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7 Deficiencies That Make It Hard to Fall Asleep

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A lack of sleep can lead to issues with concentration, productivity, immunity, and positive thinking. A shocking one in three people in America do not get the right amount of sleep every single night – and that’s just on of the many deficiencies experienced by adults.

The correct amount of nightly sleep is between 7 to 9 hours, depending on your body’s unique needs. This means chucking aside your devices and focusing on getting to bed instead of binge-watching your favorite shows! It also means trying to have a regular, reasonable sleep schedule.

But what happens if you’re doing everything you can to ensure you receive sufficient sleep, but still fall short? What if you simply can’t sleep, and lay awake for hours? What if you wake up constantly during the night, or wake up still feeling exhausted?

Believe it or not, these sleep issues could be caused by some kind of deficiency. If you’re lacking a certain nutrient or hormone, your body may be unable to get the rest it needs.

Here Are 7 Deficiencies That Make It Hard To Fall Asleep

bed sleep

1.    Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is water-soluble and cannot be made by the human body on its own. Mostly, it can be found in animal products, so it’s important for those who don’t eat meat to make sure they’re getting enough of it.

A lack of this vitamin has been linked time and time again to a variety of sleep issues, including insomnia, restless sleep, and fatigue during the day. Though the exact effects are still being studied, there is plenty of evidence that shows that taking B12 supplements in small doses can boost sleep quality and prevent sleep disturbance.

In addition, a lack of vitamin B12 in one’s diet can lead to mood issues, including depression and a lack of positive thinking. These problems can make you feel even more tired, or, worse still, exacerbate existing sleep troubles in general. You might toss and turn, have a mind too full to relax or find yourself waking up throughout the night.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

  • Sleep issues
  • Poor digestion
  • Headaches and migraines
  • Depression
  • Cramps
  • Fatigue
  • Cognitive decline

Here are some food options for extra vitamin B12:

  • Sardines
  • Trout
  • Salmon
  • Animal kidneys
  • Animal liver meat
  • Fortified cereal
  • Clams
  • Tuna
  • Beef
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Milk and dairy

2.    Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency doesn’t sound like it would be very common, but a shocking 41% of people in the US have this issue to some degree. It makes sense, however, when you think about how many people spend their lives indoors, working in offices or doing other similar tasks; additionally, many people are aware of the dangers of intense sunlight and try to avoid it.

The body produces vitamin D naturally when you are out under the sun; it’s not extremely common in sufficient doses in food, though there are some places you can get it. More importantly, a lack of vitamin D can actually manifest in a higher risk of developing different sleep disorders, including insomnia. As a matter of fact, any erratic or unusual composition of vitamin D makes it hard to fall asleep.

Too much vitamin D – whether from consuming too many supplements or basking in too much UVB light – is just as bad and can lead to excessive sleepiness during the day. This will essentially mess up the body’s natural sleep cycle, so you won’t be able to fall asleep when night falls. Meanwhile, in men, a lack of vitamin D can lead to less than five hours of night sleep.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include:

  • Hair loss
  • Regular illness
  • Back pain
  • Muscle pain
  • Slowed healing of wounds
  • Fatigue
  • Bone pain and loss
  • Depression

Here are some food options for extra vitamin D:

  • Sardines
  • Egg yolk
  • Oatmeal and cereal
  • Cod liver oil
  • Salmon
  • Oysters
  • Orange juice
  • Shrimp
  • Herring
  • Caviar
  • Canned tuna
  • Mushroom
  • Milk and soy milk

3.    Iron

Anemia is a very common condition, defined as a deficiency in the mineral iron. It can actually be quite serious and cause a host of other health conditions if left unchecked. Mild deficiencies do not typically manifest so severely, but they do cause minor issues – and one of those issues has to do with sleep.

Anemia is a common factor in a condition known as restless leg syndrome. As its name suggests, it involves the uncontrollable movement of the legs, especially when lying down. This means that, even if you fall asleep fine, the sudden jerking of your limbs can cause you to wake back up again, ruining your sleep. This may carry on repeatedly throughout a  whole night.

There are plenty of iron-rich foods available, but iron supplements are fairly common. It is worth noting, though, that if you are consuming iron-rich foods but continue to show signs of anemia, it may be the sign of a more serious health issue. Speak to your doctor if you notice any such issues.

Symptoms of iron deficiency include:

  • Appetite loss
  • Fatigue and lethargy
  • Chest pain
  • Brittle nails
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Weakness
  • Short breath
  • Cold extremities
  • Increased, rapid heart rate
  • Cravings for non-food items
  • Sore or inflamed tongue

Here are some food options for extra iron:

  • Green vegetables
  • Red meat
  • Fish
  • Lentils
  • Offal
  • Seeds
  • Duck
  • Turkey
  • Egg
  • Nuts
  • Dried fruit
  • Pork
  • Chicken
  • Whole grains
  • Beans

4.    Vitamin B6

Commonly known as pyridoxine, this water-soluble nutrient is crucial for the conversion of amino acids into the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin. This means it facilitates positive thinking and keeps your mood balanced.

The balanced levels of serotonin are also good for you because they help to balance your melatonin in turn. In short, one balanced hormone usually leads to other equally balanced hormones. So, regulating your mood is essentially crucial to your sleep.

In addition, studies have shown that individuals who do not consume sufficient vitamin B6 wind up dealing with bad quality of sleep. Further research indicates that consuming supplements for vitamin B6 help sleep cycles to be more restorative and restful; study participants woke up feeling more refreshed and energized every morning.

Vitamin B6 can be found in foods such as chickpeas, salmon, watermelon, and spinach.

Symptoms of vitamin B6 deficiency include:

  • Increased frequency of sickness
  • Cracking or soreness in lips
  • Exhaustion
  • Swelling, redness, or smoothness of tongue
  • Pain in extremities
  • Tingling in extremities
  • Rashes
  • Mood swings
  • Seizures

Here are some food options for extra vitamin B6:

  • Salmon
  • Beef
  • Milk
  • Tuna
  • Grapes
  • Chicken liver
  • Sweet potato
  • Chickpeas
  • Avocado
  • Banana
  • Nuts
  • Ricotta
  • Mango
  • Green peas
  • Eggs
  • Cereal
  • Pineapple
  • Spinach
  • Carrots

5.    Magnesium

Magnesium plays a big role in producing enzymes. One such enzyme is linked to the production of a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid, or GABA for short. Without enough GABA, your nervous system suffers, your senses are dulled, and sleeping gets more difficult to do.

Magnesium deficiency has been tied, multiple times, to classic symptoms of insomnia. It’s also a fairly dangerous mineral to get too little of, as it can cause a lot of normal bodily functions to crank to a halt. It can also lead to mood swings, anxiety, and fewer positive brain function overall.

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include:

  • Lack of appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • High blood pressure
  • Irregular heart rate
  • Weakness
  • Muscle cramps
  • Muscle twitching and contractions
  • Osteoporosis
  • Asthma
  • Exhaustion
  • Mood disorders

Here are some food options for extra magnesium:

  • Leafy green vegetables
  • Banana
  • Seeds
  • Avocado
  • Broccoli
  • Figs
  • Nuts and legumes
  • Peas
  • Raspberries
  • Asparagus
  • Salmon
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Tuna
  • Whole grains
  • Cabbage
  • Cacao and dark chocolate
  • Mackerel
  • Green beans
  • Tofu
  • Artichokes

6.    Vitamin C

Vitamin C is good for many, many things, and you probably know it best for combating sickness. But it’s also very good for regulating stress, helping to bring down stress hormone levels. This, in turn, can help make for better sleep because stress typically manifests through insomnia or restless sleep.

Research has, in fact, indicated that vitamin C reduces the levels of cortisol, which is a particularly well-known stress hormone, in the body. This is how it improves your overall tolerance to stress and helps to prevent sleep deprivation.

Symptoms of vitamin C deficiency include:

  • Lack of immunity
  • Anemia
  • Bent or curling body hair
  • Joint pain and swelling
  • Delay in wound healing
  • Redness on hair follicles
  • Gum bleeding
  • Lines or redness on fingernails
  • Rough, damaged, and dry skin
  • Easy bruising
  • Bone weakness
  • Weight gain
  • Mood swings
  • Fatigue

Here are some food options for extra vitamin C:

  • Peppers
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Blackcurrant
  • Guava
  • Kiwi
  • Mustard leaves
  • Broccoli
  • Citrus fruit
  • Strawberries
  • Kale
  • Parsley
  • Lychee
  • Thyme

7.    Melatonin

sleep

Melatonin is the body’s natural sleep hormone. Without it, sleep just isn’t possible. That’s why it’s a good thing that the body produces this hormone all on its own. The problem is that a lot of habits can reduce this hormone’s presence.

Bright lights, including from all sorts of device screens, are the primary cause of melatonin deficiency in our modern world. Blue light filters help somewhat, but not nearly as much as they need to. A bad diet can also cause melatonin production to go downhill.

For better melatonin production, you can opt for healthier foods and more positive bedtime routines that don’t involve a TV, computer, or phone screen. Melatonin supplements are also available for those who truly struggle with producing enough of this crucial hormone.

Some foods are believed to up melatonin production. Here are your options:

  • Walnuts
  • Bananas
  • Tart cherries
  • Goji berries
  • Oranges
  • Pineapple
  • Tomatoes
  • Almonds

Final Thoughts On Some Deficiencies That Make It Hard To Fall Asleep

Deficiencies can be the sources of bad sleep, and they put you at higher risk of developing sleep disorders. It’s important to make sure that your diet and lifestyle include all the essential nutrients that your body needs or you risk facing more than just bad sleep.

There are plenty of options for you, from adjusting your meal plans to taking supplements to help eradicate deficiencies. Do note, of course, that too much of these nutrients is just as bad as a deficiency, if not worse, so make sure you eat everything in balance!

Unfortunately, nutritional deficiencies cause numerous health problems when they become too serious. If you suspect a severe deficiency, speak to your doctor immediately. You should also discuss taking supplements or making significant dietary changes with a medical professional first before taking the plunge.

Doctors Explain How Poor Gut Bacteria Can Lead to Depression

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Scientists have found several links between our gut bacteria and brain health that might change treatment options for mental disorders in the future. Many struggle with depression and related illnesses for which antidepressants or mood stabilizers have not been effective. For others, these treatments cause severe side effects. For such people, focusing on gut health may bring much-needed relief.

This research is still ongoing and cannot guarantee a “cure” for depression. However, the latest news about how poor gut bacteria can lead to depression shows some promise in how we approach mental illness.

Doctors Explain How Poor Gut Bacteria Can Lead to Depression

The impact of our microbiome on the immune system, brain development, and behavior have been the subject of much research in recent years.  In 2015, 90% of the more than 4,000 articles published on the subject published within the previous 5 years.  This makes it a rather recent correlation in the field of psychology and biology as it relates to humans.  Much of this research is still being conducted in the lab through clinical observations and animal trials.

Essentially scientists have discovered strong evidence of a connection between the gut and the brain. This is created while we are still in the womb, but the effects remain throughout our lifetime.  The microorganisms that live in our gut are in constant communication with the gut and immune system cells.  This communication creates an interaction for the development of many neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders, with autoimmune disorders being the most prevalent.

Essentially, if a mother had poor gut health while pregnant, then it created a deficiency in the formation of certain systems in the fetus. Unfortunately, these systems are instrumental in neuropsychology development, as well as immune and endocrine system operation. Basically, having proper gut health in the beginning stages of life is out of our hands; however, we can alter it by changing our diet once we have freedom to do so.

Our Healthy Friends

These microbiomes, or “gut bacteria,” have been essential links to the progress of humans throughout our evolution. Originally, our more than 1,000 species and over 7,000 subspecies of gut microbiota had been producing metabolites and nucleic acids in the gut and transporting them into our circulatory system. This triggered various inactive genes which were designed to benefit our health and disease evolution.

This led to nicknaming the microorganisms our “healthy friends,” which later on led to the Healthy Friend hypothesis. This hypothesis came about in 1989 with the observation that there was an increase in allergic diseases and autism in more developed countries.  The hypothesis states that developed countries tend to be more hygienic by using antibacterial sprays and antibacterial hand washes and have made more changes in their diet, creating a change in our relationship with our “healthy friends.”

Gut-Brain Connection to Mental Health

It is relatively easy to understand how our “healthy friends,” or gut bacteria, can affect our immune system and resistance to diseases. However, how exactly does gut bacteria influence mental health?  As mentioned above, we have thousands of microorganisms tasked with creating benefits leading to our evolution.  Of those thousands of microorganisms, some were tasked with aiding in the creation of certain hormones related to our mental abilities and health.

Here is a list of some gut bacteria and how they relate to our mental wellbeing:

Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium synthesize gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) from monosodium glutamate.  GABA is a neurotransmitter that blocks impulsive nerve cells in the brain.  Low levels are associated with anxiety and mood disorders.

Escherichia coli, Bacillus, and Saccharomyces produce norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is a chemical in the brain and body that acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter.  Its function is to prepare the brain and body for action in times of waking and various levels of stress.

Candida, Streptococcus, Escherichia, and Enterococcus produce serotonin.  Serotonin is also known as 5-HT and is referred to as the “happy chemical” since it plays a key role in maintaining mood balance.  It transmits messages between nerve cells and is involved in the synthesis of melatonin which helps balance our sleep cycle.

Bacillus and Serratia produce dopamine.  It is similar to serotonin and norepinephrine in that it is a hormone and neurotransmitter.  It is responsible for signaling a perceived pleasure from a desired outcome of an event.  The higher your dopamine levels, the higher your desire to do a certain activity, which raises its level.  It is often associated with addictions, but in its proper amount acts as an internal motivator.  It also has various other duties related to our nervous system, digestive system, and immune system.

Research on Gut Bacteria

When rats were given Bifidobacterium infantis orally, they saw an increase in plasma tryptophan levels. Tryptophan is necessary to aid in the production of serotonin, melatonin, niacin (vitamin B3), and other hormones.

Lactobacillus acidophilus increases the expression of cannabinoid receptors in the brainstem.  These receptors are involved in our sensations of appetite, pain, mood, and memory.

Conversely, germ-free (GF) rats had high plasma serotonin levels.  Having high levels of serotonin can lead to serotonin syndrome, which is toxic to the body. Antidepressants known as SSRI’s and MAOI’s are designed to increase serotonin levels through various methods but must be monitored to prevent too much of an increase.

The psychiatric field has been using medication for years to attempt to balance serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain to treat depression.  Unfortunately, many people on antidepressants or mood stabilizers still report having symptoms.   Additionally, the medications come with a lot of side effects which may make taking them a miserable experience.  Ironically, these very medications can also alter our gut health; then again, stress, poor diet, trauma, lack of sleep, and plenty of other factors influence gut bacteria as well.

Because of the increasing importance of gut health, healthcare professionals have recently started advising individuals who are on various types of medications to supplement with probiotics. Many people with mental disorders report having digestive problems such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and bloating; probiotics help with these issues.  Now with this new research, perhaps all psychiatrists will advise to use them as a supplement to antidepressant or mood stabilizing medications as part of the treatment.

Are we ready for probiotics to be the next step in treatment for depression?

All studies on the connection between gut bacteria and depression have primarily been done through animal testing. However, a few years ago, John Cryan, a neuroscientist at the University College Cork, published the results of his experiments on humans.  He first did an experiment on mice using Bifidobacterium longum bacteria to see how it would influence stress levels; the results were positive.

gut bacteria leads to depression

To see if he could get the same results in humans, he took 22 men and put them through a series of stressful situations, such as immersing their hands in ice cold water.  They were then given the powder form of the bacteria which was dissolved in milk.  After 4 weeks of being on these probiotics, they showed an increased resistance to the cold water and ability to keep their hands in the water for longer periods.  They also showed an improvement on memory tests.

Before you decide to run out to your neighbor health or drug store, John Cryan does warn, however, that:

  • We don’t have any evidence that the probiotics sold in stores will have the same result as the ones in the lab.
  • No single probiotic provides a magical cure for depression or any other mental illness. Test results also point to the use of one probiotic helping in one area but causing a deficit in another. As he puts it, “There’s no one bug to rule them all.”

Cryan states that the best course of action is to eat a daily healthy diet low in fast food as a method of getting a variety of healthy bugs, or microorganisms, in your body.  Creating a lifestyle of eating healthy can help ensure a healthy communication between the gut and brain. Therefore, it can minimize the negative effects of having too few “healthy friends.”

Final thoughts

While the studies are not conclusive yet, they give hope for those who struggle with depression or mental illness.  Whether you are on medication or not, changing your diet produces a better environment for gut bacteria. This will improve the connection between your gut and brain. Plus, having a healthy diet and taking probiotics helps increase other healthy gut behaviors. The latest report for the gut-brain connection to depression still awaits a final conclusion. Still, the evidence thus far brings hope to those who suffer from mental illness.

After all, a healthy diet does wonders for your brain and body, so it’s no surprise that it might help ease symptoms of depression. You don’t have to overhaul your diet completely, just work to make small changes each day so you can enjoy a clearer mind and a healthier gut.

5 Signs of A “Real” Positive Person

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I used to think that a positive person was someone who just said positive things to placate those around them.  It seemed like an insincere and almost patronizing way of dealing with an “end-of-the-world” scenario.  After all, if they really understood how devastating the situation was, how could they be positive about it?  I also believed they probably had an easy life, or had a more blessed life than myself and could afford to show more positivity.

I could not have been more wrong.  Real positive thinkers are people who genuinely see the other side – the positive side – not because they are more blessed, have had an easy life, or just don’t let things bother them.  Rather, because they are “real” and positive toward life, they look at things with a glass half-full.

By “real,” I mean they possess a genuine and authentic sense of self.  Additionally, they have learned how to use the power of positive thinking in their life.  It is now a natural part of them.  What does that look like in a person? Do you have the traits of a real positive thinker?

Here are 5 signs of being a “real” positive thinker:

Do you exhibit these traits of a positive person?

1.     A “real” positive person doesn’t act differently around different people.

A person who is real or genuine cannot be any other way.  They tend to be self-reflective and honest and are constantly working on understanding themselves and their world. They continue to question their beliefs but stand firm on core values. Whether they are with their boss, a complete stranger, or their friends, they remain comfortable with who they are and will act the same around all of the above.  This is not to say that different people won’t bring out different personality traits in them, but you will always see a consistent theme in who they are.

A real positive person is neither perfect, nor are they striving to be.  They have simply accepted their faults, made the best of them, and will take responsibility for their actions.

A real positive person has a fairly solid self-esteem.  They aren’t arrogant, but they don’t put themselves down, either.  They recognize their value and that is enough for them.  If they run across someone who doesn’t see their value or doesn’t like their quirks, they aren’t going to change who they are to get that person to like them.  Real positive people understand that there is not one person that is for everyone and they don’t take it personally.

The development of the above traits allows them to be themselves with everyone more naturally, without stressing over how they “should be.”

2.  They don’t try too hard.

Most positive people are considered optimists or individuals who always see the bright and shiny side of the world.  Negative people might see them as naïve and gullible, that they live in denial and aren’t looking at the harsh realities of life.  Research says otherwise.  Researcher Suzanne Segerstrom PhD., the assistant psychology professor at the University of Kentucky, studies how optimism affects the immune system.

She stated, “My evidence suggests that optimists are not naïve. They are, however, wiser in expending their energies and better at directing their attention to and elaborating [on] positive information.”  Essentially, positive thinkers tend to choose to focus their energy and attention on positive aspects.

Segerstrom was doing research to evaluate why positive or optimistic people tend to show short-term decreases in their immune system after a disappointment, but don’t suffer long-term repercussions. Originally, the long-held theory was that a positive person would become ill due to facing disappointment or disillusionment when things didn’t work out as they believed. Suzanne Segerstrom’s findings were actually a bit different.

“It’s that they try harder to achieve their goals. They put forth more effort, and it’s this increased effort that is associated with downward changes in the immune system,” she says. Pessimists, on the other hand, would be more likely to give up entirely.

Another researcher, Sonja Lyubomirsky, researched how people pursued happiness and why some were happier than others.  She came up with the “Construal Theory of Happiness” which states “happy people construe the world, themselves and other people in more positive and adaptive ways than unhappy people do.”

A positive person makes a choice to see the positive aspects of this world and their circumstances.

Therefore, they can more easily adapt to situations than unhappy people can.  Have you ever noticed that if you dwell on how hard or bad a situation is, it feels overwhelming and more bad things seem to happen?  On the other hand, a real positive person finds the silver lining and makes it work for them, minimizing further negative effects.

You could say that positive thinking made their life easy; in reality, they made positive thinking easy.  By looking for positive outcomes of events, they have trained their brain to understand that seeking out the positive feels good.  Because they practice positive thinking in their daily life, it feels effortless to them.

3.  A real positive person practices what they preach.

A real positive thinker is comfortable in their own skin.  They are confident, have accepted their weaknesses and strengths, and take responsibility for their actions.  They know their limits and are not looking to please everyone.  This gives them the ability to say “No” to someone if they recognize that they are unable or unwilling to do something.  This means they always do as they say and don’t have a problem speaking up for themselves.

Many people are “people pleasers” in that they attempt to do and be everything to others; this concept, in reality, does not work since you can never please everyone.  A real positive person has realized and accepted this.  They recognize it is more valuable to ensure that when they do say “Yes” to someone, their ability to complete what they agreed to is a better testament of their value to others.  To do as they say allows others to trust their word, have confidence in its completion, and have positive results.

4.  They stand in the face of adversity.

Researchers have relatively recently been studying what traits lead to success.  For years, it was assumed to be a loving, supportive family, strong finances, education and intelligence.  Yet, we all know of the stories of people who came from devastating family circumstances, without money and limited education, who rose to great success.

Researchers have been studying what exactly made these individuals different.  The answer, not surprisingly, is simply perseverance.  Research shows hardiness is the key to the resiliency for not only surviving, but also thriving, under stress. Hardiness enhances performance, leadership, conduct, stamina, mood and both physical and mental health.

They have found three beliefs that positive thinkers with perseverance have in common:

  • Commitment: A belief that leads one to become involved in events, rather than isolating oneself
  • Control: A belief that drives them to influence the events in their lives rather than play the victim and let life happen to them. In other words, they happen to life.
  • Challenge Attitudes: A belief that stressful events do not necessarily equate to just a negative situation but an opportunity for learning and growth.

You could say that real positive thinkers have learned how to take “the bull by the horns” by showing perseverance to ensure they succeed in life regardless of circumstances.  This perseverance is something they have learned to strengthen within themselves through various positive thinking methods.  Check out the article, “The Road to Resilience” for further information on how you can increase your resilience in life so you can reach higher levels of success.

5. A positive person continually strengthens their power of positivity.

There tends to be an erroneous belief that people are “naturally” positive.  You may picture an ever-cheerful, bubbly person who is almost oblivious to negative circumstances.  While those people do exist, most of us need to put in effort to increase the positivity in our lives.

positive person

Real positive thinkers are not immune to stressors of life; they have simply learned how to exercise the muscle of positive thinking.  The positive of that statement is that it is a skill that can be learned by anyone who is willing!

That said, here are 5 ways to exercise the muscle of positive thinking:

  • Meditation: Learning to calm your mind even for 10 minutes a day can help you maintain perspective.
  • Exercise: Exercise has been proven to lift moods and release stress in addition to its obvious physical benefits.
  • Listening to uplifting podcasts, videos, and audio books: Listening to others sharing uplifting viewpoints is a great timesaver; you can do it in the car on the way to work, while running errands, or picking up the kids from school.
  • Reading books: Some people prefer to read positive books rather than listen to audio versions. It makes it easier to make notes and highlight excerpts for future use.
  • Share your thoughts: Communicate to friends or family when you are having a hard time, not just to get advice, but to release any pent-up emotions.

Final Thoughts

Do you share these 5 traits of a positive thinker?  Remember: it is a process. So even if you are struggling, you can still achieve the perspective of a positive thinker.  It has been proven that positive thinkers tend to be more successful, have better relationships, and are happier and healthier.  The best part is that anyone can develop this lifestyle of being a “real” positive thinker.

10 Things That Trigger Fat Production In Your Body

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You think you’re doing everything you can possibly do to keep fat from piling up in your body. You do everything you know in order to work off the weight. But every day, the scale is either unmoving or going up.

Why is this happening? Surely your hard work should have paid off by now. Before you give up from frustration, consider this: it could be because of lesser-known fat triggers that are causing your body to store and create fat.

The concept of fat triggers was first popularly discussed by Jon Gabriel in his book regarding healthy and effective weight management and loss. The book, titled The Gabriel Method, discussed many weight and diet-related issues and also touched on problems that could cause fat production to occur, unwanted, in the body.

So what are you doing that is causing this mess?

Here Are 10 Things That Trigger Fat Production In The Body

1.    Stress

Many people deal with stress in their everyday lives, and this has an effect on the stress hormones in the body, especially one called cortisol. Increased levels of this hormone can cause an imbalance in the body that triggers the production of more fat.

Why does this happen? Well, in ancient times, the body’s main source of stress would be a lack of food and very cold temperatures. The body’s response would be to begin storing fat to improve survivability.

Today, stress is caused by a whole host of other issues, including:

  • Overworking
  • Tight deadlines
  • Toxic relationships
  • Bills
  • Mental health issues
  • Other emotional problems

It goes without saying that none of them requires that you gain weight and store abdominal fat to solve these problems. Unfortunately, our bodies haven’t gotten the memo, so stress continues to trigger fat production in the body. Finding healthy stress management habits – like meditation, support groups, enforced “me-time” – or visualization, can help.

2.    Bad Digestion

A digestive system that is all clogged up is unable to properly process food components, often leading to a lack of essential nutrients that the body needs to function. This can cause the body to take protective measures and enter a fat-storing starvation mode.

You may not think you have any digestive problems, but millions of people do due to the types of foods we eat today. Here are some ways this poses a problem:

a)    Processed food

Whole foods that are not refined or processed contain digestive enzymes all on their own. But processed foods don’t have them anymore due to the heavy chemical and heat processes used to manufacture them.

Yes, the body does make digestive enzymes for it to use, but without the additional help of others from food, it can face strain that affects its overall function.

b)    Modern farming

Today, herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides plague all the natural, supposedly healthy plant foods we get. Though they can definitely help keep pests at bay for a better yield, they’re no good for the body and can cause excessive fungus and yeast growth.

c)    Antibiotics

There’s nothing wrong with antibiotics on their own. They save lives, they keep many people healthy, and they’re accessible solutions to countless illnesses. But sometimes, they may be over-prescribed, and too many antibiotics weaken and kill good bacteria in the body – including those in the digestive tract.

3.    Chronic Dieting

There are countless fad diets that circulate the Internet every single day, and many people fall hook, line, and sinker for them. Some work, others don’t, and many are just plain dangerous. Worse still, many fall into the unhealthy habit of chronic dieting.

Excessive dieting of a restrictive variety is, all-in-all, ineffectual and does more harm than good. If you’re not eating enough calories in one day, the body goes into starvation mode, which is designed to help you store fat. This means that as soon as you stop the diet, you’ll gain all the weight back – and more.

If you tend to get caught up in unhealthy dieting habits, you need to understand that there is no shortcut to weight loss. Eat healthy, whole foods in good portions, add exercise to your routine, and take care of yourself. If you find yourself dieting compulsively and cannot stop, speak to a doctor immediately.

4.    Negative Thinking

Positive thinking is a powerful tool, and the mind is capable of amazing things. If you have difficulty shedding pounds and start to adopt a negative mindset, it can cause you to face even more difficulty in your efforts.

This type of thinking can affect stress levels. It can make you genuinely believe that you can’t lose weight, and that, in turn, can solidify your fate. This leads to even more negativity, especially if you tie your self-esteem and sense of worth into your appearance.

Speaking to a therapist, practicing positive visualization or meditation, or surrounding yourself with positive people or a support group can help you on your journey to a better, healthier outlook; it can also prevent that unwanted fat production.

5.    Medication

Many kinds of medications list weight gain as a side effect. This is especially true in ones that boost cortisol, or ones that alter hormone production. Here are some that may trigger fat production:

  • Insulin
  • Birth control
  • Antidepressants
  • Steroids
  • Hormone replacement medication
  • Cortisol

Unfortunately, this is unavoidable – medication is necessary and helpful, and if you need them, there is sadly not much you can do about it. However, you can speak to your doctor about your options for weight loss or weight maintenance while taking your medication. Remember to never stop consuming prescribed medicine without a doctor’s agreement.

6.    Sleep Disorders

A lack of sleep is just bad for your whole body. It lessens energy, lowers positive thinking, reduces concentration and productivity, and facilitates weight gain as your body struggles to keep itself energized.

This is especially true if you have a sleep disorder like sleep apnea. Sleep apnea brings the oxygen levels in your blood to a significant low. This causes chronic exhaustion, which, in turn, increases unhealthy cravings, boosts cortisol production, and makes it very difficult not to start gaining weight.

The worst part? It’s a cycle. Sleeping less and feeling tired makes you gain weight, the weight gain makes your sleep quality drop, and that makes weight gain happen again, and so on. If you have concerns regarding a possible sleep disorder, go to a doctor immediately. Some people also take naps to help them feel more rested and less chronically tired.

7.    Emotional Struggles

A lot of us struggle with emotional problems. This can cause stress and insecurity, which are really, really big triggers for creating fat within the body. They act up, leading to stress and increased cortisol levels.

For many people, emotional struggles and insecurities are linked to their weight and size, and this is where it gets dangerous. It forms a deadly cycle that can lead to eating disorders and disordered eating – neither of which are good for your body or mind in any way.

If you believe that your fat production issues are rooted in this type of emotional weight issue, you should speak to a therapist, find a support group, or practice self-care if neither of the previous options is accessible. Surrounding yourself with good friends, making time for self-love, and adopting healthy weight loss and maintenance methods are all good options.

8.    A Bad Diet

You could be eating good portions and believe you’re eating well, but actually, be eating all the wrong things at once. For instance, you might be eating too much junk food or processed food. You may not be getting enough vitamin B, or enough protein, or enough of some mineral or other. Or perhaps you’re eating too much sugar, bad fat, or refined carbs.

diet to reduce fat

This type of subtle malnutrition can also put your body in starvation mode. Not only that, it causes impaired digestive function that makes it even more difficult for you to process consumed products correctly. Meanwhile, eating too many bad components leads to a host of diseases, including insulin resistance and cardiovascular issues – which, of course, can cause type II diabetes and heart disease.

9.    Toxins

There’s a lot of misinformation online about toxins, where they come from, and what they do to your body. For the most part, your liver and kidney detoxify you. But if your diet has been messed up for a while, they could need a little extra help.

It’s likely that a build-up of toxins requires the body to generate more fat in order to protect the rest of the body from those toxins and their release. However, this has yet to be confirmed with research and is speculative at this point.

More importantly, toxins come from eating an excess of unhealthy foods, barely getting enough sleep, and living a less-than-ideal lifestyle in terms of health. This is why bodily cleanses have become so popular, even if they aren’t as effective as diet-lovers will have you believe.

What are your best bets to cleanse your body? Drink more water, for one, and cut down on heavily processed or refined foods. Opt for more whole foods, especially of an organic variety, if you can get them.

10. Trauma and Baggage

Virtually everyone has some sort of emotional baggage. Trauma, on the other hand, is very different and much more severe. Neither is very easy to discuss, and both could be responsible for retaining and producing fat in your body.

It is not uncommon for the body to respond to painful or emotional situations with fat retention, building up your weight and creating a “shield” of sorts from it. It’s definitely not a very positive way to go about coping with past trauma, and it can exacerbate symptoms of trauma in many people.

If your issue lies in emotional baggage, try the following: practice healthy habits, make time for self-care, perform visualization and meditation, and surround yourself with a good support network. If your issue comes from trauma, you should seek professional help in overcoming its consequences.

Final Thoughts On Some Things That Trigger Fat Production In Your Body

These things that trigger fat production in your body aren’t often discussed, but they could be the hidden reasons behind your inability to lose weight or stop gaining weight. Unfortunately, for most people, their fat production is caused by more than one of these things, which makes things a little more complicated.

This is why natural, health-oriented approaches to keeping weight off work so well. They involve focusing on eating well, living a healthy lifestyle, and taking care of your emotional needs. Real, long-lasting weight loss is a long-term process that involves permanent lifestyle change. But stay positive, because armed with this knowledge, you’re capable of doing it!

Researchers Reveal Antidepressants Have Side Effects (That No One Talks About)

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When it comes to disease and illness, many firmly believe that only those who’ve walked in the shoes of the afflicted can genuinely understand in the truest sense of the word. The same might be said of any mental health challenge – namely, depression.

Most everyone caught in the throes of depression reaches a point when they ask themselves if antidepressant medication is “worth it.” This junction is reached at about the time when the illness has a person in such a position that they’re willing to try just about anything to feel some semblance of normalcy once again. This desperation mindset doesn’t paint the pharmaceutical industry in a charming light, to say the least.

This article will focus on the (rarely mentioned) side effects of most antidepressant medications. Some of these side effects have only recently started garnering attention. First, let’s discuss how depression unfolds to understand better what goes on inside a person’s psyche, combatting mental illness.

Depression, Desperation, and Antidepressants

“Now I’m lying here, on this floor, I’m not looking at anything in particular, and not feeling anything. Just deliriously exhausted, like I’ve been up for days. This is the state I will stay in, empty, just not caring.” – Ellen Vrana, on Quora

Depressive disorders are as perplexing and multifaceted as they are debilitating. When the depression strikes, things can get confusing, scary, and sad. Very sad. For others, anxiety or numbness settles in. A seeming inability to function is a shared experience.

Once the shock of confusion and fear that is depression onset at least somewhat resides, the person will often begin searching for answers. Some of the self-examination questions asked at this phase include:

  • “Is all of this in my head?”
  • “Do I need to eat better? Sleep better? Exercise more? Will that help?”
  • “Can I somehow snap out of it?”
  • “Do I need to get help? How?”
  • “Should I talk to someone? If so, who should I talk to?”

antidepressants

Eventually, the reality of the situation sets in, although some of the initial shock and confusion remain for many. Depression is one of those illnesses that can make it extremely hard to “think straight.” But even through this fog, the person will eventually reach a point when they consider seeking help.

Sadly, statistics suggest that far too many people with depression forgo treatment of any kind. Some surveys reflect that upwards of 60 percent of people who meet the criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) never seek treatment. To this end, those considering treatment are often concerned about their lack of options before stepping into a doctor’s office. “They’ll just prescribe me some kind of pill,” is a frequent objection.

Too often, they are right.

Antidepressants: Is Skepticism Merited?

“As physicians, we take an oath – ‘first do no harm’ – but then we get lured by the seeming simplicity of a one-pill-for-one-ill model. [It] makes no sense to take powerful psychiatric drugs as a first line treatment. In fact, I’d go a step further and say that it’s irresponsible.” – Kelly Brogan, MD

The ranks of doctors subscribing to sentiments similar to those shared by Dr. Kelly Brogan are swelling. One reason for this is the drastic spike in the number of people taking the class of drugs known collectively as antidepressants. To illustrate, consider the following statistics from the American Psychological Association (APA):

  • 13 percent: The percentage of people over the age of 12 who took antidepressant medication in the past month.
  • 19 percent: The percentage of older adults (60 years and up) who take a monthly antidepressant.
  • 64 percent: The percentage of prescription drugs prescribed between 1999 and 2014 increased.
  • 200 percent: The percentage ratio of women who take antidepressants compared to men.

And then there’s the plethora of less-than-desirable side effects from antidepressants. Among them:

  • SSRI side effects: Diarrhea, gastrointestinal difficulties, headaches, insomnia, joint and muscle pain.
  • Sexual side effects: Diminished sexual desire, interest, performance, and/or satisfaction; erectile dysfunction, and inability to ejaculate or climax.
  • Side effects in older adults: Dizziness, liver problems, heart palpitations.
  • Side effects during pregnancy: Low birth weight and premature delivery.

Shockingly, these aren’t even all the possible side effects of antidepressant medication. Let’s now get into the side effects of the drugs that rarely mentioned.

The “Other” Effects of Antidepressants

“Roughly one-third to one-half of patient discontinue pharmacological treatment with a quarter of those patients reporting side effects to be the reason for their discontinuation.” – Michael H. Bloch MD, MS

Here are some of the “other” effects of antidepressants that few people seem to be discussing:

1 – Body Odor and Sweating

Alan Koenigserg, a physician and psychiatrist, posts on Quora: “Some of the medications (antidepressants) may cause increased sweating, which may lead to increased body odor, in any case, daily showering and more thorough cleaning may help.”

Indeed, hyperhidrosis – excessive sweating – is caused by changes in the levels of dopamine transporters in the brain, caused by most antidepressants. Authors of the study estimate that up to 14% and higher of patients who take an antidepressant develop excessive sweating. Profuse sweating may, of course, trigger another problem: body odor.

2 – Fatigue and Brain Fog

Per a study published in the journal Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, between 80 to 90 percent of patients with depressive disorders experience symptoms of fatigue while taking an antidepressant medication. Moreover, MDD patients with fatigue are more likely to experience other physical symptoms such as apathy, decreased interest, emotional disturbances, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

Fatigue may also manifest as the psychological state known as “brain fog.” Brain fog is a breakdown in the regulation of the overall level of consciousness. As a result, one may experience the strange sensation of mental clouding or “fogginess.” Brain fog can affect cognitive function, including abilities such as calculation, concentration, use of language, and spatial and visual skills.

3 – Numbness (“Emotional blunting”)

antidepressants cause numbness

Numbness, or emotional blunting, is a pervasive side effect of antidepressants. A woman, when asked why she stopped taking the medication Effexor (venlafaxine), responded, “I felt bad which is why I took the drug in the first place. But then I couldn’t feel anything at all.”Someone else followed up with, “I know that all of us [have] gone [or are going] through [numbness], but is there any way to get your real personality back?”

Researchers estimate that about half of all people taking antidepressant medications experience emotional blunting. Many people who report this numbness also deal with decreased libido (low sex drive), poor concentration, and slowed thinking. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) are most commonly associated with the abovementioned symptoms.

4 – Agitation

It’s no surprise that agitation and anxiety are two common symptoms of depression. Something surprising, however, is that certain antidepressant medications trigger anxiety so often that doctors often co-prescribe a sedative to help manage it. These drugs, known as benzodiazepines, include popular medications such as Xanax and Valium. Research demonstrates that benzodiazepines are among the most widely abused, addictive prescription medications.

Researchers estimate that over 30 percent of patients taking Prozac (fluoxetine) experience agitation. Zoloft (sertraline HCI) is cited as another medicine that may induce episodes of agitation.

5 – Withdrawal from Antidepressants

By most accounts, the withdrawal symptoms of antidepressants can be hellish. For some, forgetting to take even one dose can be quite an ordeal. One Quora user, Canice Rockers, describes her experience: “I take 150 mg (milligrams) venlafaxine every day. When I miss (just) 1 dosage, within a few hours, it will feel as if my mind no doesn’t work anymore. I get scared, and my vision gets strange.”

Ms. Rockers is describing the effects of antidepressant discontinuation, which can become both a scary and dangerous experience. Some of the side effects of antidepressant discontinuation include anxiety, depression (yeah!), dizziness, difficulty balancing, electric shock sensations (“brain zaps”), irritability, nausea, and lack of coordination.

depression

Final Thoughts: Evaluating Antidepressants Before You Take Them for Depression

The fact is that, like many controversial medications (e.g. ADD medicines, cannabinoids, etc.), antidepressants can ease some of the symptoms of depression for many. Additionally, not all people must contend with the severe side effects of the medications. Many people go so far as to credit their antidepressant for saving their lives. From the writer’s perspective, any treatment option that helps someone live a happier and less painful existence is worth celebrating.

The bottom line is do your research before agreeing to take any prescribed medication, including antidepressants. While the inner drive to find immediate relief is most undoubtedly understandable, one should be educated on the possible effects – both good and bad – of introducing brain-altering chemicals into the body. An education that the pharmaceutical industry and many within the medical community are doing a subpar job of providing.

Psychology Explains 3 Ways to Train Your Subconscious

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The human mind is a powerful thing, and the subconscious part of it is just as influential. It’s truly amazing what it is capable of. Thoughts, values, and perceptions you’re unaware of can change your entire day, month, year, or even life.

The problem is that, since it’s your subconscious, you might not feel in control of it. You may not even know that it affects your brain, body, and psyche. It could make your life much more difficult, and you would have no idea!

Worse still, you may be completely aware that your subconscious thoughts and emotions are holding you back. But because they’re so deeply rooted, you have no idea how to change them or how to stop them from coming into play at every turn.

The good news is that it is perfectly possible to alter your innermost thoughts and feelings to suit your needs better and help you create yourself into the person you want to be. This can inspire a more positive outlook on life and make room for self-improvement, which we should all strive for.

Psychology Explains 3 Ways To Train Your Subconscious

subconsious

1.    Meditation

Many people roll their eyes at the idea of meditation, but the fad-like stereotypes associated with the practice are largely unwarranted. Meditation is an extremely powerful tool for your brain, and it’s one of the easiest ways to retrain your mind subconsciously.

When you meditate, you let go of any and all distractions, whether they are present internally or externally. It forces you to forget your worries for just a few minutes and be at peace, which is good for your mental health and a great way to get in touch with your subconscious.

Meditation is also great for your spirituality. If you don’t buy into that, you’ll be pleased to know that it also promotes psychological stability. Essentially, it helps you break down mental walls within your brain, allowing you to self-reflect and be in touch with parts of your thoughts that you usually don’t connect with.

But is there any scientific evidence that shows meditation works? Yes! A study conducted on Buddhist monks proved this much. Entitled “Buddha’s Brain: Neuroplasticity and Meditation” and published in the IEEE Signal Process in January 2008, this study showed just how much of a positive effect meditation can have on the mind and the body.

The study conducted MRI scans on these monks, who have been practicing the art of meditation for decades upon decades. Here are some of the findings:

·         Neuroplasticity

Scans revealed high levels of neuroplasticity and very high activation of the brain. This means that their brains have a higher capability of rearranging itself, altering the structure, adapting to change and experience, and functioning well.

·         Empathy and Happiness

Thanks to this study, meditation is scientifically proven to improve positive thinking. It boosts your capacity to experience and feel joy and happiness; this, in turn, makes you more empathetic toward others.

·         Connectivity

Study results indicated that monks can use their extrinsic networks in the brain in coordination with the intrinsic ones. Extrinsic networks focus on outward interactions, while intrinsic ones focus on feelings and are crucial for reflection.

·         General changes

With a brain that is this much more open, expanded, and unlocked, there are tons of new things that the brain is capable of, making a huge difference between those monks and the average, non-meditating person.

Meditation gets a bad reputation as either new-age nonsense or ancient non-scientific drivel. Still, it’s not necessarily about spirituality and tradition – it’s about letting your brain slow down and rest, so it can gather your thoughts and help you better in the future.

2.    Affirmation

Affirmations are positive statements that you tell yourself repetitively to influence yourself and alter your subconscious to align with these statements. However, a certain amount of care goes into making affirmations. If you’re not specific enough, you could lower their effectiveness or wind up even worse off.

That’s why many people practice something known as precision affirmation. This involves using a very clear and specific statement that describes something you’re aiming for or want to switch your subconscious to. You then will speak this affirmation again and again with confidence, as if that affirmation is already true.

At first, it can be difficult to make yourself believe in and have confidence in some of these affirmations. But as you continue to say them, you’ll begin to believe in them with all your heart – which will cause them to work. Your brain will start to believe those positive affirmations; before you know it, it will begin integrating these thoughts into its neural system and, therefore, your subconscious.

Why does this work so well? Surely positive thinking alone can’t reprogram your entire brain? Surprisingly, when done well, it can! This is because your subconscious cannot actually discern the difference between what is truly happening and what you simply imagine vividly. That’s why subconscious thoughts that aren’t “real” remain powerful despite their falseness.

So put these affirmations into practice and follow them with thought, passion, and action. Your brain will soon begin to believe that those affirmations are real, and before long, they will manifest in reality! You just have to have faith and confidence in yourself and your thoughts. When you believe in yourself, anything can happen. Here are some examples of affirmations that may work for you.

  • I have excellent health in my body, mind, and soul.
  • I will grow my business until I enjoy financial independence.
  • My choice is to care for myself well every day.
  • I am highly intelligent and utilize this knowledge every day.
  • I think logically and carefully and make excellent decisions.
  • Productivity and responsibility at work are in my power to accomplish.

If you want to get highly specific, these precision affirmations may work for you:

  • I am happily driving my brand new (insert dream car here) down a road in (insert dream home location).
  • I am incredibly joyful that I have reached my goal weight of 120 lbs.
  • I’m celebrating the fact that I have successfully kicked my smoking habit!
  • I am grateful that I work as a (insert dream job here) at (insert dream company here).
  • I’m thrilled to be earning a salary of (insert goal salary here).
  • I love my gorgeous (insert type of house here) in (insert dream location here).

Of course, no one can be happy all the time. There will be days when it feels like being positive is impossible. This doesn’t mean you’re supposed to force it to gain a good outcome. It just means that you need to learn to use affirmations to stop yourself from dipping down into a very sad or dark period, as these periods can be easy to get lost in and may halt or reverse your progress.

While we cannot communicate back and forth with the subconscious mind, suggestion and affirmation are two ways you can coax it into responding and changing. If you need assistance starting your positive thinking, begin by maintaining a neutral thought process.

Stop yourself from thinking bad, hateful, or negative self-deprecating thoughts. Catch bad thought patterns and take steps to change them. Talk to a therapist if you need to! The rest will follow in time.

3.    Listen, Learn, and Apply

Many beat down their innermost emotions and feeling-based thoughts as they attempt to focus on logic and reason. There’s nothing wrong with being logical, but if you neglect your feelings and only give attention to your thinking side, you’ll wind up incapable of self-reflection and improvement.

Of course, there’s a flip side to this. If you’re too focused on feelings and emotions, you could wind up overreacting and dwelling on the past. You may wallow in self-hatred or guilt for ages when you make mistakes. Or if something doesn’t go your way, you may resent it forever, allowing it to cloud your judgment.

What you have to do instead is simply learn to listen to your emotions. If an unexpected situation happens, examine how you feel or think about it. Consider your feelings and weigh them against rationality to see which ones are rooted in inaccuracies or subconscious negative thoughts.

  • Validate your feelings, and don’t bottle them up.
  • Understand that you are allowed to feel this way, and listen to your mind as it tells you its problems.
  • Acknowledge that these issues are real, and move them to a more logical approach.
  • What lessons can you learn from this?
  • How can you avoid something like this in the future?
  • What values do you have that led to this?
  • Do you still stand by them?

Next, apply these new lessons to your life. If you’ve decided there is a way you can improve yourself, do so. Apply your thoughts to your everyday living so you improve each time.

Self-reflection is crucial to self-improvement, so take some time every week – or even every day – to perform some. Focus on positive thinking and finding solutions to enjoy a productive reflective session.

subconscious

Final Thoughts On Ways To Train Your Subconscious

There are a lot of difficult aspects to life, and the last thing you need is for your subconscious to weigh you down. That’s why it’s so important to change the way your mind goes down neural paths.

Of course, we know that this is easier said than done. Don’t feel ashamed if it takes you a while to succeed or if you need the assistance of a medical professional to deal with bad thoughts and struggles. Sometimes, years and years of negativity can make it difficult to change for the better.

At the end of the day, by adjusting your brain to focus on positive thinking, you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor. By utilizing these three ways to train your subconscious, you’ll be helping your brain stay strong and positive; this will, in turn, help your mind.

How Do You Act Around Your Crush, According To Your Zodiac Sign?

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Love is in the air!  The birds are singing, the sun is shining and everything in the world is glorious!  Ahhh … such is springtime.

Perhaps you have someone you’ve been keeping your eye on for a while, and now seems like a good time to act on your feelings toward your crush.  We each have our own way of behaving when we have a crush on someone.   Are you subtle, charming, and flirtatious … or a more direct type?

Our zodiac signs can often tell us things about ourselves that we don’t really think about or question.  When we are in “crush mode,” we are often either oblivious to our actions due to being on cloud nine or perhaps overly aware of our actions due to nerves.

Do you know how you act around your crush according to your zodiac sign?

How Do You Act Around Your Crush, According To Your Zodiac Sign?

Aries

An Aries man may be a bit slow in realizing he’s falling in love, but then it hits him like a lightning bolt.  One day he’s his usual friendly self, and the next day he realizes he’s falling for you.  When he does realize it, he has no qualms about letting you know.

An Aries woman tends to be a bit scattered and less focused during conversations when she isn’t thinking of you as more than a friend.  However, when she has a crush, she is glued to your every word.  She is sure to use her wit to question and respond back to you.  She will give you her undivided attention.

Taurus

Taurus men are generally known to be fairly confident, traditionalist, and practical.  When they crush on you, though, they suddenly show their more sensitive side by being a little more awkward and nervous.  They may even make jokes which poke fun at themselves to demonstrate their willingness to show vulnerability.

Taurus women also are usually known for their strong confidence, until they have a crush.  Then, they suddenly are distracted and internally nervous if their crush is around.  They are careful to appear relaxed while internally going crazy.  They become more concerned about every detail of their appearance and behavior and analyze whether they should approach you or not.  Once they decide to talk to you, though, they start to calm down.

Gemini

Gemini men want to get to know you more.  They go about this by asking random small questions, which become more personal over time after you are more comfortable, and a friendship or rapport has developed.  His actions and body language may appear contradictory, as he is flustered by you.  His words may be neutral but his body language is showing how he feels.

A Gemini woman is the woman who loves to be in love.  When she starts crushing, she cherishes those first feelings of excitement within herself for a period of time.  She may watch romantic comedies more often as a way of enjoying these strong feelings of “being in love.”  When she is ready, she will let you know her feelings.

Cancer

A Cancer man is a romantic, sensitive soul who also likes to daydream of his crush.  He also loves the outdoors, so you may find him under a tree daydreaming. He has a very caring, nurturing way about him.  Making you feel special and cherished is his dream.

A Cancer woman may typically be a cautious, reserved person.  When she develops a crush, however, look out!  Her personality begins to shine like the sun.  She literally has a glow about her – complete with overwhelming charm, smiles, and fabulous happy energy.

Leo

Your Leo man who loves to flirt suddenly finds he likes you a little more than he wants to admit.  Now, he wants to watch you everywhere you go.  Then, when it’s time to talk to you, suddenly he becomes tongue tied.  He actually gets a bit shy and can’t look at you directly without getting flustered.  No worries here, though.  Leos are naturally confident and bold, so they won’t hesitate long before asking their crush out.

Leo women are somewhat opposite of their Leo men.  Naturally charming and confident, they turn it up a few notches when they are with the object of their affection.  She is quick with her jokes, wit, and conversation with even more lively energy and openness about her.

Virgo

A Virgo man is cautious about his feelings.  He’s a great subtle observer of his crush without following her everywhere.  He wants to be sure of his feelings … and his chances.  He will have a hard time looking her in the eye, as he feels very vulnerable and is afraid his emotions will show too much.  It takes certainty on his part to act on his desire to ask his crush out.

A Virgo woman usually keeps her emotions under wraps.  This is no different when she has a crush.  She still plays it cool.  She observes and learns about her crush and then will do things that she notices he likes or places importance on.  Her goal is to get him comfortable with her first.  She is unlikely to ask him out herself.  Part of her plan is to make him feel comfortable enough to ask her out.

Libra

A Libra man becomes bolder and more confident in his actions, and since Libras already have a strong personality, it will become clear when they have a crush.  He becomes a bit more of a “show off” without being too arrogant.  He wants to get a woman’s attention while demonstrating that he can be everything to her.

Libra women become a bit less confident.  They aren’t necessarily comfortable with their feelings, yet they want to hang out with their crush.  Suddenly, she is more interested in group outings as camouflage to invite him along while she secretly is on cloud 9 just being around him.

Scorpio

A Scorpio man isn’t likely to fall quickly or easily.  Scorpios tend to guard their hearts and want to truly know the woman they are crushing on first.  For this reason, they tend to fall for a female friend they have known a long time.

A Scorpio woman uses clothing as a way of demonstrating her interest.  She will incorporate her crush’s clothing style into her own.  She’s not going to dress just like him, but maybe the style of the jacket he wears would look amazing with her short skirt and boots.

Sagittarius

A Sagittarius man loves his freedom and play.  When he crushes, however, his warm, sensitive, generous side is shown wholeheartedly.  He willingly offers to do tasks for his object of interest without expectation of something in return.  His heart is open, and he will use his actions to show it by doing things for his crush just out of joy.

A Sagittarius woman wears her emotions on her face for all to see.  She may have a nervous habit of biting her lip or pulling on her hair to show her nervousness.  She is not afraid for anyone to know how she feels and is confident and sure of herself regardless.

Capricorn

The steady and true Capricorn shows he is crushing through subtle changes in his look, such as suddenly growing a beard or mustache, buying more colorful shirts, or maybe adding an edgy jacket.  He becomes the subtle peacock striving to get your attention.  That subtlety doesn’t mean he isn’t persistent, however, in striving to get someone’s attention.  They will look for multiple ways to engage with their crush.

crush

Capricorn women are essentially the same as the Capricorn men.  Their goal is to improve their looks while making it seem like they “just threw themselves together.”  She has the confidence to believe that her crush is already watching her, so she is just stepping it up to really get his attention.  She is the woman unafraid to strut her stuff!

Aquarius

The normally reserved Aquarius prefers to show his intentions through buying gifts.  He may start with little things like buying you lunch one day or picking up a little trinket or a book.  As time goes on, he will step it up into more lavish things in hopes that you will get the message.

The Aquarius woman is all smiles!  She is high on her feelings for her crush and the joy radiates from her face.  She couldn’t even begin to contain her feelings and doesn’t even try.

Pisces

The Pisces man is not a cold fish when he is crushing.  He loves showing physical affection.  It will almost seem like you are a magnet to him; he’ll give slight brushes of the fingertips, a light rub of the shoulders, or a hug.  He’s not going to be creepy or inappropriate about it, but it is his way of showing you how irresistible he finds you, kind of like when you were in grade school and that boy behind you was pulling your hair.  Later, you were told he was doing that because he liked you.  He was probably a Pisces.  As he became older, he found nicer ways to show it.

The Pisces female is another peacock.  She may make less bold, but still obvious, changes to her appearance, such as getting a new haircut, changing the color of her hair or wearing a different style of clothing.  On the other hand, she may decide to really broadcast herself with bold new looks, multicolored hair, and fun, crazy behavior.  She prefers to advance a friend to a romantic interest, so he already understands her silly-but-fun personality.

 

Closing

Does your zodiac sign describe how you act when you have a crush?  Let us know in the comments!

7 Things That Fill Relationships With Hate (That Most People Ignore)

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In a relationship, you have to love and respect your partner. Resentment can get in the way of that and breed hatred, which will ultimately cause the partnership to collapse as you wonder how you even got to that point.

Resentment within a relationship is extremely toxic, and the hatred that stems from it is deadly to any couple. Unfortunately, resentment starts very small and grows until it’s unavoidable, and a lot of the time, you may not notice when it begins to take root.

That’s why you have to be aware of your behaviors when with your partner and take note of ones that may be causing them to feel resentful of you. You should also take note of your own resentment levels and see if you can pinpoint their origin.

This is, of course, much easier said than done. But if you know what to look out for, you can stop resentment in its tracks before it turns into loathing and burns down what you have built.

 

7 Things That Fill Relationships With Hate That Most People Ignore

1.    Envy

A little competition doesn’t hurt, but constant competition that ends in fits of envy for the “loser” isn’t good for any relationship. If you or your partner turns into the green-eyed monster every single time the other person succeeds, you’re in for a lifetime of hate.

Sometimes, relationships can feel uneven in certain aspects. If you have been working tediously for years on end to advance in your job position but your partner gets promotions more easily without doing overtime or going the extra mile, it’s natural to feel a little upset.

But what’s important here is to recognize that this envy isn’t warranted. Your partner isn’t sabotaging your career – you just have different strokes of luck. It’s incredibly important to be your significant other’s cheerleader; if you react negatively to their success, resentment is building on both sides.

Envy can also cause someone to hold their partner back, preventing them from doing any better and stifling their success. This is a terrible thing to do to someone you’re supposed to love. Again, it causes resentment to build for both parties. Start learning to treat your partner’s success like shared success. After all, it’s your shared life, now!

2.    Refusing To Take Responsibility For Mistakes

To err is human. It’s impossible that you will go through an entire relationship without making a single mistake. A proper apology is all it takes, usually, to make up for these mistakes, accompanied by a thoughtful action to make up for it.

But it can be difficult to swallow your pride and admit to your mistakes, and if you or your partner simply refuses to do so, it is harmful to any relationship. A lack of owning up to errors is immature, especially when just done to preserve a large ego.

Some people may also play the blame game, pointing fingers and playing the victim every time something bad happens. This is a sign of emotional manipulation and toxicity, and if it continues, it’s a giant red flag.

Of course, this means that, if a good apology is given, the other party must be willing to accept it and forgive it – or, at least, work towards forgiveness – if they want to stay in the relationship. It’s a two-way street.

  • This also includes being willing to leave the past in the past.
  • Serious and severe mistakes from a partner – like infidelity, stealing, and lying – can be difficult to move on from.
  • But if after all is said and done, there have been apologies, and you’ve agreed to move forward, the person who was wronged must learn to let it go and not bring it up in future arguments.

3.    Fighting To Win

Fights between partners shouldn’t be about one person versus the other person, says author and relationship expert Beth Liebling. It’s about the couple versus the problem they’re facing. When you don’t keep this in mind, positive thinking dies down and resentment grows.

There is no real “right” or “wrong” in arguments during relationships. If you fight to win and get your point across, you’re telling your partner that your ego is more important than your ability to stay together. Instead, you should focus on what the problem is, how you can face it, and how you can find a win-win resolution.

Fights are a normal part of relationships. If you and your partner learn to face them in a positive way, you won’t have to deal with the inevitable resentment and fallout.

4.    Being Late and/or Cancelling Often

Punctuality in a relationship is about respect. If you’re always late to dates, let your partner’s food grow cold as they wait for you, or repeatedly show up hours after you’re supposed to, your significant other will begin to hate it.

The same goes for canceling plans all the time. If something is always coming up at work, you’re always not feeling up for it after all, or you change plans last minute to be more convenient to you, you can bet there’s some resentment bubbling already.

Following through on your promises and appointments shows your partner that they are important to you. Ignoring these agreements is a surefire way to tell your significant other that they’re not a priority. If this is the case, don’t expect them to stick around.

5.    Sharing Too Much With Others

A lot of people make a habit of ranting to their friends about relationship troubles. To some degree, this can be considered acceptable, especially if both people in a relationship do so and have clear limits on what to discuss, as well as the consent of their partner to discuss it. If you need to get something off your chest, talking to a trusted person isn’t the worst idea.

The problem comes when you overdo this. For example, if you’re talking about every last detail of your arguments or discussing your partner’s personal information, you’re going too far. Plus, you may be painting an incorrect picture of your partner to others.

When you rant or rave about your significant other and the struggles you go through, your partner is left blissfully out of the loop. They have no idea what’s going on as your resentment towards them continues to grow. Then, when they find out you’ve been too loose-lipped, their resentment will grow, too.

  • You should feel a sense of security and openness with your significant other that allows you to easily discuss any issues with them before resorting to an outside source.
  • Maintain boundaries between the relationship and other external platonic or familial ones.
  • Remember, you are a single unit – you should tackle issues as a couple.

6.    Inability To Compromise

A relationship involves two (or more) people with different thoughts, opinions, and goals. Though long-term relationships tend to have similar long-term visions, there will still be disagreements and varying desires between the people involved.

This is where compromise comes in. It’s all about finding a positive solution that works for both parties, or balancing what each person wants in order to achieve the best result. It’s endlessly important in relationships, and those who are always getting the short end of a stick are likely to begin to feel hatred and resentment for their other half.

  • As such, a partner should never make a decision that they believe is best for the both of you without consulting you first.
  • Speaking for your significant other is disrespectful and fails to take their true feelings into account.
  • You may know your partner well, but you can’t read their mind.
  • Don’t try to, or they’ll grow to resent it!

7.    Lack Of Positive Communication

Communication is the most important part of any relationship. You can’t read your partner’s mind, and they can’t read yours. Expecting the other person to know what you’re thinking is a surefire way to fill relationships with hate. Here are some poor communication choices that build resentment.

a)    The Silent Treatment

Lots of people who are angry with their partners give them the silent treatment. It’s a terrible, toxic behavior and has no place in a relationship. Studies have proved time and time again that it causes deterioration between partners.

The goal in a relationship is to communicate, not to ignore. This doesn’t mean you can’t take some quiet time to collect your thoughts; just make sure your partner knows that’s what you’re doing and that you’ll talk about it in a few hours or the next day.

b)    Bottling It Up

If there’s something on your mind or something bothering you, talk about it. Don’t fall into the trap of thinking that you should just let it go – that’s how resentment starts to build.

Both partners should feel comfortable talking about even the smallest issues in a constructive and productive way.

c)    Not Listening

If you or your partner is open about thoughts, ideas, and concerns, and the other party refuses to listen, that’s a very bad habit that needs to end. To have your feelings dismissed and invalidated is damaging to one’s self-esteem, and it can cause hate to fester.

Make sure that, if your partner has something serious to say, you listen to them thoroughly and acknowledge their opinions and thoughts. You don’t have to agree with everything; you do need to listen, respect, and find the best way to go about the problem.

d)    Lying

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Everyone jokes about how their partner says “I’m fine” when they’re really not. It might be a white lie that many people accept today, but it’s a toxic kind of behavior. Those who do this are teaching their partners not to take anything they say at face value and always search for hidden meaning, as it could all be a big trap.

Confrontation is scary, but disagreements and problems don’t have to be confrontations. Just talk about what is bothering you and encourage your partner to do the same.

Final Thoughts On Things That Fill Relationships With Hate That Most People Ignore

There will always be a couple of clashes in a relationship. The trick is knowing how to handle them in a productive, calm, and considerate way. It’s hard to catch resentment when it grows, but when it gets to be too strong, no amount of positive thinking will clear the air.

By making sure you’re on the lookout for these negative habits that could spawn resentment, you’ll be saving your relationship from heartbreak down the road.

9 Changes In A Relationship That Reveal Someone May Be About to Leave

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You think your partner is the one and you dream about your shared future. You think everything is going well in your relationship – and then, suddenly, just like that, they decide to leave. There’s no way you could have predicted something so out of left field … or could you?

When someone begins to consider leaving a relationship, there are always signs. They’re subtle, but they’re usually noticeable if you keep an eye out for them. Sometimes, though, even your partner doesn’t know they’re showing these signs. Even while they are drifting away from you, it may be entirely in their subconscious.

In order to avoid being blindsided and maybe even save your relationship, you need to be aware of the signs that you’re heading for a breakup. Here are some changes in a relationship that reveal someone may be about to leave.

 

9 Changes In A Relationship That Reveal Someone May Be About To Leave

1.    Spending Less Time Together

When you love someone, you want to spend a lot of time with them. This doesn’t mean you don’t have me-time, which is very healthy for any partner to have. It just means you try to find time to relax and go out with your significant other.

If your partner doesn’t want to go out with you anymore, is avoiding your texts, and always has some excuse or another as to why they can’t spend time with you, take it as a warning sign. Unless they have urgent or important commitments, something is likely wrong.

  • The same goes for a partner who always cancels on you.
  • They’re late to date nights, they cancel planned outings, and they don’t help to plan any future dates.
  • This means you’re likely not very high up on their list of priorities.

If you live with your partner, they might suddenly be coming home later than usual, even though they don’t have extra work or any commitments outside. They just may be trying to avoid coming home to see you. It’s alright for someone to need a little space, but this should be discussed in conversation, not done in a sneaky way.

2.    Changing Passwords

Not all partners share their passwords, but if you do, you’re one of 67% of Internet users who do so with their significant others. It’s a big sign of trust and shows that you feel positive about the relationship.

So if your partner’s passwords have suddenly changed and you don’t have the new ones, it may be a sign that their trust in you is diminishing or that they no longer want you involved in their personal life. (Of course, you should talk to your partner first instead of jumping to conclusions! They may have just forgotten to tell you.)

This is especially significant if their password used to have something to do with you, like your anniversary date, your birthday, or an inside joke. This could mean they are removing traces of you from their life so it’ll be easier for them to leave.

3.    Changing “Argument Behavior”

Fights are normal in any relationship. A few arguments here and there don’t mean you’re a bad couple, and there are plenty of positive ways to handle disagreements. But if the way your partner argues changes significantly, it may be because they’re about to leave.

A partner who suddenly refuses to fight with you at all, ever, is losing interest in the relationship. They’re no longer interested in fighting, likely because they don’t see any solutions or don’t feel like it’s necessary to find any since they’ll be gone shortly.

On the flip side, your partner may suddenly pick a lot more fights. They may be unusually grumpy and snappy, signs that their patience with you is wearing thin. They may also be doing so in order to get you to break up with them first.

  • Whichever change your partner makes in their arguing behavior, it’s worth talking to them about.
  • Fights and confrontation are difficult, but if there’s a way to fix something, they’re necessary.
  • Try turning them into positive discussions instead of angry arguments.

4.    Excluding Or Avoiding

If you and your partner have met each other’s family and friends already, this change will apply to you. Your partner may suddenly say they’re not interested in meeting your family again, and they might be reluctant to have dinner with your friends, even though they had fun doing so last time.

Similarly, your partner may not want you to meet their family or friends again. They’ll come up with excuses to keep you away from them, and you may even notice that their loved ones don’t talk to you as much as they used to.

If you and your partner were in it for the long haul, then each other’s friends and family are going to be right there with you. So if your partner suddenly doesn’t want you to be a part of each other’s lives in that way anymore, it may be because they don’t plan to be with you for much longer.

5.    Priority Shifts

You used to be your partner’s number one priority. They would drop absolutely everything for you if you needed them. All the challenges you face were done with strength, togetherness, and positive thinking. (And, of course, you would do the same for them in a heartbeat!)

Now, all of a sudden, they can’t drive you to a hospital appointment because they just decided to hang out with their friends that weekend. Or they can’t do date nights at home anymore because they’ve decided to take overtime work – even when your financial situation is fine.

We know that life can be hectic and people can get busy. But if your partner’s explanation for their change in priorities doesn’t seem to indicate any extra business, they might be losing interest and are likely preparing to leave.

What if they aren’t preparing to leave, but aren’t likely to shift their priorities back to you? Well, it may be time for you to leave, instead. Explain to them that this isn’t the relationship you signed up for and that if they’re going to consider everything else above you, you’ll have to call it quits.

6.    No More Conversation

Couples talk all the time. They share secrets, so-called mundane facts about their days, and just openly speak about their thoughts. But if your partner is now giving you one-word answers and has stopped asking how your day went, there could be trouble in paradise.

  • If your everyday small talk and casual chit-chat are suffering, you can likely imagine what is going on with more serious discussions; they stop happening all together.
  • This makes it impossible to have any kind of conversation with your partner.
  • You’ll feel disconnected and like you’re not being listened to.

If your partner stops asking you questions and stops talking to you outside of basic necessity, they may be losing interest in you. Unfortunately, that means they’re likely not too far away from leaving the relationship.

7.    Sudden Forgetfulness

This doesn’t just mean forgetting anniversaries, birthdays, or errands and tasks. It refers to the little things that your partner may suddenly be neglecting and claiming they forgot about.

For example, your partner may know that you absolutely love a certain kind of tea and therefore always makes sure your pantry is stocked with them. Then, suddenly, it just stops, and your partner never buys you that tea again – even when you ask if he can continue the old routine.

Tiny, simple gestures like this actually mean a lot in a relationship. They’re a sign of caring and love, showing that your partner wants to make your day better and is paying attention to your habits and likes. When they stop doing these things, they’re no longer interested.

8.    Changes In Intimacy

For allosexual couples, intimacy usually plays a significant role in the relationship. Intimacy is one piece of the puzzle that makes the partnership fulfilling and happy. Most people, in general, crave some form of intimate interaction from their partners, even if it’s non-sexual.

As such, if your partner suddenly doesn’t want to be intimate, engage in intimate behavior, or even cuddle and kiss anymore, there’s a good chance that they’re considering leaving. Sure, sometimes work, stressful events, and health issues can contribute to a lack of interest in intimacy – but if none of this is going on and your partner has suddenly shut you out, it’s a bad sign. The same also goes for the opposite situation.

  • If your partner suddenly only wants to be intimate and doesn’t want to talk, go out on dates, or do anything else at all, it’s a bad sign.
  • Intimacy is fun, but your entire relationship shouldn’t consist of just that.
  • It means your partner may no longer like you on any level other than physical, and they may be about to leave.

9.    They Don’t Want To Discuss The Future

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This very subtle change is something you’ll want to be on the lookout for, as it’s a very significant one and, usually, the most telling. Someone who is planning to stay with you is happy to discuss the future, make plans with you, and talk about long-term goals. Someone who has decided they don’t see you in their future isn’t going to want to do any of that.

There’s also a chance that they do still discuss the future with you – but don’t seem to include you in their plans. You want a dream wedding with your partner. They just want a dream wedding, full stop. You want to go to Bali with your partner for a holiday. They just want to go to Bali for a holiday, and they don’t seem to suggest it has to be with you.

If you’re bringing up future plans and your partner changes the subject or gets awkward and uncomfortable, it may be because they’re not really considering you as a part of their future anymore.

Of course, there are lots of other reasons that talking about the future can suddenly seem scary. Talk to them about it first and see if they’re struggling with other aspects of the future – maybe they’re no longer happy in their career, or their dreams for a future home location have changed and they don’t want to upset you.

Final Thoughts On Some Changes In A Relationship That Reveal Someone May Be About To Leave

If your relationship displays a lot of these changes, does that mean it’s the end of the road? Not necessarily, so don’t panic. Always maintain your positive thinking. This is a great opportunity to talk to your partner about these changes and hash out the problems that may be causing them.

There’s also a chance that the whole thing is a big misunderstanding. That’s why it’s best to communicate instead of making assumptions. If something is concerning you, talk to your partner about it and get to the bottom of it, together.

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