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How to Practice Self Care and Make your Life Better

With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can sometimes be difficult to keep track of the food we eat, or what is exactly draining our energy levels. As we manage our hectic lifestyle of making time for friends and dedicating enough work hours a week to not get fired. Unfortunately, we tend to overlook ourselves in that mix. That’s why it can help to take a few steps back and analyze how important self care really is.

You may think of self care as an upkeep not worth even giving the time of day, but in fact, it can go a long way in terms of reducing stress levels. Ignoring your body’s warning signs can leave you feeling physically and emotionally drained and not being to realize all your expectations. Following a simple system can get you back on your feet and feeling amazing for the future to come.

Tips to Practice Self Care

Try these things to show yourself the love that you deserve.

1 – Making a Schedule

Sticking to a daily or weekly routine will help get your mind and body used to the idea of a change in a more productive lifestyle. Choosing what foods to eat, exercises to do, and practicing beneficial choices will definitely leave your body thanking you later.

2 – Evaluate your Choices

Is stress a common issue that weighs you down regularly? It can be some of the most ridiculous things that adds an unnecessary stress on our shoulders. So learning what they are can help up combat stress much easier. This is how you practice self care 101, since the choices we make often determine how we feel down the road.

3 – Taking a Break

It’s good to get a mental break every now again and just relax and enjoy the simplicity that life has to offer. Unplug for an hour or so and go for a walk, watch tv, or find a hobby you enjoy to distract you from the stressful parts of life.

4 – Zumba

As you learn to practice self care you’ll pick up on some great exercises along the way. The great thing about Zumba is that if there aren’t any classes around you then you can get a DVD class from just about any video store and exercise from your living room. Bonus points if you can get a friend.

5 – Dance your Pants off

Not literally, of course, but dancing boosts ones motivation, energy levels, confidence, and will give you a feeling of joy. Something we all desperately need one time or another.

6 – Learn Something New

Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn to do? Well, what are you waiting for? Gaining new insights on useful information is a great mental practice that will heighten your senses and get you outside your comfort zone and into a life of self care and happiness.

7 – Cleaning Up Messes

This can apply to just about anything in life. But most of the time a messy environment leads to a lot of stress. Can’t find your favorite piece of clothing? You may just find that cute outfit that’s been MIA for the last 6 months somewhere in all that svslsnce of clutter.

8 – Find Hidden Treasures

Taking the same routes to work every day doesn’t usually offer a lot of diversity in the places you see and visit. Going down roads you’ve never ventured before could lead you to a new favorite spot you may have never have known about otherwise.

9 – Reading a Book

Maybe reading isn’t the most exciting tip on how to practice self care. But it can still be beneficial to your mental health in the long run. Reading is a sort of caffeine for your brain, helping to keep your mind active and alert for the rest of the day.

10 – Write in a Journal

Things can suck… a lot. Venting in a journal releases all those excess emotions we keep bottled up throughout the day into a scribbled mess of satisfaction. Afterward, take a couple minutes, breathe in, and read back just what’s been bothering you all week.

11 – Take a Hot Bath

You deserve to treat yourself once in a while, so why not do it with style? Swagging out your bathtub with candles, bath salts and a glass of red wine will make you feel like you’re starring in your very own beauty commercial of s self care model.

self care

12 – Rest and Relaxation

If you think self care is a lot of work then maybe this tip is for you. All that’s required is a comfy bed with some soft pillows, and preferably a blanket. Sleeping or just laying down for an hour or two relaxes all the muscles in your mind and body, revitalizing you into a well-rested stress fighting machine.

Final Thoughts

When deciding on how to practice self care remember it all starts with you. There are a lot of things in life that can bring ones motivation down to rock bottom, making it difficult to even get out of bed in the morning. It’s clear that one of the defining factors of why we feel like we were just run over by a steamroller is due to us not giving our bodies the attention they deserve.

Admit it, there are some days where you hardly even consider doing any of the tips listed above, even the last one. Over time the neglect of self care really begins to take effect, and we end up sick and tired just from not taking time out of our day to relax. This list is a reminder than anything else, to always put yourself and your health above all the trials and tribulations life throws your way.

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REFERENCES:

HTTPS://WWW.PHARMACYTIMES.COM/NEWS/8-MEDICATIONS-THAT-MAY-CAUSE-MEMORY-LOSS?P=8
HTTP://WWW.MSKTC.ORG/TBI/FACTSHEETS/MEMORY-AND-TRAUMATIC-BRAIN-INJURY
]HTTPS://WWW.WEBMD.COM/BABY/NEWS/20030131/EVEN-MILD-CONCUSSIONS-CAUSE-MEMORY-LOSS-IN-HIGH-SCHOOL-ATHLETES#1

How to Do Meditation at Home : A Step by Step Guide for Beginners

The health and spiritual benefits of meditation have been well documented, with reduced stress levels and a more positive outlook on life being among the key benefits. But for many beginners who are interested in starting meditation at home, the idea of sitting in silence for long periods of time can seem intimidating.

It is important to remember that every expert meditator was once a complete beginner. With a few easy steps, anyone can achieve a practice of meditation at home. If you have a desire to achieve the benefits of meditation, including a calmer mindset and a greater appreciation of the moment, follow the steps outlined below.

Steps to Meditation at Home

Find a Quiet Space

Before beginning your practice of meditation at home, it is important to find a quiet, serene space where you will not be disturbed while you meditate. This can be a spare room, a quiet corner of a bedroom or study, or even a spacious closet or extra bathroom. Any place where you have space to arrange a cushion and enjoy some silence will work for these purposes.

If you have a larger space to work with, consider adding some simple items that you find beautiful. These can include flowers, bamboo, or incense. Decorating your space can help customize your personal meditation corner.

Preparing to Meditate

Once you have found your dedicated space for meditation at home, place a flat cushion or pillow in the place where you will sit during your meditation. Choose comfortable clothing that is not too tight or restrictive for your meditation time.

Before beginning your meditation session, sit on the cushion or pillow with your back as straight as you can comfortably manage. Your legs should be loosely crossed in front of you. If this position is uncomfortable, you may extend your legs with the knees bent slightly. Rest your upturned hands atop your legs. You may wish to gently touch your thumb and middle finger together as you relax in your meditation pose.

Have a timer or cell phone alarm handy before beginning your meditation session. A 15 minute session is an excellent goal to aim for as a beginner, but even 5 or 10 minutes can have a substantial benefit. There are a number of free meditation apps that also offer timers, calming sounds, and spoken guidance.

Meditating

To begin meditating, gently close your eyes and breathe slowly and deeply in through your nose. Exhale your breath slowly through your mouth, focusing on the sensation of the breath entering and exiting your body. Continue to breathe in this way, slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth. If it is more comfortable for you, you may inhale and exhale through your nose. The most important part is to breathe deeply, filling your lungs until you feel your diaphragm expand. The action of breathing deeply calms the nervous system and causes you to feel more relaxed.

Although at first you will likely be very distracted by thoughts, try to allow the thoughts to come and go without paying much attention to them. Focus as much as possible on the simple act of breathing in and out.

meditation at home

The trick to effective meditation is in allowing your mind to truly relax and let go of its grasp on the many thoughts that come and go. Don’t worry if you find yourself constantly distracted during your first attempts at meditation. Simply focus once more on the breath. When you have finished meditating, gently open your eyes and bring your awareness back to your surroundings. You should feel calm and focused. The benefits of meditation will continue to increase as you practice more.

The health and spiritual benefits of meditation have been consistently shown to be powerful and long-lasting. Meditation at home is a practice that has the power to calm your mind and nervous system. Long-term benefits of meditation include increased alertness, better sleep, and even improvements in memory and learning ability.

 

benefits of meditation

Final Thoughts on Meditation at Home

Although beginning to meditate may at first seem intimidating, in no time at all you will be enjoying a calmer mind and more relaxed attitude. Follow the steps above, be patient with yourself, and make meditation a part of your daily routine!

7 Red Flags That Reveal Someone Is Being Cheated On (Without Knowing It)

The latest research shows the 22% of men and 14% of women have cheated on their significant others. The numbers grow even higher when considering “emotional cheating”–affairs in which people look outside their relationship to fulfill their emotional needs. Friendly feelings evolve into an emotional attachment and romantic attraction. 45% of men and 35% of women have emotionally cheated on their partners.

In our world it can be difficult to sustain human connection outside of technology. People can be lonely even when they’re in a relationship. Some people cheat because they want a self-esteem boost. Others like the thrill of getting away with an affair. Whatever the reason, there are always signs that your significant other is being unfaithful.

1. S/he is increasingly active online

10% of affairs begin on the internet. 40% of online flings turn physical. We all love connecting with others on social media. But a cheater can easily use an online account to strike up a flirty conversation with someone outside their relationship.

Over time, friendly messaging turns into a real life attachment. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to hide an internet affair.

2. S/he has mysteriously become a workaholic

Staying late at work? Getting too excited over those boring business trips? Your partner might not be telling the whole truth. 36% of men and women have admitted to having an affair with a coworker.

The workplace has its own social ecosystem, separate from significant others. It’s a breeding ground for flirtations that can turn into something more serious.

3. S/he has cheated before

As the saying goes, old habits die hard. Former cheaters are 350% more likely to cheat again than people who have never cheated.

If you know that your current partner cheated on his/her former partner, proceed with caution. It can be hard to reform when you’ve gotten away with an affair once before.

cheated on

4. S/he is an effortless liar

Some people lie so smoothly, they can convince you that anything is true. They seem completely unfazed when they get caught in a lie.

Pay attention to these signs. Even if the lies you catch are insignificant, your partner’s skillful fibbing indicates that they’re not afraid to look you in your eyes and tell an untruth. S/he likely does not feel guilty about lying and would not feel bad about having an affair.

5. His/her parents cheated

As a kid, your parents are your first template for how relationships should work. If one or both of your S.O.’s parents were constantly unfaithful, s/he may have absorbed that “lesson” at an early age.

New York City therapist Gilda Carle, Ph.D. describes this as “mirroring” the behavior of your first role models. It can be hard to break a cycle that was ever-present in your upbringing.

6. S/he is vulnerable

Maybe your partner just got fired or took a pay cut at work. Maybe they are self-conscious about their body, or frustrated about something else that’s going on in their life.

Periods of low self-esteem can lead to infidelity. When we’re feeling down, we want to be validated. We want to feel worthy. Often that quest for “validation” manifests in an affair.

Of course, your partner experiencing a rough patch does not necessarily mean you’re being cheated on. It’s important to attend to his/her emotional needs during a vulnerable time.

7. S/he is vigilant towards you

Suddenly your partner is very concerned with your schedule. S/he is always asking when exactly you’ll be home from work. In an act of projection, s/he might even start accusing you of unfaithfulness.

Your S.O. keeps tabs on you and is careful not to let you near their cell phone and/or personal computer. This is a red flag that your partner is hiding something.

None of these red flags are a 100% correct indicator that your partner is cheating on you. You should be certain before you make any accusations. But if the above issues persist, you might want to dig a little deeper. These days, it’s easier than ever to step out on your relationship. Apps allow people to hide incoming texts and calls. Websites facilitate secret romantic arrangements.

You deserve to be with someone you can trust. And once destroyed, that trust is difficult to rebuild. Unfortunately, infidelity infects romantic relationships of every type. Although you shouldn’t be paranoid, you should not assume it could never happen to you. Do your part to carry on an open, honest, and loving relationship with your partner. Don’t be shy about confronting them with your emotional needs. And remember, it is never your fault if you get cheated on.

Doctors Warn About What Happens to Your Ears When You Wear Headphones Too Long

Headphones can be convenient, no question. They’re great for working out, relaxing – or signaling to that annoying co-worker that you’re unavailable. But headphones can also be unhealthy, even dangerous. Cosmetically, if you wear headphones too often, it can cause skin conditions such as acne.

More serious is the possibly damaging effect that headphones have on hearing. Studies show that listening to headphones too often at loud volumes can lead to permanent hearing loss.

Here, we will discuss some of the adverse effects of using headphones for too long. We’ll close by talking about what we can do to prevent these things from occurring.

Five Potential Problems if You Wear Headphones Too Long

headphones

1. Your Hearing Ability May Suffer

Wearing headphones or earbuds for too long or listening to music too loudly can damage your hearing. Consider that fully-throttled motorcycles and chainsaws generate approximately 100 decibels (units that measure the intensity of a sound), which can damage hearing in as little as 30 minutes.

Someone listening to music with earbuds, at just 70% of the maximum volume is getting about 85 decibels.

Called noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), hearing loss from headphones and earbuds is indeed a common thing.

Fortunately, NIHL is entirely preventable so long as preventative measures are taken. A good rule to follow is the 60/60 rule: listen to headphones at no more than 60% of the max volume for no more than sixty minutes at any time.

2. You May Get an Ear Infection

Rule numero uno: do not share headphones – ever. This is one of the easiest ways to transfer infection-causing bacteria. However, sharing headphones isn’t the only way to acquire an ear infection. Earplugs and headphones increase the temperature of the ear canal, which may induce skin abrasion and introduce harmful bacteria.

If you’re buying a pair of headphones from someone, ensure you disinfect them before wearing them. It is also a good idea to regularly clean your headphones, even if they’ve never been used by anyone else. This will keep the headphones and – most importantly – your ears clean.

3. Your Inattention May Be Dangerous

Many may love popping in the headphones while working out. The downside to doing this regularly is that you may pay less attention to your external environment – a good thing when you’re at the computer, a bad thing when someone is blaring their horn in a desperate attempt to get you to move!

To be safe (and courteous), consider pausing the music or turning it down if you wear headphones when you’re out on a bike ride or walk.

4. You Could Develop Vertigo

Vertigo is “a sensation of feeling off balance,” often accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.  Described as “… an illusion of movement that is not there,” vertigo is a condition of the inner ear, which may surface from infections or diseases of the ear. As excessive headphone usage is tied to vertigo-causing conditions, misuse of headphones may indeed cause vertigo.

5. You’re Exposed to Radiation

If you’re using a wireless (“Bluetooth”) headset, you are exposing your body to radiation. While research is inconclusive regarding these low-frequency radiations on bodily health, the idea that we’re possibly subjecting our bodies to harmful radiation is troubling. In a 2018 study, the World Health Organization (WHO) found that radiofrequency (RF) radiation produces biological effects that mirror carcinogens in male rats. These findings have led to subsequent studies on what effects, if any, RF radiation has on humans.

listening

Final Thoughts: Headphone Safety

The general consensus among the health community is that headphone and earbud use is probably safe with the proper precautions. Here are a few ideas to make your listening experience as safe as possible:

  •  Always buy and wear new, out-of-the-box headphones. (Do not buy them secondhand.)
  •  Listen at less than 80 percent maximum volume for no more than 90 minutes at a time.
  • When using earbuds, ensure that the plastic components fit snugly.
  •  Do not force earbuds into the ear canal.
  • Wear noise-cancelling headphones.
  • Do not listen to music at loud volumes while walking or driving.
  • Seek medical care if you experience dizziness or trouble maintaining balance.

5 Healthy Recipes to Lose Weight Fast

When it comes to weight loss, it’s probably fair to say that most people focus on what NOT to eat. But unless your diet is made up of food that helps you lose weight fast, you’re going to have a hard time shedding those pounds and keeping them off. With this pearl of wisdom in mind, we found some healthy recipes will help you torch some of that unwanted fat.

Here are 5 Healthy Recipes to Help You Lose Weight Fast

1. 3-ingredient salmon

How it burns fat to lose weight fast : Omega-3s are critical to metabolic health. While they may not directly make you lose weight, their various health properties indirectly stimulate the fat-burning process. Salmon is perhaps the best source of omega-3s of all foods.

Ingredients:

– 1 pound of fresh salmon

– 1 cup of freshly-squeezed lemon juice

– 2 teaspoons (tsp) of Italian seasoning

– salt and pepper (for taste)

Instructions:

– Place salmon in a shallow pan and add the lemon juice.

– Coat each piece of salmon thoroughly with the juice.

– Marinate the salmon for an hour in the refrigerator.

– Preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Lay the salmon onto a lined baking sheet or pan.

– Coat each piece of fish with Italian seasoning.

– Bake for about 10 minutes and serve.

omega 3

2. Baked Veggie Omelet

How it burns fat to lose weight fast : Eggs are excellent sources of amino acids and protein. The former works to maximize the benefits of the latter, which results in extra calorie-burning. In other words, you start to lose weight.

Ingredients:

– 1 chopped onion (small)

– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

– ½ teaspoon salt

– 3 tablespoons tomato sauce

– 4 egg whites

– 2 eggs

– Nonstick cooking spray

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 1 cup of sliced zucchini, mushrooms, and bell pepper strips

– 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

– ¼ cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese

– 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions:

– Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

– Coat a large baking pan with cooking spray.

– Melt butter over a light heat in a large skillet. Add the veggies, basil, and onion. Cook 5 to 7 minutes while stirring. Add the pepper and salt. Remove from the heat and set aside.

-Whisk the egg whites, eggs, water, and salt. Pour eggs into the baking pan. Bake for 6-7 minutes.

– Combine cheeses in a small bowl.

– Cut eggs into 6-inch squares and place onto a plate. Add veggie, basil and onion and top with cheese. Makes 5-6 servings.

3. Chicken Farrotto

How it burns fat to lose weight fast : Just 3 three ounces of protein contains nearly 40 percent the recommended daily requirement for protein. Protein is critical to keep us energized and the metabolism going. It may just be the best nutrient for weight loss, period!

 Ingredients:

– A boneless chicken breast

– 1 Tbsp chopped parsley

– 1 cup diced yellow squash

– ½ cup dry farro

– 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

– ¼ cup sliced red onion

– 2 Tbsp olive oil

Instructions:

– Add 1 Tbsp of olive into pan. Sear chicken and add salt and pepper to taste.

– With the remaining oil, saute the onion and squash; combine farro and stir.

– Add the water and bring to a boil. After boiling, reduce heat and cover the pan. Cook for 15-20 minutes. Stir in diced chicken, cheese, and parsley.

– Serve!

4. “Homemade” Soup and Asparagus

How it burns fat to lose weight fast: Aside from chicken, this dish features kale and asparagus – both superfoods. Both foods also promote feelings of satiety, or fullness. This means we’ll eat less and still feel full. Quinoa is packed with protein and fiber; it also stabilizes blood sugar and speeds up the metabolism.

Ingredients:

– One 3-ounce chicken breast

– 1 cup of vegetable soup

– 1 cup chopped kale

– 8 small asparagus spears

– 1/8 tsp freshly diced ginger

– 2 tsp dry quinoa

– 2 tsp soy sauce

Instructions:

– Preheat oven to 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

– In a medium-size saucepan, combine the kale, soup, and quinoa; bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes.

– Place chicken into oven and cook for 20-30 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.

– Steam the asparagus and mix with ginger and soy.

– Add chicken to soup, quinoa, and kale.

– Place chicken onto a plate and serve with asparagus as a side dish!

5. Zingy Tofu and Quinoa

How it burns fat to lose weight fast: We’ve already talked about quinoa in all it’s fat-burning glory. Tofu, while a bit more subtle, is still a major boost to any weight loss plan. Why? Well, a mere half-cup of the stuff contains just 94 calories yet is packed with protein, calcium, and iron! The lime juice includes a hefty dose of antioxidants as well!

Ingredients:

– 1 cup cooked quinoa

– 1 tsp cilantro

– 2 tsp lime juice

– 2 ounces cubed tofu

– 3 Tbsp red pepper, diced

– 2 Tbsp sliced avocado

– 3 Tbsp green pepper, diced

Instructions:

Combine all of the ingredients into a bowl and hand-mix.

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(C)Power of Positivity, LLC. All rights reserved
Sources:
https://draxe.com/fat-burning-foods/
https://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/omega-3-fatty-acids-weight-loss-aids.aspx
https://www.fitnessmagazine.com/recipes/quick-recipes/dinner/7-fat-fighting-dinners/?page=5
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/eggs-weight-loss-food
https://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/a20052572/healthy-dinner-recipes-0/

15 Quotes About Life to Never Forget

When it feels like life wants to take you down, where do you turn? Some people turn up the music and tune out their surroundings. Others hit the gym and sweat out the stress. Maybe others enjoy reading quotes about life to help them remember that everyone is in the same boat. That’s what we’re bringing you today – some quotes about life that can hopefully keep you afloat when you feel like you’re drowning. We hope they bring some positive energy into your life.

Here are 15 quotes about life to never forget:

  1. “You can’t calm the storm, so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.” – Timber Hawkeye

Positive Energy in life

  1. “Getting knocked down in life is a given. Getting up and moving forward is a choice.” – Zig Ziglar

Positive Energy in life

  1. The less you respond to negativity, the more peaceful your life becomes.

Positive Energy in life

  1. Take life day by day and be grateful for the little things. Don’t get stressed over what you can’t control.

Positive Energy in life

  1. We cannot start over, but we can create a new beginning.

Positive Energy in life

  1. You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress, simultaneously.

Positive Energy in life

  1.  “The hardest walk is walking alone, but it’s also the walk that makes you the strongest.” – Unknown

  1. “Sometimes you need to take a break from everyone and spend time alone to experience, appreciate, and love yourself.” – Robert Tew

Positive Energy in life

  1. “People know your name, not your story. They’ve heard what you’ve done, but not what you’ve been through. So take their opinions of you with a grain of salt. In the end, it’s not what others think, it’s what you think about yourself that counts. Sometimes you have to do exactly what’s best for you and your life, not what’s best for everyone else.” – Unknown

Positive Energy in life

 

  1. “A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”

Positive Energy in life

11. “I am in competition with no one. I run my own race. I’ve no desire to play the game of being better than anyone, in any way, shape or form. I just aim to improve, to be better than I was before. That’s me and I’m free.”

Positive Energy in life

  1. “Ships don’t sink because of the water around them; ships sink because of the water that gets in them. Don’t let what’s happening around you get inside you and weigh you down.”

Positive Energy in life

  1. “We’re so busy watching out for what’s just ahead of us that we don’t take time to enjoy where we are.” – Calvin & Hobbes

Positive Energy in life

  1. “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein

Positive Energy in life

15. The older I get, the more I realize no one has any idea what they are doing and everyone is just pretending.

Positive Energy in life

Final thoughts

No matter how resilient we are, all of us fall down at some point. Everyone uses something different to help them keep moving, but we hope these quotes about life brought some joy and motivation into your day. Always remember that you are closer to happiness than you think, if you just remain grateful for what you have and choose to keep a glass half-full perspective.

Did these quotes about life give you a different perspective or maybe bring some positive thinking back into your life? Let us know in the comments!

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