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16 Best Ways to Overcome Anxiety Disorder

November 11, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Many people deal with anxiety, but usually it only occurs when there is a stressful situation and then goes away when the situation is over. For those who suffer from an anxiety disorder, however, the anxiety doesn’t only occur when there is a stressful situation, and it doesn’t go away as easily. This disorder can cause problems with work and school performance, relationships, and day to day activities.

Nearly 20% of adults in the United States struggle with an anxiety disorder. There are more cases that have never been diagnosed, leaving people to suffer on their own without anxiety treatment. This isn’t necessary, however, as there are many treatment methods to try.

Before seeking treatment, a person should first figure out if they are struggling with anxiety. There are many symptoms to watch for when trying to identify anxiety. These symptoms include:

1. Feeling nervous, restless or tense, sometimes for no reason
2. Sensing danger, panic, or doom
3. Increased heart rate
4. Hyperventilating
5. Sweating
6. Trembling
7. Sudden fatigue
8. Difficultly concentrating
9. Constant worrying
10. Trouble sleeping
11. GI problems
12. Anxiety triggers (they vary from person to person)

There are different types of anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and phobia-related disorders. While there are treatments for all types of anxiety disorders, sometimes the treatment doesn’t work. Luckily, there are some things to try if other treatment options don’t help.

16 of the Best Ways to Deal With Anxiety Disorder

1. Reach out for support

Call a close friend or family member and tell them that you are struggling. Spend time with that person, and allow them to help you just by being present. Being surrounded by those that you love will help you recognize your support system and get through the anxiety a little easier.

2. Focus on deep breathing

When you feel that anxiety attack coming on or when you feel your heartbeat getting faster, remember to take a few deep breaths. Deep breathing is a method of anxiety treatment because it can lower blood pressure and heart rate to a more normal rate. In turn, the anxiety is normally eased.

Focusing on breathing also allows the brain to think of something other than the current worry or anxiety trigger. Shifting the focus of the mind can ultimately end an anxiety attack, or prevent one from happening.

3. Grounding

Grounding involves making direct contact with the earth through any of the five senses. An easy way to do this is simply by walking barefoot outside. Grounding is said to ease the symptoms of anxiety disorders.

Touching the ground with your feet or hands or smelling and seeing grass or flowers are all ways to make contact with the earth. You could take a camping trip and sleep on the ground to really delve into grounding.

4. Meditation

Through meditation, a person can remember to focus on what is going on at the moment instead of the worries running through their mind. After practicing meditation for a while, it becomes such a normal part of the routine that it can be done anytime, during any situation.

5. Do yoga stretches

During yoga, muscles tension is eased, which can calm the mind. Yoga also encourages blood flow throughout the entire body, regulating blood pressure and heart rate. The calming of the mind and the regulating of the blood pressure and heart rate all lead to a decrease in feelings of anxiety.

6. Avoid or limit caffeine intake

Caffeine can cause blood pressure and heart rate to rise, which could cause anxiety. Caffeine also makes the symptoms of anxiety worse. Too much caffeine could lead to an anxiety attack.

7. Avoid or limit alcohol

While alcohol is commonly thought of as being something a person could use to relax, it can actually do the opposite in someone with an anxiety disorder. Alcohol could make the anxiety worse, and the increased anxiety usually continues the day after, as well.

Alcohol is a depressant, so when the initial good feelings wear off, the anxious effects hit hard.

8. Pay attention to your diet and change it if needed

A diet high in magnesium has been shown to make a person feel calmer. This essentially lowers anxiety for that person. Foods high in zinc also lower anxiety.

Foods with B vitamins, such as avocados and almonds, are known to decrease anxiety levels, as well as foods rich in probiotics, such as pickles. Asparagus has also been linked to a decrease in anxiety.

Additionally, eating processed foods can make anxiety worse by releasing anxiety-inducing chemicals into the body. Processed foods often lack the necessary nutrients, as well, so the body is not operating properly.

9. Write in a journal

There are a few reasons why writing in a journal can help a person deal with their anxiety. First, getting the spiraling thoughts out on paper or on a screen feels good. Also, the soothing repetition of writing words on paper can help ease the anxious thoughts.

Writing in a journal also gives you the option to go back and read what you wrote at a later time. Sometimes this can help you understand your thought process during an anxious time. You may be able to sort the thoughts and think of a way to make the anxiety a little less in the future.

Keeping a journal or notebook with you at all times can allow you to use this method anywhere and at any time. Whenever you feel your anxiety rising, you could pull out your journal and begin writing.

10. Do something creative

Creative activities allow for a positive outlet for any kind of worry, stress, or anxious moment. Letting those feelings come out in a positive way can lessen the symptoms of anxiety quickly.

Another reason that doing something creative helps a person deal with anxiety is that it distracts the mind. Focusing on something other than the anxiety can make it easier to deal with and get past.

Activities that allow for creativity also have a way of calming a person, allowing their blood pressure and heart rate to slow down.

11. Listen to calming music

Calming music, such as classical music, can relax both minds and bodies. This kind of calming music has been found to slow the heart rate, blood pressure, and pulse rate when it has become too high. All of these things help relieve anxiety.

Calming music is also distracting to the mind, so it allows the brain to focus on something other than the anxiety and worrisome thoughts. By focusing on the music, a person’s anxiety can be greatly relieved or lessened.

12. Exercise regularly

Exercise releases neurotransmitters, endorphins, and endocannabinoids into the body, which are known to make a person feel good. It also lessens the amount of stress-inducing chemicals that are being released.

Like many other methods of treating anxiety, exercise also distracts the mind. Focusing on exercising can stop a person from thinking about what is making them anxious.

13. Avoid known anxiety triggers, or fix ones that can’t be avoided

This may be easier said than done. If the anxiety triggers are known, some of them are easy to avoid. If this is the case, it is best to stay away from the trigger, whether it be a person, an animal, or an object.

When there is an anxiety trigger that you can’t avoid, see what can be done to fix the problem. This may allow you to avoid the trigger next time.

Common Anxiety Triggers

– Caffeine
– Poor nutrition or skipping meals
– Financial problems
– Parties or other large gatherings
– Arguments or disagreements with friends or family
– Drinking alcohol
– Lack of sleep
– Working too much
– Traveling
– Problems with children
– Not knowing what might happen in the future

14. Remind yourself that everything will be okay

When you are thinking of the worst case scenario, remind yourself that the worst case doesn’t usually happen. Remind yourself that, for the most part, things work out in a positive way. Sometimes the reminder that the negative thinking is just the anxiety talking will help ease the anxiety a bit and force the mind to begin thinking differently.

It can be difficult to begin this more positive way of thinking, but if you are able to recognize that it is an issue, you should be able to remind yourself while it is happening.

15. Practice self love

Take time to love yourself. This could be spending a day pampering yourself, or a day reading a book while curled up under a comfortable blanket.

You could take a bubble bath or a long, hot shower. You could spend time watching your favorite TV show or playing your favorite game.

Sometimes self love means just sleeping in late and staying in your pajamas longer than usual.

Just spend time doing something that you love or that makes you feel good. This simple method can quickly reduce the feelings of anxiety.

16. Take anti-anxiety medication

Sometimes, medications can seem a bit scary for an anxiety treatment. These medications are completely safe and common, however, and can really help a person deal with the stresses, fears, and other anxieties that plague their thoughts. When nothing else will help, anti-anxiety medications may be the way to go.

Final Thoughts on Anxiety Disorder

A person who suffers from anxiety disorder usually has no control over their anxiety and worrisome thoughts. There are many different things that can trigger anxiety, and some triggers may be specific to only one person. If you are finding yourself in that position and no other anxiety treatment is making it any easier, you might consider trying some of the methods discussed above.

The most important thing to do, however, is to try and figure out what works best for you. Different things will work for different people, so you can’t get discouraged when one method doesn’t work.

By distracting your mind and changing your thought process, taking time to do something you love, or spending time with someone you love, you can allow yourself to feel better. All of these things could help with your anxiety treatment, and make the anxiety disorder a little easier to handle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFdcCXmGpy4

51 Relationship Quotes To Make Your Bond Stronger Than Ever

November 11, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Relationships are the very fabric of our lives. There is nothing we act on more than our relationships. Relationship quotes must have the kind of insight and depth that we come to value from the best minds of humanity. In fact, the best relationship quotes are made by funny, poignant, or romantic authors and comedians.

We have divided our quotes up for you in the following way: relationship quotes, marriage quotes, heart quotes, and sex quotes.

51 Relationship Quotes that Will Make You And Your Partner Closer Than Ever

10 Quotes about Relationships

1. “If you were going to die soon and had only one phone call you could make, who would you call and what would you say? And why are you waiting?” ~Stephen Levine

2. “Having someone wonder where you are when you don’t come home at night is a very old human need.” ~Margaret Mead

3. “Relationship is an art. The dream that two people create is more difficult to master than one.” ~Don Miguel Ruiz

4. “A partner is someone who makes you more than you are, simply by being by your side.” ~Albert Kim

5. “Remember, we all stumble, every one of us. That’s why it’s a comfort to go hand in hand.” ~Emily Kimbrough

6. “To truly know someone is to know the silence that stands for the thing they never speak of.” ~Robert Brault

7. “I felt it shelter to speak to you.” ~Emily Dickinson

8. “As important as shared memories are the silent agreement that certain things never happened.” ~Robert Brault

9. “Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.” ~Oprah Winfrey

10. “You know that when I hate you, it is because I love you to a point of passion that unhinges my soul.” ~Julie-Jeanne Eléonore de Lepsinasse

25 Quotes about Marriage

Relationship quotes are the most endearing when they deal with the largest of all mysteries: human monogamy.

11. “What a happy and holy fashion it is that those who love one another should rest on the same pillow.” ~Nathaniel Hawthorne

12. “The older I get, the less time I want to spend with the part of the human race that didn’t marry me.” ~Robert Brault

13. “What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life — to strengthen each other in all labour, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting?” ~George Eliot (1819–1880), Adam Bede, 1859

14. “To keep the fire burning brightly there’s one easy rule: Keep the two logs together, near enough to keep each other warm and far enough apart — about a finger’s breadth — for breathing room. Good fire, good marriage, same rule.” ~Marnie Reed Crowell

15. “Woke up in bed with a gorgeous woman, who I’m going to have lunch and the rest of my life with.” ~Jason Barmer

16. “The sum which two married people owe to one another defies calculation. It is an infinite debt, which can only be discharged through eternity.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

17. “If you made a list of the reasons why any couple got married, and another list of the reasons for their divorce, you’d have a hell of a lot of overlapping.” ~Mignon McLaughlin, The Neurotic’s Notebook, 1960

18. “If two stand shoulder to shoulder against the gods,
Happy together, the gods themselves are helpless
Against them, while they stand so.”
~Maxwell Anderson

19. “Love seems the swiftest, but it is the slowest of all growths. No man or woman really knows what perfect love is until they have been married a quarter of a century.” ~Mark Twain

20. “Matrimony—the high sea for which no compass has yet been invented.” ~Heinrich Heine, “Musical Notes from Paris,” translated from German by John Snodgrass

21. “A man’s wife has more power over him than the state has.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Journals

22. “There is so little difference between husbands you might as well keep the first.” ~Adela Rogers St. Johns

23. “That quiet mutual gaze of a trusting husband and wife is like the first moment of rest or refuge from a great weariness or a great danger.” ~George Eliot

24. “Married life teaches one invaluable lesson: to think of things far enough ahead not to say them.” ~Jefferson Machamer

25. “Just as Amy and Jay had for decades slept nude together, inhaling each other’s odors, her hands familiar with the man’s body hair. Even her face creams and his night grunts would have entered into it. And shared cakes of soap and clothes closets and dinners — such a complex of intimacies.” ~Saul Bellow (1915–2005), The Actual, 1997

26. “A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.” ~Andre Maurois

27. “Often the difference between a successful marriage and a mediocre one consists of leaving about three or four things a day unsaid.” ~Harlan Miller

28. “Husbands are like fires. They go out when unattended.” ~Zsa Zsa Gabor

29. “To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you’re wrong, admit it;
Whenever you’re right, shut up.”
~Ogden Nash

30. “There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” ~Martin Luther

31. “Wasn’t marriage, like life, unstimulating and unprofitable and somewhat empty when too well ordered and protected and guarded. Wasn’t it finer, more splendid, more nourishing, when it was, like life itself, a mixture of the sordid and the magnificent; of mud and stars; of earth and flowers; of love and hate and laughter and tears and ugliness and beauty and hurt.” ~Edna Ferber, Show Boat, 1926

32. “When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” ~Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally

33. “When the one man loves the one woman and the one woman loves the one man, the very angels desert heaven and come and sit in that house and sing for joy.” ~The Brahma Sutras

34. “Marrying for love may be a bit risky, but it is so honest that God can’t help but smile on it.” ~Josh Billings

35. “The concept of two people living together for 25 years without a serious dispute suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep.” ~A.P. Herbert

6 Quotes about The Heart

The best relationship quotes always acknowledge the power, the strength, and the impermeability of the human heart in all of its magnificence.

36. “You can’t reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.” ~Mark Twain

37. “The heart is the perfection of the whole organism. Therefore the principles of the power of perception and the soul’s ability to nourish itself must lie in the heart.” ~Aristotle

38. “If my heart could do my thinking, and my head begin to feel,
I would look upon the world anew, and know what’s truly real.”
~Van Morrison

39. “The heart is not simply suspended in a body but in a culture, a place, a time.” ~Mimi Guarneri, The Heart Speaks: A Cardiologist Reveals the Secret Language of Healing

40. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” ~Proverbs 17:22 (Bible: King James Version)

41. “The greatest explorer on this earth never takes voyages as long as those of the man who descends to the depth of his heart.” ~Julien Green

10 Quotes about Intimacy

We could not have a “best relationship quotes” section without a section on the trickiest of all relationship angles, the question of intimacy.

42. “No matter how much cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens.” ~Abraham Lincoln

43. “Life without sex might be safer but it would be unbearably dull. It is the sex instinct which makes women seem beautiful, which they are once in a blue moon, and men seem wise and brave, which they never are at all. Throttle it, denaturalize it, take it away, and human existence would be reduced to the prosaic, laborious, boresome, imbecile level of life in an anthill.” ~Henry Louis Mencken

44. “The natural man has only two primal passions, to get and beget.” ~William Osler

45. “The hypothalamus is one of the most important parts of the brain, involved in many kinds of motivation, among other functions. The hypothalamus controls the “Four F’s”: fighting, fleeing, feeding, and mating.” ~Marvin Dunnette

46. “Sex Education – A controversial course that parents argue about while their kids are out doing the lab work.” ~Richard E. Turner (1937–2011), The Grammar Curmudgeon, a.k.a. “The Mudge,” from “The Curmudgeon’s Short Dictionary of Modern Phrases,” c.2009

47. “It is not economical to go to bed early to save candles if the result is twins.” ~Chinese Proverb

48. “Having sex is like playing bridge. If you don’t have a good partner, you’d better have a good hand.” ~Woody Allen

49. “Sex contains all,
Bodies, Souls, meanings, proofs, purities, delicacies, results, promulgations,
Songs, commands, health, pride, the maternal mystery, the seminal milk;
All hopes, benefactions, bestowals,
All the passions, loves, beauties, delights of the earth,
All the governments, judges, gods, follow’d persons of the earth,
These are contain’d in sex, as parts of itself, and justifications of itself.”
~Walt Whitman, “A Woman Waits for Me”

50. “I’d like to meet the man who invented sex and see what he’s working on now.” ~Author Unknown

And last, but most definitely not least…

51. “There are a number of mechanical devices which increase sexual arousal, particularly in women. Chief among these is the Mercedes-Benz 380SL convertible.” ~P.J. O’Rourke

Final Thoughts

We love our relationships: Our messy, complicated, beautiful, heart mending relationships. We hope that these relationship quotes stirred your heart and tickled your funny bone and we hope that you will reach out to a loved one and bond with them today.

Which ones did you find to be the best relationship quotes of all time? Post your favorites below and comment on your top three relationship quotes. We would love to hear from you.

15 Fulvic Acid Benefits For Your Hair And Skin

November 10, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Fulvic acid benefits seem endless. It might be the missing link in your wellness and beauty regimens. Imagine a naturally occurring substance that can pull double duty to reverse and prevent aging inside and outside your body. Early research and historic uses might lend more than a bit of weight to this essential mineral missing from most people’s diets and beauty products.

What is Fulvic Acid?

This naturally occurring chemical compound is vital to a plant’s life cycle and nutritional development. Humus (not to be confused with your favorite chickpea spread) is the organic building block of nutrient-rich soil. Fulvic acid is a type of humus. You will find it in rocks, minerals, peat moss, and other natural places. It also takes many centuries of plant life breaking down before it becomes potent enough for supplement form.

Sources of Fulvic Acid

The most common form of fulvic acid is shilajit, which sounds far less tasty and contains other forms of humus. It sees extensive use in ayurvedic medicine for numerous conditions.

Food is another source, but it’s not enough anymore. Mass farming, lack of crop rotation, and extensive use of pesticides, herbicides, and other synthetic chemicals destroy the delicate soil balance, and little to no hummus remains in conventional produce.

Many people turn to organically grown fruits and vegetables because they retain more fulvic acid and humus than their conventional counterparts. Still, the amounts are small and more difficult to regulate than a supplement. You also can’t apply food topically and receive the same results as a liquid supplement.

Fulvic Acid Benefits :

Can assist the optimal absorption of essential nutrients and minerals
Can reduce hair loss
May promote healthy gut
Can improve your immune system
Can enhance your natural beauty
Has cellular-level anti-aging properties
Contains anti-oxidant properties to combat free radicals
Has anti-fungal properties
Has anti-microbial properties

Unlike other supplements, it works with your body at the cellular level to revert damaged cells, and promote healthy cell growth, and through digestion or topical absorption, it increases the bioavailability of nutrients you apply or consume. This means you will extract more of the vitamins and minerals from the foods you eat and any other supplement you’re taking.

It also mimics your skin’s natural pH, which makes it an essential additive to any skin and hair care regimen. Our skin is naturally acidic. Many other beauty products contain large quantity of alkaline ingredients. An alkaline environment aids in bacteria growth and leaves the skin unprotected.

You can reap fulvic acid benefits for hair and your overall wellness. This is especially true for women who experience hair loss, have severely damaged hair, or have scalp conditions.

It still has surprising benefits beyond your cells, hair, and skin. It’s promising in medical conditions like eczema and many non-related ones like gut health and immune system. Evidence suggests it might assist with slowing or reversing cognitive diseases too.

The more scientists study fulvic acid, the more we learn about its potential benefits. However, as previously stated, ayurvedic medicine has used it effectively and safely and continues to do so today.

How to Take Fulvic Acid

Powder
Liquid

Dosing for internal fulvic acid benefits will vary, but research supports 300-500mg per day as safe. It’s best to consult your naturopath or doctor before you begin taking it. If you’re using the liquid internally, you should consider masking the earthy flavor in a smoothie or other beverage.

Side Effects of Fulvic Acid and Concerns

Study participants have reported no serious side effects. However, as with any natural product, you can still have an allergic reaction. If applying topically, you should perform a patch test on the inside of your forearm.

Pregnant and nursing women and people with autoimmune disorders should consult their doctors before trying fulvic acid. For people with autoimmune disorders, you might see your symptoms worsen due to its ability to block histamines, so use only under the direction of a trained professional.

Supplements, regardless of form, aren’t created equal. Look for purified forms of fulvic acid. Natural products can contain dangerous metals, environmental toxins, fungus, bacteria, and other harmful substances. Purifying it removes those without stripping away the healing and beneficial properties.

15 Fulvic Acid Benefits for Your Hair and Skin

1. Histamine Blocker

Historically, people would take it to treat skin conditions like eczema because it can act like a histamine blocker. Medical studies support this; many participants saw their eczema symptoms improved as much as with traditional medication.

2. Naturally Boost Your Body’s Collagen

Your body needs collagen to ensure proper growth and health of your skin, hair, nails, and joints. However, your body produces less collagen as you age. This can lead to sagging skin, which then causes fine lines, brittle nails, and thinning or balding hair.

Instead, you should consider the fulvic acid benefits for hair and skin. It can naturally enhance your body’s ability to produce it while improving your hair, nail, and skin’s existing collagen. This makes it an essential part of preventative routines too.

3.Fight Fungus

Due to its antifungal properties, you can use fulvic acid to heal and fight off various fungus. Add some to a soothing footbath for athlete’s foot or toenail fungus or you can apply it directly to your skin or nails.

4. Enhance Your Favorite Beauty Products

Did you know that you could add fulvic acid to nearly any existing product? Your favorite mineral foundation can now have a powerful, healthful boost. Your mascara can work harder and smarter to protect your eyelashes. If you’re creative, you can use it to formulate your natural skin and beauty products.

The best part? Fulvic acid benefits any complexion type and skin tone. This is because it naturally balances your skin’s pH.

5. Combat Environmental Skin and Hair Damage

Antioxidants are the barrier between the environment and you. While using fulvic acid won’t create an impenetrable barrier, it could be the next greatest boost to give your skin and body a fighting chance. Remember, free radicals do more than destroy your skin and hair; they can directly affect your cells in disastrous ways.

6. Inflammatory Acne Breakouts

Your skincare routine shouldn’t work against you. Unfortunately, most acne and beauty products introduce your skin to alkaline ingredients, which then need to be counteracted with other ingredients your skin doesn’t need. Whether you have acne-prone skin or experience a few hormonal breakouts, you might be able to reduce and heal the inflammation with fulvic acid.

7. Stop or Reverse Wrinkles

For women, we fear those telltale early signs of crow’s feet and fine lines. We know it’s only the beginning, and aging can be hard to embrace. Like with collagen creams, most beauty creams with anti-aging benefits promise change but seldom deliver on their promises. Yet we shell out hundreds of dollars on products that contain questionable ingredients each year.

You might be able to reduce wrinkles while halting the formation of new ones with fulvic acid.

8. All-purpose Rash Remedy

Diaper rash
Poison ivy and oak
Contact dermatitis
Bug bites
Bee stings

A simple swipe of fulvic acid and itchiness might subside while redness and swelling lessen.

9. Prevent Hair Loss

During menopause, women can experience alarming hair loss. This is primarily due to your hormonal imbalance, so it can affect women before menopause any time where their hormone levels drastically shift. This includes if you have hormone-based conditions and post-partum.

10. Repair Dry Skin

No matter where you have dry skin, the moisture-boosting properties can enhance your existing lotions, oils, and creams. Because fulvic acid aids the absorption of other nutrients, it allows your skin to absorb and retain more from your favorite products. Some people will even use the liquid form in place of lotions and creams.

11. Natural Keratin Treatment

Keratin is a major protein found in your hair. Stress, environment, styling products, and hormonal changes can weaken it. This can lead to breakage, thinning, dull, lifeless, and stunted hair growth.

The most common treatments often involve keratin that a stylist applies and seals with a flat iron. However, salon treatments do have side effects and can actually further damage your hair and health ( hello, formaldehyde ). Dermatologists also don’t recommend it if you have skin conditions like psoriasis.

Luckily, fulvic acid benefits for hair include boosting your hair’s natural keratin while it repairs your scalp and locks.

12. Remove Toxins

Fulvic acid benefits for hair are greater than just reversing hair loss. When you apply to your scalp or skin, you draw out toxins that prevent your body from absorbing essential nutrients.

13. Protects Skin From Solar Radiation

Fulvic acid can protect your skin from damaging UV radiation. This lowers your risk of sunburn. If you have sunburn, you can also use it to treat your damaged skin.

14. Astringent

Say goodbye to harsh cleansers with questionable ingredients. Even natural products can have some unpronounceable additives. You can safely mix a few drops with water for an instant toner that zaps bacteria, fungus, and other harmful organisms attempting to move into your pores.

15. Thickens Hair

Some people have excellent genes that lead to a thick, beautiful head of hair no matter what they eat or use. Many more aren’t so lucky. The fulvic acid benefits for hair go beyond keratin and scalp. It allows the vitamins required for luxurious locks to absorb and can heal dandruff. You hair can’t grow or thrive without the proper building blocks, and you’re unlikely to achieve optimal nutrition without a fulvic acid boost to your scalp and locks.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Fulvic Acid Benefits

Fulvic acid benefits appear to bridge a gap in our bodies. Could its lack be why we see increases in topical rashes, faster aging, and dull, lifeless hair? Science can’t explain that yet, but it might be a clue.

Because it’s safe to use by most people and has promising early research, you should consider trying it for healthier skin, nails, and hair. Plus, even though it wasn’t covered in the article, the supplement has other healthful benefits, like preventing Alzheimer’s and cognitive degenerative diseases, that would make it worth using.

Coconut Oil : 31 Unique Ways To Use Coconut Oil For Food, Skin, Hair + More

November 10, 2018 by Power of Positivity

People have debated whether a coconut is a fruit, seed or nut over the years, but its oil has continued to be used as a cure-all for thousands of years. Considering its effective practical uses, you don’t ever want to be without it.

Let’s explore the vast number of reasons why you should have coconut oil at home:

1. Hair

One of the most popular uses for coconut oil is to use it in the hair. It naturally moisturizes hair, can tame frizziness, and it can be used to stimulate hair growth. Massage it into your scalp and allow it to stay there. It can help to dislodge sebum, debris and help to fight dandruff.

2. Folliculitis

Coconut oil for skin is a natural antiseptic. When follicles become infected, they can produce painful blister-like pimples. Using harsh substances like rubbing alcohol can make the problem worse. If you use coconut oil for skin, it can clear it up within a few days, and it will help to soothe your reddened inflamed skin.

3. Nails

Since you are constantly using your hands, your nails can take a beating. Applying this type of oil helps your nails to stay in better condition, and it moisturizes your cuticles to provide healthier nails. You are less likely to experience tears and other forms of damage to your cuticles and nails.

4. Moisturizer

Coconut oil for skin is like no other oil in that it can permeate the skin and hair to effectively moisturize and not just coat like other oils. Vitamin E that is found in this oil is beneficial to your skin.

5. Sunburn

Coconut oil for skin has an SPF of 4, which helps to block the sun’s rays. This makes it a nice option as a suntan lotion. However, it can help to soothe a sunburn and prevent peeling. Make sure you remove all of the heat from your sunburn before applying the oil.

6. Makeup Remover

One of the best things about this type of oil is its ability to remove stubborn makeup easily and thoroughly. You can use a cotton pad or a washcloth. When you’re finished, you don’t need to remove any excess oil because it can be used as a nighttime moisturizer.

7. Ointment

Coconut oil for hair and skin can be used as an ointment to cuts. The oil will help them to heal faster too. This type of oil can help diminish the appearance of scars and help to prevent them.

8. Burns

This type of oil is useful for first degree and second degree burns. Beyond providing moisture for the damaged skin layers, oil from a coconut helps to protect the burn from infection and speed up recovery. Third degree burns require medical treatment.

9. Lips

Lips can get incredibly chapped during the colder months. Keeping some frozen coconut oil in the freezer can help to bring cool relief to chapped, split and flaking lips. Don’t forget the area above your lip that can get dry too. Frequently apply this type of oil, and you will see a quick improvement.

10. Nose relief

Constantly blowing your nose from allergies or a cold makes for a red and flaky nose. Use coconut oil for hair and skin after you blow your nose and at night to keep your skin moisturized and avoid red and flaky skin or scabs.

11. Eyelashes

Putting coconut oil for hair and skin on your eyelashes can help them to grow. The extra sparkle also makes your eyes look healthy and refreshed. There are times when mites can attach to your eyelashes. This type of oil is useful in treating those too.

12. Wind Burn

Coconut oil for hair and skin can be used on skin that has been burned by the wind. After getting out of the shower, apply this type of oil all over. It will absorb into your skin and provide you with a layer of protection before you get burned by the wind.

13. Age Spots

It has been long used in lessening the appearance of age spots. Oil from coconuts helps to heal skin, but it can also help it to speed up in production. It can help to correct any type of sun damage.

14. Mouth Pooling

Mouth pooling isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you swish oil from a coconut in your mouth for about 20 minutes in the morning, your gums are said to become healthier, your breath will smell fresher, and your teeth will be whiter. Mouth pooling can also help with gingivitis, periodontitis and cavities.

15. Natural Toothpaste

You can use it as a natural toothpaste as well. Mix equal parts of oil from a coconut and baking soda to effectively clean your teeth, gums and tongue.

16. Eye Puffiness and Wrinkles

Coconut oil for skin solidifies when it is less than 72 degrees Fahrenheit, which can make it easy to apply as a liquid or as a solid, depending on the temperature you keep it at. You can put it in a small container and free in the freezer. Take it out when apply to your eyes. The added coolness will help to make your eyes less puffy. Leave this type of oil on your eyes to decrease wrinkles over time.

17. Natural Deodorant

You can apply oil from a coconut under your arms for a natural deodorant because it prevents your sweat from interacting with bacteria. You’ll still sweat, but you won’t experience an unpleasant smell.

18. Stretch Marks

You can use oil from a coconut by itself, but it is more effective when you mix it with aloe. You’ll need a blender to do this. Cut off the outer portion of a large aloe leaf. Scoop out the inside, which will look like thick jelly. Put into a blender and mix. Add an equal amount of this type of oil to the mixture. Store it in the fridge, and apply to stretch marks daily. You will see dramatic results in three months.

19. Weight-loss

According to Mayo Clinic, oil from a coconut can help with weight-loss. Despite what people say about eating fat and consuming calories, this type of oil helps you to lose weight when you take it regularly.

20. Epileptic Seizures

Because oil from coconuts is so fatty, it helps the body to produce ketones quicker, which helps those who suffer from seizures.

21. Body Scrub

When mixed with brown or white sugar, you can create a rejuvenating body scrub. Use equal parts of white or brown sugar with oil all over your body in the shower. Be careful about applying it to your feet. It’s slippery. Wash your body as usual. Your skin will glow.

22. Face Cleanser

Many people use oil cleansers on their faces at night and in the morning to not only remove makeup but to clean their skin in general. Using coconut oil helps to free the skin of dirt and pollutants. The moisturizing effect of the oil signals the skin to not make as much sebum, which can help with acne. Coconut oil is the right pH balance for skin too.

23. Blood Sugar

Coconut oil for hair and skin can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin secretion and lessens the effects of an overstressed pancreas. You’ll experience a calm feeling as your blood sugar remains consistent.

24. Inflammation

Anyone suffering from inflammation will appreciate coconut’s amazing ability to relieve inflammation within the body, which can help with arthritis, injury, fever, bronchitis, asthma and many other issues caused by inflammation.

25. Kidney Stones

This type of oil can help to dissolve kidney stones. It can also help with urinary tract infections and ease the pain associated with passing kidney stones, depending upon when it is taken in connection with the progression of kidney stones.

26. Morning Coffee

You can put coconut oil in your coffee as a creamer, and it will give you an extra good energy boost in the morning.

27. Sicknesses

If you take a tablespoon of oil from a coconut every two hours, you can make your symptoms associated with the common cold and flu to be less severe. It can help you with bacterial infections too. Get medical treatment if your symptoms get severe though.

28. Parasites

When taken internally, this oil helps to flush out parasites in the stomach and intestines. Oil from coconuts has been used for a long time to treat tapeworms, flukes and giardia.

29. Lice and Mites

Applied topically, this oil can get rid of lice and mites. Oil from a coconut can help to dislodge lice eggs from your hair and scalp, and it kills lice and mites. Mites dig tiny burrows in your skin and multiply. Applying this type of oil to your skin suffocates the mites and protects your skin from infection.

30. Blood Pressure

According to beatpsoriasis.org, Oil from coconuts can help to lower blood pressure because it helps to strengthen blood vessel walls and expand them. This type of oil has vitamin K, which can help improve varicose or spider veins as well.

31. Potato Curry

You’ve never smelled anything as good as onions frying in coconut oil. That buttery smell first thing in the morning is right up there with morning coffee. You can use this type of oil in all of your cooking. It can also be used to replace butter.

Whether you want to call a coconut a seed, fruit or nut, it doesn’t change all of the amazing things it can do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BNGVmwxoHI

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

The Ultimate Checklist On Taking Control Of Your Finances

November 10, 2018 by Power of Positivity

If you live in the West – say the United States or the U.K. – you know all too well people’s problems with managing finances. The savings rate is abysmal – something like 4.8% for Americans.

(It’s even less for Brits.)

Meanwhile, people in this part of the world have racked up trillions of dollars in credit card debt. In 2017 alone, Americans charged over $92 billion to their credit cards. Over 60 percent have less than $1,000 in savings.

Think the problem is about not making enough money? Think again. While American families earning less than $25,000 per year have the most trouble saving, one in three households with an annual income of $50,000-$100,000 live paycheck to paycheck. One in four making over $150,000 (!) are in the same predicament.

How can we be this bad with money? What can explain such unsustainable and irrational behavior?

We might agree with the famous comment from Will Rogers, “Too many people spend money they haven’t earned, to buy things they don’t want, to impress people they don’t like.”

Honestly, though, one saying applies throughout this entire article: “It’s not how much money you make; it’s how much you keep.” As you will see, your income is only a (small) part of the equation. The good news is that you can change your spending habits. Later, we will discuss twenty ways to have more control over your finances!

First, let’s talk about the psychology of finances (and spending!)

The Psychology of Finances (and Spending!)

Our subconscious mind drives our financial decision-making – this is why people have so much trouble altering their spending habits. Advertising and marketing companies make a lot of money exploiting the psychological processes that drive spending.

Can we flip the tables on these schemers? Yes! It all starts with understanding the rationale behind why we spend. With a basic understanding of consumer psychology, we can practice financial self-awareness. This powerful knowledge will assist you in recognizing and correcting bad habits you might have with your finances.

The psychology of spending can be broken down into seven parts: advertising, “Keeping Up with the Joneses,” of impulse buying, “But it’s a good deal!” of consumer therapy, loving money, and present bias.

The psychology of advertising:

As mentioned, advertisers and marketers make a living – a handsome living – out of knowing what makes consumers buy. Consciously, we know that sports drink won’t give us phenomenal abilities – but our unconscious doesn’t. That’s advertising in a nutshell.

The psychology of “Keeping Up with the Joneses”:

There’s a reason why many six-figure earners have little to no savings – and it’s called the “appearance of success.” It isn’t enough to be highly educated with a good job; now they must show everyone else. The problem, of course, is that they’re sacrificing financial independence for the sake of “social approval.”

The psychology of impulse buying:

Walk into any supermarket, and you’ll probably see one (or all!) of the following items near the checkout counters: candy, soda, “bargain” items, magazines, and electronic accessories. Supermarkets like Walmart and Target strategically place every item to increase the chance of its sale. (This is marketing psychology 101.)

The psychology of “But it’s a good deal!”:

We often use the “But it’s a good deal!” excuse to rationalize impulsive spending. Buying items on sale that you truly need or were planning to buy is smart shopping. However, it is essential to remember that every purchase has a cost – whether or not it’s a bargain. Try to keep the cost in mind, not just the savings. When that $100 pair of shoes is a “can’t miss” 75 percent off, you’re still spending 25 bucks.

The psychology of consumer therapy – and its impact on finances:

Studies show that the brain’s reward system goes haywire when we buy things. The neurochemical dopamine, associated with feelings of pleasure and excitement, spikes when we buy something on impulse. Of course, these feelings of bliss and excitement are transitory, giving way to guilt and low self-esteem.

The psychology of buying love with money:

A strange trend has developed since the advent of consumerism: the idea that money can buy or replace love. This absurd notion continues to increase, in large part to the epidemic of overwork prevalent in many developed countries. Can’t go to your son’s ballgame? Meh, stop and get him a new mitt. Forget your anniversary? Just charge that diamond necklace to your Sapphire card.

The psychology of present bias:

Another obstacle to circumvent on the way to financial sanity – the brain’s predisposition for instant gratification. As defined by behavioral psychologists, present bias is “the tendency of people to give stronger weight to payoffs that are closer to the present” than in the future. Here is an excellent example of present bias in the context of behavioral economics: waiting until the last minute to save for retirement.

Ask yourself these questions to help you make better financial decisions when shopping:

Have I given thought to purchasing this before I saw it just now?
Is this product available for a lower price elsewhere?
Will I feel happy about this purchase if I were to make it 48 hours from now?
Is this something that I need?
How often will I use this product or service?
Do I have something similar at home that I can use?
Do I feel calm and collected when I consider the purchase, or scattered and irrational?

20 Ways to Get Control of Your Finances

Now that we’ve discussed the psychology of money and spending, let’s go over 20 easy ways to get control of your finances!

1 – Get a jar

We’re going old school with this one. If you can, buy an old-fashioned mason jar (you can also buy a money-counting jar for like $5). Now, go on a change-scouring expedition. Any loose change and dollar bills go into this jar from now on. When you have a couple of bucks extra at the end of the day, put it in the change jar. The amount doesn’t matter; the idea is to help get your brain into the habit of saving.

2 – Track your spending and finances

Get a pen and piece of paper and carry it around with you for a week. Jot down every penny spent (don’t forget to write it down every time). At the end of the week, tally up the numbers. Where is your money going?

3 – Know your income

Sounds simple, right? You’d be surprised at how many people don’t know how much goes into their monthly bank accounts. You absolutely must know this amount by heart.

4 – Check your credit report

Millions of people have errors in their credit reports – which can cost you big time. Double- and triple-check the information on your credit report for any inaccuracy. Challenge any items that you do not recognize as legitimate. (You may need to research DIY credit repair.)

5 – Find a good savings account

As banks become more consolidated, finding a savings account that offers a decent interest rate becomes harder. However, there are some good ones. Ally Bank offers a 1.9% APY savings account, as does American Express.

6 – Sign up for direct deposit

If you haven’t already, sign up for direct deposit with your employer. Besides being super convenient, having your paycheck direct deposited allows you to see your earnings and spending trends over time.

7 – Clip coupons

Swallow your pride and sharpen your scissors. You can save some serious dough by clipping those coupons. Don’t you think saving a measly 30 cents on that jar of pickles is worth the effort? Assuming you shop for groceries once a week, cashing in just ONE 30-cent coupon each time would save you about $16 in only one year.

8 – Automate your savings

Most employers have a direct deposit system that allows you to allocate your net pay into one or more checking and savings accounts. Automating your savings is the best way to ensure you don’t squander it.

9 – Cut up your credit cards

Or, just keep one to help you build and maintain your credit score. Once you get into the habit of saving a bit of your paycheck each week, you’ll find that you don’t need to whip out that credit card nearly as often.

10 – Sell your car to improve your finances

Think about your car payment. Does it cause you undue stress and anxiety? Consider selling it and buying something cheaper. While you may not “look cool” (hint: nobody cares), you’ll enjoy the financial weight lifted off your shoulders. Furthermore, if you have an old car sitting in your yard, you may consider selling it. Exploring options for used cars in glendale could provide a more affordable, stress-free vehicle choice. If you’re buying your first car, you may start exploring these used cars in el cajon. You may also visit sites like https://austickcarremoval.com.au/location/cash-for-cars-wollongong/ for more info. If your car was financed through a dealership that did not divulge all related charges, you may be eligible to file mis-sold car finance claims. For a reliable car service, the European car repair in Ellicott City may help you maintain your car in good condition.

11 – Cut out the fees that eat away at your finances

Fees are the devil, and boy, do they add up. Check with debit and credit card statements for any “miscellaneous fees” (ugh). Then, contact your financial institution(s) and inquire about waiving them. If they refuse, take your business elsewhere.

12 – Eat at home

Eating out may be the worst money-wasting habit of all. Besides making you fatter with that processed garbage, the markup on the raw product used by restaurants and fast food joints is ridiculous. (No, not even that super-delicious steak should cost $30.)

13 – Look for deals

With the market being as competitive as it is, there is no reason to pay the full price for anything. While you may feel the need to scratch your consumerist itch, exercising a bit of discipline and scouring the internet for a day or two can save you some serious cash – especially for big-ticket items.

14 – Pay yourself first

Pay yourself before you cut anyone a check (does anyone still use those?). Put five to 10 percent – or more – into your savings account. (If you’ve automated your savings, you already do this!)

15 – Go minimalist

Consumerism is a pointless, expensive, and, most of all, wasteful experiment. Minimalism isn’t about eating top ramen while watching your 18-inch black-and-white T.V. It’s about buying things you truly value and will use regularly. Please give it some thought.

16 – Give up control of the finances

Is your husband or wife better with money than you? If so, why are you still handling it? Stop being your own worst enemy and let them have the financial reins.

17 – Use a list

You should carry a written list when grocery shopping (or shopping for anything else with five or more items). Use this list. Get in and get out.

18 – Find a second (or third) source of income

While more money is rarely the panacea it’s made out to be, some extra money in the bank never hurts. The internet allows you to work at home part-time, from filling out surveys to freelancing. Another gig may be the cushion you need.

19 – Pay down your debt

While paying yourself first is Rule Number One, paying down your debt is still essential. Because interest accumulates fastest on the largest debt amount, this debt requires your attention first.

20 – Meditate about your finances

Huh? Wha–? Why is a meditation on here? Fair question – and here’s the answer: we are more prone to act irrationally when stressed, burned out, and so forth. The purpose of meditation is to quiet your mind. Another ancillary benefit to meditative practice: more joy in the here and now.

Final Thoughts on Gaining Control of Your Finances

Changing deeply entrenched financial habits requires attention, deliberate action, and willpower. In other words, establishing smart spending and saving habits requires that we be conscious consumers. Act with awareness. Don’t go on “autopilot,” especially when you are in a department store within arm’s reach of your wallet or purse.

Times are tough and will probably remain that way for the foreseeable future. While you’ll experience more than one bump in the road on the way to getting in control of your finances, there are few things more liberating than knowing you are no longer at the whim of those wishing to separate you from your hard-earned money!

5 Ways To Use Coffee For Skin Detoxing

November 10, 2018 by Power of Positivity

The holiday season always means dry and cold air is near. Holiday parties may add more sodium and alcohol to your diet than normal. With the addition of caffeine, you can expect to have very dry and dull skin.

From the inside out, caffeine acts as a diuretic for your skin. What happens when you use coffee grounds on the outside of your skin is a completely different story. These grounds are full of antioxidants. Here are some of the ways you can use coffee for skin.

5 Ways To Use Coffee For Skin Detoxing

Exfoliating Body Scrub

This scrub will help get rid of dry dead skin cells and leave you with refreshed skin. For this scrub, you will need the following ingredients:

Ingredients

1/2 cup of fresh ground java beans
1/4 cup of organic coconut oil
1/2 cup of palm sugar

If you are not excited by looking at these ingredients, you should be. When combined, these simple 3 ingredients will work wonders for your parched, lifeless skin. To create the skin scrub, simply combine all the ingredients. If your coconut oil is solid, heat it until it melts. Try not to get it too hot. If you do, be sure to let it cool before you mix your sugar in. If you mix these ingredients while the oil is hot, it will dissolve the sugar crystals.

You can store this scrub in any type of air-tight container. Use it in the bath or shower at any time.

Nourishing Foot Scrub

This scrub is extremely abrasive, so be sure you only use it on your feet. The skin on feet is generally thicker and can withstand a more abrasive scrub. If you use this on your face or body, you may risk having red skin that is very irritated.

Ingredients

1/2 cup of sweet almond oil
1/2 cup of fresh coffee grounds
1 1/2 cup of raw cane sugar
Try adding an extract that will complement the smell of the coffee grounds such as vanilla, coffee or even a chocolate extract. This will boost the aroma of the scrub.

To make this scrub, you will want to mix your sugar and the grounds. Once you have these fully combined, you can add in any sort of extract you would like. When that is complete, slowly stir in your sweet almond oil. Sweet almond oil is wonderful for dry, chapped skin. It is also a natural disinfectant.

Store your scrub in an air-tight jar or another container. To use, simply scoop out a small bit and rub it in circular motions over your feet. Take care to not scrub too hard, especially on the tender part of your feet. When you are done, rinse with warm water and pat your skin dry. This will reserve the oil on your skin to let it do its magic. Put on a pair of fluffy socks, and you are good to go!

Face Mask For Oily Skin

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of instant plain espresso
fresh squeezed lemon juice – enough to make a paste

In a small container, mix the espresso with tiny bits of the lemon juice until a paste-like consistency is formed. Apply this mixture to your face and neck. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes. Rinse with cool water. Use once a week to control oily skin.

Formula For Smooth and Clear Skin

Ingredients

1 tbsp of plain instant espresso powder
Raw unprocessed milk or plain yogurt

Just like the mask with lemon, mix the milk or yogurt with the instant powder and form a paste. Apply this to your face, leaving it to sit for 15-20 minutes. Dampen it and massage your face as you remove it. Rinse with warm water and pat to dry.

Vanilla Scented Body Soap

Ingredints

1 pound goat’s milk soap base
1/4 cup espresso grounds
20 drops vanilla essence

To create this soap, melt the soap base in the microwave in 30 second bursts. Once it is completely melted, stir in the grounds and essence. Pour the mixture into any mold you’d like and allow it to sit and harden for an hour. These natural soaps are great for gifts or to keep them for yourself.

With some all-natural ingredients, you can make masks, soaps and scrubs using coffee. These will make your skin wonderfully soft and moisturized while cleaning toxins out of your pores.

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

5 Ways To Make Your Coffee Routine Healthier

November 10, 2018 by Power of Positivity

For most people, the morning doesn’t start until they use their coffee grinders and enjoy that first sip of java. Not only does it wake up the brain, but there are other benefits of coffee. It can improve cognitive function. It can also protect you against type 2 diabetes and liver disease. That steaming cup can even decrease the risk of depression.

Unfortunately, it is not uncommon to turn that healthy, fat-free, one-calorie drink into a fatty sugar bomb of unhealthy calories. How can you take that morning cuppa and make it a healthy powerhouse?

Here are five ways to make your morning cup of coffee that much healthier.

1. Brew with filtered water

You are careful about what water you drink. This should mean that making your morning coffee is just as important. That cup of Joe is 98 percent water, so the type of water you use is key to making your morning java healthier.

Water from the tap can include heavy metals, mercury, and arsenic. Asbestos from water pipes can even be found in drinking water. Over time, these impurities can wreck havoc on your health. The Specialty Coffee Association has posted water standards based on scientific standards. By adding a filter to your faucet, you can reduce the unhealthy impurities that get into your water.

2. Avoid all caffeine after mid-afternoon.

Knowing when to consume caffeine and when to stop can alter the benefits of your favorite brew. Caffeine makes you alert, which is great in the morning. But some people are more sensitive to the energizing affect of this natural stimulant if caffeine is consumed later in the day. Avoiding a cuppa after mid-afternoon could ultimately help you sleep better at night. Studies explain that your circadian rhythm is affected by caffeine.

Studies have also shown that some people have a common genetic mutation that can be slowed down by the consumption of caffeine. The body doesn’t break it down as it should and this can increase the risk of heart disease.

Studies have shown that good sleep is synonymous with good health. The affects of prolonged sleeplessness due to drinking too much coffee too late in the day can lead to weight gain, inflammation and, even type 2 diabetes. Limit when you drink java and you will reap the benefits.

3. Brew only organic java.

Coffee that is certified organic is important for your health. Java that is not organic could have pesticides and other harmful chemicals that, over time, can be very harmful to your health. That morning mug that is grown organically also has the added benefit of being grown in chemical-free soil, giving you more nutritional benefits.

4. Use alternatives to milk and cream.

Milk and cream can start out your day with a lot of fatty calories. What sorts of alternatives are there? Coconut milk, almond milk, and soy milk are all easy dairy replacement choices.

Oat water can also be used as an alternative to high-fat creams or highly chemical creamers. It provides a vegan solution for dairy. Oat water is made simply by blending dry oats with filtered water. Just as with oats, oat water can aid in digestion, lower cholesterol, improve blood sugar, and possibly help prevent cancer.

Another favorite alternative to dairy is coconut oil. Not only will this add a tropical twist to your morning brew, but studies have shown that coconut oil can help elevate HDL cholesterol. This is the good cholesterol that helps prevent heart disease and strokes.

5. Spice up your morning Joe.

There are three spices that can make your morning beverage routine healthier and tastier. Use them individually, or combine them for a healthy start to your cup of coffee.

Cardamom is a popular spice trick for caffeine-loving Scandinavians, who likely know of the health properties in this aromatic spice. According to a study on cardamom, the heady spice has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Like its close cousin, ginger, cardamom aids in digestion and calms the tummy and reduces bloating. Besides helping to relieve flu and cold symptoms, cardamon also freshens the breath. Just sprinkle some in your cup, and enjoy the benefits of coffee.

Cayenne pepper is another spice that can make your java healthier. Add a quick dash of cayenne to the grounds before brewing. One cayenne study reveals that the capsaicin in the pepper can help boost your metabolism. That same powerful capsaicin can reduce blood pressure and aid with digestion. That extra spicy kick may also work with java to be that one-two punch you need to wake you up in the morning!

Cinnamon makes your morning brew taste sweeter without adding sugar. According to one study, cinnamon can help prevent type 2 diabetes. Those who already have type 2 diabetes may want to sprinkle some cinnamon into their brew as studies say that the fragrant spice actually helps improve cholesterol.

Your steamy morning brew is already a healthy and positive way to start out your day. Why not make your java routine just that much healthier with a few simple tips.

25 Phrases Smart People Never Say

November 10, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Smart people know that language matters. They understand that what they say reveals their beliefs and thoughts.

This is why those who are intelligent, mature, confident, and reliable speak with care. They make sure their words are appropriate for the time and they choose to speak transparently. It’s a great way to inspire others to believe in them!

If you want others to think you are intelligent, start with the way you speak. Here are some phrases smart people never say.

Here Are 25 Phrases Smart People Never Say

“Don’t mistake silence for weakness. Smart people don’t plan big moves out loud.” – Unknown

1. I have a high IQ.

According to this study, there are 9 kinds of intelligence. IQ tests examine only one particular kind, and they usually favor people who are good at solving puzzles and problems. They aren’t magic tests that locate smart people.

When you’re talented at doing something, you deserve to feel good about it. But saying that you have a high IQ and citing it as a reason you’re right is arrogant and, frankly, not very smart of you.

2. It’s always been done this way.

Just because something has been done a certain way doesn’t mean it’s the best way. This is even more important to note because of the advancement of technology. Methods and processes are constantly getting revamped. To resist is often to stand in the way of something becoming better.

Smart people don’t resist positive change! They want things to be smoother and more efficient. They’re happy to learn new technology and adapt to developments well.

3. Needless to say…

Prefacing a sentence with this phrase automatically makes people tune out. It suggests that you’re stating the obvious and therefore wasting everyone’s time!

Smart people just keep this phrase out of their vocabulary. They don’t want listeners to become less engaged in what they have to say.

4. With all due respect… / No offense, but…

When someone prefaces a statement with “with all due respect,” it usually means they’re going to say something disrespectful. When they say “no offense,” it usually means what they’re about to say will be offensive. And guess what? People on the receiving end know this!

Instead of using these phrases, try to find a way to take disrespect or offense out of the equation altogether. Smart people don’t want to put someone on the defensive before they’ve even gotten their point across!

5. I am merely attempting to inculcate the perception whereby….

There’s nothing wrong with having a big vocabulary. But smart people know that there is a time and place for showing off bombastic words. Everyday, casual conversation is not one of them! In fact, it makes you sound like you’re trying too hard and can be cringe-worthy.

6. I can’t!

You attract what you think, and smart people know this. If you think you can’t do something, then you probably can’t – an idea immortalized by Henry Ford. So think you can, and you’ll find a way! Utilize positive thinking and don’t be overly pessimistic.

7. Sorry to bother you, but…

Constantly apologizing is not a smart person’s habit. It shows you as overly submissive and makes it easier for others to assume you’re in the wrong. Instead of apologizing next time, try these phrases instead:

Good morning, could I ask for assistance?
Thanks for taking the time to listen!
I appreciate your patience.

This helps you sound more confident and shows that you’re intelligent, capable, and worthy of respect!

8. Maybe if people were a little smarter, they’d get it.

Implying others are stupid and that you’re well above them in intelligence doesn’t make you look smart. In fact, it’s quite the contrary – people will probably be offended by that kind of attitude! A quick trip into Reddit’s r/iamverysmart will show you exactly what we mean.

No one comes into the world knowing everything. When you act like you’re above everyone else instead of politely educating others, you’re being counterproductive. It’s arrogant, pointless, and honestly makes you sound much less intelligent than you may think you are!

9. You’re (blank) for a (blank)!

Complimenting someone and adding something about their identity to justify the compliment is unflattering, rude, and unnecessary. This means phrases like:

You’re tough for a girl!
You’re smart for a kid/teen!
You’re loyal for a man!
You look good for your age!

Saying things like this shows that your thoughts are governed by stereotypes. It suggests you have trouble seeing others as unique individuals. That’s not very smart at all!

10. This isn’t my fault.

Even if you only played a small role in an error, own up to it. Holding yourself accountable shows bravery, a willingness to change, and a good heart. It also suggests intelligence, as intelligent individuals strive to learn from mishaps.

Even if you had no hand in a mistake, casting blame around is not helpful. Smart people don’t waste time on pointing fingers. Instead, they move on quickly so that the mistake can be fixed.

11. Can you do this for free?

Ask any freelance worker about their worst client experiences and they are sure to bring up buyers who asked for free work.

Smart people know that time is money because their own time is valuable to them. As such, they understand that the time of others is equally valuable. They do not feel entitled to the skills of others.

12. I hate my job.

If you only have negative thoughts about your job, you’re going to hate it even more. When a job is really terrible, smart people will find other options. Can they afford to quit? Can they work towards a certain goal? Can they talk to someone about bettering the workplace environment? If not, can they practice better positive thinking?

13. I will try.

While you shouldn’t make promises you can’t keep, you also shouldn’t be afraid of making too many promises that you can keep. As Yoda once said (and I’m paraphrasing here), “There’s no try – only do, or do not!” Smart people aren’t afraid of making a commitment to a task, and this inspires others to believe in them more.

14. Everyone else does it.

Just because everyone does something doesn’t make it right. Smart people know better than to follow the crowd for the sake of fitting in.

If something is wrong, smart people know how to speak up. If they can’t actively have an impact just then, they will do things the right way regardless. They know that one small action can make all the difference.

15. All (blank) are (blank)!

Generalizations make it sound like you’re incapable of thinking beyond stereotypes. While there is some truth to stereotypes, judging all people based on them isn’t what smart people do. This means phrases like:

Women are so emotional.
Hispanic people are so fiery!
All men are lazy.

Many times, generalizations reveal inner prejudices and a reluctance to see others as they truly are. And let’s face it – prejudice isn’t smart, and never will be!

16. This must be done perfectly!

No one is perfect. According to behavioral science professor and author, Kristen Lee Ed.D., LICSW, expecting perfection is to set yourself up for failure. Smart people are aware that things cannot be flawless. Instead, they work on doing things to the best of their abilities, and expecting others to do the same. Then, they can make minor improvements and learn from mistakes.

17. You always… / You never…

These are typically exaggerations. For the most part, few people “always” or “never” do something. Even when you don’t think they’re overstatements, those statements only add fuel to the fire of arguments or disagreements. They create drama, cause tension, and put listeners on the defensive. Smart people use calmer, more positive language.

18. I don’t care.

It’s very rare that someone truly doesn’t care about something. This is often a statement said emotionally, meaning that most people who use it do care, at least to some degree. So using this phrase under these circumstances is extremely counterproductive, and a smart person would never do that!

19. I told you so!

This is a childish phrase that doesn’t accomplish anything. Instead of trying to “win” an argument, smart people want to find solutions to problems. The mistake they warned the perpetrator against has been made, and what’s done is done. Now, they just want to fix it, which is the intelligent way to handle it according to Gregory L. Jantz Ph.D.

20. This might be a dumb question, but…

There is no such thing as a dumb question. But prefacing your queries this way certainly make them sound dumber! It can also put the listener into the wrong mindset, preventing positive thinking as they dread what you’re going to ask.

Smart people know that speaking with confidence is key. They are not afraid to ask questions because they know requesting clarification is better than making assumptions.

21. This is not fair!

Well, that’s just life – it isn’t fair sometimes. Complaining about unfairness makes you seem immature. When smart people think something is unfair, they will try to better understand it.

They will communicate with the person who they think has an unfair advantage in order to gain their perspective. They’ll talk to others about how things can be made more balanced. They know complaining will get them nowhere!

22. It is what it is.

Some people think saying things like this shows that they are calm and at peace with the world. What this phrase actually denotes is a lack of desire to make things better. Smart people don’t settle for bad deals. If something is bad, they will take steps to change it.

23. No one does it, so I won’t, either.

It’s important to fight mob mentality if you want to be intelligent. Just because no one does it doesn’t mean it should not be done!

Smart people know that putting in a little extra effort can go a long way. That’s how they’re able to find success! By setting a good example for others, they become leaders and trendsetters.

24. It’s up to you! / It doesn’t matter to me.

Even when you have no opinion about something, that doesn’t mean you should remain passive. Smart people will take the time to contribute to a discussion. Here are some examples of things you can say instead of retreating to the background:

I have no opinion either way, but we should probably consider these factors.
When you make your decision, here’s what to keep in mind.
Could I have more information so I can make an informed decision?

25. I’m a very smart person.

If you have to specify that you’re smart, something’s wrong somewhere. There’s a difference between being confident and being cocky, and you don’t want to be the latter!

Smart people are those who present compelling ideas and arguments. Most understand what is appropriate in different social situations. And none of them need to state that they are smart in order to get their point across. They let their ideas and actions do the talking!

Final Thoughts On Phrases Smart People Never Say

Being smart isn’t just about factual intelligence. Emotional and social intelligence are just as important. Knowing what not to say in certain situations is crucial to anyone who wants to present themselves as smart and capable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nBPkcLRCC8g

25 Health Mistakes People Often Make (And Don’t Realize)

November 9, 2018 by Chris Butler

Your health is valuable and needs to be taken care of. Without good health, you won’t be able to enjoy your day-to-day life. You probably think that you’re doing enough to care for your health. But are you really?

Some of the most common mistakes when it comes to health are unconsciously performed. Being aware of these missteps can do wonders for your well-being. Therefore, let’s discuss some health mistakes people often make, but often don’t realize!

Here Are 25 Health Mistakes People Often Make And Don’t Realize

“Calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.” – Dalai Lama

1. Not standing up enough

Many of us have desk jobs that keep us seated most of the day. Sitting still for so long presents so many health concerns, including:

Cardiovascular disease
Diabetes
Obesity
Blood clots
Anxiety
Dementia
Back pain
Osteoporosis
Varicose veins
Cancer

So how can you avoid these risks? Take some time every half hour to get up and walk around, even just for a couple of minutes. If you can’t walk around, standing up and stretching works, too.

2. Skipping breakfast

When you skip out on your first meal, you’re forcing your body to run on little to no energy. This can make you feel weak and sluggish as the day goes on. When your body is in this low-energy state, it starts preserving fat for fuel. This may lead to weight gain and obesity.

So eat your breakfast! You’ll enjoy positive results, including better metabolism, higher levels of focus, more positive thinking, and healthy blood sugar levels.

3. Sleeping too little

The human body typically needs between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. Unfortunately, a large number of people around the world don’t meet this minimum. Studies have shown that getting too little sleep can put you at risk for the following:

Memory loss
Depression
Cardiovascular disease
Obesity
Cancer

Getting the right amount of sleep is something many don’t realize is so essential for their health. Don’t make that mistake!

4. Stopping yourself from sneezing

Sometimes, you’re in a situation where a loud “Achoo!” could be awkward and embarrassing. So, you stifle it. But doing so too often can cause damage to:

Eye blood vessels
Eardrums
Diaphragm

Trust us when we say letting out a sneeze and suffering some embarrassment is preferable to holding it in and winding up with health consequences!

5. Playing music too loudly

You might want to blast your favorite songs through your earphones, but refrain! The ears are full of nerve endings that don’t do well with thundering noises. Listening at high volumes can cause loss of hearing.

Headphones are safer than earphones when playing music, but your best bet is to listen at low volumes or from a separate device. Anything that doesn’t pump audio straight into your ears is a better bet.

6. Carrying heavy bags

Sometimes, we make the mistake of tossing just about everything into our bags. Then, later, we forget to take out everything we don’t need. It piles up. This can cause a too-heavy bag that leads to a variety of health problems, including:

Neck issues
Bad posture
Back pain
Arthritis
Other forms of pain

So clean out your bag every so often! Take out the items you don’t use, and keep your purse as clear and light as possible.

7. Brushing teeth straight after eating

That’s right – according to this study, this dental health tip is entirely false. The act of brushing right after eating can lead to damage to the topmost layer of protection that your teeth have.

This is especially dangerous if you have just eaten something acidic or carbonated. Brushing immediately after consuming coffee, soda, or citrus juice is incredibly damaging. Wait around 40 minutes after eating before grabbing your toothbrush!

8. Ditching sunscreen

Sun damage can occur year-round, and it’s generally pretty bad for health. Not only can excess exposure increase the chances of skin cancer, but it can also gradually cause skin damage. So when heading out under the sun, opt for a sunblock that provides SPF 30.

9. Drinking too little

Staying hydrated is crucial to daily health. Water benefits so many organs and processes that it’s silly not to get enough of it! Here are some things water helps:

Skin
Muscles
Liver
Kidney
Bowel
Weight
Energy

Water is refreshing and revitalizing. Don’t make the mistake of scrimping on it!

10. Binging shows at night

We joke about spending all night on Hulu and Netflix. But did you know that these acts can be bad for health?

Not only does staring at a screen cause insomnia, but it can also lead to poor sleep when you do get some. Blue light from device screens messes up the body’s sleep cycles. Light, in general, preventions sleep hormone production. Instead of staring at your laptop, phone, or TV, read a book or listen to calming music before bedtime.

11. Trying to delay bathroom trips

When you hold in bowel movements, you let waste material build-up within the digestive system. Not only does this lead to eventual constipation, but it may also make going in the future much more difficult. Don’t ignore nature’s call!

12. Driving with the windows down

Cracking open a window while driving is a great, fun way to get some air. But the University of Southern California conducted a study that found that this could be harming your health.

Having the windows down during your commute comprises a whopping 45% of average daily pollutant exposure – even if you’re only commuting for six percent of your day. Yikes!

13. Hitting snooze

How many times have you heard your alarm and ignored it? How many times have you reached over to hit the snooze button? Do you frequently say, “just ten more minutes”?

Doing so actually forces your sleep cycle to fragment. Your cycle begins anew every time you fall back asleep. Repeated rude awakenings prevent you from getting enough deep, restorative sleep.

14. Not warming up before a workout

Warming up isn’t just some fancy thing fitness gurus do. If you start exercising cold, your muscles aren’t prepared for the sudden stress. This can cause injury to your joints and muscles. Throwing in some stretches and mild warm-ups into an exercise routine can work wonders in this respect.

15. Neglecting your social life

You may feel like you have no time for a proper social life. But according to research, your chances of living a long life increase by fifty percent when you have strong social bonds. Let loose now and then! Go out for a night on the town with your friends, or even meet for lunch. You’ll enjoy loads of positive benefits!

16. Snacking often

There’s nothing wrong with snacking in moderation. A quick snack can give you the energy you need if you’re hungry between meals.

But many people neglect to stop snacking once their bodies have had enough. Continual, unaware snacking will, of course, cause fat storage and weight gain. As such, you’ll want to be mindful of what you eat. Opt for small portions or go for healthier nibbles.

17. Sneezing or coughing into your hands

When you cough or sneeze right onto your hands, you’re setting a lot of bacteria on your palms. This bacteria will then greet anyone you shake hands with and everything you touch. Yikes! Instead, sneeze into a tissue or handkerchief – or into your elbow in a pinch.

18. Not flossing

Dentists constantly remind us to floss, but many people still neglect this crucial step! You may think brushing your teeth is enough, but it isn’t. Plaque can build up between teeth in ways only floss can fix. Not flossing can lead to:

Tooth loss
Heart disease
Stroke
Cancer
Premature birth

Flossing is about more than just your teeth. Pay attention to your dentist and listen to their instructions!

19. Bad posture

If you work at a computer, chances are you spend some portions of the day slouching. Even when done unintentionally, slouching can cause bad posture. And bad posture, according to Dr. Kenton Fibel, has countless adverse effects on health, including:

Bad circulation
Breathing problems
Lung issues
Arthritis
Spinal issues
Neck issues
Jaw pain
Back pain
Shoulder pain
Gastrointestinal pain
Headaches
Poor sexual function
Tiredness and fatigue
Bad, unbalanced moods

Though difficult, putting in the effort to reduce slouching will promise a huge positive change in the body. Keep your back straight and stretch often!

20. Ignoring your bladder

Like number 11 above, holding in your urge to urinate also spells bad news for your health. It can cause the bladder to be forced to stretch itself. This stretching promotes terrible bacterial growth. Do this too often, and you may get a kidney infection.

21. Eating too much salt

When you eat excess salt, your body’s electrolyte levels surge upwards. This can cause water to be distributed incorrectly all throughout your system, leading to:

Excessive hunger
Weight gain
High blood pressure
Heart disease
Increased risk of diabetes
Sweating

We all love our seasoning, but learn to take it easy on the shaker!

22. Sleeping in on the weekend

You might think the weekend is the perfect time to catch extra snooze. You’d be wrong! Changing your sleep schedule over the weekend messes up your whole inner clock. It can even cause:

Depression
Tiredness and fatigue
Heart disease

Your best bet is to build a workable sleeping schedule to adhere to on weekdays that allows you sufficient sleep. Then, continue using that schedule on weekends. You’ll find yourself feeling more energetic!

23. Letting stress build

A little bit of stress is healthy. Too much is the opposite. If you’re worrying non-stop, you’re causing harm to your body. This includes:

Chest pain
High blood pressure
Headaches and migraines
Lack of sleep
Mental illness

When you’re worried or stressed out, take the time to breathe. Write your feelings down in a journal and try to figure out what’s causing these reactions. Confronting your emotions is excellent for your health and helps you cope.

24. Microwaving with disposable plastic containers

According to Harvard Health Publishing, you put yourself at risk when you zap food in the microwave inside even BPA-free disposable plastic containers. Plastics always have a chance of leaking their chemicals into the food you eat.

It’s a good idea for you to use BPA-free, microwave-safe washable containers to get this job done. If you’re using plastic wrap, don’t let it touch your food. And if you’re worried, go for ceramic containers to ensure positive results!

25. Neglecting to smile

As cheesy as it is, being happy can elongate your lifespan! The brain naturally releases feel-good hormones called endorphins when we smile. These hormones relax the body and ease stress. Learning to find reasons to smile and practicing positive thinking might help you live longer!

Final Thoughts On Health Mistakes People Often Make And Don’t Realize

There are lots of things we take for granted about our health. It’s not uncommon to fail to realize how much all these factors can affect us. By being aware of these health mistakes, you can make better daily decisions and do yourself (and your body) a huge favor.

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

16 of the Best Ways to Deal With Anxiety Disorder

1. Reach out for support

2. Focus on deep breathing

3. Grounding

4. Meditation

5. Do yoga stretches

6. Avoid or limit caffeine intake

7. Avoid or limit alcohol

8. Pay attention to your diet and change it if needed

9. Write in a journal

10. Do something creative

11. Listen to calming music

12. Exercise regularly

13. Avoid known anxiety triggers, or fix ones that can’t be avoided

Common Anxiety Triggers

14. Remind yourself that everything will be okay

15. Practice self love

16. Take anti-anxiety medication

Final Thoughts on Anxiety Disorder

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!