Thursday, February 18, 2016

POWERFUL AFFIRMATIONS TO HELP TREAT DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

POWERFUL AFFIRMATIONS TO HELP TREAT DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

If you are new to affirmations, you’ll find our “How to Practice Affirmations” guide below very helpful.  Repeat these positive affirmations, begin to believe them and you’ll see results!

1. I love myself unconditionally.

 2. I am STRONG!

3. I allow only healthy and loving relationships into my life.

4. Life wants the best for me. I am OK with where I am right now.

5. I am connected and comfortable in all environments, with all people.

6. I find and enjoy the simple pleasures life is offering right now.

7. How I feel matters, therefore I concentrate on aspects of life that make me feel good!

8. My challenges bring me better opportunities.

9. My mood creates a physiological response in my body. I am peaceful and positive!

10. I am in control of my thoughts and my life.

11. I love myself and who I am.

COMMON PLACES UNHAPPY PEOPLE LOOK FOR HAPPINESS

Happiness is a choice, not an outcome of a situation. Happiness relies solely on you and your decision in a moment, and depends on your outlook on life. Happiness comes when you learn to stay in the Now, rather than live in the future. Happiness is simply a byproduct of accepting the present and allowing life to unfold as it should. Happiness is not a destination, but a journey.

Happy people know all of these things, but unhappy people constantly seek things outside themselves for fulfillment.

HERE ARE 7 COMMON PLACES UNHAPPY PEOPLE LOOK FOR HAPPINESS:
1. YOUR NEXT VACATION

Most people exude happiness when planning a vacation, and why shouldn’t they? Thinking about traveling to a faraway place, seeing new lands, meeting the locals and learning about a new culture would excite anybody – but what happens when you get back? The problem with relying on a future trip for happiness is that eventually, the trip is over, and reality sets back in. You have to get back to work, responsibilities, and the daily grind. Of course, everyone should attempt to travel at some point in their lives, because traveling allows you to get outside your comfort zone and learn about new places and cultures.

However, happy people realize that their contentment shouldn’t be vested solely in vacations. They find happiness in their everyday routines and love their lives in such a way that vacation is simply an added bonus to their already rewarding lives.

2. MATERIAL POSSESSIONS
“Collect memories, not things.” – Unknown

Retail therapy is a common place for unhappy people to look for happiness. It’s fast, easily attainable, instantly gratifying, and most importantly, satisfies our ego. Our egos always want more, because they survive off of the acquisition of more stuff. However, the temporary high we get from attaining more material items quickly fades, and we are left with an empty feeling, needing more stuff to feel happy again. This endless cycle keeps many people heading to shopping malls to fill a deeper void in their lives, rather than facing the problem head on. Unhappy people cover up this void with the latest gadgets and clothes, thinking that happiness is found in material gain.

However, happy people know that true gratification is found in lasting pursuits, such as following dreams, building relationships, and contributing to society in a valuable way. Trade a trip to the mall for a trip with your family to your favorite spot in nature; you’ll find more fulfillment in making memories than spending money on things that lose their value in only a few weeks.

3. IN OTHER PEOPLE
“To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” – Oscar Wilde

Relationships can bring great happiness – you confide in your significant other and share a life with him or her, bond with your children over bedtime stories and heart-to-heart talks, and look to your friends for advice when you go through a rough patch in life. Relationships are essential to humanity, providing us with companionship, love, and joy. However, depending on others to make you happy means that you place all your worth in how much attention others give you.

Being truly happy means developing a healthy relationship with yourself first, and being able to share that happiness with others. All relationships in life are simply a reflection of your relationship with yourself. Happy people practice self-love and have clear goals and dreams in life. Happy people don’t look for others to complete them, instead view their relationship with others as a way to enhance their lives. Unhappy people look to others as a source of happiness, but when the person leaves, the happiness does too. Find happiness within, and it will never leave.

4. IN YOUR BANK ACCOUNT
“Money is numbers and numbers never end. If it takes money to be happy, your search for happiness will never end. – Bob Marley



It’s easy to get caught up in how much money you have, because living can be expensive. However, you won’t find happiness in your wallet, your paycheck, or your bank account. The wealthiest people are usually some of the unhappiest people, so that proves that happiness does not increase with more income. More money usually means more to worry about, more taxes to pay, more bank accounts to monitor, more insurance to buy, and generally, more of everything. Having more money usually creates less happiness, ironically.  Happy people are thankful for what they have, and do not desire anything more. They understand that happiness comes from loving life as is rather than desiring more money. You can’t take money with you when you die, and having more of it now usually means you had to sacrifice precious time to make additional income.

Instead of placing value in having a large bank account, focus on having lots of memories and experiences, and take large doses of laughter each day. Money is fleeting, but memories last forever.

5. THE PERFECT LIFE SITUATION
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass…It’s about learning to dance in the rain.” – Vivian Greene

The pursuit of perfection is never-ending, unless you choose to change your idea of flawlessness. If you always seek perfection in life and are never satisfied with how things are, how will you be satisfied with life in the future? What if life never seems perfect in your eyes? The truth is, the idea of perfection is relative. Perfection exists if you wish it to, meaning that any situation can be perceived as perfect. You may never have the “perfect” job, “perfect” house or “perfect” family, but you can change your mind about them and find beauty in the imperfect. Unhappy people wait for perfection before they are happy, but happy people make the best of each situation, finding something positive in the darkest of places.

Life naturally has ups and downs; this rollercoaster makes us better able to appreciate the good by experiencing the bad If you want to be happier, embrace your life and learn to look at it as a story constantly unfolding; you don’t have to know the ending to be happy with the middle and beginning.

6. RECOGNITION FROM OTHERS
“What the superior man seeks is in himself; what the small man seeks is in others.” – Confucius

Relying on others to approve our decisions or give us praise for something we’ve accomplished usually leads to disappointment, because people don’t always notice. They might be too busy, forget to reply to your text or email, or even refuse to recognize your accomplishments due to jealousy. Whatever the reason, looking outside yourself for approval often leads to unhappiness, because your ego needs others to validate your achievements constantly. It is never satisfied, and feeds on continual attention from others.

Learning to pat yourself on the back without relying on others to fuel your confidence will teach you self-reliance, as well as show you that the most reliable source of praise comes from within. If others aren’t around to take note of your latest triumph, you always will be. Unhappy people need others to give them recognition, whereas self-actualized, happy people give themselves validation and look at any compliments outside themselves as humbling reminders of what they already know.

7. BEING FAMOUS
“With fame, you know, you can read about yourself, somebody else’s ideas about you, but what’s important is how you feel about yourself – for survival and living day to day with what comes up.” — Marilyn Monroe
Many people get motivated at the chance of getting famous; they think by gaining fame and attention, that their business will grow, they will be more liked, they will have more money, and life will be much more enjoyable. Celebrities glorify fame, making it seems glamorous and appealing for many reasons. People fight to take pictures with them, rush to stores to buy their latest products, and even want to be them. However, you shouldn’t wait to be famous to be happy. What if fame never comes? You should learn to be happy with your friends and family you have now, who love and support you and want to see you happy.

Unhappy people seek fame as a way to feed their ego, looking at others’ opinions as paths to eternal happiness. However, happy people don’t look at fame as a means to an end, but rather, a possible byproduct of living life to the fullest each day and following their hearts.

COMMONLY TOXIC HABITS THAT DRAIN YOUR ENERGY

Energy drink companies have managed to seriously profit off of an underlying, systemic problem within our society: a lack of energy. This lethargy that many of us experience is a by-product of a get-up-and-go society – one in which we must work more to earn less – all while still managing our daily obligations. It is more common nowadays for someone to have two jobs, get less sleep, and have less leisure and family time. In other words, there are too many things to do and not enough time to do them.

While the current economic trends do not show any signs of changing, there are things that we can do to increase, conserve, and expend our energy more wisely. One aspect of this is recognizing and abstaining from toxic, energy-draining habits.

HERE ARE 11 COMMONLY TOXIC HABITS THAT DRAIN YOUR ENERGY:
1. WORRYING ABOUT THE INSIGNIFICANT
We’ve all hear this phrase before: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.” This is simple in theory, but difficult in practice.

Worry and anxiety go together like peas and carrots. Like many of our tendencies, worry is genetically encoded in our DNA. The only difference is, while our ancient ancestors worried about being attacked in the wild, we worry about our jobs, families, health, money, and a multitude of other things.

The answer lies in separating the significant from the insignificant worry. If a legitimate concern needs rectifying, then take action ASAP. On the other hand, realize that the fly buzzing around your keyboard will probably go away, just like any other tiny worry.

 2. ALLOWING THE PAST TO RULE
You may indeed have experienced some very difficult situations in the past. Some of us have even experienced trauma from these events.

Here’s the thing: you will never fully embrace your present and future without confronting the past. To confront the past, you must first realize the importance of doing so. Underlying emotional and mental complications require the seeking of either personal or professional (therapeutic/medical) help.

Once you’ve realized its importance and perhaps even sought help, you must let go of the past and focus on the future. Realize two things: (1) you are stronger than you think, and (2) you are stronger having gone through the fire. You are now more prepared to encounter whatever challenges may face you going forward.

 3. RESISTING CHANGE AND GROWTH
Resisting change and growth can usually be traced to feelings of losing control and excess uncertainty.

There really is no other solution other than to realize your potential, and then focus your efforts on reaching your potential. This includes focusing, day in and day out, on each small task until you reach your goals. Eventually, this task-oriented focus becomes a habit, manifesting itself into achievement and success.

4. PARTICIPATING IN DRAMA AND NEGATIVITY
Drama and negativity can be internal or external; in isolation or in the company of others. Regardless of its orientation, drama and negativity is detrimental to your energy.

If its source is internal, remember that you are not your negative thoughts. Our brains are incredibly complex and, as result, much of our thinking is impulsive in nature. The secret is in understanding this simple fact and allowing these thoughts to simply fade away.

If external, eliminate the source – stop hanging around and allowing negative people into your inner circle. Lend an ear if needed, but don’t participate in the negativity or the drama.

 5. USING FEAR AS AN EXCUSE
comfort-zone-change

Fear can be the reason that you are not achieving what you want. Rationally confronting fear is one of the best ways to not only manage your energy, but achieve success.

Often, fear is as automatic as negative thinking. When you take conscious control over your thoughts and confront fear, you are in essence making yourself stronger. The answer lies in taking action towards what you want in life…effectively putting fear in the distant background

 6. TAKING THINGS PERSONALLY
Being social creatures, we often define ourselves through the relationships that we have. These relationships will vary in effectiveness and intimacy. In other words, there are people that we just “connect” with, and those that we don’t.

A lack of connection with someone does not necessarily mean that they dislike you personally…often times this isn’t the case. There is probably a difference in personality, social interaction, or something else. Don’t take things personally.

7. REMAINING ON AUTO-PILOT
Being present is a habit; something that is a skill to be learned and one that innately resides in us.

Being mindful is not difficult, remembering to be mindful is. But when we remember to be mindful, we increase our happiness and energy.

8. HOLDING ONTO ANGER AND RESENTMENT
Anger and resentment generally ties into living in the past. These are negative, “autopilot” emotions and thoughts that can be discarded.

Anger and resentment are extremely counterproductive to your energy and is not worth the mental and physical cost. Let go of anger and resentment, and you free yourself up for some positive energy.

9.BEING IN NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTS
Continually subjecting yourself to a negative environment; whether it’s work, home, or somewhere else, shouldn’t be acceptable to you. You need to consciously take control of the situation and make a change for the better.

Start with taking some small, proactive steps to get yourself out of the current situation. For example, if work is draining your energy or ambition, spend an hour each day applying for jobs or updating your resume. If your kids are getting into trouble at school, spend some time discussing the importance of education with them. Taking the first step is often the most difficult when making a significant change in your environment, but one that is well worth doing.

10. NOT GETTING PROPER NUTRITION
Food is fuel for our brains…literally. Mass-produced, packaged, processed food is saturated with fat, sugar, salt, and preservatives that are harmful to your brain and body.

A WebMD study suggests adding some ‘superfoods’ to your diet to increase your odds of maintaining a healthy brain. Some examples: blueberries, salmon, nuts and seeds, avocado, whole grains, beans, pomegranate juice, and even dark chocolate.

The benefits of these foods range from increased energy a reduced risk of serious disorders such as dementia and heart disease.

 11. NOT GETTING ENOUGH SLEEP
No surprise here…our hectic lives (again) negatively affect a must-have: sleep.

Simply put: sleep is absolutely essential to brain health, energy, and physical health. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) links sleep deficiency to an increased risk of heart disease, kidney disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stroke.


The NHLBI recommends at minimum 7-8 hours of sleep a day. However you may need to arrange your schedule, make sure to accommodate for this. Doing so will increase your energy, efficiency, and overall wellbeing.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

HABITS FOR GRANTING THEM A LONG, HAPPY, HEALTHY LIFE

Centenarian population has been on the rise the past few decades, growing from 32, 194 people who lived to see their 100th birthday in the 1980s to 53, 364 centenarians in 2010, according to the Census Bureau. So, what secrets does this relatively small group of people harbor for accomplishing the incredible feat of living to such a ripe age?

MANY OF THEM CREDIT THESE HABITS FOR GRANTING THEM A LONG, HAPPY, HEALTHY LIFE:
1. CULTIVATE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE.
In a 2012 study published in the journal Aging, researchers from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that out of 243 centenarians assessed, all of them had upbeat, optimistic, easygoing personalities. However, this one should come as no surprise – a pessimistic attitude drains you of vital energy and can even decrease your lifespan due to the shortening of telomeres, or the “end caps” of DNA strands. If you don’t already, practice developing a positive outlook on life if you want to increase your longevity and possibly become a centenarian yourself!

2. LAUGH OFTEN.
In the same journal referenced above, researchers from several prestigious universities discovered that the same 243 centenarians did more than just have a good attitude – they considered laughter an important part of life, too. Find reasons to laugh on a daily basis; not taking life so seriously could actually add some years to your lifespan.

3. FOLLOW YOUR UNIQUE LIFE PURPOSE.
People in Costa Rica call this a “plan de vida,” or reason to live. They feel that a strong sense of purpose and desire to contribute to a greater cause played a huge role in a small group of Costa Ricans living to 100. According to the website Blue Zones, people living in this area of Central America have twice as much likelihood as Americans of living to the age of 90.

4. ADOPT A PLANT-BASED DIET.
A study published in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that vegetarians have a 12 percent lower risk than their meat-eating counterparts of suffering a premature death. Switching to a plant-based diet offers a slew of health benefits as well, which may explain why this group of people enjoys, on average, a much longer, vibrant life.

5. GET ENOUGH SHUT-EYE.
Sleeping for at least seven or eight hours a night will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day, not to mention that sleep allows your body to produce important hormones as well. A Penn State study found that men who slept less than six hours a night had a four-fold increase in their chance of dying over a 14-year period. Prioritize sleep over staying up late surfing the web or partying with friends to join the growing number of centenarians on the planet.

6. LIVE IN A SUNNY, TROPICAL CLIMATE.
Not surprisingly, Hawaii comes in first for the happiest, least-stressed state in the U.S., as well as the state with the greatest longevity. On average, a 65 year old living in Hawaii will live another 16.2 years, in comparison to another 10.6 years in the state with the lowest life expectancy, Mississippi.

7. MOVE YOUR BODY.
A 123 year old Bolivian man, Carlos Flores Laura, credits his longevity to taking daily walks. Others like Tao Porchon-Lynch, a 95 year old yoga instructor, say that a regular yoga practice influenced their long lives. Whatever activity you choose to take part in, make sure you really enjoy it and can incorporate it into your routine regularly.



8. HELP OTHER PEOPLE.
Yep, altruism can actually lead to a longer life. According to a University of Michigan study, volunteering for the purpose of helping others, not helping oneself, led to an increased lifespan on average.

9. TAKE MORE VACATIONS.
Make sure to allot some vacation time into your busy work schedule; it could actually save your life. The Framington Heart Study followed about 12,000 middle aged men for nine years; the results of their study? The men who took more time off work actually lived longer than the workaholics. So, booking more vacations might not make your wallet too happy, but a longer life doesn’t sound too shabby, either.

10. STAY CLOSE WITH FAMILY.
According to government research, Hispanics actually live 2.5 years longer than Americans on average, and researchers suspect that having a close-knit family may have something to do with it. We can learn from all cultures, and the Latino community proves that family bonding can play a huge role in having a long, enjoyable life.

11. STAY IN TOUCH WITH YOUR SPIRITUALITY.
Whether you choose to attend church services or keep up a regular meditation practice, WebMD’s 2008 survey of centenarians showed that 84 percent of them viewed a healthy spiritual life as an important part of aging well. Take it from the centenarians – exploring your spirituality can lead to a better, longer life in the long run.

12. TELL YOURSELF POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS.
Yogi Tao Porchon-Lynch, the lady mentioned earlier in the article, also accredited positive self-talk to her long, healthy life. Even in her 90s, she wakes up every day and tells herself that each day will be the best day of her life. Repeating mantras like these to yourself can help instill a positive mindset and totally transform your outlook on life.

13. KEEP YOUR MIND ACTIVE.
Continual intellectual stimulation can add years to your life – in fact, 89 percent of centenarians do things to keep their brains busy, according to a 2008 WebMD survey.

14. LIVE CONSCIENTIOUSLY.
By far, researchers have found that being conscientious is one of the best indicators of how long a person will live. The book The Longevity Project talks about this in depth, and explains that conscientious people have a higher likelihood of adopting healthier lifestyles and have more successful relationships and careers on average.

15. DEVELOP A RESILIENT MINDSET.
Researchers at the Al Siebert Resiliency Center found psychologically resilient adults coped much better with life’s challenges and aged more gracefully. In other words, don’t ever stay down too long after an upsetting event – rather, talk about your feelings openly and get back up on your feet quickly to avoid falling into depression or stagnation. Easier said than done, but it could tack on a few years to your lifespan, after all.

LIFE THAT YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T LEARN IN SCHOOL

After we get out of school, most of us have to spend some time deprogramming from the system we have been thrown into and lift the veil from over our eyes in order to learn important life lessons.

HERE ARE 10 LESSONS ABOUT LIFE THAT YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T LEARN IN SCHOOL:
1. YOUR JOB TITLE DOESN’T DEFINE WHO YOU ARE.
Most people go into careers that they don’t truly enjoy just to make good money, and according to Deloitte’s Shift Index survey, a whopping 80% of people are unhappy with their jobs.

Many become attached to their job titles, thinking that their labels really determine who they are. However, you are much more than the job you hold; you are literally energy personified.

A job title doesn’t even begin to describe your true identity; it only shows what you do to make income. Your character and level of consciousness do a much better job of portraying what lies within your heart.

2. YOU ARE A LIVING, BREATHING EMBODIMENT OF COSMIC ENERGY WITH ENDLESS POWER.
No one can take this power away from you, not with money, fame, war, threats, or insults. You incarnated here on this planet from the same Source as everyone else, so we all come here with equal potential. You’re not just a machine here to perform a job so you can pay bills and make your boss happy; you came here to shake this world to its core and redefine what it means to live on this planet.

You have left an everlasting imprint on the world just by being here, so don’t ever feel unimportant, because your life matters more than you have been led to believe.

3. COLLABORATION IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN COMPETITION.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” – African Proverb

School teaches us to regurgitate “facts” we have learned in textbooks, get high marks on tests, put those results on our resumes, and get a good job making an honest living. It teaches very little about the power of the collective and what we can really accomplish together.

You have unlimited potential, but it expands even more when you share your knowledge and experiences with others and view others as equal players in this grand scheme of life.

4. MOST LEARNING TAKES PLACE FROM EXPERIENCES, NOT FROM READING TEXTBOOKS.
Schooling seems to value learning from books over gaining knowledge from experiences. Extracurricular activities and recess time have been cut drastically in recent years as more emphasis is put on end-of-year statewide tests designed to measure everyone on the same principles.

However, everyone learns differently, and you don’t create yourself by reading information given by others.



You invent yourself by getting out there and immersing yourself in new experiences that will make a lasting impression on your heart and soul. Real learning begins to take place once you have left the confines of school and allow life to be your teacher.

5. HAPPINESS BEGINS AND ENDS WITH YOU.
Most schools teach that happiness comes from something outside yourself, whether that be grades on tests, how many friends you have, how popular you are, or something of that sort…

Truthfully, happiness can be found within yourself once you realize that you are solely in charge of your energy, no one else.

6. ALL LIFE IS SACRED, AND WE ARE ALL EQUAL BEINGS ON THIS EARTH, DESPITE OUR PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES.
When we get into school, we’re immediately placed in a class based on our intellect; you might know these as “regular” and “honors” classes. Our whole being is judged by how quickly we can calculate math problems or how high we score on a test, which further separates us from our peers. The color of our skin places us in categories by the state, and many of us got bullied by those who were in the “popular” crowd.

Out of school, though, none of these trivial things really matter. We all come from the same force, and we will all go back to the same source. We may look and act differently, but inside, we all just want love, compassion, and a meaning to our lives. Schooling wants to separate us, but the universe just wants us all to become united in the truth once again.

7. FOOD IS MEDICINE.
What school teaches very little of is something that will impact your entire life: nutrition. Upon graduating, most of us learned the horrors of our food industries on this Earth, and began educating ourselves on proper health and nutrition.

Fruit and vegetables can heal, and will raise you into a totally new vibration.

8. IF MOST OF SOCIETY IS DOING SOMETHING, YOU SHOULD PROBABLY DO THE OPPOSITE.
Schooling teaches conformity, but looking at our current state of affairs, most of us can probably agree that paving our own path will take us to a better place than following the crowd. Nonconformity will set you free from society’s chains.

9. SELF-LOVE OPENS THE DOOR TO ATTRACTING LOVE FROM OTHERS.
In school, you won’t learn one of the most fundamental lessons about life: how to love yourself. Your relationship with yourself determines your entire life, from the relationships you have with others to how you feel mentally and physically. Love will save us, and it all begins in your own heart.

10. HELPING OTHERS WILL BRING MORE TRUE HAPPINESS THAN BRINGING HOME A BIGGER PAYCHECK.
Another lesson hardly emphasized in grade school is the power of helping others. We get taught that only our grades and class rank matter, when there’s so many people hurting in today’s world that need our help. We have the ability to come together as a whole and bring balance to a very chaotic world, but only if we realize that we are all one family, one life force, one being that can turn darkness into light with the power of our intentions.

WHY MORNING PEOPLE ARE HEALTHIER THAN THE REST OF US

Think about it: if we still lived out in nature as the universe intended, we would all go to sleep a little after the sun set, and wake up as the sun rose, because our bodies would be more in tune with the natural rhythms of the world. Since we live in a man-made environment now, many of us have a hard time getting to sleep early and waking up early, because unnatural lights (such as those from computers, TVs and cell phones) keep us awake. Out in nature, we wouldn’t have any of these artificial light sources keeping us up.

Even if you have a hard time going to bed at a decent hour, you can train your body to become a morning person and reap all of the health benefits that go along with waking up earlier.

HERE ARE 8 REASONS WHY MORNING PEOPLE ARE HEALTHIER THAN THE REST OF US:
1. MORNING PEOPLE HAVE LOWER BODY FAT LEVELS.
It turns out that those who get most of their light exposure between 8AM and noon have lower body fat than those who obtain their Vitamin D later in the day. According to Northwestern University research published this past spring, people who got most of their sunlight during morning hours had a lower body mass index (BMI) than those who soaked up the sun later in the day. Something else interesting to note is that these results were independent of people’s activity levels or caloric intake.

 “If you don’t get sufficient light at the appropriate time of day, it could de-synchronize your internal body clock, which is known to alter metabolism and can lead to weight gain.”

2. THEY DRIVE BETTER.
Not surprisingly, morning people have better driving skills than night owls, according to a study done by Spanish researchers. Granada researchers studied the biological rhythms of 29 University of Granada students, some who identified as night owls, and others who labeled themselves as morning people. When they asked the night owls to drive at 8AM, they did significantly worse than when the researchers asked them to get behind the wheel at 8PM. However, the morning people performed well at both times of the day. The researchers found the morning people show more care to detail and exhibit higher diligence compared to night owls, which explains their ability to drive well at any hour of the day or night.

3. MORNING PEOPLE ARE GO-GETTERS.
Many studies have linked an ambitious attitude to higher wages, better job performance, and a greater rate of success than those who don’t exhibit such high levels of proactivity. When Harvard biologist Christoph Randler polled undergrads a few years ago, he found morning people had higher levels of agreement with statements such as “??I spend time identifying long-range goals for myself” and “I feel in charge of making things happen,” Harvard Business Review reported.


4. HAPPINESS COMES EASIER TO THEM.
Exposure to morning light can lower depression risk and boost energy levels, which may explain why morning people are happier overall than night owls.

When University of Toronto researchers surveyed more than 700 adults on their sleeping habits, mood, and overall health, they discovered that morning people who got up around 7AM or earlier had up to a 25 percent increase in feelings of happiness, cheerfulness, and alertness, Prevention.com reported.

5. MORNING PEOPLE EXERCISE MORE.
More and more studies have been proving that working out in the morning is ideal for those who wish to keep up a regular routine and see the best results from their workouts.

“In terms of performing a consistent exercise habit, individuals who exercise in the morning tend to do better,”?
Because they get their workout out of the way earlier in the day, they tend to stick with the routine easier than someone who gets home from work and must head straight to the gym afterwards. You could use the excuse of being too tired to workout when you get home from a long day at work, but for morning people, it invigorates them even more to jump out of bed and get their sweat on first thing in the morning.

6. BOSSES HAVE A BETTER IMPRESSION OF THOSE WHO GET UP EARLIER.
Corporate bosses tend to view morning people as more conscientious and ambitious, according to a 2014 study by the Journal of Applied Psychology. Supervisors think of people who clock in later as less diligent and mindful of their jobs compared to those who get to work earlier. However, if your boss turns out to be a night owl, then he or she will probably have a soft spot for night owls as well, and not come down so hard on you if you clock in late every now and then.

7. THEY GET BETTER GRADES IN SCHOOL.
“It’??s easier to get to your classes on time and study if you get up earlier,” study author Daniel J. Taylor, PhD, associate professor of psychology at the University of North Texas in Denton, told WebMD.com.

Although college students can choose what times to take their classes, early birds still get the worm. A study of more than 800 students found that morning people had a GPA that was a full point higher than that of their night owl colleagues (3.5 vs. 2.5).

8. MORNING PEOPLE WHO HAVE DIABETES HAVE BETTER BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS.

 Many studies have reported that going to bed late might negatively affect your blood sugar levels, as well as cause other health problems, such as coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, impaired glucose intolerance, and even obesity. Night owls also tend to consume most of their calories late in the day, which can cause metabolic issues down the road. One study found that, among Japanese adults with type 2 diabetes, night owls had higher HbA1C levels (a measure of blood sugar control), triglycerides, and LDL cholesterol than morning people.

SIGNS YOU SPEND TOO MUCH TIME ALONE

Many people fear they will remain lonely forever, so they give up on even trying to reach out to others and form positive relationships. Loneliness can cause numerous health problems, even resulting in death if actions aren’t taken to combat loneliness.

After a while of isolating ourselves, it can almost feel normal, and we tend to stay inside our warm, safe shells instead of socializing with others.

HERE ARE 5 SIGNS YOU SPEND TOO MUCH TIME ALONE:
1. YOU LONG FOR MEANINGFUL, DEEP CONNECTIONS WITH PEOPLE.
Many lonely people don’t enjoy spending so much time alone; they have just lost their connection to people, and thus, don’t know how to get it back. If you find yourself craving social interactions and forming deep relationships with people, you probably spend too much time alone. Even if you have a few friends you see from time to time, you can still feel lonely if you don’t feel deeply connected to them.

2. YOU USE FOOD, DRUGS, ALCOHOL, OR SOMETHING ELSE TO FORGET ABOUT YOUR LONELINESS.
Sadly, many people use harmful substances to fill a void in their lives, whether from loneliness, depression, anxiety, lack of purpose, or anything else that causes people to feel unhappy. If you turn to your pantry or refrigerator for companionship more than other people, you likely spend too much time alone. While food and an occasional drink should be enjoyed, you shouldn’t turn to them for comfort or to escape your life. They won’t help you to stop feeling lonely; they will simply mask the problem for a while.

3. YOU FEEL RESTLESS AND BORED A LOT.
Many times when we feel bored, we numb our emotions through TV shows, a video game, or food, drugs, or alcohol, as mentioned above. But what ever happened to hanging out with friends or family when we feel bored or restless? While you should enjoy your own company and be able to be alone without feeling lonely, doing this too much can actually enhance your feelings of loneliness. We are social creatures, and absolutely need one another in order to get by in this lifetime. If you feel bored, call up an old friend and see if they feel like catching up. Or, check out local groups in order to form new connections and possibly find a new favorite hobby.



4. YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN HOW TO TALK TO PEOPLE IN A CONVERSATION.
Social isolation can really put a damper on our social skills, especially if we have isolated ourselves for long periods of time. The advent of social media and other forms of entertainment only accelerates our decline in social skills, because we use the Internet as a safety net, going to it whenever we don’t feel like talking. However, this can easily get out of control if we don’t find some sort of balance. If you find that you feel uncomfortable or just don’t remember how to talk to people in social situations, you probably spend too much time alone.

5. YOU HAVE DEVELOPED SOCIAL ANXIETY AS A RESULT OF ISOLATING YOURSELF.
Finally, the more you isolate yourself, the harder it will feel to go up to people and converse with them. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, approximately 15 million, or 6.8%, of Americans suffer from social anxiety. Obviously, the only way to really overcome this is to start talking to people, because you have to meet your fears head on if you want to beat them. However, people who spend the majority of their time alone eventually feel so comfortable doing this that they lose their desire to form relationships with others. If you feel socially anxious and have lost your motivation to talk to others, you probably spend way too much time by yourself.

Consider joining support groups for social anxiety to help you ease your way into talking to others, or maybe join an organization or activity you feel passionate about, so you can meet other like-minded people.

You shouldn’t feel embarrassed about loneliness; many people feel lonely, but don’t ever admit it to others in fear of being ridiculed or rejected. However, social isolation should be taken seriously; no one likes feeling alone, but sadly, a startling amount of people do in today’s world.


Remember to take baby steps to becoming social again, and turn to trusted friends and family for support. As long as you believe in yourself and have the motivation to form connections again, you will get there. On the flip side, if you ever see someone while you’re out and about who looks lonely or depressed, make sure to reach out to them. A simple smile and a “How are you feeling?” can go a long way, especially for someone feeling isolated and alone.

A LASTING RELATIONSHIP

 How to we prevent our own relationship from becoming a statistic? With that in mind, here are 4 important ingredients in your recipe for a lasting relationship.

4 INGREDIENTS FOR A LASTING RELATIONSHIP

1. SUSTAIN THE SENSE OF EXCITEMENT
Unfortunately the spark of attraction that brought you together is not enough to keep you together long term. Some couples easily slide into the boredom of routine, careers, and raising children. When your daily conversations are only about what to cook for dinner and who should take out the trash, it’s difficult to remember the passion that you once felt for your partner.

On the other hand, you can keep the excitement going by adding new and interesting activities to your relationship. The good news is that you don’t have to spend a lot of money or plan outlandish vacations to reignite the excitement.

Start by adding something small and new once a week, like going for a drive in a neighborhood that you haven?t been to before. Even this seemingly minimal change gives you new topics to talk about and a fresh perspective. Then you can go for bigger thrills, like a hot air balloon ride or a whale watching tour. The key ingredient is to keep it fresh and interesting.

2. LISTEN MORE THAN YOU SPEAK
Imagine that you came home from work with the exciting news that your boss loved your presentation and when you told your partner, they didn’t look up from their cell phone and only muttered “Uh huh, that’s great” without any enthusiasm in their voice. You’d probably feel upset, angry, frustrated, unloved and unappreciated.

Instead, picture this in response to your good news; your partner immediately makes eye contact with you when you begin speaking, they set their phone down, they stand up and hug you after you tell them the good news and they respond with “Oh, that?s fantastic! I knew you would do great on that! Let’s go celebrate at your favorite place!”



The difference is obvious, and you know which one you’d prefer to receive from your partner. Just like the golden rule of doing unto others as you would have them do unto you, give your partner the courtesy of responding with the same enthusiastic attention when they talk.

Clear communication is only part of a good relationship. Being mentally and emotionally present for your partner is an equally important ingredient for a lasting relationship.

3. BE WILLING TO NEGOTIATE
You really want to go to see a new movie that just came out, but your partner had a long day at work and just wants to rest at home. You make your case and your partner makes theirs. You just had an argument. How you resolve this is a big ingredient in making your relationship last.

They key to negotiating is seeking a win-win for both of you. You give a little, they give a little, and you both end up happy with the result. In this scenario, you might suggest that your partner catch a nap first and you can go see a later movie.

Respecting that you both have needs is key to how well you cooperate. If your partner made a sacrifice so that you could have your way, show appreciation for the fact that they gave up something that they really wanted so that you could be happy.

If there are major things that you can’t compromise on, like having children, converting to your partner’s religion or moving far away from your family for their work relocation, these may be a breaking point for the relationship. Ideally your limits on these topics are things that you discussed prior to making a long term commitment to your partner.

4. TAKE COMMITMENT SERIOUSLY
Wanting the relationship to last is not enough; you have to take action to demonstrate your devotion to your partner. A study found that regardless of how much the partners wanted a lasting relationship, the inclination to engage in behaviors that supported the relationship was more important to how long the relationship lasted.

On the other hand, if one partner is doing all of the difficult work, for example, making sacrifices, apologizing, asking about their partner’s feelings, or tackling issues while the other partner does not engage in these behaviors, researchers found that the relationship was more likely to end.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

SIX COMMON SIGNS OF DIRTY LUNGS

Yes, the lungs do indeed perform that vital function, but they’re actually quite magnificent organs when explored. So, before we get into what harms these vital organs, let’s take a closer look at what they entail.

LET’S DISCUSS SIX COMMON SIGNS OF DIRTY LUNGS FIRST:
1: CHRONIC COUGH
When a cough lasts for over a month, it is considered chronic in nature. In all likelihood, medication has been tried and as failed. This should be taken as a sign that something is wrong with the respiratory system.

2: PERSISTENT MUCUS PRODUCTION
When our airways are irritated or infected, they will produce mucus (or phlegm) as a defense. If this incessant mucus production lasts longer than a month, it may be a warning sign of lung problems.

3: LASTING CHEST PAIN
Chest pain that inexplicably last for longer than a month may be a warning sign. It’s a sign that the lungs are involved if the chest pain is brought on, or made worse, from inhaling, exhaling or coughing.


4: SHORTNESS OF BREATH
When shortness of breath occurs, it is usually due to a heart of lung condition. This symptom can be narrowed down to either/or, since both are involved in the transport of oxygen to tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide. When either one of these problems occurs, it results in shortness of breath.

5: COUGHING BLOOD
When coughing up blood occurs, it’s always a problem with either the lungs or the upper respiratory tract. Needless to say, this is something that requires immediate attention; as it may signal a severe health problem.

6: WHEEZING
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound that usually occurs when breathing out (exhaling), but may occur when breathing in. This is usually a sign that a foreign object is blocking the normal flow of air into the lungs or constricting the lung’s airways.

NOW THAT WE KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR, HERE ARE 6 WAYS TO HELP PURIFY YOUR LUNGS.
1. DON’T SMOKE
If it isn’t apparent by now, smoking is probably the worst thing someone can do to their lungs. Hopefully, an education on what this harmful habit does to the lungs is enough to get someone to quit; if not, seek out some people for support. There are plenty of terrific, free resources available online that could help. There’s even a smoking hotline.

2. BREATHE DEEP
Deep breathing for half an hour a day can help purify the lungs. This practice flushes out many of the impurities that accumulate in the lungs. Meditation and yoga are two great practices to take on for this purpose, and they will help with the mental aspect of purification as well.

3. DRINK GREEN TEA
Catechins are antioxidants that may help reduce the risk of lung cancer, and green tea is a rich source. In a study done at Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan, researchers discovered that drinking green tea could reduce the risk of lung cancer by up to five times. Dr. I-Hsin Lin states: “The antioxidants may inhibit tumor growth,” and “Green tea can protect them from lunch cancer risk, a cup or more a day (is recommended” according to the lead researcher.

4. LOAD UP ON ANTIOXIDANTS
Ingesting antioxidants appeared to be a recurring theme in researching for this article. Another source states that drinking 400 ml of pineapple or cranberry juice before bed helps to fight infection-causing bacteria in the lungs.

5. USE THE EUCALYPTUS
Eucalyptus contains a natural expectorant (decongestant) compound that helps clear our lungs of toxins. Apparently, the plant is terrific in helping to soothe a sore throat and sinus problems. A great way to achieve this effect is by putting 5 to 10 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of hot water, placing the head over the bowl and covering the head with a towel. That certainly sounds refreshing!

6. GET SOME OREGANO
Another natural decongestant is oregano, which also contains anti-histamine properties. Combined, these elements are effective in clearing out nasal pathways and assisting the respiratory function. To get these terrific benefits, simply sprinkle some oregano into some food or drink on a daily basis.

CANCER-CAUSING FOODS YOU NEED TO AVOID

Causes of cancer are either biological factors that we can’t control, like our genes, or environmental factors that we can control, like the amount of solar radiation that we expose ourselves to. Of the environmental risks, one that affects us on a daily basis is the food that we eat.

CANCER-CAUSING FOODS YOU NEED TO AVOID
1. BPA-LINED CANNED GOODS
Manufacturers are beginning to switch their cans to non-BPA plastic lined ones following a Harvard study that compared eaters of canned soup to homemade. They found that ‘a couple hours after eating, the people who had canned soup had BPA levels in their urine that were about 12 times higher than the people who didn’t.’

BPA is an endocrine disruptor and according to the study, it ‘has been linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity in humans.’ In another study, BPA was also been linked to breast cancer.

2. PESTICIDE SPRAYED PRODUCE
According the EPA, ‘Relatively small amounts of ethylene oxide are used as a sterilant for food (spices).’ The chemical is also used as a spray pesticide for crops. The EPA also says that ‘Some human cancer data show an increase in the incidence of leukemia, stomach cancer, cancer of the pancreas, and Hodgkin’s disease in workers exposed to ethylene oxide.’

In a study of workers who were exposed to ethylene oxide, researchers found an increased risk of malignancy in individuals with extended and intermittent exposure to low concentrations of ethylene oxide. At the grocery store, look for organic produce and avoid unnecessary exposure to these possible causes of cancer.

3. PRESERVATIVES THAT MIMIC ESTROGEN
Some food additives, such as propyl gallate and 4-hexylresorcinol are xenoestrogenic substances, meaning that they affect estrogen receptors in the body. These hormone disruptors are associated with a higher risk of breast cancer.

4. MICROWAVED FOOD
When you buy a microwave dinner, the plastic tray that it comes in is designed to withstand the heat of your appliance. However, plastic packaging that gets heated can release plastic into the food that you consume. Some may contain BPA which we have already listed has a connection to cancer.

Microwave meals also often contain preservatives and additives to enhance their appearance. Steam your own broccoli on the stovetop rather than buying the convenient microwave steam package and avoid the heated plastic.

5. NITRITES IN PROCESSED MEATS
The Cancer Treatment Centers of America says that ‘During the process of cooking certain meats, sodium nitrites combine with naturally present amines in the meat to form carcinogenic N-nitroso compounds. When ingested, these compounds are associated with cancer.’ Consumption of processed meat was linked to increased pancreatic cancer risk in one study and other research has suggested links between hot dogs and brain cancer.



6. MILK FROM COWS TREATED WITH HORMONES
Cows that have been given Recombinant Bovine Growth Hormone (rBGH) to increase milk production pass the growth hormone IGF-1 on to consumers when they drink the milk. According to the American Cancer Society, ‘The evidence for potential harm to humans is inconclusive. It is not clear that drinking milk produced using rBGH significantly increases IGF-1 levels in humans or adds to the risk of developing cancer.’

Consumers are demanding organic milk that does not come from cows who were given rBGH. You can find rGBH-free milk by reading labels. When it comes to this avoidable additive to your food supply, it may be best to avoid it altogether.

7. MEAT TREATED WITH HORMONES
A World Health Organization report says that following an animal study, ‘the group concluded that there is sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of estradiol in experimental animals, noting that: Administration to mice increased the incidences of mammary, pituitary, uterine, cervical, vaginal, testicular, lymphoid and bone tumours.’

8. IRRADIATED FATTY FOOD
An FDA report says that ‘Irradiation of foods is intended to improve the quality, variety and safety of foods. For example, food products are irradiated to sterilize or disinfect them, to improve their sprouting, delay ripening, eliminate food-borne parasites, or simply enhance their appearance.’

Meat, poultry and eggs can all be irradiated foods. A study found that irradiated food that contained fat produced a compound that caused DNA damage when applied to both rats and human colon cells. The FDA requires irradiated food to be labeled with ‘treated with radiation’ so avoid foods with this on the label.

9. FAST FOOD
Fast food is not good food for us. The cancer risks at chain restaurants include charred meat, high temperatures applied to oils, preservatives, and mass produced food treated with hormones and pesticides.

Acrylamide is known to cause cancer by damaging DNA. This substance is produced when starchy foods are heated to high temperatures, and is found in foods such as potato chips and French fries.

According to cancer.gov, we can avoid acrylamide in our food by boiling potatoes, reducing cooking time, blanching them before boiling or drying them in a hot oven after frying.

10. ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS
The low calorie chemicals that mimic the sweetness of natural sugar have been controversial. Aspartame had mixed results with lab rats but has been deemed safe for human consumption. Even if a small percentage of a very small animal got cancer when it received a dose of the stuff, is it something that you really need to be consuming?

Benefits of reading

What are the other benefits of reading? Well, let us list the numerous benefits below for you.

HERE ARE TEN GREAT REASONS YOU SHOULD READ EVERY DAY:
1. ENHANCED INTELLIGENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
No real surprise here – when you read, it improves intellect and builds upon your knowledge base. Understandably, many of us underestimate the power (and fun!) of reading when we are young. As we get older, however, we come to realize that books are interesting, with many of them having the magical ability to “transport” us to different places – fantasy or fiction.

It is easy to take for granted the fact that countless amount of information is available and accessible at our whim. If we’re interested in a topic or with to engage intellectually with a topic that interests us, we can usually find something that’s been written about it – and read about it.

2.  INCREASED VOCABULARY
It is said that vocabulary is the best indicator of intelligence – if this is the case, #1 certainly makes sense! Anyways, when you listen to someone and are unsure of a word that they’ve used, it can be frustrating to continue the conversation. Further, it can be somewhat embarrassing to ask what a particular word means in the middle of a conversation. Deciding to read instead of watching TV is a fantastic way to expand your vocab which, in turn, enhance communication ability. Speaking of communication ability…

3.  ARTICULACY
With a more expansive vocabulary, one becomes more articulate as well. Most of us are cognizant of the way that we speak to others. We want to sound reasonably bright and knowledgeable when we communicate to those around us. Further, the ability to articulate and use language well is an extremely powerful and influential tool to those around us. When you read more and more, your brain has the magnificent ability to (often subconsciously) remember words and expressions that can enhance the ability to express yourself.



4. MORE CONCENTRATION
Perhaps more than anything else out there, reading books sharpens your concentration ability. To be able to follow a storyline, one page at a time, requires mental staying power. Make no mistake about it, concentration is a direct byproduct of willpower; when you increase your innate ability to concentrate, you increase willpower. In this way, reading books on a regular basis can improve many different areas of your life – work, school and even social engagements.

5. HEIGHTENED CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION
As reading increases mental flexibility, heightened creativity and imagination is often a direct result. Many types of writing – poems, novels, short stories, etc. – require us to picture people, places and things in our mind’s eye. As such, our brain’s wonderful ability to create and imagine are enhanced. When we are more imaginative and creative, we often produce work and other things that are more innovative and interesting.

6. SHARPER CRITICAL THINKING
Reading is an excellent way to increase our ability to analyze and assess information. Books often contain very specific information that, if missed, can result in missing a key point of information. The ability to analyze information and make educated assessments based upon that information is a very important function of our daily life. We can thank reading for improving these critical skills.

7. MENTAL HEALTH
Most of us are quite conscious about our physical health. We (at least somewhat) watch what we put into our body and make the attempt to get some sort of physical activity. Well, just as the body requires physical exertion to stay fit, the mind does as well. Some research has also shown that regular readers not only improve their cognitive ability, but also may be better protected against ailments such as Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

8.  RELAXATION
Yes, reading can bring some much needed stimulation to your brain, but it can also help you wind down. This is especially true of tranquil and spiritual texts such as the Bible, Quran, and other scripture. Self-help books and other inspirational materials can help bring about a sense of peace.

9.  EXPANDS YOUR WORLDVIEW
Without sounding too harsh, so many people have such limited perspective on the world around us. These people are so wrapped up in their own little world that they forget there is a nearly limitless one out there to be discovered. Reading is powerful in the sense that it can engage us with other peoples, cultures, ideologies, religious and spiritual beliefs, politics, etc. without ever booking a flight. In our opinion, it is important to be engaged with the world around you, and reading provides that opportunity.

10. PERSONAL ENRICHMENT AND ACCOMPLISHMENT
Education does not end with a degree or diploma… it is a lifelong journey that is immeasurably valuable; perhaps more so than anything else that’s existed. In many ways, a free book is more educational than a six-figure degree. How would we ever intimately know the world around us or ourselves without the innate curiosity to learn?  Reading is a terrific way to satiate this curiosity and experience tremendous personal growth in the process.

YOU MAY BE CONSUMING TOO MUCH SODIUM

People with heart failure may improve their symptoms by reducing the amount of salt (sodium) in their diet. Eating too much salt causes the body to retain too much water, worsening the fluid build-up associated with heart failure.
Sodium (salt) is a necessary mineral for the human body to ingest. It effectively supplies electrolytes and maintains the fluid levels within our cells. It is also essential to the healthy transmission of nerve impulses within the body. Further, sodium plays a key role in the digestion of food.

HERE ARE 5 SIGNS YOU MAY BE CONSUMING TOO MUCH SODIUM:

1. INFLAMMATION AND WEIGHT GAIN
Sodium is predominantly concentrated on the outside of our cells. When the amount of sodium available in these areas is excessive, this causes the kidneys to reduce the amount of water released into the urine. The result is increased water retention and edema (or swelling) in various parts of the body. Further, although sodium does not directly correlate with fat gain, it does increase water weight that will show up on the scale.

2. KIDNEY STONES
Excessive sodium, often from salt, results in the kidneys having to excrete more calcium into the urine. A high concentration of calcium will often combine with other minerals – such as oxalate and phosphorous – which will then harden and form “stones.” Since sodium intake is excessive is most people’s diets – combined with the importance of calcium, something most people don’t get enough of – it is recommended that we reduce the amount of sodium ingested by altering our diets. Further, calcium is an absolute necessity to healthy bones (more on this in a bit).

3. CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
Research presented at a 2010 American Heart Association meeting revealed the following statistics:

– Excessive salt consumption led to 2.3 million heart-related deaths worldwide.

– 42% of deaths were a result of coronary heart disease.

– 41% of deaths were the result of stroke.

The World Health Organization – the world’s preeminent association on public health – has directly linked excessive sodium intake and cancer. The evidence is quite clear: too much salt is bad for our hearts and can lead to multiple types of cancer.

4. COGNITIVE DECLINE
A Canadian study undertaken in 2011 suggests that adults who consume a high-sodium diet are at a greater risk of cognitive (brain) decline. According to the researchers, this result was “independent of hypertension and global diet quality” and “suggests that sodium intake alone may affect cognitive function in sedentary adults above and beyond the effects of overall diet.” While the brain’s performance on a high-sodium diet is yet to be fully discovered, these preliminary research studies do warrant some caution. Further, exercise is known to effectively counteract these effects.

5. DECREASED BONE HEALTH
Our bones require foods with high concentrations of calcium to be healthy. Eating foods that have high levels of sodium directly causes the bones to lose calcium density, which can lead to bone loss. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends limiting the amount of processed foods, canned foods and salt added to foods eaten each day. The NOF recommends inspecting the Nutrition Facts label on each food; if the sodium content is over 20% daily value, it is high in sodium and should be avoided. The NOF further recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,400 mg per day.

Complete elimination of processed food of any kind is very difficult; even many of the products that we see in the “fruit and vegetables” section of our neighborhood grocer can be classified as “processed”. However, it is feasible to make fresh fruits and vegetables more of a presence on our dinner plates. It’s also within our control to reduce our trips to fast food places while frequenting the grocery aisles of natural grocers more often.

Bottom line: some simple changes in our diets can drastically reduce the amount of sodium that we take in each day. In doing so, we’re creating and maintaining a healthier body and feeling much better about ourselves in the process. And if you still eat a high amount of salt, we recommend real salt.

If you are experiencing dreams of a deceased loved one

If you are experiencing dreams of a deceased loved one, here are 7 signs that they are trying to make contact with you.

7 SIGNS A DECEASED LOVED ONE IS CONTACTING YOU IN YOUR DREAMS

1. YOU WAKE WITH A SENSE OF HAVING BEEN WATCHED
So many people feel that loved ones watch over us after they leave us here on Earth. When you awaken after a dream and have a sense that someone was in the room with you, it is possible that your deceased loved one is trying to let you know just that; they are watching over you.

Although the feeling of being watched can be disturbing, in this case it should make you feel safe. You may have had a dream that someone was watching you too. Again, this could be your loved one letting you know that they are nearby.

2. VIVID MEMORIES OF YOUR LOVED ONE WERE IN YOUR DREAMS
Sometimes when you’re awake you remember your loved one, but having memories in your dreams is a sign that they may be trying to contact you. This is especially the case if your loved one helps you remember something that you don’t usually think about, like a forgotten memory of them. There may be a message in the memory that they want you to pay attention to also.

3. YOUR LOVED ONE APPEARS IN A DIFFERENT WAY THAN NORMAL
If your deceased loved one appears to you In your dreams, but they do it in an unusual way, it may be a sign that they are sending you a warning. Pay attention to clues that your loved one is trying to give you. They may be trying to help you avoid a harmful situation or warn you of an upcoming change.



4. YOU AWAKE WITH A SENSE OF PEACEFUL WELL-BEING
What a wonderful feeling to wake up feeling peaceful and well-rested. It doesn’t happen often enough, but if your loved one was worried about your health and well-being, they may have tried to help you by sending you restful sleep.

A review of 20 after-death communications that were reported by people found that having encounters with the deceased helped people to cope with grieving. One of the ways that these visions helped people to cope was that people felt that their spiritual beliefs were supported by the contact with their deceased loved one.

This sense of spiritual peace helps you to cope with the loss and also to continue functioning in your daily life. Knowing that there is a life beyond death, and that your loved one is waiting for you helps you to feel comforted.

5. YOUR DREAM FEELS SO REAL
Visitation dreams can be very vivid and the dreamer may feel that the deceased loved one was really present. These dreams are so realistic that you can smell, feel, and hear your loved one. These real-feeling dreams are likely to be examples of your deceased loved one reaching out to contact you.

These dreams can be emotionally intense because you feel their presence so strongly. Often this will reawaken your grief. Your loved one did not mean to cause you pain, but they did want to be near you again.This type of dream is definitely a sign that your loved one was trying to contact you.

6. YOUR LOVED ONE LOOKED YOUNGER AND HEALTHIER THAN THEY WERE WHEN THEY PASSED
Your deceased loved one will often appear younger than they did when they passed. They appear healthy and vibrant, like you prefer to remember them. They want you to know that there was no suffering when they passed and now they are able to appear whole and happy to you.

7. YOUR DECEASED LOVED ONE TELLS YOU THAT THEY ARE OKAY AND STILL WITH YOU
In your dreams, sometimes your deceased love one can speak to you. You may hear their voice or just get a sense of what they are saying. Most often they know that you have been worried about where they are now so they will appear to you in a dream to tell you that everything is alright where they are now.

Being An Adult

What does being an adult mean anyway? Does it mean going to a 9-5 job, rushing out to the grocery store afterwards while trying to get the kids to behave, and paying our bills on time? Does it mean having a certain amount of money in our bank account, owning a house, and slowly paying off our student loans? Unfortunately, most of the world probably agrees with these definitions of being an adult. After all, we can’t really avoid responsibilities as we grow older, but should we let these obligations define us?

I mean, most of us don’t really know what we’re doing anyway – we’re just making choices, and hoping they’re the right ones for us, whatever that means. We all just kind of get thrown onto this planet, and have to adjust and try to make sense of it all as we go along. So, maybe being an adult means nothing more than getting older, and trying to have some fun along the way.


HERE ARE 8 THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T BELIEVE ABOUT BEING AN ADULT:
1. THAT YOU NEED TO HAVE IT ALL FIGURED OUT
Newsflash: no one knows all the answers. They might act like they do, but really, we never got a guidebook on how to live life. We never had a class in school called “How to Make the Right Choices and Not Screw Up.” If we did, life probably still wouldn’t make that much sense, because at the end of the day, we all live in a way that feels best to us. No one can teach us how to feel good about our decisions, or how to make the right ones. Just because you have a degree and a nice job, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t question your life from time to time. Having doubts doesn’t mean you are totally lost – it means you’re human.

Perfection doesn’t exist, and knowing all the answers to life’s questions doesn’t, either. Forget about knowing, and instead, focus on being. All the rest will work itself out.

2. THAT YOU NEED TO OWN A HOUSE
Who said you need to shell out $150,000+ on a piece of property? Who said to be a successful, upstanding citizen of society that you need to have ownership of, essentially, a giant box? It doesn’t make you any less of a person to either rent for your whole life, or have roommates until you turn 60, or whatever other living situation makes sense to you. Having a house sounds nice in theory, but it doesn’t come cheap most of the time, and the maintenance fees can really add up. According to a survey carried out by Hart Research Associates, over half of Americans can’t actually afford their house. Meaning, they’ve had to make major sacrifices or take a second job in order to cover their mortgage.

So, does it still sound appealing to have your own house?

3. THAT OTHER PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO ADULT BETTER THAN YOU
Comparing yourself to others won’t get you anywhere, except in a depressed state of mind. Also, just because people appear to have it together on the surface, you don’t know what happens behind closed doors. They might have crippling debt, rising mortgage payments, and other struggles that they don’t tell you about. So what if they make more money than you? That doesn’t equate to more happiness. In fact, a groundbreaking global study including 54 countries confirmed this fact back in 2010.



So, even if people seem to have more than you or appear to know all the answers, this doesn’t mean they have mastered adulting. They probably just know how to pretend really, really well.

4. THAT YOU SHOULD GET MARRIED AND HAVE KIDS
Again, no one said that to have a happy, successful life, you need to tie the knot with someone and reproduce. Society might pressure us to do these things, but we don’t have to listen. If you want these things, by all means, go for it, but you can have a fulfilling life without bearing children or having a life partner.

5. THAT YOU HAVE TO WORK AT A 9-5 JOB
What if you want to own a business? What if you want to draw and paint for a living, out of your own home? If you want a 9-5 job, then great! But if not, don’t feel like you have failed at adulthood or life in general. People follow different paths in life, and maybe yours doesn’t involve a 40 hour workweek. Your dream might involve something different, so just allow it to manifest without feeling guilty about carving your own path.

6. THAT YOU HAVE TO DEAL WITH LIFE ON YOUR OWN
When we grew up, we had our parents or guardians to help us with life’s hurdles. They taught us to tie our shoes, to stand up to bullies, to take out the garbage at night, and other important things about life. However, somehow when we become adults, we are expected to do everything independently. However, we are social animals, so sometimes we will inevitably need some help and support. Don’t hesitate to speak up and ask questions or reach out to someone when you feel alone. This actually makes you more of a mature adult because you know your limits and don’t feel embarrassed to ask for help when you need it.

7. THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER MAKE MISTAKES OR STRUGGLE
Mistakes allow us to learn and grow. If we didn’t make them, we would never become transform from a caterpillar into a butterfly. We would stay in one spot, and never know what it means to overcome challenges. Adulthood DOES NOT equal perfection, so don’t expect everything to go smoothly. The bumps in the road make the journey worth it, as you’ll discover when you look back on the hard times and realize how much you grew because of them.

8. THAT YOU HAVE TO PRETEND TO BE OKAY
Adulthood also doesn’t mean putting on a fake smile and hiding your true feelings from the world. If you need to cry, scream, and throw things, then do it (as long as you don’t hurt yourself or others). Pretending and putting up walls doesn’t make you more of an adult; it just means you are suppressing your true emotions. Remember, we’re all just kids running around in adult bodies, stumbling around and trying to make good lives for ourselves. You don’t have to put on a smile every single day if you don’t feel like it. Some days will be harder than others, and if that means crying over a pint of ice cream and asking your best friend to come over, then so be it. You’re under no obligation to pretend, because humans have all sorts of emotions, and you don’t have to feel guilty for feeling them.

Wisata Danau Toba - Sumatera Utara

Danau Toba adalah salah satu destinasi wisata alam terbesar di Indonesia dan terletak di Sumatera Utara. Ini adalah danau vulkanik terbesar ...