Page 585

10 Ways to Make Zoom Calls with Friends More Fun

May 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

With more people staying home than ever, many people are turning to Zoom to stay connected with family and friends as well as working from home. If your social life seems to have taken a turn and is a bit mundane, then you may be looking for ways to spice up your social interactions.

Thankfully, there are some easy things that you can do to add some variety to these calls since it’s the best way to stay connected right now.

Four Zoom Keyboard Shortcuts

Many quick short cuts can easily make your sessions easier on this conferencing app. Here are some of the best ones to use on Zoom calls with your friends:

• Record Your Sessions

By merely using Cmd+Shift+R, you can easily record your sessions with ease. (PC: Alt+P)

• Screen Sharing

One of the best features of this video conferencing platform is the ability to screen share. To start page sharing, type Cmd+Shift+S. If you need to pause this feature, type Cmd+Shift+T. (PC: Alt+Shift+S) (PC: Alt+T)

• Mute Your Voice

It’s advisable to keep your mute button going if you’re in a video conference. Use Cmd+Shift+A to mute your voice on this platform. Use Cmd+Ctrl+M to mute everyone in the video conference. (PC: Alt+A)

• Quickly Invite Someone

Cmd+I will allow you to invite someone to your conference quickly. (PC: Alt+I)

Learn how using telemedicine can help you avoid the germs of a doctor’s office.

Making Virtual Calls More Fun

When you’re stuck at home with nothing do to the Zoom, virtual parties may be just what you need. If you lack the creativity to enhance these web-based connections, there here are six tips for you.

1. Add Pizzazz with Special Effects

Did you read the story on the internet of the lady from Washington, DC, who turned herself into a virtual potato? The hilarious part is that she had to face her colleagues in an online meeting while being a spud. There are so many special effects on these video apps that can enhance your experience.

While you may not want to be a potato, the sky is the limit when it comes to virtual choices. A few options to consider include giving yourself frog eyes or becoming an extra-terrestrial. You can go to a black and white or sepia tone, or you can even become a ghost. What could be more fun than that?

Do you want to hide the clutter of your home? Then you can put a new background on your screen so that it appears that your sitting beachside rather than in your home office. Another option that you have is to distort your image.

The options are limitless and easy to do with the click of a button. You should play around offline to see what kind of effects you can add. Remember, you must turn these effects off when you switch from personal to business roles. You don’t want to be a spud like the lady from the capital city.

2. Send Super-Imposed Videos

It can be quite annoying to send video links when you copy and paste them into a taskbar. Then, your friend must follow the link and open it in a new window.

Using Zoom or another popular app, you can send videos in real-time. Add a bit more to your videos, and you can super-impose your body over the ones in the production.

What would your friends think if they see you on an underwater diving adventure in a foreign land, or you can saddle up a horse and ride in the Wild West?

You can immerse yourself in all the video chat options that are available to you on this app. The Intel® RealSense™ technologies are changing the way people communicate with one another, and it’s all for the better.

3. Make It a Virtual Game Night

Children and adults alike have become bored with social distancing and not being allowed to venture far from home. However, why not use Zoom to bring your friends in on your virtual world? You can create game nights right from the comforts of home.

You can play video games together, or you can opt for other fun classics like Charades or Win, Lose or Draw. The key to making this a success is to get as many people together as you can. Since you are connecting via an internet server, you can see and hear them.

These new game playing sessions can become so real that you might have to remind yourself that you don’t have a house full of friends. Sure, it’s not going to be just as fun as having them in your home, but think of the mess that you won’t have to clean up when the night is through.

4. Take a Trip Down Memory Lane

Do you have boxes of old photographs stored in your closets? Are there are old films that have family gatherings recorded for the later generation to see? Zoom is the perfect way to put on a display and have the family take a walk down memory lane.

Since you are connecting with them in a manner where they can see and share videos and photographs, you can all bring your offerings to the table. Years of generational pictures can be shared with ease. Plus, you will learn a few remarkable things about the family you probably didn’t know.

Today’s generation uses digital platforms for their photos. However, back a decade or so ago, there weren’t the options that we have now. Make sure to record these sessions so that you can hear the stories time and again.

While the present seems to be wavering, why not look to the history of your family to bring you comfort. Plus, the elderly members of your clan would probably enjoy a stroll down memory lane with you and their loved ones.

5. Have an Old-Fashioned Bake Off

There is nothing better than the smell of freshly baked goodies wafting throughout your home. Do you love to cook? Do your friends, or family members also enjoy this past time? Why not have a virtual baking contest?

You can show off your culinary skills when you whip up a few fantastic dishes to entice everyone in your meeting. Teach some tips and tricks that you’ve learned over your cooking career, as well as take advice from those who’ve been baking up goodies for decades.

There are so many things that you can do with this tip if you only let your mind wander. You can charge a small fee and teach cooking classes, or you can have a hang out on Zoom for fun. Your perception only limits the options.

Just think you can show everyone what a great cook you are, and you won’t feel the pressure of having people breathing down your neck. Additionally, you can hide the mess when you’re on camera too.

Have you ever wanted to run a cooking show? Do you see yourself as one of the great chefs of our day like Rachael Ray, Julia Child, or the Frugal Gourmet? Since you’re already on camera, you might as well record these sessions. Who knows, you could be what one of those popular food networks is looking for as the next big thing in cooking.

6. Have a Virtual Dinner Date

Why talk when you can eat? Virtual parties should always begin with food. While going on a traditional date when restaurants are closed may make dating difficult, there’s nothing that says you can’t sit and dine with someone on the world wide web.

The best part about virtual dating and having these online dating sessions is that you can log off if things aren’t going as you planned. With the touch of a button, you can disconnect from Zoom.

Grab a glass of your favorite wine, a plate of delicious food, and sit in front of your computer ready to chat the night away. Thankfully, Zoom has a mute feature where you can mute your side of the conversation should you need to burp or have some other gaseous explosion. You may find that you like internet dating way better than doing them in person.

Use some of the other techniques talked about in this article to jazz up your date. Change the background to a tropical scene, or you can become an avatar with a made-up persona. It’s utterly amazing what the power of the internet allows you to do and grow when you feel that your options are limited.

While nothing is as enjoyable as holding hands, snuggling, or kissing under the moonlight, internet dating can be made possible with online apps.

Final Thoughts on How to Make Virtual Calls on Zoom More Fun

Video calls can be fun, especially if you’re both working and socializing from home. However, you can make things better using the power of technology. When you use your creative side and explore all the possibilities the internet offers, then you can see how much enjoyable the virtual world has become.

12 Ways to Live a Sustainable Lifestyle (and save money)

May 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

We live in a modern world where most people consume and pollute. Instead of wasting at such vast degrees, we should make a point to be as sustainable and self-reliant as possible. This effort is an excellent way to both help the earth and saves money. Here are 12 ways to live a sustainable lifestyle (and save money in the long run).

12 Tips for a More Sustainable Lifestyle

1. Grow Your Own Food

Instead of getting into the car to go to the store and putting toxins in the air and buying food that needed to be transported and possibly packaged, grow your fruits and vegetables at home.

Do your research to learn what foods grow best in your area and how to grow them. When the time comes, you’ll have the freshest vegetables possible. Plus, you will know exactly how they were raised and what they were treated with since you were the one who grew them.

Are you planting a victory garden to live more sustainably? Here are 15 plants to try.

2. Recycle

Recycling is the process of taking used material and repurposing it instead of adding to the already overfilled landfills in the world. Not everything can be recycled, but the items that can go to a recycling center which helps bring it to a new, reusable form.

Place plastic, paper, and glass in a separate container specifically for recyclable materials. In many cases, the city will provide a recyclables bin for you. In some cases, you may even be able to make money off of your recyclable materials. The following states offer money for bottles and cans:

California
Connecticut
Delaware
Iowa
Maine
Massachusetts
Michigan
New York
Oregon
Vermont

If you live in one of these states, collect your cans and bottles. The recycling center will typically offer a nickel per item. You can help the environment while also earning some extra money. Talk to an employee at the center to learn about any other materials they would pay you for.

3. Ditch Your Car

Cars are a significant source of air pollution, especially in metropolitan areas. Many people drive to work or the store when they could easily take an alternative method of transportation. If you can take one car off the road every day by walking or biking to work, you are making a significant difference.

However, you should consider public transportation if walking or biking is not a reasonable method for you. If that also doesn’t work for your commute, create a carpool at your work. You can save gas money by taking turns driving with other people at the office. It will reduce the number of pollutants in the air, too.

Read the benefits of living a minimalist lifestyle.

4. Install Solar Panels

One of the most exciting new sustainable inventions in recent years is the solar panel. You can place these on your home to generate your electricity. Of course, you still have backup power from the electric company. However, since you are producing your electricity most of the time, your electric bill will be significantly reduced or even nothing.

The solar panels collect the sun’s rays and turn it into electricity. When you need to use it, it’s distributed throughout your house. Since this method requires the sun, it works best in sunny locations.

The solar panels generally go on top of your current roof. However, Tesla has invented a roof made of solar panels. It’s expensive, but it’s attractive and saves you money in utilities.

5. Shop From Environmentally Responsible Companies

You have a lot of options as a consumer. It’s your job to make responsible decisions about who you buy from. You shouldn’t only focus on price. You need to pay attention to the way the company packages its products and their manufacturing practices. There may be a reason that a particular product is cheaper than the competition.

These items probably won’t last as long as other options, meaning you’ll spend more when you need to be a second product. Also, specific packaging and manufacturing processes are bad for the apartment.

6. Shop With Reusable Bags

Think of all of the plastic bags used when people go out grocery shopping or shopping at the local pharmacy. Even though they are plastic, these bags can not be recycled. In fact, some countries are even banning the use of plastic bags when shopping. Think ahead and bring your reusable bags.

There are sustainable bags designed to use over and over again. This habit will eliminate the need to use plastic bags. Just don’t forget to bring them with you when you head out to shop.

7. Drive an Electric Car

If you can’t possibly get rid of your car, that doesn’t mean you can’t make responsible decisions about the vehicle you drive. Some vehicles are known for being “gas guzzlers.” They consume a lot of gas. This moniker means you’ll be stuck going to the gas station more often and spending more money. Common gas guzzlers include Hummers and large trucks. Compare vehicles before buying.

Luckily, there are electric vehicles and hybrids now that don’t require as much gas. These vehicles rely on electricity or a combination of both electricity and gas. You won’t be stopping for gas as often or putting the same amount of pollution into the air. You can look for an electrical service to help you with the Installation of your Ev Charger.

8. Buy Energy Star Appliances

Most modern homes utilize refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances to help complete chores. It’s almost unheard of not to have these appliances around the house. However, these appliances use up a lot of electricity and water. As they get older, they may even require more to complete the same amount of work. Specific machines are designed to use less water and electricity than usual.

These appliances will have an Energy Star sticker on them. This designation lets you know they adhere to a certain standard of efficiency. You will save money on your utility bills. Plus, you will be more sustainable.

9. Eat Local

Think about how food gets from where it was made to your plate. In some cases, this involves an extensive long-distance journey. The journey means putting pollution into the air. Plus, the food isn’t as fresh as it once was when it finally arrives at its destination.

Instead of eating at places that require the food to come from all over the country, eat at restaurants and shop at farmer’s markets who only use food from local farmers and butchers. This food is likely less expensive since it doesn’t require travel costs.

Plus, it will be some of the freshest food you can eat. In these types of establishments, the food probably wasn’t frozen at any point. Finally, it was perhaps picked off of the vine that same day!

10. Use HVAC System Wisely

It’s completely unreasonable to assume that people will live in hot summers and cold winters without an HVAC system. This fact is especially relevant if you live in a location with an extreme climate. However, you should use your HVAC system wisely.

First, you should get a unit with the Energy Star sticker we mentioned before. Also, you don’t need to set the unit to extreme temperatures. Instead of setting it at 68 degrees in the summer, try setting it at 78. You want to make yourself comfortable, but you don’t need to overdo it. You should also consider using a smart thermometer.

The smart thermometer can change the temperature when no one is in the home. It can even set it back when people come home for the day. Finally, make sure that your ac unit gets regular maintenance from a professional ac repair technician. You may contact local hvac companies like Omni Heating & Air company to hire one. Or consider visiting the expert from Suffolk County HVAC Service to maintain your HVAC system.

11. Vote

It’s your job as a citizen to vote about the things that matter to you. Since we can’t vote on particular legislation, we need to vote for people who put environmental issues at the forefront. Research local, state-wide, and national politicians to learn who will support you and others who want to live a sustainable lifestyle.

When it’s time to vote, you should stop by the polls and cast your ballot. Some people only vote during national elections, but it’s important to vote in every election if you expect to see a change in your area. These changes can even result in significant savings for the government.

12. Volunteer

There are a vast number of organizations that work to help environmental issues and help sustainability efforts. Make a point to support and volunteer with these organizations. You may learn things during your volunteer service. You may also be able to make a difference in your community. Look for organizations that make an effort to clean up nature and plant trees. There are also organizations designed to help animals.

Final Thoughts on Achieving a Sustainable Life That Saves the Planet (and your wallet)

The world needs our help. We tend to make more from the planet than we give. It also doesn’t hurt that being more sustainable can save us a lot of money, too. These tips are a great place to start, but keep looking for new ways to help.

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?

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!