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5 Stretches To Prevent and Relieve Lower Back Pain in 10 Minutes

September 28, 2018 by Power of Positivity

According to Statista, more than 54% of all American adults suffer from some form of back pain. Lower back pain is perhaps the most common – at least 80% of all adults experience it.

The main causes of lower back pain are muscle strains, slipped spinal discs, and tight hip and leg muscles. The last cause is often overlooked because people don’t pay much attention to it. Tightness in the hip and leg muscles is bad because it spreads tension to surrounding muscles; hence the reason you experience lower back pain. Below is a list of 5 stretches that you can do to relax the hip and leg muscles and lower back pain in 10 minutes.

1. Hamstring Stretch

Duration

10 seconds for both legs
2 reps

Procedure

1. On a flat surface, lie down straight with your face facing upwards and bend your left leg with the knee pointing towards the sky.

2. Get a hold of your right knee and pull that leg upwards in a stretch pose. You can bend your knee slightly as pull your right leg backwards.

3. Stretch your right leg as much as you can, while keeping your tail bone firmly planted on the flat surface until you feel some strain.

4. If the pose is ideal, you ought to feel some strain at the back of your thighs and calves when you pull your toes back.

5. Maintain the position for 10 seconds, before switching to the other leg. Do the stretch twice for both legs.

2. Psoas Stretch

Duration

30 seconds on both legs
2 reps

Procedure

1. With both feet firmly planted on the ground, maintain an upright position.

2. Propel your left leg forward while keeping the right one back. Bend your left knee and have your upper body remain in an upright position.

3. Maintain the pose for 1-3 seconds, then lower your right knee almost touching the floor.

4. Place the palms of your hands on your left knee for support and propel your upper body onward until you feel a strain on the psoas.

5. Hold this pose for 30 seconds and switch to the other leg. Repeat 2 times.

3. Double Leg Knee to Chest

Duration

20 seconds
2 reps

Procedure

1. On a flat surface, lie on your back with your face looking upwards.

2. Arch one leg and then warp the other beneath the knee of the first one.

3. Clasp your hands together behind both knees.

4. Pull both knees closer to your chest until you feel a strain on your lower abdomen.

5. Hold the position for 20 seconds and then switch to the other leg. Perform 2 reps for proper lower back pain relief.

4. Quadriceps Stretch

Duration

30 seconds on both legs
2 reps

Procedure

1. Place both feet together and be in an upright position.

2. With your left leg straight and firmly planted on the ground, hold the right foot with your left hand.

3. Pull the right foot back until the heel makes contact with your butt, and you feel a strain on your quadriceps.

4. Maintain the pose for 30 seconds before switching to the other leg. Do 2 reps.

5. Knee Stretch to the Chest

Duration

20 seconds
2 reps

Procedure

1. On a flat surface, lie on your back with your face looking upwards.

2. Arch your left leg and grip it with your hands.

3. Pull the leg closer to your chest until you feel a strain on the thighs and hips.

4. Maintain the pose for 20 seconds and change the leg. Perform 2 reps for maximum lower back pain relief.

Conclusion

Lower back pain should not get in the way of you and your day-to-day activities. Try the mentioned five exercises when the lower back pain becomes too much to handle. In case, you have more questions about back pain or how to handle them, send us an email.

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

8 Signs You Might Have Thyroid Problems And How To Fix It

September 28, 2018 by Power of Positivity

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that is positioned in the front of the neck. But its size does not discount its necessity to the body. In actuality, it is one of the most important organs that all people have because of its impact on so many of the other systems of the body, which control energy levels, hormone production, and heart rate and blood pressure. What this means, in layman’s terms, is that whenever anything happens to go wrong with it, thyroid treatment needs to begin right away. For this reason, it is important that everyone knows about the following eight signs of thyroid problems to look out for:

Changes in Blood Pressure

Two common conditions of this gland are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If the thyroid is producing too much thyroid hormone, doctors give the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. If someone produces too little, then that means they have hypothyroidism. The first condition causes the heart to work much harder than it normally would. This can be seen in a person’s higher than normal blood pressure readings and heart rate. The second condition causes the heart to work much slower than it is supposed to, so they often develop low blood pressure readings of 110/65 or less.

Changes in Body Temperature

The influence that this gland has on the metabolic system can be seen in the temperature changes that occur when it isn’t working as it should. Usually, most people have a body temperature of about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Hyperthyroidism causes it to be about one degree higher than this. And hypothyroidism is seen by a one degree drop.

Weight Gain or Weight Loss

At first, a person who develops hyperthyroidism might enjoy the sudden weight loss that they experience because the pounds seem to come off effortlessly. After a while, this symptom isn’t as appealing though because of the sunken appearance that they quickly develop. Whenever the thyroid works too slowly, the opposite effect occurs. So, no matter how hard a person tries, weight loss is next to impossible to achieve.

Hair Changes

In both of these conditions, the hair on a person’s head will become coarse and dry. They might also have some of their eyelashes fall out, and the outer portions of the eyebrows will start to disappear.

Changes in Sex Drive

It is common for people with hyperthyroidism to develop a sex drive that is much higher than normal. For some, it can be quite burdensome because of the strain that it can cause on their relationship. Hypothyroidism reduces a man or woman’s sex drive significantly though.

Anxiety and Depression

Undiagnosed hypothyroidism is one of the main contributors to depression. But those who have hyperthyroidism seem to experience anxiety more often. Sometimes, other mental health changes can occur when the gland works too fast, such as a condition called a “thyroid storm,” which is caused by an excessively high amount of T-3, TSH, and T-4 hormones being released all at once. It is very serious because it can lead to hallucinations, racing thoughts, and a heart rate that is so high that some people have to be hospitalized for it.

Weak Bones and Teeth

The hormones that this organ produces have a major impact on the way that the body uses calcium. So whenever they are out of balance, a person commonly has brittle bones that break easily and fragile teeth full of cavities.

Eye Changes

It is mainly when this gland is working too fast that eye changes become obvious. That is because a condition of this gland called “Grave’s disease” can develop, which causes the eyes to bulge out and the eyelids to recede. A person’s vision will also be affected.

As you can see, problems with this gland can have a serious impact on the body. So it is crucial that anyone who is experiencing any of these symptoms seeks medical attention from their doctor right away to ensure that their condition doesn’t worsen. Once they have an official diagnosis, thyroid treatment can begin. Some of the natural remedies that are commonly used for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are bladderwrack, kelp, iodine extract, ashwaganda, lemon balm, and bugleweed. Each of them have their own benefits and side effects though. And they don’t all work well with prescription medications. So it is important to discuss the use of them with a physician beforehand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=yG-G9_LOkLA

75 Quotes That Perfectly Capture What Falling In Love Feels Like

September 28, 2018 by Power of Positivity

For those who have experienced it, falling in love can totally change your life. It may happen when you least expect it, but when you feel that spark, you’ll definitely know it. Falling in love isn’t just about feelings, either; it actually benefits your health as well. According to South University, falling in love can make your heart healthier and ward off cardiovascular disease, keep away the common cold, increase longevity, and help you feel more positive.

Whether you have fallen in love before or just want to daydream about what it might feel like, these quotes will help bring that feeling to life.

Here are 75 quotes that perfectly capture what falling in love feels like:

1. You can’t blame gravity for falling in love. —Albert Einstein

2. Nobody is perfect until you fall in love with them. —Unknown

3. She wasn’t exactly sure when it happened. Or even when it started. All she knew for sure was that right here and now, she was falling hard and she could only pray that he was feeling the same way. —Nicholas Sparks

4. In life, you have to take the pace that love goes. You don’t force it. You just don’t force love, you don’t force falling in love, you don’t force being in love – you just become. I don’t know how to say that in English, but you just feel it. —Juan Pablo Galavis

5. First best is falling in love. Second best is being in love. Least best is falling out of love. But any of it is better than never having been in love. —Maya Angelou

6. Falling in love was never in my plan. Until one day I just realized that I love this person too much. —Unknown

7. A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. —Mignon McLaughlin

8. Love does not appear with any warning signs. You fall into it as if pushed from a high diving board. No time to think about what’s happening. It’s inevitable. An event you can’t control. A crazy, heart-stopping, roller-coaster ride that just has to take its course. —Jackie Collins

9. Falling in love, romance, matters of the heart – when you fall in love, on some biochemical level you know there is a chance it won’t work out. It’s ingrained in us that if you take such an enormous risk on someone with your heart that it might not pay off. I gamble all my chips and I might actually lose everything. —Rachael Taylor

10. Falling for him would be like cliff diving. It would be either the most exhilarating thing that ever happened to me or the stupidest mistake I’d ever make. —Hussein Nishah

11. One morning, about four o’clock, I was driving my car just about as fast as I could. I thought, ‘Why am I out on the highway this time of night?’ I was miserable, and it all came to me: ‘I’m falling in love with somebody I have no right to fall in love with. I can’t fall in love with this man, but it’s just like a ring of fire. —June Carter Cash

12. Each day my love grows deeper, deeper than I never thought before. —Unknown

13. I was falling. Falling through time and space and stars and sky and everything in between. I fell for days and weeks and what felt like lifetime across lifetimes. I fell until I forgot I was falling. —Jess Rothenberg

14. Love is a feeling, a feeling of happiness. Love is powerful, too powerful to play with. This feeling is strange and hard to describe, but when you fall in love, you will know it inside. —Unknown

15. A priceless moment is when the person that you have fallen in love with, looks you right in the eyes to tells you that they have fallen in love with you. —Unknown

16. Falling in love consists merely in uncorking the imagination and bottling the common sense. —Helen Rowland

17. Falling in love is easy. Falling in love with the same person repeatedly is extraordinary. —Crystal Woods

18. All love stories are tales of beginnings. When we talk about falling in love, we go to the beginning, to pinpoint the moment of freefall. —Meghan O’Rourke

19. Falling in love doesn’t fall by itself. There is always a desire to take the plunge. Just make sure that love sticks around, to pick you up when you fall. —Unknown

20. All I’m saying is that I don’t want to sort of fall in love with fifty different people. I’d rather find one person and fall completely, deeply in over my head. —Anna White

21. Anyone who falls in love is searching for the missing pieces of themselves. —Unknown

22. Don’t fall in love; rise with it. —Amit Abraham

23. I’m not just falling in love with you, I’m falling into you. You’re an ocean, and I’m falling in, drowning in the depths of who you are. —Unknown

24. Have you ever watched a leaf leave a tree? It falls upward first, and then it drifts toward the ground, just as I find myself drifting towards you. —Beth Kephart

25. When two people fall in love, all they can think about is how to build a perfect world around them. —Unknown

26. Isn’t that how falling in love so often works? Some stranger appears out of nowhere and becomes a fixed star in your universe. —Kate Bolick

27. No one believes in love at first sight until that special person comes along and steals your heart. —Unknown

28. When you fall head over heels for someone, you’re not falling in love with who they are as a person; you’re falling in love with your idea of love. —Elisabeth Rohm

29. Don’t try to stop your heart from falling in love, because in the end it may be worth it. —Fad Ibra

30. She wonders if this is what people call falling in love, the desire to be with someone for every minute of the rest of her life so strong that sometimes she is frightened of herself. —Yiyun Li

31. Because if I fell any deeper for the way his eyes crinkled with his smile or his habit of tapping on his nose to emphasize a point, my ship would be sunk. —Katherine McIntyre, By the Sea

32. I fall into him like one would fall into a dream, ready to submit to your subconscious’s innermost desires and your deepest fears. —Stephanie Binding

33. When you love, you get hurt. When you get hurt, you hate. When you hate, you try to forget. When you try to forget, you start missing. And when you start missing, you’ll eventually fall in love again. —Vinay Sharma

34. Falling in love is not an act of will. It is not a conscious choice. No matter how open to or eager for it we may be, the experience may still elude us. Contrarily, the experience may capture us at times when we are definitely not seeking it, when it is inconvenient and undesirable. —M. Scott Peck

35. When you’re falling in love, you never notice it until you’ve already hit the ground. —Terry Mark

36. Eros is not tranquil—it gives us spikes of happiness rather than a constant feeling of wellbeing. It’s the love we feel at the beginning of a love affair and corresponds to the expression ‘falling in love’ since it is as involuntary an impulse as a physical fall. —Francois Lelord

37. Once you tell someone you love them, you automatically give that person the right to hurt you, and yet you place a trust in them that they won’t tear you apart. —Abhishek Tiwari

38. Falling in love is a wonderfully terrifying sensation. —Steve Maraboli

39. No one ever fell in love without being a little bit brave. —Mario Tomasello

40. When you fall in love, the natural thing to do is give yourself to it. —Unknown

41. I loved him desperately, completely, and he wasn’t threatening to consume me anymore. He already had. Everything that was me was him. My heart, mind and soul all were as much a part of him as they were me. —Cassandra Giovanni

42. Then he kissed her so deeply and so completely that she felt like she was falling, floating, spiraling down, down, down, like Alice in Wonderland. —Liane Moriarty

43. You can’t help who you fall in love with. —E.L. Montes

44. Falling in love is like jumping off a really tall building; your head tells you, ‘Idiot you’re gonna die’ but your heart tells you ‘Don’t worry pretty girl you can fly.’ —Unknown

45. You know you’re falling in love when the feeling of falling actually feels like you’re floating. —Rashida Rowe

46. Many people do not fall in love; they fall in love with the idea of themselves being in love. They never see the other person. I don’t ask for much; I only ask to be seen. —C. JoyBell

47. […] when you know, you know. And you don’t fight it. You don’t deny the inevitable. You free fall because you know there’s someone there to catch you on the other side. —S. L. Jennings

48. I’ve lived long enough to know that falling leads to breaking and breaking can lead to dying but falling can be the best feeling. —Ivy R. Cabading

49. To fall in love and to commit yourself to love means you should make your loved one the one thing you cherish the most. —Kou Yoneda

50. When your stomach turns somersaults every time you see your love interest, when you can go without eating for half a day because you can’t think of anything else, and when the sound of her voice blocks out every possible distraction each time you hear it…then logic’s role becomes a very minor one. —Erik Tomblin

51. You know you’re in love the moment you can touch the stars without reaching. —Melisa M. Hamling

52. These butterflies hurt, without being brutal. It’s almost like I’m intoxicated, without wanting to hurl. And suddenly I wonder, could this be love? —Francine Chiar

53. Only fools fall in love and I guess I’m one of them. —Unknown

54. Falling in love is like leaping from a cliff. Your brain screams that it’s not a good idea and that hurt and pain will inevitably come to you. But your heart believes you can soar, glide and fly. —Marie Coulson

55. Because before the time when you’re heartbroken, you get to be in love, and that’s worth it. —Leila Sales

56. It was the strangest sensation, fallin’ in love. ‘Bout the only thing I compare it to would be jumpin’ off a big cliff. Once you’re past the edge, there ain’t no particular reason to be graspin’ for a line a safety. You just keep on fallin’ anyhow, so you might as well enjoy it the whole way down. —Dorothy Garlock

57. I loved you before I even knew the name for it. Everyday I’d sit beside you, inhaling your scent, looking at your beautiful face. Every night, dreaming about you. You eclipsed everything else. It was you. Always you. —Heather Anastasiu

58. This thing about you that you think is your flaw – it’s the reason I’m falling in love with you. – Colleen Hoover

59. Maybe it’s just hiding somewhere. Or gone on a trip to come home. But falling in love is always a pretty crazy thing. It might appear out of the blue and just grab you. Who knows – maybe even tomorrow. – Haruki Murakami

60. …It’s a blessed thing to love and feel loved in return. – E.A. Bucchianeri

61. To fall in love with someone’s thoughts – the most intimate, splendid romance. – Sanober Khan

62. No one ever fell in love gracefully. – Connie Brockway

63. Waiting for you is as delightful as waiting for sunset. – Kamand Kojouri

64. This is like telling a person who has leapt off a cliff to be careful. I am already in midair. – Christina Baker Kline

65. When I saw you, I fell in love, and you smiled because you knew. – Arrigo Boito

66. The emotion that can break your heart is sometimes the very one that heals it. – Nicholas Sparks

67. If it is right, it happens – the main thing is not to hurry. Nothing good gets away. – John Steinbeck

68. You don’t love because; you love despite. Not for the virtues, but despite the faults. – William Faulkner

69. Love is the voice under all silences, the hope which has no opposite in fear; the strength so strong mere force is feebleness; the truth more first than sun, more last than star. – E. E. Cummings

70. There is no remedy for love but to love more. – Henry David Thoreau

71. To get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with. – Mark Twain

72. “I’m happiest when I’m right next to you.” Anonymous

73. “You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” Dr. Seuss

74. “As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”
John Green, The Fault in Our Stars

75. “Have you ever been in love? Horrible isn’t it? It makes you so vulnerable. It opens your chest and it opens up your heart and it means that someone can get inside you and mess you up.”
Neil Gaiman, The Kindly Ones

Which of these quotes about falling in love was your favorite? Please share with us in the comments!

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

Here Is How I Boosted My Vitamin D Intake With Fruits & Veggies

September 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Although there are many types of vitamin supplements on the market today, I decided to eat better foods to boost my overall intake of vitamin d. This meant being strategic and knowledgeable with what I ate. Appropriate food choices like fruits and veggies can result in a body that is both healthy and physically fit. I’ve learned that the vitamin d benefits have also promoted my health in other ways.

There are an array of vitamins and minerals that are required by the body to function at its optimum levels. Included in the list of vitamins is Calciferol, which is also referred to as vitamin d. According to the Harvard Medical School’s list of vitamins, one of the objectives of vitamin d is to ensure that our blood vessels remain normal. This means acquiring calcium and phosphorus from the things that we consume.

Learning about Foods with Vitamin D

It’s true that not everyone has the time to prepare meals each day. This doesn’t mean that there is not enough time to learn about food in general. The more I learned about foods that had the vitamins that I needed, the more engaged I became. Fruits and veggies provide a lot of options when it comes to choosing tasty dishes and snacks. Here are some delicious and healthy food options that appealed to me right away:

Mushrooms
Orange Juice
Grains
Tofu

Making Food Selections

According to WebMD, studies have shown a connection between vitamin d and the regulation of the neuromuscular system, as well as the immune system. So, the food selections that I began to make were helping me to achieve total health in many instances. Reading product labels was one of the helpful activities in my selection process. This assisted me with finding pre-packaged items that had vitamins.

Shopping for Health

Once you’re aware of the types of foods to look for, it’s time to start shopping. I knew that I wanted to boost my daily allowances of vitamins. Finding the right place to shop was important to me as well. Not every store had the types of vegetables or fruits that I wanted. Visiting different locations and local farmers’ stands provides both convenience and healthy options.

Getting Vitamins & Minerals

There is no set way to get the vitamins and minerals that you need into your diet. Conducting a little research and shopping around is pretty easy. My only choice for these two activities was to decide if I wanted to cook meals, purchase meals, or some of both. The later was the best option for me and my schedule. This also opened the door to finding great food choices for in-between meals. Snacking better actually works hand-in-hand with eating better because it is a matter of choice, as well.

Benefiting from Food Choices

The vitamin d benefits are not merely short-term as it relates to fitness and health. Consuming the proper amount of this and other vitamins and minerals prepare the body for the future. This, of course, relates to strengthening the immune system and the ability to fight off illness. The vitamin d benefits also ensure that bones are strong and durable. This vitamin helps to prevent breaks and other related diseases.

My plan for getting my necessary vitamin d from fruits and vegetables ended up teaching me good habits. This involved not only eating better but knowing more about the sources of vitamins that my diet required. I learned that the body naturally makes vitamin d, but not enough for me on a daily basis. This production depends on the part of country one lives in because it is related to being able to absorb sunlight.

Taking the lead on my nutrition was the best approach for me to get my daily sources of vitamins. I have also gotten the chance to experiment with different foods. Some of these I may never have tried before my pursuit of better vitamin and mineral intakes. Fruits and veggies have really boosted my daily food sources and my fitness because I know more about what I eat. I also know why it is important to eat with health in mind.

21 Things To Let Go Of To Live A Happy Life

September 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

It is evident that many people strive to lead a happy and purposeful life. However, the biggest challenge holding us back from accomplishing our goals is, sadly, our own selves. We limit our potential and happiness every day, whether intentionally or otherwise.

According to a recent study, when one experiences positive emotions such as contentment, love and joy, the individual also realizes more possibilities in his life. It is worth noting that life is something you can either embrace or hide from. Ensure not to complicate your life, but simply live it. Life can be more enjoyable and much simpler if we learned how to overcome certain limitations.

Below are some of the things you ought to let go of for a happy and prosperous life.

1. Let go of excuses

Leave no chance for excuses. Avoid offering excuses for not accomplishing tasks. Excuses are mere justifications that only make you feel better for failing to achieve or do something you intend or need to do. Find the time and resource constraint necessary to do the task.

2. The Approval of Others

Stop bothering yourself about other people’s opinions and thoughts. When making personal decisions, consider your happiness first. Only engage in actions that will better your life.

3. Procrastination

Be present and deal with the tasks and issues at hand. Stop thinking that you will manage the task at hand some other time or day. Make maximum use of your time as much as possible. Completing each task as soon as possible frees you from worry, stress, and ultimately makes you happy. It also offers you the time to enjoy those things you love.

4. Let go of toxic Beliefs and Relationships

Some individuals are openly malicious and poisonous. On the other hand, there are those that are naively subtle and responsible for our failures because of their inherent insecurities and envies. Despite not being responsible for anyone’s emotions, you are supposed to act with care, respect and decency. However, if you do so and someone still intends to make you fail, then you should let go of the person.

Be aware of toxic beliefs dictating what you feel and think. Don’t allow negative people to influence your inner monologue. Ensure to surround yourself with true cheerleaders who want you to be happy and truly believe in you.

5. Insecurity

Maintain high levels of self-esteem. Accept who you are and strive to better yourself. Happy people exude confidence and offer positive vibes. Always seek to change the things you are self-conscious about. You don’t need to be insecure.

6. Let go of impossible Standards

If you had big ambitions in life and are still struggling to achieve them, let go of them, forgive yourself and accept yourself for not being superhuman. Note that there isn’t such a thing as self-made. To live a happy life, you don’t need to be a superhuman. A happy life emanates from setting S.M.A.R.T goals.

7. A sense of entitlement

Many people often find themselves wondering “Why me?”. However, if you treat yourself as being ordinary and susceptible to anything, then you will acknowledge failure and the phrase “Why not?”

8. Guilt

Be responsible for your mistakes. Own them, forgive yourself and make amends. Being responsible and remorseful forms the first step towards recovery.

9. Let go of Comparison

Don’t compare your life to those of others. Remember that you only get the chance to see the highlight reel of those people you are comparing yourself with. Comparing ultimately makes one unhappy.

10. Controlling Everything

Note that the only thing within our control is our own reactions and attitudes. Always seek to find happiness right where you are, regardless of how things turn out.

11. Attachment to Money

Do not amass tremendous wealth at the expense of your happiness. Once you attain your basic needs and savings plans, ensure to evaluate the trade-off between more money and other life goals, including happiness.

12. Let Go of the Past

Avoid getting stuck on your regrets, anger and old wounds. Thinking and lingering in the past cannot change anything about it. Be present and occupy yourself with something productive or fun.

13. Assuming You Can’t

Many times, we limit our possibility by assuming we can’t master some things in life. However, if you stop assuming and keep on trying, you will achieve the impossible. Assumption is just a blockade between you and your full potential.

14. Poor Health Habits

Your body is the embodiment of your visions, goals and purpose in life. It is the mechanism that will enable you to attain all that you desire and hope for. Poor body health will undermine everything you hoped for. Ensure you eat well, rest enough, and exercise daily.

15. Gossip

Despite being fun and engaging, gossip is also hurtful to others and demeaning to yourself. Shun gossip.

16. Neglecting Your Engagement/Marriage

If you’re engaged or married, make your partner/spouse your centerpiece. Express your love on a daily basis. Prioritize your relationship and grow together.

17. Worrying About Future

The future will always be uncertain. Stop worrying about the future, be present and maximize on today for a better tomorrow.

18. Overthinking

Overthinking is bad for your happiness. It doesn’t help – simply take a deep breath and calm down. Let it go.

19. Let go of the Herd Mentality

Be smart and listen to your inner voice when making decisions.

20. A Job You Detest

Don’t cling to a job that does not satisfy your soul. Do something you love.

21. Considering Seeking Help as Being Weak

Let go of the illusion that asking for help is being weak. Asking for help denotes courage, strength and determination.

It is hard to let go of something that is entrenched in our minds for many years. Learn to let go of past experiences and the fear of the future. Always be present, positive and appreciate the support and love around you.

10 Unique Ways To Use Apple Cider Vinegar For Your Skin

September 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Are you having trouble with your skin? If yes, consider using apple cider vinegar for skin. Whether it’s aging, acne, or other problems, apple cider vinegar will work for you.

Here are ten unique ways of using apple cider vinegar for skin:

1. Prevents Pimples and Acne

In case your skin is struggling with pimples and acne, then vinegar will come in handy. It has an antifungal and antibacterial substance that assists to keep the pores of your skin free from dust, bacteria, and oil. Use this liquid in its unfiltered state and mix with filtered water. Then, soak cotton wool in the mixture and apply it to the affected area. Repeat the procedure a few times in a day for a week to see results.

2. Heals Sunburns

Apple cider vinegar is popular for its ability to cure sunburns. It assists in soothing the pain and speeding up the healing process. Combine four cups of water with half a cup of the liquid in a bowl. Dip a washcloth inside the solution and apply it to the affected area on your skin. Massage the area for some time. Follow the same procedure multiple times a day for at least a week until you see an improvement.

3. Exfoliate and Soothe Skin

Apple cider vinegar can soothe your skin and leave it supple and soft. It has alpha hydroxyl acid that removes dead cells from your skin to expose healthy new cells. Use it by pouring some of it into a bathtub filled with warm water. Get inside for up to twenty minutes to let the acid get into your skin. Repeat the procedure to maintain your skin’s pH levels.

4. Tones the Skin

In addition to having a regulation effect on the skin’s pH levels, vinegar contains astringent properties. These properties assist in increasing the flow of blood to your skin and reducing the pores to treat oily skin. Use it by mixing the liquid with filtered water and a little essential oil. Use a cotton ball to apply the solution to your skin. Allow your skin to soak for a few minutes before washing it off with fresh water. Use it multiple times a day depending on your need.

5. Fights Wrinkles and Removes Age Spots

The alpha hydroxyl acid contained in vinegar assists to remove dead skin to leave a glowing and healthy skin. Additionally, the liquid helps to eliminate age spots and reduce wrinkles and fine lines. Use it by dabbing some vinegar on cotton wool and ensuring direct application on wrinkles and the age spots. After half an hour of soaking, wash your skin with cool water. Follow the procedure two times a day for a month and a half for results.

6. Treatment for Razor Bumps

Anti-inflammatory properties found in vinegar assist to soothe irritated skin. It has acetic acid that makes skin soft and facilitates easy eradication of ingrown hair. Use vinegar by diluting it with water and splashing the solution on the affected region. Allow it to dry. Apply the procedure two times in a day until there are no more razor bumps.

7. Antiseptic Treatment for Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can be caused by various things like rashes, poison ivy, and bug bites. Its antifungal and antiseptic properties help to destroy the infection-causing fungi and heal the skin. Mix the vinegar with water in a cotton ball and use cotton wool to apply the solution to the affected area on your skin. Let the skin dry and follow the procedure every day until the skin heals.

8. Eliminates Body Odor

Body odor is caused by bacteria and sweat. The antibacterial and antifungal properties in apple cider vinegar assist to fight this bacteria that cause odor. Fill the bathtub with warm water and pour some vinegar inside. After mixing, bathe with the water. Do this two times in a day every day until you see some results.

9. Hand and Facial Scrub

According to research, apple cider vinegar assists to rejuvenate the skin and exfoliate dead cells on your skin. It makes your skin smooth and glowing without resulting in any irritation. Mix two tablespoons of roughly grounded rice with one tablespoon of the liquid in a bowl. Massage your hands and face with the mixture for up to twenty minutes. Do this for one or two times a week.

10. Elimination of Foot Odor

The acids contained in the liquid change the skin’s pH levels on your feet to prevent the growth of bacteria. It can also have the same effect on your underarms. In spite of the strong smell of the vinegar, it stays only for a short while. Soak baby wipes in a cup of the liquid overnight. Then put them in the fridge in a ziplock bag and wipe your feet with the wipes. Repeat the procedure daily until you get results.

Final Thoughts on Apple Cider Vinegar

For healthy skin free from odor, acne, pimples, sunburns, itch, and more, use apple cider vinegar.

Diarrhea Treatment: 4 Ways to Stop Diarrhea Naturally

September 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Diarrhea is can be caused by consuming food or drinking water that is contaminated with harmful bacteria and parasites. The bacteria that can bring on stomach infections include campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and Escherichia coli. The parasites that cause this illness are Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium. When these microorganisms are ingested they infect your digestive system and make your stomach and intestines inflamed and irritated.

When you have a stomach infection, you may have abdominal cramps and your stools become loose and watery. You may experience abdominal pain and bloat and have a high-grade fever. This illness makes you nauseous and causes you to feel fatigued. It can also cause blood in the stool and makes you have frequent bowel movements. Even though medication can be taken to relieve the symptoms, there are natural remedies as well. Here are some natural diarrhea treatement methods that you can use to get rid of this infection:

Natural Diarrhea Treatment

The BRAT Diet

If you have a stomach infection, eating a diet with bananas, rice, applesauce and toast may help. These foods help with diarrhea treatment because they are bland and can help you recuperate from this illness sooner. You can also add crackers, tea, apple juice, and broth to your diet as well. Many people find relief when eating cooked cereals such as oatmeal and consuming boiled potatoes.

When you have stomach pain, you must refrain from drinking carbonated and beverages with a high sugar content. You should also avoid dairy foods such as eggs, milk and cheese.

Do not eat fried, greasy, fatty or spicy foods and refrain from consuming steak and pork. You should also abstain from drinking alcoholic beverages, coffee and extremely hot or cold beverages. There are certain fruits that you cannot eat that include pineapples, oranges, grapefruits and apples. Eating raw vegetables is not recommended, and you should not consume broccoli and cauliflower.

Probiotics

Probiotics can be found naturally in food or in powder or pill form. They are tiny microorganisms that are considered good bacteria and help maintain the flora in your digestive system. These bacteria balance out the good and bad bacteria in your gut. They are present in foods such as green olives, miso, pickles and sourdough bread. If you have an infection and are watching what you eat, taking a pill or powder probiotics is recommended. They restore the healthy bacteria that was lost due to the illness and provide relief from symptoms.

Since the illness infects your intestines, introducing probiotics into your system helps tremendously. These healthy organisms keep your gastrointestinal system on track and functioning, so you are able to digest food properly. An infection that is caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites can wreak havoc on your digestive system but probiotics can bring back equilibrium. Taking lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Saccharomyces boulardii are useful when dealing with diarrhea.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of fluid is another natural diarrhea treatement that can help alleviate symptoms. The fluid that your body loses from this infection can cause you to become dehydrated. The signs of dehydration include dizziness, leg cramps, loss of appetite, and a general ill feeling. Dehydration can be dangerous if left untreated especially for children and the elderly. In children, signs can include a dry mouth and tongue and sunken eyes. An adult will experience extreme thirst, dark-colored urine and fatigue. It is imperative to remain hydrated and replace the fluid in your body when you are dealing with this illness.

If you become dehydrated, you to drink fluids that contain electrolytes. When you are losing fluids, your body begins to lack important minerals need to maintain equilibrium such as potassium and sodium chloride. You can drink water that contains electrolytes or take over-the-counter rehydration solutions. When children are dehydration, they should drink the oral pediatric rehydration solution. Replacing lost fluids will help you feel better and alleviate the symptoms related to a stomach infection.

Essential Oils

Many people find relief from the pain of stomach infections by using essential oils. These oils are extracted from plants and contain healing properties. They can help with inflammation and get rid of bacteria and have anti-viral properties. The oils that can help with easing pain include peppermint and ginger. They both contain properties that reduce stomach pain and nausea. When massaged onto your abdomen, lavender can alleviate inflammation and stomach cramps and frankincense fights the infection.

As you can see, there are many natural diarrhea treatement. These remedies do not include any medications and can be done at home. When you are sick with a stomach infection, a bland diet and staying hydrated will help you recuperate. Probiotics replenish good bacteria and essential oils are another alternative. These treatments will soothe your pain and help you bounce back quickly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=yG-G9_LOkLA

How I Empowered Myself To Leave My Psychopath Boyfriend

September 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Many people call their exes psychos without realizing the weight of the word. If your once-significant other did something like stalk you on social media or blow up your phone with texts whenever you went out with friends, that’s only the tip of the iceberg compared to dating a clinical psychopath.

Don’t get me wrong – anyone who does the things I just mentioned should be out of your life – but many people throw around the word “psychopath” without actually understanding what it means and how horrifying it can be to find yourself trapped in a relationship with one.

Of course, I never thought it would happen to me. People only get involved with real psychos on TV and in movies, right? I thought the same. But in reality, clinical psychopathy is a real and prevalent condition in the United States. A psychopath is wildly cunning and manipulative; most of the ones you encounter don’t fit the bill of a deranged lunatic as portrayed on TV or the media.

Psychopaths make up 1 percent of the population, so the odds of dating one are slim, but it does happen. This is how I realized I was dating a psychopath and managed to get myself out of the relationship.

How We Met

When I first met Andrew, I was drawn in by his magnetic personality. Outgoing and unwaveringly confident, he approached me at a bar and struck up a conversation without an ounce of hesitation. He told me he was new to the city and enjoying his career as an account manager for a large legal firm. I acted unimpressed, and he saw right through it.

With a wicked grin, he said, “Enough about me, though. I want to know about you.”

“Why?” I asked with a smirk.

“You’re beautiful,” he said, and while the boldness would have put me off coming form someone else, the way he spoke made it impossible not to believe him. “I want to know you,” Andrew said, and so I talked. We exchanged numbers before parting ways, and he texted me the next day asking me out for dinner that weekend.

Looking back, I never would have guessed that the gentleman who held open the door and convinced the waiter to give us a free bottle of wine would turn my life into a living hell over the next nine months.

The Warning Signs I was Dating A Psychopath

A few months into our relationship, I started to worry there was something wrong with Andrew. He was selfish and manipulative, often resorting to ultimatums whenever we got in a fight, but somehow knowing exactly what to say to convince me I was the one at fault.

When we were going through a good period, Andrew was a dream. He was too good to be true. He said all the right things and seemed to be totally enamored by me. But then, his sweet, doting nature would inexplicably shift. He would go from happy to enraged without a moment’s notice, and I was often left shaken and disturbed by the violent nature of his mood swings, all the while trying to calm him down, try to help and figure out what I’d done wrong.

After a while, I began to sense that Andrew’s confessions of love weren’t as sincere as I wanted them to be. When he told me, “You’re the girl I’ve always wanted,” or “I’ve never loved someone the way I love you,” something just didn’t feel right. I wasn’t flattered; I was unsettled, but of course, I couldn’t dare question him.

Discovering the Truth

Whenever I thought about leaving Andrew, I felt guilty. I was his only real friend in the city, and while I had a healthy support system to fall back on, he’d be all alone if I broke up with him. Little did I know this in and of itself was a warning sign Andrew wasn’t who he portrayed himself to be.

One of the unnoticed psychopath traits is a lack of closeness to others or genuine friendships. Andrew often evaded questions about his past, and I never pried too much. Maybe he came from a broken family. I didn’t want to upset him by drudging up painful memories.

But psychopaths know how to avoid revealing much about themselves or others; mystery is part of their charm and one of their strengths. Psychopaths prioritize their needs and will always act in their own interest before anyone else’s.

How to End Things

When I began to research psychopath traits and realized Andrew fit the description to a “T,” I was scared to break up with him; how would he react? I expected him to just refuse to let me leave. So, I began to look up how to break up with a psychopath boyfriend and communication strategies.

The key is to conceal the fact you’re leaving. You have to gradually cut off contact and emotionally withdraw from the relationship. Psychopaths love a challenge and will go out of their way to rope you back in if they realize you’re trying to leave. Be patient, and be strong.

When things turn nasty, and they will, realize that you aren’t responsible for their behavior and the only response you should give them is an “okay.” Do not react to their retaliations, and avoid being alone with them in case they turn violent.

In some cases, the psychopathic lover will get bored and leave on their own. In my case, I had to detach myself from Andrew to the point that he realized I had lost interest. He brought up the subject of splitting up, and I told him I thought it was for the best.

After we officially ended our relationship, I cut him out of my life completely. I stayed with my parents for a month or so after our breakup in case he went to my apartment. I blocked his number and every profile on social media. I never heard from him again, but a friend told me she saw him with another woman only a week after we separated in the same bar where we first met.

Leaving someone is never easy, and it can even be dangerous when you’re dealing with someone who exhibits psychopath traits. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if you are trapped in an abusive, manipulative relationship. A therapist can give you advice and help you devise a breakup strategy.

Remember to love yourself before you love anyone else. Breaking up with a psychopathic boyfriend takes courage, strength and a lot of patience, but you can free yourself from the abusive cycle like I did and go on to live a happy, healthy life.

8 Evening Habits That Make It Harder to Fall Asleep

September 27, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Sleep is undeniably important to our health. Although we still don’t fully understand why we need sleep, the effects of a bad night’s sleep are readily evident the next morning. You would think that because of this, we would be extremely vigilant about our bedtime habits. Unfortunately, this is not the case. So, let’s discuss some evening habits that make it harder to fall asleep and how to avoid them.

“Sleep is that golden chain that ties our health and our bodies together.” – Thomas Dekker

Here Are 8 Evening Habits That Make It Harder to Fall Asleep

1. Using electronic devices

Screens from electronic devices emit blue light, which mimics the light we receive from the midday sun. In turn, our body’s ability to produce melatonin, the sleep hormone, gets suppressed. As a result, we don’t feel sleepy.

The easiest way to fix this is to stop using all electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. Instead, try finding alternative non-electronic solutions for relaxing, like reading a physical book or relaxation stretches. Additionally, consider investing in an app that filters out blue-light, or even checking your phone settings. Both iOS and Android Oreo now feature settings that turn your screen warmer after sunset, so the light from your device no longer interferes with your ability to sleep.

2. Not having a regular bedtime

When we stay up late and sleep in for the weekends, it disrupts our body’s internal clock. As a result, it takes more effort to return to our previous wake-sleep cycle. The simplest solution, then, is to maintain a regular bedtime schedule regardless which day of the week it is, and to bid goodbye to late-night parties on Friday!

3. No wind-down period

While it may have been decades since we practiced a bedtime routine that involves a bedside story like we did in our childhood, experts say we never truly outgrow our need for a wind-down period. Therefore, not relaxing prior to sleep can result in tossing and turning for hours despite your exhaustion.

An easy solution to this is simply to block out an hour before sleep. Have all your must-dos wrapped up within the first 20 minutes. Then spend the next 40 minutes doing wind-down activities, such as taking a relaxing bath or reading a book. By the time bedtime rolls around, you should be able to fall asleep.

4. Drinking coffee late

As caffeine is a stimulant, it is common to see people picking up a cup of coffee later in the afternoon when we start naturally feeling tired and sleepy. This, however, is a mistake. Caffeine has a half-life of about five to six hours, meaning that half of the caffeine is still in your system all those hours later.

Therefore, drinking coffee too late in the day will still affect your ability to fall asleep. This has a simple solution: avoid drinking any caffeinated beverages after two p.m. if you want to make it to your midnight bedtime.

5. Eating heavy meals

Due to staying up later, we are more likely to eat heavier meals at night. Unfortunately, this contributes to our inability to fall asleep on time. After eating large amounts of food, your metabolism fires up accordingly in order to digest it. Additionally, a full stomach is also uncomfortable when lying down. These two conditions together make it difficult to fall asleep. To avoid this, ensure that you finish your dinner two to three hours before your bedtime.

6. Exercising before bedtime

With just how busy our modern lives can be, you may find that it is most convenient to exercise before bed. As healthy as this is, doing a strenuous activity before bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep.

Engaging in vigorous exercise affects your bedtime twofold. Firstly, it artificially raises your body temperature. Because the body naturally cools down as it becomes relaxed and falls asleep, a higher body temperature can delay your bedtime. Secondly, you become highly stimulated as a result of exercise, which can also make it harder to relax and fall asleep. Try to stick to only light exercises before bedtime and tackle the heavier ones earlier in the day.

7. Going to bed too early

Common sense dictates that if we want to sleep earlier, we ought to go to bed sooner. However, this is not the case. It may sound counterintuitive but going to bed too early may make it more difficult to fall asleep on time. When you go to bed too early, you likely aren’t sleepy once you get in bed.

This results in tossing and turning, which can make you anxious and agitated over the lack of sleep. All this, in turn, makes you too stressed to fall asleep. The easiest way to fix this is to simply go to bed only when you are tired. That way, you avoid all the problems associated with waiting for sleep to befall you.

8. Using your bedroom for other activities

It is entirely common to watch movies in bed or study in our bedroom. Very likely you have spent hours binge-watching your favorite series in bed just because it positively happens to be the most comfortable place in the house. Unfortunately, this may be contributing to your inability to fall asleep.

When you perform other activities unrelated to sleep in the bedroom, the body and mind regard it as another workspace. As a result, it does not automatically wind down upon entry, and instead continues to assume that it must stay stimulated for work. To combat this, reserve your bed and bedroom for only sleep and intimacy. That way, you can train your mind and body to automatically associate this space for rest and relaxation and prepare accordingly upon entry.

Final thoughts

Considering just how crucial sleep is to our daily functioning, it is imperative that we avoid bad sleeping habits that can worsen our quality of sleep. By breaking these harmful evening habits that can make it difficult for you to sleep, and instead applying our suggested alternatives, you will find that falling asleep at your planned bedtime is not that hard. Getting enough sleep is vital to ensuring productivity, wellbeing, and positive thinking, so don’t take that for granted!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbCcRc2CwKg

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

How We Met

The Warning Signs I was Dating A Psychopath

Discovering the Truth

How to End Things

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!