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5 Habits of People With High Self-Awareness

March 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Self-awareness is, as the name implies, the ability to look at oneself.

What is one looking at? Usually, emotional and thought processes, including beliefs, motivation, strengths, and weaknesses. Self-awareness also permits one to look at how others perceive them.

The ability to monitor ourselves from moment to moment is the key to understanding who we are and our relative place in the world. Moreover, self-awareness is an essential component of happiness and wellbeing.

Daniel Goleman associates self-awareness as a cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Goleman’s research and theories on the critical nature of self-awareness are widely accepted as a means of improving one’s awareness of self.

In this article, we are going to examine self-awareness form a standpoint of naivete. As such, we will discuss further the notion and theories of self-awareness, how to measure one’s aptitude in this vital life area, and the five things habits of individuals with high self-awareness.

Here’s a list of 21 habits that equal self-sabatoge (and you might not be aware of them!)

Exploring self-awareness

“Research suggests that when we see ourselves clearly, we are more confident and more creative. We make sounder decisions, build strong relationships, and communicate more effectively.” ~ Harvard Business Review (Source)

Again, self-awareness is the capacity to become one’s object of attention. When we’re attentive to ourselves and how we operate in the world, we’re better able to identify, process, and store information about ourselves. With this knowledge, we can then improve on these things.

Two Types of Self-Awareness

It’s important to know that there are two types of self-awareness – internal and external.

Internal self-awareness involves precisely observing our behaviors, thoughts, feelings, strengths, and weaknesses. Internal self-awareness also includes our aspirations, passions, values, and environmental fit. High levels 0f internal self-awareness is linked to higher relationship and job satisfaction, an enhanced sense of self-control, and feelings of happiness. It is inversely related to emotional and psychological distress.

External self-awareness involves seeing how others see us. This skill consists of the ability to step outside of one’s shoes and look at ourselves from a third-person perspective. On an interpersonal level, individuals with high external self-awareness may be more empathetic, polite, and harmonious. Research demonstrates a direct correlation between self-awareness and relationship satisfaction.

Per Harvard Business Review, self-awareness is linked to multiple personality characteristics and aptitudes, including creativity, confidence, communication ability, personal efficiency, leadership ability, and even career progression.

5 Habits of People With High Self-Awareness

“Most people do not listen with the intent to understand; they listen with the intent to reply.” ~ Stephen Covey

They practice active listening

The reality is that when most of us listen to someone, we’re thinking about our reply before the individual finishes. Or, worse, there’s something that we’re just so itching to say that we completely interrupt the person.

We’ve all done it. It’s become a habit for most of us. According to Edgar Dale, author of Cone of Experience, we forget 50 to 75 percent of what we hear. In other words, when we discuss something with our customers, boss, children, or spouse for 10 minutes, we’ve only listened to about 2.5 to 5 of those minutes.

Here’s another thing: we can’t possibly build self-awareness if we don’t take an interest in what others have to say. We can’t build self-awareness if we don’t practice active listening. It’s an essential skill to cultivate for this and many other reasons.

We should want to cultivate active listening. Why? Because it helps us to empathize, understand, obtain information, learn, and even to enjoy ourselves.

Active listening means this: concentrating, understanding, responding, and in turn remembering what someone says. Let’s look at each one of these.

Concentrate: You must direct and hold your attention to what’s being said.

Understand: If you concentrated well through the conversation, you should understand it well. However, you may still have questions. If so, ask them.

Respond: If you followed the ‘concentrate’ and ‘understand’ elements, you are well-equipped to respond.

Remember: If you’ve engaged wholly in active listening throughout the conversation, recall shouldn’t be too much trouble.

They get curious about how their minds work

Self-awareness requires paying attention to what’s going on between our ears. We must understand how our brains work before any type of tinkering to awareness can happen.

As such, a highly self-aware person knows the inner-workings of their minds. They know how it acts and reacts, as well as its strengths and weaknesses. Indeed, this is the quintessential function of self-awareness.

How to do this?

First, you must be completely honest with yourself. Our ego has entrenched and often subtle defense mechanisms that require bypassing. We accomplish this by objectively observing ourselves.

Here’s a basic framework for mind investigation:

– What are my predominant mental and emotional states? Which ones are positive? Negative?

– How do I feel when accomplishing something? How can I get into that state of mind?

– What things do I do that make me feel better? Worse? How can I get into those states where I feel better?

Learn the seven signs that your soul is asking for a change in your life.

They solicit feedback – and welcome it all

One sign of outstanding self-awareness is seeking feedback. The problem: so many of us are far too sensitive, proud, or fearful, to willingly ask someone for their honest assessment. We’re scared of what they might say.

The thing is that feedback is critical in any endeavor, including the betterment of our self-awareness

Do you remember that jittery feeling in school before getting back the examination results? How about right before a job evaluation? Of course, you do! That’s fearfulness (some call it anxiety, but that’s another word for fear.)

It may be comforting to know that we all – to a greater or lesser degree – fear the feedback of others. But that doesn’t stop the self-aware from seeking it out.

There’s also the fact that the person you’re seeking feedback from will admire your courage and willingness to improve. Imagine what that shift in perspective can do for you, both personally and professionally!

They’re reflective and thoughtful towards themselves and others

You can’t be self-aware if you’re not attentive. The ability to look at yourself – your feelings and behaviors– is essential to self-awareness.

It’s not only about being reflective and thoughtful towards yourself. It’s also about extending these qualities to others. You do this mostly through communicating, interacting with, and responding to people.

Here’s an example. You receive a harshly-worded, borderline-inappropriate email from a client about your job performance. You can feel yourself become angry, and your thinking clouded. At the moment, there’s nothing you want to do more than giving a piece of your mind to the ungrateful urchin that is your customer. Do you follow through?

Notice that, with a couple of tweaks, the above scenario applies to pretty much any situation, anywhere. Maybe it’s your kids, your spouse, your co-workers. Perhaps it’s not an email, but a text message, a passing conversation, or a slight remark. Instead of critiquing professional understanding, it’s the scrutinization of your social etiquette.

Regardless of the context, the premise is the same: you’re being told something that you don’t want to hear. Now, instead of blowing a fuse, do the hard thing and reflect on the situation.

Here are a few questions to ask yourself:

Is the underlying message (minus the perceived aggression, vitriol, etcetera) in any way justifiable?
Is this how the person feels about me?
Have I done anything – intentional or unintentional – that may have led, or even contributed, to this encounter?

While this is a hard thing to do, asking yourself these questions – and taking the appropriate actions – will contribute to your personal development in ways unimaginable.

They don’t “do” self-awareness, they are self-aware

This last point is critical if a bit subtle.

In the beginning phases of any endeavor, there’s some effort involved. This includes the practice of self-awareness. There’s a specific “doing” of self-awareness that happens as one acclimates to “being” self-aware.

It’s important to know that, after a certain point, there’s no conscious “doing” of self-awareness. As long as there’s continuous exertion, the skill of self-awareness continues to develop. More importantly, it demonstrates that there’s critical work still to be done.

Self-aware people are often, ironically, less aware of their innate awareness. (Hahaha!)

Joking aside, don’t settle for being a student of self-awareness. Graduate and enter the full-time occupation of it. Embody self-awareness – and transform how you both see yourself and how others see you.

Final Thoughts: Don’t look at the active doing of self-awareness as a shortcoming.

Just as some people are naturally better at any skill, some people are more adept at being self-aware.

The fact that you’re actively engaging in self-awareness practice already says a ton about your character and drive for self-improvement!

Child Psychologists Explain 11 Ways To Earn Your Child’s Friendship

March 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Does your child sometimes feel distant from you? Maybe it’s the generational gap, or maybe your child is at a certain life stage that makes them less interested in getting along with you. Either way, you may be wondering how you can return to being a best friend to your child. A child’s friendship isn’t that much different from an adult’s friendship.

However, it is more innocent and, often, more fickle than what you’d expect from a grown-up. Still, there are science-backed ways to strengthen those bonds and encourage your child to be a close pal to you. Here’s how child psychologists explain 11 ways to earn your child’s friendship.

Here’s How to Earn Your Child’s Friendship

1 – Start With Commitment

Every parent should be committed to their child; that’s just a given. But not every parent actively puts that into practice or keeps it in mind to the point that they don’t forget it.

And yet, an unconditional form of commitment to a child is extremely central to making sure you and your child are friends, says Marriage and Family Formation Vice President, author, and family counselor Dr. Greg Smalley. So get your commitment right! Say to your child:

“I will always love you no matter what.”
“No matter what happens, I will support you.”
“Even when I’m angry at you, I will always love you.”

2 – Allow Them To Make Decisions

Yes, we know kids aren’t fully rational and don’t have all the necessary decision-making faculties in place. But there’s no better time to teach the concept of making choices and facing their results than now!

You shouldn’t let kids make huge decisions all on their own, but you can involve them in those big choices. For things that are minor and won’t severely affect anyone, you can ask them to make their own decision. For example, you can:

Ask them what they would like for breakfast
Let them choose between extracurricular activities
Ask for their opinion on two different holiday options

3 – Add Them To Your Schedule

In our busy everyday lives, it can be tough to make sure that you have a good work-life balance. A study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family called “Time With Children, Children’s Well?Being, and Work?Family Balance Among Employed Parents” has found that children are actually a very good indication of whether you’re managing that balance in a positive way or not.

To build a meaningful friendship with someone, you need to have a good amount of time spent with them. The same goes for your children. You don’t need to bend your back or jeopardize your work to do well by your children. You can:

Set aside an hour every day to spend with them, doing anything fun
Make it a point to eat at least one meal a day with them
Watch the movies or TV shows they love with them
Make time to play with them
Bring them to places that they love or enjoy
Be available for them to talk to; make a show of putting aside your work when they have something they want to talk to you about

You should also try to involve your kids in your daily life as much as you can. For example:

Let them help with chores, cooking, and simple tasks
Bring them along with you when you run errands
Give them a toy or miniature versions of the things you use every day; even paper cut-outs can do the trick!

4 – Listen To Understand

Friendship is a two-way street. You want your child to listen to you, and they want to be listened to as well. Another concept Dr. Greg Smalley stands by is listening to your child if you want them to be friends with you.

More specifically, you need to practice active listening. Make eye contact with your child – unless they have a disorder that makes that uncomfortable! – and listen carefully. Think about your goal, which is to understand your child’s point of view, even if that point of view is “childish” or silly!

You should also ask them questions to clarify what they mean, and repeat what they say in your own words to show your understanding.

5 – Lead By Example

Kids may need some time to master their intelligence, but they can still tell when you don’t practice what you preach. Most children learn through observation, so you can earn their friendship by doing the same things you expect of them.

This is such a natural instinct for children that a study called “Toddlers’ imitative learning in interactive and observational contexts: the role of age and familiarity of the model” found that children easily learn by example from everyone, not just close family! So lead by example, and your kids will enjoy picking up on your actions – just make sure they’re positive examples!

6 – Have Some Respect For Their Choices

It’s easy to want to be a little controlling of your child’s decisions. After all, you have so many more years of experience. Your child’s dream job might sound impractical. Their relationship may not look like it’ll last. Their chosen degree might not be the best for them, but a child will appreciate it if you respect their decisions.

We’re not saying that you should never step in when your child is going to do something bad for them. But there are some things you don’t need to try and control so much! You can advise them and tell them what you think and how strongly you feel about their choices, but you want them to know that when the decisions affect them and not you, you will support them even if you disagree.

7 – Let Touch Do The Talking

Physical touch can have quite a significant effect on a child. In fact, hugs release the hormone oxytocin, which promotes positive thinking and bonding. Here are all the ways hugs can benefit a child:

Growth

Did you know that there is a growth deficiency called “failure-to-thrive”? What it does is cause children to be unable to grow normally, and it happens when children do not receive sufficient physical touch or affection.

Health and Recovery

Oxytocin has been proven to help with wound recovery and immune system strength. A study published in Germany entitled “Oxytocin, a mediator of anti-stress, well-being, social interaction, growth and healing” showed that oxytocin reduces thyroid hormone plasma levels, stress, and other negative issues!

Intelligence

Yes, hugging can make a child smarter! Physical touch stimulates the brain, and hugging is the right kind of gentle physical affection to help a child’s brain grow nice and strong.

Bonding

When you hug a child, you are feeding into positive attachment bonding mechanisms. Multiple studies have linked oxytocin production and attachment bonding, including “Oxytocin enhances the experience of attachment security”, which was published in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology in 2009.

Tantrums

Some parents believe that they should not hug their child when they are throwing a tantrum as it “rewards” the child. But the fact is that tantrums are an inability to perform emotional processing. Your child needs aid in calming down, and a hug can provide that aid.

8 – Offer Encouragement

A little encouragement goes a long way. When you teach, correct, and even scold your child, it’s a good idea to fall back onto some positive points instead of focusing only on the negative. Constant negativity can make your child fall into bad patterns of negative self-esteem.

So, the next time you’re seriously speaking to or correcting your child, don’t forget to encourage them. Examples of encouragement include:

Acknowledging their efforts to improve
Expressing pride in their efforts to improve
Reminding them that there are other things they are talented in
Inspiring them with stories of hard work and improvement
Telling them some of your own struggles with self-improvement
Giving them ideas for goals to keep in mind

Learn how to shape child behavior with kindness using positive reinforcement.

9 – Learn About Them

Many parents fall into the trap of labeling their children. This action can have multiple adverse effects, including:

Becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy
Putting undue pressure on children with positive labels
Causing self-esteem issues in children with negative labels
One-track thinking and self-limiting

When you pigeon-hole your children this way, you’re not doing them or yourself any favors. Take the time to really get to know your kids. You might think you know them better than they know themselves, but they’re still human beings and will grow and change over time. Learn:

Their likes and dislikes
Their natural temperament and personality
Their friends
Their dreams
Their life goals
What motivates them best

10 – Don’t Overdo Protectiveness

All parents can be quite protective of their little ones and with good reason. But there’s a big difference between protection and control. Controlling every single move your child makes will only cause them to feel uncomfortable sharing things with you, leading to lies, deception, and the act of hiding things from you.

Keep your child safe, but don’t control their every move. Learn to find a balance between overbearing protection and letting your child learn from mistakes and have their own privacy in certain areas. Trust us, it will make your friendship with them that much stronger!

11 – Don’t Ask, Share

Many parents complain that they ask their child all sorts of questions but don’t get concrete answers. There’s actually a reason for this. Bombarding a child with constant questions will only make them tired of being interrogated. It’s even worse when you don’t answer their questions!

So, instead of peppering them with inquiries, share something from yourself. Talk about your own day, your own friends, or even just random thoughts. This will encourage them to join in with the sharing and contribute, too!

Science proves a connection between lax parenting and emotional disorders in your children.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Earn Your Child’s Friendship

Not every parent wants to be friends with their child. Depending on your views and opinions on parenting, you may not feel like you need to be friends with your kids until they’re much older. But if you do want to earn their friendship, the methods are easier than you may expect!

Just treating your child as you would a friend can already make them feel more comfortable around you, increasing your bonds, their positive thinking, and their willingness to share things with you. If you are to be your child’s friend, it’s a friendship that they will value for a lifetime.

15 Ways To Confess Your Love To Your Partner

March 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

The first time you confess your love to someone is very nerve-wracking! But sometimes, continuing to confess that love every single day to a partner can be just as anxiety-inducing if you fear that you’ve run out of ways to say it.

But love doesn’t have to be complicated! Simple gestures and little things can matter most in long-term relationships.

Here are 15 ways to confess your love to your partner.

Meet a couple who met during adversity and wrote their own love story.

1 – Show Interest In Their Interests

This point might not seem like the ultimate show of love, but it can mean a lot to your partner. Who knows – their hobbies might turn out to be something you like too.

It’s not that hard to show some interest – here are some tips!

Play their favorite music or bands in the car.
Watch their favorite shows with them.
Discuss with them about their interests. (Or let them rant on about it.)
Check out those interests yourself, in your own spare time!

2 – Write Love Letters

Go old-school romantic. Break out your fountain pen, brush up your penmanship, and write them a physical letter! Want to take it to the next level? Consider these extra bonuses.

Fill the envelope with something they like – for example, stickers.
Spritz a scent on it. Either something they like or something that’ll remind them of you.
Seal the envelope with wax for bonus points.
Write positive things you love about them!

3 – Ask Them Questions, Then Listen and Remember

What’s the best way for someone to feel like they’re being heard and loved? Simple – showing interest in them as a person. It’s not very often we get to be the target of someone’s full attention, and it makes us feel important and loved. But just how do you show you’re listening?

Notice where they’re passionate, then ask them to elaborate on the subject.
Take some interest in their life – where have they gone, what have they done?
Remember what’s important to them – if they mention not liking tomatoes, make sure to avoid tomatoes when choosing meals for them.

4 – Cook For Them

These days, it’s hard to find time and energy to cook ourselves a proper meal. To prepare dinner of some kind for a loved one, therefore, is an act of love – whether it is acknowledged as one or not. So if you’re trying to woo someone, why not consider making them a romantic meal? But how do you even get started?

Figure out what your partner’s favorite meal is in advance. If not, go for something simple but delicious.
Enlist the help of a friend. It helps halve prepping and cooking time, and if you’re not good at cooking, it’s good to have support!
If you have the skill for it, get them a fortune cookie that says ‘I love you’ on the paper.

5 – Help Complete Their To-Do List

Trying to get everything done on time is always a stressful thing. It can have a tangible effect on your relationship – it’s hard to maintain positive thinking when there’s just so much left to be done, let alone be romantic with you. So what better way than to show your love by helping them out with said list?

Get an app that shares to-do lists. This way, you can be kept abreast of what your partner needs to be done, and get it sorted for them in advance.
Help remind them of things they need to do. Just add their events to your calendar, and remind them of any approaching deadlines now and then.
Take the initiative – if you see things around the house that needs doing, deal with it first, so they don’t have to.

6 – Give Them A Handmade Gift

Saying ‘I love you’ is a beautiful thing, but not everyone’s love language is based on words. For those of you whose partners prefer gifts, why not try making something of your own for them to remember by? Everyone remembers and loves the handmade gifts the best, even if the crafter isn’t too great at handicrafts. It’s the thought that counts, after all.

Here are some ideas to get you to confess your love!

Make a little box full of memories. Movie ticket stubs, polaroid pictures, keepsakes from specific trips – the possibilities are endless!
Pick up a crafting skill and make them something! It can be anything – pottery, crocheting, or origami, so long as you can make them something personalized.
Search up online for more romantic DIY gift ideas. Check out Pinterest to start with!

7 – Get Small, Thoughtful Gifts to Confess Your Love

With just how life tends to rush us through every day, it can be hard to show our loved one’s care and affection. And you may likely think you need to put on some grand show when you do – something that takes much more time and energy than we often have to spare.

But unless that is precisely what your partner wants (and they’re okay with long, empty stretches in between to compensate), you can just give them simple gifts throughout the day! Here are some examples:

Hide written notes everywhere. It’s hard to stay positive these days, so a little pick-me-up is sure to make them smile!
Sneak their favorite snack into their packed meals.
Bring them a delicious drink while they’re working.

8 – Make A Treasure Hunt

When was the last time you and your partner had the kind of fun that makes the both of you giddy and giggly? It’s time for you guys to have a little playtime – literally!

Buy your partner’s favorite snack, and hide them around the house with clues leading them to the final stash.
Alternatively, do that, but instead leave no clues – tease them with the knowledge that their snack is hidden somewhere, and watch them tear the house apart in the hunt!
Make a map to some hidden treasure in the house, and fill the house with clues. At the end of it all, hide a gift of some kind. Perhaps a time capsule, full of memories you’ve collected!

9 – Tell Them When Things Remind You Of Them

Realistically speaking, our partners can’t be on our minds 24/7. After all, other things need to be done – and you can trust them to love you no matter what.

That said, it’s always lovely to be reminded that you’re in someone’s thoughts – so why not do that for your partner? Send them memes, photos, overheard snippets of conversation, things that encourage positive thinking – the possibilities are endless!

10 – Use Music to Confess Your Love

Even if your partner doesn’t have any favorite bands or genres, they can certainly appreciate a good song. Why not take advantage of that universal fact?

- Make a playlist of song that reminds you of them, and then send it to them to enjoy!
- Pick their favorite song, and then rewrite the lyrics to match the love story you’re trying to tell. If you can’t sing well, get a friend to do it for you! (Or try anyway. It’s the thought that counts.)
- This one’s for the musicians – write a whole song dedicated to them!

11 – Dance With Them

Have you seen just how much tension and chemistry there is onstage among dancers? Why not take advantage of that and spark some chemistry yourself. Organize a fun little dance party for the two of you, and dance the night away! Don’t worry if neither can dance – it’s all about making memories.

Alternatively, you can go a step further – maybe your partner will be interested in learning how to dance, and you can both sign up for lessons!

12 – Touch Them

Some people have the feeling of touch as their love language – and it doesn’t always have to be some grand affair. Physical contact promotes the production of positive bonding hormone oxytocin, too. Here are a few other ways to show them your love over the course of the day – aside from the evident hand-holding, kissing, and hugging:

Place your hand on their arm or knee. It doesn’t have to be possessive – it can just be a physical reminder that you’re there.
Let your touch linger along their bare skin – don’t be shy, have fun being a tease!
Learn how to give your partner massages. A shoulder massage can be just what they need after a long day.

13 – Surprise Them Publicly to Confess Your Love

When was the last time you’ve reminded the world that this fantastic person is yours? This can get pretty cute, especially if you’re a known, established couple. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Get the barista to add a secret message to your partner’s drink.
Request the band to play your partner’s favorite song at the pub.
Have someone set up a sign in the middle of a path you’ll both be taking.

14 – Show Your Excitement At Seeing Them

The internet has made the world so much smaller – no longer do you have to wait weeks or months to see your beloved. All you have to do is tune in to their Instagram feed, or just ask them to send you a selfie. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t stop being excited to see them once more!

Jump for joy when you get to meet up with them in person again.
Show genuine happiness whenever you see a photo of them. It’ll be sure to brighten their day!
Arrange another date at the end of the current one. You just can’t wait to see them again!

15 – Make An Effort To Get In Touch First

Don’t always wait for them to reach out to you – take the initiative. Text them first, or arrange to see them first. There’s nothing wrong with being busy, but it doesn’t hurt to check in on your partner on a regular basis. They’ll appreciate the effort and thoughtfulness!

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Confess Your Love To Your Partner

If you know your partner well – and you should! – then you’ll know the kinds of things they like and what they respond best to. Still, don’t be afraid to try new gestures! You never know what your partner will love.

Ultimately, you love them, and they love you – so why shouldn’t you keep finding new ways to tell each other that? That will keep your romance beautifully alive and in bloom for years and years to come.

15 Situations You Should Never Say Yes To If You Want to Be Happy

March 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you want to be happy? Most people do! But what are you to do when that happiness eludes you? If that’s the case, it’s time to take a close look at your life and how you conduct it.

Often, we put ourselves in damaging situations without realizing the harm that they cause. Being aware of these patterns can stop them in their tracks. Here are 15 situations you should never say yes to if you want to be happy.

Don’t Do These 15 Things If You Want to Be Happy

1 – Feel Lonely When You’re Alone

While there are things best done by your lonesome, it’s hard to get some positive thinking going when you allow yourself to actually feel lonely while you’re alone. Here are some things that bring happiness if you may be alone or away from friends

Playing online multiplayer games, solitaire, etc.
Reflect on your place in life, where you want to be and what it takes to get there.
Watching movies where booing the characters is encouraged.

2 – Comparisons

The human want and need to compare ourselves with others is something as old as time itself, although there is nothing positive to be gained from it. There is no point in chasing after a life we don’t have, all the while ignoring what we do have. Consider instead doing the following things when you feel jealousy:

Turn off social media for the day.
Control your content feed. Don’t fill it with things that will cause you jealousy.
Indulge in the things that make you happy, with no regard for how “good” or “productive” it is.

3 – Exes Calling You Back Cannot Make You Happy

The relationship had ended for a good reason. Leave it there for the sake of your mental health, and move on towards more positive things instead:

Do some self-introspection. What lessons about yourself did that relationship teach you? What else can you do better next time?
Hang out with your friends. Have them support you in this emotionally distressing time, and let them distract you.
Acknowledge the bad, but also celebrate the good that came from it. Positive thinking doesn’t have to be one done through rose-tinted glasses – it’s essential to recognize and appreciate both the good and the bad in any relationship.

4 – Working For Jobs You Dislike

The term ‘burnout’ exists for a reason – if we don’t get that much-needed rest, it starts having dire consequences on our emotional, mental, and physical health.

Medically, this should come as no surprise – just the single, independent factor of working overtime increases the risk of coronary heart disease. So – just what should you do for the sake of your health?

Consider leaving your job, or switching to a different position within the company if that isn’t possible.
Take a look at The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor – the principles in it are an excellent place to start.
Identify what the individual elements about your job that is contributing to your stress are. Perhaps you can deal with them on a case-by-case basis to make it manageable.

5 – Sitting For Too Long

Since physical health is related to mental and emotional health, this might be something you’d want to look into. Studies have shown that sitting down for too long can negatively affect your cardiovascular health – no matter how much exercise you do.

So instead of lounging on a sofa or hunching over your keyboard, why not consider the following?

Invest in a standing desk. A motor-controlled one can raise and lower the height, depending on whether you need to stand or sit for something.
Watch your favorite shows while walking on a treadmill. Better health and good entertainment equal a positive net bonus!

6 – Drama and Gossip Inhibit Happy Feelings

There’s no point in being nosy about someone else’s circumstances and behavior – especially if it has nothing to do with you. Instead, it’s best to just focus on your own lives, and what is immediately relevant to you. Here are some reasons why:

Improving your personal experience is something that should take up all of your focus.
Engaging in drama and gossip about someone else’s lives only serves to add more stress and distraction.
Do unto others what you would want others to do unto you. If you would hate to be on the receiving end of that kind of unwanted attention, then why would you inflict it on others?

7 – Worrying Too Much

Just what has worry ever brought us aside from fear and anxiety? While some may argue positive thinking in these times is naive and simple-minded, the fact is that nothing good can be gained from worrying. So – what can you do instead?

Enjoy every moment as it comes into your life.
Be productive, make something tangible with your hands as some kind of progress.
Narrow your focus towards things you can directly handle and have control over.

8 – Being Asked To Do More Than You Can Handle

Being overwhelmed is perfectly normal in life – especially when you’re trying to learn something for the first time. But if you find yourself being overwhelmed most of the time, that may be an issue. Just why is this happening?

You’ve taken on too many tasks. Know your limits are and have realistic ideas on what you’re capable of.
You don’t know how to prioritize. Master this skill quickly, and life will become a little easier.
You’re too stressed. Try to deal with the individual elements causing that stress one step at a time.

9 – Idleness

It’s so easy to try squeezing in one more episode of your favorite Netflix show before getting started on work or hitting that snooze alarm for another five more minutes. This all inevitably ends up in stress and frustration when we realize too late that we’re now out of time.

Chip away at it. If you can’t get started properly, just pen down some notes first.
Happy people do not procrastinate. Start when you should.
Talk to someone about it. Sometimes you just need someone to organize it for you.

10 – Settling

At some point, it can be incredibly easy to just settle for “good enough.” This can apply to just about anything – career, friendships, and relationships. It’s one thing to be comfortable, but it’s another to settle for complacency and bare minimum. If you find yourself getting bored, consider the following points:

Sign the both of you up for some sort of adventurous trip, or a simple pottery class.
Talk to your friend. Maybe there’s something between you both that’s been making it hard for you both to bond closer.
Aim for a better job or career – there’s no point in staying in a poor job.

11 – Hurrying

It’s tempting to rush forward and to prove to yourself that you’re capable of keeping up with the pack. This, however, is detrimental to your happiness. Here are a few ways to steal back a few more precious minutes:

Prioritize things that are important first.
Manage your time efficiently.
Don’t pressure yourself – you don’t need to rush.
Understand that you can’t do everything you want in one go, and that’s okay.

12 – Staying Indoors All Day

Studies have proven just how positive getting natural sunlight is to us. Not enough of it affects our ability to absorb vitamin D, and it has a direct effect on our mental health. This is such a big issue that Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a well-documented phenomenon in countries that experience dark, gloomy winters.

Want to get better, but don’t know where to begin? Here are some things you can do to get started:

Go for some wilderness excursions. Nature has been scientifically proven to lift one’s mood!
Spend some time in the sun whenever you can.
Arrange for simple events outdoors, like a picnic in the park or a trip to the beach.
Do some gardening!

13 – Spending Time With Toxic People

It only makes sense that surrounding ourselves with toxic, negative people will only serve to worsen our moods and mental states. Just how can you improve yourself and find a better life’s purpose if you’re continually being sabotaged at every corner?

The best way to be happy is to avoid such a scenario. Here are some tips:

Avoid people who belittle you. It’s hard to keep a positive outlook when they’re always talking down your goals and dreams.
Look out for people who bring joy and happiness into your life and drop anyone who doesn’t.
Cut out people who don’t know the difference between crushing you and giving you constructive criticism.

14 – Blame

Nobody likes to be in the wrong. It’s a horrible feeling and one that we naturally try to avoid. This often means that our first reaction to trouble is to blame someone else, so we don’t have to deal with the consequences.

In reality, this actually can make things worse. Yes, it’s unpleasant, but there are benefits to be gained from taking responsibility for your actions:

Taking responsibility also means taking control of the situation and yourself.
You create an opportunity for you to learn from the problem.
You forge your sense of self and your capabilities through the process of resolving the issue.
You’ll learn to develop a sense of courage, and as you overcome the problem.

15 – Everything, All The Time

Many of us have been raised with this mindset that unless there is something that makes fulfilling the request impossible, we should always say ‘yes’ to it. In our minds, to refuse would be to hurt somehow or disappoint them.

In reality, learning how to say no is an important skill. Here are some reasons why:

You establish healthy emotional boundaries. This isn’t just good for you – it’s also great for others, as they know where your clear boundaries lie.
You give yourself time to do things you want to do. You don’t need an excuse to reserve your limited time and energy for things and people that are important to you.
You’ll learn how to stand up for yourself.

Final Thoughts On Some Situations You Should Never Say Yes To

Being happy can be difficult. The journey to happiness is often fraught with other more negative emotions. But by choosing the situations you allow yourself to be a part of, you can move more quickly along the rocky road that leads to that happiness.

5 Habits That Will Leave You Exhausted (And How To Stop Them)

March 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Do you sleep enough hours but still feel dead tired when you wake up? Are you feeling your positive thought slip away as that exhausted feeling sets in for seemingly no reason? Are you having trouble doing everyday tasks? Do you feel fatigued even without doing much, sometimes to the point where you can’t bring yourself to do anything productive?

If you answered “yes” to those questions, there’s a chance that you’ve been participating in certain habits that are causing you to be always exhausted. But how is that possible? Can it be fixed? How can you be aware of them?

Here are five habits that will leave you exhausted and how to stop them.

1 – Bad Eating Habits

What you eat determines how you fuel up for the day. If you eat poorly, you’ll feel poorly, too. Here are some terrible eating habits that you may be guilty of:

Skipping Breakfast

Breakfast has always been called the most important meal of the day. There’s a good reason for that! This meal is the first one you’ll have when you wake up – it will provide you with the energy you need to tackle the day. If you don’t eat it, you don’t get that energy. Opt for breakfast items with whole grains, good fats, and lean proteins. Smoothies, wholewheat toast, and oatmeal are good examples.

Don’t feel exhausted from lack of breakfast. Rely on these easy meal prep plans to start your day.

Neglecting Iron

A lack of iron is a widespread cause of sluggishness. You might feel weak or even irritable, and your concentration may slip a lot. Even if you don’t have anemia, not getting the minimum daily requirement of iron can contribute to feelings of tiredness. Mix iron-rich foods with vitamin C-rich foods

Eating Junk

Eat junk, feel like junk. If you keep eating simple carbohydrates and sugars, especially from takeout shops and fast food outlets, you’re doing your blood sugar a disservice. When blood sugar spikes and drops suddenly and frequently, you experience fatigue and lightheadedness. Eating protein with carb-heavy meals can help the digestion process.

Allergies

Are you aware of all your food allergies? Though many food allergies can be pronounced and deadly, some still are just mild intolerances. But these “mild” allergies can still have negative effects on you. For example, they could be the reason behind your fatigue. Try eliminating foods one by one until you find one behind your tiredness.

Eating Too Little

If you are often on restrictive diets, it’s no surprise that you’d feel tired. Insufficient fuel means your body has nothing to run on. Consider adding small, healthy snacks to your daily food plans, or recalculating your calories to make sure you’re getting enough of them.

2 – Bad Drinking Habits

So we’ve talked about bad eating habits – but how about bad drinking habits? Believe it or not, you can also drink in the wrong way. Here are some bad drinking habits that may leave you exhausted:

Relying On Caffeine

A good cup of coffee every morning is a pretty standard part of many people’s days. And, for the most part, it’s not unhealthy and may even be good for you! But if you abuse caffeine and use it incorrectly, your sleep-wake cycle will suffer. Drinking caffeine as early as six hours before bed can cause its properties to ruin your ability to sleep, making you tired the next day.

Drinking Wine Before Bed

Yes, a glass of wine sounds like a nice, relaxing way to tie up the end of a night. And yes, it feels like the alcohol is helping you sleep. But while it makes you fall asleep faster, it worsens your overall sleep quality. The sedative effect it has messes up your ability to maintain sleep, so when you wake up, you won’t feel nearly as positive or rested.

Not Drinking Enough Water

Did you know that even 2% dehydration can dramatically affect your energy levels? You need to drink at least eight cups of water per day, to the point that your urine is very light in color. But many Americans only drink half that amount! If you’re a very physically active person, you’ll need even more water than that.

Feel mentally exhausted? These foods might give you a positive outlook.

3 – Bad Working Habits

What is your working environment like? The place you work is where you expend a lot of your energy, so if you engage in bad habits at work, your energy will not be used efficiently or productively. Here are some bad work habits to avoid:

Being At A Computer All Day

Many people’s jobs involve them sitting down at a desk, in front of a computer, for hours. But this causes a lot of fatigue and can lead to a lack of energy. Every 90 minutes, you need to stop and take a short break, just to walk around, check your phone, or even just go to the bathroom. The human attention span only lasts 90 minutes!

Keeping It Messy

It’s okay to have a little clutter, but if your workspace is a bit too messy, it can reduce your concentration and even make it more difficult for your brain to process store, and use information. You don’t have to work in a perfectly organized area – just make sure it’s neat enough so as not to overwhelm you, and so you don’t spend an hour looking for something around it.

Working While On Holiday

Workaholics unite! Many people feel compelled to check their work email or do a little extra work when they’re supposed to be relaxing or are on vacation. Don’t do that! You need your breaks to be real truly, full breaks that have no work-related incidents at all. This time will save you from a terrible burnout later! When you’re back from your holiday, you’ll be refreshed and capable.

4 – You Stress Yourself Out

What if the number one cause of your exhaustion is, well, you? Sometimes, your emotional state could be your fault, a result of exposing yourself to stressors that may or may not be real. Here are a few of them that could be leaving you exhausted!

You’re Very Much A Perfectionist

Perfection simply isn’t possible, so if you constantly want to be perfect, you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Even if you acknowledge that you aren’t perfect, you could still be setting your goals too high, or trying to wait for everything just magically to fall into place. This habit will cause disappointment, discouragement, a lack of positive thinking, and, of course, exhaustion.

You Can’t Say “No”

Are you a people-pleaser? Or perhaps a Yes-Man type person? Whatever the case, an inability to say “no” could stress you out. You’ll stretch yourself too thin and overcommit to countless different events, making more promises than you can keep track of. Learn to say no when you’re splitting in too many directions at once.

You Make Small Things Big

Whenever you hear something, you automatically assume the worst. When your friend says they want to talk to you, you fear they’re going to tell you they hate you. Perhaps your boss calls you in suddenly, and you’re terrified of being fired. When you consider taking a bus, you’re too scared of the possibility of missing it. Or when there’s heavy rain, you think there will be a flood. This catastrophizing is taxing on the brain and can exhaust you!

5 – Ignoring Symptoms of Health Problems

Health problems are a drain on your body, and they can significantly worsen feelings of exhaustion. If your health isn’t in good shape, it makes complete sense that it would mess up your ability to rest. Your body would be suffering the entire time! Here are common health problems that are often ignored but cause exhaustion:

Sleep Apnea

You may think you’re sleeping enough, but if you have sleep apnea, you wouldn’t be. This disorder stops your breathing while you sleep, causing you to wake up for tiny amounts of time that you may not be aware of. This sleep disturbance and deprivation can take a toll on you.

Chronic, Invisible Illness

If you have fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome, you’ll feel drained very often. Your main symptom for either will be exhaustion with no known reason, though many other symptoms may accompany it. Big lifestyle changes typically need to be made to aid in management for these incurable conditions.

Depression

Depressive disorders aren’t just mood disorders that reduce your positive thinking. They make you tired, too. You can lose your appetite, have recurrent headaches, and feel constantly tired. If that’s accompanied by a dropped mood, you should speak to a professional.

Urinary Tract Infection

For the most part, UTIs can be very obvious. But sometimes, they’re more silent, and exhaustion may be the only symptom. When you’re used to that urgent need to urinate and the burning that accompanies it, you may not think that your fatigue is due to a UTI – but it could be!

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland sits at the base of the neck and is responsible for managing metabolism. An underactive thyroid, which can be caused by a bad diet, lack of physical activity, or genetic predisposition, leads to a slow metabolic rate. This issue can cause weight gain and feelings of sluggishness.

Diabetes

Diabetes involves unbalanced blood sugar levels, and even without diabetes, a poor balance of blood sugar can already cause weakness and exhaustion. As such, diabetes may lead to tiredness, and it’s one of the most common symptoms patients experience.

Heart Disease

If you experience severe exhaustion during seemingly normal basic everyday tasks, it may be because your heart can’t keep up. Heart disease is very serious and requires a quick diagnosis and prompt treatment.

Final Thoughts On Some Habits That Will Leave You Exhausted And How To Stop Them

Bad habits can be difficult to break. But when they actively start to interfere with your everyday life, you need to do something about them. No one’s perfect, and we know that some flaws won’t ever really get perfectly fixed, but that doesn’t mean you can’t try to make them better!

You don’t deserve to feel constantly exhausted. If you’ve been feeling that way, take a look at your life and see what could be causing it. If you think it’s something more serious or can’t figure it out, don’t be afraid to reach out to a medical professional for assistance!

4 Ways To Help Reduce Health Risks From Pollution

March 22, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Pollution is everywhere. It surrounds us, and it’s virtually unavoidable. In our modern world, emissions of all kinds pose threats to both the planet and us. It can be nerve-wracking to think of all that danger to yourself and your loved ones. But does it have to be this way?

Unfortunately, there’s no real way to eliminate pollution’s effects on your life. But there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of damage, danger, or harm caused to you because of pollution.

So, what are those methods for protecting yourself? What can you do to keep yourself and the people you love safe? More importantly, is it enough?

Here are four ways to help reduce health risks from pollution.

1 – Stay Aware Of Outdoor Pollution

The first step to staying safe from outdoor pollution is by being aware of it. That awareness can give you a lot of protection, all on its own. You’ll know what to look out for and what to avoid, thus keeping yourself safe from health risks. Here are some ways to do so:

Look Up Air Quality

In the United States, air-monitoring websites can provide specific Air Quality Index numbers for each city. You can quickly look up your city’s on any one of these websites. Before you go out every day, check the AQI of your area. This will tell you how much protection you need.

Keep Away From Areas And Items With Particle Pollution

Particle pollution sounds like a science-y term, but it’s quite simple – it refers to any pollution involving the release of toxic or potentially harmful particles into the air. This includes combustion from vehicles, factories, and power plants. If you can, avoid walking near main roads or factories.

Find Ways To Exercise Indoors

When air pollution outside is too bad, you’ll need to stay indoors. But if you have a strict exercise routine, or if the contamination is lasting for a long time, and you usually exercise outdoors, it can be tempting to just go for it anyway, equipped with a mask as you pant along. But that’s still a bad idea. Find methods for exercising inside, whether it’s by joining a gym or dedicating a room or hallway for your workouts.

Keep The Windows Closed

Live near a road? Don’t leave your windows always open. Keep them closed, especially during busy hours. If you know the air quality is terrible where you are, then keeping them closed is even more important! This habit will keep both you and your family safe – and exposure to pollutants in the air can cause severe effects on health, especially on children. The last thing you need is for them to have a positive test result for asthma or lung disease!

Know When Not To Go Out At All

If air pollution is terrible, there is wisdom in just staying indoors. Exposure to bad air can lead to severe adverse effects, says the American Lung Association. If you do need to leave the house these days, restrict how much time you spend outside of a closed environment! Plan indoor activities in covered spaces.

2 – Keep The Air At Home Clean

Another way to reduce pollution health risks is to ensure that, in your home, the air is always as clean as possible. Here are some ways to do that:

Buy An Air Purifier

An air purifier helps cleanse the air in a space, getting rid of contaminants like dust, smoke, and outside pollutants that snuck inside. A recent study found that the use of air purifiers inside college dorms can lead to a reduction in blood pressure, stress hormones, and insulin resistance, boosting positive thinking compared to those who use a fake purifier.

Try using essential oils to purify your air naturally.

Don’t Use Gas-Powered Equipment

Lots of equipment, especially for lawn care, is powered by gasoline. These create more emissions than hand-powered equipment or even electricity powered. Many hand-powered products don’t create any pollution at all.

Don’t Allow Indoor Smoking

Cigarette smoking is a tough habit to kick, and you don’t have to demand that anyone in your home – or yourself – quit cold turkey. But don’t allow any smoking indoors. If you or those in your home want to smoke, they should do so outdoors.

Don’t Burn Trash Or Debris

Burning trash is one of the primary sources of domestic pollution that there is. If you need to throw out your trash, just throw it out and let the professionals handle getting rid of it. (The same goes for using the fireplace – the smoke from the chimney also contributes to air pollution!)

Get Houseplants

Indoor houseplants have been proven to boost the quality of air inside, thus preventing some of the worst effects of indoor pollution. Do a little research and find out which ones are good for what!

Use Clean Household Products

Did you know that most household cleaners are packed with potentially dangerous chemicals? While they seem harmless, regular use of them can lead to issues with the eyes, throat, nose, and lungs. Try to opt for mindful cleaning products that don’t have dangerous chemicals, or try making your own with products like baking soda, essential oils, or vinegar – all safe, natural options!

3 – Improve Your Health

When your health is better, you are less susceptible to facing risks from pollution. Complications of all kinds can arise when your health is in a bad place. Here are some areas of your health to pay attention to reduce your risks from pollution:

Diet

What you eat matters. If you want a strong immunity, you need to watch your diet. You don’t have to calorie-restrict or eat super healthy food packed with green juices and poke bowls, but you should manage your nutrition to make sure it’s balanced. Get enough fruits and vegetables, meet minimum daily requirements for vitamin and mineral consumption, eat lean proteins and healthy fats, and limit processed sugar and junk food.

Exercise

Physical activity is crucial to health. It is generally recommended that you get 150 minutes of elevated heart rate exercise per week. It doesn’t have to be fancy exercise – just going for a brisk walk, dancing, doing yoga, or swimming can already provide you with plenty of those minutes. These activities also reduce the risk of developing a considerable number of health conditions, so it’s got plenty of benefits outside of pollution protection!

Learn about Bikram yoga and better breathing.

Heart Health

Your heart is what keeps you alive, and it’s what needs to be strong to resist pollution’s effects. But heart health isn’t just about making sure the blood keeps pumping. It’s about managing your blood pressure, your cholesterol levels, and other similar factors. Make sure you go for regular checkups with your doctor, especially as you age, to monitor your heart’s health, as well as the health of the rest of you.

4 – Reduce The Pollution You Create

Even if you were to take all the steps mentioned above in ensuring reduced pollution risk, the fact remains that the Earth continues to face pollution every day. For the betterment of your health and the health of everyone else, you can take steps to reduce the amount of pollution that you contribute to the world. Here are some examples of ways to do so:

Turn Off What You Don’t Use

It sounds like a no-brainer, but sometimes, there are things you do that go against this idea. When you leave a room, even for just five minutes to use the bathroom, turn off the lights, fan, or any appliances running in the place. Sure, it’s very little at first, but over the years, those minutes build up!

Buy Energy-Efficient Items

These days, companies manufacture items that are designed to be energy-efficient or release fewer pollutants. Some may also simply be made in a more environmentally-friendly manner. These types of things might cost a little extra, but if you have the cash to spare, it’s worth it to do your part.

Do Things In Big Batches

Do you tend to do chores in small amounts? Consider doing them in big batches, instead. For example, instead of washing a few clothes three times a week, do a single, big pile of laundry when you have enough to fill your machine.

Walk or Bike

If you’re only traveling a short distance, consider riding a bicycle or just walking. It’s great exercise – which is good for your health! – and it gets you out for fresh air. (Of course, don’t do this if the air around you is polluted!)

Carpool or Use Public Transportation

If you’re traveling too far to use a bicycle or to walk, consider using public transportation. While not all areas of America (or the world) have the best systems, you can usually take a bus or train to get where you need to go. If you do need to take a car, try carpooling with others heading in the same direction!

Influence Others To Reduce Their Pollution, Too

Talk to others about environmental awareness. Contact your child’s school to ask about reducing emissions from school buses. Answer questions from curious friends who want to know about your greener lifestyle. Tell them about how cleaner air boosts positive thinking. Spread the word!

Of course, though the actions of an individual can matter significantly, it’s common knowledge that the main forces behind pollution are more prominent corporations. As such, bigger changes need to be made around the world for significant improvements to be seen. Contact your state or county representatives about the implementation of green laws, help spread awareness about pollution, and volunteer for applicable movements.

Advocate for green living.

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Reduce Health Risks From Pollution

Pollution is harmful to many things. It threatens the planet, it causes health risks, and it can be frightening to think about dealing with it because of how unavoidable and all-encompassing it is. But by taking mindful steps to combat its effects on you, you can protect yourself and those around you from the worst of its risks.

Remember, pollution will only stop being a problem when its frequency is reduced. Make an effort to switch to cleaner lifestyle habits and push for legislation that is environmentally friendly by contacting the relevant representatives!

Naturopath Reveals The Powerful Energy Healing of Reiki

March 21, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Today’s world of traditional medicine is not necessarily cutting it for many of us. Diseases and chronic health conditions leave many of us reeling today. Thus, we are looking for alternative ways to improve our total health and wellness. Enter Reiki.

Reiki: A natural, more balanced approach to wellness?

What is Reiki? For many, it is a natural way to promote well being by helping to reduce stress and invite a state of calm, balanced relaxation. The practice first originated in Japan and then spreading west. The philosophy behind Reiki is to balance the body’s energy field to activate the natural healing properties of the body.

Reiki is the “life force” energy that flows through all things. Practitioners of this mode of healing understand that everyone can connect with their natural healing powers. They strive to strengthen the energy within themselves as a means of helping others to heal as well. Philosophers of this type of energy healing believe that the “chi” or life force energy within all of us should be balanced and free-flowing. When this universal energy becomes blocked or stagnant. Therefore, it manifests in the body as mental, emotional, and physical imbalance and disease.

Just one session can help to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and help the body to create an environment that promotes healing on all levels. You’ll feel relief from mental, emotional, and physical aspects. Sessions are pleasant, calming, and practitioners individualize sessions according to a person’s unique needs and intentions.

History of Reiki

Reiki comes to us from a master by the name of Mikao Usui. He first discovered the root system of energy and how it affects the body. His traditions and methods of practice passed down from generation to generation. Grandmasters underwent a rigorous process of initiation before he certified them to practice his teachings. Although other branches of this healing practice stem from this singular start, the Usui method of preparation is still the most widely used to promote the health and healing of all who come in contact with it.

What does a typical healing session look like?

A typical energy work session lasts anywhere from 60-90 minutes long. Initial consultations with practitioners include a conversation where both client and clinician have the opportunity to explain their intentions. Then they, ask and answer questions, set the treatment goals. A client will lie back on a massage table or other flat surface with their shoes removed.

Work can begin via the hands-on approach, where a clinician applies light pressure to different areas of the body, or you may choose to opt for a hands-free approach, where a clinician will be working several inches from the body, and no touch is involved.

The practitioner will then proceed to work with a client’s energy field through a series of specific hand movements and postures designed to clear the energy field of the client. The session should leave both client and clinician balanced, relaxed, and feeling content.

What does energy healing treat?

This useful mode of healing addresses total health and wellness through balancing the energy field. It may help reduce symptoms and improve chronic conditions such as:

Emotional imbalances
Chronic pain
Digestive issues
Insomnia
Heart issues

With all of the benefits that this energy work has to offer, you owe it to yourself to explore the possibilities in more depth. Here are some of the fantastic benefits that come with receiving energy work:

1. Increased harmony and balance

Energy work helps to promote greater peace, harmony, and balance. This non-invasive technique stirs up the natural healing capabilities of the human body, helping to energize and bring about a state of optimal wellness. Reiki restores balance to your system and addresses any condition you may be suffering from at its root cause–the energy imbalance. This balance includes mental and physical, yin and yang, left brain and right brain. In fact, it will restore you to new heights of health.

Neurologists explain the importance of physical touch.

2. Reduction in tension and stress

The deep sense of calm relaxation that comes with energy work allows your body to release anxiety and stress that you may have been holding onto for years. Naturopaths that practice this type of energy work see amazing results in their clients after just one session, with ongoing work becoming life-changing for those who give themselves the gift of healing.

Clients report feeling, lighter, cleaner, more at peace with themselves and the world around them. Everything is in a higher state of free-flow, allowing, and a sense of being rather than doing allows for the release of built-up tension and stress that may have caused an underlying health condition. Your body can breathe a sigh of relief now that energy has been cleared up and released.

3. Dissolution of energy blocks

Regular energy work promotes a greater sense of relaxation and peace, allowing a client to handle the stresses of everyday life with ease. More excellent mental balance helps to improve better learning, better mental clarity, and improved memory. Reiki can help heal old emotional and energetic wounds, helping to balance the emotions and alleviate anger, sadness, and pain. It can also improve and mend broken relationships with the proper intention. When energy balances and enters a higher state of free-flow, all aspects of life seem to work more smoothly.

4. Improved detoxification and enhancement of the immune system

In our current society, we spend so much of our time in fight/flight mode, reacting and adapting to stress, that our bodies take on a toxic overload of emotions and substances that clog up our energy system and, eventually, our physical bodies. Energy work allows for the clearing of these old stresses, which in turn helps to clean out and improve the efficient detoxification process of the physical body as well. The parasympathetic nervous system is allowed to perform some of the functions that have taken a back seat, and the body can breathe a sigh of relief and start the healing process once more.

5. Improved mental clarity and focus

With all of the energetic garbage removed from your system, you are likely to experience greater mental clarity, better memory and attention, and an improved sense of well being. Energy work helps you to stay grounded in the present moment, appreciating life around you as it is, and allows you to free up energy to work on improving brain function. As a result, you think clearly, you process information more efficiently, and your memory is likely more precise than it has been in years. This mental boost does much to improve your mood as well; a brain that functions more efficiently produces chemicals that boost and elevate mood. You’ll feel like a million bucks!

6. Improved sleep quality

A significant outcome of any energy work session is increased relaxation. This relaxation aids in creating conditions for ideal, restorative sleep. Your body can function more efficiently, it can repair and restore tissues while you sleep, and your immune system is improved as a result of all the extra shut-eye. Also, Reiki promotes deep, restorative sleep that helps to improve all other aspects of health.

7. Accelerated healing activation

Energy work allows the body to activate its self-healing mechanisms, making optimal wellness achievable once more. Your body is allowed to return to its natural state of balance when all regulatory systems are working efficiently, and you are continually undergoing a natural process of detoxification. Your parasympathetic nervous system takes over when your body can efficiently rest and digest. Most of us live life in a constant state of fight vs. flight, and this does significant damage to our mental, emotional, and physical health.

8. Relief from physical pain

Your body is composed of vibrating energy particles; when this energy is imbalanced, it can result in physical illness and disease. Reiki balances and moves energy in the right direction around the body. Meanwhile, the free-flow allows for the exchange of information that aids in healing and a return to health. Painful conditions like arthritis, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammation may all be reduced or even eliminated with the newfound balance of energy.

9. Increased spiritual growth and improved emotional cleansing

Reiki addresses all aspects of the body as a whole. Indeed, mind, body, emotions, and spiritual components to life that we may not be aware of in our conscious minds. As we undergo this important work, there is a spiritual expansion that occurs. During the session, we plug back into the energy of the cosmos once more. Once troublesome mental afflictions and emotions that have held us back for years may release in a matter of a few sessions. We find ourselves moving forward in life with less fear, more passion, and more love.

Final Thoughts: Experience the benefits of Reiki for yourself!

Reiki is not a cure-all or a miracle therapy. Instead, its happy clients experience mind and body advantages. And, clients gladly attest to the positive changes they receive. Whether you are suffering from a chronic health condition, or if you are just curious about the spiritual and emotional changes that can result from a few sessions, you owe it to yourself to see what Reiki can do for you.

Here is How Landfills Are Dealing With Looming E-waste Crisis

March 21, 2020 by Power of Positivity

It is no secret that the world loves its electronics, but that love is fleeting, and e-waste is quickly becoming a problem of epic proportions. Every year, the world produces between 20 and 50 million metric tons of e-waste. Due to an increase in electronic production and shorter product lifespans, the National Institutes of Health expects electronic waste to increase.

Amidst the mounting concerns surrounding e-waste, junk pickup services emerge as a proactive solution to address the growing problem. By entrusting the disposal of electronic waste to experienced professionals, individuals can contribute to sustainability efforts while minimizing the environmental impact of outdated electronics. With the convenience and reliability of junk removal services, communities can take proactive steps towards mitigating the consequences of e-waste accumulation, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

What is e-waste?

Electronic waste, or e-waste, is all of the electronic devices and accessories that people discard when they are no longer useful. The most common types of e-waste include:

Computers
Printers
Tablets
Phones and other communication devices
Video games
Videocassette and DVD players

The thought that humankind stacks all of the world’s used cell phones, game controllers, and other devices in a vast heap is almost incomprehensible. The scale of it is just immense. When people throw most things away, we typically deem the items in question as broken or unusable.

Electronics are different.

The world of electronics is exceptionally dynamic. Indeed electronics companies are always working on the next big thing. Many products are practically obsolete the moment they leave the shelf, and this results in people throwing away perfectly viable devices. This consumerism is the main reason that e-waste is increasing globally.

Read why Little Rock, AR, is paying homeless people to collect trash.

Hazards of e-waste in landfills

The waste from used electronics presents several risks; it affects workers, the world economy, and the planet at large. The current handling of used electronics poses dire threats to the quality of life and resource sustainability.

Irresponsible disposal of e-waste

Unfortunately, most of the world’s e-waste is recycled only in the crudest sense. After reaching landfills, most of the world’s e-waste is loaded into shipping containers and sent to countries like China, India, and Nigeria.

Once it arrives, the e-waste undergoes a battery of hazardous recycling methods.

The Basel Action Network (BAN) is tasked with monitoring the world’s e-waste. BAN’s Executive Director, Jim Puckett, referred to the recycling of e-waste in China as a “cyber-age nightmare.” He also stated that workers are regularly exposed to dangerous fumes from the heating tin, lead, and flame retardants.

E-waste recycling in India is no better. A writer for the National Institutes of Health called the country’s recycling sector “medieval.” The toxic components of many electronics make their disposal problematic for developed and developing countries alike.

Ideally, recyclers should break electronics down, isolate all useful materials, and extract them separately. “That’s how it’s done when you don’t dump it offshore,” Puckett said. Presently, though, Puckett compared current practices to people “cooking printed circuit boards.” Without using mechanical shredding and high-tech separation techniques, the pollution caused by merely melting down electronics is extreme.

Pollution caused by e-waste take a toll on human health

The gradual impact of pollution can make it easy to ignore, but it is one of the biggest threats to the modern way of life. Indeed, pollution connects to all sorts of nasty things. Recently, scientists linked pollution, including pollution caused by e-waste, to health problems such as:

Bipolar disorder
Fatigue
Depression
Mood shifts
Changes in appetite
Trouble focusing
Manic episodes

In addition to physical health problems, scientists speculate that pollution from electronic waste affects human intelligence. Researchers also claim that exposure to outdoor pollutants contributes to approximately 4 million deaths every year. Clearly, this is a trend the world should focus on changing.

The squandering factor

As though impending doom is not reason enough, the current handling of valuable materials in electronics is shamefully wasteful. Some of the materials people are wasting en masse are those of the future. Lithium, for example, might soon assume a huge role in energy soon. But we often overlook it, discarding it instead.

Lithium could also play a key role in staving off climate change, and even President Trump admitted it was “vital to our national and economic security.” It is essential to understand that lithium, even if currently plentiful, is a finite resource. It takes millions of years to form, and we cannot renew it one we use it.

Most people probably know that lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are everywhere these days, but the sheer numbers would surprise them. In 2020, China is expected to produce 500,000 metric tons of e-waste in Li-ion cells alone. That equates to about 1 billion pounds. Analysts predict that by 2030, China’s used Li-ion batteries will increase by 400%.

Electric vehicles quickly crowd the landfills and scrap yards around the world. As such, scientists estimate that the world’s demand for lithium, so much of which is already lying in landfills, will increase by 300% in the next decade.

Read how scientists are using lithium to minimize climate change.

Obstacles to responsible e-waste management

1 – The not-so-small matter of cost

Cost is the biggest hurdle when it comes to responsible recycling of e-waste. The countries that import electronic waste for recycling are primarily absent from regulations on recycling methods or worker safety. The obvious consequence is the cheapest possible means of extracting metals.

Nothing drives up the cost of business like responsibility.

2 – Recycling is the password

It is true, as Puckett quipped, that recycling is more of a password than a practice. There are no laws in the United States, for example, that forbids a citizen from shipping e-waste abroad for unregulated recycling. Thus, the United States government takes no active role in the safe disposal of e-waste.

The lack of incentive to deal with e-waste responsibly makes environmentally friendly recyclers a rare breed. According to Puckett, there are “about half a dozen” environmentally responsible smelters and plenty of irresponsible ones. Even consumers who think they are doing the right thing are likely just contributing to a cargo container headed overseas.

3 – The throwaway mentality

It is tough for most consumers to be sure that landfills are dealing with their e-waste properly. One of the best ways consumers can contribute is by holding on to electronics as long as they can. We can take action to extend the life of most electronic devices.

One person’s garbage indeed is another’s nostalgia. In fact, some outdated electronics carry quite a bit of value. Used Super Nintendos, plenty of which found their way into landfills, can net even an impatient seller $50 apiece.

A lot of people these days seem to have an aversion to the concept of repair. People often spend up to $1,000, replacing a phone instead of $100 to fix the screen. If people can stretch their electronics for another year or find them another owner, they can help dramatically reduce annual e-waste.

Recycling e-waste responsibly

Although it can be challenging to make sure electronics are recycled responsibly, we can do it! Before resorting to the landfill, consumers have several options.

1 – Company buy-back programs

A lot of companies offer their customers incentives to bring in their used devices, and they seem to help. As part of Apple’s GiveBack program, customers can earn up to $1,000 by trading in qualifying devices. Apple will also recycle non-qualifying devices free of charge.

Other companies, like Best Buy and Sprint, also have programs for turning in old devices, and there is a good reason for that: It can be extremely lucrative. Apple reported salvaging an astonishing 2,000 pounds of gold (worth $40 million) from used devices in 2015.

2 – Local e-waste recycling programs

A lot of cities and towns sponsor collection days for citizens to drop off electronics. Most used electronics do not take up too much space, so people should be able to hang onto them until collection day. A good time to recycle electronics in many communities is around Earth Day.

3 – Donations

On any day in just about any town, there is a non-profit organization that will happily take electronics off people’s hands. Yes, they may end up in a landfill anyway, but they may find a new home.

Final thoughts on avoiding tossing your e-waste into the landfills

From a consumer standpoint, it is irrational to trust landfills with the disposal of electronics; there is simply no financial motivation for them to recycle e-waste responsibly. Improved regulatory efforts by states and the federal government may be coming, but for now, the responsibility belongs to everyone.

Many of the electronics that end up in landfills are in excellent working condition and would probably even fetch a profit. People can return their electronics to companies for credit, sell them privately, or just donate them so that someone else can enjoy them. The landfill should be everyone’s last resort.

The environmental sins of the past are starting to rear their ugly heads, but it is not too late to fight back. There have been hugely successful conservation efforts around the world, which means that the damage caused by e-waste is reversible. It is tempting to throw electronics into landfills or replace them unnecessarily, but people can and should avoid it.

10 Red Flags That May Reveal Ulcerative Colitis

March 21, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Several conditions fit into the category of inflammatory bowel disease or IBD, and ulcerative colitis is one of them. The problem with this condition is that it causes sores called ulcers to imbed in the digestive tract. The inflammation is long-lasting and painful.

Colitis occurs in the deepest part of the lining of the large intestine, which is also known as the colorectal area. If you have this disorder, then the symptoms will develop slowly over time as they don’t come on suddenly, like with irritable bowel syndrome and other IBD conditions.

Sadly, this form of colitis is debilitating, and the stomach pains unbearable. In many instances, the complications produced from this condition are life-threatening. Currently, there is no cure for this painful disease, but regular treatment can reduce the symptoms.

Many people can obtain long-term remission and live healthy lives when they follow the proper treatment regimen.

What Causes Ulcerative Colitis?

While much research has gone into finding the reason for colitis, experts still only have theories. Initially, the medical community suspected that this disease was caused by poor diet and stress levels. However, those findings were a bit premature as they now know that they have nothing to do with this condition.

Decades of research now prove that it’s highly probable that this condition stems from an immune system malfunction. When there is a virus or bacteria in the body, the immune system kicks into high gear, trying to fight off the foreign invaders.

However, it’s believed that the immune system malfunctions in the process and go to attack the functional cells within the digestive tract. The failure destroys both good and bad cells in the body, which are essential for function.

Genetics is believed to play a role in this disease. If your parents had this condition, then the chances that you will get it increases. Strangely, many people that are diagnosed don’t have any family members who suffer from this condition.

10 Red Flags Indicating Ulcerative Colitis

The classic symptoms with ulcerative colitis are also red flags that you need to look for with this condition. Here are the most commonly seen signs that a problem exists.

1. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a miserable ailment that is common in many circumstances. When you’re dealing with IBD, diarrhea can wake you up in the middle of the night. It can become so unbearable that you cannot leave your home. It’s also not uncommon for the stool to have a pungent smell because of the inflammation.

2. Blood and Puss in Your Stool

One of the most observed signs of ulcerative colitis is seeing blood or pus in the stool. Many can see the infection, from the inflammation and sores in their colon area, displayed in their feces.

3. Abdominal Cramping

The cramping that comes with bowel movements is commonplace as the muscles in the colon areas are moving to pass feces. However, the abdominal cramping that occurs with colitis is on a different level. These cramps are consistent and debilitating.

4. Constipation

Constipation alone is not a sign of colitis. However, the urge to need to empty the bowel can be overwhelming, especially when no matter how strong the desire, the bowels won’t move.

5. Weight Loss

When you have chronic diarrhea, you will naturally lose weight. However, many people become malnourished, too, as they are not absorbing the nutrients from their food. The digestive tract is in high gear and passing foods so quickly that it doesn’t have time to soak up the necessary things for good health.

6. Chronic Fatigue

Much of the fatigue comes from the immune system working overtime, as well as constant diarrhea. A general unwell feeling is normal because the body is fighting against itself in this autoimmune condition.

7. Fever

A fever is a response that is engineered by the immune system as it’s fighting foreign invaders. The body kicks the temperature up to try to destroy bacteria as most cannot thrive in a hostile environment. However, the fevers can be chronic and wear your body out as the condition is never-ending.

8. Growth Abnormalities in Children

Due to the malabsorption issues of this disease, if a child has ulcerative colitis, then there may be growth abnormalities. Since their body is not able to absorb the nutrients it needs to grow and thrive; their growth could be stunted until the issue is fixed.

9. Rectal Bleeding

When you use the restroom, it’s not uncommon for there to be blood on the tissue when you wipe. Rectal bleeding may become severe and require the use of a liner to protect the underwear. It’s like what you would see if you had hemorrhoids, but the blood is coming from the ulcers in the colon.

10. Dehydration

Dehydration can quickly occur from having chronic diarrhea. No matter how much fluids you ingest, it still won’t be enough to combat the loss from chronic bowel movements. IV fluids may be required if diarrhea is not responding to any over-the-counter treatments and has lingered for days.

The Different Types of Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is put into categories depending upon the location of the disease. Five distinct classifications dictate the area of the ulcers, as well as the symptoms that they will produce.

• Pancolitis

Pancolitis is diagnosed when the entire colon is affected. When a person is suffering from this form, they will have constant bloody diarrhea, which may be severe. The abdominal cramps and pain, as well as fatigue, may be overwhelming. Due to continuous diarrhea, there is commonly significant weight loss with this type of colitis.

• Ulcerative Proctitis

When the vicinity of inflammation is near the anus and rectum area, then the doctor will diagnose Ulcerative Proctitis. Most of the people that have this form of ulcerative colitis often show little to no symptoms. Additionally, it’s the mildest form of the disease, which makes it the easiest to treat.

When symptoms eventually appear, a person will display signs that include abdominal cramping, severe pain, bloody diarrhea, and continual constipation. No matter how strong the urge to use the bathroom, the bowels sometimes won’t move.

• Left-Sided Colitis

When the inflammation extends from the rectum area to the descending colon and on into the sigmoid, then left-sided colitis is to blame. When this area of the colon is affected, then you will suffer from abdominal cramping, left side pain, bloody diarrhea as well as weight loss.

• Acute Severe Colitis

Of all the forms of colitis, acute severe ulcerative is the rarest and worse type. The pain that a person experiences with this form is severe and unrelenting. The diarrhea is copious, and the bleeding problematic. Due to the amount of inflammation, a person will be unable to eat and will frequently develop a fever.

Read why you should never ignore blood in your stool.

Diagnosing Ulcerative Colitis

Most people head to the doctor’s office because of problems with chronic diarrhea as well as stomach pain. Many think they have a passing virus, but they quickly learn that they have something more severe as it doesn’t seem to go away.

Many tests can be done to examine the colon for inflammation and ulcers. One of the most beneficial tests is a colonoscopy. During this test, the doctor will stick a long, slender tube into the colon to see the full impact of the damage. They can take pictures and samples of tissues should they need to evaluate them.

Imaging tests are also beneficial in making a diagnosis. An MRI and CT scan can all show lesions in the colon that are troublesome. Stool samples will show high levels of white blood cells in those that have colitis, and the doctor may want to do blood tests to look for anemia too.

It’s not difficult to conclude that a person has an IBD, especially when the tests are forth-telling. However, it’s essential to begin treatment so that a person can obtain remission.

Final Thoughts Treating Ulcerative Colitis

Treatment of colitis can depend significantly on a person’s age, overall health, and the type of colitis they are managing. One of the most common methods is to have bowel rest. A period of fasting can give the colon a much-needed break to heal some of the ulcers.

Another method commonly used changing the diet to softer foods that will not irritate the bowels. Also, some herbs can provide the same benefits without any side effects.

Lastly, when all else fails, then surgery may be the only hope. Surgical intervention with colitis helps to remove the damaged areas of the bowel so that a person can function normally. Though, it should be mentioned that the disease in the body can still cause new lesions to form.

Living with ulcerative colitis is never easy. The intense stomach pain, chronic diarrhea, and overall sick feeling can become overwhelming to manage. The key is to get help early before the inflammation and ulcers become worse.

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

Exploring self-awareness

Two Types of Self-Awareness

5 Habits of People With High Self-Awareness

They practice active listening

They get curious about how their minds work

They solicit feedback – and welcome it all

They’re reflective and thoughtful towards themselves and others

They don’t “do” self-awareness, they are self-aware

Final Thoughts: Don’t look at the active doing of self-awareness as a shortcoming.

Here’s How to Earn Your Child’s Friendship

1 – Start With Commitment

2 – Allow Them To Make Decisions

3 – Add Them To Your Schedule

4 – Listen To Understand

5 – Lead By Example

6 – Have Some Respect For Their Choices

7 – Let Touch Do The Talking

Growth

Health and Recovery

Intelligence

Bonding

Tantrums

8 – Offer Encouragement

9 – Learn About Them

10 – Don’t Overdo Protectiveness

11 – Don’t Ask, Share

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Earn Your Child’s Friendship

Here are 15 ways to confess your love to your partner.

1 – Show Interest In Their Interests

2 – Write Love Letters

3 – Ask Them Questions, Then Listen and Remember

4 – Cook For Them

5 – Help Complete Their To-Do List

6 – Give Them A Handmade Gift

Here are some ideas to get you to confess your love!

7 – Get Small, Thoughtful Gifts to Confess Your Love

8 – Make A Treasure Hunt

9 – Tell Them When Things Remind You Of Them

10 – Use Music to Confess Your Love

11 – Dance With Them

12 – Touch Them

13 – Surprise Them Publicly to Confess Your Love

14 – Show Your Excitement At Seeing Them

15 – Make An Effort To Get In Touch First

Final Thoughts On Some Ways To Confess Your Love To Your Partner

Don’t Do These 15 Things If You Want to Be Happy

1 – Feel Lonely When You’re Alone

2 – Comparisons

3 – Exes Calling You Back Cannot Make You Happy

4 – Working For Jobs You Dislike

5 – Sitting For Too Long

6 – Drama and Gossip Inhibit Happy Feelings

7 – Worrying Too Much

8 – Being Asked To Do More Than You Can Handle

9 – Idleness

10 – Settling

11 – Hurrying

12 – Staying Indoors All Day

13 – Spending Time With Toxic People

14 – Blame

15 – Everything, All The Time

Final Thoughts On Some Situations You Should Never Say Yes To

Here are five habits that will leave you exhausted and how to stop them.

1 – Bad Eating Habits

Skipping Breakfast

Neglecting Iron

Eating Junk

Allergies

Eating Too Little

2 – Bad Drinking Habits

Relying On Caffeine

Drinking Wine Before Bed

Not Drinking Enough Water

3 – Bad Working Habits

Being At A Computer All Day

Keeping It Messy

Working While On Holiday

4 – You Stress Yourself Out

You’re Very Much A Perfectionist