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17 Motivational Quotes to Remember When Mourning a Death

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Death is a fact of life. We all have our unique ways of handling the grief that comes with mourning a death. This pain is the same whether you lose a friend, family member or loved one. We all know the pain caused by losing someone so close to us. The best way to get through this experience is to express these feelings while reminding yourself of the good times you shared with them.

Motivational Quotes to Remember When Mourning a Death

It isn’t easy to find light and positivity in life after the passing of a loved one. These feelings of sadness, anger, and grief may stay with you for a while.

Though there isn’t a quick way to get over these feelings, it does help to know you’re not alone. Sharing motivational quotes can help you or a loved one find the support needed at this difficult time. Consider the following motivational quotes when you’re mourning a death:

1. “The truth is that you’ll grieve forever. There is no “getting over” losing a loved one, but you’ll learn to adjust to this reality. You’ll start to heal, rebuilding yourself around this loss. You’ll be whole again in the future, though you’ll never be quite the same.

Even though you may wish things were different, you’re a changed person now–you shouldn’t be the same, and you shouldn’t want to be.” –Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

Grief changes us. Though we may hope against hope that we could have our loved ones with us, this is the way life is. This process changes you, and you must accept this transition and transformation.

Don’t try to rush the grieving process. Though experiencing this pain while mourning a death is uncomfortable, it’s part of the pathway to healing. As time goes on, you’ll learn to cope with this pain and eventually find a way to deal with your grief.

2. “Those we love never go away completely; they walk next to us every day. Though they’re unseen and unheard, they’re always near, always loved, always missed, and always dear.” –Unknown

Our memories are where our loved ones live. Though they may no longer be with us physically, we can carry them with us in our hearts and minds. This way, we never have to let them go.

3. “In the gardens of memory, the palaces of dreams, this is where we will meet.” —Alice Through the Looking Glass

This quote from Alice Through the Looking Glass is a beautiful reminder that we will see our loved ones again. Hold tight to your dearest memories and dreams of your loved ones. Though this won’t be the same as having them there with you, they’ll always be alive in this way.

4. “The people we enjoy and love deeply can never be lost. All those we love deeply are destined to become part of us.” –Helen Keller

Quotes like this one from Helen Keller reminds us that our deepest feelings are never in vain and never lost. Remember that those you’ve loved dearly will always be a part of you, regardless of your paths in life.

5. “What if they aren’t really stars in the night sky? What if stars are the openings where loved ones shine their lights on us, letting us see how happy they are.” –Unknown

This quote helps us look at the world differently. Think of the stars and the universe around you. They serve as a reminder that your loved ones are looking out for you. Though life goes on, your loved ones are never truly gone or forgotten.

6. “God gave us a memory, so we can still have roses in the month of December.” — J.M. Barrie

The beauty of our memories is that we can vividly remember the most beautiful experiences. Just as we can envision roses during the coldest days of the year, our minds give us the ability to keep our loved ones as close as possible.

7. “If there is ever a day where we aren’t together, keep me inside your heart, and I’ll be there forever.” –Winnie the Pooh

This quote from Winnie the Pooh reminds us of the real power of love. Though our loved ones may no longer be with us physically, our love will keep them alive.

Hold tight to the memories of your loved ones, and they’ll be inside of your heart forever.

8. “It’s okay to admit whenever you’re not okay.” — Unknown

We aren’t always going to be okay, especially when grieving a loss. As you are in the midst of grief, remember that it’s perfectly fine to feel how you do.

Remember, it gets better. Take time to honor your feelings now, but remember that you won’t always feel this way.

9. “There are those that bring such a bright light to the world. That the light remains, even long after they’re gone.” –Unknown

The real impact of a life is most often felt after that person is no longer with us. Though there is pain, there is also a beauty. Find beauty in the light your loved one left behind with their legacy.

10. “Embody all the things that you enjoyed most about your loved ones that have gone on.” –Unknown

Though we keep our loved ones in our hearts, this isn’t the only way to keep them alive. Practice what you’ve learned from them. Embody their most exceptional qualities. In this way, they’ll always be with you.

11.“Scars are testaments to the relationship and love you had with a loved one. If your scar is deep, the love was as well.” –Unknown

Most of us are afraid to feel deeply because we fear getting hurt. However, wholeheartedly loving allows us to feel the same love in return. Even though we may feel pain when we mourn the death of that person, the scars we carry with us serve as a reminder of what we had with our loved one.

12. “Death gives us a challenge. Death tells us to never waste our time. It reminds us to share our love with each other as much as possible.” –Leo Buscaglia

As much as we hate the pain and grief that comes after a loved one passes on, it is a clear reminder of how we should live our lives. The reality of death shows us that our time is limited.

Make the most of each day by living to the fullest and loving as hard as you can.

13. “You’ll survive. You’ll keep going and find a purpose within the chaos. When you move on (and you will), this doesn’t mean that you’ve let go.” –MaryVanHaute

Many are afraid to let go of the pain they feel after a loved one passes on. Though this pain is part of the grieving process, so is healing.

Don’t fear healing. When you eventually move on, this doesn’t mean you’ve let your loved one go.

14. “Grit your teeth; let it hurt. You shouldn’t deny your feelings, but don’t be overwhelmed either. These feelings won’t last forever.” –Harold Kushner

The pain felt when we are mourning the death of our loved one moves on isn’t comfortable, but we must let it hurt. Experience this discomfort–eventually, the pain will subside.

15. “ This isn’t goodbye, darling. This is my thank you. Thank you for being in my life, thank you for giving me joy.” –Nicholas Sparks

Don’t view this time as an end to your love, relationship, or friendship. Take the time now to express gratitude for your loved one and the bond you shared with them.

16. “ I’m lucky to have someone that makes it so hard to say goodbye.” –Winnie the Pooh

Winnie the Pooh’s quote shows us that we can find positivity amidst the sadness.

Though our loved ones have moved on, we were lucky to experience them in our lives.

17. “Until we meet once again: The special memories you and I share will always make me smile. If only you could come back, just for a while. Then we’d talk again like we used to. You meant so much to me and always will too. Though you’re not here and I’m in pain, you’re always in my heart, ‘til we meet again.” –Unknown

This poem is a potent reminder that we’ll always have the smiles, laughs, conversations, and other memories from our loved ones. Though it hurts to lose them in our lives, they’re never truly gone.

Keep the memory of your loved ones alive in your heart, and they’ll be close to you forever.

Final Thoughts on Motivational Quotes To Remember When Mourning a Death

Don’t feel as though you need to force yourself to move past your current emotions. Take the time you need to express every feeling you have at this time.

Keep these quotes in mind as you work to find healing. Find hope in knowing that you’re never alone and that your loved ones are still with you.

10 Benefits of Adding Fresh Cranberry to Your Diet

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

According to a study, the cranberry ranks among the top fruits used historically for relieving many ailments and symptoms. These include bladder, stomach, and intestinal problems, diabetes, inflammations, etc. The berries rank among the most popular dietary supplements for treating urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs.

The berries are used in extracts, tablets, powders, and capsules, but none of these packs the same wellness punch that fresh berries provide. Part of the health benefit comes from the incredibly tart flavor in beverages and foods. When prepared in a way to balance the tartness, the flavor of cranberries can be sublime.

The tart berries rank among the top foods that relieve vitamin deficiencies because they provide many nutrients like vitamins C and E. Furthermore, the nih.gov report quoted a 2016 study that found the berries significantly reduced bacterial pathogens in urine after adding them to nursing home patient diets for six months.

The 10 Most Popular Benefits of Fresh Cranberry

Eating fresh cranberries might be an acquired taste for some people, but it’s an easy taste to acquire. You can add the berries to smoothies, trail mix, grilled cheese sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. Or, make your sauce from whole berries, and you’ll never go back to eating the jellied version just once a year. The berries are great cuisine, and they provide the following health benefits:

1. Natural Antioxidants with Anti-inflammatory Benefits

The cranberry, ounce for ounce, provides some of the strongest antioxidant effects for cleansing your system of impurities. Only blueberries deliver a higher antioxidant effect. The research shows that adding berries to your dietary staples can lower the level of C-reactive protein in the blood.

Inflammation increases the level of C-reactive protein, but the berries provide a natural way to remove free radicals from the blood. According to webmd.com, fresh cranberries have an antioxidant capacity of 8,983, which is only surpassed by blueberries. The berries last a long time when sealed in plastic bags in your refrigerator – up to 2 months.

2. Greater Ability to Fight the Signs of Aging

Free radicals are waste products that accumulate in the body. They can cause oxidative damage, which results in other health risks and premature aging. The antioxidant properties of the berries help to remove free radicals, which prevents the worst effects of aging.

3. Strengthening the Cardiovascular System

Advances in nutrition have been increasingly linked to cranberry bioactive ingredients. Cardiovascular health is a major benefit of adding the berries to your dietary regimen. Most experts attribute the positive cardio effects to better urinary tract health, antioxidant effects, and the lipoproteins of the berries.

Inflammation damages blood vessels. Your damaged arteries attract more plaque, which can cause the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. The berries relieve inflammation and promote better circulation. An additional study found that obese men improved several common risk factors for heart attacks after drinking a high-polyphenol cranberry-type beverage for eight weeks.

4. Supporting Better Digestive Health

Evidence of the benefits of adding fresh berries to foods includes better digestive health. Nutritionists and clinicians believe that the unique phytochemicals play a big role in digestive health by inhibiting the production of the H. pylori bacterium.

The cranberry juice – not juice derived from concentrate – delivers d-mannose, a sugar, and other extracts that adhere to the walls of the urinary tract, where they help to prevent and treat UTIs. Further evidence comes from a report that the berries inhibit the growth of bacteria and viruses.

Maybe the most significant benefit for digestive health resides in the berry’s tart and unique flavor. Enjoying the food requires a careful balancing act of the major tastes if you hope to produce umami. That balancing process keeps you grounded and responsive to mental, spiritual, and physical health issues, which are too often ignored.

5. Triggering Weight Loss

Berries like cranberries, blueberries, and blackberries are high in the anthocyanins that curb your appetite and trigger weight loss. The berries are naturally high in fiber, low in calories, and high in nutrients, which make them ideal foods for most dietary regimens.

You can eat the berries in lots of foods to add a tart flavor and balance sweet and salty flavors. You can also add dried berries to trail mix, juice the berries, or add them to smoothies using natural sweeteners for a better nutritional profile.

6. Preventing Gum Disease

Antioxidants in the berries, also known as proanthocyanidins, prevent bacteria from sticking to the gums and throat. That means better oral health and fewer instances of gum disease. Dental researchers found that the berry juice acted like Teflon for the teeth, lips, gums, and throat.

The juice also disrupts the buildup of plaque on the teeth, which is composed of walls of bacteria. However, you need to make your juice and avoid juices with lots of added sugar. Otherwise, the beneficial effect is neutralized by cavity-causing sugar.

7. Boosting Your Immune System

According to independent research at Rutgers, cranberries protect cells from the effects of free radicals, which increases immune system efficiency. The National Institutes of Health have funded many studies on the health benefits of these tart and refreshing berries.

The berries kill H. pylori bacteria, improves circulation, fights infections and inflammations, and reduce the risks of cancer. Proanthocyanidine in the berries prevents plaque formation and gum diseases, which is an added boost to your immune system.

8. Providing Healthy Energy between Meals

Cranberries make great snack foods or beverages between meals for an energy boost. Instead of drinking caffeinated beverages and energy drinks, you can turn a natural alternative for a quick pick-me-up.

One cup of raw berries has only 46 calories but 4.6 grams of dietary fiber. So you can get 26 percent of your daily value of vitamin C and 20 percent of your need for vitamin E. You also get a healthy dose of copper, vitamin K1, and vitamin B6.

9. Cleansing and Detoxifying the Liver

According to ncbi.nlm.nih.gov,

“The liver plays a vital role in all of the body’s detoxifying processes. The liver converts lipophiles into metabolites that are more water-soluble, which helps to eliminate them from the body.”

However, the liver itself needs detoxifying. Cranberries provide antibacterial and antiviral protection, which helps to detoxify the liver. The berries also work to clean the blood of wastes and impurities.

10. Fighting the Risks of Cancer

Claiming that the berries can cure cancer would be irresponsible. However, adding them to your daily food intake can reduce some of the risks. Of course, better health, weight, and nutrition management can help to prevent cancer. And these berries provide all these benefits. Additionally, cranberries stimulate physical, mental, and spiritual health through the mind-body connection.

Real-world negative energy can cause a severe imbalance in the body’s performance. Even the smallest negative issue can aggravate mental, physical, and spiritual problems. However, it’s not the actual problem that has a major effect on your health. The imbalance of performance energy can prove seriously detrimental to health, mental focus, and spiritual attitude. However, the cranberry is an excellent food that restores balance to your mind-body connection.

In addition to cranberries, elderberry can boost your wellness.

The Bitter and Sweet: Striking a Balance

You can add cranberry to any diet to get the benefits of fresh fruit and a balance between sweet and tart flavors. Great foods always require achieving a balance. Furthermore, you can adjust the balance of your favorite dishes by adding a few berries to get your ideal flavor profile between sour, salty, sweet, and bitter. According to many mind-body experts, achieving the perfect balance produces a fifth taste – umami.

The berries are a good source of vitamins E and C, which are antioxidants. Besides, the fruit also has lots of fiber because the peels are eaten. You can add berries to oatmeal, cereal, homemade bread, muffins, and pancakes. Indeed, many people add these berries to sweet dishes for a balanced flavor.

If you don’t want to balance cranberry tartness with refined sugar, you can use honey, orange juice, and other natural sweeteners. Here’s an excellent idea for gourmet food lovers: Make a salsa using the tart berries and other flavor-balancing ingredients.

Choose Juices Wisely

Many cranberry-type drinks contain corn syrup, water, and other ingredients. Choose juices made of 100-percent cranberry juice for the best results when incorporating the berries into your daily foods. Ideally, you should make your juice or smoothie with natural sweeteners and healthy ingredients.

Final Thoughts on Adding Cranberry to Your Diet

If you need to give your body a break from empty calories, processed foods, and high-fructose corn syrup, a diet that incorporates cranberries is an excellent place to start. You can create lively meals and snacks with the tart berries, and some of the best dishes in the world include the berries as a condiment, garnish, or essential ingredient. Additionally, the berries are commonly used by people who are trying to achieve an umami flavor to nurture the mind, body, and spirit.

So you might want to kick-off your diet with a cranberry-style cleansing drink that provides a powerful punch. Try mixing the juice with apple cider vinegar and lemon juice for a mouth-puckering cleanse. Finally, you will get the best effects if all the ingredients are natural, organic, and fresh.

Researchers Reveal How Body Stores Trauma (And How to Get Rid of it)

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Many of you reading these words have experienced trauma, to a greater or lesser degree, at some point in life. Statistics show, for example, that one in three couples have engaged in physical violence; one in four individuals grew up with an alcoholic parent, and one in five has been sexually molested.

It is a common and tragic misconception that past exposure to trauma somehow “goes away” with time. It doesn’t. If anything, our minds simply file trauma away to the subconscious. From there, it can–and often does–manifest in fleeting moments of discontent, impulsivity, and even physical pain.

In other words, this accumulation of trauma shows up in not only mental but physical, symptoms

The focus of this article will be the science of why and how the body stores trauma. First, let’s discuss the often overlooked intelligence of the body system.

The Intelligent Body and the Impact of Trauma

“When I was a student, we were still being taught that the human being comprised a number of different systems that could be understood separately…Now we know better. Each of these ‘systems’, as well as carrying out specific functions, is an information exchange, constantly talking to, and being informed and modified by,’ all of the others.” (Emphasis added) ~ Guy Claxton, Ph.D., “Intelligence in the Flesh” (Source)

In his book “Intelligence in the Flesh,” Dr. Guy Claxton discusses the intricate network of communication inherent to the body system. Claxton describes how every component, e.g., organs, muscles, etcetera, effectively exchanges information from anywhere within the body.

Our body learns responses, such as trauma

Moreover, our body is always learning. It is so because our mind is always doing the same, and the two are inseparable. Let’s take a look at the somatosensory phenomenon.

Somatization is defined as “a tendency to experience and communicate psychological distress in the form of [bodily] symptoms.” In other words, afflictions of the mental kind can, and often do, show up as a physical manifestation. In fact, research shows that mental health disorders strongly correlate to somatic symptoms.

For an example of somatization, look no further than the physical symptoms of anxiety and depression. Patients with depression and anxiety disorders often complain of the following symptoms:

Chest pains
Chronic fatigue
Irritable bowel symptom (IBS)

This revelation is nothing new. Medical doctors have been well aware of the bodily effects of depression and anxiety for a long time. It just tends to be ignored, or worse, misdiagnosed.

Part of the reason is this profoundly ingrained, willful ignorance on behalf of the medical community that the body and mind are separate things. This dualistic view is especially prevalent in Western medicine. Thus, physicians in the west commonly treat mental and physical signs of illness as distinct, separate entities.

Let’s explore this mind and body communication.

How the Brain and Body Cope With Trauma

To understand how the brain, mind, and body communicate, it is helping to have an overview of the brain’s structure.

If you were to look at a 3-dimensional image of the brain, we’d see three systems.

First dimension

The first dimension (“outer layer”) is a large sensory area that runs from the back of the brain to the front. This finding is potentially significant, as sensory stimuli are numerous, yet communicate with a part of the brain, the frontal lobe, that is inclined to single-task and logic.

Second dimension

The second dimension (“middle layer”) essentially connects the right and left brain hemispheres. While certainly a critical function, we’ll mostly ignore it.

Third dimension

The third dimension (“core layer”) is the crucial one for our discussion. The last image would show the brain stem running vertically through the limbic system to the neocortex, the outermost brain region. The entire third dimension transmits information related to emotion and bodily sensations to the logical brain region.

But here’s where it gets fascinating.

The information travels back down. Here’s Claxton:

“…messages are sent in the reverse direction, back down the brain to the brain’s core, whence the information can affect what is going on in the recesses of the body…” In other words, cognitive processes directly impact the functioning of the body.

That brings us to reviewing the cumulative effects of traumatic stimuli on the body stemming from psychological responses.

How the Body “Stores” Trauma – and It’s Effects

“We’ve begun to understand how traumatic experience affects our innermost sensations and our relationship to our physical reality. The core of who we are. We have learned that trauma is not just an event that took place sometime in the past; it’s mainly an imprint left by that experience on mind, brain, and body – most of all, the body.” ~Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D. (Source)

Basically, traumatic events reorganize the structure of the mind and brain that alters how we perceive people, things, and events. The effect is that, even when the traumatic event is over, the body continues to feel in a way that it did when the event first took place.

Soldiers who experience combat and who subsequently develop PTSD are a prime example of this process. PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder. That’s partially because the condition results in a constant sense of tension in the muscles. Therefore, the patient experiences a sort-of “keyed up,” always-on bodily vigilance. For example, it’s common for combat veterans to become extremely frightened and even immobile upon hearing a loud, sudden noise.

In his book Resilience, former Navy Seal Eric Greitens shares with the readers his correspondence with a friend and fellow war vet who had difficulty adjusting following the end of his combat tour. According to Greitens, a sharp noise would sometimes cause to man to drop down and lie next to his vehicle for up to two hours.

His reaction and his body’s response to trauma had become ingrained via muscle memory. According to the Van Der Kolk, this sort of instantaneous communication and subsequent reaction demonstrates the intricate, unified functioning of the body/mind system.

The effects of trauma on the body are numerous.

Beyond the manifesting of physical symptoms such as nausea, pain, sweating, tension, trembling, and so on, trauma contributes to chronic diseases. According to Paul Schnurr, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at Dartmouth College, trauma contributes to numerous illnesses, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

The physical effects of trauma also link to an increased risk of conditions such as chronic pain, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome.

“There’s an increase [in the numbers of] just about every medical issue over time,” says Van Der Kolk about the bodily effects of trauma.

Healing The Body

“Neuroscience research shows that the only way we can change the way we feel is by becoming aware of our inner experience and learning to befriend what is going on inside ourselves.” ~Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.

When it comes to healing trauma, Dr. Van Der Kolk is clear. Stilling the mind and befriending the body is the best form of treatment. He noticed the lack of such interventions in the West. Thus, Van Der Kolk became instrumental in both reviving traditional mind/body practices and by developing his own.

For instance, Dr. Van Der Kolk and his team were first to receive a grant from the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) for the effects of yoga on PTSD. The team found that yoga had better results in a “very impaired” PTSD population than drug treatment has even had in any research study.

Van Der Kolk goes on to discuss how a 7-day Vipassana-style meditation retreat in a prison population produced outcomes in disturbed populations that were far more positive than any drug or legal intervention.

Final Thoughts: The ADAA Agrees with Van Der Kolk

Per the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), the two main PTSD treatments are prescription medicine, psychotherapy (“talk therapy”), or a combination of the two. While Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBD) has shown to be useful for many, the outcomes of prescription medication in the treatment of PTSD have been, at best, questionable.

Meanwhile, plenty of evidence exists suggesting the effectiveness of meditation and yoga on trauma patients, including as a complementary therapy. In a meta-analysis of 10 randomized studies involving 643 participants, researchers note that “Meditation interventions – including mindfulness-based stress therapy, yoga, and [mantra] repetition” reduce PTSD symptoms “significantly” compared to prescription medication and other single treatment groups.

Van Der Kolk is currently treating PTSD and other trauma victims with what he calls a “structure.”

He otherwise calls this psychomotor therapy. This therapy forms the framework for the treatment, Pesso Boyden System Psychomotor or PBSP. It’s a body-mind model that uses body awareness and physical movement to counteract the body’s reaction to trauma recollection.

How Women Show Love, According to Zodiac Sign

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Love can be chemically defined as flooding into our brains by phenylethylamine, a chemical also found in chocolate. Then, this signals the release of dopamine and endorphins. However, we believe that love is something that can not be defined, only felt. It is widely believed that your zodiac sign says a lot about how you show love, how open and honest you are with your feelings. No matter what your sign, we’ll show you how women show love to those around them.

By analyzing how the different zodiac signs respond and react to love is one of the best ways to ensure that you have a happy and fulfilling relationship. Use this article to better understand your love or choose whom to embark on a relationship with. You really can not make a wrong choice, the adage is correct, ‘there is someone for everyone.’

How Zodiac Sign Determines How Women Show Their Love

Aries March 21-April 19

Aries women are independent and fiercely outspoken. Having a woman born under the Aries sign love you is to be loved without reservation and experience an intense loyalty. She is a breath of fresh air, passionate, and full of energy. She is a generous lover and needs to be shown love with frequent touching as she is quite tactile. To return her love, a hand on her arm or the small of her back will do more than you know.

Famous Aries women: Nancy Pelosi, Kristen Stewart, Loretta Lynn

Taurus April 20 – May 20

A Taurus woman will have firm boundaries, but will tell you all about them! She is very playful but also staunchly loyal. Once a taurus makes up her mind to love, nothing will sway her. It is true, you will have to win her love in a slow, steady manner, but you will be blessed with a strong, unyielding love. She is, to be summed up in a word, devoted. If you have a taurus to love, you are lucky.

Famous Taurus women: Kelly Clarkson, Catherine the Great, Audrey Hepburn

Gemini May 21 – June 20

If your Zodiac sign is a Gemini, you likely are attracted to and entertain your love with a quick wit. A Gemini woman is difficult to keep up with and often cloak her love in sharp barbs. However, actions speak louder than words, and though she’ll have a quick temper, she will also love steadfastly. Do not be scared off by her sharp tongue, and she will love you the more for it.

Famous Gemini women: Judy Garland, Nicole Kidman, Queen Victoria

Cancer June 21 – July 22

Cancer women are volatile and emotional lovers. They are as likely to shout with joy as they explode in pique. They can process their feelings well and tell you precisely what they are thinking, but you will still need to figure out how to improve it. A Gemini will show her love by self-sacrificing, putting her partner’s needs above hers. Her ideal partner will remind her that self-love is also essential, be it a spa day or a little shopping trip with her girlfriends.

Famous Cancer women: Ariana Grande, Helen Keller, Selena Gomez

Leo July 23 – August 22

The Leo zodiac sign is regal like a queen cat of the jungle. Being a fire sign, she is very comfortable when put on the spot or in the limelight. Also, like a mama tigress, she is fiercely protective of those she deems worthy of her love. But be warned, while she can love very sweetly and chooses to express this verbally, with pet names and such, she will not take any bs. Her temper, when roused, is positively leonine and not likely to be forgotten by anyone unlucky enough to incur it. However, she is easily soothed and can also be your best friend.

Famous Leo women: Martha Stewart, Sandra Bullock, Mae West

Virgo August 23 – September 22

Virgo is ruled by Mercury, giving ladies born under this zodiac sign an inquisitiveness that is only matched by her cleverness. Add to that the intense creativity of this sign, and that’s an unbeatable combination! Virgos are die-hard romantics. Once she has given you her heart, it’s yours forever. They prefer to express their love with tangible things, like a love letter or a carefully wrapped gift ‘just because.’ And, they may seem unassuming and demure, but don’t let that fool you. They are passionate lovers, and when given a chance to stop being so serious, they will gladly take it. Take her out for a day’s adventure apple picking or pick a surprise snowball fight, and she will be yours.

Famous Virgo women: Mother Teresa, Patsy Cline, Queen Elizabeth I of England

Libra September 23 – October 22

Just as the idea of the perfect cute little hipster girl exists, that is pretty much a libra woman. She is very playful and has an incredible sense of humor, albeit with a dark or adult bent to it. These ladies are unlikely to have a regular type of relationship, even if it does end with a happily ever after. Libras tend to keep things light-hearted, but if you can build mutual trust, she will show you her true self. It may not be as beguiling as the face she wears in public, but it will be captivating nonetheless.

Famous Libra women: Kamala Harris, Serena Williams, Julie Andrews

Scorpio October 23 – November 21

Scorpio women are known for their incredible lovemaking skills, but they do not like casual thing. They want to share their little frolics with a perfect partner. She will approach many aspects of life like this. Regarding school or work, just as in a relationship, a woman born under the Scorpio zodiac sign will never settle for second best. Along with that goes that once she has made her choice, she is comfortable with it forever. Keep the fire alive by injecting romance into daily activities or turning ho-hum things into occasions.

Famous Scorpio women: Marie Antoinette, Hilary Clinton, Julia Roberts

Sagittarius November 22 – December 21

A Sagittarius lady is one of that freewheeling, go-with-the-flow ladies. They bring this to their love lives in full force. That is to say. They are tough to pin down, often going from partner to partner but always bringing a smile to the face of everyone she encounters. She is up for about anything and is likely to show affection through little words or sayings. Keep her enthralled by planning little adventures and making even the smallest thing feel special. For example, maybe you cook together every day. Make it something to be remembered. You will have her forever.

Famous Sagittarius women: Taylor Swift, Mary – Queen of Scots, Anna Faris

Capricorn December 22 – January 19

Women born under the Capricorn zodiac sign are often unlucky in love. This is not through any fault of their own, just that they do tend to be a little picky. A Capricorn is likely to expect the best, and she will expect it from you immediately. These ladies are positively not given to flights of fancy. They have a steely strength and work hard in relationships, ensuring that a partner’s needs are cared for, but they are not likely to throw words around willy nilly. If they tell you they love you, they mean it. To make her happy, ensure you only tell her you love her when you do.

Famous Capricorn women: Dolly Parton, Zooey Deschanel, Betty White

Here’s what you need to know about loving a Capricorn.

Aquarius January 20 – February 18

An Aquarius woman often seems set apart from all that is going on around her. They seem calm, unruffled by romance, but that is because they are making plans for a future together and can’t fully enjoy the moment. They are very passionate but don’t wear their hearts on their sleeves. You will have to coax her out of her shell, but once uncovered, she will be a fierce champion and passionate person. Awaken a passion in her and watch it blossom.

Famous Aquarius women: Alicia Keys, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Aniston

Pisces February 19 – March 20

Women born under the Pisces zodiac sign are very mysterious and aloof at times. But they are not at all aloof when it comes to love! The term ‘head over heels’ seems to have been created just for Pisces women. She is apt to fall for the wrong person, and will often make dramatic, romantic overtures that are meant well, even if they are not received that way. A Pisces woman is also one who will not commit to someone unless it is all or none. That is, do not expect to have a happy relationship with a Pisces woman unless you are willing to invite her into every aspect of your life.

Famous Pisces women: Ruby Rose, Rihanna, Ruth Bader Ginsberg

What’s your love language, according to the zodiac sign?

Final Thoughts on Zodiac Signs and Showing Love

A woman is a woman, no matter when she is born. However, the planets that rule over you have a sneaky little habit of seriously influencing the way you react to love. No sign is better than any other, though you will be more compatible with some than others. Take a look; if you value big shows over small signs of love, then you know how you should now know how to make your choice.

Love is technically a flash of chemicals in the brain, but it has to start somewhere. A little romance with a woman is likely to bloom into something more substantial, and is it not wonderful to know how to make that happen?

Researchers Reveal Nightmares Can Actually Be Healthy

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Have you ever had a nightmare? Then you’re probably familiar with that sense of relief when you wake up and realize that the harrowing episode was all a figment of your imagination.

It sure felt real though.

Many of us are familiar with this feeling. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), up to 85 percent of all adults have occasional nightmares. According to many of these experts, the occasional bad dream may be healthy.

It is important to note the word intermittent.

That’s because, unfortunately, there are conditions wherein a person is subject to “the repeated occurrence of frightening dreams that lead to awakenings from sleep.” This includes a relatively common one known as nightmare disorder.

Some Background Info About Nightmares

Here are a couple of important points to keep in mind going forward:

We will discuss how nightmares may be healthy for the psyche. However, most psychologists and sleep experts concur that nightmares stemming from an underlying psychological disorder probably don’t carry the same benefits. For example, nightmares due to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD).
Some studies also show a correlation between nightmare frequency and suicidal ideation. Per the study cited, individuals who attempted (but did not commit) suicide were more likely to complain of recurrent nightmares than the rest of the population.

In short, those with nightmares and mental health problems should discuss them with a psychologist or someone of similar expertise.

Such disclosures aside, nightmares may indeed be healthy.

Let’s discuss the science of nightmares to gain a rudimentary understanding of what’s going on under the hood.

The Neuroscience of Nightmares

Dreams are a product of the brain’s default mode network (DFN). The DFN are areas of the brain that tend to remain active even during periods of relative quiet. One such time is during REM sleep, which is about one-fifth of our total sleep time.

REM periods typically involve the consolidation of memories, which often cause vivid imagery to be projected from the subconscious. As such, if such images are indeed unpleasant, the individual may experience a bad dream.

As REM intervals become longer, the chances of having a nightmare rise.

Certain medical conditions called parasomnias are sometimes mistaken for nightmare disorders. These include:

Night terrors: Episodes of disorientation following slow-wave sleep and produce severe symptoms such as kicking, screaming, or thrashing. Sometimes, the person experiencing the night terror may unconsciously bolt from the bed. The confusion that characterizes night terrors may leave the person unable to remember the event, which is often not the case for someone who experiences a nightmare. Night terror will usually occur within three hours of sleep commencement.

REM sleep disorder: Normally, the body is immobile while we sleep – a state called sleep paralysis – to prevent us from acting out our dreams. People who suffer from REM sleep disorder, however, may become mobile due to irregular wave production within the brain. That’s because the brain might deactivate the brain circuitry responsible for sleep paralysis. REM sleep disorder is most common among men of middle age.

A Note about the DFN

Although this may be off-topic, it is worth briefly discussing the potential problems of an overactive default mode network. Once again, the DFN is most active when the brain is at rest or otherwise uninvolved in a cognitive task.

Research implicates DFN activity in major depressive disorder (MDD) and feelings of anxiety. Moreover, Harvard Researchers have already found that DFN activity is directly linked to “automatic pilot” thinking and behaviors, which are, in turn, significant sources of unhappiness and life dissatisfaction.

The DFN also engages if someone thinks about themselves, remembers the past, or as they set future goals.

It seems fair to conclude that making lifestyle adjustments or training the brain to spend less time in rumination – an explicitly DFN activity – may be conducive to reducing or eliminating unhealthy nightmare episodes. We’ll talk more about how to do precisely that in the ‘Final Thoughts’ section.

Risk factors that might cause nightmares

Here are some risk factors that may be associated with more nightmares:

– A concurrent sleep disorder (e.g., insomnia, sleep apnea, etc.)

– An untreated medical condition

– Certain prescription medications (e.g., antidepressants, beta-blockers, dementia meds, and perhaps some others.)

– Mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.

– Substance abuse (e.g., alcoholism, drug addiction)

Statistics and Trends

Here are some statistics and trends about nightmares that you may find both interesting and relevant:

– For 3 to 7 percent of the U.S. population, nightmares may be considered a “problem.” (By “problem,” these experts are likely referring to disturbed sleep stemming from nightmares.)

– Nightmares are more common between the ages of 3 and 6. (Nightmares peak in number and subsequently decline around age 10.)

– 1 in 20 people experience at least one nightmare every week.

– About 75 percent of those PTSD and 50 percent with personality disorder experience regular nightmares.

How Nightmares May Be Healthy

“…if you have garden variety nightmares occasionally, that’s a really good opportunity to understand … more about unconscious fears and anxieties that may be cropping up.”

~ Deidre Barrett, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at Harvard University and author of Trauma and Dreams (Source)

In a two-study article published in the journal Human Brain Mapping, researchers sought out to determine the validity of an emerging psychological theory; specifically, that nightmares enable individuals to resolve emotional distress while stabilizing volatile emotions during wakefulness.

To put this theory to the test, the research team looked at and analyzed the data of two studies.

Don’t ignore these fifty dreams.

Study #1

In the first study, the research team used the “serial awakening” method to inquire whether they had experienced any fear in any dream state. That involved waking subjects repeatedly following brief periods of sleep.

The primary objective of the first study was to reaffirm that the brain regions associated with fear in dreams also correlate with the processing of undesirable emotions during periods of wakefulness.

Study #2

In the second study, 89 participants reported their level of emotional arousal during waking hours. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technology pinpointed the areas of the brain associated with fearfulness during the waking state.

The second study’s primary objective was to compare individuals’ emotional regulation levels during waking hours to fear levels experienced during sleep.

Study Results

In the first study, 12 of 18 participants were tested for “[brain imaging] analysis of fear versus no fear conditions” during non-REM (NRM) sleep, while the remaining eight subjects were tested for the same conditions during REM sleep.

The researchers affirmed that fear in dreams primarily involves two brain regions. They’re the insula and the midcingulate cortex.

The second study found that “those reporting [a] higher incidence of fear” while dreaming demonstrated both reduced emotional arousal during wakefulness and decreased brain activity in the insula and midcingulate cortex “in response to fear-eliciting stimuli” during waking hours.

In short, nightmares may strengthen our emotional resilience and allow us to untangle and resolve issues of the psyche that usually remain below the surface.

Final Thoughts: Are Nightmares Worth It? (Answer: It depends.)

Now for some straight talk followed by some reflection. Ready?

Straight talk first: nightmares suck, especially when they interfere with getting the restful sleep that we all desperately need.

Now for some rational reflection.

Are these researchers are onto something, and nightmares really do untangle deeply-hidden psychological skeletons? Or, is it worth it to suffer through the temporary experience?

It seems the best answer is a solid “Maybe.”

It’s probably worth it for individuals who are regularly dealing with high stress and irritability. The reason is that an occasional nightmare may both serve as a release for the underlying cause and strengthen their emotional resilience when faced with a similar situation in the future. So, the payoff is potentially great.

But individuals with deep-seated mental health issues or trauma do not reap these benefits. As such, we’re using the closing words of the article to reemphasize the following point:

Nightmares stemming from mental health disorders, including trauma, require assistance from a trained professional.

10 Amazing Home Remedies for Tension Headaches

January 29, 2020 by Sarah Barkley

Tension headaches can cause intense discomfort or dull pain in your forehead, neck, and back of the head. Typically triggered by overwhelming stressors in life, tension headaches are a common occurrence amongst adults. Though, many home remedies for a tension headache offer relief and can help prevent new episodes later.

Tension headaches, also called stress headaches, can last from thirty minutes to a couple of days before subsiding. Sometimes the pain will intensify throughout the day, and other times it might ease up as the day goes on. In both cases, though, the pain is typically persistent in the back of your mind.

These headaches usually cause pain on both sides of the head. Unlike migraines, you will not experience nausea, vomiting, or light sensitivity during a tension headache. Since the biggest trigger of tension headaches is stress, those who live high-stress lives tend to experience them more often. Thus, some people call these stress headaches.

If you experience tension headaches, it could interfere with your ability to do daily tasks. You might struggle at work, avoid experiences, and neglect your relationships as you deal with the pain. Luckily, simple lifestyle changes and home remedies for tension headaches can relieve it.

Try These Ten Home Remedies for Tension Headaches

Try these tension headache home remedies to relieve the pain.

1. Eat Healthy Foods

If you aren’t consuming enough vitamins and minerals, your body can’t function properly. When that happens, you can quickly experience tension headaches and other health concerns. Eating a healthy breakfast is most important, as it gives your body nutrients right from the start.

Almonds are a healthy snack option if you have a tension headache because they promote muscle relaxation. They contain potassium, vitamin E, magnesium, and also pain-relieving chemicals.

Additionally, the vitamin B complex is essential to produce energy for your brain, prevent headaches, maintain normal functions, and produce myelin. If you experience a deficiency of vitamin B complex, it can cause intense tension headaches.

Some of the foods that can help alleviate and prevent tension headaches include:

fish
eggs
meat
honey
cherries

As you begin to implement healthier foods into your diet, consider removing some unhealthy ones. Any food that contains phenylalanine and tyramine can increase the frequency of headaches. These amino acids and compounds are often found in artificial sweeteners, processed meats, smoked or fermented foods, and aged cheeses.

Other foods that can trigger or worsen the symptoms of a tension headache include the following:

dairy
onions
bacon
peanut butter
chocolate
bananas
avocados

Eating well is to prevent them from happening, to begin with, is even better than seeking home remedies for tension headaches.

2. Exercise Regularly

When you exercise, chemicals are released in your body that block pain signals. Your brain won’t receive the pain signal, resulting in less pain and fewer tension headaches. Plus, exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural painkillers in your body.

Exercise is one of the best home remedies for tension headaches because you can choose any physical activity you want. Consider walking, running, swimming, cycling, or other forms of exercise that you enjoy.

A large study of over 92,000 people showed that low levels of physical activity were associated with an increased risk of headaches. If you know that you don’t get enough exercise, start taking small measures to get moving. For starters, park further away from the store so that you get more steps throughout the day.

3. Get Enough Sleep

Sleep deprivation is a frequent tension headache trigger. People who get less than six hours of sleep each night experience more frequent and intense episodes. Waking up often during the night can compromise your ability to get quality sleep, too, resulting in headaches.

If you have trouble falling asleep or resting for an entire night, try creating a restful environment in your bedroom. Use blackout curtains, white noise machines, and anything else that can improve your sleep quality.

Following the same sleep routine every day, even on weekends, can help prevent tension headaches in the future. Avoid caffeine in the hours before bed, too, if it makes you unable to fall asleep at bedtime. Getting adequate sleep is one of the most useful tension headache natural home treatments you could try.

4. Avoid Taking Too Much Caffeine

Some caffeine can reduce headaches, especially if you are used to heavy caffeine intake. If you consume too much caffeine, though, it can cause headaches and intense irritability. Any more than 400 milligrams of caffeine each day can increase the frequency and intensity of your tension headaches.

While 400 milligrams might sound like quite a bit of caffeine, it only equals around four cups of coffee. Those who drink caffeine all day likely exceed this limit before lunchtime. Be careful, though, because stopping caffeine or cutting back too quickly can also trigger tension headaches.

5. Stop Smoking

Nicotine in cigarette smoke can cause headaches in a few different ways. First, it stimulates a reaction in the pain-sensitive nerves at the back of your throat, triggering tension headaches. That’s not the only way that stopping smoking can work as a home remedy for tension headaches, though.

Nicotine in cigarette smoke limits blood flow to your brain as it forces your blood vessels to constrict. Decreased blood flow limits brain activity, which is a factor of headaches. Additionally, reduced blood flow to the meninges induces severe pain in the face or back of the head.

6. Manage Your Stress

Too much stress can quickly trigger tension headaches. Learning to manage your stress can make all the difference in alleviating the frequency and intensity. Start getting your stress under control by planning and productively organizing your day.

When you plan your day, make sure to include time to relax and destress. If you struggle with relaxing, practice relaxation techniques to help you manage your stress levels. Some methods you can try include these activities:

deep breathing
taking a walk
practicing meditation
taking a hot shower
soaking in a tub
stretching
taking a short nap
doing yoga
writing in a journal
focusing on artistic expression

7. Massage

A massage helps relieve muscle tension and reduce stress. It is most beneficial for the muscles in the back of your head, neck, and shoulders. As pressure is applied to your muscles and soft tissues by a massage therapist, you will experience benefits such as headache relief and prevention.

Massage helps with many conditions, including stress-related illness, sleep problems, pain, high blood pressure, and other ailments. Each of these problems can trigger tension headaches, furthering the ability to control them with a massage.

If you can’t get a professional massage, you can do a small session safely on yourself to help relieve headache pain. Using the tips of your fingers, gently massage around your neck, ears, and forehead. As you go along, gently move the skin back and forth for ultimate relief.

8. Stay Hydrated

The body requires significant amounts of water to maintain proper functioning. Most people don’t consume the recommended amount and end up in a perpetual state of dehydration. When you’re dehydrated, it causes frequent headaches.

If dehydration is the cause of your headache, drinking plenty of water and relieve your symptoms in as little as thirty minutes. By staying hydrated all of the time, you will experience fewer tension headaches overall. You can boost your water intake by consuming water-rich foods and choosing water over other beverage options.

Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day, but keep in mind that these might not be the most beneficial amount. If this seems like a lot to you, try sipping on water constantly during the day, even when you aren’t thirsty.

9. Avoid Drinking Alcohol

Research shows that alcohol commonly triggers tension headaches in people that experience frequent ones. Alcohol widens the blood vessels in the body, causing blood to flow too quickly and freely. When this happens, it causes intense headaches.

Alcohol also causes you to lose fluids and electrolytes through frequent urination, which can cause dehydration and more headaches. If you decide to drink, make sure you drink plenty of water to make up for it.

While a couple of drinks is fine for most people, those that experience frequent headaches might experience a headache after only one. Pay attention to the way you feel after consuming an alcoholic beverage. If it seems to trigger your headaches, avoid it entirely.

10. Use Cold Or Hot Compresses

Using a cold or hot compress can help reduce the pain of your tension headache. Use an ice pack, wrapped ice, or frozen vegetables for a cold compress, but use a cloth to protect your skin. Put the compress on your head, temples, or neck to decrease inflammation, reduce nerve conduction, and constrict blood vessels.

For a hot compress, use a heating pad, a hot-water bottle, or a hot towel. A hot bath or shower will have the same effect, so consider that, as well. Since tension headaches are often stress-induced, the heat will relax your muscles and offer relief.

Final Thoughts on Amazing Home Remedies for Tension Headaches

Now that you know how to treat tension headaches at home, you might be able to skip the chemical pain relievers.

Although there are many over-the-counter headache remedies, they don’t treat the source of the problem. These home remedies for tension headaches promote a lifestyle change that can alleviate the root of your headache. It encourages increased well-being and health, and it can prevent future headaches from creeping in.

Try these home remedies for tension headaches right away so that the pain and discomfort don’t take over your life. Since it’ll alleviate the root of the issue, too, it’ll reduce the number of headaches you get all together.

Therapists Reveal 12 Ways to Encourage Someone to Quit Smoking

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

We’ve all heard about the dangers and lifelong damaging effects of smoking. Yet, most of us know at least one person who smokes or even may smoke ourselves. Despite recognizing that tobacco is unhealthy and harmful, to quit smoking is not an easy task. A person who is trying to kick the habit needs the support of friends and family to encourage them on the journey.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence of smoking dropped from 20.9% in 2005 to 13.7% in 2018. And while that trend shows excellent promise, smoking is still a harmful habit for many.

We know that smoking can lead to various diseases and long-term health conditions, including cancer, emphysema, heart disease, reduced circulation, and decreased fertility. Many of these health conditions are chronic and irreversible, so the earlier a smoker quits, the better their long-term health will be.

As loved ones of smokers, we may see just how dangerous and unhealthy the habit may be. No matter how much we want to help them, we need to recognize that they need to decide to quit on their own. As friends and family, we play an essential role in encouraging our loved one, but ultimately we can’t control their choice.

12 Ways to Encourage Someone Who Wants to Quit Smoking

1 – Acknowledge That Quitting Smoking Is A Big Deal

Nicotine is an incredibly addictive substance that affects not only our physical health but also our mental health. It changes our brains, which makes us feel dependent upon it. In fact, one study cites tobacco addiction as a “chronic brain disorder.”

Therefore, we must recognize and understand the power that nicotine has on its users.

Regardless of whether or not we have smoked ourselves, we need to understand how complicated this process can be for our loved ones. It’s going to be a big challenge and a significant accomplishment for the person.

2 – Understand That This Is An Ongoing Process

Because of the way nicotine does influence a person’s brain, we should also understand that quitting smoking is an ongoing process. It’s a significant life change that will take a considerable amount of time and effort. It will take time for the quitter to retrain their brain and replace smoking with new and healthier patterns.

3 – Each Person Has Their Unique Reasons

Regardless of your perspective, the one who is trying to stop smoking certainly has different reasons why they want to quit. As support for our friend or family member, we certainly know the dangers of tobacco and our reasons for wanting them to stop. However, it’s a good idea to talk with our loved ones to understand what THEIR motivations are.

In understanding why they want to quit, we can help remind our loved ones what they are working toward. This understanding can serve as a beacon for them to keep going despite challenges along the way. Most importantly, we must encourage them to keep going.

Every smoker has their own life and their own story. They may be influenced by money, health, family, career, or future goals. They may want to regain control over their own body. Whatever the reasons may be, it must be relevant to them and keep them motivated. In supporting this person, we can remind them during times of struggle or temptation.

4 – Put Yourself in Their Shoes

Statistics tell us that 70 percent of adult American smokers want to kick cigarettes to the curb. However, they grapple with giving up a habit that sends positive reward signals to their brain. For many, they have regularly been smoking for many years, so stopping is an enormous life change.

So muster up some empathy and put yourself into the quitter’s shoes.

Even if we have never smoked, we can think back to a time when we had to give up something. Your addiction might be junk food, caffeine, alcohol – whatever it may be. Only then can you understand the depth of the quit process.

5 – Don’t Be Pushy

Regardless of how much our loved ones’ bad habits may hurt us, we cannot change their decisions. At the end of the day, it is their life and their lifestyle choices. We need to respect that.

If we are supporting someone who is in the process of quitting, it’s vital for us to be there to provide positive reinforcement and encourage them. We can help guide them toward the right decisions and away from negative influences. However, being overly pressuring or forceful in our support is not going to benefit them at all.

If anything, this can cause more anger and frustration, which can ultimately backfire and lead them back to smoking. Therefore, we can be supportive and encouraging, but we must make sure not to cross the line.

6 – Be Understanding and Supportive Every Step of the Way

So many smokers say they want to quit. Yet, a significant number of those people never actually succeed. For most, it takes several failed attempts before they successfully stop. One study reveals that some smokers attempt a “quit” thirty times before they succeed.

As friends or family of the smoker, we need to acknowledge this.

No matter how much they may want to quit, it is very likely that they will slip up here and there. Just be understanding and encourage them to get back on the right track. Encourage your friend to be resilient and guide them away from negative influences whenever possible

It is also essential to recognize that any attempt they make is progressing from where they were. It shows that they have the motivation and are making an effort – two positive and crucial aspects of success. If they make mistakes or even go back to smoking regularly, we can remind them of their reasons. We should recognize their accomplishments and encourage them to try again.

7 – Don’t Criticize

If a quitter messes up or starts smoking full-time again after an attempt at stopping, we should not be critical. Likely, they already feel bad enough about it. Criticizing and making them feel guilty only worsens the problem.

We should still be supportive and understanding of their mistakes but let them know that we still believe in them. Feeling this positive support, the person will feel more encouraged to try again and continue making positive life choices.

8 – Just Be There

As someone goes through the process of quitting, there will undoubtedly be plenty of struggles and awkward moments along the way. The most important thing we can do is friends is simply be there to listen. So much of the time, just being present and available to talk and listen to our loved one is the most important thing we can do.

Simply letting the person know that they are not alone and that you are there can make all the difference. It’s so valuable for a quitter to have that positive support system.

9 – Help Develop Alternate Activities and Follow Through with Quitting Strategies

As a friend or family member, one of the most important things you can do is help them get their mind off smoking. It’s a good idea to work with them to come up with other healthier activities and habits that you can both enjoy.

These strategies and alternate activities can vary greatly depending on the particular person and their interests.

One useful alternate activity could be some form of exercise – walking, running, bike riding, or playing a sport. This can be a great way to deal with any anxious or restless energy that quitting smoking may bring on.

If the person is used to smoking at particular places or in specific social settings such as at bars or clubs, suggest alternative activities that you can enjoy. These could include going to a movie or smoke-free restaurant. These activities can also motivate you to incorporate healthier activities into your own life.

In developing these strategies and engaging in new activities, it’s always good to recognize any triggers. Help the person continue to avoid triggers or places that may give them the urge to start smoking again.

10 – Provide them with Outside Resources

We all know that no matter how close we are or how much we want to influence someone’s behavior, our desires aren’t always enough. When dealing with any kind of struggles or changes, it can often be helpful to get an outside perspective.

No matter how much we encourage our loved one, they may still need outside support. For many, it can be helpful to talk to doctors and therapists about strategies that can benefit both them both physically and mentally along the way.

For many people, support groups can be incredibly beneficial. There are plenty of support groups, both online and in-person, for those in the process of quitting smoking. These are so important in helping people connect with those who are struggling with the same or similar issues as they are.

Having this kind of outside support system can be so helpful for quitters as they recognize that they are not alone and that many others are dealing with the same issues as they are. There is power in numbers, and having this support network can be very powerful for someone quitting smoking.

11 – Celebrate Small Victories along the Way

As our loved ones continue on their journey to being smoke-free, we can continue to remind them of their accomplishments along the way, no matter how small. From merely going for a day without a cigarette to being smoke-free for six months, we can celebrate with them every step of the way.

12 – Emphasize the Positive

Remember to stay positive to encourage your loved one. We can often overlook this and point a laser-like focus on the negatives of smoking. For example, we tend to remind our loved ones of the ravages of nicotine on the brain or lungs.

Instead, emphasize the positive outcomes they will see when they beat their addiction. For instance, remind them that they will be able to keep up playing with their children or grandkids.

A focus on the positives (benefits) instead of the negatives (the dangers) will motivate your friend. Remember, they know the risks of cigarettes. What they might not see (yet) is how much better their life will be without nicotine.

Final Thoughts on Continuing to Encourage Someone Who Is Quitting Smoking–Even on Their Bad Days

There are going to be tough days, and our loved ones may even lash out at us during their withdrawal from smoking. We must continue to encourage and understand their struggles.

In the process of quitting smoking, we should always remain present and be there to enjoy the victories along the way. From small gifts to celebratory dinners, any little thing we do reminds our loved ones just how much we care.

14 Early Flu Symptoms to Never Ignore

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

This guide to flu symptoms may save your life! Keep reading to learn all about identifying influenza before it is too late. Many people think the flu is a harmless inconvenience. They might get a cough, runny nose, and mild fever without severe symptoms.

However, the reality is that it can be deadly if left untreated. According to CDC estimates, influenza caused about 810,000 hospitalizations and 61,000 deaths since 2010.

Being able to identify the flu will help you get the treatment you need as soon as possible. This allow you to begin treatments that can stop the flu in its tracks before it gets too dangerous. However, many people wait until it’s too late because they think they have a minor cold.

So how do you tell if you have the flu? Flu identification is all about noticing potential symptoms and determining if they are caused by influenza or another illness. Here are some early warning signs you need to keep an eye out for.

Early Symptoms You’re Getting The Flu

1 – Fevers

Even a slightly elevated body temperature is a sign that something is going wrong. You get fevers when your body is trying to raise temperatures to kill foreign invaders. Therefore, the flu tends to cause a fever.

Try to learn your base body temperature, which may be a little higher or lower than 98.6 degrees. Then you can identify when you have a low-grade fever.

All fevers are a sign of concern, but you should definitely seek help if it is above 103 degrees Fahrenheit. This is a high-grade fever that can be life-threatening if not treated.

2 – Whole Body Aches and Pains

Often, this is one of the very first flu symptoms ever to show up. Unlike body aches associated with other illnesses, flu aches and pains tend to be severe. You may feel like you worked out too hard or feel like you tripped and fell down the stairs!

This symptom shouldn’t be ignored because it is a signal your whole body is fighting against the flu. Fortunately, it is possible to treat. Taking an over-the-counter painkiller can reduce pain without affecting the progression of your flu.

3 – A Sore Throat

Sore throats are often ignored because most people associate them with the common cold. However, flu symptoms expert Andrew Hayward explains that a sore throat is more common than you might think. Many people with low-grade influenza actually have no symptoms besides a sore throat.

This might seem harmless, but it is still important to note. Those with a weak immune system might feel alright for several days but, eventually, get a more severe version. You should also get tested if you have a sore throat so you can avoid giving it to others.

4 – A Runny Nose

This is another one of those flu symptoms that may not be caught because people assume it is a common cold. The runny nose associated with the flu tends to start out clear and drippy. Over time, it may thicken up and become green or yellow.

At the first sign of a runny nose, you should go ahead and prepare for the flu. Get a lot of rest and drink plenty of fluids. Noticing this early sign can keep you from overdoing and making your flu worse.

5 – Chills

Not all people with a fever will feel hot and sweaty. As your body raises the temperature to fight the flu, you experience temperatures differently. Therefore, many people who are feverish get intense chills, where they shiver and shake.

Do not assume that this is happening just because your AC is set too high. Instead, it might mean you have the flu. Check your temperature, and take medications to stop a fever if you have one.

6 – Extreme Fatigue

Have you ever had a day where you felt like you just couldn’t wake up? This is a common early flu symptom. It happens because your body cannot produce enough energy when it is trying to fight off the flu.

If you have this symptom, take it easy instead of trying to power through it. Your body needs rest while it overcomes the flu. Therefore, you should listen to this fatigue and try to rest and relax as much as possible.

7 – Vomiting

Most people associate vomiting with the “stomach flu,” which is an entirely different illness. However, it can also happen with standard influenza. Since the flu is a viral infection, some people’s bodies react by trying to vomit to get rid of it.

Vomiting is a dangerous symptom that should be addressed because it keeps you from getting the nourishment you need. Try to sip clear liquids and eat dry crackers slowly. If you cannot keep anything down, you may need to get medical help before you get dehydrated or malnourished.

8 – Worsening Medical Problems

A little known sign of flu is that your other medical problems tend to get worse. People with asthma might have more frequent attacks, while those with heart conditions can have unsteady heart rates. This occurs because your body is too taxed by the flu also to handle other health problems.

This makes the flu particularly dangerous if you have chronic conditions like COPD, asthma, or pulmonary disease. Having to manage two health dangers at once may be too much for ill people. As soon as you notice your condition worsening, you should see a doctor.

9 – Headaches

Some people with the flu may not show any flu symptoms at first besides a blinding headache. There are multiple underlying causes of this flu sign. It can be a sort of flu ache, and it is also linked to dehydration.

If you have a headache, do not just take a painkiller and hope it goes away. You also need to make an effort to drink plenty of water and get hydrated. If it continues, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

10 – Dry Cough

A dry cough is a cough where you feel a tickle but doesn’t produce any mucus. It is easy just to dismiss this symptom as allergies or dry air. However, the reality is that coughing is typically an early flu sign.

This type of cough needs to be monitored because it can turn into pneumonia or bronchitis. Pay attention to it closely. If you are coughing so hard you cannot breathe, you need to see a doctor.

Read how Ginger Tea can relieve your cough.

11 – Pressure in the Chest

Some people with the flu may feel pressure or pain in their chest and stomach. Pressure in the chest is a sign that you have inflammation around your lungs. You should always pay attention to this symptom because difficulty breathing can rapidly worsen.

It typically occurs alongside other respiratory symptoms like coughs and runny noses.

12 – Bluish Tint to Skin

This flu symptom is mostly something that caregivers need to look out for in infants or seniors. People who are very young or old may not experience influenza like healthy adults. If they cannot tell you something is wrong, you need to be able to notice the symptoms.

A bluish tint to the skin happens when someone is having trouble breathing. It means they are not getting enough oxygen, so you need to take it seriously. Check for a bluish tint on lips or nails, and seek help immediately if you see it.

13 – Diarrhea

Diarrhea is not always just a harmless upset tummy from eating something a bit strange. It can actually be a flu symptom. For some people, the virus represents itself as gastrointestinal upset.

This is not as common as other flu symptoms in adults, but it is quite common in children. Diarrhea is a surprisingly dangerous flu symptom because it dehydrates you. Look out for these signs of dehydration in anyone with diarrhea:

Dry mouth
Low urine output
Dizziness
Yellow or brown urine
Dry skin
Sunken eyes

14 – A Feeling That Something Isn’t Right

The early warning signs of flu are very subtle, so sometimes people just feel like something is wrong. No one knows your body better than you.

Even if you are not getting any other symptoms, you should not ignore this sensation. It is better to be safe and go ahead and visit a doctor. If they catch the flu early enough, you might be one of the lucky people who avoids any other symptoms.

Final Thoughts of Identifying Your Flu Symptoms

As you can see, identifying influenza is easy when you know what to look for. If you notice you have any of these symptoms, you should call your doctor as soon as possible. They can give you medications to fight the flu and provide treatment for dangerous symptoms.

The prompt treatment makes a huge difference in overcoming the flu. By being attentive to flu symptoms and listening to your body, you can make sure you get well in no time at all!

10 Behaviors Reveal That Your Child Might Be A Cyberbully

January 29, 2020 by Power of Positivity

Law enforcement leaders estimate that more than 13 million children, ages 6 to 17, found themselves the victim of a cyberbully in 2006. Unfortunately, the prevalence of cyberbullying has only continued to increase since then. The percentage of individuals who have been cyberbullied nearly doubled from 2007 to 2016, reports PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center.

Sadly, the number of individuals being cyberbullied is likely to be higher than statistics reveal as much cyberbullying goes unreported. Data analysis shows that in 2015, only 43% of all students who were bullied reported it to an adult. This stat was revealed in the Indicators of School Crime and Safety report published by the National Center for Education Statistics. Tragically, suicide rates and suicidal ideation have also increased dramatically among young people over recent decades. The CDC reports that teenage suicides increased by 76 percent in the last decade. Suicide was the second largest cause of death for 10 to 24-year-olds living in the U.S. in 2017.

CYBERBULLYING AND NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON KIDS

Many psychologists, psychiatrists, and pediatricians aim to better understand the dramatic increase in suicide rates among children and adolescents. Their copious amounts of research have revealed a connection between the rise in suicide rates with the spike in cyberbullying. The harmful effects of bullying are both immediate and long-term. Child psychologists explain how being bullied has a myriad of adverse effects on children’s and adolescent’s lives. Among the adverse effects of being bullied are depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, physical health problems, personality disorders, and even suicide.

The authors of this peer-reviewed research article examined the relationship between bullying and suicide among young people. Their data revealed that bullying strongly correlates with suicidal ideation as well as suicide attempts. Furthermore, researchers found that cyberbullying is more strongly related to suicidal ideation than traditional bullying. Thankfully, parents can aid in helping to prevent terrible outcomes such as these. Parents can help by closely monitoring their children for signs that they may be a victim or perpetrator of cyberbullying. If your child is cyberbullying, there are some telling signs that she or he might show. Knowing these signs and how to respond to them could save a child’s life. Keep reading to learn more about ten behaviors that reveal your child might be a cyberbully.

10 BEHAVIORS THAT REVEAL YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE A CYBERBULLY

Your child might be a cyberbully if she or he:

1) Is secretive about their online activity.

A child who is cyberbullying might quickly switch or close the computer screen when anyone walks by or enters the room. Someone who is bullying others will also commonly avoid having conversations about their computer and cell phone activities with adults.

2) Uses the laptop and/or their mobile device late at night.

In their desire to be secretive and unsupervised, a cyberbully often uses their electronic devices late at night. Consequently, young people who are cyberbullying commonly have trouble sleeping. This peer-reviewed research revealed that adolescents who bully had more irregular sleep schedules and shorter sleep duration than non-bullying schoolmates.

3) Uses multiple different online accounts and/or fake names.

This behavior is related to the anonymity that someone who is cyberbullying seeks. To remain anonymous, a person who is cyberbullying uses fake names to create multiple email and social media accounts. By doing so, the bully can indeed hide behind the screen and remain unknown to their victims. This anonymity often causes a bully to feel even more powerful and uninhibited in their bullying behaviors. Much research has shown how anonymity can have an impact on antisocial behavior online. The authors of this scientific study aimed to determine if online anonymity increased the frequency of cyberbullying among young people. Their research revealed that the more people feel they are anonymous online, the more likely they are to cyberbully.

4) Becomes excessively upset when you take away their computer and/or cell phone privileges.

This outburst occurs because someone who cyberbullies uses the computer and/or cell phone as their “weapon” of choice to bully others. Take away the device, and you effectively disarm them of their weapon of choice. Consequently, a cyberbully becomes extremely upset when you remove these devices. If your child is involved in cyberbullying, he or she may also display excessive computer and/or cell phone use.

5) Blames others for their actions.

Individuals who bully are usually acting out of fear and anger. Because of this, they do not see what they do to others as being their fault. And they don’t accept responsibility for the things that they do. Bullies frequently justify their violent behavior by shifting the blame to their victims. They commonly believe that they are merely reacting to what someone else has done to them. Individuals who bully often perceive themselves to be the victim instead of the other way around. If a bully cannot find a way to blame others for their behavior, they are likely to deny any involvement in bullying.

6) Lacks empathy for others.

Having a lack of empathy makes it much easier for a bully to be emotionally and physically abusive to their victims. Instead of seeing their victims for the humans that they are, bullies often dehumanize their victims. Someone who bullies people will commonly feel superior to others and be discriminatory and intolerant of differences. These perceived differences could be social, economic, physical, or racial. A bully will use anything that they believe makes another person “less than” to try to justify their bullying behaviors. “Researchers Explain 10 Ways to Teach Empathy to Your Kids” is a fantastic resource for parents. Check it out if you’d like to learn more about how you can help cultivate empathy in your children.

7) Acts aggressively.

Individuals who bully others often live in fear and feel out of control of their own lives and emotions. Because they feel out of control, they fear what will happen to them if they do not control others. Bullies commonly fear that they will be hurt if they do not have total control of a person and/or situation. Consequently, they act aggressively and aim to control and dominate others in an attempt to prevent themselves from being hurt. In many cases, a person who bullies also enjoys watching violent television shows and movies and plays violent video games. All the while, demonstrating a positive attitude about the violence that they observe or commit.

8) Becomes frustrated easily.

Because those who bully are not in complete control of their own emotions, they often become frustrated, and quite easily. They often escalate to anger quickly, also. This rage comes from the individual’s lack of emotional control as well as a lack of impulse control. The littlest things can set a bully off. This problem is intensified by the fact that bullies frequently feel fearful and are under a lot of emotional strain.

9) Breaks rules often and doesn’t learn from previous mistakes.

Almost all children and adolescents break the rules and push boundaries. It’s an inevitable part of growing up and learning. However, an individual who bullies may lack the ability to see or understand that what they are doing is wrong. As a result, they do not learn from their mistakes and continue to break the rules. This behavior often causes a bully to get into trouble at school. And when an adult calls out or disciplines a young cyberbully, they commonly talk back to and argue with adults. They might also hang out with other youth who are known bullies.

10) Has a history of bullying others and/or is currently a victim or has been a victim of bullying in the past.

The authors of this study, published in School Psychology International, aimed to understand the relationship between traditional bullying and cyberbullying. The data that researchers collected made it clear that more frequent traditional bullying linked to higher chances of cyberbullying. Additionally, an individual who is cyberbullying may also currently be the victim of bullying, or has been in the past.

Are you worried that your child is bullied in person or online? Know all the signs to watch for. Here is an article that discusses symptoms that children might exhibit if they are bullied.

FINAL THOUGHTS ON BEHAVIORS THAT REVEAL YOUR CHILD MIGHT BE A CYBERBULLY

In the not so distant past, many people regarded bullying as a natural occurrence among children and adolescents. In previous decades, it was quite common for adults to believe that bullying was a healthy thing for young people to experience. Some adults even incorrectly assumed that being bullying increased a young person’s mental fortitude.

Over time, an abundance of scientific research has revealed the opposite to be true. We now know the facts surrounding the multitude of terrible outcomes that bullying has on those who are victimized. Consequently, we have come to understand that bullying is not healthy or okay in any way, for anything. Unfortunately, cyberbullying can be more challenging to detect and control than traditional bullying due to the anonymity of cyberbullies. Because cyberbullying often takes place when young people are at home, the help of parents in prevention efforts is vital. If you’d like information about how you can help prevent cyberbullying, “Preventing Cyberbullying: Suggestions for Parents” is a wonderful resource.

There is no denying that technological advancements have had an impact on young people and cyberbullying. The rise of social media and smartphone technology plays a crucial role in the cyberbullying epidemic. However, technology is not the problem, nor is it to blame. Some of the impacts of technology and social media on kids are incredibly positive, and some are not. Technological advances, including the Internet, have helped youth to accomplish many great things and to grow in truly incredible ways. But with more and more technology comes the need for more and more parental supervision, guidance, and responsibility.

But remember…

Those who bully others likely found themselves the target of a bully, themselves. Children and adolescents might not report the incidents for fear that the bullying will only get worse if they do. The best thing that you can do is have an open and honest conversation with your child about bullying. If you’d like information about how to approach this conversation with your child, this resource is incredibly helpful and informative.

Children who bully are not bad or hopeless. Quite the opposite. They often feel hurt. And you can uncover (and address) logical explanations for their behavior. Here at the Power of Positivity, we aim to help every child and parent to succeed and remain healthy. We hope that this article, and the resources included in it, have given you an excellent place to start talking about cyberbullying with your child.

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