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

7 Times When Being Jealous Is A Good Thing In Your Relationship

Jealousy is an emotion that all of us can agree we have felt at some point in time. The feeling is not only found in relationships but also in other areas of life. Jealousy is, however, more powerful and prevalent in relationships. Whether it is your spouse, your family members, or close friends, it is bound to happen.
Being insecure is a double-edged feeling that can either make or break your relationship. Most times the emotion is toxic to individuals as it leads to breaking up in relationships. When you, however, look at the feeling positively, you can create lasting relationships. Becoming anxious is a universal human emotion; it only becomes bad when you react negatively to it.

What to know about jealousy

Dr. Robert L Leahy in the book “The Jealous Cure”, speaks about suspicion being all about you. It is usually more about our personalities than the actions of others. Some of the triggers of the emotion include insecurities that we may have due to our past. Jealousy comes most of the times when we feel threatened by a third party in relationships. The resentment in most relationships is usually either sexual or emotional closeness.

What are the Times that Being Jealous is a Good Thing in Your Relationship?

• When One Oversteps Relationship Boundaries

Every relationship has a set of boundaries governing the partners. Sometimes the limits are obvious, and sometimes you have to discuss them with each other. Adhering to boundaries in relationships is a sign of respect to your partner. It is healthy for you to become anxious when one violates the confines. Sometimes the boundaries may hurt you emotionally or physically or in other ways. When you feel resentful, it is a sign that someone else does not respect you enough.

• When Someone Becomes Flirty With Your Spouse

The behaviors take place mostly when you and your spouse go out on social occasions. You are likely to meet people who do not know you personally. There are usually many single people looking for potential spouses in parties. It is worse when you have a good-looking spouse. People may start acting in flirty and suggestive ways in their body language. It is okay for you to get jealous in such instances. Seeing other people admiring your partner is a potent trigger. It is good to acknowledge the feeling and let your spouse know about it.

• When Your Partners Attention Is More On Their Friends Rather Than On You

When a relationship is new, you and your partner give each other all the attention there is. However, as times moves, the concentration reduces. Most spouses may end up spending much of their time with friends. The situation is adverse where the two of you have different friends. Another trigger is when your spouse has many friends of the opposite sex. Being jealous is acceptable and understandable at that point.

• When priorities in the relationship change

Everyone wants to live in a relationship where you know you are the priority. Sometimes the people you connect with most and who understand you are those closest to you. With the busy world we are living in, it is so easy to get lost in the motion. When your partner gives more attention to careers, friends, and other people, it will automatically make you jealous.

• When You Feel Under-Appreciated

One of the most reoccurring issues that break up relationships is under-appreciation. Sometimes we get used to our partners doing good for us and forget to thank them. We assume that they know that we are grateful for what they do. Appreciating your partner with words out loud is an important practice to do. It will make you jealous when you see them acknowledging other people for the little they do. Forgetting that you do so much than what others do.

jealous

• When Your Partner Does Value Your Time Together

How would you feel when you go out on a date with your spouse, and they are not emotionally there? Automatically you will feel suspicious. It is very disappointing when your spouse is busy on the phone with a workmate or a friend. Sometimes your spouse may start behaving weird like engaging the restaurant attendant of the opposite sex. The behavior may force you to become envious.

• When They Disclose Their Problems To The Friends Rather Than Confiding In You

It is saddening when your partner does not communicate to you what they are going through in life. Instead, they confide in their friends to find solutions. The behavior can make you feel like an outsider. It is healthy for you to feel that way.

The good news is that being jealous is not unhealthy at all. What you need to do is to understand why you are getting jealous, when, and how the feeling arises. The information helps you to channel the emotion positively.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=WeJ8dXDZUcA

Ever Feel Jealous Of Other Women? Here’s How To Deal With Yourself

Jealousy may be common, but it’s better to try to look at things from a different perspective because jealousy can rob so much from your life. The sad reality is that friends, coworkers, a partner and many others can be jealous of you. Worse than that, you may struggle with jealousy. Being jealous isn’t a healthy way to live, and it steals your life from you.

Jealousy robs you from living a triumphant life. Being jealous monopolizes all your time, focus and energy that you could use to cultivate a life you’ve always wanted, because jealousy causes you to get in a vicious cycle. You’re consumed with jealous thoughts that you kick over and over in your brain. The only way to get away from feeling this way is to change your thoughts and understand the truth about who you are and the world we live in.

Here’s how to stop feeling jealous:

Understand Who You Are

Most people who are jealous of other women don’t understand who they are. They tend to be insecure. They think that other women are better than they are, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Every day, wake up telling yourself how amazing you are. This isn’t about saying you’re better than anyone. You’re not better than anyone, but you’re not less than anyone either. You’re just different, and that’s not a bad thing. Creating affirmations about yourself is about realizing the truth that you are amazing. There is only one of you in the entire world, out of everyone ever born. You fill a role in the world that no one else can in your own special way. Stop believing you are inferior. Unhealthy people will have you believe that, but it’s time to shine for everything you are.

Don’t Compare Yourself to Others

Everyone on this planet is beautiful, but some people are too unhealthy to see that. Many women have bought into society’s warped idea of what is and isn’t beautiful. This leaves women with the message that they’re not “enough,” which causes women to think they have less value. To clear things up, you have value for simply existing.

You need to recognize your own beauty, and be happy for it. Celebrate what’s unique about you. Dress in the way you love to dress. Do your hair the exact way you want to, even if that means others think it’s “weird.” Don’t be a copy of anyone, and let go of measuring up. Don’t hang around people or keep a partner that repeatedly reminds you that you don’t measure up. There is a difference in being jealous and feeling insecure about a relationship with someone who would purposely try to make you jealous.

Build Yourself Up

It’s good to know who you are, but you also need to cultivate a life you truly love. It all starts when you wake up in the morning. Your morning should start with happiness. Wake up to each beautiful day with hope, love and motivation. You have the ability to live each day exactly as you wish. Certain things will pop up, but you can always choose how you’re going to respond. Respond with gratitude for the things going right for you. Even be grateful for the “bad” because it’s teaching you something. If you’re busy living the life you truly love, you’re not going to think about someone else’s life.

jealous

Be Happy for Other People

People will say it’s normal to be jealous, but a lot of people tend to confuse “normal” for “common.” Yes, it’s common to be jealous of others, but it doesn’t have to be that way. When people are healthy, they aren’t concerned about how they compare to others. They’re happy for others’ success, and they are happy for their own. You can see another woman’s beauty and be happy for her. Don’t be happy that her beauty will get her something, but think to yourself, “Wow, that’s an awesome smile” or “I really like her hair.” Admiring another woman’s beauty doesn’t have anything to do with your own, so don’t make it about someone being “better” than you. Others are different and not better.

Life is wonderful. When you’re able to see that and appreciate that, you will live a much happier life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1u8qaermPc

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

8 Amazing Vitamin D Benefits You Should Know

Vitamin D is a unique nutrient produced in the skin as a response to direct sunlight. Anytime the sunlight hits your skin, it starts a series of health benefits within your body. Sunlight isn’t the only way you can experience Vitamin D benefits, as you can also get it through foods and supplements.

Vitamin D benefits are long-lasting and often life-saving, so ensuring you get enough is essential. This vitamin is necessary for keeping your body healthy, as it is responsible for promoting calcium absorption. Not only that, but Vitamin D offers other physical and mental health benefits, as well.

Research indicates that children and adults up to 70 should take in 600 IUs of Vitamin D each day. This research from the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences explains that after the age of 70, it should increase to 800 IUs. Normal levels range anywhere from 50 to 100 micrograms per deciliter.

If you don’t get enough vitamin D, you are at risk of developing serious health conditions. Sunlight isn’t always enough, so eating a vitamin-rich diet is essential. Knowing the Vitamin D benefits will help you find the motivation to increase the amount you take in each day.

Factors That Affect Vitamin D Absorption from the Sun

If you’re wondering why you can’t get enough Vitamin D, the sun vitamin, there are a few factors at play. Living in an area with high pollution levels dissipate the direct sunlight, limiting the amount that hits your skin. Plus, you’re likely not getting enough exposure if you live in a city where tall buildings block the sunlight.

Using sunscreen and spending too much time inside also affect your ability to get this vitamin from the sun. Additionally, people with darker skin may have trouble absorbing Vitamin D from the sun because they have higher melanin levels.

vitamin d benefitsSigns of Vitamin D Deficiency

Since it isn’t easy to get enough vitamin D from the sun, many people experience a deficiency. Symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency include the following:

  • tiredness or fatigue
  • aches and pains
  • not feeling well overall
  • bone or muscle pain or weakness
  • waddling gait
  • stress fractures
  • susceptibility to diseases and illness
  • high blood pressure
  • depression
  • insomnia
  • asthma

Food Sources of vitamin D

If you aren’t getting enough vitamin D from direct sunlight, you must find it in other sources. There aren’t many foods that naturally contain vitamin D, but some foods are fortified, which adds vitamin D. Some of the foods that contain vitamin D include:

  • shrimp
  • salmon
  • tuna
  • mackerel
  • sardines
  • mushrooms
  • egg yolk
  • yogurt (fortified)
  • cereal (fortified)
  • orange juice (fortified)
  • milk (fortified)

If you consume these foods and still need more vitamin D, consider a supplement. Vitamin D supplements can make up for what you aren’t getting from the sun and foods.

Eight Incredible Benefits of Taking Vitamin D

What does Vitamin D do for your body? We will look at the primary benefits of Vitamin D.

1. Vitamin D Helps Fight Diseases

One of the benefits of taking vitamin D is that it improves the circulatory system and decreases stress on the heart. Research shows that Vitamin D reduces your risk of multiple sclerosis, heart disease, and many other diseases.

Vitamin D can help control blood pressure, making it a beneficial way to fight cardiovascular disease. It can also help regulate cholesterol levels and inflammation. Additionally, vitamin D can help prevent hypertension, atherosclerosis, and cardiac hypertrophy.

According to the National Cancer Institute, vitamin D can reduce your cancer risk and help fight it. The information specifically linked this vitamin to fighting colorectal, breast, prostate, and pancreatic cancer. It promotes cellular differentiation, decreases cancer cell growth, reduces the formation of tumor blood vessels, and stimulates cell death.

2. Vitamin D Reduces Depression

Getting plenty of vitamin D helps with regulating your mood and eases the effects of depression. Studies show that when people with depression took vitamin D supplements, they noticed an improvement in their symptoms. While researchers are still delving into the relationship between vitamin D for anxiety and depression, there is a clear link.

Vitamin D acts as a hormone in your body, making it directly affect brain function. Spending more time in the sun, eating foods rich in vitamin D, and taking supplements can all make a positive difference. It also boosts your insulin sensitivity and energy levels, further improving your mood.

3. Vitamin D Enhances Weight Loss

If you’re trying to lose weight, taking more vitamin D can help. Studies show that those taking a vitamin D supplement lost more weight than those taking a placebo.

Other research shows that having more vitamin D in your blood at the start of a low-calorie diet improved weight loss efforts. The researchers explain that vitamin D helping with weight loss has to do with an appetite-suppressing effect.

Vitamin D also activates the production of leptin, which signals your brain and stomach to stop eating. Further studies show that those with low amounts of vitamin D in their blood also had higher BMIs.

sun vitamin4. Vitamin D Strengthens Your Bones

Vitamin D helps regulate calcium levels because it allows your intestines to absorb the calcium. If your body can adequately absorb calcium, you can maintain strong bones and youthful vigor. Any calcium you take in would be worthless without vitamin D because your body wouldn’t absorb it.

This vitamin also affects other important vitamins and nutrients that contribute to bone health, including magnesium, vitamin K, and phosphorus. Vitamin D helps with maintaining phosphorus levels, and it’s linked to vitamin K, as well.

Vitamin D promotes healthy bone growth and prevents bones from becoming brittle. Because of this, it can help prevent osteoporosis. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to bone softening called osteomalacia or a bone abnormality called rickets.

5. Vitamin D Strengthens Your Muscles

Having enough vitamin D in your body can strengthen your muscles and increase your physical stability. In older adults, weak muscles can cause falls, leading to disability or death. Young people have to consider the muscle strengthening vitamin D benefits, too, though.

Weak muscles can cause chronic pain, decreased muscle function, physical fatigue, and longer recovery from exercise and daily activities. Increasing the amount of vitamin D you take prevents and relieves all of those issues.

Keeping your muscles healthy is essential even if you aren’t concerned with muscle mass or weight training. With muscle health, you can live a better life and participate in fun events and activities.

6. Vitamin D Supports Your Immune System

Studies show that Vitamin D boosts your immune system and prevents illness, including the common flu. It can fight against autoimmune conditions, infections, and viruses, as it increases your body’s natural immunity.

Immune cells contain vitamin D receptors, allowing the vitamin to benefit your overall immune function. When the receptors identify vitamin D, it stimulates the immune system. It also prevents inflammatory responses and boosts healthy cell replication, further aiding in immunity.

Your body requires vitamin D for the proper functioning of macrophages, which are white blood cells that attack pathogens. This function stunts the growth and replication of some viruses. It also enhances an enzyme that protects against acute lung injury.

7. Vitamin D Helps Prevent Diabetes

Studies show that Vitamin D can be effective for preventing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D doesn’t lower the risk alone, but when it is combined with calcium, it helps regulate blood sugar levels. Calcium is necessary for insulin secretion, and since Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption, it also plays a role in regulating insulin secretion.

In addition to preventing diabetes, Vitamin D can also help control the complications of the disease. Since this vitamin works as a hormone, it’s important to note that hormones can affect how your body utilizes sugar. Vitamin D can help maintain healthy hormone balances, benefitting those that have diabetes.

8. Vitamin D Helps Fight Inflammation

Vitamin D fights inflammation by supporting the immune system in fighting off viruses and harmful bacteria. The longer inflammation occurs in your body, the more damage it does to your tissues and organs. Chronic inflammation can lead to many diseases, including:

  • heart disease
  • diabetes
  • cancer
  • Alzheimer’s

Studies show that those with low vitamin D are at a higher risk of developing inflammatory diseases. When inflammatory diseases occur, your immune system malfunctions and attack your healthy tissue. The good news, though, is that since it reduces inflammation, it can benefit those that suffer from:

  • multiple sclerosis
  • rheumatoid arthritis
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • high blood pressure

vitamin d benefitsFinal Thoughts on Amazing Vitamin D Benefits You Should Know

With all of the vitamin D benefits, you can see why it is such an essential nutrient. Live your best life by being healthy and taking in enough vitamins that keep your body functioning.

The importance of vitamin D is undeniable, so find more ways to take in vitamin D each day. Start taking more in by spending more time outside in the sun, eating foods rich in vitamins, and taking supplements if necessary.

10 Health Issues You can Remedy with Essential Oils

Loaded with volatile oils and other organic compounds, essential oils not only produce a divine scent, but also help heal the body. Essential oils have been used for centuries to treat a variety of ailments. Aromatherapy can help with everything from insomnia to memory loss and more.

10 Health Issues that Can Be Treated with Essential Oils

essential oils

1. Athlete’s Foot

Who knew that annoying itch between your toes could be treated with something as simple as tea tree oil? Tea tree oil, with its pungent and refreshing scent, is produced from the leaves of the tea tree in Australia and has antimicrobial properties.

2. Psoriasis

If you’ve ever dealt with psoriasis, you know that the itchy, red plaques caused by this condition are both painful and embarrassing. Recent research shows that essential oils can manage psoriasis, giving patients a safe and natural way to control this life-long condition.

3. Dry Skin

If you suffer from dry skin all year round or just during the winter, consider using essential oils for skin care. Many oils, including myrrh, rose and lavender, can help soothe and refresh dry skin.

4. Dull Skin

A dull complexion looks good on no one! Brighten up your skin with oils like geranium, frankincense and patchouli. These fragrant oils have been used for centuries as ingredients in cosmetics around the globe. The Egyptians were perhaps the first to use essential oils for skin care and more.

5. Acne

Acne is another frustrating condition that often results in both physical and emotional pain, acne affects approximately 40 million Americans annually. Essences and oils can have a place in your skin care regimen.

6. Nausea

These wonderful oils are not just for the skin. Some can also be a natural and effective treatment for nausea. Ginger, in particular, is a powerful anti-emetic.

7. Joint Pain

Stiff and sore joints can be relaxed with a gentle combination of both cooling and heating oils such as peppermint and cinnamon. Try making your own liniment and let your pain melt away with nature’s help.

8. PMS

Essential oils have been traditionally used as a remedy for PMS and other women’s reproductive health complaints for hundreds of years. Essences of chamomile, rose and ylang ylang are particularly helpful for women, working to ease menstrual cramping and elevate mood.

9. Insect Bites

Assuming you’re not sensitive to any oils, you can use them to soothe and heal bug bites and stings. Tea tree, chamomile, eucalyptus and calendula are some of the best remedies for an insect bite.

10. Memory Loss

Scientific research has given some merit to the ancient art of aromatherapy. Recent research confirms that rosemary improves concentration and memory.

essential oils

A Word of Caution

It is important to remember that while these oils are natural, they are also very potent medicines. As with all other medicines, these special oils can be potentially harmful if used improperly. With this in mind, resolve to first do no harm as Hippocrates once said in The Epidemics. Here are some tips to help you use these beautiful oils safely and effectively.

Educate Yourself

The best thing you can do to use essential oils properly is to educate yourself. Do as much research as possible about the oils you are considering using. Arming yourself with knowledge will help you get the most out of your oils and prevent mishaps. You should also know if combining two or more oils is safe before you create any blends.

Always Dilute

Once you have acquainted yourself with the oils you will be using, prepare a 2% dilution with a suitable carrier oil before you decide to use them. Carrier oils are neutral vegetable oils that serve as a base for your oil blend. Common carrier oils include coconut, olive, and sweet almond.

Do a Patch Test

If you’ll be applying the oils topically, a patch test is an easy and necessary way to determine whether or not your skin will react to the oil. To do this, combine one drop of the oil you will be testing—only one oil—and one teaspoon of carrier oil. Apply this mixture to a place on your body, such as behind your ears, the backs of your knees, or inside your wrists or elbows. Wait 24 hours, unless the chosen areas become itchy, painful or start to burn. In this case, clean the area with soap and water. If no irritation occurs after 24 hours, you can safely use the oil!

How to Use Essential Oils for Headaches

Headaches are a very common health problem people face. Some suffer more than others by having headaches on a daily basis. People have so many stress factors in their daily lives that range from work to home. This definitely contributes to headaches. Another factor that contributes to headaches is the abundance of pollutants in our environments. We breathe these in. We eat them in our food and drink them in our water. It is no wonder why headaches are common.

There are many over the counter medications you can take that treat a headache. Some side effects of these medications can result in serious problems such as rapid heartbeat or liver failure. Some side effects can be fatal. There are special oils that can help any ailment someone may have, particularly headaches. These oils should be used in certain ways to be more effective. Continue reading to learn how best to use essential oils for headaches.

The Best Essential Oils for Headaches

 

  • Rosemary oil has been shown by research to help reduce the discomfort from headaches. Rosemary oil helps improve circulation and is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. This is most likely the reason this essential oil helps cure headaches.
  • Eucalyptus oil is another suggested natural remedy for headaches. People who suffer from headaches due to sinus issues may benefit from eucalyptus oil. It is an anti-inflammatory agent and has been reported to help lower blood pressure.
  • Peppermint oil is a very popular essential oil. This oil consists of menthol which is known for its contributions to health and well-being. Peppermint oil is recommended for normal headaches and migraines.
  • Lavender is something most associated with its relaxing or calming influence. Lavender oil is used for stress relief and relaxation. Being calm and relaxed can help a headache disappear. In addition, this oil is one of the best essential oils for skin care.
  • Chamomille oil is another fabulous oil that helps to relax and soothe your muscles and body. This can greatly help in reducing the pain from a tension headache. It is warned, though, that pregnant women stay away from this particular essential oil as it could cause a miscarriage.
  • Sweet Basil oil works wonders for individuals that suffer from headaches due to hormonal imbalances. This essential oil also works wonders for many other health issues such as muscle cramps, the common cold or even the flu.

essential oils

The Best Ways to Use Essential Oils

Essential oils are nature’s gift to us. However, sometimes it is not wise to apply them directly to your skin. There are better options for transmitting the healing effects from these oils to our bodies. The following list contains preferred methods of using these beneficial oils.

  • One of the most popular ways to reap the benefits of therapeutic oils is by inhaling them. Yet, you can not simply snort oils into your nose. The more suggested way of taking a deep breath and taking in these oils is to add them to a diffuser or mister which will disperse the oils into the air. A more simple way to breathe them in is by dotting a few drops on a tissue or soft towel and inhaling.
  • If you are a fan of soaking in a hot bath, try adding some essential oils to your bath water. Lavender oil would be amazing added to a bath. It would help reduce stress levels. It is also one of the best essential oils for skin. It is wonderful if you have skin irritations such as a rash or bug bites.
  • A fantastic way to handle a headache would be to create a compress to apply to your forehead or neck. To do this, you need to take a towel or cloth and soak it in cold water. The cold water by itself, when applied to your head or neck, should help reduce headache discomfort. To improve the effects of this, try adding a couple drops of your favorite oil such as sweet basil.
  • By combining natural therapeutic oils with a carrier oil, like coconut or avocado oil, you can create a concoction that will help relieve the worst of headaches. Massage the oil mixture into your temples and across your forehead and watch your headache disappear.

This guide can help you find natural solutions for your head discomfort instead of turning to potentially dangerous or fatal headache medication. Healing methods using natural oils are simple. These oils are also widely available in your local health food stores or online. Following the basic guidelines listed above will aid you on your journey to a more healthy life.

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

13 Habits That Make People Age Faster

Aging gracefully is virtually everyone’s goal. Very few people would ever want their skin and body to show signs of premature aging. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to prevent this from happening. Here are some habits that make people age faster, so you can better avoid them!

“You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old.” – George Burns

Here Are 13 Habits That Make People Age Faster

  1. Neglecting your eyes

The skin that surrounds the eyes is essentially the thinnest skin on all of the body. Additionally, there aren’t too many oil glands on it, meaning it is going to be the first to be affected by aging. Basically, if your skin is aging badly, your eyes will show it first. Use a form of eye cream that can help prevent the development of fine lines and boost the production of collagen. Some will even help bring down puffiness, dark circles, and wrinkles.

  1. Alcohol

Alcohol acts as a diuretic. Essentially, the more of it you consume, the more dehydrated your body will get. This means alcohol basically sucks up all the moisture on your skin that keeps it healthy and flowing. Alcohol can also be the cause of rosacea outbreaks, and it is also known for making marks on the skin – such as wrinkles, lines, and acne – more obvious and severe. As with everything, consume alcohol in moderation!

  1. Neglecting sun protection

Going sunbathing or even for a tan is actually horrible for your skin and can age you very, very quickly. Not only does this increase your risk of contracting cancer, but exposure to those UV rays leads to weakened blood vessels and skin cells. This causes wrinkles and leathery skin. If you are going to be spending time in the sun, use proper sunscreen!

  1. Drinking with a straw

When you use a straw to sip on a beverage that is dark in color, you might think you’re doing your teeth a lot of favors, as this can prevent stains. But regularly using a straw causes wrinkles to slowly start to form around your lips because of the way you purse your lips to use them.

  1. Bad posture

Whether you sit in a hunch or walk bent over, maintaining poor posture can lead to a lot of bodily damage due to the additional wear and tear on the muscles and joints. This, in turn, will cause the body to age faster, so work on keeping a healthy and natural posture!

  1. Being dehydrated

We always hear that we need to drink enough water, and this is more important than you might think. Chronic dehydration can decrease the skin’s natural elasticity, which will, therefore, cause further aging. And because of all the other reasons water is important: drink it!

  1. Smoking

what smoking does to your lungs

Not only is smoking bad for overall health – specifically the health of your lungs, kidney, and heart – but it also causes premature aging. This is because the act of smoking results in the activation of certain enzymes that cause skin elasticity to break down, damaging collagen that gives your skin its strength. Eventually, this leads to wrinkles and a pale pallor.

  1. A bad diet

If you eat processed foods, lots of oils or red meats, and other similar junk foods, you’re building up inflammation within the body that can lead to the formation of wrinkles. So, what should you eat? Omega-3 fatty acids, fruits and vegetables, vitamin C, and protein all have positive effects on the body.

  1. Using too much heat

During the colder months, you might feel tempted to turn the thermostat up or stroke a fire in the hearth. Unfortunately, doing this can lead to moisture being sapped away from the air, eventually causing your skin to become more inflamed and drier, aging it. Can’t give up your heat? Invest in a humidifier to use with the warmth.

  1. Going out fad or crash diets

As tempting as it can be to starve yourself for a quick fix just before an event or vacation, this is a proven unhealthy habit and will bring your energy levels crashing. It also poses the potential threat of causing your skin to age, wrinkle, and sag as it struggles to keep up with the sudden loss of weight.

  1. Sleeping too much or too little

Getting less than five hours of sleep per night can give you more than just dark circles. It actually cuts your lifespan short and makes you gain weight, lose energy, and experience mental fog. Meanwhile, sleeping too much on a particular side of your face can cause sleep lines and wrinkles. The optimal amount of time to spend asleep is between seven and nine hours each night.

  1. Popping pimples

As satisfying as popping away acne can be, if you’re doing this too often, you’re moving the dirt and bad bacteria from your fingers into your face and possibly through the open wound. Not only is that gross, but popping pimples will also cause scarring that causes an aged skin texture.

  1. Sugary drinks

Sugary drinks may lead to the development of metabolic disease. This is because it causes the aging of the cells, and therefore ages your entire body before its time.

20 Parent Hacks Every Mom and Dad Needs To Know

Parenting involves a lot of patience and learning as you go, but many moms and dads say having a child totally changed their lives. Watching a child grow and getting to shape them along their journey is such a rewarding, joyful experience; however, parenting comes with a lot of challenges. These parent hacks we’ve listed below can make raising children just a little bit easier on all the moms and dads out there.

Here are 20 parent hacks every mom and dad needs to know:

1. This creative parent hack will help your kids stay on track!

2. Need help putting your baby to sleep? Try these 5 steps…

3. If you need extra hands while traveling, try the Mountain Buggy! A true miracle in the world of parent hacks…

4. This parent hack will keep your kids fueled up on road trips and keep the crumbs off the floor.

5. Some dad hacks are actually genius!

A post shared by The Daily Dad (@thedailydad) on

6. This parent hack might just save you thousands of dollars…

A post shared by CafeMom (@cafemomofficial) on

7. Don’t have a white noise machine? Well, this parent hack might come in handy…

A post shared by Real mom (@therealmommydiaries) on

things that make kids happy

8. Adding baking soda to your child’s bath can do wonders for them.

A post shared by Regalo Baby (@regalobaby) on

9. These cool gadgets will make your life easier as a parent (and may just save your child’s life).

10. If the dryer always eats your kids’ socks, this gadget is for you.

11. Another great dad hack! You can still have a BBQ AND keep the kids safe!

A post shared by LadBaby (@ladbabyofficial) on

12. If your kids have been getting into your candy stash, use this parent hack to hide it in a clever way.

13. Lost your sunglasses? Send your kid on a scavenger hunt to find all your missing stuff!

A post shared by Ruby Johnson (@ruby1508) on

14. Is your kid sick and doesn’t want to take his/her medicine? Just dip a lollipop in it!

15. Need to keep your toddler entertained? Use this fun parent hack!

A post shared by Parent Hacks ™? (@parenthacks) on

16. Need something to hold your messy breakfast in the car? Try a diaper, courtesy of this dad hack.

A post shared by Fatherly (@fatherlyhq) on

17. Want to keep your little one safe while also soothing them to sleep? Try this!

18. Hands on magnets can help keep your kid safe around cars.

19. These bouncy seats are baby-powered! No need for batteries. (one of the best parent hacks EVER)

A post shared by INSIDER PICKS (@insiderpicks) on

20. If you ever need to get snow off your driveway, simply attach a snow plough to your kid’s toy car. Problem solved.

A post shared by Daily Mail (@dailymail) on

Which of these parent hacks is your favorite? Share with us in the comments!

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

10 Signs You Have The Best Partner Ever

So many people look for signs that they have a good partner. However, if you truly feel happy in a relationship, then being happy and enjoying your partner will come quite naturally. A relationship should add value to your life and allow you to become the truest version of yourself. If you have the best partner ever, he or she should make you feel special, wanted, and safe. Your partner should bring you a sense of peace and fulfillment, and help you feel more positive about life.

In case you have forgotten how awesome your partner is, here are a few signs you have the best partner ever.

10 Signs You Have The Best Partner Ever

1. You become the best version of yourself around them.

Your partner seems to bring out the best in you; you don’t have to pretend to be someone else around them, because your true essence seems to flow naturally. You don’t have to think so much about what to say or how to act; it just feels like second nature. If you have the best partner ever, he or she will perfectly complement you, which will allow that natural chemistry to flow effortlessly. Your partner will take you to places within yourself that you never thought were possible before.

You may have struggled with positive thinking before, for instance, but with your partner it seems to come easily.

2. You truly enjoy their company.

This one should be a given, but if you have the best partner ever, you will be itching at the next chance to hang out with them. While they’re at work or school, you just can’t wait until they walk through the door to shower them with kisses and cuddle with them after a long day. You could just be lying down in bed talking for hours and that would be enough. It doesn’t matter what you do together. You always enjoy their company.

3. You feel listened to and understood.

In life, we all want to feel like we belong somewhere and that someone understands the thoughts that occupy our minds. With your partner, this all happens naturally. When you talk, he or she drops everything to listen to you, because what you say matters to them. They don’t just listen to reply; they listen to understand you. Because they truly care about what you have to say, you feel safe being vulnerable with them.

You don’t have to hold back or think too hard about what you have to say around them, because they have your full attention and make you feel comfortable to speak your mind.

4. Your partner makes you want to improve.

While your partner doesn’t want to change anything about you, he or she constantly helps you improve to become the best version of yourself. They want that for you because they truly care about your well-being and happiness; they want to see you soar above all the obstacles that have held you back. For instance, if you want to run a marathon, they will help you reach your goal by encouraging you and making sure you get in all the training sessions you need. Your partner is truly your number one fan.

5. They love to make you smile.

If you have the best partner ever, he or she will go out of the way to put a smile on your face. They want to make you happy because they love you, so they will pull out all the stops, including corny jokes, flowers, taking you out to dinner, etc.

6. Your partner notices when you’re upset.

Because you two are so connected, your partner will easily notice when something’s on your mind. They will not hesitate to ask you what’s wrong, and will be your shoulder to cry on if you need it. They notice the little things, which is why they’re the best partner ever.

7. You laugh together often.

In a truly happy relationship, you and your partner will share jokes and laugh until your stomach hurts. You don’t take life too seriously with them, which adds to your list of what makes them the best partner ever.

8. He or she helps you around the house and doesn’t complain about it.

The best partner ever will consider you their equal, so housework and chores are not above them. They will happily share in the tasks because they don’t want to see you overworked or stressed out. Also, they feel obligated to help because they know that’s what a partnership requires.

9. Communication comes easily for you two.

Active listening is paramount to a healthy relationship. If you have the best partner ever, they will truly care about what you have to say. Also, you will give the same respect to them, because you love them to their core and connect with them on such an intimate level. With you two, communication feels easy as a Sunday morning because of your powerful connection.
relationship quote

10. They don’t sweat the small stuff.

The best partner ever won’t care if you leave your dirty clothes on the floor for a couple extra days or leave dirty dishes in the sink after a meal. They know that you’ll clean it up eventually, and don’t want to start an argument about something so insignificant.

Of course, they will mention it if you continue leaving your laundry on the floor for a week or two, but overall, your partner lets things be and doesn’t worry about the small stuff in life.

5 Habits That Prevent Dehydration

You’d think that living in a first world country would mean easy access to healthy living for the citizens. Yet people you know might be living in a chronic state of dehydration and not even realize it. They may live in a well-hydrated environment (East Coast, anyone?) and yet they fail to recognize the actual sensations of thirst and lack of hydration. They work, play, exercise, and afterward feel odd little symptoms that they ignore. If they live in a dry area, they can still get into the habit of not listening to what their bodies are trying to tell them. This can be a mistake that can affect them for years to come.

The habits that keep you hydrated throughout the day are not hard to do. The main trick, if it can be called that, is establishing the habit of hydration. Using a memory device to help you remember to stay hydrated is one way. For instance: “Don’t go dry, rely(on water)”. Another way is to make hydrating a standard part of your routine every day so that you don’t forget. Once the habit is established, you’ll recognize your personal dehydration symptoms that you were missing before.

Ask Yourself These Questions:

 

  • Have you ever felt unfocused or sleepy at odd times?
  • Does your skin pass the pinch test? This is when you pinch your skin and it quickly falls back into place. If it doesn’t fall back, then you’re dehydrated.
  • Do you experience U.T.I.s or other chronic bladder infections?
  • Have you felt dry and overheated, maybe even dizzy, during or after exertion?

The solution is easy and takes little effort or time out of your day. In fact, listening to your body and taking good care of yourself can bring immediate relief and help you avoid long-term problems.

The 5 Daily Habits Of Staying Hydrated:

 

  • Drink 2 glasses of water as soon as you rise in the morning. This rehydrates you after a long night’s dry spell and helps you look and feel fresh and awake.
  • Drink fluids, particularly water, before, during, and after exercise. Using sports drinks with electrolytes at this time can make a difference as well.
  • Rely on juicier fruits and vegetables for liquid your body can use. Make grapes, watermelon, or oranges a regular snack.
  • Some people will drink water after every visit to the bathroom. This way they know they are maintaining a healthy level of hydration.
  • Avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks that may actually have a diuretic effect on your body. Your body craves water and knows how to use it! Caffeine may just make it harder for some people to avoid becoming dehydrated.

dehydration

Water: The Best Solution

Avoiding dehydration is far more important than just easing a sense of thirst. That sensation is a clear message from your body to you that something needs to be done, so ignoring it is a bad idea. Providing poor substitutes for water, like lots of sugary drinks, may not satisfy the thirst and may set you up for diseases like cavities and diabetes. Water is the zero-calorie, no-sugar-added, immediate relief your body is really asking for.

A Tip When You Don’t Like Water

Here’s another trick: if the water tastes like ‘nothing’ to you when you first start drinking it regularly, that’s actually a sign that your taste buds have gotten used to more processed drinks. As you cut the sweets and stimulants, you will begin to taste the true nature of water. When the day comes that you drink plain water and it tastes sweet, refreshing, and satisfying, then you’ll know that you’ve made water a regular habit. Congratulations! You’ve become more aware of your body and more mindful of your health.

potato juice

Learn the ten reasons why you should try drinking potato juice (besides the surprisingly yummy taste).

Make The Change!

For many people around the world, dehydration is as avoidable as it is common. Recognizing dehydration symptoms and preventing it are key health issues that even children can learn to handle for themselves. These life habits are both pretty simple and pretty important! It’s necessary to take time each day to listen to your body, recognize your body’s thirsty craving for hydration, and add more fluids in your daily routine. You have the power to make great changes in your life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG-G9_LOkLA

Skip to content