their grades and achievements show otherwise.

Having an inferiority complex can lead a person to feel as if he or she constantly has something to prove. Or, an inferiority complex could make a person feel that he or she will never achieve anything, and this causes the person to quit without trying.

9. You Have a Constant and Negative Internal Dialogue

People who feel like frauds have a constant, nagging voice. This voice might remind them that they are off schedule with a project. The voice will tell them they will never accomplish everything on the list for this week. This voice generally makes the person feel inadequate.

It is very difficult to ignore such voices. However, some people have found success with the help of professional mental health counselors. According to an article from the American Psychological Association, individual counseling can help people break the cycle of negative thinking associated with the syndrome.

10. You Lack Self-Confidence

People with impostorism lack confidence, regardless of how successful they become. People at the tops of their fields may even question why they were chosen for jobs or why they are qualified for their positions.

11. You’re a Perfectionist

One popular way that people deal with feelings of inadequacy is to set unrealistic goals. They strive to be perfect as a way of showing how worthy they are. Perfectionism is a whole new problem, though. No one will ever achieve perfection. Thus, they fight an uphill battle and rarely feel they’ve achieved as much as they would like to.

12. You Cannot Help Comparing Yourself to Others

Those who feel like impostors want to feel as good or better than others. People compare themselves to others by asking questions like these:

How old was ____ when he or she received the award I just got?
I’ve won these two awards this year. Which ones have my co-workers won?
I’ve received $5,000 in grant money this year. How much have my co-workers received?

13. You’re Never Satisfied

If you suffer from impostorism, you may have a long list of things you want to achieve. This list is probably very specific and extensive. You may want an education from the best schools and a top-notch job in a specific field. However, even once these things are achieved, you still won’t be satisfied.

When a person fails to achieve satisfaction, he or she may feel like a failure. This might also lead the person to have regrets about specific life choices. Instead of focusing on what they have achieved, they focus on failures or rejections.

14. You Cannot Accept Compliments

Some people are falsely modest when accepting praise, but this isn’t the case for people who suffer impostorism. While a falsely modest person may be cocky underneath, someone with impostor syndrome genuinely believes he or she is unworthy of praise. After being complimented, someone with the syndrome may ask themselves the following:

Why is he/she complimenting me? Is it just a pleasantry?
What have I actually achieved to warrant such praise?
Is he/she genuine in offering praise?
Does everyone who accomplishes this feat receive the exact same compliments?

15. You Struggle with Criticism

Some people don’t take criticism well. They see criticism as a confirmation that they have failed or that they don’t belong in their field. Instead, criticism should be taken and used effectively as a way to improve.

Final Thoughts on Impostor Syndrome

This mental health concern is not a rarity. Better news–you can seek counseling to work through the roadblocks that hold you back. So if you struggle with this syndrome, consider speaking with a therapist. A mental health professional will help you to learn more about avoiding negative thinking and behaviors.

20 Cleaning Products Never to Mix Together

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

When you’re cleaning your house, it can be tempting to mix cleaning products to maximize their effectiveness or try killing two birds with one stone. Chances are, though, that your actions will not have positive results – and the results might even harm you. Alternatively, you may trust professional home experts to refresh your living space.

Cleaning products are packed with complex chemicals that can react with other complex chemicals to produce dangerous or toxic gases. At best, some of these bad reactions will damage the thing you’re trying to clean. At worst, they’ll poison you and those in your home. Here are 20 cleaning products to never mix together.

Never Mix These 20 Cleaning Products

Mixing these chemicals poses extreme danger.

1. Ammonia and Bleach

Ammonia is commonly found in many window and glass cleaners. This is because ammonia is an incredibly powerful cleaning substance, and greatly enhances the effectiveness of just about any cleaning product.

When mixed with bleach, however, it creates chloramine gas. This gas can cause the following symptoms:

Chest pain and shortness of breath
Irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat
Nausea and watery eyes

2. Detergent and Disinfectants

Sometimes, desperation moves our hand to try combinations that seem to be the potential answer. For example, detergents and disinfectants should create a positive result, right?

Unfortunately, most market-based disinfectants use ammonia, which can react badly with most detergents and create all sorts of toxic vapors. Instead, you should try the following:

Create a soapy solution with detergent and warm water
Apply the solution directly onto the desired area
If all else fails, hire cleaning experts for help

Here are five essential oils that effectively replace toxic cleaning products.

3. Bleach and Oven Cleaner

Bleach is known to be a powerful cleanser, but it really should be used on its own. This is because it’s main ingredients – the secret behind its effectiveness – can have disastrous chemical reactions with other off-the-shelf cleaners, such as oven cleaners.

Mixing the two together can create chlorine gas, which can cause the following symptoms:

Nausea and vomiting
Breathing difficulties
Blurred eyes

4. Bleach and Vinegar

Like bleach and oven cleaners, mixing bleach and vinegar also produces chlorine gas. This is because vinegar is an acid – when an acid comes into contact with bleach, it will create chlorine gas.

Even at low levels, chlorine gas is perfectly capable of causing:

Burning
Shortness of breath
Skin irritation

5. Bleach and Drain Cleaner

No matter how much positive thinking tells you otherwise, this would result in something highly effective, drain cleaners and bleach do not mix. In reality, they combine to create chlorine gas – which is dangerous and corrosive.

If exposed to it in any way, the CDC recommends the following:

Move away from the chlorine gas if outdoors
Move to higher ground if indoors, as chlorine gas sinks
Remove the clothes quickly. Do not pull them over your head – cut them up instead
Seal the clothes in two layers of plastic bags to protect others and yourself
Inform health and safety personnel
Wash thoroughly with large amounts of soap and water

6. Bleach and Rubbing Alcohol

Chloroform is infamous for being used in movies to knock someone out. In reality, you will need large amounts of chloroform to make someone pass out – but any amount created by mixing bleach and rubbing alcohol together will still be a problem.

Here are some of the things associated with chloroform:

Accumulates as carcinogenic substances in the lungs
Causes hepatic and renal damage
Dizziness and drowsiness
Nausea and vomiting
Convulsions

7. Castile Soap and White Vinegar

On their own, castile soap and white vinegar are some of the best natural cleaning products you can get. Combining them won’t give you a net positive, however. Unfortunately, they are both alkali and acidic, respectively. As a result, they neutralize each other’s beneficial cleaning abilities and create useless white gunk.

Instead, consider using them one after the other – a vinegar wash should easily remove any remaining scum left behind by castile soap.

10 Tips for using hand sanitizer and performing handwashing the right way.

8. Baking Soda and Vinegar

Both baking soda and vinegar on their own are fantastic natural cleaners. Unfortunately, when combined, they simply become useless – here are some reasons why it is so:

Both are acidic substances, so they do not create more extra cleaning power together
When mixed, they simply form lots of water and some sodium acetate
The resulting mixture will foam up and potentially explode

9. Mildew Remover and Bleach

When combined, mildew stain remover and bleach produce chlorine vapors – a dangerous and toxic gas. Here are some of the more acute symptoms of chlorine gas:

Blisters, redness, and pain on exposed skin
Eye, nose, and throat irritation
Tissue damage

10. Bleach and Toilet Bowl Cleaner

You will have to use either bleach or toilet bowl cleaner – combining the two can otherwise create disastrous results. More specifically, it can create chlorine gas. Here are a few ways to identify chlorine gas should an accident occur:

The gas itself takes on a yellow-green color
The gas sinks to the bottom, as it is heavier than air
There is a pungent and irritating odor, much like the scent of bleach

11. Two Different Kinds Of Drain Cleaners

Unless you’re willing to reach in physically and pull out whatever it is that’s clogging your pipes, you will normally reach for the drain cleaner. However, if the first round doesn’t work, the solution is not to pour in a different drain cleaner. You might create an explosion by accident!

Instead, you should do the following:

Choose a product proven to work
Ensure that you have followed the instructions correctly
Be prepared to call the plumber should the product fail to work

12. Vinegar and Water – For Certain Floor Types!

Vinegar and water is a handy, natural cleaning solution that works for most floors. However, the acidic nature of vinegar can actually damage hardwood floors, dulling their otherwise beautiful appearance. Water can also cause warping and moisture damage to your hardwood floors if you’re not careful.

Instead, reserve your mixture for cleaning these types of floorings:

Ceramic tiles
Carpets with synthetic fibers
Vinyl floors

13. Bleach and Glass Cleaner

The main ingredient in bleach is sodium hypochlorite, which interacts with ammonia to create toxic chloramine fumes. Unfortunately, most glass cleaners feature ammonia as their main cleaning ingredient.

As a result, mixing them with bleach is an idea fraught with danger – no matter how much positive thinking suggests that this combination might double their cleaning power.

Instead, consider keeping the following tips in mind for clean and streak-free windows:

Invest in a good-quality squeegee
Wipe down the squeegee regularly
Replace the rubber blade of the squeegee when it gets dull

14. Hydrogen Peroxide and Vinegar

On their own, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar are two excellent cleaners. They can be used one after another to clean fruits and countertops, so long as each one is wiped clean before the next.

When mixed, however, the two create peracetic acid. This acid could be a decent cleaner in and of itself – if it weren’t so dangerous to use in most households without preparation.

At low concentrations, this acid is:

Corrosive
Potentially toxic
Irritating to the eyes, skin, and upper respiratory tract

15. Bleach and Lysol

Lysol and bleach are, on their own, excellent cleaners and disinfectants. That does not mean that they can be combined for a more effective cleaning solution, however.

When mixed, bleach interacts and oxidizes the 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol found in Lysol. This creates fumes that are corrosive and harmful to human health.

The potentially harmful effects of 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol include:

Toxic vapors
Skin irritation
Eye irritation

16. Bleach and Dish Detergent

Ammonia is a common ingredient in dish detergents. This substance can improve the effectiveness of dish detergents but will create chloramine gas when mixed with bleach.

Instead, consider doing the following for better cleaning effectiveness:

Use warm or hot water
Ensure that the detergent and water have been mixed together in appropriate amounts
Soak dishes in the mixture for a while to loosen stubborn particles and stains

17. Bleach and Lemon Juice

When mixed with any kind of acid, bleach will produce chlorine gas. As a result, bleach reacts with lemon juice like any other cleaning product off the market and creates chlorine gas.

That said, lemon is a powerful thing to use on its own. Consider the following ideas:

Putting lemon slices in vinegar to give it a fresh, citrusy smell
Let the lemon juice sit on the affected area for a minute before wiping it clean
Use the oils in lemon rinds to clean and shine items

18. Some Types Of Pesticides and Water

You might want to check the instructions on the label. Upon contact with water, some strong pesticides can create phosphine gas. This gas is colorless, flammable, and highly toxic.

Here are some of the effects of inhaling phosphine gas:

Convulsions
Irregular heartbeat
Shock
Coma
Liver and kidney damage

19. Bleach And Most Cleaning Products

In general, most household cleaning products available on the market use ammonia. This allows them to be highly effective in removing dirt and grime. Unfortunately, when mixed with bleach, they will react and create chlorine gas.

Some examples of household cleaning products that will contain ammonia include:

Wood cleaner
Toilet cleaner
Glass cleaner
Floor cleaner
Dishwasher detergent

20. Any Cleaning Products From Different Brands

A blog on https://abcopro.com.au says unless you take the time to examine every single ingredient on the list and cross-reference them with the ingredients in the cleaning products back home, you are always in danger of creating some deadly chemical reaction.

Instead, consider doing the following for your own safety:

Stick to one brand only
Use gentler alternatives
Make natural and organic cleaning solutions
Keep only one type of cleaning product for each purpose on hand
Take your time to invest in a proven cleaning product

Final Thoughts On Some Cleaning Products To Never Mix Together

Generally, you shouldn’t be mixing products together without understanding them. Each cleaning product is designed for a specific use, and using them one by one may take longer, but it is much safer. It’s better to be inconvenienced than ill or dead, after all!

If you need fewer products, opt for multi-purpose cleaners that cover a wide range of different functions. This way, you can use a single product for multiple items without harming yourself or others.

10 Behaviors That Reveal Someone is a Manipulator (And How to Defend Yourself)

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Life is hard enough without having a negative person always around putting down you and everyone else. You want a friend that can pick you up and make you feel better about yourself and situations. Additionally, relationships can never be one-sided. You need someone that cares as much about what you have to say as you care about them. A manipulator is a master at the game.

It may be exceedingly difficult for you to identify their character from your first meeting. However, the best way to spot someone who uses manipulation is by the way they make you feel.

Usually, the process goes on, and you’ve become so trapped in their lives that you don’t know how to cut ties and run. Though you want to get away, these people will do anything they can to keep you entangled into their web. Sadly, one of the biggest problems with becoming involved with this person is that they won’t let you go.

They continue to use their games and tricks to keep you entwined in their messy life. If you are involved with a person that you think maybe manipulating you, then here are some signs.

10 Behaviors That Reveal a Manipulator

1. They Justify Their Actions

If you are involved with a toxic person, then they make all their wrongdoings seem like the only option they had. They have a way of winning you over because they make you feel that they made the right decision.

The problem is that most of them aren’t truly listening to what you had to say, they just want you to see their point of view regardless of what you think or feel.

2. They Play The “Dumb” Card

Toxic people need constant help, and they will drain the energy right out of you. When someone calls them out on it, they will act like they haven’t the faintest clue what you are talking about.

If they solicit your advice about a situation and you give them an answer they don’t like, they may take the stance that they can make whatever choices they want as it’s their life. They would never value your advice anyway as it might damage their high self-confidence level.

3. They Lie and Tell Half-Truths

A half-truth is a whole lie. A manipulative person will use the truth to their advantage. They will leave out the information that might expose them or their misdeeds. They justify this in their mind feeling that it’s better than just lying straightforward.

They will skirt the truth more than a person facing a life sentence in a court of law. They don’t want to pay for their crimes or have themselves exposed as anything less than perfect. Remember, at the crux of most of these people’s lives is trauma that has changed their brain patterns. Some might say it’s a defense mechanism.

4. They Will Put You on A Guilt Trip

A manipulator loves to put you on a guilt trip by making themselves look innocent. If you’re busy with work or your family and don’t have time for this person, they can turn on the guilt and try to make you feel that you’re not there when they need you.

Many people find that they put their own needs on the back burner to attend to this toxic person and their desires. The schemer needs someone to give them advice and soothe their guilty conscience, which they are not going to listen too anyway.

5. They Redirect and Change the Subject Often

All the lies that the con artist tells you will come back and bite them at some point. If you confront them on something they have said or done, they will try to change the subject into something else. Their goal is to steer the conversation to what they want to talk about and their needs.

Even if you start to talk about your life, they will quickly change the subject back to themselves. Though they may like having you listen to them, their needs are the only ones that they care about fulfilling.

6. They Are Full of Insults About Others

Some people don’t like to be around a manipulator because they are rude and sometimes abrasive. It’s not the same kind of fun that you would have when you are poking at someone. Instead, they take their jabs and blatant insults to the extreme level, and it seems that they don’t know how or when to stop.

They often use this uncouthly tactic when they are in a social setting. They are like a high school bully that still loves to make fun of others and make others feel smaller than them by using harsh words. They are not an excellent person to hang around within a social environment.

7. They Play the Victim

A manipulator loves to turn things around and make themselves the victim. They can talk or guilt you into doing or buying something that you wouldn’t ever consider. The fact is that they are using you, and they are not a true friend.

Their lies only have one goal: to manipulate you to give them what they want. They may borrow money, ask you to buy things for them, or even ask you to babysit or do other significant tasks consistently.

8. They Alienate Many People

Because a manipulator is a bully, they will often have few friends. Additionally, they may have few family members that are involved in their life either. When they spread rumors, call names, and act immaturely, it causes many people to alienate themselves from them.

There are many different ways that a person establishes their dominance. The sad fact is that this person is suffering from low self-esteem and needs to make others feel bad to make themselves feel good.

9. They Always Blame Others

Should you ever have a concern about this person or their behaviors, you will find that they blame someone else for the issue. It’s always someone else’s fault. It can be mind-numbing trying to deal with a person that will not accept any guilt.

These people are so adamant that they are innocent that even if you catch them red-handed, they will still find someone else to blame. Schemers are faultless.

10. They Can Turn on You Quickly

While you may like the person who has manipulative ways, don’t ever think that they are your friend. If you don’t see things their way at any time, they can turn on you in an instant.

They will use any dirt they have learned about you to make you take the fall for ending your relationship. Remember, they are not capable of loving and having a healthy connection with anyone until they get help.

Comebacks for The Manipulator

If you are in a situation where you have no choice but to deal with a manipulative person, then you may want to learn some techniques to handle them. Here are a few things you can say to put them in their place kindly.

1. Use the Words “I Need”

“I need you to stop insulting me, and you will speak to me with kindness, or we won’t speak at all.” By using the term “I need,” you are throwing them for a loop. They see everything in this world revolves around their wants and needs, so when you turn the tables, you will show them how you expect to be treated.

2. Give Directions with the Words “You Need.”

A great way to put someone in check is to tell them that their emotional state is off. When you start any sentence with “You need,” then they are going to listen. A manipulative person doesn’t want to hear about what they need to do.

You should let them know that you are not going to engage in their behaviors unless they calm the fear or anger down.

3. Say Nothing at All

If you find that a person has crossed ethical barriers and has made you feel bad, then the best thing to do is walk away. You could stand there and defend yourself, but you’re wasting your breath.

They have a skewed view of the world where everyone is against them. They promote themselves from within to make up for this low self-worth. Sometimes, you say it best when you say absolutely nothing at all.

Final Thoughts on Handling a Manipulator

It’s difficult dealing with a manipulator. You want to be their friend and try to like them, but they give you 101 reasons to walk the other way. If you have no choice and the manipulator is a relative or colleague, then using some of the techniques above can help you to put their behavior in check.

Life is hard enough without having a negative person always around putting down you and everyone else. You want a friend that can pick you up and make you feel better about yourself and situations. Additionally, relationships can never be one-sided. It would be best if you had someone who cared about what you have to say as you care about them.

5 Ways To Relieve Headache Symptoms (Without Medication)

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Headache symptoms can be very disruptive to everyday life. The pain from them can ruin your concentration, decrease productivity, and lead to generally lowered positive thinking.

Sadly, headaches are also widespread, and almost everyone will deal with them at some point in their lives. If you have frequent headaches, then that’s even worse!

Thankfully, some methods can be used to reduce their severity naturally. Here are five ways to relieve headaches symptoms without medication!

1. Lifestyle Changes

This info should come as no surprise – many people are living incredibly unhealthy lifestyles. As such, making sure that you are engaging in a healthy lifestyle may sometimes be enough to resolve any headache symptoms you have. Here are a few ideas to get started with:

· Exercise Regularly

It’s the last thing you may want to consider, but exercise gives positive results with headaches. Studies have proven that cycling indoors for just 40 minutes per day, three times a week, actually beats out typical relaxation techniques in efficacy. If cycling isn’t feasible for you, a great way to start will be to start walking more often to your destinations.

· Learn Relaxation Methods

Sometimes, the cause of your headaches is actually due to the tension you are holding in your body. Methods like yoga, meditation, or even basic stretches may be more than enough to ease your headache. Positive thinking, when assaulted by a headache, might also help. If all else fails, consider getting a professional massage, or consult your doctor about physical therapy for a more direct approach.

· Get Enough Sleep

One of the symptoms of sleep deprivation is an increased severity and frequency of headaches. Studies prove that those who sleep for only six hours or less often develop worse headaches. That said, the inverse isn’t necessarily better – too much sleep can also cause the same thing. Therefore, it’s best to keep your rest between 7 to 9 hours long for the best results.

2. Watch What You Drink

The human body is made up of about 60-70% water. As you can imagine, this means that dehydration can cause all sorts of imbalances in the body – with headaches being one of them. Here are some ways to fix that problem:

· Drink Enough Water

One of the most significant symptoms of chronic dehydration is headaches – a fact that has been proven and backed by multiple studies. And it’s not just headaches you’ll get – dehydration also causes irritability and impairs concentration, which can contribute to your headache.

A relieving positive is that drinking water can resolve most migraines and tension headaches within 3 hours. To make sure that doesn’t happen in the first place, though, you should make sure to always keep hydrated throughout the day.

· Drink Herbal Tea

If the taste of plain water isn’t your thing, you might wanna consider herbal teas instead. In addition to keeping you hydrated, herbal teas can also contain natural compounds that may ease your headaches.

For example, calming teas like chamomile, peppermint, and lavender may relax you enough to undo tension headaches.

For a more direct approach, a 2013 study suggests that ginger tea (i.e., ginger powder and warm water) can ease migraines in a way that is similar to medicines meant for migraines. So perhaps that may be of help!

· Drink More Caffeine

Everyone who has a coffee addiction knows better than to go cold turkey – the headaches you get afterward aren’t worth it. Withdrawal symptoms aside, it turns out that caffeine provides benefits that relieve headaches.

For example, it constricts blood vessels, improves one’s mood, and increases alertness – all of which can make it easier to bear a headache.

Caffeine in coffee and tea can even boost the effectiveness of painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, which may be just what you need. So consider adding some caffeine into your life – but make sure to watch your intake!

· Limit Alcohol Consumption

A drink or two isn’t going to cause headaches in most people, but about one-third of headache sufferers might find that alcohol is a migraine trigger for them. This is because alcohol is a vasodilator – in other words, it widens blood vessels and increases blood flow.

This can often cause all sorts of cluster and tension headache symptoms. This isn’t even taking into account that alcohol is a diuretic, which can dehydrate you and worsen your headaches. In light of all this, just stick to a drink or two at most.

3. Use Tried-and-True Relief Methods

Sometimes, a painkiller isn’t necessary. Consider taking into account these ideas when trying to relieve your headaches:

· Use A Cold Compress

Cold or frozen compresses can help by constricting blood vessels and reducing inflammation – all of which are associated with headaches. Placing them on the neck can also slow down nerve conduction, dulling the pain and offering relief.

A study has also proven that cold gel pack applied to the head can also significantly reduce the pain of a migraine – though there’s no guarantee this might work for you.

Either way, there’s no harm in trying it – just fill any waterproof bag with ice and water and apply it to your head, temples, or back of the neck for relief. Remember to wrap the bag in a towel to prevent ice burns!

· Turn Down The Lights

Sometimes, bright or flickering lights can act as a migraine trigger. The sources can range from your electronic screens to the sun outside. If you notice that this is the case for you, try wearing sunglasses when outdoors and use blackout curtains at home.

Attaching anti-glare screens to your electronics may also be helpful. If you’re willing to invest in it, consider swapping over to daylight-spectrum bulbs as well.

· Ease Any Pressure

Watch out for headaches caused by external compression. Tight headbands and swimming goggles can often cause headaches. Even wearing hats can be a source of headaches, so take those off as well.

If you also wear tight ponytails, try loosening them or undoing them entirely – a study found that relaxing one’s hair made the participants’ headaches disappear. It’s possible that this may be the culprit for your headaches.

4. Watch What You Eat

Some foods may affect you negatively and cause all sorts of problems with your body. One of those things includes headaches. Here are some examples of what to look into to help with your headaches:

· Avoid High-Histamine Foods

Histamine is found naturally in many foods and is vital for the regulation of several essential systems in the body. Unfortunately, studies suggest that some people are sensitive to histamine, and exposure triggers their migraines.

Others lack the enzyme necessary for breaking it down and can’t remove excess histamines from their body – thus resulting in headaches.

Try reducing or eliminating high-histamine foods from your diet to relieve yourself of headaches.

· Avoid Nitrites and Nitrates

Commonly found in foodstuffs like sausages and bacon, nitrites and nitrates are food preservatives meant to prevent bacterial growth. While they help keep food fresh, they also can be a headache trigger for some people.

This is because nitrites expand your blood vessels, similarly to alcohol. This increase in blood flow may be the cause of headaches. As such, try to avoid processed meats and nitrate-related foodstuffs in your diet.

· Make Sure You Don’t Have A Food Intolerance

Food allergies are noticeable and demand immediate attention – by contrast, food intolerances tend to slip under the radar. This is especially so if they’re our favorites, and we’re biased towards thinking that it’s just a coincidence.

Unfortunately, all the positive thinking in the world won’t let you avoid the truth. If your headaches tend to turn up after meals, it might be a good idea to start recording what ingredients were in your dish – you might find your cause that way.

5. Engage Your Sense Of Smell

Studies have proven that there is a strong connection between the olfactory senses and your immune system. At the very least, the right scent might help relax you and ease your tension headaches. Here are a few options to consider:

· Lavender Essential Oil

Popular for its soothing properties and alluring fragrance, lavender essential oils can also help alleviate headaches.

To take advantage of this yourself, put a few drops of lavender essential oil on some tissue and waft the scent to your nose or add two drops to 2 cups of boiling water and breathe in the scented steam.

You could alternatively mix about 2-3 drops with a tablespoon of olive or almond oil and use that as a massage oil for your forehead instead.

· Peppermint Essential Oil

Peppermint contains menthol, which gives it that great spicy scent. Menthol can also be used to help regulate blood flow and may help relax clogged blood vessels. This, in turn, may help relieve headaches.

And it’s likely not a placebo effect too – when compared to a placebo, a study found that peppermint oil helped in easing tension headache symptoms.

Try inhaling the scent in a dark, cold room, or mix three drops with a tablespoon of almond oil and use the oil to massage the back of your neck or your temples. You can also try crushing peppermint leaves and apply them directly to your forehead.

· Avoid Strong Smells

Some of you may find that intense aromas and scents worsen your headaches – and common culprits tend to be cleaning products or perfume. You’re not alone in this – a study has found that migraine or tension headache sufferers are hypersensitive to scents and have their episodes often triggered by strong odors.

This condition is called osmophobia, and it is prevalent among sufferers of chronic migraines. If you notice a correlation between smells and headaches for you, avoiding sources of strong scents may help reduce migraine risks.

Final Thoughts Ways To Relieve Headache Symptoms

It’s always great when you’re able to manage a problematic everyday issue in a natural and non-intrusive way, and these methods can all help relieve headaches without the use of pills or prescriptions.

Of course, if your headache symptoms are chronic, severely affecting daily life, or giving you a very, very difficult time, you should consider medication as an option for managing them.

All in all, speak to a doctor about your options.

Dietitians Share the Pros and Cons of the Whole30 Diet

June 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Does it seem like every time you turn around, you see a flashy infomercial for yet another diet program, such as the Whole 30 diet? Since statistics show that Americans spent at least 2.5 billion dollars on commercial diet programs in 2014 alone, it stands to reason that the numbers have increased.

Unfortunately, many current studies about how effective these programs are, prove to be inconclusive.

Doctors and registered dieticians use the 2015 revised USDA food guidelines as a standard for maintaining a healthy weight. These guidelines have been studied for years and have proven results for healthy adults and children. However, some of the recommendations may be modified under medical supervision for effective weight loss.

Why Try Whole30?

If you have battled the bulge any time during your life, you’re no stranger to fad diets. Some of them range from the benign to the bizarre. Most of these ask you to take nutritional supplements, drink unpalatable shakes, follow complicated menus, or nix some of the primary food groups your body needs. Your body craves a variety and will bore quickly with limited food options.

At first, people tend to lose some weight with fad diets, which is often water loss. Most people eventually fail on these impractical diet scams, and they gain back the weight plus some. The results are heavier people with slimmer wallets who are still part of America’s obesity epidemic.

Remember the wise saying that things which sound too good to be true usually are? Science and research demonstrate that people who lose at a slow and steady pace are apt to lose more weight and keep it off than with fad dieting. Unlike many of the countless diet trends on the market today, the Whole 30 diet plan doesn’t make unrealistic claims of quick weight loss with minimal effort.

Before you launch another diet and fitness program like the Whole30 diet, consider the pros and cons that dieticians have shared. As with similar commercial diet programs, experts have analyzed how nutritionally sound and safe this program is. The Whole 30 diet has a lot in common with other high-protein, low-fat, and low-carbohydrate diets.

How Does the Whole 30 Diet Plan Work?

This eating plan was the brainchild of Dallas Hartwig and his wife, Melissa Urban, who introduced it in 2009. The Hartwigs are certified nutritionists interested in eliminating certain foods to minimize body inflammation while encouraging weight loss and boosting energy. It was a process of trial and error.

For thirty days, the couple determined to eat only whole, minimally processed food. They eliminated sugar, dairy, whole wheat, soy, alcohol, and processed food since they can cause inflammation. After the month-long trial, the Hartwigs were impressed with their success and decided to share their program with the world in a best-selling book.

The Hartwig’s plan is an elimination diet that targets certain food groups as the enemy. These diets have been around for a long time and continue in cycles. The usual culprits up for elimination include starchy foods (carbohydrates), sugar, dairy, legumes, caffeine, alcohol, most fruits, and anything processed.

The food elimination list from the Whole 30 diet plan is hardly unique. Your monthly eating plan includes red meat, fish, poultry, most vegetables, fruit, and heart-healthy oils instead of forbidden food. According to the Hartwigs, you don’t need to measure foods or count calories to lose weight and feel great on their plan.

While most of the plan looks good on paper, how does it measure up to nutritional guidelines and long-term success? Is Hartwig’s plan sustainable for weight loss, or can it be chalked up as another fad diet? Consider these pros and cons of the Whole30 diet plan.

Pros of the Whole30 Diet Program

1. The Diet Encourages You to Eat Whole Foods

You remember the axiom that says if you can’t pronounce the ingredients, don’t eat it? The Whole 30 diet plan centers around whole foods and those that are processed as least as possible. Some nutritionists advise that the best foods to consume are those with five or fewer ingredients.

Since experts recommend that we eliminate as many overly processed foods as possible, the Whole 30 diet plan complies. Processed foods are often laden with sugar, salt, and questionable additives high in calories and low in nutrition. You are bound to see good results if you incorporate more whole foods and less processed ones into your diet.

2. The Whole 30 Diet Program Includes Heart-Healthy Fats

Medical science concurs that a diet low in saturated fats is healthy for your heart and your body. Consuming too much puts people at risk for obesity, heart conditions, diabetes, strokes, and other maladies. Many circulating fad diets distort these facts and encourage adherents to all but eliminate fat from their meals.

Health experts explain that our bodies need a certain amount of fat in our diets to be healthy, such as unsaturated fats. The Whole30 diet plan allows you to eat heart-healthy fats like olive oil, fatty fish, and nuts in moderation. These fats nourish your body cells and are necessary for proper brain function.

3. This Diet Eliminates Added Sugar and Sodium

Most people realize that too much sugar and salt in their diets can be catastrophic for their health. Yet, you would be surprised at the seemingly innocent foods that are secretly loaded with salt and sugar for taste quality. No wonder so many diet programs, including Whole30, encourage people to read labels and eliminate these.

However, the Whole 30 takes it a step further and asks followers to nix artificial sweeteners and natural ones like honey, maple syrup, and agave—the only approved sweetener in certain fruit juices. Since the Whole 30 diet discourages added sugar and salt, it follows healthy guidelines.

4. You May Discover New Foods and Seasoning Options

When you have several foods restricted from your diet, it may force you to consider other options. Since the program advocates meals that are generous with veggies, you may try some that you’ve never tasted. You will be expanding your palate while reducing your waistline.

Since salt is a no-no on the Whole30 plan, you may delight in experimenting with fresh herbs and spices for new taste sensations. Many herbs and spices have other health benefits that you may reap after a while. You may be amazed at what you’ve been missing.

Cons of the Whole 30 Lifestyle

1. Forbidden Fruit Tastes the Sweetest

Boredom and the feeling of deprivation are the chief saboteurs of any diet plan. You probably enjoy variety in your food choices as much as anyone else. When you hear that food is forbidden, you usually ruminate over it until you give in to your cravings.

Instead of teaching people to make smart choices and everything in moderation, the Whole30 diet eliminates entire food groups, like whole grains and beneficial carbohydrates. Such a restrictive diet may be unrealistic and set you up for failure.

2. This Diet Eliminates Dairy Products

While it’s true that some people who are lactose intolerant should steer clear of dairy products, the same isn’t right for everyone. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are rich sources of the calcium and Vitamin D necessary for healthy bones, teeth, and other systems in your body.

Eliminating dairy from your body may cause you to be deficient in calcium and Vitamin D, putting you at risk for brittle bone disease and osteoporosis. A better approach would be to choose low-fat dairy products and keep your daily portions controlled.

3. Should You Eliminate Whole Grains for Your Diet?

Unless you have celiac disease or can’t tolerate gluten, nutritionists recommend a diet fortified with delicious whole grains. Do you honestly think you can create a sustainable lifestyle by eliminating an entire food group that benefits your health?

Much of the fiber you consume each day is provided by whole grains like wheat, oats, brown rice, and popcorn. Your body requires fiber for proper digestion and to boost the feelings of fullness. Whole grains are also nutritional powerhouses linked with lower risks of cancer, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

4. This Plan Doesn’t Fit Every Budget

As you read through the Whole30 plan, suggested menus and recipes, you may notice many ingredients that aren’t on your usual grocery list. These items may be difficult to find in your area, and you may need to order them online. Additionally, many of these suggested foods can be quite pricey and may not be practical on a limited food budget.

You may sacrifice and purchase luxury ingredients for a while, but it can be discouraging and hard on your wallet. If a diet requires expensive components that are a bother to find, chances are you won’t stick to it. If you enjoy a generous grocery budget, are single, or there’s just the two of you, this objection may not be an issue.

Final Thoughts on Deciding if the Whole 30 Program is Right for You

If you can deal with a restrictive diet that may increase your grocery budget, then the Whole30 menu may be for you. However, these restrictions can be detrimental to your health in the long run and maybe hurt more than help. Before you consider this or any other diet and fitness regimen, talk to your healthcare provider or a registered dietician.

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