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10 Heartbreaking Reasons Why Men Leave Women They Love

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Love is like a flower: sweet, beautiful, and sometimes very colorful! Love is also like a flower in that it requires frequent pruning and watering for it to grow. Therefore, without the necessary ingredients, love may wilt and fade altogether.

It is an understatement to say life can be hard for a woman who has been left by her spouse. Hopefully this is something you have not (and will never) experience. It can feel like the end of the world. The partner who did not do the leaving may have so many questions, and no answers. Trust me when I say it is the hardest time of a woman’s life.

Have you ever been loved so much by someone that it never crossed your mind that they may someday abandon you? Well, even though love is real, sometimes emotions change. Sometimes things just happen.

Here’s my story: All my life, I have loved just one man. And he loved me too. He loved me so much that I was sure our love would last forever. However, we dated for only three years when things started going south. I pondered and wondered where I had gone wrong. I tried asking him, but he only said he wanted to pursue further studies. I felt shocked stupid by his response. But there was nothing I could do about it.

Well, if you have experienced something similar and are left wondering why, here are some reasons why men leave women they love.

Why men leave women they love:

Dissatisfaction in the bedroom

As women, we have to accept that our men love intimacy. But it is funny that a man will never tell you to your face that he wants intimacy. But if he grows tired from asking for it, he may just walk away. Research shows that men express their love for their women through intercourse. Denying him intimacy is equal to denying him a chance to show you his love. Also, frequent denial lowers their self-esteem. This is because you make your man feel undesirable. I mean, who does not like being desired?

So, if a man does not get intimacy from you or if he is not getting enough from you, my dear sister, he may begin considering thoughts about leaving you. This might sound harsh, but it is important to know the facts of how men tend to think and operate. If he is not being satisfied intimately in a relationships, he will likely move on to find a woman who will satisfy him.

Cheating

In most cases, dissatisfaction leads to unfaithfulness. Roughly 70% of men who cheat tend to leave the women they love shortly afterward. Not all men can give their love and affection to two different women at the same time. So, they tend to leave the woman they once loved for the one they have grown intimate towards. In all honesty, they may have mistaken this new romance for love.

Some say that men cheat because women allow them to. That if a woman does not treat her man right, another woman will. Although this might seem completely unfair, sadly, in many cases this turns out to be true. Sometimes men seek an outside relationship if they feel their current partner no longer gives him the love, care, and affection he desires.

Lack of intimacy

Over the years, you have likely read articles emphasizing men’s love for intimacy. However, it has never been indicated that men crave affection. Intimacy involves bonding with your spouse through kissing, hugging, cuddling, and sharing your innermost feelings and thoughts. When you wake up in the morning and kiss your man, that is being intimate.

Wait a minute, have you sent your man a simple text during lunchtime asking him how he is doing? Do you call him frequently to tell him you love him? If you have done this in the past, are you still doing it or have you stopped?

Women tend to feel comfortable and sometimes take intimacy for granted once they get into a relationship. They forget that love requires day-to-day actions. You have to work on it to keep the fire burning. Lack of intimacy is one of the reasons why men leave women they love.

Boredom

Men love women who add joy to their lives, not someone who is always angry and does not enjoy anything. Boredom is one of the reasons why men leave women they love. Men want women who are open to new ideas that add zest to a relationship. Let’s face it, some people are boring to be with. Decide that you won’t be boring and that you will do what it takes to keep that deep connection alive.

Fear of losing freedom

Ladies, although men crave times of intimacy, they also want their freedom. Do not hinder him from watching a football match with his friends. You should know that men highly value their boy time. A man may end up leaving the woman he loves if fears that he will lose the freedom to do the things he loves.

Loss of attraction

Men love with their eyes. Sometimes women neglect taking care of themselves. If you forget to dress well and make your hair, this action may be driving him away. A man loves it when he sees his woman making an effort to be beautiful for him.

Loss of attraction is one of the heartbreaking reasons why men leave women they love.

Trying to fix him

This is an important item on the list. Men hate being made into something they are not. When you try making him into what he is not, he will leave you the minute he notices. And even if he stays, he may grow resentful or bitter that you do not accept him for who he is. We all want to be loved and a huge part of love is acceptance. So, do not try to take control of your man’s life in that way. Respect each other for differences, even weak points, because that makes you both who you are.

Lack of emotional bonding

A man who loves his woman shows his vulnerability to her. He shares with her all his fears, weaknesses, and failures. This is not easy for any man, because they like to be strong. So when a woman is hard to approach, it becomes very difficult to bond emotionally.

When this happens, a man just might leave a woman he loves.

Lack of respect and appreciation

Love begins with mutual respect and attraction. Unfortunately, some women tend to disrespect their men by calling them abusive names or even badmouthing them. When this happens, a man feels disrespected and has no reason to remain.

Also, some women do not appreciate what their men do for them and are always comparing them with other men. Lack of appreciation is one of the reasons why men leave women they love because it lowers a man’s self-esteem, which drives him away.

Emotional co-dependence

Some women use phrases such as, “Without you, I would die,” or, “I could never love another man,” to try to keep their men from leaving them. It becomes very dangerous if your joy depends on your man being in your life.

Closing Thoughts

Naturally, you’ll want to do what you can to make your man happy. You should be someone that he can rely on emotionally. You need to respect and appreciate him. But remember that, above all, you are a strong and worthy woman. You deserve love and respect. Even if a relationship does not continue the way you hope, or ends sooner than you would like, you can make it through this. You can come out stronger than before.

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

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

Essential Nutrients For Moms Who Just Went Through A C Section

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Going through a pregnancy can be difficult for some moms. It is an emotional process that can be physically draining before you even get to the delivery and post-partum experience. The tiny baby at the end eases the pain, but it’s still important to make sure mom is taken care of throughout the pregnancy and delivery process.

This article is going to focus on some of the ways you can use nutrition to ease the transition through the post-partum phase. These tips are important for every mom, but those who just had a c section need to pay special attention to their bodies as that procedure is considered a major surgery.

Here are essential nutrients for moms who recently had a c section:

Protein

Protein is essential because it is one of the main building blocks of your cells. It can help the healing process run more smoothly and provide you with increased protection against infection. Adequate protein intake can also help you keep your energy levels up, which will be especially important during c section recovery.

There are many ways to get protein, even if you follow a plant-based diet. New moms are trying to care for themselves, plus a new baby, and are doing so on very little sleep. This means that simple and easy sources are best. Try having some hummus on hand to use with crackers or vegetables.

Zinc

Zinc is going to be a key driving force when it comes to your body repairing itself from having a c section. It’s a great nutrient that can also boost your immune system and reduce the amount of inflammation at your surgical incision site. Less inflammation will also lead to decreased pain levels.

One great source to use in order to boost your zinc intake would be pumpkin seeds. These can be tossed on a salad or into a smoothie for a great snack during the day. You can also incorporate more beans or lentils into a soup or stew for added nutrition.

Vitamins

Vitamins and minerals are great at any time, but certain ones become especially important during a c section recovery. You specifically want to think about vitamins A, C, and E.

Vitamin C is going to boost your absorption of iron, which will be discussed later. It will also help as your body tries to heal itself. You can find it in many citrus fruits, like oranges.

Vitamin A and E are also great for skin repairs and shortening the healing time from your c section. Try eating some fresh carrots or broccoli for a strong dose of vitamin A, and check out some sunflower seeds and hazelnuts for vitamin E.

Increased Calories

The healing process after a c section burns through a fair amount of energy in order to accomplish every step that needs to be done. This means that you will need additional calories from a nutrient-rich source in order to keep up. If you don’t, then you will likely begin to feel tired and you could put yourself at a higher risk for infection.

New moms also need a caloric increase if they are breastfeeding. Your body burns extra calories in order to produce enough milk to feed the baby. Plan to add a few extra healthy snacks and plenty of water throughout the day in order to keep your milk supply stable.

Iron

Often, there is a higher amount of blood loss through a major surgery like a c section versus that of a vaginal delivery. Iron is going to be a great addition to your diet because it will help your body produce more red blood cells to recover the amount that was depleted during delivery.

Iron is found in foods like dark leafy greens, tofu, beans and lentils. You will need to make sure you maintain adequate vitamin C intake to help your body absorb the iron. You may also need to increase your fiber intake if you take an iron supplement, as they can be very constipating.

Healthy Fats

Healthy fats can be found in things like walnuts and flaxseeds. They are going to help minimize the amount of inflammation in your body after delivery. In addition, they can help you increase your caloric intake in a healthy way.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article showed you some of the great ways to increase your nutrition after having a c section. It may seem like a lot, but try to take things one step at a time. Remember to drink plenty of water and add in some small healthy snacks throughout your day in order to get started.

https://youtu.be/Gn9EGLdxAiw

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

12 Health Benefits of Sprouts (That You Didn’t Know)

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Sprouts are one of the most nutritious foods you can consume and one of the best superfoods. Sprouts are made by soaking seeds of various plants until small white shoots germinate from them. These sprouts can then be consumed with different meals for additional nutrition and freshness of taste.

Sprouting naturally reduces the anti-nutrients in raw legumes, beans, grains, nuts, and seeds. Sprouted seeds can be cooked at a much faster pace than raw seeds. Along with the easiness of preparation, sprouted seeds contain so many benefits that it is unreasonable not to make them part of any diet. Here are the twelve sprouts benefits that you may not know about.

12 Health Benefits of Sprouts

Aids Digestion

The precise reason that all beans and legumes benefit from sprouting before cooking is that, in their raw form, beans, and legumes contain anti-nutrients and phytic acid that can block the absorption of minerals and vitamins. When sprouted, seeds release their living enzymes that boost the metabolic processes in your body and improve digestion. Dietary fiber found in the shoots of the seeds regulates digestion and keeps things moving within the gastrointestinal tract.

Aids Weight Loss

Sprouts are a nutrient-dense food that also has insignificant amounts of calories. With them, you get all the nutrients you need without the calorie bulk from eating too much food. The fiber in the germinated seeds keeps you satiated longer after a meal. The fiber decreases the ghrelin levels produced — the hormone that stimulates you to eat more.

Boosts Immunity

Germinated seeds contain high amounts of Vitamins C, A, and many others. Vitamin C fights infections and diseases, contributing to a more robust immune system. Vitamin A is a potent antioxidant that prevents cell damage from free radicals.

Stronger Eyesight

The Vitamin A inside sprouts is essential for improving vision and eye health. Eyesight and vision quality highly depend on the amounts of vitamin A in the eye. The antioxidant properties of the vitamin protect the cells inside the eyes from the effects of free radicals.

Supports Heart Health

Germinated seeds are a legitimate source of omega-3 fatty acids. This compound boosts the good cholesterol in the blood and reduces bad cholesterol levels that are responsible for major problems in the cardiovascular system. Omega-3 may also reduce inflammation in the whole body. This naturally decreases stress on the cardiovascular system. The potassium levels in the germinated seeds reduce blood pressure.

Maintains PH Balance

The PH balance in the body is essential for maintaining a healthy environment for cells to function properly. The foods that are a part of the modern diet tend to create an acidic medium in the body. This brings about most of the health conditions found today. Alkalizing the body means bringing the much-needed balance, so the cells can begin functioning optimally. Germinated seeds are highly alkalizing to the body. Eating them in their raw form ensures that this alkalizing quality is maintained and passed onto your body.

Maintains Youthfulness

Germinated seeds are a powerhouse of many antioxidant compounds. The main reasons that cells must renew constantly is because of the environmental damage caused to them by free radicals from the environment, poor diet, and stress. These free radicals can also influence the DNA inside the cells. Antioxidants counteract the activity of free radicals. Eating more germinated seeds means maintaining the youth of individual cells and the whole organism as a result.

Beautifies Hair

Your hair is one of your most important attributes. The vitamin A found in a sprout stimulates the hair follicles to grow stronger hair strands faster. The zinc inside sprout shoots stimulates the production of sebum — the natural oil the scalp produces to keep hair hydrated and strong.

Improves the Condition of Skin

The antioxidants in germinated seeds counteract the aging effects of free radicals. Vitamin C inside them stimulates the production of collagen — the main glue that holds connective tissue cells tightly together. Silica inside germinated seeds regenerates the connective tissues and removes toxins from the body, revealing bright and glowing skin.

Protects The Body From Disease

The oxygen found inside germinated seeds protects the organism against various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Abnormal cell growth also ceased in the presence of oxygen. Diseases like cancer resulting from abnormalities in cell growth are positively influenced.

Increases Nutrients

If you suffer from any nutrient deficiencies or a multitude of them, germinating seeds is an excellent practice to get your full array of vitamins and minerals without isolated supplementation.

Boosts Metabolism

The wide array of enzymes in germinated seeds seriously boosts metabolic activity. The high amounts of protein in the food also boost the performance of chemical processes within the body. This leads to increased skin regeneration, bone density, and muscle growth.

Final Thoughts on Trying Sprouts for Better Health

A sprout is a multi-functional food that can be added to any dish and is a great all-in-one supplement to boost the regeneration of your entire body. Germinating seeds is easy to do at home. But please ensure you adhere to the guidelines of clean sprouting to get the best results from this fantastic superfood dish.

10 Foods That Help Flush Water Retention

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Water retention (or “edema”) is the buildup of excess fluids within the body. Commonly occurring in the cavities and tissues, this extra water often produces visible effects, including swelling of the ankles, feet, legs, and hands.

Though the swelling can appear strangely abnormal, most cases of water retention are not threatening to health. These are some of the more common reasons for retaining water:

Chronic inflammation
Lack of physical activity (e.g., when bedridden due to illness)
Pregnancy
Menopause
Food intolerance
Excess salt intake
Poor diet
Exposure to environmental toxins

Keep in mind that water retention can also be a symptom of severe medical conditions like kidney failure. For this reason, if you’re retaining water while also experiencing more severe symptoms, it wise to seek the advice of your primary caregiver.

Here are ten foods that can help reduce and flush water retention:

Let’s do this!

Whole Wheat

Whole wheat flour is an excellent source of magnesium at around 160 milligrams per cup. Magnesium is a vital nutrient for health and is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions within the body.

Concerning water retention, magnesium interacts with other electrolytes, including sodium, to normalize the amount of water within the body, or “water balance.”

Bananas

Bananas are loaded with potassium, but they are also packed with vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). A study published in the Journal of Caring Sciences found that B6 “had the most … efficiency in improving (premenstrual syndrome.)” One of the most frequently experienced symptoms of PMS is bloating, which is caused by the body’s increased storage of water during this time.

Avocado

One medium-sized avocado contains more potassium than any other food, registering over 1,050 milligrams, or approximately 30 percent of the recommended daily value (DV).

Potassium works to reduce water retention by lowering the body’s sodium levels and increasing urine production.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon may help re-balance water levels by increasing our body’s core temperature – a process known as thermogenesis. This process effectively speeds up our resting metabolic rate, resulting in more fat (and water) loss.

Cinnamon may also decrease insulin resistance, thereby helping the body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

Carrots

Bug Bunny’s go-to food is loaded with phytochemicals – active plant-based compounds – that promote diuresis, or the production of urine. The body produces this urine from water and salt within the system.

Carrots also contain important antioxidants and vitamins that work to help detox the body.

Ginger

Ginger is a miracle spice, aiding the body in any number of ways, from relieving pain to curing loss of appetite. It is no surprise, then, that ginger helps expel water from the body. It does so by increasing the production of urine and eliminating harmful toxins.

Parsley

In a noteworthy study published by the National Institutes of Health, rats who drank a liquid form of parsley extract eliminated “a significantly larger volume of urine” compared to water by itself. The researchers note that the diuretic effects of parsley extract are due to the timely elimination of potassium and sodium from the body.

Cranberries

We can’t discuss diuretics without mentioning the sumptuous cranberry! Cranberries are excellent for flushing the byproducts of waste in addition to excess water. Cranberries are also loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C, protecting the body from damaging toxins and free radicals while boosting the immune system!

Garlic

Speaking of miracle foods, you can confidently add garlic to that list. The widespread use of garlic as a natural treatment (especially for the common cold) is due to its mineral-dense properties. Garlic contains antioxidants (including the potent allicin), vitamins B6 and C, and manganese and selenium, all of which play at least a small role in promoting healthy water balance and overall health.

Various herbs

For brevity, we could not include every single herb that helps flush water retention. Studies show that the herbs dandelion, horsetail, and hibiscus may be among the most potent natural diuretics as far as natural remedies go.

Here are a few things to keep in mind that may help if you find yourself retaining too much water:

Try cutting back on salt: Reduce your intake of processed foods by substituting healthy, organic foods on occasion. Also, stay away from fast food and microwaved meals.
Get the ‘Big 3′: Eating foods high in magnesium, potassium, and vitamin B6 is a must if you are trying to rid flush excess water.
Eliminate the refined carbs: White bread, white rice, and any other form of sugar or starches, except natural sugars from food, should be eliminated. Consuming refined carbohydrates while retaining water will only exacerbate the condition.
See a doctor: If your symptoms do not improve, it’s better to play it safe and seek the advice of a licensed physician or your chosen wellness professional.

Science Explains How Turmeric Can Give You Perfect Glowing Skin

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

When people are on a journey to find the next all-natural trend in beauty and skin care, most do not think to look in their very own kitchen pantry or refrigerator. The fact is, the most simple and cost-efficient skin cleansers, moisturizers and facial mask ingredients can be found at home. One of the most underrated and all natural ingredients which can help you manage and even alleviate a host of different skin ailments is turmeric.

You may wonder just how this naturally found remedy which has been used in so many different ways for centuries can help you brighten your skin. It contains powerful antioxidants as well as anti-inflammatory properties that help bring out your skin’s natural beauty and glow. Curcumin is this key component which gives it such special abilities.

The following is a list of many ways you can use turmeric for skin care.

It is a natural and gentle exfoliant

By mixing the golden powder with plain water or rose water, gently massaging into your skin and allowing the mixture to sit on your skin for 15 minutes, then rinsing it off with warm water, you will be left with smooth fresh skin. If you have a little yellow residue left on your skin, simply use your favorite facial wash to clean it off.

It helps treat acne

Known for its antibiotic properties, it helps kill bacteria which is the main cause of breakouts. The anti-inflammatory properties also help control the swelling and severe redness associated with acne. Turmeric for skin goes even further by helping to diminish the appearance of acne scarring.

It can ease psoriasis

Psoriasis has been known to be treated by this natural remedy because it blocks inflammatory enzymes linked to this skin condition. It also reduces the levels of cytokines, which cause skin inflammation and can result in psoriasis. An easy treatment for psoriasis is to make a paste with turmeric and water. Apply this paste to any psoriasis flare-up location. Cover the spots with a bandage wrap and allow the mixture to do its magic overnight. Rinse the spots the next morning and pat dry.

Turmeric balances hormones

Another fantastic use for this natural miracle is to help control the growth of excessive facial hair caused by hirsutism. This condition is the result of a hormonal imbalance in men and women. Turmeric, when taken orally, has been said to help balance hormones, thus reducing the symptoms of hirsutism.

Another way to combat excessive hair that can appear on your face due to hormone imbalance is by creating a simple face mask of this golden spice, gram flour, and milk. Combine these ingredients and apply to the affected areas of your skin. Allow it to sit for 15 minutes or until it dries. Gently use your dampened fingers and scrub it off your face. Rinse with warm water and pat to dry. If used on a regular basis, you will notice a decrease in the amount of facial hair growing.

Helps skin appear more youthful

Skin bleaching or even a reduction of dark spots and circles can be achieved by using this natural ingredient, avoiding many of the chemicals and harmful agents found in many over-the-counter products found today. It allows your skin to stay youthful and glowing as curcumin kicks in to restrict the ACTH hormone which supports a protein called MC1R. MC1R is a key protein responsible for the production of melanin. A simple mask of turmeric combined with lemon juice can be used as an all natural facial mask.

Simple Precautions

As we have learned, turmeric offers us so many wonderful benefits for our skin. It is all natural and has been trusted by people for centuries; however, when it comes to today’s modern medicine, it is wise to air on the side of caution when you first start to consume it orally, whether it is in the foods you eat or as a supplement. Be sure to consult with your doctor to see if it will have a harmful interaction with any medications you may be taking. Before you start using it topically on your skin, be sure you perform an allergy test on a small spot of your skin. Keep in mind that sometimes it will leave a yellowish residue on your skin after use. Do not worry. This discoloration will wash away.

Curcuma longa is truly a natural-made miracle for many skin ailments and has been linked to many other various health benefits. Since it can be found in so many different forms such as powders, supplemental capsules or pills and even in an oil, there is really an abundant number of ways in which you could easily incorporate it into your daily routine and reap all of its benefits.

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

How to Stop Leg Cramps Immediately

August 23, 2018 by Sarah Barkley

Muscle cramps are uncomfortable, painful, and strike unexpectedly. If you are prone to leg cramps, you likely want to know how to stop leg cramps immediately.

While cramps sometimes ease without help within minutes, other times, they require a home leg cramp remedy to alleviate the pain.

Leg cramps occur when a muscle contracts involuntarily, causing momentary immobility. You will likely feel a hard lump or knot at the location of the pain, which is the contracted muscle. Leg cramps most commonly occur in the calf muscle or thighs but can happen in any leg muscle.

Sometimes cramps set in while you’re sleeping, waking you up with sudden, shocking, and excruciating pain. Other times they occur during or after exercise or for seemingly no reason at all. No matter the reason for your cramps, learning how to stop leg cramps immediately can help.

When the bundles of muscles fibers in your legs contract involuntarily, it causes a cramp that can last anywhere from seconds to minutes. Cramps hurt, with symptoms ranging in severity, but there are many ways to alleviate the discomfort at home by yourself. You can also work to prevent muscle cramps from occurring as frequently.

What Causes Leg Cramps?

Muscle cramps happen for a variety of reasons that often depend on your lifestyle. Some causes of leg cramps include the following:

overexertion during exercise
sitting in one position for too long
having poor posture
not practicing ergonomics if you work at a desk
holding in stress or negative emotions
dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
working out in hot or humid environments
standing in one position for too long
nutrient and mineral deficiencies
a strained muscle
muscle fatigue
alcoholism
hypothyroidism
diabetes
weight training
medication such as birth control pills, diuretics, and albuterol
not stretching enough
poor circulation

Risk Factors for Leg Cramps

Some factors make you more likely to experience leg cramps or increase the frequency, including:

being pregnant
menstruating
overusing the leg muscles
being 65 or older
participating in recreational running
playing sports that require extensive running

How To Stop Leg Cramps

Most cramps go away within minutes as the muscle relaxes, but sometimes it isn’t so easy. Learning how to stop leg cramps immediately can help you ease the uncomfortable, painful experience and find relief.

1. Stretch It Out

Stretching your leg muscles can help stop a cramp quickly. If the cramp is in your hamstrings, sit up straight and stretch both legs out in front of you. Stretch your arms out as far as you can, and hold the position for 30 seconds without locking your knees or rounding your back.

For a calf cramp, start with a calf stretch by leaning into a wall while keeping one foot in front of another. Keep your toes pointed forward and your feet flat, and bend your front knee while keeping your back leg straight. Hold the position for 30 seconds before switching to the other side and repeating the stretch.

You can ease a cramp in your quads by holding onto a wall or chair while keeping your knees close together. Lift one foot upward toward your bottom, and hold your ankle while bringing your heel into your body. Once you feel the stretch, hold the position for 30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

2. Increase Your Magnesium Intake

Frequent leg cramps are a sign of a magnesium deficiency. Try adding more magnesium to your diet by eating nuts and seeds, as they are excellent sources.

Studies show that increasing magnesium intake is especially helpful for pregnant people’s muscle cramps. If you think a lack of magnesium could be the cause, consider adding a magnesium supplement to your diet.

3. Heat or Cold Application

Using heat and cold for leg cramps treatment can help alleviate the pain and discomfort immediately. Using heat as soon as the muscle spasm begins can help loosen it up before the pain becomes too intense. It also improves blood circulation, helping your muscle relax.

You can use a heating pad, take a warm bath, or apply a warm towel to apply heat to the area. If you take a bath, consider adding Epsom salts to help with muscle relaxation. When using a heating pad, start on the lowest setting and don’t increase the heat unless you aren’t experiencing relief.

After the heat loosens the muscle up a little, apply cold to the area for further improvement. For a cold application, use a freezer pack or a bag of ice on the area. Wrap the cold item in a towel first to prevent skin damage.

4. Focus on Hydration

Drinking plenty of water is one of the best things to do when you’re learning how to stop leg cramps. You should drink at least eight glasses of water, but having 11 glasses is the best option. If you drink caffeine or alcohol, you should aim to take in even more water than usual.

You can also drink a sports drink with electrolytes to help speed up the relief. Dehydration is a common cause of leg cramps, so make sure you’re staying hydrating and replenishing your electrolytes.

5. Walk Around

When you’re trying to learn how to stop leg cramps quickly, get up and move around. As you walk, wiggle your leg to promote the relaxation of your muscle cramps. Walking signals the muscle to relax after it contracts, returning to its intended functioning.

Suppose your leg cramp sets in while you’re lying down. Simply standing up can make a difference. Put some weight on the affected leg to alleviate the stiffness and discomfort.

6. Massage the Area

A massage can make all the difference when you want to stop leg cramps immediately. Relax the muscle as much as possible, and then use your hands or a massage roller to loosen up the muscles and find relief. Additionally, you can massage your leg cramp with a heating pad or ice pack to further promote muscle loosening.

When you stretch, consider following up with a massage for further relief. Between the stretching and massage, you will find quick, lasting relief. Some people find that massaging the afflicted muscle during exercise helps, too.

7. Elevate Your Legs

Sometimes, a cramp will set in when your toes are pointed downward, and your knees are slightly bent. This position is the reason leg cramps happen so frequently when you are asleep in your bed. If you have a cramp, adjusting your position and elevating your legs are essential.

Keep your leg elevated until the cramp starts to subside. Consider using some of the other methods for how to stop leg cramps immediately to find quick relief.

How To Prevent Muscle Cramps

While there is no way to ensure you never get a cramp again, you can do things to prevent them from setting in. Some of the ways to prevent muscle cramps include:

Staying Hydrated: Drinking enough water and limiting caffeine and alcohol can help prevent muscle cramps. Dehydration is a leading cause of leg cramps, so if you can fix the underlying issue, you’ll experience less of them. Caffeine and alcohol contribute to this problem because they dehydrate your body.
Change Your Sleep Position: Adjusting how you sleep can help prevent cramps during the night. If you sleep on your back, prop your feet on pillows to ensure that your toes point upwards. Hang your feet over the edge of the bed if you sleep on your stomach. Propping your feet or hanging them over the bed both help keep you relaxed as you sleep.
Stretch Often: If you are prone to cramps during the night, try stretching your leg muscles before you sleep. Additionally, stretch before and after an exercise routine to help warm your muscles and prepare them for change.
Exercise Regularly and Safely: Doing frequent leg exercises can help prevent leg cramps, but you must avoid overexertion. You should also ensure that your shoes fit correctly and support your feet as you exercise. Don’t do exercises that make the pain worse, as finding ones to ease the pain is essential.

Final Thoughts on How to Stop Leg Cramps Immediately

When it comes to stopping leg cramps, you’ll want to do it as soon as possible. They often ease on their own within minutes, but that isn’t always the case. Cramps can make it hard for you to move, and they can cause excruciating pain.

Learning how to stop leg cramps immediately can help you keep moving and recover from the discomfort or pain. Plus, you might not have to take medication for cramps if you implement these natural ways to get rid of leg cramps.

Waking up in the middle of the night to a severe leg cramp is never pleasant, but you can stop it quickly and get back to bed. Plus, finding ways to prevent leg cramps can help decrease the frequency, potentially eliminating the experience. If you still get cramps, though, you can find a few easy home remedies that work for you.

5 Exercises That Make You Age Slower

August 23, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Everyone wants to look younger, and you don’t have to resort to expensive face creams or dangerous surgery to get the results you want. Did you know that simple face exercises can help you age slower? They don’t take long to do, and best of all, they’re absolutely free of charge!

According to a Northwestern Medicine study, a 30-minute facial exercise program done daily or every other day over a span of 20 weeks improved the facial appearance of middle-aged women. Dermatologists rated the age of participants based on appearance at the beginning and end of the study and concluded that participants looked three years younger, on average!

In today’s stressed-out world, people tend to tense their facial muscles, which can give the appearance of looking older. So, learning to relax your face muscles can help you look (and feel) younger and happier! We’re positive that you’ll get some benefit from the following quick facial exercises that you can do anywhere.

Here are five exercises that make you age slower:

1. TURKEY NECK TIGHTENER

While this list involves face exercises that help you age slower, a toned neck can help you look younger as well. This exercise helps prevent a “turkey neck” that can result from sagging skin due to aging. To perform this exercise, simply lift your chin and tilt your head back until the skin under your jaw is firm. Push your lower jaw forward while pressing your tongue down and pouting your bottom lip out. Hold for 30 seconds and then repeat a couple more times.

2. UNDER EYE LIFTER

One surefire way to age slower is to keep those dark circles under your eyes at bay. While remembering to breathe deeply, simply look up with just your eyes until you feel slight tension. Keep your head forward and shoulders relaxed. This will feel like you’re looking at the inside of your eyes, but don’t freak out. Hold this for 30 seconds and repeat four times.

3. CHEEK APPLE LIFTER

A research study found that smile muscle training can improve muscle conditioning and make patients appear younger after corrective dental surgery. So, if you want to age slower and improve your smile, make sure to include this exercise in your regimen!

For this exercise, simply pinch the corners of your mouth while smiling as wide as you can. You’ll feel a resistance in your facial muscles that will help lift your cheeks and improve your smile.

4. UPPER EYE LIFTER

Positive thinking can certainly help you look and feel younger, but doing an exercise for your upper eyes can give you a younger appearance as well. With the three middle fingers of both hands, press your fingertips against the lower brow line of your eyebrows. While frowning, press your fingers in and upward gently; this will create resistance and help lift your eyes.

5. COLLAR BONE DEFINER

While this isn’t a face exercise, having a defined collarbone will help accentuate your neck and make you appear younger. With your neck turned, rotate your opposite shoulder forward about two to three inches until you see a hollow triangle shape form between your neck and collar bone. Repeat for each side.

Final thoughts

We hope that you get awesome results from these exercises that will help you age slower. If you want to look younger, try doing these daily or every other day for the best results. Also, make sure to eat plenty of fresh, whole foods and drink adequate amounts of water. Avoid things that make you look older such as smoking, excessive drinking, and eating processed foods with added sugar.

Acute Anxiety Treatment: Causes, Symptoms And Tips

August 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Practically everyone at some point in their life feels a sense of anxiety. Anxiety is defined as the anticipation of a negative outcome. Furthermore, it is often associated with avoidance behavior and muscle tension. It’s a normal reaction when facing stressful situations such as a final exam, phobias, or even a business presentation. Acute anxiety can also be beneficial in times of need. Likewise, it alerts us and helps us prepare in dangerous situations.

At the same time, anxiety disorders affect over 30% of Americans. Acute anxiety disorder is a feeling of fear, apprehension, nervousness, or worry. It can be a debilitating disorder that causes people to avoid situations that may trigger their symptoms. It can affect their school work, personal life, and job performance. Anxiety likewise becomes a problem when the sufferer can’t sleep or function. Women and teenagers are the most susceptible to acute anxiety disorders.

Medical researchers are unsure about how anxiety disorders begin. They stem from a combination of things such as genetics, environmental stressors, and changes in the brain.

Common Types Of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can certainly impact a person’s daily life. It is an umbrella term that includes several conditions, including those that may require treatment:

• Panic Disorder

This occurs when you feel a panic attack or a feeling of terror striking at random. It may cause you to experience heart palpitations, chest pain, the sensation of choking, or feeling like you are having a heart attack.

• Social Anxiety Disorder

Also known as social phobia, social anxiety makes you feel overwhelmed in normal social situations. You may obsess about the potential for others to judge or embarrass you.

• Specific Phobias

A specific phobia is an intense fear of a specific situation such as flying or a fear of heights. Because the phobia can be so extreme, you may avoid ordinary activities.

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Also known as GAD, generalized anxiety disorder is tension or worry for no apparent reason. It can come on unprovoked and cause restlessness, trouble with focusing, and constant worrying.

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

OCD is characterized by unwanted recurring thoughts (obsessions), and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Repetitive behaviors include excessive counting, checking, and hand washing. Another common symptom is obsessive cleaning. These compulsions may be out of hope that they will make the obsessive thoughts go away.

•Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Finally, PTSD commonly develops after one is exposed to a horrific ordeal or event. Examples of these traumas include accidents, natural disasters, violent assaults, or military combat.

Symptoms Of Anxiety

All anxiety disorders share some general symptoms:

Fear, uneasiness, panic
Restlessness or insomnia
Tingling of hands or feet
Agitation
Heart palpitations
Dry mouth
Shortness of breath
Nausea
Tense muscles
Dizziness

Diagnosis

If you believe you are experiencing panic attacks or anxiety you should contact your doctor immediately for acute anxiety treatment. They will examine you and your medical history as well as run tests to rule out underlying illnesses. A psychiatrist or psychologist can also speak with you in-depth and use specific testing to determine if you have an acute anxiety disorder. Finally, inform your physician of any herbal or over-the-counter medications you take, as they can interfere with anti-anxiety medications.

Acute Anxiety Treatment

There are acute anxiety treatment options for anxiety disorders. The treatments and therapies can help people live life to their fullest. Many antidepressants and low-dose antipsychotic drugs can help lower anxiety. Additionally, counseling will likely address the emotional response to mental illness. Cognitive behavioral therapy will teach you to recognize your triggers and thought patterns and learn how to change them. A psychotherapist can probably help determine which acute anxiety treatment is best for you.

Suffering from anxiety can be completely overwhelming and disabling. However, the proper psychological and acute anxiety treatment can help you manage your symptoms. You can prevent the onset of an anxiety attack by limiting foods and drinks that contain caffeine including tea, coffee, soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. Caffeine is known to alter one’s mood and can heighten symptoms of anxiety disorders, making them worse. Eating right and exercising regularly will not only help you sleep better, but it will also release serotonin in the brain to improve your mood. Additionally, making a good night’s sleep a priority will minimize your chances of having anxiety.

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

10 Coffee Brewing Methods Every Coffee Lover Needs to Try

August 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Coffee is probably one of the most versatile food products on the planet, which makes it easy for everyone to find a way to brew it that makes their soul happy.

This article will talk about different coffee brewing methods and coffee brewing tips so that you will be sure to impress any guest you invite over with your incredible skills.

Here are 10 coffee brewing methods every coffee lover must try:

1. Chemex

The Chemex is an aesthetically pleasing machine that allows you a pour-over method for brewing your coffee. Using this type of machine involves a special filter that is thicker than most, and the process requires that you wet the filter before adding your grounds. This machine also allows you to brew multiple cups at a time, and you only spend a couple of minutes waiting for the brew.

2. Pour Over

For this method, you simply add the cone filter and your grounds, then pour hot water over the top. This produces only one cup at a time and brews in three minutes or less. This is also one of the easiest coffee brewing methods because it is fast and cheap.

3. French Press

This method takes quite a bit longer to brew than some of the other methods, but provides you with a distinct flavor that makes the wait worth it. You will need a coarse grind because a fine grind will pass through and give you a bitter-tasting coffee.

4. Aero Press

You can think of this brewing technique as a sort of syringe. A filter sits at the bottom, full of coffee grounds and hot water. An additional plunger enters from the top and forces the coffee through the filter and into the cup. It is a quick method but only makes one cup at a time.

5. Stovetop Moka Pot

This is a three-part system that relies on water boiling to provide steam and pressure to produce a shot of coffee. The pressure forces the water into the grounds above to provide you with your drink. This is one of the quicker coffee brewing methods, although getting the grind size correct can be tricky.

6. Siphon

This method looks like an invention from a mad scientist, but its charm helps provide a mellow flavored coffee. Grounds are added to the top, heat forces the water up to brew, and then gravity pulls the liquid back down for your cup. It can also brew more than one cup at a time, making it very convenient.

7. Espresso Brew

A shot of espresso is strong and lacks bitterness, but also provides a hefty dose of caffeine for those mornings that you just can’t go without. Make sure you use a finer grind for best results. Your machine will brew your fix within a minute once it’s warmed up.

8. Nitrous Coffee

This mix comes from a cold brew and ends up being very crisp. It also has a nice froth on the top. The added nitrogen can help the caffeine pack a more powerful punch, so this coffee is great if you need a strong afternoon pick-me-up.

9. Coffee Bag

This is a basic brewing method that’s great for beginners. Your grounds are contained in a filter bag, similar to tea, and you simply drop the bag into your hot water. A few minutes later, your coffee is ready. Some coffee brewing tips for this method include not to over-steep the coffee as this can make it bitter, and to store your bags in an airtight container to keep them fresh.

10. Turkish Brew

Turkish brew coffee uses a Turkish pot and very finely ground beans. You start by boiling the mixture and letting it simmer several times. This eventually offers a very strong brew that has a thick foam. It has a strong caffeine punch and a sharp taste.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are several different coffee brewing methods, and it all comes down to how strong you like your flavors. You can opt for something like an espresso shot that gives you a quick hit of caffeine, or you can spend longer and get a deeper flavor with something like the Chemex or Turkish grinder. Regardless of the method you use, make sure you do your homework so you have the right grind. (And follow any other special instructions.) No one wants to spend time on one of these excellent coffee brewing methods just to have it turn into a bitter mess.

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

Whole Wheat

Bananas

Avocado

Cinnamon

Carrots

Ginger

Parsley

Cranberries

Garlic

Various herbs

Here are 10 coffee brewing methods every coffee lover must try:

1. Chemex

2. Pour Over

3. French Press

4. Aero Press

5. Stovetop Moka Pot

6. Siphon

7. Espresso Brew

8. Nitrous Coffee

9. Coffee Bag

10. Turkish Brew

Every day is a day to shine. Shine on!