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Exhaustion: Are You Feeling It Too?

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Are you exhausted? Do you find it hard to concentrate? Does it seem you are forever struggling onward through the fog, and the very thought of the challenges each day brings makes you want to crawl back under the bed covers and pretend the sun never rose?

You’re not alone. Exhaustion is not a new phenomenon, and in the world today millions suffer in varying degrees from mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. Physicians have been studying, diagnosing, and treating this malady for millennia[1]. Acute fatigue is an undeniable part of human history. However, the stresses of today’s lifestyle don’t help. Increased job demands, social media, and concerns for the state of the earth in general only add to recurring energy depletion for many.

Exhaustion in the Workplace

Suffering symptoms of exhaustion have become a reason for workplace safety concerns. Some companies have added awareness programs to try to stop fatigue-related injuries and illness. Not only physically challenging careers, but mentally and emotionally stressful jobs can result in decreased efficiency and loss of manpower.

Causes of Fatigue on the Job

Being aware of your own limitations is one way to stop exhaustion from progressing out of control. Extended or rotating shifts can disrupt normal sleep patterns, resulting in increased stress levels and lower levels of concentration. Simply stated, not getting enough sleep can make you too tired to function at the top of your game. Even knowing this, many professionals will push themselves to the breaking point to meet the demands of their chosen career.

For some, prolonged working hours may also mean overexposure to unsafe levels of noise, chemicals, or other hazardous conditions. The government often requires businesses to monitor and limit exposure for the safety of employees. Working under the influence of extreme fatigue can be especially hazardous for healthcare providers, first responders, or those who work with heavy equipment or in the food industry.

These are only a few of the workplaces which must endeavor to recognize and stop exhaustion from compromising the safety of both workers and those they serve. Fatigue can greatly increase the chances of injuries on the job a well as the chances of accidents on the road to and from work.[2]

How to Stop Exhaustion on the Job

For many, changing or improving work schedules can go a long way to restoring the body’s natural rhythms for sleep and lessening stress. Reasonable shifts help make work more enjoyable and production demands easier to meet. Eating habits may also improve when adequate time is given for meals, increasing the body’s ability to maintain concentration and energy levels.

Other ways to help combat workplace fatigue is to provide proper lighting, control noise levels, and keep indoor work environments at a comfortable temperature and humidity. Programs to help deal with interpersonal relationships in the workplace may also be helpful in combating work-related emotional fatigue.[3]

Mental and Emotional Exhaustion

Do you feel continually overwhelmed, drained both physically and mentally? Does it seem like you will never be able to rise above the demands of your current responsibilities or problems? You may be suffering from acute mental fatigue, and once again you are not alone.

Mental fatigue can be accompanied by a sense of detachment or apathy both at work and in your personal life. Some call this type of exhaustion ‘burn out.’ While the term is not an official one, it can certainly describe that feeling of having used up every personal capacity to creatively and patiently cope with life’s incessant demands.

Reading the Signs

There can be a variety of symptoms of mental fatigue. Different people handle stress in different ways, and everyone has their own way of showing the cracks in their mental composure. There can be mental, emotional, and physical signs. Your friends may notice the signs before you do. Some possible signs may be:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Anger
  • Feelings of dread
  • Headaches
  • Upset stomach
  • Lack of motivation
  • Change of appetite
  • Social withdrawal

There are many other symptoms[4], but if you are experiencing several of the above, it may be time to act on your own or seek counseling.[5] The daily stresses of raising children, being a full-time caregiver, or experiencing a major breakdown in an important relationship can all trigger mental exhaustion. There is help on a number of levels, so you don’t have to endure alone.

Give Yourself a Break

There are as many sources of relief as there are sources of stress. To stop exhaustion from dictating your success or failure in life, it’s important to identify your main source or sources of ongoing fatigue. Do you need to consider a new job? Is there anyone who can relieve you of some of your responsibilities so that you can take a break, even for a few hours a week? Removing the stressor is the number one way to begin recovering from chronic fatigue.

There’s Rest for the Weary

Besides removing yourself from as many overly stressful environments as possible, or at least providing yourself with some downtime to rest and recover, there are other lifestyle changes you can make to regain mental acuity and recharge energy levels. You can’t escape all the pressures of life, but you can take steps to enable your body and mind to handle whatever may come.

Eat Well

One important way to control daily feelings of tiredness is by eating a balanced diet. Cut out sweet snacks and soda, excess alcohol, or skipping too many meals. Eat healthy or stress-relieving snacks when needed, and plan a diet rich in all the nutrients your body needs to function at its best.

exhaustion

 

Exercise

Exercise is important to overall health. If possible, spend at least 30 minutes per day exercising, even if it’s just a walk in the sunshine. In fact, studies have shown that moderate exercise can significantly increase energy levels, especially for those whose jobs and lifestyle are otherwise sedentary.

Nap

Taking a nap may be helpful, but make sure it does not interfere with your regular bedtime. It’s best not to indulge in more than a 20-30 minute nap early in the day. A nap may be especially useful if you find yourself faced with a long work shift or other obligations. Coupling your nap with healthy, protein-rich snacks can also boost your energy for an extra few hours when needed.

Check stress at your front door

Does the thought of going home make you more relaxed or more anxious? Make your home a more stress-free environment. Studies have shown that a person’s living space can either add to or take away the stress. Research ways to make your home more calming, restful place. Look for ways to bring in more natural light. Add live plants. If necessary, create a private space that is off limits to others.

Sleep hygiene

Setting a consistent sleep schedule can help increase the amount and quality of rest during your downtime. This is especially important if you work a night shift. Purposely set aside 7.5-8 hours of sleep each day. Darken the room as much as possible and remove the artificial light of TV or electronic devices. You can train your body to know when it’s time to shut down for sleep. Your body and brain depend on this rest to stay alert and active when needed.

Spend some “me time”

Take time to relax with a book, music, or a calming herbal tea, especially near bedtime. Breathing exercises can help prepare your body and mind for rest. Essential oils may be helpful as either an inhalant or for massage. A little research can help you find the most popular oils for soothing your frazzled nerves and relieving stress.

A little help from your friends

Socializing with friends and family can also help relieve stress and restore peace of mind. Try small get-togethers without excessive noise or entertaining demands. You may be able to find a support group in your area. Isolation is a major contributor to mental fatigue.

Get a Professional Opinion

It’s important to rule out any possible health reasons for ongoing chronic fatigue. Some possible issues could be:

  • High blood pressure
  • Anemia
  • Ulcers
  • Cancer or cancer treatments
  • Vitamin or mineral deficiency
  • Medication side-effects

Your primary care physician may be able to recommend different allergy medications or changes to your daily regimen to get you back on track. A regular physical will help you and your doctor monitor for warning signs of potential health issues.

Final Thoughts

Millions of people across the world experience near-debilitating fatigue on a daily basis. Exhaustion in soul and body is a world epidemic. Are you feeling it too? If so, you should know that you are not alone in your struggles. Physicians and scientists the world over continue to research ways to help humanity overcome and stay energized and alert.

Natural remedies are always the best first choice. Simple lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, can help stop exhaustion from seriously impacting your lifestyle. Many times, the results are up to you. Take time for yourself. Building a strong support group and taking control of your life can be the first steps to being yourself again.

 

10 Truths About Pregnancy After 35

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Pregnancy after a woman is above 35 years old can present various risks and challenges. These can include stalled labor, dramatic emotional changes, chromosomal abnormalities, and more. Some of these risks can put both the mother and the infant in danger.

However, with the doctor’s advice, women aged 35 years or more can get pregnant and give birth successfully. They will often need to put forth more effort in terms of diet, exercise, and lifestyle than their younger counterparts.

Here are ten truths about pregnancy after 35

1. Higher Chance of Bearing Twins

Older females normally get lucky enough to have twins. It is a fact that twin births are more prevalent in pregnant females who are aged 35 years or more.

Scientists are not certain of the reasons behind this occurrence, but recent research has shown that the answer to this question could lie in the increased use of particular medications and hormonal changes. The study looked into incidences of fraternal twins, which are more typical than identical twins.

First, older females have higher levels of a certain hormone called Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH). This hormone has been associated with a higher prevalence of twin births.

Second, there is a new theory that explains that fertility drugs could increase the likelihood of a female to have twins. Because females aged 35 years and above are more likely to require taking fertility drugs than younger females, this shows why older women are more likely to give birth to two or more children from a single gestation.

2. Higher Risk of Miscarriage

One of the many truths about pregnancy after 35 is that these women face a higher risk of stillbirths and miscarriages than younger women. This risk of having a miscarriage increases with age.

For example, while females who are 35 years old face a 20 percent risk of miscarrying, women 45 years old face a 35 percent risk. These high rates of loss of pregnancy are believed to be a consequence of underlying health issues that affect older females, and the presence of abnormalities of the chromosome in the fetus.

Unluckily, pregnancies can end spontaneously, even during the late stages. It is essential to keep a continuous dialogue with your healthcare team as you get into the final stage of your pregnancy. You should also be very keen to optimize your meals, lifestyle choices, and activity levels in an effort to safeguard the health of your baby.

3. Risk of Chromosomal Abnormalities

If you are 35 years or older and are pregnant, your physician will provide you with various genetic tests to check for particular chromosomal abnormalities that get heightened with more mature pregnancies. For example, chorionic villus sampling is a test carried out when a pregnancy is between 9 and 11 weeks.

This test is critical in the detection of Turner’s Syndrome and Down syndrome. During the procedure, a physician will take a slight sample of placental tissue that can be obtained via entry points in your cervix and abdomen. The tissue is then analyzed in a lab.

Scientists have not discovered the reason behind the higher rates of genetic disorders in infants born to females aged 35 years and above. However, the relationship between these genetic conditions and the age of the mothers is very robust.

While it is optional to undertake tests such as chorionic villus sampling, the majority of prenatal caregivers and physicians will highly recommend them to older pregnant females. It is an excellent idea to undertake these tests. It is better to know in advance in case your baby will have a genetic condition so that you can prepare yourself properly.

4. Healthy Diet is Critical

Another one of the truths about pregnancy after 35 is that a healthy and balanced diet is critical to all pregnant females, despite the age. Frequently, an older female is more susceptible to gaining weight when they are pregnant, which can result in energy drains and more complications during the pregnancy period.

However, prenatal vitamins and a properly-balanced diet that emphasize quality proteins and whole, natural foods should be essential in the prevention of too much weight gain. This will also ensure proper nourishment of the infant and the mother.

Specifically, pregnancy nutrition experts and physicians recommend an increase in the intake of calcium; it is also better to use natural sources than supplements. Have a goal to consume at least four servings of dairy rich in calcium daily. Also, include plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits, particularly citrus fruits and leafy greens.

Lean meat, whole foods, and beans must round out your meals. In case you crave salty and sweet treats, be sure to eat them in moderation.

5. Higher Likelihood of Pregnancy Complications

Females who get pregnant at 35 years or more have a higher likelihood of getting particular complications during this period, including high blood pressure and gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes is a disease whereby a pregnant lady suffers from insulin imbalances, resulting in a diabetic condition that may or may not remain after the birth of the baby. In particular cases, this condition leads to early labor as well as premature birth.

Older pregnant women have a greater risk of getting high blood pressure due to the strain on their bodies that they experience during gestation. To prevent yourself from suffering from this condition, be sure to make better lifestyle and dietary choices.

You will need to be conscientious regarding your efforts. But the soundest decision is to visit your physician regularly so that they can be active in your prenatal care. Your healthcare team can intervene and aid you in case you reveal symptoms of these complications.

6. Every Woman is Different

Regarding gestation and age, 35 is only a number; and every lady’s actual chronological age is different from their biological age. While some females have a family history of a conception that is difficult, others will conceive easily in their late 30s and even 40s.

A successful gestation is determined by your health and how well you have cared for your body throughout your life. At the age of 35, you are still young and can implement critical improvements to your general health that can increase your likelihood of getting pregnant. Doing exercise regularly, losing weight, and boosting your diet can assist in giving you a normal gestation.

Hence, if you have been overlooking these vital health aspects, invest in your health and yourself. You will discover that being pregnant in your 30s and 40s is not as hard as you had originally thought.

7. It Could Take A Long Time to Conceive

In addition to facing the issue of lowered fertility, you will experience hardships with timing conception after you reach 35. For example, where a couple in their 20s can take just a few weeks to conceive, couples who are 35 and older usually take years to get pregnant.

Scientists and physicians have discovered some essential factors that impact the successful conceptions, and age is one of them. This is one of the truths about pregnancy after 35 that you need to accept; you can take years to get pregnant.

pregnancy

Other key factors include the timing of sexual intercourse, which should be carried out during your ovulation’s peak. Your doctor can assist you in keeping track of this so that you can have sex when you are at the height of your cycle,

Weight, lifestyle, and nutrition can also affect your likelihood of conceiving. Hence, you should keep in mind that optimizing these factors can take a while as you lose weight, improve your meals, and make adjustments in your choices and habits.

8. The Decline in Egg Quality

As females age, they face a natural deterioration in general fertility. This means that older women will ovulate with declining regularity and predictability, and they could occasionally miss releasing an egg.

The quality of the egg also starts to diminish from the age of 30 to 40. This is what causes genetic egg imperfections and less likelihood of conceptions.

As a result, older females often undertake fertility treatments when they are attempting to get pregnant. These treatments work to improve the quality of the egg and stimulate the production of eggs.

9. Dramatic Emotional Changes

No mother is usually prepared for the emotional changes that take place during the first gestation. These emotional changes are attributed to hormonal fluctuations. Older females usually face more intense hormonal change during gestation. Thus, they have a higher risk of facing critical fluctuations in their emotions and moods.

Research has shown some truth in these emotional changes. These changes in emotions and moods present themselves as dramatic and sudden mood swings.

10. More Cesarean Sections

In case you are pregnant at the age of 35 years or more, there is a higher likelihood of getting a cesarean section as you deliver. This is due to the greater risk of complications during gestation and delivery. These complications may include excessive bleeding, prolonged labor, and stalled labor, which takes place when labor processes cease before the delivery of the infant.

When it comes to older women, cesarean sections are deemed safer than vaginal births. Another common complication that can indicate the benefit of cesarean section is the presence of the placenta previa condition. This occurs when the placenta blocks the cervix during birth.

The Bottom Line on Pregnancy After Age 35

It is common for women aged over 35 to give birth to healthy newborns, but it is also common for them to face these challenges and risks.

Hence, they need to put these truths about pregnancy after 35 in mind. Carrying out the necessary changes will help ensure they have a successful pregnancy and birth.

Social Anxiety Disorder : 12 Easy Ways To Cope

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If you suffer from social anxiety, you aren’t alone. Many people with this disorder are often called “shy” or “introverted,” but being reserved around strangers or liking alone time isn’t the same as a social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder is also called social phobia, and it’s not just about feeling nervous around people. People with social anxiety have an overwhelming fear of being judged, mocked or rejected in social situations. This anxiety can range from big meets to small, everyday interactions like ordering a meal at a restaurant.

People with social anxiety are so worried about looking stupid or being perceived as boring and undesirable by others that they’ll avoid performance-based situations at all costs. This coping mechanism is what leaves many outsiders to assume that people with social phobia are just introverts or recluses.

In reality, people with social anxiety deeply long for meaningful friendships and relationships. As much as they want to be able to talk with others and have fun without feeling out-of-place, they struggle to overcome the incessant and often overwhelming fear that they won’t be liked.

Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder – Do You Have It?

While no one but a psychologist or counselor can make a definitive diagnosis, there are some online screening tests for social anxiety disorder that can help you determine whether or not you might have the condition.

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of social anxiety are:

  • A strong and continued fear of any social situation where people might judge you
  • Fear that you will embarrass yourself by doing or saying something stupid
  • Fear that others will notice how anxious you are
  • Knowing your fear is unreasonable but not being able to stop it
  • Feelings of anxiety including racing heart, sweaty palms, “shakiness’ and difficulty breathing

12 Ways to Manage Social Anxiety

Therapy is always the best way to overcome an anxiety disorder, but it isn’t an option or everyone. You may not be able to afford to counsel, or the thought of actually going to a therapists’ office may give you social anxiety. That’s okay. What matters is that you are taking the steps now to help yourself.

These 12 steps will help you understand your anxiety more and manage your symptoms so you can begin to tackle your social fears one conversation at a time.

12. Learn All You Can About the Disorder

As the saying goes, “knowledge is power.” The more you understand your condition, the less intimidating it feels. Rather than your anxiety being in control, you can learn to view it as a medical problem. You’ll also realize that you aren’t alone, and millions of other people understand and empathize with your feelings.

The National Social Anxiety Center is a fantastic place to start. On the website, you can learn about the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, take a screening test, read personal stories, find a local clinic and learn about possible therapy treatments you can even try on your own.

11. Find an Online Support Group

Sites like The Mighty offer social anxiety support communities that help people get in touch with others going through the same thing. You can read dozens of accounts of people who struggle with the same problem. Reading their stories and connecting online, you can finally feel understood, no matter how much your own disorder has left you isolated in the real world.

10. Learn to Talk About Your Disorder

You don’t have to be ashamed of your condition. As scary as it may be, telling someone, “I have anxiety,” can be extremely liberating. Because you fear judgment, make sure the first people you talk to are ones you can trust. Perhaps you’ve tried to tell others about your symptoms in the past and they just told you it was all in your head, that it’s stupid and you should “just get over it.”

These reactions are not personal. Many people simply don’t understand anxiety disorders and lack the education required to respond better. Some may even think they’re being helpful by telling you there’s nothing to worry about and to “just not think about it.”

You are allowed to have an anxiety disorder. Social anxiety does not make you a freak, unloveable or boring.

To start opening up more to people you care about, write down your thoughts and feelings beforehand so you feel more in control during the conversation. Focus on using “I” statements. Many people with social anxiety often feel that their thoughts and feelings don’t matter or that they’re dumb and will be mocked.

Your feelings and opinions are just as valid as anyone else’s. Using “I” statements, like “I feel hurt when you tell me to get over my anxiety,” will give you ownership of your feels and allow you to assert yourself in conversation.

9. Practice Deep Breathing

Breathing exercises for anxiety help calm your body and reduce physical symptoms. During an anxiety attack, the body’s peripheral nervous system kicks into overdrive. The fight-or-flight response that’s meant to keep us safe in dangerous situations winds up making even simple exchanges feel like a threat.

To practice deep breathing, you should focus on using your diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle that rests beneath your lungs. Rather than shallow breaths that rise and fall in your chest, diaphragmatic breathing allows you to draw deep breaths that expand your stomach.

8. Start Tackling Negative Thoughts

Grab a notebook, pen or pencil and a nice cup of tea or coffee before you sit down to address your negative thoughts. While it may make you feel anxious to even think about how you feel around others, it’s important to address your anxiety and learn to diffuse it rather than struggle against it.

When you’re comfortable, write down some of the thoughts that go through your mind before and during a social situation. Some examples might be, “Everyone is going to think I’m stupid and laugh at me behind my back,” or “People will only talk to me because they feel like they have to.”

Leave a few lines between each thought. Once you’ve compiled a list, use that extra space between your thoughts to counter the negativity. If you wrote, “People will hear me stutter and think I’m dumb,” you could write something like, “Everyone slips up sometimes, they probably won’t even notice. They’re more interested in what I have to say than how I say it, anyway.”

7. Roleplay

Preparing for social situations can make you feel more confident when you’re in them. Rehearsals will make it easier for you to know what to say and not feel like you’re frozen on the spot. Consider a phone call. Write down a script of phrases and questions you can use to speak before you dial the number.

When it comes to presentations at work or school, stand in front of the mirror and deliver your points to yourself several times until you can clearly touch upon each major point without long pauses or lots of “ums” and “uhs.”

6. Accept Your Anxiety

One of the biggest mistakes people with anxiety disorders make is viewing their condition as something bad. Your condition might be undesirable to have, but it doesn’t make you an undesirable person. The more fear, hatred and disgust you have about your anxiety, the more you’re likely to avoid dealing with it.

Accept that anxiety disorders happen, and they’re nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, it’s estimated that 12.1-percent of adults in the U.S. will have a social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. That number might seem small, but consider the fact the U.S. population is over 328 million people. Now, 12-percent doesn’t seem so insignificant.

5. Explore Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most popular treatment methods for social anxiety disorder. This therapy teaches people to identify and change negative thinking patterns and beliefs called “cognitive distortions.”

CBT is skill-based therapy, which means it can be learned and practiced throughout your life. CBT for social anxiety rewires the brain’s neural pathways and teaches you how to react calmly to situations that normally trigger anxiety.

4. Confront Your Insecurities

Many people with a social anxiety disorder also suffer from low self-esteem. As they avoid situations or experience awkward interactions, they only become more insecure and believe that they’re boring and only make a fool of themselves when they talk to others.

A therapist can help you get to the bottom of your anxiety and insecurity. You can also work on this yourself by considering your past and acknowledging events in your past that may have led you to think little of yourself. Perhaps you had bad friendships, romantic relationships or grew up in a dysfunctional family.

Once you begin to understand why you feel this way, it becomes easier to explain them and heal.

3. Ask Friends for Help

Opening up about your social anxiety to your friends can make it a lot easier to manage. If you’re an introvert, your more sociable friends can help you identify where you can improve your communication and how to connect better with others.

ask help from friends for social anxiety disorder

Being an introvert isn’t a bad thing. Accepting yourself as you are, social anxiety or not, is a major milestone in personal growth and makes it much easier to confront any problems you might have.

2. Start Small

You don’t need to throw yourself into uncomfortable situations if you want to get over your social anxiety. While total immersion and confrontation is used as a form of exposure therapy, doing it by yourself can often be traumatizing. Don’t feel like you have to eliminate your anxiety overnight. Chances are, you’ve struggled with these feelings for months or even years, so it will take some time to change them.

Begin treating your social anxiety by committing to at least one social interaction that scares you every day. If you usually have your friend or family member order for you at the coffee shop, do it yourself. Ask a sales associate where an item is in a store. Raise your hand in class and ask a question, or, if you’re working, greet a colleague and try to have a small conversation.Integrating yourself into familiar situations will make it easier to begin working through your anxiety. Repeat these encounters over and over again, day by day, so that they build confidence and help you overcome your fear. It might be horrible the first time, but keep track of your symptoms and their intensity.

It may help to use a rating scale of zero to 10; Zero can mean absolutely no anxiety and extremely relaxed, while 10 would be the worst possible symptoms. Over time, you will find that symptoms may not entirely vanish, but they are significantly less severe. An experience that might have once caused you to feel like a nine will only feel like a two or three.

1. Get Help When You Need It

Support from family and friends is wonderful, but some people will need the benefit of psychotherapy to overcome their social anxiety disorder for good. A big part of the fear associated with counseling comes from the same anxiety that keeps people from socializing. The fear of being judged or considered damaged may make you hesitant to see a therapist, but this is not the case.

A counselor or psychologist doesn’t judge someone’s entire worth based on their mental health. In fact, mental health professionals value people so much that they want to help them see value in themselves, too, so they can overcome their struggles and realize their true potential.

Psychotherapy for social anxiety is mostly “talk therapy.” During sessions, you will speak with your counselor about your feelings, get in touch with your thoughts and learn new coping strategies that help you conquer your anxiety at your own pace.

50 Best Body Positivity Quotes To Make You Feel Empowered

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Starting your day reading a few body positivity quotes can empower you more than you think. In our society, whether your a woman or a man, the pressure to have the perfect body can seem overwhelming. Being bombarded with images implying that there is something wrong with your body can be damaging to your self-esteem and can kill your motivation even if you are in the process of a fitness journey.

Positivity quotes, or affirmations, have long been recognized as an effective way to combat the negative self-esteem destroying messages we receive throughout the day. Body positivity quotes focus on bringing your attention to the positive instead of the negative things you may think about your body. Reading a few body positivity quotes daily can drastically alter how you view your body.

We are what we think after all, and if you can effectively change your mind, you can change your life. Sometimes it helps to hear positivity quotes from those who are leaders in their fields but wisdom can come in the form of body positivity quotes from unknown sources as well. Let’s take a look at fifty of the best body positivity quotes that can help you reshape the way you see your body.

Body Positivity Quotes to Reshape Your Thoughts

1 “Whatever is deeply, essentially female–the life in a woman’s expression, the feel of her flesh, the shape of her breasts, the transformations after childbirth of her skin–is being reclassified as ugly, and ugliness as disease. These qualities are about an intensification of female power, which explains why they are being recast as a diminution of power. At least a third of a woman’s life is marked with aging; about a third of her body is made of fat. Both symbols are being transformed into operable condition–so that women will only feel healthy if we are two-thirds of the women we could be. How can an “ideal” be about women if it is defined as how much of a female sexual characteristic does not exist on the woman’s body, and how much of a female life does not show on her face?”

–Naomi Wolf

body positivity quotes

2 “Beauty shouldn’t be about changing yourself to achieve an ideal or be more socially acceptable. Real beauty, the interesting, truly pleasing kind, is about honoring the beauty within you and without you. It’s about knowing that someone else’s definition of pretty has no hold over you.”?

–Golda Poretsky

3 “Aim high and don’t sell yourself short. Know that you’re capable. Understand that a lot of people battle with a lot of things – depression, body image or whatever else – so know that it’s not just you. You’re not alone.”

— Holly Holm

4 “Value yourself for what the media doesn’t – your intelligence, your street smarts, your ability to play a kick-ass game of pool, whatever. So long as it’s not just valuing yourself for your ability to look hot in a bikini and be available to men, it’s an improvement.”

–Jessica Valenti

5 “Body acceptance means, as much as possible, approving of and loving your body, despite its “imperfections”, real or perceived. That means accepting that your body is fatter than some others, or thinner than some others, that your eyes are a little crooked, that you have a disability that makes walking difficult, that you have health concerns that you have to deal with — but that all of that doesn’t mean that you need to be ashamed of your body or try to change it. Body acceptance allows for the fact that there is a diversity of bodies in the world, and that there’s no wrong way to have one.”

–Golda Poretsky

6 “I have a body, but I am not my body. I have a face, but I am not my face.”

–Iyanla Vanzant

7 “Real women are fat. And thin. And both, and neither and otherwise.”

–Hanne Blank

8 “Lighten up on yourself. No one is perfect. Gently accept your humanness.”

–Deborah Day

9 “To wish you were someone else is to waste the person you are.”

–Sven Goran Eriksson

10 “If anything is sacred the human body is sacred.”

–Walt Whitman

11 “Your worth is not measured by the size of your waist”

–- Unknown

12 “It’s also helpful to realize that this very body that we have, that’s sitting right here right now…with its aches and its pleasures…is exactly what we need to be fully human, fully awake, fully alive.”

–Pema Chodron

13“Is ‘fat’ really the worst thing a human being can be? Is ‘fat’ worse than vindictive, jealous, shallow, vain, boring or cruel? Not to me.”

– J.K. Rowling

14 “Even I don’t wake up looking like Cindy Crawford.”

– Cindy Crawford

15 “You don’t have to like everything about yourself to love yourself.”

– Tres Adames

16 “Another person’s beauty is not the absence of your own”

– Unknown

17“You are imperfect; permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.”

– Amy Bloom

18 “If you can’t say anything nice about yourself…practice.”

– Unknown

19 “I am imperfect and yet my imperfections, like any great work of art, are what make me a masterpiece”

– Kelsey Silver

20 “Even if you’re in the process of trying to change your body, you need to be content with what it is, right here, right now. Because if you can’t be happy with yourself now, you won’t be happy with yourself ever.”

– Anastasia Amour

21“In a society that profits from your self-doubt, liking yourself is a rebellious act. Loving yourself is anything but naive. If you don’t become your best friend, who else will? If you don’t convey confidence in what you do, don’t expect others to trust you. We are what we believe we are. When you embrace your true identity, there’s no room for self-doubt. The shadow of self-doubt might show up unexpected. It’s up to you to move from darkness to light.”

– Unknown

22 “You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.”

– Louise Hay

23 “Don’t let your mind bully your body.”

– June Tomaso Wood

24 “The one thing you can control is how you treat yourself. And that one thing can change everything.”

– Leeana Tankersley

25 “Your insecurities have too much of an imagination. Be careful with that.”

– Andra Knox

26 “Self-care is how you take your power back.”

– Lalah Delia

27“There is no wrong way to have a body.”

– Glenn Marla

28“Healthy emotions come in all sizes. Healthy minds come in all sizes. And healthy bodies come in all sizes.”

– Cheri K. Erdman

29 “If you left it up to everyone else in the world to decide, your body will NEVER be good enough,”

–Michelle Elman

30 “I refuse to let something as insignificant as a size or number on a scale determine how I feel about myself. I am grateful for my body, my health and the life that I have, and no arbitrary number should have any impact on that,”

– Iskra Lawrence

body positivity quotes

31 “There’s only one of you, so why would you want to look like everyone else?”

– Adele

32 “When you accept yourself you are freed from the burden of needing others to accept you.”

– Unknown

33 “True beauty is not related to what color your hair is or what color your eyes are. True beauty is about who you are as a human being, your principles, your moral compass.”

– Ellen DeGeneres

34 “I keep telling myself that I’m a human being, an imperfect human who’s not made to look like a doll, and that who I am as a person is more important than whether at that moment I have a nice figure,”

– Emma Watson

35 “One day I had to sit down with myself and decide that I loved myself no matter what my body looked like and what other people thought about my body.”

– Gabourey Sidibe

36 “You can’t eat beauty; it doesn’t sustain you. What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion, for yourself and those around you. That kind of beauty enflames the heart and enchants the soul.”

– Lupita Nyong’o

37 “Workout because you love your body not because you hate it”

– Unknown

38 “You will never speak to anyone more than you speak to yourself in your head. Be kind to yourself.”

– Unknown

39 “Life is too short to spend another at war with yourself.”

–Ritu Ghatourey

40 “The next time you think of beautiful things don’t forget to count yourself in.”

–Unknown

41“Your self-esteem won’t come from body parts. You need to step away from the mirror every once in a while, and look for another reflection, like the one in the eyes of the people who love you and admire you.”

– Stacy London

42 “Kindness makes you the most beautiful person in the world no matter what you look like.”

–Unknown

43 “It’s also helpful to realize that this very body that we have, that’s sitting right here right now… with its aches and its pleasures… is exactly what we need to be fully human, fully awake, fully alive.”

– Pema Chödrön

44 “Treat yourself as if you already are enough. Walk as if you are enough. Eat as if you are enough. See, look, listen as if you are enough. Because it’s true.”

– Geneen Roth

45 “You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.”

– Sophia Bush

46 “This is it: This body is home. This is where I live and hang my hat. This is where I settle into my hips and sit easily in myself, slung together with strong muscles and bones, made gentle and forging with flesh. This body is durable, has lasted for years, hunkered down through fierce storms and allows for the peaceful erosions of age. It is like a cottage on the shore: weathered and well made, a place where a person could comfortably live. I like it here. It is my own.”

–Marya Hornbacher

47 “Be proud of your scars. They have everything to do with your strength, and what you’ve endured. They’re a treasure map to the deep self.”

– Clarissa Pinkola Estés, PhD

positivity quotes

48 “The body is a multilingual being. It speaks through its color and its temperature, the flush of recognition, the glow of love, the ash of pain, the heat of arousal, the coldness of non-conviction…It speaks through the leaping of the heart, the falling of the spirits, the pit at the center, and rising hope.”

– Clarissa Pinkola Estés, PhD

49 “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

50 “Think of your body like a magical garden – always growing and changing, full of color and life.”

– Christiane Northrup, MD

Final Thoughts About Body Positivity Quotes

These fifty positivity quotes are just the tip of the iceberg of good food you can feed your self-esteem in order to inspire and empower. Coming from the voices of doctors, actors, authors, and many others these positivity quotes are an awesome way to remind yourself not to focus so much on the opinions of others or where their journey is taking them.

Whether you’re on a fitness journey, are recovering from an injury, just had a baby, or simply have encountered too negative words or images that have warped how you see your body, positivity quotes can be taken just like medicine to remedy the problem.

First Date? Keep These 7 Hints In Mind

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Dating for the first time can be a little intimidating, regardless of who you are. There is nothing wrong with preparing yourself before an important date. On the contrary, it is perfectly normal.

The internet is not short on dating advice, and this probably isn’t the first article you have read. As such, we will try to condense it all down to seven key dating tips. It is quite easy to memorize this list and to internalize its lessons.

Dating Tips For The First Time: Tips For You

1. Use Humor To Mask Your Nervousness

You don’t have to be super cool and confident every minute in order to be successful in the world of dating.

A dating study published by the American Sociological Society measured the various factors that made a person more likable. Among these traits, humor was consistently cited as a helpful factor. After all, everyone likes a person who can make them laugh.

Humor and laughter are your two best weapons against the crippling anxiety that often destroys a person’s first attempt at courtship. Just don’t go too far and start acting like an idiot just because it makes your date laugh! Remember, you want them to laugh, but you also want them to respect you.

Anxiety about relationships is a major factor in attraction or the lack thereof. Some research estimates that as much as 50% of the human population has serious trouble attracting a date or functioning in an intimate relationship (2).

2. Communicate Well And Regularly

The following dating study might be enlightening. It came from the University of California and was intended to measure trends among couples regarding communication.

The study shows that quick response time was a key factor in determining a person’s overall likability. From the results, we see that even a slight delay in answering a person’s text message (for instance) can be devastating to your chances of success, simply because your significant other might think that you are ignoring them. Remember, nothing is worse than ignoring them!

Even if you have some flaws that your significant other doesn’t entirely like, it is safe to assume that you must have some qualities that they do like. Otherwise, they probably wouldn’t be meeting you in the first place.

You can make up for your natural flaws (which we all have) by being completely open and honest and sharing yourself with your significant other. It is a lot harder to forgive someone for their flaws, however, if they prove to be dishonest.

3. Don’t Overdo it When Trying To Impress

We all have a natural inclination to impress members of the opposite sex. This could take the form of a man washing and waxing his car before a big date, or a woman who puts on her nicest clothing and grooms herself meticulously.

While it is a good idea to put your best foot forward, there is a point at which the average person will look at you and think “this person is trying way too hard to impress me.”

Either way, don’t overdo it. There are many examples we could give, but let’s just consider this imaginary scenario for a moment. You are meeting someone at a restaurant, and it’s not a particularly fancy one.

Your date arrives wearing a gold-trimmed tuxedo and wielding a diamond-studded cane. Wouldn’t you feel a little silly? Sure that kind of thing might be impressive, but it makes them look:

  • Arrogant
  • Desperate
  • As if they might be overcompensating for something

4. Don’t Seem Like You’re Hiding Anything

It’s a good idea to stick with the “70:30” rule (1). This means that your online profile should include 70% information about you, with the other 30% focusing on what you want from a partner. There are several good reasons to adhere to this rule.

First, it shows people that you are not bossy or controlling. A person with a lot of complex requirements will often be seen as too picky and thus not worth the effort. People like that are easy to push away over the smallest of disagreements.

Research also indicates that people with strict requirements are far less likely to succeed in attracting the kind of mate that they really want. This is kind of obvious when you think about it. Higher standards will normally fewer suitable partners.

Does this mean that you should just lower your standards to a really low level? Certainly not. That is a good way to attract “weirdos”, freaks, and other people that you probably don’t want or need in your life. You need that filter, so don’t discard it entirely.

Second, this method makes it clear that you are not hiding anything about yourself. Especially for a woman, a date can be a scary experience that feels risky. Meeting people online, in particular, can be risky.

Think about it from the perspective of a small and attractive female

Serial killers and other predators will sometimes use these apps to lure victims.
Being completely open and honest will help to convince her that you aren’t the next Charles Manson. Just remember, this person doesn’t know you, so don’t expect total trust at first.

5. Make The Other Person The Focus Of Your Attention

Attention is key when you are trying to form a strong bond with another person. You have to make sure that your attention remains more or less fixed upon them. This is one of those dating tips that can save you many embarrassing arguments.

A partner who appears to be distracted and doesn’t pay a lot of attention to their date is likely to find themselves on the “rejected” list. Any way you slice it, being boring will be a death sentence. You need to be somewhere in between boring and insane, which really shouldn’t be hard for most people.

You should make the other person feel special. They should feel that they are the most important person in the world to you, at least at that moment. Even if your world doesn’t revolve around them, make them feel as if it does.

For instance, if you are chatting with your date and an old friend comes over to say hello, you should not ignore them. However, you should make sure to keep the majority of your attention on your date. Balancing your attention can be hard, but it is necessary.

Remember, this is a time that you have set aside to be together. Therefore, anything that interferes with that bonding time will inhibit the bonding process. Anything that puts the brakes on that natural bonding process is a date-killer for sure.

6. Find A Middle Ground On Confidence

While everyone knows that confidence is essential, not everyone understands the importance of moderation. You should be confident, but over-confidence usually just comes off as insecurity and overcompensation.

In addition, an over-confident approach to dating tends to intimidate people. Although that might cause some people to show respect to you, it tends to push people away over the long haul.

dating

A lot of this just comes down to being secure with yourself as a person. Some research indicated that self-assuredness is a bigger factor in mate selection than most would have guessed (3). Remember, real confidence requires no advertisement.

That being said, this same study also says that insecure individuals can sometimes be successful by using a variety of tactics to compensate for the macho qualities that they don’t have.

7. Find Your Common Interests

This is a very important step indeed. When you are dating, you need things to talk about. You need things to discuss and consider and ridicule.

In most cases, the bonding of two creatures to one another will happen as a result of a shared experience. In the absence of this, it is important to find something that you have in common. It could be anything, no matter how minor. This is one of the best dating tips we can offer.

Research shows that people tend to gravitate towards people that they feel are more like themselves. These common interests can be a great way to avoid the dead silence that marks a bad date.

This might seem a little difficult since men and women usually tend to have different interests that do not always converge. That being said, there are also many interests, hobbies, and subjects that tend to interest both genders equally.

You might start with something like music or movies. Find out what they like, and start a conversation about it. Politics and religion are hot-button issues, but if you find that you agree on these things, it can be a great source of bonding.

Final Thoughts:

While there is no way to guarantee success in the complicated process of courtship, these seven lessons will serve you well if you learn them well. If you need a general principle to tie everything together, just remember that it’s all about bridging the gap that is created by anxiety.

When we use this metaphor, we are not just speaking of your anxiety, but that of the other person as well. Only by bridging this divide can you move your relationship forward, so don’t hesitate to be outgoing, likable, and honest.

With the right attitude, and a determination to find the right person, virtually anyone can achieve their goals. As a final thought, just remember that all this courtship stuff isn’t that hard. If you look at it as an easy thing, it is more likely that it will be an easy thing. We wish you all the best of luck.

Researchers Reveal Breakthrough Way to Predict Psychosis Before It Happens

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Psychosis.  The word alone raises alarm bells.  Images come to mind of a dirty, ragged individual acting erratically, talking to himself or an unseen provoker, potentially angry or violent.  For the family members and the victim, psychosis is a potentially devastating symptom of an illness that can destroy the future of the patient.

Psychosis can be treated, but it cannot be cured in certain diseases.  For all mental illnesses, it’s a symptom of to what extreme places the mind can go without intervention.  Of course, early diagnosis is the best way to curtail the dangerous path psychosis can take.

Now an early diagnosis may be possible, or far closer than before, as researchers have revealed a breakthrough way to predict psychosis before it happens.

What is psychosis?

Psychosis is a broad term for a sensory experience that has no basis in reality.   It is a symptom, not a diagnosis.  The sensory experiences, according to Medical News Today,  usually consist of:

  • Hallucinations – interacting with things that are not really present but are believed to be perceived through one of the five senses. Most frequently, it is a voice directing or commenting to the person.
  • Delusions – a strong belief that no amount of logic can dissuade. Usually, delusions are associated with “delusions of grandeur” or “delusions of paranoia.”
    • In delusions of grandeur, the individual believes he is someone great. Most commonly, Jesus, God, or a great ruler/king.
    • Delusions of paranoia consist of the belief that someone is trying to harm or kill you. That person can be anyone or a believed demon, devil, etc.
  • Disorganization – this can show itself through behavior, speech, or thoughts.
  • Disordered thinking – leaping from one subject to another with little to no correlation or connecting thoughts together that don’t fit (i.e. the sky is blue, so I am wearing red shoes).
  • Catatonia – sitting, standing, or lying without responding to any stimuli.
  • Difficulty concentrating – difficulty focusing due to increased thoughts or sensory perceptions.

What illnesses can demonstrate psychosis?

The average person most commonly associates psychosis with schizophrenia.  Schizophrenia is a brain disease most often recognized as a mental illness.

A person must exhibit psychotic behavior sporadically for six months or more before they can be diagnosed.  They must also not show other signs of illnesses that may cause psychotic symptoms.

Psychosis is not limited to schizophrenia.  It can happen from a variety of diseases or causes.  According to Psychology Today, three out of 100 Americans will have a psychotic event in their life at some point.  Every year, about 100,000 teens or adults experience their first psychotic event.

Psychosis, while it does occur in mental illnesses like Bipolar Disorder or severe depression, can also occur in other conditions.

  • Up to 50% of individuals with Parkinson’s display symptoms of hallucination.
  • About 20% of people with a form of dementia called “DLB” show signs of visual hallucinations.
  • Sleep disorders can create psychotic symptoms.
  • People withdrawing from alcohol, cocaine, or meth often hallucinate.

Other causes can include:

Diagnosing psychosis

As with any pervasive illness, early diagnosis is critical.  The earlier psychosis gets recognized, diagnosed, and treated, the better prognosis for lessening both the frequency and severity of the symptoms.

In diagnosing psychosis, there are certain symptoms that come to light before actual psychotic symptoms. After the psychotic symptoms have started, there can be different symptoms.

According to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), symptoms of “before psychosis” include:

  • Job performance or grade decline
  • Difficulty thinking clearly or able to focus
  • Uncomfortable around and suspicious of other people
  • Lack of hygiene
  • Isolating themselves more often than usual
  • Extremes of emotions – either extreme outbursts or apathy. These emotions may also demonstrate themselves inappropriately such as laughing at a sad scene in a movie.

After psychosis symptoms begin, the more obvious symptoms begin to show, in addition to the ones listed above:

  • Hallucinations
  • Delusions
  • Further removed from friends and family
  • More difficulty with mental tasks and concentration

The initial symptoms are referred to as prodromal syndrome.  Prodromal is a medical term used to categorize a group of symptoms that have been recognized to precede the onset of mental illness.   It is this stage in which researchers have been focusing their research to better determine individuals at risk of developing psychosis.

Technology using speech analysis to diagnose those at risk for psychosis

Amazingly enough, an AI analyzing speech density and the frequency in which a person discusses voices and sounds has proven to have a 90% accuracy in determining those at risk of developing psychosis.  An article published in npj (nature research journal) details this research project conducted at Emory University and Harvard University by Neguine Rezaii, Elaine Walker, and Phillip Wolff.

Their theory rests on the fact that individuals tend to use language to display knowledge, thoughts, and behavior patterns through speech.  So by analyzing this pattern, a “digital phenotype” can be created.

The fact that our speech is a reflection of our thought process is vital in recognizing psychosis because the first elements of pre-psychotic symptoms lie in the decline of cognition and communication.

There are various studies referenced in the article which validate changes in verbal fluency, word comprehension, connecting words, and brevity of word use, to point to multiple stages of psychosis.

The scientists chose to focus on two distinct factors.

  • Scarcity of word choice or use. This a pre-determining symptom to psychosis.
  • The theory that auditory hallucinations may be able to be predicted due to the subject talking about voices and sounds more frequently.
    • Hallucinations are an established psychotic symptom.

The foundation of language analysis is what is called semantic density, defined as the recognition that our common vocabulary usage is not usually technically accurate based on a literal definition.  Rather, we tend to speak in the implications of societal understood phrases.  Therefore, word choices, meanings, and phonetic use of these words change frequently.

They utilized two different methods to ascertain their results.

  • Vector unpacking: the splitting apart of semantic density and their meanings, then dividing the number of words in a sentence to determine the fullness of the meaning in the sentence.  The goal is to determine the core essence of the sentence.
  • Latent content analysis: Comparing how the subject uses language in comparison to a broader audience.  In the case of this study, the contrast was 30,000 individuals on Reddit.

The specific markers they analyzed semantic density consisted of.

  • Idea density: related to the number of propositions used in a specific vector.
  • Information value: the amount of information relayed in a vector length.
  • Poverty of speech: comparison of semantic density vs the amount of speech produced.

The results of this study demonstrated that individuals later diagnosed psychotic during the two-year follow-up had displayed a lack of sentence variety (semantic density). They also demonstrated an increased slant toward conversations about voices or sounds.

The accuracy of prediction was 93%.

While this study consisted of a small number of participants (40 people), the potential for such an aid to help in early diagnosis in the future is the answer to a prayer for many.

Treatment for Psychosis

Treatment for psychosis as it relates to mental illness should be multi-focused. Indeed,  NAMI referenced the National Institute of Mental Health who conducted a study that outlined the better treatments for psychosis.

The core of the results stated that having a Coordinated Specialty Care program available proved to be the most effective for the patient and family members.  Patients tended to stay in treatment longer also.  The care team has several points of focus:

  • Support and Education for the Family. Psychosis doesn’t just affect the patient, but also the family. It helps to ease stress if the family understands the illness, psychosis, various programs available, etc.
  • Going through the symptoms of psychosis, and the underlying cause of the psychosis can do a number on your self-esteem and view of the future.  It is important that one speaks to a therapist.  Additionally, therapy also helps to teach you how to recognize and handle your symptoms in a pro-active manner to decrease the length and severity of the episodes.
  • Medication management. Finding medication that can effectively treat the psychosis and the underlying cause can be a frustrating, time-consuming process.  Yet, studies have shown that individuals have a better life once that proper formula is found.
  • Education and employment assistance program. It is essential that the patient doesn’t feel as if his education or employment is lost.  Thus, a supportive team will find programs to ensure continued education in a safe environment. Of course, they can also explore employment opportunities.
  • Peer support. Any illness creates the illusion that the victim and the family are alone.  So meeting with other families and individuals who are coping and finding solutions is a fabulous way to not feel alone.

psychopaths

Conclusion: 

Psychosis does not need to cripple an individual for life.  There are many programs available to assist victims and families to better cope and treat the symptoms with the underlying causes.  Early diagnosis is key to making psychosis as minimally impactful as possible.

This breakthrough way to predict psychosis before it happens through speech is remarkable. Of course, we look forward to future findings and tools to make this a reality.

If you suspect your teenager, partner, sibling, or friend may be experiencing symptoms related to psychosis, please do not be afraid to speak to them and try to get help for them.

10 Things to Stop Telling People

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Words are powerful. You can use them to brighten someone’s day or completely ruin it. We often discount the power that they hold. You can use them to present yourself well or terribly. You can lie with them, tell the truth with them, and change lives with them. This means that the things you say to others may have more of an impact than you think. As such, it’s necessary to take responsibility for what you say, and to always choose your words carefully! Are there things you often say that might be causing harm to others? But what if it’s time in your life to stop telling people certain things altogether?

Here Are 10 Things To Stop Telling People

1.    “You’re too sensitive!”

From your perspective, someone in your life may be reacting disproportionately to something you or someone else has said or done. They may be crying about something you’d never dream of feeling hurt over. They might tell you that you’ve upset them, and you personally couldn’t imagine how that bothered them at all.

When this happens, you might be tempted to berate them for being so sensitive. Similar sentiments include:

  • “You’re overreacting.”
  • “Learn to take a joke!”
  • “Come on, it’s not that deep.”
  • “You just don’t have a sense of humor.”
  • “Calm down.”
  • “I didn’t mean it that way, relax.”

But here’s the thing about hurting someone else. It’s basic manners to apologize when someone says you hurt them. You don’t lecture them on how to avoid being hurt by you in the future – you listen, say you’re sorry and discuss the problem if you need to.

2.    “Why can’t you be more like (insert person here)?”

Comparisons are ugly, they don’t help anyone, and, for the most part, they’re unnecessarily hurtful. In moments of frustration, you may wonder why someone in your life can’t be like someone else – but that is a toxic, pointless thought. You may want to say:

  • “Why can’t you listen to me like my mom does?”
  • “I wish you were less of a troublemaker, like your brother.”
  • “You should be more like (insert name).”
  • “Well, how many marks did your classmates get?”
  • “(Insert name) seems fine with it, so you should be, too.”

Why don’t comparisons work? It’s simple: no two people are alike. Everyone is unique, and therefore it is completely pointless to compare those around you. Of course, they will be different, have different progress rates, and have their own issues in life; they’re different people!

On top of that, if you’re using comparisons on a young child, you could be damaging their self-esteem and self-worth. They may continue this pattern of decreased positive thinking and comparison well into adulthood as a result. (1)

3.    “No offense, but …”

The next time you’re about to preface a statement with “no offense, but …”, take a few seconds to think about why you feel the need to do so. Often you’ll find that the reason you need to prepare those around you for a potential offense is because what you’re going to say is fairly offensive!

“No offense, but …” is one of those phrases that is about as effective as “not to be racist, but …” because all you’re doing is warning people in advance that what you’re about to say is definitely not pleasant. You have to figure out which things are worth saying and which are much better left unsaid.

Need to say something that may hurt? Prepare by phrasing it productively, and then just say it! You’ll find that your reception is often a lot more positive when you sound like you’re being upfront and honest, as opposed to trying to avoid getting into trouble.

4.    “Get over it.”

Maybe you’re sick of hearing about how upset someone is, or how sad something that happened has made them. In your annoyance, you tell them to just get over it. This is completely unproductive and not a healthy coping mechanism at all. Definitely a statement you should stop telling people.

The problem is that even if the other person listens to you and decides to forcefully “get over it,” they’re not actually doing so. What they’re doing instead is repressing the problem and pushing it to the back of their minds, where it will sit and fester. Eventually, this will cause even more problems for them, leading to resentment.

It is healthy to deal with problems. We have to confront them, live with them, and work them out in our own time – even if we have some help from other people – in order to truly overcome them. That’s how to deal with them in a positive way. Some issues and painful emotions take longer to overcome than others – and it is not your place to hurry them along or force. (2)

5.    “You’ll change your mind one day.”

Many people, especially those on the younger side, hear all the time that the decisions they’ve made aren’t valid. These decisions may be about:

  • Dating
  • Getting married
  • Having children
  • Studying
  • Jobs

The so-called “superior” wisdom that comes with age may have imparted you with better judgment and knowledge, but it hasn’t allowed you to tell the future. If a young adult says they don’t want kids, it’s very silly to try and convince them that they will one day – especially since that doesn’t impact you at all!

Do you really, really want to make sure that someone knows you suspect they’ll change their mind? Just say, “Let me know if you ever change your mind!” for a more positive ending to that conversation.

6.    “You’re too attractive to (insert action here).”

We live in a world filled with stereotypes about how people’s looks relate to what they do in life. In addition, the world we live in is filled with ideas of what is and isn’t conventionally attractive. It’s difficult not to fall prey to those ideas every once in a while, especially if you were raised believing them.

Sometimes, you might find yourself saying that someone is too attractive to be doing a rugged activity. Or you may say that you didn’t think they were smart or tough because of how attractive they look. All this does is make you look like a bad person, and it isn’t going to be taken as a compliment, no matter how hard you try to sell it.

People’s looks and what they do are not mutually exclusive, and to believe otherwise is to be prejudiced. It’s a very narrow-minded way of looking at the incredibly diverse world that we live in. This is one of those things you should stop telling people.

7.    “Happiness is a choice.”

We see people use this phrase all the time, whether to cheer someone up or try to knock someone out of bad states. Unfortunately, not only is this incredibly condescending to those in bad circumstances or with mental disorders, but it’s also just scientifically inaccurate. Happiness in people is decided through the following three things:

·         Circumstances

Someone’s place in life largely affects the way that they feel – this can range from very little to around 15%.

·         Set Happiness Points

A good portion – a little less than half of it – relies on your genetics and your natural temperament, and this cannot be changed.

·         Intentional Behavior

Personal activity accounts for approximately 40% of your happiness. This means that you can only really control less than half of your mood.

Basically, trying to will someone into positive thinking by telling them to choose happiness just doesn’t work. The previous three points don’t even account for mood disorders that can only be managed, not cured. By making someone believe that it’s their fault that they aren’t happy, you’re doing way more damage than you’re alleviating. (3)

8.    “What’s in it for me?”

No one likes a person who is always asking for something in return. You paint yourself as lazy at work, not to be trusted among friends and family, and calculative in romantic relationships. It’s not a good look for anyone.

Does this mean you should be a “yes man”? No, of course not! Set your boundaries where necessary. At the same time, though, don’t insist on always being repaid for good deeds. Acts of kindness are no longer born out of kindness if you’re expecting to be paid in some way for it.

secrets

9.    “This is all your fault!”

Deflecting blame in self-defense is a very easy thing to do. It’s much harder to admit when you’re in the wrong – or to simply admit that you had a part to play. So you might say things like:

  • “I didn’t know!”
  • “You should have told me.”
  • “How was I supposed to know?”
  • “Look what you made me do!”
  • “This is your fault.”
  • “If you’d (insert action here), maybe this wouldn’t have happened.”
  • “Next time, you should (insert action here).”

But passing blame around like a hot potato isn’t going to help you solve any of the problems at hand. Sometimes it’s your fault and sometimes it’s not. Sometimes everyone is to blame. And at the end of the day, who cares?

When a mistake happens, no matter who is chiefly to blame, now you have to work on finding solutions. That’s just how life works. Getting caught in a game of pointing fingers will likely not help your case. If this is a phrase you use, it’s something you need to stop telling people.

10. “I hate you.”

“Hate” is a very strong word when it is used seriously and not as part of a joke. No matter how you say that you hate someone, you sound childish – and the other person gets the satisfaction of being able to walk away as the bigger person.

But the real reason this is on our list is that this three-word phrase is very commonly used in moments of heightened emotion. You might shout it at your parents, or your significant other, or a friend, or a family member. In your intense anger, you may scream this out, even though you don’t really mean it.

Unfortunately, that one moment can significantly damage your relationship with the other person. Even if you apologize, you can’t take back what you’ve said, and they will remember it. That’s why it’s important that you choose your words wisely.

Final Thoughts On Some Things To Stop Telling People

Do you say any of these 10 things that you should stop telling people? It’s not too late to change! Start avoiding these phrases and start adopting more positive, productive, compassionate ones instead. You’ll find that the people around you respond to you in a better way.

5 Signs Your Ears Are Clogged (And How to Unclog Them Naturally)

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It’s safe to say that almost everyone has experienced some degree of ear clogging at some point in their lives. It’s an experience that ranges from annoying to painful, and if it’s irritating enough, it can affect your positive thinking for that whole day!

There are plenty of reasons that clogging can happen. Illness, wax buildup, trapped water, and infections can all lead to ear congestion. Obstructions within a small canal in your ear called the Eustachian tube can also lead to clogging. This tube is located between the middle ear and the nose and balances out middle ear pressure.

Whatever reason your ears are clogged for, chances are you want to get rid of all that congestion quickly. But do you even know that your clogged ears cause your problems?

Here Are 5 Signs Your Ears Are Clogged, And How To Unclog Them Naturally

1.    Sinus Stuffiness or Pain

One of the most common signs of clogged ears is a stuffy or painful feeling due to sinus pressure. This is typically caused by Eustachian tube congestion, which can make your ears feel excessively tight and lead to added pressure on your sinuses.

Relieving this type of stuffiness is fairly easy, and there are countless different ways to do so. Here are the best tried and tested natural methods for the most positive results.

·         Look Up

Looking or bending down can significantly worsen your pain when your ears are clogged this way. This means saying “no” to yoga routines and certain exercises, and instead focusing on recovering first.

Stand or walk around often, sit up straight, and prop yourself up with some extra pillow in bed to help relieve some of the pain and promote decongestion.

·         Stay Hydrated

Drink a lot of water throughout the day to help thin out the stuffiness. This will allow the congestion to thin, clearing out more easily as you go. If you tend to have trouble sleeping because of congestion, drink extra water at night.

Another option for hydration and moisture is a nasal spray. A simple saline spray does the trick when used a few times throughout the day. This can help to dilute the congestion so it can flow out more easily instead of getting clogged.

There is also the option of using a humidifier in your home to promote more moisture in the air. It’ll be better for your air quality, too, and bad air quality can often lead to congestion. If you don’t want to get a humidifier, take a hot shower whenever the pain flares up.

·         Blow Your Nose Right

If the clogging isn’t too bad, you may be able to blow your nose to get rid of the ear congestion. Cover one of your nostrils and blow out, gently, through the other one. Sometimes blowing your nose normally doesn’t work, so doing it one nostril at a time can be helpful.

·         Balance The Temperature

If you’re congested, you’ll want to stay in situations with nicely balanced temperatures. This is the wrong time to go out in the snow, and it’s the wrong time to sit in a sauna. Make sure you feel comfortable, as extreme temperatures can cause the congestion to worsen.

You may want to go the non-natural route if your issues are particularly severe. You can do so with the following methods.

·         Pain Medication

If you’re feeling a lot of sinus pressure that is causing severe pain and headaches, over-the-counter painkillers can do wonders. Acetaminophen is a great option in those situations, as are naproxen and ibuprofen.

·         Decongestant Sprays

We’ve discussed using nasal sprays before, but some home-done saline solutions just don’t cut it. Buy a nasal decongestant spray for quick and easy relief, but do not overuse it. Using them for three days or more in a row can cause extra congestion.

·         Decongestant Tablets

They’re less popular, but plenty of pharmacies sell tablets that you can take which help break down clogs. Talk to your local pharmacists about options, and remember not to take more than the recommended dose!

2.    Decreased Hearing or A Full Feeling

Sometimes, your ears might feel like they’re stuffy on their own – and that’s the only sign you need for clogging! They feel full, congested, and stuffy, sometimes to the point of giving you some hearing trouble, where everything around you seems to sound a little muffled. Here’s what you might need to do to get this feeling to die down.

·         Irrigation

You can irrigate your ear to help flush out soft earwax, though it won’t work on overly hardened wax. Ear irrigation must be done carefully, but you can do it yourself at home with no problem if you follow instructions. Look up a guide before doing so!

·         Oils

Olive oil, mineral oil, and baby oil are all great ways to help clean out your ears from that full feeling. Choose the type of oil you want to use, take around three tablespoons of it, and warm it up so it’s not cold. Before proceeding, test the oil against your wrist to ensure it isn’t too hot!

Using a dropper of your choice, take some of that oil and gently drop a little bit into your ear – just one or two drops will do. Leave your head tilted with the oil inside your ear to flow in well, maintaining the position for around fifteen seconds.

You should do this a second time on the same day; continue to do so twice daily until you don’t feel clogged anymore. But don’t exceed five days in a row!

·         Hydrogen Peroxide

Just like with mineral oil, you can use drops of hydrogen peroxide to help clear out your ears. Get some warm water and mix a little hydrogen peroxide into it, then apply the mixture to the inside of your ear with a dropper as you would for oils. You can also use carbamide peroxide otic the same way.

If your ears feel very full, you may want to forgo natural unclogging methods and go for medicinal ones – like over-the-counter ear drops! Till then, keep your positive thinking up!

3.    Dizziness

Dizziness can be a result of excess pressure that is building up within your ear. If you’re so dizzy that you can barely stand, you must go to a doctor. But if it’s just mild lightheadedness, there’s a good chance it’s from sinus issues.

Unfortunately, there aren’t many ways to get naturally treat this issue. Your best bet is avoiding certain things, such as:

  • Caffeine
  • Alcohol
  • Salt
  • Cigarettes (and other tobacco)
  • Fast movements
  • Intense exercise
cleaning ears

Ear Specialists Explain Why You Should Stop Cleaning Ears With Cotton Buds

4.    Sneezing or Coughing

It’s one thing to have some simple clogging, but when you start to cough, sneeze, or display other flu-like systems, you know the clogging is due to a full-blown flu or cold. In these cases, you may do better seeing a doctor. But if you’re still looking for positive natural unclogging methods for your ears specifically, these may work.

·         Get A Warm Compress

Use a warm compress beneath your clogged ears to help drain out your nasal passages quickly and effectively. To do so, start by warming up some water. While it’s hot, grab some clean cloth and gently soak it in that water. Ensure it’s not too hot; you don’t want to burn your skin!

Squeeze the cloth so it isn’t dripping, then apply it gingerly right under the ear that is clogged. Leave it there for between five and ten minutes for the best results.

·         Steam Yourself

Steaming your face can help relieve the clogging in your ears while promoting healing for coughs, sneezes, and colds. The easiest way to do this is by running boiling water in the shower and then sitting outside in the bathroom to bask in the steam. You can also take only hot showers for as long as you’re congested.

You can also do this more instantly for even more effectiveness. Start by boiling some water in a pot on your stove. Once it’s boiled, take it off the stove and move it somewhere convenient.

Once that’s done, cover your head and the pot with one big towel, hovering your head over the pot. Close your eyes and breathe in deeply to get that steam in your system!

·         Try Essential Oils

Essential oils tend to hold a lot of properties that allow them to fight inflammation and congestion. They often also have antibiotic, antifungal, and antiseptic properties that give them lots of positive uses.

Peppermint oil, tea tree oil, and eucalyptus oil are all great essential oil options for this purpose. Use a diffuser and breathe them in to help clear the clogging in your ears. (You can also inhale the scent straight from the bottle!)

Do note that you should never apply pure essential oil directly onto your skin, which can lead to burns!

·         Use Salt Water

Salt water is a go-to solution for basically most conditions. Grab some warm water and mix a little salt into it, then use this as a mouthwash. Basically, you need to gargle with that salt water solution.

Swish it around your mouth for a few seconds to help reduce mucus as the salt draws out the moisture from its surroundings. Spit it out once you’re done.

5.    Ringing Ears, Discharge, and Other Signs

Are your ears ringing? Is there discharge coming out of them? Do your ears hurt very severely? Are you so dizzy you’re losing your balance? It’s time to go to the doctor.

Sure, there are plenty of ways for you to deal with clogged ears naturally, but it’s equally important to know when it’s time to get help. You may have an ear infection or a sinus infection that is causing your clogged ears.

A doctor can give you a diagnosis that works, and they may be able to provide you with more positive, effective methods to clear out your ears. Natural methods are great, but don’t forget they’re not a replacement for professional medical help!

ears

Final Thoughts On Some Signs Your Ears Are Clogged And How To Unclog Them Naturally

Clogged ears are annoying, unpleasant, and even painful. Several other symptoms can sometimes throw you off from realizing that your ears need attention. Watch for these five signs your ears are clogged, and feel free to use those natural methods to deal with the problem!

Cucumber For Weight Loss: Weight Loss Smoothies + Health Benefits

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Are you looking for a delicious way to aid your current diet? Eating cucumbers for weight loss doesn’t need to be a tasteless dreadful affair. Research shows eating your vegetables assists you in dropping pounds without starving your body of the nutrition and hydration it needs. (1)

Cucumber smoothies are one fun way, and you don’t need fancy juicing equipment either. A regular blender will do the trick.

Cucumber Facts

These lean green machines contain (2):

  • Antioxidants
  • Vitamin K
  •  16 calories per serving
  • High water content
  • Provides more hydration than water (3, 4)

Although we commonly call it a vegetable, cucumbers are actually fruits and belong to the same family as melons. You can enjoy the whole food or puree them to add to smoothies and other beverages. The only wrong way to eat cucumber is to not eat them.

Do your best to leave on the peel though. That’s where a large part of the nutrients reside. Avoid seedless varieties for more healthful benefits too since they contain calcium and minerals. (5)

6 Reasons to Enjoy Cucumbers

 

1. You Could Lose Weight

The calories in a single serving of this filling food will help to keep you fuller longer, and if you’re replacing unhealthy foods, you should see results on your scale.

At only 16 calories a serving with low carbohydrates, protein, and fat, the cucumber can find a home in nearly any type of diet or lifestyle.

2. You Could Lower Your Blood Sugar

Animal studies show promising results that cucumbers will naturally reduce your blood sugar. They also assisted in controlling levels.

Other studies that fed cucumber peel found similar results to eating the whole cucumber too.

While cucumber along might not reverse diabetes, research supports that it can make a healthful addition to a diabetic’s food choices. Some scientists wish to further study it to determine if a diet rich in cucumbers helps prevent diabetes and prediabetes.

3. Promotes Regular Bowel Movements

A common cause of constipation is dehydration. Cucumbers contain a fiber called pectin. Both the fiber and water content fight constipation and assist in keeping you regular.

4. Hydration

Obtaining water from fruits and vegetables assists our bodies year-round to maintain healthy hydration levels. Without a constant source of water, your body can’t work properly.

5. Antioxidants to Fight Free Radicals and Might Reduce Cancer Risks

Oxidative stress wreaks havoc on your body inside and out. It causes advanced signs of skin aging, breaks down healthy cells, and it can cause or promote cancer and chronic illnesses. One defense you have in your arsenal is to consume foods high in antioxidants.

6. Could Promote Healthy Bones

We often think of calcium when referring to bone health. Did you know your body also requires vitamin K for a strong skeleton system? Low-density levels and fracture incident actually has a correlation to low vitamin K levels.

A 2000 study, featuring elderly women and med, witnessed a hip fracture reduction rate in participants who consumed healthy amounts of vitamin K.

Are There Risks in Consuming Cucumbers?

One concern comes from the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list, which contains vegetables and fruits commonly found loaded with pesticides with links to cancer and disease. Cucumbers no longer make their list as of 2018 though.

They still recommend purchasing organic when possible or growing your own to reduce your exposure to harmful and potentially harmful chemicals.

Cucumbers might contain wax coating to protect them during shipping. This applies to both organic and conventional varieties. You should remove this before eating.

Also, remember to vary your vegetable choices. Load up your plate with a variety of vegetables and fruits to ensure you receive the different nutrients your body requires to work well.

Vitamin K Concerns

Because cucumbers have a moderate amount of vitamin K, some people taking certain medications should speak with their doctor. Most notable are blood-thinning, antibiotics, prescription and over the counter weight loss medications, and cholesterol-reducing medications.

These medications can increase the likelihood of low vitamin K levels as well as induce deficiency side effects.

Tasty, Healthful Ways You Can Enjoy Cucumber for Weight Loss

The easiest way to enjoy your cucumbers is in slices. Nosh on them with your favorite low-calorie dip, fill with hummus or pop them plain. Second to this would be as a salad topper.

However, some people aren’t a fan and avoid them completely. Cucumber smoothies offer you a chance to hide your fruits in veggies under the mask of a sweet or tropical flavor.

Cucumber Smoothies

 

Detoxifying Cucumber Smoothies

Ingredients:

  • 2/3 cup of unsweetened plant-based milk
  • ¾ cup of ice
  • 1 ½ cups of kale, chopped
  • 1 cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • ½ green apple, peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 tbsp. flax seed, ground
  • Honey to taste, optional

Directions:
1. Combine ingredients in a blender.
2. Blend until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
3. Enjoy

Cucumber Melon Protein Smoothie

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of yogurt or dairy-free alternative yogurt, unflavored and no added sugar
  • One cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • ½ cup of cantaloupe or honeydew melon
  • 1 tbsp. vegan protein powder

Directions:
1. Combine ingredients in a blender.
2. Pulse until desired consistency is reached.
3. Enjoy as a drink, smoothie bowl, or mix in some granola or Muesli.

Antioxidant Booster

This is a go-to favorite around cold and flu season, and I reach for it any time I start feeling ill.

Ingredients:

  • ¼ cup of mango, chopped
  • An orange, peeled
  • 1 cup of cucumber, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tbsp. flax seeds, ground
  • One cup of spinach or kale

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
2. Mix until you’ve reached your desired consistency.
3. Enjoy over ice or as is.

Cucumber Juice

Technically not a cucumber smoothie recipe, but it’s a beverage you can enjoy that offers similar benefits.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cucumbers, peeled and diced
  • 1/2c-1c of water
  • Melon slices, lemon juice, or mint sprigs, optional

Directions:
1. Place cucumber in a blender or food processor. Blend until no chunks remain.
2. Slowly add water until you reach your desired consistency.
3. Add optional ingredients, sip, and enjoy.

Moderation is Key with Your Cucumber Smoothies

Supplemental juicing and plant-based smoothies are an excellent way to obtain more nutrients from your food.

However, if your goal is weight loss, you’ll want to stick to lower sugar fruits. Juicing and smoothies can be made healthful, but the sugar in fruit can also sabotage your efforts. Another study showed a juice only fast slowed metabolisms.

Be mindful of your frequency if you’re eating cucumber for weight loss, and exercise moderation when using high-sugar fruits and juices in your smoothie recipes.

Cucumber Sandwich Ideas

Not everyone enjoys cucumber smoothies, so here are some additional ways to get more cucumber or vegetables into your diet.

Cucumber sandwiches make for fun finger food that’s also portable. The prep work takes almost no time too, so it’s great for busy people. All you need to do is peel (optional) and slice the cucumbers, then pick a filling.

Healthy Filling Ideas

  • Hummus
  • Meatless luncheon meat and dairy free cheese slices
  • Cream cheese or cream cheese alternative spreads
  • Almond butter
  • Tuna or salmon
  • Egg salad

cucumber

Bonus: Pickles and Chips!

Refrigerator Pickles

No canning materials needed for this quick and easy pickle recipe from Bless This Mess Please. You maintain many of the benefits of eating cucumbers, but you can increase its them with the addition of apple cider vinegar.

Fermented Pickles

Interested in fermenting your pickles for even more healthful, probiotic benefits? Did you know fermented foods promote weight loss?

You can make a single batch or multiple jars if you have the proper canning equipment.

Spiced Cucumber Chips

Try this healthy, baked alternative to the potato varieties. Adapted from Karissa’s Vegan Kitchen.

If you have a food dehydrator, you can use your machine instead of the oven. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Ingredients:

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon
  • ½ tsp. ground cayenne pepper
  • Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 170 degrees.
2. Layer slices between paper towels to drain excess moisture.
3. Combine seasonings in a bowl. Add slices and toss to coat.
4. Lay in a single layer on a parchment lined baking pan.
5. Bake for about 3 ½ to 4 hours

Final Thoughts on Cucumber for Weight Loss, Cucumber Smoothies, and Other Healthful Ways to Eat More Cucumber

Cucumbers are a great addition to any diet because of their nutrient-rich profile. The water, vitamins, and minerals replenish your body after workouts and refresh you instantly. Plus, they’re inexpensive and available year round, making them the perfect addition to a weight loss or maintenance program.

Remember, if you’re not a fan of certain vegetables or fruits, you can easily mask their taste and/or texture in healthful cucumber smoothies.

Cucumber based dishes and treats might be the answer you’re seeking. Either way, incorporating a few of these delicious recipes into your weekly meal plan sure will not harm your health.

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