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20 Quotes to Motivate You to Live Your Best Life

May 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Your ultimate goal in life should be to live your best life. This idea sounds simple enough, but it’s not something you can do by sitting passively. These quotes to motivate you can start you down the right path.

You have to get moving and take the necessary steps to make your life what you want. Sometimes you may need a little motivation to get going.

When you find yourself needing motivation, reading quotes to motivate you to live your best life can help.

Quotes to Motivate You to Live Your Best Life

1. “If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done.” – Bruce Lee

Over-thinking things can hinder your ability to get them done. You’ll start thinking of all the things that can go wrong, making it more challenging to motivate yourself.

2. “Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results.” – Robin Sharma

You don’t have to make extreme changes right away. Instead, work on improving yourself a little at a time can lead to significant results in the end.

3. “Experience can only be gained by doing not by thinking or dreaming.” – Byron Pulsifer

Once you’ve decided you want to do something, you must act on it. You can’t waste time thinking about it or dreaming.

4. “The only person you should strive to be better than, is the person you were yesterday.” – Matty Mullins

You can only live your best if you strive to be better each day. Don’t compare yourself to others because the only person you need to be better than is yourself. Always spend time improving and learning, and you’ll reach all of your goals.

5. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” – H. Jackson Brown Jr., in P.S. I Love You

You don’t want to look back on your life and be disappointed in your life. Brown explains it perfectly in this quote. Get moving and do all the things you’ve ever dreamed of doing.

6. “One, remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Two, never give up work. Work gives you meaning, and purpose and life is empty without it. Three, if you are lucky enough to find love, remember it is there and don’t throw it away.” – Stephen Hawking

Go through life–loving, enjoying, and fulfilling your purpose. By doing these things, you’ll find yourself happier, and your life will be on track for reaching your dreams.

7. “It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try another. But above all, try something.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

Don’t avoid trying something new because of the fear of failure. You may not always get things right the first time, but you can try a different way next time. The only thing that you must do is to try something.

8. “Instead of complaining about your circumstances, get busy and create some new ones.” – Unknown

You can’t sit back and complain about your life. If it isn’t going the way you want it to, you must act to make it better.

9. “Poor is the man whose future depends on the opinions and permission of others. Remember this, if you are afraid of criticism, you will die doing nothing!” – Andy Andrews

Don’t let the fear of criticism stop you from doing what you want to do. This is your life to live, and, as Andrews explains, you shouldn’t look for the opinions of anyone else.

10. “Forgiving yourself means that you give up on your hope that the past will be different. When we forgive, the slave we free is ourselves.” – Unknown

This situation is one of the few times that giving up hope is acceptable. In this instance, you cannot change the past, so there is no use hoping for something different. When you accept that, you can free yourself and begin moving forward.

11. “Do not wait for your ship to come in, swim out to it.” – Unknown

Not many people are lucky enough to have opportunities and experiences fall into their lap. If you want to get something done, you have to go after it.

12. “Success seems to be connected to action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don’t quit.” – Conrad Hilton

If you don’t do something, you’ll never succeed. You can’t sit around and expect everything to happen for you. Get started, make mistakes, and try again until you get the results you desire.

13. “For all of the most important things, the timing always sucks. Waiting for a good time to quit your job? The stars will never align, and the traffic lights of life will never all be green at the same time. The universe doesn’t conspire against you, but it doesn’t go out of its way to line up the pins either. Conditions are never perfect. “Someday” is a disease that will take your dreams to the grave with you. Pro and con lists are just as bad. If it’s important to you, and you want to do it “eventually,” just do it and correct course along the way.” – Timothy Ferriss

There is no such thing as the perfect time. No matter the situation, you just have to get started to reach your goals. Nothing will ever be perfect, so by getting started now, you’ll get there sooner.

14. “There is an amazing power getting to know your inner self and learning how to use it and not fight with the world. If you know what makes you happy, your personality, interests, and capabilities, just use them, and everything else flows beautifully.” – Juhi Chawla

When you learn about yourself and begin to understand who you are, life will get better. You’ll figure out all of the details about yourself that allows everything else to come naturally.

15. “After all, this is how you learned how to walk. You didn’t just jump up from your crib one day and waltz gracefully across the room. You stumbled and fell on your face and got up and tried again. At what age are you suddenly expected to know everything and never make any more mistakes? If you can love and respect yourself in failure, worlds of adventure and new experiences will open up before you, and your fears will vanish.” – Dr. David Burns, Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

By trying over and over again until you get it right, you’re allowing yourself to be successful. Mistakes happen, but you have to try each time anew. Only then will your life be what you want it to be.

16. “Live with intention. Walk to the edge. Listen hard. Practice wellness. Play with abandon. Laugh. Choose with no regret. Continue to learn. Appreciate your friends. Do what you love. Live as if this is all there is.” – Mary Anne Roadacher-Hershey

Take care of yourself, do essential and new things, enjoy your life, laugh, and avoid regretting your past. Furthermore, always continue learning, appreciate those you love and who love you, and do things that you enjoy. If you can do all of these things, you’ll live your best life.

17. “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking down your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain

This quote to motivate you comes from one of the greatest American minds, Mark Twain. He reveals a basic truth. You can’t reach your dreams if you never get started. So, the sooner you get started, the sooner you’ll reach your goals. Do this by setting small goals and getting started on the first one right away.

Don’t stop there, though. Once the first small task is done, do the next one without waiting or thinking about it. Keep that pattern going until the ultimate goal is reached.

18. “It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.” – J.K. Rowling

If you spend your time dreaming about what you want your future to look like, you’re holding yourself back. You can’t just think about it. You have to go for it. The only way to reach your dreams is to get started.

19. “Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” – Louis E. Boone

If you fear failure to the point that you don’t do anything new, you’ll never get to where you want to be. You’ll end up regretting all of the things you missed out on. Don’t let this happen to you.

20. “The quality of a person’s life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor.” – Vince Lombardi

Your life will be better if you commit yourself to do your best. It doesn’t matter what you’re working towards in life, but if you commit yourself, you’ll reach your goals.

Final Thoughts on Quotes to Motivate You to Live Your Best Life

It’s up to you to make your dreams and goals happen. These quotes to motivate you to live your best life may help you get started.

Don’t wait to start working toward the life you want. If you start now, you’ll get there much quicker.

Doctors Explain 10 Ways Stress Can Affect Your Health

May 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

It’s hard not to feel stressed out with all the things that are happening around us. Climate change, an ongoing pandemic, political upheaval The list goes on and on. And it should come as no surprise that with all this stress comes plenty of medical concerns!

But this all has to be just in the mind, right? How exactly does stress affect our health?

Here’s how doctors explain ten ways stress can affect your health.

1. Cardiovascular and Respiratory Systems

Stress often is a signal for our body to work harder to escape whatever scary thing is coming after us. Unfortunately, it can also cause plenty of health problems if this emergency mode goes on for too long.

· Elevated Blood Pressure

It’s a thing – the American Heart Association agrees that stress is yet another thing to add to the list of factors for increased risk of high blood pressure.

· Stroke and Heart Attack Risk

When we get stressed, it triggers our brains to make the adrenal glands release stress-related hormones – specifically, adrenaline and cortisol. Both work to increase blood pressure and heart rate. Great if you need to run from something, but harmful in the long term as the heart struggles to keep up. Repeated fluctuations in blood pressure can increase one’s risk of a heart attack or a stroke.

· Respiratory Issues

If you’ve already got asthma, you may have noticed it’s been getting harder to breathe. While chronic stress and anxiety don’t cause asthma, it can worsen preexisting respiratory problems – just like any other strong emotional response.

2. Reduced Exercise

Ever noticed how much your gym routine slips when you’re stressed out? Notice that by the time you’re home, all you want to do is plop down in front of the screen and laze out? There’s a good reason for that.

According to doctors, your exhaustion isn’t just your imagination. Indeed, stress can have a massive impact on how much energy you have. This feeling can make it harder to do exercise when you’re home, even if it’ll help with stress relief.

3. Central Nervous System and Hormones

When you are stressed, your brain puts your central nervous system into a state of panic. This process kickstarts adrenaline and cortisol production in the adrenal glands, which in turn, revs up your heart rate and oxygen intake, so your major organs are all prepped and ready to go.

Great for emergencies, but your body isn’t meant to handle this for long and will quickly start breaking down. Additionally, scientific studies have proven that the hormones released delay the healing process, making it harder to heal from wounds.

With how prolonged stress can cause all sorts of health issues, this might be one of the few instances where positive thinking might help you recover faster!

4. Metabolism

Thanks to evolution, our bodies are hardwired to store fat when stressed. The idea is that in times of emergency, our bodies will at least maintain some kind of food storage on us. Unfortunately, that’s not so helpful in today’s world, where we don’t exactly need to survive a famine.

Thanks to all that cortisol in your bloodstream, your body will opt to hold onto fat instead of burning it for energy. This process can develop excess belly fat and general central body fat – all of which link to all sorts of health problems, such as increased cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Put this together with the unhealthy habits that are likely to develop during a stressful period, and you’ll quickly find yourself at growing risk for a variety of health issues.

5. Digestive System

Ever noticed that when you’re nervous, you can feel too sick to eat? Or when you’re super anxious, it seems to be affecting your gut? As it turns out, that isn’t just your imagination.

· Digestion

When you’re stressed, it can cause your intestines to spasm – something that is highly disruptive to healthy digestion. This activity can lead to all sorts of digestive problems like bloating, upset stomach, and even diarrhea.

· Acid Reflux

Chronic stress, especially if it’s sudden and acute, can raise your stomach’s acid levels. This can lead to acid reflux and cause all sorts of problems with your stomach.

· Type 2 Diabetes

If you find yourself stress-eating, you may want to stop. Stress eating can increase blood sugar levels, which can eventually lead to insulin resistance. Keep that up, and you might find yourself facing type 2 diabetes shortly afterward.

6. Mental Health

Our mental health strongly intertwines with our physical health. So it should come as no surprise that when stress affects our brain, it’ll also affect our ability to maintain positive thinking in times of crisis. After all, how can we take care of our bodies if our brains aren’t healthy and happy?

· Moodiness

Stress has very tangible effects on the brain, often affecting the levels of mood-related neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This, in turn, affects our moods and can cause things such as concentration problems and extreme emotions.

· Addiction

Research, unfortunately, has shown positive links between stress and addiction. Doesn’t matter if you’re starting one, maintaining one, or relapsing – if you’re stressed, the risk of you engaging with addictive behavior goes up.

· Symptoms of Depression

If you are at risk of developing a mood disorder, stress might just be what kicks it off. If you already have one, such as depression, generalized anxiety disorder, or a panic disorder, stress will make it worse.

· Dementia

Think your midlife crisis was bad enough? Turns out, a study has found that women who have high levels of midlife stress have a higher chance of developing dementia too.

7. Reproductive System

The last thing most people would think of is to have sexual intercourse when they’re stressed. As it turns out, stress can affect more than just your mood for intimacy. Indeed, it can also affect your reproductive organs.

· It Messes With Your Menstrual Cycle

With how stress can already affect your hormones, it should come as no surprise that it can also play havoc with your menstrual cycle and regular flow.

· It Can Cause Unexpected Pregnancies

Depending on who you ask, this can be both a positive or a negative. Stress can suppress and delay one’s ovulation period. This means a person may only start ovulating after they have been relieved of their stress, likely without their knowledge. This can make it easier to garner an unexpected pregnancy.

· It Can Cause A Lack Of Fertility

If it can affect your hormonal cycle, you can bet it’ll change your fertility as well. Studies have shown that the more stress a person has to endure, the more likely they will have infertility – even after taking other factors into account.

· It Can Mess Up Functionality

Stress may cause performance issues, such as erectile dysfunction. While in the short term, you may get a brief testosterone boost from it, long-term stress can cause one’s testosterone levels to drop and affect one’s sperm productions as well.

· It Makes Cold Sores More Common

Cold sores a regular occurrence in your life? Watch out – stress can make cold sore outbreaks more common.

· It Can Lower Libido

Chronic stress affecting your sex drive should be apparent. The last thing you’ll want to do is get busy and intimate when you’re being overwhelmed.

8. Immune System

Chronic stress can negatively impact your physical health – and your immune system is no exception to the rule.

· Illness Risk

Because of how chronic stress affects every significant component of overall health (such as diet, exercise, and sleep), it can lead to a weakened immune system. Ergo, more chances of you falling sick.

· Triggering Health Issues

The last thing you need when stressed is your illnesses to reactivate. Unfortunately, research has found that chronic stress can cause outbreaks of diseases like shingles, which usually is repressed by the immune system after apparent recovery.

· Delaying Illness

This might come in wild contrast to everything else you’ve read so far, but stress can also temporarily suppress potential illnesses. Hormones like adrenaline keep you operational during a stressful event, but you might crash and fall sick afterward when it wears off.

9. Sleep Patterns

Have you noticed just how hard it is to fall asleep when you’re stressed? And when you finally do, it’s like you never get any rest? It turns out. It isn’t just your imagination – stress does affect your sleep.

According to doctors, stress creates or worsens preexisting anxiety. And unfortunately, anxiety and sleep problems tend to bounce off each other. So the more stressed you get, the more anxious you become – and that just makes it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep.

10. Muscular System

It’s a popular image that the more stressed you are, the stiffer your muscles get. As it turns out, it isn’t all that far off from the truth. When you’re stressed, your body tenses up its muscles in preparation for a fight, this can make it pretty difficult to relax, especially when you don’t get a chance to let go of that tension.

All that tension can lead to pain, as tight muscles lock into position. You may find yourself suffering from all sorts of shoulder pains, back pains, and body aches – and a result, find yourself skipping exercise and reaching for the painkiller instead.

As tempting an idea it is, you really shouldn’t do it. Committing to doing exercise kills two birds with one stone, letting you reduce stress in addition to relaxing tense muscles. At least do some stretches!

Final Thoughts On Some Ways Stress Can Affect Your Health

It’s easy to dismiss stress as something that is just entirely mental. Unfortunately, it has authentic effects on our physical health – and in the long term, can create all sorts of problems. And with everything that is going on in the world presently, it can be hard to avoid getting stressed one way or another.

Thankfully, there are plenty of things we can do to help reduce our stress. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with exercise and good food should form the crucial cornerstone of our stress management. Learning how to manage and organize your work will also go a long way to reducing stress as well!

Choose Your Best You

May 16, 2020 by Chad Foster

Only you hold the power to become the best you.

We all face a searing dilemma. Do we live the life we’ve always known, or live the life of our choosing? The answer is, yes. The thrilling reality is, we get to decide. Decide whether or not the prism through which we view the world is consistent with who we have been, or who we want to become.

How do you see yourself? Do you see yourself as a happy and successful person? Or do you see yourself as the victim of circumstance? It turns out that the answer to this question is more profound than any other that you can ask yourself. Only once you answer it can you become the best you.

A Devastating Childhood Diagnosis

Throughout the course of my life, I learned just how valuable self-image is, and how it influences to a high degree how we think, speak, act, and even achieve. I always had a tougher life than my friends. At three-years-old, my parents took me to Duke University because they noticed I had problems walking at night and in dimly-lit rooms.

It was there at Duke where they got the devastating news. They diagnosed me with retinitis pigmentosa or “RP” for short. The doctors instructed them to, “Prepare for the day that Chad’s eyesight is gone and go on living life.” For the next fifteen years, I followed only the second half of the doctor’s advice.

For eighteen years, I enjoyed relatively good eyesight during the day. I was very active—playing sports such as basketball, football, soccer, wrestling, running, and weight lifting. I rode my bicycle like most other children. And I relished the thrill of riding jet skis and motorcycles. For a brief time, I was able to enjoy the independence of having and driving a car.

During that time, however, I was never able to see in the dark—not even enough to safely walk around our house at night, with nightlights switched on.

My Young Adulthood and a Worsening Condition

While that sounds challenging, my condition soon worsened. While enrolled at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, the world I had known came crashing down when I lost my ability to see during the day. This event took place over a five-year stretch while in college. My dark reality was never more apparent than when attending Anatomy class as part of my premedical curriculum.

In that class, we were learning about the parts of the human body, and I was unable to see the cadavers well enough to understand any level of detail. Unless I was willing to feel my way around the corpses, those lessons were lost on me. I realized that my entire self-image was destroyed. My hopes and dreams for my future self were as cold and lifeless as the bodies that laid on the table in front of me.

The gravity of my situation weighed me down so much that it was hard to move, hard to breathe. It was as if a sledgehammer hit me in the chest. I staggered from the blow, and my emotional and psychological states were forever changed. Everything I had known was visual. Every image and dream I had for myself revolved around eyesight. Now, none of that mattered. When you look in the mirror and are unable to see yourself any longer, it pretty much squashes any image of yourself as a sighted person.

Shedding the Victim Mentality to Find the Best You

Until that point, I had seen myself as a victim. My self-talk usually consisted of “why me” and “life is shockingly unfair.” The full onset of blindness did not help matters. IN the days and months that followed, I fell into a pit of despair. The sadness and depression I felt dripped down into the deepest crevices of my soul.

This mindset continued until I had the experience of a lifetime. Because I had no cane skills, I decided that I was most comfortable with a guide dog, so I applied for and attended Leader Dogs for the Blind. I ended up learning far more than just how to use a guide dog.

While there, I met people with much more difficult situations. There were those on dialysis because diabetes that had taken their eyesight was also destroying their kidneys. There were those with cognitive impairments. And, there were young women there who dealt with deafness as well as blindness. It’s one thing when you meet someone on the street and hear how rough they have it, but it’s another thing altogether when you live with someone and observe their challenges first-hand for an entire month.

The experience of personally witnessing the living courage by these people shook me to my core. I had been given 23 years of eyesight, perfect hearing, and a sound mind. How could I dare feel like a victim when these brave souls faced a world I couldn’t even imagine, and they did it every day with such spirit and determination that it left me in awe.

Learning Crucial Life Lessons

Although I went to Leader Dogs to learn how to use a guide dog, I left with a far more profound lesson. It was a lesson in gratitude and perspective that I couldn’t have learned any other way. I learned that happiness is not a feeling. It’s not an emotion. It’s a decision that each of us makes every single day. Either we choose to be intentional about how we see the world and our place in it, or we simply allow the circumstances of life to determine our happiness and success.

It was at this tipping point that the seeds were sown for my new and improved outlook on life. With my viewpoint, solidly anchored to gratitude, my attitude instantly improved. And that gave me the mental model to live happier and more successfully.

Doors started flying open for me. University professors were more willing than ever to meet me halfway. I ended up relearning how to learn. As it turned out, I was a better blind student than a sighted student. I made the Dean’s List for the first time, earned straight-As in my business courses, went on to attend Harvard Business School, and work for a top consulting firm.

I also ended up creating job opportunities for millions of blind people by writing software that tech giants thought impossible. Furthermore, I directed the financial strategy decisions that generated countless jobs, billions of dollars in revenue, industry-leading growth, and best-in-class margins amid tightening market conditions. I did all of this without being able to see my computer screen, and I was able to do it principally because I was able to transform my self-image.

So I stopped living the life and image of a victim. I realized that the victim mentality wasn’t getting me anywhere in life. It was creating bitterness and toxicity that consumed me and only lent itself to a downward spiral.

Focusing on Future Goals and Positive Outcomes

Several years into my upward trajectory, I started reflecting in hopes I could pinpoint what had allowed me to come out the other side of this experience intact. The thing that got me over the hump—the reason I was able to thrive in the face of such extraordinary adversity—was that I chose to paint a new self-image that did not ignore my circumstances. I envisioned how I could make the blind look good. Once we can visualize greatness within our conditions, we’ve created a framework for thinking that will drive us towards our goals.

Becoming the best you takes time, energy, and commitment. Visualizing excellence like this does not guarantee success, nor does it discount the graveness of the situation. But, it does allow us to think clearly and honestly about those elements of life that are within our sphere of influence and those that are not. For example, I knew that blindness was outside of my sphere of influence, so I chose to accept it, embrace it, and figure out how I could make it look good. Why spend mental and emotional cycles churning about the things we cannot control?

Every decision tied to that launch point was aligned with my future self. I stopped seeing myself as a victim (past self) and started seeing myself as a successful businessman who would fly in the face of the stigma facing the disabled community (future self). I would succeed despite the odds stacked against me. Finally, I would become an example of what can be done with the proper perspective, focus, determination, and effort.

Later, my image evolved even further. Following the graduation talk I gave at Harvard Business School for our Program for Leadership Development (PLD) class, I realized that I could help others with my story. People had always told me that I was inspiring, but this happened when I was not even trying. For the first time in my life, I saw how powerfully helpful my story could be if I were intentional about using it.

The Challenge is to Become the Best You

Since then, I’ve started giving keynote presentations all over the world and inspiring corporate leaders, sales teams, and folks from all walks of life to live happier and more successful lives. Helping others become the best versions of themselves is now a large part of my self-identity and mission in life. I now believe that the very reason I was able to step through my experiences and emerge stronger, happier, and more successful, is because I’m supposed to use my “gift” of going blind to help others.

I’m a better person because of—not in spite of—being blind. I would be less successful if I could see. Indeed, I wouldn’t choose happiness in the way I do today. I want you to be the best you can be.

Now I see myself as someone who can and must help. I have been given the situation and ability to thrive in it because I can do so much good with it. Because of that, I’m partnering with a major publisher to bring my memoir to the world in early 2021.

Which life are you living? Are you carefully and intentionally choosing the version of you that you’ll become? Choose carefully, choose wisely. The choice is yours. Become your best you.

By Chad E. Foster

ER Physicians Explain 6 Times You Must Go to the Emergency Room

May 16, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Sometimes, trying to decide whether or not to go to an emergency room can be a tough decision. Injuries and illnesses can be problematic, and, understandably, you don’t want to overreact when emotions are running high. This thought process can be especially true if you’re uninsured, worried about childcare while you’re in the ER, or have to leave work.

So, what symptoms warrant a visit to the emergency room? Some people may think that fever is one.

Dr. Troy E. Madsen, M.D., one of the ER physicians at the Health University of Utah, doesn’t think that fever alone warrants a visit. “I won’t rush to get into the hospital based on a fever alone,” he said. “Look at the whole picture, look at all the symptoms, and how the person is acting. If they’re acting fine, and they’re eating well, and drinking well, and they’re alert, and they’re not confused, and they’ve got a temperature of 102, they’re probably okay.”

Other ER doctors like Shawn Evans, MD, at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla, think that you should be a little less discerning. “Trust your gut,” says Dr. Evans. “If your personal instinct or your motherly intuition tells you it’s serious, don’t hesitate — go to the nearest emergency room.”

6 Times You Must Visit the Emergency Room

While many injuries and illnesses can make you question the necessity of an ER visit, there are some symptoms that you don’t have to think about. Here are six times that ER physicians agree you should go to the emergency room immediately.

1. Uncontrollable Bleeding

Uncontrolled bleeding can be a life-threatening situation. When you lose as little as 20 percent of your blood, hemorrhagic shock can occur. It can cause symptoms such as (but are not limited to):

decreased heart rate
rapid breathing
nausea
light-headed or dizziness
sweaty, clammy skin

At a 40 percent blood loss, your body can no longer compensate for blood loss. You could pass out and slip into a coma. At 50 percent, your organs can stop functioning, including your heart.

To put this in perspective, the average human body has about 1.2 to 1.5 gallons of blood. Think about how long it would take you to pour out a gallon of milk. It doesn’t take very long to bleed out half of that.

2. Unexplained Chest Pain

Unexplained chest pains can be very dangerous, and they can go south quickly. It could be a sign of a stroke or a heart attack. You could die in minutes after having symptoms, so time is of the essence when you’re having chest pains. This timing is why most ERs take people in immediately when they have chest pains.

If you have a history of heartburn, you’ll probably know the difference between that condition and some other types of chest pain, especially if you’ve eaten something you should not have eaten. Other than that, you need to go to the ER if you have chest pains.

Although you should take all chest pains seriously, here are some other symptoms that can help you identify a possible heart attack:

Nausea
Cold sweat
Shortness of breath
Anxiety
Indigestion
Vomiting
Tightness in the arms or neck

The symptoms of a stroke include:

Sudden weakness in the face muscles or limbs, especially on the left side of the body
Confusion
Slurred speech
Vision problems
Severe headache
Loss of balance/coordination

3. Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis is an extreme allergic reaction to something. It is always an emergency. Like chest pains, it can escalate very quickly, so every minute counts. In fact, death from anaphylaxis can occur so rapidly that you may not have time to make it to an emergency room.

Anaphylaxis triggers by your body’s sudden reaction to an allergen. Upon sensing the allergen, your body releases chemicals that can close the airways. This swelling can result in death by asphyxiation.

People with severe allergies often keep an epinephrine autoinjector, better known as an EpiPen, handy. EpiPens inject epinephrine into people experiencing a severe allergic reaction to open up their airways. However, they would still need a trip to the hospital afterward.

In most cases, anaphylaxis occurs within seconds or minutes of exposure to an allergen. A small percentage of people may not experience anaphylaxis for a half-hour to an hour. In these cases, they would have other symptoms that, when recognized, can indicate that anaphylaxis is going to occur. These symptoms include:

Hives or a rash that itches
Flush, pale skin
Wheezing
Swollen tongue
Trouble breathing
Fast, weak pulse
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness, loss of balance, or fainting

If you suspect that you are having a severe allergic reaction, get help immediately.

Here are eight signs you are allergic to wheat products.

4. Suspicion of a Broken Bone

When you injure yourself, it may be unclear if you have broken a bone or bruised yourself. This is because minor fractures may not hurt very much, and some bruises could be the most painful thing you have ever experienced. However, these are exceptions to the rule. If you break or fracture a bone, it is going to hurt, especially when you try to put weight on the affected area.

Depending on how severe the break is, there could be other signs. You could see swelling in the affected area, see a deformity, or in extreme cases, see the bone poking out of your skin. The shock could also make you feel faint.

A broken bone is nothing to play with. It must be treated immediately so as not to have permanent damage or a permanent deformity. Even if you think you have only bruised yourself, if the pain is severe or the accident that leads to the injury is severe, you should go to the ER to be on the safe side.

5. Car Accident

Car accidents are scary. If you have had a minor fender-bender, you may be able to skip going to the ER. However, if it’s more than that, it’s wise to go to the ER because you may not realize that you are injured right away. It’s not uncommon for pain from an accident to set in 24 – 48 hours after the accident.

With some accidents, you will be required to go to the ER. Rollover accidents are an example. Once emergency crews pull you out of the vehicle, they won’t even let you stand up. They put you directly on a stretcher and into an ambulance.

The critical thing to keep in mind about car accidents is that injuries can be tricky. People are often so full of adrenaline after a car accident that it can take hours before they realize how bad their injuries are. This is especially true if the person is concerned about a loved one who is more severely injured. When it come to truck accidents, the best bet is to play it safe and get checked out at the ER. A truck accident lawyer fresno can also help you get appropriate compensation for the injury.

6. Poisonings

There are so many different ways that you can be poisoned. Some may be by accident, and some may be bad luck. There are also those poisonings that are deliberate, such as from a malicious person who poisons someone or a person who is attempting suicide. No matter how a poisoning happens, it’s an immediate emergency, and the person should be taken to the ER as soon as possible.

There are so many ways a person could be poisoned that it may be challenging to determine the exact method or type of poison. The two most common types of poisonings are ethanol intoxication (alcohol poisoning) and drug overdoses. Others that are frequently seen are:

Snake bites
Food poisoning
Contact with poison ivy
Ingestion of inedible chemicals

The symptoms of being poisoned can widely vary depending on what the poison is. However, a few general symptoms could be choking, serious abdominal pain, rapid or slowed heart rate, passing out, foul-smelling breath, confusion, and visible skin problems like a rash or burns.

Final Thoughts on Emergency Room Visits

Fortunately, most injuries and illnesses can be resolved at home. However, there are times where it is not exactly clear when you should visit an ER. The six scenarios listed above are sure indicators that you should see an ER with no questions asked. However, if something happens outside of these six incidents, some of the best advice you can follow is to trust your instinct. If it looks dangerous, go to the emergency room. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Top 10 Hummus Recipes You Don’t Want To Miss

May 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Most people have a concept of what hummus is—that beige spread that is served with pita wedges and feta cheese, a staple at upscale parties, and a delicious way to pack in your extra protein with vitamin-rich chickpeas. The basis of this nutrient-dense dip is remarkably similar among fans; most recipes contain chickpeas, lemon juice, garlic, sesame paste, and herbal nuances that are as unique and varied as the chefs who craft it.

How much do you know about this delicious paste? Has it delighted your palette and warmed your heart lately with its gooey goodness? Here are some little known facts about it, as well as some mouth-watering recipes that you can put in your arsenal for maximum flavor and a punch of protein power. Read on for inspiration:

4 Little known facts about this delicious “dip.”

Enjoy trying these healthy chickpea-based snack recipes.

1. Hummus is made all over the world

Greece and Turkey do not have a monopoly on this golden gooey goodness. Mention of the spread dates way back to 13th century Egypt, where it was fed to Pharaohs and their royal courts as a show of decadence.

2. Recipes vary only slightly.

The only major difference in most hummuses is the amount of cumin and tahini they contain; variations containing sesame paste, butter in place of olive oil, Greek yogurt, and pepper are what give some blends their signature flavor.

3. People get feisty and fight over flavor combinations.

It is not uncommon to see professional food critics in Israel battling back and forth over which is the best hummus–we all have our favorites, right? It has actually come to physical fights in some cases where the battle of the chickpea supersedes logical thought and rational action.

4. It’s not just for pita!

It is possible to incorporate this delicious concoction into many of your favorite recipes, making them richer and more flavorful than before. Try it smeared onto your favorite sandwich, as a topping for fish, or stirred into other sauces for added taste.

10 Hummus Dishes You Don’t Want to Miss!

Take your hummus from the carton and take it to the next level. Try out these recipes and see what wonderful options are in store for you when you try these hummus-inspired dishes.

1.Mediterranean nachos

What started as an accident turned into a delicious and flavorful appetizer that you can have anytime, anywhere. Try it with friends, or indulge in a plate of these healthy nachos all by yourself, virtually guilt-free! The flavor combinations are endless!

Ingredients:

1/2 pound ground lamb or beef
1 Tbsp pine nuts
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
6 Tbsp plain yogurt, divided
One pkg baked pita chips
1 cup prepared tabbouleh
1/2 cup hummus
One large tomato, chopped
1/4 cup sliced olives
1 Tbsp fresh mint
chopped red onion

Directions:

Cook meat over high heat in skillet; drain. Stir in pine nuts, salt, and pepper. Stir in 2 Tbsp yogurt. Arrange pita chips on a serving platter. Layer with all other ingredients; top with onion and feta cheese. Serve immediately.

A healthy snack or a light lunch? Your choice!

2. Grilled corn and chickpea tostadas

Have a craving for a little Mexican food? Try these beauties; they are healthy, tasty, and delicious!

Ingredients:

Four medium ears of sweet corn, husks removed
One small onion, sliced
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
Eight corn tortillas
One container hummus
1/4 tsp chipotle pepper
1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
One medium avocado, peeled and sliced
half of a cup crumbled feta cheese
jalapeno slices
lime wedges
hot sauce (optional)

Directions:

Brush corn and onion with 1 Tbsp olive oil. Grill or bake until tender, about 10 minutes. Cool slightly. Brush tortillas with remaining oil. Grill for 3 minutes per side or till crisp. Cut the corn from cobs; process chickpea paste, chipotle pepper, and about 2 cups corn in a food processor till almost smooth. Coarsely chop the grilled onion and toss with remaining corn, tomato, and salt. Spread processed mixture over tortillas, top with corn mixture, cheese, avocado, and jalapeño. Top with remaining garnishes as desired.

3. Speedy pizza

What starts as an appetizer for many turns into a substantial and delicious meal. Throwing on fresh toppings and plenty of fresh mozzarella and feta gives this pizza the comfort factor that we crave.

Ingredients:

One pre-baked, 12-inch crust
1 cup prepared hummus
3/4 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
half-cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chopped Greek olives
1 Tbsp olive oil

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place crust on a baking pan. In a small bowl, mix chickpea paste with oregano and red pepper flakes; spread over crust. Sprinkle with cheese, tomato, and olive. Drizzle with olive oil and add cracked pepper for extra flavor.

4. Layered Greek dip

The vibrant combination of flavors and colors will have you drooling from the moment you feast your eyes on it. Serve with your favorite veggies or toasted pita slices for a delicious and satisfying snack.

Ingredients:

16 ounces of hummus
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/2 cup chopped Greek olives
Two medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
One large English cucumber, chopped
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
pita chips or veggies for serving

Directions:

Spread blended chickpeas into the bottom of a shallow serving dish. Layer with the rest of the chopped and prepared ingredients. Serve with your favorite veggies and pita chips for a delicious dish.

5. Greek wrap

This light yet filling wrap can be enjoyed at home or on-the-go. Tuck it into your kids’ lunches to surprise them with a healthy option that is flavorful and fresh.

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp hummus
One whole-wheat tortilla
1/4 cup torn salad greens
2 Tbsp finely chopped sweet onion
2 Tbsp thinly sliced cucumber
3 Tbsp alfalfa sprouts
2 Tbsp shredded carrot
1 Tbsp balsamic vinaigrette

Directions:

Spread chickpea mixture over tortilla. Layer it with salad greens, onions, cucumber, sprouts, and carrot. Drizzle with vinaigrette and roll up tightly.

6. Chicken and spinach pasta salad

There’s nothing like a pasta salad to provide substance and flavor to any meal. Instead of oil or mayonnaise in this recipe, the addition of blended chickpeas makes everything brighter and more flavorful.

Ingredients:

8 oz uncooked whole wheat rotini
1/2 cup of hummus
3 Tbsp Italian salad dressing
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
4 cups fresh baby spinach
1 cup cubed cooked chicken breast
2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
One can of sliced ripe olives, drained
crumbled feta cheese

Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and rinse with cold water. Combine chickpea paste, Italian dressing, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in chicken, tomatoes, spinach, olives, and feta; serve immediately.

7. Mediterranean bulgur bowl

Bulgur is such a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal; dress it up with some Mediterranean flavors and some creamy goodness for a filling and flavorful meal.

Ingredients:

1 cup bulgur
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups of water
One can of chickpeas, rinsed and drained
6 oz fresh baby spinach
2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
One small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup hummus
2 Tbsp lemon juice
fresh mint for garnish

Directions:

In a 6 quart stockpot, bring the first four ingredients to a boil; reduce heat and simmer 10-12 minutes. Stir in chickpeas and heat through. Remove from heat and stir in spinach. Let stand till spinach is wilted, about 5 minutes, then stir in remaining ingredients and serve immediately.

Bulk up your hummus with whole grain for a heart-healthy dinner.

8. Grilled turkey sandwich

Who needs mayo or butter when you have a creamy layer of chickpea and tahini delight? Dress up this delicious sandwich with an extra kick of flavor, and enjoy anytime.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup chickpea spread
Four slices of whole-wheat bread
4 oz thinly sliced deli turkey
Four slices tomato
Two slices pepper jack cheese
4 tsp butter, softened

Directions:

Spread bread and top with turkey, tomato, cheese, and remaining bread. Coat outer sides of bread with butter. In a large skillet, toast sandwiches on each side until golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. Serve with your favorite salad or soup.

9. Cheesy summer squash flatbreads

Who doesn’t love any kind of pizza? This new twist on an old classic will have you begging for more!

Ingredients:

Three small yellow summer squash, sliced thinly
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups baby spinach, coarsely chopped
Two naan flatbreads
1/3 cup roasted red pepper chickpea spread
One carton fresh mozzarella cheese pearls
freshly cracked pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Toss squash with oil and salt; spread in a shallow baking dish and roast for 10 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in spinach. Place naan on a separate baking sheet and spread with chickpea blend. Top with spinach mixture and cheese; place in the oven once more and bake until cheese is melted about 6-8 minutes. Top with freshly cracked pepper.

10. 7 layered Mediterranean dip

We just had to add another dip; its vibrant flavors and bright colors draw the eye and inspire you to start drooling from the moment that you behold the dish. Scoop it up with pita, veggies, or with a giant spoon—the end result is delicious!

Ingredients:

16 ounces of hummus
1 cup reduced-fat sour cream
One jar roasted red peppers, drained and chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped red onion
12 Greek olives, pitted and chopped
2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Dipping pieces of your choice

Directions:

Spread chickpeas in the bottom of a nine-inch pie plate. Top with sour cream, red peppers, cheese, onion, and olives. Sprinkle with parsley, and dig in!

Final Thoughts on Enjoying These Variations on Classic Hummus

There you have it—spread a little love on your plate with this delicious super spread, and your tastebuds will be thrilled. Bon Appetit!

20 Quotes About Why Everyone Should Take Time to Relax

May 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

When life gets busy, it can be challenging to find time to relax. It’s during those times that relaxation is most important, however.

You can think more clearly, work more effectively, socialize better, and just experience better overall well-being if you relax. It’ll also give you more energy to be more productive and happier.

These quotes about why you must take time to relax will help you understand why it is so important. Plus, they may give you the motivation you need to take the necessary time you need.

20 Quotes About Why You Must Take Time to Relax

1. “Together with a culture of work, there must be a culture of leisure as gratification. To put it another way: people who work must take the time to relax, to be with their families, to enjoy themselves, read, listen to music, play a sport.” – Pope Francis

While you must spend time working in some way, you also must spend time relaxing. You can do this by spending time with your loved ones or doing something leisurely that you enjoy.

2. “Relaxation is the prerequisite for that inner expansion that allows a person to express the source of inspiration and joy within.” – Deepak Chopra

As Chopra explains, without relaxation, you won’t be able to show the happiness that you feel inside. You may not be able to realize the joy that you have inside if you don’t take this time.

3. “Learn to relax. Your body is precious, as it houses your mind and spirit. Inner peace begins with a relaxed body.” – Norman Vincent Peale

Take care of your mind and spirit by spending time relaxing. This habit is how you will find inner peace and happiness.

4. “Sometimes we just need to put down our phones, close our eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Ideas are often in flight patterns around our brains, just waiting for clearance to land.” – Sam Harrison

Relaxing doesn’t mean you should stare at your phone or scroll through social media. Pure relaxation is when you put down all of the distractions and just sit peacefully at the moment. Take some deep breaths and let your mind decide what to think about.

5. “We will be more successful in all our endeavors if we can let go of the habit of running all the time, and take little pauses to relax and re-center ourselves. And we’ll also have a lot more joy in living.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

By taking time to enjoy life, you’ll be making your life easier and more successful. When you allow your mind and body to rest, you’ll become rejuvenated.

6. “Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” – William S. Burroughs

There are times when you’re racking your brain for a solution to a problem or an answer to a question. The answer just won’t come, and your thought process isn’t getting you anywhere.

It’s times like this when taking a break is most important. By resting and allowing your mind to wander, you’ll likely find the answer you were looking for.

7. “Relax and refuse to let worry and stress rule your life. There is always a solution to every problem. Things will work out for you when you take time to relax, refresh, restore and recharge your soul.” – Lailah Gifty Akita

Every issue can be resolved, so try to relax and let things play out. When you let the stress overwhelm you, the solutions will seem farther out of reach.

8. “As important as it is to have a plan for doing work, it is perhaps more important to have a plan for rest, relaxation, self-care, and sleep.” – Akiroq Brost

Planning is essential in all aspects of life. Relaxation time is one important thing to plan for. You have to take care of yourself if you want to be at your best.

9. “The only time I waste is time I spend doing something that, in my gut, I know I shouldn’t. If I choose to spend time playing video games or sleeping in, then it’s time well spent, because I chose to do it. I did it for a reason – to relax, to decompress, or to feel good, and that was what I wanted to do.” – Simon Sinek

In this quote, Sinek explains that doing things that you enjoy isn’t wasting time. You have to take time for yourself to rest your mind and let go.

10. “Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So, relax.” – Bryant McGill

You’ll think more clearly and efficiently if you aren’t stressed out and thinking frantically. By keeping calm, you’ll be able to take every challenge head-on.

11. “If a man insisted always on being serious, and never allowed himself a bit of fun and relaxation, he would go mad or become unstable without knowing it.” – Herodotus

While being serious is appropriate at times, it isn’t always recommended. You have to have some fun and do things that you enjoy.

12. “The breaks you take from work pay you back manifold when you return because you come back with a fresher mind and newer thinking. Some of your best ideas come when you’re on vacation.” – Gautam Singhania

When you take a break and come back, thinking more clearly, you’ll be able to get more work done. Likewise, you might be thinking in a completely different way. This mindset can lead to new ideas and more productive work.

13. “Stop a minute, right where you are. Relax your shoulders, shake your head and spine like a dog shaking off cold water. Tell that imperious voice in your head to be still.” – Barbara Kingsolver

Even when you feel like you don’t have time to take a break, just take five minutes to relax. When you know the tension is building up and you aren’t thinking clearly, just stop.

Relax, stretch your body out, and let out some of the tension. Take some deep breaths and let your stressful thoughts. After the five minutes is up, return to work and see if that helped at all.

14. “The more relaxed you are, the better you are at everything: the better you are with your loved ones, the better you are with your enemies, the better you are at your job, the better you are with yourself.” – Bill Murray

When you’re calm, all things in life seem to go better. Your relationships will flourish, tension with enemies may ease, work will improve, and you’ll take better care of yourself.

15. “It’s a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life.” – Paulo Coelho

As was stated before and discussed in other quotes, you think more clearly when you are relaxed and calm. With this being the case, you should always relax for a bit before committing to an important decision. Even if you feel you already know what you’ll choose, relaxing will help confirm the right choice for you.

16. “Every now and then go away, have a little relaxation, for when you come back to your work your judgment will be surer.” – Leonardo da Vinci

If you want to work effectively, you have to clear your mind. Even relaxing for a short time can help you focus when you get back to work.

17. “The mind should be allowed some relaxation, that it may return to its work all the better for the rest.” – Seneca

There is a trend in these quotes that prove relaxation leads to more efficient work. If you have a large amount of work on your plate, set aside relaxation time.

18. “The happiness we seek cannot be found through grasping, trying to hold on to things. It cannot be found through getting serious and uptight about wanting things to go in the direction we think will bring happiness. We are always taking hold of the wrong end of the stick. The point is that the happiness we seek is already here, and it will be found through relaxation and letting go rather than through struggle.” -Pema Chodron

You can’t control how everything in your life will go. Sometimes things go differently than you had planned, and that is okay. Let go and allow your mind to relax, knowing that things will work out.

19. “No matter how much pressure you feel at work, if you could find ways to relax for at least five minutes every hour, you’d be more productive.” – Dr. Joyce Brothers

Productivity is vital at work. You can work long hours when you’re stressed and get less done than when you work fewer hours with a calm mind.

20. “During periods of relaxation after concentrated intellectual activity, the intuitive mind seems to take over and can produce the sudden clarifying insights which give so much joy and delight.” – Fritjof Capra

You could spend hours thinking about something, only to find the answers when you least expect it. When your mind is allowed to relax, everything becomes more evident.

Final Thoughts on Quotes About Why You Must Take Time to Relax

When you feel like there is no time to relax, you have to find the time. You can do this by spending only five minutes every hour, focusing on your breathing or sitting quietly.

Everyone needs some relaxation time each day. These quotes about why you must take time to relax will help you give yourself the time that you need.

9 Predictions Futurists Believe Will Happen In The Next Decade

May 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

For better or for worse, it is human nature to wonder about the future regularly. This mild human obsession – combined with constant technological evolution – has led to the development of an academic field called futurism.

The term futurism was coined by the early 20^th-century Italian artist Filippo Thomaso Marinetti. In his 1909 manifesto, Marinetti used the word to “reflect his goal of discarding the art of the past and celebrating change, originality, and innovation in culture and society.”

Today, the work of futurism – or futurology – is more of a technological, rather than artistic, nature. Futurists are individuals who specialize in the systematic exploration of predictions and possibilities about future events. Most commonly, the work of futurists is directed more toward the human experience (e.g., economics, quality of life, and health) as well as scientific and technological endeavors.

So, this article is going to be fun! We’re going to talk about nine predictions that futurists think will happen in the next decade.

9 Predictions About the Future

1 – The First Machine Learning Revolution

Did you know that 90% of all the data available online was created in just the last two years? To of use to individuals and organizations, data must be issued an algorithm – a set of instructions.

For this massive amount of data to be made useful, it is necessary to build machine learning models. Here’s an example of such a model. When you type a word into your phone and options, appear on what word to select. Such a predictive tool is possible because of both algorithms and models.

There’s just one issue: privacy. Current privacy laws prohibit corporations from gathering and acting on private messages (so they say). Thus companies rely much on Federated learning to gather and act on the data received. You can think of federated learning as a sort of massive storage unit of machine learning models capable of churning out valuable information to the end-user.

How can federated learning help? Well, besides making your life more convenient, it may just save it. Patient medical data is extremely sensitive – and sometimes slow to reach the people it needs to reach (like doctors and surgeons, for example). Federated learning can help to bypass the burdensome regulations to help deliver more expedient medical care.

2 – Mass Production of Self-driving Cars

While self-driving cars are available today, their purchase is limited mostly to the wealthy (like that Musk dude from Tesla). But, just like the personal computer revolution before it, supply will skyrocket – and the costs will drop.

We already see this prediction manifested in China, where the company Baidu already faces the challenging task of building a fleet of self-driving cars in Beijing and Shanghai. China already claims about 60 percent of the world’s electric car production, so it’d be no surprise to see the same thing happen in the autonomous vehicle market.

Some futurists predict that we’ll start seeing the initial phases in the development of entirely driverless cities sometime in 2021.

Learn about the algae power plants that are helping cut emissions.

3 – A Future Explosion of eSports

Want to take any guess as to the amount of money the winner of Wimbledon – the world’s most prestigious tennis tournament – takes home? How about the winner of a video game tournament?

Who do you think earned more?

This seems like a no-brainer. I mean, we all know how much money professional athletes make (Case in point: Rafael Nadal, the top money earner in professional tennis, took home north of $16 million in 2019.)

Unless said video game tournament happens to feature Fortnite, arguably the most popular online video game in history. You see, the total purse for the esports competition was $30 million – with the winner taking home a cool $3 mil.

That’s a lot of money. And, as we all know, where people are spending their money, clever minds are already planning to make more of it. These probably include plans to expand further the esports market, which may soon become a multi-billion-dollar industry.

Here’s the kicker: some futurists even think that esports will eclipse traditional sports in popularity.

As for the question posed above? They both took home the same amount – $3 million.

4 – The Rise of Nationalism

The exponential growth of globalization is most evident in the marketplace. Our products are bound to come from just about anywhere and everywhere. The reason for this is free trade, which is only possible through the intimate, time-consuming deliberations of two or more national leaders.

While globalization has most assuredly benefited businesses and consumer choice, it has probably led to prolonged stagnation in wages. The middle class of the United States, while making up over half of the population, accounts for just around a quarter of the nation’s income. After adjusting for inflation, middle-class incomes have fallen since 2000.

If such economic inequality is allowed to continue, as futurists believe will happen, we will feel real consequences. This means a greater proportion of nationalistic citizens – and the election of more nationalistic, protectionist officials.

5 – The Collapse of the Global Economy

Let us hope that this one doesn’t come to fruition. If this COVID pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the economy is indeed fragile.

Within weeks, nearly a quarter of the nation’s workforce filed for unemployment. The government injected over $2.5 trillion into the economic engine – and it may not be enough. Most economists predict that we’re headed for a deep recession. If not due to COVID, then some other unforeseen catalyst.

The reason why this is a bad thing is twofold. First, nearly all global economic activity is based on the dollar and its value (or lack thereof). So, when the dollar drops, the market shakes up. Second, the health of the United States economy is widely seen as a microcosm of global economic wellbeing.

Without proper preparation, it’s inevitable that some major shakeup of the world economic order occurs. Let us just hope it happens some other time!

6 – Global Political Upheaval

Have you ever heard of the Flynn Effect? In short, the Flynn Effect theorizes that subsequent generations develop higher intelligence than their ancestors. We see evidence of this in IQ test scores, which tend to increase over time.

According to some futurists, we’re about to see more evidence of the Flynn effect: a massive disengagement of ordinary people from the political atmosphere. Again, according to these same folks, it’s only a matter of time until most people wake up and realize that too much involvement in politics is not only ultimately disappointing, but futile.

Recently, the academic journal Constitutional Political Economy published a paper titled “Busy doing nothing: why politicians implement inefficient policies.” The author, Anders Gustafsson, posits that many politicians attempt to appear competent to the electorate through taking ineffective action. As long as you’re doing something – no matter how futile – the public will deem you competent.

Well, some futurists say that the proverbial hall of mirrors is about to come crashing down in a big way.

Read how crickets could help end world hunger in the future.

7 – A Manned Mission to Mars in the Not Too Distant Future

Speaking of Elon Musk. We’ll probably hear of his company Space X’s mission Mars in the next few years. We already know that SpaceX is developing and testing spacecraft capable of withstanding the rough 174-million-kilometer trek to the Red Planet.

2024 will probably be the year, as this will be when the orbits of Earth and Mars best align for a more tranquil interplanetary voyage. Also, a private company will likely oversee this endeavor, not NASA.

8 – Instant Fixes For Mental Health Disorders

In 2013, the United States government announced the BRAIN Initiative. This ambitious program seeks to map out all activity within the human brain.

Similar to how the Genome Project led to (at the time) cutting-edge treatments such as gene therapy, the resultant BRAIN Initiative research may just provide similar breakthroughs. Futurist scientists believe that the outcomes of the BRAIN Initiative will lead to the revolutionary diagnosis and treatment for mental health disorders.

What would this look like? Well, it’s mostly speculation at this point. However, an instant scan and diagnosis for mental health disorders like PTSD and depression are not out of the question.

9 – Resurrection of Extinct Species in the Future

Okay, so who just thought of the movie Jurassic Park? *Raises hand*

Before we get all excited (or terrified) about the resurrection of the T-Rex and Velociraptor, let’s gain some perspective. For a long time, scientists have been pondering the possibility of bringing back extinct creatures. It was only recently, however, that the development of technologies in the fields of cloning and genetic engineering have made it seem like a possibility.

In this decade, we’ll probably see the resurrection of recently extinct animals like the dodo bird. In the more distant future, we could very well see the rebirth of prehistoric creatures.

I still don’t buy into the idea of opening up a real Jurassic Park, however.

10 Ways to Keep The Romance Alive During Stressful Times

May 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Keeping the romance alive doesn’t always come easy during stressful times. The current situation in the world feels uncertain, but perhaps we can look at it as a gift from the universe. We have more time to spend with our families, a break from work (depending on your situation), and time to reflect on our lives. With all this extra time on our hands, we can give more time and energy to the people in our lives who matter to us.

Of course, not everyone gets to have time off work, and we understand that everyone’s situation looks different. However, no matter what you’ve been through during this challenging time, you can always keep the romance alive in your relationship. You don’t always have to fly off to an exciting destination or plan an expensive date to rekindle the flames in your relationship.

Most people just want to know that you love and care about them, and even the smallest gesture can make a big difference. Below, we’ll go over how you can keep the spark lit in your relationship during difficult times.

Here are ten ways to keep the romance alive during stressful times:

Show your love in little ways.

Studies prove that small gestures in relationships mean more than even verbal expressions of love. Researchers found that people showing compassion topped the list of what made people feel the most loved. So, if you want to keep the romance alive during these stressful times, try these things out:

send them a loving text saying you miss them while they’re away at work
make them breakfast in bed on the weekend (pancakes are always a winner!)
do chores for them after they’ve had a hard day at work
make their coffee before they wake up in the morning
hear them out after a long day, and put away all distractions

You can make these gestures at any time, but they mean so much more when stress creeps up in life. Showing love helps to lower stress levels, which will help you both ride the waves of life more smoothly.

Ask your partner if they need anything from you.

Sometimes, the best way to keep the romance alive during stressful times comes down to asking questions. People just want to feel heard and understood, and they may not always tell you upfront how they think. Be willing to dive deep and ask your lover the problematic questions. Open the conversation up so they feel comfortable sharing any concerns and worries they may have.

You may feel like you know your partner inside out, but you can always learn something new about them. Simply asking if you can do anything for them during this challenging time can make them feel extra loved and cared for, especially if they’ve recently lost a job or had other difficulties.

Your partner will especially appreciate that you’re willing to go the extra mile for them and help carry some of their burdens. You can ask some of the following questions to open up the dialogue:

Do you need any extra help with anything during all this?
I know this is a stressful time for everyone, but I want you to know I’m always here for you.
Is there anything you want to get off your chest?

Also, make sure you share your feelings with your partner as well. You should practice open communication at all times with your partner, but especially now as the whole world deals with this unprecedented event.

Keep the romance alive by connecting physically.

When life gets stressful, connecting physically doesn’t always cross people’s minds. After a long day of work, sometimes you just want to lay in bed and have alone time to recharge. However, physical intimacy will help keep the romance alive in your relationship as well as lower stress levels. You don’t always have to have sex to foster a physical connection, either.

Here are some other ways to connect physically:

Kiss
Cuddle on the couch
Hold hands while doing errands/taking a walk.
Give each other a massage.
Take a trip down memory lane together.

Thinking about the happy memories you’ve shared can help strengthen intimacy and connection in your relationship. During stressful times, it helps to disconnect from the situation for a bit and pull out some old photo albums or laugh about the good times.

By reminiscing on the good times, you’ll remember that nothing bad lasts forever and that better days lie ahead of you.

Plan a date night (this can be inside the house as well).

Since many of us have extra time together, why not plan a fun date with your partner? You don’t have to go to a fancy restaurant or have a wild night on the town, either. Even though you already eat dinners together most nights, make sure you spend time connecting and helping each other relieve stress by talking things out.

You can always make it fun by bringing out a white tablecloth and creating a romantic setting with candles and roses. You could also do it old school and pretend you’re kids again – make a blanket fort, bring out some fun snacks like popcorn and candy, and cuddle together while you watch your favorite show.

Get creative! When it comes to date ideas to keep your romance alive even during stressful times, the possibilities are endless.

Make dinner together.

Nothing feels more romantic than creating something together, especially when you can eat your creation! Pull out some recipe books or look up ideas online, buy the ingredients, and have a fun night making the perfect dish together. No matter what kind of cuisine you prefer, you can find endless ideas on recipe blogs, foodie Instagram accounts, or YouTube channels.

This makes the perfect time for everyone to enjoy meals more at home together, just like the good old days. Plus, you’ll probably save money and calories by cooking at home, so it’s a win-win for everyone!

Have a board game night.

Everyone loves board games, and figuring out puzzles or solving silly riddles helps relieve stress as well. If you want to keep the romance alive, try pulling out those dusty games from your closet and get lost in a fun night of laughter with your partner. Whether you enjoy card games, physical games like Twister, or classic children’s board games like Chutes n’ Ladders, make it fun by offering a prize for the winner.

Go camping together.

You can choose your backyard or your living room, but either way, make sure to get all the essentials. Make smores over a fire or your stove, tell scary stories, cuddle up in the tent with Netflix, and if you’re outside, you can stargaze together. Keeping the romance alive doesn’t have to cost a lot of money or involve anything complicated; just make it fun and enjoy your time together. Camping makes an excellent opportunity to connect with your loved one, and being cozy in the tent together will make it feel like all the problems in the world just melt away.

Plan a vacation.

Just thinking about sipping cold drinks on a beautiful exotic beach will lift your spirits and make your problems seem a million miles away. Why not use the downtime to plan your next fun trip together? You don’t have to plan something extravagant; it can even be a camping trip an hour away or a stay at bed and breakfast in a town near you.

While you’re stuck inside, use your imagination to propel you to better days and create fun memories with your beau in the future. Sometimes, planning the trip is even more exciting than going on it, so throw all your ideas out there and choose something you will both enjoy!

Create a private spa in your home.

You don’t need all the expensive equipment they have at spas; you can just use what you have at home. Give each other massages with a massage oil of your choice (rose or lavender works well), take a warm bubble bath together, and pull out the champagne or wine for full relaxation.

Massages help lower stress, so this makes a perfect way to keep the romance alive and induce feelings of relaxation.

Final thoughts on keeping the romance alive during stressful times.

It doesn’t take a lot of money or resources to create beautiful memories with your partner. You can have a fun time even while being stuck inside: have a home movie night, go camping inside, play board games, or make dinner together. You can also plan a future vacation, have a spa night, or just cuddle up on the couch.

Make sure you connect with your partner emotionally during this time as well, because talking out the problems in your lives will make them a lot easier to deal with. We hope these tips help you keep the feelings of romance alive!

10 Red Flags That Someone Feels Entitled

May 15, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If someone feels entitled, they probably have a long history of acting like the universe revolves around them. Sadly, many people today possess this sense of entitlement, and we really can’t blame them for it.

We grow up believing that the world owes us something in large part because of today’s parenting and teaching styles. Everyone gets a participation trophy, teachers pass students even if they failed, and in general, no one thinks they should go through any suffering or hardship to earn anything.

So, it makes sense why we have a world full of entitled people. Studies indicate a rise in narcissism in western cultures, likely due to an increased emphasis on individualism and social media use. This correlates strongly with a sense of entitlement because narcissists believe that the world revolves around them, and they deserve everything under the sun.

Parents and teachers foster this mindset as well when they make children believe they should always win or always get the latest toy. While children need love and support, they also need to know that others matter and that people don’t have to cater to their needs all the time.

So, with that said, let’s get into the signs that someone feels entitled, and how to encourage people to develop a sense of empathy.

“Entitlement is a delusion built on self-centeredness and laziness.” – Unknown

Here are ten red flags someone feels entitled:

They only care about their own needs/wants.

Those who feel entitled will always put their desires first. They don’t care what it takes to have their needs fulfilled. Indeed, hey will not stop until they have been satisfied, and that gratification will quickly wear off. Furthermore, they can’t seem to stop the vicious cycle of getting what they want, feeling empty, and needing even more than before to keep them satisfied.

They won’t show much concern for what others need or want, and will not have a problem stepping on other people’s toes to actualize their desires. A red flag of a sense of entitlement involves a supreme sense of superiority and belief that the person should get their way 100% of the time.

They continuously seek attention.

People who feel entitled will likely spend a large portion of their time seeking attention and compliments from others. Whether they spend most of their time on social media or showing off their latest accomplishments to friends or family, they can’t seem to get enough attention. Social media fuels their addiction to social acceptance because no one can stop them from posting selfies or making videos, and they can garner the attention of potentially millions.

If someone in your life shows these signs, they probably feel pretty entitled.

People who feel entitled love to throw pity parties.

If they don’t get their way, a person who feels entitled will let you know it. They will complain for hours on end about how someone cut them off in traffic or how their latest business deal didn’t work out. They don’t ever look for solutions. Instead, they like to fixate on their problems. It gives them quite a shock when the world doesn’t cater to their every need or when something doesn’t go according to plan, so they have no coping skills to deal with it.

They will cry, scream, and pick fights until they’ve gotten enough of throwing a temper tantrum, and usually, an empathetic person will come to their aid. Sadly, empaths and highly sensitive people tend to attract narcissists like a moth to a flame due to their giving, caring nature.

They believe they always deserve happiness and often hurt others to get it.

Those with a strong sense of entitlement will knock others down just to make themselves feel better. They don’t care if people get hurt as long as they achieve their end goal. Narcissists have an inflated sense of self and somehow think that their happiness matters more than that of other people. They will stop at nothing to make sure their wants get fulfilled.

If someone feels entitled, they will belittle others and gaslight them if they don’t get what they want.

Another red flag that someone feels entitled is that they will make others feel crazy for not catering to their needs. They may make others feel guilty for not doing exactly what they asked, and the person will likely fall for it (especially if it’s a significant other). Watch out for this type of behavior, as this can become dangerous and mentally harmful over time.

They cut others off to ensure their success.

They want the big prize and can’t stand to let anyone else have it. The person who feels entitled won’t allow others to become successful if it cuts into their profits or fame. They may sabotage any attempts for others to reach the top so that they can claim that spot for themselves. They want to win all the time and will act like a sore loser if they don’t achieve success.

Entitled people take more than they give.

A classic sign of entitlement involves taking more than giving for the person who thinks the world revolves around them. They don’t care what others need but will have a long list of needs themselves. If others give them the cold shoulder, they will throw a big pity party and, like others have done them wrong. They have a huge double standard about how others should treat them even though they don’t follow the golden rule themselves.

They don’t know how to negotiate or compromise.

If their needs haven’t been met to a T, they will not be satisfied. A person who feels entitled will not feel complete if they can’t check every desire off their list. They don’t know how to meet in the middle; with them, it’s all or nothing.

People who feel entitled need lots of validation and flattery.

Another narcissist trait, the person who feels entitled, will need a lot of compliments and praise to get by. They feel empty and worthless if others don’t notice their success or accomplishments.

In general, they believe they are more important or better than others.

Finally, a red flag that someone feels entitled is that they will just feel superior to others. They’re the hottest thing on the block, obviously, and they expect everyone else to agree and acknowledge that.

How to overcome the urge to feel entitled

Now that we’ve gone over the red flags that someone feels entitled, we want to go over ways that someone can get over this entitlement complex. Now, we don’t want to give the impression that everyone should act perfectly. We know that almost everyone struggles with something, whether it’s low self-esteem, feeling entitled, or not feeling necessary. However, a sense of entitlement has the potential to hurt others as well as yourself.

So, if you or someone you know shows the “entitled trait,” here are some ways to combat it:

Develop self-awareness. If you find that you think about yourself and your needs the majority of the time, try to extend empathy to others as well. Simply getting in the habit of checking in with your thoughts can reverse this sense of entitlement.
Identify deeply rooted ideas about how you perceive your existence. In other words, do you feel that others should cater to you all the time? Do you think the world revolves around you? Often, this belief begins in childhood, so some inner child work can help undo this belief.
Accept life the way it is and don’t always think you need something else to feel satisfied.
Celebrate the successes of others, and feel gratitude for the relationships in your life. Remember that no one really knows what they’re doing here, and we’re all just trying to make it. Develop compassion for others, and try to see them as an extension of yourself.

Final thoughts on red flags that someone feels entitled

If someone feels entitled, you’ll most likely know it within a few minutes of meeting them. They will probably talk about themselves most of the time and not show much interest in your own needs or wants. They will also cut others off and do whatever it takes to get to the top. Entitled people may have a narcissistic personality disorder, or just have traits of a narcissist.

When dealing with these types, you need to remember to set boundaries and perhaps even cut off ties with them if needed. No one should ever make you feel guilty for not catering to their every need, and if they do, they have serious work to do on themselves. A sense of entitlement often begins in the early stages of life, but with inner work and perhaps the help of a therapist, they can develop empathy and compassion for others.

“Man is not, by nature, deserving of all that he wants. When we think that we are automatically entitled to something, that is when we start walking all over others to get it.” – Criss Jami

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

Show your love in little ways.

Ask your partner if they need anything from you.

Keep the romance alive by connecting physically.

Plan a date night (this can be inside the house as well).

Make dinner together.

Have a board game night.

Go camping together.

Plan a vacation.

Create a private spa in your home.

They only care about their own needs/wants.

They continuously seek attention.

People who feel entitled love to throw pity parties.

They believe they always deserve happiness and often hurt others to get it.

If someone feels entitled, they will belittle others and gaslight them if they don’t get what they want.

They cut others off to ensure their success.

Entitled people take more than they give.

They don’t know how to negotiate or compromise.

People who feel entitled need lots of validation and flattery.

In general, they believe they are more important or better than others.

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!