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15 Natural Treatments That Put an End to Sleepless Nights

May 14, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Sleep is both a necessary function and a mystical experience shared by humans and the animal kingdom alike. When you have sleepless nights, your whole body pays the consequence.

A natural phenomenon in the brain controls our waking and sleeping modes called the circadian rhythm. This vital function is influenced by light, as observed by the first humans. Our early ancestors rose with the sun and slept when darkness fell. With the discovery of fire and much later electricity, we found that we could manipulate our brains to work longer hours and sleep less.

While it’s normal to have an occasional sleepless night, chronic insomnia affects your body and your mental health. Have you been plagued with restless nights, waiting for the Sand Man to come? Perhaps you are weary with lying in bed, watching the clock, and counting sheep.

Medical experts recommend that we need at least 7-8 full hours of sleep each night. The older you get, usually the less sleep you need. However, your body requires enough rest to recharge your system and to replenish millions of depleted cells.

When you are sleep deprived, it’s difficult to function. People who work third shift and swing shifts often battle insomnia because of their erratic sleep schedule. A plethora of medical and psychological disorders can also rob you of good z’s.

15 Natural Remedies to End Your Sleepless Nights

You may be reading this article in the wee hours of the night, hoping to fall into a restful slumber. Here are fifteen natural remedies for you to try that can induce sleepiness. If your bouts of insomnia become chronic, consider talking to your professional healthcare provider.

1. Meditation

In our fast-paced society, it’s no wonder our brains stay over-drive. How often have you tried to fall asleep, only to be annoyed by the constant chatter in your mind? You replay events and fret over things that haven’t even happened.

When your brain can’t be silent, it is nearly impossible to sleep or stay asleep for any time. Is it possible to bring the tranquility you desperately need? While you may not be able to quiet your mind’s conversations, you can change the voice.

For thousands of years, ancient cultures have practiced meditation for physical, mental, and spiritual health. You can use these same techniques to improve your sleepless nights. Learning to be present in the moment, acknowledging your thoughts, and releasing them, can induce rest.

2. Visualization

As you lie comfortably in your bed, purposely relax your body from head to toe. Let your thoughts float away like clouds and be aware of your breathing. Visualize yourself in your happy place, such as the beach or in a magical garden.

3. Comfortable Massage

Sometimes, your muscles won’t cooperate and relax on command. There’s nothing like a gentle massage to do the trick. Once your tight, sore muscles are smooth and relaxed, drifting off into dreamland is easier.

The next time you feel a restless night is imminent, ask your mate to massage you. Gentle touching and rubbing make the brain produce more endorphins that help you to relax. You can also massage your tired muscles if you are alone.

Give your temples and the back of your head a light rub to ease tension. Some people find comfort by gently massaging their closed eyes. If you have been on your feet all day, give your feet and legs some attention so they can relax and won’t ache during the night.

Here are six things to consider before you go to sleep.

4. Turn Out the Lights

Just as our ancestors used the sun as an alarm clock, our brains are still hardwired into wakefulness from light sources. Glance around your bedroom, and you may see some blinking culprits. You may be so used to them that you don’t notice them anymore.

Nothing steals your slumber like the electronics that you keep in your bedroom. Sleep research warn that the radiant blue lights from television and computer screens stimulate the brain. To sleep better, keep the electronics turned off or, better yet, out of your room.

5. Dim the Clock & Phone

Consider turning it away from your face during the night if you have a light-up alarm clock. Even a small blinking power light can affect your brain. While you are finding ways to darken your room, be sure to flip your smartphone over so its glare isn’t keeping you awake.

6. Set the Scene for Relaxation

Consider looking at your bedroom as if it was the first time. Is it a luxurious sanctuary, or does it look like a cluttered office cubicle with a bed? Clear out the clutter and decorate your room with soft colors, light, and textures that beckon you to enjoy a restful sleep.

7. Limit Caffeine Intake

Most people fail to realize that caffeine is more than a naturally occurring ingredient. It is a drug that stimulates your mind and body and discourages sleepless nights. When you aren’t resting well at night, pay attention to your caffeinated drinks during the day.

Coffee, colas, energy drinks, and some teas are loaded with it. While a hot cup of coffee may get you through the morning, the extra caffeine in the evening may be your downfall. Limit caffeine intake, especially at bedtime, and see how you rest.

8. Drink Less Booze and Snooze

You may drink more alcohol in the evenings because it helps you fall asleep quickly. However, alcohol inhibits certain brain chemicals responsible for continual sleep, and your rest will be sporadic. Lack of sleep is a common symptom of alcoholism, so go easy on the liquor.

9. Get Moving

Exercising to induce sleep sounds counter-intuitive, but countless studies suggest otherwise. Perhaps the reason that you are tossing and turning all night is that your muscles have pent-up energy. A little evening exercise is just what you may need.

A couple of hours before bedtime, take the dog for a walk or go for a short hike through the woods. Avoid strenuous workouts that may pep you up rather than relax you. Lack of exercise can contribute to your restlessness

10. Try Yoga or Tai Chi

Gentle stretching exercises like yoga and Tai Chi work wonders on your muscles and provide pleasant tiredness. You don’t have to be an experienced yogi to enjoy the benefits. You can find easy video tutorials online that are made especially for inducing sleep.

11. Take Melatonin or Other Herbal Treatments

Decreased light and your circadian rhythm signal your brain that it’s time for sleep. As it powers down to sleep mode, your mind produces a chemical called melatonin that prepares your body to rest. Your sleep will be affected if your body doesn’t produce enough melatonin.

Talk to your doctor about taking over-the-counter melatonin supplements. The doctor can suggest the dosage that would be right for you. These supplements are relatively inexpensive and are available in most pharmacies and grocery stores.

12. Follow Your Nose to Sweet Slumber

Did you know that your sense of smell can affect your moods and energy levels? Aromatherapy has been used for years as an effective way to brighten people’s spirits and help with anxiety and depression. It has also been a successful tool for those who don’t sleep well at night.

Lavender is the quintessential herb used as a calming agent. Its familiar scent calms your mind and relaxes your muscles. Use the whole herb or its essential oil and rub some on your sheets and pillows for a sensational night’s sleep.

13. Magnesium

Without this vital mineral, we couldn’t survive. Magnesium does everything from strengthening your heart and bones to keeping your energy and blood sugar stabilized. Many people are deficient and don’t realize it.

Did you also know that magnesium supplements can support proper rest? It works with the chemicals in your brain to induce the deep, healing sleep that you need. Before you take any supplements, talk to your professional healthcare provider first.

14. Drink Some Soothing Tea

Did you ever wonder why Grandma always insisted on a warm cup of tea before she retired to bed? She and ancestors before her discovered that certain herbs made delicious teas that calmed the nerves. The scent, taste, and warmth of an herbal tea can take you to your happy place.

Chamomile tea is one of the most popular drinks recommended for sleepless nights. You might also try passionflower, valerian, or lemon balm. To make sure that these natural herbs don’t clash with any medications you take, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

15. Get Lost in the Music

If music can calm the savage beast, then it can do a number on sleeplessness, too. It doesn’t include loud, headbanging music that urges you to dance. Instead, choose quiet, soothing instrumentals that relax your mind and speak to your spirit.

Countless studies indicate that music therapy can promote a restful night’s sleep. Be sure your volume is low and use an earbud if it disturbs your partner. Play a CD or regular hours of tranquil music you can download free from the Internet.

Final Thoughts on Ending Sleepless Nights

Sleep lulls us away from the world’s harsh realities into the land of dreams. If sleepless nights keep you from traveling there, these suggestions may be your passport. Remember that chronic sleepless nights can be a symptom of a severe medical or psychological condition and should be reported to your doctor.

15 Quotes for the Broken Hearted to Heal the Pain

May 14, 2020 by Power of Positivity

There aren’t many other feelings that compare to being broken hearted. It’s a feeling that is indescribable and different for each person. While it may be different for everyone, the emotion is something that everyone can relate to.

With that being the case, there have been many who have spoken on the topic. Those who have experienced a heartbreak know the struggle of returning to normal afterward. Luckily, they also know how to get through it and how you can try to feel better.

Many quotes for the broken hearted have come from those people speaking about the topic. Even if the quotes can’t help you feel better, they’ll at least allow the comfort of knowing you aren’t alone.

Quotes for the Broken Hearted

1. “As for lovers, well, they’ll come and go too. And baby, I hate to say it, most of them – actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can’t give up because if you give up, you’ll never find your soulmate. You’ll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything.” – Marilyn Monroe

Love oftentimes leads to heartbreak, unfortunately. You have to keep trying, though, because otherwise, you’ll never find your person.

Eventually, someone will come along who won’t break your heart. You just have to be patient and be willing to try again when the time is right.

2. “Pain has a crucial role in our lives because it acts as a learning lesson which makes us wiser and more adequate in dealing with life’s idiosyncrasies. When we engage with our suffering completely, we reach a place where pain transforms into acceptance and love.” – Unknown

Without heartache, you wouldn’t grow wiser as you get older. You have to experience it to truly be able to handle life’s unexpected changes.

Instead of pushing the pain away, accept it, and work through it. If you can do that, the bad feelings of heartache will fade. In their place, you’ll experience full acceptance of what happened and the ability to love again.

3. “When it comes to love and loss, acceptance is never easy. We can’t make someone see all we have to give, make them love us, or make them change. All we can do is move on and stop wasting time.” – April Mae Monterrosa

It’s a hard part of life, losing someone you love. Unfortunately, you can’t force someone to feel something that they don’t feel.

Work on moving forward and stop wasting time on someone who isn’t meant to be in your life. Love yourself instead, and happiness will soon follow.

4. “The cure for a broken heart is simple, my lady. A hot bath and a good night’s sleep.” – Margaret George

Sometimes self-care is all you need to start the moving on process. The hot bath will help you relax and detox while taking time for yourself. Then, the good night’s sleep will allow your mind and body to rest and be refreshed the next day.

5. “Don’t cry when the sun is gone, because the tears won’t let you see the stars.”
Violeta Parra

You’ll inevitably cry when you get a broken heart. The thing is, you have to stop crying eventually.
If you don’t, you won’t be able to see all of the good through your tears. You could also miss what the future might hold.

6. “Let’s hope that for every time that we get hurt or break our heart, there is something somewhere being written to make up for it, to make the happiness due even bigger and laughter even merrier, for after all good things must happen to good people.” – Mansi Soni

Things will get better, and you will be happy again. Think of all the opportunities and experiences that you will have in the future. Good things will happen again, and they’ll be better than you ever imagined.

7. “And anything that might hurt me would just make me stronger in the end.” – Elizabeth Eulberg

You’ll get through the pain of heartbreak, and you’ll be stronger because of it. Live in the moment and focus on feeling better each day. It’ll happen sooner than you think.

8. “The saddest thing about love is that not only that it cannot last forever, but that heartbreak is soon forgotten.” – William Faulkner

While Faulkner views this as a sad moment, it should give you some hope. While the love didn’t last and you’re feeling sad now, you’ll soon forget the heartache.

9. “Sometimes it takes a heartbreak to shake us awake and help us see we are worth so much more than we’re settling for.” – Mandy Hale

When things don’t work out, it’s because there is something better in the future. As Hale said, this is a sign that you are worth more than you’ve been experiencing.

10. “If you want to forget something or someone, never hate it, or never hate him/her. Everything and everyone that you hate is engraved upon your heart; if you want to let go of something, if you want to forget, you cannot hate.” – C. JoyBell C.

Hate sticks with you. It’s a feeling that can be all-consuming, and one that doesn’t leave your mind. If you’re feeling that way about something or someone that has hurt you, it won’t get easier.

Instead, you have to let go of the hate. By doing so, you are allowing yourself to forget about what hurt you. Only then can you move on and get past the pain.

11. “A broken heart is just the growing pains necessary so that you can love more completely when the real thing comes along.” – J.S.B. Morse

When you have your heartbroken, it’s a learning opportunity. You’re learning more about what you want in a partner and more about yourself. With this, you’re growing into a person who can love more fully.

12. “There are many ways of breaking a heart. Stories were full of hearts broken by love, but what really broke a heart was taking away its dream – whatever that dream might be.” – Pearl S. Buck

While most of these heartbreak quotes are about love, there are still many other causes. No matter what has caused your broken heart, the pain isn’t any easier. It will get better, though, and you’ll be happy again.

13. “When you are standing in a forest of sorrow, you cannot imagine that you could ever find your way to a better place. But if someone can assure you that they themselves have stood in that same place, and now have moved on, sometimes this will bring hope.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

It’s hard to see to the other side when you are engulfed in heartache. You may think that you can’t get through it and that you’ll never be happy again.

When others tell their heartbreak experiences, you may realize that you will feel like yourself again. If other people can do it, so can you.

14. “Someday you’re gonna look back on this moment of your life as such a sweet time of grieving. You’ll see that you were in mourning and your heart was broken, but your life was changing.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

You’ll look back on this sad time of your life with fondness. Once you’re at a good place in life, you’ll realize that you wouldn’t be there if you hadn’t had your heartbroken. While change may be hard, it’s always leading you somewhere better.

15. “To be rejected by someone doesn’t mean you should also reject yourself or that you should think of yourself as a lesser person. It doesn’t mean that nobody will ever love you anymore. Remember that only ONE person has rejected you at the moment, and it only hurt so much because to you, that person’s opinion symbolized the opinion of the whole world, of God.” – Jocelyn Soriano, in Mend My Broken Heart

Just because someone else didn’t want you doesn’t mean you aren’t worthy of love. It doesn’t mean that you are any less or need to change who you are. You’ll find true love and be happy again one day with someone who loves you for who you are.

Final Thoughts on Learning from Quotes for the Broken Hearted

Being broken hearted is hard, no matter the cause of the heartbreak. It can seem impossible to get over it and move on, but you’ll feel so much better when you do. Moving on won’t happen overnight, rather it’s a process that gets easier with time.

While quotes for the broken hearted cannot completely heal the pain, they can still help. Just knowing you aren’t alone in this feeling can help. Plus, others who have been through it can offer advice, motivation, and sympathy through their quotes.

Remember that heartbreak doesn’t last forever. It gets easier with time, and eventually, you won’t think about it every single day. You will feel happier again.

10 Mantras to Remember When You Feel Hopeless

May 14, 2020 by Power of Positivity

We’ve all been to a point where the frustrations of daily life can put us in a sour mood. Occasionally, it may be challenging to pull yourself out of that mood. When this happens, it’s easy for your spirit to turn to hopelessness. Your attitude doesn’t have to stay that way, but you might need a little help getting out of it. That’s where positive thinking comes in.

Scientific research shows that positive thinking can be a great tool to boost your cognitive health. Saying inspirational messages to yourself can change your emotions by redirecting your brain activity away from negative thoughts and feelings to positive ones. Even if you aren’t the type to meditate, merely saying them can be enough to enact a significant mood change. Here are ten powerful and inspirational mantras to remember when you’re bogged down with a feeling of hopelessness.

10 Mantras to Overcome the Feeling of Being Hopeless

1. “I will get better.”

Telling yourself that you will get better can bring you the strength that you need to make it through the next minute or the following year. Even if you don’t believe it, saying it to yourself can push away your hopeless feeling long enough to get you to the next moment. Say it once or say it one hundred times. Say it to yourself or say it out loud. Just say it and say it often.

One of the worst parts of feeling hopeless is feeling like there is no end to your suffering. This is often just a feeling – albeit a strong one – and it’s usually not reality. Telling yourself you will get better helps you to see that you’ll get past the suffering. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

2. “I’m putting me first.”

There is something very noble about putting others first, but you can’t do that at the expense of sacrificing yourself. Remember that you are just as important as everyone around you. You need to embrace your self-worth. Your goals, dreams, and desires matter, and they are only going to happen if you pursue them.

That means putting yourself first.

Many people feel selfish when they put themselves first. The truth is that you’ve probably put others first for a long time. You’ve given them every opportunity to pull themselves up while you supported them from falling. You’ve done your part, so you have nothing to feel selfish about.

3. “You said tomorrow yesterday.”

Procrastination is a common symptom of hopelessness. It’s easy to say, “tomorrow.” It’s hard to say, “right now.” However, you have to say “right now” because you told yourself “tomorrow” yesterday.

Yesterday is now today.

Even if you don’t feel like it and also if you don’t have the motivation, do it anyway. Push yourself harder than you’ve ever pushed before.

It’s hard to overcome your inertia. Inertia is the tendency to do nothing to change your situation. However, inertia is usually the hardest part of the journey. Once you’ve overcome that inactivity, the rest will come easy. Suddenly, your hopelessness begins to turn into hope, followed by motivation, followed by success.

4. “You didn’t come this far to stop now.”

If your hopelessness stems from obstacles you’re facing, this is an excellent message for you. It reminds you of where you started and all that you had to face to get where you are right now. When things seem harsh, don’t give up. You’ve been facing and navigating so many obstacles with success. There is no reason to think you can’t have the same results with more barriers.

Sure, this obstacle might be the toughest of all so far, but that just means the reward will be even higher once you pass it. You’ve heard the saying, “no pain, no gain.” That applies here, so don’t give up. Keep pushing, whether you have to go over, under, around, or through the obstacle that you’re facing.

5. “Let it go.”

Too often, people get caught up in things that happened in the past. The past is just that – it can’t be changed. You must let it go and move on with your life. You must begin a new chapter. It’s okay to start a new chapter. You must permit yourself to forgive yourself and others for the things that happened. You have to be willing to embrace the idea that a new future can exist.

Letting go of the past can be hard, especially if you’re still in the same environment from your past. This environment can be toxic if you don’t have people who are willing to support your growth. Trust that your self-worth is excellent enough to pursue a better future and turn your focus toward that. Even the most successful people in the world have had to let go of some things from the past.

6. “I am enough.”

Reminding yourself that you are enough is one of the most important messages you can tell yourself often. Life can be tough, and at times you may feel like you just can’t. However, it’s not impossible. You can do it. You’re strong enough. You’re a fighter, and you have all the tools you need to succeed inside of you. You are enough to conquer your hopes and dreams.

Hopeless feelings can sometimes stem from being overwhelmed – feeling like you’re in over your head. After all, life doesn’t stop and give you time to catch up. At these moments, you need to give yourself a break. Stop, take a breath, and remind yourself that you are enough. Think positive thoughts. Think about what it will be like to succeed, and you’ll find yourself much more motivated than before. Say it over and over, as many times as you need to until you can center yourself and focus.

7. “Things don’t happen to me, they just happen.”

When you’re feeling hopeless, it can be easy to take things personally. Remember, things happen. It’s not your fault, and it’s not a bad luck streak. It’s just life doing what life does – giving you lemons. When things happen, take some time to think about what happened honestly. Is something that happened to you? Or is it some random event that could happen to anyone? You’ll usually see that it’s the latter.

When things happen, it’s not the end of the world. There are more opportunities around the corner. Just remember, when you’re feeling the weight of the world on your shoulders, remind yourself that things don’t happen to you. These things just happen, and it’s time to make lemonade.

8. “No one can take my joy.”

Your joy is something that you own. It doesn’t belong to anyone else unless you give it away. You get to be as joyous as you allow yourself to be. It doesn’t matter what your situation is. There is always something to be joyful about.

It can indeed be challenging to be joyous when you feel hopeless. This is the time to remind yourself of everything you have to be joyous about. Writing down all the reasons you have to be joyful can be a powerful tool. For one thing, it will take your mind off whatever has you feeling hopeless. For another, it can help you focus on things that make you feel good. You’d be surprised how writing these reasons down can shift your focus and suddenly open your eyes to a plan for a happier life.

9. “I choose to be happy.”

Life is full of choices. Happiness is one of them. You can choose to stay in your current, sad, hopeless state of mind, or you can simply choose to be happy. This doesn’t mean that all the hurt and pain in your life will suddenly disappear. This means that you don’t have to be weighed down by them. It’s a lot easier to work through your issues when you’re happy.

Being happy may not be easy at first. You may have to fake it until you make it. Smile even when you don’t feel like it. Spend time with friends, also if you just want to crawl into a ball under your bed covers. Choose happiness. Just like that, with the snap of two fingers, you can only be happy. You deserve it.

10. “I am loved and cared for.”

Love can conquer anything. You are loved. Sometimes feelings of hopelessness can close your heart so you can’t feel the love coming from others. If you aren’t feeling the love, repeating this mantra is more important than all the others. Tell yourself every day, several times a day that you are loved and cared for. Spend time with people who love and care for you so you can have proof that you are loved and cared for.

When you tell yourself, you are loved and cared for. You’ll slowly begin to open your heart. You’ll give yourself permission to be loved. It may be scary at first but keep going. Love can heal whatever is causing your hopelessness.

Final Thoughts on Using Mantras to Overcome Feeling Hopeless

Positive thinking goes a long way when you feel hopeless. You may not even realize how much mantras are improving your mood until you realize how good you feel. However, if you’re saying mantras often and you still can’t shake the feeling, don’t be afraid to reach out to someone for help.

15 Snacks That Help Reduce Inflammation

May 13, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Inflammation is the cause of a wide variety of bodily ailments. It’s the way that your body responds to change in your body, like pain or irritation. It’s a natural process that your body needs to heal and recover from things like muscle soreness and injury. A healthy diet can rebalance your body, and don’t overlook the importance of healthy snacks.

Eating things like processed dairy and sugar can harm your body by causing chronic inflammation. These foods put your body into a constant state of inflammation because of the food you are giving it. If you want to beat chronic pain and give your body the nourishment it needs to thrive, read on. We share 15 great snacks that help reduce inflammation.

15 Snacks to Help Reduce Painful Inflammation in Your Body

Learn all about what healthy snacks you should keep on hand to enjoy when you need a nutritional boost.

1. Almonds

Almonds are the ultimate quick and convenient snack. They have a ton of protein, are entirely unprocessed, taste great, and are great to have handy around the house when hunger strikes. They contain plenty of monounsaturated fats (the right kind) as well as vitamins like manganese. Almonds are a great option as a filling, protein-filled snack that won’t irritate your body.

2. Avocados

The trendiest food of the past ten years, avocados have become popular on toast and salads nationwide. While they have become ubiquitous, they’re more than just a trend: They have a ton of highly nutritious fat and other vitamins. They are one of the most nutrient-dense fruits available and are incredibly versatile to cook with. Their anti-inflammatory properties include the rich antioxidant content they have.

Avocados work great on a salad, sandwich, blended in a smoothie, or eaten just as they are.

3. Broccoli

Another classic “healthy” food, broccoli is standard among fitness enthusiasts and health nuts for a reason. It’s exceptionally high in phytochemicals known as glucosinolates — antioxidants that pack a powerful punch. It’s low in calories and has plenty of fiber as well.

Try to eat it both cooked and raw — you get a greater variety of the nutrients within the vegetable that way. The best way to get the most flavor out of broccoli is to caramelize it by cooking it at high heats with plenty of oil like butter or coconut oil.

4. Blueberries

Blueberries are an antioxidant champ. They contain tons of polyphenols that cause antioxidant production in the body, which guards against all kinds of inflammation. Another incredibly easy addition to your diet, blueberries are one of the quickest foods to grab as a snack when you’re on the run or just busy. You can also add healthy snacks like blueberries to salads or smoothies for an easy way to incorporate them into your diet.

5. Carrots

Colorful and orange, carrots contain nutrients that are crucial to your health and wellness. Carrots can help reduce inflammation by their rich antioxidant content. In particular, the antioxidants present in carrots can help reduce your risk of cancer by guarding the healthy cells in your body. They’re also super low in calories and easy to incorporate in juices or other foods. They’re great roasted, raw, or pan-fried.

6. Kale Chips

Another nutrient-dense healthy snack, kale contains vitamins, A, K, and C as well as iron and potassium. Kale chips are genuinely delicious. Kale is an incredibly sweet vegetable, especially when it’s roasted.

You can buy pre-made kale chips or make them yourself at home.

Just gather a bunch of fresh kale, chop it to manageable pieces and toss it in a large bowl with olive or coconut oil. Season with anything you like — kosher salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder are all great options. Bake them on a cookie sheet it at high heat for around 15-20 minutes, or longer for crispier chips.

7. Cauliflower popcorn

Another great addition to our list of healthy snacks, cauliflower, rivals broccoli in terms of its nutrient content and health benefits. Cauliflower contains plenty of fiber (which is excellent for gut health) and is delicious on its own eaten raw.

A great way to make it into a healthy snack is to make cauliflower “popcorn.” Just toss the vegetable in oil and roast in the oven for around 30 minutes. Coat with whatever seasoning you like.

8. Paleo Trail Mix

Trail mix is one of the best healthy snacks available. The issue is that most trail mix contains a ton of sugar, one of the biggest culprits for causing inflammation in the body. Paleo trail mix is a healthier option that can help you in your quest to reduce inflammation.

Try mixing banana chips, nuts and seeds of any kind, and things like dried cranberries or goji berries. Make sure they’re unsweetened. Add some dark chocolate chunks if you want — these usually are lower in sugar and generally excellent for you.

9. Baked Zucchini Crisps

Coat your crisps in almond flour — its’ inflammation-free and a more natural alternative than regular flour. These are a great appetizer option to help you reduce inflammation in your body and improve your gut health. Incorporating any vegetable as a snack is a great option, and cooking zucchini like this makes it tastier than any chip.

10. Chocolate Coconut Cashew Bars

Energy bars seem pretty great for convenience and some fast protein. However, they also contain ingredients like processed sugar and soy that make them pretty hard on your body. The good news is that you can make your super-healthy energy bars with things that you have lying around the house.

Try mixing nuts and figs in a food processor to make your base. You can coat it with dark chocolate, peanut butter, or other ingredients like coconut or dried fruit. These can be left in the fridge or freezer to harden, and then enjoy as a great all-around snack.

11. Oranges

Oranges can help reduce inflammation with their high vitamin and folate content. Their vitamin C content helps your body fight inflammation overall as well as guard against sickness. They’re great on their own — they’re also portable, which makes them incredibly convenient.

They’re more than just a healthy snack. Learn how you can use oranges to boost the health of your hair.

12. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potatoes reduce inflammation in their body by virtue of their high vitamin content. Like carrots, they contain beta-carotene, which is a potent antioxidant. Sweet potatoes fries rival regular fries in terms of taste, and they’re a bit healthier depending on how you prepare them.

Try slicing a sweet potato (skin-on) into long, thin strips. Coat in olive oil. Kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder and baked at high heat for around 30-40 minutes. Serve alongside a burger or on their own as a great snack.

13. Ginger Turmeric Orange Smoothie

The great thing about smoothies is that you can put any kind of inflammation-fighting ingredient you want in them, and they still generally taste great. One classic combination for smoothies is ginger and turmeric. Both of these ingredients are powerful inflammation reducers in the body and add unique flavor and color to any dish.

Try combining fresh ginger and turmeric with oranges, mangoes, and bananas in a blender. Add some raw honey for extra sweetness. This drink is a great breakfast option as it is quick and easy to make and loaded with powerful nutrients.

14. Turmeric Ginger Muffins

Another great way to use the classic ginger and turmeric combo is to combine it with coconut or almond flour in a muffin. The name of the game when it comes to healthy snacks is convenience — you want options that are quick and easy to grab as alternatives to things like chips or cookies.

15. Kombucha

Soda is a significant temptation for many of us. It’s sweet, fizzy, cheap, and refreshing. Here’s some excellent news: Kombucha fits all of those requirements without any of the adverse health effects. Kombucha is a fermented black tea drink. It’s made with live probiotics that give it a healthy gut bacteria culture that can aid your body in a myriad of ways.

Gut health is one of the key players to help your body reduce inflammation. You can make Kombucha at home with relative ease — you just need to purchase a live culture starter pack known as a “SCOBY.” You can also buy it at most major grocery stores for reasonable prices.

It’s much cheaper to buy in bulk; a liter generally costs around eight dollars. Kombucha is an excellent replacement option for soda that tastes great and has a ton of health benefits.

Final Thoughts on Snacking Healthy to Reduce Inflammation

The best method for changing your health and lifestyle is to provide yourself with healthy alternatives to typical “unhealthy” foods. Healthy and nutrient-dense food can be affordable, cheap, and convenient. You just have to take some time and figure out what works best for you.

Besides, when you commit to eating healthy food, your body will begin to experience the effects and reduce inflammation. As an added benefit, you will feel your cravings for unhealthy foods decrease. In time, you will naturally want the new diet that you’ve started. Give some of these recipes a try to start feeling better today.

5 Signs That Reveal You May Live Longer Than Other People Your Age

May 13, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In a perfect world, we would all live longer and know when our life would end. This way, you’d be able to get your affairs in order and get things ready before the moment comes. On second thought, knowing when the moment was happening might be an awful thing to know.

Whether you’d want to know when it’ll happen or if you’d rather not know, we’re all curious about one thing. The thing we want to know is what makes some people outlive others. While there’s no exact science to figure it out, there are some ideas of what leads to a longer life.

Each of the ideas relates to your overall wellbeing. It seems that taking care of your body and mind is the ultimate key to living a long life. Since wellness is such a vast topic, it’s essential to narrow it down. Once you narrow it down, you can understand some of the signs that reveal you may live longer.

5 Signs You May Live Longer Than Others

Remember that there is no exact science to determine how long anyone will live. Many factors determine the length of life, but these signs are ones that anyone can work on.

1. You’re Organized, Make Plans, and Budget

Studies show that those who are organized, disciplined, persistent, and hard-working typically outlive others. This indicator is because they take fewer risks, are healthier, and have regular check-ups and doctor visits. Since they are more conscientious about their health, this benefits them in the long run.

Those aren’t the only reasons that organizers, planners, and budgeters live longer, however. Since these things go along with cognition, it can help prevent degenerative cognitive diseases.

People who have these characteristics are also less likely to smoke cigarettes and consume an excessive amount of alcohol. Plus, they’re more likely to have a steady job and a healthy marriage, leading to less stress and health problems.

In total, those who are organized, planners, and budgeters are expected to live around four years longer than others.

How You Can Work on This

Luckily, it’s not too late to develop this type of lifestyle. For those who aren’t naturally organized, a planner, or a budgeter, it’s still possible. It may just be a little tougher and will take more determination.

You can start by practicing writing schedules and budgets for yourself or your family. Start with a plan for the day, and then stick to it. Once you have a routine of planning your day and stick to it, you can begin planning for longer things.

If you wish to live a life like this, it’s crucial to consider relationships, careers, and friendships before jumping in. By doing so, you’re giving yourself a chance to review what may come from life change. If it might be toxic for you or cause overwhelming stress, think of your wellbeing before deciding.

2. Your BMI is Normal

Being overweight can decrease a life span, so an abnormal Body Mass Index (BMI) could mean a shorter life. With a healthy BMI, however, you are likely to outlive others.

Keep in mind, however, that an abnormal BMI calculation isn’t always a cause for alarm. If yours is too high or too low, you should discuss it with your doctor.

An average BMI calculation is between 18.5 and 24.9, and the index for being overweight is between 25 and 29.9. Then, an obese index is between 30 and 34.9. If you are above the obese calculation, you must change your lifestyle habits.

To calculate BMI, you have to divide your weight in kilograms by your height in meters squared. If this is too complicated, it’s easy to find accurate BMI calculators on the internet.

Read about the connection between BMI and overall wellness.

How to Reach a Normal BMI

The only way to change your BMI is to change your lifestyle. If your BMI is too low, you can work to gain weight or muscle. On the other hand, if your BMI is too low, you will have to do the opposite.

There are two natural ways you can successfully reach a normal BMI. One is by eating healthy foods and sticking to a nutritious diet. The other way is by exercising regularly and leading an active lifestyle.

It seems that the most critical factor for those who are overweight or obese is to eat less. Try leaving some food on your plate at each meal. A study performed at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis proves that this can help you live longer.

In the study, researchers determined that a diet that is low in calories yet high in nutrition is the best option. This is because that type of diet decreases the number of T3 hormones in your body. T3, a thyroid hormone, not only causes a slow metabolism, but it also speeds up the aging process.

3. You Look Younger Than You Are

When scientists conducted a study on twins, they were able to determine one of the signs of a longer life. The twins were monitored over the course of 12 years. In the end, scientists decided that the twin who looked younger lived longer.

The Secret to Looking Younger

Take care of yourself. Things like cigarettes and alcohol can make people appear older, proving that they are not suitable for the body. Eating healthy foods will help, along with regularly being active. Another way to look younger is by getting enough sleep.

4. You Have Regular Social Interaction

Healthy social interaction doesn’t have to mean there are many people in your life. Even a small group of people, you have a meaningful relationship with can help your overall wellness.

When you have people that you can trust in tough situations, you’ll have more help through the hard times. This increases the chances that you’ll have support when you’re sick, hurt, or just need a companion.

Other reasons that regular social interaction leads to a longer life are health-related. Studies show that those who aren’t regularly social tend to have more negative health patterns than others.

These negative health patterns include inactivity, obesity, hypertension, and increased blood clots. Those who are social also get sick less often when exposed to viruses than those who are generally isolated. They also have less inflammatory markers than those who don’t have regular social interaction.

Another health issue that stems from social interaction is that those who are isolated are more likely to smoke tobacco. Plus, those who have social interaction are less likely to have high blood pressure and increased heart rate from stress.

How to Become More Social

Be careful not to let social media become your only form of communication with friends and family. To get the full benefits of social interaction, you have to have people in real life.

Make plans with the people you care about and follow through on them. Don’t wait for them to call you to make plans. Instead, reach out and let them know you’d like to spend some time together.

If you don’t know anyone in your area that you can reach out to, look for friends in other places. Join a group or start spending time in places that interest you. By doing this, you’re likely to find friends like yourself.

5. You Often Exhibit Positivity

Positive people experience less stress in their daily life and outlive negative people. Since there is less stress, blood pressure and heart rate tend to stay more regular. Both of those things are a vital part of living a long and healthy life.

The most crucial topic to remain positive about is aging. It’s believed that being positive about aging and life can lead to living up to 15% longer than negative people. Plus, you’ll have a better chance of making it 85 years old than those who can’t see the positives.

The Way to Become More Positive

Work on staying positive in your life each day. When things aren’t going as planned, look for a positive in the situation. There is always going to be at least one good thing going on, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

One way to remind yourself that life is good is by keeping a gratitude journal. Write one thing each day that you were grateful for. You can also say positive affirmations to yourself and surround yourself with other positive people.

Final Thoughts on Signs That Reveal You May Live Longer Than Other People Your Age

Even though there is no definite answer, there are signs that you may live longer than others. These signs are based on scientific evidence and research, so it isn’t just speculation. The best part is that anyone can achieve all of the signs mentioned.

If you struggle with any of the things listed, you can change something about your life today. Your wellness is the most significant part of life length, and each sign focuses on wellness in some way.

Take care of your mind and body, and you’ll become one of the people who may live longest. You only have one life, so you might as well make it the best one possible.

15 Things to Get Rid of In Your Home Right Now

May 13, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Your home should feel like a calm, comfortable place where you can unwind.

With clutter, however, you may struggle to enjoy your space. It’ll feel crowded, disorganized, and can make you feel overwhelmed or stressed out.

The reason for these negative feelings that arise from clutter is explained in the Journal of Neuroscience. It is explained that your brain can’t handle seeing so many objects at one time. Since this is the case, a cluttered environment can bring on overwhelming or stressful feelings.

With a home that is organized and less cluttered, you’ll feel calmer and happier. You’ll be able to find things easier, and you’ll utilize what you have much more often than you do now.

Whatever the reason, you may struggle to part with some of the items in your house. You need to reassess the reasons that you are keeping everything.

If it is used often, needed, or a sentimental item, you should keep it. Otherwise, consider getting rid of it to make your home a more enjoyable space.

15 Things to Get Rid of In Your Home…Right Now!

Counselors explain how your home can give you anxiety.

1. CDs or DVDs

Think back to the last time you listened to a CD. If you can’t remember, it’s time to get rid of them. The same goes for DVDs.

With many streaming services accessible from televisions, DVD’s are becoming useless technology. If you don’t ever watch them, clear the space for something more useful.

2. Bed Linen with Holes

There’s no reason to hang onto old sheets, pillowcases, or comforters that have holes. You only need a couple of extra, so throw out the old ones that you skip over anyway. This will clear up quite a bit of space in your linen closet.

3. Old Clothes with Missing Buttons

We all have those items in our closet or dresser that are missing a button. There’s always a plan to repair them, yet it never seems to happen. Just get rid of those clothing items and open up some closet space for items you wear.

4. Board Games with Missing Pieces

There is no reason to keep a game that is missing pieces. Living with the idea that you may one day find the pieces is a bit extreme. While you wait for the pieces to appear out of thin air, you’re keeping games that may never be used again.

5. Socks with Holes or Missing Mates

You don’t want your toe poking through a hole, or your barefoot rubbing against the inside of your shoe all day. Get rid of socks with holes, so you have more space for the socks that are in good condition.

You should also get rid of any socks that don’t have a mate. At this point, they’re just taking up space in your sock basket. Face it. The mate is gone forever.

6. Plastic Containers Missing the Lid

We all have food storage containers or other plastic containers that don’t have the lid. These containers take up so much space, you’ll be glad when they’re gone.

On that note, think about any lids you have that are missing the container. There is no way to know for sure how this happens, but it does. Clear those out, too.

Read tips on getting an organized home on a tight budget.

7. Equipment from Hobbies You No Longer Participate In

If you used to scrapbook but don’t anymore, get rid of the supplies. Same with golf clubs that are gathering dust and taking up space.

Think about anything you used to do but haven’t done in a long time and get rid of the equipment that goes along with it. You’ll be happy with the extra space, and you won’t miss the material or equipment that you never used anyway.

8. Unused Cords or Chargers

As adults, we tend to collect every charger or cord we come in contact with. It’s hard to keep track of what they are all for, so it tends to be easier to keep them just in case.

Before you know it, you have a box or drawer full of cords that haven’t been used in years. The worst part is that it seems like when they end up in the box, they never come back out. Dump it all and use that drawer or box for something more useful.

9. Old Receipts

If you are hanging onto a receipt for something that cannot be returned or exchanged, you may not need to. You only need to keep it if it’ll be necessary for your taxes or for a warranty. If taxes are the reason for keeping it, then follow typical rules for length of time to keep it.

If you won’t need to return or exchange, and it doesn’t pertain to your tax returns, get rid of it. These receipts and just interfere with your organization and take up lots of unnecessary space. Keep things under control by minimizing the receipts that you still have.

10. Takeout Menus

You can find most menus on the internet. There’s no need to keep the old take out menus when you can find everything you need online. The best part is that you don’t have to worry about having an out of date menu when you want to place an order.

11. Empty Wine Bottles

There are so many crafts or décor projects that involve using empty wine bottles. Because of this, so many of us save all of our empty bottles. Then suddenly, you have too many piling up and no projects being done.

Just accept the fact that you don’t need the empty wine bottles. They are just taking up space and getting in the way.

12. Clothes That Don’t Fit Anymore

This goes for adult and children’s clothes. If you have boxes of clothes that have outgrown the owner, it is time to get rid of them. Whether it is your clothes that are too big or too small or your children’s, it’s time to get rid of them.

If you are saving something to fit into after you lose some weight, stop saving it. You’ll want new clothes when the time comes, and the old ones may not fit the way you had remembered.

13. Books You Have Already Read

Most don’t reread the same book twice unless it was a favorite. With this being the case, there is no reason to keep every book you read. Think of all the new books you could get if you had more shelf space.

14. Toys That No One Plays with Anymore

Your kids are constantly growing and evolving. This means that they’ll outgrow toys they once loved. Instead of leaving those toys around your house taking up space, donate them or throw them away.

You’ll get over the loss of the toy pretty quickly, despite it being a bittersweet reminder that your child is getting older. Remind yourself that your child likely won’t miss it at all or even notice that it is gone. Plus, it opens up space for toys they’ll be getting for holidays or birthdays.

15. Cookbooks

With recipes being easily available online, that’s where you likely go for your recipes. Cookbooks are hardly used anymore, as it’s just easier to find new ideas on the internet. Unless you use your cookbook collection regularly, you should probably get rid of them.

If you have a few recipes that you reference a cookbook for, photocopy those recipes or rip them out. Then, gather all of your favorite recipes into a simple binder or folder and get rid of the bulky books. Even better, you could create an online gallery of your favorite recipes by scanning them to your computer.

When to Donate, Sell, or Throw Away Unused Home Items

Now, the hard part. It’s hard to decide the things you should throw away, donate, or sell. When you are making the decision, you have to consider several factors for each scenario.

When to Sell

-The item is in great condition
-You’re motivated to sell and have the time
-It will sell for enough to make it worth the hassle

When to Donate

-Item is in good condition
-You know someone in need
-The item would be useful to most people
-The time or energy required to sell isn’t worth the return

When to Throw Away

-The item is broken
-It’s in poor condition
-You don’t have time to get to the donation center

Final Thoughts on the 15 Things to Get Rid of In Your Home Right Now

Everyone struggles to get rid of things sometimes, and there are many different reasons for this struggle. Whatever the reason, however, you have to just get started and get rid of the clutter.

There are plenty of items sitting around your home right now that you could get rid of. By doing so, you’ll be opening space for things you need and regularly use. Plus, as stated before, having a home free of things you don’t need can also improve your mental state.

You can’t keep everything forever, so try not to waste time when choosing to get rid of it. Be picky about what you keep, and get rid of things you don’t use regularly.

Doctors Reveal 10 Bad Habits That Cause Sleeplessness

May 13, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Oh, the long nights of tossing and turning! Do you struggle from not getting enough rest each day? Are the hours of sleeplessness adding up to a significant loss?

You may be surprised to know that insomnia is a growing problem, and it’s only getting worse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all adults need seven or more hours of slumber to feel refreshed. Sadly, the lack of rest can have a dramatic impact on your life.

10 Bad Habits That Cause Sleeplessness

If you are tired of your nightly routine being mixed up and dragging as you go into work the next day, then there are things you can do to improve your sleeplessness. Here are ten of the worst habits that can cause your sleepless nights.

1. Falling Asleep To The Television

Having a television in your room seems like a good idea, right? Well, that is one of the worst ways for you to fall asleep. A TV has bright lights and noise that can affect your brain.

While you may think it’s helping you to get to dreamland, the lights are sending scrambled messages to your brain. Your brain is seeing the lights and hearing the noise, and it prevents you from going into a deep REM state of rest. Meaning, you won’t feel refreshed because you will never enter the healing part of your sleep.

2. Having Cell Phones and Computers Near Bed

Another problem that is significant in our day and age is a cell phone close to the bed. These little devices have replaced the alarm clock and house phone, but are they causing more harm than good? Cell phones emit a light that will mess with your circadian clock rhythm.

If the cell phone is more than five feet from your bed, then you are safe. However, most people keep it within an arm’s length from them at all times. When your circadian clock rhythm gets out of whack, then your body won’t produce melatonin that helps you get and stay asleep.

Science explains the risks of 5G technology.

3. Not Keeping a Nightly Routine

Remember the importance of keeping your newborn on a schedule for sleep? If their timing changed in any way, it could cause significant problems. Well, the same problem also happens for adults.

Many adults use their sleep as a bargaining tool. If they want to stay up to watch a movie, then they will cut their sleep by a couple of hours. Your rest is just as important as eating a nutritious meal each day. Without it, your body will suffer.

Don’t use your sleep as a mathematical equation where you can subtract and add time as you please. You need a routine schedule to avoid sleeplessness. With a set schedule, you will look and feel better in the morning.

4. Consuming Too Much Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up your heart. While drinking a cup of coffee or one soda a day isn’t going to kill you, it can keep you up at night. If you have a caffeinated drink too late in the afternoon, it can cause
sleeplessness.

Part of your nightly routine should include nothing caffeinated after 4 pm. If you have the willpower to cut these beverages, it would be beneficial for your body. Caffeine is very addictive and follows the same pathways as cocaine in your brain.

5. Having Your Bedroom Too Warm

Have you ever noticed how you always look for that cool spot on your pillow? Well, studies prove that you will sleep better in a cool room. That doesn’t mean you should turn off the heat as you will get sick, but you need to keep it about five to seven degrees cooler when you are sleeping.

Your body is better able to rest when it’s nice and cool in your bedroom, and you can save on the electric or gas bill too.

6. Using Alcohol To Sleep

So many people think that alcohol makes them sleep better, so they will take a shot of something strong to knock them out. The problem is that alcohol can be counterproductive.

While you may fall to sleep faster, the induced slumber won’t last long. You are more apt to be aroused easily if you have alcohol in your system. Plus, these arousals can cause periods of apnea, which can be deadly.

7. Save Your Workouts For The AM Hours

It may seem like it’s best to workout before you take your evening shower, but the popular philosophy is misleading. When you exercise, you get your heart pumping, and you’re releasing endorphins that stimulate and you not relax you. Though your body may be tired, your brain is wide awake.

The problem with all this stimulation is it can make going to sleep difficult. Your sleeplessness can be caused by the timing of your work out. Try an AM workout to see if it improves sleep problems. You may be surprised how it fixes your sleep deprivation.

8. Don’t Depend on Sleep Aids

There are so many sleep aids on the market that you can get both by prescription and over-the-counter. However, the real problem is that these aids are simply masking a problem. You can overcome much of your sleeplessness by simply practicing good sleep hygiene.

These medications, even if bought at a local drug store, are not harmless. They induce sleep, and your body becomes dependent on them. You will often need more of the drug to get the same effects. If you’re not sleeping, don’t throw a pill at the problem as it can make things worse.

Taking something natural like melatonin can help your body to fall asleep and stay asleep longer. Other natural herbs can also be beneficial. Don’t drug yourself to get the rest you need. Explore natural options like meditation and herbal treatments.

9. Eating Too Late

Your job may dictate your dinner time. Some people eat early at around 4-5 pm, while others may have their nightly meal between 7-9 pm. The only problem with eating late is that it can cause you to have a rough night of sleep.

If you overeat, you can feel bloated, having indigestion, and fight these problems all night long. You need to allow at least four hours between your last meal and sleep. Your food needs proper time to digest so that it doesn’t interrupt you at night.

These five habits can leave you feeling exhausted.

10. You Don’t Have Adequate Bedding

While no one wants to spend excessive amounts of money on mattresses, it can pay to have one that is supporting your body. Every single thing, including pillows, blankets, and bedding, will have a dramatic impact on your rest.

Some people can’t sleep well with a quilt because they are heavy, but a comforter provides a lighter touch that seems to make someone sleep better. Remember how kids pick a favorite blanket and won’t let it go? It’s because they find comfort, and the blanket helps them to get quality sleep.

It’s okay for adults to have a favorite “blanket,” too. If a weighted blanket helps to ease your angst and provides your safety net for slumber, then, by all means, use what helps you.

Rule Out Underlying Medical Conditions

Sometimes, there is a medical condition that is causing you to get the sleep you need. Insomnia is a real problem that needs to be treated. While you should be wary of throwing prescription medications at the problem, you could have an underlying issue like sleep apnea, causing the issues.

Sleep apnea is a condition where you stop breathing during the night. These periods of breathlessness are dangerous, but they are treatable. Having a C-Pap machine can ensure that your airways are open and responsive to the brain’s signals to make you breathe.

Additionally, if you’re taking medications, they can also have a dramatic impact on your sleep. Thinks like depression and anxiety can cause you to sleep too much or too little. If you’re having issues, then the first thing you need to do is evaluate your sleep hygiene.

Final Thoughts: End Sleeplessness by Improving Your Sleep Hygiene

Using the list above, what can you do to improve your sleep health? Is your phone sitting by your bed every night? Do you have computers, iPads, and televisions going an hour before you go to sleep?

Are you eating too late or bargaining with your sleep like it’s an optional part of your day? You can change some of the sleep patterns. Naturally, that doesn’t require any medications. Before you reach for sleep aids, try some herbs or a nice herbal tea that can help to stimulate rest and avoid the drugged or hungover feeling the next day.

You need at least seven hours of sleep. If you’re not getting that amount, then you need to change some things for your health’s sake. Your body must have time to heal and restore.

10 Rashes That Could Reveal a Dermatologic Disease

May 13, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The skin is the largest organ of the body. When you have a skin condition or dermatologic disease, it is quite noticeable and uncomfortable. This can be embarrassing and quite alarming.

It can even bring someone’s self-esteem down, so you want your skin to look better right away. Many skin conditions can look similar, but it’s important to know the different diseases to determine what you have and how to fix it.

Here are ten rashes that could reveal a dermatologic disease.

1. Acne

Acne is a skin condition that occurs when pores fill with oil or other foreign materials. This clogging causes pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads on the skin. It can happen just about anywhere on the body, but it often occurs on the face and back. It usually starts to develop in the teenage years during puberty. Sometimes it clears up, and other times it continues throughout adulthood.

There are several different types of acne that vary in appearance and severity. In severe cases, acne can create scars on the skin that may not go away. It’s not wise to pop pimples as they may develop scars.

There are several products you can find at your local drugstore. However, if those products don’t work with time, you may want to go to a dermatologist to get something more active.

If you do suffer from acne, remember that it may be just a face. If you have a severe case, look for the beautiful things about yourself, and treat your skin to the best of your ability.

2. Cellulitis

Cellulitis is a dermatologic disease that derives from a staph infection. It’s identifiable with red skin and pain. The skin may also be warm to the touch. The area can also develop blisters. Swollen lymph nodes and fever may also accompany the condition. It generally appears on the face, arms, or legs.

This condition is one of the more dangerous conditions on the list. While other conditions are mostly skin-deep, cellulitis can lead to sepsis if left untreated.

Sepsis is a severe infection that, in dire cases, can lead to death. This is because the skin can crack open and allow bacteria into the body. If you suspect you have this condition, set up a doctor’s appointment. In some cases, treatment may be tricky due to a lack of response to antibiotics.

3. Shingles

Shingles are a group of blisters that appear on the body. The blisters can be quite painful and generally filled with fluid. In many cases, the blisters will pop and may even crust over.

The condition is a reemergence of chickenpox later in life. The disease mostly affects people above 50 years of age.

However, once already contracted, there is no cure. Instead, a doctor will attempt to reduce the pain and discomfort of the symptoms. The doctor will typically do this with pain medication and antiviral medications. There may even be pain after the rash is gone. Unlike chickenpox, shingles are not contagious.

Learn about the causes and signs of shingles.

4. Eczema

Eczema is a relatively common skin condition that affects up to 30 percent of Americans. Symptoms include inflamed skin, redness, scales, and sometimes blisters. The skin can also be itchy. Severity varies greatly. Some people live with it every day or their lives while other people only experience flare-ups on occasion.

Eczema generally develops in infancy. It can clear up or continue into adulthood. Certain irritants can exasperate symptoms.

Unfortunately, there is no actual cure for eczema at this time. However, it is possible to help minimize the symptoms through different medications and lotions. While it doesn’t look attractive, the condition is not contagious.

5. Folliculitis

We all have multiple follicles in our skin where hair can grow. These follicles can become irritated and cause what is known as folliculitis. You will notice the irritation because of redness by the follicles. The skin can also be itchy and painful. While generally not very serious, the condition can lead to hair loss and scarring.

The condition can occur after shaving or getting bacteria from a hot tub. To avoid the situation, you should be careful when shaving.

You should go to a doctor if the problem is covering a huge part of the body or doesn’t go away in a couple of days. Generally, a doctor will prescribe an antibiotic.

6. Impetigo

Common in young children, impetigo is a dermatologic disease that produces patches of blisters on the skin that continue to develop until they rupture. Another common sign is yellow crust around the blisters.

This condition is contagious. If the burst blisters contact other parts of the skin or other people, it can spread. Unfortunately, many young children aren’t great at not scratching when they itch, so it can be challenging to contain.

Babies are delicate. When you go to the doctor for the condition, the pediatrician will generally advise cleaning the infected area with warm, soapy water multiple times a day. Of course, you also want to be careful not to wash the area so much that it becomes overly dry and irritated. If the condition doesn’t get better, the doctor may prescribe an antibacterial cream.

7. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes the skin’s cells to grow until they raise on the surface in unsightly patches with white scales. The white scales are the dead skin scales that developed too quickly. It mostly affects the scalp, elbows, and knees. Psoriasis generally shows up as a person enters adulthood. The disease can be quite unsightly and cover large areas of skin at times. This disease lasts for life, but there may be times it goes away.

Psoriasis can be genetic. Stress, infections, and medications can also cause it. There are many different treatments depending on the patient and the severity of the condition. One of the principal treatments involves steroid cream or moisturizer. Another option is light therapy.

8. Ringworm

Ringworm is a fungal skin condition caused by, as suggested, a fungus. Some people assume that the disease is caused by a worm, but that is incorrect. While “worm” may be a bit misleading, “ring” is more accurate. The condition will be red in a circle shape but colorless in the middle.

The fungus is contagious. You can get ringworm from another person who has it, a pet, objects, or even the ground. It’s common, and anyone can get it. You can also get it anywhere on the body from the scalp to the groin to the feet. Ringworm on the toes is referred to as athlete’s foot while ringworm in the groin area is casually called jock itch. A doctor will generally prescribe an antifungal medication to treat the problem.

9. Rosacea

Rosacea is a dermatologic disease known for specifically affecting the face. It causes red skin and can make the blood vessels visible. In some cases, there may even be little pus-filled bumps. The condition mostly affects adult women with light skin.

Common triggers include sun, hairspray, and stress. Many times people will confuse it with acne, but it is its condition. Rosacea will typically be localized in one area of the face as acne generally is spread all over the face. When not treated in any way, it can become worse with time. Treatments include antibiotics and acne medication.

10. Vitiligo

Vitiligo is a condition that involves the skin losing pigment in different parts of the body. This is a very noticeable condition because of the drastic difference in the color of the different parts of the skin. Plus, it happens all over the body. It will often be on the face, body, and even inside the mouth. This dermatologic disease occurs when the cells that create pigment die in certain areas.

There is no cure. However, there are ways to manage the condition or make the skin appear more even. Some conventional treatments include light therapy and surgery.

Some people choose to embrace this skin condition and appreciate how it makes them look unique compared to other people. In fact, there are several models with vitiligo who are crushing the fashion scene.

Final Thoughts on Identifying a Dermatologic Disease

If you have a dermatologic disease, you need to remember that you are still beautiful. Don’t let the problem get you down. Instead, repeat different positive affirmations about beauty and get on with your day. While you should not put your worth in how your skin looks, you should call a dermatologist to get assistance with your condition right away. Even the conditions that aren’t dangerous can get worse with time if you don’t take action, so schedule an appointment today.

10 Ways to Get in Shape (Without Exercise)

May 13, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you want to get in shape without spending all day in a gym or even breaking a sweat, you can. Some people don’t like the thought of exercise, physically can’t, or don’t want to face the aches and pains. If you can’t commit to exercise right now, we’re about to reveal ten easy ways you can still get in shape without exercise.

10 Ways to Get In Shape Without Working Out

1. Reduce Your Overall Calories

This is pretty much a no-brainer for most people. When you reduce your calorie intake, you don’t have to work as hard to lose weight. This doesn’t mean going on a crash diet. When you consume 3,500 calories, you gain that pound of fat.

The easiest way to intake fewer calories is to think that in order to lose weight all you have to do is not to eat more than the number of calories as you burn in a day. You may be surprised at how many calories are in the things you eat. Start writing each thing down as you consume it. The calories add up quickly, so plan ahead.

Eat until you feel full, but fill up on foods that are healthy instead of just calorie fillers like sugar. After a while, it’ll be easier to eat healthier as you watch those numbers fly off the scale.

2. Don’t Drink Sugary Liquids

Throw out the drinks with sugar. You may think that gaining weight is all about dessert and high-fat foods. But sugary drinks are a scary thing. You’ll notice a big difference once you put away the soda and fruit juice. Sweetened drinks like coffee and tea can also pack a punch of calories. It gets even worse when you go for a drink with friends ordering margaritas and mixed drinks full of sugary sweetness.

You don’t need to drink your calories. Instead, opt for unsweetened drinks or water. This resistance means don’t eat them in the frozen form either. Frozen alcoholic beverages or popsicles seem innocent enough, but they can have hundreds of calories.

Remember this rhyme. Sugary drinks are yummy, but they’ll start to show on your tummy.

3. Take A Walk

To some people walking is exercise, but everyone has to walk. If you’re walking anywhere, use it as a means to get in shape without the sweat. Walking is actually one of the best ways to burn fat. When you’re walking, you use every muscle as you move your body. You might not notice it, but your body and mind is working together to move you along your path. You can think of it as cardio without all the sweating and tough work.

Walking even burns a higher percentage of calories from the sources of your fat than running. You don’t have to walk a million miles either. Take a few short walks around your block. Get in small ten minute increments of walking throughout the day. Park further away as you walk into places. These small changes will get you on the path to get in shape.

This new commitment could even mean taking a walk a few times a day up and downstairs whether at work or at home. Think of it as something you need to do to get places instead of something you have to do like exercise.

4. Don’t Starve Yourself

You’ll lose weight quickly on fad diets, but that weight won’t stay off. If you want to get in shape, don’t do starvation diets. You’ll probably gain all of your weight back, and you could hurt your thyroid in the process. Fad diets just slow down your metabolic weight. Slow and steady wins the race when you’re trying to lose weight and get fit. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Cortisol levels rise when you starve your body. This makes your body think it is in danger so you may also retain fat. This includes liquid cleanses and fasting. If your body thinks it is starving, it’ll do drastic things. You’ll also crash at the end of fad dieting.

This cycle means you could binge eat consuming a few thousand calories in a day because your body is plain hungry. It will then reach for anything to make it feel better. Starving yourself will also lead to gaining more weight at the end of your crash diet. Your body is trying to make up all of the calories and weight loss. It isn’t worth it.

5. Do Something You Enjoy

One of the best tips to get in shape without exercise is to find something you enjoy. Many people find exercise boring and frustrating. They want results but don’t want to put in the time and effort. If you do something you love, you won’t even think you’re working out.

For example, you could dance to your favorite songs as you clean the house. You may not enjoy cleaning, but the dancing makes it more fun. Or, you can stretch and turn yourself into a pretzel with your kids while laughing. If you like to go to the pool in warm weather, play around and swim a little.

Find the thing that pushes you to really love movement. As long as you’re moving, you’re burning calories. If you like to garden or work in the yard, you’re actually burning calories.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Sleeping actually helps you get in shape. When you don’t get a good night of rest, your body craves more calories. You usually lunge for the comfort foods around you. Your brain is seeking something that comforts it because its reward centers are in overactive mode.

Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night. This doesn’t mean you’ll suddenly lose weight because you’re sleeping more. It does mean you won’t grab all of the fatty foods around you because you’re drunk in a sense. When you’re drunk, your mind is off balance and you don’t make much sense with your decisions. The same goes for your mind on a loss of sleep. It’s trying to figure things out in life without balance.

Learn how collagen can help promote weight loss.

7. Drink a Lot of Water

Water helps you feel full. It’s that simple. Not only is water good for your entire body, it keeps you from being dehydrated. Drinking lots of water helps boost the number of calories your body is able to burn throughout the day. Your body has to work harder to process this water. You also feel full leading you to stay away from random foods. When hunger hits, try to grab a drink of water instead of a handful of food. Staying hydrated will help you have more energy and lose weight over time.

8. Eat Smaller Portions On A Smaller Plate

Food is a vision for many of us. When you get a huge plate of food, you may feel inclined to eat all of it. Use a smaller plate with a smaller portion of food. Try this, and see if you feel full. When you have a smaller portion of food on a smaller plate, your brain is tricked into thinking it is eating larger portions of food. This will help you not overindulge at each meal. If you’re still hungry, add a little food at a time.

9. Use a Journal to Write Down Your Goals

It’s important to see your weight loss and fitness goals. Do this by writing out your goals. You can visualize your goals better this way. If you want to stick to your healthy habits, write them out. Check them off at the end of each day. You should divide your goals evenly. Try not to write down things that will be too hard to accomplish. Write the things you eat down each day.

Before you stick something in your mouth, think if it is worth having to write down the calories. Visualize yourself completing each goal on the list. This will help you change your habits throughout the day. You’ll realize the areas where you fall short and the areas where you know you can hit your goals easily.

10. Eat Whole Grains, Fiber, and Protein

Try to eat more whole grains, fiber, and protein in your day. Replace your refined white bread and carbohydrates with whole grains. Your blood sugar won’t crash this way leading you to eat even worse.

The fiber in these types of foods will also help you feel fuller longer. Protein is a great way to cut back on feeling bloated. It will help you feel full without the bloat. Lean protein will help you lose weight quickly, but you will gain the weight back if you don’t eat a balanced diet. Don’t do crash diets without any carbohydrates. Try to eat a well-balanced diet overall with whole grains, fiber, and protein as the main nutrients.

Final Thoughts on How to Get in Shape Without Exercising

In the end, getting in shape should be fun. You shouldn’t have to drag yourself to the gym or eat boring food to lose weight. You can do it by being active and making better decisions for yourself.

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

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!

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

15 Natural Remedies to End Your Sleepless Nights

1. Meditation

2. Visualization

3. Comfortable Massage

4. Turn Out the Lights

5. Dim the Clock & Phone

6. Set the Scene for Relaxation

7. Limit Caffeine Intake

8. Drink Less Booze and Snooze

9. Get Moving

10. Try Yoga or Tai Chi

11. Take Melatonin or Other Herbal Treatments

12. Follow Your Nose to Sweet Slumber

13. Magnesium

14. Drink Some Soothing Tea

15. Get Lost in the Music

Final Thoughts on Ending Sleepless Nights

Quotes for the Broken Hearted

2. “Pain has a crucial role in our lives because it acts as a learning lesson which makes us wiser and more adequate in dealing with life’s idiosyncrasies. When we engage with our suffering completely, we reach a place where pain transforms into acceptance and love.” – Unknown

3. “When it comes to love and loss, acceptance is never easy. We can’t make someone see all we have to give, make them love us, or make them change. All we can do is move on and stop wasting time.” – April Mae Monterrosa

4. “The cure for a broken heart is simple, my lady. A hot bath and a good night’s sleep.” – Margaret George

5. “Don’t cry when the sun is gone, because the tears won’t let you see the stars.” Violeta Parra

6. “Let’s hope that for every time that we get hurt or break our heart, there is something somewhere being written to make up for it, to make the happiness due even bigger and laughter even merrier, for after all good things must happen to good people.” – Mansi Soni

7. “And anything that might hurt me would just make me stronger in the end.” – Elizabeth Eulberg

8. “The saddest thing about love is that not only that it cannot last forever, but that heartbreak is soon forgotten.” – William Faulkner

9. “Sometimes it takes a heartbreak to shake us awake and help us see we are worth so much more than we’re settling for.” – Mandy Hale

10. “If you want to forget something or someone, never hate it, or never hate him/her. Everything and everyone that you hate is engraved upon your heart; if you want to let go of something, if you want to forget, you cannot hate.” – C. JoyBell C.

11. “A broken heart is just the growing pains necessary so that you can love more completely when the real thing comes along.” – J.S.B. Morse

12. “There are many ways of breaking a heart. Stories were full of hearts broken by love, but what really broke a heart was taking away its dream – whatever that dream might be.” – Pearl S. Buck

13. “When you are standing in a forest of sorrow, you cannot imagine that you could ever find your way to a better place. But if someone can assure you that they themselves have stood in that same place, and now have moved on, sometimes this will bring hope.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

14. “Someday you’re gonna look back on this moment of your life as such a sweet time of grieving. You’ll see that you were in mourning and your heart was broken, but your life was changing.” – Elizabeth Gilbert

Final Thoughts on Learning from Quotes for the Broken Hearted

10 Mantras to Overcome the Feeling of Being Hopeless

1. “I will get better.”

2. “I’m putting me first.”

3. “You said tomorrow yesterday.”

4. “You didn’t come this far to stop now.”

5. “Let it go.”

6. “I am enough.”

7. “Things don’t happen to me, they just happen.”

8. “No one can take my joy.”

9. “I choose to be happy.”

10. “I am loved and cared for.”

Final Thoughts on Using Mantras to Overcome Feeling Hopeless

15 Snacks to Help Reduce Painful Inflammation in Your Body

1. Almonds

2. Avocados

3. Broccoli

4. Blueberries

5. Carrots

6. Kale Chips

7. Cauliflower popcorn

8. Paleo Trail Mix

9. Baked Zucchini Crisps

10. Chocolate Coconut Cashew Bars

11. Oranges

12. Sweet Potato Fries

13. Ginger Turmeric Orange Smoothie

14. Turmeric Ginger Muffins

15. Kombucha

Final Thoughts on Snacking Healthy to Reduce Inflammation

5 Signs You May Live Longer Than Others

1. You’re Organized, Make Plans, and Budget

How You Can Work on This

2. Your BMI is Normal

How to Reach a Normal BMI

3. You Look Younger Than You Are

The Secret to Looking Younger

4. You Have Regular Social Interaction

How to Become More Social

5. You Often Exhibit Positivity

The Way to Become More Positive

Final Thoughts on Signs That Reveal You May Live Longer Than Other People Your Age

15 Things to Get Rid of In Your Home…Right Now!

1. CDs or DVDs

2. Bed Linen with Holes

3. Old Clothes with Missing Buttons

4. Board Games with Missing Pieces

5. Socks with Holes or Missing Mates

5. “Don’t cry when the sun is gone, because the tears won’t let you see the stars.”
Violeta Parra