Page 579

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.

10 Long Distance Date Ideas for Couples to Build Bonds

June 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, primarily when you long distance date, your love. Perhaps you swooned over stories about lovelorn ladies writing to their beaus who were soldiers overseas. These heartfelt situations make some of the best romantic movies.

Some of the most common distant relationships still involve deployed military personnel and their lovers or spouses. Studies reveal that regular communication is vital to keep the bonds of love healthy while another partner is away. They found that hearing each other’s affirmation of love helped them cope with the difficulty of being apart.

Another familiar way that couples must love from a distance is while attending college. These couples realize that their education is essential to their future, so they sacrifice proximity for successful home life in the long run. For others, a lucrative out-of-town job may keep their partner away for days or weeks.

The temporary separation may be even more challenging for the partners who are away because they are homesick and lovesick at the same time. For centuries, love letters were the glue that kept distant relationships together. Today, computer applications like Zoom and Skype provide couples a chance to chat face-to-face in real-time.

How to Bring Your Hearts Closer When Your Lover Is Away

No one said that long-distance relationships are easy. It involves patience, understanding, and a lot of communication. However, relationship experts warn against constant contact because it could be perceived as controlling or desperately needy.

Are you cultivating a long-distance date night with your person? It’s not easy to be away from the one who holds your heart. However, you can still boost the romance factor in your relationship with long distance date ideas.

1. Watch a Movie Together

What were the movies you watched together when you first started to date? Surprisingly, not every couple bonded over romantic comedies or drama. Many found common ground while watching slap-stick comedy, adventure, and even thrillers.

Why not choose a flick from your favorite genre and watch it together on Zoom or Skype? Bring the total movie theater experience and suggest that your partner also makes some popcorn and snacks. Sit back, relax, and revel in each other’s company as you watch a beloved movie or pick a new one to view.

2. Have a Dinner for Two

Many treasured dates are spent around the table enjoying excellent food, drink, and romance. Food has been the language of love since the beginning. Even a lavish plate of delicacies and a vintage wine doesn’t taste the same when you dine alone.

You needn’t forego dinner reservations just because your sweetheart is miles away. Recreate the ambiance for dinner pour Deux over the computer, complete with candles and roses. Both of you dress in your most beautiful, have your preferred meal delivered, and dine together via Facetime.

3. Play Your Favorite Board Game or Video Game

Thanks to modern technology, you can play videos with other gaming enthusiasts from around the world. You can see the gaming scene, but specific programs allow you to see and talk to the other players. If you and your distant amour are gamers, it makes an ideal long distance date.

Ok, what if you both prefer traditional board games over high-tech video ones? Use a face-to-face program to play many of the classic games you love. These virtual games are just as easy to play as the real ones, and you can enjoy quality time with a little friendly competition.

4. Enjoy a Beautiful Sunrise or Sunset

What is it about the heavenly bodies that mesmerize us or instantly put us in a romantic mood? Think of the sweet whispers of love you’ve shared while gazing at a breathless sunrise or sunset. The minutes between dusk and dawn have always had a magical quality that entrances lovers.

It’s comforting to know that wherever your darling is, you can see the same sun, moon, and stars. If you are both in different time zones, you can schedule a long distance date to revel in a sunrise or sunset. Even if you are a day behind, you can watch the sunrise while it sets where your lover is and wish each other good morning or sweet dreams.

5. Get Cozy with a Good Book

The famous author C.S. Lewis proclaimed that when we read, we know that we are not alone. If work, school, or military deployment has taken your partner to faraway places for a while, you know about lonely. A long-distance date idea you might consider is sharing a good book.

Think of it as a book club for two. Choose a title, get a copy for both of you, and then read and discuss it during your virtual date. Do you have a panache for poetry? Why not learn to each other from your favorite poet or share some sonnets of love.

If you love to read, you probably enjoy writing, too. Have you ever thought of penning a short love story with you and your partner as the main characters? You might also try your hand at writing a heartfelt poem dedicated to your darling.

6. Share a Night of Romance under the Stars

Imagine lying with your lover on the lawn, caressed by the moon under a blanket of stars. Have the two of you ever relaxed in a hammock on a balmy evening and wished on a shooting star? Stargazing is a heavenly way to spend your long-distance date.

Bring your computers outside and use your video camera to give each other a glimpse of the night skies as it appears on each other’s side of the world. Try to trace the constellations as you delight in your lover’s company. Imagine you both are whisked away into the Starry Night by Van Gogh during this extended distant date.

7. Bring Out your Inner Artists

Since nobody has figured out if life imitates art or the other way around, we can assume that the two are intimately connected. Are you or your distant sweetheart a budding artist? You needn’t be Leonardo Da Vinci to channel what inspires you onto paper.

While it’s attractive to use various mediums for your art, a simple pencil and a sheet of paper will do. Have fun on your virtual long-distance date and hone your artistic skills together. Have you ever considered posing for each other to draw romantic portraits? These inspiring drawings can be as intimate as you like since they are for your eyes only.

8. Brainstorm and Daydream Together

Some of your fondest memories may have been the times you spent planning your future as a couple. Perhaps you lay on a blanket on the beach listening to the waves thunder their approval of your dreams. A long distance date may not have been on your plan, but you can still embrace the hopes and dreams that sparked your love.

While chatting live on your long-distance date, continue to share your dreams. You might need to adjust the goals and timing a bit, but they are still yours. Keep a journal together of your aspirations, and revisit them when you long to be together in person.

9. Fall in Love Again with Your Favorite Music

Just about every couple has an enduring song they claim as their own. Usually, this song invokes a particular time and place when you first heard it. Maybe it was played the first time you danced together or a song from your wedding.

Bring the magic of music into your time together and listen to some of your favorite songs. If you like to sing, you might surprise your distant mate with a karaoke version. If you are instrumentally talented, you can play the piano or guitar while you serenade each other.

10. Surprise Gift Exchange

Have you ever bought a gift for your lover just with the thoughts of the look on his face when he opens it? Unfortunately, you can’t have the same satisfaction when you send your gift through the mail, or can you? If you can resist the temptation and wait, you can open surprise gifts as a long distance date idea.

Send each other something thoughtful that each will love, and it needn’t be expensive. Are you a crafty person? Why not create a beautiful item by hand rather than to buy something? Handmade gifts are often more treasured than something from the department store.

On your face-to-face long distance date, open the gifts simultaneously to see the reactions. For some of these virtual gift exchanges, you both may consider gifting a humorous gag item for a memorable laugh. It doesn’t need to be a birthday or a holiday to send your special someone a gift that says you long to be with them again.

Final Thoughts of Keeping a Connection with These Long Distance Date Ideas

Modern technology and telecommunications have made virtual dating a reality. Whether your partner or spouse is in another city or across the globe, try some of these long distance date ideas. When you are in love, time and distance don’t matter.

Nutritionists Reveal 15 Reasons to Add Dandelions to Your Menu

June 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you quick to chop down the dandelions that grow in your yard? Does the very sight of their presence make you see red? Before you fire up the lawnmower or weed eater to get rid of this weed, you may want to gather some up for your kitchen?

You can use the entire dandelion from the root to the flower. It has many health properties that can improve your wellbeing. This weed has been used since ancient times, and it belongs to the Asteraceae family.

Dandelion flowers are a delicacy in many areas. They have been used since the 19th century to help with medical issues. In fact, it was a pharmacist that first discovered their medicinal properties.

Most people cut these flowers down, but if they are left to grow, they can get up to 24″ tall. Shockingly, the roots can grow up to 15′ in length. Some people say they taste like coffee when you drink them in tea.

15 Ways Dandelion Promotes Better Health

How can this annoying weed be so beneficial to your body? It’s packed with vitamins like A, B, C, and D, but it also has fantastic minerals like zinc, potassium, and iron. Here are 15 reasons why you need to think twice before whacking that pesky weed from your lawn.

1. It Can Lower Your Cholesterol

Studies prove that eating the root of dandelions can lower your cholesterol levels. It can reduce both bad cholesterol and triglycerides.

Additionally, it will increase the good cholesterol too. It’s way better for you than the statin drugs with all the side effects.

2. It Can Help with Your Weight Loss

This edible weed is exceptionally beneficial if you need help fighting the battle of the bulge. The root of this flower can help to strengthen your liver by removing the toxins from your body.

The fat in your food is flushed rather than absorbed. The extra fat deposits are avoided, and they are used for the energy you need to thrive.

3. Dandelion Can Ease Jaundice

Jaundice is a dangerous condition where the liver is not functioning correctly. Thankfully, this weed helps to promote liver health, and it will also regulate your bile production. It’s a natural diuretic, so it will cause you to urinate and remove the overproduction causing the problem.

4. It Treats High Blood Pressure

Remember how we said that dandelion is a natural diuretic? Well, flushing the excess fluids from your body can help to lower your blood pressure. Additionally, the high potassium content is also great for your BP.

5. It Can Reduce Inflammation

Did you know that inflammation is the root of most major illnesses that occur within the body? When a person has a high rate of inflammation, they can develop things like cancer or heart disease.

The root from the dandelion plant can help ease inflammation in both the joints and muscles, making moving around much more manageable. People suffering from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other ailments that cause stiffness can significantly benefit from its healing properties.

Learn 18 juice recipes to support your immune system (including a dandelion root juice)

6. Improve Your Bone Health

The calcium-rich content in the dandelion can help to strengthen the bones. Plus, this weed is high in antioxidants that can prevent damage caused by the aging process. Since it’s packed with Vitamin-C and Luteolin, the powerful components are a powerhouse to protect the bones.

7. Antioxidants to Promote Cellular Health

Dandelions help to prevent free-radical damage that occurs in the cell’s DNA. The aging process affects not only the body but the cellular structure too. Every single part of this weed is rich in antioxidants.

Since it has such a high vitamin A and C content, it improves liver function. The liver makes a chemical called superoxide dismutase. What is superoxide dismutase?

It’s an enzyme that breaks down oxygen molecules in the body that are malignant. The more of this enzyme you have in your body, the healthier you will be.

8. Eliminates Your Reliance on NSAID Medications

Dandelions have leaves that stop inflammation–and pain– before it starts. However, they also suppress COX-2 enzymes in the body. It has the same benefits as taking a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug you get at the local drugstore.

While going to the drugstore for an NSAID medication may help, there are numerous risks to taking these drugs long term. You can develop stomach problems or even have a heart attack.

Dandelions don’t have any of these risks, and they are good for you and what ails you.

9. Good for Eye Health

Everyone thinks that carrots are the highest fruit or vegetable with beta-carotene. However, while they do have a high level, others can compare. Dandelion root has as many carotenoids as carrots, which means they are loaded with beta-carotene.

Making sure you have an adequate level of carotenoids important. Macular degeneration is a significant problem as people begin to age, and it’s the leading cause of blindness for those over 65 years of age.

However, dandelions can reduce the risk by up to 43 percent of developing this condition. The abundant levels of carotenoids are good for your eye health.

10. Resolves Digestive Problems

Digestive problems can often cause constipation. Chronic bouts with illness can be painful to bear. By taking the root of several dandelions and crushing them into a powder, you can improve your digestion.

Another benefit to the root of this weed is that it’s been known to help with appetite suppression. If you always have an upset stomach and reach for the “pink stuff” to cure it, you should try something that nature provides. There are no side effects or horrible aftertaste to this plant.

11. Fights Against Kidney Disorders

Dandelion root is full of sodium, which can help you to eliminate toxins in your body. Your kidneys need sodium to remove salts, waste, and excess water from you. This process helps to purify the blood and replace any potassium that’s been lost.

Another benefit to those who have kidney disorders is that it can clear microbial growths. These growths come from bacteria within the urinary system. This process also flushes these growths to thwart any potential infections, which can be deadly when you have compromised kidneys.

12. High in Iron to Fight Anemia

Anemia is a condition where the body lacks iron. Having a blood level too low in iron can be dangerous as it can cause fatigue, dizziness, and a plethora of other problems. Thankfully, dandelion root has a high iron content.

The high content of iron can help your body to build red blood cells, which can treat anemia. If you’ve ever had to take iron supplements, you know how awful they can be on your system. Dandelion root is a much better option.

13. Shows Promise in Fighting Cancer

Cancer has become so prevalent in our society that it’s almost a plague. Surprisingly, studies show that dandelion root shows great promise in treating colorectal cancer. If someone already has cancer and starts taking this weed, it can slow the growth.

The study cited stated, that dandelion root “selectively reduced the metabolic activity of aggressive colon cancer cells.”

Could this be the answer that the medical community is looking for?

14. Diabetes Care

Diabetes patients have a responsibility to get their sugar down quickly. Cell and nerve damage begins when levels are over 200 MPD. The problem with this condition is that insulin production is decreased, and it’s not sufficient to keep the body’s glucose levels where they need to be.

To treat this medical condition, you need to use medications or insulin, both of which come with substantial side effects. Dandelion gives patients another option. Did you know that dandelion can help a person with diabetes to maintain proper sugar levels?

You may be able to decrease or stop diabetic medications with the help of this edible weed and your doctor.

15. Dandelions Make an Awesome Tea

Whether to savor or for medicinal purposes, dandelions are amazing. You can fry these edible weeds, put them in soups, or make a delicious tea. Here is a great tea recipe that you should try:

•1 Tbsp. roasted/baked dandelion root
•1/2 Tsp. chopped, organic ginger
•1 Cardamom Seed
•12 oz. of water
•Honey to your taste

Directions:

Put all ingredients except honey in a pot and bring to a boil. Allow it to boil for five to ten minutes. Strain away the seeds and add honey or another sweetener. This tea can be served hot or cold, and you can experiment by adding other fruits to the mix.

Final Thoughts on How the Simple Dandelion Can Change Your Life

There are many weeds in the garden of life. Some of these weeds are a nuisance, and others have amazing medicinal properties. The dandelion is such a flower that can bring powerful resolve to your medical issues.

Whether you have diabetes or high blood pressure, this pure weed can take care of it. It’s delicious to eat and even better for your body. Quit wasting money on over-the-counter remedies that may work but have terrible side effects.

Rather than reaching for ibuprofen or aspirin, why not reach for nature’s equivalent? From the root to the leaves, it’s all usable. You can cook with it or drink it as a tea, but it can keep you healthy as can be.

15 Motivator Quotes to Kick Your Workout into High Gear

June 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Everyone needs some motivator quotes to help them kick their work out up a notch. This is normal, and it’s helpful when you are working hard to reach your goals.

Even when you’ve been working hard every day, you’ll have days where you don’t want to work out. You’ll also have days when you don’t want to give your all during your workout. Sometimes, you’ll give up when you begin to feel a little pain during exercise.

Those are all things that you have to avoid and motivational quotes may help. Luckily, everyone goes through it, even if they are the fittest athletes. Even luckier, the athletes, coaches, and exercise experts who have to fight through the desire speak about it.

These motivational quotes will benefit you in a couple of ways. The motivator quotes let you learn how and why the fittest people fight the desire to take it easy.

15 Motivator Quotes to Help Amp Up Your Performance

1. “The last three or four reps is what makes the muscle grow. This area of pain divides a champion from someone who is not a champion.” – Arnold Schwarzenegger

When you reach the last few reps, it may be tempting to stop right there. As Schwarzenegger stated, however, those are the reps that make your muscles grow. By fighting through the pain, you’ll set yourself apart from those who can’t or won’t.

2. “Discipline is remembering what you want most, not what you want now.” – Billy Blanks

Don’t get into temptation that you are feeling at the moment. Instead, think about what you want long term. If you give in to what you want now, you’ll never get to where you want to be.

Get moving and get your exercise done, even when you don’t want to. By doing so, you’ll get to your goal.

3. “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can accomplish what others can’t.” – Jerry Rice

Not everyone can find the motivation to work out as often as they should. If you force yourself to exercise even when you don’t want to, you’ll accomplish your goals while others won’t. Set yourself apart and start working on your goals so you can get there before everyone else.

4. “Pain doesn’t tell you when you ought to stop. Pain is the little voice in your head that tries to hold you back because it knows if you continue you will change.” – Kobe Bryant

When you feel pain during your work out, keep going. As Bryant explained, pain is trying to stop you so that you won’t change. Fight past the pain and you’ll get to where you want to be.

Read the ten life lessons we can take away from Kobe Bryant.

5. “The clock is ticking. Are you becoming the person you want to be?”

Even if you choose to skip your work out, time is still passing by. Instead of letting time pass without any progress, focus on whom you want to become. Use your time wisely, get your work out in, and you’ll see the results that you desire.

6. “You have to push past your perceived limits, push past that point you thought was as far as you can go.” – Drew Brees

When you think you’ve had enough, push on for a little longer. The more pain you feel, the closer you’re getting to your goal. Each time you push harder, you’re getting better and the next time you’ll be able to push ever farther.

7. “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan

You can want and wish to meet your fitness goals all you want, but you have to work for it. If you don’t exercise you won’t get there, and you’ll continue wanting and wishing. Those wishes won’t get you to your goal, only hard work and dedication will.

8. “Stop talking about tomorrow. You owe it to yourself to do whatever you can to live a better life today.” – Bob Harper

When you keep talking about tomorrow, you tend to put things off until tomorrow. By doing that, you’re putting your goals off.

Don’t do that to yourself. Focus on today and start working towards a better life now. Every time you decide to wait, you are deciding to wait on your dreams.

9. “Every single day if you aren’t doing what you are supposed to, someone else is doing it and it’s going to be his living and not yours.” – Roy Williams

Other people are choosing to work hard each day. So, when you choose to put off your work out, someone else is getting ahead of you.

Eventually, they’ll be living the life you want to live while you’re still just wishing for it. The only way to get ahead and accomplish your fitness goals is to work hard every time.

Here are motivator quotes about success from top college football coaches.

10. “You dream. You plan. You reach. There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, with belief, with confidence and trust in yourself and those around you, there are no limits.” – Michael Phelps

When you want to reach your goals, you have to dream, plan, and reach, as Phelps explains. Hard times and obstacles will occur. Even so, you have to work through them and keep giving it your all.

If you believe in yourself and have confidence, you’ll have an easier time working through the obstacles. Give yourself a pep talk and remind yourself that you are capable of succeeding. Then, keep moving so that you can reach the goal.

11. “I think in life you should work on yourself until the day you die.” – Serena Williams.

Even when you think your body is good enough, don’t skip your regular workouts. You should continue working on yourself, and that includes exercising.

12. “I know that if I set my mind to something, even if people are saying I can’t do it, I will achieve it.” – David Beckham

When you decide you want to work out and accomplish your fitness goals, you’ll find resistance. You’ll likely have people who think you can’t do it, and it may make you doubt yourself. Don’t let it stop you from working hard, though.

If there are people who say you can’t do it, work even harder to prove them wrong. You can accomplish your fitness goals even when others are saying that you can’t.

13. “Unless you puke, faint, or die, keep going.” – Jillian Michaels

It will be tough but can get through it. Don’t let discomfort stop you from giving your all during your workouts. This is the only way to kick your workout into high gear.

14. “People are still grasping for the miracle, and unfortunately, there are no miracles, if you do not exercise for a year, and let your body remain dormant, then you will gain weight.” – Richard Simmons

You can’t wish to get fit and then expect it to happen automatically. You have to change your habits and work hard to get there.

Likewise, you can’t just sit idly and expect to keep a healthy body. Even when you are fit and healthy, you have to work to stay that way. If you allow yourself to spend too much time sitting still, you’ll gain weight, undoing all of your hard work.

15. “I will sacrifice whatever is necessary to be the best.” – J.J. Watt

The best athletes say that they will do anything to reach their goals. This is true for many of them, and it’s true for everyday people, as well. As this motivational quote explains, you have to make sacrifices and do things you don’t want to do for success.

If that means you have to sacrifice your time or energy to work out, make the room in your schedule. Other things you may have to sacrifice are unhealthy eating habits and the comfort of working out without pain.

Final Thoughts on Motivator Quotes to Kick Your Workout into High Gear

When you are working hard to reach your fitness goals, you’ll still have days when you don’t want to. You’ll want to take it easy, skip workouts, or give up when it gets tough. When you fight past this desire, however, you’ll be glad that you did.

The only way to reach your goals is to fight past those urges. If you choose to take it easy now, you’ll regret it later. Instead, use these motivator quotes to get you through the times when you don’t want to do it.

These motivational quotes will help you and allow you to step your workout up. When you realize that even the most active people struggle with these thoughts sometimes, you’ll feel better. Hopefully, their motivator quotes help you realize that it is completely possible to fight past it and reach your goals.

20 Loveable Quotes About Kids Only Parents Will Get

June 1, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you’re a parent, you’ll be happy to know that there are many loveable quotes about kids, only parents will get. Parenting introduces you to a new world that you can’t understand unless you’re experiencing it.

Once you’ve experienced it, there is no going back. You’ll always understand things that you didn’t before you had children.

From the good moments to the bittersweet ones, these loveable quotes cover it all. The quotes are for every parent, and you’ll find many that you can relate to.

20 Loveable Quotes About Kids and Parenting

1. “Ever since my children were born, the moment I looked at them I was crazy about them. Once I held them, I was hooked. I am addicted to my children, sir. I love them with all my heart and the idea of someone telling me I can’t be with them, I can’t see them every day. Well, it’s like someone saying I can’t have air.” – Robin Williams

Having children changes things for the parent immediately. The minute the child is born, the parent’s heart opens to them, and their entire life becomes about the child. Being away from them can be painful and debilitating, as they become your whole world.

2. “The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant – and let the air out of the tires.” – Dorothy Parker

If you have older children, you may feel as if they never want to be at home. One way to remedy this issue is by making the home a place that they want to be. If that doesn’t work, which oftentimes it doesn’t, you could resort to flat tires on the car.

3. “Never have more children than you have car windows.” – Erma Bombeck

If each child has a window in the car, life will be so much easier. There will be fewer complaints about being squished, hot, or not being able to see.

4. “I love when my kids tell me they’re bored. As if the lady standing in front of a full sink of dirty dishes is where you go to get ideas about how to have a good time.” – Unknown

With all of the toys in the house, kids still manage to get bored. When they do, they inevitably come to the parent for ideas about what they should do. If you’re a parent and have experienced this, you understand the irony in them coming to you.

5. “Before I had my child, I thought I knew all the boundaries of myself, that I understood the limits of my heart. It’s extraordinary to have all those limits thrown out, to realize your love is inexhaustible.” – Uma Thurman

The love a parent has for their child is incomprehensible to those who don’t have children of their own. Parents understand this because before they had children, they also thought there were limitations to how much they could love.

6. “If I could give my child three things, it would be the confidence to always know their self-worth, the strength to follow their dreams, and the ability to know how truly, deeply loved they are.” – Unknown

Every child needs to know how great they are and how much they are loved. As a parent, these are the most important things you can teach a child.

7. “There is no sound more annoying than the chatter of a child, and none more sad than the silence they leave when they are gone.” – Mark Lawrence

Every parent has had moments where they wish their child would just be quiet. Then, when their child isn’t around to make the noise, they miss them. It’s a battle all parents face throughout their parenting journey.

8. “Before I had kids, I always found it funny how people would talk about their children like they were the cutest things on the planet and how every little thing they did was endlessly fascinating. Now that I’ve had kids, I can say with certainty that, my children really are the cutest things on this planet and every little thing they do is endlessly fascinating” – Jennifer Miller

Before becoming a parent, the things that parents say about their kids may seem annoying or silly. After you become a parent, however, you suddenly understand. Then, you’ll find yourself saying those same things that you thought were so funny.

9. “My feeling of responsibility for the safety and well-being of my children is so strong, that should an asteroid threaten to wipe out all life on earth, I would still hold myself responsible for their fate.”
– Boghos L. Artinian

No matter what the situation is, a parent will feel responsible if their child gets hurt. They’ll do anything they can to protect them, even if it is impossible.

10. “You don’t know what unconditional love is. You may say you do, but if you don’t have a child, you don’t know what that is. But when you experience it, it is the most fulfilling ever.” – Regina King

Unless you’re a parent, you can’t understand unconditional love. It is something that is only found in a parent’s love for their child. When you have children, you’ll fully understand and realize that it is more amazing than anything you could have imagined.

11. “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” – Mr. Fred Rogers

When a child is playing, they are learning and developing, according to Mr. Rogers. It may not look like much, but each time a child plays, they make more connections in their brains. Play is important for children, and it’s something that they should have a chance to do every day.

12. “When my kids become wild and unruly, I use a nice safe playpen. When they’re finished, I climb out.” – Erma Bombeck

Sometimes the only thing to do is let things play out and hide until they do. Every parent feels this way occasionally, and while they may not truly climb in the playpen, it likely crosses their mind.

13. “What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do, but in exchange, it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.” -Nicholas Sparks

Parenting is far from easy. With all of the ups and downs and changes along the way, it’s hard to keep up and not feel overwhelmed. It’s entirely worth it, however, as Sparks explains that it teaches you a love you would have never known otherwise.

14. “Raising kids is part joy and part guerilla warfare.” – Ed Asner

As much joy as kids bring to their parents, it’s still so hard to raise them. You may feel like you’re at war some days. Luckily, there is a nice balance of joy and hard times.

15. “A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for.” – Unknown

Even with all the hard changes that come along when a baby is born, it is still worth every bit of it. Your kids will make you want to do better to create a better future for them.

16. “You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.” – Franklin P. Adams

There are many other things you can learn from kids, of course, but patience is a big one. It takes so much patience to raise a child, and they’ll push you to your limits nearly every day.

17. “Making the decision to have a child – it is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.” – Elizabeth Stone

Your love for your child is incomparable to anything else. Nothing else will ever make you feel like a part of your heart is removed from your body.

18. “I love kids, but they are a hard audience.” – Robin Williams

As parents know (and Robin Williams points out), kids can be tough to impress or entertain. They require a whole new level of entertainment.

19. “One of the most important gifts a parent can give a child is the gift of accepting that child’s uniqueness.” – Mr. Rogers

Parents know the unique and great things about their children. As a child grows, they may view their uniqueness as something negative.

As Rogers states, parents should work to help their children accept what makes them unique. This way, the child loves it just as much as the parents do and can have confidence.

20. “Before I got married, I had six theories about bringing up children, and now I have six children and no theories.” – John Wilmot

Your expectations of parenthood are so much different before you become a parent. Afterward, you look back and realize how far off your theories were.

Final Thoughts on These Loveable Quotes About Kids– Only Parents Will Get Them

Having kids is such a blessing in life, as these loveable quotes about kids explain. It can be incredibly difficult, as well. Luckily, there is a balance of joy and struggle when you are parenting.

As most parents know, there are many things that only parents understand. These loveable quotes make it even more apparent that parenthood is unique.

16 Ways Guided Meditation Helps You to Be Happy

June 1, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Guided meditation has become increasingly popular due to its instant benefits in our lives.

You’ve probably heard about meditation from a friend or somewhere on the wide web, but you’ve been too swamped to find out more.

Well, here’s the brief gist:

Meditation is a simple activity of sitting or standing still and concentrating on your breath. It helps you avoid stress and boost your happiness. Many practitioners admit to using meditation to improve their overall quality of life.

In guided meditation, an instructor assists you step-by-step as you connect into your soul and reach the meditative state. It’s an optimal method for those who are new to meditating to get the hang of it. You’ll find countless smartphone apps, YouTube videos, and social media groups to help you get started.

Here are 16 science-backed ways guided meditation helps you become happier:

1 – Decreases stress and anxiety

Stress reduction perhaps the most important benefit of meditation. Stress happens when we become overwhelmed with the rigors of everyday life. There’s just so much to do with so little time.

Many times, these concerns are works of imagination, but we send stress hormones to our body. Such habits repeated over time lead to intense anxiety and chronic stress.

Here’s how meditation helps you get rid of stress.

Guided meditation gives you mental space and clarity to organize your mind. What’s more, studies show that meditation helps to reduce cortisol(stress hormones) levels. And increase happiness hormones in the body.

2 – Fights depression

Depression is an insidious sickness that slowly robs you of your happiness and vitality. Depression not only affects your happiness and general well-being, but it also affects your mind and your decision making.

When you sit down to meditate, you connect deeply with yourself. And let go of stress and depression.

Furthermore, this study shows how meditation can help you get rid of negative ruminations—giving you an inner glow of happiness and fulfillment.

3 – Greater empathy and kindness

One easy way to become happier is by simply sharing with others. A little kindness you show goes a long way.

So go ahead and try complimenting your coworker’s dress, donating to charity, or listening to your partner when he or she tells you about their day.

Learn how schools in Denmark now include empathy training in the classroom.

4 – Stay in the present

Meditation makes you more present, calmer, and feel more connected to the world.

Studies show that certain kinds of guided meditation help you develop gratitude, understanding, and empathy for everyone.

Your attitude of gratitude will attract happiness to you.

5 – Develop more self-awareness

Research shows that when you see yourself clearly – you become more confident.

Have you ever been at a gathering with someone who always seems relaxed, calm, and collected as a coconut? He quickly connects with everyone. He never fazed by uncomfortable situations.

Don’t you sometimes wish you can be as fresh and calm as these people?

Yes, you can

The simple answer – you need to increase your self-awareness.

Guided meditation helps you remain fixed in the present moment. Brain-imaging research shows that meditation can help rid you of social anxiety. And make you more confident. You become a better communicator and build happier relationships.

6 – Improves your relationships

A secret that many of the most successful people know is developing quality relationships.

That’s right! Emphasis on quality.

“The quality of your life depends on the quality of your relationship.”

Quality relationships could be the difference between a failed company and a successful one, a painful divorce, and a successful marriage.

Maintaining our happiness also means developing and maintaining quality relationships.

Guided meditations help us foster more quality relationships by giving us the means to monitor our thoughts.

By doing this, we have a clear picture of how we see ourselves and how others see us.

7 – Improves your creativity

What would you give to unleash creative energy like Leonardo da Vinci?

What would your work look like if you could summon your inner creativity? Would your home life look different if you could become more spontaneous?

Creativity has long been with enhanced performance at work and general happiness. Creativity promotes out-of-the-box style thinking to help you solve problems and overcome challenging situations.

In this study, scientists found the often-overlooked influence of meditation on creativity and improved cognitive function.

The results?

We’ll give you the breakdown.

They found out that while guided meditation helps to enhance our emotional cognition, we also benefit improved mood and high levels of creativity. This, in turn, helps us to boost our performance and we remain happy while doing our work.

8 – Sharpen your memory

Well, you might ask – how does a cutting-edge memory help you be happy?

Let me explain.

Imagine if you could remember peoples’ names on the spot, or remember a minute detail about them. Imagine what that would do for your relationships. Perhaps you’d seamlessly build quality relationships. Maybe you communicate effectively with your workers or connect deeply with your husband.

Still not convinced?

Studies suggest that guided meditation can sharpen your memory and attention.

9 – Enhances deeper sleep

Studies show that sleep deprivation impairs attention and working memory, but it also affects other functions, such as long-term memory and decision-making.

On the other hand, quality sleep has long linked to improved performance.

Meditation can relax you and help to promote deeper sleep. In turn, you wake up in a glorious mood and high energy – ready to seize the day.

10 – Improves decision making and problem-solving

It’s no surprise that meditation practice is becoming more popular among top executives managing billion-dollar companies.

Indeed, many leaders attribute guided meditation as a way to build strong leadership skills.

And for a good reason too.

Studies show that people who meditate regularly assess different parts of their brains to make significant decisions.

You know how you sometimes get that gut feeling – the sudden burst of inspiration to a task that had been challenging. Many meditation specialists claim to experience intuitive guidance in their work.

11 – Mental clarity

We have all experienced fogginess and an inability to make decisions.

Frustrating, isn’t it?

When we sit down to meditate, we train our focus and concentration. Since the central practice of meditation is to anchor our attention on our breaths, it is no surprise that the same quality of awareness sips into other areas of our lives.

And on top of that, meditation improves our focus and allows clear thinking.

Multiple studies show higher performance with individuals that meditate as opposed to those who do not when carrying are varying cognitive tasks.

12 – Increases mental toughness and resilience

Having mental toughness and resilience means you can weather the storms in any situation. You can bear almost anything life throws at you.

Imagine if you could take on the toughest tasks like a navy SEAL. Will you get more work done?

Fortunately, you already know-how. Now here’s the exciting part.

Studies suggest that top athletes, politicians, and top CEOs practice meditation to develop resistance to stress and power through any stumbling blocks in their way.

13 – Boosts immunity

Ever notice how sluggish you feel after an exhausting day at work? That’s stress.

Do you know that a 10-minute meditation can help rid you of stress while boosting your immune system to fight diseases?

That’s right!

A UCLA study shows that HIV patients who practiced mindfulness were able to slow down the spread of the virus in their bodies.

Guided meditation also helps your body produce more disease-fighting immune cells that protect your body.

14 – Preserves the aging brain

The key to happiness is a healthier mind and body. Along with improving attention and clarity, meditation helps strengthen more neural connections in your brain.

There are positive results that long-term meditation practice helps to keep your mind sharp and clear. It also prevents age-related memory loss and dementia by strengthening your brain health.

15 – Helps you lose weight and achieve your body goals

Do you regularly try to lose weight, but you find that either:

You can’t maintain the healthy eating habit.
You’re unable to get yourself to go to the gym.
You can resist binge-eating unhealthy snacks.
You think – what’s the use?

Meditation helps you control your impulsive actions, and more so helps you stay on course to reaching your weight loss goals.

Furthermore, one reason that may contribute to is stress eating. By meditating regularly, you reduce the stress and anxiety surrounding unhealthy food and reach your health goals.

16 -Destroys addictive habits

We all struggle with our addictions, whether we enjoy more caffeine than we should or a bag of salty chips in the evening.

Here is why we all have cravings. These addictions produce “feel-good hormones,” which make us happy and satisfy our cravings in the short-term.

Succumbing to our addictions leaves us devastated and powerless in the long run.

There is continuous evidence that meditation helps us control our cravings. Whether you are looking to quit smoking or you are trying to stop overeating, this study shows that guided meditation played an essential role in helping recent dieters stick to their healthy eating plan.

More than that, meditation let’s rewire the pleasure centers of our brains.

Final thoughts on guided meditation and increasing your happiness.

Meditation is an age-old practice that powerful CEOs, top martial artists, famous Hollywood actors, influential bloggers, bestselling authors, well-known media personalities, high military ranks, revered artists, and gold medal Olympic athletes all employ to live happier lives.

But the truth is…

Anyone can use guided meditation to boost their happiness. Best of all, it is free, and you can carry it anywhere you go.

Doctors Explain How Prebiotics and Probiotics Work Together for Gut Health

June 1, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Did you know that prebiotics and probiotics can completely transform your health? Both are vital for your immunity, and they occur naturally in many of the foods you eat. Probiotics seem to be the one getting all the attention in the health industry, but prebiotic supplementation is just as necessary.

Justifiably, there’s a lot of confusion about prebiotics and probiotics. Could taking one be better than taking the other, and are the two related?

Understanding the Basics of Prebiotics and Probiotics

Have you ever heard the term oligosaccharides? It’s a type of indigestible fiber that is found in prebiotics. Within the walls of your gut is healthy bacteria, and this fiber is like a fertilizer that makes them grow.

Because the fibers found in prebiotics are not able to be digested, they can effortlessly move through your digestive system. The action takes place in the large intestines, as this is where the bacteria live. Once they are absorbed, they can go to work feeding the bacterium.

You can find prebiotics in nature by consuming fruits and vegetables as well as soybeans and garlic. Foods high in prebiotics include asparagus, bananas, and oats.

On the flipside, probiotics have healthy strains of living bacteria. The bacteria found in these foods are remarkably like the good bacteria that thrive within your body. They help to increase the amounts of healthy bacteria already present in the gut.

Many people have chosen to take probiotic supplements, but you can get a sufficient amount by eating foods like kimchi or yogurt. Having a diet rich in sauerkraut, miso, kefir, and buttermilk can increase the amounts of probiotics you ingest.

Health Advantages of Prebiotics

The benefits of prebiotics are extensive, and they are widely used in holistic health plans across the globe. While some may think it’s more of an Eastern remedy, it has become universally acceptable in Western medicine.

Remarkably, prebiotics is useful for your mental health needs. It’s possible they can help you return to a regular sleep schedule following an exceptionally traumatic experience. Additionally, they help with anxiety by reducing the level of the most common stress hormone, cortisol.

If you’re on the fence of whether you should use prebiotics, then here are some valuable benefits to adding these to your current health plan. Prebiotics can:

Lower the risks of developing colon cancers
Allow calcium to be better absorbed by the body.
Raise the PH levels to create a healthy gut
Help with vaginal mycosis.
Ease or eradicate peptic ulcers>
Fights harmful bacteria like E. Coli and Salmonella

Health Advantages of Probiotics

Probiotics and prebiotics are vastly different, yet both have advantages. When you consume food or a supplement with probiotics, you are helping your body to digest and absorb the nutrient you consume. In return, your immune system becomes robust due to the workings of this beneficial bacteria. Probiotics can:

Resist H. Pylori infection
Reduces inflammation in the body
Reduces blood pressure levels to normalize it
Heals eczema and other problematic skin conditions
Reduces food allergies

The Blended Superpower of Prebiotics and Probiotics

The health benefits of prebiotics and probiotics are undeniable. The primary purpose of these substances is to maintain a healthy gut that has a balanced microbiome. The connection between your gut and how you feel is coming to the forefront.

When it comes to mental health, doctors always want to prescribe antidepressant medications when someone is feeling blue or has bouts of anxiety. However, these medications don’t work for everyone. Studies show that antidepressants only work for a handful of people.

Consequently, when people go on the keto diet or other such eating plans, many notice that they have mental clarity. The old saying is that you are what you eat, and when your diet is full of junk foods, your health suffers. However, when you’re getting the prebiotics and probiotics you need from fruits and vegetables, you suddenly start to feel better.

The health benefits of prebiotics and probiotics are robust. However, taking one without the other will only give you a portion of the healthy bacteria you need. If you are eating the right amounts of fruits and vegetables, you won’t need to take any additional supplements.

However, most Americans don’t get nearly the required amounts because they live on fast food and processed junk.

Combining Prebiotics and Probiotics

Combining healthy bacteria to your gut and “feeding” the healthy bacteria to make it multiply is potent! Here are five advantages to combining prebiotics and probiotics to your wellness journey.

• Better Digestion

By combining both substances into your diet, you can thwart issues like IBS, chronic constipation, and diarrhea. Additionally, the leaking gut syndrome can be a thing of the past. Did you know those gut problems are one of the leading causes of irritable bowel syndrome?

• Remedy Obesity

For decades, the medical community has looked for a cure for obesity. Invasive surgeries have been the closest they’ve come to eradicating the problem. However, new evidence shows that have an imbalanced microbiome in the gut can cause obesity.

The beautiful thing is that when you start on a regimen of probiotics and prebiotics, you can lower your body mass index quickly.

• Mend Ulcerative Colitis

Chronic bowel disease is a miserable condition, especially ulcerative colitis. There are painful ulcers that develop in the gut that can make life unpleasant. Thankfully, you can combat this terrible condition by the simple addition of probiotics and prebiotics.

These products have helped patients with inflammation caused by irritable bowel conditions.

• Encourage Beneficial Cholesterol Levels

Your LDL and HDL cholesterol levels are an essential part of your health. If your lousy cholesterol becomes too high, then you can have a heart attack or stroke. While the first remedy of choice is medications to treat high cholesterol levels, adding probiotics and prebiotics is a better option.

They are safer than medications and don’t have the horrific side effects of statin drugs.

• Improve Your Immune System

Alarmingly, more than 90 percent of all illness and disease within the body can be traced back to poor gut health. When your microbiome is off-kilter, then your entire body pays the price. However, when you consume probiotics and prebiotics, you will boost your immune system to fight off these foreign invaders.

Additionally, the healthier the bacteria you have in your gut, the better your health. When you use one, you’re only giving yourself half of the benefits. However, using both has a superior immune-boosting effect.

When you take these substances, it changes the manifestation of cytokines. What are cytokines? Well, think of them as little messenger molecules in your body. These molecules help your cells to communicate better.

When infection or an inflammatory condition is present, it helps to tell the immune system to respond faster to eradicate the illness quicker.

Scientists reveal what happens to your body when you stop eating red meat.

Symbiotic Foods

While you may want to reach for a supplement, some foods have both probiotics and prebiotics in them. These foods are called symbiotic. Did you know that you can make foods symbiotic by eating the right combinations of things? Here is a list of combinations for ultimate gut health.

•Yogurt with Fruit Topping

You need to find a sugar free yogurt that has both live and active cultures in it. Yogurt has high levels of calcium and protein. Try adding things like chia seeds, mango, bananas, or flax seeds to the top. It becomes a tasty symbiotic treat.

•Kombucha and Chia Seeds

Fermented tea (kombucha) has become all the rage, and you can find it in nearly every health store and supermarket across the country. This tea is packed with probiotics. Chia seeds, on the other hand, are an excellent source of natural prebiotics.

If you mix the two of them, you can take a tremendous symbiotic beverage with you on the go.

•Miso Soup with Veggies

One of the few fermented soups out there is miso. It’s a symbiotic food when you add fresh vegetables to it. Nothing could taste better than some onions or leaks and maybe even an artichoke. Since it has millions of microorganisms in it, it complements the ones already living in your gut.

•Oatmeal and Fruit or Flax Seeds

You’ve probably heard that oatmeal is heart-healthy. Well, what you probably don’t know is this food is loaded with prebiotics.

To add probiotics to the mix, add some soy milk and fresh fruit or flax seeds. Oatmeal is the perfect breakfast food, but you can enjoy it as a treat at any time.

Final Thoughts on Supplementing with Prebiotics and Probiotics

There’s always a debate about taking supplements versus getting them in nature. While getting them in your foods is still best, make sure you’re consuming nutritious foods. Adding a supplement to your diet doesn’t give you a ticket to eat junk food and yet have gut health.

One downside of using probiotic supplements is that live bacteria can die when exposed to heat. As they age, live bacteria can also perish. Thankfully, prebiotics doesn’t require the upkeep that probiotics do. However, having a diet full of these foods is always the best option. It’s inexpensive, and you don’t have to worry about storage, temperature, and age issues.

10 Ways Social Distancing Might Impact Your Company Culture

May 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Socialization has always been a critical element in corporate culture. On your job, you probably enjoy chatting with your coworkers over a cup of coffee in the break room. Sharing a tidbit of gossip at the water fountain at work is also a classic example of employee camaraderie–and often part of company culture.

It’s Impossible to Have a Germ-Free Environment

Unless you work from home, it’s nearly impossible not to rub elbows with others a couple of times a day. However, proximity can spread germs and viruses exponentially, and therefore company culture must change. If one of your coworkers has the flu, he could easily share it with you and others by coughing, sneezing, or leaving germs on shared surfaces, like doorknobs and phones.

You already know how to keep your germs to yourself when you are ill. Actions such as washing your hands, covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and keeping your distance from others are common sense. The best advice is to stay at home if you are down with something contagious.

Did you know that when you sneeze, you can expel as many as 40,000 microscopic particles up to 100 meters per second, and a cough can propel up to 3,000 droplets? If you also spray particles in the air when you talk, it is bound to reach those around you.

If you expel tiny particles up to 100 meters in a second, it would be the equivalent of one and a half football fields. In our Western culture, we tend to keep a personal space of about 2-3 feet from others. Even if we sneeze or cough inside our elbow or a tissue, others on your job could still be affected.

Read about the selfless act of a 90-year-old woman.

Understanding Presenteeism

It’s easy to assume that people who are sick will stay home until they are better. However, regulations vary by employer, and the solution to contagious employees isn’t that simple. Because of presenteeism, you may be seeing subtle changes in company culture around the nation.

Presenteeism is a newly coined word for those who are sick and decide to come to work anyway. Some of the reasons why suffering people come to work are they have inconsiderate employers, strict absence policies, no sick pay, or job loyalty. While these sick employees may think they are responsible, they are negligent by risking their coworkers’ health.

How can you go to work with the absurdity that someone isn’t going to share their sick germs? Will your company culture limit communication to smartphones and video conferencing? Here are ten ways that social distancing might affect your company culture and ways you can deal with the changes.

10 Changes Many Workers Will Witness in Their Company Culture

1. Closed Cubicles

Most large corporations have already changed to personal cubicle floor plans. Entry-level and middle management usually occupy rows of cubicles, while senior management generally has the traditional corner office space with a view. If this is the arrangement for your workspace, you are probably used to moderate social distancing already.

Closed cubicles may become the norm to protect employees, management, and clients’ well-being. Everyone may work in a plexiglass cubicle, with one person at a time permitted to enter. You would have a desk, and the other person would sit a few feet away from you.

You needn’t feel caged in a while working in a closed cubicle. Make good use of all the natural light you can and fix up your area to be warm, professional, and inviting. If you have a business to discuss with a coworker, try to do it in person rather than over the phone. Just makes sure you are at least six feet apart.

2. Limited In-Person Meetings

Remember watching George Jetson talk to his boss over a computer monitor? What was once amusing science fiction has been a reality for several years now. Video conferencing allows companies to meet with coworkers and clients all over the world in real-time. This technology saves money and time and will enable people to be in virtual meetings no matter where they are.

Video conferencing may replace most in-person meetings due to social distancing and convenience. Connect from a spot that is professional, yet friendly, for that touch of human warmth. If appropriate, a little humor goes a long way in these sterile-like meetings.

3. Regrouping Social Gatherings for Your Company

Traditionally, most companies have sponsored holiday parties and special occasions to keep high employee morale. Haven’t you attended parties at work for promotions, weddings, and baby showers over the years? These events are what often make coworkers feel like close friends and even family.

If social distancing issues prohibit office gatherings for a while, take heart. You can always gather in a public place or invite coworkers to your house. Even if you must leave a small cake and balloons in the honoree’s cubicle, you have shared your thoughts and kindness in some small way.

4. Breaks and Lunch at Your Desk

Every company has a break room or a shared kitchen where employees can rest, chat, and eat. What would an office do without the perennial box of stale donuts and burned coffee? Some of your best times at work may have been sitting around the break table laughing and blowing off steam.

If your workplace no longer offers an employee lounge or kitchen, consider keeping a minifridge in your cubicle for snacks, drinks, and meals. Personal size coffee makers don’t take a lot of space and are quite affordable.

5. Drinking Fountains and Coffee Pot Removals

One thing that will probably go is public drinking fountains and coffee pots. You will be encouraged to bring drinks to work. A public drinking fountain is one of the dirtiest places in the office. Did you know that you can catch E. coli and coliform from those commonly used fountains?

A study was conducted on various school fountains around the country. They found that there was an average of 2.7 million types of bacteria on these drinking stations. No wonder they are keeping these closed off as bottled water is much safer.

6. Staggering Work Shifts

To keep fewer people in the office, your company may rotate schedules so that some employees work from home on varying days. You may go to a plan where you work two days at home and three days at the office or vice versa. Consequently, on the days when you are home, other people will be in the office.

It sounds like a big hassle, but one of the advantages of working from home is that you might not have to fight the traffic and other daily commute issues. If you’ve always wanted to try telecommuting, then it might be your chance as corporate culture is changing.

Learn how to set boundaries when you work from home with the kids.

7. Temperature Checks

One of the downsides to social distancing is ensuring that every employee that comes to work is healthy enough to be there. You may be required to have routine temperature checks and answer a few questions about your health each day.

The goal is to ensure that you are not carrying a fever that could infect others. So a simple temperature check may be all it takes to prove that you’re not harboring an illness. Your company culture may now include temperature evaluations before you begin for the day.

8. Hand Washing

Another change that you will see in your corporate culture is an increased awareness to wash your hands and sanitize. You may see signs all around the building and in the restroom, reminding you of the importance of a good scrub.

Many people don’t wash their hands properly or don’t wash them at all after leaving the bathroom. It’s vital that you wash continuously throughout the day, even if you haven’t used the restroom. If you touch your face at your desk, then use sanitizer. It’s just another way to keep germs at bay and avoid any further changes to company culture.

9. One Way Traffic Patterns

Grocery stores and workplaces across the globe are going to one-way traffic patterns. While this won’t cause much of a problem to smaller offices, it may be a considerable shift in your company culture. You will be restricted to the places you can go and the flow of traffic down that aisle.

10. Wearing Masks

Whether you think they are essential or not, many companies are requiring their employees to wear masks. The best cover to use is an N95 that has capabilities to block every toxin you may breathe, but the homemade varieties are better than nothing.

If you opt for a cloth mask, make sure that you cannot smell anything through it. Also, it should comfortably cover your nose and mouth. While your glasses may fog up and you may feel as if you are suffocating, it’s a lot better than being on a ventilator from contracting a deadly virus.

Final Thoughts on Learning About the New Company Culture

A few small inconveniences are worth your health. Each employer will evaluate the space, the number of employees, and mandates that they feel are necessary for their operation. Cooperation is the key, or it could cost you in terms of wellness.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!