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Psychology Explains How a Calm Mind Helps You Make Better Decisions

May 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Any decision we make sets in motion the wheels of karma, which either rewards or punishes us for our actions. The universe simply responds to our state of consciousness and the choices we make from that frequency. So it makes sense to have a calm mind when making decisions.

The universe has no fixed agenda. Once you make any decision, it works around that decision. There is no right or wrong, only a series of possibilities that shift with each thought, feeling, and action that you experience.” – Deepak Chopra

The universe may seem like a chaotic, random cluster of energy and events. But within that tumultuous energy lies order. By clearing the clutter from our minds, we can choose a path that will result in better outcomes for ourselves. Scientists and researchers have studied meditation for decades now. They discover time and again the many health benefits that can arise from the ancient practice.

People who regularly practice meditation tend to have a calmer disposition. This calm mind means they can hear their intuition much more clearly. Our intuition helps us make decisions, and if it becomes clouded by a restless mind, we might make a less than desirable choice.

“If you obsess over whether you are making the right decision, you are basically assuming that the universe will reward you for one thing and punish you for another.

Below, we’ll go over how exactly meditation can help you increase the positive outcomes in your own life.

Here’s how a calm mind helps you make better decisions:

1 – It allows you to focus on the present moment.

Unfortunately, many people make decisions based on circumstances that happened in the past or perceived outcomes in the future. However, since we can only really live in the present, we must make decisions according to the here and now. Studies have shown that people make better decisions when practicing mindfulness meditation.

Researchers find that just a few minutes of this type of meditation can ground you in the present tense, which will help you have a calm mind. In turn, you’ll make better decisions because you can gain clarity on the situation and choices at hand.

In one study, researchers found that just 15 minutes of focused breathing meditation can help people make better decisions. Researchers from INSEAD and The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania tested the hypothesis that mindfulness meditation could boost decision-making skills by increasing resistance to the sunk-cost bias. This thinking explains our tendency to continue investing in a losing proposition due to how much time, money, or energy we’ve already spent on it.

If you’ve watched a movie to the end despite not enjoying it, continued investing in a failing business, or stayed in a toxic relationship, you have experienced this whether you knew it at the time or not. Of course, these scenarios don’t seem rational, but humans don’t like to admit they’ve wasted time or energy on something.

The expert explains the link between a calm mind and making good decisions.

Andrew Hafenbrack, along with co-authors Zoe Kinias and Sigal Barsade, performed four different studies to test their hypothesis about the link between meditation and better decisions. Ultimately, they found that mindfulness meditation can effectively break the cycle of investing resources into something that no longer produced viable outcomes.

“Most people have trouble admitting they were wrong when their initial decisions lead to undesirable outcomes,” says lead author Andrew Hafenbrack. Adding, “They don’t want to feel wasteful or that their initial investment was a loss. Ironically, this kind of thinking often causes people to waste or lose more resources in an attempt to regain their initial investment or try to ‘break even.'”

For the study, one group of participants listened to a 15-minute guided meditation that told them to focus on the sensation of their breath. The other group listened to a recording that instructed them to think of whatever came to their mind. Then, researchers told both groups to decide according to various sunk cost scenarios.

The researchers discovered that mindfulness meditation, which helps people focus on the present moment and block out everything else, can help people make better decisions.

“We found that a brief period of mindfulness meditation can encourage people to make more rational decisions by considering the information available in the present moment while ignoring some of the other concerns that typically exacerbate the ‘sunk cost bias,'” explains Hafenbrack.

Mindfulness meditation increased resistance to the sunk cost bias in each experiment in two different ways.

Other researches agree

Zoe Kinias explains, “First, meditation reduced how much people focused on the past and future, and this psychological shift led to less negative emotion. The reduced negative emotion then facilitated their ability to let go of sunk costs.”

Sigal Barsade concluded, “This tool is very practical. Our findings hold great promise for research on how mindfulness can influence emotions and behavior, and how employees can use it to feel and perform better.”

So, if you find that you have trouble making decisions, try a quick guided meditation to dispel doubts and clear your mind of the constant chatter.

2 – It helps you tap into your intuition.

To make any sort of decision, you need to know what you desire in life. Most people have no idea what direction to go or what to strive for. That’s because they haven’t gotten in touch with their soul. If you want to access the deepest parts of yourself, you will have to quiet the mind and go into the heart. That introspection requires concentration and a deep longing for higher knowledge.

Many people refer to intuition as the “sixth sense.”

If you’ve ever had this gut feeling to take a different route home from work and discovered later that a bad wreck occurred on your usual route, you know the power of intuition.

Or, perhaps your intuition told you someone had bad intentions with you. Then, later on, you confirmed these suspicions. If used correctly and developed, our intuition can help us navigate the storms of life and make better decisions.

Meditation can serve as an excellent tool to develop intuition. According to a team of University of Iowa researchers, the brain’s “axis of intuition” is located in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC). A 2014 Wake Forest University study analyzed the brains of 15 volunteers before and after just four days of mindfulness training. They found that in addition to brain functioning, the meditators seriously increased their vmPFC’s “activity” and “interconnectivity.” If these changes occurred after just four days, imagine how much you can develop your intuition after months or years of meditating!

By silencing the mind and focusing on the breath, we all have the potential to develop our intuition so we can make better, more informed decisions. We have unique purposes in life, and our intuition helps us steer our minds in the right direction.

3 – A calm mind eases emotional reactivity, which can help you make better decisions.

Everyone knows that in a highly reactive, emotionally charged state, the right decisions seldom happen. Our emotions can serve as a powerful tool to make decisions. But if we only go by how we feel, we have the potential to cause devastating choices. For example, in a period of loneliness, we might go back to our toxic ex just because they feel familiar. However, if we had stopped to analyze the repercussions of this decision, we would know that getting back with that person would only lead to more problems.

Researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) found neural evidence that mindfulness helps people control negative emotions. The team of psychology researchers, led by Yanli Lin, an MSU graduate student, found 68 females who had never practiced mindfulness meditation before participating in the study. Researchers found that the participants came into the study with various levels of natural mindfulness.

The participants then engaged in one of two 18-minute activities. Researchers gave one group a guided meditation to listen to, and the other a language-learning presentation. Afterward, researchers showed both groups disturbing images, such as a bloody corpse. They were instructed to view the photos either “mindfully” or “naturally,” and completed a questionnaire afterward.

The study found that whether the participants had high or low levels of natural mindfulness, the brain could control negative emotions to the same degree. The meditating group recovered more quickly, however, after looking at the photos, which suggests that meditation helps calm negative emotions.

Final thoughts about how a calm mind helps you make better decisions

Having a clear and calm mind can help you make better decisions in three ways:

by keeping your attention on the present
helping you tap into your intuition
and easing negative emotions.

So learn to look at the world with an objective, rational, and calm mind. Indeed, you can quickly discern between a good and bad choice. If you haven’t begun a meditation practice, we encourage you to get started with one! Even 15 to 30 minutes a day can make a huge difference in your mindset and consciousness.

Scientists Reveal How Having a Regular Sleep Schedule Improves Health

May 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many people today suffer from chronic sleep deprivation. That problem partially comes from the fact that many don’t keep a regular sleep schedule. Of course, many other factors play into the insomnia epidemic. These variables include stress, an inability to quiet the mind, unhealthy eating habits, and more. However, keeping a regular sleep schedule can help improve your life and health. And this habit will make it easier to tackle stressful situations.

A few restless nights won’t hurt. But when it becomes a regular occurrence, it can impact your health in long-lasting ways. People throughout the world suffer from insomnia. Because of the rise in technology and the stresses of life, many of us can’t seem to shut off our brains.

The statistics prove we need a sleep schedule

According to the American Sleep Association, here are some statistics about insomnia.

Nearly 70 million Americans suffer from a sleep disorder
Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder, with around 30% of adults having short-term insomnia
Around 10% of adults have long-term insomnia
Almost 40% of people are so sleep deprived that they fall asleep during the day
About 5% report falling asleep while driving (the most dangerous outcome from insomnia)

Studies show 35% of adults get less than 7 hours of sleep per night, which is the recommended minimum for adults. Certain age groups seem to report getting less sleep:

37% of people ages 20-39 get less than 7 hours of sleep
40% of people age 40–59 report problems with sleep

According to data from Sleep Cycle, people seem to suffer at an increasing rate worldwide from insomnia. Their research shows that no country gets a consistent 8 hours of sleep anymore. In the 1940s, people got 8 hours of sleep per night on average, but now they clock in at just 6.8 hours.

Here is the recommended amount of sleep per age group according to the American Sleep Association:

Adult: 7 – 9 hours
Teenager: 8 – 10 hours
Children 6 – 12 years: 9- 12 hours
Child 3 – 5 years: 10 – 13 hours (including naps)
Child 1 – 2 years: 11 – 14 hours (including naps)
Infants 4 -12 months: 12 – 16 hours (including naps)

Proper sleep impacts our lives in every single way, from our productivity to relationships to mental health. Without adequate sleep, we don’t have the energy needed to carry out necessary tasks or even enjoy leisurely activities. Below, we’ll go over how a regular sleep schedule can improve your health so you can live life to the fullest.

Here’s how a regular sleep schedule can boost your health and prevent insomnia:

Humans need routine and structure to perform their best. After all, we evolved to wake with the sun and fall asleep as it sets, and the modern world seems to have disrupted this delicate cycle. Our bodies have gotten so confused and out of touch with what they really need to thrive, and we can see that with the rise in so many diseases.

However, it all starts with the basics. So if you can recalibrate your circadian rhythm, this will help everything else fall into place.

The link between a regular sleep schedule and metabolic illnesses

First, let’s talk about how an irregular sleep schedule can impact your health. A study published in Diabetes Care found that a lack of a bedtime routine and inconsistent sleep patterns could lead to metabolic syndrome, which can raise your risk of developing heart disease.

According to the research, a person’s risk of developing metabolic syndrome increased 27% with every one-hour increase in variability of sleep duration from night to night. It also increased by 23% with every one-hour increase in the variability of bedtime.

Consider the findings of the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis study. Participants wore devices that tracked their sleep for a week and filled out questionnaires about their sleep habits and routines. Researchers measured their metabolic risk factors at the beginning of the study, including a large waistline, high blood pressure, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels, and low levels of HDL, the “good” cholesterol. If a person has several of these conditions, it raises their risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke.

Researchers followed participants for six years and found that those who had irregular sleep schedules had a higher risk of developing metabolic syndrome at the follow-up, according to lead author Tianyi Huang. The research also found that African-Americans, those suffering from depression, shift workers, and smokers showed higher variability in sleep schedules in the study.

Understanding our internal clocks

The biological clock in humans is very sensitive to changes, so when a person disrupts their natural cycle, it impacts important metabolic processes. Erratic sleep schedules can cause irregularities in other areas of life, such as mealtimes, which can further worsen health consequences. Studies have also found that disrupted sleep over a long period of time can increase the risk of mental illnesses. Sleep deprivation and disorders such as anxiety and depression have strong correlations because a lack of sleep can severely affect moods and cognitive functioning.

Connecting sleep and neurological diseases

Some research even shows that a person’s risk for severe neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s increases as sleep regularity decreases. Poor or disrupted sleep causes harmful beta-amyloid proteins to build up in the brain, which can lower cognitive functioning and even lead to Alzheimer’s if left unchecked.

So, as much as possible, try to keep the same sleep schedule each day. Even on weekends, stick to it as closely as you can, because it can impact your health during the week if you sleep in or stay up too late on your days off. Huang says that he pushes his bedtime back by only 30 minutes on weekends so he doesn’t throw off his body clock too much. He gets up around the same time on weekend mornings.

For optimum health, the study suggests not to change your sleep duration by more than 120 minutes from day to day, and don’t alter bedtime by more than 90 minutes. Across the board, researchers found that changing sleep time and duration by more than this increased risk for metabolic syndrome dramatically.

Benefits of adhering to a sleep schedule

So, keeping a regular sleep schedule can impact your health in the following ways:

lower risk of metabolic syndrome
lower risk of diabetes
decreased risk of having a stroke or heart disease
keeping circadian rhythm balanced
less daytime sleepiness
decreased risk of chronic fatigue
better productivity during the day
lowered risk of mental illness

Read tips on how to wake up in a good mood every day.

Tips to help you get the shut-eye your body needs

Here are some tips on getting a good night’s rest if you suffer from sleep disorders such as insomnia:

1 – Set aside time to sleep

As we said earlier, try as best you can to keep a regular sleep schedule. Your body loves routine, so you’ll feel much more refreshed and ready to take on the day if your circadian rhythm remains balanced. On weekends, try not to deviate too much from your sleep routine. You’ll pay for it during the week by feeling fatigued during your workday.

2 – Avoid technology before bed.

Turn off your phone and computer a couple of hours before bed. The blue light from the screens will confuse your brain and make it think it’s daytime when you really should be winding down for bed.

3 – Don’t eat heavy foods before bed.

Try not to eat anything a couple of hours before bed. Your body can focus more on sleep if it doesn’t also have to digest a lot of food while you rest. If you feel hungry at night, eat something non-sugary such as nut butter or other protein-rich foods.

4 – Don’t drink a lot before bed.

Avoid drinking a lot of water or tea before bed, as this can cause nighttime waking if you need to use the bathroom. Also, avoid alcohol since it raises insulin levels, which will lead to disrupted sleep.

5 – Practice sleep restriction.

If you have a lot of trouble falling and staying asleep, try to fall asleep only when you feel tired. Make sure to use your bed only for sleep, so your brain will associate the bed with feeling sleepy.

If you work, watch TV, or get on your phone in bed, your brain will associate the bed with activities. Each of these behaviors can lead to sleep disruptions. Increase your sleep time by 15 minutes each night to figure out how much sleep you really need.

Final thoughts about how a regular sleep schedule improves health

As you can see, chronic sleep deprivation and irregular sleep can really affect your health. We should start prioritizing sleep again and remember that we need a certain amount each night for optimal functioning. You’ll start to see your life improve as you focus on sleep because you’ll feel more refreshed, alive, and ready to tackle the day ahead.

Make sure to follow a regular sleep schedule even on weekends, because your body will have a hard time catching up on sleep during the workweek. Make your bedroom a sanctuary, where you leave all the stress and worries at the door and allow your body to rest. Good sleep hygiene will help improve all areas of your life tenfold.

5 Reasons You Feel Lost (And How to Find Yourself Again)

May 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In our money-centered world, we can quickly get caught up with bills, responsibilities, chores, and careers. So it’s no wonder that we can start to feel lost in life. Also, comparing ourselves with others or taking life too seriously can add to the confusion and depression we might feel.

We all came here to learn valuable lessons for our soul’s evolution, and this planet certainly does not make it easy. The trials and tribulations we face may seem overwhelming and leave us weathered at times. However, we can find the light at the end of the tunnel.

Have you been feeling lost or defeated about life? Then, we hope you can find some clarity and hope and start to feel like yourself again. Below, we’ll go over how the dark times can lead to the brightest revelations and discoveries about yourself. We all feel this way at some point along our journeys. But it doesn’t have to be viewed as a negative thing.

“To be lost is as legitimate a part of your process as being found.” – Alex Ebert

Here are five reasons you feel lost in life:

1 – You put too much stake in other people’s opinions.

If you let other people dictate your life too much, you will undoubtedly start feeling lost and uncertain about your own life. Other people will only give you advice from their perspective and understanding, but you have to listen to your voice. People will never hesitate to offer their two cents about what you should do with your life, but only you can determine the direction you want to go.

2 – You might feel lost in life if you neglect your intuition.

Our intuition can help us navigate life when we start to feel lost; in fact, it could play a more critical role than intellect in solving tough problems. Studies show that intuition can provide just as effective results as an analytical approach to making decisions. We have lived in a world mainly governed by right-brained thinking for far too long, but the intuitive side of us seems to be making a comeback. We all have an inner voice that helps guide us through life, but we must learn to trust it and allow the rational brain to take a backseat.

3 – You engage in negative self-talk too often.

Many people feel lost in life because they just don’t give themselves enough credit. They look outside themselves for answers but forget their real power and potential. We all get caught up in the comparison trap from time to time, but this will only hinder your growth. We can implement positive self-talk in various ways, through mantras, affirmations, or even meditation.

Studies indicate that regular meditation helps increase positive thinking, which will help quiet those negative thoughts about yourself and the world. If you feel lost in life, try to shift your thinking to all the positive things happening in your life. You will feel much better and start to see more beneficial outcomes as well.

4 – You don’t know your real purpose.

Not everyone believes in having one huge purpose for being here, and it does seem a little daunting to think about. However, we can all improve the state of this planet in some way, and leave it better than we found it. If you feel lost in life, perhaps your job doesn’t bring you fulfillment, and your soul feels tired of begrudgingly clocking in and out every day. Does this sound like you? If so, make a list of things that interest you, and find out ways you can make money from them. Even if it only starts as a side business or just a hobby, it will improve your mental health and happiness just by giving it your attention.

Here are 7 miracles to remember if you’ve lost your faith.

Just remember that at your core, you’re not just a human being; you’re the whole universe expressing itself consciously, having a temporary experience here on Earth. It does get a little taxing and confusing down here in this heavy realm at times, but you came here for a reason. Remember to take time and dig deep within to find out what makes your spirit soar; that might just be your true calling.

5 – You live in the mind more than the heart.

The energy on Earth feels very imbalanced at times. But perhaps if we lived through our hearts more instead of our minds, we would see that reflected outwardly.

In other words, making more decisions based on the well-being of others and the planet as a whole instead of just our egos. Such conscientious thinking would do wonders for the state of the Earth. A world dominated by pure logic can only take us so far. But at some point, we need to add some heart and soul into the mix, so we don’t just act like machines.

If you feel lost in life, start thinking more about how you can help others improve their own lives. By taking the focus off yourself and shifting it to other people, you can truly make a difference in people’s lives, and your worries won’t seem so big after all.

If you feel lost in life, here’s how to find yourself again:

1 – Don’t bury your feelings.

First off, you can’t expect to find your way out of the darkness if you don’t explore what got you there in the first place. To truly discover yourself again, you have to get lost for a little while. In life, we all go through this, so don’t let it discourage you or make you think you’ll never see the light at the end of the tunnel. Life happens differently for everyone, so just focus on what makes you feel whole again and forget about the rest of the world.

If you feel lost in life, learn to listen to your feelings and intuition calling you back home again. You’ll learn so much about yourself if you dive deep into yourself rather than always listening to the world’s voice. Society doesn’t know your soul. Only you indeed do, so all that matters at the end of the day is staying true to yourself.

2 – Trust yourself.

You can’t find yourself if you drown out your voice and desires by always doing what the world expects of you. You have the key to unlocking the doors to your deepest self, so you must trust the process. Even if it takes you years to get where you need to go, you can’t make it there if you continually sabotage your heart’s true desires. At the end of the day, we only have ourselves, so it makes sense to know ourselves to the core and trust what our soul tells us.

You can’t ever run away from yourself, so if you feel lost in life, take that as a sign that you’ve been neglecting yourself, and learn to tap into your highest self.

3 – If you feel lost in life, learn about what makes you happy.

We often get so caught up in this world trying to please other people and take care of their needs that we forget what we even want or need. Even taking time off work for a short vacation or self-care can do wonders for your mental health and help you find yourself again.

As humans, we often compare ourselves to others and wonder if we live the right way. But just remember that all paths lead to the same place eventually. In other words, as long as you do no harm to yourself or anyone else, your way is just as valid and “correct” as others’.

No one has all the answers, and we don’t get a manual for how to live life. It only makes sense to fill your time with things that bring you joy. Whatever makes your heart happy, follow it, because it will truly lead you back home.

4 – Try new things.

If you stay inside your comfort zone too much, you won’t give your soul what it needs to grow. Getting comfortable in a routine makes us complacent after a while. So make sure to shake things up every so often. Try a new hobby or invest in learning a skill that interests you. Perhaps somewhere down the road, you could even make money from it!

You can always reinvent the wheel. So don’t let doubts or fears stop you from getting outside your bubble.

5 – Get rid of negative thinking.

Our thoughts can either propel us toward the life we want or hinder us from it. Make sure you keep your thoughts as positive as possible so you can manifest the reality you wish to see.

Final thoughts about feeling lost in life

Don’t beat yourself up in you’ve been feeling a little down or confused about your journey. Everyone goes through this, but you can’t allow those feelings to paralyze you. Learn about why you feel this way and what you can do to change it. You have all the power within to create the life you love; you just have to believe in your potential and imagine yourself as the best version of you possible!

12 Benefits of Drinking Warm Lemon Water to Never Ignore

May 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Lemon juice is a popular citrus fruit in alcoholic drinks, cooking, and baking. Lemon juice’s tangy sweetness enhances the flavor of all kinds of dishes. But have you ever thought of drinking lemon water? Many people are surprised to learn that warm lemon water is incredibly healthy.

Why drink warm lemon water instead of cold?

So, what’s better, drinking warm lemon water or cold lemon water?

Either one has benefits, but studies found that drinking a warm drink is the best choice. Researchers found that vapors from a hot liquid increase nasal mucus movement through your nasal cavities faster. The flavor of the lemon water on your taste buds also activates the flow of mucus.

Lastly, drinking a warm liquid instead of a cold one is better because the warm liquid gets the fluids moving, especially when you’re fighting a respiratory infection. So, starting your day with a cup of warm lemon water seems the better choice.

So, what’s the best temperature for a warm drink? According to one study, hot or warm beverages should range between 160 degrees Fahrenheit and 185 degrees Fahrenheit. Although some researchers felt this was a little too warm, recommending that you should drink liquids no warmer than 136 to 140.

So, how can you tell how warm the water is?

Use a liquid thermometer. You can buy one of these at grocery stores or kitchen stores.
A rolling boil is usually the proper temperature or a little warmer than you want.
When the water bubbles are smaller, the water is colder. Large bubbles mean, hotter water.
In a kettle where you can’t see the bubbles, you’ll notice that smaller bubbles, or colder water, make more noise. As the temperature rises and the bubbles get bigger, there will be less noise.
You may want to cool the water down after you boil it to get it to the temperature you want for your warm drink.

Everyone has a preference just how warm they like their drinks. Researchers found that depending upon the drink, people had different preferences for temperature. So, you choose the heat, but be sure that it’s warm enough to get the full benefits of drinking warm lemon water.

12 Benefits of Drinking Warm Lemon Water Every Day

1. Reduces cholesterol

Lemons are packed with citric acid, vitamin C, and polyphenols. Polyphenols fight fatigue and lower the fat in your blood called lipids. One well-known lipid is called cholesterol. High lipids form in your blood when you eat a fatty diet. But medical conditions such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, alcoholism, liver disease, and stress can also raise your lipid levels. Drinking warm lemon water is a simple way to reduce your cholesterol naturally without side effects. It’s a healthy and delicious method to start the day while getting healthier.

2. Slows down the aging process

Studies found that drinking lemon juice slows down your body’s aging process. One of the primary polyphenols in lemons is Eriocitrin, a yellowish water-soluble antioxidant found in lemon juice and lemon peels. These polyphenols can add years to your life. So, a cup of warm lemon water every day is like drinking from the fountain of youth.

3. Improves your intestinal flora

The same study also found that lemon juice changes your intestinal environment, allowing good gut bacteria to flourish. Drinking warm lemon water aids digestion and improves your overall gut health. A healthy gut means you’ll have less bloating and gas. When your digestive tract works the way it should, you’ll feel better and have more energy.

4. Helps muscles and reduce inflammation

Drinking warm lemon water slows down the decline of your muscle tissue and helps improve your movement. Studies also found that if you have a lifetime habit of including lemon juice in your diet, you reduce the inflammation in your body. Inflammation can damage your arteries, joints, and organs. It’s also thought to cause chronic diseases like blood vessel damage, heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes.

Here’s how drinking lemon water helps improve your health.

5. Reduce your chance of kidney stones

One in eleven people living in the United States suffers from kidney stones. Men get them more often than women. Kidney stones are excruciating; if they aren’t removed, they may damage your kidneys. It’s essential to stay hydrated to prevent kidney stones or, if you already have them, to help your body eliminate them from your kidneys.

Recent studies found that drinking citrus-based juices like lemon juice interrupts the formation of kidney stones as little as one-half cup of lemon juice daily in warm water increases the urine citrate in your urine to reduce kidney stone development.

6. Helps you get over a cold

Lemon juice is packed with vitamin C. Drinking warm lemon juice when you have a cold or a sinus infection boosts your body’s immune system, so you feel better quicker. Warm lemon water can also relieve congestion by thinning out the excess mucus in your nasal cavity. You’ll breathe more natural and feel more clear-headed. One study found that regular consumption of extra vitamin C in lemon juice can shorten the length of your cold, limit your cold symptoms, and prevent you from getting more colds.

7. Calms nervous system

Drinking warm lemon water is a beautiful way to start your day. Its soothing citrus aroma invigorates and calms your mind and body. Studies found that smelling the aroma of the Yuzu fruit, a lemony citrus fruit found in Japan, relieves stress and reduces your heart rate and your blood pressure. You feel more alert, focused, and ready for your day.

8. Relief from constipation

The acid in warm lemon water stimulates your digestive system. As you age, the levels of acids in your gut decrease. Adding warm lemon water to your daily routine gives your gut the extra boost it needs to help alleviate common digestive problems like constipation. Lemon also has fiber in the form of pectin, which also helps regulate your digestive system.

9. Keeps you hydrated

Drinking warm lemon water daily keeps you well hydrated. An average adult should drink 30 to 50 ounces of fluids daily, around one and a half liters. Water, juices, and fruits also help you stay hydrated. Fluids flush out bacteria in our bladder, and aid your heart and brain function. Staying hydrated will also help your muscle tissue and skin.

10. Helps you lose weight

Drinking warm lemon water daily can stimulate your metabolism. A well-working metabolism helps you keep extra weight off. Lemon juice is low fat and low in calories. Because it doesn’t have caffeine, you won’t have the jitters you can get with too much coffee. Drinking warm lemon water all day can also help you not eat as much food because you’ll feel fuller.

11. Improves your breath

Lemon juice naturally kills odors. After you eat, drink a mug of warm lemon water to aid your digestion and rid your mouth of unwanted odors. Lemons stimulate salvia, stopping dry mouth, the culprit of bad breath. Lemon juice also kills bacteria that may be growing in your mouth or on your tongue.

12. Improves your skin

Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges contain Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant. One study found that antioxidants promote healthy skin and can reduce wrinkles. Vitamin C also enhances the formation of collagen, which keeps your skin soft and pliable. This high-powered vitamin also fights free radicals that damage your skin and body. Drinking warm lemon water increases your levels of vitamin C, so your skin will be wrinkle-free and healthy.

Warm lemon water drink recipe

Always use fresh lemon juice for your warm lemon drink instead of the artificial lemon juice from a bottle. Bottled lemon juice contains additives and preservatives to keep the juice fresh. It’s healthier to avoid these whenever possible. Keep a bag of fresh lemons in your fridge to make warm lemon water anytime. If you don’t own a handheld lemon squeezer, buy yourself one. Lemon squeezers make it easy to squeeze out all the juice from the lemons without waste.

Heat up eight ounces of water. You can use the microwave or a tea kettle to heat the water, whichever you prefer.

Squeeze the juice from one or two ripe lemons into a mug of warm water. Stir the mixture to blend the water and lemon juice thoroughly. For an extra lemony flavor, drop in a slice of the lemon. Enjoy!

Don’t you like hot beverages? Try these lemon ice cubes.

Hot lemon water–not your favorite idea?

Another fun thing to do is to keep frozen lemon juice ice cubes on hand. Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the ice cube freezer tray. Stick it into the freezer. Simply pull out the ice cube tray and drop a lemon ice cube into a mug of warm water. You may need to heat the water if it gets too cold from the lemon ice cube. Also, grind up lemon rind and store in containers in the freezer. Add the ground-up peel to soups, baked goods, or stews for extra lemony flavor.

Final Thoughts on Enjoying the Health Benefits of Warm Lemon Water

You boost your health when you have a warm mug of lemon water at the beginning of your day. Try drinking warm lemon water for a couple of weeks. You’ll be surprised at your improved energy, better digestion, and softer skin. Over time, you’ll experience less muscle pain, too. Lemons give off a soothing scent guaranteed to soothe your mind and help you stay calm. Warm lemon water may be the secret for you to look younger and feel better.

10 Signs of Nerve Damage to Never Ignore

May 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Nerve damage can be a very serious problem, especially considering your nerves connects to almost everything action you make. Recognizing signs of potential nerve damage early is extremely important. You will be able to catch more serious issues from progressing.

More importantly, you can deal with the cause of the nerve pain more efficiently when you catch it in its earliest stages. You won’t need to live with the pain once you resolve it. Don’t ignore these uncomfortable red flags. Ignoring nerve damage can lead to long-term consequences.

Three Types of Nerves in the Human Body

Your nerves are like an electrical wire, sending impulses from your brain to all your organs and muscles. These currents send messages that control everything in your body from physical ability to pick up a pencil to blinking your eyes to telling your heart to beat in rhythm.

And when you interrupt that circuitry, it causes your body to “misfire.” These warning signs alert you that something’s gone awry–it’s time to see the doctor.

According to the University of Chicago, we have three types of nerves in the human body:

Autonomic Nerves – control involuntary movement and function
Motor Nerves – control conscious movements and voluntary function
Sensory Nerves – relay signals from skin and muscles to your brain

Since the three main types of nerves have different functions, your symptoms can help determine what nerves are damaged and even where the problem might lie. There are plenty of signs that you might be suffering from nerve damage. But here are 10 specific symptoms you definitely don’t want to ignore.

10 Signs of Nerve Damage to Never Ignore

1 – Constant Need to Use the Bathroom

While you might not expect it, having to constantly use the bathroom might not actually be a bladder issue. Autonomic nerves control all sorts of functions and processes, including bladder control. While there is some manual control over the bladder function, mostly in the muscles in the external urethral sphincter. These muscles can help close off the urethra and are the muscles activated when you’re trying to hold it in while you run to the bathroom.

All of the other muscles involved in bladder control, however, are involuntary. They rely on pressure triggered sensory nerves sending signals to the brain and other muscles to activate the contraction of the bladder. If these autonomic nerves that control the muscles around the bladder are damaged, they could be sending signals to control the bladder when there really is no need, giving you that constant feeling of having to run to the bathroom.

2 – Constipation

Much like bladder control issues, chronic constipation could be due to nerve damage. The peristaltic (wavelike) contractions of the intestinal tract are all controlled by the autonomic nervous system. While you can activate the abdominal muscles to help move things along and push, or tighten the anal sphincter manually to help hold things up if you’re forced to wait, most of the process is automatic.

If you have nerve damage in the nerves which control the intestinal tract, it could lead to a backup and blockages of the intestines, causing chronic constipation. If you have chronic constipation and things like laxatives or other common treatments don’t do anything to help, it may be time to see your doctor for more tests.

Learn about nerve pain “freezing” that can avoid unnecessary prescriptions.

3 – Numbness, tingling, or burning sensations

Sensory neurons are responsible for sending touch signals to the brain. This includes things like your sense of touch from your hands and fingers, pressure sensations against your body, and the pain response. As expected, if you have nerve damage in your sensory neurons, these signals can get muddled.

If you feel constant numbness or a tingling sensation in your fingers or feet (like when you get pins and needles) it could be a sign of nerve damage. In more extreme cases, this damage can lead to nerve pain as the damage causes the nerve to trigger a pain response. This chronic pain can be difficult to deal with, as it’s coming right from the nerve. This pain can also get fairly intense depending on the severity and location of the damage.

4 – You Don’t Notice Injuries And Get Hurt More Often

While many people pride themselves on their high pain tolerance, having no sense of pain could be a sign of nerve issues. While one symptom of damage is numbness or tingling and constant pain, another issue could be the exact opposite.

Having no feeling at all, or no sense of pain in an area can mean you have some damage. Nerve pain and the general pain response, while unpleasant, is an essential function. It lets our bodies know that we are in danger, and allows the body to react accordingly.

To show just how important this response is, let’s take the scenario of touching a hot stove. When your hand touches a hot stove, your body senses the pain and jerks your hand away, preventing more damage.

Without that pain response, there is nothing alerting you to move your hand. This could lead to severe burns and even more severe tissue damage. If you have no pain sensation in an area, it might be a good idea to consult your doctor.

5 – You Are Exceptionally Clumsy or Have Balance Issues

Proprioception is the body’s mechanism of keeping itself balanced aware of its own movement for the sake of coordinated movement. It involves a lot of fine muscle movements, most of which are automatic. Your muscles relay information to the brain regarding pressure, weight, and alignment, and the brain sends signals for the muscles accordingly. Nervous system problems with any of the nerves involved in this setup can throw things awry though.

Incorrect signals being sent or improper sensory information can lead to balance issues, a lack of coordination, or even vertigo if the signals are disjointed enough. If you ever feel like you just can’t seem to move the way you want to, or you’re having more trouble keeping your balance than you used to, it might be time to see a doctor.

6 – It’s Difficult or Impossible to Move Parts of Your Body

Sometimes difficulty moving is normal, be it from stiff joints, sore muscles, or old age and arthritis pains. Other times, though, it could be a sign of nerve problems. Motor neurons send signals that trigger the voluntary flexing of muscles. If something goes wrong with the motor pathways, the muscles won’t move the way they should.

This can lead to a lack of motor control, some parts of your body being more difficult to move, or even paralysis of certain joints and parts of the body if the damage is severe enough.

7 – Speech Problems

The sudden onset of speech problems like slurring and an inability to speak coherently is a major red flag that something is wrong. This can be caused by a variety of problems. One cause is a sudden lack of motor control in the facial muscles. This also usually causes drooping of the facial muscles as well and is one of the primary signs of a stroke. Another cause is damage to either the Broca or Wernicke’s area of the brain. These two areas are essential in the production and comprehension of speech respectively.

8 – Pain in Just One Leg

If you feel pain running down one of your legs, specifically originating from around the lower back, this could be a sign of sciatica. Sciatica is caused by damage or pinching of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back all the way down the legs. This can stem from other conditions like diabetes or from a herniated disk in the spine putting direct pressure on the nerve.

9 – Intense Intermittent Headaches

We’re not talking about migraines with this one, but more short and intense headaches that feel almost like electric shocks. These headaches can be part of a condition called occipital neuralgia, which is caused by pinching of a nerve in the neck. Treatment is usually fairly simple and non-invasive, getting nerve block injections to prevent it from sending pain signals up the spine. There could be other neurological reasons for the intense headaches as well, and chronic pressure headaches shouldn’t be ignored either.

10 – Severe Muscle Twitching

While sometimes muscle twitching can simply be a sign that your muscles are overworked and spasming due to exhaustion, other times it might be a sign of nerve problems. If your muscles frequently spasm for seemingly no reason, it’s time to see a doctor.

These spasms could be the onset of a neurological condition like Parkinson’s, which results from nerve cells in your brain becoming damaged. You could also have Multiple Sclerosis or a variety of other potential nervous system conditions based on your symptoms. Of course, some are more serious than others.

Final Thoughts on Learning the Signs of Nerve Damage

Nerve damage can be a serious issue depending on the cause. Shooting pains and weakness could simply be the result of a pinched nerve. However, other issues could be more serious. If you’re suffering any of the symptoms above its recommended that you speak with your doctor and have testing done.

Rare or intermittent cases of some symptoms like constipation might not be troubling. However, you must address anything related to speech or balance right away. Your doctor might also notice problems during routine exams, so regular physicals can help spot problems early. The important thing is to be aware of your own health. Moreover, if something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut instinct.

So your nerve pain might not seem like much at the moment. But it could be a sign of a serious condition.

Therapists Explain Importance of Setting Ground Rules Before Marriage

May 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Marriage is a consensual union where two people love and commit to each other for life. While tying the knot is done out of love, a couple truly does not understand the meaning of the word until they have weathered life’s storms together. Marriage is not for the faint of heart, but setting ground rules can prevent misunderstandings down the road.

Some find that once they are married, they feel more like roommates rather than spouses. The daily grind can get to everyone, and the responsibility that comes with such a commitment can be overwhelming. Ground rules are essential, and they should be established before you walk down the aisle.

Ground Rules for a Successful Marriage

If you want a successful partnership and a happy life, then you need to establish some ground rules early on. You may think that it sounds silly to put requirements on a relationship that has a foundation of love. But nothing can be nastier than a married couple throwing verbal punches during an argument. Here are some ground rules that can help you ensure your union is a long and blissful one.

Also, know that while you agree to these ground rules, they can be flexible–when both parties agree. For example, your feelings about starting a family might change one day. As long as both of you agree to amend these decisions–and play by the new ruling–you’ll do just fine!

1. Don’t Go to Bed Angry

There’s an old saying that states that you should never let the sun go down on your wrath. This is so important because the longer you allow frustrations to boil, the more apt it is to drive a wedge between the two of you.

Most arguments start over silly things, and they should be resolved before you go to bed. You will lie there all night and stew about what happened. As you replay the events in your mind, you will build the situation up to be bigger than it is, and it can easily cause you to resent your spouse.

If possible, don’t go to bed before at least committing to sort things out in the morning and to apologize for any wrongdoing.

2. Vow to Never Allow Family to Interfere

One of the most significant problems in marriages is the in-laws. In many cases, they act like outlaws when it comes to their loved ones. It’s essential to establish firm boundaries regarding the relatives early on.

Never allow your parents or siblings to speak ill of your partner. Additionally, you must ensure that they don’t stick their nose into your business. Your union must be strong, and you cannot let your relatives ruin your successful partnership.

In-laws can quickly destroy your relationship with meddling, especially when you have children. So it’s best that you set firm boundaries with them on what behaviors you expect and what you won’t tolerate.

3. Decide the Financial Stuff

There was a joint checking account in the olden days, and one person handled all the bills. Today’s couples are a bit more diverse in how finances are done. Do you tend to be old fashioned, or do you want to keep money separate?

It’s important to discuss these issues upfront. It can get very messy if two people are trying to pay bills and dipping into the proverbial cookie jar. Finances are one of the problems that can ruin a marriage quicker than anything else, so establish early on how things are done. Decide on a plan that is acceptable for both of you.

Another thing to consider is that neither party should make a significant purchase without talking to one another. Set a dollar limit that you shouldn’t go over without discussing it. The same should be said about opening credit and going in debt.

4. Determine if You Want Children

Another issue that is common among couples is the desire to be a parent. One may want to be a mom or dad while the other one isn’t interested in offspring. It doesn’t matter which side of the fence you are on; you need to voice your desires to your partner.

Don’t skip over the issue because you are afraid to tell your partner how you feel. It could cause a significant rift later.

5. Don’t Bring up the Past

Everyone has a past, and some histories are sketchier than others. When you create a union, you cannot consistently throw your partners past in their face. If your spouse was once addicted to drugs but pulled themselves out of that lifestyle, then they shouldn’t have to live with it being brought up constantly.

You cannot change your past, but you can change your future. Leave what’s behind you alone as it’s not a life sentence.

6. Always Be Honest

Dishonesty can be a quick way to head to divorce court. It’s easy to tell a little white lie now and again, but it can get you in real trouble. Trust your partner enough, to be honest. Make a pact that no matter how upset it might make the other person that you don’t lie to each other.

7. Vow to Keep the Doors of Communication Open

It’s hard to communicate once you’re not dating, and you’re living together. Make one of your ground rules that you keep an open line of communication with each other. Even though life is busy, you should at least have one night a week reserved for date night.

If it helps, keep a list of all the things you want to discuss during that time. Take time for each other, no matter how busy you are in life. Money and prosperity can only get you so far, but if you want true happiness, you will invest in your marriage.

8. Divorce is Not an Option

There may come the point and time in your life when you want to call it quits. Perhaps, you’ve grown apart, or you have had an affair. Life never goes as you plan. Marriages that last more than five years are the anomaly these days.

How do these people that stay married for 40-50 years do it? The key is they don’t quit, no matter how hard they want too. They keep going because they took vows to the other person to have and to hold, through sickness and in health.

While not every union withstands the test of time, don’t be so eager to give up. Make up in your mind that you’re not going to quit, but instead plan to honor your commitment.

9. Don’t Use Harsh Words

Negativity can destroy a bond. For every bit of constructive criticism that you give out, you should follow that with four things of praise. If you’re always telling your spouse all the things they do wrong, you will destroy their morale, and they will avoid you.

Even when you’re amid a heated argument, and you feel like calling names, don’t resort to childish games. Be a grown-up and civilly talk about things. Make a pact and set ground rules that you won’t call names or hit each other no matter what the situation.

10. Make Sure to Keep Personal Things Personal

One of the most significant ground rules in a marriage is learning to keep private things private. If your spouse calls their family or friends and tells them all your personal stuff, it can destroy your union. Make sure these rules extend to finances, romance, children, or any information you don’t want to be shared.

Establish rules about what things should never be shared beyond your union, and make sure you both keep these things out of the public.

11. Don’t Argue in Front of Children or Others

There are very few couples that agree on everything. However, take your arguments to a private area and don’t fight in front of children, relatives, or the public. When you disagree, no matter how trivial, go somewhere that you can discuss it calmly, and don’t get everyone else involved.

12. Make Your Relationship a Priority

Marriage takes work, and it’s not easy. Your union must be a priority every day. Your spouse, their needs, and desires, should always come before your own. When your commitment to your job is complete, your spouse and children get the next priority in your day.

If you want to hang with friends or relatives and do other things, they should be after your relationship needs are met.

Setting Ground Rules for a Happy Life

There’s no rule book when it comes to marriage; however, by establishing ground rules that cover the basics and significant issues, you can take care of many problems before they happen. Love and cherish one another no matter what life throws your way.

There are going to be hundreds of times that you want to throw in the towel and file for divorce. However, there’s something special about those who stick together no matter what comes their way. In sickness and in health are significant vows to make to a person.

Take advice from older couples that have been married for decades. They can give you the keys to a successful marriage. Don’t take advice or seek wisdom from someone who has been divorced a couple of times. You want to make your union last, so you want all the help you can get.

15 Ways to Feng Shui Your Home and Get More Peace

May 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Are you looking to create positive energy in your home? Feng shui has been used for centuries to help balance and promote the flow of good chi in your abode. In Chinese, it is a beautifully blended word that means “wind-water.”

Feng shui uses standard principles that anyone can incorporate into their home. It’s one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics, and they are beneficial to your entire being. If you are looking to create a harmonious environment, then you should consider practicing this art.

The purpose behind this art of space, light, and color, is to clear all the invisible forces that take away from your spiritual focus. The concept is quite simple. Think about your living space and how your furniture is arranged.

The goal is to create an efficient flow so that you can go into and out of a room effortlessly. However, this Chinese art takes things one step beyond good flow and organization. The good news is that it can be incorporated into any design style with ease.

Many have found that these ancient practices help them to set up their new house or redesign an existing room. The goal is to maximize the use of each space and allow it to add beauty and pleasure to your life. You and your whole family will benefit from the domestic harmony it imparts.

According to wind-water philosophy, chi is the life force of the universe. Your home resonates with you and your family’s chi. When it can flow effortlessly, you can enjoy a tranquil home and a prosperous life.

15 Ways of Incorporating Feng Shui to Bring Positivity to Your Home

It may sound a bit overwhelming when you don’t understand this art. While there are many steps to incorporate and tips to follow, it’s all about creating prosperity and a harmonious environment. Try these fifteen things that you can do to help give your Feng shui a jump start.

1. Plant Goodness All Around You

Plants have a special place in the Chinese home as they are the embodiment of life. Bringing nature inside helps you to stay connected, plus it brings along numerous benefits. Feng shui 101 is to strive to have better health and vitality, and when you bring plants inside, it puts you on the right path.

It would be beneficial if you bought foliage that will grow according to your specific environment. Most important is that you don’t buy a bunch of plants and have them die. It’s worse to have a dead plant in your space than to have none. This decor element is a fundamental way to start incorporating these principles that most people can do with ease.

2. Get Rid of Clutter

Do you have piles of books, magazines, and clothes that need to be donated to your local charity? Most people don’t understand that the clutter is stopping the natural flow of energy in their homes. Do you want to disrupt the balance and peaceful calm of the space?

Some things in life weigh you down. If you have a room that is heavy with clutter, then it needs to be addressed. You can enhance the energetic function of space by merely tossing and donating all that extra stuff.

3. Learn Commanding Positions

A commanding position is a feature or piece of furniture in your home that stands for something else. For instance, your couch can be a stand-in for you. Your desk space might be a stand-in for your job, and your dryer might be a stand-in for productivity. The goal is to position these things right so that you can take control of your space and life.

4. Balancing the Elements

Try to incorporate the elements into your peaceful home, which are metal, water, fire, wood, and earth. By having them in your living space, it helps to bring balance. Have you ever been in a room that had wood paneling, wood floors, and wooden accents?

Using too much of one element can be overwhelming to any area. However, when you use wood floors, a stone accent wall on a fireplace, and some metal wall hangings, you will bring the right balance. A room using only one medium is suffocating, but when you have a mixture, they complement each other.

If you cannot use actual elements, such as fire, then you can use the color of fire. A beautiful warm red tone or a bright orange can help to give you the same effect. For water, you can use shades of blue and green. Don’t try to stuff all five elements in each room as it will be too much. However, you should strive to have all five inside your home.

5. Bring in the Light

Natural light is a big part of Feng shui. Have you ever noticed how you feel when the sun breaks after a storm? This invigoration can be created when you let the sunshine in every day.

Never close off windows with blinds and curtains to block your view. Instead, let them bring nature to the inside. Once you expose the windows, make sure to clean them and get off any dirt or debris that can block the flow of sunlight.

If you must have curtains, then choose an excellent opaque style that still allows the light to penetrate. A mirror placed directly across from the windows can also allow the light to reflect throughout the home. Natural radiance lifts everyone’s mood.

However, if you’re in search of high-quality, custom curtain options, consider exploring the top-rated merchandise MaisonDuBeau.com offers. With a wide range of fabrics, colors, and designs, you can easily find the perfect curtains that harmonize with your home’s unique style while still promoting the flow of light. The right curtains can not only add beauty but also contribute to a serene and uplifting space, making every room feel more vibrant and welcoming.

6.The Door to Your Spirit

In the system of wind-water, your home’s front door symbolizes the entry to your soul. Practitioners recommend making it the focal point of your home and avoiding using back and side doors for entry. Make your entryway attractive and clutter-free and painted the color of the direction it faces.

7. Points to Forget

Sharp, angular décor, and features don’t have a place in a chi-centered home. They represent broken relationships and cutting words. Instead, opt for soft, sloping lines and rounded edges. Circles are especially encouraged since they embody eternal life.

8. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Ever since humans first saw their reflection in the water, we’ve had a collective affinity for mirrors. If you want to make a space look larger and more abundant, mirrors do the trick. They represent the water element in your space and enhances its chi.

Remember to use round mirrors and use a large one or a few small ones to create a focal point. As the mirror reflects things before it, so your home reflects your soul. Consider at least one mirror in each room.

9. Keep Your Flooring the Same

Have you ever been into a home that used different styles of flooring in each room? That feeling of unbalance wasn’t just in your head. For chi to flow uninterruptedly, keep the same flooring throughout your house.

If you can, consider using natural floor elements rather than carpet. Not only are they easier to clean, but they bring in positive wind-water balance. It’s best to use wood or stone tile.

Hardwood floors, in particular, are a fantastic option for creating a seamless transition from room to room. They not only provide an elegant, timeless look but also help to maintain a sense of balance and unity throughout your living space.

This type of wood is resistant to dents and scratches, making it a practical yet aesthetically pleasing option for any home. For those looking to invest in quality, the Gulvxtra online store offers a variety of hardwood flooring options, perfect for enhancing your home’s chi and bringing in the natural elements of wood to create a balanced, positive energy throughout.

Whether you’re remodeling a single room or renovating your entire home, choosing the right flooring can make a big difference in both the look and feel of your space.

10. Fixing Squeaks

Did you know that something as small as a door squeaking when you open it can affect your chi? If your front door is making a terrible creak when it opens, then you need to fit it.

It’s possible that you have become so accustomed to the sound that it doesn’t even bother you, or you may not notice it. However, subtle noises can mess with your vibrations, which means it needs to be fixed. Get out the oil and fix that creaking joint.

11. Use a Water Fountain

A water fountain is an excellent way to incorporate the water element into your home. Finding where to put this fountain can be another problem. It’s best to place any water element near your entry door, but you want to make sure the water is flowing towards the center of your abode.

12. Keep Your Bathroom Door Shut

You know that keeping your bathroom door shut is good for obvious reasons, but there are also some harmonious reasons for it. Your bathroom is the place where water leaves, which can also indicate wealth being flushed away. You don’t want to lose any wealth that is coming your way.

13. Cover Any Television in the Bedroom

If you have a television in your bedroom, and it’s not the best idea, then you should cover it when not in use. A television is a form of active energy, and it can disrupt the peaceful haven you are trying to create.

14. Fill the Space Above the Cabinets

One of the commandments of Feng Shui is to make sure that there is no empty space above the kitchen cabinets. If you do have space, then it’s a great location for some houseplants. You don’t want your chi to become stuck in dead spaces, so fill it up with life, and it will enhance your energy.

15. Use White Sage for Space Clearing

Finally, once you have redesigned your space according to this Chinese art, then it’s time to cleanse it with white sage. Go through each area of the home, making sure that the smoke from this herb penetrates every corner.

Sage can help to cleanse impurities as well as get rid of old, stale energy. You don’t want anything standing in the way of your new, fresh energy.

Final Thoughts on How Feng Shui Fits Everyone

The beautiful thing about Feng Shui is that it fits everyone with a myriad of lifestyles. By simply arranging your furniture and items in a specific method, you can change your entire life.

If you want prosperity and a peaceful home, then why not use some items from this list to change the energy and harmonious balance of your space?

Psychics Explain How to Open Up Your Gift of Clairvoyance

May 21, 2020 by Power of Positivity

A clairvoyant is a person that can see beyond the physical realm into the spiritual one. You can communicate with a world that many doubts exist and receive spiritual guidance from the angels. It’s a unique ability that comes with great responsibility.

Clairvoyance is one of many spiritual gifts, and it should not be confused with other callings. Everyone has the power to open themselves to see and receive messages from beyond. You must commit to open your third eye to see into mystic realms. You may take online classes with a Witchcraft Teacher to open up your spiritual abilities.

Once this gateway opens, you can receive guidance, wisdom, and truth to help you and others.

Start with the Basics of Clairvoyance

If you want to delve into spiritual gifts, then you must start with the basics. Do you have an intuitive nature? It’s always best to have a basis in which you can build. Usually, someone who has callings knows it long before they ever come to terms with it.

Do you have visions, dreams, or see things that you don’t understand? Perhaps, part of your spiritual awakening is to accept what you already know to be true. You must make a conscious choice to open these pathways and allow information to flow.

Many people don’t understand that your spiritual gifts have always been there, but it’s waiting for you to accept them. Your unbelief can block the spiritual world from communicating with you, and it can make you miserable until you come to terms with the callings on your life.

Here are six signs you are on a journey to a spiritual awakening.

Every Person Observes Spirit Differently

Each spiritual ability is unique and is subject to interpretation. Spirit can give you the same dream as another, but you will have a different understanding of it. It doesn’t mean that one person is higher on the spiritual ranks than another; it just means that one sees things differently.

It’s hard to grasp this concept as people think that psychics or mediums might have enhanced skills over clairvoyance. Everyone can open their third eye, but some don’t stop with just one gift as they want all spirt has to offer them.

Don’t ever let someone make you feel inferior to their abilities. You don’t have to bow to anyone who tufts their skills as you have the same power within you. Everyone is born clairvoyant, but few choose to open the door to walk into this realm.

Clearing the Blockages to Clairvoyance

How many times have you heard that a baby can see or perceive into divine realms? When you are born into this world, your third eye opens, and naysayers haven’t poisoned you. Sadly, most children have their gifts blocked or closed for whatever reason.

As you age, you may want to address the blockages to re-open your third eye. Did you know that many children have psychic experiences that they don’t know how to explain? They may not tell anyone because they don’t know how to put things into words, or they’re afraid of rejection.

If you have a child, they may see ghosts walking through your home, spiritual mists wafting about in your hallway, or see an energy field around someone. They don’t know how to label the things they see.

Does your child drawn unique pictures or have an imaginary friend? Many choose to communicate with spirit without telling anyone. They fear they will become an outcast, so they remain silent. These children need to have the power to develop their clairvoyance as they may later want to enhance these callings.

Fear and negativity are the most significant blockages in the spiritual world. Your worries will block your clairvoyance. Even if you have a unique gift, the ability can be turned down or off due to your fears. If your child came to you and said that they saw a ghost in their bedroom, the first thing you would do is downplay their visions.

As a parent, you want your child to rest easy and not be fearful of things that many children dread. However, your child may have seen something, and you downplayed it. Now, you’re an adult, and you want to enhance your abilities, but you are left with the dubious task of clearing the blockages from decades of negativity and fear.

Learn ten techniques to open your third eye.

Canceling Fears

We’ve established that fear is the biggest block in the path of your spiritual awakening. Religious sectors often used fear tactics and said that psychic gifts are evil and not from God. Thankfully, this statement is not valid. Being intuitive is all part of your spiritual makeup.

Another common fear that people must overcome occurs from a past life. Remember the Salem Witch Trials? People didn’t understand the gifts, so they thought that these enlightened individuals were evil witches. Thus, the people lost their lives because of the fear others carried.

You might have experienced traumatic events in your past that have affected your life today. The fears from things that happen to you in another realm might block your gifts. You may have the fear that you will lose control when you are communicating with, and you won’t be able to stop anything scary that you might see.

Once you learn how to release the fear, then you can open your third eye with ease. How does one release the doubt when it’s been a part of them for so long? Well, the first thing you can do is ask Archangel Michael to help you.

You need help to clear your mind, body, and spirit from all negativity surrounding you. Ask for help to see into the realms of the soul. With each breath you take, you can release the fear and negativity that has held you down for so long.

Affirmations to Increase Vibrations

Fear is not the only reason why you may have your spiritual gift blocked. Did you know that you may have problems opening your third eye based on your diet, lifestyle, and substance use? Think of the spirit world as a biofeedback system.

Anything that lowers your vibrations can decrease your abilities to walk into the gift of clairvoyance. However, you can increase your vibrations by using positive affirmations. Say the following things out loud every day:

I will embrace my clairvoyance.
It’s safe for me to open my eyes to see the spiritual world physically.
I will remember my dreams and visions.
I’m a clairvoyant that is highly visual.
I will love and approve of myself.

Did you have problems saying those things? If they don’t flow freely from you, then you still have fears or doubts blocking your path. Say these things over and over and till you can reprogram yourself to live profoundly as a clairvoyant.

Read some tips how to increase your vibrations.

Calling on the Angels

You know that you can call on Archangel Michael, but he’s not the only divine being that can help you with the process. Did you know that archangels are generals over the angels and powerful allies to assisting you with your spiritual awakening?

These mighty messengers of the divine are there to assist with your physical and spiritual eyesight. If you are unsure of who you should call on for help, then here is a list of the most commonly used spirit guides:

•Raziel

Raziel is an archangel that is known to supervise both the secrets and mysteries of the universe, and he can help you to develop your psychic abilities.

•Haniel

Haniel is known for her ability to help you become more intuitive and to improve your clairvoyance. She can help with your third eye-opening since she has close connections to the moon’s energy. Ironically, she is also a clairvoyant.

•Orion

Orion is a great teacher and guides into the spiritual realms, and he is a powerful ally to keep in your corner. He can help you to use the authorities of the universe to raise your vibration levels, which will also cleanse your energy as well as bring abundant blessings into your life.

•Metatron

To delve into the divine, you may need to cleanse your chakras and open your clairvoyance. The archangel Metatron can help you to release all the fears and negativity that holds you back from your spiritual gifts.

Final Thoughts on Developing Your Clairvoyance

We are all spiritual beings, and there is nothing wrong with you wanting to know more about the world we see and the one many cannot. Remember that each person will perceive information from spirit differently. Some will be psychics, while others tend to be more clairvoyant.

You may sense something, while others can see a vision of it. It’s all the same spirit working with you to guide you. Embrace the gifts and powers that you’ve been given and erase fear and negativity from your life. Lastly, remember that you have the archangels standing by ready to help you.

12 Traits of a Genuinely Honest Person

May 21, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Ben Franklin coined the phrase, “Honesty is the best policy.” Back in Ben’s day, honesty was important in relationships. It’s no different today. Truth-telling is important. You may wonder how to tell if someone is telling the truth or lying. So, what are the behaviors and traits of a genuinely honest person?

Here’s why we have trouble pinpointing them. Everyone lies.

Even if you say you’re an honest person, you probably lie every day without realizing it. If a friend buys you lunch and asks if you enjoyed the meal, you might say yes out of a desire to save the person’s feelings even though your food was cold and tasteless. On average, you get lied to 200 times a day. One study found that 40% of adults said they fib at least once a day, usually in small ways.

12 Behaviors of an Honest Person

1. Drops the profanity

You may have heard that the use of profanity means a person is honestly expressing their thoughts and opinions. In fact, politicians who believed this began using more profanity in hopes of appearing honest. Curious about this premise, researchers conducted a study to find out if it was true. They found that, in fact, the opposite is exact. Sincere people tend to use less profanity, not more. Honest people don’t need profanity to make their point or to convince you they’re being honest. They’re just honest.

2. Won’t use the word, “honestly”

If you’re talking with a person who peppers their conversations with “honestly” or “to tell you the truth,” they’re lying to you. This phrase may appear as being candid or straightforward, but it’s a dead give away of being dishonest. Liars also use phrases like “to be perfectly honest” or “let me be honest with you,” to convince their listener they’re sincere. This kind of qualifying language discredits the speaker and reveals their deceit.

3. Gestures correctly

Dishonest people tend to gesture AFTER they speak instead of during or before they talk. Everyone uses gestures, it’s reasonable to gesture while you’re talking. But when someone gestures at the wrong time, it’s a sign of deception. It’s as if the person is making up the answer as they go along, and their gesturing can’t keep up with their words. Honest people gesture in the right way and at the right time for emphasis, not because they are lying to you.

4. Normal voice tone

Liars change their voice tones in conversations. They may get louder as they talk. The more they talk, the louder they will get. Or they will lower their voice as if they’re telling you something in confidence. It’s as if the person feels defensive, and their pitch is revealing this to you as they continue to lie. It’s a dead giveaway when someone does this, so don’t believe them. You can spot an honest person in conversations because their voice will be consistent throughout the discussion.

5. Blinks normally

It’s thought that a person who is lying to you blinks more often and has longer blinks than a person who is telling the truth. Changes in their blinking patterns are also a sign of lying. This subtle clue is worth watching while you’re in conversations. It’s a pretty clear indicator the person isn’t being honest with you.

6. No throat clearing

Honest people use a normal voice tone without constant throat clearing or hard swallowing before they answer. A person who continually clears their throat before he answers your question, he is probably lying to you. He’s probably feeling anxious about lying, and this may cause his throat to feel dry out, so he needs to cough or clear his voice to talk.

7. Mouth looks normal

Honest people hold their mouths regularly during conversations with you. A dishonest person purses their lips or tenses their mouth while in chat. They may give you a fake smile or a half-smile. A real smile involves the eyes, not just the mouth. When a person smiles, there are wrinkles at the edge of their eyes, called crow’s feet, that will appear. A person who is fake smiling smiles only with their mouth, not their eyes.

8. Movements are natural

Non-verbal clues are often the best way to tell if someone is lying to you. If the person you’re talking to shuffles their feet or moves around in their chair or fidgets with the clothes, there’s a good chance they’re lying to you. But a liar may also become unnaturally stiff, freezing their upper body movements. In general, unnatural movements being either too stiff or too busy, are indications a person is lying to you.

Learn how to stay calm during an argument (even when you don’t feel it).

9. Pupils aren’t dilated

It’s often thought that when someone doesn’t look you in the eyes, they’re lying. But studies show that looking either to the left or right isn’t necessarily a sign of lying. Liars will look at you too much. Practiced liars maintain eye contact with a type of stare-down ability. When they do this, the pupils of their eyes will dilate, indicating they’re not being truthful.

10. An honest person looks relaxed, not moving too much or too little

If you’re in a conversation with someone who is lying, they will often wiggle or tap their feet nervously. Honest people are calm. They don’t shuffle their feet to distract you or out of nervousness. They’ve nothing to hide, so they aren’t worried you’ll find out they’re lying to you.

11. Uses non-formal language

Liars use formal language to cover up their lies. Saying, “I did not commit a crime,” instead of “I didn’t do it,” tells you that the person is working hard to cover up their lie. Liars use this formal way of answering questions to try to appear sincere and truthful. Honest people use ordinary, everyday language when they answer questions because they don’t have anything to hide.

12. Doesn’t give you too much information

When a person is lying to you, they’ll often repeat your questions back to you. They’ll give you lots of unnecessary details as if to overload you with information to deflect their lies. These are subtle but clear clues the person isn’t being honest with you. They’re stalling, trying to come up with an answer they think you will believe. It’s a classic indication of lying.

Final Thoughts on Identifying When You’re Dealing with an Honest Person

Figuring out if someone is an honest person isn’t simple. Many gestures get misunderstood as lying when the person is just nervous. It takes practice and the ability to get to know the person to understand whether they’re lying to you. Ask lots of questions, probe into what they’re saying to you. Look for inconsistent patterns in their speech, nodding yes when they say “no.”

Also, look at their attitudes and subtle movements. If someone is co-operative and ready to work with you to help you to get the truth, that’s a pretty good indication they’re being honest with you. They’ll be willing to share their ideas or brainstorm or provide details to solve the problem. Clear indicators that the person you’re talking to is lying will include looking down frequently, pausing, or being withdrawn, unnecessary head shakes, or shrugging.

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