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14 Natural Pain Killers That are Scientifically Proven

July 22, 2018 by Sarah Barkley

Traditional medicine doesn’t always involve natural methods, but research shows natural pain killers are helpful.

In fact, many doctors say that natural pain killers can help with lower back pain, toothaches, headaches, arthritis, and other painful situations.

The National Center for Health Statistics explains that chronic pain affects more people than diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Around 11% of adults suffering from chronic pain, and another 25% suffer from pain that lasts more than 24 hours. Plus, nearly 18% of adults suffer from severe pain regularly.

Traditional pain relief methods often require a pill that alters your brain chemistry. When abused, they can cause hospitalization, overdose, coma, dependence, or death. The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine lists the most common treatments for chronic pain relief as:

antidepressants
anticonvulsants
muscle relaxants
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
opioids

With the potential dangers of traditional pain killers, choosing from the below variety of natural pain killers is safer and healthier. Many herbs and spices reduce pain levels, and other natural methods such as acupuncture and yoga are beneficial, too.

Try These Fourteen Natural Pain Killers

Interested in learning the best natural pain relief options? Try some of these fourteen home remedies for pain.

1. Willow Bark

Willow bark can help ease inflammation that causes aches and pains. The bark contains salicin, which is a chemical that is similar to the main ingredient in aspirin.

You can find willow bark as a dried herb that you can brew into tea. You can consume it as a liquid supplement or in capsule form. Willow bark helps with headaches, lower back pain, and symptoms of osteoarthritis. It can also alleviate severe knee and hip pain.

Taking too much willow bark can cause problems, though, so be careful that you take the right amount. Otherwise, it can cause an upset stomach, decrease kidney function, prolong bleeding time, and increase the risk of bleeding.

2. Turmeric

Curcumin, the main ingredient in turmeric, contains pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. It is an antioxidant that helps protect your body from free radicals that can damage cells and tissues. Research shows that when compared with other pain relief methods, turmeric was more effective.

Turmeric can help with pain caused by inflammation, including pain from arthritis. It can also help with pain associated with autoimmune disorders and tendonitis.

3. Cloves

Cloves can help relieve pain from headaches, arthritic inflammation, and toothaches. You can add ground cloves to meat, rice dishes, pies, and other foods. Additionally, you can consume cloves in capsule form, powder, or oil.

Eugenol is a natural pain reliever and an active ingredient in cloves. It is often found in over-the-counter pain rubs. You can rub it on your tooth and gums to ease a toothache until you can get to your dentist.

4. Acupuncture

Researchers at the World Health Organization have found that acupuncture is effective in nearly 96% of chronic pain situations. It helps most with lower back pain and headaches, two of the leading causes of chronic pain. Acupuncture can also help with migraines.

Acupuncture involves having needles placed just beneath your skin at your pressure points. The thin needles might be placed far from where you feel the pain, but this is because it affects your internal energy.

In some cases, acupuncture can make the pain disappear entirely, and other times it’ll subside drastically. Acupuncture can alter the pathways that go from your body to your brain and perceive pain. As the neural pathways become balanced, your body will release serotonin, making you feel better and experience less pain.

5. Essential Oils

Essential oils are known to help with many ailments and are one of them. You can inhale them through aromatherapy, add them to your massage oil, or dilute them and apply them to your skin.

Before applying oil to your skin, test a small area to ensure you don’t negatively react. Some of the essential oils that are natural pain killers include:

peppermint oil
rosemary
lavender

6. Massage Therapy

High-quality massages can promote blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and boost overall feelings of wellness. Massage therapy manipulates your muscles, tendons, and ligaments, helping reduce pain naturally.

Make sure to choose a licensed massage therapist, as their professional massage will benefit you the most. While other massages might feel good, they don’t manipulate your body the way a professional can.

7. Meditation

Meditation comes in different forms, and finding the one that works best for you is essential. Some people find that listening to a pleasing sound, closing their eyes, and sitting comfortably while repeating the sound works best. If you try this approach, recognize when your thoughts wander and return to the sound.

Another meditation technique that can help relieve pain is guided imagery. Guided imagery involves imagining yourself in a better place. You will use hearing and internalizing suggestions to help devalue pain signals.

8. Cold Compress

Applying an ice pack or cold compress can reduce swelling and inflammation. When your pain is due to a strained muscle, tendon, or ligament, the swelling and inflammation could be responsible for the discomfort. If you have a headache, you can hold a cold pack to your head for a few minutes to reduce the pain.

For pain in other areas, apply a cold pack to the painful area for about 15 to 20 minutes. Then, wait about two hours before you do it again. When you put the cold compress on your skin, put a layer of cloth between the ice and your skin.

9. Warm Compress

Sometimes, a warm compress is better than a cold compress. Once the inflammation is gone, you might experience stiffness after a sprain or strain. When this happens, a warm compress can help reduce the stiffness and help regain motion without intense pain.

If your pain is due to arthritis, applying a warm compress to the affected joint can help reduce pain. A warm compress will also help with muscle spasms, but avoid heat if you have any swelling in the area.

10. Dry Heat Therapy

Since warm compresses typically create moisture, some people prefer dry heat therapy. Another benefit to dry heat therapy is that you can apply heat more often this way, too. You can use heat packs or an adhesive back wrap that offers continuous heat without getting anything wet.

11. Anti-inflammatory Diets

Studies show that an anti-inflammatory diet can stop pain progression and improve pain tolerance. If your pain is related to obesity, osteoarthritis, or blood sugar, changing your diet can help significantly.

As you switch to a healthier diet, you don’t have to worry that your food options will be limited. There are plenty of to choose from, including:

fruits
vegetables
legumes
nuts
fatty fish
healthy oils
whole grains
beans
unsaturated fats

12. Sleep

Without enough sleep, your pain tolerance will be lower, and you won’t heal as quickly from injury. Work on getting more sleep at night by making some simple lifestyle changes, and you will notice that your pain subsides. If you are prone to overthinking at night or struggle with insomnia, there are ways to remedy the problem.

Find some activities that make you feel calm and relaxed. Exercise before bed, practice meditation, or do anything else that slows your mind and body. As you improve your sleep health, you will notice a significant improvement in your pain management.

13. Exercise

Exercise can help relieve chronic pain by altering the neural pathways of your brain. The pain causes them to become out of sync, and exercise can fix the problem. Exercise helps release your endorphins, which are natural painkillers produced in your body.

Endorphins bind to the opioid receptors in your brain and block your perception of pain. If you promote increased production of these hormones, your pain will naturally subside. You will also experience feelings of pleasure and satisfaction.

Any activity that gets your blood pumping for a sustained period counts as exercise. Consider things like:

yoga
running or jogging
walking at a brisk pace
playing tennis
swimming

14. Resveratrol

Resveratrol is a natural phenol produced by several plants when the plant is injured or under attack. Researchers discovered that some of the properties found in resveratrol help with pain regulation on a cellular level.

If you want to use this for pain relief, you can find it in grapes, red wine, blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, and peanuts. You can also find resveratrol supplements to help increase your intake.

Final Thoughts on Natural Pain Killers That are Scientifically Proven

Suffering from pain can be debilitating and interfere with your daily life. It can interfere with your ability to live a fulfilling life, and you could miss out on so much. Natural pain relievers can help you alleviate the pain until you can see a doctor, and sometimes they can eliminate the pain.

Don’t give up if one of the natural pain remedies doesn’t work for you. What works for some people might not work for others, so keep working your way through the pain-relieving tips. Once you find one that works for you, use it in place of traditional pain relievers.

10 Scientifically Proven Ways to Relieve Arthritis Pain Naturally

July 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States (and quite possibly, globally). Arthritis pain can be quite severe, as can other symptoms of arthritis, including joint swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion. The condition is considered debilitating because arthritis pain can make it difficult to perform even the most basic daily tasks.

In this article, we are going to talk about how to relieve arthritis pain naturally. The following ten suggestions include both home remedies and natural remedies. Implementing even one of the following natural ways to relieve arthritis pain can make a big difference in your life or that of someone you love.

Here are ten scientifically proven ways to relieve arthritis pain naturally:

“Over 50 million Americans have arthritis, making it the number one cause of disability in the country. That means 1 in every 5 adults, 300,000 children, and countless families.” – The Arthritis Foundation

1. Eat an anti-inflammatory diet.

It comes as no surprise that the food we eat affects our inflammation levels. Soda (or any other form of sugar), processed meats, and refined carbs all trigger an exacerbated inflammatory response. Avoid these.

There are also foods that have the opposite effect in that they lower inflammation and suppress the inflammatory response. Such foods include dark leafy green veggies, fatty fish, olive oil, seeds and legumes, and fruits like blueberries, cherries, strawberries, and oranges.

2. Try aromatherapy.

Certainly, aromatherapy is becoming increasingly popular among arthritis pain patients. Studies show that sniffing certain scents, including eucalyptus, ginger, helichrysum, lavender, orange oil, and vanilla, produces a measurable inflammatory-inhibiting response in the body.

Dr. Oz states, “Aromatherapy is effective because it works directly on the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center.” The stress response ingrained in us all can cause a bout of inflammation and contribute to arthritis symptoms.

3. Make a homemade heat pad.

Want to know a cool, cheap, and simple way to relieve arthritis pain? All you need is a cotton sock and some rice! Take a sock, fill it halfway with uncooked rice and tie a knot in the top of the sock to seal it. Put in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, and then allow it to cool a bit. Finally, place it on the affected area for about 30 minutes.

Rice is an excellent heating ingredient because, unlike other solids like ice and foam, it can adjust its shape to any part of your body.

4. Drink some green tea.

The polyphenols within green team act as anti-inflammatories. In a study conducted by researchers at Case Western Reserve University, mice that were given green tea instead of water were “much less likely” to develop arthritis even after receiving an arthritis-inducing compound. Additionally, these elements in green tea may prevent cartilage damage and improve the immune response.

5. Try some turmeric.

The active ingredient in turmeric, called curcumin, is a potent anti-inflammatory compound. Curcumin is so powerful, in fact, that studies have shown that less than a teaspoon of turmeric reduces the same amount of pain as 800 to 1,000 milligrams (mg) of ibuprofen.

6. Get your vitamin C.

Vitamin C serves double duty by producing joint-stabilizing substances and destroying joint-harming free radicals. Studies regularly show that people with high vitamin C intake are at a much lower risk of developing arthritis. Because our bodies quickly absorb and excrete “C,” you’ll want to consume C-containing drinks and foods throughout the day rather than take one large dose.

7. Use canola oil.

If you’re the cooking type, bear in mind that your choice of oil can impact both the chances of developing arthritis and the severity of arthritis symptoms. A good rule of thumb is to choose canola oil over corn or other cooking oils, as the former contains a high concentration of omega-3s, which ease inflammation and relax the joints. Omega-6s, meanwhile, can induce an inflammatory response and make symptoms worse.

8. Add some spice.

The heavier spices, such as cayenne and garlic, possess properties that effectively stop the transmission of pain signals from the affected area to the brain. Dr. M. Elaine Husni, the vice-chair of rheumatology and director of arthritis and musculoskeletal center at the Cleveland Clinic, says that research shows certain spices actively reduce inflammation levels.

Black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and saffron are also considered effective anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing spices.

9. Get some sun.

Sunshine is the best natural source of vitamin D, which stimulates collagen production within the joints. Numerous studies have linked vitamin D deficiency with arthritis onset. Something quite exciting is that the body doesn’t need much sun exposure to get the levels of “D” it needs. Furthermore, getting outside for as little as 10 minutes, two or three times per week should be enough.

10. Check your allergies.

Per a study by researchers at the University of Oslo in Norway, individuals prone to allergic reactions or autoimmune disease are more likely to develop some types of arthritis. Food sensitivities may also play a role. A list of known foods that may induce inflammation include: beef, codfish, coffee, corn, dairy milk, eggs, oats, oranges, pork, rye, and wheat.

The typical culprit among all of many of these foods is a body chemical known that is linked to inflammation, known as arachidonic acid.

Final Thoughts

In summary, while arthritis remains a debilitating condition, there is hope. Try to maintain a positive attitude while you try the methods listed above. Additionally, keep in mind that certain methods will work better than others. If one doesn’t seem to have much of a positive effect, go on to the next. You can try many of these remedies at home, and also for little cost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1ke5KbOAZs

Sources:
https://health.usnews.com/wellness/food/articles/2017-07-07/8-anti-inflammatory-spices-for-easing-arthritis
https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/
https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/other-therapies/aromatherapy-pain-relief.php
https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation
https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/natural-arthritis-remedies/
https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis.php

7 Easy Ways to Reduce Swelling Naturally

July 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Our super-intelligent body is usually pretty good at monitoring and adjusting the flow of water. But, as we all know, sometimes our body likes to do its own thing. Usually, such autonomy is for our own good. Other times? Eh, not so much. Consider inflammation and swelling. Seeing yourself balloon up can be a bit shocking, even scary. More than that, swelling can be downright uncomfortable. And painful. It may even restrict your movement.

Doctors call swelling of the arms and legs peripheral edema. Edema occurs as the result of excess water kept in the body tissue. In most cases, this swelling of the legs and feet appears on both sides of the body. In such cases, it is not considered a medical emergency. The condition is usually temporary, and it goes away on its own.

But for others, edema can be a severe – and sometimes even life-threatening – health issue. In these rare cases, inflammation and swelling occur on one side of the body, with the face also affected. In such a scenario, it is critical to seek immediate medical care.

We’re going to focus on the usually harmless variety of inflammation and swelling. More specifically, we’re going to talk about ways to reduce swelling naturally!

Let’s go!

7 Ways to Reduce Swelling Naturally

“When it comes to swelling, it’s about management and getting through the days. There’s nothing that’s necessarily (therapeutic.)” – Georgeann Botek, DPM, Head of Podiatry and Medical Director at Cleveland Clinic

1. Try some magnesium!

Magnesium can assist with preventing or treating a variety of ailments, whether physical or psychological. “Mg” suppresses the stress hormone cortisol, which is responsible – at least in part – for conditions such as insomnia, diabetes, and obesity.

The Mayo Clinic reports that adding a 200- to 400-milligram magnesium supplement to your diet may effectively reduce inflammation caused by water retention.

2. Do some yoga (or exercise).

Stimulating blood flow is critical to the reduction of inflammation and swelling. Any light to moderate exercise will help kick your circulatory system into gear! Yoga has the added benefit of relaxing the mind as well as the body.

If you’re a beginner to yoga, it is beneficial to seek the advice of an experienced practitioner. Someone with advanced knowledge of the practice may be able to suggest poses that can help with swelling and inflammation.

3. Soak in a bath with Epsom salt.

Many people who naturally reduce swelling swear by Epsom salt bath soaks – and for a good reason. One ingredient, in particular, that’s found in Epsom salt – magnesium sulfate – is readily absorbed through the skin. This provides near-immediate relief of inflammation, swelling, and pain around the affected areas.

Most Epsom soak instructions call for a half-cup to a cup (depending on the size of the tub) mixed into with lukewarm water. Soak for 10 to 20 minutes daily to obtain maximum benefit.

4. Get a massage.

Just the thought of getting a massage is super relaxing, isn’t it? Gosh, it feels good!

Anyways, swelling is often the result of a buildup of waste products around a damaged area of the body. Massage therapists understand the ins and outs of both the causes of – and relief from – such damage. A big part of reducing the swelling is getting the blood, oxygen, and energy flowing back into the body. A massage is a wonderful way to do just that! Acupuncture has also shown to be useful in reducing swelling and inflammation.

(If you’re pregnant, you should seek out a therapist who specializes in prenatal massages.)

5. Elevate, elevate, elevate.

When it comes to swelling, gravity is not your friend! Ask anyone who works at a tough job that requires them to stand all day – a waitress or mechanic, for example. By the time work ends, some of these folks have a difficult time merely standing. That’s the swelling working in cohort with gravity. (It isn’t fun.)

Elevation, on the other hand, is your BFF. When you’re kicking back and relaxing at night, use some pillows to prop those legs up. Ideally, you want to elevate your legs just above your upper torso or a bit higher!

6. Take in some H²O.

Too much salt in the body is a big reason for the swelling. Gulping down some H²O can balance your sodium levels and flush out any excess. To add a twist, slice up some lemon or cucumber and drop two or three pieces into a cold glass of water. Both lemon and cucumber also contain a good dose of vitamins and possess potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Perhaps most important, drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day helps you feel better. It boosts circulation, sharpens thinking, and reduces stress.

7. Try compression socks.

Compression socks work by creating pressure around the lower legs. This, in turn, stimulates blood flow, which eases swelling, pain, and general discomfort. Compression socks can come up to your knees, thighs, or all the way up to the groin.

Do a bit of research or speak with your healthcare or wellness professional to get a personalized recommendation.

https://youtu.be/yG-G9_LOkLA

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

Sources:
http://www.physio.co.uk/treatments/massage/benefits-of-massage/reduced-swelling.php
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/6-best-ways-relieve-swollen-feet-ankles-home/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003107.htm
https://www.care2.com/greenliving/10-natural-remedies-for-swollen-feet-and-ankles.html
https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/how-long-should-i-wear-compression-stockings-to-improve-my-circulation/
https://www.rd.com/health/conditions/home-remedies-swollen-feet/

Are You Jealous Of Your Best friend? Here Is Why It’s A Waste Of Time

July 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Stop running from your true feelings! If you sigh and foam at the mouth when you see your friend getting the attention that you crave, your problem is obvious. You’ve fallen victim to the spirit of jealousy. Since this spirit often finds a way into the hearts of men and women, you can rest assured that you’re not alone. More importantly, you’re not out of luck. It comes down to your ability to accept your reality. Sometimes, in life, what’s good for the goose isn’t good for the gander, and this definitely applies to you and your friend. Now, don’t drown in your emotions! Just accept the fact that your journey won’t be filled with similar experiences and successes.

Why do you feel this way about your friend? Well, here’s a quote from Robert A. Heinlein: “A competent and self-confident person is incapable of jealousy in anything. Jealousy is invariably a symptom of neurotic insecurity.” Neurotic people are emotionally unstable or chronically anxious, and insecurity breeds a heightened sense of doubt and unworthiness. Ergo, you might envy him or her because, deep down, you’re truly unhappy with yourself. The good news is that jealous thoughts can’t dominate your mind if you have an adequate amount of self-value. The sooner you learn to love your unique self, the better.

Being jealous is a major hindrance to genuine happiness within a friendship, and this is why:

1. It ruins the bond and love.

If you allow those bitter feelings to persist, it’s only a matter of time before they cloud your judgment. This simply means you won’t view your pal in the same light. With each passing day, you’ll become more agitated and distant, and you’ll gradually forget how to be a good friend. Has this already happened? The spirit of jealousy is always on the prowl, seeking to destroy the bond of true friends.

2. It stirs up a whirlpool of problems.

When you’re jealous, you’re more likely to cause unnecessary problems because you’ll seethe for any reason. Even when you engage in playful banter with your buddy, you’ll probably get offended easily. Jealousy has the power to make you see the negative in every situation. Slowly but surely, your attitude will become too toxic for others to tolerate, so don’t be shocked if your text messages go unanswered. This is simply a consequence of being jealous. No one wants to spend time with a bitter person who’s snippy and combative.

3. It sends you in a downward spiral.

Once you allow jealousy to gain a foothold in your life, hang on! You’re going on the wildest ride whether you want to or not. This spirit is hard to rein in because it randomly activates all your emotions. For instance, after watching your friend score the winning goal, you’ll jump up and down with everyone else, but you’re simply going through the motions to hide how you truly feel. Your joy will quickly turn into sheer hate. Thankfully, you don’t have to go out of your way to stop being jealous because the solution involves looking within.

How to Overcome Jealousy

First and foremost, you have to understand that one-size-fits-all solutions don’t work when you’re dealing with emotions. To get rid of your jealous ways, the key is to hit the reset button, and we’re talking about the one that controls how you feel. This will be easy to do if you stop looking for answers in our flawed society. According to the rest of the world, the focus belongs on wealth, material possessions and physical appearances. That’s why you may think you’re inferior to your friend who has natural beauty, an extravagant lifestyle and many admirers. Society will leave anyone with a warped outlook on things, especially success. What you need is some time alone. A little introspection can go a long way toward helping you to realize your true potential. After all, you’re awesome in your own way. Once you gain a better understanding of who you are and what you can do, you’ll finally be able to look at your friend without being green with envy.

When you start to feel like your buddy is overshadowing you, don’t rant and rave inside your head if your goal is to overcome jealousy for good. Try working on yourself instead. There’s always room for improvement. If you clear your mind of the negativity, you just might come to this realization: You’re wasting your precious time and energy by being jealous of your best friend.

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

7 Signs You Are In Love With A Hopeless Romantic

July 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Love is a wonderful thing. There are many ways in which love can enhance your life. However, there are hopeless romantics out there who just have a skewed version of life and love. Those who think that love and romance are a power that will solve everything in life can be difficult to be around. If you are in love with a hopeless romantic, it can be an even bigger problem.

Here are seven signs that you are in love with a hopeless romantic.

They are constantly daydreaming

One of the biggest signs of a hopeless romantic is that they are constantly daydreaming about love and romance. While thinking of your love life can be good from time to time, you should spend most of your day working towards having a better future.

Romantic flicks are easily their favorite types of movies

Another one of the signs of a hopeless romantic is their choice in movies. If cheesy romantic chick flicks are their favorite type of movies, they may be a hopeless romantic. It is ok to tell your lover that you would rather watch some action movies from time to time. You don’t need to subject yourself to sappy romance movies every time you turn on your TV for a night in.

They fell for you too quickly or believe in love at first sight

It can be scary when your partner is moving too quickly. If they became attached to you far too early, it may be a sign that they are a hopeless romantic. There are things that you can do to identify this. Ask them if they believe in love at first sight. Their answer to this question will show you a lot about the way they view romance. You can introduce them to a more logical way of looking at love. This may help them to have a healthier and more realistic view of the progression of your relationship.

Your partner thinks you are their soulmate

When you look at the odds, out of nearly 7.5 billion people, it is very unlikely that you have only one soulmate out there. While it can be a cute sentiment, it also puts a lot of pressure on you when your partner thinks that you are “the one.” You need to explain to your partner that it makes you uncomfortable that they would think you are their soulmate. While this may be hard for them to take at first, it will sink in and make your relationship more grounded in reality.

Their expectations for your relationship are extremely high

It can be exhausting when your partner has extremely high expectations for your relationship. This is one thing that hopeless romantics don’t understand that they are doing to your relationship. Trying to put your relationship on the same plane as a fictional relationship is just never going to happen. When their expectations are too high, you need to help them understand what it is like to be in a real relationship. There will be hardships. It isn’t always going to be like it is in the movies.

Believing fate played a role in your relationship is a regular conversation topic

While it can be cute to think that fate has some role to play in you two being together, if you hear this over and over again, it is going to get a little old. Look, choices are really what determine your life. The two of you decided to be together. When a hopeless romantic keeps talking about fate, it can start making you question whether or not they appreciate all of the hard work that you have put into the relationship.

It is way too easy to make them cry

Have you caught your partner crying to inspirational videos on YouTube far too often? This might be a sign that they are hopelessly romantic. The smallest things can make your partner cry and this might make for an emotionally unstable relationship. It is important that your partner understands there is a time and a place for tears. If they are coming out all of the time, they might not mean as much during the really difficult or really wonderful times of life.

These are just a few of the many signs that you may be in love with a hopeless romantic. While it is difficult to be in love with one of these individuals, it doesn’t have to be a deal breaker. You can talk with your partner about how you can have a more stable and realistic relationship. Just like anything in life, it will take a lot of time and effort to make your relationship work. With the right amount of effort, the two of you can go on to live a very happy life together.

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

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

Essential Oils For Hair : 8 Best Essential Oils For Hair Growth

July 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Your hair is not something that should be left on its own. It may seem like there is nothing more that you can do for your hair — it has its own glands that produce sebum to layer it and protect it from external weather conditions. However, this is not the case. The health of our hair is greatly compromised by the frequent use of shampoos that wash away the protective oil from it and all other weather conditions such as the sunrays, wind, and hard water.

Anyone who has decided to grow their hair long knows that the task is unaccomplishable without the use of oil masks. Certain essential oils are better at sealing the hair shaft, moisturizing hair, and improving the follicle strength to give you a hair that is shiny and durable in all environments.

8 Best Essential Oils For Hair Growth

Here are the best essential oils you can include in your hair maintenance regiment to see wild results.

Lemongrass Oil

Lemongrass is a pleasant-smelling herb that is effective in cleaning and deodorizing besides its other healing properties. The essential oil of lemongrass fortifies hair follicles and soothes any inflammation that the scalp may be experiencing. Using lemongrass for dandruff improves the condition after just 7 days. Removing irritants, like dandruff-causing fungus, is the first step to promoting hair growth.

Clary Sage Oil

The clary sage is used for reducing the scalp inflammation and maintaining natural oil production. These two factors are a precursor to good hair growth. Besides this, the oil is natural stress-reliever. It is proven that stress is the main internal cause of hair loss.

Cedarwood Oil

One of the essential oils for hair growth is the oil from a cedar tree. It improves circulation to the follicles, which provides more nutrients for hair growth to the scalp. If you want to have thicker hair, this essential oil can do that as well.

Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is that great-smelling scent you remember from your favorite toothpaste. The essential oil from the plant is magical when it comes to promoting hair growth. The oil increases the follicle numbers and depth because of its stimulating and antiseptic properties on the scalp.

Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil makes your hair shiny and soft. The soothing properties of this oil rid the scalp of irritation and inflammation. The oil gently cleanses pollutants from the skin on the scalp and protects it from environmental factors. Unlike other oils, chamomile essential oil is non-greasy, so you can use it as a leave-in conditioner for your hair.

Rosemary Oil

Rosemary is the best oil for increasing hair thickness and promoting hair growth. The compounds inside the oil increase the production of new cells. This promotes healing of damaged hairs and helps new ones grow in their place. Rosemary essential oil is used as one of the main remedies for balding hair. This is due to the antioxidants that promote blood circulation to balding spots while stimulating the hair follicles to grow and multiply.

Lavender Oil

A favorite oil of all times with an incredible aroma is lavender oil. The oil is notorious for its hair-growth properties. It increases hair follicles and makes them grow in deeper. This thickens the thermal layer of the scalp making the hair follicles less susceptible to being pulled out. The soothing and antiseptic properties of lavender heal and soothe the skin on the scalp from any fungal or bacterial infections that may be contributing to poor hair growth.

Thyme Oil

Thyme oil is one of the most potent essential oils out there. Highly aromatic and strong, the oil is excellent for disinfecting skin and hair from damaging factors like fungus, bacteria, or environmental pollutants. Because it is so pungent, the oil increases blood flow towards the scalp to improve the feeding of the hair follicles. Once enough blood is brought to them, the follicles can do their job and grow out new hair faster.

Using Essential Oils

It is important to remember that essential oils are highly concentrated products from plants that are already potent enough. To use them as a massaging therapy, dilute the oils with a carrier oil. A good carrier oil would be one that is non-irritating to our skin. Good examples of carrier oil are jojoba, coconut, and olive oil. Start out with 2-3 drops for the stronger oils into a carrier oil, and work our way up to see what is the maximum concentration that does not irritate your skin. You can also add a few drops of an essential oil into your shampoo or conditioner to reap their beneficial effects.

Conclusion

Once you dilute the essential oils into a carrier oil, you have the safest and most natural remedy for your hair. You will notice results after the first times of using the oils, and as time goes by, your hair will finally be able to achieve the length and look that you have always desired. It is not all about genes — sometimes, it is more about care and nourishment.

11 Things to Never Brag About

July 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

There’s a fine line between confidence and conceit, and positive thinking won’t help clear that fine line. Confidence is when you know you can take action, step up, deliver, and get the job done. Conceit, on the other hand, is a coverup for insecurities and ego, so you tend to brag about yourself. Being boastful, however, isn’t the mark of a truly mature person. Here are several things you shouldn’t brag about because it’s not polite. And, you could turn off people.

Here Are 11 Things to Never Brag About to Other People

“Bragging about yourself violates norms of modesty and politeness – and if you were really competent, your work would speak for itself.” – Adam Grant

1. Your promotion at work

If there are a few things to not brag about, one of the most important is your promotion at work. Yes, it is inspiring and positive to see a person take pride in their work. Additionally, if you’re a hardworking person, then you do deserve a recognition for your efforts. But the only people that might care about your promotion and your awesome place of work are family members and really close friends who only want you to be happy.

Remember that many people are stuck in a job they don’t particularly like but still have to do because they need to provide for their needs. Besides, if you tell people you’re doing better now because of your promotion, they might wonder why you don’t offer to pick up the tab at the bar and resent you even more.

2. How you quit your old job

Sure, your former boss might have been the worst and you might have had your “Jerry Maguire” moment when you marched out of your office with your head held high. But bragging about that time you quit your job isn’t something to boast about, especially in this financial climate. There are plenty of people who cannot afford to quit the way you did, so this is a story you should never go around telling people who don’t know you that well.

3. The car you drive

Only teenage boys brag about the car they drive to look cool. It’s “so not cool” for a grown adult to regularly posts photos of their tricked-out vehicles on social media. If you’re in a car enthusiasts group, then it’s fine to share the new audio system or engine you’ve had installed within that circle. However, other people in your network will not understand why you’re always posting photos of your ride. To them, you’re not being an enthusiast; you’re being boastful. Executive life coach Peggy Klaus’s advice via The Cut is to tweak your social media settings to share your enthusiasm or success to a selected group of people only. In other circles, however, it’s definitely ones of the things to not brag about.

4. Your favorite sports team’s last win

Gloating about your favorite sports team’s recent win can annoy a lot of people. Your great support as a fan might be commendable but realistically speaking, team sports fans can be the worst type of braggarts. Those who really don’t care about the sport might wonder why you can’t stop talking about the win when you had no direct participation in the victory. Perhaps it’s best to share your pride and happiness only to people who have similar interests as yours so you won’t come off as arrogant.

5. How many intimate partners you’ve had

Some people can easily charm their way into striking a liaison with any person they fancy. These are the type of smooth operators who don’t talk about their prowess. A man who boasts about his conquests does not deserve any applause because nobody likes someone who kisses and tells. What happens in the bedroom needs to stay in the bedroom.

6. Your special significant other

Your closest friends and family will be happy you’ve found a lifetime partner, but people outside your immediate circle might find nothing significant about your new girl or new guy. It is wonderful if you believe in how lucky you are for finding such a great person, but it’s not necessary to pronounce this greatness. You’ll diminish your significant other’s worth if you keep telling the world he or she is special when you can simply embrace and enjoy what you have.

7. The success of other people

To be proud of the accomplishments of your children or other family members is natural. To constantly comment about the success of people you’re acquainted with, highlighting the role you played in that success, can be seen as bragging. If you always emphasize how you know these people or claim to be instrumental to their success, then it’s not their achievements that make you proud. In fact, psychologist Susan Krauss Whitbourne says this behavior violates social norms such as modesty.

8. How much you can handle alcohol

When you were 15, maybe it was fine to boast about how much alcohol you’ve had without passing out. When you’re an adult, talking about your drinking can be a sign of a serious alcoholism problem and that’s neither healthy nor cool.

9. Your nerd or geek credibility

There was a time when being a nerd or geek meant being a social outcast but today, these types of people are seen as a pretty chill and sophisticated lot. People with nerd or geek credibility are the go-to experts of stuff. You’ve got the movie geeks, the music nerds, the comic book and action figures experts, and so on. Some of these people, however, sometimes go too far and act like the only people authorized to discuss their favorite topics. Such a dismissive behavior can be such a huge turn-off, according to experts in a study published in PLOS One.

10. The way you “tell it like it is”

You’re an upfront person who likes to tell it like it is. You’re not fond of filtering your thoughts because you believe that reality is harsh and the truth should not be sugar-coated. But to remind people and openly say you’re this way is actually telling people you are rude and ill-mannered – not something to brag about.

11. You did not vote in the last election

It’s your right not to vote. However, there must be at least one issue that’s important to you such as gun laws, health care, or the environment (even if you think that there wasn’t a good choice for a leader). Boasting that you did not vote might have sabotaged the potential change that can be done for these issues you care about.

Final thoughts

Dr. Whitbourne suggests that it’s better to take a self-depreciating stance when sharing the positive things in your life. People will get you more for being happy and proud if you’re not bragging.

https://youtu.be/YHAZ6q-WbnE

References:
https://www.thecut.com/2018/01/how-to-brag-on-social-media-without-annoying-your-friends.html
https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/fulfillment-any-age/201207/bragging-when-is-it-ok-and-when-is-it-not-ok
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0180420

11 Signs A Relationship Isn’t Going to Last (That Most People Don’t Realize)

July 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

It’s easy to get swept off your feet in a new relationship. But when the excitement fizzles out and the honeymoon phase is over, you can actually see signs that a relationship will work out for the long term. (If you pay attention in the beginning, those red flags will become deal-breakers.) The signposts of a future breakup are many, but most people don’t realize what those look like.

So, we want to provide you with some things to look out for that signify a broken or ill-fated relationship.

Here Are 11 Signs A Relationship Isn’t Going to Last

“Find the strength inside yourself to value your own worth more than staying with someone who only keeps you down.” – Anonymous

1. You don’t talk about the future together.

One of the signs of a relationship not working is if you’ve been dating for a while but haven’t talked about your future. For instance, if you’ve been living together for 18 months but your partner refuses to discuss marriage, it could be a big red flag. If you didn’t have the “marriage” talk before moving in, you could be in a difficult position. Maybe you want marriage, and they don’t or visa versa. Have a difficult conversation and get on the same page. It’s better to find out now, than when you’re invested too deep.

2. You’ve been in the relationship just for the passion.

Passion has brought you together as a couple but what happens when that mellows down? If you haven’t experienced a strong connection in other areas, it won’t become long-term. For a new relationship to flourish, it needs to go beyond the physical connection. You should be emotionally and mentally connected as well. So, if you feel that you’re in this together for the passion only, it’s probably best to end the relationship because that kind of connection won’t last long.

3. There’s no honesty and openness.

Mature relationships allow partners to be forthcoming and open with each other because of their level of intimacy. It becomes a big problem when you hide stuff from your partner or when you feel you cannot be yourself. Psychologist Antonio Borrello told Huffington Post that hiding feelings can happen because there is no trust. It’s also possible someone is doing things incompatible with their ideas as a couple, so they bury the details. If this is the case, then the relationship doesn’t have a solid, strong foundation.

4. There are no fights, but no communication either.

You believe you’re in a blissful, stress-free relationship because you don’t fight. But you might not realize that fighting is a form of communication. It happens when couples are trying to reach a compromise together. Couples who don’t fight aren’t communicating their feelings. It’s a sign that they don’t want to work their conflicts out, which could signal the end of a relationship.

5. You don’t like your partner’s friends.

The company you keep defines who you are. People are usually drawn to make friends with folks who like the same things they like or have the same qualities they have. So, if you don’t like their friends, this can be one of the signs of breakup. Why? You’re likely going to discover more things about them that you might not like as well. Remember, friends reflect who you are.

6. You’ve developed similar interests but have not pursued others.

Partners, who love to do similar things ideally live happily together, right? When two people like the same stuff, it’s supposed to be positive, or at least that’s what everyone thinks. But relationship expert Erika Boissiere told Bustle that this isn’t always a good thing. If you’ve been doing the same things together and have stopped pursuing your separate and unique interests, then you could end up with a broken relationship. This implies too much dependency on your partner, which won’t allow you to grow and evolve into your own person.

7. There’s no empathy.

Your partner had a huge fight with their best friend, but you can’t understand why they’re so depressed about it. So, you become dismissive of their feelings. But the lack of empathy for what your partner is going through is another sign that the relationship won’t last. If you’re attuned to each other, you must be able to understand and imagine each other’s struggles since empathy is also a form of connectedness. If this feeling doesn’t exist, you’re in a broken relationship.

8. You don’t have decisions in the relationship.

Who always chooses where you eat or what movies you watch? In the beginning, always letting him pick the places might seem fine because it does feel good that he has taken care of these simple choices. But small choices do matter to your relationship if you’re trying to make it last for a long time. If your partner constantly dismisses your choices, that’s a sign that your opinion isn’t valued. This can hurt your connection with each other.

9. There’s no give and take.

In the same way as giving value to your choices, how often do you compromise? Who is always the first to make up and apologize when you have a misunderstanding? The romance can quickly burn out if there’s no give and take. If you’ve been sacrificing your needs just to “compromise,” you will soon be drained and exhausted. The relationship will quickly end because it is already a broken one.

10. Your partner treats other people poorly.

People always put their best foot forward at the beginning of relationships, but you should always pay attention to your partner’s behavior towards other people. For example, how do they treat waiters? How do they act toward their parents or co-workers? If you’re in a long-term relationship with this person, you will have ups and downs. And when the love and affection aren’t there, how will they treat you? Your relationship might not have much of a shot if they’re this way.

11. You feel obligated to be with your partner.

If going out for dates feels like an obligation, consider this a sure sign the relationship isn’t going to last. When you have no energy and enthusiasm to be with them, other than because you think it’s your obligation, maybe it’s time to fess up and end things for good.

Final Thoughts on Knowing the Signs of a Relationship on the Wrong Track

There are many signs of an unhealthy relationship most people don’t realize, but these red flags can be dissolved if you discuss your issues with each other. If your partner is willing to talk and fix the issues, then you have a gleam of hope that you can pull through together.

4 Ways to Make Your Hormones Go Into Weight Loss Mode

July 22, 2018 by Power of Positivity

Truth be told, losing weight – and keeping it off – is one of the hardest things that a person can do. And the immense amount of misinformation pertaining to the subject makes it even more difficult. Not to mention those so-called health gurus promising the latest and greatest “weight loss secret,” usually by promoting their latest how-to-lose-weight-fast product. In other words, it’s more about profits and less about health – business as usual in the so-called weight loss industry.

At this point, it should be common knowledge that there’s more to weight loss (and weight gain) than “just eat right and exercise.” Again, it should be common knowledge, but it’s not.

Genetics, gut health, chronic inflammation, nutrient imbalances, environmental toxins … all of these things influence one’s ability to lose weight. Oh, there’s also the ‘small’ matter of balancing your hormones.

If you take nothing else away from this article, let it be this: all of the factors mentioned above are interconnected. While we will focus more on rebalancing hormones in this article, we’ll also provide some tips that account for all weight loss factors, including exercise and dietary habits.

Getting Your Hormones Into Weight Loss Mode

Hormonal imbalances are an oft-overlooked yet critical component of weight loss – primarily cortisol, insulin, thyroid, and sex hormones (including estrogen and testosterone.) Today, we’re going to discuss four ways to get these hormones into weight loss mode.

1. Get the right amount of nutrients.

It’s no mystery that the health of the thyroid gland is crucial to weight loss. Therefore, we must maintain our thyroid health. A big part of doing so is acquiring the right nutrition in the right amounts.

Hypothyroidism, also referred to as an underactive thyroid, is a disorder featuring the diminished production of the thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism affects approximately 20 percent of women and 10 percent of men. Too often, the condition goes undiagnosed.

One of the leading causes of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency. The World Health Organization estimates that over 30% of the global population is iodine-deficient. Other nutrients that affect thyroid health include selenium, zinc, and iron.

Iodine food sources: seaweed, seafood, dairy, soy, supplements
Zinc food sources: seafood, poultry, eggs, legumes, soy, supplements
Iron food sources: beans, legumes, iron-fortified cereals, tofu, supplements

Recommended Daily Intake (RDI): Iodine, 150 micrograms (mcg); zinc, 15 mg; iron, 17-19 milligrams for women, 19-20.5 for men.

2. Limit exposure to stress

A certain level of stress is to be expected. At the right levels, stress can even be healthy for us. However, it is common in today’s “get up and go” society to merely accept excess stress as part of life. This is a mistake – and a potentially costly one.

Prolonged exposure to stress leads to the activation of metabolic resistance pathways, often causing insulin resistance and weight gain. The culprit behind such physical and psychological changes is the hormone cortisol. While a critical hormone for awareness and survival, high cortisol levels disrupt the normal functioning of the metabolic system and slows digestion.

The solution? Avoid unnecessary stress. While everyone is different, commonly-shared stressors include:

Toxic people
Unfulfilling work
Inability to let go
Regrets about the past
Financial distress

While a couple of these may be beyond your control at the moment, you do have alternatives to accepting unnecessary stress. We’re going to talk about relaxation techniques next.

3. Practice “active relaxation” every day.

Please understand this crucial point: you (and only you) can control your mind. It sure as heck doesn’t seem that way, does it? The reason is that we humans are afflicted with what the Japanese call “monkey mind.” Similar to how a monkey hops, moves, and swings around – the mind loves to jump from one thought to another to another.

It is also essential to understand the mind and body connection. Tension, shallow breathing, a stiff posture – all of these things directly affect the brain. Make it a practice to sit and stand in an upright and relaxed posture. Ease the tension in your shoulders and muscles. Repeat.

Active relaxation techniques include anything that takes your mind off of things. Get a massage, take a hot bath, or practice deep breathing.

Now, if you are seeking to alter and potentially master your mind, there is nothing better than regular meditation. Meditation is nothing more than paying attention to the present moment, usually while focusing on breathing deeply. Of course, there is much more to the discipline – and there is much to be gained by becoming a skilled practitioner; the most beneficial (and elusive!) being mind mastery.

4. Embrace a lifestyle of balanced diet and exercise.

As stated, diet and exercise are necessary for balancing hormones and weight loss. The problem is that many people think of diet and exercise as a short-term solution to a long-term problem. (“I just want to get this weight off.”)

No, no, no! The key to benefiting from proper exercise and diet is making it a non-negotiable part of your life. In other words, consider it a lifestyle, not a phase. Bearing this in mind, here are some pointers:

Maintain a balance: eat the right amounts of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. Studies show that a diet high in healthy fats and protein and low in refined carbs (e.g., sugar and starches) is most conducive to overall health.
Get your fiber: Fiber is necessary for healthy digestion and metabolism. Good sources of fiber include organic fruits and vegetables, whole wheat, bran flakes, and oats.
Get on the wagon: Too much booze causes all sorts of problems, including hormonal imbalances.
Try an active hobby: Play basketball, cycle, hike, swim, or something else. Exercise that is tediously boring can make it tough to stick with a routine.

Sources:
https://drhyman.com/blog/2016/08/05/how-to-fix-your-hormones-and-lose-weight/
https://www.rd.com/health/diet-weight-loss/trick-hormones-helping-lose-weight/

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