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Therapists Explain 13 Reasons to Stop Remembering Your Past

April 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The past is a part of who we are. It shapes us, teaches us, and affects our character development and growth. But remembering your is only beneficial if we learn from and leave it behind.

Many people find that they live somewhat in the past. They can’t stop thinking about what happened before, and it traps them in a perpetual rush of negativity that you can never really fix. It’s not healthy, even if its familiarity is comfortable.

Here’s how therapists explain 13 reasons to stop remembering your past.

1. Remembering The Bad Is A Tough Cycle To Break

When you think about bad moments from your past, you form a clearer idea of them in your head – one often conflated with more negativity. This energy feeds into your mood, causing you to lose positive thinking, thus increasing the chances of you recalling your past this way again.

According to Amy Morin, a licensed clinical social worker, author, and psychotherapist, rumination can become so deeply ingrained in you that you struggle to break out of these destructive thought patterns. It’s like a wound – it scabs over as it begins to heal, but you pick at it again, causing it to reopen.

2. It Stops You From Moving On

Recalling your past too much causes you to live in it emotionally, trapping you in a time that has long left you behind. Here’s why always remembering your past and living in it stops you from moving on:

Living in the past means you’re stuck in it. It’s not possible to move on when you live inside a remembered past in your head.
Living in the past means you never close the door behind you. You’re always taking peeks back through it, as if you want to go back inside – and even though you never can go back inside.
Living in the past means ignoring new open doors. If you’re so fixated on the doors that you refuse to close, and you’ll miss new ones opening up all around you. This means you’ll let new opportunities pass you by!
Living in the past is rejecting the present and, therefore, the future. Spend all your time in the past, and the present will move on without you, leaving you behind.

3. There’s No Healthy Outcome

Remembering your past is a doomed effort from the start – there’s simply no healthy outcome to continue thinking about what’s happened before. There are several ways that this behavior can go, and they’re all negative, including:

Burying emotions and feelings attached to the past, resulting in pent-up emotional stress and damage
Being unable to let go of the past at all, resulting in changes to everyday actions and thoughts
Experiencing profound, severe, triggering pain at anything that jobs memories of that past
Refusing to face events of the past for what they indeed were, becoming stuck instead in what-ifs, leading to an inability to learn from it or be aware of its lessons
Over-identifying with the events of the past, resulting in a personality shaped only by history, unable to grow and improve over time

None of these behaviors, primarily if rooted in childhood, have any sort of positive effect on your current life. They cause you to be unable to live your life on your terms, says Glendon Association Director of Research and Education, clinical psychologist, and author Dr. Lisa Firestone.

4. The Past Isn’t Real

The past happened and existed, but it’s gone now. It’s not tangible. You can’t access it with your senses, and it merely is no longer real. Everything you think and feel about the past lives only in your mind – meaning it’s a part of your imagination.

In your imagination, which is exceedingly powerful, things can get blown out of proportion. That imagination can transport you “back in time” to a fake version of the past that now lives only in your head. That’s not a very productive way to spend your time at all!

5. It Can Damage Your Relationships With Others

Excessive focus on your past can lead to damaging relationships, further isolating you when what you need most is support. Here are some of the ways it can damage those relationships you have with others:

You blame others for what happened to you
You lash out due to unprocessed emotional baggage
You feel distrustful of others due to past pain
You expect those around you to fill spaces that were occupied in the past
You actively seek out relationships that remind you of the past
You perform toxic behaviors that make others distance themselves from you

A great way to overcome these boundaries is with mindfulness, says therapist and psychologist Elyssa Barbash, Ph.D. Mindfulness involves learning to live in the present, which can lead you to be aware of your emotions, thoughts, actions, reactions, and sensations.

6. Remembering The Past Wastes Precious Time

When you spend all your time thinking about the past, what you’re doing is just wasting the short amount of time we have on this planet. Life is much too brief to be spent trapped, unable to move forward.

Living each day like it’s your last can be difficult advice to put into practice, but it’s good advice nonetheless. What if you were going to die tomorrow? Would you still spend your time in the past?

7. It Doesn’t Define You

Sometimes, people stay in the past because they believe that it defines them. Sure, you may not say “I am my past,” but you may:

Believe that you must spend the rest of your life atoning for the past
Spend your time trying to get back to the “old you,” who you perceive as happier or better
Consider the person you remember being to be the person you always will be
Judge your current actions based on your past
Believe that you are undeserving of certain things because of your history.

These things are all ways that you allow the past to define you. Yes, the past has changed you, but it has become a part of you and shaped you into your current self – it’s not something you must abide by forever.

8. It Causes Disappointment

If you worry all the time because you can’t live in the present, you’re setting yourself up for dissatisfaction. This is because you don’t know how to take each day as it comes. All you do is think of the past, and that past becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Learning to go with the flow is one of the keys to removing disappointment. When you enjoy the current moment for what it is, you’re always grateful and full of positive thinking.

9. It Masks Present Need

When you dwell on the past, there’s a good chance that the emotions dredged up from there are masking something you need or want in the present. This is according to licensed marriage and family therapist Faith Deeter, who is also a speaker, author, and transformational trainer.

But if you remember only the past and keep dwelling on it, you will be unable to separate yourself from it and realize how it affects you today. So the next time you find your thoughts shifting to the past, refocus. How are your present needs linked to these thoughts? What do you need? To be understood? To feel secure? Work to understand what triggers the negative patterns, and you can meet your real needs in the present.

10. It Leads To Unhealthy Coping Skills

The act of brooding can be terrible for your ability to cope. After all, instead of confronting your past issues, you’re stewing in them and failing to deal with them, to begin with. Studies have indicated that this offers less than positive risks for the future.

As an example, individuals who tend to ruminate in their pasts or emotions face heightened levels of distress emotionally. This dramatically increases their chances of developing unhealthy or toxic coping methods. These may include:

Eating disorders
Substance abuse
Self-harm

11. It Prevents You From Trusting In Or Being Kind To Yourself

Think about it – how do you usually react when negative thoughts that are rooted in your past surface? The chances are that you criticize yourself and engage in negative self-talk. The emotional baggage from the past can affect your thought patterns, leading to a constant cycle of self-blame.

Licensed marriage and family therapist Lisa Olivera expresses the importance of understanding that, while pain and hurt cannot be prevented, you can make the active choice to be kind to yourself when that pain comes around. This also includes giving yourself treats and rewards, setting aside a few hours for me-time or self-care, and learning that you deserve better than to trap yourself in the past.

12. It Can Cause Mental Health Issues

If you spend too much time focusing on the negative, your mental health will suffer for it. Research indicates that dwelling over problems, hardship, errors, and past pain results in an overall loss of positive thinking and an increased risk of developing mental disorders. This can include:

Anxiety disorders
Depressive disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder

13. You Can’t Fix Or Change It

The past is set in stone. There is no way to go back in time and find a way to undo what has been done. Revisiting and remembering the past, again and again, will not yield anything positive for you.

According to a psychologist, author, media figure, and keynote speaker Dr. Judith Sills, the desire to cling and brood is natural and alright when the event first happens. But after a while, continuing to maintain that emotional perspective will only harm you in the long run.

You will never be able to rewind time, whether to visit the past or to change it. But you know what you can control and fix right now? Your present, and the trajectory you’re on for the future. Focus on the now and what is to come, and you’ll feel like you’re getting somewhere!

Final Thoughts On Some Reasons To Stop Remembering The Past

The past can hang over you painfully, but you don’t have to allow it to consume you. Letting go of your past doesn’t have to mean forgetting it – it just means taking the lessons you’ve learned and moved on, focusing on the current moment and the possibilities that the future holds.

7 Things That Kill A Conversation

April 3, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Most of us have been in a situation where we seem to be having a friendly conversation one second, only for it to grind to a halt the next abruptly. The ensuing awkwardness and discomfort are nothing short of unpleasant, and it’s terrible for positive thinking.

But why does this happen? As it turns out, there are certain things that, when done, tend to bring conversations to a painful stop. You need to be aware of them so you can avoid them. Here are seven things that kill a conversation.

7 Ways You’ll Kill a Conversation

1 – Being Controlling

A typical conversation aims to engage in a fair exchange of words and statements in a neutral setting. Attempting to exert power over such a situation by being controlling will put an immediate end to the conversation.

No one wants to talk to someone who is attempting to control them. The chances are that you hate being controlled, too, so you can’t expect anyone to stick around when they feel you’re doing that to them. Here are some examples of controlling behavior:

Making Demands

If your requests involve the idea that “no” is not an acceptable answer, you’re not asking. You’re making demands. There’s no place in a standard conversation for being demanding, so dial it down.

Telling Others What To Do

When someone presents or mentions a problem to you, you are free to advise them, but you shouldn’t be telling them what to do. If you’d be upset if they don’t listen to you, then you’re telling, not advising. If they haven’t asked you to instruct them, don’t do it!

Dictating What Can And Can’t Be Said

Of course, it’s okay to mention boundaries that you don’t want to be crossed, but doing this in the extreme by deciding which topics can and can’t be discussed to suit your whims is a big no-no.

2 – One-Word Responses

One-word responses mean that your conversation partner will be left hanging. They’ve contributed something, and you’ve decided to respond by adding nothing. Most people won’t want to continue doing all the heavy lifting in a conversation and will opt to end it. Examples of one-word responses include:

Okay
Sure
Yes
No
Alright
Fine
Whatever

One-word responses can also signal boredom, annoyance, or a desire to end a conversation. Naturally, those who hear them may assume you don’t want to continue talking and will take the first step in dropping the speech.

Similarly, you should take care not to ask closed questions. Closed questions involve queries that typically are responded to with one-word answers. These closed questions force a conversation partner to struggle to figure out what else they can contribute to the conversation beyond that typical response, and some may decide it’s not worth the effort.

3 – Being Insincere

Sincerity is all about positive intention, and therefore a lack of it is entirely your fault. If you don’t feel authentic in what you’re saying, that will shine through, and people will pick up on it. Insincerity is a big turn-off and can kill conversations. Here are some examples of insincere behaviors:

Pretending To Know What You Don’t

If you don’t know something, say you aren’t sure or that you don’t know. Tell the truth! For some reason, there’s an idea going around that the act of talking nonsense just to deceive someone is a valuable skill. It isn’t, and people won’t want to talk to you if you keep doing it.

Praise That Isn’t Genuine

It’s fairly obvious when someone’s praise isn’t real. Some may be fooled, but those who aren’t will see that as their cue to end the conversation. Worse still is any praise you do with ulterior motives!

White Lies

Sure, not everyone will notice when you tell white lies. But once someone does, they’re going to doubt everything you say and will likely not see the point in talking to you any further. No one likes deceptive people, after all. Remember, you can be honest without being tactless, so white lies aren’t needed!

4 – Focusing On Yourself

Conversations are a two-way street. No one wants to be a part of a one-sided conversation. Yes, particular friendship dynamics involve one friend who would rather talk and another who would rather listen. But for the most part, healthy, positive conversations need to include a fair amount of give and take. Here are common behaviors in this vein to avoid:

Aiming To Get Something Out Of The Conversation

Are you only taking part in a conversation because there’s something you want to get out of it? You might think you’re subtle, but people know that you’re doing this, and it’s not a very nice way to behave.

Continually Making Everything About You

Fair exchange is essential in a healthy conversation. If you redirect all topics to something related to you or use someone else’s talking points to jump off of into your tales and experiences, others aren’t going to want to talk to you as you come off self-centered.

Speaking More Than You Listen

We have two ears and one mouth, so we should be doing twice as much listening as talking. So really, truly listen to what the other person is saying and understand their point of view. Feel free to ask questions to understand it further. Then, once you’ve genuinely listened thoroughly, you can speak about your opinion.

5 – Drawing Everything Out

Good conversations start and end naturally. Prolonging a conversation through force can, ironically, cause it to shorten instead. Here are some ways that drawing everything out kills a conversation:

Obsessing Over Details

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to share everything about a subject, including tiny details, but unless you’re speaking to people with a passion for that subject, there’s a good chance they’ll get bored. Don’t talk for ages about something small – keep it short, sweet, and attention-worthy!

Not Getting To The Point

Beating around the bush due to nervousness or anxiety is understandable, but most people don’t want to have to wait for ages to get to crucial information. Unless you want the conversation to end, keep your disclaimers very brief and get to the point.

Going Off-Topic

Rambling is fun and good among certain groups, but there will be people whose conversations are a little more clear, with an obvious goal or topic to discuss. Going off-topic and prattling about for minutes and minutes can kill a conversation quickly.

Providing Too Much Information

Most people don’t want to hear too much about your personal, romantic, familial, or medical life – that falls under TMI, or too much information. Oversharing can make things awkward, and it’s a reason many conversations die.

6 – Acting Like An Expert Undeservedly

No one likes a pretentious person. To act as an expert in situations where that is not warranted or on subjects that you are far from an expert about is a guaranteed way to kill a conversation. Here are some ways you may be doing that:

Analyzing

Armchair psychology isn’t real psychology. No matter what you think you know about human nature and behavior, you aren’t qualified to analyze someone. People don’t like being treated like case studies and will likely shut down a conversation if you make them feel like one.

Using Complex Jargon

Among peers in your field, jargon is fine. But among others, simplifying your language makes the information accessible to them. If you insist on using technical terms, you’re alienating your conversation partners and acting high-and-mighty.

Being Judgmental

Unless someone asks for your judgment, you are in no place to make assumptions and draw conclusions based on the limited scope that a conversation and some observation gives you. You don’t know the reality of anyone else’s situation, so don’t judge them!

Using Long Words

There’s nothing wrong with a verbose vocabulary, and there are many people who enjoy communicating with more mindful word choices. But if everything you say is an obscure word that sounds like you looked it up on a Thesaurus, you’re just pretentious. Language is designed as a tool for communication, and using ridiculous words defeats that purpose.

Humblebragging

It’s nice to lift yourself up, and you don’t want to seem like you’re showing off. Humblebragging is a very common tactic to find balance but is very ineffective. If you must share your accomplishments or talk yourself up to other people, be transparent in what you’re doing – express your pride and positive thinking happily; don’t try to mask it with false humility that just sounds arrogant.

7 – Using Unhelpful Clichés Or Advice

It can be tough to think of what to do or say when someone comes to you with a problem. Responding to these things, the wrong way can be an immediate conversation killer.

The use of clichés and so-called wise sayings is quite common when someone is going through a rough spot. But they can come off as patronizing or belittling to people with real and complex problems. Examples of clichés are:

It’ll all be for the best.
Things happen for a reason.
Everything will be just fine.
Things will get better.
The right opportunity will come soon!

While they sound nice and kind, these statements are fillers. They don’t really mean anything, and for people who are going through a tough time, they can be even less meaningful because they’re superficial. Of course, we know that these words are often said with the best intentions – just regulate your use of clichés!

You may also kill a conversation by offering unhelpful advice, especially when not asked for it. A lot of people just want to vent to others when they talk about their problems. Don’t offer unsolicited criticism or advice!

Sometimes, the best option is to be honest. Instead of offering advice and half-baked popular phrases, say:

I really don’t know what to say, but I’m here to listen.
That sounds like a difficult situation. Is there any way I can help?
Would you like suggestions from me, or would you prefer I just support you?

Final Thoughts On Avoiding the Things That Kill A Conversation

Most people don’t directly intend to kill a conversation, and chances are, you don’t, either. Avoid doing these seven things, and you won’t find yourself in an uncomfortable situation like that one again!

Texas Roadhouse CEO Gives Up Salary and Bonus to Pay Employees

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

In the U.S., we now have over 100,000 COVID-19 cases, with New York making up about 40% of those cases. Businesses have been forced to close to contain the spread as many states have issued stay-at-home orders.

In states such as California and New York, only essential businesses such as pharmacies, hospitals, grocery stores, and delivery companies remain open. Restaurants and bars are some of the hardest-hit companies.

But one restaurant chain owner decided that he would give up his salary so his employees could keep getting paid.

Texas Roadhouse: Corporation with a conscience

In a securities filing last week, Texas Roadhouse CEO Kent Taylor said that he would give up his base salary and bonus for this year. It went into effect on March 18 and will continue through January 7.

Taylor said this would free up funds to keep paying front-line employees through the crisis and avoid massive layoffs.

In addition to this selfless act of kindness, the Texas Roadhouse board of directors made a surprise announcement. They voted Tuesday to suspend payments of quarterly cash dividends of the company’s stock.

Navigating the job market during such uncertain times can be daunting, but utilizing tools like a canada salary calculator can provide clarity and confidence in your search.

Before landing a job, it’s essential to assess the financial landscape, ensuring that the compensation offered aligns with your expectations and cost of living.

By doing so, you can focus on finding a position that not only matches your skills but also meets your financial needs, allowing you to make informed decisions.

This would apply to dividends paid out after March 27 “to better manage its cash position and enhance financial flexibility in light of the uncertainty in the global markets resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak.”

According to Louisville Business First, Taylor received compensation of $1.3 million in 2018, down significantly from his 2017 payout of $8.5 million. His salary was $525,000. His stock awards totaled $7.3 million in 2017 and zero in 2018. He also got a bonus of $829,316 in 2018, which was up from $710,230 in 2017.

Taylor opened the first Texas Roadhouse in Clarksville, Indiana, in 1993. The company has expanded today to 611 restaurants in 49 states and ten countries. All 514 restaurants are corporate locations.

As of March 19, Texas Roadhouse still operated its stores on a full, limited, or strictly to go basis and hadn’t closed any sites.

To boost cash reserves to pay employees, the company drew down $190 million from its revolving credit and now has over $300 million. Hopefully, the shutdown won’t last too much longer, but it’s reassuring to see CEOs giving up their entire salary and bonus to keep things running.

Other restaurant chains followed suit

Taylor isn’t the only one giving up his salary. The Darden CEO also gave up his salary to avoid mass layoffs. Darden owns restaurants such as Olive Garden, Longhorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s, The Capital Grille, and Yard House.

Same-store sales fell 60% last week as patrons started limiting outings due to the COVID-19 crisis. While restaurants are still allowing to-go orders, many CEOs have no choice but to lay off employees or cut their salaries to make up for the massive decline in revenue.

On Wednesday last week, Darden implemented an emergency pay program that would cover hourly employees for two weeks in restaurants where they couldn’t work. This would be in addition to the permanent paid sick leave policy that Darden announced last week where workers get one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours on the job, beginning with the previous 26 weeks of work.

This would allow new employees to take advantage of the paid sick leave program as well.

Final Thoughts: Hats off to these CEOs and companies like Texas Roadhouse

Do you know of any other CEO’s or businesses offering to cut salaries so their employees could get paid? If so, please give them a shout-out in the comments!

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

10 Reasons Dogs Really Are Our Best Friend

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Most of us consider dogs a member of our families, and we even get them to pose with us for Christmas card pictures and other special events. Pups just make life better. They comfort us when we need it, snuggle with us when we’re sad, and get so excited to see us after we’re gone all day at work.

Some people say dogs are angels sent to Earth to remind us how to love, and perhaps that’s true. Dogs give unconditional love; they don’t care how much money we make or what kind of car we drive.

In these uncertain times, dogs have become an even more excellent source of comfort. Many people are enjoying their time off work or working from home because they get to see their beloved dogs more! And, we’re sure the dogs love all the extra attention, too. If you need to leave your dogs, you may consider bringing them to a pet boarding facility to ensure they will be properly taken care of. In addition, we need to ensure that they visit the vet regularly for professional veterinary services they need to keep them healthy.

If you’re struggling during the COVID-19 outbreak, animals provide an excellent way to deal with stress naturally. Just a few minutes of cuddling with your dogs on the couch can relieve depression and anxiety. With that said, we’ll go over some more ways our pets can help us get through these tough times. If you love your furry friends as much as we do, get here some CBD dog treats to show them how much you love them.

Here are ten reasons dogs really are our best friend:

They give us comfort and support

When you cuddle up on the couch or bed with your pooch, you can just feel the tension and stress in your body melt away. Animals have very healing energy about them, perhaps because they don’t require anything from us except primary care. They love us unconditionally, even in our worst moments. Just simply listening to our dog’s breathing or caressing their fur can bring about immense feelings of comfort.

We all have to deal with the uncertainty of these times in different ways, but if you have a dog, make sure to give him or her some extra love! It will surely make both of you feel more at ease and better able to handle any curve balls life throws your way.

They help us sleep better

Science shows that people sleep better when their pet joins them. Especially during the virus outbreak, many of us have been losing sleep and having more nightmares, but our pets can get us through it.

According to a survey of pet owners by the American Pet Products Association, almost 50% of dogs sleep in their parent’s beds. The study found that 62% of small dogs, 41% of medium-sized dogs, and 32% of large dogs sleep alongside their owners most nights. Of course, some people don’t like their dogs sleeping with them in bed because they take up so much room, but if you have a smaller dog, you likely won’t notice a difference.

While people have differing opinions about sleeping with their dogs, science provides evidence that it can benefit people. Even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes that sleeping with our dogs can keep us calm and lower stress levels.

If you’ve been feeling more stressed lately, invite your furry friend to sleep beside you. You’ll likely wake up feeling more refreshed and emotionally at ease.

Research reveals that your pet understands you better than your human counterparts.

They benefit us emotionally

Most dogs can sense when their owners don’t feel right, either physically or emotionally. Dogs are one of the smartest animals on Earth and pick up on people’s emotions quite easily. There’s a reason why dogs are used as therapy animals in a variety of settings, from nursing homes to mental health clinics. Dogs help calm people down and give us emotional support without saying a word.

Dogs simply understand us and want nothing more than to give us comfort. When you feel stressed, turn off the news for a while and enjoy some cuddle sessions with your dogs. Or, bring them outside for a walk – the fresh air and bonding time with your pets will immediately ease your mind and heart during this difficult time.

They provide warmth.

Both physically and mentally, a pup can bring some much-needed warmth into our hearts. Cuddling with humans is excellent too, but there’s just something about snuggling up to our pets on a cold winter night. As warm-blooded creatures, dogs give off a lot of heat, and along with their need to cuddle up with us at all times, it’s hard not to smile at them. The sense of comfort dogs bring us might have something to do with the warmth we feel when cuddling with them.

Dogs make us healthier.

Numerous studies have shown that dogs help keep our health in check. Some health benefits touted by scientists include a lower risk of heart and cardiovascular disease, increased longevity, and decreased risk of allergies and asthma in kids.

One study conducted by researchers at the International Clinical Research Center at St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno found that people who owned dogs got more exercise and, therefore, had better health. The study looked at the health of three groups of people: those who owned canines, those who had other types of pets, and people who didn’t own any pets.

“In general, people who owned any pet were more likely to report more physical activity, better diet, and blood sugar at an ideal level. The greatest benefits from having a pet were for those who owned a dog, independent of their age, sex and education level,” said Andrea Maugeri, Ph.D., a researcher with the International Clinical Research Center at St. Anne’s University Hospital in Brno.

While health is a top concern for most people during this time, only going for a jog around the block with your pooch can help boost your immunity and health.

Dogs make us feel safer.

Especially if you live alone, dogs can ease your mind about intruders and health concerns. Most dogs have a sixth sense when something is wrong with their owner and will come to your aid when you feel sick. If you live with others, dogs can get the attention of other members of the household if something is wrong. Also, dogs can alert us about trespassers on our property, especially when we’re at our most vulnerable at night while we’re asleep.

They never turn down an invitation to hang out.

How many times have you asked your friends to hang out, and they say they’re “too busy” or “too tired?” Probably more than you can count. However, if you find yourself bored out of your mind during the lockdown, your pup will always be there to play with you! Whether it’s a simple game of fetch or chasing after each other in the yard, your pup will cherish every moment of playtime they get with you. With many of us home from work during this time, this is the perfect opportunity to bond with our pups and create new memories together.

Work-related stress is minimized by having a pet at work, according to research. Take a look.

Dogs give companionship and greatly benefit the elderly.

If you know an older person or couple struggling to cope with the COVID-19 outbreak, why not offer to bring your dog over for a bit? You can always stand outside while they pet the dog for a bit, and this makes a great way to help out during the crisis.

Dogs help to reduce anxiety and depression and especially help the elderly with feelings of loneliness and confusion. They provide companionship for the elderly dealing with conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s, a study found.

The study involved 56 residents from two suburban Maryland nursing homes. It found that the duration and frequency of positive body language and communication (smiles, leaning in, verbalization, looking forward, etc.) increased, and negative feelings decreased in Alzheimer’s patients who also owned dogs. They also had fewer mood swings and less aggression than patients who did not own a pet.

Dogs consider us their family, too.

Yes, dogs consider us family just as much as we do them. A group of scientists at Emory University put dogs in an MRI machine. Before scanning their brains, the canines had to smell different scents. Some aromas came from other animals, some from food, and others from their owners.

The scan showed that reward centers in the dog’s brains lit up most when they smelled familiar scents from their owners, showing that dogs consider their human relationships a top priority.

They just make us smile.

There’s a reason why we can watch hours of funny pet videos on Facebook and never get bored. Dogs just have a way of melting our hearts because of their unconditional love and adorable personalities. Dogs just make life so much better.

You’ll love these illustrations that depict life before and after adopting a pooch.

Final thoughts about why dogs are our best friends

Dogs give us support mentally, physically, and emotionally. They keep our beds warm at night, help us get outdoors and keep us healthy, and lower our stress during difficult times. What’s not to love about our favorite furry friends?

10 Natural Remedies To Help Beat Indigestion

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Indigestion is a common complaint of many Americans today.

Thanks to our fast-paced lifestyle and Standard American Diet, or S.A.D., almost 1 in 4 Americans have digestive issues related to indigestion. Symptoms of indigestion can manifest in many ways, ranging from mild heartburn to a persistent stomachache that never subsides.

Overview of Indigestion

Indigestion is a blanket term used to describe a general feeling of discomfort and pain in the upper abdominal area. It is not a disease, but rather a collection of symptoms that cause pain and feeling of extreme fullness that you experience immediately after eating. Although this condition is common, the way that people experience their symptoms varies greatly from person to person.

This condition can be an indicator of a more severe digestive disorder, so symptoms should not be taken lightly.

Symptoms of Indigestion

People with this condition may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

1. Feeling full during a meal.

You may begin to feel uncomfortably full, even if you haven’t finished a meal. This feeling of fullness can last for hours after eating.

2. Discomfort that lasts long after a meal.

Even if you are not eating a full meal, your feeling discomfort and extreme fullness can last long after your stomach is empty.

3. Pain in the upper abdomen.

You sometimes feel mild to severe pain in your upper abdominal cavity between the bottom of your breastbone and your navel.

4. Burning in the upper abdomen.

There are times when a burning sensation accompanies other aspects of discomfort. Much of this occurs in the upper abdomen just below the ribs.

5. Bloating

Due to a buildup of excess gas, you may experience bloating and constipation that can be quite painful.

6. Nausea.

You might feel a pervasive feeling as though you want to vomit. The feeling may be present both before and after eating.

Frequent periods of heartburn and an ongoing stomachache accompany this condition, making it difficult to want to eat well. As a result, your nutrition needs are also compromised, which can lead to other complications over time.

Should I see a doctor?

Mild, intermittent symptoms are not anything to worry about, and it can be tackled with some simple home remedies that we will cover later in this article. You should be concerned about your symptoms and make an appointment to see a doctor if you experience the following:

Weight loss, loss of appetite
Repeated vomiting, vomiting up blood
Black and tarry stool
Trouble swallowing that is getting worse over time
Fatigue or weakness, indicative of anemia
Shortness of breath, pain in the throat
Chest pain on exertion or with stress

Causes of indigestion

There are many probable causes for any kind of stomach discomfort. Many issues can be attributed to diet and lifestyle choices; simply by cleaning up your diet and eliminating stress, you are able to alleviate much discomfort.

Most often, stomach upset can be attributed to the following:

Overeating; eating too quickly
An overabundance of fatty or greasy foods
Too much alcohol, caffeine, or carbonated drinks
Smoking
Anxiety
Certain medication

Sometimes, this condition is an indication that more serious complications are developing, such as:

Gastritis; inflammation of the stomach
Peptic ulcers
Celiac disease
Gallstones
Constipation
Pancreatitis
Stomach cancers
Intestinal blockages
Reduced blood flow to the intestines

Being in this type of discomfort can significantly impact your quality of life; while many people look to prescription drugs and conventional medical treatments to help reduce symptoms and alleviate this condition, others wish to tackle the problem using natural remedies. There are a number of effective, natural remedies that are used to treat stomach upset and digestive issues that procure many loyal followers. The following natural remedies are presented to you for review as you, too, search for answers to the pervasive problem of heartburn and stomachache.

Try some of these tips for stomach healing and digestive ease once more:

1. Drink more water

We are chronically dehydrated, and few of us drink enough water to keep things in our bodies flowing smoothly. We need a minimum of three liters daily to keep tissues lubricated, blood circulating efficiently, and all systems of the body in good working order. Replace some of your daily beverages with a glass of fresh, clean water, and you’ll be on track for better digestive health.

2. Avoid lying down for extended periods of time

When you are lying down or reclining, your stomach acid is able to travel back up into your esophagus and cause issues with the lining of your mouth, throat, and nose. This traveling acid is known as heartburn, a common complaint of those who suffer from indigestion. If you must lie down, prop up your head, neck, and upper back to a 30-degree angle and drink plenty of water to help neutralize stomach acid.

3. Eat or chew on ginger

Ginger is a very effective remedy for those suffering from an upset stomach. Ginger itself contains compounds called shoagols and gingerols that help to promote stomach contractions needed for proper digestion. In addition, chemical compounds in ginger help to reduce nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Start small if you are using fresh ginger, as the taste and the spiciness can be overpowering, and work up to larger quantities. Adding it to foods and sauces is great for promoting healthy digestion too.

4. Drink apple cider vinegar

Sounds gross, doesn’t it? Apple cider vinegar claims include everything from improved skin and hair to digestion to weight loss. With all of these health benefits being reported by people everywhere, you owe it to yourself to incorporate it into your daily diet. Sprinkle on salads, dilute in a mixture of water and stevia for a tart and tasty drink, or take by the tablespoon if you are hardcore interested in alleviating your symptoms. In no time, you’ll be feeling better.

5. Chew on mint

In addition to sweetening the breath, mint can calm the stomach, helping to prevent vomiting and diarrhea. It reduces the incidence of muscle spasms in the intestines, and it will even relieve pain and cramping. A cup of mint tea daily will help soothe overactive bowels and provide a calming experience for your bloated belly.

Learn 15 fantastic uses for peppermint.

6. Use heat

The use of warm baths and heating pads will do wonders for your overactive abdomen. The heat helps to relax tense muscles and ease tension across your whole midsection; 20 minutes per day with your heat source will help to improve your symptoms significantly.

7. Follow the BRAT diet

It really does work—bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast are bland foods that contain excess starch and fiber. These compounds go to work to help bind together your stools, making them less volatile and watery. All of these foods are very neutral, so they do not irritate the stomach or the bowels. They also contain valuable nutrients that can help to soothe and restore gut health. If you find yourself experiencing a flare-up of symptoms, do what you can to adhere to the BRAT lifestyle for a few days and see what it can do for your health.

8. Avoid tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol

Smoking and drinking irritate the throat, which can lead to complications with the stomach. If a person has vomited, there is more risk for irritation and infection to develop as a result of all of the extra toxins in the system. If you are experiencing symptoms of indigestion, it is best to refrain from smoking and drinking until you feel better.

9. Take lime or lemon juice, baking soda, and water

Some studies show that combining citrus juice, water, and a pinch of baking soda does wonders to improve the health of the digestive system. A good recipe for digestive success includes the following ingredients:

1 Tablespoon lemon or lime juice
1 tsp baking soda
8 oz fresh water

Drink daily for the best results.

10. Eat or drink cinnamon

Cinnamon contains powerful antioxidants that help to reduce irritation and inflammation of the throat, esophagus, and stomach lining. Other powerful compounds found in cinnamon have proven effective at fighting gas, bloating, cramping, and other trademark symptoms of stomach upset. You may either boil cinnamon sticks in water and use it as a soothing tea. Or, free to sprinkle at least a teaspoon daily over foods for soothing, effective relief from symptoms.

Learn how to make cinnamon and turmeric tea for better health.

Final Thoughts: Alleviating symptoms of indigestion for a better quality of life

While it may not be possible to heal all of the issues in your digestive system with these tips, working to consistently alleviate and reduce symptoms will help you to improve your health and quality of life. Follow these steps for a healthier stomach and a happier life!

6 Ways To Improve Your Relationship Without Sex

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Relationships have good and bad times. What matters is that you keep improving and sticking together through those times, with positive thinking and love. But what if your relationship feels troubled lately? How can you improve it?

For many couples, sex is a go-to that feels like it’s solving problems and bringing them closer together. But it isn’t and shouldn’t be the be-all-end-all solution.

Here are six ways to improve your relationship without sex

1 – Seek To Listen And Understand

Positive communication is crucial for the health of a relationship and vice versa, but it’s a two-way street. You simply cannot call it “communication” if you’re doing all the talking and not nearly enough listening, after all. Here are some tips for listening and understanding:

Be Empathic

Empathy is how you and your partner can strengthen bonds, even in times of disagreement. Put yourself in your partner’s shoes and see the world through their eyes. Think of their own experiences, temperament, fears, and dreams and how that shapes their perspectives and opinions. Step outside of yourself and take the time to imagine the world through their eyes.

Slow Down Communication

When arguments start to heat up, it’s not unusual to fall into an unhealthy pattern of defense, criticism, and more defense. The communication becomes toxic and slowly but surely devolves into fast exchanges of half-processed ideas and thoughts that can’t possibly be understood at that speed. So slow down. When things get too fast, hit the brakes and take the time to fully listen to your partner as they talk. This reduces the tendency to make statements based on empty reactions.

Be Curious About What Your Partner Feels

You don’t have to agree with your partner’s opinion to be curious about it. Practice being interested in how your partner thinks, feels, and behaves. What makes them tick? What drives them? This genuine curiosity can lead to deeper understanding, whether you’re discussing everyday matters or exploring more unique interests, like those found with from Chastity Cage UK. This interest can dramatically slow down arguments as you ask more questions and listen to the answers instead of trying to convince them that your way is better.

Make Your Goal Understanding Your Partner

It’s easy to focus purely on getting your point across to the extent that all you do is repeat yourself in the hopes of being understood. But that isn’t a productive way to communicate, as it will only provoke your partner into doing the same, and soon you’ll just be talking over each other. Instead, focus on understanding where your partner comes from and how they feel. The rest will follow.

2 – Plan Exciting Date Nights – and Make Them Regular

When your lives are busy, you stop going on dates as much as you used to. This is especially true if you’ve moved in with your partner. You’re always together, so you don’t see the need to go out just to be together again.

But date nights are very important. They keep things fresh and help the romance stay alive. More importantly, these date nights should be exciting and new, involving doing something you haven’t done before. Experiencing new things together has been proven to aid the feeling of mystery and surprise that fades as relationships progress. You can:

Go somewhere you’ve never been (for example a museum, a new mall, a night trip to another state)
Try a new activity (for example ice skating, yoga, or going dancing – or taking a new class)
Watch scary or suspenseful movies in the cinema
Go for something that gets the adrenaline going (for example bungee jumping, skydiving, or visiting a shooting range)

Of course, not all date nights can be exciting, as you need the time, money, and energy to make them so. Plus, there is some evidence that suggests that weekly date nights can cause planning stress that is more harmful than helpful. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t plan more “boring” date nights weekly that require little to no planning. You can simply:

Go out for a nice dinner
Go for a walk in a park or for a stroll
Go to the cinema
Stay in and watch movies while eating takeout or junk food
Bake or cook together and share the resulting meal
Spend the evening cuddling

What’s the takeaway? One exciting and unusual date night per month, with little simple, no-plan date nights during the other three weeks!

3 – Keep Yourself In Check

Improving relationships is often about each individual in that relationship working to improve themselves. That means knowing when you need to reign yourself in, instead of continuing to want things out of your partner. Here are some areas to focus on:

Regularly Assess Yourself

Contrary to popular sayings, a happy relationship does not involve two halves forming a whole. It involves two individual, separate wholes coming together as a pair. Consider your self – your strengths, your flaws, your struggles, and everything else. Then, work on yourself and steadily move towards goals.

Using “I” Language

When you say things like “You did (insert action)” or “You made me feel (insert emotion),” you’re using “You” language. “You” language tends to immediately provoke a defensive reaction from a partner, who will now do all they can to protect themselves from your statements. Switch to “I” language – “I feel like you…”, “I’ve noticed that…”, and “I worry that…” are good examples that are received with more positive thinking than “You” language.

Find Your Emotional Triggers And Manage Them

Everyone has emotional triggers, usually a result of leftover emotional “baggage” from experiences past. Trauma, childhood experiences, previous relationships, and lessons learned the hard way could all contribute to this baggage. When something triggers that baggage, you can act in a way that seems unreasonable to others and can hurt those around you. Learn to self-soothe when these triggers are activated, and make sure your partner knows about them in case you don’t deescalate in time.

Apologize When Needed

You are an imperfect human being, as is your partner. You will make mistakes and be in the wrong just as many times as them. Besides, being “right” should never be your aimed-for outcome in an argument. Sometimes, you need to decide what fights are worth the effort and which ones are small and unimportant in the grand scheme of things. Pick your battles, and when you know, something isn’t worth arguing about, apologize, and move on. Your partner will apologize, too.

Make Time For Yourself

When you are in a relationship, it’s easy to get very caught up in being together that you forget who you are as individuals. You may rely too much on each other or become codependent. As such, remember to take time to just exist by yourself, doing what you like. Trust us, as strange as it sounds, your relationship will be stronger when you get to spend a little time apart!

4 – Reminisce On The Fun Times

Hard times are going to come no matter what. There’s no stopping them. But you can maintain your positive thinking through them with your partner. How? My reminiscing on fun times of laughter and happiness!

Research indicates that relationship satisfaction can increase when you think back on moments with shared happy laughter. Perception of good humor from your partner can reduce conflict by 67%! Plus, the more you laugh together, the less you fight! It can also put your relationship in perspective, showing you what matters.

You don’t need to have been dating for a long time to reminisce, and you don’t need to be going through a rough patch to do so, either. Whenever you feel like it, think back, share, and laugh together all over again!

5 – Focus On Increasing The Positive, Not Decreasing The Negative

Everyone has flaws, and there may be some concerning your partner that you are trying to change. Guess what? According to research, no matter how happy and positive a long-term relationship or marriage is, you are highly unlikely to be able to improve your relationship by changing things about each other.

Of course, we are by no means telling you to compromise on your relationship needs. But consider what unimportant “flaws” your partner has that you can easily overlook by building on the positive! These may include:

Forgetfulness
A short (but non-abusive) temper
Messiness
Social awkwardness or shyness
Slow thinking or decision-making

Building on positive things instead of focusing on destroying negative ones is a much more productive way to improve and work on your relationships. Work on your strengths, and the weaknesses will fall behind.

6 – Be Appreciative

A little appreciation goes a long way in relationships. All you need to do is express it, and you’re already helping your relationship to some degree! Here are some ideas for going about it:

Display Affection

Thank your partner for helping you with an errand. Hold their hand while you’re walking outdoors. Give them random hugs. Compliment them regularly. Make sure your partner knows, through these small little gestures, that you love them!

Plan Surprises

Take your partner by surprise, sometimes with little things. When you see something online that reminds you of them, share it with them! When you see a cheap little trinket or item they’d like, buy it! Now and then, surprise them with a delicious dinner, tickets to something they’d love, or even just a little pampering!

Mind Your Body Language

If you feel like your relationship is getting stale, it usually doesn’t take much to help reignite the spark. Make eye contact with them. Touch them in a nonsexual but romantically intimate way, such as by holding their hand, resting a hand on their leg, or sitting close enough to them that your shoulders brush. This can connect you in surprising ways!

Appreciate The Little Things

Small little things your partner does – like holding your hand, doing your share of chores when you’re tired, or buying you a snack you love – should be appreciated. You should also work to fulfill the little things in your partner’s life, too. Listen to what they talk about and remember their likes, dislikes, hopes, and desires – then do small things based on what you know of them to brighten their day!

Say “I love you” Often

When you’ve been together for a long time, you may not express your love as often because it’s a given. Of course, you love each other! You’re together, aren’t you? But don’t forget that saying that little three-word phrase can put a smile on your partner’s face. They may know you love them, but it’s good to hear it, too.

Final Thoughts On Trying These Ways To Improve Your Relationship Without Sex

Physical intimacy is an important part of many relationships, but it doesn’t have to be the central factor of yours – and it shouldn’t be! There are many other wonderful ways to build on your bond and boost your relationship together in positive ways, so use those and see where they take you.

10 Ways To Capture Someone’s Attention (In 30 Seconds Or Less)

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

You are one person in several billion. It’s easy to slip into feelings of insignificance or to feel like you’re just one quiet person among far too many to be noticeable. With all that going on, how can you capture someone’s attention?

Well, there’s good news! As it turns out, these feelings of smallness don’t mean you aren’t an interesting person with lots to offer. The trick is learning to showcase that from the beginning, so people find you attractive, too – and fast, before their attention spans run out!

Here are ten ways to capture someone’s attention in 30 seconds or less.

1. Leave Some Mystery

Have you heard of the uncertainty reduction principle? You can use it to your advantage to get the positive results that you want. It states that the human brain continually seeks to reduce levels of unsureness or uncertainty about the things it is focused on.

Similarly, there is also the Zeigarnik effect, which suggests that the human brain tends to have a better memory for incomplete thoughts, information, and tasks. This technique is commonly used in business or audience-oriented presentations, but you can use it in your everyday life too!

When introducing yourself, don’t spill your whole life story right away. Give a little bit of information that is interesting, but don’t expand on it unless asked about it – and the people around you will ask about it, trust us!

2. Get A “Yes” Response First

When you open with a question that elicits a “no” response from a person, what you’re doing is changing the person’s entire perception of the event.

You see, “yes” and “no” are more than just positive and negative indicator words. They can change the way the brain processes information. “No” responses close the minds of the people giving them. If the first question you ask is responded to with a “no”, that person is already losing interest, and fast.

But what about “yes” responses? These open the person up to possibilities, putting them in a mindset of positive thinking and potential interest. They haven’t slammed the door on you – instead, they’re opening it further. You can elicit “yes” responses by:

Opening with a question that only confirms what you already know, “You work as a teacher, right?”
Asking a question that is almost 100% guaranteed to net a “yes” response; “Wouldn’t it be nice to get a raise?”
Mirroring a previous statement from them, “It sounds like you’re having a difficult time getting through to your mom right now, huh?”

3. Use Body Language

Nonverbal communication is equally essential to verbal communication and can tell another person crucial, subconscious information that changes their levels of interest in you. If you slouch and give off closed-off vibes, you are less likely to capture someone’s attention.

To be likable and, therefore, attractive to others, you need to create positive thinking in your conversation partner. Here are some body language tips for positive communication and attention-grabbing:

· Posture

Maintain an open posture without crossed arms or legs when speaking to someone else. Face your body in their direction with openness and stand with confidence – squared shoulders, straight back, and pleasant disposition. Be relaxed but confident!

· Eye Contact

When you don’t use eye contact, your conversation partners can feel like you’re talking to a wall. Don’t overdo it, but look at the other people and meet their gazes to give your presence a more resounding impact. This action speaks of confidence and allows you to build a connection with others.

· Smile

Appearing friendly is often all it takes to encourage others to stay in a discussion or conversation with you. It makes others feel welcome and like you like them, which makes them like you in turn. If you look moody, you’ll drive everyone away, no matter how interesting you are.

4. Engage The Senses

Human beings naturally pay more attention to people who stand out. Their senses inform their subconscious thoughts of who is most impressive. You can engage someone’s senses to grab their attention by:

Having a good understanding of fashion (vision)
Wearing something with a unique twist or pop of color (vision)
Maintaining a friendly, open posture and expression (vision)
Putting on a lovely perfume, cologne, or scent that is pleasant but not overbearing (smell)
Speaking in a confident, clear voice (hearing)
Offering candy, gum, or something else small to the people you meet (taste)
Providing earnest, firm, and confident handshakes (touch)
Gently touching others in a friendly and non-invasive manner, such as by tapping their shoulder or patting them on the back (touch)

5. Have A Hype Team to Help You Capture Someone’s Attention

If you’ll be out and about and are aiming to catch the attention of potential dates or even clients and employers in a not-too-formal setting, you can ask a hype team to come along with you. It’s difficult to talk about your achievements without bragging, but other people talking about them for you can do the trick.

Ideally, you and your friends will be happy to hype each other up whenever someone needs it. This way, it isn’t you asking for a favor, so much as it is just you and your friends doing what comes naturally. Still, there’s nothing wrong with asking favors from friends to help hype you up for something important!

Others will likely be more interested in you when they see that others are eager to talk about you, as long as it’s not overdone. Then, you don’t need to do any bragging – just let what everyone else says speak for you!

6. Use Movement

Movement is an immediate attention-grabber. It stands out in the stationary world, and anything that stands outdraws the human eye. Plus, the human attention span doesn’t do too well when nothing’s happening.

So if you want to keep the attention of someone, use movement. Draw the eye of your conversation partners through action. Here are some ways to do so:

Nod or shake your head in acknowledgment
Talk with your hands (in moderation)
Let your body language speak (in moderation) – shrug, look thoughtful, and turn to follow the other person
Mirror the body language of the other person (subtly)
When telling stories or giving presentations, don’t be afraid to go all out with motions and movements

7. Find A Way To Sell Yourself Without Bragging

We talked about having a hype team to do the bragging for you, but that’s not always an option. There will be times when you have to speak for yourself. But don’t worry! Keep your positive thinking going, because you can do this.

Of course, you’ll want to avoid sounding like your bragging, so don’t talk directly about your achievements or your material possessions. So don’t discuss:

The amount of money in your bank account
The car your drive or the expensive things you own
The achievements you’ve won or earned
Your job position (beyond a simple statement of your general occupation)
The number of people you’ve slept with

But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t brag at all! Just do it through storytelling. Talk about where you grew up and what got you where you are today in a conversational tone. People often enjoy hearing inspiring stories of success, especially from a humble background. Talking about how you overcame your past is bragging diplomatically!

8. Find What You Have In Common

What do you have in common with those around you? Pay attention to other people and find what you share with them. For example:

You like the same shows or sports team, as you can tell from the keychain on their bag or the decorations on their desk
You both have kids around the same age
You have mutual friends who introduced you to each other
You are facing the same struggles
You’re in a similar, simple situation – like you were both rained on while rushing into an appointment!

Now, use these things you have in common and start a conversation around them. This connection establishes an immediate connection with that person that makes them want to keep talking to you. This is a great jumping-off point and will grab their attention quickly!

9. Become A Storyteller

When you know how to tell an engaging story, people will want to listen to you and give you their attention. Of course, this is easier said than done. Being a storyteller requires practice, especially if you don’t have an innate ability for the skill. To practice, you should:

Consider what you want your stories to say about you
Write or plan your chosen account based on what you want them to convey; make it honest and factual, but intriguing and interesting
Practice your delivery in the mirror
Start by sharing the stories with your family and friends; ask them for feedback or pay attention to their responses
Improve on the flaws and keep practicing

10. Be Unique

We’ve already talked about the importance of standing out in grabbing attention, and this extends to the rest of you, too. When you let yourself be dictated by everyone around you and blindly follow the crowd, you’ll blend in and be indiscernible from the next person.

You don’t have to fake uniqueness, of course, to capture someone’s attention. In fact, you shouldn’t, as a lack of sincerity always become apparent sooner or later. However, what you should do is put on some positive thinking and dare to be your 100% bold, authentic, original self. Wear what you want, think what you want (but be open to other opinions), and do what makes you happy, even if it’s not what’s popular.

Still, there is something to be said for being fresh, new, and inventive. Again, this isn’t something you should fake, but if you have new ideas or ways of living to offer, don’t be afraid to show it off! It’ll grab the attention of plenty of people and keep them hooked and interested.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Capture Someone’s Attention

Catching and holding someone’s attention is as simple as understanding the human mind, being genuine, and genuinely wanting to forge bonds with others. Once you have those tricks up your sleeve, all you have to do is use the ten methods we discussed, and you’ll be able to capture someone’s attention quickly!

10 Red Flags Of Reye’s Syndrome Every Parent Must Know

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

All parents are on high alert with regard to how to keep our children safe and protected from potential infection. Reye’s syndrome is a rare but serious complication that arises after a viral infection causes irreparable damage to both the brain and the liver.

Reye’s syndrome occurs most frequently in children who recently suffered a viral illness. Illnesses such as chickenpox and flu are triggers for this disorder. Doctors report this condition in cases where parents used aspirin to treat fever or other symptoms. Children will often feel headaches and body aches during an infection. Thus, parents alleviate that pain with aspirin.

The Onset of Reye’s Syndrome Symptoms

As Reye’s Syndrome progresses, symptoms can develop rapidly and overtake a person within a matter of hours. A first symptom that commonly appears is vomiting, followed by extreme irritability and aggressiveness. Children may become lethargic, confused, and may even experience seizures and slip into a coma. While there is no cure for Reye’s, early detection of symptoms is key, and medical intervention is necessary to avoid potentially life-threatening complications.

Doctors Order Tests to Diagnose the Disease

There a number of tests that can determine if your child has Reye’s Syndrome. A spinal tap can rule out other brain and spinal cord infections. And a liver enzyme test can determine if the liver suffered damage from this condition. CT scans can accurately measure and record brain activity to determine if the normal activity is taking place. Further, doctors order skin biopsies to determine if a child has a fatty acid oxidation disorder contributing to the illness. Knowing what you are dealing with is the key to prompt treatment that can reduce long term complications.

Causes of Reye’s Syndrome

Medical professionals are not positive about what triggers or causes Reye’s syndrome. Several factors may play a role in its development. It can occur more frequently in those children and teens who have a fatty acid oxidation disorder.

Other medicines to steer clear of before, during, and after viral infections include Bismuth subsalicylate and topical products containing wintergreen oil. It is also thought that exposure to certain chemicals like herbicides and paint thinners can trigger the development of Reye’s syndrome.

Know the earliest symptoms of chickenpox.

Treatment of The Disease

As the occurrence of Reye’s syndrome is so rare, there is little information about it that sheds insight on how to prevent its occurrence. That being said, most of our energy is devoted to treating and alleviating symptoms before they become life-threatening. Doctors will make sure children maintain balanced electrolyte levels and that they stay well hydrated. Careful monitoring of the heart, liver, lungs, and respiratory system will continue for the duration of the illness to ensure that the patient remains stable. Children who experience seizures will receive appropriate medications to control their occurrence and minimize the damage from seizure activity in the brain.

Some common medications used to treat Reye’s include:

Insulin to control glucose metabolism
Use of steroids to reduce brain swelling
Diuretics to get rid of excess fluids

In some cases, a respirator may be necessary to regulate breathing that is erratic or too slow. The earlier that Reye’s is diagnosed, the better the outcome will be for a patient. If it is not caught and effectively treated, a patient could experience permanent brain damage or death.

Preventing Reye’s Is Key

Reye’s syndrome became less common in recent years because medical professionals and parents alike are more aware of the implications of giving aspirin to children.

Furthermore, some hospitals and clinics suggest that newborns undergo screening for fatty acid oxidation disorders. Children who are positively identified as having this type of disorder are to refrain from using products containing aspirin or salicylic acid.

Choosing instead to offer your child natural fever reducers can help reduce the risk of Reye’s in children who contract chickenpox or influenza. If for some reason your child has an ongoing prescription for a drug containing aspirin or salicylic acid, make sure he is up to date on vaccines for both chickenpox and influenza to reduce the risk of development of Reye’s.

Prevention and early detection of Reye’s syndrome are essential if you are to avoid long term health consequences and possible death. Knowing what signs and symptoms to look for is essential if you are to remain proactive about safeguarding your children from this rare but serious complication.

Read how daily aspirin therapy might do more harm than good in adults.

10 Symptoms of Reye’s Syndrome

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, watch for these telltale signs that you may be dealing with Reye’s.

1. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is one of the first signs and symptoms that you may be dealing with Reye’s. Most prevalent in young children, look for loose and watery stools when changing diapers and training pants. This may be a sign that you are in for more severe symptoms as the disease progresses. Reye’s is initially difficult to diagnose, as initial symptoms may also be indicators of other childhood illnesses. Taking into account everything that your child is experiencing will help you to determine if more medical intervention is needed.

2. Rapid or shallow breathing

Another of the most prevalent in young children, rapid shallow breathing and rapid heartbeat are concerning symptoms your child can develop. You may see periods of shallow breathing that look much like hyperventilating during different times of the day. And periods of respiratory distress might grow longer and more severe. If you see that your child is having difficulty breathing, do not hesitate to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid more severe complications.

3. Vomiting

This symptom generally shows itself early in the progression of Reye’s, but it is more common among school-age children and teenagers. Persistent and recurring vomiting that does not have clear links to other flu-like symptoms should be checked out as soon as possible to avoid severe dehydration and other issues.

4. Unusual fatigue and sleepiness

Another symptom that is quite common among school-age children and teens, extreme fatigue and sleepiness can be hard to diagnose correctly. If this extreme fatigue and drowsiness occur in tandem with other aforementioned symptoms, you might want to have your child tested for Reye’s.

5. Lethargy

Many people assume that lethargy and fatigue are one in the same, but lethargy takes fatigue to the next level. A child who is lethargic has trouble moving and speaking, and the smallest exertion in physical movement is nearly impossible to achieve. Lethargy and drowsiness may be one of the initial indicators that Reye’s is present, or it may show itself later in the progression, when symptoms may be getting harder to control.

6. Irritability and mood swings

One of the major benchmarks for identifying Reye’s is irritability and volatile mood swings. They may lash out over ordinary situations and be unable to control their emotions, seeming irrational and volatile in normal circumstances. If this symptom is paired with other physical symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting, seek medical attention and possible intervention, if necessary.

Every parent should be able to identify the symptoms of lead poisoning.

7. Temporarily paralysis

One of the most concerning symptoms of Reye’s is temporary paralysis. It starts in the extremities as weakness and moves inward, causing troublesome symptoms and limitations on movement. Children may experience moments of panic when this symptom presents itself, thinking that symptoms will be permanent. It is important for caregivers to remain calm and reassure them that when medical care is sought, the issue should subside.

8. Confusion

As this childhood illness progresses, it can lead to cognitive decline. Prolonged periods of delirium and confusion take hold and lead to additional stress on child and caregiver. Many children who are recovering from Reye’s undergo therapy to manage their anger over the condition. They might also express feeling overwhelmed and defeated as a result of their cognitive compromise.

9. Seizure activity

One of the more problematic symptoms of this childhood illness is the presence of seizures, muscle spasms and contractions that range from mild to severe. If you see your child beginning to develop seizure activity, it is important to safeguard your child. Furthermore, surround your child with proactive, caring providers in the event that they suffer an attack.

10. Loss of consciousness

A late-stage symptom of Reye’s is the gradual, then total loss of consciousness. A child gradually begins to lose elements of his/her perception, then gradually slips into a deep state of sleep. If you don’t seek medical promptly, this loss of consciousness can lead to brain death. As a parent, you can prevent this devastating event. But you must what to look for and when to seek medical treatment to halt symptoms.

Learn about a brave 7 year old boy who published a book about coping with rare childhood disease.

Final Thoughts: Awareness of Reye’s Disease is the Best Prevention

So parents need to be on the lookout for any childhood illness that could develop. Of course, it is essential that we remain vigilant and proactive as we monitor for signs and symptoms of Reye’s syndrome. Doing so could potentially save your child’s life. Stay alert and healthy this season and beyond!

How Narcissists Convince People of Their Good Intentions to Get Away With Everything

April 2, 2020 by Power of Positivity

It’s an unfortunate fact that almost everyone has had a run-in with a narcissist before. They can come in the form of coworkers, toxic friends or family members, and even romantic partners.

Once you’re free from the grasp of a narcissist, everything they do seems very transparent to you. But you may notice that, to other people, that narcissist is accepted and even well-liked as everyone falls for their tricks.

But why does this happen? Why can’t anyone else see what they’re doing? And why are you coming out looking like the bad guy? It’s a frustrating situation. This is how narcissists get away with everything and convince people their intentions are good.

1 – They Act The Part

Narcissists aren’t going around showing off how cruel they can be. No, they’re carefully cultivating their appearance to appear the least imposing and the most likable! When someone seems so friendly, how could anyone think negatively of them? Here are some examples of how this happens:

Psychologists reveal why narcissists deflect blame onto others.

They Are Charming

Narcissists are often charismatic and are huge proponents of the halo effect in psychology. This effect refers to how a particularly positive impression in only one area drives positive feelings in other ones. For example, you are likely to think well of someone you consider attractive or of someone who is in a high position at work.

They Seem Trustworthy

Narcissists are very good at making you feel like you can trust them. This is part of their charismatic nature – they say all the right things and, in the event of a conflict, make you want to be on their side. They’re experts at playing the victim, too, so you’d believe their intentions are always pure.

They Don’t Take Responsibility

In some cases, deflecting blame is obvious, but narcissists can be good at subtly shifting the burden to someone else. They can even find a way to take responsibility in such a way that no one assigns it to them anyway! When someone has never been in the wrong, it’s quite easy to trust them.

They’re Happy

Narcissists often are happier, with more positive thinking and a decreased risk of depression, anxiety, and even stress. When you see a happy person, they bring cheer to a room and make it challenging to think badly of them.

They’re Often Successful

Many narcissists are successful – both through their own merit and by climbing the social ladder with their manipulation and sneaky cleverness. When someone is successful, it is difficult to think of them as bad – and even if you do have negative opinions of them, they are likely to have power due to the success that makes it difficult to speak against them.

They Can Be Emotionally Detached

When conflict arises between a narcissist and their victim, the victim is likely to feel emotionally volatile, leading to outbursts and highly strung emotions. Meanwhile, a narcissist can be detached and calm, making them look reasonable and their victims look crazy.

They Will Do Anything To Preserve Their Image

A narcissist will lie, cheat, steal, and do absolutely anything to make themselves look like they’re in the right. Most people wouldn’t go to such ridiculous extents, and as such, we are likely to believe a narcissist who puts on a good show and performs a good magic trick.

2 – They Control The People They’re Close To

If a narcissist is surrounded by close “friends” and family who always seem to think well of them, it’s difficult not to consider them good people. You’ll hear stories of how wonderful they are, and things will look picture-perfect in many cases. How could you not find their intentions positive? Here are some ways narcissists control others:

They Choose Who They Are Close To

When a narcissist first encounters someone new, they already classify them: Are they a target or not? Are they a threat to stay away from, someone not to bother trying tricks on, or a potential victim?

They Isolate Their Victims

Narcissists often work to isolate their close friends or romantic partners. They may become controlling under the guise of caring for the people around them. They may drop hints that their partner’s friends are bad for them, act upset when their close friends choose to hang out with other people or tell those in their life that they know what’s best for them. When you’re isolated, you’re more susceptible to believing what someone says.

They Gaslight

Gaslighting is the act of making others question their reality. Narcissists may imply that the people close to them are crazy or over-emotional. They may tell convincing lies in their favor in such subtle ways that the people around them question their memories. Gaslighting is a horrific form of manipulative abuse and can cause massive damage to someone’s self-confidence and psyche.

3 – They Prey On The Goodness Of Human Nature

A lot of people will complain about human nature being harmful, but the fact is that we’re not giving ourselves enough credit. With positive thinking, you’ll soon realize that a lot of humans are driven to be good, only doing otherwise while feeling a lot of guilt, or after going through times that have hardened them. Here are some examples of this:

We Believe Others Are Inherently Good

Society functions on the idea that others are good. We naturally believe what others say unless they give us a good reason not to, and we feel driven to help others often. When you meet a narcissist, you are likely to think of them as good until they prove otherwise.

We Thrive On Cooperation

Once again, society requires that we cooperate. Without cooperation, society cannot function. It has been hardwired into our psychology to trust others to work with us, so you wouldn’t naturally assume that a narcissist isn’t going to or didn’t try to cooperate.

Most People Operate On Empathy

An ordinary person is usually an empathetic one. They can relate to or at least comprehend other people’s pain and feelings. Narcissists can prey on these tendencies, making themselves look like victims or having a tough time. This causes others to feel bad for them.

Lots Of People Believe In Second Chances

On the rare occasion that a narcissist does get caught, they can act very sad, sorry, and repentant, and it’s in most people’s hearts to allow for second chances. They’ll forgive and forget, and the narcissist gets to continue their actions.

Learn several phrases that can stop manipulative people in their tracks.

4 – Stereotypes of Narcissism Aren’t Reality

We hear the word “narcissist” being thrown around a lot in everyday life, and along with that comes a lot of stereotypes. A lack of education on the disorder has led to a lot of people misunderstanding what narcissism is, leading to only more confusion that lets clever narcissists get away with their wrongs. Here are some things you should know:

Narcissism Is A Spectrum

People can display “normal” levels of narcissism without being actual narcissists – just like they can display levels of aggression without being violent people or being abusers.

Narcissistic Personality Disorder Is A Real Mental Disorder

NPD is one of the few cluster B personality disorders, and people with it are often demonized by everyone else. However, people with NPD faced severe trauma that caused them to develop the disorder, and many of them are receiving treatment for it. Just because someone has NPD, it does not mean they are a terrible person.

NPD Is Both Common And Uncommon

Between 0.5% to 1% of the population receive a positive diagnosis of NPD. This means it’s by no means a common disorder, but it’s more common than you think! For every two hundred people in the world, one of them has NPD.

A Narcissist Isn’t Just Someone Who Is Self-Centered

Selfish people are ordinary in our world, but they are not necessarily narcissists in the medical sense. It’s important to note that people can have bad traits without them being tied to a mental health condition. Some people are just mean!

Narcissistic Abuse Is Not All Kinds Of Abuse

While narcissists may fall into patterns of abusing those in their life, not all abusers are narcissists. Some people are just abusers. Mental health conditions can increase someone’s chance of being toxic, but people can also be toxic without them.

You Probably Wouldn’t Know If You Were A Narcissist’s Victim

A lot of people think that they’d be able to tell when a narcissist has honed in on them immediately – but in all likelihood, you wouldn’t. At least, not unless you’ve had extensive experience with one. Narcissists are intelligent and are rarely apparent about their intentions!

“Narcissist” Should Be Treated As An Extreme Term

“Narcissist” can’t accurately be used to describe someone manipulative in the same way that “depressed” can’t be used to describe someone who’s sad. The term “Narcissist” teems with substantial psychological meaning, so it shouldn’t be thrown around lightly.

There Are No Clear Markers Of Narcissism

There is no obvious way to tell if someone is a narcissist. You can’t say, “She takes so many selfies! She must be a narcissist!” or “He’s so self-focused! He must be a narcissist!”. Narcissism, like many other mental disorders, manifests uniquely for each patient.

Demonizing Those With Mental Illness Helps No One

The more controversy surrounds NPD, the less likely those who believe they have it will seek help. Mental health professionals may also turn away people concerned about NPD. As a result, this leads to fewer diagnoses and less available treatment. In turn, untreated NPD can then manifest negatively and result in harm to others.

Final Thoughts On How Narcissists Get Away With Everything And Convince People Their Intentions Are Good

Watching a narcissist get away with everything they do can be painful and anger-inducing. Worse still, everyone may be on their side when you try to speak out against them. Unfortunately, all you can really do is protect yourself and stand up for others who come forward with complaints.

By understanding the way narcissists operate, not only can you protect yourself from becoming one of their victims, but you can also be prepared to catch signs of narcissism in others. While not all those who display narcissistic traits are bad people, it’s usually better to be safe than sorry.

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

Here’s how therapists explain 13 reasons to stop remembering your past.

1. Remembering The Bad Is A Tough Cycle To Break

2. It Stops You From Moving On

3. There’s No Healthy Outcome

4. The Past Isn’t Real

5. It Can Damage Your Relationships With Others

6. Remembering The Past Wastes Precious Time

7. It Doesn’t Define You

8. It Causes Disappointment

9. It Masks Present Need

10. It Leads To Unhealthy Coping Skills

11. It Prevents You From Trusting In Or Being Kind To Yourself

12. It Can Cause Mental Health Issues

13. You Can’t Fix Or Change It

Final Thoughts On Some Reasons To Stop Remembering The Past

7 Ways You’ll Kill a Conversation

1 – Being Controlling

Making Demands

Telling Others What To Do

Dictating What Can And Can’t Be Said

2 – One-Word Responses

3 – Being Insincere

Pretending To Know What You Don’t

Praise That Isn’t Genuine

White Lies

4 – Focusing On Yourself

Aiming To Get Something Out Of The Conversation

Continually Making Everything About You

Speaking More Than You Listen

5 – Drawing Everything Out

Obsessing Over Details

Not Getting To The Point

Going Off-Topic

Providing Too Much Information

6 – Acting Like An Expert Undeservedly

Analyzing

Using Complex Jargon

Being Judgmental

Using Long Words

Humblebragging

7 – Using Unhelpful Clichés Or Advice

Final Thoughts On Avoiding the Things That Kill A Conversation

Texas Roadhouse: Corporation with a conscience

Other restaurant chains followed suit

Final Thoughts: Hats off to these CEOs and companies like Texas Roadhouse

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

Here are ten reasons dogs really are our best friend:

They give us comfort and support

They help us sleep better

They benefit us emotionally

They provide warmth.

Dogs make us healthier.

Dogs make us feel safer.

They never turn down an invitation to hang out.

Dogs give companionship and greatly benefit the elderly.

Dogs consider us their family, too.

They just make us smile.

Final thoughts about why dogs are our best friends

Overview of Indigestion

Symptoms of Indigestion

1. Feeling full during a meal.

2. Discomfort that lasts long after a meal.

3. Pain in the upper abdomen.

4. Burning in the upper abdomen.

5. Bloating

6. Nausea.

Should I see a doctor?

Causes of indigestion

Try some of these tips for stomach healing and digestive ease once more:

1. Drink more water

2. Avoid lying down for extended periods of time

3. Eat or chew on ginger

4. Drink apple cider vinegar

5. Chew on mint

6. Use heat

7. Follow the BRAT diet

8. Avoid tobacco, caffeine, and alcohol

9. Take lime or lemon juice, baking soda, and water

10. Eat or drink cinnamon