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Dermatologists Explain the Pros and Cons of Dermaplaning for Glowing Skin

June 7, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many women consider their lovely complexion as their best asset, thanks to dermaplaning.

Legend says that Helen of Troy’s face was so beautiful, a vast fleet of warships came to her rescue when she was kidnapped. It was she who had the iconic face that launched a thousand ships.

Professional hair removal like dermaplaning and over-the-counter depilatory creams are a large portion of the multi-billion-dollar beauty industry. Your facial hair may be light peach fuzz, or you may have dark male-pattern facial hair, called hirsutism. Understanding the difference between small areas vs. large areas pricing is key—visit https://moonlightbeauty.ca/laser-hair-removal-prices/ for detailed information.

Everyone has light facial hair, including women. If you have a fair complexion with blonde or light-colored hair, your facial hair may be baby fine and hardly noticeable. If you have a darker or olive skin tone with black or dark brown hair, your facial hair may also be darker and problematic.

Most women notice fine facial hair above their upper lip and the sides of their faces. Some may also have some hair growth on their chin and jawline. Your facial hair may be sparse enough for an occasional tweezing or depilatory cream application.

What Causes Hirsutism?

Excessive female body and facial hair is a common issue that most women find embarrassing. If the females in your family had it over the generations, the chances are that you also inherited the dreaded curse.

Your first instinct as a teenager may have been to use a razor, but your mother probably warned it would come back thicker with a vengeance.

Several medical conditions can lead to hirsutism, especially high concentrations of testosterone. If you’ve been diagnosed with the polycystic ovarian syndrome, it can also cause it. Women with adrenal or kidney diseases may have issues with hirsutism.

Talk to your doctor if you notice excessive facial hair and are on medication. Specific prescriptions, such as ones for endometriosis, are notorious for causing the problem. Be careful if your partner uses prescription androgen creams because they can affect you if they come in contact with your skin.

Through the years, you’ve probably tried many ways to get rid of unwanted facial hair. Perhaps you’ve experimented with a plethora of smelly creams and bleaches and painful waxing. These standard treatments are temporary, often expensive, and can leave your face red and sore.

Laser hair removal is a more permanent solution, but it is costly and often requires multiple visits to the dermatologist for the best results. If you are tired of creams and waxing and don’t have the extra cash for laser treatment, maybe dermaplaning is for you. It’s worth investigating if you want smooth, glowing skin.

What is Dermaplaning?

Although dermaplane therapy has been around for years, it has recently become a hot trend in the beauty industry. The dermatologist or aesthetician uses a sterile surgical scalpel shaped like a butter knife to scrape critical areas of the face gently. Dermaplaning exfoliates the uppermost layer of dead skin cells and temporarily removes fine hair growth, often leaving silky and glowing skin.

Before you consider this or any other hair removal treatment, be sure to do some research. Talk to your dermatologist about what is best for you. Most dermatologist and aesthetician offices provide service with trained and experienced staff.

Are you tired of fighting unwanted facial hair and want to try something new? This process may be a viable option. If you are thinking about a dermaplaning procedure, here are some pros and cons to consider before you try it.

Pros of Dermaplaning

Learn how to exfoliate your skin–and why this is an essential step for healthy skin.

1. You May Save a Little Money

While a dermaplane procedure may not be cheap, it is much less costly than chemical peels, dermabrasions, or laser hair removal. Depending on your area and where you get the procedure, many offices offer discounts for multiple visits. It doesn’t hurt to ask if they do.

2. You, Will, Have Minimal or No Downtime

Do you want an exfoliation and hair removal treatment that won’t keep you off work for a couple of days? With the dermaplane procedures, you can usually schedule a 30-minute session during lunch break and go right back to work. Since it is as painless and straightforward as light shaving, you can expect no downtime, unless your skin is unusually sensitive.

3. It is Gentler on Your Sensitive Skin

If you have sensitive skin, many chemicals and cumbersome dermatological procedures can cause redness, tenderness, and painful rashes. Many women who have sensitive skin conditions opt for the gentler dermaplane method. If you are pregnant or nursing, it may also be a safer option for complete exfoliation, and you can do it as often as needed.

4. You Can Use It as a Preliminary Procedure

Are you scheduled for a facial, chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or laser treatment? You may talk to your dermatologist about getting a dermaplane treatment first. With fresh exfoliation, the products may penetrate more efficiently.

5. Results Can Last Up to Six Weeks

Some exfoliation and hair removal kits for home use don’t last the time the package says. Most professional dermaplaning treatments can last up to six weeks before your next visit. Unlike chemical or laser treatments, you can safely have a dermaplane session as often as needed.

6. This Procedure May Enhance Your Daily Beauty Regimen

When you have a microlayer of dead skin cells and fine hair on your face, it may be more challenging to apply your makeup. Foundation often makes tiny facial hairs more noticeable. After a dermaplane session, you may notice that you can apply your makeup smoothly and evenly for glowing skin.

7. Past Acne Scars May be Appear Lighter

Who among us didn’t get at least a couple of pimples as a teenager? While mild blemishes fade with adulthood, people who had severe cases often have scars for life. If you choose to have a dermaplane procedure, it won’t erase acne scars, but it can make them less noticeable.

8. Treatments Won’t Change Hair Density or Texture

The old wives’ tale about shaving changing the hair’s texture isn’t accurate, nor is it valid for dermaplane procedures. When the facial hair gradually returns, it may feel a little coarser because it is shorter. However, it will be the same thickness and texture between treatments.

9. Dermaplaning Procedures Can Give You A Smoother Complexion

Each day, your skin sheds millions of dead cells and replaces them while you sleep. While many of these dead cells fall or rub off naturally, some remain and can block your pores. Manual exfoliation from a dermaplane session clears these cells away, making your skin glow and be less apt for breakouts.

Did you know that dry, flaky skin can highlight any wrinkles you may have? Each time you have a dermaplane procedure, the exfoliation brightens your skin and make fine lines less noticeable. Your face will feel fresh, clean, and make you appear younger.

10. You Can Do the Procedure at Home

Like many uncomplicated facial treatments, you can do dermaplane sessions at home. You can purchase dermaplane kits online or at some dermatologist clinics. Just use a mirror and gently apply the dermaplane blade to glide across your cheeks, forehead, and your jawline.

Cons of Dermaplaning

Here are the signs of stressed skin and methods to calm it back down naturally.

1. Dermaplane Procedures Aren’t Cheap

While you will undoubtedly spend less money on dermaplane sessions than laser hair removal, they can still be pricey. If cost is an issue, you may consider other hair-removal options. Dermaplaning procedures are considered cosmetic and are not covered by insurance.

2. Your Results May Not Last as Long as Other Methods

As with any cosmetic procedure, results for dermaplane sessions will vary from client to client. Like shaving, a dermaplane process cuts fine hair off at the surface. Alternative methods like waxing and laser techniques remove the hair from the root, and the results typically last longer.

3. Everyone’s Hair Growth Cycle Is Different

The rate that your skin regrows hair is different for everyone. Some people may have a dermaplane hair removal that will last longer because of slow hair growth, while you may see quicker regrowth. If you have a faster regrowth rate, you will need more sessions that will cost more money.

4. Certain Skin Conditions Prevent You from Being a Client

Do you have adult or cystic acne? Maybe you have rosacea or another painful skin condition. If so, having a dermaplane session could only irritate your skin more, so you shouldn’t take the risk.

5 – Dermaplane Procedures are not for Hirsutism

Because of hormone imbalances, heredity, and other issues, many women have hirsutism. This condition causes excessive, thick hair growth generally found in men. If you have been diagnosed with hirsutism, a dermaplane procedure could make your situation worse, so it’s not right for you.

Final Thoughts on Deciding if Dermaplaning is Worth Your Time and Money

Fortunately, you needn’t put up with unsightly facial hair as a woman. Dermaplaning can be a good option if you meet the criteria and have a tight budget. It may be a temporary fix, but you can have a session as often as needed, and it can boost your self-confidence.

Podiatrists Explain the Symptoms and Causes of Bunions

June 7, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Podiatric problems are always a big issue because you need your feet to take you where you need to go. A bunion can make wearing shoes impossible for some. It’s part of a progressive bone disorder that starts at the base of the big toe.

The large, bony bump is hard to ignore, and when putting on your socks and shoes, bunion pain can be unbearable. It will only get worse if not treated, and it can cause problems with neighboring toes too. The medical term for a bunion is a hallux valgus.

The boney structure forms at the MTP joint or the metatarsophalangeal. It’s a structural problem that messes with the integrity of the foot. When this joint is out of alignment, then the entire foot won’t line up correctly.

The bunion is on the first toe, and it will push into the second toe, making it crooked. The joint will stick out and make walking painful.

The Causes of Bunions

Bunions develop primarily in adults, but in some rare instances, they will appear in younger children. If a juvenile has an issue with these bone growths, it’s due to a hereditary condition. It’s possible to have hallus valgus from birth but never get an actual bunion.

As your shoes become crowded, the misalignment of the toes will increase the risk of developing this bony structure. However, crowded toes won’t directly be the cause of your bunion.

It’s rare, but a bunion can also form at the base of the small toe rather than the large toe. When this happens, they are referred to as a tailor’s bunion. The medical term is a bunionette.

It’s believed that genetics play a part in the development of bunions, but there can be other factors that come into play. Here is a list of other possible causes:

•Injuries to the foot or toe

•A big toe bone that moves around a lot

•Rheumatoid or different types of arthritis

•Medical issues that affect muscles and nerves

•Feet that haven’t developed properly from birth

•Wearing high-heeled shoes

Having this boney growth on the side of your toe is not that uncommon. It’s estimated that half of all adults will get them and around two percent of children under the age of ten. Though developing bunions in the younger generation is rare, if they are going to occur, it’s almost always between 10-15 years of age.

The toe should move up and down and all around, but the boney growth restricts movement.

Symptoms of Bunions

A bunion is not hard to diagnose as it’s a large bump that sits on the side of the toe. The lump causes the other toes to shift to accommodate for the nodule. Here are some other symptoms of bunions:

•Foot pain

•Numbness

•Tingling or burning sensations

•Swelling on the big toe

•Thicker than average skin on the toe with the bunion

•Calluses on the underside of the foot

•Redness

•Corns

•Restriction in movement on the affected toe

•Can’t wear certain shoes, especially high heels

•May start as a small corn-like lump, but it gets bigger over time

•Walking can be difficult and painful

Common Complications

Unfortunately, having this boney cyst on the side of your foot can cause all sorts of complications. The following issues have been reported:

•Bursitis – inflammation in the fluid-filled pads that provide cushion to muscles and tendons

•Hammertoe – the joint bends from the pressure of the big toe on other toes

•Metatarsalgia – foot pain that occurs on the ball of the feet

•Calluses

•Foot Pain

•Trouble walking or the inability to walk from pain

•Arthritis

•Toe restriction

If it hurts to put on your shoes, try wearing something like crocs or flip flops that are open or have a full top. It will relieve some of the pressure that is on your foot. However, the only way to correct this problem is to remove the boney growth from the toe.

Making a Diagnosis

It’s not difficult for a podiatrist to make a diagnosis of a bunion. By conducting a physical examination and doing an x-ray, they can easily see the nodule at the base of the toe. The x-ray will give the foot doctor an indication of the severity of the growth and what should be done to treat it.

Living with a Bunion

While surgery is an unavoidable way to treat this condition, many people don’t feel their case is bad enough to warrant such an action. There are things that you can do to prolong the inevitable, especially if you’re not in severe pain.

•Adjust your footwear

Wear shoes that allow plenty of room for your feet to move. The bunion will need a wide-with shoe, so you need to ensure you don’t wear anything too restrictive, and that can cause unnecessary pressure on the toes.

•Have your feet measured at a shoe store

Many people measure their feet by putting on shoes that fit. However, it’s common for folks to be wearing ill-fitting shoes. Getting a proper measurement will allow you to buy shoes that are customized for your feet.

Plus, if you try to cram your foot into a shoe that doesn’t fit right, it can cause the bunion to become inflamed from irritation.

• Shoe Inserts

Orthotics are popular choices for all types of foot discomforts. You can find them at just about any drug store around the country. If you need a custom pair, then your podiatrist can fit and make a pair just for your feet. You can purchase these online too.

• Splinting Devices

Putting the toe back into proper alignment can relieve some of the pain as well as make wearing shoes easier. There are special splints that help to straighten the bunion, but you can also use padding or tape to get it into the proper position.

If your bunion isn’t too bad, then this may be all the treatment you need. Plus, if you keep it from becoming aggravated, then you may not require surgical intervention.

• Adjust your activities

If you have increased pain when you stand for long periods, then you should avoid activities that require standing. If contact sports increase your pain, then avoid them. Anything you do to aggravate this growth is only going to cause inflammation and more trouble.

• Use Cold Therapy

If the area becomes swelled, then you need to apply ice for up to 20 minutes. Avoid heat as it may feel good, but it can make inflammation worse.

The Treatment Options for Bunions

You only have two options when it comes to treatment. You can either use medications or have surgery. While ibuprofen helps with pain and swelling, it has some dangerous side effects that you should be wary of with continued use. Herbal remedies, like turmeric and willow bark, can provide the same level of relief without the side effects.

Surgery may be your only option if you are in constant pain, as there is no other way to remove this extra bone. First, they must remove the bunion. They open the skin and remove this excess bone growth. They will also adjust the ligaments if the alignment is terribly wrong.

Second, if the adjacent toe has become hammered because of the strain, it will need to be straightened. They do this by tightening the ligaments and straightening the toe with a pin. The tip of the pin will remain on the outside of the toe for a few weeks, so follow up care is essential.

Final Thoughts: Prevention of Bunions is the Best Choice

To prevent bunions in the future, make sure to wear wide toe box style shoes that allow for plenty of breathing room. Also, though high heels with pointy toes are a fashion statement, they should be avoided. Anything that is going to squeeze cramp, press, or irritate the feet should be avoided.

The outlook on someone with bunions varies by case. Some develop a small boney growth that never requires any further intervention. However, others have a bunion that grows so large it causes unbearable pain when they walk.

The key is to adjust your lifestyle and shoe choices at the first sign of this growth as it will worsen over time. Additionally, don’t be alarmed if you get one on both the left and right foot as it commonly occurs in both. If your parents or siblings had these growths, then the chances of you developing them are increased, so you should take the proper preventative measures.

How to Deal Kindly with a Friend Who is Lousy at Keeping Secrets

June 6, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Having a friend who is lousy at keeping secrets is an unfortunate situation that could end your relationship. It’s one of the basic rules of a friendship, but it still happens, none the less. When you realize a friend betrayed you in this way, you’ll likely be shocked and hurt by it.

Unfortunately, some people may have difficulty keeping things to themselves. Even when they have every intention of keeping their word, they may slip up and mention it to someone else.

You can talk to your friend about this in a thoughtful way. That way, there are no other hard feelings that come out of the discussion. Plus, you can take additional precautions next time to make sure that your secret is safe.

Just remember that being kind is vital, especially if the friendship is important to you. Everyone does or says things that they regret, and your friend may be feeling regret already. Since you’re also feeling regret for confiding in them, keep that in mind the next time you have a secret.

What to Do When Your Friend is Lousy at Keeping Secrets

1 – Confront Them and Tell Them How It Makes You Feel

While you are confronting them about exposing your secrets, this isn’t the only reason you should talk about it. It’s essential to explain to them not only how angry you are, but also how it hurt you. By talking about it, you’re preventing negative feelings from festering.

If you allow negative feelings to fester, you’re only hurting yourself. It can be detrimental to your well-being and mental health. You have to tell the friend exactly how you felt that they exposed your secret.

You should consider the fact that your friend didn’t realize how serious it was when they told your secret. Talking about it can shed light on it if that was the case, and you can help your friend understand. This chat could be all it takes to make them better at keeping secrets in the future.

Keeping the feelings and thoughts to yourself will not help the situation. The only way to make it better is by talking about it. Just remember to be kind as you are explaining it, because your friend may not have realized the mistake.

2 – Forgive Them Even if They Don’t Apologize

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that you are saying what they did was acceptable. It also doesn’t mean that you are letting anyone take advantage of you. The purpose of forgiveness in this situation is solely for personal reasons.

Just like talking about it will help you avoid negative emotions, forgiveness will, too. Without forgiveness, it will eat away at you and make it worse. You’ll continue to feel awful about what happened, and it’ll take a toll on your mental health.

So, even if your friend doesn’t apologize for not telling someone your secret, forgive them anyway. Not for their sake, but for yours.

You don’t want to live with negative emotions forever. Unfortunately, if you don’t address it with the person who caused it, it’ll linger much longer than necessary. The feelings may end up staying with you forever, and it’ll severely impact your relationship with that friend.

Here are the ways you can tell if someone will keep your secrets.

3 – Stop Telling Them Your Secrets

If you have already talked to your friend about keeping secrets that you tell them and nothing changed, it’s time to reevaluate your friendship. This doesn’t mean you have to stop being their friend entirely. Instead, it just means that you have to decide if the relationship should change from what it is now.

Even if that person is your best friend, you have to think about your well-being when deciding. If they have struggled to keep your secrets, knowing that it hurts you, then stop telling them things.

You don’t even have to tell them that you aren’t going to share secrets with them anymore. If you’re worried about upsetting them, just stop telling them without mentioning it. They may notice so that the conversation may come up eventually, but chances are they won’t figure it out.

4 – Find a Friend Who Is Good at Keeping Secrets

Turn to a friend you can that you can trust. Don’t tell all of the details and secrets to the friend that you know will tell others. Find the friends who will keep any secret you ask them to.

Instead of continuing to tell your friend who can’t keep secrets, turn to a friend whom you can that you can trust.

If you find a friend who can keep your secrets, you will find so much relief. You won’t have to keep secrets to yourself, and you won’t have to stress about your secrets being told.

5 – Ask Yourself If the Friendship is Worth Repairing

Even if you decide that you want to end the friendship, you should still confront the friend. Telling them how it made you feel is essential no matter what the future of your relationship is. Sometimes, it’s impossible to repair friendships after a betrayal involving trust.

If you find that the relationship irreparable, you have to make that decision and stick to it. This outcome means that you shouldn’t text or call the friend. You have to make a clean break, or you’ll always have mixed feelings on the situations.

By making a clean break, you’re allowing yourself to walk away with a clear conscious. You’ve forgiven, explained your feelings, and decided to end the relationship. This move will enable you to heal and move on positively.

6 – Remember That Trust is Important in a Friendship

It is essential for both you and the friend who exposed your secret to remember that trust is important. You can’t have a healthy relationship if there is no trust between the two of you. This could always be a burden on the friendship, causing lingering negative emotions.

If you think that trust cannot be quickly earned back, stepping away may be best. If you decide to continue the friendship, make it clear that your friend has to earn the trust back.

It may take time, or it may occur sooner than you think. Either way, trust is important and will have to be earned back at this point.

The Way to Make Sure Your Secrets Are Always Safe

Keep Them to Yourself

Sometimes it feels so important to get something off your chest. It may be best to ignore these feelings, however, because you never know who you can fully trust. If your secret is serious and you don’t want it out, force yourself to keep it inside.

You never know when a relationship with a friend will end, and they will look for a way to hurt you. Additionally, the one person you trusted may turn to their significant other or family member. The friend may think that the person they choose to tell will also keep the secret, but that is rarely the case.

Just because your friend trusted the person that they told your secret to doesn’t mean that you should, too. Remember that the people your friend trusts have little loyalty to you, so your secrets are not safe with them. If this happens, your friend likely didn’t mean to hurt you, but the damage will have been done anyway.

The only way to completely prevent your secrets from being exposed is by keeping them to yourself. There is one other safe place you can turn to for complete secrecy, however. You won’t have to worry about your secret being exposed, and this is with a therapist.

Talk to a Therapist (not your friends)

Sometimes, keeping a secret to yourself can be impossible. It’s good to talk about what is bothering you, especially if it is causing negative emotions. When this happens, and you don’t want to risk your secret getting out, consider a therapist.

When you tell something to a therapist, you can guarantee that they are good at keeping secrets. This is because they are legally required to keep what you have told them confidential. Even better, a therapist can help you work through it in ways that a friend can’t.

Final Thoughts on How to Cope with a Friend Who is Bad at Keeping Secrets

It is hard to deal with a friend who isn’t good at keeping secrets. You will likely be hurt and feel betrayed, but all you can do is explain to your friend how it upset you. If the friendship is important to you, make sure you are kind when you confront them.

The next time you have a secret that you want to keep, consider other ways you can deal with it. You can choose a different friend to confide in, or you can keep it to yourself.

If keeping it to yourself isn’t an option, a therapist can help, too. Then, you won’t have to worry about a friend keeping your secrets for you. You’ll be able to get it off your chest and feel secure knowing that your secret is safe.

6 Healthful Herb Plants You Can Grow in Water (no soil needed)

June 6, 2020 by Deborah Tayloe

Despite your craving for salt, excessive intake can harm you. Instead, why not consider growing healthy herbs that support wellness–especially circulatory and heart health?

Most of our food wouldn’t taste the same without the savor of salt, a natural source of vital sodium. However, doctors warn that the American diet leans heavily on the salt shaker, leading to obesity, hypertension, and heart problems. These precautions don’t mean you’ll never enjoy tasty meals again.

If you want your food to take a walk on the flavorful side without a lot of extra salt, consider using fresh or dried herbs. Herb plants can make your dishes taste amazing. Unique blends of herbs and spices can boost your meals’ flavor and benefit your health.

Our Ancient Ancestors Relied on Herbs

Herbs are some of the earliest plants cultivated by humans. As our ancestors observed plants that the animals ate, they gathered these plants to see how they tasted. This prehistoric experimentation evolved into the knowledge of roots and herbs for medicinal purposes.

For millennia, cultures around the world depended on herbs for medicine, hygiene, and religious traditions. Much later in history, people found that many herbs lent flavor and delicious aromas to otherwise unpalatable foods. In ancient times, some herbs and spices were so valued that they were used as currency.

No medieval hut was complete without a small kitchen garden, which included several herbs for medicine and cooking. Some of the first herbalists were monks and nuns, who grew sizeable circular herb gardens on their convent grounds. They began the tradition of growing herbs in a circle pattern.

Most native cultures combined their spiritual traditions with the knowledge they collected from nature. According to culture and religion, these learned elders were called medicine people, shamans, and other titles. Throughout Europe and the New World, rootworkers secretly dispensed their herbal wisdom, fearing that they would be falsely accused of practicing witchcraft.

Today, global cuisines are renowned for their unique flavors and blends of herbs and spices. Many home cooks enjoy growing fresh herbs in their kitchen or yard for easy access. Most herb plants are so easy to plant and care for that children can do.

The rootworkers and herbalists of the past instinctively knew what modern science is recently discovering. Many of the herbs used in the kitchen may have many health benefits. Countless studies demonstrate positive associations between these green wonders and good health.

The Difference Between Herbs and Spices

We often use these words interchangeably when we prepare food, but there are marked differences. Herbs are usually tender green plants that can be used fresh or dried for consumption. However, spices typically derive from berries, seeds, or bark of specific trees or woody plants and are prized for their scent and flavors.

Starting an Herb Garden at Home

Do you enjoy cooking with fresh herbs? As you wander down the produce aisle in the grocery store, you’ve probably noticed that fresh herbs are pricey. Once you’ve found how inexpensive and fun growing herbs at home are, you’ll probably never buy them at the store again.

All you need is a bright place in your kitchen, such as a windowsill or along a counter facing natural light. You can purchase seeds or herb plants that are ready to be placed into pots of your choice. Before you buy potting soil, this article may change your mind about traditional herbal planting.

How to Grow Your Favorite Herbs in Water

Maybe you’ve already experimented with growing culinary herb plants in your kitchen. What could be cozier and more inviting than a sunny kitchen windowsill lined with potted herbs? Most popular herb choices are a snap to grow in little containers filled with potting soil.

One of the recent buzzwords for avid gardeners is hydroponics. This unique soil-less system uses water to nourish and grow plants like leafy greens. Did you know you can develop some herb plants in water containers instead of potting soil?

Not every herb is an excellent choice for growing in water. Those produced from seeds must be rooted in potting soil before you start buying herbs to plant in water. Research to see which ones can be done successfully.

Starting to Grow Herb Plants

If you have ever taken the starts of houseplants and rooted them in water, the same process is used for herbs. Use a pair of sterilized scissors to take clippings right about the leaf nodules. Strip lower leaves off and place each cutting in a glass container filled with warm filtered water.

Put your glass containers in a warm place where they will get a lot of indirect natural light. To avoid algae or mold attacks, change the water in each container often. Soon, your herb cuttings will have healthy roots, and you can keep them in their water glasses or plant them in soil.

Just snip off what you need; the herbs will keep growing throughout the season. Herb water gardens are attractive and a definite conversational starter. Here are six common herbs that you might consider increasing.

6 Kitchen Herb Plants to Grow in Water

1. Sweet Basil

Sweet basil is the darling of Mediterranean cuisines, especially Italian. It is native to these warm climates and usually grows as a perennial. The word basil derives from the Latin word royal, an apt description of this lovely herb.

Its thick green leaves have a sweet, peppery taste, making it ideal for pesto or other savory dishes. Basil has many cultivars, each with a unique scent and flavor. It is also a natural anti-inflammatory and can aid in digestive issues.

2. Chives

This fertile member of the onion family grows like a bouquet of grass. They have a mildly sweet onion flavor that is perfect for finishing fish, stews, or vegetables. Sour cream and chives are a perennial pairing that is tasty on baked potatoes.

This herb shares some health benefits with its more pungent cousins, onions, leeks, and garlic. They have natural antibacterial and antiviral properties and may boost your immune system. They can be chopped and consumed fresh or dried.

3. Mint

This herb family is a treasure trove of herbs valued for the excellent, sweet flavor they add to savory foods and confections. Whether you prefer peppermint, spearmint, or other classics, you probably love them for their scent and taste.

This herb is often used in dental products and many medicines for its cooling properties in the mouth and digestive system. Studies have shown that peppermint can quench heartburn and help other digestion problems. It also makes a lovely herbal tea that may bring restful sleep or soothe breathing problems.

4. Sage

A whiff of this earthy, peppery herb takes your mind back to your family’s Thanksgiving feasts. It’s one of the quintessential herbs for mild meats like poultry and fish. The ancients associated it with wisdom from the gods and used it in cooking, medicine, and spiritual rituals.

This venerable herb isn’t just for turkey anymore. Health experts believe that because sage is rich in vitamins and minerals, it can fight free radicals in the body that damage cells. It may also boost immunity and fight certain cancers.

5. Oregano

This zesty herb may be the star ingredient in many Italian sauces and dishes, but it was first cultivated in Greece. Associated with Aphrodite, the goddess of love, the Greeks believed it was a powerful love potion. This herb has traveled from the Mediterranean worldwide as a delightful spice for sauces, meats, and greens.

Many healthcare professionals tout the power of oregano oil for its high antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It fights harmful bacteria and is a natural anti-fungal agent. Add fresh leaves of this herb to your salad to help your immune system.

6. Lemon Balm

A balm is a natural substance that soothes and heals, an apt name for this fragrant member of the mint family. For years, people have grown this lemon-scented beauty to attract honeybees and to make a tasty tea. It is a perennial thrives in gardens, pots, or water containers.

If you adore this herb, then you will also love some of its health benefits. Research has shown this herb can bring more restful sleep and may ease symptoms of anxiety and depression. If you drink a cup of lemon balm tea each day, it may improve your brainpower.

Final Thoughts on Growing Herb Plants with Ease

Remember that just because something is natural doesn’t always be right for you. Talk to your professional healthcare advisor about any herbs you consider for medicinal reasons. Some herbs shouldn’t be consumed if you have a disorder or are taking certain prescription medications.

You needn’t be a master gardener to successfully grow herb plants in the water at home. These are a few flavorful herbs you can consider for pool growing. With a few cuttings, glass jars, and some water, you can have an inside herbal garden that will reward you with fresh herbs and improved health.

Astrology Explains 15 Things Never to Say or Do Around a Leo

June 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Astrologers can agree that Leos are the proud lions of the zodiac. They love compliments, can’t stand to lose an argument, and generally want to know they’re always loved. As such, most are incredibly confident and protective. They also like to be the center of attention.

Powered by the sun, Leo welcomes the limelight. Indeed, they are in their best form when they receive praise. Leos always needs the right energy to shine the brightest, so you should always be intentional when speaking with any lions in your life.

Never Say These 15 Things to a Leo

While this sign is very proud, they are also quite sensitive. What may seem like a simple comment to some can quickly cut to Leo’s core. If you have a Leo in your life that you love, make sure you never say the following things to them:

1. “Stop making it about you!”

Though this sign knows the world doesn’t revolve around them, they depend on their loved ones to make them feel like they’re the center of attention. Like the sun, they want to know their importance to everyone’s lives.

This is why it can be harrowing when someone close to them makes them feel bad for making situations about them. This sign is most comfortable when they have others hanging off of their every word.

Before you tell your loved one that they’re not always the center of attention, try to hear them out when they do talk about themselves or draw references from their own lives. In most cases, this is their way of relating to you.

2. “Don’t worry about it, I’ll do it.”

If you rely on this fire sign to finish a project with you, you must show them that you trust they will take care of it. This sign hates nothing more than feeling like they’ve let someone they care about down.

This sign wants to control their own lives and will get angry if they feel you’re taking that control away. Even if this sign can’t lead the way in everything, always make sure they ask for help before you try to take care of it independently.

Remember, this sign often hides their insecurity and fear by regaining control. Make sure to respond to this by taking the time to understand and allow them to open up to you.

3. “I forgot about our plans.”

We all miss essential dates and forget other details, but forgetting to invite a fire sign to an event is incredibly offensive. This sign absolutely hates to feel forgotten and will be very profoundly hurt if it ever happens to them.

You must quickly make things right if you’ve forgotten your fire sign. Ask this fire sign for forgiveness as you genuinely express how sorry you are. Then, let them get their anger out as the share how your actions made them feel.

You can get back into this sign’s good graces by validating them. Explain to your loved one how much you care for them, and eventually, they’ll return to being the powerful sun you know and love.

4. “Stop holding onto things, just let it go.”

This fire sign is complex and emotional. They’re not always going to forgive and forget in certain situations. In some cases, this sign may even bring up things that happened in the past as if they just happened yesterday.

While it can be annoying to rehash certain things with your loved one, this is how this sign works things out. Instead of telling this sign to “Let it go”, talk to them about what they’re experiencing. Chances are, if you allow this sign to be shared, they can start letting it go on their own.

5. “I already complimented you.”

Enough is never enough for this sun-powered sign. This sign feeds on the positive energy of others’ compliments and affection. For example, if your lion keeps asking you if you like something, they seek validation.

For some, one compliment is all that’s needed, but this isn’t the case with this sign. Feel free to let loose with your compliments and signs of affection. Oftentimes, all this sign needs is to know that you believe in them and they’re doing enough.

6. Never tell a Leo, “You’re so self-centered.”

While this sign is happy to be the center of attention, never call them self-centered. This sign likes to think the world constantly revolves around them, though they know it doesn’t.

Pointing out this personality trait using the word “self-centered” will anger your loved one. It’s best to talk about your feelings and ask them to focus their attention on you for now.

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7. “I didn’t know you were so needy.”

All of us are needy from time to time. This sign especially craves attention and wants to know that their loved ones are there for them.

Don’t make your fire sign feel bad for this. Show them how much you care by laying on the love.

8. “I’m not sure how I feel, Leo.”

Astrologers believe this zodiac sign to be one of the most confident and self-assured signs. As a result, this sign wants to know that others around them are just as confident and are doing what they believe is right.

If you tell a fire sign that you haven’t made up your mind about an important decision, you may unintentionally offend them.

Whether it’s a friendship or a romantic relationship, you should be clear about your intentions and decisions. Even if you really don’t know how you feel, share your thoughts with them. Attempting to communicate with your fire sign is sometimes all it takes.

9. “You’re overthinking it!”

Another way to offend your fire sign is to tell your loved one they are overthinking something.

This sign is deeply introspective and seeks the true meaning in any situation. They are deep thinkers and need the time and space to figure out certain thoughts.

10. “Don’t do that.”

Telling a fire sign what to do and what not to do is a quick way to get into an argument. Ensure your fire sign knows they’re in control of their decisions.

11. “You’re too much.”

The emotions that fire signs feel can be particularly overwhelming. At times, this zodiac sign struggles to handle their feelings.

To truly love this fire sign, you should never make them feel as though they’re too much for you to handle. Give them the chance to work through their feelings while you help them feel safe.

12. “It’s not a big deal!”

Everything in their life can seem like a big deal for a fire sign. If your loved one comes to you to share news, it’s because they want you to get excited about it.

Show your fire sign you’re on their team by always cheering them on.

13. “You always do this.”

The world “always” can be pretty triggering to a fire sign.

This word can make your loved one feel as though you’re constantly dissatisfied with their actions. Instead of reacting this way, try to have a rational conversation about both the individual’s behavior and any patterns you’ve noticed.

14. “Why are you like this?”

Leos have very strong personalities and need partners and friends that let them be themselves.

If you question this sign’s personality or lifestyle choices, you tell them you aren’t happy with who they are. To a fire sign, these are fighting words.

15. “You have to change.”

Fire signs have a strong opinion of themselves, so they’ll lash out at anyone who isn’t completely happy with who they are.

They’ll be deeply wounded if you ever tell this sign that they need to change. This sign loves to know how much they matter to their loved ones and wants to be accepted. Be sure to tell any fire signs in your life that you love them for who they are.

Learn how to manage your anger, according to your zodiac sign.

Final Thoughts on the Things You Should Never Say to a Leo

This sign is a confident yet sensitive creature. They bruise easily, so it’s essential to always choose your words carefully with this sign.

Treat the fire signs in your life gently and with love. By laying on the affection and working to understand them truly, you’ll see their personality shine like the stars they are.

Doctors Reveal 10 Reasons Why You Should Take A Walk Every Day

June 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Walking has skyrocketed in popularity. New technology like apps and step counters help you track how long and far you’ve strolled. You may wonder about the benefits of hitting the pavement. So, what are the many reasons why you should take a walk every day? Let’s take a look.

How much exercise does a person need?

It’s recommended that all adults get some physical exercise. Doctors suggest you get at least 150 to 300 minutes of exercise a week, with 75 to 150 minutes of that should be a mixture of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity. But one study found that even if you didn’t get intense exercise but regular exercise, you’ll still get health benefits.

How fast should you walk?

Healthy walking should last anywhere from ten to twenty minutes. You should keep a good pace, three miles per hour, equal to 120 steps per minute. If you want to exercise to lose weight, you can go four miles per house for fifteen minutes even faster. This works out to 135 steps per minute.

Here are some reasons to start walking

Take a look at why this form of exercise enjoys widespread popularity from beginners at exercise to fitness buffs.

1 – Walking is fun and easy to do

This exercise is something everyone can do. Even the elderly or some with limited mobility can take a light stroll. Find a safe place to walk with level sidewalks or an outdoor track. Take a lap around the track once, and try to increase your circuits around the track to four or five times. Find some friends to walk with so you can chat along the route. You’ll be surprised how little effort it takes but how many great benefits you’ll experience.

2 – Prevents injuries

The downfall of high-intensity aerobic exercise is that you are more prone to injuries. Tendonitis, joint pain, and knee or ankle sprains are common injuries when you do high-intensity exercise. However, this exercise is more moderate, but remember to keep a medium pace for the best results.

3 – It’s free to take a walk

When you take a daily stroll, you need no special equipment. There are no gym fees or exercise class costs. You don’t need special clothing, just a pair of good training shoes. Wear something comfortable while you walk. Remember to wear sunscreen and a hat when you walk in the summer.

4 – A simple way to get active

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed at just the thought of exercising. You may feel intimidated by going to a gym or an exercise class. Your schedule may be so busy you don’t have the time to hit the gym every day. Walking is as simple as walking out your front door. Go around the block or down the street and back. Start small, then add distance. Find a route you enjoy. You can stroll around your neighborhood, walk around a park, or a designated fitness path.

5 – A walk improves your mood

Walking has mood-enhancing benefits. It can also relieve your stress. That’s because this exercise is a cardiovascular activity that releases endorphins. These hormones get released in your brain and nervous system and help you fight depression. Walking is also a natural way to reduce the moodiness you feel during PMS.

6 – Boosts your immune system

Aerobic exercise, in general, makes your immune system stronger. One study reported that walking more can help you get and stay healthy, and if you do get sick, the illness won’t last as long.

7 – A daily walk gives you more energy

Exercise has a domino effect on your health. You’ll tone up, lose weight, and feel less moody. When you get that exercise daily, you’ll have more energy. The little investment of time spent walking gives you a great payback of more energy to do the other things you enjoy.

8 – Burn calories and fat

Of course, you know exercising will help you burn calories. It also burns hard to lose fat, especially belly fat. It’s a simple way to lose weight without huge changes to your life.

Doctors say that walking helps reduce your appetite. So not only are you burning calories that cause weight loss, but you’re not eating as much. Walking helps you lose burn calories without painful exercise or depriving yourself.

9 – Improve your joint health

Walking helps your joints and can alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. It also makes you stronger and more flexible. Start slowly and don’t overdo it.

Here are some easy ways to enjoy the benefits of a daily stroll if you suffer from arthritis without hurting yourself:

Go low impact: Don’t try to walk too far or too fast the first few weeks. Steadily increase the distance with time.
Go slow: Don’t rush; slow and steady wins the race. You won’t get into good shape in one day. It takes weeks of steady, gradual increase in distance and steps.
Don’t walk too fast: Don’t strain your muscles. If you feel pain in your knees or hips, slow down immediately.
Heat or cold: Some people suggest putting heat on your joints before walking and cold after walking. The heat will warm up your muscles while the cold will relieve any joint swelling or discomfort.

10 – Helps you live longer

So, you may not know that people who walk more live longer. This is because of the health benefits of walking. Plus, you will enjoy the mood-altering nature of exercise. A happier person is a more active person, involved with other people and activities.

Who wants to live to a ripe old age, feeling happy and healthy? I see that hand!

How can you walk more?

So, now you know it’s a good idea to get in a daily stroll. But what if you don’t have time to walk? Or you want to exercise more than just mornings (or evenings)? Here are some simple solutions for you to incorporate more steps into your day.

1 – Plan ahead

Many people keep walking shoes handy if they see a great place to take a stroll – a track, a fitness path you never noticed, or perhaps your friend asks you to go with her during lunch hour. If you keep your shoes in your desk or your car or your locker, you are ready for a spur-of-the-moment walk.

2 – Walking mindset

Walk around while at work. Take the steps instead of the elevator. When you’re a child’s basketball practice, pace as you wait. Having a walking mindset will allow you to rack up some steps in places you never thought about.

3 – Park far away from a store

When you’re out running errands, try to park far away from the store so you’ll need to walk farther. This is a simple but effective way to get some walking in while you’re doing productive things.

4 – Mix it up

You may feel bored with your daily exercise routine. That’s okay. Change it up by walking a new route. Or go further by creating new, higher goals.

Tell yourself, “I’m going to walk to the park today and back.”

Try hiking around a lake or down a fitness trail you’ve never tried.

5 – Walk to the store or coffee shop

You may live relatively near a grocery or coffee shop. Could you stroll a mile or two to the coffee shop? It’s possible! Of course, you should build up your walking over time. If you’ve never exercised, don’t decide to walk 2 miles to the coffee shop. However, that trip can be a great goal!

Be sure to take your water bottle and wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen if it’s sunny. You may surprise yourself how much you enjoy heading off on foot to a store, a park, or for lunch. More and more communities are using sidewalks to encourage people to improve their health.

6 – Get a step counter

These little devices, whether in a watch form or clip-on step counter device, will help you track how far you’ve walked and how many steps you’ve taken. Seeing your progress is fun, and it motivates you to do more each day.

Generally, you should try for 4,000 to 10,000 steps a day as a good target. If you can do more steps, that’s even better since you’ll reap the benefits of weight loss, a boost in your mood, and you’ll have more energy.

7 – Walk your dog a little bit farther

You need to walk your dog daily, so why not simultaneously reap the great benefits of exercise? Try to take your dog farther every week. Your dog will love it, plus you’ll get more exercise.

Find another longer route to walk your dog than your old route. What if you don’t own a dog? It might be a good reason to adopt a dog. You will get healthier and help save a dog’s life at the same time.

8 – Join a walking group

Many areas have fitness groups you can join. These groups’ primary goal is to get together and walk. It’s a great way to make new friends and exercise simultaneously.

9 – Walk to work

If you don’t live far from work, try commuting on foot to work several times a week. Or if you live far from work, drive or ride the bus halfway, park your car and walk the rest of the way. The fresh air and sunshine will do you good, especially if you sit inside all day.

10 – Don’t give up

If you have an off day or week of not walking, say if it’s raining all week, don’t give up. Find an indoor track or pace around your house more. Don’t talk yourself out of exercising because it’s too cold or too hot. Dress appropriately. You’ll build up the stamina to the weather the more you get out in it. You can even walk in the rain if you don’t see lightning–carry along your umbrella.

The main point is, don’t get discouraged because you failed. It’s okay. Get back into the game and start walking.

Final Thoughts on Reaping the Many Benefits of Taking a Daily Walk

Getting more exercise of any kind is beneficial for the human body and mind. So no more excuses, strap on those sneakers, give yourself a pep talk and take a brisk walk.

10 Foods That May Cause A Skin Rash (and 10 Foods to Calm It)

June 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

A sudden skin rash can feel confusing, especially when it appears soon after a meal.

You might notice redness around your mouth, itchy patches on your arms, or small bumps that appear suddenly.

While skincare products often get the blame, the real trigger may be something you ate. For some people, certain foods spark an immune response that shows up directly on the skin.

Understanding how diet influences inflammation can help you uncover hidden causes behind persistent flare-ups.

When you begin looking at food as more than fuel, your skin’s signals start to make much more sense.

🔬 The Gut–Skin Connection Explained

Your gut and your skin are closely connected, even though they seem like separate systems.

When you eat something your body recognizes as a threat, your immune system reacts by releasing inflammatory chemicals such as histamines.

These chemicals travel through your bloodstream and can show up as redness, itching, swelling, or eczema-like irritation on the surface of your skin.

Researchers often refer to this relationship as the “gut-skin axis.” A disrupted gut microbiome or ongoing inflammation may increase skin sensitivity.

That’s why some rashes appear minutes after eating, while others develop slowly over hours or even days.

⚠️ Common Symptoms of Food-Triggered Skin Reactions

Food-related skin reactions can appear in different ways depending on how your body responds.

Some people notice itchy hives or raised red patches shortly after eating.

Others may experience tingling around the lips, mild swelling of the face, or scattered bumps that resemble eczema.

In more sensitive individuals, flare-ups can extend to the neck, hands, or arms. Symptoms sometimes show up immediately, but delayed reactions are also possible.

More serious signs, such as throat tightness, dizziness, wheezing, or difficulty breathing, require urgent medical attention.

Recognizing these warning signals early can help you determine whether food may be the hidden trigger behind your rash.

🔥 10 Foods That May Trigger a Skin Rash

Trigger Food

Why It May Cause a Rash

🥜 Peanuts

Common allergen. May cause hives, redness, or swelling.

🌰 Tree Nuts

Often hidden in foods. Can worsen eczema flares.

🥛 Cow’s Milk

Milk proteins may increase inflammation.

🥚 Eggs

May cause hives or skin irritation.

🌱 Soy

Can trigger facial redness or itching.

🌾 Wheat

Immune response to wheat proteins may inflame skin.

🐟 Seafood

May cause hives or swelling.

🦐 Shellfish

Reactions may be delayed. Can trigger rash or swelling.

🌽 Corn

Less common but may cause itchy bumps or redness.

🧂 Hidden Additives

Cross-contamination in sauces or shared fryers may trigger reactions.

🌿 Understanding Your Unique Triggers

While these foods are common triggers, reactions are highly individual.

Not everyone will respond the same way, and some sensitivities may develop gradually rather than immediately.

If you notice recurring flare-ups, keeping a simple food journal may help you uncover patterns your body is trying to show you.

Even small dietary shifts can sometimes reduce inflammation over time. The encouraging news is that just as certain foods may worsen irritation, others can actively support skin repair.

When you begin nourishing your gut and immune system intentionally, your skin often starts to reflect that balance.

🌱 10 Foods That May Help Calm a Skin Rash

Calming Food

How It Supports Skin

🌿 Asparagus

Prebiotic fiber feeds healthy gut bacteria.

🥬 Fermented Foods

Probiotics help balance immune responses.

🍍 Pineapple

Contains bromelain, which may reduce inflammation.

🌼 Aloe Vera

Traditionally used to soothe irritated skin.

🧅 Raw Onions

Rich in antioxidants and prebiotics.

🍎 Apple Cider Vinegar

Supports microbial balance.

🌶 Ginger

Contains anti-inflammatory compounds.

🌱 Dandelion Greens

Antioxidants support natural detox pathways.

🧄 Garlic

Supports immune balance and gut health.

🍇 Colorful Produce

Vitamins A and C help repair and protect skin.

🩺 When to See a Doctor

Not all food-related rashes are mild.

If you experience swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, or a rapid spread of hives, seek medical attention immediately.

These symptoms may signal anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that requires urgent care.

Even recurring mild rashes deserve evaluation if they interfere with daily life.

A healthcare provider or allergist can perform blood tests, skin-prick testing, or supervised food challenges to determine the trigger.

Getting clarity helps you avoid unnecessary restrictions while protecting yourself from potentially dangerous reactions in the future.

🧠 Food Allergy vs Food Intolerance

⚠️ What Is a True Food Allergy?

A food allergy involves the immune system. When exposed to a trigger food, the body releases histamines and other chemicals that can cause hives, swelling, itching, or more serious symptoms like trouble breathing. Even small amounts of the allergen may trigger a reaction.

🌿 What Is a Food Intolerance?

A food intolerance does not involve the immune system in the same way. Instead, it typically affects digestion. Symptoms may include bloating, discomfort, or delayed skin flare-ups. While uncomfortable, intolerances are usually not life-threatening.

🔎 Why the Difference Matters

Understanding whether you’re dealing with an allergy or an intolerance helps determine the right action plan. Allergies require strict avoidance and sometimes emergency preparedness. Intolerances may improve with portion control or gut-support strategies.

💛 Listen to Your Body

Your body often sends early signals before reactions become severe. Paying attention to patterns and seeking professional guidance can help you protect your health while maintaining a balanced and nourishing diet.

FAQs

Can certain foods cause a rash on your face?

Yes, certain foods can trigger facial rashes, especially around the mouth, chin, and cheeks.

Common culprits include dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, and wheat. In sensitive individuals, the immune system releases inflammatory chemicals that appear as hives, redness, itching, or eczema-like patches.

Sometimes reactions happen quickly, while others may develop gradually over hours or days.

How long does a food allergy rash last?

Mild food-related rashes may fade within a few hours once the trigger is removed.

In other cases, symptoms can last several days, particularly if eczema is involved. Severe reactions may require antihistamines or medical treatment.

Avoiding repeat exposure is essential to prevent future flare-ups.

Can gut health really affect your skin?

Yes. The gut-skin connection is well documented. When the digestive system is inflamed or the microbiome is imbalanced, the immune response may become overactive.

That inflammation can show up externally as dryness, itching, redness, or breakouts.

Supporting gut health through balanced nutrition may help calm recurring skin issues.

What foods are most likely to trigger eczema?

The most common eczema triggers include dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, and shellfish.

However, triggers vary from person to person. An allergist can help determine specific sensitivities through testing and medical history evaluation.

Should I eliminate foods on my own if I suspect a trigger?

It’s best to consult a healthcare provider before removing major food groups long-term.

Self-elimination without guidance can lead to nutrient imbalances. A professional evaluation ensures that you identify true triggers while maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.

✨ Final Thoughts on Healing a Skin Rash from the Inside Out

Skin rashes can feel frustrating, especially when the cause is not immediately obvious.

But your skin is not working against you – it is communicating. For some people, certain foods may trigger inflammation that appears externally as redness, itching, or irritation.

The encouraging news is that the body is resilient. With awareness, thoughtful adjustments, and professional guidance when needed, many people find meaningful relief.

By paying attention to patterns, nourishing your gut, and understanding your unique sensitivities, you empower yourself to take control.

When the inside is supported, the outside often begins to reflect that balance and strength.

15 Natural Ways to Help Your Kid Beat Childhood Anxiety

June 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Childhood anxiety is a serious problem these days. The stress can hinder your child’s development and prevent them from going out for the things they want to achieve in life. However, many parents don’t want to resolve the condition with medication. Luckily, there are other options. Here are 15 natural ways to help your kid beat childhood anxiety.

15 Natural Remedies to Soothe Childhood Anxiety

1. Avoid Sugar/Caffeine

Kids love candy and Kool-Aid. However, these things contain a lot of sugar. Children enjoy soda, too. This beverage has caffeine. Studies confirm the common sense advice–sugar and caffeine are not healthy for a child. They will only contribute to the symptoms of childhood anxiety. Plus, it can keep your child up at night, adding to the stress.

It’s difficult to eliminate sugar and caffeine, but you can do your best. Limit sugary drinks and sweets. You should also limit foods with artificial sweeteners.

2. Deep Breathing

When a panic attack strikes, your child may struggle to relax and breathe. One of the best ways to handle a panic attack is deep breathing. Teach your child how to breathe purposefully. Long, deep breaths can help them focus on their breathing instead of anxiety.

This habit isn’t only a method for when your child has a panic attack. It can help prevent them in the first place. Listen to purposeful breathing videos and meditation videos online. You should do these videos at least a couple of times a week. This practice should help reduce stress levels and hopefully prevent an attack.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Your child’s growing body requires sleep to function correctly. Unfortunately, many children don’t get the sleep they need. Your child should get at least 7 hours of sleep every single night. Set a bedtime that ensures they get enough sleep for the busy day ahead of them tomorrow. You may also notice an improvement in their anxiety.

To help get your child to sleep, you should keep television and phones out of the bedrooms at night and not eat too close to bedtime.

4. Aromatherapy

A smell can be a compelling thing. Scents can trigger memory and also affect the mood. If your child suffers from childhood anxiety, try alleviating the fears through their nose.

Fill your house with scents specifically known to have a soothing effect, such as:

chamomile
lavender
bergamot orange
lemon
sage

You’ll want to put the smells in their room as well to help them relax at night. This is especially true if they struggle to sleep at night.

Counselors explain the habits of parents who raise successful children.

5. Encourage Self Care

More and more people are talking about self-care. Most people picture sitting in a tub with candles and a glass of wine, but children can practice self-care, too.

A child’s self-care may be a little different than what you consider self-care. Kids may decide to have a dance party, ride their bike, Zoom with their friends, tell jokes, and watch funny videos on YouTube.

While a child shouldn’t be able to practice self-care at all times, they should have some self-care time, especially on the most stressful days. Allow your child to pick their way to unwind when they need it to give them time to relax. Just limit the amount of time to about a half-hour.

6. Positive Affirmations

Positive affirmations are little phrases and sentences that you can say when you need some encouragement. These affirmations can increase self-esteem, increase motivation, and even reduce stress.

For someone who wants to use positive affirmations to reduce stress and anxiety, pick a phrase that reminds you or how strong you are. They should repeat the phrase in their head or aloud when they feel a panic attack starting. Hopefully, the expression will help you calm down and handle the situation.

7. Visit a Therapist

Sometimes all a child needs is a friendly ear. They may not feel able to talk to you openly about everything in their life. They would likely speak to someone who isn’t able to ground them, such as a therapist.

Pediatric therapists train on how to get kids to open up and talk about how they feel. They also know how to make the child feel heard and understood. Even the process of talking can help, and the therapist is the perfect person to lend an open ear. It’s best to find a therapist that your child seems to have a connection with.

8. See a Doctor

It’s essential to get a proper diagnosis for your child. Talk to your general pediatrician about your concerns about getting a referral to a psychologist or psychiatrist. They can give you a proper diagnosis. This way, you know if your child has anxiety or if they have something else. This data will determine your plan on how to handle the illness best.

A physician may also see other health problems associated with their stress. A doctor may even be able to help you discover the source of childhood anxiety, so you address the root of the problem.

9. Exercise

It’s essential to get out and be active. If a child’s body isn’t busy, their mind may start to get overly busy. Keep your child with anxiety moving. You can take them to the park or sign them up for different classes or sports teams. Your child will be more willing to exercise if they are doing something they enjoy, so make it fun if possible. After a hard workout, your child will be too tired to get anxious.

10. Find a Creative Outlet

Children with anxiety have a lot of feelings bottled up inside of them, including depression and happiness. They need a way to let these feelings out. If your child has a natural affinity toward a particular hobby, encourage them to pursue that hobby. Whether they like to write, paint, play drums, or act in plays, this is a way for them to express themselves creatively. This can help relieve the extreme emotions that someone with anxiety may be dealing with.

11. CBD Oil

Do not confuse CBD oil with marijuana. They both come from the cannabis plant. But unlike its cousin THC, CBD does not result in any psychedelic effects. CBD comes in a wide range of products, including tea and cream, and you can buy it at a variety of different types of stores. Something in the CBD oil releases calming neurotransmitters in the brain, producing a relaxed feeling. This is all-natural, and many people rely upon this method instead of medication.

12. Get a Dog (as an emotional support animal)

Yes, dogs are a lot of work. However, the love of a good dog and the way they can keep a child calm is worth every single walk in the middle of winter and picking up dog poop. Go to a pet rescue with your child and let them pick the dog that seems to gravitate toward them. You will notice a change in your child’s anxiety levels. You may even see that your child learns some responsibility along the way, too.

13. Herbal Teas/Supplements

There are several herbs out there that have a calming effect for anxiety. You can grow herbs right at home or even buy them in the form of supplements. Some essential herbs to help keep you calm are the following:

green tea
lavender
chamomile
kava
valerian

14. Learn Coping Methods

Your child needs to learn how to handle a panic attack and depression when they happen. There are a number of ways to help relax. One popular method is to focus on the senses to regain control over your body. For example, you should focus on one five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can smell, and two things you can taste. Another method is to go for a walk or distract yourself.

15. Show Support

The world can be scary enough as it is without childhood anxiety. You need to make a point to show your child support during this time. They may feel afraid, and you want to teach them that you are there for them when they need to talk to somebody. This will help them feel comfortable coming to you when they are struggling with their anxiety. When you know there’s a problem, you’ll be able to do something about it.

Final Thoughts on Beating Childhood Anxiety

Childhood anxiety doesn’t need to get in your child’s way. If you notice stress, you should talk to your child about how they feel. If they do seem to be anxious, try these natural remedies to help them feel as comfortable in their skin as possible.

12 Actions a Person With a Hidden Agenda Displays Before Revealing Themselves

June 5, 2020 by Power of Positivity

We’ve all had at least one toxic person in our professional and private lives over the years. They may be relatives, friends, or coworkers who subtly weave you into their personal agenda.

It may take months or even years before you realize what this individual is doing behind the scenes. Not all manipulative people are inherently evil. Some are conditioned at an early age to believe that the world owes them something, and people are in their lives for their advantage.

On the other hand, just because someone is a good person doesn’t mean your chemistry isn’t toxic. Wouldn’t it be nice if you had an invisible truth detector that could reveal everyone who lies and only wants to use you?

Just think of all the frustration and heartache it would have saved you over the years. Unfortunately, there’s no such machine, and you must rely on well-honed instinct and intuition to detect selfish agendas.

The motives behind some manipulative people may be evident to you, and you can easily break ties. Others can craftily wrap you into a web of guilt and a false sense of responsibility to them, and they influence your thinking. They eventually snare you into a burdensome relationship that does nothing but benefit themselves.

Red Flags Someone Has a Hidden Agenda

How can you discern a toxic person before you become an unwilling participant in his sordid agenda? You can’t always avoid being burned in a personal or professional relationship, but some red flags are detectible. Here are 12 actions a person with a hidden agenda displays before revealing themselves.

1. He Triggers Gut Feelings

Your powers of intuition are just as vital as your reasoning and reaction skills. While we all have it, some learn to improve their intuitive gifts. Sorting out manipulative people requires you to trust your gut feelings.

Have you ever been around somebody and just felt that something was off? He may seem perfectly pleasant and accommodating, but you still don’t resonate with his personality. Be wise and watch for other warning signs that this person may not be as he seems.

2. You Catch Her in Lies

Nobody is above telling a little white lie to protect themselves or someone else, and we learn the deceptive art at an early age. However, consistent lying becomes a character flaw that can be detrimental to personal or professional relationships. There is no bond without trust and honesty.

A toxic person will often tell lies about the most senseless subjects. Does she create big whoppers about his past, career, or his abilities? If she is lying is so apparent about common issues, what other deceptions is she feeding you?

The perfect way for you to know that a person is lying to you is eye contact and body language. Most people can’t maintain good eye contact and seem awkward when they are deceptive. However, beware of pathological liars who show no signs and are so believable, they often deceive themselves.

3. She Talks About Her Favorite Subject: Herself

What can be more frustrating than to be stuck in a conversation with an egomaniac? Healthy dialogue is like a game of tennis, where the discussion volleys smoothly from one side to the other. If a person in your life continually monopolizes conversations, take note of it.

Narcissistic people secretly battle low self-esteem and fear, so they are compelled to stay in the limelight and belittle any perceived competition. You know the type, no matter what you know or have done, she can one-up you. If all she can talk about it herself, be assured that her agenda is just as selfish.

4. He Is on a Mission

How many times have you worked with a colleague on a project and saw that he wanted to ride your coat tails to success? Maybe you met a guy who seemed really into you until he hinted that you introduce him to your best friend? These manipulative people have a mission, and you are only a tool for their accomplishments.

You can often tell these self-interested ones within one or two conversations. Your new best friend may be working out fine until she gives you a stack of sale catalogs for products she represents. Fortunately, agendas like these are self-evident, and you can cut ties early before they become a problem.

5. You Observe Signs of Hypocrisy

When a person has a deep conviction about something, it remains true regardless of the company and situation. For example, how would you feel about a guy who says he values honesty, yet he didn’t pay for the desserts the server accidentally forgot on the bill on your last date.

It has been said that a person shows his real character when he thinks no one is watching or listening, if they don’t, then they are a hypocrite. Does the individual in your personal or professional relationship preach one set of values and practice another? If so, his benefits may be skewed, and his plan may not be one you appreciate.

6. He Is Obsessive About a Subject

Often, the thoughts and desires we keep hidden from our partners will manifest itself in other areas. However, some people are so preoccupied with personal gain that they discuss it obsessively. You may not need to do much research to get the hint.

What if you are in a romantic relationship, and you’ve created goals as a couple? Maybe you agreed that you would keep working after you got married. Wouldn’t you feel a little concerned if he kept suggesting that you will quit your job and stay at home soon?

Coworkers can also be visible when they want to use others to vie for higher positions and salaries. Listen to his conversations in the office and the break room. If his discussions are one-sided and manipulative, don’t get caught in his wave of self-promotion.

7. He Has a History of Being a Manipulator

Of course, we’ve all done things we weren’t proud of in the past. Some people learn from their mistakes, while others turn them into a lifetime of bad habits. As they say, love may be blind, but hindsight is twenty-twenty.

It pays you to notice patterns in your love interest’s life. Has he been married more times than a movie star? Have his past relationships been broken because he cheated, yet he swears he will be faithful to you? These are all classic signs that you need to watch as their manipulative tendencies could have caused this pattern.

8. She’s Letting Anxiety Get the Best of Her

Women tend to let their anxiety show more than men, though that isn’t always the case. If you notice that she is showing signs of anxiety, such as dizziness, sweating, unable to sit still, and panicking, then it could be that she is toying with revealing a hidden agenda. She is, no doubt, nervous about how people will react to her plot being brought to the forefront.

9. You’ve Noticed His Body Language is Off

You can tell a lot from someone’s body language. If a hidden ploy is coming to light, then the body language might be forth-telling. If they are excited about the plan being exposed for their gain, then they may be giddy with excitement.

However, if they are nervous about their plot coming out, then they may be angry, irritable, grouchy, and quiet. Watch his body language because it can tell you more about the manipulator than anything that comes out of his mouth.

10. He Is Being Super Secretive

There’s an old saying that states that anything done in secret will always come out. If he has something that he is hiding, there is a reason for his secretive nature. It’s often his toxic intentions that are not ready to be exposed.

If you notice that he is secretive about everything in his life, or he takes his phone in the other room to avoid you hearing the conversation, then somethings up.

11. She Is a Bit on Edge

Oversized reactions are common when someone has a hidden agenda. Some may say these reactions are caused by their anxiety, kicking up as the body is going into that fight or flight response.

However, others may say that the real reason your friend is on edge is that they can become emotional at anything that derails their plans. It can also be that their apparent use of emotions serves as an attempt to shut down discussion in resistance to their goal.

12. Her Stories Don’t Add Up

It’s often the case that many people will start seeing the holes in a story long before the truth about a plot comes out. If you add the components together and find inconsistencies, it could be forth-telling about the big reveal.

You don’t want to accuse your friend because of a couple of discrepancies, but if you find that things don’t make sense, trust your gut feeling.

Final Thoughts on Detecting a Person with a Secret Agenda

It’s often the case that many people already know that something is off before anything is revealed in their toxic relationship. Always trust your gut instincts as they are there to protect you.

If you are genuinely caught off guard and had no clue what was happening, then you can use these red flags to keep you from getting into a situation like that again.

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