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10 Online Habits That Can Reveal a Cheating Spouse

April 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

A cheating spouse can be the biggest heartbreak you experience in life, as well as the reason for the destruction of your home. In this digital age we live in, you may notice unusual online habits of your partner.

They may be using social media to communicate with a lover…or not. If you suspect a cheating spouse, you don’t want to jump to conclusions.

You want to observe and be sure before you make a very serious accusation. If you want to find out for sure, there are certain things to look out for. Here are ten online habits that may reveal a cheating spouse.

10 Online Habits of a Cheating Spouse

Here are ten typical online habits that reveal you could be dealing with a cheating spouse.

1. Labeling Themselves as Single on Social Platforms

Most social media accounts allow users to display their marital status. You can usually let people know if you are “married,” “in a relationship,” or “single.” If “married” or “in a relationship,” the user can tag their significant other. This status lets the whole world know that you are together.

Look at the “relationship status” of your spouse. If it says “single” or “it’s complicated,” that could be a very bad sign. It shows that they don’t want other people to know they are committed to someone else. They may want to hide their relationship status, so other potential lovers won’t know.

It’s an especially bad sign if you send them a relationship status request, and they ignore it. They likely saw the request. Why won’t they just accept it?

2. Ignoring Your Tags and Comments

As a spouse, you probably have a lot to say about the things your significant other posts. That’s natural! You may comment on their posts and tag them in different posts yourself. When you do this, you expect them to respond to you most of the time.

If your partner ignores everything you write on their wall, it can make you feel like they don’t want to publicly interact with you. This pattern could mean they don’t want someone else to see those interactions.

A cheating spouse may claim they see you all of the time at home, so they don’t see the need to interact online as well. However, if they talk to everyone else who posts on their social media pages, that excuse could be less than comforting. Your spouse may also avoid talking about you online. If you went to the zoo during the day, they might omit that when talking to other people.

However, they may mention other things they did throughout the day. Or, if you both painted a room together, they may post about painting the room but not include you in the post.

3. Being Overly Flirty Online with Other People

You can see the different things that your spouse and friends post on each other’s walls. You may notice that your spouse seems to be especially flirty with certain people they talk to online.

They may call them terms of endearment like “babe” or use heart emojis in their communications for everyone to see. A cheating spouse may make it seem like it’s all in good fun.

However, it shows a certain level of disrespect for your relationship, whether they are cheating with other people or not. Your spouse should make a point not to get too friendly with online acquaintances.

4. Being Overly Protective of Phone/Laptop

Does your spouse turn away any time they grab their phone to prevent you from looking at what they’re doing? Do they laugh at their phone but then not show you what was so funny? Do they go through extreme measures to keep their phone and social media accounts secure and locked? Are they doing the same thing with their laptop?

There is no reason for them to scream at you if you try to use their laptop to check your email if your phone is dead. This overreaction is an indication they are hiding something. Granted, some people truly value their privacy.

However, there is a difference between keeping things private and being sneaky. A person who values privacy probably did this all along. On the other hand, if this reaction is a new behavior, it can indicate a cheating spouse.

5. Secret Social Media Accounts/Emails

One of the most obvious signs of a problem is if your significant other has secret social media accounts or email addresses. They may have one account that they use for their regular life and others to help them live a secret life.

Some of the accounts may utilize a different name and no picture to help them stay anonymous. They probably think you don’t know about the other accounts. You may discover the accounts if they have multiple accounts to log in and out of on Gmail or Facebook on their phone or laptop.

You likely don’t have access to any of these secret accounts, and they may even get defensive about them if you point them out.

6. Accounts on Dating Sites

Did you happen to notice an app like Tinder or OkCupid on your spouse’s account? Even if they used it to meet you, there is no need for them to still have that app on their phone.

It’s an obvious sign of an affair if they’ve been using the app recently. They may try to tell you it’s not a big deal to have dating apps on their phone, but you aren’t overly jealous. Your spouse having dating apps is a completely legitimate thing to be mad about. They need to be deleted immediately.

Even worse, some spouses may sign up for notoriously dubious websites that pair up married people. Even curiosity about these sites should not be tolerated.

7. Behaving Single Online

People portray themselves in a particular way online. Some people portray themselves as a family person with plenty of pictures and posts about family (including their spouse). This married life is how your spouse should portray themselves.

They may choose to go another route, though, and post pictures of scantily clothed girls and offensive memes that make them look single. Also, they may post more pictures of them out with friends at the club than pictures with you. They may do this to convince people online that they are, in fact, single.

This behavior could attract the wrong kind of attention from people online. If nothing else, it portrays them as someone who wants to be single.

8. Constantly Communicating With People Online

Many spouses cheating online will be glued to their phones. They will always be talking to people online on social media. This chatting could be all through the day as well as at odd times throughout the night.

Of course, they won’t allow you to look at anything they are doing. it’s normal for people to text and message people, but a cheating spouse will allow it to interfere with private time with you and take it to an uncomfortable level.

9. Correspondence With People You Don’t Know

As a spouse, you should know a majority of the people your spouse communicates with. When you look online, do you see them talking to people you’ve never heard of before? Or an ex? Do you see them in pictures with people you don’t know?

There may be a reason your spouse is trying to keep these lives separate. One of the first things that comes to mind is they are having an affair and don’t want you to know. These people may be people they are cheating with or just people who know the person they are cheating with.

10. Lying

Cheaters will often find themselves in positions that force them to lie. They may lie about who they are talking to or where they are going at night to avoid suspicion. They may also blatantly lie about their own life to other people online.

Do you notice them lying about what they did with their day online? All of these lies point to the fact that they might be keeping things from you. A cheating spouse may also lie about things that don’t even matter. It’s a sign of someone who shouldn’t be trusted.

If they lie about small things that don’t matter, it’s probably easy for them to lie about serious things, too.

Final Thoughts on Detecting the Online Habits of a Cheating Spouse

If you notice more than just a couple of these online habits, you could have a cheating spouse. There are multiple ways to cheat. It could be someone your partner leans on for emotional support behind your back but has never met in person. It may also be someone with whom your partner has a physical relationship.

Finally, it could be that your partner hasn’t found someone yet but is looking. No matter what the situation, you should not have to put up with being second place in your relationship. You deserve someone who is proud of you and the life you are building together as a couple.

If you aren’t feeling appreciated, it may be time to have a serious conversation. If things don’t change, you may be the one changing your relationship status to “single.”

10 Healthy Freezer Meals to Make Ahead and Save Money

April 30, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Dinner time is always a chaotic point in the day. Coming in from work and trying to get food on the table is often a significant task. When everyone is hungry, the food cannot be prepared quickly enough. However, you can prepare freezer meals ahead of time to solve this dilemma.

If you want to make healthy foods, or even include a few vegan options for your family to enjoy, then freezer meals are the way to go. You can come in from work, pop your entrée in the oven, and sit back and relax, waiting on the meal to be complete.

Quick Freezer Meals

You may have a few dishes that you can think of to put back for another day. However, many people have no clue how to prep for a week or more at a time. When you have some downtime, you need to prepare for when things are more hectic. Here are some fantastic freezer meals that will make your family beg for an encore.

Meal prepping saves time, money, and empty calories.

1. Lasagna

Lasagna is versatile in that you can create it with the things you like best. If you prefer to avoid meat, then you can make a veggie variety. The sky is the limit with this Italian masterpiece. Who doesn’t love a meal like this with some garlic bread and a nice, crisp salad?

2. Sloppy Joes

The fantastic thing about a hamburger dish is that you can precook the hamburger and then refreeze it for another date. Keep in mind that you cannot refreeze beef after it has been thawed, but once it’s been cooked, you can use it to create freezer meals.

Sloppy Joes are one of the easiest meals to prepare. You can have a meal in under 20 minutes. If the hamburger is already cooked, then it can be done in under 10 minutes. Just add a few sides like green beans or tater tots, and you have a meal that will keep your brood’s bellies full.

3. Chili (Freezer Meal Favorite!)

Nearly every family has a chili recipe that has been passed down from their ancestors. While all the base ingredients are the same, your personal touches make it unique. You can make a large batch of chili. You can have a healthy serving the first night, and then put a batch in the freezer to use later.

There are many vegan options since the base of chili is tomatoes, onions, and green peppers. You can customize this dish to fit your diet. Thankfully, it’s low in calories and fat. Once it’s premade in the freezer, all you need to do is reheat and eat.

Read some ideas on using kale in your keto lifestyle.

4. Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole

Casseroles are comfort food. The perfect pairing with chicken is broccoli and rice. An additional bonus to this recipe is that you can quickly put it in freezer bags, and it’s little to no mess.

Simply fill your freezer bags to the fill line, and mark the date on the outside. Then you can just take them out and reheat it when you need it. It’s best to add a layer of cheddar cheese or some breadcrumbs to the top before reheating. Also, the oven works best for reviving this dish.

Not many people can pass up a heaping helping of any chicken casserole. You can feed your family a healthy meal that doesn’t take all your time.

5. Shepherd’s Pie

If your freezer has the likes of a Shepherd’s pie in it, then you will attract the masses at dinner time. When it comes to savory and delicious, a helping of mashed potatoes over some ground beef and veggies is perfect.

Shepherd’s pie is an old recipe that has dated back to the 1870s in Scotland. Before grinding machines, cooks used leftover roast to throw together something for another meal. Why not use the wisdom of cooks from decades gone by and freeze this masterpiece?

6. Meatloaf

What is better than meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and macaroni and cheese? If you freeze the potatoes and the meatloaf, then all you need to make is the noodles. Meatloaf is a classic comfort food that can hit the spot.

Instead of freezing a large 1-2-pound loaf, why not make several mini loaves. The smaller loaves cook quicker, and they are instantly portioned to the perfect size. You don’t have to worry about overeating when everything is already made in the proper portions.

7. Burritos

You can walk into any grocery store across America and buy frozen burritos. However, they won’t even compare to the homemade variety. You can sneak some healthy stuff, like black beans, into your Mexican masterpiece.

The first burritos were introduced into the United States in 1930. It was served at the El Cholo Spanish Café in Los Angeles after they got the recipe from a cookbook. The good news is these beauties freeze well, and if you want to turn them into a chimichanga, all you need to do is deep fry it.

8. Meatballs

While you may debate if meatballs are a proper meal, just think of all these things you can do with these juicy little bites of heaven. First, meatballs can be the perfect addition to spaghetti.

Second, why not have meatball subs? You can literally heat these babies in a matter of minutes. Just add your favorite sauce, some cheese, and plop it all on a toasted bun. The smells alone will have your whole family salivating for dinner time.

If you’re looking for healthy foods, then you can make these with ground turkey or a vegan option too. Freezer meals don’t always have to be the entire meal. When you make staples like meatballs and mashed potatoes, they can quickly be added too, or you can make them into a fantastic dish in a matter of minutes.

Learn some meal prep ideas for vegans.

9. Chicken Fajitas

You can make chicken fajitas a couple of different ways. First, you can pre-fry everything and have it so that you all you need to do a simple reheat. The second option is to put all the ingredients together raw in a freezer bag or other approved container.

You can pull out your crockpot to have them simmer slow and low all day long. The aroma of fresh chicken fajitas is going to fill your entire home with tantalizing smells. Plus, it’s one of the easiest meals to make when you’re in a hurry.

10. Herb-Roasted Chicken & Vegetables

While this dish is stated for chicken, it can be substituted for any meat you choose. Fill a disposable metal pan with the meat and veggies of your choice. Sprinkle them with herbs like Italian seasoning, rosemary, lemon pepper, or whatever your family loves.

You will need to thaw this dish in the refrigerator the night before so that the chicken is done at the same time as the vegetables. Otherwise, the vegetables will be overcooked and soggy, and the chicken not done.

This is another meal that is so versatile because you can make it according to your family’s choices, and it’s healthy too. Think of all the different creations that you can make when you get creative with herbs and spices.

Use Your Crockpot to Make This Task Even Easier

You can use your freezer meals alongside your crockpot for easy cooking during the dinner rush. Wouldn’t it be amazing to come home to a meal already prepared and ready to eat? Your children will thank you that they don’t need to wait for an hour for a meal.

Crockpots are one of the essential appliances in the kitchen. They require way less electricity than your oven to operate, and they can even bake things like a cake. Who would have ever thought you could make such masterpieces in a crockpot?

Don’t Forget About Breakfast

While this article focuses on dinner items, you can also get creative and make freezer meals for breakfast too. Wouldn’t it be nice to wake up, pop a bacon, egg, and cheese muffin in the microwave on the way out the door?

Who says you need to hit those fast-food restaurants on the way to work? You can save money, eat healthily, and save time. Your family will appreciate all the efforts you make to ensure they have tasty meals.

Final Thoughts: Freezer Meals Can Bring Back the Family Dinner Table

Lastly, mealtime doesn’t need to be a rush. The family dinner table is about sharing. If you’re not worried about a big mess to clean up from all the prep-work, then you can have more time to sit and chat.

Too many people grab fast food on the way to and from work, and their waistline shows their poor eating habits. Also, it’s very costly to eat out all the time. The beautiful thing is that you can create the same drive-thru food in your home, and it will cost you less. And, you can replace unhealthy ingredients with more healthful ones.

Plus, the lower sodium, calories, and fat makes a significant difference, not to mention that you don’t use MSGs or other harmful substances in your cooking either. It’s time to bring back the family dinner table, and freezer meals are just the way to do it.

Counselors Reveal How to Work From Home with Kids (And Still Have Boundaries)

April 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Telecommuting is becoming increasingly popular today. For the family with children, a stay at home job means that you don’t need to pay the exorbitant daycare bills. However, it takes a unique person to work from home with kids and juggle everything.

Children thrive in their home environment. Having the pleasure of working from home means that you get to be a part of all their milestones. Additionally, you don’t need to worry about what may or may not be happening at the daycare or babysitters’ home.

Setting Boundaries When You Work From Home With Kids

No one can care for your child like you. Consequently, it’s a real balancing act to try to juggle the role of employee and parent simultaneously. How can you bring in the bacon while making lunch and changing diapers too? Here are some healthy boundaries to help you make working from home with kids a success.

1. Maintain A Routine

Some jobs are a bit more restrictive than others. Whether you can work whenever you want, or you need to punch the virtual time clock doesn’t matter. You must have a routine to be successful.

It’s easy to get your days and nights mixed up when you allow the children to dictate the routine. To feel and be a success in this job setting, you need a schedule. The beauty of being at home is that you can lay in that extra 15 minutes or you can take a longer lunch.

Get up bright and early and start your day. You don’t need to account for traffic on the commute and dressing for success. Just make sure you keep a schedule so that the children don’t get their sleep patterns off balance, which can affect the entire home.

2. Have A Dedicated Workspace

Working from your dining room or the coffee table in the living room will only last so long. You must have a dedicated space so that you can be organized. Also, the children must learn that this area is off-limits to little hands.

If you’re lucky to have a room where you can close the door, then it works out great. No matter where you set your home office, it must be a space that allows you to concentrate. If your children are younger, then you will need to be close to keep an eye on them.

Kids of all ages must learn that they can’t mess with your papers, scissors, pens, or other necessary office supplies. Establish early on that your space is for you only. Having clear rules about your work area will help to learn the importance of leaving you and your things alone in this zone.

If your children are older and more responsible, then you may want to put a sign on the door to let them know when it’s safe to come in. If you’re going to be on a conference call or doing a Skype chat, then you want to put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the door.

Having some simple boundaries can save you from some embarrassing situations that can arise as you work from home with kids.

3. Have A Sitter on Back-Up

While working from home allows you the freedom to watch your children, there may be times when you need to go to the office. Each career has different demands, and you must be flexible to adjust to those requirements. If you need to go to a meeting, then your boss is not going to want you to bring the children along.

Have a person that you can trust to watch your kids for a few hours each week, if necessary. Even if you don’t need to go to the office, you must get out and get some fresh air at times. You and your children will enjoy a break from each other on occasion.

4. Enhance Your Ability to Focus on One Task at a Time

Before you even begin your job where you work from home with kids, you need to be a multi-tasker. You may be changing diapers while talking to your boss or a client. You need to learn the power of the mute button on the phone.

Get a good pair of earbuds that have noise cancellation features. There are times when you need to ask the children to be quiet, and you don’t want the entire office to hear your banter with the youngsters. No matter how hard you try to mold them, your children are not always going to be perfect angels.

It takes a special person to balance the life of a parent and career individual from your abode. Setting boundaries is imperative, but you must also be able to do a juggling act every day.

5. Learn to Drown Out the Chaos

Have you ever seen or been with a parent that has their kids screaming and playing around them and doesn’t seem to be bothered by the noise? You must become that parent who can tune out the chaos to get anything done. No matter the age of your children, you will always have them at your door and in your face wanting and needing you for something.

Sadly, it doesn’t seem to get any better when they are older. To be a parent who works from home with kids, you need not let every little noise bother you. Unless you’re on the call with a boss or talking to a customer, then drown the noise out.

Some parents who work from home like to play classical music in their earbuds while they work. They can still hear the kids should there be an incident that they need to help with, but they can focus on the task at hand, thanks to the likes of Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.

6. Let Workers Know You Have Kids or Pets

Your employer should know if there is anything that can distract you during the day. Some jobs know and expect that there will be children, spouses, and pets that can interrupt, and they are okay with it.

If your job requires you to be on video conference calls, you should let everyone know upfront if a child may come in crying or a dog may bark. It helps everyone else to learn why you may have that mute button on more than the next person.

Don’t wait until you’re in the middle of a meeting before you let everyone know. Working at home can be chaotic on a good day, so it’s best that your company understands your situation and knows what to expect during such events.

7. Carve Out Time for You

Boundaries are essential with your children, but you must also set some personal boundaries to ensure your sanity. Working from home is not for the faint of heart. You won’t get the social interaction that you need.

In your weekly planner, you must include things that allow you to have some free time. You need a night with your buddies or wine with the girls. You must have some time that is just for fun and relaxation that’s outside your home.

When you work and live in the same place, it can be quite overwhelming never to have an escape. Your sanity demands that you have some time away from your home and out amongst other people.

8. Tell Your Children What You Expect

You must tell your children what you expect while you are working. They should have clearly defined rules to ensure your success. While you cannot talk with a newborn about rules, a five-year-old can undoubtedly know the importance of leaving mommy or daddy alone while they’re telecommuting.

When you work from home with kids, you must somehow make money while taking care of their needs. So they need to know why your job is so outstanding and why they need good behavior. Make a rule sheet and enforce these rules to ensure that your days are a little easier.

9. Give Your Children an Approved List of Activities

Your kids need to have an approved list of activities that they can do while you are working. Some great things for them to do can be:

•Color
•Watch TV
•Play on Tablet
•Video Games (with limits)
•Play with Toys

Then they also need to know things they cannot do, like:

•Go Outside Without Permission
•Ride Bike Too Far
•Play with Noisy Toys
•Argue with Siblings
•Get in Swimming Pool or Hot Tub Unattended
•Cook

Keep in mind that these guidelines must be written the age in mind. A 15-year-old can do some light cooking or ride their bike, but you wouldn’t want a seven-year-old to feel adventurous.

Final Thoughts: Strike a Balanced Life and Work from Home with Kids Successfully

Whether you chose to work from home with kids or you were forced into this role, you need to make the best of the situation. Telecommuting is the wave of the future. It can be a great way to make a living and be there for all your children’s little moments.

Childcare is such a considerable cost, and you can’t forget the savings in transportation costs too. If you can make working from home with kids a success, then, by all means, you should do it. Setting effective boundaries will ensure that your home can be both your haven of rest and place of employment.

12 Ways to Create a Pampering Spa Day at Home

April 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

One of the best ways to relieve stress is by taking a trip to the spa. While it’s the little things in life that matter, you may not be able to afford to have such luxuries. Thankfully, you don’t need to go out and about to create a spa day at home.

A spa day at home is a way for you to unwind and release some stress and tension that you carry around. There’s very little that they do at a spa that you cannot do at home. Additionally, it’s very beneficial to have some “you” time where you put the children and spouse on the back burner for a few minutes.

Pampering Yourself with A Spa Day at Home

If you have no idea where to begin, we have created a list for you to simplify the process. Grab some candles, essential oils, bath salts, and a beautiful, fuzzy robe, and you’re ready. Here are some ways to let the pampering begin.

1. Do a Cleansing Facial Mask

There are hundreds of facial masks on the market. You can find ones for dry, oily, or combination skin. There’s no need to spend a fortune as you can usually get sample packets that give you a one-time treatment before you buy a more significant portion.

Mud masks are great because they draw impurities from the skin as well as hydrate. The black charcoal masks are great for those who have acne and whiteheads. Though it’s challenging to pull off the cover once it’s dried, it brings with it all the dirt and debris that hides deep in your pores.

Masks and facial scrubs can stimulate the collagen in your skin to generate new cells. You will look and feel amazing when you scrub all the build-up off your face.

Learn why shea butter is well worth a try for your hair, skin, and nails.

2. Pedicure for Pennies

Your feet take a lot of abuse, so a foot soak is in order. Do you have cracks and rough spots that are driving you crazy? Wintertime is the worst for dry skin on your heels. Thankfully, you can get rid of this before summer’s sandal season.

Start by pouring some Epson’s salt into a tub of moderately warm water. Put your feet into this tub to soak for 10-15 minutes. Once you pull them out, the skin will be softened and more comfortable to remove.

Take a pumice stone and work those rough patches out. Pay special attention to the sides and heel of the foot. One your feet are silky smooth, then rub a foot cream on them to seal in moisture.

Lastly, clip your toenails and add a color of polish, if you so desire. Your foot makeover can be a fantastic transformation that doesn’t cost a fortune.

3. Manicure Miracles

Your hands are busy throughout the day. Do you have hangnails and need to get them back into shape? Start by trimming off all the overgrown cuticles that are edging up your nail.

Next, clean out any debris from underneath the nail. Then, clip the nails to the desires shape. Finally, buff the top surface to promote growth and evenness. Now, you can color or gloss them to look like a million bucks.

4. Tweeze Those Brows

Are your brows on fleek? Having well-manicured eyebrows are all the rage. If you love threading, then you can accomplish the same thing with tweezers or wax. You can mold and shape those brows and then use color to make them stand out.

5. Laser Hair Removal

As you begin to age, you may notice that you have hair growing in places that it shouldn’t be. Even guys have hair creep up in the ears, eyebrows, and nostrils that can be unsightly. You don’t need to go to the spa to make your hair problems go away.

There are many laser hair removals system that you can buy to use from home. These systems are inexpensive and work well. Just be sure to read the reviews before purchasing as some are better than others.

Forget paying $100s for each treatment. You can get rid of that hair in your home for pennies for each session.

6. Have a Spot of Tea

One of the best things about going to the spa is all the gourmet teas that they offer. These teas are amazing and have the perfect herbal blend to put your mind, body, and soul at ease. Thankfully, you can make these drinks at home.

Chamomile tea is one of the best options for calming you, but don’t forget the power of peppermint, either. A lovely hot cinnamon tea is also refreshing. When you’re in the middle of a pamper session, a cup of tea will hit the spot.

7. Muscle Healing Massage

One of the best parts of going to a spa is the massage. They use oils and rub all those tired and overworked muscles. Now, you will need some help to pull off this part of your spa day at home, but it’s worth the effort.

Light some aromatic candles, put on some soft music, and grab your favorite essential oils. Your spa day at home wouldn’t be complete without a fantastic massage. Plus, you will feel so much lighter after the stress is rubbed away from your body.

8. Bubbling Bath

Who says bubble baths are just for kids? There is something mesmerizing about sitting in a tub of hot water with bubbles all around. Use the hottest water you can tolerate and fill the tub with oils and bubble bath.

Next, light candles and put them all around the tub for an ambient glow when you turn off the lights. Then, put some soft mood music on to help you relax your cares away. Fill the tub as high as you can get it, and then you can soak for as long as you like.

9. Take Care of Those Dark Circles

Do you have dark circles under your eyes? It’s a common problem for someone who isn’t getting enough rest, has sinus issues or is under stress. Get a few cucumbers to place on the eyes.

Cucumbers have been used for decades to help erase dark circles. They have cooling properties and are loaded with vitamins and minerals to stimulate healing in this area. They can also help with fine lines and wrinkles.

Leave the cucumbers on for about 10 minutes or until they become warm. A cold cucumber works best to help the dark circles. Plus, cucumbers can be used as sunscreen and hand sanitizer when juices and mixed with other agents.

Read up on essential care tips to decrease dark circles under your eyes.

10. Hot Oil Treatment

Your hair can develop split ends if it’s not cut promptly. Hot oil treatments can help with split ends as well as nourish every shaft. You simply heat the mixture, leave it on your hair for the allotted time, and wash it out.

Hot oil treatments can be done every month or more often if needed. They don’t leave the hair greasy afterward. Instead, the hair is silky, shiny, and repaired. If you don’t have the premade kit, then you can use olive oil too.

11. Yoga

Now that you’ve done all the things to have your body calmed, why not try some yoga. Doing deep breathing exercises will help to remove any lingering stress. Yoga is an excellent way to open your mind, as well as heal your body and soul.

Doing this ancient practice as often as possible will only help you. When you learn to control your breathing, you can stop anxiety and panic in its tracks. It can help you to gain control of your life and stress levels too.

12. Moisturize from Head to Toe

Lastly, you’ve pampered yourself with your spa day at home. Now, it’s essential to seal in everything you’ve done with a great moisturizer. From head to toe, your body needs hydration.

Now, you don’t want to use the same moisturizers on your face that you use on your feet. Buying a few different varieties will help to address the dryness issues wherever you need them. There’s nothing better than a silky-smooth body that feels great to touch.

Plus, when you feel good about you, then your confidence will radiate for others to see. No one wants alligator skin so that you can take care of that with the right moisturizer.

Final Thoughts on Treating Yourself to a Spa Day at Home

Once a week or so, enjoy a spa day at home for one. You will treasure the quiet moments and the time you’ll have to spend on self-care. Who knows? Maybe your in-home beauty treatments will add up so some serious savings of cash.

Science Explains What Happens to Your Body When You Drink Goji Berry Tea Every Day

April 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

You’ve probably heard a lot about superfoods. If there was one that you need to include in your daily diet, then it should be the sweet and juicy goji berry, also known as the wolfberry. They are readily available in fresh or dried varieties. You can enjoy them as a powerful additive to teas, smoothies, and even protein shakes.

Though they’re native to Tibet, the varieties grown in Ningxia, China have the highest levels of antioxidants. The berry is small like the cherry tomato, but it’s sweet and a bit tart at the same time. Experts say that when you drink just one cup of tea with these wonder berries in it every day, you can improve your health.

In most areas, you won’t find the berries in their natural state. They are typically dried and used as an additive. It’s often mixed with flowers like the Chrysanthemum to make an herbal tea with amazing medicinal properties. For more than 2,000 years, practitioners of Eastern medicine revered this plant. But suddenly, the western world found the benefits, too.

Why Are the Goji Berries so Healthy?

Those who are watching their figure will love the fact that the goji berry has a low glycemic index. They’re even better for you than the highly touted blueberry. While blueberries may provide ample antioxidants, the goji berry wins when it comes to macronutrients.

Additionally, other health benefits from this plant derive from the following nutritional aspects, which include:

•Iron
•Zinc
•Vitamin C
•Riboflavin
•Polysaccharides
•Selenium
•Amino Acids

Benefits of Goji Berries

If one cup of tea could change your entire life, would you drink it regularly? You know how popular these berries have become, but what would happen to your body if you drank goji berry tea every day? Here are ten things that would occur.

1. Improved Eyesight

As you begin to age, your eyesight deteriorates. Some people describe it as a lens that slowly goes out of focus as the years roll on. If your blood sugar levels are out of whack, then it can be even more challenging to keep your 20/20 vision.

However, a study showed that when mice ingested this tea for just two weeks, their retina had a 20 percent increase. Their visual sharpness improved, and definite changes were observed. Experts believe that the minerals and carotenoids in these berries are what caused visual improvements.

2. Lowers Bad Cholesterol Levels

As you get older, you may experience problems with high cholesterol levels. Your body needs cholesterol for many essential functions. It’s produced in your body and is supplemented by the foods you eat.

Not all cholesterol is created equal, and it comes in two forms. Low-density lipoproteins or LDL is called the good cholesterol because of its vital benefits. Your health is at risk when your body has elevated levels of high-density lipoproteins known as the bad cholesterol or HDL.

Think of lipoproteins as fatty proteins that naturally exist in your bloodstream. When you have high levels of HDL in your blood due to heredity or improper diet, your body stores the excess in your arteries. Eventually, the stored HDL clogs your blood vessels and puts you at risk of severe diseases.

If you were diagnosed with high cholesterol, your primary healthcare provider probably has you on a personalized diet and fitness plan, as well as a statin prescription.

Did you know many people who enjoy a cup of goji berry tea each day often see a reduction in their HDL levels?

3. Weight Loss

The obesity epidemic in America is alarming, and it’s responsible for countless diseases and deaths each year. The good news is that obesity is probably one of the easiest health hazards to prevent. Who couldn’t stand to lose a few pounds?

Methods to lose weight have flooded the media for years. Before you attempt any weight loss plan, consult your physician and a licensed dietician to find one ideal for your needs. One thing you may consider is incorporating goji juice tea into your diet.

These delightful berries are packed with vitamins and fiber that gives your stomach a feeling of fullness. So, a steaming cup or a refreshing iced goji tea or two a day may help you eat less. The results are a leaner, healthier body, and more self-confidence.

4. Strengthened Immune System

If it weren’t for your immune system, your body would be in constant danger. As soon as any foreign microbe enters your body, your internal security goes on high alert, and it deploys millions of white blood cell soldiers to destroy the enemy.

People who have suppressed immune systems due to illness or autoimmune disorders are vulnerable in their surroundings. Do you have immune issues? Has your healthcare provider prescribed medications and other immunity-boosting therapies?

You would be pleasantly surprised to discover multiple studies linking drinking goji tea with better immunity. It’s a significant source of Vitamin C and other nutrients that strengthen white blood cells and other components. Thankfully, the goji berry is an herbal that may help prevent illness or minimize its duration.

5. Increased Energy

Why is it that our society has the most technology and convenience ever in human history, yet we still feel exhausted? While you are juggling a family, career, and social obligations, do you wish there were two of you to get it all done? Medical experts warn that chronic exhaustion is an alarming health issue in our country.

One reason our energy is depleted is that the typical American diet is loaded with fat, sugar, preservatives, salt, and empty calories. Nutritious whole foods, including goji juice tea, provide the necessary fuel to keep your body energetic and working at optimal levels.

6. Improves Insulin Resistance and Blood Sugar Levels

Cases of type two diabetes are increasing each year in our country, and it’s one of the most preventative disorders. Unfortunately, it remains one of the leading causes of death. While there are no cures for diabetes, lifestyle changes can keep symptoms under control.
Maybe you were diagnosed with type two diabetes or told you were a borderline diabetic. Never change your medications or take herbal supplements without consulting your physician. However, your doctor may be interested in the studies that link lower blood glucose levels for people who drink goji tea regularly.

7. Slow the Progression of Cancer Growth

Promising studies show that cancer treatment options improve each year, and survival rates for certain cancers increase. Not only are cancer patients taking traditional treatment routes, but many are finding benefits from using alternative medical options. Medical scientists continue to study how certain whole foods can inhibit cancer cell growth.

Cancer comes from mutated cells that take over and destroy healthy cells in the body. Oncologists and other specialists around the world continue to study the encouraging effects of superfoods like goji juice or tea on cancer cells.

8. Look and Feel Younger

Since the beginning, humans have searched in vain to find ways to turn back time. The effects of aging drove Ponce De Lyon to search for the mythical Fountain of Youth. Although time travel remains a daydream of the beauty industry, you can still slow the aging process a bit without expensive cosmetic surgery.

Did you know that your body’s cells are in a constant battle with harmful free radicals? These rouge microbes attack healthy cells, which results in systemic damage to your skin and other organs. While it’s an inevitable process of aging, reducing free radicals can optimize how young you look and feel.

So the key to fighting free radicals is consuming whole foods that are rich in antioxidants, like goji. When you savor a hot cup of goji juice tea, these super berries provide a healthy kick of antioxidants for cell protection and rejuvenation. In fact, your fine lines and wrinkles may become less noticeable too.

9. Benefits Male Reproductive Health

Low male testosterone levels may occur for many reasons. The results are a reduction in sperm count and limited sexual performance. Such issues are often difficult for men to discuss with their doctors.

For centuries, goji has been part of folk medicinal lore for male fertility. Many men have success drinking goji juice tea to help with their erectile dysfunction. If you are a male who is searching for alternative ways to benefit your reproductive health, then this delicious tea may be helpful.

10. Provides Cardiovascular Protection

Free radicals, or unstable malignant molecules, cause damage within your body. Unfortunately, one area these dangerous cells often attack is the heart. Though it takes a bit of time for the damage to occur, you need to take preventative measures.

Goji berry tea is full of antioxidant elements that help to protect the heart from dangerous cells. One study proves how well this berry can reduce free radicals in the heart, and the results are uncanny.

How to Make Goji Berry Tea

You might also wonder how to make and enjoy a cup of Goji Berry Tea for yourself! It is easy to make. Here’s how.

Place a heaping tablespoon of Goji Berries into the bottom of a tea cup.
Cover the fruit with just enough cold water to cover them.
Let sit for four hours.
After the berries soak for four hours, use a spoon to remove the fruit from the cup; discard them.
Boil a kettle of water — top off the cup with hot water. Or, if you prefer cold tea, add ice cubes and cold water.

Delicious!

Final Thoughts on Drinking a Cup of Goji Berry Tea Daily

Research on goji juice or tea continues to show promise and may be worth your while. With any herbal supplement, talk to your doctor before adding these berries to your diet. The benefits of goji berries can be yours with each tasty cup of hot or iced herbal tea each day.

Therapist Reveals 10 Techniques to Stop Feeling Worried (in 5 Minutes or Less)

April 28, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Fear and worry are a part of life these days. It’s normal to fear the unknown, but there comes a time when this fear of the unknown may take over your brain. It’s essential to take the reigns, so these anxious thoughts don’t take over your life. We have ten techniques from psychiatrists to help you stop feeling so worried.

10 Ways to Stop Feeling Worried in Five Minutes or Less

1. Live In The Present

One of the best things to do to rid of scary thoughts is to practice mindfulness. When we dwell in the past or fear the future, we forget to live in the moment. The present is gone. It’s not difficult to sit in the present. You have to be mindful of all that is around you at the time.

Pick an object and think about it. Focus on everything going on at that very moment. You must choose not to focus on the negative aspects of life. This habit keeps you living in the present and focusing on the positive aspects of that moment.

2. Recognize What You Can’t Control

If you’re worried, it’s crucial to figure out what you can’t control. It’s easier said than done. Most of us want to control everything in life. The reality is that we cannot control anything but our emotions.

We can control specific actions, but we cannot control the things that just happen in life. Nor can we control others or the weather or the spinning of the planets. The world is going to keep spinning even if we worry about it. The weather is going to do whatever it wants, even if we stare at the clouds. We can take charge of our goals and our actions.

Being worried about these other things will only lead to frustration. You can stare at the rain all day, but it isn’t going to stop raining for you. We have to let go of the guilt and stress we feel about trying to control everything, or it will just eat away at our own emotions.

3. Get Out in The Sunshine

One way to control our actions and feelings is to get outside. Breathe in the fresh air, let the sun hit your shoulders, and take a walk in Mother Nature. See the beauty around you, so you aren’t beaten down by the darkness.

Being indoors is okay for a while, but it can make you feel as if the world is caving in. Vitamin D levels are quickly boosted by the sunshine, meaning you feel better with natural vitamins. Go on a family hike or bike ride to get your mind off of your fears for a bit. Focus on the birds, the flowers, and the green grass. Get your eyes off of the negatives you observe, like the dirt, and the wind.

Instead, let your eyes focus on only the good things outside. If it’s a rainy day, slip on some rain boots and go for a splash. Just because the sun isn’t shining doesn’t mean life has to be dreary.

5. Write It Out

The mind has a great way of recycling scary thoughts. Get these thoughts out by writing them down. A journal is a beautiful way to get your fears on paper. You’ll find peace in having those bouncing thoughts out of your head. You might even be able to make sense of the concern and the things you are worried about.

There are no rules when it comes to writing things down in your journal. Your fears are right there on paper, so you don’t have to have them anymore. You don’t need to dwell on something that is out of your mind.

Add encouragement and write down positive things as well. You’ll notice a quick turnaround in your thinking. Journals are a way many psychiatrists tell patients to get thoughts out. It helps you process as you read what you’ve written as well as get the ideas out of your bouncing mind.

6. Unplug

If you’re feeling the burn of bad news, get off social media and news feeds. Scrolling through these things will only bring you higher levels of stress. You have to remove yourself from the scary news. When you’re consistently plugged in, you’re just feeding the scary thoughts. You only see the terrible things.

Remove yourself, so you’re able to live in the moment. Of course, your social media and news feeds are ways also to connect you to others, which can be a slippery slope. Try to create a healthy balance, so you receive information, but don’t dwell in the bad news. Turn off the television if you feel overwhelmed with scary things at times.

It’s important not to get worried about the things you see and read. Turn it all off if you start to feel overwhelmed.

7. Challenge Your Thoughts

You don’t have to live in a world of anxious thoughts. It’s important to challenge these thoughts. They might not be as bad as you make them out to be. If you’re always jumping to the scariest outcome, think it out. You can probably handle the real result. It probably won’t be as bad as you think.

Don’t overanalyze or overthink!

Stop yourself from thinking the worst. Don’t focus on only the adverse outcomes. Remember, you are not a fortune-teller. You cannot make anything happen in the future, so there’s no reason to dwell on it. When you get overly worried, challenge all of these thoughts with rational outcomes. Yes, the worst might happen. What’s the odds it will?

8. Meditate or Pray

Stop yourself when you overanalyze by meditating or praying. This helps by focusing your attention elsewhere from the things you are worried about. If you’re stuck in the past or the future, meditating or praying helps ground you in the present.

Be engaged by sitting in the silence. Choose a quiet, comfy place where you’re free from distractions. Get away from the world to just be with your thoughts. Focus on the positivity of these thoughts. You’re able to think through the tough things when the world isn’t biting at your toes. You’re ready to live in this exact moment in your own quiet space.

If you have a higher power, talk to them. Faith is something that helps many people pull through the toughest times. Believing that a higher power is in control of the tough stuff will keep the pressure off of you. No matter if you meditate or pray to a higher power, getting the fear out of your mind will help put your mind and body at ease.

9. Accept Anxiety As Part Of Life

Anxious thoughts don’t have to cripple you if you realize they are a part of life. By embracing these thoughts, you’re better able to control them. Don’t let them control you. Sometimes healthy stress leads to positive outcomes. You just cannot let it take over your entire life.

Accept that sometimes your tough things will be things you can deal with. You will have to deal with tough situations in life. You just need the weapons to deal with them. Remember that you can work to control your emotions. You can work to figure out how you’re going to fix things if and when they go wrong. It’s all about the mind accepting that fears are a part of life.

Even if you fear nothing, bad things will happen. It’s how you react to these bad things that count. Don’t overwhelm yourself by always fearing these things in life. Once you accept these thoughts, you can move on, knowing you can handle anything in life.

10. Talk About Why You Feel Worried

When you’re worried, talk it out. It might sound too simple, but it’s essential to get things in the open. Talk to someone that listens and understands without judgment.

When you start to spiral out of control, call someone that helps. Because when you keep all of your worries to yourself, they become the things that take over your mind. Sometimes another person can help you see a different perspective. Your fears may not even be that bad when you throw them out there. Building a support system is imperative to the human mind. You need to connect to grow.

You can seek a professional’s opinion as well. A counselor can assess whether you are worried in a typical way or if you have a type of anxiety disorder. Then, they can help you view things from an unbiased opinion. Everyone is going to worry, and everyone might deal in a different way than you. Talk it out, and you’ll feel a hundred times better.

Final Thoughts on Trying These Techniques to Stop Feeling Worried

Overall, it’s best to remember that being worried is a normal part of life. You don’t need to let them control you. Work each day to see the positive aspects of that day. The bad things in life don’t have to seem so bad once you learn to deal with them. In the end, not everything is as wrong as it looks. You can handle your worries and fears.

15 Quotes About Kindness Everyone Needs to Hear

April 28, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Kindness is the way that everyone can change the world, without giving money or donating anything. It is beneficial for both the giver and the receiver. Since it is so important to be kind, there are quotes about kindness everyone needs to hear.

It’s only human to want to be mean sometimes. This is something you should fight against, however, as kindness is a key trait of positive people. If you want to be positive and want positivity surrounding you, then you have to treat others right.

These quotes about kindness are intended to inspire you and give a reminder of why compassion is so important. By being kind, you’ll make the world a better place and could inspire others to be better. If it can change the world, there is no reason not to choose kindness.

Remember that sometimes being kind is harder than the alternative, but it is always right to be kind. Choose kindness and doing the right thing over anything else. This is the only way to make the world a better place.

15 Wise Quotes About Kindness

1. “Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you.” – Princess Diana

You won’t always receive an instant return on your act of kindness. What you can expect, however, is comfort. This comfort comes from knowing that, at some point, someone will be kind to you when you need it.

2. “People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway.” – Kent M. Keith

No one is perfect, and you can’t expect them to be. People will do things that you don’t understand, they’ll be stubborn, and they’ll be selfish. This doesn’t mean that they don’t deserve love, it only means that they are human.

By being kind and doing the right thing, you may be judged incorrectly. You still need to do the right thing anyway, because being kind is more important than false accusations. Above all else, be kind and do good.

3. “Every act of kindness benefits the giver, as well as the receiver.” – Katrina Mayer

Even when someone has done something awful, you should still be kind. The kindness isn’t only for the other person. Kindness is also important for the giver because it’s more powerful than being angry and mean.

Always remember to be kind even if you feel the other person doesn’t deserve kindness. Do it for yourself, because you’ll be happy you did later.

4. “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.” – Albert Schweitzer

Normally when there is a problem between two people, there is very little kindness exchanged. Next time, try to be kind and see what happens instead. After a while of constantly being kind to the other person, the relationship may change for the better.

This time of constant kindness may reveal truths, deeper understanding, and a feeling of respect amongst one another. It’s always worth a shot, as not doing anything will only lead to a continuation of the negativity.

5. “Sometimes it takes only one act of kindness and caring to change a person’s life.” – Jackie Chan

If helping someone can change their life for the better, there is no reason to choose any other path. By helping others to become better, you’re helping to make the world a better place.

Plus, your kindness will not only change one life but the lives of those they encounter in the future. They may just pass that act of kindness along to the next person who needs it.

6. “If a person seems wicked, do not cast him away. Awaken him with your words, elevate him with your deeds, repay his injury with your kindness. Do not cast him away; cast away his wickedness.” – Lao Tzu

By showing this person kindness despite all that they have done, you may give them a reason to change their ways. They may see that other people can see the good in them, and they may follow your example.

By that person experiencing your kindness, they’re seeing that there is another way of life. You could be the reason they change their path in life.

7. “Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution.” – Kahlil Gibran

Don’t think that being kind will make you appear weak. The opposite is true as Gibran explains in his quote. When you are kind instead of mean or harsh, you’re showing everyone just how strong you truly are.

8. “Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – Barbara de Angelis

Showing love and being kind are two things that will never be a waste. Even when you can’t see it right away, those are two emotions that can change the world. Not only for the person receiving it, but the person giving it, as well.

9. “Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams

Your one act may have seemed small to you, but it was a big deal to the person receiving it. When you are kind, you are giving someone a little hope and a reason to be nice to someone else.

10. “To become acquainted with kindness one must be prepared to learn new things and feel new feelings. Kindness is more than a philosophy of the mind. It is a philosophy of the spirit.” – Robert J. Furey

By always being kind, you are teaching yourself to be understanding of those around them and the choices they make. After making it a habit, you’ll find your spirit changing, and the kindness will eventually come on its own. When you think and feel differently, you behave differently and, when it comes to kindness, it’s never a bad thing.

11. “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.” – Henry James

With kindness, anything is possible. By being kind to one person, you are spreading so much more kindness than you realize. The person you were kind to may return the kindness to someone else and then the cycle continues in that way.

Another reason being kind is so important is because it can change people. Kindness can help those who are on a bad path see the good in the world. You never know when someone is on the verge of a breakthrough, so always be kind.

12. “One who is kind is sympathetic and gentle with others. He is considerate of others’ feelings and courteous in his behavior. He has a helpful nature. Kindness pardons others’ weaknesses and faults. Kindness is extended to all — to the aged and the young, to animals, to those low of station as well as the high.” – Ezra Taft Benson

As stated before, being kind is beneficial for both the giver and the receiver. Some of these quotes about kindness are intended to explain that, and this is one of them.

By being kind, you’re also being all of the things that Benson mentions. From being sympathetic, gentle, and courteous to whole-heartedly forgiving the mistakes of others, kindness is a way of life. It’s something that benefits everyone involved and only brings positivity to the world.

13. “The best portion of a good man’s life: His little, nameless unremembered acts of kindness and love.” – William Wordsworth

No matter who you are, if you are kind you are leaving a bit of yourself behind when your time is done. If you want to change the world and leave your mark, begin with being kind. After all, kindness is what will be remembered in the end.

14. “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fiber of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt

According to FDR, being kind doesn’t make you weak or vulnerable. Instead, it brings people together, making everyone stronger together. You can honor your beliefs and stand up for what’s right and still be kind throughout it all.

15. “A part of kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.” – Joseph Joubert

You may feel that someone doesn’t deserve love, but that is a feeling that should be ignored. When you are kind, you show love to everyone, despite what they have done. Sometimes, this means you’ll be showing love to those you feel don’t deserve it.

Here are 15 signs you are spiritually gifted.

Final Thoughts on Quotes About Kindness Everyone Needs to Hear

There are many quotes about kindness everyone needs to hear. Positive people tend to show kindness more often than others, and that is because it gives them strength and wisdom.

When you are kind, you are opening yourself up to learning new ways of thinking. This open-mindedness gives you the ultimate advantage. By learning more, you’ll grow, and so will those around you. Kindness is the way to change the world.

Science Explains Why Stress Relief Is So Important (And 5 Ways to Do It)

April 26, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Stress is an inevitable part of life. Your day may be great, and the sun is shining bright, but the next minute you could have a significant crisis turn your world upside down. You cannot control the circumstances around you. Thankfully, you do have the power to control your response to them.

You’ve probably heard a million times that stress kills. There have been many studies done that prove that stress is harmful to your overall well-being.

Being in a constant state of distress can affect your well-being. You must have stress-relieving tools that you use to keep your angst under control.

When you become stressed, the cortisol levels in your body elevate. The negative stimuli activate the “fight or flight” response internally, which can cause uncomfortable effects. When you are under significant stress and anxiety, you may experience the following:

•Racing Heartbeat
•Sweating
•Shaking or Chills
•Nervousness
•Feeling of Impending Doom or Death
•Panic Attacks
•Feeling Faint
•Irrational Fears
•Dizziness

Stress that is not managed correctly can lead to a stroke, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a plethora of other conditions. It can negatively impact your life to where you cannot drive, work a job, or even leave your home. Finding coping skills to help with stress relief is imperative.

Quick Tips for Stress Relief

In most cases, you cannot stop your entire day just because you feel anxiety or stress. However, incorporating calming techniques that can bring your levels of angst under control is advisable. Here are some of the most used methods that work well.

1. Meditation

Meditation is a great way to bring stress relief quickly. You can do these sessions in your car, office, or home. Since there are many different forms of this art, you should experiment with a few and see which ones work best for you.

The essential art of meditation is for you to use your senses to ground yourself. You must control your breathing as you focus on the tangible things in front of you as well as what you can see. By diverting your mind to the here and now, you can change your stress levels. You may not master this art overnight, but with practice, you can soon reap the benefits of these relaxation techniques.

2. Exercise

You should exercise not only for your overall well-being but to make a fast impact. If you’re driving down the road feeling overwhelmed by life, then pull over and take a walk. It may be just around your car, but fresh air and moving your body can help your stress.

You need to develop a routine exercise plan that can help you keep your cortisol levels low and your serotonin levels high. When you are working out, your body automatically stimulates the neurotransmitters in your brain, which brings your essential chemicals into balance.

Learn why walking barefoot is incredible for you.

3. Guided Imagery

Guided imagery can be compared to daydreaming. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could escape the current toxic situation with a short mind vacation? Remove yourself from your current location and put yourself in the middle of your happy place.

Where do you find the most stress relief in life? Are you a beach person that loves to hear the crash of the ocean’s waves, or do you prefer gazing at a mountain’s peak in amazement? Though you can do guided imagery on your own, it’s best to follow a recording.

There are numerous video versions online that can help you learn this calming technique. While you’re in your comfortable spot with your eyes closed, engage in all the sensory experience that you will feel while you are there. Then, when you open your eyes back into reality, you should contact a sense of calm from your reality break.

4. Deep Breathing Exercises

One of the easiest ways to bring your body down from anxiety is through breathing techniques. Start by inhaling through your nose, holding the breath, then releasing it through your mouth. Each step should be done to the count of seven.

As you are breathing in the air, you should see your stomach rise. However, as you dispel the air, your stomach should return back to normal. By monitoring your stomach, you can easily make sure you are doing the exercises correctly.

Why does breathing techniques work so well? The science behind this is because when you are under stress, you stop breathing normally. Your body can quickly become deprived of oxygen, which can make you have all sorts of sensations.

When you are doing breathing techniques, you are restoring lost oxygen to your brain. Your body will instantly feel the calming swoosh of air it needs.

5. Muscle Relaxation

Finally, the last quick way to get stress relief is by using muscle relaxation. Did you know that you have the power to release all the tension in your muscles by using relationship techniques? From your forehead to your toes, you can control the pressure by working on each group.

You start by tensing the muscle group you want to work on. Then, you release the muscles. You will feel them relax more smoothly each time you focus on a group. As you work your way down the body, you should feel deep relaxation sweeping through every core of your being.

The reason why relaxation is so essential is that stress has a direct effect on the muscles. When your body is under distress, your muscles carry the brunt of this strain. They will tense in response, which causes headaches and other bodily pains. Relaxation techniques will release that strain and help with chronic pain from the tightness.

Other Ways to Help You Relax

Now that you’ve learned quick and easy ways that you can get instant stress relief, you need to learn other methods to relax. Don’t be so eager to dig into your medicine cabinet for assistance as there are natural ways to combat your feelings.

Did you know that there is nothing as powerful as a hug? It sounds strange, but a hug is beneficial as it releases your cuddle hormones, which is known as oxytocin.

It sounds crazy to think that a hug could be so beneficial. However, cuddling releases vital hormones that can reduce your blood pressure, which can help keep heart disease or a stroke at bay. Additionally, it also stimulates norepinephrine, which is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate your moods.

Additionally, there have been many studies about the positive effects of aromatherapy. Lavender is known to induce a calming sleep and can be great for stress relief. Also, you should try things like Ylang-ylang, eucalyptus, jasmine, rosemary, and peppermint.

Long Terms Solutions for Stress Relief

While there are plenty of things that you can do for quick relief, what are some things that you can do to benefit your well-being long term? For starters, your diet can have a significant impact on your mental focus and clarity.

The Ketogenic diet is all the craze. However, one of the main attributes of getting rid of processed junk foods and carbohydrate-laden meals is the effect it’s having on your brain. Many people who suffer from unease and depression notice a remarkable difference when they kick sugar to the curb.

Yoga is an exercise that helps people to learn to use their breathing techniques while bending and moving their bodies. The beautiful thing about this Eastern method is that it has helped so many people get their physical, psychological, and spiritual self in focus.

You will likely see the benefits of yoga from the first session, but if you keep going, you will reap the rewards of a well-disciplined body. While eating right and exercise are a great start to a stress-free life, there are other things you can do to get on the right path.

Learn strategies for decreasing your body’s release of stress hormones.

Final Thoughts on Stress Relief and Taking Charge of Your Life

The best way to get rid of unwanted stress is by taking charge of your life. What can you eliminate that is causing you so much pain? Do you have a hard time saying “no” to people, or do you take on more of a load than what one person can handle?

One of the most significant things you can do for yourself is to set healthy boundaries. Learn when you have had enough and need a break. Don’t be afraid to say “no” to people and to schedule a weekend get-a-way when you need it.

Life is stressful, and there is no way around it. However, you can control how you react and what you do when you are faced with circumstances that weigh you down. Start today new and fresh and make some decisions for you and your life. It’s time for you to make a change to improve your overall well-being.

Not only will you feel better, but your family will appreciate the new reduced stress version of you. Life is too precious to not enjoy every minute.

8 Things Highly Productive People Do Working From Home

April 26, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Have you recently found yourself working from home?

As you’re no doubt aware, billions of people, including you and yours, feel the impact of the COVID pandemic. Due to the massive footprint of the virus, the world has had to find new ways to do things – including how we go about our work.

We are seeing the eventual, inevitable transition from office-based to home-based, remote work. It happens amid one of the worst pandemics in modern history.

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In pre-COVID life, a small minority of individuals (around 18 percent at last count) had the good fortune of remote-based work—and its pros and cons. However, in the post-pandemic era, Remote work under fire has become a topic of heated debate, even as many continue to embrace its flexibility and productivity benefits. For most of us, it represents a new paradigm that challenges traditional work models while offering opportunities for a better work-life balance.

The transition to working from home usually goes something like this:

Phase 1:

“I’m working from home – and it’s AWESOME!!!” You then proceed to dance or do a little shimmy.

Phase 2:

“I still don’t know what I’m doing yet! But, working in my PJs is so great!” You can’t drag the tech support guy to your cube, but who cares? (That dress shirt and pajama bottoms look great by the way!)

Phase 3:

“This is pretty much like any other job without the commute. Well, and the not getting dressed thing.” Yep, it still feels like work!

Okay, so I oversimplified things a bit. We’re all different; some will fall – and stay – in love with remote work. The majority will feel indifferent, and a small minority will wish they were still in a cube. (Never understood that last group.)

For those who have only recently moved to their home base for work, you had a different – and probably, more challenging – experience. Everyone seems to be sheltered up. Nothing feels familiar. There’s uncertainty everywhere.

Not fun.

But regardless of the challenges in remote work, we can all agree that remaining productive is necessary. You may find that creating the right remote work habits could take you and your career to a whole new level of success. (The reason for this is simple. Many people are flat-out bad at working from home. More on this later.) To make sure you have all you need for your work, you may order your supplies for this popular office supplies singapore shop.

In this article, we will discuss how successful people stay productive at home. Let’s do this!

8 Things Productive People Do When Working From Home

Without further ado, here are eight things that the productive among us do when working from home.

1 – They Start Early

From presidents of nations to CEOs of major companies, it seems that most successful people – at home or anywhere else- tend to get an early start. Rising earlier than one’s counterparts seems to give an individual an “edge.”

There are, of course, practical benefits to getting up “at the crack” as well. For one thing, early risers are allotted more time to wake up and getting into their groove. The transition from sleep to wakefulness isn’t necessarily easy, so the earlier one starts the process, the better.

Second, people who get an early start are permitted some enjoyment in the morning. Most people go from the fog of sleep to rushing around within a matter of minutes. This approach tends to create a sense of inner conflict and stress that carries over to one’s work.

Making some extra time to relax and enjoy the morning tends to put one in a better state of mind. Of course, such a mindset is also much more conducive to productivity.

2 – They Limit Distractions While Working from Home

Unlike at a traditional office, there is nobody to monitor your activity. While a liberating feeling, this newfound freedom makes it all too easy to fall into the trap of endless distraction. Combine the internet, the pandora’s box of aimless distraction with poor impulse control – and we have a real problem.

It is, therefore, crucial to limit unnecessary distractions and train attention.

Concerning the former, it should go without saying that work is done in a quiet environment. Remote work is not an invitation to permit intrusions upon your workspace. You’ve still got a job to do.

Concerning the latter, now’s a good time to strengthen your attentional muscles. The cool thing is that you are already doing that to a high degree by avoiding distractions! Follow up this discipline with concentrated (though relaxed) attention to the task. Work in extended spurts with short breaks and finish what you start, always.

3 – They Approach Work The Same Way

Work is work, no matter what it takes place. That is why remote work, while satisfying the many benefits it offers, gradually loses much of its initial “Holy crap, this is awesome!” feeling.

Remote work, if done in an undisciplined manner, can feel too much like a house chore. You’ll tend to it only to get it done and out of the way. While we all get into this sort of funk, it is essential not to allow your environment to dictate overly how you approach your work.

The easiest way to avoid this is to remind yourself that you are at work consistently. While your physical location is at home, your mind should be in work mode.

4 – They Stay Active

This one is perhaps why working remotely in the COVID landscape is so hard. Many states have instituted strict “stay-at-home” orders, limiting what one can do outside the home.

Still, it’s entirely possible to venture outside from time to time. If you have a lawn, do some backyard calisthenics, yoga, or some other exercise that requires little extra space. If you have a mask (and you should), get out for a short stroll.

In short, do something to keep your body (and just as important, your mind) active and engaged. Speaking from personal experience, you’ll probably slack off in this regard on occasion because it’s so easy to stay in. That’s okay! Just get back after it!

5 – They Perform High-Value Work First Thing

If you’re an active morning bird, use this energy to prioritize and work on your most valuable tasks. Too often, workers sit down at their desks and immediately fire up their email. Unless checking your email is a mission-critical task, resist the pull.

Instead, spend this time productively by focusing on the essentials.

Follow a page out of the book of American Express’s former CEO, Kenneth Chenault, who said that the “last thing” he does before leaving work is write down three of the top things to do – and then tackle them first thing in the A.M.

6 – They Schedule Everything

It’s said that Elon Musk keeps a schedule broken up into 5-minute intervals. 5. Minutes. We’re not telling you to do something that structured. However, most successful people that we know of keep a schedule. Successful people – home workers or officegoers – measure their time and how it’s spent.

It turns out that scheduling things carries some genuine benefits. In fact, research shows that people who keep a routine tend to have lower stress levels, better mental health, less anxiety, and – this is cool – more time to relax!

7 – They Set Boundaries

As mentioned, working remotely is a new experience for most of us. For years, we’ve been able to separate our professional and personal lives – at least proximity-wise.

This separation becomes more complicated when working from home. Gone is that time buffer between leaving home and arriving at the office – and vice-versa. Gone is the physical separation between where you live your life and where you perform your work.

People who are successful in working from home are aware of this change and act accordingly. If you are to keep work going smoothly, it is necessary to set boundaries immediately – and make them known.

8 – They Keep Their Mind Right

This last one may very well be the most important.

Everyone knows that we are all dealing with an unprecedented amount of uncertainty. Some of us don’t even know when we’ll be “allowed” to leave our homes. If that’s not bad enough, there’s an unstable economy, a lack of transparency from government officials, and confusing messages about the state of public health.

Final Thoughts on Staying Productive While Working from Home

Whatever you do, keep your head up and your mind right. How you do this is up to you, though it wouldn’t be a bad idea to practice some relaxation techniques, meditation, or something else. If you prefer, try getting in a regular physical workout.

Above all else, may you and yours be safe and free from fear during these uncertain times.

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