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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.

15 Healthy Benefits of Eating Guava Every Day

May 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Guava is a fruit in almost every grocery store across America, yet few truly know anything about it. This superfruit is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber on the planet. It has a fragrance that is intoxicating yet sweet.

The Hindi people call this fruit the “am rood,” and in Central America, they call it the “sand plum.” It has an oval appearance with yellow skin. The inside can be white, pink, or red, depending on the stage of ripeness. It also has an abundance of small seeds like dragon fruit.

The Nutritional Value of Guava

Many people reach for a banana to increase their potassium levels, but they can also ingest guava for the same if not better benefits. It’s loaded with nutritional values, and it can help to improve your immunity. Eating four ounces of this fruit has only 68 calories, which is far less than 120 calories in the average banana.

15 Reasons to Make Guava a Healthy Addition to Your Diet

This super fruit is low in sugar, high in calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous. Here are 15 other benefits to this tasty nectar that should be eaten daily to see improved health.

1. It Has Low Glycemic Index

The low glycemic index of this fruit makes it diabetic friendly. Plus, you won’t have to fear sudden spikes in your sugar levels. As an added benefit, the fiber content of this beauty helps to keep you regular.

2. It Can Stop Toothache Pain

Due to the potent anti-inflammatory powers of this fruit, it can fight off infection and kill germs. In many cultures, they will rub the meat from the fruit on the skin near a toothache for instant relief. It can also help with oral ulcers or swollen gums as it helps to eat away the infection. Instead of popping an over-the-counter pain reliever, you can use nature to heal your discomfort.

3. It’s a Natural Immunity Booster

Oranges are always taunted as having significantly high levels of vitamin C, but they aren’t the only fruit with this vitamin content. Guava has four times more Vitamin C than oranges. Additionally, it will help to keep any illnesses or pathogens at bay.

4. It Effortlessly Improves Eyesight

This super fruit is full of Vitamin A, which is known to boost your vision. As you age, your eyesight degrades. However, eating this fruit daily can slow or even stop cataracts or conditions like macular degeneration from the beginning. While carrots still get the award for having the most Vitamin A, this fruit comes in second.

5. It’s Heart Smart

This magic fruit helps keep the right heart balance due to the high sodium and potassium levels in this magic fruit. Those with hypertension can see benefits in their blood pressure when consuming it daily. Also, it’s known to help lower both good and bad cholesterol levels.

Learn about the 25 healthiest foods for anyone over 40 (guava included).

6. It Handles Constipation with Ease

Did you know that one guava can give you 12 percent of your daily recommended fiber amount? Your digestive system will function better, and you will have regular bowel movements. The seeds can be excellent for those who need laxative benefits. There’s no need to buy harsh chemicals at the drug store when nature provides all you need for regularity.

7. It Can Relieve Stress

Everyone seems to have the magic pill for stress. Doctors want to give antidepressants, and the marketplace offers expensive herbal mixes. Perhaps, all you need it the benefits of pure nature. This fruit can help both the muscles and nerves in your body to relax. Additionally, it can combat stress and boost your energy system.

8. It Can Lower Your Cancer Risk

There’ve been many studies conducted that prove that the foods you eat can reduce the risk of contracting cancer. This fruit has potent antioxidants that can neutralize any free radicals within the body, which eventually grow into cancer cells.

It’s also abundant in lycopene and quercetin, which can help keep both breast and prostate cancer at bay. It’s easier to eat this pure fruit every day than to pay the tens of thousands of dollars in cancer treatments.

9. It Helps Fetal Brain Health

When a mother is pregnant, the health of her fetus is of the utmost importance. Since guava has folic acid, B-9 vitamins, and a plethora of other health benefits, it can help the baby’s brain and nervous system during development. It’s known to stave away any neurological conditions too.

10. It Helps Your Brain Health

Since this fruit has such a dramatic impact on a baby’s brain, what can it do for an adult? Well, niacin and pyridoxine, known as vitamins B3 and B6, are essential for daily consumption.

They help to relax the nerves and improve cognitive function. Many people toss the antidepressants and supplement their stress and anxiety with B vitamins, so eating a delicious fruit may be the answer you need.

Read up on the benefits of another healthful fruit–plums!

11. It Enhances Your Complexion

Your skin should look radiant and fresh. Did you know you can use fruit to create a DIY scrub at home? Mix the surface of the guava with egg yolk, and then you must mix it thoroughly. Apply it to the face, and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse the mixture with warm water and towel dry.

Use this method once or twice a week, and you will see a dramatic improvement in your skin. It will not only lighten your complexion but will remove any dead cells from your face. The skin often becomes discolored and develops dark spots as you age, which is entirely normal.

However, the abundant source of Vitamin K will help to combat those spots as well as dark circles and redness. It’s an inexpensive way to get glowing skin.

12. It Fights Cough and Colds

When you’re dealing with colds, the doctor always tells you to boost your Vitamin C content. This vitamin has a long history of helping with both bacterial and viral infections.

For this purpose, it’s best to use the juice of one of the immature and not quite ripe varieties. The fruit’s delicate makeup can cut through both mucus and heal the respiratory tract and even the lungs.

13. It’s Great for Weight Loss

Are you tired of fighting the battle of the bulge? Have you done everything that you’re supposed to do, but nothing seems to help? Guava may be the thing you need to kick your weight loss into high gear.

Not only is this fruit a very filling snack, but it’s lower in sugar than other fruits. Forgo the apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes as this one won’t bother people with diabetes. Since it’s so filling, you can eat less and still feel full.

Plus, all the fiber and proteins can help boost your metabolism and turn your body into the ultimate fat-busting machine.

14. It Improves Skin’s Texture and Elasticity

Every bit of this fruit can be used to tighten skin and improve its elasticity. The fruit itself has high astringent properties. Shockingly, the leaves of this plant have even higher properties than the meat inside.

Mix the fruit into a paste and apply it to your face. Then, cover the wet mixture with the leaves and allow them to sit for 20 minutes. By doing this a couple of times each week, you will see flabby skin begin to tighten as collagen production is boosted.

15. It Keeps Fine Lines and Wrinkles Away

It seems this fruit can do more than any cream you buy at the store. Another fantastic advantage is that it can help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and it can keep them from developing in the first place.

The key is the carotene and lycopene inside the meat. It’s powerful enough to keep your skin glowing, healthy, and wrinkle-free. Why wouldn’t you want to eat this fruit and use it as a mask? Its benefits are astounding.

Final Thoughts on Adding Guava to Your Menu and Enjoying Improved Health

How many times have you strolled through the produce section at your local supermarket and never noticed this fantastic fruit? You may have passed and wondered what it was as you kept going. So many people reach for strawberries, apples, bananas, and grapes because they are the most common.

The sad fact is that many are passing up what could be the answer to their health dilemma. This one fruit is so versatile and can help so many aspects of your body. It can be mixed as a smoothie, added to other fruits in a salad, and even made into a paste for massive skin benefits.

The best part about using nature as a health remedy is that it’s inexpensive and has no harsh side effects. Stop reaching for prescription and over-the-counter medications when there are things that have the potential to give the same if not better results. Always trust Mother Nature first.

Therapist Explains 16 Ways to Beat Family Claustrophobia

May 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Claustrophobia is an anxiety condition that makes you feel as if you are smothering from being in close quarters. Family claustrophobia can develop when you have too much togetherness. The recent shelter in place orders has affected people negatively.

Many families only have a few hours together in the evenings, and they long for more time with their loved ones. However, too much of a good thing is just too much. If you’re struggling with having too much togetherness, then here are a few tips to ensure that you don’t feel smothered by your loved ones.

16 Ways to Cope with Family Claustrophobia

Here are 16 behaviors you can adopt to beat the feeling of family claustrophobia.

1. Meditation

Meditation is a great way to release negative energy and allow positivity to flow. When you are feeling overwhelmed by your children or spouse, then meditation can transport your mind to another place where peace and tranquility reside.

2. Spend Time in Nature

If everyone is in the house on their video games and such, then getting out in the great outdoors may be just what you need. Walk barefooted and allow yourself to be grounded.

Also, let the warm, golden rays of the sun penetrate your soul. There’s nothing better than fresh air when you’re feeling closed in and in need of space.

3. Set Firm Boundaries

When everyone is crowded inside together, and family claustrophobia is taking over, you need to set some firm boundaries. Children love to hang on parents and be nearby. Set restrictions for everyone so that your personal space isn’t completely taken over by everyone else.

4. Identify A Quiet Spot

Some parents like to create a place where they can go to get away from it all. You can identify your bedroom, the garage, or the basement as your retreat. Let your family know that you don’t want to be disturbed when you are in your space. It’s essential that you don’t let too much togetherness get the best of you.

5. Listen to Instrumental Music

Sometimes, there is something so soothing about piano music. There are plenty of online videos that can help you to calm yourself. Whether it’s listening to the ocean’s waves or hearing the rain falling, find some instrumental that can help you stay calm when everything seems wrong.

6. Zoom Chat with Your Friends

While you may not be able to get out and about just yet, you can at least utilize the power of the internet to connect you. You can call your family and friends with apps like Zoom. If you need to vent or just deflect from the happenings at your house, then chat sites are the way to go.

7. Ask Relatives for Help

When you have children that are in constant need of your attention, you must realize your limits. You can only do so much in a day. When togetherness is getting to you, then you should call in friends or relatives to help.

Even if you only get an hour or two to go to the grocery store alone, it’s worth it to clear your mind and destress a bit.

8. Do Fun Group Activities

If togetherness is getting to you, then you need to have a change of pace. Many people have no choice but to be together, so you might as well enjoy the time you have. Why not play some board games, have a picnic in the back yard, or spray the kids off with the water hose?

The little things you do can really make a difference in breaking up the monotony of the day. Plus, when you have fun and laugh, you will have less time to stress about the claustrophobic feelings you’ve developed.

9. Take a Nice Bubble Bath

It’s easy to get testy, irritable, and lose all tolerance when your stress load is too much to bear. Thankfully, you can soak your troubles away in a bubble bath. If you don’t like a tub, then you should consider a nice, hot shower.

Water is very calming, and it can wash away your stress and anxiety from dealing with your family. Close the door, light some candles, and slip into a tub of relaxation. It’s the best thing you can do to deal with family claustrophobia.

10. Get a Message

Ask your partner to give you a massage. Stress can quickly cause your muscles to feel strain in your back and neck area. You can combat this stress by having a massage.

When you put firm pressure on these sore muscles, it can release the tension that makes you feel bad. Things can look so much different when you relax after a massage.

11. Laugh

If the family claustrophobia is starting to take its toll, then you need to laugh. Laughter is good for the soul because it allows you to release stress hormones like cortisol. When you’re releasing those hormones, you instantly feel calmer.

Research shows that you must have a significant belly laugh to feel these effects. Also, ask your family to join in with you on watching funny videos, comedians, and other hilarious things. It will make everyone feel much better and lift the mood of your home.

12. Chew Gum

It probably sounds like the craziest suggestion around, but a study proved that chewing gum could help with your stress levels. Being around family for long periods is incredibly hectic, so by chewing your favorite gum, you can alleviate some of the angst.

The Swinburne University in Melbourne conducted a study in 2008. They found that chewing gum can relieve anxiety, improve alertness, and reduce stress, plus it helps to clean your teeth. So when your family claustrophobia is becoming too much, chewing gum might help.

13. Give Hugs

Since you’re already in close quarters, you may find that a hug is all you need to make things better. Carnegie Mellon University has proven that a hug releases a feel-good chemical in your brain that instantly makes you calmer.

While you must make sure that you’re not hugging someone who is sick, you often can and should hug your family members. Who knows, maybe the family member you hug needed the embrace just as much as you.

14. Unplug from Social Outlets

Cell phone usage is a big part of life. People don’t just use these phones for calling or texting people, they have become hubs where bills are paid, you shop for groceries, and you can’t put them down for more than five minutes.

Did you know that people who are addicted to their phones have a much higher chance of developing depression? You feel like you can’t get anywhere without your phone with you, but there is such freedom in unplugging from the world.

When you’re having high stress and feelings of family claustrophobia abound, then try turning off all your devices. You may be surprised at how much better you feel by getting rid of this one load.

15. Dispose of Unwanted Items and Organize Your Home

Since you have some downtime, you might as well put this time to good use. If your family being so close is bothering you, then why not put them to work? Everyone has things around their home that needs to be done.

Make an inventory list and see what items you can accomplish with the whole brood helping. Do you have closets that need to be organized, or do you need to tackle that messy garage? Use the time you have to make the most of all the help.

16. Learn Breathing Techniques

Did you know that breathing techniques can help you to relax and ease the tension? If your family is hovering around and you feel like you can’t catch your breath, then doing some simple rhythmic breathing can be the key.

Slip away to a quiet spot, even if it’s the bathroom, and try power breaths. You want to Inhale to the count of seven, hold it for seven seconds, and then release it to the count of seven. As you begin to breathe, your heart rate will slow, and your mind will clear.

The beauty of this calming technique is that you can do it anytime or anywhere. You can even practice this on the side of the freeway if necessary. Within five breaths, you should see a dramatic improvement in your mental clarity and overall mood.

Final Thoughts on Dealing with Family Claustrophobia

Togetherness is a good thing. Benjamin Franklin said that fish and relatives are similar because, after three days, both start to stink. If you find being in close quarters with your loved ones to be overwhelming, then trying a few of these 16 tips listed above may help you.

There are many times when you may be home with the entire family. From times of global pandemic to the school’s summer vacation, it can be described as the best of times and the worst of times. However, try to make the most of the time you have together as it won’t last forever.

20 Quotes About Motivating Yourself When You Feel Anxiety

May 27, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Reading quotes about motivating yourself when you feel anxious can help you work through the anxious feelings. They can also help you ignore the anxious feelings and keep being productive. Everyone needs motivation once in a while, and these quotes about motivating are the perfect place to start.

You may be the type of person who gives perfect advice to everyone else, but then fail to do the same for yourself. Likely, you motivate others around you to do their best. Those closest to you have probably been comforted by you and urged to stay motivated during anxious moments.

Yet, even with all of the great advice and motivation you give to others, you may still need motivation yourself. That’s where quotes about motivating yourself when you feel anxiety help.

Like the other people in your life who need advice and tips for staying motivated, you do, too. These quotes can help you get an outsider’s perspective on anxious situations that threaten your motivation. If you don’t have anyone in your life to help you, quotes about motivating yourself are even more helpful.

20 Quotes About Motivating Yourself to Conquer Your Anxiety

1. “Do not wait; the time will never be ‘just right.’ Start where you stand, and work with whatever tools you may have at your command, and better tools will be found as you go along.” – George Herbert

When you feel anxious, it’s tempting to put things off. You have to fight against that urge, however. The time will never be right and you’ll never be fully comfortable.

Get started now and work with what you have. As you go on, it will get easier and you’ll find more resources to help you on your journey.

2. “Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside of you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D Larson

Have faith in what you can do and who you can become. You are greater than anything that stands in your way, including your anxiety.

3. “Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.” – Deepak Chopra

Anxiety normally occurs more than once in a person’s lifetime. Think about how you’ve reacted to that feeling in the past. This time, react in a different, more positive way.

If you react as you did in the past, you’ll get the same results as you did before. As Chopra explained, you’ll continue to be a prisoner of the past. On the other hand, if you react positively, you’ll get different results.

4. “Trust yourself. You’ve survived a lot, and you’ll survive whatever is coming.” – Robert Tew

You’ve made it through everything that’s happened so far in your life, and you’ll continue surviving. Ignore your anxiety and push forward. You can’t stay where you are because it’s uncomfortable.

5. “Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” – Sam Levenson

The more time you spend watching the clock, the more time you’re wasting. You should be spending that time working toward your goals and getting things done. The clock never stops and neither should you.

6. “Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. Who looks outside, dreams. Who looks inside, awakens.” – Carl Jung

When you look inside yourself, you’ll see what you need to do. That’s when your goals can be reached. Looking outside only allows you to dream and focus on obstacles.

7. “Good humor is a tonic for mind and body. It is the best antidote for anxiety and depression. It is a business asset. It attracts and keeps friends. It lightens human burdens. It is the direct route to serenity and contentment.” – Grenville Kleiser

To ease your anxiety, try to find something to laugh about. It’ll make you feel better and will attract friendship, contentment, and will benefit you in a business sense.

8. “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

If your anxiety comes from the worry about what others will think, you can put that to rest right away. Other people judge you less often than you believe. Most of them hardly think about the things that you do at all.

9. “There will be obstacles. There will be doubters. There will be mistakes. But with hard work, there are no limits.” – Michael Phelps

Nothing ever works out perfectly. There will be challenges to get through and you might have to make a new plan at some point. Even so, keep moving and working hard so that you can be successful.

10. “I tell you the past is a bucket of ashes, so live not in your yesterdays, not just for tomorrow, but in the here and now. Keep moving and forget the post mortems; and remember, no one can get the jump on the future.” – Carl Sandburg

If you live in the present moment, your anxiety will fade away. Don’t stress about the things that have already happened, and don’t let the future cause anxious thoughts. By focusing on now, you’ll be able to keep moving and effectively get things done.

11. “Everything you have ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” – George Addair

You have to push past the anxiety and fear if you want to reach your goals. Get started and keep moving. Before you know it, you’ll have the things you’ve worked hard for.

12. “My anxiety doesn’t come from thinking about the future but from wanting to control it.” – Unknown

Remind yourself that you can’t control the future. The only thing you can do is control the present. By doing this, you’ll ease your anxiety and begin setting yourself up for a bright future.

13. “No amount of anxiety can change the future. No amount of regret can change the past.” – Unknown

Like the last quote, this one explains that having anxiety will not allow you to control the future. Only the things that you do now can lead you on the path you want. The past and future cannot be changed, but the present moment can be.

14. “Sometimes the bad things that happen in our lives put us directly on the path to the most wonderful things that will ever happen to us.” – Nicole Reed

When things don’t go as planned, it doesn’t mean that you’ve failed. When the anxious feelings kick in, remind yourself that you can now follow a new path. This new path will lead to great things that you never expected.

15. “Nothing diminishes anxiety faster than action.” – Walter Anderson

If you get started on something, you won’t have time to think about your anxious feelings and thoughts. Before you know it, the feelings will be gone.

16. “Anxiety does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows, but only empties today of its strength.” – Charles Spurgeon

No matter how anxious you feel, it won’t stop the sorrows that you’ll feel tomorrow. What anxiety does stop is your strength today. Let go of the anxiety so you can be strong today.

17. “If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” – Amit Ray

To get through anxiety, focus on the present. If you live in the moment, you’ll be able to get through your anxiety.

18. “Anxiety’s like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you very far.” – Jodi Picoult

Anxiety might give your mind something to think about and your body something to stress about. As Picoult explained, it doesn’t do any good, however, and it doesn’t get you anywhere. Focus on something positive and you’ll get much farther.

19. “You don’t have to control your thoughts. You just have to stop letting them control you.” – Dan Millman

It’s difficult to control your thoughts. Even though you should work to change your thought process, it doesn’t always work. What you should focus on learning is to not let those thoughts control you.

If you can learn to do that, you’ll be able to keep going when you feel anxious. You’ll learn to stay motivated and reach your goals, despite the negative feelings you’re having.

20. “Anxiety was born in the very same moment as mankind. And since we will never be able to master it, we will have to learn to live with it—just as we have learned to live with storms.” – Paulo Coelho

Having anxious feelings is part of being human. It happens to everyone, so it’s important to learn to work through it.

Keep moving and getting things done no matter how anxious you are. You can’t let those feelings control your life. It’s important to work through every storm of life, and eventually it will pass.

Final Thoughts on Quotes About Motivating Yourself to Overcome Your Anxiety

Feeling anxious is a natural part of life and most people experience it. It’s important to learn how to work through it and ignore the part of you that wants to give up.

Keep moving and working toward your goals. These quotes about motivating yourself when you feel anxiety should help you keep going.

15 Quotes About Best Friends to Remember Always

May 27, 2020 by Power of Positivity

There are many quotes about best friends that describe a true friend-for-life or explain real friendships. These quotes can make you smile thinking of your best friend. They can also offer advice on friendships.

These are also good quotes to share with your best friend. When you find one that relates to your relationship, don’t keep it to yourself. If you loved it, chances are they will, too.

Whether friendship is new or old, there are quotes about best friends to apply to all. Friendships are special and should be treated that way, as many of these quotes explain.

15 Quotes About Best Friends

1. “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

Your true friends will always enrich your life. But most of all, their constant presence in times of trouble make them part of your soul. Those who stay by your side through thick and think will be the ones who make the longest-lasting impression through this lifetime and the next.

2. “Throughout life, you will meet one person who is like no other. You could talk to this person for hours and never get bored, you could tell this person things and they will never judge you. This person is your soulmate, your best friend. Don’t ever let them go.” – Unknown

When you find your soulmate, it may not be your significant other. Your soulmate could be your best friend. Not everyone is lucky enough to find a best friend like that, so if you do, keep them around.

You’ll know your best friend is your soulmate when you never get tired of talking to them. Plus, you can tell them anything and not have to worry about judgment.

Here are ten ways to stay connected with your friends during social distancing.

3. “That’s when I realized what a true friend was. Someone who would always love you – the imperfect you, the confused you, the wrong you – because that is what people are supposed to do.” – R. J. L.

A friend doesn’t judge you and doesn’t give up on you when you aren’t perfect. They love you through all of the hard times. When you have someone like this in your life, you never have to worry about the friendship ending.

4. “One measure of friendship consists not in the number of things friends can discuss, but in the number of things they need no longer mention.” – Clifton Fadiman

When you are such good friends with someone, they’ll know all of the stories you normally tell. They know the interesting facts and quirks about you already. Plus, they know some of the intimate details most people don’t know.

When this is the case, you may not have as many things to talk about. Or, on the other hand, maybe it’ll give you more to talk about. Either way, if you’re at this point in a friendship, you can likely consider the person a true best friend.

5. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” – Oprah Winfrey

The people who are true to you are the ones who are around when there isn’t luxury or excitement. When you’re in a tough position, a real friend will be there with you despite the circumstances.

Remember, as Oprah explains, many people will be there for the great times. You can’t call these people your best friends, as a best friend is there for the rest, too.

6. “I think if I’ve learned anything about friendship, it’s to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don’t walk away, don’t be distracted, don’t be too busy or tired, don’t take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff.” – Jon Katz

Like all relationships, friendships aren’t always easy. People get angry, annoyed, disconnected, and many other emotions. Even though this may make things tough, you should still make the relationship a priority.

When things get hard, work hard to make them work. Don’t give up on having an amazing friend because things got tough. Fight for the friendship and make sure to always be there for each other.

7. “The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing… not healing, not curing… that is a friend who cares.” – Henri Nouwen

You will encounter people in life who aren’t comfortable with hard moments. The way these people will want to help is by doing something. Sometimes, though, there is nothing that they can do, so they leave.

A best friend will still be there, however, even when there is nothing they can do. They’ll be there to support you, comfort you, and just sit silently with you. As Nouwen stated, the friend who cares is the one who sits with you even when they can’t do anything.

8. “There are three things that grow more precious with age; old wood to burn, old books to read, and old friends to enjoy.” – Henry Ford

The longer your friendship continues, the more precious it becomes. When people can grow together in that way, there is a deeper level of understanding and love.

All friendships are precious, but the ones that have survived all the unexpected changes in life are even more so. If you want a friendship to reach that point, take care of it so that it doesn’t get ruined.

9. “A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.” – Walter Winchell

When life gets tough, people tend to walk away to escape the hardships. You may notice that close friends become distant or completely absent. Pay attention to who disappears and who stays by your side when things aren’t perfect.

The friends who stick around through those times are the best ones to have. They are the people who will help you or just be there for you when you need someone.

10. “Best friends don’t necessarily have to talk every day. They don’t even need to talk for weeks. But when they do, it’s like they never stopped talking.” – Unknown

While it is important to nurture a friendship and be there for the other person, sometimes like gets busy. Real best friends know where they stand with one another. No matter how much time passes since they’ve seen each other or spoken, they are still best friends.

Even if they haven’t talked for a while, they’ll pick up where they left off. When you’re in this type of friendship, you’ll find comfort knowing someone who loves you is just a call away.

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

11. “Every friendship goes through ups and downs. Dysfunctional patterns set in; external situations cause internal friction; you grow apart and then bounce back together.” – Mariella Frostrup

No relationship is perfect, not even a friendship. Someone will inevitably offend or upset the other friend, and conflict will set in. When this happens, you have to let go of the negative feelings so that the friendship can rebound.

12. “When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a warm and tender hand.” – Henri Nouwen

Good friends will sit with you in silence when the time is right. They don’t always feel the need to be doing something or talking. The best friendships are the ones where silence is comfortable and just being near each other is comforting.

13. “Growing apart doesn’t change the fact that for a long time we grew side by side; our roots will always be tangled. I’m glad for that.” – Ally Condie

When you were friends with someone for a long time, they impact your life is every possible way. Even if you part ways, that friend will always be a part of you. When two people grow together, they’re always together in that way, as Condie explains in her quote.

14. “Friendship — my definition — is built on two things. Respect and trust. Both elements have to be there. And it has to be mutual. You can have respect for someone, but if you don’t have trust, the friendship will crumble.” – Stieg Larsson

Oftentimes, respect, and trust have to be earned. For a real friendship, both of those things must be present. If you can’t trust someone or respect them, then there is no real friendship happening.

If you have anyone in your life that you think that way of, it is time to rethink the friendship. Only focus on the relationships that you have faith in.

15. “Friendship is a strong and habitual inclination in two persons to promote the good and happiness of one another.” – Eustace Budgell

In a friendship, both people should always want to help the other person become better. Whether this is through working hard, correcting character flaws, or even just being happy, friends want that for one another.

Final Thoughts on Quotes About Best Friends to Remember Always

These quotes about best friends are ones that you should remember forever. Whether you need friendship advice or a way to explain the friendship, these are good ones to refer to.

Friendships are special, but they aren’t always easy. Even the best ones go through rough patches, as some of the authors of quotes about best friends pointed out.

Remember these quotes and the way your friend positively impacts your life. If you do that, you’ll be able to continue your friendship forever.

15 Quotes About Days You’d Rather Stay in Bed

May 26, 2020 by Power of Positivity

We can all relate to quotes about days you’d rather stay in bed. Everyone experiences these types of days once in a while. Even though these days are hard, it’s essential to get moving and try your best.

These quotes about days can help you get through the hardest times. They can give you the motivation you need to get out of bed. Plus, they’ll remind you that you can get through anything.

No matter what is causing you to want to stay in bed, you’ll be able to relate to these quotes. Let them help you and inspire you, now that you know you aren’t alone in this feeling.

15 Quotes About Days You’d Rather Stay in Bed

1. “Starting today, I need to forget what’s gone. Appreciate what still remains and look forward to what’s coming next.” – Unknown

You can change what has already happened, so there is no need to dwell on it. Try to forget it and put it behind you. Fill your thoughts with the right things to come instead of what has already left your life.

It may not always be easy to redirect your thoughts in this way, but it’ll get easier each time. By getting moving and consciously changing your thought process, you’ll feel better in no time.

2. “Someday, everything will make perfect sense. So, for now, laugh at the confusion, smile through the tears, and keep reminding yourself that everything happens for a reason.” – Unknown

You may not realize it now, but everything that happens is setting you up to live the life you’re meant for. When things change or don’t go as planned, it only means that something better is coming.

Instead of wallowing, try to accept the situation. Look for the good, and try to laugh and smile through it all.

3. “Sometimes you climb out of bed in the morning, and you think, I’m not going to make it, but you laugh inside — remembering all the times you’ve felt that way.” – Charles Bukowski

Everyone has days where they don’t want to get out of bed. When things didn’t go as planned the day or week before, it can be difficult to face what is coming next. You can’t hide forever, though, and the sooner you start moving forward, the sooner you’ll feel like yourself again.

Each time you got out of bed when you didn’t want to, you’re taking a positive step toward your future. Every day will get more comfortable, too, as you’ll begin to realize that you will make it.

4. “I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Michael Jordan

Even the most successful people have bad days or make mistakes. They lose sometimes, and things don’t always go as planned. They keep trying, though and correct any errors to be successful.

5. “Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tiptoe if you must, but take the step.” – Unknown

Getting out of bed is the first step needed to get your life going in the right direction. If you want to succeed or move forward, you have to get started. This small step is sometimes the hardest to do, but it’s well worth it to see what is coming next.

6. “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” – Thomas Edison

If you choose to give up, you will never know how close you were. To be successful, you can’t give up. You never know when it’s your time, and you shouldn’t allow yourself to fail by giving up.

7. “You may not be able to control every situation and its outcome, but you can control your attitude and how you deal with it.” – Unknown

Life is uncontrollable and unpredictable. While you may know what you want to happen, it still might not happen the way you wanted. You have to learn to accept that and work to see the positive in these situations.

When you feel yourself wanting to give up and stay in bed, change your thought process and attitude. Your attitude can be the determining factor for giving yourself a pick-me-up.

8. “You don’t always need a plan. Sometimes you just need to breathe, trust, let go and see what happens.” – Mandy Hale

Try to enjoy your life by just letting it happen. Stop trying to control and plan everything because it can only lead to disappointment.

Instead, trust that you will be fine, and your life will work out. When you relax and enjoy life, you’ll be amazed by how great it can be.

9. “Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the little voice at the end of the day that says I’ll try again tomorrow.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

You don’t have to do huge things to be a courageous person. All that it takes is to choose to try again after feeling discouraged or like a failure. By not giving up, you are proving to yourself that you are truly courageous.

10. “It is through falling down that we learn how to stand up again. It is through adversity that we gather our strengths to live the life we want… and pursue our dreams.” – Unknown

The only way to recognize your strengths and to go after your goals is to keep trying again. You have to push on when times are hard and keep working hard. Don’t give up, or you’ll never get there, but if you keep going, you’ll only get closer.

11. “Decide what you want. Believe you can have it. Believe that you deserve it, and believe it’s possible for you.” – Jack Canfield

Once you have committed yourself to what you want, keep trying and, as Canfield said, believe in yourself. Things may not go the way you planned the first time, but that doesn’t mean that it won’t happen for you at all. Figure out what went wrong and try it a different way the next time.

If you keep trying again despite setbacks or failures, you’ll be successful. Don’t give up, or you’ll never know what could happen next.

12. “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Life is easy when everything is comfortable and convenient. When things get hard, however, you have to rise above and work hard to get through it. This will determine the kind of person you are, and you’ll be happier with life if you keep going.

13. “Sometimes the reason good things are not happening to you is because you are the good thing that needs to happen to other people.” – Unknown

When life unexpectedly changes course, you may not understand the reason for it. Your plans may have been disrupted, or you may have been disappointed. When this happens, think about it as an opportunity for something else.

This change will take your life in a new direction, and you’ll engage with people you wouldn’t have otherwise. So, try to think of your misfortunes as opportunities for you to be the good in someone else’s life.

14. “There is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” – A.A. Milne

We tend to be harder on ourselves than we should be. So, when you are hard on yourself, remember that your negative thoughts aren’t accurate.

As Milne explained, remind yourself that you are brave, healthy, and smart. You can get through anything, and you shouldn’t doubt yourself.

15. “Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it.” – Lou Holtz

Many people can do things, but not many get things done. This is because you need motivation and a positive attitude to be successful.

Try to remember that the next time you’d rather get out of bed than face the day. The only way to get things done and be successful is by trying again.

Final Thoughts on Quotes About Days You’d Rather Stay in Bed

These quotes about days you’d rather stay in bed are for everyone because everyone experiences that feeling at some point. When you are dreading the day ahead, just remember that you’ll get through anything. Try to remain positive and focus on the good that will be coming your way.

Bad things don’t last forever, and you’ll get many more chances in life. Remind yourself of how great you are and remember that each day is a new chance to be happy. Let these quotes about days you’d rather stay in bed help you get through.

15 Signs That Might Reveal You Have A Fatty Liver

May 26, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Scientists estimate that between 80-100 million Americans suffer from fatty liver disease. This condition occurs when your body has too much fat and cannot metabolize it properly. The fat cells are stored in the liver, which causes it to swell and build up high levels of triglycerides.

Fatty liver is often not severe enough to cause full liver failure, but this organ has the power to regenerate itself. If you eat right and take preventative measures, then you can reverse the damage. However, how do you know if your liver is in trouble?

Signs of Liver Damage

Your body will give you signs that there is an issue. Even though you cannot see it, your liver is speaking to you. Here are 15 signs that your liver is in trouble.

1. Your Sleep Patterns are Chaotic

Did you know that one of the main culprits of sleep deprivation is cirrhosis? When your liver isn’t functioning correctly, then it can be hard to get a good night of rest. A study conducted by the Egyptian Journal of Chest Diseases and Tuberculosis proved this theory.

In 2012, Menoufiya University Hospital studied 30 patients with cirrhosis. Their findings were conclusive that liver problems and sleep deprivation run hand-in-hand.

2. Your Skin Itches

One of the first signs that your liver is not functioning correctly is that your skin will itch. The clinical name for this condition is primary biliary cholangitis. The impairment caused in this vital organ has damaged the bile ducts, which creates a build-up of bile.

3. Yellowing Eyes

It can be scary to look in the mirror and see the whites of your eyes have a yellow cast to them. However, this is called jaundice, and it’s all caused by the build-up of bilirubin in the body. When the body has too much bilirubin, the liver will begin excreting it. Yellowing eyes can stem from cirrhosis, fatty liver, or hepatitis B.

4. You Have Memory Problems

Have you noticed that you forget things that you usually would remember? When your liver is failing, the build-up of toxins in the blood can affect your brain. The clinical term for this is hepatic encephalopathy, and it’s a severe problem that needs immediate medical attention.

5. You’re Constantly Fatigued

Chronic fatigue can be a symptom of many diseases. However, an unhealthy liver may be the culprit. In 2006, a study was conducted by the Christian Medical College in India. They found that oxidative stress occurs when the fatty liver or another disease causes impaired liver function. If you have fatigue with no identifiable reason, then it could be your liver causing the problem.

6. Your Weight is Going Up or Down

If your weight takes a drastic turn up or down without effort, then it can be a sign of a fatty liver. Cirrhosis of the liver is caused by damage. Over time, the healthy liver tissues are replaced by scarring.

The scars don’t allow the organ to work correctly, which can cause a difference in your metabolism. A weight change of more than 10-15 pounds in either direction needs to be evaluated.

7. Men Develop Breasts

If you have fatty liver disease, then men can develop enhanced breast tissue. It’s mostly observed with the nonalcoholic varieties. It seems weird that the liver can cause breasts, but there is a medical reason behind this phenomenon.

Gynecomastia, which is an imbalance of hormones in the body, is caused by liver damage. It’s disrupting the making of estrogen and testosterone. When a diseased liver is present, then it can cause all sorts of problems in the body.

So, if you’re experiencing symptoms of gynecomastia, seeking professional care is crucial to address both the aesthetic and health aspects of the condition. Facilities like the San Antonio gynecomastia center can help diagnose and treat this condition, offering tailored solutions to restore hormonal balance and improve quality of life.

Early intervention not only helps manage the physical changes but also addresses potential root causes, such as liver health, to prevent further complications.

8. You Have Edema in Ankles and Legs

Obesity and alcohol are two culprits that contribute to a diseased liver. Consequently, you wouldn’t think that problems with your liver would result in excess fluid in your feet and ankles.

You must realize that many issues within your body can cause edema, including heart problems. However, it’s just one of the signs that your liver is not working as it should.

9. Your Body Bruises Easily

It’s not uncommon to bruise easily as you age. Your skin becomes thinner, and this can cause marks to appear on your body for seemingly no reason. When you have problems with your liver, unexplained bruising can be a sign that this organ is not functioning correctly. The worse off the condition of this vital organ, the worse the bruising can become.

Know the early warning signs of a fatty liver.

10. The Palms of Your Hands are Bright Red

Everyone has a different pigmentation to their skin and specifically the palms of their hands. However, have you noticed that your palms have been redder than usual, and there is no apparent reason? Fatty liver may be the culprit.

Even if you don’t drink regularly or have never touched a drop, your liver can develop cirrhosis type damage from scar tissue build up. The excessive bile and toxins in your body can cause your palms to have an enhanced hue.

11. Your Urine Is Dark

There are only a few things that cause dark urine, and one of them is a fatty liver. The same high levels of bilirubin that is causing your skin and eyes to turn yellow are also causing problems for your urine. The kidneys are also affected by your damaged liver, and it can’t filter all this bilirubin from your pee.

12. You’re Plagued with Dry Eyes or a Dry Mouth

Having dry eyes or a dry mouth is quite a common problem. Many medications on the market have this as a side effect. While it seems like a benign issue, it can be an indication that something more sinister is lurking inside.

When you have a damaged liver, the signs are easy to catch promptly. Dry eyes and mouth can be caused by primary biliary cholangitis, which means the liver is not functioning as it should. The good news is that this appears early on the liver disease spectrum, and it can be one of the main symptoms that your doctor uses to help point them in the right direction for your care.

13. Your Concentration is Suffering

Concentration issues aren’t always the hallmark of liver problems as everyone experiences issues with their attention span at one time or another. However, if your concentration problems have become commonplace, then it warrants an evaluation.

You need to make sure that you don’t have another underlying condition, such as ADHD or heart disease. The problems with your attention can be caused by liver failure, and it’s effects on the brain. The build-up of bilirubin can wreak havoc on the body, but you can stop the liver disease in its tracks.

14. You Have No Appetite

Are you not hungry these days? Has your appetite changed dramatically? If you could chow down like a pro but now find that you’re having a challenging time cleaning your plate, then it could be a sign your liver is in trouble.

When your appetite takes a sudden shift, there are a few things that could cause the problem, such as depression. However, your doctor will be able to identify liver problems by doing a CBC and hepatic panel blood test.

15. Your Belly is Swelled Like a Pregnant Stomach

Your stomach will bloat if you overeat or have foods laden in salt. Consequently, fluid build-up in the abdomen is also a sign of liver failure. Ascites is where the toxins in the body cause fluid retention.

When the body is being affected by the liver, not working and filtering the toxins, then it will cause all sorts of signs. Ascites is difficult because the swelling can go up and down quickly. A man may have his belly swell to the point where he looks nine months pregnant. A woman, consequently, may think she’s pregnant too.

Final Thoughts on Reversing Fatty Liver

If your doctor has told you that you have a fatty liver from obesity or another underlying health problem, the good news is that you have the power to change things. The liver can rejuvenate itself. Did you know that if you cut half of the liver away, it will regrow?

It’s the only organ in the body that can repair and restore the damage. However, many things are required to reverse the harm. First, you need to flush the body with plenty of lemon water. Second, you need to eat a diet that is low in sodium and carbohydrates, which will quickly shed any excess pounds.

Lastly, taking an herbal supplement like milk thistle has been shown to do amazing things for your liver. You can monitor your progress by having your doctor conduct regular blood tests. Any liver damage will show up in the blood as well as through scans such as a CT or MRI.

Getting a diagnosis that you have liver problems is devastating, but through the power of nature and your determination to change things, you can reverse the damage through detox.

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