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Science Reveals What Happens to Your Body When You Eat Greens Daily

May 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

When it comes to healthy living, it’s all about the green stuff. No, we’re not talking about dollar bills! We’re talking about dark, leafy greens.

There’s overwhelming evidence that the more green you get in your diet, the lower your chances of developing conditions like heart disease and Alzheimer’s. On top of that, green veggies are a fantastic way to burn fat and keep your skin radiant.

Let’s go over just a few of the most substantial benefits you’ll experience once you start eating green veggies every day. In this post, we’ll also share pro tips on how to sneak a little green into your daily routine.

The Glorious Benefits Of Eating Leafy Greens

Here are some fantastic benefits of eating your greens (like Mom told you!).

Benefit #1 – Enjoy A Long-Term Memory Boost

Forget about spending hours playing those brain-training apps. If you add one serving of leafy green veggies to your day, then you’re bound to experience a memory boost.

A recent study out of Rush University tracked the diet and cognitive health of about 950 senior citizens in Chicago. Over roughly five years, researchers screened study participants for mental issues and asked what they ate on a typical day.

Amazingly, there was a strong correlation between how many greens a person ate and their risk of memory problems. People who ate just one serving of green veggies per day versus those who ate none had a substantially slower rate of cognitive impairment.

Benefit #2 – Naturally Lower Your Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is one of the most common chronic conditions in the USA. In fact, the CDC now estimates that about 108 million Americans have some degree of hypertension. Thankfully, it appears dark green veggies could help millions of patients keep their blood pressure levels in check.

Scientists at Boston’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital recently published a long-term study analyzing the correlation between diet and hypertension. Researchers tracked the health of over 28,000 middle-aged females for a little over 12 years. According to the data, women who ate more dark green veggies had a lower incidence of blood pressure issues.

It’s important to note, however, that leafy green veggies are only a part of managing high blood pressure. Indeed, professors involved in the above study found an even higher correlation between fruit intake and lower blood pressure.

In addition to eating plenty of healthful foods like green veggies, here are a few other strategies you could use to keep your blood pressure down:

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.
• Add a mindfulness meditation session into your daily routine.
• Get at least seven hours of sleep per night.
• Quit harmful habits like smoking and drinking.
• Take a warm bath or visit a sauna a few times per week.

Benefit #3 – Show Your Teeth Some Serious Love

One of the annoying things about eating leafy green veggies is they can often get stuck in your teeth. Well, look at the bright side: at least these foods will keep your pearly whites free from cavities!

Interestingly, all leafy green veggies have incredibly high levels of bioavailable calcium. So, if you’re lactose intolerant, you could get all the calcium your bones and teeth need from a daily helping of greens.

In addition to calcium, leafy green veggies often contain high traces of folic acid (aka vitamin B9). Many studies suggest people who eat more folic acid have a lower risk of gum bleeding and gingivitis.

Benefit #4 – Detox Your Liver With Dandelion

There’s great hope in the scientific community that green veggies could combat one of the world’s leading liver diseases: fatty liver. Recent rodent studies out of Sweden show that leafy greens contain high traces of nitrate. According to the latest research, the body can use this substance to reduce liver inflammation.

Although trials are ongoing, dark green veggies could likely play a big role in the future treatment and prevention of fatty liver disease. In particular, dandelion appears to have the highest potential to protect patients from liver disease. This green has a ton of beneficial polysaccharides that assist liver detoxification.

Since this green is somewhat bitter, most people don’t enjoy eating it raw. If you find dandelion’s taste a bit too abrasive, consider sautéing them or drinking them in an herbal tea.

If you just can’t stand this green’s taste but still want to enjoy its benefits, you could always look into dietary supplements. Just be sure to let your doctor know beforehand. Sometimes herbal pills could counteract prescription medications, so it’s best to get a physician’s approval.

Benefit #5 – See Clearly With Lutein & Zeaxanthin

When we think of healthy foods for the eyes, we usually think of carrots. Although this orange root veggie is pretty sweet, it just can’t compete with leafy green veggies.

The reason green veggies are so beneficial for eye health has to do with compounds called lutein and zeaxanthin. Research has shown both of these chemicals play a critical role in reducing the pressure in the eyes, which could decrease the risk of conditions like age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Although lutein and zeaxanthin are present in a few other foods, they are nowhere near as concentrated as in leafy green veggies. No doubt: a bowl of greens every day will undoubtedly keep the ophthalmologist away!

Benefit #6 – Promote Gut Health With Prebiotic Powerhouses

One of the most significant medical discoveries in recent years is the “gut-brain axis.” Although it may seem strange, there seems to be a direct connection between our digestive and our cognitive health.

To be more specific, the types of bacteria that thrive in our gut play a significant role in our overall well-being. You’ve probably already heard about the many benefits of “probiotics,” which refers to the healthy bacteria in your gut that help to regulate digestive well-being.

Although leafy green vegetables don’t contain probiotics, they are considered one of nature’s most outstanding “prebiotics.” In other words, the fiber in these veggies acts as “food” for the healthy bacteria in your gut. Interesting research also suggests dark green veggies have an enzyme that helps increase probiotic populations.

Over 40? Here are the healthiest foods you must include on your menu.

Fast Facts On The World’s Greatest Green Veggies

Now that you know why green veggies are so good for you, it’s time to take a peek at some of the best foods in your grocery store. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the world’s top green vegetables.

1. Collards

A staple side in the South, collards have one of the highest concentrations of vitamin K for any vegetable. Just one cup of this powerhouse food packs well over 1,000 percent of your daily recommended dose of vitamin K. Interestingly. Recent research suggests collards have their highest nutrient count when they are steamed.

2. Kale

When it comes to green veggies, kale is king. Why is this green so popular nowadays? Well, in addition to its delightfully bitter taste, this veggie has loads of antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This leafy green also has the highest concentration of lutein and zeaxanthin (perfect for eye health). Plus, vegetarians love cooking recipes with this green because it has exceptionally high traces of protein.

3. Mustard Greens

Originating in India, mustard greens have one of the most unique flavor profiles of all the veggies on our list. Unlike the bitter, earthy taste of other greens, mustards have a rather spicy taste that almost resembles horseradish. Traditionally used in Indian and Chinese cuisine, mustards have many of the benefits of other green plants but are better suited for people who like hot dishes.

4. Arugula

While we’re on the subject of spicy green veggies, we should take a few moments to mention arugula. Sometimes known as “rocket,” arugula is a delicate leafy green that has a unique taste reminiscent of black pepper. Like many of the other veggies on this list, arugula has plenty of calcium, vitamin K, folic acid, and vitamin A. Fun fact: Ancient Romans supposedly used arugula to help improve libido…just sayin’.

5. Spinach

What list of leafy greens would be complete without mentioning Popeye’s favorite treat? Spinach is one of the world’s most famous green veggies for many good reasons, including its high iron and zinc content. As a bonus, spinach has a relatively mild flavor. It’s quite easy to hide fistfuls of this vegetable in smoothies and juices.

6. Beet Leaves

Everybody’s talking about beet juice nowadays, but please don’t throw out those gorgeous beet leaves! Yes, you can eat the distinctive leaves on your beets. In fact, some people argue this is the healthiest part of the plant due to its high traces of iron. Be sure to sauté these leaves, mix them in a smoothie, or try eating them raw.

Don’t Like Salads? Check Out These Sneaky Green Hacks

If you don’t like eating salads, no worries! There are plenty of creative ways you could get these greens into your diet. Here are just a few hacks to keep in mind:

• Mix a few of these veggies into a morning smoothie.
• Experiment with juicing veggies and covering them with sweet apples or lemons.
• Buy an organic green powdered mix.
• Incorporate green veggies into pasta dishes or soups.
• Bake tasty “kale chips” in your oven.

Final Thoughts on Eating Your Greens Daily

As you could see, leafy green veggies have a lot going in their favor. If you start incorporating any of these foods into your regular diet, you’re bound to wow your doctor at your next appointment. If possible, aim for at least one cup of your preferred green every day for the maximum benefits.

Astrologist Reveals the Cosmic View for June 2020

May 31, 2020 by Linda Joyce

Astrology provides insight into a crisis, but your own intuition is just as important. Learn how to interweave heaven and earth, knowledge, and instinct, and you’ll be able to use this cosmic view to find creative ways to solve your problems.

With Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto in retrograde, the virus that has shut down the world is in a weakened state — for the summer. However, there is a chance it will reinvigorate itself in the fall. Be careful with your freedom.

Gemini is all about choices and with Mercury and Venus in retrograde in this sign, what you decide carries life and death consequences. What needs to be balanced is freedom and self-control. This is never easy under normal circumstances and certainly not a simple challenge now.

Saturn, the planet of boundaries, entered Aquarius in March and it has changed how you interact with friends and groups. The square it makes to Uranus and creates a clash – a desire to break free of all restrictions no matter what the consequences. Learn to open a door by increments, instead of all at once. Self-control is essential to survival.

The Full Moon on June 5^th in Sagittarius activates the houses of wisdom and communication. We may hear from the experts. Perhaps more restrictions will be lifted or there’s new information on the development of vaccines. Venus remains retrograde until the 25^th placing a focus on relationships and finance. It’s time to rethink who and what’s important to you and yes, how you want to manage your money in the future.

Mercury goes retrograde in Cancer on the 18^th, and it’s time to clean up misunderstandings with family and mend old wounds. Let forgiveness and love lead the way. The more you give, the more you receive. Stay safe and nurture yourself from within. If you do the universe will add to your gifts in ways you cannot imagine.

Here is a rundown of the cosmic view for each sign in the zodiac this month:

Aries (March 21^st – April 20^th)

Aries represents vision, it allows you to see into the future and imagine a better world. This energy is important now, more than ever. With your ruler Mars, in Pisces and conjunct Neptune, your imagination is out of control. If you’re in a creative field, then new ideas will come to you with ease. What they will need is grounding.

There’s not a lot of earthly practicality in the stars at the moment, so you have to provide it. Intuition and emotion are two separate things. Intuition comes from above and you need to trust it, emotions are a response to desire and fear, they want what they want and can’t be trusted. Learn to separate them. Any insecurities you have will be emphasized in this environment.

Uranus square Saturn increases your desire for freedom, and because you’re impulsive, you may give in more than you should. This is a time for baby steps, not giant leaps of faith.

Venus is retrograde until the 25^th making relationships in general either very difficult or rewarding. If you have good communication and know-how to be supportive, then you’ll receive the rewards of your efforts. What’s important now is to express your vulnerability, not just your strengths. That’s difficult for an Aries, but it helps others connect to you in a deeper way.

Mercury goes retrograde on the 18^th and you may go back to work or find something new. The path is zig zag, so don’t expect it to be clear. If you’re in a relationship, you’ll be working out your issues, if you hold them in, it will damage the relationship.

When Venus goes direct on the 25^th, you should know where you stand and what is possible. If you’re single, old lovers could contact you or you may reach out to them. There’s a need to reconnect to the past.

Cosmic View for Taurus (April 21st – May 20^th)

Taurus is a major player as the planets align to bring about change in the world. With Uranus, the ruler of change, in Taurus, you’re being driven from within or shaped from without, to make decisions, and to pursue new goals.

If you embrace the change you will realize that happiness is easier than you thought. Good things can come from disasters if you can recognize them in the chaos. The light and the dark are not disconnected, they are a part of the whole.

With Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto retrograde, you’re rearranging your thinking and your ideals. This virus has forced us all to look at what’s really important. It’s shown us where we’ve strayed from our path because we followed the crowd. Getting back to core issues is empowering and it allows you to build your life on a strong foundation.

Mercury goes retrograde in Cancer on the 18^th. This is your chance to finish old projects and clear the way for the new.

Venus, your ruler, is retrograde until the 25 and relationships as well as your place of work are under scrutiny. If you haven’t worked on your communication and if you don’t understand each other, then this month you will feel more isolated and alone. If anger is what emerges then try and find another way to get it out. Attaching someone will not make you feel better.

If you’re in a relationship, then unresolved issues are now on your plate. By the 25^th you should be clear on where you stand. If you’re single, this is not a time for someone new. Focus on yourself.

Gemini (May 21^st – June 20^th)

Geminis are the center of the action in the cosmic view this month. So get ready to be busy, no — overwhelmed. It won’t all be about things to do, it goes deeper than that. It’s time to understand what is holding you back, as well as what you’re doing that brings the magic. With the full moon on the 5^th in Sagittarius, your beliefs will be scrutinized. They’re either helping or hindering you, so be objective.

Venus is still retrograde in Gemini until the 25^th and Mercury goes retrograde on the 18^th in Cancer. Old issues around values and finance may reemerge. You’re a genius at solving the problems of others, but now it’s time to take these lessons and bring them back to yourself. Being clear on your identity and goals is the quest.

Saturn, Jupiter, and Pluto are retrograde in your 8^th house, and they stir up more light-bulb moments. This is the house of transformation and any planets that pass through its energy must take a deeper look at themselves. Be prepared for self-examination.

Uranus in Taurus continues to bring surprises, or things you cannot control. The lesson is to let go. Have faith in yourself and the universe. What’s yours will come back to you.

The Neptune station in Pisces on the 23^rd brings good news when it comes to career. Venus goes direct on the 25^th and relationships are either better or worse because of what has been stirred up. Retrogrades bypass illusion and bring up the truth.

If you’re in a relationship you’re being asked to acknowledge what’s not working and do something about it. If you’re single, you may feel a longing for an old love. Figure out what you’re missing and let go. If it didn’t work then it probably won’t work now, unless both of you have changed.

Read about how you can use the romantic energy of a full moon.

Cosmic View for Cancer (June 21^st – July 22^nd)

Cancers are intuitive. With the Sun and Venus in your 12^th house of the unconscious, your instincts are on high alert in this month’s cosmic view. You may feel hesitant or afraid to act, primarily because you’re not certain. Turning intuition into a choice is always a challenge. However, when you learn to trust yourself you’ll find that you’re seldom wrong.

Mercury goes retrograde on the 18^th in your sign, and it helps you clean up your “things to do” list. Anything you started that’s not finished has a good chance of getting done. Don’t try and make something new work, it will be delayed.

Venus continues to go retrograde until the 25^th in Gemini and relationships remain under scrutiny. What’s not working is evident, what is will also be strong. It’s a time for truth and a realistic look at who you’re with and why. Remember, if it works for you and you’re happy, that’s all that matters.

The sextile from Mercury to Uranus provides you an endless array of new ideas. Your mission is to make sense of them and choose the ones you want to use. If you can break the patterns of your past and allow new paths to emerge then you will move forward with strength and confidence.

Cancers are creatures of habit, and they prefer repetition than new paths, but for now, you don’t have a choice. The new moon in your sign on the 21^st gives you an opportunity to make a wish. Think about what’s important and send your request out into the universe. The Full Moon on June 5^th in your 6^th house brings work issues to a head.

You should know where you stand around this time. If you’re in a relationship, your partner is not feeling strong. He or she may feel like hiding from life. It’s okay. It won’t last. If you’re single, then you’re attracted to someone very independent. It helps you feel free.

Leo (July 23^rd – August 22^nd)

Leos have a strong sense of self and it can appear to others as selfish. With Saturn in Aquarius for the next two and a half years, you’ll be forced to see the world through the eyes of others. You will need to understand your environment, not just dominate it. It’s a time of great growth.

With Uranus at the top of your chart, you’ve been preparing for a change in your goals and career for some time. With fear and the virus dominating our lives, you’re more prepared than your competition to take the next step. Don’t be afraid of change, if you keep the faith you’ll land on your feet – you always do.

With Jupiter and Pluto retrograde in Capricorn and your 6^th house of work, you’ll have a chance to reconnect with projects or offers for work.

The full moon in Sagittarius brings issues of authority and power to a head. What is needed now is leadership. Venus retrograde in Gemini until the 25^th affects relationships. They’re either working exceptionally well or what’s wrong is apparent and needs to be fixed. Financial issues also get your attention.

When Mercury goes retrograde on the 18^th you will deal with your investments and your budget. Understanding what’s important and what isn’t is a major part of building a safe and secure existence.

Saturn in Aquarius insists you focus on partnerships, business, and personal relationships. They’re either working exceptionally well or hardly at all. Saturn sees what is without illusions. If you’re in a relationship, then you’re either closer to each other or your unresolved problems are now in the way.

If you’re single, you can meet someone special at this time. Know that if you should meet a new partner, it will happen quickly. They will feel like a perfect fit. Remember, this is a time of all or nothing.

Cosmic View for Virgo (August 23^rd – September 22^nd)

Virgos are excellent in a crisis. They quickly move past their fears and embrace the unknown, determined to shape it into something they can control. Venus in retrograde in your 10^th house of career means your focus is on your goals. It’s a good time to review your choices and see how you can adjust them to achieve better results.

Don’t be afraid of change, just jump in and try something new. It’s only difficult until you get used to the new energy. The body adjusts to what’s different and strange, it’s how we survive. Whatever is new in your life, give it support, and make it work for you.

Saturn in your 6^th house of work helps you reevaluate what you do and when you do it. Saturn has a critical eye. Don’t get depressed, use the information to open yourself up to new possibilities or dig in and keep the job you have. Accept what you cannot change. Retrogrades provide the opportunity to review what has been done and allows you a chance to change what you don’t like or no longer agree with.

Mercury, your ruler, goes retrograde on the 18^th, in Cancer and your 11^th house of friendships. Don’t be surprised if old friends show up or contact you. During times of crisis, we remember the people we care about.

The full moon in your 4^th house of home, reveals what’s not working around your family. Once all the emotions are out of the way, you can unite and move forward. If you’re in a relationship, your partner is not doing well.

Either they are frustrated because they can’t accomplish what they want to or they’re just unhappy with where they are. They have to figure it out themselves. It’s your chance to show support. If you’re single, it’s not a good time to meet new people.

Take care of yourself and reconnect to old friends.

Libra (September 23^rd – October 22^nd)

Libras represent truth, harmony, and beauty. When things are in alignment there is beauty. Truth is a more challenging subject. It’s not always easy to speak up and express how you feel – especially if it challenges someone else’s opinion.

With Uranus in your 8^th house, what you’re experiencing is a time of transformation in the June cosmic view. Whatever truth you’ve been hiding from, you may find it impossible to avoid. It’s time to see the world with a filter that plants your feet on the ground. Illusions and delusions won’t survive this energy.

Venus, your ruler, is retrograde until the 25^th and it’s helping you take a hard look at your ideals, the ideas, and beliefs that have uplifted you in the past. However, with a reset on how you see yourself and the world, it’s time to find a new center, a place that will embrace a greater truth, one that includes the concept that you are not a static being, you are constantly in motion and evolving. The more you accept this cosmic view, the more you are able to adjust to whatever happens in your life.

Mercury goes retrograde on the 18^th in Cancer, the ruler of your 10^th house of goals and career. This is your chance to make adjustments or change your direction. Don’t hesitate to do so as soon as you are clear.

The new moon in Cancer on the 21^st is a chance for a new beginning when it comes to your career. Ask for what you want and don’t be afraid to get it. Don’t let fear rule. Choose faith now and tomorrow you’ll attract opportunity.

If you’re in a relationship, your partner feels lost and unsure of what they want or how to get it. Just be supportive. If you’re single, you may meet people who are very different from yourself. It’s meant to give you some needed experiences.

Cosmic View for Scorpio (October 23^rd – November 21^st)

Scorpios struggle with the meaning of power. It’s important to be clear on where you believe the power lies. Is it with money and success or how strongly you’ve aligned yourself with your higher powers – your ability to transform yourself and the world.

Scorpios have incredibly strong instincts, but they need to listen to them if they want an advantage. No Scorpio is worth its salt, follows the crowd. You value uniqueness more than anything else and want to be recognized for it.

With Venus still retrograde and Mercury about to join it on the 18^th in Cancer, it’s important to reaffirm your beliefs. The energy is shifting and it’s directing you toward your foundation and your values. What did you build your life on? Are you happy with your choices?

With Saturn now in Aquarius your focus will be on what you rely on for strength and confidence. If it’s faith in yourself and your talents then all is well. If it’s based on exterior things then you’re feeling vulnerable. Wherever you are not anchored in your truth, you’ll have difficulties. Don’t get upset, fix it.

The full moon on the 5^th in Sagittarius activates your 2^nd house of finance and values. You’re either incredibly good at managing money or you haven’t paid attention. What’s not working will be obvious. When it comes to values, you may discover that they’ve changed.

Hiding out at home has reduced your distractions and clarity is there if you want it. If you’re in a relationship, your partner has been changing and it requires some adjustments. You’ll either make them or you won’t, but remember your choice may determine the destiny of your relationship. If you’re single, you’re looking for someone who is independent, someone who gets you, but knows how to make themself happy.

Sagittarius (November 22^nd – December 21^st)

Sagittarius is the sign of wisdom and wisdom comes from the lessons you’ve learned —both the wins and the losses. When you learn from everything, you learn quickly.

Jupiter, your ruler, has been in Capricorn since November of 2018, and it’s helping Pluto expose what needs to be looked at. Unfortunately, our weaknesses both personally and as a country, have been exposed through the virus.

Don’t lick your wounds, change your life.

When everything around you is uncertain, it’s important to be anchored in truth and have a clear idea of what you want to achieve. There is an opportunity in change and chaos, but you have to be ready to act on a moment’s notice. This is not a time for the weak-hearted. The question to ask yourself is how much of what you do reflects your values.

Have you sacrificed what’s really meaningful in order to get ahead? If you have, now is the time to make changes. It’s so easy to get lost with the pressure from bosses, family, and just life in general. You’re a strong sign and perseverance is one of your natural talents.

With Venus in retrograde in your 7^th house, you may find partnerships of all kinds, business and personal, difficult. This is your chance to fix the problem or move on. The full moon on the 5^th in your sign brings an emotional outburst that can’t be avoided. It’s important to pay attention to what is revealed. Don’t let your fear lead. Ruled by your mind, your talent lies in words and ideas, but they must be turned into action.

If you’re in a relationship your partner feels overwhelmed and misunderstood. You can help, but they have to figure it out. If you’re single, stay that way for now. Have fun if you can, and things will fall into place.

Cosmic View for Capricorn (December 22^nd – January 19^th)

Capricorns are more comfortable with power when they’re not center stage. They are often the man or the women behind the scene, but they call the shots. For several years your sign has been the host of two of the most powerful planets in the heavens: Pluto and Saturn.

Jupiter joined the group at the end of 2018 and will leave by the end of this year. These three planets have created an intense environment with the power to redirect your life. There are some things you don’t have power over, let them go, and focus on what you can make happen.

Saturn is your ruler and it removes the fog wherever it casts its light. It happens to fall on your house of values and money. It’s time to turn your critical eye on what’s really important.

With Venus retrograde, money and relationships require your attention. The insights you have now can improve your life when the world begins to move forward.

Mercury goes retrograde on the 18^th in Cancer and brings your focus to partnerships and what you need from them. The Full Moon on the 5^th in Sagittarius rules your 12^th house of the unconscious. Be prepared for a surprise. Whatever happens is a message to help you advance, even if it initially throws you off-center.

Uranus in the 5^th house reminds you that your independence is important. You must take charge of all aspects of your life. This is no time to be lazy. If your life is in the hands of others, then it may encourage you to start your own business or work freelance.

If you’re in a relationship, you will value it more or want out. It’s up to you. If you’re single, it’s not impossible to meet someone, but you do have to want it badly or it won’t happen.

Aquarius (January 20^th – February 18^th)

Aquarius is the sign of independence and the ability to express your uniqueness. With Saturn now in your sign, the truth is being revealed whether you want it or not. You can see where your efforts have failed and what has worked. Learn from the past and improve your position.

Saturn is square Uranus, your ruler, so the structure or routine of your life may change. The planet Saturn rules your 12^th house of the unconscious, so lessons will come your way, whether you’re ready for them or not.

Saturn is the taskmaster of the zodiac, it has a very critical eye, but its mission is to help not destroy. Look at what it’s showing you and make the necessary changes no matter how difficult it is to do. Saturn produces long-term and lasting rewards.

With Mars entering your 3^rd house at the end of the month, there’s a greater need to communicate to others who may be useful. They need your guidance or just your support. And if you give it, you’ll receive what you need in return.

Venus is retrograde in Gemini, ruler of your 5^th house of authority and children. It’s now clear to you where you need to take a stand.

Mercury is also retrograde but in Cancer and your 6^th house of work. You’re finishing up old projects and it will help you clear your desk and be ready for the new. The full moon on the 5^th in Sagittarius brings a friendship to a head.

If you have unresolved issues, they’ll reemerge to be dealt with. If you’re in a relationship, your partner is frustrated and concerned about finances. But perhaps you’re single, and you could meet someone, who is interesting and diverse.

These things are important to you, but proceed with caution, you’re not yourself.

Cosmic View for Pisces (February 19^th – March 20^th)

Pisces can be the way to escape life or the path to transforming it – it’s really up to you. It works on faith, what you believe you create. No faith, no results, even if you work hard. Yes, faith is the most important ingredient in success and possibilities.

When you believe, the magic happens. Neptune, your ruler, has been in your sign and will remain there for a few more years. It’s helped you go deeper into who you are. Right now, you can’t avoid that inner voice, it’s too strong.

Yes, you’re psychic by nature and if you’re willing to listen to your gut and everything that it tells you, then you will connect to real power which lies within, not in the outside world.

Uranus in your 3^rd house has improved communication and the square to Saturn has forced you to be more focused and serious.

Saturn is what every Pisces needs in the current cosmic view. You are always in search of ways to eliminate your insecurities and fears. The more faith you have, the easier life is, and the more magic you create to solve your problems. The full moon on the 5^this in your 10^th house of career.

Your goals want to speak to you. Either you’re going back to work or getting a new job. Either way, things are moving forward in your June cosmic view.

Venus retrograde in Gemini at the base of your chart, helps you see yourself and life differently. Add the retrograde of Mercury in your 6^th house of work and you can be productive, but not without adjustments.

Use the flexible side of yourself now and know you’ll have more choices later. If you’re in a relationship, your partner is preoccupied. Give them some space. If you’re single, you’ll have a chance to meet new and interesting souls.

You’re not in a stable place so just enjoy yourself this month.

Final Thoughts on the Cosmic View for June of 2020

Take time out of every day to improve your life and enjoy yourself throughout the month. Use this cosmic view to guide you, and always remember the importance of your relationships and live life to its fullest.

www.lindajoyce.com

Psychology Explains How to Deal With the Grief of Losing a Pet

May 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Pets are like family members. It makes sense then when you lose your pet, it’s emotionally difficult. You may wonder how to deal with the grief and sense of loss you feel. So, how do you deal with the grief of losing a pet?

Realities of Your Struggles After Losing a Pet

Here are some realities you will face as life goes on without your furry friend.

1 – The pain of losing a pet is real

Your pet is part of your life. Sadly, the death of your pet is inescapable because your pet has a much shorter life span than you. Facing your pet’s death is grievous and painful. It hurts your heart.

Studies found that pet owners who lose their pets may have trouble sleeping, have eating disorders, limit their social life, and may have trouble at their job. They’re apt to be depressed, anxious, lonely, and have feelings of emptiness.

You may want to seek out professional help if you’re grieving the loss of your pet. Talking with a counselor gives you strategies to walk through this difficult time.

Here are 20 things to say to comfort a person who is grieving.

2 – Grief is normal after losing a pet

Don’t feel bad about grieving the loss of your pet. It’s a normal reaction. You’ll feel a span of emotions as you grieve. You may go through some or all seven of the stages of grief which are: grief, denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Be sure to talk to someone like a trusted friend or family member about how you’re feeling. Other pet owners will understand your grief, especially those who’ve lost pets. Hang out with them and talk about your sadness. They’ll be supportive and empathetic to your loss.

3 – Don’t try to ignore your grief

Ignoring grief doesn’t make it go away. You are actually prolonging the healing process when you choose to stuff it and pretend you’re fine. You may be afraid of these strong emotions you’re feeling. That’s normal. Find an emphatic pet owner who’s lost a pet. They can help you walk through your grief.

4 – Self-care after you lose a pet

Take care of yourself while you grieve the loss of your pet. Take your medicines, exercise, and eat healthy foods. Don’t give in to eating to ease your pain.

Loads of ice cream and chips won’t help your grieving process. Plus, if you gain weight, you’ll feel even worse about your circumstances.

Self-care means caring for all of you. Listen to uplifting podcasts or read a book on positivity for your mind. Look to your faith for strength during this painful time for your soul. Speak to your pastor about your grief, ask for prayer.

Never say these things to a heartbroken person.

5 – Face your grief, one day at a time

Grief is emotional, but it affects you physically, too. You may feel like your heart is broken, you may feel the saddest you’ve ever felt. That’s okay, take it a day at a time. Don’t rush your grieving or feel bad about it.

Face one day with all its emotions, and the next day face a new day. Cut yourself some slack in other areas of your life. Don’t worry too much about finishing making photo books of your summer vacation, unless you want to make a photo book of your pet.

Create a schedule of eating, working, playing, and sleeping. Try to stick to this so you won’t have to remember if you ate or not. Routine can help bring comfort and just help you get through another day.

6 – People (non-pet owners) may not get it

Some people will minimize your loss. They don’t do this out of meanness, but without thinking. Sometimes people are clueless.

Studies show that our society underestimates the supportive nature of a pet and how grievous it is to lose your pet. It’s hard to accept the loss. People don’t understand what it pet loss feels like, especially if they’re not a pet owner.

They may say things like, “Are you getting another pet?” or “It was just a cat.”

You will need to navigate comments like this without getting bitter or angry at these people. Talk to other pet owners who will understand your frustration at such comments.

7 – Find support in a group

Pet bereavement groups are growing. Researchers in Italy found that there’s a growing need for pet bereavement and end of life for Italian pet owners. Many pets are therapy animals, not just pets. Pet counseling services are growing in the U.S. Research online to see if there’s a pet bereavement group in your area.

Ask your vet, they may know of groups within their practice. Don’t suffer alone. When you find a bereavement group, you’ll find like-minded folks who understand and can help you walk through your grief without fear of being misunderstood.

8 – Take care of your other pets

If you have other pets, be sure to show them attention. They are probably feeling some loss of their friend, too. Animals are sensitive. They can become depressed and sad when they lose an animal buddy, especially if they played together a lot.

Take your other dog for a longer walk than normal, or play with your cat a bit more. Hold them and pet them. Talk to them in a soft, kind voice, letting them know you’re here for them. As you comfort your pets in their grief, you will feel better about your own grief.

9 – Gratitude for your pet

Be grateful for the time you had with your pet. At first, memories may be too painful, but over time you’ll be able to cherish your memories.

Keep a gratitude journal and jot down all the ways your pet was a blessing. Write out the funny things your pet did, the scary medical trips, etc.

Find ways to cultivate gratitude for what you had, not what you’ve lost. It can help you turn your sadness into gladness and gratefulness.

10 – You’re not alone

Remember, you are not alone. Pets die every day. So many people miss their pets and feel sad about their loss. Take heart knowing others have gone through this experience and have found the courage and strength to get through it.

Talking with other owners who’ve lost their pets can help. There may be someone going through the loss of a pet, and you can help them. Helping others sometimes eases your own grief and pain.

How to Help Others Who Have Lost Their Pets

If you’ve lost a pet, you know the grief and sadness you feel. When someone you know goes through a similar experience, find ways to help them walk through the grief of losing their pet. Good chance you’re the best person to help them since you understand how it feels.

1 – Show them you care

Call them, take over a meal, stop by and take them out for coffee. Tell your grieving friend that you’re praying for them. Bring them a special dessert of a smoothie. Take them for a drive and allow them to talk about their pet. Tell them you understand how it feels. Tell them it’s normal what they feel, you felt that, too. Make them feel loved and cared for.

2 – Be there for them

Tell them to call you anytime, day or night. Reassure them of your friendship and commitment to them through this dark time. Knowing someone is walking with you through these helps ease the pain and sadness of the loss.

3 – Talk and listen

Be a good listener. If they want to talk to you, just listen. Don’t correct them or try to point out a positive. Nod your head and look into their eyes. At some point, they’ll ask you a question like, “How did you get through this?” or “What should I do?”

Then you can talk, reassure them you care for them, and want to listen to their grief. Tell them what helped you or what helped other people you know who’ve gone through the same thing. Having someone who will listen is huge. It will help your friend work out their feelings and worries.

4 – Recognize the connection they had with their pet

Tell them you noticed what a great bond they had with their pet. You noticed how their pet liked to be with them, and what a great owner they were. They’ll feel like you understand their sadness.

5 – Help them work through any guilt

Maybe they didn’t take their pet to the vet quickly, and it got too sick to save. Or perhaps they didn’t close the fence, and their pet got out. Maybe they had to euthanize their old pet who had cancer. Guilt is a common part of grieving. There are always feelings of “I should have done more.”

If your friend is feeling this reassure them that they did the right thing. Accidents happen, they can’t blame themselves.

Treasuring good memories helps the grief process.

Final Thoughts on The Grief You Feel Over Losing a Pet

When you lose a pet, you will grieve. You may feel sad, worried, lonely, or depressed. It’s normal to feel this way. It will go away after a while, but in the meantime don’t ignore your grief or try to push it away. It won’t go away, but will pop out in another circumstance.

Be sure to take care of yourself and your other pets. They will be grieving, too. Take it a day at a time, but be aware that some people won’t understand what you’re going through. That’s okay because you can surround yourself with those who do in a pet bereavement group or a close friend who loves pets like you.

If you find yourself not being able to shake the grief, seek out professional counseling to help you get through.

Once you’re gone through the loss of a pet, you’re equipped to help others get through grieving a lost pet. Find ways to care and reassure them of your love. Listen to them and let them know you have their back as they walk through their grief.

10 Behaviors That Reveal a Bitter Person

May 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Bitter people are hard to live with; they lash out at everyone around them. People wonder how to spot bitterness. So, what are ten behaviors that reveal a bitter person? And how do you cope with them?

It’s easy to spot a bitter person once you learn their tell-tale poor behaviors.

10 Red Flags of A Negative and Bitter Person

1 – Lack gratefulness

Bitter people feel cheated by life. Even if they have a great experience, they won’t express gratitude. The glass is always half-empty. They will not express thanks for their family or friends, their home, or their job because there’s still something wrong with each of these things. Something or someone has disappointed them, and that looms larger than their blessings.

How to cope with an ungrateful person:

Remember, this person isn’t a terrible person. Instead, they feel overloaded with emotions they can’t unravel. Kindness and patience will make them feel like you are a real friend.

2 – Cynical

Cynicism is mistrust and suspicion. You can’t make a bitter person happy. In their eyes, you’ll fall short in doing what they “expected.” They will say something like, “I’m not surprised; it’s what people always do to me.” They’re like a dark cloud on a sunny day. Their cynicism overshadows everything they do and say.

How to cope with the cynic in your life:

It may take your bitter friend or colleague a while to trust you. They may even push you away at first, but be persistent. Don’t let their bitterness pull you down, stand firm in who you are. Your bitter friend no doubt has suffered, and they’re lashing out. So, be emphatic towards them without being drawn into their bitterness.

3 – Bitter people hold a grudge

It’s normal for you to have a misunderstanding with someone, but you can work it out and then let it go. You don’t hold grudges. Even if you can’t agree on a solution, you’ll let it go since you don’t want to spend your time or energy holding on to a grudge. But bitter people can’t let go of things. They become obsessed with their grudges and the people who have wronged them.

How to cope with resentful feelings of others:

Don’t agree with their assessment of other people. If they want to vent their anger, tell them you disagree in a kind but firm voice. Show them you aren’t entering into their bitterness trap.

4 – Jealousy

Bitter people are jealous of others who they perceive are getting what they deserve.

Studies found that your emotions influence your judgment. Participants were first made to feel love, then asked to rate different candies and chocolate as sweet or bitter. The participants who felt love rated the candies and chocolates as very sweet. But the participants who experienced jealousy said the candy and chocolate were less pleasing.

Bitterness influences a person’s perception. They become jealous when their friends or co-workers talk about a recent success, a new home, or their promotion. They can’t stand it that others receive things they want or think they should have.

How to cope:

It’s not a good idea to share personal things with a bitter person. Their jealousy will turn into gossiping about you to others, putting you in a bad light. Keep your conversations shallow and upbeat.

5 – They are vocal about their bitterness

Bitter people aren’t private about their anger. They let everyone know that their life is unfair. They’re looking for someone to agree with them so they can justify their feelings. Their bitterness spills out onto others, like acid tainting anyone’s good mood. Working with a bitter person is exhausting because they suck all the life out of you by continually complaining and bemoaning their lot in life.

How to cope:

Don’t get dragged into their bitterness rant. If the person has become more of a friend to you when you are alone with them, bring up to them how they sound, their propensity to be angry and bitter. It could be that no one has ever pointed this out to them and shared it humanely.

6 – Blame shifting

A bitter person blames others for their circumstances rather than accept responsibility. They will set themselves up as the “ideal worker” or “ideal parent.”

Others will be the ones who have caused problems at work or ruined their kids, but not the bitter person.

They have no responsibility because they feel like the victim. Indeed, they are the sufferer (in their minds). Also, this person won’t take responsibility for their angry, bitter emotions. They justify their blame-shifting with abusive language.

They’ll say things like, “I wouldn’t have to do this if she did her job!” or “She made me so mad I could have hit her.”

One study found that people who blame shift want to save face, to conceal their role.

How to cope with a person who refuses to accept accountability:

Refuse to accept the blame, stand your ground in an emphatic voice and manner. Don’t get dragged into their blame-shifting of others either.

7 – Irritable and annoyed

Bitter people always find something to complain about. Something or someone annoys them. Nothing is ever right in their life. They’ll complain about people at work, their family and people at stores.

In their minds, their co-workers aren’t doing their jobs, and their kids aren’t working hard enough at school, and clerks at the store aren’t competent. Irritation and annoyance is a daily emotion for a bitter person.

How to cope:

You’ll notice what triggers a bitter person’s annoyance and irritation. You may need to avoid doing things that irritate them within reason. Some people can’t stand being joked with or teasing. But don’t be afraid of a bitter person, but if you know something pushes their buttons, try to refrain from doing it.

Here are fifteen proven reasons to make meditation a habit.

8 – Won’t like it if you’re positive and cheerful

Be ready for a backlash if you try to cheer up a bitter person. Angry people find cheerful, positive people irritating. Your positivity casts a light on their anger and resentment. They don’t want to own these emotions so they will react.

They’ll ignore you or spew gossip about you to others. You’ve trod on their bitter turf, and they don’t like it. They may gossip about you to feel better about themselves. Angry people want to squash your happiness. It’s a form of manipulation to get you to be like them.

How to cope:

A bitter person needs to see that not everyone is like them. They need someone to stand up to them. Even if they don’t like cheerfulness or positivity, it is affecting them. Be positive, and don’t feel bad about it. Your identity isn’t in the bitter person’s opinion of you. Let it roll off your shoulders if they don’t like you or gossip about you. They’re miserable, but you don’t need to be.

9 – Can’t congratulate others

Bitter people find it hard to tell someone they’re doing a good job unless they seek approval. They have moments of being sweet to people they want to impress. They will often go out of their way to acknowledge a boss. But people they see as less important are worthless to them, so they will rarely admit good work or accomplishments.

How to cope with someone who cannot (or will not) celebrate your victories:

Don’t try to balance out your bitter friend’s destructive emotions. If you have a good relationship, point out your angry friend’s lack of congratulation or being happy for others. Often, they don’t realize how they come across because no one has ventured into their bitterness to point out the truth to them.

10 – Bitter people make sweeping assumptions

A bitter person’s irritations and anger display hostility. They make generalizations about people and situations, lumping everyone together. They carry prejudices, judge others, and cast themselves in an excellent light.

Studies show that such anger and hostility that a bitter person holds can affect their health. Doctors found those who are anger and aggressiveness could cause heart problems, diabetes, car accidents, or bulimia.

How to cope with people who make inaccurate assumptions:

Be emphatic without being drawn in. When they try to lump you into their generalization, gently point out you’re not that way. Be light-hearted with them, even joking in a self-deprecating way. If they drop their guard and show some vulnerability to you, share your concern for their health. Tell them they need help to control their anger because it’ll destroy them.

Final Thoughts on Identifying and Dealing with a Bitter Person

It’s hard to deal with a bitter person. You don’t want to be around them because their bitterness overshadows goodness in the day. They’re often blinded to their own emotions; maybe they’ve experienced deep hurt in their lives and are angry about it.

Strangely, bitter people often attract cheerful people who want to help them. It’s not easy to be emphatic toward an angry person. Their bitterness is contagious. But you can be emphatic without agreeing with them.

Stand your ground, but show them kindness. It may feel like you’re hugging a cactus because of its angry barbs at you. Stay positive and find ways to have more in-depth conversations with them when they see you are their friend. Share your concerns for them, and point out things they say and do that hurt them.

Be careful. Bitterness is contagious. Don’t get bitten by their venom, so you’re drawn into becoming a bitter person yourself.

20 Surprising Things That Cause People To Fart

May 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Fart, toot, flatulence, or a bit of wind. No matter what you call it, it’s embarrassing when foul-smelling gas slips out in public. Some people wonder why this happens. So, what are 20 things that cause you to fart?

When a large amount of gas is in our stomach or intestines, you get bloated and gassy. This excess makes you fart, which is just your body getting rid of the gas. Farts can stink to high heaven. This odor is because the gas escaping from your anus contains sulfur, which can have a rotten egg smell to it.

Do you have fart a lot?

It may seem obvious when you have gas, but there are several symptoms of gas you may not be as aware of

Lots of burping-Belching or burping during or after meals is typical. But if you are burping a lot, it could be because you swallowed too much air while you were eating. The wind didn’t reach your stomach but escaped through your mouth.
Farting-You fart around thirteen to twenty-one times a day. Believe it or not, most people on average have anywhere from .5 to 1.5 liters of gas floating around in their digestive tract.
Bloating-When your stomach feels full and maybe swollen. Air is not expelling as a burp or a fart.
Pain in your stomach- This condition happens when you have a lot of air in your stomach that doesn’t move through your intestines.

Things that cause you to fart

Everybody farts, but some everyday things cause farting.

1. Swallowing air

It’s common to swallow air when you eat or drink. Certain foods or drinks cause you to take in more breath than usual, and this makes you fart or burp. These include.

Carbonated sodas, seltzer water
Chewing gum
Hard candies

You also swallow air when you do some things

Smoke
Drink too quickly
Eat too quickly
Wear loose-fitting dentures

When you swallow air, you’ll burp, but some air goes into your stomach then into your intestines, causing you to fart.

2. Bacteria in the large intestine

Sometimes your stomach and small intestine don’t wholly digest foods-especially fibers, sugar, or starches. These undigested carbs move into your large intestine, where they start to ferment as the bacteria begin to break them down. The result is especially smelly farts that could make your cat pass out.

3. Eating gas-producing foods

Some foods have a reputation for causing gas.

Cruciferous vegetables-cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts
Legumes-lentils, black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans
High fructose fruits-apples, watermelon, mango
Sweeteners-Xylitol, sorbitol, and mannitol can cause bloating and gas
Sodas-The combination of carbonation and sugar can pack a punch when it comes to producing gas.

4. Having IBS

Irritable bowel syndrome or IBS causes bloating, gas, diarrhea, and constipation. If you notice that you get gas when you eat certain foods, you may want to try to eliminate these foods. Most people who have IBS eat a Low FODMAP diet to ease their symptoms. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharide, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols, which are carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that your body doesn’t easily digest.

5. Hormonal changes

As if going through menopause isn’t enough, hormonal changes like this increase the gas in your body. Doctors aren’t sure if this is due to progesterone or estrogen, but studies show that postmenopausal women said they had changes in their bowels, such as excess farting.

6. You’re lactose intolerant

If you’re lactose intolerant, your body can’t completely digest the lactose found in milk and milk products. Lactose intolerance is uncomfortable and embarrassing if you fart a lot after eating dairy products. This scenario happens because your body doesn’t have enough of an enzyme called lactase. Most people who are lactose intolerant can substitute milk and dairy products for almond milk, coconut milk, and cheeses made from nut fats (like cashew cheese).

7. Celiac disease

Celiac disease or CD is a rare disease. Those who have CD suffer from bloating and excessive farting, which can cause embarrassment and discomfort. Many people with CD avoid social or professional gatherings. It’s a rare disease that isn’t serious but can lead to complications like anemia, malabsorption, osteoporosis, or internal lymphoma.

Studies found that CD is very rare. Many people who think they have it have Irritable bowel disease, pancreatic insufficiency, lactose intolerance, or an overgrowth of bacterial growth in the intestines. If you’re diagnosed with CD, you should eat a gluten-free diet to reduce symptoms.

8. Fructose intolerance

If you have fructose intolerance, your body can’t digest sugar fructose, which is the simple sugars in fruits. Eliminating high fructose foods helps reduce the side effects of fructose intolerance like farting and bloating.

Studies found that some people suffer from hereditary fructose intolerance because they lack an enzyme that helps break down the fructose. This deficiency makes them prone to conditions like hypoglycemia or low blood sugar or liver problems.

9. Smoking

Studies suggest that although smoking doesn’t cause farting directly, indirectly, it contributes to the problem. This outcome is because smoking affects your digestive system causing heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, ulcers, and some liver diseases. Smoking puts you at risk for heartburn, which causes burping and farting.

10. Constipation and hot farts

No, the term “hot farts” does not refer to the name of a new rock band. When constipates, your gastro system doesn’t work correctly, so you get backed up. This crowding means there is less room for gas to move around.

You won’t pass as much gas, so your farts come out hot or warm. Other things that can cause hot farts are spicy foods, too tight of pants, and diarrhea. So, if anyone asks you about hot farts, consider yourself informed.

11. Overgrowth of bacteria

If you have an increase in bacteria in your small intestines, you’ll end up with gassiness. Bacterial imbalances in your gut happen when you’ve had the stomach flu or an infection. It takes a while for your gut to get back to the right balance of flora in your gut. In the meantime, you’ll be tooting more. Take probiotics to help your gut return to normal.

Learn the lesser-known red flags of early stages of colon cancer (including gassiness).

12. Peptic ulcers

A peptic ulcer causes a tear in your stomach lining and your small intestine’s upper area. The symptoms often get worse at night with burning and severe pain. One study reported that people who have peptic ulcers have symptoms like gut discomfort, flatulence, nausea, or vomiting three hours after eating.

13. Too much fiber

All you hear about is to eat lots of fiber, but you can overeat fiber. The tough parts of some plants can cause problems for some people. The body has trouble digesting it. Undigested foods get to the large intestine or colon, so bacteria in the bowels start to ferment, which produces smelly farts. Both soluble and insoluble fibers can cause this in plants such as beans, greens, fruits, and some vegetables. Eat a balanced diet of grain and other food so you won’t overload your gut.

14. Diabetes

If you have diabetes, you will be prone to excess farts. This is because of the medications you take or the excess glucose in your blood. All in all, your gut bacteria balance is off, so you will find yourself tooting a lot.

15. Eating high sulfur foods

Eating foods high in sulfur causes some people trouble. These foods and drinks include:

Beer
Wine
Cider
Apple juice
Grape juice
Dried fruits
Alum vegetables: onions, garlic, chives, leeks, shallots
Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cabbage

Certain nuts, grains, and meats also are high in sulfur and cause you to fart more than usual.

16. Gluten intolerance

For some people, gluten is a problem. It causes a swollen stomach and lots of farting. Gluten is a protein that’s in wheat, barley, and rye. It’s also hidden in soy sauce, beer, and even some tortilla chips.

17. Processed foods

You knew that processed and fast foods weren’t healthy, but did you know they make you fart? Burgers, pizza, and fries are high in fat and low in nutrition. Overeating processed food will upset your gut health. You’ll feel more bloated, burp more, and fart a lot. So ditch the fast food for fewer farts.

18. Significant changes to your diet

If you’ve made any significant changes to your diet, you may experience gas and excess farting. Going vegan or vegetarian, cutting out, or adding food to your regular diet can upset your gut’s balance. Your stomach should settle down eventually, but in the meantime, you’ll probably be tooting up a storm.

19. Flying

You may never fly again without thinking about this fact: flying makes you fart. If you don’t believe it, check out the study that says flatulence occurs when you’re flying due to cabin pressure changes. If you try to hold it in, you’ll feel very uncomfortable. But letting it rip will cause you social discomfort. It’s a problem. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

20. Healthy eating

So you try hard to eat well, and what do you get? Farts. That’s right; many of the healthy foods you eat don’t get digested at the same time. Undigested foods that sit in the small intestine start to ferment, causing smelly old farts. It doesn’t seem fair, our healthiest foods like vegetables, whole grains, and beans, cause the smelliest farts.

Final Thoughts on Understanding the Causes of Farts

Farts can be embarrassing, especially the stinkers. But, rest assured, they are a natural part of the human body’s digestive process. So. Go ahead. Let ‘er rip. Just have someone nearby who you can blame for the eruption.

4 Things You Shouldn’t Try During Self-Isolation

May 31, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Self-isolation can be disorienting. You may suddenly have a lot of free time and no way or place to spend it. That boredom can lead to a lot of different solutions, some of which are more ill-advised than others.

A lot of people attempt new things during social isolation. To some degree, that’s a positive way to keep your mind engaged, but when taken to an extreme, it can endanger you and those around you.

Here are four things you shouldn’t try during self-isolation.

1. Handy Projects

When you’re stuck at home, you’re more likely to notice problems around the house – and you’re also more likely to cause those problems since your home is now where you are almost 24/7. You may break things, notice more appliances that need maintenance, or simply wind up overusing something into its last legs.

There’s a reason that there are actual professionals who train specifically to do these types of tasks. You need to have an understanding of how these projects and a lot of underlying factors work before you can pull them off without a hitch. Here are some projects you just shouldn’t DIY:

· Glass Repair

Repairing glass is harder than it sounds, and it’s dangerous. When there is more than half an inch of damage in the glass, perhaps in the form of divots, holes, or chips, replacements and fixes need to be made – by a professional!

Repairing glass often involves the pouring of resin into the cracks and broken areas. It sounds simple, but the process is far from it. This is because the way resin sets may vary based on factors such as humidity and temperature. Resin can contract and expand, so putting too much resin can cause it to harden into an even worse chip, hole, or divot, thus becoming more of a safety concern.

Even glass repair kits aren’t fully reliable. For safety purposes, get a professional to do the job.

· Remodeling

It’s tempting to finally get around to fixing or remodeling your home when you have all this free time in social isolation. But projects for home improvement and reconstruction aren’t all safe to do on your own. The most basic DIYs are doable, but more complex or ambitious projects require a more expert hand.

Projects, where you need to work from heights, can put you in danger without the right equipment. Those that involve your home’s essential systems could wind up damaging them. New construction projects could be too weakly built and wind up in danger of collapsing. Difficult-to-use tools can cause injuries. All in all, if you’re looking to do remodeling, you should leave it to the pros.

· Plumbing

Plumbing is essential to a home, and it’s tempting to want to fix plumbing issues by yourself, especially since you may not be able to hire a professional but could need plumbing work done urgently. You should consider the complexity of the job first. If you’re not confident in your ability to fix the damage, you should just hire a professional plumber Sydney. If you’re dealing with problematic drains at home, you may look for a plumber that can provide you with the best drain cleaning solution.

For example, opening the catcher of a sink and emptying it out to stop clogging is a simple job that you’re unlikely to need too much expertise for. The same goes for unclogging a toilet that just needs a little help.

But when it comes to things like replacing pipes, fixing issues that you aren’t 100% sure about, or taking apart a toilet bowl to figure out why it’s leaking, you had better wait for professionals instead. Even in times of isolation, plumbers are essential workers who will likely be available for hire – but think carefully about how urgently you need the issue fixed before leaping. Craftsman Plumbing – plumbing installation in Seattle may be contacted by Seattle homeowners who need to replace or install new plumbing fixtures.

Read tips on getting an organized home on a tight budget.

2. Visiting Friends

Loneliness is one of the critical problems with social isolation. Even introverts who prefer their own company within their own four walls need some degree of social interaction. Those who led vibrant social lives or are extroverts that thrive in social situations will likely feel this pain even more.

There’s undoubtedly much to be said about loneliness and positive thinking, as well as mental and physical health in general, and these effects can linger for months. Potential problems include:

Higher mortality rates
Higher risk of mental degeneration
Increase symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, and anger

In this time, you might be tempted to simply sneak out of your social isolation and meet with a friend, especially if you’re young or think you’ll be safe. Sometimes all you want to do is just talk for a bit, or hug someone.

But these actions put your life and the lives of others at risk. Even those who don’t experience symptoms may be carrying viruses. So you or your friend could have the disease without even realizing it since you don’t usually seek a test that could come back positive when you have no symptoms.

Instead of visiting a friend in person, you can:

Text
Take part in video calls.
Play online games together
Watch a movie or series at the same time.

Read ten fun ways to make your Zoom calls to friends and family more engaging.

3. Appearance-Related Changes

There are a lot of jokes surrounding drastic appearance-related alterations during times of self-isolation. There’s a scientific reason for this, too – when a lot of things feel out of control, people attempt to take control over whatever they can to regain some positive thinking. This can result in changing aspects of oneself that wouldn’t have been changed otherwise.

It’s usually fine to make some changes – experimenting with new styles of makeup or fashion, using henna or non-toxic body paint to make aesthetic changes, and even dyeing hair are all relatively safe options for changes that can be made. But there are some things you have to leave to the professionals. Here are some examples:

· Waxing

Waxing is already such a painful process in itself when done by professionals, and even professionals can leave you with some bleeding or wounds. Trying to do it all yourself can potentially be harmful to you, and without an expert on hand, you’ll have nowhere to go for help.

If you’re aching to remove some hair, try shaving first, or get your hands on some hair removal cream. And if you really are that desperate for a wax, stick to less difficult areas like your legs.

· Haircuts

Cutting your own hair seems to be a common theme in self-isolation, especially among those who usually have short hair that is now getting out of control. It’s tempting to reach for the scissors and get to snipping without the help of a pro!

It’s usually pretty harmless to try cutting your hair on your own, but you have to be prepared for the consequences. Ask yourself if you’d feel alright with an absolutely awful haircut that you have to see in the mirror every day in self-isolation. More likely than not, that will affect your positive thinking. That said, if you’ve cut your hair on your own with satisfactory results before, there’s no reason you can’t try doing so again now.

· Dermaplaning

Dermaplaning isn’t a widespread form of skincare, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t people who do it. Therefore, they might be tempted to try it on their own. Dermaplaning refers to the act of shaving your skin very close to your face to remove peach fuzz and dead skin.

This very close shaving means you risk injuring yourself with cuts and even permanently causing paralysis and other issues due to incorrect action. Luckily, there are DIY-safe options that, as long as you perform them gently, can work as alternatives. Microneedling and dimmer rollers are examples of safe options that can do the trick without professional aid.

· Piercings

Some people get a feeling of adrenaline surge when they think about piercing their skin. But it’s a hazardous process, and when done unprofessionally, it can lead to medical complications involving infections, nerve damage, and other severe conditions.

Even if you do manage to escape medical consequences, you still run the risk of uneven piercings, lousy choice of piercing location, and incorrect aftercare that can cause the hole to close again. Let’s leave the piercings to the experts.

· Botox

Almost no one thinks of Botox as something safe to do themselves, but it warrants a reminder regardless. When someone is used to regular botox treatments, being alone and unable to access that treatment might make them choose to attempt it at home.

The only way to access non-official Botox is via the black market, which contains unregulated products. You don’t know for sure what’s in any of those kits, and they can wind up paralyzing you or severely damaging your face through necrosis, infections, and irreversible damage.

Even if you do manage to get your hands on a genuine Botox product, chances are you won’t know how to inject it properly. This is something you need to leave to professionals.

Don’t neglect your self-care during self-isolation.

4. Working Longer Hours

If you’re fortunate enough to be working from home with the same or close to the same salary during self-isolation, you need to adjust to your living space now functioning as your workspace. For those who aren’t used to working from home, this can cause decreased productivity, but it can also cause the complete opposite – like being unable to switch your brain’s work-mode off.

When your personal and professional lives collide, you may begin to have trouble putting a clear separation between them. Combine that with self-isolation boredom, and you may feel the urge to work non-stop. This habit isn’t a positive one, and it can mess up your sleep cycle while adding to depressive symptoms.

Work the same number of hours you worked before self-isolation. If you’re looking for a way to fill your time, consider these options instead:

Pampering yourself with self-care
Do a little spring cleaning.
Engaging in a hobby you don’t usually have time for
Learning a new skill
Relaxing with a book, TV show, or game you’ve wanted to get into

Avoid becoming a workaholic during self-isolation.

Final Thoughts On Some Things You Shouldn’t Try During Self-Isolation

Self-isolation is difficult as it is. You don’t need to add to its struggles by trying out difficult or dangerous things at this time! Leave hard jobs to the professionals, abide by self-isolation guidelines, and take care of your mental health first.

12 Budget Cuts Your Family Will Barely Notice

May 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If the phrase budget cuts, conjure up visions of your family eating beans and rice for the next month, think again. Simple budget cuts can create significant savings. It takes a bit of planning and creativity, but you can make budget cuts without your family even noticing… too much.

12 Budget Cuts That Your Family Will Not Mind

1. Use energy-efficient light bulbs

Who would have thought you could save money by simpling changing your light bulbs? It’s true! Using an incandescent light bulb for five hours a day for one year costs you approximately $16 depending upon where you live in the U.S. But if you use an LED light bulb for the same length of time, it costs you only $6 a year. Energy-efficient LED bulbs’ initial cost will be more, but your overall savings using them will be significant. It’s a simple way to cut your budget, and your family will be none the wiser for it.

2. Online grocery shopping

Online grocery shopping has become famous for its convenience, but you can also save money using these services. Buying your groceries online helps you to see exactly what you’re paying for each so you can stick within your budget. Grocery stores place items strategically at the end of aisles, so shoppers will pick up things when they walk by. Your impulse buying will go down when you buy your groceries online. Choose online grocery services that off coupons or free delivery, if possible. For even more savings, check out discount coupons online on HotDeals. This site aggregates the latest deals and promotions across various grocery retailers, making it easier for you to find and apply them to your online orders. Whether you’re ordering groceries for delivery or planning a pick-up, using coupons can make a big difference. By combining the convenience of online shopping with the savings from coupons, you can enjoy a more budget-friendly grocery experience without ever having to leave home.

Another option is to use your grocery store’s delivery service or pick up service. These services are free. All you do is order the things you want and arrange a delivery time. Or your store will do the shopping for you and all you need to do is pick them up. Most grocery stores have specially marked parking spots where you park, and someone brings your groceries out to your car.

3. Thrift store shopping

Thrift stores are packed with budget-saving items. Buying gently-used clothing is an easy way to save a bundle on clothing for your growing kids. Choose a store that is clean and well maintained. Charity organizations often run these stores, so you’re helping your community while saving money at the same time.

Clothing-Used clothing is excellent for growing kids. You can find slightly worn teeshirts, skirts, dresses, shorts, and jeans at thrift stores. Be picky though, don’t buy your kids used shoes-it’s not good for their feet. Kids grow so quickly. It’s great to find functional used clothing for a fraction of the cost of new.
Sporting equipment-Many thrift stores sell gently used sporting equipment. Avoid buying hats or helmets for hygienic reasons.
Household items- Dishes, glasses, wine goblets, and serving bowls are sold cheaply at a thrift store. Sometimes you can find a set of brand new dishes that have been donated from a large store.
Other things-Gently used toys, pictures, candle holders, jewelry, and books.
Discount Coupons– To maximize your savings, don’t forget to look for verified discounts from PriceThis. Using these coupons can further lower your spending and help you get even more for your money, whether it’s at the thrift store or your favorite grocery store. You can find everything from clothing to household goods while making the most of your budget!

4. Limit eating out

Eating out with a family is expensive; it can quickly trash your budget. Try taking your family out to eat once a month instead of once a week. Or you can order a take-out pizza from your favorite pizza place, using coupons if they offer them, instead of taking the whole family to the restaurant where you’re sure to spend more money. Find restaurants that offer kids-eat-free night or two dollar tacos once a week. Be strategic, most restaurants have coupons or exclusive deals, but you will need to shop around for them.

Check out our 30 expert personal finance tips for a new respect for your money.

5. Purchase flawed fruits and vegetables

Several online companies are selling imperfect fruits and vegetables. This produce often comes straight from local groceries but was rejected because it wasn’t perfect looking. You may get some misshapen carrots, but the produce is fresh and tastes great. These companies usually charge you a fee depending upon how much produce you want, so you won waste what you buy. The produce is conveniently delivered to your door, so you’ll save time as well as money.

6. Kids take their lunches

Another simple way to cut your budget is to have your kids take their lunches to school. Purchase good lunch containers,so the food stays hot or cold. There are many well-made boxes with convenient compartments. If your kids really want to buy lunch at school, arrange for them to buy once or twice a week. The school sends out the monthly menu so you and your kids can plan ahead what meals they want to buy.

7. Shop around for good cell phone prices

Your cell phone company may cut you a deal if they think you’ve decided to go with a switch cell phone carriers. You can also save a lot of money by switching to one of the smaller cell phone companies that use the same towers as the four bigger companies.

8. Keep a well-stocked pantry & create a weekly menu

Meal planning is a great way to save money. When you plan your meals, you won’t impulse buy or waste food. Plan your meals, then make a shopping list. Go to the store with your list in hand and only buy what is on the list.

Another great way to save is to have a stocked pantry at all times. This is helpful for last-minute cooking, baking, or when guests drop in. A stocked pantry should include:

Baking goods-flour, sugar, baking flour, baking soda, vanilla, chocolate chips, yeast, and corn starch.
Oils and vinegars-Olive oil, vegetable oil, coconut oil. Balsamic, apple cider, and white vinegar.
Spices-Salt, pepper, kosher salt or sea salt, basic spices you typically use.
Rice, Beans & Grains-Oatmeal, brown rice, white rice, quinoa, black and pinto beans, chili beans, pasta (assorted types your family likes.)
Potatoes and onions
Canned goods-Tomato sauce and tomato paste, canned diced tomatoes, spaghetti sauce, beef or chicken stock, canned chilis, salsa, canned corn or green beans.

Go through your pantry once a month to see what you need so you can keep it stocked up at all times.

Try our personal finance tips and get your money back on track.

9. Use those leftovers

Using leftovers will stretch your food budget. You’ll need to plan ahead so you can make use of your leftovers in the best way possible. See what proteins you plan to use that week, then think of various ways you could use the leftovers for other meals.

Here are some suggestions if you made

Left-over baked chicken turns into chicken tacos
Leftover rice turns into stir-fried rice (include scrambled eggs for protein)
Spaghetti turns into spaghetti pie (freeze it for next week)
Leftover hamburgers can chop up and turn into shepherd’s pie or hamburger mac and cheese

Your family won’t notice that you’ve stretched your food bill, but you will when you see the savings adding up.

10. Shop around for cheaper internet

Another way to save on your family budget is to shop around for cheaper internet service. Call your internet provider telling them you’re thinking of moving to another provider for a such-and-such rate. They’re motivated to keep you as their customer, so they’ll be willing to negotiate with you.

11. Join a warehouse store

Warehouse stores are great places to save money. Buying in bulk saves money and means you’ll make fewer trips to the grocery store. Many warehouse stores accept coupons, so you get double your savings on food, paper goods, diapers, and household items. Most warehouse stores charge you an annual fee, but you will easily get your money back. It’s a simple, painless way to cut your budget, and your family won’t notice… unless you make your them carry in all the stuff you bought.

12. Batch cooking and menu planning

The National Institute of Health recommends cooking your meals in batches to save money. Cook extra batches of taco meat or spaghetti sauce and then freeze them so they’ll be ready to pull out when you need them. This not only saves you time but also helps you resist the urge to order out when you’ve had a rough day at work. Create a two-week dinner menu. Then create your grocery list from your menu. Even if you decide to change a meal out from one night to another, you’ll have all the ingredients you need. This way, you have a plan, but you have some flexibility without going over your budget.

Final Thoughts: Budget Cuts Need Not Be Painful

There are so many simple but strategic ways to cut your budget. Your family won’t notice most of the little things you do. Whether it’s switching out your light bulbs to more energy-efficient ones or shopping at large warehouse stores to buy in bulk, small budget cuts can save you big bucks.

Use your creativity with leftovers and give your internet provider a call to see if they’ll offer you a better deal. Shop around for restaurants that offer special eat free nights for your kids, or use their coupons for discounted buy one, get one free item. There are lots of ways that make small budget cuts, so why not get started today?

How to Make Kombucha to Relieve Gas and Bloating

May 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Kombucha is an ancient beverage that originated in China more than 2,000 years and experienced an unexpected surge in popularity in the West in recent years. Slowly but surely, these specialty teas have made their way out of the refrigerated corners of specialty health food stores into the mainstream.

You’ve likely seen some of the more well-known brands on sale at your local grocery store. Even budget-friendly big-box retailers sell them now. The industry amasses nearly a billion dollars in sales annually.

What most consumers don’t realize is how easy and fun fermented tea can be to produce on your own. The equipment and raw materials are inexpensive. The process is surprisingly straightforward.

Among the many health benefits of kombucha is its impressive ability to alleviate gastrointestinal distress like gas and bloating – even when conventional medicines fail to promote relief.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the world of fermented tea brewing, what you need, some tips for beginners, and the benefits of making your own.

What is Kombucha?

Traditionally, this fermented concoction is a simple combination of oolong tea, sugar, a bit of friendly “mother” bacteria called a SCOBY, and time. The tea is brewed commonly, after which the SCOBY and sugar are added. SCOBY is an acronym that stands for “symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast.” We’ll discuss the benefits of SCOBY later.

The mixture is covered with a cloth and let to brew for roughly two weeks.

Later in this article, we’ll offer step-by-step instructions to make perfectly brewed kombuchas every time. You don’t have to be an experienced chef or know your way around the kitchen — anyone can brew their own from home.

When it is finished, your tea will have a sweet-and-sour taste and a bubbly texture that sets it apart from any other tea incarnation in terms of sensory experience. The taste, as many home-brewers can attest to, is truly addictive.

The Science Behind Kombucha’s Gut Health Benefits

Understandably, the health-boosting claims of proponents of these teas may seem hard to believe initially. When we delve into the science, though, the benefits become easier to swallow.

Before we go in-depth into the benefits, we must understand what occurs during the brewing process. During the roughly 10-day brewing period that the brews remain in your cabinet, the SCOBY (a colony of beneficial bacteria) are busy eating all the sugar that you left them in the tea and reproducing. They eat and breed like rabbits, boosting their numbers substantially by the time the process finishes.

The tea becomes carbonated due to the fermentation of the bacteria. So, in the end-product, you have a delicious, bubbly drink full of these health-promoting bacteria.

Your gut “microbiome” hosts between 300-500 different types of bacteria. Some are “good” bacteria because they promote healthy digestion and mineral uptake, whereas others are “bad” because they cause distress and, in extreme cases, like candida overgrowth.

Unfortunately, in our modern diets, we tend to consume foods that feed harmful bacteria while starving the beneficial ones. We’re looking at you, McDonald’s!

When the good microbes are starved for fuel while the bad boys of the gut are eating high on the hog, imbalances can occur that are frequently the cause of poor gut health and symptoms like gas and bloating.

These teas contain strains of good bacteria in the SCOBY, most notably lactobacillus, that help to restore optimal ratios of good to harmful bacteria and, in effect, promote better health.

Kombucha’s Role in the Mind-Gut Connection

What’s important to understand about gut health is the incredibly close connection between the gut and the brain. Poor gut health can negatively impact mental health, even triggering conditions like depression in people with no previous mental health issues. The reverse is true as well – mental anguish can adversely affect gut health.

Researchers often refer to the connection between the brain and the gut as the “gut-brain-microbiome axis.” This connection explains how stress can contribute to disruptions to digestion, such as gassiness and bloated belly. Only in recent years have scientists begun to fully appreciate the vast interconnection between the two systems.

In fact, the gut contains more than 100 million neurons. That’s almost enough to constitute an entirely separate brain!

With these data-points in mind, understand the enormous impact that improving your gut health through healthy practices like drinking fermented teas benefits your mental well-being.

Most people who take up their fermented tea-drinking habits are not aware of any of the science when they begin drinking these teas — they simply enjoy the taste and the sensations of the carbonation, and it seems like a good alternative to soda (it is!).

Although a number of lifestyle modifications contribute to the overall improvement in well-being, this fermented specialty tea can serve as a large part of your gut-health solution. You will likely feel better physically, emotionally, and mentally after adding it to your daily routine.

These fermented teas are not a cure-all. But if you have battled gastrointestinal issues like gassiness and/or bloated belly and found no relief from your current strategies, consider adding them to your diet and see if you experience the positive results that so many others have.

What You Need to Brew Your Own in Your Kitchen

You don’t need to spend $5 every day on a bottle of brew to achieve better health. For just pennies on the dollar, you can make your own at home.

To get started, just assemble the following cheap materials and ingredients.

Equipment needed for home brewing:

Glass jar (at least a quart)
Breathable cloth or filter (coffee filters work)
Rubber band
Strainer
Measuring Cups

Ingredients needed for home brewing:

Three cups of clean water. The water must be pure. Any excess amounts of chlorine or other chemicals will nullify the SCOBY’s ability to thrive.
One-fourth cup sugar.
Two tea bags (or more, depending on how strong you like your tea)
A healthy SCOBY.

Learn more about the lesser-known probiotic kefir.

How to Find a SCOBY

The most hard-to-come-by ingredient on this list is the SCOBY. You can purchase all the other ingredients at nearly any retailer.

You have a few options for locating your SCOBY. Your best bet, if it’s an option, is to borrow a SCOBY from a friend who brews. Home-brewers who have been active for a while tend to have tons of refrigerated SCOBYs lying around. They will likely be glad to have a way to get rid of them when you call.

The second-best method of obtaining a SCOBY is through social media. Several Facebook groups exist for brewers to trade tips. Often, members will offer SCOBYs to neighbors in their areas free of charge.

The other, more expensive, option if you don’t know any home-brewers is to buy your SCOBY online and have it shipped to you. Several companies offer SCOBYs delivered to your doorstep.

Always remember to refrigerate your SCOBY when you are storing it long-term. This will help keep the bacteria alive, so it will grow once you introduce it to the tea.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Brewing Your Own

To make your own delicious blends, follow this simple guide:

1. Brew tea as you normally would. Green tea or black tea is best.

2. Let the tea cool until it reaches room temperature. You can speed the process up by leaving it in the refrigerator for several minutes.

3. Add your sugar and gently stir.

4. Add your SCOBY.

5. Cover the glass jar with the breathable cloth and fasten the rubber band around the lid.

6. Leave in a dark, cool, clean location at room temperature for 7-30 days.

7. After the brewing process is complete (you’ll know by the sour taste and growing SCOBY), move the batch to the refrigerator.

Final Thoughts on the Kombucha Brewing Process

First of all, SCOBYs are hardy creatures. It takes a lot to kill them, so don’t obsess about it dying if you follow the instructions.

Alcohol is a byproduct of the fermentation process. Kombuchas generally contain no more than 0.5% alcohol content. However, if you add to much sugar or let it brew for too long in a warm environment, you run the risk of producing kombuchas with higher alcohol content.

The ideal brew time, in my experience, is around ten days. The fermentation process moves more quickly in warmer environments and more slowly in colder ones.

You can taste-test your tea blends throughout the brewing process and make judgments based on your preference regarding when to move it to the fridge.

Brewing blends in your home is easy and fun – not to mention a huge boon to your gut health. Once you’ve gained some confidence in your skills, you can begin to experiment with adding fruits and new flavors to your brews.

Therapist Explains How to Restore Emotional Intimacy After a Fight With Your Partner

May 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Conflicts, arguments, and disagreements are bound to happen in the course of any relationship. Sometimes, it gets so bad that the discord escalates from a moderately annoying dispute to a full-blown heartbreak. You or your partner are bound to say harsh and hurtful things to the other that create obvious issues in your love paradise. And afterward, it can be challenging to return to your previous emotional intimacy.

While both physical and emotional bonds are instrumental in making any relationship healthy, after a fight, it can be quite challenging to want to share your body and emotions. Recovering from a bad conflict or any form of betrayal from your partner is a long healing process. It’s possible to get back to where your relationship was before the conflict or even make it better, but it requires patience and wisdom.

Which begs the question in this piece’s segment: How do you restore emotional intimacy in your relationship after a bad conflict? The experts in relationship matters will guide you through a few steps that can help you salvage your relationship and bring your partner closer.

Step to restoring emotional intimacy after you fight with your partner

Keep these things in mind as you move forward after an argument.

It starts with you

The need for change has to start from somewhere. You might want to begin the healing process from within yourself. Take some time to reflect on the happy times, the sad times, the mistakes, and begin to forgive yourself first.

Healing a broken relationship requires multiple gentle and open moves while thinking about your partner. Release all the anger and start working on committing to the relationship rather than trigger another argument. Avoid getting defensive, justifying your mistakes, and ignoring the real problem.

Change your mindset from blaming to forgiving and moving on. It will help you stay calmer.

Someone has to make the first move

As earlier discussed, healing a broken relationship requires gentleness and patience. It also needs someone to save that relationship, drop the ego, and take the responsibility of protecting it. It’s common for both parties to feel like the other party needs to admit to their mistake.

You will need some wisdom to overcome this challenging phase where you get to make the first move. If you are the voice of reason in your relationship, then it’s your responsibility to approach your partner and remind them of your attachments and connections. Consider making the first move when things are calm, and when your partner seems to be in the right mood.

Communication is paramount

Therapists insist for the longest time now, that communication and comprehension work hand in hand in a relationship. Looking at things, you could spend the entire day communicating with your partner about your feelings and thoughts, but if they don’t understand you, it’s all void. Choose a time when your partner is in the mood to communicate and reach an understanding with you.

You could begin this talking phase by hinting at it and let them prepare to discuss and let out their emotions when the time comes. When the time is right, communicate openly about the disagreement. Try to be calm and honest about what you feel. In most cases, conflicts don’t come up because of one event but a culmination of build-up emotions.

The only way you and your partner get to move on from the full-blown heartbreak is through communicating. Get to understand what your partner has been going through. Let them see your troubles and heartbreak through your eyes too.

Apologize and let it go

It takes two to tango; both you and your partner need to acknowledge your mistakes and feel sorry for the wrongdoings. Apologize to your partners after accepting your mistakes and give them the chance to do the same thing. You can only move to the next step if both of you forgive each other and accept to let it go.

What is next?

Now that you are past the worst, you might want to solve the problems that caused the conflict to avoid a repeat of the fight. How did the conflict come about? Was it a lack of quality time? Perhaps a lack of communication? Maybe your intoxication and abuse of alcohol led you to blow things that hurt your partner.

Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter now after you have already forgiven each other and promised to work on the shortcomings. Focus on coming up with a solution to solve the problem at hand. You might decide to see a relationship therapist or perhaps support your partner and enroll them for rehab.

What if the conflicts keep recurring?

Fighting fair is also another effective strategy that helps you improve your communication and prevents another harsh fight. The approach focuses on attacking the mutual problem eating into your relationship, rather than each other. Just because you’ve moved on, doesn’t mean other conflicts won’t erupt.

Nonetheless, it takes wisdom to know how to approach the conflict and when to unleash the tactics. Downplaying the disputes won’t solve the problem. Consider contacting an expert for great fighting fair tactics that will help you stick to the mission.

Time to restore that bond

With all the burden lifted, this should be the right time to work on your lost or weakened bond. Without a doubt, the healing process is a painful process that requires effort, patience, time, love, and lots of forgiveness. Try not to bring up things from the past; it only makes the process harder.

Numerous ways can help you restore the bond in your relationship. For instance, you could go back into memory lane and do the things you both loved to do in the past. Practice regular date nights together, go to movies, or even cook a meal together. Instead of focusing on the conflict moments in your relationship, you could drive your energy into having fun together and recreating those wonderful memories.

Move onto emotional intimacy

Emotional intimacy revolves around so much more than sex. Someone had to say it. Work on reconnecting with one another intimately through using non-sexual methods.

We promise, it’s not going to get boring, and it only gets better. Emotional intimacy entails having deep conversations with one another and enjoying the quality time just between you two. Find unique ways to express your love and appreciation through cuddling, hugging, kissing, touching, and admiring one another.

Through these tips, you will make a great way to reconnect with your partner physically and sexually. It all starts with the emotions first.

Give yourself time

Like we said a little earlier, healing takes time and patience. You can’t just dive into where you left and proceed smoothly. Reconnecting intimately after the bond with your partner was broken will take time.

The last thing you want after coming this far is struggling to create a sexual connection with them because you haven’t built intense emotional intimacy. You might want to start working on trusting your partner again and avoid forcing the process. There isn’t one timeline that defines when you are ready for the next level.

Every relationship, situation, and individual is different. Consider communicating your own healing process with your partner and let them know how you feel every step of the way. When the time is right, you will know.

Seek to find a balance between your relationship and yourself

The strongest relationships are made of two interdependent partners striving to be together against all the odds. As you continue to heal, don’t lose yourself to the relationship. Before you two met, you had your hobbies, a social life, and a professional life; don’t tamper with that.

Ensure that you take care of yourself as much as you strive to take care of your partner and his or her feelings. Allow your spouse to do the same and then come together as a strong, trusting, and secure couple. Again, remember to employ fighting fair whenever an issue comes up, and when an unhealthy argument is about to blow up.

Emotional intimacy doesn’t happen immediately

Nothing good is built overnight. Therapists can’t necessitate this enough. We understand that words hurt, actions replay in your mind, being in love is a risk, and nothing is certain, including restoring emotional intimacy to its previous settings.

It’s important to understand that repairing and redeeming your emotional intimacy with your partner will take time. Before it gets better, there will be tears, spoiled days, and rough nights. However, don’t get discouraged; you will get there with the right amount of effort, energy, hope, and positivity.

Continue finding your way around your partner and work on restoring your romantic side. Intimacy soon follows after everything else is in place. Remember, forgiving, forgetting, and moving on is your relationship’s strongest motto.

Final thoughts on restoring emotional intimacy after a fight

The basis of any strong relationship is an emotional connection. By being gentle, loving, mindful, and caring, you will eventually make yourself a better partner. It starts with you.

Once you’ve made a safe haven for your partner to open up and be a better partner, you will be on the right track to saving your relationship. It’s the little things that count.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

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

The Glorious Benefits Of Eating Leafy Greens

Benefit #1 – Enjoy A Long-Term Memory Boost

Benefit #2 – Naturally Lower Your Blood Pressure

Benefit #3 – Show Your Teeth Some Serious Love

Benefit #4 – Detox Your Liver With Dandelion

Benefit #5 – See Clearly With Lutein & Zeaxanthin

Benefit #6 – Promote Gut Health With Prebiotic Powerhouses

Fast Facts On The World’s Greatest Green Veggies

1. Collards

2. Kale

3. Mustard Greens

4. Arugula

5. Spinach

6. Beet Leaves

Don’t Like Salads? Check Out These Sneaky Green Hacks

Final Thoughts on Eating Your Greens Daily

Here is a rundown of the cosmic view for each sign in the zodiac this month:

Aries (March 21st – April 20th)

Cosmic View for Taurus (April 21st – May 20th)

Gemini (May 21st – June 20th)

Cosmic View for Cancer (June 21st – July 22nd)

Leo (July 23rd – August 22nd)

Cosmic View for Virgo (August 23rd – September 22nd)

Libra (September 23rd – October 22nd)

Cosmic View for Scorpio (October 23rd – November 21st)

Sagittarius (November 22nd – December 21st)

Cosmic View for Capricorn (December 22nd – January 19th)

Aquarius (January 20th – February 18th)

Cosmic View for Pisces (February 19th – March 20th)

Final Thoughts on the Cosmic View for June of 2020

Realities of Your Struggles After Losing a Pet

1 – The pain of losing a pet is real

2 – Grief is normal after losing a pet

3 – Don’t try to ignore your grief

4 – Self-care after you lose a pet

5 – Face your grief, one day at a time

6 – People (non-pet owners) may not get it

7 – Find support in a group

8 – Take care of your other pets

9 – Gratitude for your pet

10 – You’re not alone

How to Help Others Who Have Lost Their Pets

1 – Show them you care

2 – Be there for them

3 – Talk and listen

4 – Recognize the connection they had with their pet

5 – Help them work through any guilt

Final Thoughts on The Grief You Feel Over Losing a Pet

10 Red Flags of A Negative and Bitter Person

1 – Lack gratefulness

How to cope with an ungrateful person:

2 – Cynical

How to cope with the cynic in your life:

3 – Bitter people hold a grudge

How to cope with resentful feelings of others:

4 – Jealousy

How to cope:

5 – They are vocal about their bitterness

How to cope:

6 – Blame shifting

How to cope with a person who refuses to accept accountability:

7 – Irritable and annoyed

How to cope:

8 – Won’t like it if you’re positive and cheerful

How to cope:

9 – Can’t congratulate others

How to cope with someone who cannot (or will not) celebrate your victories:

10 – Bitter people make sweeping assumptions

How to cope with people who make inaccurate assumptions:

Final Thoughts on Identifying and Dealing with a Bitter Person

Do you have fart a lot?

Things that cause you to fart

1. Swallowing air

2. Bacteria in the large intestine

3. Eating gas-producing foods

4. Having IBS

5. Hormonal changes

6. You’re lactose intolerant

7. Celiac disease

Aries (March 21^st – April 20^th)

Cosmic View for Taurus (April 21st – May 20^th)

Gemini (May 21^st – June 20^th)

Cosmic View for Cancer (June 21^st – July 22^nd)

Leo (July 23^rd – August 22^nd)

Cosmic View for Virgo (August 23^rd – September 22^nd)

Libra (September 23^rd – October 22^nd)

Cosmic View for Scorpio (October 23^rd – November 21^st)

Sagittarius (November 22^nd – December 21^st)

Cosmic View for Capricorn (December 22^nd – January 19^th)

Aquarius (January 20^th – February 18^th)

Cosmic View for Pisces (February 19^th – March 20^th)