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Researchers Reveal Why People With Brown Eyes Are Trusted More

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The eyes have your attention from the moment you meet someone, but how much you are trusted may be as simple as being born with brown eyes. Research now reveals the reason behind our bias toward trusting brown-eyed people more than those with any other eye color.

Why we assess trustworthiness

Trust is huge when it comes to human daily social interactions. Whether or not we can extend our trust to share personal things about ourselves in conversation is something we assess in the first moments we meet another person. Will this individual be an ally or an enemy?

As our early human ancestors struggled for survival with limited food and resources, knowing who would help or hurt you could make the difference in being able to raise a future generation. Quick assessments of trustworthiness based on visible appearance were important to cave-dwelling warrior hunters, and snap judgments continue to be a social habit that we use in each interaction in modern society today.

But why would eye color affect whether or not we are trusted? If you yourself have a light eye color that was always previously complimented by others, do you now wonder if you are trusted less often than your dark-eyed peers or family members?

Here’s why people with brown eyes are trusted more

Researchers in an Australian study used personality questionnaires in their work, which revealed that dark eyed Northern Europeans are more agreeable and less competitive than their light-eyed counter parts. “The darker a North European’s eye color, the more likely they are to be altruistic, sympathetic to others and eager to help. Conversely, lighter eyed people are more likely to be observed as competitive, egocentric and skeptical of others intentions.” This bias toward brown-eyed people being trusted more may be simply a tendency toward being a more cooperative personality type than those who have light-colored eyes.

why people with brown eyes trusted more

Blue, brown, green and everywhere in between

It is noted from the moment we are born; eye color is one of the ways that government officials use to recognize distinguishing facial features. For example, they use eye color to identify us on state and federal photo ID cards and birth certificates.

In general, people with lighter colored eyes seem to be thought of as colder emotionally and less sociable than those with brown eyes. Blue and green are cooler colors compared with brown, which is a warm, earthy tone. People with lighter colored eyes are more genetically rare, so they tend to stand out, and as a result, they may be the victims of harmless staring.

Czechoslovakian researchers found that, although when surveyed, people rated brown-eyed people to be more trustworthy than other eye colors, but when pictures of faces were kept the same and only the eye color was changed, the level of trust was not different. Therefore, the researchers revealed in their conclusions that “the key to being perceived as trusting did not come from eye color but rather from facial characteristics that are shared by people with brown eyes.”

Men with brown eyes have a tendency to also have these facial traits:

• Wider chin shape
• Wider mouth
• Mouth has upward-pointing corners
• Wider, larger eyes
• More prominent eyebrows
• Eyebrows are closer together, may have connecting hair between brows

In general, the facial characteristics that were shared by men with brown eyes were considered to be more masculine and were rated more trustworthy.

The researchers note that people who have blue eyes share these common facial characteristics:

• Smaller eye size
• Eyes closer together
• Smaller mouth and lip size
• Mouth has downward-pointing corners

Cosmetic contact lenses might turn your blue, grey, hazel or green eyes brown, but it won’t likely make you trusted more. The lack of trust in light-eyed people seems likely due to a combination of competitive, dominant personality traits and smaller facial features that are less common among the larger population. We say love your eyes, no matter whether you are trusted, and see others with trust, the way you want to be seen.

https://youtu.be/4Zm8vwNCFmA

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/254866.php
http://discoveryeye.org/20-facts-eye-color-and-blinking/
http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0053285
https://s3.amazonaws.com/academia.edu.documents/32211994/Gardiner_Jackson__2010.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=AKIAIWOWYYGZ2Y53UL3A&Expires=1520016596&Signature=ppOOPmRksZNSXA%2Bt2oaYr76CLoA%3D&response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3DEye_Color_Predicts_Disagreeableness_in_N.pdf

How to Make Cinnamon Turmeric Tea to Flush Inflammation Naturally

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If you don’t already drink tea, you will probably want to after learning about the many benefits, especially when combined with cinnamon and turmeric to flush inflammation. These two ingredients, plus green tea make for a nutritionally powerful drink. It really tastes delicious! Below, we’ll go over the main health benefits of each ingredient first and then get into what you really want to know: how to make the tea!

Disclaimer: We suggest not combining turmeric with medications or other supplements that have an anticoagulant effect (blood thinners). Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you try any supplements.

Health benefits (besides lowering inflammation)

green tea

Green tea

Green tea’s powerful health benefits come from its high concentration of polyphenols – a potent antioxidant. This helps to neutralize free radicals (cell-damaging molecules) and fight chronic disease. With that said, green tea helps with the following:

– stabilizes blood sugar levels and prevents diabetes
– reduces inflammation in the gut that can cause diseases such as IBS or Crohn’s
– helps to prevent cancer
– lowers bad cholesterol and raises good cholesterol
– lowers the risk of heart disease
– improves liver health
– aids in weight loss
– reduces inflammation
– improves cognitive functioning

These are only a few of the many science-backed benefits of green tea. Still not convinced that you should drink it? Well, read on to learn about cinnamon’s and turmeric’s benefits!

Cinnamon

Astoundingly, researchers found that out of twenty-six of the most popular herbs and spices in the world, cinnamon comes in at #1 for its medicinal benefits and antioxidant levels! Here’s what cinnamon can do for your body:

– great source of manganese and calcium
– great source of antioxidants
– contains anti-inflammatory properties
– improves heart health
– fights diabetes
– protects brain function
– lowers cancer risk
– can fight allergies
– is a natural anti-fungal and anti-microbial agent
– boosts immune system

Turmeric

Turmeric has been used for over 4,000 years to treat various conditions. Studies show that turmeric may help fight infections and some cancers, reduce inflammation, and treat digestive problems. – University of Maryland Medical Center

Here are the six main benefits of turmeric:

– reduces inflammation
– reduces cancer risk
– aids digestion
– promotes brain and heart health
– helps to alleviate arthritis symptoms

Now that you know about these powerful natural ingredients, let’s learn how to make the tea!

How to make cinnamon turmeric iced tea to reduce inflammation:

joint inflammation

Ingredients

  • 1-2 Tbsp. black or green looseleaf tea (or a tea bag, depending on how you want to make it)
  • 1/4 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1/8 tsp. turmeric
  • 1 tsp.+ stevia, honey, or any type of sweetener you’d like
  • lemon slices, optional

Instructions – how to make inflammation lowering turmeric tea

  1. Add the tea, cinnamon, turmeric, and sweetener to the bottom of a french press. (Or, if using a tea bag, heat up a cup of water on the stove or microwave, and add the tea bag to the water. Let steep for a few minutes, then stir in other ingredients.)
  2. Add hot water to about the halfway point of the french press and let steep for 3-5 minutes, stirring once, then press. Let the mixture cool off, and then add ice cubes to your cup.
  3. Once it comes to room temperature, pour the tea into your mug and drink up! Don’t forget to add the lemon slice, if desired.

Sources:
BROOKS, M. (2014, APRIL 16). GREEN TEA’S IMPACT ON COGNITIVE FUNCTION NOW VISIBLE. RETRIEVED FROM HTTP://WWW.MEDSCAPE.COM/VIEWARTICLE/823690
UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND MEDICAL CENTER. GREEN TEA. RETRIEVED FROM HTTP://UMM.EDU/HEALTH/MEDICAL/ALTMED/HERB/GREEN-TEA
https://www.umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric

3 Signs Someone Is Suffering From Post Narcissist Stress Disorder (PNSD)

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Much like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PNSD is a disorder that occurs after living with a narcissist. Living with a narcissist can be extremely taxing on a person. Narcissists tend to be extremely manipulative and abusive. They will often gaslight their victims and make everything about their feelings.

After getting free of a narcissist’s influence, people can often experience a period of helplessness, anxiety, anger, or depression, much like what happens after a traumatic event. People with PNSD react much like people who have PTSD. There are three significant signs for someone suffering from Post Narcissist Stress Disorder.

What Is Narcissism?

Narcissism is a term from Greek mythology, where Narcissus, a beautiful but vain youth, fell in love with his reflection in a pool of water. In modern psychology, narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for admiration and attention.

A narcissist is someone who is preoccupied with themselves and their own needs. They may appear charming and charismatic, but a need for validation and attention drives their behavior. They have a distorted sense of self, seeing themselves as superior to others, and often believe they are entitled to special treatment.

pnsd

The Harmful Impact of a Narcissist Causes PNSD (Post Narcissistic Stress Disorder)

Narcissists can be difficult to deal with, both personally and professionally. Their behavior can harm those around them, causing emotional distress, interpersonal conflicts, and a range of other adverse outcomes.

Some of the ways that narcissists harm their victims include the following:

  • Emotional abuse: Narcissists may abuse emotionally by belittling, criticizing, and demeaning their victims. They may use tactics like gaslighting to manipulate the victim’s perception of reality and make them doubt their judgment.
  • Manipulation: Narcissists are skilled at manipulating others to get what they want. They may use flattery, lies, or threats to control their victims and get them to do their bidding.
  • Exploitation: Narcissists often see other people as objects to be used for their own benefit. They may exploit others financially, sexually, or in other ways.
  • Gaslighting: Narcissists may use gaslighting to make their victims doubt their memories and perceptions. They may deny events that occurred or distort them in a way that makes the victim feel like they are going crazy.
  • Isolation: Narcissists may isolate their victims from friends and family members, making them dependent on the narcissist for social support.
  • Blame-shifting: Narcissists often blame others for their problems and shortcomings. They may make their victims feel responsible for their own mistakes and failures, even when the victim had nothing to do with them.
  • Lack of empathy: Narcissists are often unable to empathize with others, making it difficult for them to understand or respond to the emotional needs of their victims.
  • Jealousy and envy: Narcissists may become envious of their victims, seeing them as a threat to their self-importance. They may sabotage the victim’s success or try to control their behavior to maintain their own sense of superiority.
  • Rage: Narcissists may become enraged when their sense of self-importance is challenged. They may lash out at their victims with verbal or physical abuse, or engage in passive-aggressive behavior to punish them.

Here Are 3 Signs Someone Is Suffering from Post Narcissist Stress Disorder

“Trauma is personal. It does not disappear if it is not validated. When it is ignored or invalidated the silent screams continue internally heard only by the one held captive.” – Danielle Bernock

1. Flashbacks can reveal PNSD

Much like PTSD, PNSD can also cause the survivor of the narcissist to have flashbacks to their time with them. This can happen for any reason. There are things called “triggers”, which can be any range of things. These triggers cause people to “flashback” to their time with the narcissist.

According to the Royal College of Psychiatrists Public Education Committee, “You find yourself re-living the event, again and again. This can happen both as a ‘flashback’ in the day and as nightmares when you are asleep. These can be so realistic that it feels as though you are living through the experience all over again.” Triggers can be certain smells, certain places, specific behavior, or even certain sounds or words.

Many people suffering from PNSD may have difficulty dealing with other people’s emotions because a narcissist will often fly into a rage at the drop of the hat. Someone suffering from PNSD may be triggered into a flashback when they perceive someone as being upset or angry with them. The survivor may also get flashbacks to periods of manipulation by the narcissist.

This may lead to extreme paranoia, where they wonder if the people around them are manipulating them. It may feel like they’re playing a game they can’t win, even if no one around them has an ulterior motive.

respect

2. Avoidance

Someone who is suffering from PNSD may become avoidant of any number of things. This avoidance may manifest in an avoidance of people, places, things, activities, or even emotions. Narcissists tend to control their victims, using manipulation and anger to keep someone under their control. Even once the survivor is free from the narcissist’s power, they may still exhibit PNSD in the form of avoidance.

Often, the survivor will avoid things that remind them of the narcissist’s anger or things they weren’t allowed to do while under the narcissist’s influence. They may also become emotionally avoidant. People who are victims of a narcissist will often be gaslighted into believing that their emotions are damaging to the narcissist. This may lead to someone with PNSD being distant from their emotions because they had to learn not to feel anything to survive the narcissist.

3. Difficulty returning to normal life

One of the major symptoms of both PTSD and PNSD is extreme difficulty returning to everyday life. For a person trying to return to day-to-day life after living with a narcissist, this may include anything from paranoia to panic attacks, to depression. Living with a narcissist can be extremely overwhelming, and someone who does so has to shift their expectations of day-to-day life.

They often have to learn to adapt to a “new normal.” Afterward, when they’re removed from the narcissist’s influence, the survivor may find it difficult to adjust to life again. They may have panic attacks or question their own memories and observations.

But there’s good news. According to Mayo Clinic, “Most people who go through traumatic events may have temporary difficulty adjusting and coping, but with time and good self-care, they usually get better.”

How to Help Someone Suffering from PNSD

Knowing the symptoms of PNSD can be incredibly helpful, especially when trying to figure out what can be done to aid a narcissist survivor. Here are some ways to make a survivor’s life easier and help them transition from living with a narcissist to living their lives again.

1. Listen

Survivors will want to tell their truth as they remember it. Allow them to speak. Listen to them and validate what they’re saying. WikiHow states, “Use active listening. Don’t interrupt but try to repeat what you hear in order to make sure you understand. Let the conversation end if it becomes too intense.”

Make sure they know that you hear them. It can be incredibly valuable to the healing process for a survivor to be heard.

2. Validate their emotions

They may be feeling all over the place, but the important part is they are feeling. Emotions aren’t “good” or “bad”. They’re neutral and important to our survival. If a survivor tells you that they’re feeling angry, or hurt, or afraid, listen to them. Then validate how they’re feeling. Even if the emotion isn’t appropriate for the situation, survivors often have to relearn how to use their emotions.

3. Support them

People who exit a relationship or living situation with a narcissist often have to build their support system from the ground up. “You can gently encourage and empower your loved one to start healing the rift by interacting with people and the world. Again, don’t push. Your loved one might resist, so simply promise to be there,” adds WikiHow.

Being there for them will mean more than you can imagine. Sometimes, all they need is someone to be there when things get rough. Even if you’re just there to offer a listening ear, you’ll make a world of difference.

pnsd

Final Thoughts on Helping Someone Recovering From PNSD

Dealing with a narcissist is a challenge. But it’s essential to help someone escape their grasp–the situation is not your loved one’s fault. It’s also important to encourage them to gain the support of a mental health professional to recover from the mental abuse. With time and support, it is possible to heal from the harm caused by a narcissist and help the victim move forward.


Scientists Explain Why Your Legs Cramp At Night (And How to Fix It)

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Per the Cleveland Clinic, when your legs cramp Nocturnal leg cramps (NLC) are pains that occur in the legs during the night that usually cause awakening from sleep. Though NLC most commonly arises while sleeping, they may also surface during periods of inactivity.

NLC generally target muscles in the calf area, but may spread to the feet or thighs; they can also be quite painful, creating the infamous and sudden ‘tightening and knotting’ symptoms. These symptoms may last anywhere from a few seconds up to several minutes.

Systematically having legs cramp is more common in adults over age 50 but may occur in younger adults and children. NLC appears to affect both sexes equally.

Differences between NLC and Restless legs syndrome (RLS)

‘Night leg cramps, also called nocturnal leg cramps, are painful, involuntary contractions or spasms of muscles in your legs, usually occurring when you’re in bed.’ ~ Mayo Clinic

NLC is not the same as restless legs syndrome or RLS. Symptom-wise, RLS creates a nagging discomfort as opposed to the sudden and relatively severe pain of NLC patients. Another RLS symptom different from those of NLC is the desire to move the legs for symptomatic relief.

Relatedly, movement of the legs often causes the symptoms of RLS to dissipate; this is not the case with NLC, in which the affected muscles must usually be stretched out to experience relief.

What makes leg cramps happen at night?

While the underlying cause(s) of NLC is not ascertainable, most cases wherein a person acquires the condition involves one of the following lifestyle habits:

– Prolonged periods of sitting
– Standing or working on concrete floors for extended amounts of time
– Over-exertion of the muscles
– Poor posture
– ‘Slouching’ instead of ‘sitting’

Pregnancy also appears to increase the occurrence of NLC.

care for your body

Medical conditions which positively correlate with NLC onset include:

– Alcoholism
– Dehydration
– Electrolyte disparities
– Endocrine disorders (e.g., diabetes, hypothyroidism)
– Kidney failure
– Metabolic problems
– Neuromuscular disorders (e.g., motor neuron disease, myopathy, neuropathy.)
– Structural conditions (e.g., ‘flat feet’, peripheral artery disease)
– Parkinson’s disease

Per the Mayo Clinic, if your legs cramp frequently, it is likely to be related to muscle fatigue and nerve problems.

The use of certain medications over a period, including beta-agonists, diuretics, and statins (blocks the production of cholesterol by the liver) may increase the risk of developing NLC.

Testing and Diagnosis

If your legs cramp during the evening hours, it is problematic for two reasons. First, and perhaps most importantly, NLC disrupts your sleep. Over the long term, the propensity to wake up when you should be sleeping may alter your circadian rhythm, throwing your sleep/wake cycle out of whack. Second, the pain can be quite severe; sometimes to the point where stretching and activating the muscles no longer seems to provide much relief.

Therefore, it may be necessary to see a licensed physician for testing and diagnosis (feel free to try the self-care tips first, though!) More than likely, the doctor will order lab work that includes tests for electrolyte imbalances.

The results will ultimately determine whether or not someone is diagnosed with NLC, RLS, or some other condition.

Preventing NLC (Self-care!)

Dehydration seems to be one of the leading causes of people who say their legs cramp at night – and is completely avoidable! With that in mind, make sure to drink plenty of fluids during the daytime. (Note: abstain from drinking too much water before bedtime, as the urge to go to the bathroom during sleeping hours won’t help.)

Speaking of pre-bedtime habits, get into the routine of stretching your leg muscles a few minutes before you go to bed. Riding a stationary bike for a few minutes may work, as well. Also, untuck any sheets or bed covers that may restrict foot movement.

Relief If Your Legs Cramp

The chances are high that, despite all of your (and/or the doctor’s) best efforts, nightly leg cramps may still happen –though they may be much rarer. In such instances, it’s helpful to have a few ideas for (hopefully!) immediate relief. Here are some suggestions:

– Take a brief warm shower or bath.
– Stand up, walk, and jiggle your affected leg(s).
– Massage the cramped muscles with your hands or with an ice pack.
– Lift the affected leg up and flex the foot upwards toward your head.

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) also recommends:

– Applying heat to muscles that feel tense or tight.
– Holding the leg in a stretched position until the cramping ceases.
– Stopping or strictly limiting any activity that may have caused the leg cramps (see above for a partial list.)
– Use of cold packs on tender or painful muscles.

Medical Treatment

Per Medical News Today, there is no prescription medicine recommended for cramps. Instead, an over-the-counter (OTC) pain-reliever may help. Please note that no medical evidence exists that demonstrates the effectiveness of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – Advil, Aleve, etc. – for NLC.

Supplement-wise, there is some evidence that calcium channel blockers, multivitamins, and vitamin B-12 may also help.

(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
Sources:
http://mustseecenter.com/legs-cramp-night-stop-happening-ever/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14170-leg-cramps-at-night/management-and-treatment
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/night-leg-cramps/basics/when-to-see-doctor/sym-20050813
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/180160.php
https://www.medicinenet.com/statins/article.htm

Psychologists Explain 5 Ways To Show Compassion to Someone With A Mental Illness

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So many people suffer silently from mental illnesses, but they shouldn’t have to. Recent reports have shown that one in five people have a mental illness diagnosis. People don’t hesitate to tell others if they need treatment or medication for cancer or diabetes. But when it comes to mental illness, many still keep their struggles hidden. Too many people commit suicide because they feel they can’t deal with life anymore and that no one cares about them. However, if we all showed more compassion and understanding to one another, maybe those people would want to stay in this world. Maybe they would regain a sense of hope in humanity.

1 in 5 Adults has been diagnosed with a varying degree of mental illness. That’s over forty million Americans, more than the populations of New York and Florida combined.

You never know what people struggle with in their own heads. So it only makes sense to show kindness to everyone. Think of how different the world would look if we filled it with love, peace, and understanding instead of hate, violence, and disregard. It’s no wonder that mental illnesses have been on the rise worldwide; our external world is full of chaos, stress, disconnection, and increasing responsibility, so how can one’s internal world remain calm?

If you know someone with a mental illness, try to keep the following things in mind because each day is a new battle for them.

Here are 5 ways to show compassion to someone with a mental illness:

mental illness

1. Be there for them.

There’s no denying that supporting someone with a mental illness can be tough. Their symptoms might frustrate or tire you. But remember that they are the ones that have to live with the illness. They have to live with their minds every day, which is beyond frustrating for them. Allow them space and comfort to open up about their struggles whenever possible. Maybe refer them to a therapist who could help, or look up some free online resources for them to look at.

People with mental illnesses should not be shunned and made to feel weaker or inferior; they need love and support just like everyone else, and sometimes, just listening and showing kindness could save their life.

2. Take their mind off the illness.

People are more than just their illness; sometimes, they have difficulty seeing that. Depending on the illness, they might withdraw from social activities and not have much energy to go places. If you know they don’t get out much and don’t have many friends, maybe take them on a fun outing. They might find a temporary distraction from their pain.

According to a blog (now deleted) on PsychCentral by Támara Hill, MS, LPC, “This is called reframing. Reframing is a great psychological tool because it takes a negative statement and puts a positive or more accurate spin on things. For example, instead of saying “you need to get out more, all you do is isolate” you can say “I read in an article that the best way to treat depression is by getting out sometimes and doing something you enjoy. Why not join me for dinner tonight?”

compassion for mental illness

3. Learn about their illness.

Without knowing the ins and outs of what someone goes through, you can’t really “take a walk in their shoes.” However, educating yourself about the illness will show them that you sincerely care about them and will give you a greater understanding of their mental disorder. Once you know why they act or think the way they do, showing compassion will seem easier because you’re armed with knowledge about the illness.

For example, if you once got angry at your friend with social anxiety for canceling plans on you last minute, you might have greater compassion the next time they do that because you’ll know that social outings and situations are very difficult for them.

4. Check up on them.

Everyone wants to feel cared about, but people with mental illnesses just need a little extra love and attention. Maybe they didn’t get the support they deserved as a child, which makes it difficult for them to lead a “normal” adult life. You don’t know their past, but you can treat them like they deserve in the present. Call a couple of times a week. A check-in can greatly impact their self-worth and well-being, especially if they live alone and don’t get out much. Knowing that someone out their cares about them can make it a bit easier to live with their condition.

5. Let them know they aren’t alone.

From the same article referenced above, Mrs. Hill said, “It’s wonderful when we can join with someone and make them feel supported and loved. The healing process or recovery process is always more successful when the person feels loved, supported, and understood. When you make someone feel like you are on their team, they are more likely to be motivated to succeed.”

No one should have to suffer alone, but sadly, many people with mental illnesses do. Restore a person’s faith in humanity; instead of telling them “You’ll get through this,” help them get through it. If we all simply cared about bringing others up instead of primarily looking after ourselves, the world would look a lot different. People need to feel like they belong somewhere. So if you can make someone suffering feel even a little more included, you might just change their whole outlook on life.

5 Behaviors That Reveal Someone Is Sabotaging Themselves (Without Knowing It)

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Why would someone deliberately be sabotaging themselves? Why would someone knowingly get in their own way?

There are only two possible explanations. First, they’ve reached a sort of rock-bottom, and don’t want to care anymore. Second (and far more likely), they wouldn’t knowingly do these things!

Yet, sabotaging oneself happens all of the time – and our own mind is often to blame.

Check and see if you identify with any of the following thoughts:

“I’m not good enough.”

“I don’t belong.”

“It’s too hard.”

“I’ll do it later.”

Self-sabotage most often happens when we lack self-belief, we fear failure, or when we fail to exercise self-discipline. Indeed, we can be our own worst enemy.

Once again – and this is a critical point – YOUR MIND IS THE CULPRIT.

Here are five potential signs that someone is unintentionally sabotaging themselves:

“You will never have a greater or lesser dominion than that over yourself … the height of a man’s success is gauged by his self-mastery; the depth of his failure by his self-abandonment.” ~ Leonardo da Vinci

1. They Procrastinate

Procrastination is perhaps the most prominent saboteur of human beings. Making a habit of putting things off that one deems hard, boring, or otherwise unpleasant is as ubiquitous as it is personally damaging.

The solution is simple but, of course, not easy. And that is to be mindful of what you’re doing – no matter if the task is big or small. Be mindful of personal points of struggle; identify the behaviors and triggers which prevent you from completing a task or goal.

giving up quote

2. They Overspend

Overspending is a consequence of deeply ingrained subconscious programming. People who overspend place too much emphasis and importance on instant gratification, and not enough on the long-term good that comes from being financially diligent.

Breaking the habit of overspending is hard because it’s so entrenched in the subconscious. The urge to spend is overwhelmingly strong because the human mind is wired to put instant gratification first.

The undeniably tricky solution is multifaceted: know your spending triggers and avoid them, track every dollar spent, and – perhaps most important – resolve to be financially free.

3. They Focus on the Negative

While we all have an innate negativity bias, people who always seem to sabotage themselves are almost always more negative than most. Have you ever seen the Saturday Night Live skit “Debbie Downer?” Well, Debbie, played brilliantly by Rachel Dratch, takes every positive situation and manages to turn it into a depression-fest.

The solution is to make a note of your negative thoughts when you’re not feeling particularly good about things. Then, challenge yourself on each of these thoughts based on the evidence; the odds are that there’s not much substance to these self-defeating patterns of thought.

4. They’re Chronically Disorganized

Audrey Sherman, Ph.D., writes: “Although it appears to be a mundane sort of thing, I find disorganization and chaos to be one of the biggest problems reported by depressed and anxious individuals. Emotional baggage has a way of building up, and then expressing itself in an outward display of turmoil — as if a tornado had let loose in your brain and your surroundings.”

Disorganization can create problems in just about every area of our life, personally and professionally. Biologically, disorganization creates stress – and stress chemicals create irritability and panic.

The first step to solving the disorganization problem is identifying the major stressors. Is it time management, clutter, overwhelm, or something else? Second, create a sense of organization (and peace of mind) by writing down step-by-step how to solve each of the problems listed in step one. Lastly, take a deep breath and execute your plans.

5. They Have Very Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is a huge saboteur. Without a sense of confidence or self-worth, an individual can be overcome with doubt; hesitating in the face of even the faintest opposition.

On the other hand, a positive mental attitude and understanding one’s worth can reap benefits far beyond the material. While this may take some time, practice daily affirmations and focus on the positive things you’ve done in your life.

You’re not dumb.

You’re not undeserving.

You ARE worth it.

And always remember that the only opinion that matters of yourself is your own. The truth is that most people are far too busy being self-occupied than to pay you more than a moment’s attention. So ,don’t let the ignorance of others influence how you see yourself.

Sources:
https://blogs.psychcentral.com/dysfunction/2016/06/the-link-between-disorganization-depression-and-anxiety/
https://suzie81speaks.com/2016/11/15/how-to-stop-sabotaging-yourself/

5 Things To Never Do During A Spiritual Awakening

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A spiritual awakening means something different to everyone, one common understanding of it is simply believing in more than just yourself. For some, it’s trusting your gut or intuition more.  And for others, it’s even deeper – to begin to look past the physical limitations of this reality, and focus on going within to connect to what some call God, Source, Higher self, etc. A spiritual awakening can lead one down a road to higher understanding of themselves and their placement within this crazy world, and for many, they couldn’t imagine their lives without faith in something being the centerpiece.

However, along this road toward enlightenment, inner peace, greater understanding, or whatever you’d like to achieve, you might find yourself getting lost along the way. This is perfectly normal, of course, but please try to stray away from the following things that will only hinder your growth.

5 Things To Never Do During A Spiritual Awakening

1. Staying stuck in the past or future.

One common facet of spirituality is focusing on mindfulness, or being fully aware of the present moment. However, we cannot do that if we remain entrenched in the past or future. If we focus too much on times already gone or times not even here yet, we will wreak havoc on our inner peace. To gain inner peace, we must fully let go and embrace the present.

So, on your spiritual journey, we hope you will remember to lose yourself in the moment you have right now, and forget about moments gone or moments that haven’t yet arrived. Much of spirituality lies in going with the flow and not trying to control your surroundings, anyway.

2. Being too hard on yourself.

Along this path, you might find yourself being hyperaware of your own thoughts and actions, so much so that you start to judge yourself too harshly. While being conscious of the self is a big part of spirituality, you have to learn to simply watch yourself as a mindful observer, and not judge what you might hear or see. We live in a very judgmental world, but you have to learn to let go of these man-made judgements and pre-conceived ideas of who and what you should be. 

Your spiritual journey should not be about achieving perfection; rather, it should be about learning to love yourself IN SPITE of those imperfections that make you, you. Don’t believe what anyone else tells you about spirituality – it’s your own personal journey, and no one can tell you how to traverse it but you.

3. Feeling guilty about how you live your life.

When you start to delve deeper into your spiritual awakening, you might find that your ideals and morals have changed a bit. Thus, you find yourself at odds with certain people in your life, because they have gotten so used to the old you that they don’t really know how to deal with the “new” you. Of course, this is the natural course of life, as people change and find what makes them happy. However, don’t feel guilty about your life just because it doesn’t click with those around you. 

Maybe in your spiritual journey, you’ve found that you want to simplify your life, and live off-the-grid to get closer to nature, God, or whatever you call the center of your spirituality. If this makes your heart happy, you have to follow it, regardless of what others may think. You have to live your life for you, not for others.

gut instinct

4. Comparing yourself with others.

This sort of goes along with the previous point – don’t ever judge yourself against other people. You will either disappoint yourself, or allow your ego to become inflated. Neither of these things will help you in your spiritual journey; rather, they will hinder you. Your spiritual journey is highly personal, and totally unique to you. Therefore, it’s both unwise and irrational to compare yourself to others, because you have to move at your own pace in life. 

Related article: 7 Things That Can Cause A Spiritual Awakening

Someone might seem more spiritually advanced than you, but who’s really to say? Only you can judge yourself at the end of the day, so make sure to simply focus on your own life and do what you have to in order to feel fulfilled within yourself.

5. Not allowing yourself to feel emotions.

A common belief you’ll come across in your spiritual path is that we should strive to not let our emotions overpower us, instead becoming the watchful observer of our thoughts and feelings. However, this doesn’t mean to stifle your emotions so that you become a ticking time bomb. If you don’t deal with your emotions, you’ll have to later, and they will only gain strength from being bottled up for so long. Say what you need to say, feel what you need to feel. No apologies, and no feeling guilty. We are all human, and therefore have a wide spectrum of emotions. In order to feel alive, we must deal with how we feel now, and not bury our emotions just because we don’t want to face them.

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How to Flush Gas And Bloating From Your Stomach With Just Four Ingredients

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One in ten Americans states that they suffer from bloating regularly, even when they haven’t eaten a large meal (say, a Thanksgiving feast).

Sometimes, bloating can become severe enough that it causes a noticeable swelling of the abdomen. Gas and bloating are usually diet-related, so you may find that a few simple changes to what you eat will do the trick. Still, if your stomach fails to settle, there’s no need to rush to the doctor or pharmacy (yet!)

In this article, we’ll talk about four natural ingredients – essential oils, to be exact. These may help relieve those gas and bloating episodes. We’ll wrap things up by making suggestions that may help.

What causes bloating?

Several things may instigate episodes of bloating and gassiness. Here are some common offenders:

  • Beans and lentils: These foods contain sugars called oligosaccharides, which bacteria must break down in the gut before they can be digested.
  • Certain fruits and veggies: Certain vegetables contain a fair amount of starch, including Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and carrots, which can create a gassy feeling. Fruits high in natural sugars, like apricots and prunes, may also contribute to gassiness and bloat.
  • Dairy products: Lactose, or milk sugar, can be a source of bloating and intestinal discomfort if you’re sensitive to it. More than likely, you already know if you’re lactose intolerant.
  • Sweeteners: Fructose, a natural sugar added to many processed foods, is difficult for many people to digest. Sorbitol, an artificial sweetener, can’t be digested. Both can create serious bloating trouble, so be aware of them the next time you eat. Try to limit the amount of fructose and sorbitol that you consume daily.
  • Whole grains: Natural grains contain many health benefits but can sometimes cause bloating and gas troubles. Fiber is an indigestible carbohydrate that, when consumed in large amounts, can create bloating, gas, and even constipation. This is one reason nutritionists do not recommend the sudden, sharp increase of fiber in one’s diet. Instead, slowly adding fiber and giving your body a period to adjust is a better option. Additionally, consume plenty of water, as H2O can help prevent the fiber from absorbing too much water within the digestive tract.

care for your body

Here are four ingredients that can help with gas and bloating

Now that we’ve discussed some potential food culprits, let’s discuss some essential oils that may help ease your tummy troubles.

1. Chamomile Oil

Chamomile oil has been shown to help reduce intestinal inflammation and ease pains brought on by cramping. This herbal extract may also help relieve diarrhea, chronic heartburn, loss of appetite, nausea, motion sickness, and vomiting. Though more research must be conducted, chamomile oil may also help rid the body of toxins.

2. Cumin Oil

Some believe that cumin oil works wonders for intestinal cramps and general pain in the stomach. It may also help with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and flatulence. Pregnant women should not use cumin oil. Nor should anyone spend time in the sunlight right after applying it.

3. Ginger Oil

Per Medical News Today, the potential health benefits of ginger include relieving motion sickness, nausea, lack of appetite, and pain. Ginger is also known for its carminative properties, which help to reduce flatulence, gassiness, and abdominal discomfort.

4. Peppermint Oil

Of the four oils mentioned here, peppermint oil is the most proven to help relieve gas and bloating. Whether taken in capsule form or applied and rubbed onto the skin, peppermint may help calm stomach muscles and reduce pain from cramping. It also helps eliminate gassiness.

10 Easy Ways to Prevent and Treat Receding Gums

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Gum recession is the medical term describing when the margin of gum tissue surrounding the tooth pulls back, exposing more of the tooth, or its root. Receding gums can produce noticeable gaps, making it easy for disease-causing bacteria to build up.

If left untreated, the supporting tissue and bone structures of the teeth can be severely damaged, and may ultimately result in tooth loss.

Receding gums is a common dental problem because of its subtle onset. In fact, most people don’t know they have gum recession because it occurs so gradually. Generally, the first sign of gum recession is usually tooth sensitivity. Alternatively, one may notice a tooth appears longer than surrounding teeth. A little bump or ‘notch’ may be felt near the gum line.

Why Do Gums Recede?

There are many explanations as to why gums may start to recede; these include:

Genetic predisposition: Genetics account for many of the health conditions to which human beings are suspect – and dental health is no different. Studies show that more than 30 percent of the population is at risk for gum disease strictly because of their genetic makeup.

Harsh tooth brushing: Brushing your teeth too hard may cause the enamel of your teeth to wear away, leading to receding gums.

Inadequate dental care: Irregular brushing, flossing, and rinsing, in essence, invite bacteria to reside in your mouth. Accumulation of bacteria leads to tartar – a hardened substance that can only be removed via teeth cleaning.

Hormonal transitions: Fluctuations in female hormone levels throughout a woman’s lifetime, including menopause, pregnancy, and puberty, may cause the gums to become more sensitive; which then may lead to gum recession.

Periodontal diseases: Bacterial gum infections destroy gum tissue and the bone that surrounds the tissue. Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is the leading cause of gum recession.

10 Natural Ways to Treat Receding Gums

Now, let’s shift our focus onto ten rather easy and natural ways to treat gum recession! Here they are:

1. Sea Salt Rinse

Simply rinsing your mouth with a warm water and salt mix is one of the easiest methods for easing gum recession, pain, and inflammation.

Just dissolve a small amount of sea salt into a cup of warm water, swish the mix in your mouth for about 15 seconds and spit it out. Repeat 2-3 times daily for best results.

2. Sesame Seed Oil Rinse

Also known as ‘oil pulling’ in Ayurvedic medicine, rinsing with sesame seed oil produces some excellent benefits. Sesame oil possesses potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Swish one tablespoon of sesame oil for about 15 minutes, or until the oil becomes thinner. Spit out the liquid and rinse your mouth with fresh water. Repeat daily for approximately one month.

3. Chamomile Tea

The chamomile flower has some serious antiseptic properties and helps to reduce the inflammation accompanying gum disease and recession.

Add 2-3 teaspoons of chamomile tea mix into a cup of hot water. Allow the mix to steep for about 10 minutes; strain and cool. Repeat the process three times a day for as long as necessary.

teeth whitening

RELATED: 5 Ways to Whiten Teeth Naturally

4. Tea Tree Oil

Similar to other ingredients on this list, tea tree oil has some awesome antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. A 2008 Australian study concludes that regular application of tee tree oil reduces gum bleeding and gingivitis.

Add 1-2 drops of tea tree oil on your toothbrush, or mix it in with your toothpaste. That’s it! Continue to brush using this essential oil two times a day for a few weeks.

5. Coconut Oil

While we’re on an “oil kick,” here’s another useful tidbit: coconut oil is useful as an effective treatment for gum disease! When mixed with baking soda, coconut oil helps to rid your mouth of bacteria-causing acids.

Simply mix two tablespoons of both coconut oil and baking soda. This mixture will serve as a toothpaste replacement once or twice per week until the problem subsides.

6. Myrrh Mix

Myrrh isn’t talked about much as an oral treatment, which is a shame considering that it’s highly recommended as a remedy for sore gums.

Put 10 to 12 drops of myrrh tincture into a cup of warm water. You’ll use this mix as a mouth rinse for your normal brushing routine.

7. Cranberry Juice

Cranberry juice is highly concentrated with vitamin C and makes for an excellent antioxidant in treating oral problems. Specifically, cranberry juice has shown to be effective in fending off receding gums and oral infections. Studies demonstrate that low intake of vitamin C is linked to higher risk of periodontal disease.

Simply drinking four ounces of cranberry juice per day may help prevent bacteria from accumulating and hardening into the teeth. Other excellent sources of ‘C’ include oranges, grapefruit, lemons, strawberries, papaya, broccoli, and red pepper.

8. Green Tea

Known for its age-fighting composites, green tea was found by Japanese scientists to help promote healthy teeth and gums. One study, published in the Journal of Periodontology, found that drinking a cup of green tea each day decreased periodontal pocket depth, improved the attachment of the gums to the teeth, and reduced gum bleeding. In fact, the more cups of green tea consumed, the better the results.

Green tea, along with cranberry juice, may just be the two best products we can drink to promote gum health.

9. Septilin

Spetilin is an Ayurvedic medicine shown to strengthen immunity. This traditional medicine is a mix of compounds that, in addition to supporting a healthy immune system, also reduce inflammation.

A study published in the Journal of Periodontal Implant Science found that dietary supplementation with Septilin improves periodontal treatment outcomes in just three weeks.

10. Flossing

Okay, we’re breaking the mix/compound/rinse/oil mold here with this last item. But flossing with an all-natural material helps reduce bacteria and plaque almost as well as oil pulling.

It isn’t necessary to floss every day, either. Flossing a couple of times per week, as well as maintaining good oral hygiene, may be enough to ward off gum recession.

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