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30 Life-Changing Benefits of Positivity Everyone Must Know

April 20, 2020 by Kristen Butler

Many of us have heard that there are benefits of positivity. But do we all know what the benefits are? And more importantly, do we believe in the power of positive thinking and understand how life-changing it can be? How we think impacts all aspects of our physical and mental health, our relationships, even our overall success in life.

How we think about life directly impacts our reality, for better or worse. And a multitude of scientific research has proven countless benefits of thinking positively. A study published in Emotion analyzed the current research surrounding positive affect and mental and physical health outcomes. The authors determined that “prioritizing positivity predicted a host of well-being outcomes.”

They found encouraging results, including “less depressive symptomology, higher-quality relationships, improved physical health, and better work performance.”

Plus, it concluded that people prioritizing positive emotions have more considerable mental resources.

The broaden-and-build theory explains how people who lack positive emotions become stuck in many facets of life. Furthermore, their feelings of not moving forward in life can cause a lot of mental health issues. Conversely, people with abundant positive emotions truly “take off” in life. Positive people “become generative, creative, resilient, ripe with possibility, and beautifully complex.” Each of these things helps positive people reach optimal well-being.

MYTHS PERPETUATED BY THOSE WHO REJECT POSITIVITY

Unfortunately, misunderstandings about positive thinking can lead some people to believe it is not practical. Thinking positively isn’t a useless nicety. And it doesn’t mean being fake or pretending to be okay when you are not. That thought process is a dangerous trap.

However, thinking positively means trying to remain optimistic about current and future situations. It is a deliberate, conscious way of thinking that directly impacts reality. You can find thirty life-changing benefits of positivity below.

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind. –William James

MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF POSITIVITY

1) Increases Happiness and Life Satisfaction

Much scientific research has suggested that a positive attitude and outlook on life predicts happiness. Individuals who see the positive aspects of life are more likely to be happy and have higher life satisfaction. It is often the case that optimistic people have more friends, which can be an essential factor in happiness.

The authors of a recent study examined whether positive emotions alone mediate the relationship between positive affect and happiness. Their results revealed that happiness was fully mediated by a person’s ability to be positive. Specifically, showing that “positive beliefs about the future, the self, and the life account for personality-happiness relationships.”

2) Positivity Increases Resilience

An abundance of research has shown that individuals who think positively have superior coping skills, which leads to increased resilience. Psychological resilience can be defined as “the ability to bounce back from negative events by using positive emotions to cope.” So it makes sense that having an increased ability to think positively would, in turn, increase your resilience.

This study demonstrated that having more positive emotions plays a critical and direct role in enhancing coping ability and resilience. Researchers revealed that higher stability impacts a person’s physical health. They state, “those with higher trait resilience evidenced faster cardiovascular recovery from negative emotional arousal.”

3) Reduces Risk of Depression

Thinking positively about your current and future outcomes has been shown to increase happiness and decrease the risk of depression. Individuals with chronic health conditions have an incredibly high risk of developing depression. Much research helps counselors and therapists better understand how to minimize the risk of depression. More importantly, that is essential for those who treat chronically ill individuals.

One study examined “positive affect and optimism as mediators of the relationship between improved depression” among multiple sclerosis patients. Results demonstrated that improved depression and benefit-finding were significantly related to increased positive affect and optimism. This effect has also been observed in individuals who do not suffer from a chronic illness. This study revealed that high levels of positive affect reduced the risk of depression in healthy participants by nearly 50%.

4) Decreases Anxiety

Anxiety is a common and persistent mental health condition that impacts nearly 300 million people, reports the World Health Organization. Suffering from anxiety can negatively impact a person’s life, causing them to feel hindered in countless ways. There are various treatment options for individuals who suffer from anxiety.

One treatment option involves training to replace negative thoughts with positive ones. This study examined alternative approaches to reducing anxiety and worry in participants diagnosed with a generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Outcome measures showed that individuals who received training to improve positive thinking significantly decreased anxiety and worry.

5) Positivity Increases Mental Clarity, Focus, and Concentration

The broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions explains how increasing positive emotions lead to many beneficial outcomes in an individual’s life. Among the many benefits, there is evidence that positive emotions “broaden the scopes of attention, cognition, and action.” Barbara L. Fredrickson, the creator, and developer of the broaden-and-build theory, explains how and why this phenomenon occurs.

“Positive emotions promote discovery of novel and creative actions, ideas and social bonds,” describes Fredrickson. She states that this “in turn, builds that individual’s personal resources.” All of which result in improved mental clarity, focus, and concentration.

6) Increases Gratitude

In several scientific studies, gratitude has improved overall well-being and mental health. Defining the mediating factor between improved gratitude and improved well-being and mental health is also essential. The authors of one research review analyzed eight studies examining the role of positive emotion and positive reframing on gratitude. Study results revealed that “positive emotion mediated the relationship between gratitude and (fewer) depressive symptoms.”

Each study’s results indicated that experiencing more positive emotions led to more gratitude and, consequently, less depressive symptoms. These study results “demonstrate that gratitude is related to fewer depressive symptoms.” Researchers state that positive emotion and reframing serve as the mechanisms for this relationship.

7) Increases Self-Esteem

When you think positively about yourself and your ability to accomplish things, you naturally increase your self-esteem. Various scientific studies have evaluated the relationship between positive thinking and higher self-esteem. This study demonstrated that the more a child thinks negatively about their abilities, the lower their self-esteem. The opposite is true, as well. The more positively you think about your abilities, your self-esteem will increase.

8) Decreases Risk of Mental Health Problems

In countless scientific studies, practicing positive thinking and optimism proves protective against developing mental health problems. The authors of a review of recent research analyzed studies that evaluated the impact positive thinking has on mental health. They reported the findings of numerous studies. Each study revealed that optimism and positive emotions improve overall well-being and mental health.

One of the reviewed studies assessed how individuals who had coronary bypass surgery impacted their mental health. Results demonstrated that more optimistic individuals had lower levels of hostility and depression while preparing to undergo surgery. And in the week following the operation, the optimistic people felt greater relief and happiness than the pessimists.

9) Decreases Levels of Stress

When you think positively, you have far fewer things to become stressed about. Consequently, you won’t have to worry about experiencing many negative outcomes caused by stress. Among the adverse effects of stress are high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, headaches, ulcers, and more. Increases in positive emotions, which lead to decreased stress levels, have even been shown to help heal physical wounds more quickly.

This is likely due to the stress-buffering model of positive affect and health. The authors of this scientific study published by Health Psychology assessed the impact of positive affect on wound healing. Remarkably, the skin wounds of individuals with higher levels of positive affect (i.e., more positive emotions) healed faster. This amazing result makes it clear that thinking positively can literally heal your body. Indeed, it may save your life one day.

10) Positivity Improves Coping Skills and Stress Management

One aspect of the ability of positive thinking to decrease stress involves positive people’s ability to better cope with stress. Many scientific research has proven that a person’s “affect plays an important functional role in coping with stress.”

Positive people can see the bigger picture when a stressor comes their way. And are therefore able to respond in ways that allow them to overcome the harmful consequences of stress more quickly. A positive person can maintain a healthy perspective on the situation at hand. And does not let the stressor that they are facing send them into a panic or downward spiral.

However, negative people are more likely to focus on problems instead of solutions and have a narrower perspective, in general. This results in a negative person having a poorer ability to cope with and manage stress.

11) Increases the Meaning a Person Sees in Life

Seeing meaning in life is a key factor in living a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life. Previous research surrounding this topic has shown that seeing meaning in life is associated with better overall psychological well-being. The authors of this research report evaluated the findings of six separate scientific studies that aimed to understand this concept better.

Each study “examined the role of positive affect (PA) in the experience of meaning in life (MIL).” The outcome measures of the studies consistently showed that positive affect was a strong predictor of meaning in life.

Additionally, priming and manipulating positive moods in participants both resulted in higher reports of meaning in life. And “the most consistent predictor of the experience of meaning in a day was the PA experienced that day.” Researchers concluded that experiencing positive moods and emotions can predispose individuals to see more meaning in life.

12) Improves Emotion Regulation

Emotion regulation is a vital aspect of having a healthy and successful life. A person’s emotional regulation ability directly impacts their coping, problem solving, relationship quality, as well as mental and physical health. When you can focus on the positive aspects of all things, you’re better able to respond to any situation, especially when faced with stress.

If you think negatively and see everything like a catastrophe, your emotions are more likely to spiral out of control. One study showed that individuals who had more positive than negative social interactions had better emotion regulation. With their improved emotion regulation likely mediated by the fact that they experience more positive than negative emotions.

13) Increases Mental Flexibility

Mental flexibility is important in a person’s life for various reasons. Mental flexibility affects an individual’s learning rate, memory formation, error correction, and allocation of attention resources. With advancements in neuroimaging technology, brain research scientists can now physically see differences between different human brains.

This technology also allows researchers to determine what is causing those differences. The authors of a recent study published in Scientific Reports evaluated what, exactly, leads to a more flexible brain. Their results revealed that more incidences of positive mood states predicted a more flexible brain, or in other words, more mental flexibility.

14) Improves Overall Mental Health

As we can see, thinking positively offers a wide range of mental health outcomes. As such, positive thinking and emotions can improve a person’s mental health overall. But how much positive emotion is needed in a person’s life to achieve these mental health-benefiting effects? Thankfully, two researchers had this very question and discovered the answer.

Their recent study predicted that a higher ratio of positive to negative emotions would “characterize individuals in flourishing mental health.” The data that researchers collected proved that the researcher’s prediction was true and revealed a precise ratio. Individuals who had a mean ratio of positive to negative emotions above 2.9 had flourishing mental health. And individuals who were below the 2.9 ratios of positive to negative emotions did not have flourishing mental health.

PHYSICAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF POSITIVITY

15) Improves Sleep

Insomnia is a common and persistent health concern that can negatively impact many aspects of your life. Suffering from insomnia is very serious and can lead to obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression.

Research shows that utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to increase positive thinking benefits sleep quality for individuals with insomnia. CBT improves mental health outcomes by challenging and changing unwanted, negative thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes. Replacing unproductive and frequently harmful ways of thinking with positive thinking. In fact, the authors of this study assessed the outcomes of fifteen scientific trials to determine the effectiveness of CBT for insomnia.

The results of the study revealed that CBT is effective in improving sleep in adults who have insomnia. If you struggle with insomnia thinking positively throughout the day can have a beneficial impact on your sleep quality. In addition to thinking positively, you can try breathing exercises to relieve insomnia and help you fall asleep.

16) Positivity Decreases Blood Pressure

Having high blood pressure affects nearly one billion people worldwide and increases the risk of numerous negative health outcomes. High blood pressure can even lead to an early and unexpected death. Consequently, many scientific studies resulted in a better understanding of how people can effectively lower their blood pressure.

One of these studies tested the hypothesis that “high positive emotion would be associated with lower blood pressure in older adults.” Researchers revealed that increasing positive emotions significantly lowered diastolic and systolic blood pressure in older adults.

17) Improves Immune System Functioning

Several scientific studies have revealed that optimistic expectancy and thinking positively are related to having higher numbers of immune cells. Having improved immunity can save us from many strife and missing out on life due to being sick. Increased immunity can also help to keep us from developing much more serious illnesses than the common cold. This study published by Psychological Science showed that having optimistic expectations was strongly related to having increased cell-mediated immunity (CMI).

18) Increases Lifespan

Decades of research have proven that positive emotions positively impact both physical and mental health. It, therefore, makes perfect sense that you can increase your lifespan by simply increasing your positive emotions. This longitudinal study evaluated the impact that positive emotions had on the lifespan of Catholic nuns. Researchers revealed that positive emotions linked strongly to a longer lifespan. The nuns who expressed positive emotions regularly during journal writing activities lived an average of 10 years longer.

19) Reduces Pain and Increases Pain Tolerance

Living with chronic pain is one of the worst things to endure. Being in constant physical pain can hurt nearly every aspect of your life. There are certainly some types of pain you should never ignore. But other types of pain can be helped by positive thinking. Previous laboratory research has shown that producing positive emotional states increases pain tolerance and reduces pain.

To add to that body of research, scientists evaluated the impact of positive online activities on pain reduction. Their results revealed that participating in online positive activities reduced bodily pain in adults with mild to moderate pain.

20) Reduces Risk of Death from Cardiovascular Disease

Many understand that higher stress levels increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. When a person is under stress, stress hormones release into the body. Over time, this causes damage to their cardiovascular system. Conversely, research has shown that dispositional optimism and positive outcome expectancies correlate to a lower risk of cardiovascular complications.

The authors of a consequential longitudinal study evaluated whether optimism and positive expectancies were independently related to reduced cardiovascular mortality. The data gathered over 15 years proved that optimism and positive expectations reduced the risk of cardiovascular death.

21) Improves the Outcome of Serious Physical Health Conditions

We now know that positivity can help to prevent you from becoming ill. And that being positive can also decrease the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. Additionally, positive attitudes have improved outcomes in individuals already suffering from a severe medical condition. Therefore, researchers also studied the impact of interventions that increase positive emotions in individuals diagnosed with breast cancer and HIV.

Individuals who think more positively and optimistically frequently have better health outcomes. On the other hand, having negative attitudes surrounding survival seems to increase death from a serious medical condition. The authors of one study that demonstrated this assessed whether attitudes toward illness are associated with survival after a stroke.

Results revealed that a person’s attitude regarding their illness was associated with the survival rate in stroke victims. Patients who thought negatively and felt nothing they could do to help themselves had a lower survival rate.

22) Positivity Improves Cholesterol and Triglyceride Levels

Having healthy cholesterol levels improves your health immensely and can help to protect you from developing cardiovascular disease. Most of us know that a healthy diet and regular exercise are important for controlling our cholesterol levels.

However, having an optimistic attitude also connects with having a healthy lipid profile (i.e., healthy cholesterol levels). The authors of one study assessed the impact that optimism and positive affect had on an individual’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Their results revealed that having higher optimism and positivity was correlated with healthier cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

23) Decreases Risk of Heavy Substance Use

Heavy use of any addictive substance can lead to long-term physical health problems and even death. Not to mention the negative impact that heavy substance use is known to have on mental health and relationships. Young people are at an exceptionally high risk of experiencing negative outcomes due to heavy substance use.

Fortunately, research shows us that positive attitude and outlook on life decreases adolescents’ risk of heavy substance use. One longitudinal study assessed the impact of optimistic thinking on 5,634 adolescent’s emotional states, substance use, and behavior. Their data showed that high optimism and positive emotions had protective effects against heavy substance use.

24) Decreases Risk of Frailty During the Aging Process

Frailty describes a person’s impaired strength, endurance, and balance. Frailty increases an individual’s risk of experiencing physical trauma and other stressors, including disability, morbidity, and mortality. Preventing or delaying the onset of frailty is essential in improving a person’s physical health and lifespan. This study published in Psychology and Aging assessed the long-term association between positive affect and the onset of frailty. Results revealed that high positive affect (i.e., positive emotions) significantly lowered the risk of frailty.

25) Improves Athletic Performance

We now understand how positive thinking and attitudes can improve our physical health and abilities. It, therefore, makes sense that positive thinking can also improve athletic performance. Several scientific studies have demonstrated this effect, including this study about the impact of positivity on an athlete’s performance.

Results demonstrated a significant relationship between an athlete’s levels of optimism, positive emotions, and athletic performance. Specifically, soccer players with more optimistic attitudes showed better athletic performance than pessimistic soccer players.

Another study assessed the ability of a positive psychological development program to improve the swimming abilities of national-level swimmers. The program aimed to increase the professional swimmer’s ability to think positively, including optimistic disposition and positive affect development. Results revealed a significant improvement in the swimming strokes of those who participated in the program, including positive thinking.

HOW POSITIVITY BENEFITS RELATIONSHIPS AND OVERALL SUCCESS

26) Improves Leadership Skills

Positive thinkers have an improved ability to make the right decisions in high-pressure situations compared to pessimists. Positive thinking allows a person to focus on solutions instead of the problem and potential obstacles. And as explained above, positive thinkers tend to have more mental clarity, concentration, and focus. Therefore, positive people make much better leaders. Furthermore, positive leaders are perceived as more trustworthy and competent.

27) Increases the Chance of Career Advancement and Financial Success

As explained above, positive thinkers have improved leadership skills and remain positive, even in stressful situations. Consequently, companies are much more likely to hire a positive person for a leadership role. This increases their chances of career advancement and financial success. Dr. Martin Seligman conducted more than 30 years of research demonstrating this outcome with over 1 million study participants.

The analysis of Seligman revealed that a person’s optimistic expectations and positive attitude led to superior achievement in sales. Confident and positive salespeople have been proven to sell more and have higher incomes than negative salespeople. Seligman concluded that this is because a positive person has the persistence that they need to overcome adversity.

28) Increases Productivity and Work Performance

There have been many economic and workplace changes over the past few decades. Many of these changes are not for the best and have negatively impacted both employees and companies. One aspect of positive psychology is understanding how to use positivity for better employment outcomes at work.

The authors of one article evaluated how utilizing positive psychology could improve the workplace, including employee productivity and job performance. Results revealed that when motivation is externally controlled, increased positive emotions are likely to be associated with increased motivation. The data demonstrated that enhancing experiences of positive emotions result in increases in productivity and better performance outcomes.

29) Increases Success Rates in Relationships

Much scientific research has shown that positive people are more successful in marriage and friendship, among other things. The authors of this review of research analyzed numerous studies that assessed whether or not positive affect increased relationship success. The results revealed, “that happiness is associated with and precedes numerous successful outcomes, as well as behaviors paralleling success.”

Additionally, the evidence showed that positive affect, a critical factor in well-being, directly impacts a person’s increased happiness and relationship success. This is because positive emotions and attitudes increase satisfaction. And happy people have more fulfilling and satisfying marriages. Generally, researchers state that these findings “generalize to other romantic relationships” and also to friendships.

30) Increases Ability to Forgive

Forgiveness is an essential aspect of any successful relationship. Furthermore, forgiveness has a direct impact on mental health. Previous research links a person’s ability to forgive and improved mental health. Additionally, a connection between positivity and forgiveness resulted from the study.

The authors of a study published by The Journal of Social Psychology state that affective states mediate the relationship between forgiveness and mental health. Specifically, having more positive emotions allows someone to be able to forgive which leads to improved mental health more quickly. Researchers state that “forgiveness involves replacing the negative emotions associated with unforgiveness with positive, love-based emotions.” They explain “that it is through this transformation of emotional states that forgiveness affects physiological functioning.”

FINAL THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF POSITIVITY

Positivity works wonders.

Decades of scientific research have clarified that positive emotions and attitudes bring many benefits. Thinking positively proves to benefit our mental and physical health, as well as our relationships and careers. With so many studies demonstrating how powerful positive thinking is, who wouldn’t want to cultivate and practice using positive thinking today?

Like any life skill, consistently learning to think positively will take time and practice. But as this article has demonstrated, it is worth doing for countless reasons. Of course, nobody expects you to be positive every single second of every single day. No one can do that. Even the happiest and most positive people have moments in which they feel and express hopelessness and negativity. That is a part of the human condition. But the more you can incorporate positivity into your daily routines, the more beneficial outcomes you will see.

Here at the Power of Positivity, we want to do everything we can to help everyone live happy, healthy, and prosperous lives. And as the research in this article proves, having a positive outlook can help you accomplish this.

How to Go Where No Mind Has Gone Before

April 20, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Here are three important questions for you to consider. How can you expand on what you are now capable of doing and break free of your limitations? How can you fulfill all of your hopes and dreams? Finally, how can you go where no mind has gone before?

The mind is powerful and it has enormous untapped potential. Below, we’ll talk about how you can tap into this wellspring of knowledge and information within your mind, and use it to understand yourself a little better.

3 Ways You Can Go Where No Mind Has Gone Before

1 – Use Your Mind and Your Imagination

“Of course, in order to play, you’ve got to have an imagination. Do you know what the imagination is? . . . The imagination is a place all by itself, a separate country. You’ve heard of the British nation and the French nation. Now this is the Imagination.” – Kris Kringle, Miracle on 34th Street.

Right now, you can be anyone, anywhere in the world, just by remembering to use the creative power of your imagination.

We literally have the power to create whole worlds within our minds. As adults, we often set aside this incredible power to create our own world. Creativity is within us if we can allow ourselves to think beyond what we know to be true about ourselves.

According to The Oxford Handbook of the Development of Imagination, it is children’s lack of experience that allows them to create an original interpretation of their world. The authors also say that although the capability of creating original interpretations of our world, or creativity, is in every one of us, the capacity is not always engaged.

Take a moment to allow your mind to go where it has not gone in a while by imagining your ideal present moment. What sights, sounds, smells, and physical sensations would you be experiencing right now in that ideal present moment? Now, imagine all of your limiting thoughts and beliefs about yourself disappearing. Imagining away with your imagination can take your mind further than you have allowed yourself to go before.

2 – Astral Travel

Don Miguel Ruiz, co-author of The Fifth Agreement: A Practical Guide to Self-Mastery, has said that it is possible to leave the physical body and travel outside of ourselves. In an interview about the experience, Don Miguel Ruiz says the following:

“I knew that I was not my physical body. I experienced myself as a force that moves the physical body. A force that is hard to talk about, but we can see its results and manifestation in everything. It is this force that opens the flowers and it is the same force that moves the stars and moves the atoms. That is what I am and what you are.”

The mere possibility of the fact that we can learn how to leave our physical bodies, means that what we think of as our ‘self,’ exists separately from our bodies. The location of our conscious mind has not yet been discovered. The essence of what makes you, you, including your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, values, experiences, dreams and all the non-visible parts of your past, present and future are not limited by your physical form.

Scientists conducted an unusual experiment where participants watched a video of themselves being interviewed from the interviewer’s perspective while being touched throughout the video. The combination of the ‘observer’ perspective combined with the sensation of physical touch made the subjects feel as if they were having an out of body experience. The researchers call this an out of body illusion, not a ‘real’ experience.

Cleanse your mind with these gemstones and crystals.

3 – Your Mind Is Self-Healing

No one would choose to suffer from an illness or a painful prognosis. It is possible, however, that we have failed to choose to not suffer. For an example of this, consider that the body language, facial expression, and words that we convey for our suffering.

These things are all a choice that we can display when we may need empathy from another person. In other words, when we experience pain, we can also choose to continue to smile, to warmly greet others and not show the pain to the outside world. If we make a choice to suffer then, why not choose to not suffer?

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

A Letter To The One Who Loves Me

April 20, 2020 by Power of Positivity

“The best love is the kind that awakens the soul; that makes us reach for more, that plants the fire in our hearts and brings peace to our minds. That’s what I hope to give you forever.” — Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook

To The One Who Loves Me:

We met not so long ago, but it feels as though I have known you forever. You know every crevice and crack in my soul, and you don’t judge me for the secrets I hide. You celebrate me. And you encourage me to celebrate myself. You help lift me up on my darkest days and rejoice with me on the brightest. We haven’t had it easy in this life, but we march on bravely despite what we’ve been up against, and I wouldn’t want to walk through the storms with anyone else by my side.

You and I have our differences, but I think who we are, at our very core, is the same person. That’s why we get along so well, because our hearts beat to the same rhythm, and dance the same dance. We appear strong on the surface but have turbulent seas within us that rock us from one extreme to another. We have a passion, a fire in our souls that no one could ever put out, and I hope you know how special that is.

I’m complicated, but so are you, and the fact that you want to understand me on such a deep level makes me feel safe, comforted, and like I belong somewhere. Like I can finally let my hair down and stop putting on a show for the world. You make me feel as though I am enough, but yet make me want to become better all the same.

You don’t ever put me down or make me feel as though I can’t accomplish something; no matter what I want in life, you stand by me and cheer me on. No one gets me like you do, and that’s why I chose you. Somehow I knew we would have a connection before I even talked to you; I guess you’d call that my intuition speaking to me. For a while I didn’t believe in such things anymore, but I can’t just turn my back to the obvious. I also knew the road ahead would be very difficult, and test you and I both in ways we couldn’t imagine. Yet, we’re still standing, stronger than ever before.

My heart has been broken and bruised in the past; it’s seen tragedy, betrayal, heartache, and grief. It’s felt the pain of loss, the emptiness of being alone, the hollowness that makes up one’s soul once they see the truth in this life, and the frustration of being “different” than others. My heart is still a mess, but you’ve helped clean it up a little bit. You’ve showed it what true love means – what unconditional love feels like.

I never knew someone could love me as much as you, and I will never take that for granted.

You’ve helped reassure me that it’s perfectly okay to be me, even though I beat myself up a lot of the time for it. I somehow never felt enough for anyone, even myself. I never felt funny enough, smart enough, outgoing enough, pretty enough, capable enough. Well, I think you get the idea. But then you came along. You showed me all the wonderful parts of myself that I mostly overlooked until we met. And I see all the great things in you, too, even though you yourself don’t always see them.

I think we met to show ourselves that we have a place on this Earth, and we deserve to be here. We met to help ourselves heal from living in a cruel world and to walk together in victory as we put our demons to rest.

Sensitive souls like us need to stick together

We have amazing gifts to offer the world and I think being together can help us uncover how to reveal those gifts to others.

Obviously, you know by now that I’m much better at writing how I feel than saying it to you. I always jumble my words and lose their meaning in the process of trying to speak them. But, I just felt like writing you a love letter to explain my deepest thoughts about you, and hopefully put a big smile on your face. I just love it when you smile. 🙂

Sources: my heart.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

Who Should You Date, According to Your Horoscope?

April 19, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever wondered who would make your ideal partner? A horoscope can often reveal the characteristics and personality traits of zodiac signs. Knowing a person’s qualities and features can give you an idea of compatibility to help you determine if you are compatible with someone. Many people believe that some signs are more compatible than others.

While some people are skeptical when it comes to a horoscope, others believe that it’s very accurate. However, according to recent data suggests that the principles of astrology are proven to be scientific.

You can have fun reading about a person’s horoscope and which signs best suit you. Additionally, you can utilize the information as a tool to help you find the perfect mate.

Aries

The Aries is most compatible with: Leo, Sagittarius, Gemini, and Aquarius. Sometimes Libra is a good match, but this sign is opposite Aries.

Aries is a Cardinal Fire sign, and the Ram represents them. Fire signs are more outspoken and like to take the lead. They are also independent, enthusiastic, and adventurous. When you date an Aries, you will quickly find out that they wish to be in control. This determination makes it very challenging for other cardinal signs like Libra, Capricorn, and Cancer to date them.

The best matches are air signs and fire signs. The air signs Gemini and Aquarius stimulate and feed the fire. Other fire signs such as Sagittarius and Leo keep the relationship exciting.

Sometimes Aries and Libra are a good match. There will be a lot of magnetism because opposites attract. However, there will have to be plenty of compromising with both individuals.

Taurus

Taurus is most compatible with: Virgo, Capricorn, Cancer, and Pisces.

The Taurus is a Fixed Earth sign, and the Bull serves as their symbol. This sign is practical and very stubborn. If you date a Taurus, you will soon discover that they do not want to budge on their beliefs or ideas. However, they are very loyal and dependable.

The best mate for a Taurus is another earth sign. Others who share the earth element are Virgo and Capricorn. Water signs are also a good match for Taurus. Although water and earth together can be challenging, the love connection is often indisputable.

Pairing two Taurus individuals may be a bit tricky. Both individuals may be too stubborn and create more friction than it is worth. However, their relationship could be a blessing if they can maintain a little bit of excellence and compromise.

Gemini

Gemini is most compatible with: Libra, Aquarius, Leo, and Aries.

The Gemini is a Mutable Air sign. The Twins symbolize this star sign. When compared to other mutable signs, the Gemini horoscope compatibility love matches are not as laid back or straightforward. In truth, Gemini’s often date more than one person at a time because they get bored quickly. If you’re dating a Gemini, keep in mind that they continuously need intellectual stimulation; otherwise, they wander. Gemini’s also like to do everything together.

A Gemini is intelligent, witty, and thoughtful. They pair well with another air or fire sign. An air sign such as Libra or Aquarius will give them the intellectual stimuli that they crave. A fire sign such as Leo or Aries will stimulate their ideas.

Sometimes Gemini and Sagittarius make a good pair. On a date, both are very flexible and able to adapt to change. As well, both signs are interested in collecting knowledge. However, these two signs are the opposite. Both parties need their freedom. To balance their independence can be rather tricky.

Cancer

The Cancer horoscope sign is most compatible with: Pisces, Scorpio, Taurus, and Virgo.

Cancer is a Cardinal Water sign, and the Crab represents them. Cancers are very emotional and sensitive. And like a crab, they quickly put up walls and hide behind a shell. This sign needs someone who is a homebody and will be emotionally supportive. Cancers are also very nurturing and loyal when they are in a loving relationship.

The ideal mate for a Cancer is another water sign. Pisces and Scorpio understand the emotional depths of a Cancer. Two water signs together create a lot of passion. Cancer is also compatible with an earth sign such as Taurus and Virgo. Earth signs offer a lot of emotional support and grounding. Both earth signs will be reliable and reassuring, especially a Taurus.

Leo

Leo is most compatible with: Aries, Sagittarius, Gemini, and Libra.

The Leo is a Fixed Fire sign. The Lion represents this star sign. When they walk into a room, they always have center stage. Even when Leo tries to hide, everyone still notices them.

This sign is one that stands out from all the rest of the zodiac. Astrologers suggest that a person’s birth can have long-term effects on personality. In this case, Leo’s pizazz fits the bill. They are definitely a fun date.

Leos are loyal, charismatic, and incredibly romantic. This romantic lover pairs well with another fire sign or an air sign. An Aries or Sagittarius is an excellent match for a Leo. The pairing of fire signs creates a lot of passion and immense dedication to each other. Leo and an air sign like Libra or Gemini can be very rewarding. However, Leo and Gemini can have trouble communicating, which may lead to arguments.

On the other hand, Leo and Libra together make a fantastic pair. Libras enjoy receiving love and attention from their dates. Likewise, the Libra is always attentive and caring and will stoke the Leos ego when needed.

Virgo

Virgo is most compatible with: Taurus, Capricorn, Cancer, and Scorpio.

The Virgo is a Mutable Earth sign. The Virgin represents this sign. When you read a Virgo’s horoscope, you will find that they are somewhat analytical, hard-working, and have exceptionally high standards. When they marry, they will marry for life. They are also quite selective when it comes to dating and strive for perfection. Frankly, they are happy by themselves. Also, Virgo is very introverted.

On the whole, Virgos match well with an Earth or Water sign. Earthy Taurus and Capricorn are more planned and scheduled and not very spontaneous – these are traits a Virgo looks for. Water signs also make a good partner for Virgo. The emotional water of Cancer and Scorpio brings intensity and passion to the relationship.

Libra

The Libra is most compatible with: Gemini, Aquarius, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Libra is a Cardinal Air sign, and the Scales symbolize them. They are a very friendly sign that needs stimulation intellectually. Indeed, a Libra pairs best with someone they can talk with for hours.

The ideal date for a Libra is romantic and stimulating. They also demand harmony in a relationship. Libra needs balance. Besides, this sign likes to be “in the driving seat.”

The best mate for a Libra is a Fire sign. A Leo or Sagittarius will keep them stimulated and romantically inviting. Another air sign is also a good match. Gemini and Aquarius are great at having stimulating conversations.

Sometimes an Aries is a good match for Libra. Since opposites attract, there can be a lot of passion. However, the desire can quickly fizzle out, leaving only frustration and pessimism between the two.

Scorpio

The person born of the Scorpio sign is most compatible with: Cancer, Pisces, Virgo, and Capricorn.

Scorpio is a Fixed Water sign. The Scorpion symbolizes the sign. The love of a Scorpio individual is very passionate and intense. Their partner must have the same capacity as their emotional intensity. Otherwise, they do not feel satisfied.

Scorpions can be very intense with their philosophy or religion. They are often the Fortune-tellers or mystics and sometimes even a priest. According to Astrologer, there are many skeptics in the world when it comes to the zodiac. However, Scorpios are generally not one of them.

The best match for a Scorpio is another water sign, either Cancer or Pisces. A water sign is a counter-balance for the Scorpion’s intense emotions and intuitive disposition. Water signs also like to relax in a quiet romantic setting, which will establish tight bonds between individuals. Also, an earth sign is compatible with a Scorpio. Both Virgo and Capricorn will allow Scorpio to take the lead and will understand and be patient with their dominance.

Sagittarius

The Sagittarius is most compatible with: Aries, Leo, Libra, and Aquarius.

Sagittarius is a Mutable Fire sign. The Centaur represents this sign. Those born under this star are fun-loving, adventurous, and very independent. They are the bachelors and bachelorettes of the zodiac. In truth, they are not known for their fidelity. However, once they fall in love, they are wholly committed. Yet again, they will quickly leave if you try to stifle their independence and freedom.

A date with a Sagittarius is very adventurous, intellectually stimulating, and fun. People quickly fall in love with their exceptional ability to romance and charm. Sagittarians pair well with fire signs – Aries and Leo. The Aries individual loves the challenge of a Sagittarius. Leo also likes adventure and freedom.

The Archer or Centaur pairs well with the air signs because of the intellectual stimulation. An Aquarian and Sagittarius together are too casual and will typically drift apart. However, the best match for a Sagittarians is a Libra. They both love their freedom, like interacting with other people, and need to discover new things. Besides, their humor aligns perfectly.

Capricorn

The Capricorn soul is most compatible with: Taurus, Virgo, Scorpio, and Pisces.

Capricorn is the cardinal Earth sign. The Goat represents them. Those individuals born of this sign are hard workers, responsible, and very organized. When it comes to dating, Capricorns are cautious and very particular. Their horoscope clearly shows that they don’t like lazy people and want to be with someone responsible.

The best match for a Capricorn is an earth sign. Both Taurus and Virgo are compatible with the Goat. The practical Capricorn needs the other earth signs because they are also organized and grounded.

Water signs are also a good match for the goat. The emotions of a water sign can soften the pressure Capricorns put on themselves. A Scorpio and Pisces have a connection with a Capricorn to make a healthy and loving relationship.

Aquarius

This sign is most compatible with: Gemini, Libra, Aries, and Sagittarius.

Aquarius is a Fixed Air sign, and the Water Bearer symbolizes them. Aquarians are free spirits, intellectual, and creative. Aquarians also love their independence and freedom. The Water Bearer desires someone who is very independent. However, they also want to know that the other person is always there for them. In turn, Aquarians love to be attached, yet they don’t want others to be wholly reliant upon them.

When it comes to compatibility, Aquarians pair best with other air signs, Gemini and Libra spark the Water Bearer’s intellect and keep things interesting. As well, fire signs keep the Aquarian entertained and energized. Both Aries and Sagittarius have a great imagination and are very stimulating.

Pisces

This sign is most compatible with: Cancer, Scorpio, Taurus, and Capricorn.

Pisces is a Mutable Water sign. The Fish represents them. Those born under this star are emotional, sensitive, and very complex. The Fish spends a lot of time in “the clouds” daydreaming and fantasizing. Pisces often think about their “dream” love or soul mate.

The Pisces horoscope for love is always supportive, compassionate, and sensitive. They are also very intuitive and will always be there for you.

The ideal Pisces match is a water sign–either Cancer or Scorpio. Cancer will be protective, caring, and active in the relationship. A Scorpio will take the lead. They will also generate a dreamy, romantic, and fulfilling relationship with their Pisces mate.

Earth signs are also suitable for a Pisces. A relationship with a Taurus or Capricorn will start slow but will be long-lasting. They are also very supportive of one another.

Final Thoughts on Finding Your Horoscope Love Match

Some people swear that following the stars sends them down the correct life path. Recent data, as indicated earlier, now seem to support the validity of following your horoscope. If you’re looking for your best love match, look to the stars as your guide.

A Thank You Note To My Future Self

April 19, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Dear Future Self,

Call me old-fashioned, but because in this day and age we have not yet perfected an apparatus in which self-talk throughout the years is possible, I am left with no choice but to write you this quick note.

Self, if there is anything you should do right now, stop and be grateful!

You only have to take a look around you. All this is because of everything I have done in the past and am doing now FOR YOU! Millions would walk thousands of miles to be in your shoes, hungry for the things you enjoy and take for granted.

I want you to know that you mean everything to me, and I am so happy and grateful that I am staying the course, busting a gut, following this path, whatever you want to call it. Also, I continue to grow as a person and change for the better.

I love you with all my heart, self, even if you are just a grey-haired, wrinkly version of me!

Lest we forget, I am not the only one who has helped you become the person you are today. Thank the others who have shared the joys and problems with you. Where would you be without Dad? Yes, you remember him. He backed you to the hilt when no-one else would. He was not perfect, but he always made sure you were OK in every way.

Mum brought you into this world and has been there from year one.

She did everything for you in the most selfless ways. She sacrificed herself for you in ways you and I will never know. These two people made me who I am now, so I am building on the foundation that they set to make you. I hope they can be proud of us, and I am sure that you feel the same way.

And what about our spouse? Look at our colossal spouse right now. I made some terrible mistakes with this incredibly important person, and still, we did not get divorced. Yes, our spouse is not a saint either, and I, too, had to forgive things that were not acceptable. What happened between our spouse and us no longer matters, neither in my time nor yours.

Some will think we sailed through this life of ours. Naturally, you and I know different, and that is what counts.

Self, the roller coaster has taken us in many different directions, making us dizzy with various emotions attached.

It did not come easy at all; those forehead wrinkles are a testament to that. However, because you are reading this now, you know that we made it happen. And by that, I mean this life of ours. I want you to be proud of my accomplishments and hope that you have learned from my mistakes. Just be smart about things, and be firm in your decisions. Remember to have conviction with your words and actions and apologize for any errors you cause. Most importantly, know in our hearts, that I will always believe in you.

Also, I want you to enjoy these days, months, and years that you have in front of you, just as I planned. As Ralph Waldo Emerson put it quite poignantly,

“Most of the shadows in this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine.”

Be thankful for nature, for history, for your team winning for a change, for the sunshine on your face, for another day at the office, for the people in the past who did not make it this far for whatever reason, for the freedoms you enjoy, for great food and drink, for those crazy but sincere friends, for family, for all the experiences and lessons you encountered.

Be grateful for life and all the blessings it brings to you!

With love always to my future self,

Someone You Used To Be

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved

10 Ways To Deal With An Angry Partner

April 19, 2020 by Power of Positivity

One of the most destructive human emotions is anger. No matter what you do, you cannot reason with an angry person because they are controlled by emotions instead of logic during that moment. As the person on the receiving end, you might be tempted to respond with anger, but that will only make things worse.

So what do you do? First, be very calm and try to control your emotions, especially if you love that person.

Then, follow these anger management strategies:

1. Be Patient and Don’t Say Anything that Might Fuel your Partner’s Anger

It’s always best to allow your partner to be angry and let it all out. Don’t try to confront them because that will only make them defensive. Instead, listen to everything that they have to say and remain composed as you do so. Your partner’s anger is more likely to subside if they see that you are calm.

2. Make Your Point Known in A Respectful Manner

There are always two sides to every story, and once your partner has finished venting, try to make your partner understand your point in an assertive and respective manner – don’t shout at them or raise your voice. This way, they can also take responsibility for their actions.

3. Make the Communication Constructive

Even as you try to assertively make your point, make sure that the communication is constructive. By constructive, I mean two-sided. In anger management, you should acknowledge your partner’s point of view even if you don’t agree with them. This way, they will know that you were listening, and they’ll be more willing to hear your point of view.

4. Compassion

Anger may be your partner’s way of expressing his or her fears and pain. Although they may not admit it, anger creates a mask that makes them feel powerful and less scared. Out of all the anger management tips, compassion is the best way to handle this situation. Showing love to your partner lets them know that you’ll always be there despite their inner worries.

5. Practice Restraint

If you know that your partner is someone that easily gets angry, you should avoid discussing certain sensitive topics with them. No matter how passionate you are about that subject, sometimes it’s just best to put your partner’s needs before yours and avoid the topic altogether.

6. Know Yourself

Apart from avoiding certain topics, anger management demands that you know yourself. Does your behavior influence your partner’s anger in any way? Find out if there are behaviors that your partner doesn’t like and try to rectify them.

7. Talk When You Are Both Calm

Perhaps you also get angry easily, and you end up fighting with your partner for hours. If that is the case, step aside and allow yourself to calm down. Ask yourself if the anger is worth it. After you calm down, wait for your partner to do the same before you approach them to talk things out.

8. Don’t Try to Control Your Partner

Anger management is about influence, not control. If your partner disagrees with you about a certain point and they get angry, don’t try to change them. Instead, try to explain to them the advantages of your point of view. Be sweet and welcoming as you do this; that way it becomes easy to convince them to support your opinion.

9. Mind Your Location

Anger management is also influenced by the location. If you find yourselves arguing in an open place such as the parking lot or an arena, be the responsible one and move your partner to a closed location such as a restaurant or a grocery store. Your partner will calm down since people are less likely to misbehave in such places because they don’t want to be embarrassed.

10. Timeout

If the argument goes on and on, and you don’t seem to find a common ground, it may be time to call a timeout and resume the conversation another time. There’s no point entertaining a conversation that goes nowhere. You are better off doing something more productive with that time.

Conclusion

In case you’ve been wondering how to deal with your angry partner, you can use the above anger management tips to handle the situation better and make your relationship last longer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeJ8dXDZUcA

Life Goes On (think positive)

April 18, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Depending upon how old you are, how fast-paced your life is, or even the number of events that have occurred, you may feel as if you have lived several lifetimes and several different lives. You look back at yourself through various stages and barely recognize the old you.

We tend to break up our timelines based on major changes or shifts in our lives. When we look back, we see the triggers that created tremendous change in our lives and in our selves. Those triggers may have been events that happened around us or to us, either as a result of a decision we made or a random coincidence that occurred.

The events at the time may have felt like the bowels of hell were a better alternative or like an entirely new world had embraced you and sprinkled you with fairy dust. Time takes on a life of its own in the aftermath of such events. It may fly by like a hawk chasing a mouse or perhaps move slowly, sludging through the thickest mud. No matter what it felt like, time was still moving forward. Life goes on, and so do you.

Life Goes On: Think Positive During Challenging Days

When we first think of the phrase, “Life goes on,” we might remember those words given upon the passing of a loved one. This is somehow meant to encourage us to keep living despite the pain of losing someone. It acts as a reminder that time doesn’t stand still for anyone and it will continue to pass despite you sometimes wishing time itself could just stop. You want life to stop to give you time to process what has just happened, how you feel, how it affects you, and how everything will be different from here on.

I once attended a seminar regarding the subconscious. As part of the seminar, one of us was chosen from the audience and asked to sit in a chair on the stage. We were to think of an event that happened within the last 6 months. Then, we were asked to close our eyes and imagine wherein our mind’s eye that event occurred. Next, we were to hold out our hand and put it either in front of us, to the left or right, above or below. The location depended upon our personal view of where time was stored in our minds.

Then we were to position the hand approximately the distance away from us that we felt the event occurred, as if a dot on a timeline. After that, we were to imagine an event from several years ago. Once again, we were to reach our hand out to that invisible timeline. Logic would dictate that the event from 6 months ago would be closer to us than our far past right? That was not always the case. If many events had occurred in the last 6 months, it may still be positioned far away from us. Conversely, if we still dwell on our past of several years ago, we may position it closer to ourselves.

Memories and Emotions

I found it very interesting and telling how our subconscious retains memories in relation to the emotional impact and relativity to our current lives. In other words, we essentially slow time down when we are deeply affected by something in our lives. Life around us has gone on, but we slowed our own timeline and stopped moving with it.

Of course, the reverse is also true. We can speed up our timeline by embracing events and changes in our lives, making even relatively recent events appear to have happened long ago.

Why is this important? It goes to show the importance of staying in life as much as possible. Time will drag if we stay in the past and we do not necessarily benefit from that. When we alter our perception of time, we also alter our perception of reality. If life stopped for you 10 years ago after the death of a loved one, then everything around you is still based on your knowledge, feelings, and beliefs from 10 years ago. Information, people, events, and the world have moved 10 years ahead of you.

People are meant to move forward with time – to grow, change, and experience life.

Embracing changes in life

Unfortunately, the brain is averse to change. Every time you feel uncomfortable about something new, that is your brain thinking it needs to protect you from something it does not know, which also means that once you do that “unknown” action repeatedly, your brain learns it is safe and will stop giving you that uncomfortable feeling. This is why you can even become comfortable with negative circumstances that might currently make you feel miserable.

How can we learn to embrace change so our life can go on in a happy, healthy way?

1. Recognize when your brain is telling you something that isn’t the truth.

For example, you’ve told yourself that you want to start working out. On the day you are about to start, suddenly your brain is flooding you with a bunch of excuses. “You don’t have enough time, too many things to get done, you’re too tired, etc.”

Realistically, you can do a simple 30-minute workout and it won’t impact your day that much. As a matter of fact, it has been proven that people are more productive and have more energy on days they exercise than on days they don’t.

2. Focus on the positive in your life.

Oftentimes, we train ourselves to focus on the negatives regarding a change rather than the positives. If you have decided to eat healthier, you can choose to focus on how much you miss the cheeseburgers and fries, or you can tell yourself how much more alert you feel after eating chicken with rice and vegetables. You can tell yourself how much better your body feels having beneficial nutrition in it rather than processed ingredients.

This can also be reinforced by giving yourself something positive afterward. Every time you eat a healthy meal, you can reward yourself with $5.00 toward the new wardrobe you are going to need.

3. Self-Talk or Affirmations.

Talk nicely to yourself. Tell yourself something positive, such as, “I am going to finish this report today and it will be the best report my boss sees this month.” It’s important that you don’t word it as, “I am not going to procrastinate doing this report.” What the brain will focus on is “I am” and “procrastinate,” whereas in the first example, it will remember “I am” and “finish.”

4. Discipline your mind.

Meditation, prayer, and visualization have proven to strengthen the mind. Forcing your mind to quiet down or focus on an image or desire creates a form of self-discipline which automatically teaches your brain to look for those triggers to achieve the level of happiness you felt when you thought of them.

5. Do something a little different every day.

We mostly operate on routine. We get up, stumble to the bathroom, brush our teeth, make coffee, and sit down first thing in the morning. Change it up. Maybe get up and jump in the shower first; or start the coffee pot and then go to the bathroom. Or, take a cold shower instead of a warm one. Drive a different route to work or say hi to someone in the elevator that you don’t know instead of looking at your phone. These are small changes that allowour brains to become accustomed to that uncomfortable feeling while breaking up our mindless routine.

6. Accept the change that occurred beyond your control.

A lot of people believe they need to control everything; when something happens beyond their control, they grow distraught. They believe there must have been something they could’ve done to prevent it. That is not always true.

You cannot and should not control everything. You can’t control your friends, children, or partner, for instance. Yes, you can make them feel bad or guilt them into doing what you feel is best for them. Yet, they may still go behind your back to do it anyway.

We try to teach our children to study and do their homework. They may choose to not do it and fail a class. There was nothing more you could do. It was their decision. People are responsible for their own decisions.

Another example is if you were in a car accident. You were driving the correct speed, looking at the road without any distractions but suddenly a car darted in front of your car and you hit it. You were doing everything you could do to be a safe driver, yet it happened anyhow.

Things happen in life and there is only so much control we have. The sooner you realistically accept that fact, the faster you can move on and accept changes that occur in your life.

Final Thoughts: Think Positive, Things Will Get Better

Life goes on. Regardless of how you choose to live your life, you will be affected by people and events in your life, whether they are good or bad. The more we train our brains to not fear change, the better we go on with our own lives and experience them to the fullest.

5 Ways to Have More Control Over Your Life

April 18, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Having control over your life means making the most of your circumstances and using your strengths to your advantage. It means choosing what you give your energy to, realizing that you cannot change everything in life. You can only change yourself, so it only makes sense to look within for your answers. The more control you have over yourself, the less you will need to control situations and people outside yourself.

When most people look at the world today, they just see chaos and confusion. However, by quieting the mind and only paying attention to what matters, we can have clarity about life. By getting in tune with our highest selves, we can understand our purpose. Then, we can start to formulate a plan that aligns with our overall desire.

Most of us could probably agree that we want more control over our lives. How can we make life respond to us, instead of just happen to us? We have some powerful, life-changing tips for you below.

“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” ? Steve Maraboli

Here are five ways to have more control over your life:

1 – Limit your stimuli

Our senses constantly get bombarded with stimuli from TV shows to advertisements to movies. We live in a fascinating, loud, chaotic world, and this can wreak havoc on our nervous systems. Many people today suffer from brain fog, racing thoughts, and anxiety due to so many distractions. Technology plays a massive part in this, as we have access to millions of apps, games, and information in the palm of our hands.

In this world of distractions, how can we limit our exposure to these stimuli? Here are a few tips:

Keep your phone away from you while working

Research shows that even the presence of your phone in your workspace decreases your cognitive ability. Keep your cellphone ideally in another room, or just out of your sight while you work. Limiting your distractions while working will increase your output and mental capacity.

Limit your entertainment each day

Watching hours of TV or YouTube videos can easily overload your senses and dull your thinking. Try not to view more than an hour of TV each day, so you have more mental stamina for being productive.

Take breaks in nature

If you’ve been working for a while, make sure to take breaks outside in the environment. Studies have shown that being immersed in nature can lower stress, increase attention span, and boost mood.

Practice meditation

Perhaps the most critical piece of advice in this article, studies have shown the incredible benefits of meditation. We live in a very chaotic, ever-changing world, but meditation can help you anchor your consciousness, so you stay afloat when the seas get rough. In other words, meditation allows you to become an objective observer over your experiences rather than just a victim of circumstances. It helps you weather storms rather than being tossed around by them.

You want to limit what you allow into your field of consciousness – this applies to your thoughts as well as outside stimuli. Keep your ideas simple, and you will attract this same energy back to you.

2 – Surround yourself with positive people

Did you know you can “catch” moods from people? After all, they say that we are the sum of the five people we hang around the most. It makes sense that we would pick up on the energies of those we surround ourselves with. If you want more control over your life, watch who you allow into your space.

If you want to feel more positive, only choose to surround yourself with those who match this mood. Of course, no one can remain cheery all the time, but you don’t want to hang around those who always complain or speak negatively about life. Even joining groups on Facebook or following people who never seem happy can lower your mood.

Surround yourself with people who uplift you and who want to see you become your best self. Choosing the right friends and communities will give you a sense of control over your life. By shifting your mindset to a more positive one, you will attract these types of people as well.

3 – Exercise

Most people today don’t get near enough exercise. According to the CDC, between 2010 and 2015, more than 75% of Americans didn’t get the recommended amount of weekly cardio and muscle-building training. As life moves even faster nowadays, this number has probably only increased. Physical activity releases feel-good endorphins that promote brain health and emotional balance. Not to mention, exercise improves strength, stamina, and many different health markers in the body.

Studies have shown that sitting for long periods can increase your risk of early death. Most people sit for eight hours a day at their jobs, so getting exercise before or after is vital for overall health. Even a simple walk around the block for twenty minutes or stretching in the morning before work can make a difference.

Other studies have shown that exercise can help increase your self-control, which will give you more control over your life. As we said before, the more you can control yourself, the less you’ll feel anxious or worried about things outside of you.

If you work a typical desk job or have to work at home for eight or more hours a day, make sure to get up and move regularly. On your lunch breaks, go outside and walk around for a bit after you eat. If you work at home, try to get up at least once every hour for a few minutes. This habit will make a remarkable difference in your mood and concentration levels.

4 – Stick to a routine

Humans need routines in their lives to feel stable and in control. Our minds and bodies need regularity so that we can maintain a sense of order in our lives. Primarily if you work from home, a routine will help you organize your day and keep your focus on what matters. You want to go to bed and wake up at the same time, most importantly, and cross off the hardest tasks of your day first. Make time to meditate, stretch, or do yoga in the mornings.

Also, make exercise and healthy meals a part of your routine to keep your energy high. Limit your exposure to stimuli, as we suggested above, and make time for nature. If you take care of yourself first, your life will improve exponentially, and you’ll have more control over your circumstances.

5 – Eliminate bad habits

Easier said than done, we know, but bad habits can put a damper on your life. If you always give in to what your ego wants, whether it asks for more food, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, or entertainment, you will never get control of it. Winning the battle over the ego requires you to deny yourself immediate gratification so you can achieve long-term results.

This mindset shift goes for any goal you might have, from meditation to writing a book to starting a business. Getting control over your life often involves facing your deepest fears and weaknesses and acknowledging where you can improve. From there, try to eliminate one bad habit per week and replace them with good habits.

For example, if you have become addicted to smoking cigarettes, wean yourself off of them by replacing the cigarette with something else. Check-in with your mental state when you want a cigarette; often, stress leads us to crave substances that will relax us. You could go for a run, call up a friend, work on your goals, or cook a healthy meal instead. You just need a distraction, but a healthy one.

Apply this same logic to every harmful habit you have, and watch your life change. Tell yourself that going to the gym and eating healthy reward you while smoking and eating junk food punish you. This practice will make healthier habits easier to stick with.

Final thoughts about how to have control over your life

We all crave more control in our lives, whether in our finances, relationships, health, or jobs. Many of us just don’t know where to start to save ourselves from the messes that life brings. However, choosing to follow the advice above will help you achieve great results in this battle. If you find yourself living on autopilot and just accepting what life throws at you, stop and take a few breaths.

Think of how you could actively change your situation. Limit your stimuli, exercise, take care of your mental and emotional health, choose positive people, eliminate bad habits, and create a routine. By doing all of these things, you will tip the scales more in your favor and have more control over your life.

8 Ways Depression and Anxiety Have Actually Helped People Become Better

April 18, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The emotional pain one experiences from depression and anxiety can be severe… sometimes even debilitating. Many people have been diagnosed with both conditions (the two often accompany each other) and have experiences which are undoubtedly some of the darkest days of life.

“The strongest people are not those who show strength in front of the world, but those who fight and win battles that others do not know anything about.” – Jonathan Harnisch, The Brutal Truth

Anxiety disorders and the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older, or 18% of the population. Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. – Anxiety and Depression Association of America

But people can also benefit from the condition. Growing, becoming stronger, and learning the importance of appreciating life despite the pain.

Indeed, one can become a better, stronger person by experiencing adversity. Depression and anxiety certainly fits this description. The experience often entails pain but can bring about tremendous growth if one can learn to understand and harness the (often veiled) opportunities that the illness brings.

So, without further ado…here are 8 ways in which depression and/or anxiety has helped people become better for it:

1. More Compassionate

Going through the circle of hell that is depression and anxiety, it becomes much more natural to practice compassion and empathy. Also, the compassion and empathy that we feel for people is often much deeper.

We’re much more likely to recognize the important issue that is mental health and its impact on the world. We’re far less likely to pass judgment on someone in the event that they suffer from any illness or condition; whether it be psychological or physical.

2. More Grateful

Without a doubt, depression and anxiety have a sinister way of numbing us to those once-enjoyable activities. In fact, this ubiquitous symptom is defined by the American Psychiatric Association: “Decreased interest or pleasure in most activities, most of the day.” It is considered one of the leading signs of depression.

But some people undergoing or having undergone depression learn to appreciate those moments in life when something does go right. It’s actually much more special in some cases, especially after being stuck in “emotion-neutral.”

3. Enhanced Perspective

Depression, really, is a monster…and anxiety is the monster’s worrisome accomplice. Both conditions try to imprint the belief into a person that they’re completely and utterly alone…and in a world that would never understand them.

However, people that have become better as a result of their depression often challenge these devious and erroneous thoughts. In so doing they’ll interact with, and benefit from, the knowledge that many have been defeated, even been forged by, depression and anxiety.

This often leads to increased awareness and perspective towards the world around them.

4. Increased Confidence

While it may seem ironic, depression and anxiety can potentially increase one’s confidence. This is because, when we are depressed, it is likely we will approach situations and challenges that appear insurmountable. Of course, they often are not…but the illness won’t let us in on that.

However, when we overcome whatever monster, we can look back and realize that we’re stronger than we initially thought. We then carry this belief forward. This results in a feeling of strength breeds natural and potent confidence.

5. More Forgiving

Some people – if they know someone is mentally ill – will ignorantly attach some type of stigma to that person. The person suffering from the condition will eventually catch on, resulting in some bitter feelings.

This is all the more hurtful and damaging because the ill person, more likely than not, is already dealing with persistently dehumanizing thoughts and emotions. People who are able to forgive themselves, and the people who hurt them – all despite such challenging circumstances – are often much more forgiving people than before.

6. More Patient

Experiencing depression and anxiety brings about a certain sense of vulnerability and humility. Some of the strongest men and women in the world nearly buckle from the numerous challenges associated with both conditions.

As such, victims often come to the realization that they’re only in control of so much. We understand that the world does not necessarily care to “speed things up” for our benefit. Coming back from depression and anxiety is often a long road, so we gain patience in that respect as well.

7. Better Relationships

It’s common for people who overcome the dark days of depression and anxiety to come out with a fresh perspective, as mentioned before. One epiphany that the person often has is that cutting negativity out of their life is crucial to their happiness.

This often means cutting out the negative people from their life and replacing them with positive influences. Of course, these new relationships are much more fulfilling. Many people also gain a deeper love and appreciation for their friends and family, which leads to better relationships.

8. More Active

There is a strong correlation between physical and mental health. Physical activity provides all sorts of benefits to the brain, which experts believe can actually assist people in overcoming depression and anxiety.

Simply stated, exercise makes a person feel good. The release of endorphins – the brain’s “feel good” chemicals – assures that. It’s not uncommon for a person experiencing depression or anxiety to get hooked on working out for this very reason.

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

Then, follow these anger management strategies:

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!