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9 Signs of A Yeast Infection to Never Ignore

September 15, 2018 by Power of Positivity

“A yeast infection is nothing more than an overgrowth of microorganisms that are already present…” – Dr. Katherine McHugh

A yeast infection is a common condition that develops in the genitals, feet, or mouth. However, it’s mostly associated with a female problem because 75 percent of women get a yeast infection at some point in their life, as per a study in The Lancet journal. Sometimes, however, a yeast infection could be a symptom of another health condition and here are some signs that you should never ignore:

Here Are 9 Signs of A Yeast Infection to Never Ignore

1. You have a thick and chunky discharge.

It’s normal to experience a vaginal discharge with clear to milky consistency, as your body goes through the monthly ovulation process. But a thick and excessive discharge, with some curdling similar to the consistency of cottage cheese, could be very uncomfortable.

Women don’t usually complain about normal discharge but a yeast infection can feel icky and uncomfortable. While this symptom is treatable, you should consider getting tested for any presence of Candida albicans in your system. According to the Central European Journal of Urology, an excess of this fungus might trigger a urinary tract infection (UTI). If left untreated, a UTI could cause serious problems in the kidneys.

2. Your private part has a strong and abnormal odor.

Some discharges, including a yeast infection discharge, doesn’t have a strong odor. But when there’s an unpleasant stench, you should definitely have this checked. A yeast infection might not be the primary reason behind the abnormal vaginal odor. Rather, it could be a symptom of a different condition. You might have developed a common problem like bacterial vaginitis or trichomoniasis. However, the smell might also be a symptom of cancer, as per the Mayo Clinic.

Aside from practicing good hygiene, you may need to take prescription medication to get rid of this problem. Also, doctors advise against douching since this will disrupt the natural acidity in your vagina and lead to more serious health problems.

3. Your private part feels very dry.

A yeast infection causes vaginal dryness because of an acid-alkaline (pH) imbalance in your system. This condition is also linked to lower estrogen levels, which is common to women going through menopause.

Sometimes, the medication or birth control pills you’re taking may be the cause of the dryness, so ask your doctor if you can switch to a different brand. Vaginal dryness can lead to pain during intercourse, as well as a drop in the libido. Some women use lubricants for relief but studies show that lubricants might only worsen the symptoms of yeast infection.

4. You have an itch in your crotch that’s very intense.

If you’re itching, it means your vagina is reacting to the yeast infection and scratching it won’t soothe the problem. The more you scratch, the worse it will get because your vagina is already irritated and inflamed.

A doctor might prescribe anti-fungal treatments that will lessen the itch, but you also have to make a few changes to get some relief. Try not to use feminine products that have strong perfumed scents. Also, get yourself checked for pubic lice as this might actually be the problem, and not a yeast infection.

5. You feel a burning sensation as you urinate or when you’re intimate.

Do you feel any burn when you urinate? Does it hurt when you’re in an intimate moment with your partner? It’s likely because the yeast infection caused some swelling and soreness around the vulva. However, you should never ignore or tolerate the pain. Seek a doctor’s help right away, as this might be a sign of endometriosis. This condition can progress to complications such as infertility or ovarian cancer.

6. You get no relief from taking yeast infection medications.

If you’ve been prescribed a yeast infection medication but feel no signs of improvement after a week, then you might have a resistant strain. You may need to change your treatment plan. However, don’t do this without getting a consult first. See a doctor who can order a culture in order to determine what’s really affecting your system.

7. You experience abdominal pain.

If you’ve been diagnosed with a yeast infection but feel pain in your abdomen, don’t delay going back to the doctor. Yeast infection affects your vagina and vulva only. If the pain extends to the abdomen, then you need to have your cervix and uterus checked. Some vaginal problems start off with similar symptoms as a yeast infection.

8. You develop a fever.

You don’t develop a fever with a yeast infection. However, if you have a vaginal discharge along with a fever, then it’s likely a symptom of chlamydia or gonorrhea. It might also be an indication of a kidney infection. Visit the doctor right away for a proper treatment.

9. Your partner has similar symptoms too.

A yeast infection is not contagious, as even children can develop an overgrowth of the Candida bacteria in the mouth (thrush). However, if your partner shows similar symptoms as yours, it’s important that he gets tested as well to rule out any other problems. While this is not a transmittable condition, it’s best to avoid getting intimate with your partner until all the symptoms have cleared. This way, you avoid the additional irritation, discomfort, and pain that can come with having a yeast infection.

Final thoughts

With proper treatment and a positive doctor-patient interaction, a yeast infection can clear up in roughly a week, but this can also be an infection that recurs. If this is the case, tell your doctor how often you experience the discomfort so you can have additional tests and prevent other potential diseases from developing. Remember positive thinking because it’s time to take action.

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Science Explains Why It’s Best to Drink From A Copper Cup

September 15, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Drinking out of a copper cup might seem a little weird, but doing so will provide important health benefits for your body. Water gets a positive charge from copper, and when copper leeches into water, it adds antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. The study that revealed this information also found that storing contaminated water in a copper cup for 16 hours dramatically reduced the amount of harmful microbes in the water.

People in developing countries could have access to clean drinking water if they use copper cups to store their water. This study is truly groundbreaking and could change millions of people’s lives.

In addition to providing clean drinking water, copper can eliminate infection risk in hospitals. In preliminary results of a multi-site clinical trial in the United States, researchers found that copper surfaces in hospitals killed 97% of harmful bacteria that can result in infection. Just because of the copper surfaces alone, the study showed a 40% decrease in infection risk.

Now that you know the power behind copper, we will go over a few important benefits of drinking water out of a copper cup. Even if you don’t live in a developing country or frequently visit the hospital, a copper cup can be a positive addition in your life.

Here are some benefits of drinking from a copper cup:

“If you hold water in a copper bowl, preferably overnight or for at least four hours, the water takes certain qualities from the copper that are primarily good for your liver, but also for your health and energy in general.” – Sadhguru, Indian yogi, mystic, and philanthropist

1. It improves the digestive system.

For the best results, drink water from a copper cup when you first get up in the morning. Drinking water when you wake up stimulates the digestive system and helps eliminate toxins. When you drink from a copper cup, it stimulates something called peristalsis, or the contraction and relaxation of the stomach, which helps your body digest food. During detoxification, your body will eliminate harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation, which will improve your digestive functioning. If you have digestive issues, drinking from a copper cup could prove instrumental in your recovery.

2. A copper cup helps boost your immune system.

Because of the antioxidants present in copper, drinking water from a copper cup regularly can strengthen your immunity. Copper aids in different enzymatic processes that promote endothelial growth, or tissue healing. Because copper helps eliminate harmful bacteria, it can help give your immune system a boost and keep you healthy.

3. It helps you lose weight.

Copper can play an important role in your weight loss by helping to heal the thyroid gland and break down body fat. Copper actually helps with the synthesis of an important coenzyme in the body called adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. Otherwise known as the “molecular unit of currency,” it basically helps give the body energy. Therefore, when you drink water from a copper cup, you will have more energy, which can aid in weight loss.

4. Copper cups can ward off cancer.

Drinking from a copper cup can help fight cancer because of the antioxidants present in copper. Antioxidants help fight off free radicals, which allows oxygen to move through the cells, therefore warding off cancer. While there aren’t many studies available regarding copper’s use for cancer, it holds a lot of promise for the future of cancer treatment.

5. It stimulates your brain.

Copper aids in the synthesis of phospholipids, which helps to form myelin sheaths over neurons in the brain. These sheaths allow the impulses to move from one neuron to another in the brain, and the faster these impulses move, the more efficiently your brain can function. The better your brain functions, the more you can engage in positive thinking which will only increase the benefits of drinking from the copper cup. Drinking from a copper cup can also help prevent seizures and other brain-related ailments.

Other notable health benefits include: healing wounds quicker, slowing down aging, maintaining cardiovascular health and lowering blood pressure, reducing or eliminating arthritis and inflamed joints, warding off anemia, aiding in melanin production and promoting healthy skin.

Final thoughts

If you don’t already drink water out of a copper cup, you should definitely start due to all the health benefits you will receive. It might seem strange at first, but once you notice how great you feel, it will become second nature. You can look on popular sites such as Amazon or Ebay for a quality copper cup.

https://youtu.be/dDn84WupgBA

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Researchers Explain How Arguing Can Improve Your Marriage

September 15, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Some people may assume that successful marriages are blissful solely because those couples don’t fight. The truth is, every couple has their fair share of arguments. It’s the ones who fight the right way that survive and thrive in a lasting and mutually-beneficial relationship. Researchers explain some ways that arguing can actually improve your marriage:

Here Are 6 Ways Arguing Can Improve Your Marriage

“To assume that any couple goes without arguing is just nonsense.” – Seal

1. You control your temper.

You need to control your temper when arguing with your spouse. Heated arguments might lead to flare-ups and hurtful words because, obviously, people can get very emotional when angry. Be aware of when you’re about to lose your temper. At such times, express to your partner that you need some time to cool off. Instead of meeting each other head on and provoking more anger, some couples actually pause and have timeouts in the middle of a tense discussion.

A timeout is an effective behavioral tool for managing anger. In a marriage, partners may actually set a formal agreement that details the parameters of a timeout and use this each time they have a fight. This way, conflicts between couples are better resolved and settled when heads are cooler.

Aside from helping dissipate anger, cooling-off periods also give partners a chance to see the issues better. It’s easier to organize your thoughts or gather insights rationally when you’re not angry.

2. You take turns when stating your arguments.

Good arguments, like good relationships, are about give and take. Couples who fight right are always aware that they must give each other the opportunity to express feelings and opinions that are causing friction.

As it is, conversations are hard to initiate during a fight, but couples who respect each other make it a point not to interrupt when the other person is stating a case. You’re trying to dominate and control the situation when you interrupt your partner during an argument, instead of trying to understand the other side of the situation.

Therapist Casey Caston said that in his marriage, he and his wife prevent each other from interrupting during arguments by using a toy microphone. The one who has the microphone at a given moment has the chance to speak. When that person is done, he or she must hand the mic over for their partner’s turn to speak.

3. You listen to each other.

In line with not interrupting your partner in an argument, good communication skills require sharp listening skills as well. In successful marriages, when one person speaks, the other genuinely listens in order to understand their spouse’s concern.

People who develop good listening skills are said to be more discerning and open to the other side of the argument, according to a study. Active listening works not just in marriage, but in all kinds of relationships.

Listening also allows couples to acknowledge each other’s opinions and feelings, even if they’re not yet on the same page. It makes them understand each other’s style of communication better. Listening creates a positive atmosphere that removes defensiveness. With this out of the way, couples can productively resolve their arguments and issues.

4. You know when to use humor.

Arguments are serious matters but having a sense of humor might help clear tension in this highly charged situation, according to a study in the Society for Personality and Social Psychology. Some types of humor, however, might be more effective than others. Researchers learned that jokes which aren’t made at the expense of someone could help ease the tension better than self-defeating humor.

Successful couples who are in tune with each other’s feelings use humor to comfort and reassure their partner. It’s one way of telling each other that even when they are upset, stressed out, and anxious that everything will still be fine after the negative feelings have disappeared.

5. You never show disrespect.

Arguments that include criticism, sarcasm, name-calling, eye rolling, and other behaviors that show contempt won’t end up well. Besides the fact that you can never take back these hurtful words and gestures, fighting dirty can be very damaging to a relationship and may have long-term effects. It can lead to discord that breeds resentments and self-esteem issues.

Ultimately, partners who argue fairly understand that they are part of the same team. So, why bring each other down with smack-talk and disrespect?

6. You learn to apologize.

Why is an apology hard for some people? It’s because when a person apologizes, he’s owning up to the fact that he has caused his partner hurt and pain. Some might not accept that they were at fault in the marriage, so they don’t make an effort to apologize.

However, successful couples are not afraid to say sorry to each other. They do this to seek forgiveness, first and foremost. Making an apology also helps couples drop their defenses down and become less argumentative towards each other.

Final thoughts

Despite positive thinking, arguments crop up because couples need to work out the problems and issues in their marriage. These fights aren’t supposed to divide couples but strengthen and protect their relationship. Maintaining a long-term relationship entails hard work, but if loving couples know how to properly engage with each other, then even arguments will have lasting positive effects.

10 Things Women Look For In Men

September 15, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Finding the right person is as difficult as finding a needle in a haystack! Then again, it’s a small world and sometimes it just feels like there’s too much competition, too many choices, and not much we can do, not much we can customize. So, today’s burning question is, “What do women want from a man?” While it’s a difficult question to answer (as every woman’s tastes are different), knowing the answer holds the key to your happily ever after. There are generally positive characteristics in a man that women value so much. Check out some of those characteristics below:

Here Are 10 Things Women Look for in Men

NOTE: This article focuses on what females need from a partner; we address the things men need from a woman separately.

“Wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of men.” – Confucius

1. He should be assertive.

For a woman, assertiveness in a man can be quite attractive. He’s sexy when he knows what he wants, doesn’t buckle when challenges arise, and doesn’t hesitate to put someone who’s offensive in his place. This attitude might come with an ego, but confidence can also be exuded in a good way. Though it caters to gender stereotypes, a study revealed that women like it when men have dominant leadership qualities. In relationships, a man can be assertive if he openly tells a woman what he likes in the bedroom or what actions a woman does that turn him or pleases him.

2. He should be stable.

Women fall in love with a guy who is emotionally and financially stable and reliable. It’s not shallow for a woman to want a man with a well-paying job and a secure mindset, especially if he’s going to be the man who will raise kids with her. A stable guy shows responsibility. To a woman, this means that he’s not afraid of commitment and a long-term relationship that will have its ups and down. If this is in the cards, then everything else can fall into its proper place.

3. He should treat women as equals.

The mentality that women are inferior to men persists today, even though women have been fighting for equal rights for decades. If a man value’s a woman’s thoughts, opinions, and feelings, then women know he’s a keeper. Despite a man’s penchant for taking charge in a relationship, women love it if he regards his partner as an equal who decides things in the relationship together with him.

4. He should be a good conversationalist.

The ability to sustain stimulating conversations make men attractive to women. It’s a plus if he’s got a healthy sense of humor to boot. These characteristics show a man’s intelligence, rationality, and the ability to listen. This gives women a positive sense of how he’s able to manage the challenges and difficulties of a relationship. A sexy mind appeals to a woman more than a fat bank account or a handsome face.

5. He must have a passion.

Passion isn’t about how a man physically pleases a woman. Rather, it’s about motivation or what drives a man to pursue what he wants. If a man has passion, it means he has ambitions and goals in life. It’s a really positive draw for a woman if his passion isn’t something common to most people. For example, a woman should be so lucky to find a man with a passion to build houses with Habitats for Humanity or a similar life goal to serve the less fortunate.

6. He should have compassion.

Being kind and compassionate are two of the most attractive qualities a person can have. A guy who looks tough on the outside but has a soft spot for animals or the elderly will win many points with women. Compassion breeds empathy, respect, positive thoughts, and selflessness, and a rare breed of men have these traits. Too often, men are stereotyped as selfish and narcissistic beings. Did you know that a Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is more commonly diagnosed in 50 to 70 percent of men?

7. He should be self-aware.

By nature, many women like to “fix” their man, and they won’t have such a hard time influencing a man who is self-aware. If he knows his best and worst qualities, it means he’s open to change and improvement. This openness is a very important positive aspect of a relationship because there will be less friction, resistance, and arguments.

8. He should have chemistry with her.

No matter how wonderful or great a guy is, the relationship might not work out if the two just don’t have chemistry and compatibility. Some couples might find chemistry after just one date. Generally, however, chemistry takes time to develop and could be a good predictor of the success in a relationship if given time to grow. This compatibility will fortify the relationship for the long term.

9. He must look presentable.

While good looks are subjective, any woman would want a presentable man who makes grooming and hygiene a priority. He might not necessarily wear the most expensive clothes, but he knows how to carry himself well physically. While this might be a superficial desire, a man’s physical presence can impress a woman, especially at the beginning of the dating phase. If he has a good physique, then it’s a plus. It means that the man is conscious of his health and appearance. After all, women also make an effort to look great to attract a man.

10. He should be faithful.

What woman doesn’t want a man who’s faithful and loyal, especially when the statistics of infidelity continue to rise? People who have been cheated on say that this is one of the most traumatic experiences to go through. No woman wants to be in this predicament, hence faithfulness in a man is a valuable trait.

Final thoughts

Unlocking the mysteries of a woman can be challenging for any man. If you’re still in the dating phase, carefully go over these tips to help your chances with a girl. Slowly, you will learn to unlock the secrets of attracting women.

10 Early Signs of Gout to Never Ignore

September 15, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Gout is the most common variety of inflammatory arthritis, caused by the buildup of sodium urate crystals in the joints. Gout is a unique arthritis disorder in that a singular joint is often affected, which is in the hallux (big toe). The condition may also affect areas of the knee, ankle, and smaller toes.

Gout is caused by a condition known as hyperuricemia or an accumulation of uric acid. At a certain level, this acid crystallizes within the joints (and tissues and fluids) within the body.

Symptoms of gout include:

Intense pain
Fever
Redness and swelling

Similar to other forms of arthritis, gout flare-ups often occur in people who had been symptom-free for weeks, months, or even years. Many risk factors increase the likelihood of developing hyperuricemia and gout, including:

Age and sex: Males between the ages of 30 and 50 are more at risk.
Being overweight or obese: Weight problems may trigger an overproduction of uric acid, leading to accumulation and the development of hyperuricemia.
Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and diseases of the heart and kidney increases risk.
Diet: Drinking alcohol and sugary beverages, and high consumption of meats and seafood, increases risk.
Medications: Use of low-dose aspirin and diuretics increases uric acid levels.
Genetic predisposition: Gout, like many other medical conditions, is hereditary.

10 Early Signs of Gout

1. Pain and swelling of the big toe

Medical researchers estimate that over half of the total number of gout cases involve acute pain and swelling of the metatarsal-phalangeal joint, which is located at the base of the big toe.

2. Acute pain attacks

Intermittent gout is typified by “attacks” of pain that usually lasts between three to 14 days. The acute pain accompanying intermittent pain is intense and surfaces without progression (e.g., chest pains.)

3. Fatigue

As with many other medical conditions by which inflammation is the culprit, gout sufferers may become fatigued. Doctors have coined the term “RA fatigue” in describing the flu-like systemic tiredness.

4. Kidney stones

High uric levels can also lead to the formation of crystals in the kidneys. If you are disposed to kidney stones, it may be wise to seek the counsel of your healthcare provider.

5. Worries about stress

Stressing about stress is never a good thing. A stressed-out lifestyle is a catalyst, instigator, and enabler of every adverse health condition in existence. It is no surprise, then, that too much of it irritates gout and other inflammatory conditions.

6. High blood pressure

Hypertension can cause serious health issues, such as heart disease, stroke, and others. High blood pressure is linked to chronically-high uric levels.

7. Edema

Some people with gout are prone to tissue swelling, or edema. If you’ve had bouts of inflammation troubles, and don’t yet know the cause, it may be advisable to speak with a specialist.

8. Anemia

According to a study published in the journal Arthritis Research and Therapy, anemia is associated with increased risk of this condition. Per researchers, patients with anemia have a 200 percent higher risk than the average population.

9. Decreased urine output

While technically not a direct sign of gout, far fewer trips to the toilet is a common symptom in those with kidney troubles. Any time a kidney problem surfaces, you should pay attention to other potential conditions as well.

10. No warning

As stated, most first experience this condition as sudden and intense pain. Gout attacks are not typically preceded by any other noticeable physical or mental symptom.

Preventing and Treating Gout

Prevention is the best medicine. Additionally, there are many low-cost ways to drastically reduce your risk of gout and other disorders. Here they are:

Avoid purines: Purines are the constructed, pre-oxidation chemical equivalents of uric acid. They are often found in foods such as seafood, bacon, turkey, veal, and venison.

Lose weight: There is a definite correlation between gout and obesity. Losing as few as ten pounds can significantly decrease your risk of obesity-related diseases and disorders, including gout.

Lay off alcohol: Nothing groundbreaking here. If you’re going to drink, do so in moderation.

Exercise: People who ignore the known benefits of exercise do so at their own risk. Again, there is no substitute for exercise when it comes to the promotion and maintenance of mental and physical health.

If you are dealing with a gout attack, remember the acronym RICE:

Rest: Avoid putting weight on the affected area for a minimum of 24 hours.

Ice: Ice reduces pain and swelling as good as anything else that’s free. Use an ice pack or something cold that will mold to your body (e.g., a bag of frozen vegetables.)

Compression: Using an elastic medical bandage, firmly (not tightly) wrap the affected area. Compression likewise helps to prevent and reduce swelling.

Elevate: Resting your foot on some pillows places the affected area above heart level, which helps to relieve pain.

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

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Scientists Explain What Causes OCD (And How to Fix It)

September 14, 2018 by Power of Positivity

“All behavioral or mood disorders – including depression, OCD, ADHD, and addiction – have some neurochemical components, but sufferers can still work to overcome them.” – Jeffrey Kluger

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental or psychiatric condition that covers intrusive, repetitive, and stubborn actions and thoughts. This mental health disorder can interfere with your daily function and relationships. The obsession and compulsion may be intense for some people who might need therapy and medication to manage their condition. Here are some reasons that explain the causes of OCD, according to science:

Here Are 6 Causes of OCD And How to Fix It

1. You have inflammation in the brain.

People with brain inflammation have a 32-percent chance of manifesting OCD symptoms, according to a study found in the JAMA Psychiatry. Inflammation develops as the body responds to any injury or infection coming from various factors. Experts said that medications that specifically target brain inflammation might help curb OCD symptoms. A more proactive treatment plan, however, might involve therapy that will reduce the inflammation from recurring.

2. It’s in your genes.

There could be a genetic component to obsessive-compulsive disorder. People with first-degree relatives who have OCD are four times likely to have the condition, according to psychology professor Jessica Grisham of the University of New South Wales via New Scientist. However, other factors might also impact the development of OCD in those who could be genetically inclined to have it. If one of your parents has obsessive-compulsive disorder, it might sometimes not automatically manifest in you, unless perhaps you’ve had a traumatic experience.

3. You’re vulnerable to what’s around you.

If it’s in your genes, then you’re a lot more vulnerable to having OCD from the triggers in what’s around you. The “right” condition or applicable circumstance – such as chronic stress, a disease or infection, or a traumatic loss – could activate the symptoms.

4. You develop OCD as a behavioral response to stress.

Your brain might start associating people, places, and events as stressors and this association could trigger a compulsion or obsession. For instance, you generally do not have any problems shaking the hands of new people you meet. However, you might have experienced a harrowing time at the hospital when you were so sick, so your brain might then learn to associate handshaking with the spread of germs. This experience may trigger your obsession about cleaning your hands many times over after touching a stranger or a compulsion not to shake someone’s hand at all.

5. There are chemical abnormalities in your brain.

For years, scientists have theorized that people with obsessive-compulsive disorder have lower levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin, hence the cells can’t function effectively. A study in the journal Pharmacology & Therapeutics cited that the lack of glutamate in the brain might also cause OCD development. This chemical compound is vital to learning and memory. When damaged, this chemical can render the cells ineffective as well. Therefore, the cells won’t be able to properly pass signals from each other.

6. You’ve been raised with “dysfunctional” beliefs.

As you grow up to understand how the world works, you form knowledge and opinions that make up your belief system. However, your exposure to things, places, and events impact how these beliefs formed in your system. If you’ve been exposed to a distorted, inaccurate and dysfunctional environment, your life could be more stressful and demanding. People who were brought up with dysfunctional beliefs are more inclined to OCD, according to a study in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders. However, experts also learned that this doesn’t apply to all OCD patients.

How to Overcome OCD

In order to fix or manage OCD, you’ll need a proper diagnosis from a professional first. Other mental and neurological disorders show similar characteristics as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Therefore, you’ll want to rule out these conditions before you start with any treatments.

Your doctor will likely prescribe antidepressant medications or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) so you can manage the symptoms. You might also be asked to undergo cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), as relying on medication alone will not protect you from a relapse.

Remission from OCD does not happen rapidly, especially if the symptoms affect your daily routines and functions. However, these treatment options can positively impact the quality of your life as you learn to control the symptoms.

Experts regard OCD as a chronic condition similar to asthma or diabetes. But a good treatment plan will help you properly deal with OCD throughout your life, even if you’re off medications.

Final thoughts

Understandably, some people, despite trying hard to stick to positive thinking, might be hesitant to get a proper diagnosis and treatment ocdplan for OCD because of the stigma surrounding mental health disorders. However, delaying a professional consult might worsen the symptoms and continue to disrupt your productivity. Along with the treatment plan, consider changing your lifestyle to achieve a state of balance. Eat right, sleep well, exercise regularly, and avoid stress in your work and relationships.

Easy Healthy Recipes: Try These Amazing Recipes If You Are Trying To Keep In Tip Top Shape

September 13, 2018 by Power of Positivity

The healthy food we see on social media sometimes looks more like art than dinner. Elaborate spiraled vegetables, carefully crafted rainbow smoothies, unpronounceable superfoods…these drool-worthy dishes might generate thousands of likes, but for everyday life, we prefer easy healthy recipes. Fortunately, you don’t have to be a full-time influencer to make mouth-watering, nourishing meals at home. No fancy ingredients are required; balance and real food are the keys to keeping fit.

Staying in shape requires exercise, but diet is even more critical. The general rule states that losing weight comes from 80% diet and 20% working out. While a complete diet makeover might sound daunting, plenty of easy healthy recipes are available once you understand nutrition’s building blocks. Avoid processed foods whenever you can and eat a balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to keep your body running smoothly.

Here are five ideas to get started, one for every night of the week:

Five Easy Healthy Recipes

1. Roasted summer vegetables with white bean purée

This vegan recipe packs in the nutrients and offers plenty of protein to keep you full for hours. Choose different colored vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and red pepper. Slice or chop the vegetables according to your preference, drizzle with olive oil and roast for around thirty minutes or until done. Meanwhile, heat the white beans on the stove with a spoonful of water and a cube of vegetable bouillon. Just before serving, mash the beans and arrange the vegetables on top. If you have any on hand, top with fresh herbs like basil or oregano.

2. Mushroom omelet

Protein is essential for staying in shape and recovering after a workout. Eggs are one of the best protein sources and offer countless options for healthy recipes. For example, to make a simple mushroom omelet, sauté your favorite mushrooms in olive oil until brown. Remove from the pan, and add another drizzle of olive oil (or cooking spray) to prevent sticking. Pour two beaten eggs into the pan and cook, lifting up the edges to allow the runny eggs to slide underneath the cooked bits. When almost done, add the mushrooms and a sprinkle of Gruyere or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Fold the omelet and let the cheese melt while the eggs finish cooking. Enjoy this high-protein meal with a simple green salad.

3. Vegetarian lasagna

Wholesome lasagna is a great way to use up leftover vegetables. Combine cooked vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, zucchini, or squash with a jar of natural tomato sauce and a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs. Mix a handful of shredded mozzarella in a separate bowl with one egg. Add four tablespoons of ricotta to the cheese mixture for extra creaminess and protein. Layer in a baking dish with lasagna noodles, finishing with a cheese layer. Bake the lasagna in an oven preheated to 400° for 25 minutes. This hearty dish seems decadent, but one serving contains just 400 calories. Fortunately, even comfort food can be transformed into easy healthy recipes.

4. Whole-wheat quesadillas

We often associate Tex-Mex cuisine with greasy nachos and fried tortillas, but Tex-Mex also contributes to healthy recipes. Bonus: almost any Mexican recipe can be made vegetarian by swapping beans for meat. To satisfy your south-of-the-border cravings without breaking your diet, try making quesadillas with whole-wheat tortillas and high-quality shredded cheese like reduced-fat cheddar or even goat cheese for a modern twist. Add roasted bell peppers or the vegetables of your choice, and serve with a side of greens and light sour cream.

5. Tomato mozzarella salad

Of all the easy healthy recipes, classic tomato mozzarella salad is simple and delicious. With only three main ingredients and zero cooking required, you can throw this low-carb dish together in five minutes. Slice a ball of authentic buffalo mozzarella and arrange it over a bed of greens with sliced ripe tomatoes. Drizzle olive oil or pesto over everything and add chopped fresh basil for extra flavor.

Final Thoughts on Trying These Delicious and Nutritious Recipes for Variety on the Menu

Some of the best easy healthy recipes aren’t recipes at all. These meals are simply the careful combination of high-quality, wholesome ingredients prepared healthy (i.e. not frying). The above examples can all be adapted by swapping the vegetables, adding lean meat or fish, or experimenting with different condiments. Once you have a few basic recipes, you’ll find that healthy eating is far easier than you imagined.

Boost Your Self Confidence Instantly By Reading These Inspiring Quotes

September 13, 2018 by Power of Positivity

To do great things, you must have one thing above all else – confidence. Confidence in yourself and in your abilities can help to get you further in life than knowledge and skills can on their own. But, confidence is a very elusive and rare trait. Building your confidence can start with something as simple as reading inspiring quotes.

Inspiring quotes about confidence can help to give you a boost of confidence during difficult times or when you’re plagued with self-doubt. Many politicians, celebrities, and great thinkers throughout history have contributed their own inspiring quotes so that they can be passed down through the generations to inspire others.

Below, you will find a collection of inspiring quotes to help get you through some of your darker and more troubled periods of life.

1. “Life is ten percent what you experience and ninety percent how you respond to it.” – Dorothy M. Neddermeyer

This quote is a gentle reminder that you have the power to change the outcome of any situation you encounter. This is especially true for situations that don’t seem to work out in your favor. Reacting poorly to a negative experience will only make it worse and harder to recover from. When you experience something negative, take time to process the event before you decide on a response. It’s better to act with a level head than with tumultuous emotions.

2. “What could we accomplish if we knew we could not fail?” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Too many times we are held back from accomplishing great things by a fear of failure. It is said that fear kills more dreams than failure ever could. This is so very true. It’s easy to succumb to the fear that you will fail at a goal, but you must learn to go after your goal or dream as if you couldn’t fail. Only that type of perseverance will give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment regardless of whether you’ve achieved the goal. You should never feel like a failure when you’ve given something your all.

3. “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams and live the life you have imagined.” — Henry David Thoreau

The daily frustrations and disappointments of life can begin to build up inside of you and weigh down your heart and your mind. This quote reminds you to keep your eyes on your great dreams. When you lack confidence in yourself, remember why you started your journey. Remember the life that you’re striving to achieve. Don’t be afraid to continue forth in pursuit of your wildest dreams.

4. “Each time we face our fear, we gain strength, courage, and confidence in the doing.” – Theodore Roosevelt

Challenges force you to look at situations from different angles to find a solution. They make you think outside of the box. They put you in a position to draw on inner resources that were previously dormant. Facing what you fear is one of the most difficult challenges you will encounter in your life. It can rob you of the things you hold dear. It can make you run from the things that you desire. You must face what you fear and survive that confrontation. Once you emerge from the conflict, you will be stronger, braver, and more confident in yourself because you’ve faced your fear and survived.

5. “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Television, magazines, and billboards are constantly trying to tell you who you should be in order to fit into society. This overwhelming bombardment of mental and emotional stress can wear down on a person’s self-esteem and self-confidence. This inspiring quote is reminding you that changing yourself to be who society wants you to be is no great accomplishment. To free yourself from the restrictive expectations of society, you must be your true and authentic self. So many people fail to do this during their lifetime. If you manage to cut through all of the expectations the world puts on you, that is a truly great accomplishment worthy of respect and admiration.

6. “We have to learn to be our own best friends because we fall too easily into the trap of being our own worst enemies.” – Roderick Thorp

Treat yourself as if you were talking to your best friend. You may find yourself being your worst critic instead of your most loyal fan. Once you stop being so hard on yourself and start treating yourself with understanding and encouragement, your life will become brighter and your confidence will have room to grow.

These inspiring quotes about confidence will put a smile on your face and a comforting sensation in your soul. To make sure that you can access these inspiring quotes wherever you go, consider writing them down on small pieces of paper and tucking them into your purse or hanging them on your wall at work. Keeping even one of these inspiring quotes with you at all times can give you the boost your self-confidence needs in an instant.

10 Quick & Easy Ways to Simplify Your Life

September 13, 2018 by Chris Butler

Here is a universal truth: we make things too hard on ourselves. The fact is that each of us is responsible for how we feel about life. Will we approach life with a load of stress and a heavy heart? Or will we “stay light” and carefree until the Universe calls us home? You may want to be carefree but just don’t know how to simplify your life.

Contrary to what the bottomfeeders of media would have you believe, money and possessions (“more stuff”) doesn’t make you happier or more content. More stuff complicates things, and complexity is the antonym of simplicity. Here’s just one of the countless examples: In an 8,250-person study, researchers at Oxford Economics and the National Center for Social Research in the UK found that sex, sleep, and good relationship with loved ones are much more important to good health than exotic living.

“The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak.” – Hans Hofmann (source)

Despite mountains of evidence, we continue to strive instead of thriving. Research informs us that 62 percent of people say that money is a “common source of stress,” and 61 percent say the same of their work.

Don’t judge or criticize yourself; it only adds to the problem. The vast majority of people have a difficult time finding balance in this hectic world. However, you can (and are) doing something about it by reading this article. Kudos to you!

“Why Simplify?”

“As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.” – Henry David Thoreau

Those who simplify their lives have one thing in common: the need for freedom. Freedom from clutter, from debt, from too much stuff, and from worry. Above all, simplifying your life leads to Freedom of Mind.

Simplifying your life is all about shedding the unnecessary to focus on the things that matter. And who doesn’t want that?

To give you some ideas, here are ten ways that you can simplify your life, right now:

Get rid of clutter.

Clutter is a distraction; it’s an energy vacuum. Look at your desk. See all of that random stuff just scattered about for no reason? Organize it. Store it all inside a drawer (though you’ll probably find you never need to open it). If it’s something you may need later, put it away until that time comes. If it’s garbage, throw it out.

Write it down.

Mental clutter is just as real as physical. What has been rattling around in your noggin that needs to come out? Write it all down to simplify your life. Mental clutter drains your energy and increases stress. Writing stuff down in a personal journal or notebook will free up your cognitive reserves and help lighten your mood.

Stop buying “stuff.”

Most people buy way too much useless junk, especially those in the West. How many things have you bought, used for a few days, and never picked up again? Consider selling unused electronics, jewelry, or gadgets to a Miami pawn shop to recover some of your money. Buying stuff with little to no utility is not only unwise, but it is also harmful. First, you’re spending money that could otherwise go towards something valuable (or, better yet, saved). Second, you’re reinforcing the unconscious notion that “more is better” when this is not true.

Determine what’s important.

So many people overspend and accumulate “things” because they’re unclear about what’s important in their lives. Otherwise, why would you invest your time, money, and energy? Think about those things that matter to you – things that you want to invest time, money, or energy in – and get rid of everything else.

Meditate!

Meditation can shrink parts of the brain responsible for fear and negative emotion. Moreover, mindfulness meditation appears to thicken the pre-frontal cortex (PFC), the area of the brain that makes decisions and plans, allowing us to pay attention and concentrate.

Pay attention.

Speaking of attention, direct it towards what’s important. Gently guiding your focus on what’s happening now will help you appreciate those things we so often take for granted. Bring your full attention to what’s happening now.

Put away the tech.

Our laptops, smartphones, and iPads can help make our lives easier. The problem (and it is a problem) is that we’re becoming more distracted and less mindful. The adverse effects of the overuse of technology are well-documented and include the following:

less productivity
depression and anxiety
obsessiveness
poor relationships
technology addiction

A simple way to simplify your life is to switch those gadgets off once in a while simply.

Single-task.

Regardless of what your boss thinks, multitasking is a myth. In fact, neuroscientists (people much smarter than your boss) continue to remind us that all our brain is doing is switching its focus. Moreover, “switch-tasking” results in added stress, more errors, and – get this – more time spent on the task. (Don’t tell your boss they’re wrong. Just sayin’.)

Learn to say no.

Listen, you’re a good person and a hard worker. You don’t need to prove these things to anyone else but yourself. Don’t feel as if you need to grant every person’s wish. Moreover, you don’t owe anyone an explanation for declining.

Appreciate the beauty of simplicity.

Simplicity can be a beautiful thing. So, simplify your life, feel the freedom, and relish in it.

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

Below, you will find a collection of inspiring quotes to help get you through some of your darker and more troubled periods of life.

Get rid of clutter.

Write it down.

Stop buying “stuff.”

Determine what’s important.

Meditate!

Pay attention.

Put away the tech.

Single-task.

Learn to say no.

Appreciate the beauty of simplicity.

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!