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15 Bad Habits That Reveal a Workaholic

April 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Being a workaholic is an addiction that steals your life and joy. It is an escape from solving real problems and is rooted in more profound issues. Work addiction prevents you from the identification of the real problem and getting rid of it.

People can see workaholism as an advantage and opportunity for career growth. However, that’s not true. Work addiction prevents a person from achieving success, not only in personal life but also in work. Besides, it can have a deadly and negative impact on their health and other spheres of their life.

Like any other addiction, such as drug or alcohol addictions, you must change the behaviors. Treatment begins from admitting to the problem and development of a detailed strategy on getting rid of the habit.

Before we discuss 15 bad habits of a workaholic, we will give you the first piece of advice: don’t hesitate for a minute; start to learn everything you can about the dangers of being a workaholic and its treatment. We say that because their addiction absorbs workaholics’ minds, and it is a rare occasion when they can even realize that they are in trouble.

Here are 15 habits of workaholics which they need to change as soon as possible:

1. Maintaining an Erratic Sleep Schedule

A workaholic is likely to neglect their sleep. They work more than their work requires, or they find additional occupations for themselves. However, the lack of sleep decreases the performance of an addict and only creates an illusion of productivity.

If you noticed that you have a constant lack of sleep, you should immediately establish a healthy sleep pattern. You strive for 7 to 9 hours of sleep nightly.

You need to forbid yourself from using device screens 1 hour before going to bed. Try to sleep in complete darkness. Don’t allow anything to interrupt your sleep.

2. Improper Nutrition

If you eat fast food on the go, while you are late to somewhere and your head is busy with thoughts about your work, it can end poorly.

In addition to this, a workaholic, probably, doesn’t eat food regularly and in proper time, rather, they eat a lot for one intake. That will reflect on their well-being, through conditions of the liver, stomach, skin, ability to think, and on their weight.

To prevent all those nightmarish consequences, a workaholic must set a meal schedule. It should be no less than 5-6 sessions for food intake, and it should be spread throughout the day evenly.

3. Overworking

Whether the addict works physically, or primarily with their brain, their zeal exhausts them. While a person is young and strong, they are unable to notice their fatigue and therefore do not consider it. Nevertheless, as the years pass, their bodies will give them back the lack of care in the form of pain in bones and muscles, as well as poor performance.

You can avoid this by setting strict restrictions on work duration. According to your new rules, you will work only a certain amount of hours a day.

4. Neglected Appearance

A person that is enslaved by their work routine often doesn’t consider the way they look to the extent that they should. They wear old clothes, and their hairstyles betray their self indifference. Workaholics may want to change only in the case that it becomes an obstacle for completing their working tasks.

This habit can harm a person’s socializing. They should put improving their appearance as one of the steps in the list of things to change to stop being a workaholic.

5. Lack of Socializing

Without enough social interaction, you can fall into depression, and your life will seem meaningless. If you’re in this situation, immediately try to acquire friends or acquaintances.

To have productive and enjoyable relations with people, you need to look for soul-mate people: the ones that share the same interests in life. Your world vision has to be approximately similar.

6. Neglecting Health

Workaholics see themselves as insignificant people. They often think that it’s not a big deal if they die before getting old. They may also think that as soon as they will achieve such heights, that at least they will be able to care about their body.

The truth is that their ability to work effectively will decrease with that attitude. Start to do something to fix it: visit a therapist for a consultation. Or, at least conduct research to find advice on how to maintain your health.

7. They Don’t Reflect on Their Feelings

One of our crucial needs is to reflect on our feelings and understand them. Our psyche speaks with us and can tell us if there is something wrong in our life. It may be that you need to change something or to forgive someone, or, vice versa, to stop relations with someone for your own good.

When you are not sparing any time to sort out your feelings, you may make incorrigible errors in important decisions. Include in your schedule time during which you will spend at least 20 minutes reflecting on your inner self.

8. Neglecting Exercise or Physical Fitness

It is likely that work addicts are not doing enough to stay fit. This is especially true for those who work in the office. However, even if you are working hard as a loader in a grocery store, it doesn’t mean that all groups of your muscles are all right. Also, we shouldn’t forget about cardio exercise and other workouts in which you will develop those muscles that are not exercised while you are lifting boxes.

9. Alcohol, Drugs and Nicotine Addiction

When overloading themselves, people don’t understand that they are not robots by nature. People can’t live without relaxation and relief forever. In that manner, they begin to relax and enjoy in an unnatural way.

To stop using substances it is preferable to seek help with a specialist.

10. Neglecting Intellectual Development

When a person is devoting all their time to one function, they have no time to explore the world, to discover new ideas, or to become more versatile. Soon it will become more noticeable. They think that nothing interests them and that nothing attracts them, except for their work.

They will be deeply frustrated when their profession will not provide them enough novelty. To prevent this, start to read books 30 minutes a day minimum.

11. They Forget To Have Fun

One of our bodily needs is to spend time at ease, forgetting about our problems and laughing. You will be surprised when you see what relief and mood improvement it will give you when you will practice spending time in the atmosphere of fun and jokes, from time to time.

Thus, this strict behavior is not better than other bad habits. Your career is supposed to bring some higher satisfaction to you and others, without sacrificing your comfort. However, if you are a workaholic, you are just mocking yourself.

12. They Forget to Dream

Whey is it important to dream about the future, to imagine different variations of it, and to build plans? It may happen that you don’t really like what you currently do. By imagining yourself growing in the future, you may develop absolutely different plans of action for the following years.

13. Multitasking

While a person tries to complete as many tasks as possible, the quality may suffer. It is not good for your memory either. Don’t fall into a fuss, take only the number of projects that you can complete with quality.

To suppress this bad habit, write your priorities in a journal: what are you are going to do today in the first place, and what will you do after completing the most important tasks.

14. They Do Everything by Themselves

There are numerous benefits in a skill to work in a team. If it is in your family, it gives development to your children and prepares them for mature life. It also strengthens relationships in the family.

When you do everything by yourself, you don’t give your relatives a chance to help you. Additionally, you teach your children to be egotistical.

15. They Accept All Propositions

Something in the head of work addicts makes them see themselves as obligated always to say “yes.” It can even be harmful to their career in various ways. If you say “yes” to one thing, you are going to say “no” to another. That means that you can miss more profitable projects. When you always say “yes”, people will not evaluate you fairly.

Final Thoughts on Avoiding the Bad Habits of a Workaholic

To get rid of an addiction is a difficult task. An addict should want to be successful in recovery. However, don’t hesitate; stop wasting your energy in vain. There are so many things that you can achieve if you will free yourself from that abnormality.

Your loved ones have to support you in these attempts. You should find a good therapist to instruct you in more detail.

If it is not you, but your loved one, who needs help, you have to be patient. They can become irritated when you are trying to bring them back to real life. Your close one escaped the real world for a reason. However, if you manage to help them, they will be grateful to you in the future.

5 Posture Exercises That Can Improve Your Health

April 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

If you sit at a desk for a large portion of your day, it’s likely that your posture has begun to suffer. The most comfortable sitting and lying down positions can often cause undue harm to the body’s posture, too!

Unfortunately, concerns surrounding bad posture aren’t just about developing a hunched back over the years. Poor posture can also potentially lead to other more difficult conditions, such as chronic back pain, increased injury risk due to bad balance, and even more serious illnesses born from poor circulation.

But don’t worry! Keep your positive thinking! Even with a taxing desk job, you can keep your posture healthy and strong with a few simple poses and positions.

Here are five posture exercises that can improve your health.

1. Plank

The plank pose is great for strengthening the abdominal muscles, both on the transverse and oblique sides. It’s also great for your back and shoulders. It’s a very simple exercise and provides numerous health benefits, including:

· Posture Improvement

The strengthening of the shoulders, back, and abs will help to keep your back straight even if you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk.

· Muscle Activation

Planks activate many different muscles – more than even exercises like crunches activate!

· Flexibility Improvement

Planks help to stretch out the lower parts of your body, and overall, flexibility provides numerous positive benefits to health, especially as you age, by improving function, reducing injury risk, and bolstering strength. Here’s how to do a high plank:

1: Start in a position akin to the beginning of a push-up, with your hands slightly further apart than a shoulder’s width, placed underneath your shoulders.
2: Press your toes into the ground, keeping your body steady and balanced by activating your glutes. Make sure your knees are relaxed, not hyperextended, or locked.
3: Pick a place on the floor that is around a foot ahead of you and look in that direction to relax and neutralize the spine and neck. Keep your back straight and in a straight line with your head.
4: Maintain the position for between 20 and 30 seconds, working your way up gradually with time to holding planks for as long as possible.
5: If this is difficult for you, you can use your forearms to rest on during a plank instead of your hands and outstretched arms.

As a bonus, planks can be easily modified to make them easier or harder as desired. For example, you can:

Do side planks, which engage the oblique abdominals and arms more.
Touch your knees repeatedly on the ground as you plank, as though walking, to challenge and activate even more muscles
Add limb extensions for arms and legs to challenge and activate even more muscles.
Rest on your knees and outstretched arms while planking for an easier exercise

2. Chest Opener

Chest openers, in general, are a common type of pose in yoga, but certain chest opening exercises provide more benefits than others. Desk work can very commonly leave your spine rounded, potentially resulting in the development of certain disorders like kyphosis that limit your mobility and, ultimately, your positive thinking.

A chest opener stretches out your chest, allowing your chest muscles to become stronger, thus boosting posture and lowering the risk of future health and back pain issues. Here’s how to do a basic chest opener!

1: Start by standing straight, keeping your feet apart at hip’s width.
2: Reach your arms behind you to clasp your hands, lacing your fingers together behind your back. Your palms should be pressed together. If you can’t do this, connect your hands by grasping a towel or similar item.
3: Keep looking forward with your head lifted, and your chest opened. Maintain a straight posture, with your spine in a straight line with your head and neck.
4: Inhale and lift your chest upwards as you push your hands towards the ground and away from you behind you. You should feel the stretch on your chest.
5: Maintain the position for a count of 5 breaths. Release and repeat as desired.
6: You can also do this while sitting down on a chair, as long as you keep your back straight when you do it!

3. Cat / Cow Pose

The cat/cow pose is a common yoga pose that helps work out the whole body. It’s a great way to stretch your muscles all over the body, including in your shoulders, neck, and torso, reducing overall stress and correcting posture.

On top of that, the cat/cow combination can help boost blood circulation. Healthy blood circulation is paramount to overall health, allowing for better immunity, organ health, and muscle strength – and a positive posture can help to achieve that, while this series of poses helps boost it further! Here’s how to do the cat/cow pose:

1: Start on all fours, balancing your weight evenly on all limbs.
2: Inhale deeply, looking up as you do so. Allow your abdomen to drop downwards towards the floor and focus on stretching your spine.
3: Now, exhale deeply, tucking in your chin to look down and rest against your chest as you do so. Allow your spine to arch upwards.
4: Repeat, inhaling, and exhaling, for about 60 seconds.

Need assistance from a chair?

You can also opt to do this while sitting on a chair to make it less potentially taxing on the limbs. Here’s how:

1: Start by sitting up straight, resting your hands on your knees.
2: Inhale deeply, looking up as you do so. Allow your chest to lift and puff outwards and upwards.
3: Now, exhale deeply, tucking in your chin to look down and rest against your chest as you do so. Allow your back to round.
4: Repeat, inhaling, and exhaling, for about 60 seconds.
5: You can also opt to do this while standing, with your knees bent and hands resting on your thighs.

4. Cobra Pose

The cobra pose is another yoga pose, primarily focused on strengthening the muscles of the spine known as the erector spinae. These muscles, as well as some other lower back muscles, that the pose engages, extend the spine, and help prevent you from falling into the habit of slouching naturally.

When done correctly, the cobra pose stretches the spine and provides added strength to the lower abdominal muscles and the pelvic muscles, and your feet and legs will also receive minor benefits. All in all, there’s a lot to be gained from this pose! Here’s how to do it:

1: Start by lying on your stomach, with your legs straight behind you. Your palms and the tops of your feet should be pressed into the ground – the former resting somewhere near the ribs. You may also begin in a plank position if you’re looking for more of a challenge.
2: Exhale deeply and engage your abdominal muscles, raising them upwards and inwards towards your spinal muscles.
3: Stretch and extend your spine as you lift your chest and head off the ground or upwards from their current position. Use your back muscles, not your arms, to do this, and make sure your hips stay on the ground.
4: Relax your neck, looking down if it helps, and lower yourself back to your starting position.
5: Repeat up to five times, then gradually increase your repetitions as your body becomes stronger.
6: To make the move even harder, extend your arms next to you, elbows straight, instead of planting them beside you.

Do note that the cobra pose is not suitable for everyone.

Those with back problems, such as spondylolisthesis or any issues with the lower back and facet joints, should consult their relevant medical professional before performing this pose. Less taxing variations of the pose can be performed if desired. Examples include:

You are pushing your shoulder blades backward, down your back, to provide additional upper spinal support.
Planting your forearms on the floor instead of your hands, allowing you to rest on your arms. Keep your elbows beneath your shoulders as you do so to better control your motions.
Do a “mini” cobra pose, where you reduce the amount you lift your chest off the ground, keeping your elbows bent instead of stretching them out to full length.
Finish with a lower back stretch of a gentle nature to help balance out the muscles and relax them after the intensity of the pose.

5. Cactus Arms (Mountain Pose)

Cactus arms are taken from a variation of a yoga pose known as the Mountain Pose. The pose in question merely involves standing straight, but it has a number of variations involving arm positioning. One such variation involves the holding out of the arms out in a goalpost-like pose, so you resemble the silhouette of a cactus.

This pose is extremely simple and is a non-taxing form of exercise that virtually almost anyone can do. It’s commonly used as a warm-up pose, so it’s not a bad option to start with this exercise before moving into the other ones. Though gentle, it still has benefits, exercising your upper back muscles and arms. Here’s how to do it:

1: Start by standing or sitting with your back straight.
2: Inhaling deeply, raise your arms upwards towards the sky.
3: Exhaling deeply, bend your elbows down to a 90-degree angle in the goalpost position.
4: Pull back your elbows and lower your shoulders, as though you’re squeezing something between the blades of your shoulders. Your chest should be raised upwards as you do so.
5: Release the pose.
6: Repeat the exercise up to 10 more times.

Final Thoughts On Some Exercises That Can Improve Your Health

Good posture is important to health, and that’s why doing posture exercises can be so beneficial to you. Even if you think your posture is okay, and even if you don’t work a desk job, there’s no harm in adding these moves to your daily routine or workout. It’s better to be safe than sorry!

Of course, if you have back, joint, or similar pain issues, you should speak to a doctor or relevant medical professional first before doing any of these exercises. The chances are that if you can’t make these moves, your doctor can suggest safe ones for you!

10 Signs Someone Has Antisocial Personality Disorder

April 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

When considering the various personality disorders that plague mental health, antisocial personality disorder is by far one of the most destructive.

Not only does this mental illness affect the person who suffers from it, but it also affects anyone that is around them. The antisocial person tends to be aggressive, and they can often engage in violent behaviors.

They are also known to have a lack of consideration for anyone other than themselves. The person that suffers from this condition has trouble with anyone of authority. Sadly, their actions hurt others so that they can use that victory for their gain.

Dealing with any personality disorder is never easy. However, antisocial personalities often have symptoms that are challenging to deal with, and these behaviors can be potentially harmful.

Signs of Antisocial Personalities

Understanding antisocial personality disorders is not an easy task. Since so many mental illnesses have gray lines that are often blurred, it’s best to seek professional help to identify individual mental health needs. Here are some signs that your friend or loved one might be dealing with an antisocial personality.

1. They Are Irresponsible

Everyone has responsibilities in life. You need to have a job, pay bills, and keep your household in order. However, people with antisocial personality disorders often have a hard time doing the necessary things because they lack responsibility.

It doesn’t mean they are lazy; it just means that the disorders often give them issues with authority. No manager is going to put up with insubordination and a lack of respect for management. Therefore, so many of these people have a hard time maintaining a job.

Sadly, many of these people will look to criminal acts to make money to support themselves. They will never take responsibility for their part in a job loss. Rather, they will always blame someone else for the reasons why they had to part ways.

2. Manipulation Comes Naturally

One thing that is very noticeable in someone who has antisocial personality disorders is their charm. They must be very cunning and witty to gain favor with other people. They have developed methods over time that will help them to manipulate people and then convince them that they are trustworthy.

However, once a person gives their trust to this person, they are abused, violated, and often placed in a bad situation. The goal of the antisocial is to have their needs fulfilled, and they will use anyone they can to accomplish their desires.

The most common tactic used by someone with antisocial personality disorder is emotional blackmail. Some may play these games for the sheer joy it brings them. Consequently, they don’t form lasting relationships because people avoid them once they learn their true nature.

3. You Can’t Believe A Word They Say

Each person is born with a moral sense that helps you distinguish right from wrong. However, the antisocial person doesn’t feel the need to be honest with others. If anything, they think that they need to make up grand stories or lie about their business.

The individual with antisocial personality disorders has no problem lying. Their lies are often used to blame someone else when they are the one that committed the deed. Any way that they can deceive you for their own personal gain is not off-limits. That includes lying, cheating, stealing, or using whatever tactics they can. No matter how much it seems like they like you, they will use your relationship for their gain.

4. Risky Behaviors Cause Great Trouble

Taking risks is part of life. It’s a gamble to buy a home, switch jobs, or start a family. A person with normal thought processes will evaluate the potential reward alongside the risk.

Consequently, the antisocial will take any risk that is given to them, even if it means they get a small reward for the action. If the risk involves criminal activity, they won’t even give it a second thought.

It’s very common for the person with antisocial personality disorders to have many altercations with law enforcement due to their drive to walk on the wild side.

5. They Display No Remorse for Their Actions

There are specific rules that you must follow to live and function well in society. However, the antisocial doesn’t think the rules apply to them. Forget treating each other with respect and kindness.

Since the antisocial doesn’t have any remorse for their actions, it makes it easier for them to harm others. Everything they do is for their gain, and they don’t care who they must hurt to get what they want.

Many people feel that they are getting through or helping this individual, but the truth is they are just being used as another pawn in their game.

6. Substance Abuse is Commonplace in People with Antisocial Personality Disorder

It’s not uncommon for the antisocial to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. They have little self-control when it comes to these vices. Remember, they are risk-takers, and they have a lack of responsibilities, so they have no issue abusing substances that make them feel good.

These people often have severe financial problems because they will drug seek and usually don’t have a steady source of income. They will do anything to get that next fix, even if it means committing criminal acts.

7. Their Criminal Records Might Be Extensive

Since they have no respect for authority, gladly break the rules, have a challenging time finding gainful employment, and have a desire to self-medicate, it’s easy to see why the antisocial has problems with the law. Most will have a significant rap sheet because of their many incidents.

Additionally, they don’t think of the consequences of their actions, or they don’t care. If their actions bring you down with them, they will have no remorse for bringing you into their ploy. They feel that they are above the law. When they are caught, don’t look for them to admit to any wrongdoing, either. They may become a little paranoid thinking everyone is against them even when they are guilty.

8. They Can’t Have Healthy Relationships

Finding the right partner is often difficult. However, most people eventually stumble on to the person that completes them. Relationships are difficult to manage, but they are worth the effort.

The antisocial person is prone to have unhealthy relationships. Since they have no issue with lying and using manipulation, even on the person they love, it can cause a real wedge in the union.

Additionally, most people aren’t going to put up with someone who is always in trouble with the law, has substance abuse issues, is dishonest, and can be abusive. It doesn’t make for a match made in heaven.

9. A Person with Antisocial Personality Disorder Is Impulsive

It’s fun to be impulsive on occasion. Some of the greatest experiences in life are those that involve spontaneity. These little breaks from life can open the door to making lasting memories.

Sadly, if a person acts spontaneously and has no reserve, then it can get them into some dangerous situations. People with antisocial personality disorders often live for those impulsive moments. They have no problem jumping headfirst into dangerous situations without even thinking about the outcomes.

Due to their highly impulsive nature, they will have no issue with standing right in harm’s way and facing fear in the eyes. These people are fearless.

10. They Display Constant Hostility and Aggression

The exact nature of the antisocial person is hostile and aggressive. Nevertheless, they do know how to turn on the charm so that they can get what they want. Another problem with these people is that they are easily agitated.

They operate under extreme levels of irritability, which makes those around them walk on eggshells. They are highly arrogant and overinflate their abilities. Due to their aggressive nature, it’s not uncommon for them to be violent when provoked.

Because these people are difficult to reason with, they often turn to violence to resolve issues. Going into public places is often quite disastrous as they can quickly become defensive and aggressive should even the smallest issue arise.

Final Thoughts on Antisocial Personality Disorder

Getting help for the antisocial personality is not easy. It takes a well-trained therapist that has dealt with this type of personality disorder extensively to be able to help. Coping strategies can be formed when a person is willing to accept that they have a problem, which many of these people don’t see.

It’s not uncommon for the antisocial to have stints in the mental hospital, jail, or even a medical center due to their risk-taking and other problems. However, this condition can be managed with proper coping strategies and or medications. Many herbs can be used to treat the imbalance of chemicals that lies at the crux of the problem.

Life with a person who struggles with antisocial personality disorder is never easy and having any relationship can be problematic. It’s best to engage in professional help at the first signs of trouble to prevent further issues with the law and in life.

Psychology Explains How Social Distancing Affects Your Mental Health

April 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

With the current world situation, we’ve heard the term “social distancing” a lot. The global pandemic resulted in many people having to stay indoors, obeying new regulations put in place to curb the spread of disease.

If you’ve been on the Internet at all during this time – which you likely have! – then you’ll already know that there have been mixed responses to these new regulations. Notably, as happens to most current events when taken to an Internet space, there have been lots of jokes and memes surrounding social distancing.

More seriously, different people have different thoughts about social distancing. Some people are happy to obey the rules as they know it will keep everyone safe. Others are unsure if it will actually be effective. And, of course, the majority of people know that it’s what’s best, but are concerned about possible negative effects.

Unfortunately, social distancing, while needed, is not without its share of downsides. For those unused to isolation, it can potentially have severe effects on mental health – and that’s excluding the stress and anxiety that comes with living in a turbulent time, to begin with. Here’s how psychology explains how social distancing affects your mental health.

How Social Distancing Impacts Mental Health

1. What Is Social Distancing?

Social distancing refers to the act of reducing direct human-to-human interaction by increasing the amount of space between each individual. This can be done in a few ways, depending on the severity of the threat faced.

In some cases, social distancing can just be about keeping a relative distance and being more careful about contact with others. In more severe cases, social distancing works hand-in-hand with government mandates that involve much more strict developments. Social distancing, and its more severe forms, may involve:

Standing apart from others at a 5-foot or higher distance, especially in public areas and while waiting in lines
Limiting the number of people allowed into a location at a time
Limiting the number of people allowed to travel per vehicle
Introducing remote options for work and education
Imposing curfews
Closing establishments and locations that typically contain a relatively high number of people, such as eateries or swimming pools
Banning gatherings of a certain amount of people or higher
Stopping all services apart from essential services
Enforcing movement restriction orders
Enforcing full lockdowns that prevent individuals from leaving their homes

At the time of writing, a majority of the world is practicing social distancing due to a pandemic. This is, of course, to keep each person safe and prevent a further spread of a dangerous disease, and in the case of contagious diseases, it’s very necessary.

Despite its importance, social distancing does raise a few concerns. While it is absolutely crucial that those in affected areas follow social distancing rules and laws, it is also worth thinking about the possible effects that these very needed rules can have on individual health.

2. How Social Distancing Affects Your Mental Health

· Stress and Anxiety

When you’re locked up indoors and unable to contact anyone closely, it can lead to heightened feelings of anxiety, stress, and fear. This is especially true when social distancing is accompanied by anxiety-inducing circumstances, such as a pandemic.

· Depression

A lack of socializing is one of the factors in depressive risk. In fact, many people who do have depression benefit from social activities, as they boost their social skills, increase feel-good hormone production, and promote positive thinking. Being forced not to socialize can, then, have the opposite effect.

· Motivation and Productivity

For those who are used to going outdoors regularly, being stuck social distancing without close contact with people they know can negatively affect their ability to work. They may find their productivity slipping or be unable to drum up positive motivation.

· Trauma

When social distancing is attached to a traumatic time worldwide, it can result in symptoms of trauma developing, sometimes to the point of PTSD. Someone may become frightened or develop an emotional link to being alone or bad news due to the severity of the pain they experienced during their isolation.

· Anger

Anger is a secondary emotion, born out of a protective mechanism. The brain attempts to protect itself from the pain of the primary emotion, such as fear or sadness and turns it into anger. This can be difficult to manage, as it is not the emotion at its most base.

· Turning To Vices

When someone is dealing with mental health trouble, they are more likely to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. This can include drinking alcohol, smoking, or simply engaging in non-sustainable or toxic methods to deal with a number of emotions.

· Cognitive Strength

Long-term social distancing could have severe and potentially permanent degenerative effects on the brain, especially in older individuals. Socializing can help to keep the brain sharp and active as one ages, whereas a lack of it can speed up degeneration.

3. Studies Done Into Mental Health In Social Distancing

Here are a number of studies that make clear the dangers social distancing and isolation can cause:

“The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: a rapid review of the evidence”

This paper was published in The Lancet in February 2020. It shows that among 2,760 individuals in a quarantined situation during an outbreak of equine flu, 34% experienced higher amounts of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress on the whole. For those not in quarantine, the percentage of those with decreased positive thinking dropped to 12%.

“SARS control and psychological effects of quarantine, Toronto, Canada“

This paper was published in the Emerging Infectious Diseases journal in July 2004. It examined the impact of 129 individuals who were quarantined in Toronto, Canada during the SARS outbreak. PTSD symptoms were seen in 28.9% of them, and 31.2% of them showed signs of depression. PTSD symptoms became more prevalent with longer quarantine durations.

“Mental health status of people isolated due to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome”

This paper was published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health in November 2016. The paper investigated 1,692 individuals who were isolated due to MERS after being in contact with those who contracted MERS. Among the 1,656 who did not end up testing positive for MERS, 16.6% expressed feelings of anger and 7.6% displayed anxiety symptoms. Even half a year later, 6.4% still had those angry feelings and 3% still had symptoms of anxiety.

“Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review“

This paper was published in the Perspectives on Psychological Science journal in March 2015. The study found that those living in social isolation had a 29% increased mortality rate, while those experiencing loneliness had a 26% increase and those living alone had a 32% increase.

“Psychological well-being in elderly adults with extraordinary episodic memory”

This paper was published in the PLOS One journal in October 2017. It showed that those who age with better psychological wellbeing tend to have positive and fulfilling social circles.

There are also studies that clearly indicate how social interaction can promote better health and overall. Multiple research papers and experts have revealed that direct social interaction, such as touching, hugging, holding hands, and even being in another person’s close company, and do things like lower blood pressure, reduce disease risk, and improve overall wellbeing.

4. How The Most At-Risk Groups Are Even More At Risk

Sadly, groups who are already at-risk become even more at risk during these times. For example, older individuals are more at risk of complications from disease and have a higher mortality rate when contracting a virus, but social distancing already puts even more of them at risk.

Older individuals typically have less day-to-day socialization regardless of social distancing mandates. Almost 25% of all elderly individuals aged 65 and over experience some degree of social isolation, typically meaning that they already have few interactions with other individuals. Among this group, 40% of those aged 60 or older say that they feel lonely, too. This means that the elderly are already suffering ill-effects from social isolation, and social distancing can make it much worse.

In addition, the elderly, very young, immunocompromised, and those with underlying conditions are already quite at risk for developing complications from the disease. These individuals are also more likely to need medical care that is unrelated to a pandemic, and in isolation, they could have difficulty receiving it. This is made worse by the fact that they will likely also have trouble finding safe healthcare when all medical workers are busy, and being exposed to a hospital environment could potentially increase the risk of contracting diseases.

Meet five older people who survived the coronavirus.

5. Tips To Cope With Social Distancing

If you are in a situation where you have to socially isolate, you’ll likely be concerned for your mental health and emotional wellbeing. Here are some tips to keep your positive thinking up during these trying times:

Develop a daily routine. This will help things feel more in control.
Take advantage of technology. Reach out to loved ones, plan “hangouts” on group video chat platforms with friends, and stay active in online communities.
Exercise regularly. Make sure you get a good amount of physical activity. Even simply walking around your house is better than sitting all day.
Keep your mind busy. Read books, learn new things, take the time to go back to an old hobby, or play games.
Maintain good hygiene. You’ll feel much better if and when you’re clean.
Try mindfulness meditation. You will find plenty of videos to follow online!
If you live with others, balance time with them and time alone well.

During lockdown, many people around the world are helping provide children with entertainments via teddy bear hunts.

Final Thoughts On How Social Distancing Affects Your Mental Health

Social distancing can be difficult, especially people separated from loved ones or whose normal relaxation and coping mechanisms have been disrupted. It can be tough to manage the isolation, no matter how necessary you know it is.

If you are experiencing severe adverse mental effects from social distancing, remember that you are not alone. In times like these, multiple mental health aid hotlines and live chatrooms are available online, and there are also plenty of online communities of people who are going through the same thing. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help!

In addition, don’t discount the help that can come from those you love or care about. If you live alone, you can contact the people you love with all the wonders that the Internet has to offer. Plus, they will also be very happy to hear from you now and then as they try to manage their own social isolation. Social distancing often comes with frightening times, but when you realize you’re not alone, it can get much easier to weather the trying times.

Experts Explain 6 Reasons To Stop Proving Yourself To Others

April 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The world we live in can be competitive. It’s like a big race, with everyone scrambling to get to their destination first, no matter the cost. It can all be very overwhelming, and it’s easy to get swept up in that mindset. Spending energy proving yourself to others becomes a drain on your psyche.

This mindset often involves acts designed to impress others. As you compare yourself to your peers and strive to do well in the eyes of your superiors, you may feel as though you must prove yourself worthy to the people around you.

But your worth isn’t dictated by how well you play the part of “being proven.” If anything, it’s quite the opposite. Your value is something you inherently have and that you build upon, regardless of what everyone says about you.

Still, resisting the pull of society’s self-worth traps can be difficult. If you need more convincing, you’ve come to the right place. Here are six reasons why you should stop proving yourself to others.

6 Reasons to Stop Proving Yourself to Others

1. Societal Norms Don’t Have To Dictate Your Life

Societal norms rule the world, just as their name suggests. They’re the norms that we accept as standard, even when they shouldn’t be. Some criteria may be helpful, but many of them are restrictive, and when we’re expected to prove ourselves, we often follow those patterns. Here’s why that’s unhelpful:

· A Lot Of Ideas Of Worth Are Materialistic

Typical indicators of success can be quite materialistic. People may attempt to measure your worth based on your possessions or wealth. However, the facts are simple – these items matter very little when it comes to your worth!

· People Will Think They’re Above You No Matter Where You Go

No matter where you wind up in the world, there will be people who act like they are above you. Spending your life trying to prove yourself to people is essentially setting yourself up for failure from the get-go. Why give in to their flawed ideas when you can make your way?

· You Can’t Please Everyone

It is impossible to please all people, and it is even more impossible to please society. Society asks different things every day and multiple contradictory ideas at the same time. It is simply not possible to please the world, so learn when it’s best to walk away and stop wasting your time.

2. Failure And Falling Behind Are Part Of Success

People often say that failure is a stepping stone to success, but few realize the full extent of how true that is. Until you learn what doesn’t work, and until you’ve learned from experiences, your chances of having anything more than fleeting success are slim. Failure can have a substantial positive effect on your future trajectory for success, provided that you learn from it!

On top of that, let’s not forget that human beings are, in general, ever-changing. This transformation means that you’ll go through all sorts of different situations in your life in your journey, and during some of them, you will be wrong, and you will find yourself struggling.

That’s all just part of the overall process. Striving for constant perfection is unrealistic and unhealthy. Plus, it can cause you to be so afraid of failure that you stop taking risks and give up on trying. Learning to embrace failure and accept that it’s going to have to be a part of your life allows you to find silver livings and positive thinking, even in less-than-ideal times.

3. Your Life Is About You

Your life is yours and yours alone. It’s for you to decide all its intricacies, and while you can listen to the advice and input of others, they should not have the ability to dictate the result. It’s fine to keep in mind outside assistance as long as it doesn’t control your entire life – because your life only belongs to you! Consider these points:

· You Get To Define Yourself

No one has the right to judge you or decide what you are. It’s your privilege and responsibility to define yourself. Consider your values, your opinions, and your goals, and think about who you want to be. No one can take that from you.

· You Have To Deal With The End Result Of Your Actions

Let’s say someone is being especially tedious about trying to make you do what they want. Before you give in, stop and think about it. This person’s life is separate from yours. At the end of the day, you’re the only one who has to deal with the end result of what you do in most cases. If this doesn’t affect them, why should you listen to them first over your thoughts?

· It’s Really No One’s Business

Plenty of people like to poke their noses in the business of other people. If someone’s doing that to you, remember that they aren’t entitled to that privilege. They can think what they want, but so can you. It’s your life, and therefore you get to decide who influences it.

Here are some great quotes to positive thinking.

4. Everyone Is Different And Complex

People are unique. They come from all walks of life. As such, it’s impossible to keep proving yourself as each person you meet will have a different set of experiences, beliefs, and opinions. The complexity of humankind is such that proving yourself to them is a futile task. Here’s why:

· What Works For Others May Not Work For You

Sometimes, you may feel tempted to prove yourself by showing someone that you can do what they do. The issue is that you may get a completely different result than them, even if you imitate them completely! Things that work for other people may simply fail to cut it for you because of how different each individual can be.

· Others Can Project Onto You

People who you want to prove yourself to may just be projecting their thoughts and insecurities onto you. It’s not that they genuinely, with their entire being, believe you should be better – it’s that they can’t stop themselves from using you as their reflection or canvas. Proving yourself to anyone like that would be pointless!

· You Don’t Know What Others Are Thinking Or Doing

Caring so much what other people think is a risky game because you can never tell for sure what’s going on in their heads. Do they have ulterior motives? Are they manipulating you? Are they trying to change you? If you don’t know their motives, it’s tough to follow through.

· People Change, Often

People constantly grow, change, and evolve. Plenty of philosophers have even stated that the world and our selves are constantly changing in a “flux” of sorts. This means people’s thoughts and opinions of you and what you do will change over time, so why bother proving yourself when they’ll likely want something different soon? This also speaks of something to fill you with positive thinking: even if you aren’t happy with yourself now, you can transform yourself naturally, however you wish.

5. The People Who Matter Don’t Need You To Prove Yourself

The people in your life who are worth proving yourself to are often, ironically, the people who don’t want you to prove yourself to them. They care for you, trust you, and even love you for who you are, and they would never want or need you to change or act differently just to “pass” in their eyes.

These people would never expect you to change who you are, but they would also never stifle your growth. You would be able to quickly improve and develop over time, and these people will always stick by you – though they will call you out for wrong or harmful actions, of course!

Besides, after you realize all of that, you’ll likely realize something else – most people aren’t as concerned with your shortcomings as you think. So put on that positive thinking! People are often too worried about their selves to focus so much on the people around them.

6. Only You Have The Power

The power to control your life is 100% in your hands. No one can take that from you. This ability comes with its fair share of urgency, and that can be scary, but it’s also a powerful and beautiful thing. Here are some things to consider:

· You Are Responsible For Your Life

All the situations you have ever been in have one thing in common: you. You have the responsibility to realize your urgency and ability to control your behavior, actions, how you react, and what you do next. No matter what, you have the power to do something about the situation you’re in. Why should you spend your time proving yourself when you have all that ability within you?

· You Know The Path You Want To Walk

You are the only person in the whole world who really, truly knows what path you want to walk. The people who you want to impress have no idea what your true desires are, so why waste the effort trying to show off to them? Take steps that make sense with your goals instead.

· You Determine Your Abilities

It’s your choice on how to spend your energy and time. This leads to the skills you pick up, the achievements you reach, and your overall positive steps forward. Those around you who you want to prove yourself to don’t have any power over what you’re capable of.

· You Deserve To Be True To Yourself

Proving yourself to others can often involve a degree of fakeness. But that’s unfair to the great person you are. Even if it’s frightening, don’t be afraid to be yourself and speak your truth. Others may not agree with you, but wasting your time on proving yourself to them would be a disservice to yourself!

You hold the power to choose a negative or positive path in life. Choose positivity!

Final Thoughts On Some Reasons Why You Should Stop Proving Yourself To Others

No one has any right to change you or dictate who you’ll become or how your life will be. So be confident in your identity and stop trying to prove yourself to others. Hinging your self-worth and success on the thoughts of others is unhealthy and ultimately ineffective.

So hold your head high, grab the opportunities you want, and don’t let anyone tell you that who you are is wrong. It can be difficult at first, but don’t worry; eventually, your actions will speak for themselves!

7 Ways to Discover Peace In A Crazy World

April 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

As life goes on, many of us just want to discover our peace in this crazy world. We look around at all the misfortune and injustice that happens and wish we could just snap our fingers and make it all go away. However, in attempting to find peace outside ourselves, we will always feel disappointed. Peace in one’s heart comes from accepting life and learning to ride the waves.

If we all found peace within ourselves, life wouldn’t have so many pitfalls. If you think about it, the lack of peace comes from some sort of imbalance within ourselves. As a collective, we create realities from our minds and thoughts. So, if we want a more peaceful world overall, we must conquer any beliefs we hold that contradict the truth we want to experience.

You have more control over your life than you think. Keeping this in mind, we have some tips for you about how to find your inner peace below.

“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” —Wayne W. Dyer

Here are seven ways to discover peace in a crazy world:

1 – Respond rather than react.

If you want to discover peace in a crazy world, you can’t let every little thing that happens get under your skin. Eastern religions teach that we should have composure in all circumstances in life so as not to let them control us. If you react to every situation life throws at you, whether negative or positive, your emotional and mental state will remain imbalanced.

In other words, you will remain a victim of life rather than a master of it. By keeping your composure in both challenging and joyous times, you will be able to respond rather than react. Life inevitably comes with ups and downs. However, if you can ride the waves instead of letting them pull you under, you’ll come out on top every time.

Most people only feel peace when things go their way. The second anything unpleasant or traumatic happens, they lose their cool and allow life’s turbulence to drown them. Indian philosopher and speaker Jiddu Krishnamurti said it best, “This is my secret. I don’t mind what happens.”

This statement doesn’t mean you should have a heartless, stoic approach to life. It simply means you won’t allow life’s ever-changing circumstances to control your emotions.

2 – Accept life rather than fight against it.

Expanding upon the above point, you can discover peace by accepting your circumstances. No matter if you have your dream home, job, or car yet, you can still find happiness in the now. If you have a roof over your head, a family who loves you, food and water, and clothes on your back, you have a lot to give thanks for.

Most people feel discomfort and anxiety because they always fight against life. They don’t feel inner peace because they give all their energy to worrying, ruminating, or in some way, removing themselves from the present moment. What we resist persists, so if you feel any tension in you, choose to release it and feel the peace wash over you.

Once you’ve accepted your situation, you can choose your next step with a clear head. By releasing those pent up emotions, you’ll find it much easier to discover your intuition, which will help guide the way.

3 – Meditate and go within.

Scientists have been studying the benefits of meditation for decades now and have discovered some profound facts about it. Meditation simply means training your attention and awareness by using your breath to control bodily energy. Eastern religions practice meditation daily as a part of their devotion to a higher power. Of course, you needn’t have a religion to engage in the practice.

It offers benefits to everyone, and you can start at any time. From beginners to advanced devotees, meditation can bring about life-changing results. Here are a few benefits of meditation, all backed by science:

Reduces stress
Lessens anxiety
Promotes emotional well-being and balance
Heightens self-awareness and intuition
Lengthens attention span
Improves memory
Helps increase kind feelings toward self and others
Improves sleep quality
Helps curb addictions
Decreases blood pressure and heart rate
Lessens pain response

4 – Make your home your sanctuary.

If you have a peaceful environment to come home to, this will help ward off stress and anxiety about life. By surrounding yourself with plants, soothing music, beautiful, inspiring art, and other peace-promoting objects, you will find tranquility in your immediate environment. Eliminate anything that disturbs your inner calm, whether that means getting rid of unnecessary clutter, turning off the news, or throwing out unhealthy foods.

If you turn your home into a sanctuary, you can always look forward to returning after a stressful day. Maintain a calm environment at home, and this will help facilitate peaceful feelings in your heart and mind.

5 – Watch the company you keep.

No one likes to surround themselves with negative people, but we all know someone in our lives, which tends to bring us down more often than not. Pay attention to your close friends and notice how you feel around them. If you leave feeling drained and overwhelmed after hanging out with them, you should reevaluate your friendship with them.

Friends should uplift and inspire you, so if they tend to lower your mood the majority of the time, ask yourself why you continue to hang out with them. Friends should also add value to your life in some way. If you want to discover peace in a crazy world, start by distancing yourself from people who don’t bring out the best in you.

6 – Discover peace by getting out in nature.

We evolved over thousands of years by remaining in touch with our natural environment. Unfortunately, many diseases had surfaced when we started removing ourselves from nature and shifting to a modern, technology-driven world. While modern conveniences have made our lives easier in many ways, they’ve also cut off our connection to our natural environment.

Studies show how nature can restore peace and calm in our lives. When we surround ourselves with woods, streams, or natural scenery, our minds immediately start to calm down. In our modern world, our attention continually flits from one stimulus to another. However, the peacefulness found in nature allows our minds to drift slowly from one scene to another.

The slower pace of life in nature can help you discover peace in this crazy world. It can also help ward off depression and negative thinking. Science shows that spending 90 minutes walking in nature reduces activity in the part of the brain associated with negative rumination.

7 – Listen to others’ problems without taking them on as your own.

The moment we take on other people’s problems, our peace gets snatched away from us. We can give empathy to others without absorbing their energy or taking it on as our own. Many empaths have a hard time differentiating between their energy and others, but having a boundary is vital to preserving inner peace.

If you find that people come up to you often to divulge their problems, simply listen without giving too much of your energy. By allowing circumstances outside yourself to dictate your emotions, peace will always evade you. However, if you take whatever life throws at you and maintain a balanced disposition, you will have more energy and resources to help other people.

Here are some ways you can provide love and support to others without becoming overwhelmed:

Give them advice, but don’t get too wrapped up in their stories.
Suggest other resources to them, such as counselors or meditation programs.
Make time for your self-care, because you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Don’t give more of yourself away than you can afford. In other words, if you have a lot on your plate right now, perhaps focus more on yourself than others. This practice isn’t selfish; it’s sometimes necessary to strike a balance.
Remind them that sometimes life throws us curveballs, but that doesn’t mean things will remain difficult forever.

Final thoughts about how to discover peace in a crazy world

We all want inner peace, happiness, and fulfillment; however, without the hard times, we wouldn’t appreciate the easy ones as much. In our reality, we must have both the dark and the light; otherwise, we wouldn’t exist. So next time you feel frazzled and overwhelmed by life, just remember that the hard times don’t last forever, and you will see better days.

If you want to maintain peace even in the more difficult times, just remember that you can choose how you respond to situations outside your control. Accept rather than fight against life. Meditate to keep your emotional composure. Make your home cozy and peaceful, and don’t allow people into your life who disturb your peace. Finally, make time for nature and help others without taking on their problems as your own. Do these things, and you will find that peace you have been searching for.

10 Ways Find Your Spirit Animal

April 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Our spirit animal is one of the most critical and influential spiritual forces in our lives. They act as a specific guide to help us cope with things going on in the world and find our unique spiritual path. Native Americans included these beings on animal totems, honoring their significance in life.

Everyone has a unique guide, and your guide can change throughout your life. It’s good to check in with the spiritual world regularly. Once you discover your animal guide, prepare for significant changes in your life, happiness, and health!

Mystical animals are deeply steeped in many ancient traditions, including Native American practices. Even the scientific community concedes that animals may have souls and be far more divine than we think. Divine animals can help us on our journey, but how can we identify them?

Fortunately, there are a few helpful tips and tricks that will allow you to discover your unique spirit animal and enrich your life in positive and exciting ways!

10 Ways to Help Your Spirit Animal Reveal Itself

Here’s what it means if you often see frogs.

1 – Consider Your Favorite Animals–One is Your Spirit Animal

What type of animal do you find yourself drawn to? Are you surrounded by specific animal totems or types of jewelry? Identifying what animals you feel a kinship with will allow you to explore just what divinity has in store for you.

If you are attracted to a specific type of animal, your subconscious is giving you a compelling clue that connects deeply with your divine guide. Listen to it.

2 – See What Manifests In Your Dreams

Dreams provide us with an abundance of useful information, and we should never ignore their signs. Often, animals will appear in our thoughts.

Never ignore these nighttime manifestations. They might hold the key to your real spirit animal. If a specific creature keeps appearing in your dreams, particularly in a helpful way, it’s time to consider the fact that they might be intrinsically tied to you spiritually.

Common Animals That Appear In Dreams

Cats
Snakes
Dogs
Frogs
Wolves
Crows
Butterflies
Bears

3 – Pay Attention To Your Surroundings

Your animal guide might not only appear to you in dreams but in real life as well! Pay attention to your surroundings and make a special note of any animal that frequently crosses your path.

The animal can appear in your physical space, or represented in various forms of entertainment or art. For example, if you start seeing Blue Jays everywhere and then run into someone wearing a blue jay on a baseball hat, it could be a sign that the universe is trying to tell you something.

Don’t go searching for connections. They will make themselves evident to you. Simply be open to the possibility that the spirits are trying to communicate with you and listen to their message.

4 – Meditate On Your Spirit Animal

Meditation can unlock the doors of the spiritual realm and give us access to fresh ideas, thoughts, and paths that we never thought we had before. Whenever you want to embark on a new spiritual journey or have a question about the world beyond, meditation is a fantastic practice.

The biggest key to meditation is to be receptive to what the universe is trying to tell you. Don’t force it. Allow your body to leave this plane and invite your spirit animal to communicate with you.

You might not get the specific answers that you are looking for through meditation, and that’s okay. Sometimes the universe gives us puzzle pieces, and we need to put them together in due time. Be patient and receptive, and you will get the answers you seek.

5 – Listen To Your Intuition

Have you ever had that feeling where you just knew the answer to something? It could be a situation where, despite all of the evidence, you just knew inside of your bones what was real.

Our intuition is a powerful tool, and we don’t use it as often as we should in the modern world. If you feel an inevitable pull towards a type of animal, or have this familiar feeling that you just can’t shake, the universe is trying to tell you something important.

6 – Ask Your Spirit Animal To Reveal Itself

Sometimes the universe responds to direct questions, so there’s no harm in asking your spirit animal to reveal itself.

Your guide may or may not manifest in a mental image, physical appearance, or another telltale way, but you will have lost nothing by merely asking the question. It is not rude or invasive to be direct, but if you don’t get the answer you want, stop pushing. When you are ready to know, the universe will make the truth evident to you.

Once you ask the question, be on the lookout for the answer. Your divine animal can reveal itself in many different unconventional ways. If you see a creature from an animal totem and feel an instant pull towards it, you have your answer.

7 – Start Journaling Regularly

We know that journaling is a powerful way of manifesting your reality and can bring you amazing results rapidly and with high accuracy.

Journaling is a fantastic way to allow yourself to let go of the conventional trappings of this world and experience the divine on a whole new level. Don’t try to control the flow; simply write down anything that comes to your mind.

When you read through your journals, look for specific patterns. If an animal appears several times in your writing, this could be a huge clue that they play a significant role in your life and might even be a friendly spiritual guide!

8 – Think Of Animal Totems In Your Family Line

Totems are historically powerful symbols that are carried down through family lines. Many families and cultures have an animal totem weaved into their folklore, family stories, or art.

Your guide might not necessarily link up with this animal totem, but it could be related to it. Pay attention to the animals that are significant to you and your family, and you’ll get a clue as to who your mystical animal guide may be!

Additionally, astrology could hold the key to who your particular animal is. Understanding your animal sign is an excellent first step to uncovering who your real guide is.

9 – Be Aware Of Any Peculiar Animal Behavior

It’s possible that you may encounter your animal guide in real life. If this happens, count yourself exceptionally lucky to have had such a real-life brush with the spirit world.

Pay attention to animals behaving strangely around you. If an animal seems very familiar or is not afraid of you when it usually would be, you might be having a spiritual experience.

Of course, you should never approach a wild animal, but you can observe its behavior from a safe distance. Make sure that you document instances where animals behave strangely around you and look for patterns.

10 – Go Outside for Inspiration

The natural world is our most prominent link to the divine and has several restorative qualities that can help us stay centered and healthy.

Nature is also full of representatives from the animal kingdom, as well as a direct line to Mother Earth herself. If you want to experience spiritual fulfillment or get a jump on a new page in your development, it’s time to take a walk outside.

The best way to avoid distractions and make the most of your experience is to go alone. You will be able to plug into what the natural world is telling you. Keep your eyes peeled for curious creatures, and remember, they might not be large animals.

Butterflies are common spirit animals. These creatures represent transformation and grace, as well as rebirth. If you find yourself in a swarm of beautiful butterflies, get ready for an exciting new chapter in your life.

You can choose any type of nature activity that you would like. There are no wrong answers. Simply get outside and prepare to be impressed and amazed by the bounty that the divine world has to offer you.

Final Thoughts on Identifying Your Spirit Animal

Finding your spirit animal can seem like a daunting task, but it’s just a matter of being motivated to take the plunge, and being receptive to what the spiritual world has to show you.

Your spirit animal can help you tremendously through your life. They can act as an ally during dark times, provide guidance, and allow you to experience spiritual growth fully. By taking the steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to shed some light on who your particular animal is.

Once you’ve identified your guide, you will be able to communicate with them and use them as a resource. You will find that you’ll start to see physical manifestations of this animal everywhere and that you seem to move through the world with more ease and grace.

Why not tap into your full spiritual power? It’s time to start your journey today and become more aware, intuitive, and in control of your destiny.

Is Your Partner Manipulative of Your Emotions? Here’s How To Move On

April 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Emotional manipulation and abuse are insidious and often go unnoticed for long periods of time in a relationship. Some of the signs can be very difficult to see, especially if you are in love with your partner and have a hard time seeing their shortcomings.

You may believe that abusive relationships only mean that one partner is physically harming the other, and that they are obvious and easy to see, or that abusive partners are always outwardly angry and mean. This is not at all the case though, emotionally manipulative people often appear charming, kind, and extremely loving, and the abuse all occurs just below the surface.

Here is a list of 10 signs you may have a manipulative partner:

1. Constant Criticism

According to an article from Psychology Today, if your partner is constantly criticizing your looks, personality, friends, or actions, they may be trying to break down your self esteem in order to better manipulate your emotions. The most insidious part of this kind of manipulative behavior is that it will often be framed as a way to help you be better.

2. Guilt

Another sign of a manipulative partner is that they constantly make you feel guilty about all kinds of things. For example, if you want to hang out with your friends, your partner may insist on staying home alone. But after a little while, they will begin calling or texting you constantly, saying things like “I hope you’re having fun without me” or, “wow it must be great to be out with friends while I’m here all alone”.

3. Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a form of manipulative behavior in which your partner will try to make you feel like you are crazy. They will achieve this by making you question your own reality, and insisting things were said that never were. This form of abuse is usually not obvious, and the abuser will do it as subtly as possible so they can use it against you later.

4. Jealousy and Paranoia

If your partner is overly jealous or constantly questioning your fidelity in the relationship, it is probably a manipulation tactic. Oftentimes, this jealousy will come in the form of suspicion towards all of your friends and family, and controlling behavior such as telling you who you can and cannot spend time with.

5. Putting You in Debt to Them

This debt can take the form of financial, emotional, or task-related. In order to keep you under their thumb, and emotionally manipulative partner will ensure you constantly owe them for something. It will often seem as if they cannot do anything for you without expecting something in return, or they are always referencing things they’ve done for you in the past in order to get you to give them something that they want.

6. Spying and Snooping

If your partner requires constant disclosure of your activities and private belongings, it is probably a sign of manipulation. Some things to look out for include demanding to see texts, looking through your personal belongings, and constantly requiring knowledge of where you are at when you aren’t at home.

7. Diminishing Your Problems

A manipulative person will try to make it seem like their problems are more worthy of sympathy than yours. They will discourage you from talking about your problems, or rush through it in order to begin telling you about theirs and seeking out sympathy.

8. Threats

One of the telltale signs of emotional manipulation is when your partner threatens to harm themselves if you leave. Through threatening suicide or self harm, they can make it more difficult to get out of the relationship.

9. Making Acceptance Conditional

If your partner makes it seem like they can only love you under their own conditions, they are probably manipulating you. Abusers will say things such as “I could be more attracted to you if you lost a few pounds”, this is their way of molding you to fit the exact partner they want.

10. Making You Feel Unworthy

Manipulative partners will oftentimes make you feel as if you don’t deserve someone as wonderful as them. If your partner makes you feel this way, chances are they are an abusive narcissist who puts their own self importance above your happiness.

If you believe you are being emotionally manipulated, remember you can get out. You are worthy of love, and oftentimes your abusers threats are empty. Watch out for these ten signs, and if you begin seeing them, there is a good chance your partner is controlling of your emotions. Keep a good support network and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1u8qaermPc

20 Loving Quotes Every Parent Should Share with Their Children

April 21, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The love a parent feels for their children doesn’t compare to any other, as these loving quotes attempt to explain. It’s a love that’s hard to put into words, and can only be understood by those who have felt it.

When you’re trying to explain this love to a child, it may seem impossible to make them comprehend. While they won’t fully understand until they become a parent themselves, these quotes may help in the meantime.

These quotes are ones you can share with your children. Whether this is to help explain why you’ve done something or just to explain your love for them, these loving quotes will help.

Loving Quotes Every Parent Should Share with Their Children

1. “Nothing you become will disappoint me; I have no preconception that I’d like to see you be or do. I have no desire to foresee you, only to discover you. You can’t disappoint me.” – Mary Haskell

Kids need to know that they can decide on their future. Otherwise, they may live in constant fear that you’ll be disappointed in them. This will lead to them choosing what they think will make you happy rather than what will make them happy.

2. “Parents must get across the idea that “I love you always, but sometimes I do not love your behavior.” – Amy Vanderbilt

Kids oftentimes feel hated after they are punished for something. Try to help them understand that even when you didn’t like what they did, you still love them.

3. “The depth of the love of parents for their children cannot be measured. It is like no other relationship. It exceeds concern for life itself. The love of a parent for a child is continuous and transcends heartbreak and disappointment.” – James E. Faust

The love that a parent has for a child is stronger than anything else imaginable. It’s a love that can’t be broken even during the hardest of times.

4. “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Denis Waitley

Sometimes love is shown to children by teaching them how to get through life. By teaching them responsibility, you’re teaching them to one day live on their own.

5. “A parent’s love is whole no matter how many times divided.” – Robert Brault

Kids with siblings often need to know that they aren’t loved any less. When parents have to spread the love to more than one child, it sometimes causes one to feel left out. No matter how many children, a parent’s love is complete.

6. “Children are people, and they should have to reach to learn about things, to understand things, just as adults have to reach if they want to grow in mental stature. Life is composed of lights and shadows, and we would be untruthful, insincere, and saccharine if we tried to pretend there were no shadows. Most things are good, and they are the strongest things; but there are evil things too, and you are not doing a child a favor by trying to shield him from reality. The important thing is to teach a child that good can always triumph over evil.” – Walt Disney

When you truly love your child, you teach them how to do things on their own. You teach them to figure things out, while also teaching them that life isn’t always perfect. By doing this, we are setting them up for success since they won’t be blindsided by the way life is.

Instead, while teaching them about the lessons in life, focus on teaching them to overcome it. Teach them that good always wins in the end.

7. “Love — not dim and blind but so far-seeing that it can glimpse around corners, around bends and twists and illusion; instead of overlooking faults love sees through them to the secret inside.” – Vera Nazarian

As Nazarian explains, a parent’s love for their child sees through everything. It sees deep inside the child, straight through the flaws and insecurities.

8. “Loving a child doesn’t mean giving in to all his whims; to love him is to bring out the best in him, to teach him to love what is difficult.” – Nadia Boulanger

To love a child, you have to be honest with them. This will allow them to be the best they can be and to work hard.

9. “No language can express the power, and beauty, and heroism, and majesty of a mother’s love. It shrinks not where man cowers, and grows stronger where man faints, and over wastes of worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenchless fidelity like a star.” – Edwin Hubbell Chapin

The love a parent feels for their child is deep and powerful. Nothing can hinder it, and it only grows more powerful.

10. “A mother’s love is patient and forgiving when all others are forsaking, it never fails or falters, even though the heart is breaking.” – Helen Rice

Even through the hardest times, a mother’s love never wavers. She loves her child endlessly, and forgiving comes easily.

11. “If I were asked to define Motherhood. I would have defined it as Love in its purest form. Unconditional Love.” – Revathi Sankaran

Nothing can change or end a mother’s love for her child. Despite anything, a mother will open her arms and love her child.

12. “In the best of all possible worlds, parents and guardians love their children, unconditionally. They accept their children with all their imperfections, flaws, quirks and challenges, because real love never has to be earned; it’s given freely by those who are able to love.” Marcia Sirota

Through it all, a parent loves their child. Love doesn’t have to be earned, and it is strengthened all the time.

13. “There is no friendship, no love, like that of the parent for the child.” – Henry Ward Beecher

The parent and child relationship is complex and intricate. It is not comparable to any other and offers a loving friendship that cannot be broken.

14. “What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do but in exchange, it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.” – Nicholas Sparks

Parenting takes patience, forgiveness, sleepless nights, and many other extreme emotions. It also teaches you what it means to love someone in this unique way, as Sparks explains.

15. “So I entered parenting with only 3 clear goals: to love, to cherish, and to listen.” – Hilary Flower

These three goals are all it takes to be a good parent. Love your child, cherish them, and listen to them. As long as these basics are taken care of, the rest will work itself out for both sides.

16. “Parents don’t make mistakes because they don’t care, but because they care so deeply.” – T. Berry Brazelton

Mistakes can be made in the heat of an emotional decision. This often happens for parents, when their intentions truly were in the right place.

17. “The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.” – Honoré de Balzac

Nothing a child does can stop their mother from loving them. Her heart deep and her love is endless.

18. “Children keep us in check. Their laughter prevents our hearts from hardening. Their dreams ensure we never lose our drive to make ours a better world. They are the greatest disciplinarians known to mankind.” – Queen Rania of Jordan

Everyone wants to be better for their kids. This could mean you work to better yourself, or you work to make the world a better place. Either way, having a child makes you want everything to be better for them. With that comes lessons learned and better habits formed.

19. “Parents can only give good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.” – Anne Frank

While parents can do all they can to set their kids up for success, they can’t do it all for them. At some point, the child has to choose which path they will take. They must choose who they want to be.

This is important for kids to know because they have to continuously think about that. They have to make their own decisions, and they’ll often think back on what they had learned from their parents.

20. “The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them.” – Frank A. Clark

Unfortunately, kids have to grow up eventually. Loving your child means that you must teach them how to be without you when the time comes. From cooking to cleaning or just being a good person, think about what your child will need to know when they move out on their own.

Final Thoughts on Loving Quotes Every Parent Should Share with Their Children

There are many loving quotes for parents to share with their children. These are intended to inspire you and remind you of the incomparable love that a parent has for their child.

These loving quotes can be shared with your kids when you think they need a reminder of your love. You can also share the quotes when one makes you think of your child or if it explains something you’ve been trying to teach them.

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

Here is a list of 10 signs you may have a manipulative partner:

1. Constant Criticism

2. Guilt

3. Gaslighting

4. Jealousy and Paranoia

5. Putting You in Debt to Them

6. Spying and Snooping

7. Diminishing Your Problems

8. Threats

9. Making Acceptance Conditional

10. Making You Feel Unworthy

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

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1. Maintaining an Erratic Sleep Schedule

2. Improper Nutrition

3. Overworking

4. Neglected Appearance

5. Lack of Socializing

6. Neglecting Health

7. They Don’t Reflect on Their Feelings

8. Neglecting Exercise or Physical Fitness

9. Alcohol, Drugs and Nicotine Addiction

10. Neglecting Intellectual Development

11. They Forget To Have Fun

12. They Forget to Dream

13. Multitasking

14. They Do Everything by Themselves

15. They Accept All Propositions

Final Thoughts on Avoiding the Bad Habits of a Workaholic

Here are five posture exercises that can improve your health.

1. Plank

· Posture Improvement

· Muscle Activation

· Flexibility Improvement

2. Chest Opener

3. Cat / Cow Pose

Need assistance from a chair?

4. Cobra Pose

Do note that the cobra pose is not suitable for everyone.

5. Cactus Arms (Mountain Pose)

Final Thoughts On Some Exercises That Can Improve Your Health

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1. They Are Irresponsible

2. Manipulation Comes Naturally

3. You Can’t Believe A Word They Say

4. Risky Behaviors Cause Great Trouble

5. They Display No Remorse for Their Actions

6. Substance Abuse is Commonplace in People with Antisocial Personality Disorder

7. Their Criminal Records Might Be Extensive

8. They Can’t Have Healthy Relationships

9. A Person with Antisocial Personality Disorder Is Impulsive

10. They Display Constant Hostility and Aggression

Final Thoughts on Antisocial Personality Disorder

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1. What Is Social Distancing?

2. How Social Distancing Affects Your Mental Health

· Stress and Anxiety

· Depression

· Motivation and Productivity

· Trauma

· Anger

· Turning To Vices

· Cognitive Strength

3. Studies Done Into Mental Health In Social Distancing

“The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: a rapid review of the evidence”

“SARS control and psychological effects of quarantine, Toronto, Canada“

“Mental health status of people isolated due to Middle East Respiratory Syndrome”

“Loneliness and social isolation as risk factors for mortality: a meta-analytic review“

“Psychological well-being in elderly adults with extraordinary episodic memory”

4. How The Most At-Risk Groups Are Even More At Risk

5. Tips To Cope With Social Distancing

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1. Societal Norms Don’t Have To Dictate Your Life

· A Lot Of Ideas Of Worth Are Materialistic

· People Will Think They’re Above You No Matter Where You Go

· You Can’t Please Everyone

2. Failure And Falling Behind Are Part Of Success

3. Your Life Is About You

· You Get To Define Yourself

· You Have To Deal With The End Result Of Your Actions

· It’s Really No One’s Business

4. Everyone Is Different And Complex

· What Works For Others May Not Work For You

· Others Can Project Onto You

· You Don’t Know What Others Are Thinking Or Doing

· People Change, Often

5. The People Who Matter Don’t Need You To Prove Yourself

6. Only You Have The Power

· You Are Responsible For Your Life

· You Know The Path You Want To Walk